[{"UniqueID":135043,"EventID":"S1F-01535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Executive's plans are for children whose parents have decided that they will not receive the combined MMR vaccination.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Executive's plans are for children whose parents have decided that they will not receive the combined MMR vaccination.","AnswerText":"The Executive accepts that expert medical advice, both here and internationally, confirms that MMR remains the safest and most effective way to protect children from these very serious, and potentially fatal diseases. We have no plans to change the current immunisation programme. That is wholly consistent with the conclusions of the Health and Community Care Committee's report on the MMR vaccine, which was published last March.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135044,"EventID":"S1F-01570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the plans outlined this week by the Strategic Rail Authority are adequate to deal with any problems facing rail passengers in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the plans outlined this week by the Strategic Rail Authority are adequate to deal with any problems facing rail passengers in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The SRA's Strategic Plan begins to address the decades of under investment in rail. The plan is an ambitious, but achievable first step that will offer major benefits to passengers in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135045,"EventID":"S1F-01574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to promote the life and works of Robert Burns.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to promote the life and works of Robert Burns.","AnswerText":"I am personally committed to the promotion of Burns both at home and abroad and I welcome the wide range of events that takes place throughout Scotland to celebrate Robert Burns a literary genius.

The Executive is playing its part - supporting last week's Children's Opera \"the Tale o' Tam\" and funding A Tam O Shanter CD Project to be distributed free to all primary and secondary schools in Scotland.

Burns is not just appreciated by Scots and the \"Burns an'a that\" Festival in May provides an opportunity to promote the life and works of Robert Burns, drawing people to his homeland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135046,"EventID":"S1F-01584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive will support the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive will support the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Social Justice chairs the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum. Action plans for the successful integration of refugees drawn up by the Forum will be supported by Ministers across all portfolios.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135047,"EventID":"S1F-01620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive is considering a ban on formal marks for school work.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive is considering a ban on formal marks for school work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to \"ban\" any particular approach to classroom assessment.

The Assessment Action Group, chaired by Nicol Stephen, is considering the most effective ways of providing feedback to pupils. Methods of feedback will be evaluated by the action group before any recommendations are made.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135048,"EventID":"S1F-01629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what assistance the Scottish Executive will provide to local authorities in order to assist in repairing damage caused by the recent severe weather conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what assistance the Scottish Executive will provide to local authorities in order to assist in repairing damage caused by the recent severe weather conditions.","AnswerText":"We will consider triggering the Bellwin scheme if local authorities can establish that they have incurred exceptional costs. We have had no requests to trigger the scheme in relation to the recent gales.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135049,"EventID":"S1F-01634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the prospects are for economic regeneration of the River Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the prospects are for economic regeneration of the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"We believe there is great potential to develop the Clyde. We are working in partnership with key public and private stakeholders to consider in depth projects for economic growth.

On Monday, Ms Wendy Alexander set out a blueprint for the long-term future of shipbuilding on the Clyde. This future will be secured by specialising in the high technology and quality end of the market.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135050,"EventID":"S1F-01672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to change the focus of enterprise development from inward investment to other growth contributors.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to change the focus of enterprise development from inward investment to other growth contributors.","AnswerText":"Ms Wendy Alexander this week announced a shift in our priorities which will target home grown companies so we have less reliance on enterprise from overseas. This is good news for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135051,"EventID":"S1F-01679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to improve post-operative care.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps are being taken to improve post-operative care.","AnswerText":"Patients are at their most vulnerable directly after surgery. We must continually improve standards of post-operative care and the Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality provides powerful information to inform those improvements.

As a result the number of intensive care beds in Scotland has risen, and there is now a High Dependency Unit in every major hospital in Scotland. We are also working to ensure there are greater numbers of experienced nursing staff in the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135052,"EventID":"S1F-01732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister, in light of the Delivering for Scotland conference on 1 March 2002, how the Scottish Executive plans to evaluate improvements in the delivery of public services.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister, in light of the Delivering for Scotland conference on 1 March 2002, how the Scottish Executive plans to evaluate improvements in the delivery of public services.","AnswerText":"I am determined to see improvements in services for patients, parents, pupils and passengers. We will measure those improvements in partnership with those who deliver the service and those who use it.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135053,"EventID":"S1F-01734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2005,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action, within what timescale, the Scottish Executive will take to implement the recommendations of the Transport and the Environment Committee's 4th Report, 2002 on Pet","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action, within what timescale, the Scottish Executive will take to implement the recommendations of the Transport and the Environment Committee's 4th Report, 2002 on Petition PE327 in order to meet the commitment to environmental justice in respect of rural communities affected by the application of sewage to neighbouring fields.","AnswerText":"We take these issues very seriously. While we will respond to the recent report by the Transport and Environment Committee within two months, I want the Parliament to note that the Waste Management Licensing Regulations are due to be reviewed and tightened up this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135054,"EventID":"S1F-01749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive will ensure that its new tourism strategy results in tangible benefits for the tourism industry. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Executive will ensure that its new tourism strategy results in tangible benefits for the tourism industry. ","AnswerText":"We are determined to revitalise the tourism industry across Scotland following the difficulties of last year. Mike Watson will chair a group that will oversee implementation of the Framework for Action, which he launched in Oban on 11 March. This group will include representatives from the industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135056,"EventID":"S1F-01802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken in order to ensure the adequate provision of paediatric specialists throughout Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action is being taken in order to ensure the adequate provision of paediatric specialists throughout Scotland. ","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsible for deciding the number of consultants employed locally. They are best placed to determine the staff needed to meet demands in their areas. However, The Scottish Executive carry out an annual review of the Specialist Registrar establishment with the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education. The review determines the number of higher specialist training posts to be made available for each speciality to fill consultant vacancies in the future.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135057,"EventID":"S1F-01828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what social and economic benefits the concordat between the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Trades Union Congress will bring.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what social and economic benefits the concordat between the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Trades Union Congress will bring.","AnswerText":"It will deliver improved partnership working across a wide range of public policy issues. Partnership working will help secure a more prosperous economy, and better and more efficient public services.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135058,"EventID":"S1F-01831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to ensure that no jobs are lost following the collapse of the proposed SPL-TV. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to ensure that no jobs are lost following the collapse of the proposed SPL-TV. ","AnswerText":"The commercial contracts for TV coverage of Scottish football are a matter for the football clubs and the football bodies. We hope that an early resolution will be reached which is in the best interests of Scottish football and its supporters.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135059,"EventID":"S1F-01841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister how the additional NHS funding from the UK 2002 Budget will benefit people in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister how the additional NHS funding from the UK 2002 Budget will benefit people in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The additional resources become available from 2003-04; £3.2 billion over the next five years. By 2005-06 expenditure on health planned to be £8.6 billion rising to £10.2 billion by 2007-08.

Detailed decisions on how best to invest the money will be announced in September following the outcome of the Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135060,"EventID":"S1F-01846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to recruit additional police personnel.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to recruit additional police personnel.","AnswerText":"Chief Constables are responsible for the recruitment of police personnel. Police officer numbers in Scotland are at record levels. The Scottish Executive is committed to maintaining high police numbers and has provided an extra £24 million over the last three years specifically to boost recruitment.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135061,"EventID":"S1F-01872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive has any plans to abolish Standard Grade and Higher Gaelic in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive has any plans to abolish Standard Grade and Higher Gaelic in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to abolish National Qualifications in Gaelic.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135062,"EventID":"S1F-01882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to provide guidance and information to prevent drug rape. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to provide guidance and information to prevent drug rape. ","AnswerText":"Information and guidance on how to reduce the risk of drug assisted sexual assault is available through the Know The Score website and information line.

We will take into account the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency's Strategic Assessments on the drug GHB and on Drug Assisted Sexual Assault in Scotland before guidance on these issues is published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135063,"EventID":"S1F-01890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what assistance the Scottish Executive can offer to NHS boards in financial difficulty.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what assistance the Scottish Executive can offer to NHS boards in financial difficulty.","AnswerText":"Resources are allocated to NHS boards on the basis of need. Boards are held to account for managing within the allocations made to them and for achieving national and local targets.

The Health Department will support boards to achieve these targets through regular monitoring and performance management.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135064,"EventID":"S1F-01960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to safeguard the future of Gaelic.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Executive is taking to safeguard the future of Gaelic.","AnswerText":"We are supporting specific grants for Gaelic-medium education, measures to increase the numbers of Gaelic-speaking teachers graduating each year, the grant to the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee, and support for organisations promoting Gaelic. The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport will respond to the report of the MAGOG soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135065,"EventID":"S1F-01970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what benefits will come from the establishment of NHS Education for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what benefits will come from the establishment of NHS Education for Scotland.","AnswerText":"We created NHS Education for Scotland to support our drive to improve standards in Scotland's health service. Meeting the development and training needs of NHS staff will bring real health benefits to patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135066,"EventID":"S1F-01985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what measures the Scottish Executive is taking regarding the protection and security of young missing persons. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what measures the Scottish Executive is taking regarding the protection and security of young missing persons. ","AnswerText":"Children and young people are at the heart of our agenda.

Services for young runaways are provided by a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies. We also support preventative work to help tackle the underlying causes of running away.

Ministers have established a working group to consider support for young runaways, guidance for professionals and effective early intervention and we will consult on their proposals when we receive their report.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135067,"EventID":"S1F-02021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Executive will give to the development of new nuclear power stations.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Executive will give to the development of new nuclear power stations.","AnswerText":"The development of a new nuclear power station would be a commercial matter for the industry, but any proposal to construct such a nuclear power station in Scotland would require the consent of Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135068,"EventID":"S1F-02023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether sufficient measures have been taken to prevent any recurrence of the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether sufficient measures have been taken to prevent any recurrence of the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic.","AnswerText":"We are implementing a whole series of measures that will minimise any chance of another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135069,"EventID":"S1F-02057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what priority the Scottish Executive gives to healthy eating. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what priority the Scottish Executive gives to healthy eating. ","AnswerText":"The link between Scotland's poor diet and its poor record on health are clear, which is why we are actively promoting healthy eating in our drive to improve the health of people in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135070,"EventID":"S1F-02088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive remains committed to the dispersal of government jobs throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive remains committed to the dispersal of government jobs throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"Cabinet discussed this issue yesterday.

We remain committed to dispersal and we have already taken significant steps to implement this.

We have located or are currently planning to relocate 650 jobs outwith Edinburgh and of the seven reviews planned, five of these are under way with decisions expected later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135071,"EventID":"S1F-02157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Executive will give to the development of Gaelic-medium schools.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what support the Scottish Executive will give to the development of Gaelic-medium schools.","AnswerText":"We are providing specific grants towards the costs of Gaelic-medium education, supporting 1,860 pupils in 59 primary schools across the length and breadth of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135072,"EventID":"S1F-02182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether there will be any measures put in place to extend inoculation against meningitis.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether there will be any measures put in place to extend inoculation against meningitis.","AnswerText":"Firstly, I am sure colleagues will join me in expressing my deepest sympathy for the families of the two girls who died in the East Kilbride area last weekend.

Vaccination against meningitis C is already an important element of the childhood immunisation programme. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against meningitis B, although I understand relevant research is on-going. For now, parents and health professionals should remain vigilant.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135073,"EventID":"S1F-02185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Executive is taking to ensure minimal disruption of road, rail and ferry services by adverse weather conditions this winter.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Executive is taking to ensure minimal disruption of road, rail and ferry services by adverse weather conditions this winter.","AnswerText":"I have been concerned for some time about this issue. Yesterday Cabinet agreed to establish a Cabinet Sub-committee on flooding to be chaired by the Deputy First Minister.

The committee will meet soon and will consider what additional steps can be taken to minimise disruption in both the short- and long-term.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135074,"EventID":"S1F-02231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to improve the transition between primary and secondary school.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Executive has to improve the transition between primary and secondary school.","AnswerText":"While there have been significant improvements in the working relationship between primary and secondary schools over recent years, we need to go further.

We want to see flexibility and choice developed at a local level to give each child the chance to fulfil his or her potential. Improving progress in S1 and S2, through more setting and school clusters working together, must be the next step towards that goal.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135075,"EventID":"S1F-02252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Executive is planning any legislative measures to deal with nuisance neighbours. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Executive is planning any legislative measures to deal with nuisance neighbours. ","AnswerText":"The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, currently before Parliament, will introduce new provisions to allow for interim Anti-social Behaviour Orders. This builds on earlier legislation including the provisions for probationary tenancies in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135076,"EventID":"S1F-02257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Executive's policy is on fingerprinting of children in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Executive's policy is on fingerprinting of children in schools.","AnswerText":"I believe that this question relates to a relatively new library system that is being used in two Scottish local authorities and other schools elsewhere in the UK.

The system uses fingerprint recognition technology to identify pupils without taking or storing their fingerprints. Its use is a matter for individual schools and local authorities, but parents and pupils should be consulted on its use. Parents and pupils have the right to opt out of the system.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135078,"EventID":"S1F-02269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will assess the demand for free personal care for the elderly in the Highlands and other local authority areas.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will assess the demand for free personal care for the elderly in the Highlands and other local authority areas.","AnswerText":"We are confident that the total provision for implementing this policy is sufficient to enable all local authorities to meet their commitments to existing self-funding residents at 31 March 2002, replace lost income following the ending of charges for personal care and meet additional demand stimulated by the policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135079,"EventID":"S1F-02294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Executive has made of the implications for the temporary jobs market of EU legislation to give temporary workers the same employment rights as pe","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Executive has made of the implications for the temporary jobs market of EU legislation to give temporary workers the same employment rights as permanent employees.","AnswerText":"We are in regular contact with the DTI on a wide range of issues including the European Commission's proposals for a new Directive.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":135080,"EventID":"S1F-02298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will submit a backdated application to the European Commission for Objective 1 status for the Highlands and Islands in the light of any errors ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Executive will submit a backdated application to the European Commission for Objective 1 status for the Highlands and Islands in the light of any errors made by the Office for National Statistics in compiling GDP figures.","AnswerText":"We will fight to secure the best deal for the Highlands and Islands. The deal struck by Tony Blair in Berlin in 1999 means that the Highlands and Islands has not lost out as it secured a comparable amount of funding. If the statistics show that full status would have been more appropriate, we will raise that context well in advance of the next negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136309,"EventID":"S1O-04384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether the funding being made available by Railtrack for the Forth Rail Bridge will be honoured by Railtrack or any successor body and what plans it has to ensure the safe ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether the funding being made available by Railtrack for the Forth Rail Bridge will be honoured by Railtrack or any successor body and what plans it has to ensure the safe upkeep of the bridge.","AnswerText":"I understand that maintenance of the Forth Rail Bridge will not be affected by Railtrack Plc's being in administration.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136310,"EventID":"S1O-04386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to the voluntary sector for undertaking work with those suffering from drug addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to the voluntary sector for undertaking work with those suffering from drug addiction.","AnswerText":"The Executive values the contribution made by the voluntary sector to tackling Scotland's drug problems. Our direct funding includes £1.5 million per annum for Scotland Against Drugs, £200,000 per annum for the Scottish Drugs Forum, and £27,000 per annum for Crew 2000.

Our additional allocation of £128 million over three years, to support Scotland's drug strategy, will help to fulfil our commitment to promote stable funding for the voluntary sector. It is enabling NHS Boards and local authorities to offer three-year funding to voluntary bodies which provide treatment and rehabilitation, and work with drug offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136311,"EventID":"S1O-04392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no-one in north east Scotland has been nominated to sit on the board of Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no-one in north east Scotland has been nominated to sit on the board of Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"The selection of the prospective non-executive and executive board members of Scottish Water was based solely on the skills and abilities displayed by candidates in open and fair competitions. Geographical representation did not play a part in the selection criteria.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136312,"EventID":"S1O-04393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with litter offences over the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been charged with litter offences over the last three years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table.

Persons proceeded against in Scottish Courts where the main offence was a litter offence, 1998-2000

1998

1999

2000

41

30

14

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136313,"EventID":"S1O-04394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary question to question S1O-4290 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 December 2001, what progress is being made in discussions with Ra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary question to question S1O-4290 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 December 2001, what progress is being made in discussions with Railtrack regarding its decision of 5 December 2001 not to support four Scottish Executive-funded rail enhancement projects.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had a number of useful discussions with Railtrack and the administrators about a wide range of issues, including the Scottish rail enhancement projects. Further meetings are planned.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136314,"EventID":"S1O-04395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been achieved by any Cabinet sub-committee dealing with children's services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been achieved by any Cabinet sub-committee dealing with children's services.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Children's Services met for the first time on Wednesday 19 December 2001, chaired by the First Minister. It discussed a range of issues relating to better integrated children's services and child poverty and agreed key priorities for the next 12 months. These include data collection, integrated assessment of needs, and the further development of partnership relationships between local government, the National Health Service and the voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136315,"EventID":"S1O-04404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve child protection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve child protection.","AnswerText":"We are always looking for ways to improve child protection. Current initiatives include the multi-disciplinary review of child protection which is due to report this summer and planned legislation to establish an index of persons unsuitable to work with children. We are also involved in the Government's UK-wide advertising campaign to protect children using the internet which was launched on 3 December last year.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136316,"EventID":"S1O-04406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to support the recruitment of children's panel members.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to support the recruitment of children's panel members.","AnswerText":"Each year, in consultation with key interests, the Scottish Executive plans and funds on a national and local press and radio recruitment campaign. This year, the Executive is also funding a series of national awareness-raising press supplements.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136317,"EventID":"S1O-04408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to maximise the participation of school pupils in the forthcoming debate on the future of school education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to maximise the participation of school pupils in the forthcoming debate on the future of school education.","AnswerText":"We have written to a number of youth and children's organisations, and to all Directors of Education, inviting them to help us gather the views of young people. We will also be using the \"Re:action\" Consultation Toolkit for children and young people, which we published in June 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136318,"EventID":"S1O-04411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the findings of the GM crop trials will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the findings of the GM crop trials will be published.","AnswerText":"The final crops of spring-sown GM varieties will be harvested in autumn 2002. Data from the three years of evaluations across the UK will be collated, analysed and published in 2003. The final autumn-sown varieties will be harvested in summer 2003 and these results will be published thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136319,"EventID":"S1O-04414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the transport delivery plan for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish the transport delivery plan for Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are reviewing the draft report and plan to publish shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136320,"EventID":"S1O-04416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many current warrants in respect of failure to appear were outstanding at Glasgow Sheriff Court at 31 October 2001 and what the corresponding figure was for 31 Octobe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many current warrants in respect of failure to appear were outstanding at Glasgow Sheriff Court at 31 October 2001 and what the corresponding figure was for 31 October 2000. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily available.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136321,"EventID":"S1O-04420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last contacted Scottish Borders Council and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last contacted Scottish Borders Council and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"There have been a number of recent contacts with Scottish Borders Council on matters of mutual interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136322,"EventID":"S1O-04421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister what steps it is taking to reduce the incidence of chlamydia among young people. ","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister what steps it is taking to reduce the incidence of chlamydia among young people. ","AnswerText":"One component of the £3 million Healthy Respect national health demonstration project seeks to increase awareness of chlamydia among young people and to pilot accessible chlamydia testing opportunities in a range of non-medical settings. Its short-term aim is to get a true picture of the problem in Lothian, by 2003, through greater awareness and more accurate reporting. Its longer-term target is to decrease reported prevalence by 50% by 2010. Lessons learned will be shared throughout Scotland.

The Executive is also funding two studies, due to conclude later this year, which will inform any plans to take forward opportunistic screening for chlamydia infection in certain targeted groups.

The initiatives undertaken by HEBS and NHS Boards in the sexual health field will also contribute to the aim of reducing the incidence of chlamydia.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136323,"EventID":"S1O-04422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to measure the performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd in response to the recent spate of winter weather.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to measure the performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd in response to the recent spate of winter weather.","AnswerText":"Performance Audit Group audit and monitor the activities and performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd, and report to Scottish ministers.

They have been asked to undertake a specific audit of BEAR's winter maintenance activities in the North East during the recent period of severe weather.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136324,"EventID":"S1O-04424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland's current economic growth performance is adequate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland's current economic growth performance is adequate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to increasing the long-term growth rate of the Scottish Economy. We have set out our overall strategy in the documents The Way Forward: Framework for Economic Development in Scotland and A Smart, Successful Scotland: Ambitions for the Enterprise Networks.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136325,"EventID":"S1O-04428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed to write off the capital housing debt of each local authority actively considering whole stock transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed to write off the capital housing debt of each local authority actively considering whole stock transfer.","AnswerText":"The Executive has given a commitment that, subject to value for money considerations, resources will be made available to tackle the outstanding HRA debt of those authorities who undertake whole stock transfers.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136326,"EventID":"S1O-04432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving adoption services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in improving adoption services.","AnswerText":"We started a review of domestic adoption and fostering policy and legislation in April last year. Just before Christmas, I received the report of the working group undertaking phase one, which was looking, amongst other matters, at the place of adoption in local authority services. I intend to publish the report and the Executive's response shortly.

We have also strengthened controls over intercountry adoption. Prospective adopters must have a home study report by an approved adoption agency and must inform their local authority when they bring a child into this country. As agreed by Parliament, we are pursuing further measures to tighten up controls on internet advertising with UK ministers in the context of the Adoption and Children Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136327,"EventID":"S1O-04434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to consult on improving educational provision for children with special needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to consult on improving educational provision for children with special needs.","AnswerText":"The Executive is taking forward an extensive Special Educational Needs (SEN) Programme of Action following wide consultation.

Furthermore, the Executive has consulted on proposals for the way forward for the assessment and recording of children with special educational needs and this will be published soon. Consultation meetings with service users and providers will be held to develop the proposals further.

The Executive's SEN Advisory Forum is currently taking forward the development of a National SEN Strategy which will include consultation with a wide range of professionals, education authorities, voluntary organisations, parents and young people.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136328,"EventID":"S1O-04435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the maintenance of trunk roads in the South of Scotland by Amey Highways Ltd under recent winter conditions has been adequate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the maintenance of trunk roads in the South of Scotland by Amey Highways Ltd under recent winter conditions has been adequate.","AnswerText":"The monitoring carried out to date by the Performance Audit Group has shown that Amey Highways Ltd are complying with their contractual obligations with regard to winter maintenance on trunk roads in the South of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136329,"EventID":"S1O-04441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is undertaking in order to improve children's services. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is undertaking in order to improve children's services. ","AnswerText":"Securing better outcomes for children and young people in Scotland is one of our top priorities. We have established a new Cabinet Sub-Committee on children's services, chaired by the First Minister, to drive this forward. This met for the first time in December and agreed priority tasks for the next 12 months; including an integrated approach to assessment of needs and supporting joint working at local level. We are providing resources to back change through the Changing Children's Services Fund. We have also issued guidance on an integrated approach to planning for children's services.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136330,"EventID":"S1O-04442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is assisting adult education projects. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is assisting adult education projects. ","AnswerText":"Significant funding is allocated directly by Government Departments or routed through Executive Agencies, Local Authorities, learndirect scotland and the Enterprise network to support a wide range of community and work based adult education projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136331,"EventID":"S1O-04444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has in respect of improving the inspection of child care facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has in respect of improving the inspection of child care facilities.","AnswerText":"From 1 April 2002, the new Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care will assume responsibility for the regulation and inspection of care services, including child care facilities. The commission will promote innovative, integrated and flexible services and will inspect against national care standards with a firm focus on improving the quality of care. In care settings with an educational element the commission and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education will work together to deliver integrated inspections.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136332,"EventID":"S1O-04447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the Child Health Support Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the Child Health Support Group.","AnswerText":"The Child Health Support Group has made considerable progress in the year and a half since it was formed. It has produced a national Template for Child Health Services and is currently planning a conference on child health, to take place on 27 February.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136333,"EventID":"S1O-04449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve out-of-school care provision. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve out-of-school care provision. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the provision of this important service. We have made £8 million available over three years to local authorities to help stabilise and sustain out-of-school care clubs, especially in disadvantaged areas. We are convening a Working Group, with cross-sector representation, to take forward issues affecting the delivery of out-of-school care. We agreed the designation of 25% postcode areas in Scotland (most deprived areas) where funding is available for up to three years for out-of-school projects approved by the New Opportunities Fund (the Fund). I am shortly to meet with the Fund's Scotland Board Member to explore ways of increasing the take up of funding in Scotland under its child care initiative.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136334,"EventID":"S1O-04453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking in order to protect children using the internet. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking in order to protect children using the internet. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking action in a number of areas to protect children's safety on the internet.

We are supporting the current UK-wide advertising campaign to protect children using the internet. The campaign seeks to raise public awareness of the activities of paedophiles and the steps that users can take to protect themselves. We are reviewing our existing \"Click Thinking\" guidance to schools and education authorities to promote safe and responsible use of the internet both at school and at home. The Police Service and the Crown Office are working together to improve their existing training on Internet Crime, including action to tackle grooming by paedophiles on the internet. We are also working with the Crown Office to identify the scale of such grooming and possible remedies. In this respect I refer the member to my answer to Mr Gil Paterson on 13 December, S1O-4309.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136335,"EventID":"S1O-04461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with West of Scotland Water about the provision of sewage treatment in the south west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with West of Scotland Water about the provision of sewage treatment in the south west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in continuous dialogue with all of the Scottish water authorities on the whole range of services provided by them throughout Scotland.

Specifically, as part of the preparation of the Water Quality and Standards 2002-2006 (Bib. number 14923), discussions were held with the authorities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Water Industry Commissioner about these issues, and additional resources have been made available to ease development constraints. As explained in Margaret Curran's answer to you S1W-21314 on 17 January 2002, the Scottish Executive are aware of continuing concerns in this area. Scottish Executive officials are meeting both local authority and house-building industry representatives to discuss the matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136336,"EventID":"S1O-04462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities have to ensure that utilities companies, such as West of Scotland Water, restore road surfaces after being dug up for installation and maint","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities have to ensure that utilities companies, such as West of Scotland Water, restore road surfaces after being dug up for installation and maintenance purposes. ","AnswerText":"Roads authorities have powers under section 131 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, in the event of a failure by a utility company to reinstate the road properly, to issue a notice to the utility company requiring it to carry out remedial works within a prescribed period. Should this notice not be complied with, the authority may carry out the necessary works and recover the costs reasonably incurred by them in doing so.

Section 130 of the same act requires that a utility company executing road works shall, in reinstating the road, comply with such requirements as may be prescribed as to the specification of materials to be used and the standards of workmanship to be observed. Failure to comply with section 130 is an offence which, on summary conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding level 3 (£1,000) on the standard scale.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136337,"EventID":"S1O-04464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken in order to develop the youth justice system, with particular regard to repeat offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken in order to develop the youth justice system, with particular regard to repeat offenders.","AnswerText":"The Action Programme 2002 to reduce Youth Crime will be published at the end of this month. Its aim is to help reduce youth offending and to build safer communities. It includes proposals for improving the effectiveness of the Youth Justice system, for giving a proper place within the system to victims' interests and places a priority on building a national network of effective programmes aimed particularly at reducing repeat offending.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136338,"EventID":"S1O-04465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve cancer services for patients in Eastwood.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve cancer services for patients in Eastwood.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's cancer strategy, Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change is backed up by £40 million additional investment over three years, the emphasis of which is to build capacity within cancer services, across the total patient journey. Implementation plans are aimed at ensuring more equitable, rapid, high quality and effective treatment for people with cancer.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136347,"EventID":"S1O-04498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to promote science in schools. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to promote science in schools. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking a range of actions to implement the commitments to school science education in A Science Strategy for Scotland. These actions include commissioning support for teachers of science; improving assessment of science; and giving local authorities additional resources to support the teaching of science.

As I announced on 22 January, £5m is being distributed to education authorities to help them meet the aims of the science strategy.

We are also participating fully in Science Year and will be hosting an international conference of science educators.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136348,"EventID":"S1O-04511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it will give to the launch of the South of Scotland Alliance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it will give to the launch of the South of Scotland Alliance.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive notes the launch of the South of Scotland Alliance and will continue to engage in dialogue with local partners.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136349,"EventID":"S1O-04514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21214 by Ms Margaret Curran on 15 January 2002, which projects are currently under investigation because of alleged irregularities ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21214 by Ms Margaret Curran on 15 January 2002, which projects are currently under investigation because of alleged irregularities in the use of Social Inclusion Partnership funds.","AnswerText":"The two projects currently under investigation because of alleged irregularities in the use of Social Inclusion Partnership funds are the Wellhouse Project in Easterhouse and Priesthill/Nitshill Out of School Care in Pollok.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136350,"EventID":"S1O-04517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on reducing the numbers of young women suffering from depression.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on reducing the numbers of young women suffering from depression.","AnswerText":"The latest figures, based on a sample of GP practices in Scotland, indicate that an estimated 24,000 young women between 15 and 24 were seen for depression by general practitioners in 2000, an increase of 2,000 over the previous year.

The Scottish Executive is committed to developing a range of services to meet their needs, including psychological interventions which were added to the Framework for Mental Health Services in October of last year.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136351,"EventID":"S1O-04522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that water authorities and their sub-contractors reinstate Argyll and Bute's roads to a safe and acceptable standard after work has been","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that water authorities and their sub-contractors reinstate Argyll and Bute's roads to a safe and acceptable standard after work has been completed.","AnswerText":"Utility companies that dig up the road are required, by statute, to reinstate the excavation to a specified standard. That standard is set out in the document Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in the Highway, which was published by HMSO in 1992.

Roads authorities, in this instance Argyll and Bute Council, have powers under section 131 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 to carry out inspections to ensure the reinstatement has been satisfactorily completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136352,"EventID":"S1O-04530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":7,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the First Minister whether it expects the current number of lecturers employed in higher education to be maintained.","ItemText":"To ask the First Minister whether it expects the current number of lecturers employed in higher education to be maintained.","AnswerText":"Decisions on staffing levels are a matter for individual institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136353,"EventID":"S1O-04536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17052 by Nicol Stephen on 14 August 2001, when it will report on the first phase of the national evaluation of Sure Start Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17052 by Nicol Stephen on 14 August 2001, when it will report on the first phase of the national evaluation of Sure Start Scotland.","AnswerText":"Sure Start Scotland seeks to give a positive start to the lives of very young children by providing broad-based support to children and families from deprived areas.

The first phase of the evaluation of Sure Start Scotland focused on mapping the provision of services. We will disseminate the findings shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136354,"EventID":"S1O-04537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20608 by Ross Finnie on 17 December 2001, on what date the draft Agricultural Holdings Bill will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20608 by Ross Finnie on 17 December 2001, on what date the draft Agricultural Holdings Bill will be published.","AnswerText":"It remains my intention to issue a draft bill on Agricultural Holdings Legislation in the spring of this year. No date has yet been fixed for publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136355,"EventID":"S1O-04538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the report of the Review of Educational Psychologists will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the report of the Review of Educational Psychologists will be published.","AnswerText":"The report of the Review of Educational Psychologists is currently under consideration. It is expected to be published in February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136356,"EventID":"S1O-04541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish details of the final sites chosen to grow spring-sown genetically modified oilseed rape.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish details of the final sites chosen to grow spring-sown genetically modified oilseed rape.","AnswerText":"The selection of proposed sites where crops of GM spring-sown oilseed rape may be sown takes place independently of government. It is anticipated that the selected sites will be notified to the Scottish Executive and UK Government around 31 January and will be published immediately thereafter.

The procedure for identifying possible trial sites and alerting the public to the proposals was detailed in a Scottish Executive News Release dated 18 January.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136357,"EventID":"S1O-04546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used by teacher training institutions to determine whether epilepsy awareness training is included in their course programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used by teacher training institutions to determine whether epilepsy awareness training is included in their course programmes.","AnswerText":"No information is held centrally on what criteria are used by teacher education institutions (TEIs) to determine whether epilepsy awareness training is included in their course programmes. This is a matter for TEIs and I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1W-19773 on 11 December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136358,"EventID":"S1O-04550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 subject courses and standards of attainment at those schools where such action is necessary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 subject courses and standards of attainment at those schools where such action is necessary.","AnswerText":"Education authorities and headteachers are responsible for the quality of courses and standards of attainment in individual schools.

The Scottish Executive is taking a range of action which will improve the quality of provision nationally in S1/S2. We have published revised curriculum guidelines, advice on curriculum flexibility and a clear statement of National Priorities. We are developing the Improvement Framework as the basis for improvement within individual schools and education authorities. We have provided support and resources for a range of key aspects of education, including literacy, numeracy and science, and through a number of initiatives such as the New Community Schools initiative. We have established the Assessment Development Programme, and are implementing the recommendations of the Discipline Task Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136359,"EventID":"S1O-04553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support local theatre in line with the objectives of the National Cultural Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support local theatre in line with the objectives of the National Cultural Strategy.","AnswerText":"A major funding package worth £3.5 million for Scotland's theatre sector over this and the coming two years was announced by my colleague Mike Watson, on Monday 28 January. The Scottish Art Council, will determine the allocation and distribution of these resources, within the general objective of raising the quality of the production in the theatre sector in Scotland. Local authorities also have a vitally important role in the support of local theatres in their areas, according to their own strategic objectives.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136360,"EventID":"S1O-04564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on the economy of the Dumfries and Galloway area of premature closure of the Chapelcross Power Station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on the economy of the Dumfries and Galloway area of premature closure of the Chapelcross Power Station.","AnswerText":"My officials have been in discussion with BNFL, the owners of Chapelcross Power Station, and with Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway about the company's closure plans. These discussions are continuing.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136361,"EventID":"S1O-04565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to change the guidance issued to local authorities in regard to applications from local authorities for Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to change the guidance issued to local authorities in regard to applications from local authorities for Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnerships projects.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department invited local authorities to bid for a share of funding for revenue support for Public Private Partnership school buildings projects in Circular 8/2001 which was issued on 26 September 2001. The circular outlines the bidding process and there are no plans to reissue or revise it.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136362,"EventID":"S1O-04566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has conducted relating to the effect on employment in the water and sewerage industry of the establishment of a single Scottish water authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has conducted relating to the effect on employment in the water and sewerage industry of the establishment of a single Scottish water authority.","AnswerText":"The establishment of a single Scottish water authority represents the best means of ensuring sustainable employment in the public sector water industry in Scotland. Whatever the structure there is a need for substantial efficiency savings to deliver public health and environmental improvements whilst keeping customer charges under control. These efficiency savings would have been required of the three existing authorities in any case; the move to one authority should ease their delivery, and will therefore be a better guarantee of a long-term future for the public sector model.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136363,"EventID":"S1O-04571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the proposed Midlothian Community Hospital at Bonnyrigg to become operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the proposed Midlothian Community Hospital at Bonnyrigg to become operational.","AnswerText":"I understand from NHS Lothian that the hospital is likely to be completed in 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136364,"EventID":"S1O-04573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received in regard to student debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received in regard to student debt.","AnswerText":"The issue of student debt has been the subject of correspondence with ministers and officials on a number of occasions since the introduction of student loans in 1990.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136365,"EventID":"S1O-04574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote the learning of foreign languages in Scotland's schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote the learning of foreign languages in Scotland's schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive response to the Action Group on Languages report Citizens of a Multilingual World, published on 26 September 2001, highlighted a wide range of proposals to promote the learning of foreign languages in Scotland's schools. Key recommendations include an entitlement to language education for every child which the Scottish Executive will support through an allocation of additional ring fenced funding for local authorities to invest in foreign language learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136366,"EventID":"S1O-04576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to contain and manage winter viruses in the National Health Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to contain and manage winter viruses in the National Health Service.","AnswerText":"NHS trusts have been reminded that maintaining rigorous hygiene and infection control practices in line with existing guidance are the key to controlling winter viruses in our hospitals.

In addition, a new national system of surveillance of hospital-acquired infection has been established by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health with funding from the Scottish Executive. The Executive is also investing in extra infection control training for nurses. Through the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland, new national standards have been set for the control of healthcare acquired infection. This year's first round of independent assessments of performance against this standard will lead to a report as soon as possible. These measures will help to ensure that current comprehensive guidance on infection control continues to be followed and that risks to patients and staff are reduced as far as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136367,"EventID":"S1O-04581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to stamp out violence against school staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to stamp out violence against school staff.","AnswerText":"There is no place in Scotland's schools for violent or abusive behaviour.

The Scottish Executive currently funds a number of initiatives aimed at improving discipline, addressing bullying and developing a positive ethos in schools.

In addition, the report of the Discipline Task Group, Better Behaviour - Better Learning, made 36 recommendations aimed at improving discipline in Scotland's schools. The Action Plan, published in December 2001, sets out how these recommendations will be implemented.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136368,"EventID":"S1O-04584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to monitor the financial impact of the implementation of the aggregates tax on local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to monitor the financial impact of the implementation of the aggregates tax on local authorities.","AnswerText":"We have no specific plans to monitor the financial impact of the aggregates tax on local authorities. It is for authorities to manage their budgets and purchasing decisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136369,"EventID":"S1O-04587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to combat bullying in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to combat bullying in schools.","AnswerText":"Bullying in Scotland's schools is unacceptable and is an issue that the Scottish Executive takes very seriously. We are committed to helping schools and education authorities to develop effective approaches to tackling bullying. Guidance has been issued to assist schools and education authorities in addressing this problem and to support pupils and families. HMI inspections can include an examination of the existence and content of suitable anti-bullying policies in Scotland's schools.

In addition, the Executive is working to reduce bullying in Scotland's schools by:

funding the Scottish Anti-Bullying Network, which disseminates examples of good practice highlighting effective strategies for tackling bullying and provides information to teachers, parents and young people;

funding the Scottish Schools Ethos Network, which aims to encourage the creation of a positive ethos in schools;

providing funding to underwrite ChildLine Anti-Bullying HelpLine, to ensure that the special bullying helpline continues as a free, confidential and excellent service to children in trouble, and

the implementation of the 36 recommendations made by the Discipline Task Group, many of which will have a significant and positive impact on bullying in schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136370,"EventID":"S1O-04592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many discharge consents were issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in 2001 for chemicals used in the treatment of sea lice at salmon farms and whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many discharge consents were issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in 2001 for chemicals used in the treatment of sea lice at salmon farms and whether levels of discharge of such chemicals increased in 2001 compared with 1999 and 2000.","AnswerText":"We do not hold this information in the Scottish Executive. Consenting discharges is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. However, the need to use such treatments within their consented limits will vary from year to year in response to sea lice abundance.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136371,"EventID":"S1O-04594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact on the economy in rural areas of the introduction of broadband services in the South of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact on the economy in rural areas of the introduction of broadband services in the South of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"In rural areas, as elsewhere, the introduction of broadband can offer a fast reliable \"always on\" link to the internet that will streamline delivery of public services and benefit business.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136372,"EventID":"S1O-04596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated for improvements to trunk roads during this parliamentary session.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated for improvements to trunk roads during this parliamentary session.","AnswerText":"The allocation for the trunk roads network, including investment in new construction, improvements and routine maintenance, is £774 million between 1999 and 2003. This does not include capital charges and other adjustments made as a result of the introduction of resource accounting and budgeting from April 2001. A more detailed breakdown is shown in the Executive's Annual Expenditure Reports, copies of which are held by the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136373,"EventID":"S1O-04600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken in response to the placing of Aberdeen-based textiles group Richards in receivership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken in response to the placing of Aberdeen-based textiles group Richards in receivership.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to assist the company and its workforce as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136374,"EventID":"S1O-04601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the structure of, and system of election for, the General Teaching Council for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the structure of, and system of election for, the General Teaching Council for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The General Teaching Council for Scotland is an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body the structure of which was comprehensively reviewed in 1999. There are currently no plans for further review.

The scheme to elect members of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) was approved by ministers in advance of the 2001 election of teachers to the council. The next election of the GTCS will be in 2005 and ministers will approve any changes to the election scheme at that time.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136375,"EventID":"S1O-04602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in order to reduce the circulation of illegal guns, following the report in the Sunday Mail on 27 January 2002 that there was a marked increase i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in order to reduce the circulation of illegal guns, following the report in the Sunday Mail on 27 January 2002 that there was a marked increase in the number of gun-related crimes and deaths in 2001.","AnswerText":"Firearms policy and legislation are reserved matters. However, the Scottish Executive is represented on the Firearms Consultative Committee, the independent statutory body established to keep under review the working of the provisions of the Firearms Acts and to make recommendations to the Home Secretary for improving their working.

The latest published statistics for Scotland on gun-related crimes and deaths show a marked downward trend between 1991 and 2000. Final figures for 2001 in respect of crimes and offences recorded by the police in which a firearm was alleged to have been used will not be published until September 2002. It is difficult to comment substantively in advance of that but any increase would be deplored.

As regards the circulation of illegal weapons, the police and other enforcement agencies continue to put significant effort into tackling this.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136376,"EventID":"S1O-04606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive announced in November 2000 that it would be reviewing the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme and the Woodland Grant Scheme. The review is focusing on changes necessary to deliver priorities identified in the Scottish Forestry Strategy as well as the Scottish Agricultural Strategy and the Rural Development Regulation. A steering group representing a wide range of interests is assisting the Scottish Executive with the review and is currently analysing responses to a public consultation exercise carried out in 2001. The group is due shortly to come forward with recommendations to Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136377,"EventID":"S1O-04608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it complied with the timetable for implementation of the EU directive on electronic commerce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it complied with the timetable for implementation of the EU directive on electronic commerce.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the E-Commerce Directive was required before 17 January 2002. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is responsible for implementation generally in Great Britain. The DTI announced on 14 December 2001 its intention to publish and consult on draft implementing regulations early this year. The UK Government anticipates that implementation will take place during the summer. The Executive is examining whether any Scots law prevents the conclusion of contracts by electronic means. This process is under way in the context of the existing exercise to promulgate orders under section 8 of the Electronic Communications Act 2000 to authorise or facilitate electronic communications more generally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136378,"EventID":"S1O-04610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in respect of road accident rates in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in respect of road accident rates in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive reviews annually accidents on trunk roads and investigates clusters of accidents at particular locations and routes with high accident rates. The Executive undertakes annually a programme of road safety remedial measures on the trunk road network targeted at such locations.

Local authorities are responsible for road safety on local roads in their areas. In particular, local authorities are required to investigate accidents on local roads and to carry out a programme of measures to prevent such accidents.

The Scottish Executive provides funding to the Scottish Road Safety Campaign for the development of key road safety education materials and publicity messages. Copies of the campaign's Annual Report and Business Plan for 2001-02 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17135).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136379,"EventID":"S1O-04613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that there is an adequate public consultation process in respect of the proposed Glasgow Harbour development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that there is an adequate public consultation process in respect of the proposed Glasgow Harbour development.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are satisfied with the consultation arrangements and guidance available for land use planning and any associated harbour regulations.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136380,"EventID":"S1O-04615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it plans to make available to NHS Greater Glasgow for the modernisation of hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it plans to make available to NHS Greater Glasgow for the modernisation of hospitals.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow will be required to develop Business Cases for the implementation of the modernisation of acute hospital services in Glasgow. The resource implications and proposals for meeting them will form part of each Business Case. Decisions on meeting the resource implications will only be made after a thorough consideration of individual Business Cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136381,"EventID":"S1O-04620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is currently allocated to the upgrading of the A96 and what measures and further funding are planned to take this matter forward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is currently allocated to the upgrading of the A96 and what measures and further funding are planned to take this matter forward.","AnswerText":"The Motorway and Trunk Road Programme announced in March 2001 includes 10 schemes on the A96, including the proposed bypass for Fochabers and Mosstodloch. The estimated cost is £26 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136382,"EventID":"S1O-04631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to local authorities of self-financing local authority pay awards was in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to local authorities of self-financing local authority pay awards was in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"An allowance for general local authority pay and price inflation was included in the local government settlement allocations for 2001-02, as well as specific provision for teachers, police and fire officers. The actual costs of meeting pay awards will depend on local decisions and the Executive does not collect separate information on this.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136383,"EventID":"S1O-04638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it sees for community pharmacies in achieving its objectives for the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it sees for community pharmacies in achieving its objectives for the NHS.","AnswerText":"The role which we see community pharmacists fulfilling in the future as key members of the Primary Care team is set out in The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland which was published on 4 February (Bib. number 18835).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136384,"EventID":"S1O-04640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage healthy eating amongst pregnant mothers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage healthy eating amongst pregnant mothers.","AnswerText":"As stated in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, pregnancy is a significant life event and this should be reflected in the way that women are cared for and look after themselves during pregnancy, childbirth and after the baby is born. The Scottish Diet Action Plan \"Eating for Health\" provides the framework to improve diet across all population groups in Scotland, including pregnant women.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136385,"EventID":"S1O-04648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve public awareness of organ donation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve public awareness of organ donation.","AnswerText":"We are working with all the key interests to develop a national publicity campaign aimed at raising awareness of organ donation and transplantation. This will complement the education resource pack on the subject which we announced last week.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136386,"EventID":"S1O-04652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the arts and culture in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the arts and culture in schools.","AnswerText":"The Executive works closely with local authorities and the Scottish Art Council to promote all aspects of arts and culture in schools. We are in the final stages of planning a pilot programme of cultural co-ordinators and will make an announcement shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136387,"EventID":"S1O-04656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of NHS Tayside.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of NHS Tayside.","AnswerText":"I met with the Chairman of NHS Tayside and the Chairman and Chief Executive of Tayside Acute Hospitals Trust on 8 February 2002. Scottish Executive officials maintain regular contact with representatives of NHS Tayside.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136388,"EventID":"S1O-04662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposals to contract out prisoner escort services to a specialist provider will be confined to the transportation of prisoners between courts and prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposals to contract out prisoner escort services to a specialist provider will be confined to the transportation of prisoners between courts and prisons.","AnswerText":"It will include all escorts from police custody units to court, the care and management of prisoners throughout the legal proceedings (both remand and convicted prisoners) and the escort requirements whilst in prison.

The objective of the changes and procurement exercise by Scottish Prison Service (SPS) will be to restructure the range of services currently being undertaken by the SPS and the eight police forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136389,"EventID":"S1O-04665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that there is no \"postcode prescribing\" of Herceptin to clinically suitable patients for the treatment of secondary breast cancer in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that there is no \"postcode prescribing\" of Herceptin to clinically suitable patients for the treatment of secondary breast cancer in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The treatment of a patient is a matter of clinical judgement, informed by the individual circumstances of that patient and evidence about the effectiveness of the available medicines.

The Health Technology Board for Scotland will issue advice on the prescription of Herceptin in Scotland following the publication of Guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, expected in May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136390,"EventID":"S1O-04668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to ensure that convicted sex offenders notify the UK authorities of their address when travelling abroad and that Scottish nationals and resid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to ensure that convicted sex offenders notify the UK authorities of their address when travelling abroad and that Scottish nationals and residents who have been convicted of sex offences abroad are automatically put on the UK register of sex offenders.","AnswerText":"We have already strengthened the Sex Offenders Act by requiring certain sex offenders to inform the police when they travel overseas.

Although there are practical difficulties in automatic registration of UK and foreign nationals convicted of sex offences overseas, the Executive and the Home Office have proposed further measures to make some of these offenders subject to the same registration requirements as sex offenders convicted in the UK.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136391,"EventID":"S1O-04675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling truancy in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling truancy in schools.","AnswerText":"The key to reducing truancy is to ensure that young people see a purpose to schooling. Effective learning and teaching is much easier to achieve where a positive ethos and good discipline prevail.

The Discipline Task Group Report, Better Behaviour-Better Learning, has made 36 recommendations aimed at improving discipline and ethos in Scotland's schools. The Executive is currently funding a number of initiatives aimed at, or impacting on, truancy including the Scottish Schools Ethos Network, the Anti-Bullying Network, the Alternatives to Exclusion Programme, Support for Parents, Study Support and New Community Schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136392,"EventID":"S1O-04676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence of ageism within the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence of ageism within the NHS.","AnswerText":"The issue was explored in depth by the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group on the Health of Older People, and forms a chapter in its report Adding Life to Years, published last month. The report concludes that while there is no systematic evidence of ageism in NHSScotland, there are significant concerns about ageism, and these need to be addressed. The Executive is now considering implementation of the recommendations in the report on this and all the other issues it addressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136393,"EventID":"S1O-04680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the responsibilities of community pharmacists. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the responsibilities of community pharmacists. ","AnswerText":"Our plans for enhancing the role of community pharmacists are set out in The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136394,"EventID":"S1O-04684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the victims of crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the victims of crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Strategy for Victims is promoting a wide-ranging programme of initiatives to improve the support and information available to victims and to provide them with more opportunities to participate in the criminal justice process.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136395,"EventID":"S1O-04686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to reduce pollution from farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to reduce pollution from farms.","AnswerText":"I am committed to a partnership approach to the protection and enhancement of Scotland's environment.

We are working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the farming industry and other stakeholders to improve the guidance available to farmers on pollution prevention and to promote its adoption. A group drawn from SEPA, National Farmers Union Scotland (NFU Scotland), the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and the Executive is currently revising the Code of Good Practice on Prevention of Environmental Pollution From Agricultural Activity. The Executive has also collaborated with WWF Scotland, NFU Scotland, SAC, SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage to establish a new advisory post at the college to advise on and publicise best practice on protection of the water environment. Other measures funded by the Executive include development of a CD-ROM planning tool on environmental management for agriculture and SAC on-going advisory work. We are also working to minimise the environmental impact of pesticides through voluntary measures in partnership with farmers, the agrochemical industry and the UK government.

We are also sponsoring a research programme examining the impact, mechanisms and transport of agricultural diffuse pollution. Based on this research, the Scottish Executive issued an advice note on the prevention of agricultural diffuse pollution at bathing waters to farmers in at-risk catchments on 20 July 2001 (Bib. number 14970).

Where appropriate we will regulate. SEPA already has statutory powers to require farmers to undertake work to bring facilities for the collection and storage of silage, slurry and fuel oil up to legally defined standards. Farmers are also required under the Groundwater Regulations 1998 to obtain authorisation from SEPA for disposing of sheep dip and other agricultural chemicals.

To tackle the specific problem of nitrate pollution we are currently consulting with the farming industry and others on new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ). Further consultation on the mandatory Action Programmes for the proposed NVZs will follow shortly.

We are also extending pollution controls to intensive farming (pigs and poultry). New installations are already subject to the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 and existing farms will be brought into that regime in 2007. We also plan to bring non-natural agricultural waste into the controlled waste regime. It is planned that draft regulations on this matter will be issued for consultation later in 2002.

Finally, we established an Agriculture and Environment Working Group in September 2001 to advise ministers on the means of achieving a more joined-up approach to agriculture and environmental policy. The group's final report is to be submitted in the spring.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136396,"EventID":"S1O-04692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the development of its guidance on home education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the development of its guidance on home education.","AnswerText":"Draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home has been issued for consultation. The consultation period runs until 29 March 2002. The Scottish Executive will then consider all representations received before agreeing appropriate amendments.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136397,"EventID":"S1O-04700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its strategy on pharmaceutical care by making better use of pharmacists' expertise. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its strategy on pharmaceutical care by making better use of pharmacists' expertise. ","AnswerText":"We will work with the bodies representing pharmacists to ensure implementation of the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136398,"EventID":"S1O-04703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it offers to agricultural machinery rings. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it offers to agricultural machinery rings. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society receives grant support from the Executive to carry out specific services. These include promoting the benefits of machinery ring membership as well as offering strategic, business and developmental advice to individual rings. Support has also been available from the enterprise network, local authorities, Rural Challenge Fund and European Structural Funds.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136399,"EventID":"S1O-04704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions there have been with Audit Scotland to ensure that performance indicator comparisons made across all police forces and fire brigades are accurate and con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions there have been with Audit Scotland to ensure that performance indicator comparisons made across all police forces and fire brigades are accurate and consistent. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials meet regularly with Audit Scotland through two Working Groups on Performance Indicators, one for the fire service and one for police service. The concerns about consistency and accuracy which the member raises fall to be dealt with in these working groups.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136400,"EventID":"S1O-04706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty's Treasury regarding policies for economic growth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty's Treasury regarding policies for economic growth.","AnswerText":"Officials in the Executive are in regular contact with the Treasury on a range of issues. Ministers also exchange regular correspondence and have private conversations with Treasury Ministers from time to time.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136401,"EventID":"S1O-04710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a minister will visit Nairn to promote its golf tourism strategy and what steps it is taking to promote Nairn's golf clubs as part of this strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a minister will visit Nairn to promote its golf tourism strategy and what steps it is taking to promote Nairn's golf clubs as part of this strategy.","AnswerText":"I have no immediate plans to visit Nairn. Nairn Golf Club is part of the Golf Highland initiative, which works closely with VisitScotland. The Nairn golf courses feature strongly in VisitScotland promotional activities.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136402,"EventID":"S1O-04719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the effectiveness of Route Accident Reduction Plans where such plans have been implemented. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the effectiveness of Route Accident Reduction Plans where such plans have been implemented. ","AnswerText":"The effectiveness of Route Accident Reduction Plans is monitored by comparing the accident figures for the three years preceding the implementation of the plan with those for the three years following completion of the works.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136403,"EventID":"S1O-04721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to tackle delayed discharges in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to tackle delayed discharges in the NHS.","AnswerText":"On 9 January 2002, we announced a £20 million package for local authorities and NHSScotland to make a significant reduction in the number of patients experiencing delayed discharge from hospitals across Scotland. This is over and above the £10 million already provided to local authorities for the purpose through their Grant Aided Expenditure settlements. Additionally, an expert group, led by NHSScotland Chief Executive Trevor Jones, has been looking in detail at delayed discharge and the reasons for it. Next month, I will announce an action plan based on the work of this group, and including the distribution arrangements for the new resources, to help drive down the delayed discharge figures.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136404,"EventID":"S1O-04730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider compiling statistics centrally on the number of persons subject to failure to appear warrants. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider compiling statistics centrally on the number of persons subject to failure to appear warrants. ","AnswerText":"We have no plans to start collecting such statistics centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136405,"EventID":"S1O-04736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to help recruit and retain social workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to help recruit and retain social workers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be working closely with the newly created Scottish Social Services Council and other organisations in the coming months to put together a range of national and local strategies to address this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136406,"EventID":"S1O-04737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement the Plotnikoff and Woolfson report An Evaluation of Child Witness Support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement the Plotnikoff and Woolfson report An Evaluation of Child Witness Support.","AnswerText":"Plotnikoff and Woolfson's report informed the deliberations of the Lord Advocate's Working Group on Child Witness Support. It also helped to shape the 43 individual recommendations made in the working group's report, published in 1999. These recommendations are being taken forward by a Scottish Executive Implementation Group set up in September 2001. It is the aim of the group to complete the bulk of its work by the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136407,"EventID":"S1O-04739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Dundee City Council in regard to the operation of the Baldovie incinerator.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Dundee City Council in regard to the operation of the Baldovie incinerator.","AnswerText":"The Executive has spoken to Dundee City Council about recent press statements concerning Baldovie incinerator, but there have been no detailed discussions about the operation of the plant.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136408,"EventID":"S1O-04740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage healthy eating amongst pregnant women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage healthy eating amongst pregnant women.","AnswerText":"Pregnancy is a major life event. This should be reflected in the way that women are cared for and look after themselves during pregnancy, childbirth and after the baby is born. The Scottish Diet Action Plan, Eating for Health, provides the framework to improve diet across all population groups in Scotland, including pregnant women.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136409,"EventID":"S1O-04741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it has had with its drive to cut regulations for business, particularly through the \"MOT for new regulations\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it has had with its drive to cut regulations for business, particularly through the \"MOT for new regulations\".","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive continues to make headway in improving regulation. The Review Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) or Regulatory MOT meets a key concerns of businesses that regulations are reviewed after their introduction. This MOT should ensure that regulations do not become outdated and if found to be obsolete are revoked.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136410,"EventID":"S1O-04748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the City of Edinburgh Council in regard to funding for the Edinburgh International Festival.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the City of Edinburgh Council in regard to funding for the Edinburgh International Festival.","AnswerText":"The Executive wishes to ensure, in partnership with other funding bodies, that the Edinburgh International Festival maintains its reputation as one of the world's premier cultural events. It provides a showcase of artistic excellence to Scottish audiences and to visitors from elsewhere in the UK and from overseas, and is a major contributor to the economy and cultural profile of Scotland.

Following discussions involving myself, the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Arts Council and the Edinburgh International Festival Society (EIF), the Executive will award to the EIF additional £100,000 in each of this and the coming financial years and £200,000 in the financial year 2003-04. This funding will be made through the Scottish Arts Council and will supplement increased grant support from the Scottish Arts Council and the City of Edinburgh Council announced recently.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136411,"EventID":"S1O-04753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to the agriculture industry in the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to the agriculture industry in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Farmers and crofters in the Highlands and Islands benefit from the same support arrangements as farmers in all other parts of the country. This includes advice and information from SEERAD and its agencies as well as the main Common Agricultural Policy subsidies which pay some £100 million per annum to farmers and crofters in the Highlands and Islands.

Highlands and Islands also benefits from measures which are unique to that area including:

the Agricultural Business Development Scheme which will provide £17 million between 2001 and 2006;

the Crofting Community Development Scheme worth around £1 million between 2001 and 2006;

the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants Scheme which has a budget of £2.7 million for 2001-02; and

the Crofters' Building Grants and Loan Scheme with a budget of £2.9 million for 2001-02.

Farmers and crofters in the area also benefit from the Livestock Improvement Scheme and the Highlands and Islands Veterinary Services Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136412,"EventID":"S1O-04762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of ambulance staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of ambulance staff.","AnswerText":"The service has been investing in more frontline staff and there are today some 200 more paramedics and technicians on emergency ambulances than there were 10 years ago. We are providing the Scottish Ambulance Service with additional funding which will enable it to further increase the numbers of these key staff.

Moreover, proposals that are currently being considered by the department provide for the service recruiting and training an extra 100 frontline emergency ambulance staff to support priority based dispatch.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136413,"EventID":"S1O-04765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support survivors of sexual abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support survivors of sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"We have just issued Beyond Trauma: Mental Health Care Needs Of Women Who Survived Childhood Sexual Abuse to the health and social care agencies, asking them to respond positively to its recommendations for service improvements. It is a research report on current service provision for survivors of sexual abuse published by the Edinburgh Association for Mental Health.

Signalling the importance I attach to this issue, I announced on 19 February a grant of £120,000 over three years to the Moira Anderson Foundation to help raise awareness of the needs of survivors and to expand local self help groups. I also announced £53,000 over two years to the Edinburgh Association for Mental Health to evaluate the operation of a national telephone helpline service for survivors of sexual abuse.

We have also published guidance on the best organisation of psychological interventions services. This recognises the importance of \"talking treatments\" for survivors, a need highlighted in the Beyond Trauma research report.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136414,"EventID":"S1O-04769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Audit Commission's report on Environmental and Regulatory Services, what further measures it intends to take to ensure that local authorities take action","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the Audit Commission's report on Environmental and Regulatory Services, what further measures it intends to take to ensure that local authorities take action to improve the recycling of waste. ","AnswerText":"The 11 Area Waste Plans currently being prepared will identify how local authorities and others can improve waste management, including recycling. We have established the Strategic Waste Fund to assist local authorities in implementing the plans. We also intend to set mandatory recycling targets informed by the Area Waste Plans to ensure that the best practicable environmental option for waste management in each area has been taken into account. We will amend existing legislation to enable such targets to be set.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136415,"EventID":"S1O-04771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill on fox control operations in the Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Bill on fox control operations in the Highlands.","AnswerText":"None. Those involved in pest control in the Highlands will need to ensure that their activities do not contravene this legislation. They have some time to make that assessment before the bill is enacted in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136416,"EventID":"S1O-04773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it next plans to review the energy efficiency requirements within building regulations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it next plans to review the energy efficiency requirements within building regulations.","AnswerText":"The energy efficiency requirements within building regulations have been reviewed and stringent new standards came into force on 4 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136417,"EventID":"S1O-04776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to tackle drug misuse in local communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to tackle drug misuse in local communities.","AnswerText":"Protecting our communities from drug-related anti-social and criminal behaviour is one of the four pillars of our drugs strategy, along with helping young people, treating those affected by drug misuse, and stifling the availability of drugs. Through Scotland Against Drugs' Challenge Fund and Community Fund, the Executive is supporting a wide range of diverse and innovative projects designed to address local drugs problems. Along with the Daily Record, we have recently launched the Scottish Communities Against Drugs initiative.

Progress in delivering our strategy is set out in our Annual Report, which was published in November. Copies were sent to all MSPs, and the report is also available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136418,"EventID":"S1O-04777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the effectiveness of legislation designed to control anti-social tenants and how many anti-social behaviour orders have been served nationally to date. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the effectiveness of legislation designed to control anti-social tenants and how many anti-social behaviour orders have been served nationally to date. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive commissions the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland to undertake an annual exercise to determine the use being made of evictions for anti-social behaviour and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). The total number of ASBOs granted to date is 61 (nine in 1999 and 52 in 2000). Figures for the period 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2001 will be published by the Institute shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136419,"EventID":"S1O-04779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation there has been on the proposed GM crop trial at Newport-on-Tay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation there has been on the proposed GM crop trial at Newport-on-Tay.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that people who live in the vicinity of proposed trial sites are provided with accurate information about the proposals and given the opportunity to comment if they wish.

In relation to the proposed site near Newport-on-Tay, the Executive has undertaken a number of measures in addition to the statutory notice which the applicant placed in the Courier on 7 February. The Executive has written directly to Fife Council, local elected representatives, community councils, national beekeeping and organic interests and the National Farmers Union. An information leaflet has been prepared and distributed widely including local libraries and post offices. Officials from the Executive have visited neighbouring properties to the proposed site to discuss any issues of concern to residents.

In addition, I addressed a well-attended public information meeting in Newport-on-Tay on 4 March. As well as hearing information about the statutory controls which regulate releases of GM plants and the science which underpins the farm scale evaluation programme, the audience were able to have their questions answered by those directly involved in the trial process.

A decision on whether the proposed site should be included on the programme will be taken later this month and approval will only be granted if ministers are satisfied on the scientific evidence available that the GM crop can be grown on the proposed sites without posing a threat to human health or the environment.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136420,"EventID":"S1O-04793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce the Public Appointments and Public Bodies (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce the Public Appointments and Public Bodies (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"Before the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136421,"EventID":"S1O-04794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it uses independent observers in order to determine how many dolphins and other cetaceans are caught accidentally in trawlers' nets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it uses independent observers in order to determine how many dolphins and other cetaceans are caught accidentally in trawlers' nets.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to draft a UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response Strategy which aims to work towards meeting the target for unacceptable cetacean bycatch, set by the Agreement for the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Seas, of no more than 1.7% across all UK fisheries in 2003.

The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) have been contracted by DEFRA to investigate cetacean bycatch in UK pelagic trawl and gillnet fisheries. In collaboration with the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association, SMRU have placed observers on board UK pelagic vessels.

Since 1999 SMRU have observed a total of 59 pelagic haul trawls during 83 days at sea in the waters around Scotland but have recorded no cetacean bycatch to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136422,"EventID":"S1O-04802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Social Justice last met representatives of Fife Council and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Social Justice last met representatives of Fife Council and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I last met representatives of Fife Council on 29 January when, along with representatives of the other councils neighbouring Edinburgh, we discussed the Cities Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136423,"EventID":"S1O-04803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Interim Committee and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Interim Committee and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"I met the Chair of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Interim Committee on 14 January 2002 when we discussed the resourcing of the committee and the National Park. Following those discussions we have been able to allocate a further £1.9 million for the year 2002-03.

Officials from the Scottish Executive continue to meet regularly with representatives of the Interim Committee to discuss a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136424,"EventID":"S1O-04807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being introduced in order to tackle conditions of the respiratory system following the report by the British Thoracic Society, The Burden of Lung Diseas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being introduced in order to tackle conditions of the respiratory system following the report by the British Thoracic Society, The Burden of Lung Disease.","AnswerText":"Respiratory conditions represents one of the major disease categories requiring care by NHSScotland. Respiratory diseases are many and varied but smoking remains the greatest single cause of lung disease. We are determined to take effective action to implement measures in the White Paper Smoking Kills and a range of Scottish initiatives. In common with many other diseases and conditions, lung diseases are tackled through a range of measures at all stages of care.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136425,"EventID":"S1O-04811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to raise awareness of and promote the learning of modern languages among young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to raise awareness of and promote the learning of modern languages among young people.","AnswerText":"Information leaflets for parents and pupils outlining the benefits of language skills were published on 25 February. These will be distributed to local authorities for their pupils and parents during the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136426,"EventID":"S1O-04812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the assessment and provision of education services for young people with special educational needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the assessment and provision of education services for young people with special educational needs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive consulted last year on Assessing Our Children's Educational Needs -The Way Forward?. As a result, outline proposals for change were published on 19 February 2002. Copies of the proposals are available in the Scottish Executive response to the consultation (Bib. number 19469). The Executive will be holding consultation meetings with service users and providers this year in order to develop further the proposals for improvements.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136427,"EventID":"S1O-04818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to assist local authorities to tackle any backlog of repairs on the non-trunk road network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to assist local authorities to tackle any backlog of repairs on the non-trunk road network.","AnswerText":"On 25 February, I announced that local authorities are to receive an extra £20 million in grant in financial year 2001-02 to speed up their maintenance activity on local roads and bridges. This is in addition to an extra £70 million for capital investment, allocated to local authorities over the three years to March 2004, to tackle the backlog of repairs and maintenance to local roads and bridges.

It will be a matter for each local authority to determine its own local priorities and to deal with its most serious problems first when spending these additional resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136428,"EventID":"S1O-04828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to improve the competitiveness of universities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to improve the competitiveness of universities.","AnswerText":"As well as providing additional funding, such as the £25 million package for research which I announced last week, we are currently conducting a review of higher education in Scotland, which will inform future policy thinking.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136429,"EventID":"S1O-04832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to the police in order to ensure that racist incidents are dealt with appropriately.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to the police in order to ensure that racist incidents are dealt with appropriately.","AnswerText":"The extra resources we have made available have led to record numbers of police officers. New guidelines on racist crime issued by the Lord Advocate provide practical advice on the way such incidents are handled by the police. And a national code of practice on the reporting and recording of such incidents is being finalised which will give further good practice guidance for all agencies, including the police, dealing with racism.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136430,"EventID":"S1O-04841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me from the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 26 February 2002 about the publication of the contract between the Scottish Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me from the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 26 February 2002 about the publication of the contract between the Scottish Prison Service and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited, what is meant by \"early next month\".","AnswerText":"The contract was published on the Scottish Prison Service website (www.sps.gov.uk) on 8 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136431,"EventID":"S1O-04846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in rural areas in implementing its Action Programme to reduce youth crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in rural areas in implementing its Action Programme to reduce youth crime.","AnswerText":"All authorities have received help to establish multi-agency teams to develop programmes aimed at reducing youth crime. The Executive is completing a mapping exercise of all local authorities to measure progress. The results will be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136432,"EventID":"S1O-04849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the development of the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive in Ayr. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the development of the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive in Ayr. ","AnswerText":"Development of the Scottish Agricultural College's campus at Auchincruive is a matter primarily for the college.

The college is currently developing its proposals for the future of the organisation as a whole. No decisions have been taken and its final plans will be submitted to ministers in due course. When they are, we will give them full and careful consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136433,"EventID":"S1O-04851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22024 by Ms Margaret Curran on 28 February 2002, which project was closed down and what the reason was for this action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22024 by Ms Margaret Curran on 28 February 2002, which project was closed down and what the reason was for this action.","AnswerText":"The CHEAF project, based in Milton, Glasgow was closed because it was unable to find suitable premises. CHEAF aimed to provide training, counselling and diversionary activities for 12 to 25-year-olds.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136434,"EventID":"S1O-04861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to make a decision on the proposed GM crop trial at Wester Friarton, Newport-on-Tay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to make a decision on the proposed GM crop trial at Wester Friarton, Newport-on-Tay.","AnswerText":"I am able to announce today that the Scottish Executive has approved the release of a GM oilseed rape crop at a further three sites in Scotland this spring. Releases of this crop have only been permitted because of the explicit advice of our expert advisory bodies that the crop can be grown on these sites in safety, both for the people living near the trial sites and for the wider environment. If there was any evidence to suggest that the crop posed a threat to human health or the environment, I would not be prepared to permit the releases on these sites.

The three sites (two in Aberdeenshire and one in Fife) will join 12 other Scottish sites which have grown GM oilseed rape as part of the farm scale evaluation programme, although the crop has been grown for research purposes in the UK for a decade. This is the third and final year of plantings under the evaluation programme, after which the results will be evaluated and will help inform decisions on whether these crops have a commercial future in this country. The agreement which the Executive has with the industry to permit these trials to take place means that there will be no commercial growing of GM in this country at least until the trials are completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136435,"EventID":"S1O-04863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow City Council could invest over #1.3 billion within 10 years in its housing stock without new borrowing, if Her Majesty's Government offered to write off i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Glasgow City Council could invest over #1.3 billion within 10 years in its housing stock without new borrowing, if Her Majesty's Government offered to write off its capital housing debt on the same basis as proposed for the Glasgow Housing Association. ","AnswerText":"The question is hypothetical. Her Majesty's Treasury has agreed to contribute to the costs of debt repayment only where local authorities transfer their entire housing stock into community ownership.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136436,"EventID":"S1O-04867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the target of 30% of electricity being generated from renewable sources by 2020 will be met. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the target of 30% of electricity being generated from renewable sources by 2020 will be met. ","AnswerText":"Our published target for renewable energy is 18% by 2010. But in the light of the recommendation of the recent PIU report on energy policy that the UK should adopt a target of 20% by 2020, we intend to consider how we might work towards a figure of 30% in Scotland by 2020. Any revision to our target would be made only after a full process of consultation with all interested parties on the many issues that a higher target would raise.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136437,"EventID":"S1O-04869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it has to ensure the attraction, creation and retention of company headquarters to and in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it has to ensure the attraction, creation and retention of company headquarters to and in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Following the launch of the Global Connections Strategy in October 2001, Scottish Development International continues to work to attract inward investment to Scotland. Scottish Enterprise's Global Companies Development Programme assists Scottish companies, especially in key high technology areas, to grow by assisting them test, refine and implement international development strategies. The key economic drivers I announced in Scotland's Economic Future on 12 February are aimed at creating the right conditions for company headquarters in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136438,"EventID":"S1O-04873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Gaelic policy is reversing the decline in the number of Gaelic speakers. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Gaelic policy is reversing the decline in the number of Gaelic speakers. ","AnswerText":"The Executive's Gaelic policy includes a substantial programme of support for the Gaelic language. This provides specific grants for education authorities to enable them to respond to parents' requests for Gaelic-medium education for their children.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136439,"EventID":"S1O-04874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is providing to businesses to assist them to trade online.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is providing to businesses to assist them to trade online.","AnswerText":"Assistance on all aspects of e-business is delivered primarily through the Enterprise Networks and takes the form of workshops, seminars, one-to-one advice, and online help. Businesses are advised about the best way for them to implement appropriate e-business solutions, including online trading.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136440,"EventID":"S1O-04877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote women's golf.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to promote women's golf.","AnswerText":"We are working to strengthen girl's and women's golf through the Junior Golf Development Partnership. Golf is also a core sport of the Scottish Institute of Sport and the National Coach has a specific remit to include the development of girl's and women's golf.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136441,"EventID":"S1O-04880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote restorative justice programmes as part of Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote restorative justice programmes as part of Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002. ","AnswerText":"On Monday 4 March, as part of our Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002, I announced a further £2 million to promote restorative justice programmes in authorities across Scotland. This is in addition to the £23.5 million over three-and-a-half years that we are already investing in reducing youth offending.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136442,"EventID":"S1O-04887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next Home Energy Conservation Act report will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next Home Energy Conservation Act report will be published.","AnswerText":"Not all reports from local authorities have yet been received. When they are, a report to Parliament will be commissioned for publication in late summer or autumn. Copies of individual Home Energy Conservation Act progress reports will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136443,"EventID":"S1O-04888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are given to police forces with regard to the execution of failure to appear warrants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are given to police forces with regard to the execution of failure to appear warrants.","AnswerText":"It is for Chief Constables to determine how best to discharge their duties in relation to court orders after having due consideration to the original offence and, where necessary, in consultation with the Procurator Fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136444,"EventID":"S1O-04889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the transfer of powers from Her Majesty's Government in relation to the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the transfer of powers from Her Majesty's Government in relation to the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service will be completed.","AnswerText":"An order to transfer the necessary functions under the Scotland Act will shortly be taken forward in the Scottish Parliament and at Westminster.

Completion of the process requires approval of both Parliaments and an Order in Council to be made.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136445,"EventID":"S1O-04890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its targets are for renewable energy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its targets are for renewable energy.","AnswerText":"Subject to the approval of this Parliament, we will shortly be placing a new Renewables Obligation (Scotland) on all electricity suppliers. Our target is to raise the proportion of electricity supply accounted for by renewable sources to 18% by 2010.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136458,"EventID":"S1O-04952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to secure continued manufacturing at the Rolls Royce plant in Hillington, Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to secure continued manufacturing at the Rolls Royce plant in Hillington, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Along with officials at the Executive and Scottish Development International, I have been in regular close contact with Rolls Royce over a number of months. We are working hard to ensure that this important company continues to develop its manufacturing presence in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136459,"EventID":"S1O-04955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next have discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next have discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136460,"EventID":"S1O-04960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will comment on the report by the Auditor General for Scotland in Appendix 13 of the Scottish Prison Service's Annual Report and Accounts 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will comment on the report by the Auditor General for Scotland in Appendix 13 of the Scottish Prison Service's Annual Report and Accounts 2000-01.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The Annual Report and Accounts for 2000-01 fully disclose the accounting policies which SPS has complied with in accordance with Government and Accounting Standards requirements.

The Auditor General for Scotland has confirmed that SPS complied fully with the current accounting guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136461,"EventID":"S1O-04961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community nurses, midwives and health visitors have yet to receive a mobile phone, hands-free kit and emergency software under the initiative announced by the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community nurses, midwives and health visitors have yet to receive a mobile phone, hands-free kit and emergency software under the initiative announced by the Scottish Office on 22 March 1999.","AnswerText":"The funding for this initiative was allocated on 20 December 1999. As a result and based on local assessment of need, the number of mobile phones available to community nurses, midwives and health visitors at that time more than trebled from approximately 1200 to over 3800.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136462,"EventID":"S1O-04962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling abuse of volatile substances.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling abuse of volatile substances.","AnswerText":"Volatile substance abuse is addressed within Scotland's drugs strategy. Drug Action Teams (DATs) are asked to include it in their corporate action plans. According to the 2000-01 DAT Corporate Planning exercise, there are 99 drug agencies in Scotland which provide a service for volatile substance abusers.

The Executive's investment of an additional £13 million over three years for drug treatment will ensure an expansion of services, including those catering for volatile substance abusers. Organisations supported by the Executive produce materials which address the risks of volatile substance abuse. For example, in 2000, the Scottish Drugs Forum and the Health Education Board for Scotland collaborated with others to publish Volatile Substance Abuse - Guidance for Professionals, produced in support of new legislation which prohibits the sale of butane gas lighter refills to under 18s.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136463,"EventID":"S1O-04969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the assessment and provision of education services for young people with special educational needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the assessment and provision of education services for young people with special educational needs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's proposals for improvement are set out in our response to the consultation on Assessing our children's educational needs - the Way Forward. This was published on 19 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136464,"EventID":"S1O-04973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting breakfast clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting breakfast clubs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the development of breakfast clubs in a number of ways.

Childcare Strategy funding (£16.75 million in 2002-03) is allocated to local authorities who, with Childcare Partnerships, make decisions on its disbursement to meet local childcare needs. The Executive has allocated an additional £8 million to local authorities as part of the Childcare Strategy funding over 2001-04 to help support and stabilise fragile out of school care provision, including breakfast clubs.

New Community Schools have the twin aims of promoting social inclusion and raising educational standards in Scotland. Many New Community Schools have been involved in setting up breakfast clubs where there is perceived need.

One of the priorities identified for the Health Improvement Fund, which has allocated £26 million per annum towards improving public health until 2003-04, is improving the diet of children. This includes supporting the provision of breakfast clubs.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136465,"EventID":"S1O-04975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support Gaelic-speaking teachers and enable them to teach their subject in Gaelic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support Gaelic-speaking teachers and enable them to teach their subject in Gaelic.","AnswerText":"The Executive is working closely with education authorities to ensure all teachers have the support they need to teach effectively. In particular, we support a course at Sabhal Mor Ostaig specifically designed to enable Gaelic-speaking teachers to teach their subject through the medium of. In addition, the Executive is providing £160,000 a year to Storlann for the provision of educational materials in Gaelic.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136466,"EventID":"S1O-04976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase community engagement in public services in order to ensure that such services are meeting the needs of communities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase community engagement in public services in order to ensure that such services are meeting the needs of communities. ","AnswerText":"We believe that by increasing community engagement in the planning and delivery of public services we will deliver improved service outcomes that better meet the needs of communities. The Better Neighbourhood Services Fund gives £90 million over three years to local authorities to work with communities to deliver services and to identify local outcome targets. We have also recently published proposals in respect of community budgeting and invited views on a requirement to engage communities in the community planning process. The forthcoming Community Regeneration Statement will say more about our policy in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136467,"EventID":"S1O-04979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to tackle financial exclusion and ensure that everyone has access to basic financial services. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to tackle financial exclusion and ensure that everyone has access to basic financial services. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with partners in the financial sector and others, to encourage the development of new and alternative means to deliver financial services, as well as ensuring existing services can reach whole communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136468,"EventID":"S1O-04981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new provisions it is making for respite and palliative care for children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new provisions it is making for respite and palliative care for children.","AnswerText":"The provision of respite and palliative care is the responsibility of local authorities and NHS boards to be determined in line with local need.

In 1999 the Scottish Executive doubled the funds available to local authorities for respite care and the support of carers from £5 million per year to £10 million through the Strategy for Carers. The Executive has made available additional resources, rising to £11 million per year, in response to the Royal Commission Report on Long Term Care. By 2003-04 this should increase respite provision across Scotland by 22,000 weeks a year.

In 2001 a report Palliative Care for Young People Aged 13 - 24 years provided guidance on helping young people through life threatening and life limiting illness. The next round of funding from the New Opportunities Fund will aim to further develop palliative care for children and adults. I recently announced a grant of £1 million to support the development of a second children's hospice in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136469,"EventID":"S1O-04987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it aims to ensure that looked after young people receive adequate levels of care and support on leaving the care system. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it aims to ensure that looked after young people receive adequate levels of care and support on leaving the care system. ","AnswerText":"We are committed to improving the quality of provision for the throughcare and aftercare of children and young people looked after by local authorities. A working group has been examining how local authorities can best provide a one stop shop approach for advice and assistance to care leavers. Their final report is due to be submitted to me in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136470,"EventID":"S1O-04989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards reaching its goals on community regeneration. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making towards reaching its goals on community regeneration. ","AnswerText":"Progress is reported yearly in our Social Justice Annual Report, which was published in November 2001. There is still much to do and it is important that we keep our approach to community regeneration under review and that we continue to learn from experience. We will set out further details of our future priorities and approach in our community regeneration statement, which we will publish shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136471,"EventID":"S1O-04996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken in order to reduce waiting times for tonsillectomies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken in order to reduce waiting times for tonsillectomies.","AnswerText":"Concerns over patient health and safety and issues, around surgical instruments used in routine tonsil and adenoid surgery, have now been resolved and surgery recommenced with effect from 11 March. I expect NHS boards to be taking local action to get waiting for these routine procedures down to acceptable levels as quickly as possible.

In addition, the National Waiting Times Unit has identified reducing waiting for routine tonsil and adenoid surgery as one of its priorities for action. The unit is currently assessing NHS boards' Local Health Plans to determine how best to tackle waiting in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136472,"EventID":"S1O-04997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to encourage domestic energy conservation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to encourage domestic energy conservation.","AnswerText":"Under the Home Energy Conservation Act local authorities work with other agencies in the public, private and voluntary sectors to improve home energy efficiency. The Scottish Executive's first HECA progress report for the period April 1997 to March 1999 was published in May 2001. Copies are held in the Parliament Reference Centre. A second HECA progress report covering the period April 1999 to March 2001 will be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136473,"EventID":"S1O-05001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that its domestic abuse campaign messages are accessible to hearing impaired people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to ensure that its domestic abuse campaign messages are accessible to hearing impaired people.","AnswerText":"Teletext subtitles have been added to the \"Behind Closed Doors\" television advertisement in its most recent phase from 25 March.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136474,"EventID":"S1O-05003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make any further information available in support of its recommendation on the future of HM Prison Peterhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make any further information available in support of its recommendation on the future of HM Prison Peterhead.","AnswerText":"The Executive has provided substantial information in support of our proposals in the Estates Review Consultation documents, but any necessary clarifications will be made available during the consultation period.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136475,"EventID":"S1O-05006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes attributed to sectarianism were reported to the police and led to the conviction of the perpetrators in the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes attributed to sectarianism were reported to the police and led to the conviction of the perpetrators in the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Crimes attributed to sectarianism are not separately identifiable within the Scottish Executive's classification of crimes and offences.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136476,"EventID":"S1O-05008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the hotel and bed and breakfast sector is being robustly marketed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the hotel and bed and breakfast sector is being robustly marketed.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland. However, all accommodation providers who are members of an Area Tourist Board will benefit from both brochure and internet based publicity. They will also be featured in VisitScotland promotional activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136477,"EventID":"S1O-05011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many men aged over 50 are employed in public libraries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many men aged over 50 are employed in public libraries.","AnswerText":"Statutory responsibility for the public library service in Scotland lies entirely with local authorities. Each local authority is responsible for employing their own staff in the library service.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136478,"EventID":"S1O-05014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison officers currently working at HM Prison Peterhead have worked there for three years or more.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison officers currently working at HM Prison Peterhead have worked there for three years or more.","AnswerText":"The number of prison officers currently working at HMP Peterhead who have worked there for three years or more is 124.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136479,"EventID":"S1O-05019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister attended the recent global wind power conference in Paris to underline Scotland's position as the prime wind energy generation site in Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister attended the recent global wind power conference in Paris to underline Scotland's position as the prime wind energy generation site in Europe.","AnswerText":"No ministers attended the conference. However, Scotland's interests were ably represented by the Scottish Enterprise Energy Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136480,"EventID":"S1O-05020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made at the Beatson Oncology Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made at the Beatson Oncology Centre.","AnswerText":"On-going recruitment of consultants has resulted in two further recent appointments. An additional £2 million ring-fenced investment will see the recruitment of up to 35 more nurses and other clinical support posts, additional and replacement equipment and the commissioning of additional space for chemotherapy at Gartnavel Hospital.

NHS Greater Glasgow published a comprehensive progress report on Monday 4 March 2002. The published agenda, papers and minutes of the NHS Greater Glasgow Board also document the position at 19 March when the report of the Expert Review Team was considered. Progress is also being made on the preparation of the full business case to support the Phase II West of Scotland Cancer Centre at Gartnavel.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136481,"EventID":"S1O-05021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been required to change its strategy on boosting golf-related tourism following the events of 11 September 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been required to change its strategy on boosting golf-related tourism following the events of 11 September 2001.","AnswerText":"The promotion of golf related tourism is an operational matter for VisitScotland. They have vigorously promoted Scotland's golf product and will continue to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136482,"EventID":"S1O-05029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing to the Scottish Maritime Museum in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is providing to the Scottish Maritime Museum in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Maritime Museum is receiving resources of £160,000 in 2002-03 as their share of the funding injection package of £1.26 million over three years announced in December 2000 for the three main industrial museums - the Scottish Fisheries Museum, the Scottish Maritime Museum and the Scottish Mining Museum.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136483,"EventID":"S1O-05030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve pupil attainment in secondary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve pupil attainment in secondary schools.","AnswerText":"The National Priorities for Education have established a framework to raise standards of achievement.

Each local authority must prepare an education improvement plan. Schools - in their school development plans - will set targets for improvement in attainment. They will publish their plans and evaluate their performance. Other measures such as the Early Intervention programme and our literacy and numeracy initiatives will ensure that the attainment of pupils is already significantly improved when they start secondary school.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136484,"EventID":"S1O-05032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future improvements in Glasgow's housing stock can be expected following the vote in favour of the transfer of the stock to the Glasgow Housing Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future improvements in Glasgow's housing stock can be expected following the vote in favour of the transfer of the stock to the Glasgow Housing Association.","AnswerText":"The transfer will bring real benefits to tenants in the form of fully modernised, secure houses and guaranteed rent levels. The investment programme will include affordable central heating, new windows and modern kitchens and bathrooms as well as external and environmental improvements. In addition, those tenants living in the worst housing stock will be able to move to new high quality rented accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136485,"EventID":"S1O-05036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the professional standing of those working in, or entering, all areas of the childcare sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the professional standing of those working in, or entering, all areas of the childcare sector.","AnswerText":"Both the Childcare Strategy and the Action Plan for the Training and Development of Workers in Early Education, Childcare and Playwork set out the Executive's commitment to increasing the professional standing of the childcare workforce by supporting their training and development. The action plan has been supported with £4 million over the last two financial years, with a further £9.2 million committed for 2002-04.

The Executive is also working to provide a greater range of progression routes within the early years sector, and local authorities and other providers have a wide range of options open to them when determining the structure of staffing in pre-school education and childcare. In pre-school education, this flexibility was emphasised by the publication of the Guidance on Teacher Involvement in Pre-School Education in January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136486,"EventID":"S1O-05038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to support exporters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to support exporters.","AnswerText":"In October 2001 the Scottish Executive launched the Global Connections Strategy which set out the Executive's aims for future international economic development activity. This strategy led to the creation of Scottish Development International.

Scottish Development International offers a wide range of services to support Scottish exporters. Through Scottish Development International's network of overseas offices, British Embassies, Local Export Partnerships and Trade Partners UK, Scottish Development International helps new and existing exporters research new markets, provide generic and custom market research and knowledge to companies and the delivery of customised strategic market entry support.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136487,"EventID":"S1O-05039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent No Speeding Day, what steps are being taken to ensure that messages on safe driving are successfully targeting younger drivers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the recent No Speeding Day, what steps are being taken to ensure that messages on safe driving are successfully targeting younger drivers.","AnswerText":"Through the Scottish Road Safety Campaign, the Scottish Executive targets road safety messages at all drivers, including younger drivers.

The campaign has produced two cinema adverts specifically aimed at young drivers. These will again be screened during 2002-03. The campaign will also be commissioning research to inform the development of a strategy aimed at improving young driver safety.

Following the publication last year of Scottish Executive research, which found that drug driving was most prevalent amongst younger drivers, the Scottish Road Safety Campaign has developed a TV advert, aimed at raising awareness of police techniques to detect drug driving, which will be launched in May.

Drink drive publicity over the festive period was targeted at young male drivers, in the light of research which found that they were a key risk group. The publicity featured the \"Wheel of Misfortune\", which highlights the consequences of being caught drink driving. Further publicity will be carried out in June.

Road safety publicity undertaken by the campaign is evaluated to determine its effectiveness.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136488,"EventID":"S1O-05041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any discussions have been held recently with senior executives at Compaq concerning the retention of production and employment at its plant in Erskine. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any discussions have been held recently with senior executives at Compaq concerning the retention of production and employment at its plant in Erskine. ","AnswerText":"Officials are in regular contact with senior management at Compaq, both at local and corporate level, to discuss operations at the plant in Erskine. I have recently visited the facility at Erskine and in the US met with senior management of Hewlett-Packard to confirm the Executive's willingness to work with the new company, should the new merger go ahead.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136489,"EventID":"S1O-05043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to encourage exercise among older people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to encourage exercise among older people.","AnswerText":"The Physical Activity Task Force is producing a draft strategy which will be issued for consultation soon. It will include recommendations dealing specifically with the physical activity needs of older adults.

NHS board health promotion departments and local authorities are also involved at local level in promoting physical activity for older people.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136490,"EventID":"S1O-05047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on proposals for a railway stop close to Edinburgh Airport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on proposals for a railway stop close to Edinburgh Airport.","AnswerText":"Our study is progressing well. The consultants are now assessing demand for a number of feasible engineering options already identified for rail links to both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136491,"EventID":"S1O-05049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bed days were taken up by the treatment of hospital-acquired infections in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bed days were taken up by the treatment of hospital-acquired infections in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136492,"EventID":"S1O-05055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current plans are on the establishment of neighbourhood warden schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current plans are on the establishment of neighbourhood warden schemes.","AnswerText":"We have no plans for community support officers with police powers to undertake neighbourhood patrols. However, the Executive has provided funding under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund for a pilot to explore the use of neighbourhood wardens in part of Paisley. The role of these wardens, who will be employed by Renfrewshire Council and work closely with Strathclyde Police, will be to observe and report incidents with the aim of reducing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136493,"EventID":"S1O-05056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed boundary revision at Braehead will impact on job opportunities in the area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed boundary revision at Braehead will impact on job opportunities in the area.","AnswerText":"The proposed boundary change at Braehead will have no direct effect on job opportunities in the area.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136494,"EventID":"S1O-05063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it aims to improve literacy among adults.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it aims to improve literacy among adults.","AnswerText":"Funding of £22.5 million over three years from April 2001 will enable at least 80,000 people to be helped. £18.5 million of this is being allocated through local authorities to Community Learning Strategy Partnerships where all providers can access the funding.

A new national development unit on literacy and numeracy is being established within Communities Scotland and a national training programme for tutors is already under development. On 16 April, I announced the launch of four pathfinder projects, three of which provide the first national support for raising awareness of the issue within the workplace. I also announced the development of a national curriculum for adult learners.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136495,"EventID":"S1O-05067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the removal of acute services from Stracathro Hospital has had on the ambulance service provision for patients in Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the removal of acute services from Stracathro Hospital has had on the ambulance service provision for patients in Angus.","AnswerText":"The Tayside NHS Board and the Scottish Ambulance Service agreed that for modern, safe and responsive patient services to be sustained in Angus then investment in additional emergency ambulance service resources was required. That investment has been and is continuing to be made into the area.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136496,"EventID":"S1O-05068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve the efficiency of administration within the court system. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve the efficiency of administration within the court system. ","AnswerText":"Two formal reviews are in progress. Lord Bonomy is examining the efficiency of the High Court and will report later this year. Sheriff Principal John McInnes chairs a committee examining the whole structure of summary criminal justice with a view to efficient and effective deliver, and is expected to report in summer 2003.

The efficiency of administration is one of the issues that will be examined in each review, although the recommendations are likely to range more widely, into structure, jurisdiction and other aspects of criminal procedure.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136497,"EventID":"S1O-05070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish air transport consultation will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish air transport consultation will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish air transport consultation document will be published in the summer. It is intended that its publication will be co-ordinated with the launch of other UK regional consultation documents.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136498,"EventID":"S1O-05072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what tangible benefits Scotland will gain as a result of this year's Tartan Week in the United States of America.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what tangible benefits Scotland will gain as a result of this year's Tartan Week in the United States of America.","AnswerText":"This year, Scottish ministers supported Tartan Week activities with a particular emphasis on promoting tourism to the US market, in a year that everyone recognises has been extremely difficult for the Scottish tourism industry. Tartan Week greatly increased Scotland's profile both in New York and Washington. Scotland, and its diverse images, enjoyed substantial and positive media coverage both here and in the United States.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136499,"EventID":"S1O-05073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address pressures currently facing the social care system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to address pressures currently facing the social care system.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have been funded to a record level of over £1.3 billion in the current year and we are taking forward a range of measures to secure real and measurable improvements to social services.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136500,"EventID":"S1O-05074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the introduction of school classroom assistants has led to any identifiable improvement in the quality of children's education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the introduction of school classroom assistants has led to any identifiable improvement in the quality of children's education.","AnswerText":"Yes, their introduction has led to an identifiable improvement in children's education. In January 2000, the Scottish Executive commissioned the Scottish Council for Research in Education (SCRE) to evaluate the classroom assistants initiative. Its interim findings, published on 3 September 2001, indicated that the supporting role assistants play in the classroom will indirectly improve the quality of children's education by allowing teachers to concentrate on individual and group teaching and lesson preparation. Apart from allowing children to benefit from improved teaching, they can also have a positive effect on pupil learning experiences by keeping pupils on task, encouraging good working practices and providing support for children with particular learning difficulties. I expect to receive SCRE's final report shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136501,"EventID":"S1O-05077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs Grampian region will incur as a result of the recent UK budget. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional costs Grampian region will incur as a result of the recent UK budget. ","AnswerText":"The recent UK budget is good news for Scotland and good news for Grampian. As the First Minister set out in his statement on 18 April, the budget will benefit business, the health service, older people, children, families and people in and out of work. The detailed impact on Grampian or any other region will depend on the individual circumstances of the businesses and households in that region. To assess this precisely would require detailed economic analysis - but for every region we would expect the benefits to significantly outweigh the costs. It is our responsibility to make sure we make the most of the opportunities the budget offers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136502,"EventID":"S1O-05078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses in assessing whether or not to agree to a local authority request to close a primary school when the decision has been referred to it because of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses in assessing whether or not to agree to a local authority request to close a primary school when the decision has been referred to it because of the distance to the nearest available alternative school. ","AnswerText":"We would consider each proposal on its individual merits. Account would be taken of all relevant considerations including educational and financial issues and the impact on the local community particularly in remote or rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136503,"EventID":"S1O-05080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been regarding time out centres and other alternatives to custody for women offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been regarding time out centres and other alternatives to custody for women offenders.","AnswerText":"A draft specification for the Time Out project is currently being drawn up. This work is near completion and will be followed by a formal tendering exercise.

Work is also under way on progressing the other conclusions in respect of alternatives to custody for women offenders set out in the ministerial report A Better Way.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136504,"EventID":"S1O-05082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in encouraging dentists to join practices in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in encouraging dentists to join practices in rural areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question SIO-05086.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136505,"EventID":"S1O-05086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure better access to dental care in the Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure better access to dental care in the Highlands.","AnswerText":"On 25 April, I announced a £1 million \"Golden Hello\" package as part of a phased programme to improve recruitment and retention of NHS dentists and help ensure that patients are able to access NHS dental treatment. Key features will include:

a £5,000 allowance over two years to dentists who have completed trainig and are entering substantive NHS practice or £10,000 over the same period where the post will be in one of the designated areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136506,"EventID":"S1O-05088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to deal with any delays in processing children's hearings caused during school holidays by the requirement for reports from educationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to deal with any delays in processing children's hearings caused during school holidays by the requirement for reports from educational professionals. ","AnswerText":"The Association of Directors of Education Scotland has been encouraging education authorities to develop individual protocols with SCRA. SCRA is liasing with authorities to minimise delays during the school holidays and will monitor the provision of reports over the forthcoming summer holiday period.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136507,"EventID":"S1O-05098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage a greater role for football supporters in the clubs that they support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage a greater role for football supporters in the clubs that they support.","AnswerText":"We have made arrangements to enable Supporters Direct to extend its service to Scotland through the employment of a caseworker based in Scotland. Funding of £75,000 a year for two years from 1 April 2002 is being provided from the Scottish share of funding from the major football pools companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136508,"EventID":"S1O-05105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the issue of young runaways.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the issue of young runaways.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-05126.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136509,"EventID":"S1O-05107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions it has drawn from the Right Fit project, sponsored by Barnardo's and GlaxoSmithKline and how and when it plans to take action in respect of any such conc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions it has drawn from the Right Fit project, sponsored by Barnardo's and GlaxoSmithKline and how and when it plans to take action in respect of any such conclusions.","AnswerText":"I was very impressed by the projects to promote young people's health, funded through this partnership between Barnardo's and GlaxoSmithKline. I would like to congratulate the two organisations and the young people involved on their sterling achievements. The Executive will be discussing with Barnardo's how best to ensure dissemination of the important lessons for practice to the NHS, local authorities and their partner agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136510,"EventID":"S1O-05109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the increase in National Insurance contributions, announced in the UK 2002 Budget, will have on voluntary organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the increase in National Insurance contributions, announced in the UK 2002 Budget, will have on voluntary organisations.","AnswerText":"Voluntary organisations will face the same 1% increase in employer National Insurance contributions as all other employers. But they will benefit from a range of budget measures, including the introduction of tax relief for gifts to charity of land or buildings, VAT relief for charity buildings including residential care homes, and changes to the rules for Gift Aid.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136511,"EventID":"S1O-05111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of COSLA to discuss its submission to the 2002 Spending Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet representatives of COSLA to discuss its submission to the 2002 Spending Review.","AnswerText":"I will meet with COSLA in the next few weeks to discuss its Spending Review submission. Other ministers are also arranging meetings with COSLA to discuss their portfolio interests.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136512,"EventID":"S1O-05112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it has issued to local authorities about assessing the impact on social exclusion policy of proposed Public/Private Partnerships to build and run schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it has issued to local authorities about assessing the impact on social exclusion policy of proposed Public/Private Partnerships to build and run schools.","AnswerText":"Social inclusion policy should be an important aspect of the consideration which local authorities give to the education service they provide. Social inclusion issues are relevant to all schools. Local authorities should therefore have regard to these issues in considering the specification of their requirements in any school Public/Private Partnership proposal. The responsibility for the provision of education in a school lies with the education authorities - whether or not the school is included in a Public/Private Partnership. For these reasons, no specific guidelines are issued by the Scottish Executive in relation to assessing the impact on social exclusion policy of proposed Public/Private Partnerships.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136513,"EventID":"S1O-05113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GPs have been recruited in (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) Scotland since the introduction of \"Golden Hello\" packages for new GPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GPs have been recruited in (a) Argyll and Bute and (b) Scotland since the introduction of \"Golden Hello\" packages for new GPs.","AnswerText":"Provisional data from the GP payments system indicate that two GPs in Argyll and Bute and 50 GPs in Scotland as a whole have received a \"Golden Hello\" payment.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136514,"EventID":"S1O-05117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in ensuring that all students training to be teachers who require an induction year starting in August 2002 will be accommodated without affec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in ensuring that all students training to be teachers who require an induction year starting in August 2002 will be accommodated without affecting any teachers currently on temporary contracts. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive continue to work very closely with local authorities to meet the guarantee of a one-year training contract for all eligible probationary teachers. Considerable progress has been made.

Sufficient funding is being made available to meet this guarantee. This, along with other steps being taken will minimise the impact on teachers currently on temporary contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136515,"EventID":"S1O-05118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in discussions with NHS boards and local authorities on delayed discharge. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in discussions with NHS boards and local authorities on delayed discharge. ","AnswerText":"Ministers met with local authority leaders and NHS chairs on 30 April to discuss progress and ministers will meet with individual partnerships in the coming period. Partnerships must submit local joint action plans for evaluation, prior to release of further funding, and these plans will provide the framework for achieving our targets for substantial reductions in delayed discharge.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136516,"EventID":"S1O-05120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that public transport accessibility is taken into account in the planning application process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that public transport accessibility is taken into account in the planning application process.","AnswerText":"The Executive's guidance to planning authorities contained in National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 17, Transport and Planning, places particular emphasis on accessibility to new development by public transport.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136517,"EventID":"S1O-05123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving road safety on the A84 and the A85.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving road safety on the A84 and the A85.","AnswerText":"The following works are being progressed on the A84/A85:

The Traffic Regulation Order promoting a 30 mph speed limit on the A85 through Lochearnhead will be published shortly and providing there are no objections the new speed limit should come into force in early September 2002. The village gateway signing and countdown markers will be erected at the same time as the new speed limit.

The Lochearnhead footway has been designed. Construction will commence once the necessary land has been acquired.

Improvements to the A84/A85 junction at Lochearnhead are programmed for completion by October 2002.

A scheme for the provision of street lighting at Lochearnhead has been prepared and will be implemented, subject to competing priorities and the availability of funding. Improvements to the street lighting in Callander are also being considered.

Three minor improvement schemes in Glen Ogle are being prepared and will be implemented subject to competing priorities and the availability of funding.

Verge safety fences are being upgraded both on the A84 and A85.

Alterations to the pelican crossing in Callander are expected to be completed by the end of May 2002.

Operation of the traffic lights in Callander is being monitored closely so the phasing of the lights can be adjusted to provide optimum performance.

Carriageway warning signs will be erected at Glen Ogle by the end of May 2002.

Strathyre village gateway signs are programmed to be completed before the start of the tourist season.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136518,"EventID":"S1O-05124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to develop links between the food and tourism industries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to develop links between the food and tourism industries.","AnswerText":"We have commissioned research work to look at the opportunities that exist in this area. This will determine the most effective way forward. We are also working closely with The National Food Grading Scheme to encourage greater uptake of local produce within the service sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136519,"EventID":"S1O-05126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place in order to help to reduce the number of children who run away from home, find children who have already run away and assist them to either com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place in order to help to reduce the number of children who run away from home, find children who have already run away and assist them to either come home or support themselves.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises that young people run away from home for a number of reasons, and it is important that agencies such as the police and social work, work together to assist young runaways. We are helping to fund Aberlour's pilot project, Running Other Choices which aims to find effective ways of helping to prevent young people from running away. We have also set up a working group to develop national inter-agency guidance on prevention and support for runaways.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136520,"EventID":"S1O-05129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the delay in the publication of the EU's reform proposals for the Common Fisheries Policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the delay in the publication of the EU's reform proposals for the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is disappointed that the European Commission proposals on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy have so far failed to emerge. We are keen to begin negotiations. However, the Commission is responsible for handling its own work programme and we must wait for them to complete their internal deliberations.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136521,"EventID":"S1O-05130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is encouraging to increase people's fitness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is encouraging to increase people's fitness.","AnswerText":"The Physical Activity Task Force is producing a draft strategy, which will be issued for consultation in June 2002. It will include recommendations for increasing physical activity amongst the whole of the Scottish population.

National and local bodies including the Health Education Board for Scotland, sportscotland and NHS board health promotion departments and local authorities are also involved in promoting physical activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136522,"EventID":"S1O-05132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision in respect of introducing legislation to reform charity law before the next Scottish parliamentary elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision in respect of introducing legislation to reform charity law before the next Scottish parliamentary elections.","AnswerText":"No. Our plans remain as set out in the answer to question on 21 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136523,"EventID":"S1O-05133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next stage in developing its sexual health strategy will be complete.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next stage in developing its sexual health strategy will be complete.","AnswerText":"The Executive is carrying out further preliminary work on the development of a sexual health strategy. No date has yet been set for completion.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136524,"EventID":"S1O-05134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Scottish Water concerning its charging policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Scottish Water concerning its charging policies.","AnswerText":"Ministers accepted the advice contained in the Water Industry Commissioner's Strategic Review of Charges in November 2001, which related to proposed revenue caps, the harmonisation of charges and cost-reflective tariffs. In the light of this decision, the three water authorities then agreed with the commissioner charging schemes and policies for Scottish Water to inherit.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136525,"EventID":"S1O-05141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are currently provided to help and support the children of parents undergoing treatment for substance abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are currently provided to help and support the children of parents undergoing treatment for substance abuse.","AnswerText":"There is a range of services to support the needs of children of drug misusing parents, including generic services provided by local authorities, services funded through the Changing Childrens Services Fund and Lloyds TSB Partnership Drugs Initiative.

The Executive has published Getting Our Priorities Right, which provides guidance on working with families where parents misuse drugs. The Executive has set a national standard that all Drug Action Teams and Child Protection Committees should have in place local policies on support to such families, in line with this guidance by the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136526,"EventID":"S1O-05143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of compliance with community service orders imposed by courts as an alternative to custody.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of compliance with community service orders imposed by courts as an alternative to custody.","AnswerText":"Breach applications made to the courts in 2000-01 in respect of Community Service Orders amounted to around one in every four orders. There is always scope for improvement but the breach rate is not dissimilar to that found for other community disposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136527,"EventID":"S1O-05146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its policies will close the gap in GDP growth between Scotland and the south east of England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its policies will close the gap in GDP growth between Scotland and the south east of England.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to increasing the long-term growth rate of the Scottish Economy.

The Executive has introduced a new economic strategy for Scotland with an emphasis upon science and skills. While recognising that there are no short-term solutions we are confident that our policies, within a stable macro-economic framework, will help to ensure future growth.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136528,"EventID":"S1O-05149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it gives to householders on the prevention of heat loss.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it gives to householders on the prevention of heat loss.","AnswerText":"Advice on best use of energy and budgeting is given under the Executive's Warm Deal and Central Heating Programmes. The Executive also fund the Energy Efficiency Advice Centres which give free energy efficiency advice to householders across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136529,"EventID":"S1O-05152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to set guidelines on when a dentist can refuse to treat a patient.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to set guidelines on when a dentist can refuse to treat a patient.","AnswerText":"No. A dental practitioner may decline to provide treatment under general dental services to a patient whom he or she has not accepted for care and treatment under capitation or continuing care arrangement or has de-registered from such an arrangement in accordance with the National Health Service (General Dental Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1996.

Under the National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Scotland) Regulations 1989, a dental practitioner providing general dental services may also decline to begin treatment or to continue with it, until the patient has paid any charge due to the practitioner.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136530,"EventID":"S1O-05153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a minister last visited Bell Baxter High School in Cupar and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a minister last visited Bell Baxter High School in Cupar and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"I visited Bell Baxter High School on 29 April 2002, and, as indicated in the answer given to question S1O-05161 today, discussion focussed on the major building work which is under way and which will result in the school being located on one site.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136531,"EventID":"S1O-05155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether timber is an asset to the rural economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether timber is an asset to the rural economy.","AnswerText":"Timber is indeed a significant asset to the rural economy and we look forward to it having an increasing impact. The forestry industry in Scotland currently employs over 10,000 people, most of whom live in rural areas. The industry will, however, develop as timber production from our forests is set to double over the next 10 to 15 years. One of the strategic directions in our Scottish Forestry Strategy is "To maximise the value to the Scottish economy of the wood resource becoming available over the next 20 years" We aim to maximise the value to the rural economy of this timber resource becoming available by working closely with the Scottish Forest Industries Cluster to promote competitiveness and innovation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136532,"EventID":"S1O-05156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the deployment of police resources to detect, arrest and charge individuals involved in both the supply and consumption of cannabis represents a productive use of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the deployment of police resources to detect, arrest and charge individuals involved in both the supply and consumption of cannabis represents a productive use of police time.","AnswerText":"The deployment of police resources is entirely an operational matter for individual chief constables. The police, of course, have a clear duty to uphold the law in relation to illegal drugs.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136533,"EventID":"S1O-05166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that older people are aware of the free personal and nursing care scheme commencing on 1 July 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that older people are aware of the free personal and nursing care scheme commencing on 1 July 2002. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has launched an extensive public information campaign which will inform older people, their families and carers of what the policy will deliver from 1 July.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136534,"EventID":"S1O-05167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to develop health care services in rural communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to develop health care services in rural communities.","AnswerText":"The Executive has introduced a new formula for allocating funding to NHS boards to ensure that full account is taken of the additional costs of providing services in remote and rural areas.

We have also introduced a range of measures to support health services in rural communities. These include funding of £8 million for the Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative (RARARI); and substantial investment to help recruit, retain and support GPs in rural practice, to develop community nursing services and to harness new technology.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136535,"EventID":"S1O-05171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to support the work of firefighters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to support the work of firefighters.","AnswerText":"We have just launched a consultative policy paper entitled The Scottish Fire Service of the Future. This paper sets out our proposals to further develop and improve the fire service in Scotland. Implicit in all of this is the Executive's continued support for the work of the fire service. A copy of the consultation paper is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136536,"EventID":"S1O-05174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are being made available to improve services for young people with special educational needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are being made available to improve services for young people with special educational needs.","AnswerText":"Local authorities receive very significant resources for education provision in the local government settlement. In addition, the following targeted resources are being provided for school education for children and young people with special educational needs:

There is in addition a wide range of initiatives which will significantly improve services for young people with special educational needs, although they are not exclusively aimed at them. These include implementation of the Beattie Committee Report and The Same as You.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136537,"EventID":"S1O-05181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in addressing the environmental impact of sea cage fish farming on rivers, lochs and seas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in addressing the environmental impact of sea cage fish farming on rivers, lochs and seas.","AnswerText":"Appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the environment, but we are continually refining these in the light of experience and scientific advice, to ensure that processes that have a disproportionate impact on the environment do not proceed.

Research is going on to examine Scottish waters to assess contribution of various activities, including fish farming, to eutrophication. A review of possible links between aquaculture, eutrophication and shellfish poisoning events is also under way. We are scoping the further necessary research required to establish the carrying capacity of coastal waters.

The Area Management Agreement process is helping to increase trust between fish farmers and wild fishery interests, to work together and resolve local problems, especially sea lice. Escapes must be prevented, and site specific containment and contingency plans are now required in support of all fish farm applications. Legislation to require reporting of escapes was laid before Parliament on 19 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136538,"EventID":"S1O-05185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of hospital wards is mixed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of hospital wards is mixed. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-24761 on 2 May 2002, S1W-24762 on 29 April 2002 and S1W-24763 on 29 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136539,"EventID":"S1O-05186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to close any widening of the gap in attainment levels between pupils from advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds in Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to close any widening of the gap in attainment levels between pupils from advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds in Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Standards in Scotland's Schools Act 2000 puts a duty on all local authorities, including Aberdeen City, to publish an Annual Statement of Improvement Objectives showing how they will meet the National Priorities in education, and help to close the achievement gap.

Funding for a range of national initiatives is in place to support disadvantaged children in Aberdeen and throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136540,"EventID":"S1O-05188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to carry out an economic impact assessment on the impact of Her Majesty's Government's 10% tax on oil and gas profits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to carry out an economic impact assessment on the impact of Her Majesty's Government's 10% tax on oil and gas profits.","AnswerText":"Changes to the tax system are entirely reserved to the UK Government, but Scottish ministers work closely with the oil and gas industry, to maximise their contribution to the Scottish economy, and we will continue to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136541,"EventID":"S1O-05197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the introduction of the career wind down scheme for teachers under the McCrone settlement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the introduction of the career wind down scheme for teachers under the McCrone settlement.","AnswerText":"The winding down scheme for teachers will be introduced from August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136542,"EventID":"S1O-05199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to local authority education departments regarding school policy for supporting pupils with ME or chronic fatigue syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to local authority education departments regarding school policy for supporting pupils with ME or chronic fatigue syndrome.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive issued the document Guidance on Education of Children Absent from School Through Ill-Health on 19 December 2001. The information and advice contained in the document is applicable to all children, including those children with ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, who are absent from school through ill-health. Copies are held in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136543,"EventID":"S1O-05203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of its meeting on 29 April 2002 with representatives of Angus Council and the other local authorities neighbouring Dundee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of its meeting on 29 April 2002 with representatives of Angus Council and the other local authorities neighbouring Dundee.","AnswerText":"The meeting held with Angus, Fife and Perth and Kinross Councils on 29 April, discussed a range of matters relating to the Cities Review, including the role of Dundee as a metropolitan centre, current and future patterns of development in the area of the Tay estuary, Dundee City Council's boundaries and joint working across the city-region. The purpose of the meeting was to explore the issues, rather than reach conclusions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136544,"EventID":"S1O-05208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the tourism and export opportunities for Fife from the new Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the tourism and export opportunities for Fife from the new Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland and the east of Scotland area tourist boards are providing marketing support for the new service. Scottish Enterprise Fife, with local partners, is promoting the potential benefits to exporters.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136545,"EventID":"S1O-05210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what encouragement it is giving to forestry companies to remove their freight traffic from roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what encouragement it is giving to forestry companies to remove their freight traffic from roads.","AnswerText":"A central plank of our freight transport policy is encouraging freight to be transferred from road to rail and water. Our commitment to encouraging modal shift is demonstrated by a doubling of resources to £36 million in the three-year period up to 2003-04 for the Scottish Executive's Freight Facilities Grant scheme. This scheme helps companies invest in the alternative facilities needed to compete in financial terms with road transport.

Awards of grant totalling up to £5.1 million have already been made to two projects transporting timber by sea from the Mull of Kintyre and the Morvern Peninsula to Ayrshire. There are a number of other timber projects that are now being looked at in terms of moving timber by rail or sea rather than road.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136546,"EventID":"S1O-05214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been made of the effectiveness of the drug court pilot schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been made of the effectiveness of the drug court pilot schemes.","AnswerText":"Both the Glasgow and Fife Drug Courts will be subject to an independent evaluation. The Glasgow Drug Court began sitting in November last year, and the evaluation of its effectiveness is already under way. The evaluation of the Fife Drug Court will begin when the court is established later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136547,"EventID":"S1O-05215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to develop walking in the Highlands within the tourism market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to develop walking in the Highlands within the tourism market.","AnswerText":"Local partners - Highland Council, the local enterprise companies and the area tourist boards - are working with Scottish Natural Heritage, VisitScotland and Paths for All to actively develop opportunities for increasing the tourism potential of walking in the Highlands.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136548,"EventID":"S1O-05217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is currently available for the training of people involved in supporting victims of domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is currently available for the training of people involved in supporting victims of domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"The Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund is currently funding six projects which provide training to people involved in supporting victims of domestic abuse, at a total cost of £158,311 per year, matched by local partners.

In addition, the Executive provides £25,750 to Scottish Women's Aid for two training workers.

Training for police officers is provided nationally by the Scottish Police College.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136549,"EventID":"S1O-05218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the work of the Digital Scotland pathfinder projects will lead to improved broadband access for businesses in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the work of the Digital Scotland pathfinder projects will lead to improved broadband access for businesses in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Aggregated procurement is a new approach to telecoms procurement and the two pathfinder projects will be the first test. The aim of the projects is to secure an affordable solution for the Public sector. By bundling demand in this way it is hoped that this will encourage more investment in infrastructure than would otherwise be the case and potentially establish a base for future wider provision of services to business and consumers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136550,"EventID":"S1O-05219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children currently live in low-income families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children currently live in low-income families.","AnswerText":"The proportion of children living in low-income households in Scotland was 30% in 2000-01. This is our headline measure, based on 60% of median GB income (after housing costs) for the relative year. In order to have a detailed understanding of children in low-income families we track a number of measurements, as outlined in our Social Justice Annual Report.

There has been considerable progress in improving the position for families on the lowest incomes. The proportion of children in severe income poverty (below 50% of median income) has fallen markedly from 21% in 1996-97 to 16% in 2000-01. There has also been a substantial improvement in income levels for low income families generally, as shown by the 13 percentage point drop in the number of children living in low-income households in absolute terms, from 34% in our baseline year of 1996-97 to 21% in 2000-01. These figures demonstrate that poor children in Scotland have been benefiting from our policies of supporting parents into training and work, underpinned by the modernisation of the tax and benefit system by the UK Government.

We remain committed to defeating child poverty in a generation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136551,"EventID":"S1O-05228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Central Scotland Police and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Central Scotland Police and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Justice Department are in regular contact with Central Scotland Police about a range of policing issues. My most recent visit to the area was for the Safer Central Anniversary on 19 April 2002 during which I met the Convener of the Central Scotland Joint Police Board and the Chief Constable, amongst others.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136552,"EventID":"S1O-05231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish Water's policy is regarding first time water and sewerage connections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish Water's policy is regarding first time water and sewerage connections.","AnswerText":"I understand from Scottish Water that its policy is to support local and national economic development, and community improvements, through the provision of water and sewerage infrastructure, insofar as this can be done at reasonable cost and within Scottish Water's overall financial constraints.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136553,"EventID":"S1O-05238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the reform of charity law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the reform of charity law.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24449 on 24 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136554,"EventID":"S1O-05243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future role is envisaged for racial equality councils in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future role is envisaged for racial equality councils in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is in the process of reviewing the delivery of local race equality work as part of its programme of modernisation. Responsibility for work in this area rests with the CRE. However, the Executive is being kept informed of developments.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136555,"EventID":"S1O-05249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Saltire is always flown from buildings in the care of Historic Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Saltire is always flown from buildings in the care of Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have already indicated how the guidelines for flag flying on special days will be adjusted so as to ensure that, on St Andrew's Day, Historic Scotland sites with single poles will fly the Saltire. I believe that is the correct decision. We have no plans to issue guidance applying to every day of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136560,"EventID":"S1O-05273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the method by which funds are distributed between police forces will conclude.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the method by which funds are distributed between police forces will conclude.","AnswerText":"The draft report of an independent study of the method of allocating funds to police forces was submitted late last year to a working group, involving the Executive, COSLA and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland. The group considered that, while this gave several useful pointers, additional analysis was needed before a new methodology could be proposed. This further work is now nearing completion.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136564,"EventID":"S1O-05295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with regard to delayed discharge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with regard to delayed discharge.","AnswerText":"Reducing levels of delayed discharge is a key priority for the Executive, and for local authority and Health Partners. We have committed an extra £20 million this year to tackle the problem. This will secure care in more appropriate settings for another 1,000 people. Local Joint Action Plans show how partners will meet their targeted reductions and secure real improvements for those delayed in hospitals. We expect to see substantial reductions in delayed discharge as a result.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136565,"EventID":"S1O-05306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the national audit of museum and gallery collections, premises and public services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the national audit of museum and gallery collections, premises and public services.","AnswerText":"The final report of the national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries has been completed and is currently being printed. Scottish Museums Council hope to launch the report in July.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136566,"EventID":"S1O-05309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken in response to the recent announcements regarding job losses in the oil and gas sector. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken in response to the recent announcements regarding job losses in the oil and gas sector. ","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers will continue to work with oil and gas companies through PILOT to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, and Local Enterprise Companies will continue to work with the industry on short-term changes which impact on jobs.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136567,"EventID":"S1O-05313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the diagnosis and treatment of victims of organophosphate poisoning and the provision of practical support for them. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the diagnosis and treatment of victims of organophosphate poisoning and the provision of practical support for them. ","AnswerText":"Appropriate arrangements are already in place in Scotland, which recognise that general practitioners and other health professionals are best placed to advise and inform patients, and to refer to a specialist in appropriate cases. Though the immediate and long-term effects of acute organophosphate poisoning - which is rare in Scotland - have been well understood for some time, diagnosis can be difficult as the signs and symptoms are non-specific to the cause. Because of this, general practitioners in Scotland were advised by the Chief Medical Officer in July 1999 of the need to be particularly vigilant for this possibility. The Scottish Poisons Information Bureau provides advice to the NHS on treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136568,"EventID":"S1O-05315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation similar to the TSE (England) Regulations 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation similar to the TSE (England) Regulations 2002.","AnswerText":"The TSE (Scotland) Regulations 2002, SSI No 2002/255, which implement Community legislation, were signed then laid before the Parliament on 29 May. These controls come into force on 19 June.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136569,"EventID":"S1O-05319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reform agri-environment support measures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to reform agri-environment support measures.","AnswerText":"In light of the responses received to the recent consultation exercise on changes to improve the operation of existing agri-environment schemes in the short term, the Executive is considering early reforms to these schemes. As indicated in the consultation paper, we will be consulting also on longer term options, including what to do when current Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme agreements come to an end.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136570,"EventID":"S1O-05321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in finding induction year places for teacher training graduates with Scottish local authorities from August 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in finding induction year places for teacher training graduates with Scottish local authorities from August 2002. ","AnswerText":"The new Teacher Induction Scheme will be introduced, on target, in August.

All primary probationers have now been notified of the local authority they will be working for during their probationary year. All of them have been offered one of their five choices, with three-quarters offered their first choice authority. In secondary, 95% of probationers have already been allocated to a local authorities of their choice and this process will be completed over the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136571,"EventID":"S1O-05322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will set a target for each of the sustainable development indicators in Meeting the Needs... that does not currently have a target.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will set a target for each of the sustainable development indicators in Meeting the Needs... that does not currently have a target.","AnswerText":"We intend to set additional targets for some of the indicators when appropriate in the light of further policy and scientific work. For others it will be more appropriate to monitor the trend than to set a target.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136572,"EventID":"S1O-05324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in recruiting and retaining nurses at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in recruiting and retaining nurses at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow. ","AnswerText":"South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust has been actively seeking to recruit and retain nurses through a number of initiatives including:

Also, the trust will be exhibiting at the Nursing Times Live exhibition at the SECC in Glasgow on 10-11 July 2002","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136573,"EventID":"S1O-05326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to help and promote the Scottish film industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to help and promote the Scottish film industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive sponsors Scottish Screen to encourage the development of the Scottish film, television, and related media as an industry and to promote film culture. Scottish Screen receives £2.6 million in grant from the Scottish Executive and is also the Lottery Distributor for film activity in Scotland, distributing a further £3 million through Lottery funded schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136574,"EventID":"S1O-05327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it is making to Her Majesty's Government over job losses in the north-east's oil industry following the increase in corporation tax on oil companies ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it is making to Her Majesty's Government over job losses in the north-east's oil industry following the increase in corporation tax on oil companies announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136575,"EventID":"S1O-05328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the Cities Review will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the Cities Review will be published.","AnswerText":"The Cities Review report will be published in the autumn together with a response from the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136576,"EventID":"S1O-05330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the Edinburgh CrossRail project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the Edinburgh CrossRail project.","AnswerText":"Iain Gray formally opened the £11 million Edinburgh CrossRail project on 4 June 2002. This project will deliver significant benefits to commuters from East of Edinburgh, including the opportunity to park and ride from Newcraighall.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136577,"EventID":"S1O-05336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Beatson Oncology Centre to have its full quota of specialist oncologists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Beatson Oncology Centre to have its full quota of specialist oncologists.","AnswerText":"One new oncologist started work on 10 June, another starts work in July. A further recruitment campaign is currently under way and it is hoped that at least two medical oncology posts will be filled. Clinical oncology posts may prove more difficult against the recognised national shortage in that specialty. Posts may also be filled on a locum basis pending substantive appointments.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136578,"EventID":"S1O-05340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the historic environment can contribute to economic regeneration in light of Passed to the Future - Historic Scotland's Policy for the Sustainable Management of the H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the historic environment can contribute to economic regeneration in light of Passed to the Future - Historic Scotland's Policy for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment. ","AnswerText":"Passed to the Future sets out the principles of sustainable management of the historic environment. Caring for the historic environment in a sustainable way can improve the quality of life and help to revitalise our towns, cities and countryside. It can promote confidence and stimulate economic and social regeneration.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136579,"EventID":"S1O-05342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met VisitScotland and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met VisitScotland and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Executive keeps in close touch with VisitScotland management by means of regular meetings, at which a wide range of matters are discussed.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136580,"EventID":"S1O-05344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being made available for communities wishing to establish a credit union. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being made available for communities wishing to establish a credit union. ","AnswerText":"The Executive will assist the development of the credit union movement in Scotland through the implementation of the Action Plan Unlocking the Potential. £1.5 million is being made available over three years to help implement the plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136581,"EventID":"S1O-05348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what encouragement is being given to the recruitment of, and support for, police officers from black and minority ethnic communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what encouragement is being given to the recruitment of, and support for, police officers from black and minority ethnic communities.","AnswerText":"I know from my contacts with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland that Chief Constables are well aware of their responsibilities to promote and improve race equality within the Scottish Police Service and are taking steps actively to encourage the recruitment police officers from black and minority ethnic communities. Six out of eight forces now have ethnic minority lay advisor groups and the two remaining forces also have arrangements for advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136582,"EventID":"S1O-05350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to bring in an appeals procedure in relation to Comments delivered by the Health Technology Board of Scotland on National Institute of Clinical E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to bring in an appeals procedure in relation to Comments delivered by the Health Technology Board of Scotland on National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on Health Technology Assessments. ","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to bring in an appeals procedure in relation to Comments delivered by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) on NICE guidance on Health Technology Assessments. However, HTBS will review a Comment in the light of new evidence on its interpretation of the contextual differences it has identified between Scotland and England and Wales.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136583,"EventID":"S1O-05351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the resources set aside for the Motorola Task Force has been spent and what percentage of this has been spent on government departments, agencies or non-depar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the resources set aside for the Motorola Task Force has been spent and what percentage of this has been spent on government departments, agencies or non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"Expenditure reports from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothians for the financial year 2001-02 show costs of £3.3 million.

Staffing costs for Motorola Taskforce activity account for just over £728,000. These costs can be broken down into actual costs of £339,279, which is the cost of staff seconded to, and recruited specifically for, the Motorola Taskforce, and absorbed costs of £388,894 by the various government departments, agencies and or non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136584,"EventID":"S1O-05352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle head lice amongst schoolchildren.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle head lice amongst schoolchildren.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the management and control of headlice infection lies with local NHS boards and each has agreed a policy with local education authorities and primary care health professionals. The Scottish Executive is reviewing these policies to assist development of national advice to parents and schools on the treatment of headlice.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136585,"EventID":"S1O-05353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to produce guidance on basic standards and best practice for the setting of pay and conditions for university research staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to produce guidance on basic standards and best practice for the setting of pay and conditions for university research staff.","AnswerText":"Pay and conditions for all staff are a matter for institutions and employees' representatives.

In our guidance letter of December 2001, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council was commended for its role in promoting good practice in relation to contract research staff and was asked to work with Universities Scotland to ensure lessons from initiatives are followed up and good practice embedded.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136586,"EventID":"S1O-05362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it is supporting to promote diversity in school education. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it is supporting to promote diversity in school education. ","AnswerText":"We have a Programme for Government commitment to support "future schools" projects and develop evaluation plans. We will publish details of the range of projects supported later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136587,"EventID":"S1O-05367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting initiatives to encourage people to stop smoking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting initiatives to encourage people to stop smoking.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is pursuing a wide range of measures to reduce levels of smoking. This includes funding for health education and prevention activities, smoking cessation services and provision of NRT and Zyban on prescription.

This week I launched the Partnership Action on Tobacco and Health Initiative with funding of £1.5 million over the next three years.

Other initiatives are aimed at reducing smoking in public places and the workplace, the introduction of a UK-wide ban on tobacco advertising and measures to improve the enforcement of the law relating to illegal sales of tobacco.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136588,"EventID":"S1O-05369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to support the groups identified in the HM Inspectorate of Education report Moving on from School to College: Helping young people with additio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to support the groups identified in the HM Inspectorate of Education report Moving on from School to College: Helping young people with additional support needs to make a successful transition.","AnswerText":"Young people with additional support needs are being helped in a number of ways:

£22.6 million has been allocated by the Executive to implement some of the key recommendations of the Beattie Committee;

13 Inclusiveness projects, managed by Careers Scotland, have been set up to improve training and employment outcomes for young people;

FE have extra resources for staff training and development;

The BRITE Centre has been established at Stevenson College to promote access to assistive technology across the sector;

Many schools are already following good practice along the lines of the HM Inspectorate of Education report Moving on from school to college;

A service specification for psychological services for the post-school sector is being developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136589,"EventID":"S1O-05373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the standard of children's dental hygiene. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the standard of children's dental hygiene. ","AnswerText":"The Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland was launched in August 2000, with the aim of improving dental health of children and increasing access to dental services.

A number of measures have been implemented nationally which target oral health and hygiene in children. These include:

In addition, a scheme was introduced in November 2001 aimed at six- and seven-year-olds. Under this, dentists are paid a monthly fee for providing oral hygiene advice and for fissure sealing the first permanent molar teeth to help prevent decay.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136590,"EventID":"S1O-05386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen to those bids by local authorities for funding of school improvements which are unsuccessful in the current bidding rounds. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen to those bids by local authorities for funding of school improvements which are unsuccessful in the current bidding rounds. ","AnswerText":"We expect to announce decisions on the bids from local authorities for financial support for school PPP projects soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136591,"EventID":"S1O-05390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the contribution that volunteering makes to the advancement of its policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the contribution that volunteering makes to the advancement of its policies.","AnswerText":"Volunteering is an important part of life in Scotland and makes a significant contribution to the achievement of the Executive's social justice objectives. The impact of volunteering on Scottish Executive policies is being measured as part of an evaluation of the Active Communities Initiative. The evaluation, which is a three-year study, with the first annual report due later this year, has been commissioned by the Active Communities Forum.

The forum brings together representatives from the Scottish Executive, public, private and voluntary sectors and is charged with overseeing the initiative. Its mission is to develop a better understanding of the impact of the Active Communities initiative in Scotland; encourage participation in the initiative; develop an overview of the work being undertaken, and inform and make recommendations to me.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136592,"EventID":"S1O-05394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to upgrade school playgrounds and community play areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to upgrade school playgrounds and community play areas.","AnswerText":"While I support the principle that such facilities should be in good condition, decisions on plans to upgrade them are matters for the local authorities who are responsible for their management.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136593,"EventID":"S1O-05395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the assessment process for those eligible for free personal care on 1 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the assessment process for those eligible for free personal care on 1 July 2002.","AnswerText":"All local authorities are putting arrangements in place to ensure that free personal and nursing care is implemented from 1 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136594,"EventID":"S1O-05396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how alcohol misuse services are currently being improved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how alcohol misuse services are currently being improved.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems, which was published on 18 January, acknowledges that there are gaps in current alcohol problems support and treatment services across Scotland. It requires local Alcohol Action Teams to assess needs in their areas and produce strategies to address these by April 2003. The Executive is currently developing a framework for support and treatment services to act as a guide for local strategies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136595,"EventID":"S1O-05408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has sought about the position of the Belgian Government in regard to crop trials of genetically modified oil seed rape and what information it has received","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has sought about the position of the Belgian Government in regard to crop trials of genetically modified oil seed rape and what information it has received about the position of the Belgian Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"There have been a number of trials of GM oilseed rape in Belgium. The Belgian authorities recently ordered the destruction of a small research plot of GM oilseed rape because it did not have the required separation distance between it and a conventional crop of oilseed rape which was planted subsequently.

Separation distances are concerned with maximising crop purity and are not about safety. In Scotland, those distances are set following expert advice and are based upon their successful use in conventional agriculture. Compliance with separation distances is monitored by the Executive's GM Inspectorate who have visited all Scottish release sites. They have not identified any instances where sexually compatible crops were growing within the permitted separation distances.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136596,"EventID":"S1O-05410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to encourage more children to walk to school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to encourage more children to walk to school.","AnswerText":"Between 2000 and 2004 over £21 million will have been made available by the Scottish Executive to local authorities to take forward work on walking, cycling and safer streets projects. These resources can be used to implement measures which will encourage more children to walk to school. It is, however, for each local authority to decide how best to use its allocation having regard to local needs and priorities.

In December 1999 the Executive published Guidance on How to Run Safer Routes to School. It contains practical guidance on how to encourage more children to walk, cycle or use public transport to school.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136597,"EventID":"S1O-05412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to protect Scotland's historic fishing rights during current negotiations on the Common Fisheries Policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to protect Scotland's historic fishing rights during current negotiations on the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is an integral part of the UK negotiating team on fisheries. We are working to ensure that Scotland's interests are fully represented during the current review of the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136598,"EventID":"S1O-05415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of abolishing tuition fees and reintroducing student bursaries on the number of school leavers attending higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of abolishing tuition fees and reintroducing student bursaries on the number of school leavers attending higher education.","AnswerText":"It is too early to assess the impact of the new student support arrangements. There are, however, some encouraging trends in the most recent data which shows a steady growth in the proportion of school leavers entering higher education to 32%, an overall participation rate of 50% of Scots under the age of 21 and a 5% increase in the numbers of Scots applying for higher education through UCAS this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136599,"EventID":"S1O-05416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to discuss with Communities Scotland the responsibility for maintenance costs of amenity areas and unadopted roads and paths that have been passed to ow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to discuss with Communities Scotland the responsibility for maintenance costs of amenity areas and unadopted roads and paths that have been passed to owners of former Scottish Special Housing Association homes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to discuss this with Communities Scotland. Responsibility for maintenance costs of amenity areas and unadopted roads and paths of former Scottish Homes (and previously Scottish Special Housing Association) stock lies with the owners themselves and the receiving landlords.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136600,"EventID":"S1O-05417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce median waiting times for people awaiting cataract operations. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce median waiting times for people awaiting cataract operations. ","AnswerText":"The National Waiting Times Unit is working with NHS Boards across Scotland to reduce delays for patients and in particular, to tackle lengthy waiting times.

I announced on 20 June that the Executive intended to purchase the HCI hospital facility in Clydebank and transform it into a National Waiting Times Centre, which will work alongside NHS boards to cut lengthy waiting times across Scotland. It is planned to carry out 5,000 elective procedures, including cataract operations, in the centre's first year of operation.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136601,"EventID":"S1O-05421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure an equitable system of rating of gear stores for the aquaculture and fishing industries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure an equitable system of rating of gear stores for the aquaculture and fishing industries.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to change the current system for the rating of gear stores for the aquaculture and fishing industries.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136602,"EventID":"S1O-05422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new proposals it has to address the number of GPs resigning in the Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new proposals it has to address the number of GPs resigning in the Highlands.","AnswerText":"NHS Highland is working proactively to support practices in their area. This includes the development of Personal Medical Services schemes which can be tailored to meet the needs of remote and rural practice. Also, as part of the current negotiations on a new UK-wide GP contract, the NHS Confederation and the UK General Practitioners Committee have set up a working group to take forward how the new GP contract would operate in remote and rural areas.

These initiatives are in addition to the special arrangements which already apply in rural areas under the current GP contract. These include the extra Golden Hello payments to new GPs joining a remote and rural practice; the Inducement Payment Scheme; the Associate Allowance scheme, and the Scottish Rural Practice Fund. The work of the Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative is also helping to develop remote and rural health services in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136603,"EventID":"S1O-05425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in eradicating any health inequalities between deprived areas and the rest of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in eradicating any health inequalities between deprived areas and the rest of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Tackling health inequalities has been set as a priority for the NHS and, following the Arbuthnott Review, we have reformed the way funding is distributed so the influence of deprivation and remoteness on health care needs is fully recognised for the first time. Also, we are focusing on inequalities in addressing the upstream determinants of health, through demonstration projects, healthy living centres, the Health Improvement Fund and wider work on lifestyles and life circumstances. All this will contribute to our continued push to tackle health inequalities.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136604,"EventID":"S1O-05430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is introducing in order to tackle drug dealers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is introducing in order to tackle drug dealers.","AnswerText":"We will continue to strengthen the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) which, together with Scottish police forces and law enforcement partners, are actively targeting drug dealers. We are providing £18.3 million to the SDEA over the next two years to enable it to continue to build on the achievements in its second annual report, published on 24 June, including the arrest last year of 172 persons involved in drug dealing. The Proceeds of Crime Bill, which is nearing the end of its progress through the UK Parliament, will also have a major impact on drug dealers and other criminals.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136605,"EventID":"S1O-05432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any new developments in its community regeneration policies. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any new developments in its community regeneration policies. ","AnswerText":"The Community Regeneration Statement - Better Communities in Scotland: Closing the Gap - which was published on 25 June, signals a number of important shifts in our approach to regeneration. These include the placing of regeneration within the community planning framework and, as part of consequence of this, the migration of social inclusion partnership funding to community planning partnerships; giving higher priority to providing individuals and communities with the skills and confidence necessary to take advantage of opportunities and to play a full part in the life of their communities, and putting in place a more robust monitoring and evaluation framework. Together these proposals will make a significant contribution to closing the gap between deprived communities and the rest of Scotland. A full debate on the statement will take place immediately after First Minister's Question Time today.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136606,"EventID":"S1O-05434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in tackling indiscipline in schools and in addressing concerns over violence against teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in tackling indiscipline in schools and in addressing concerns over violence against teachers.","AnswerText":"The Discipline Task Group (DTG) report, Better Behaviour - Better Learning made 36 recommendations aimed at improving discipline in schools, many of which will also impact on violent or threatening behaviour exhibited towards school staff. These recommendations are currently being implemented by the Scottish Executive, local authorities and individual schools following the Joint Action Plan published in December 2001. During 2001-02, the Scottish Executive made available initial funding of £13,000,000 to local authorities to assist with this implementation

It is hoped that the implementation of the DTG recommendations, along with other Scottish Executive initiatives, ensure an effective learning environment for all pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136607,"EventID":"S1O-05435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the renovation and building of schools. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the renovation and building of schools. ","AnswerText":"Significant progress is being made. On 25 June, Cathy Jamieson and I announced support for capital investment of £1.15 billion in Scotland's schools - across all 15 local authorities which submitted bids. This emphasises the strong commitment of Scottish ministers to the modernisation of our schools estate.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136608,"EventID":"S1O-05436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking ahead of the First Minister's attendance at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in August","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking ahead of the First Minister's attendance at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in August","AnswerText":"The Executive has prepared a report describing the work in Scotland on sustainable development since the Rio Summit in 1992 and the main points made in the stakeholder consultation undertaken last year. I have sent the report to the UK Government. Copies are being made available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22146) and it will be posted on the Executive's website.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136609,"EventID":"S1O-05438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reach a decision on the application by Dumfries and Galloway Council to close Laurieston Primary School in Kirkcudbrightshire. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reach a decision on the application by Dumfries and Galloway Council to close Laurieston Primary School in Kirkcudbrightshire. ","AnswerText":"The council's application for consent to this closure proposal is under consideration and a decision will be reached as soon as practicable.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136610,"EventID":"S1O-05439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities provide a textphone service. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities provide a textphone service. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136611,"EventID":"S1O-05440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the consultation paper, Review of Liquor Licensing Law in Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the consultation paper, Review of Liquor Licensing Law in Scotland","AnswerText":"The Executive is not responding to the consultation paper. However, we understand that Sheriff Principal Nicholson's committee has received over 200 replies which are now being analysed. I am expecting the committee to report in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136612,"EventID":"S1O-05442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all assessments for the implementation of free personal care on 1 July 2002 have been carried out. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all assessments for the implementation of free personal care on 1 July 2002 have been carried out. ","AnswerText":"All local authorities have indicated they will meet the regulatory and legislative requirements to implement free personal care for people currently in receipt of care in their area and I have no reason to believe that any local authority will fail to meet the implementation date.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136613,"EventID":"S1O-05446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify any discrepancy between the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 schedule 1 which states that assisting with the preparation of food will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify any discrepancy between the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 schedule 1 which states that assisting with the preparation of food will not be ordinarily charged for and its guidance to councils CCD4/2002 issued on 12 April which indicates that food preparation is a service for which a charge can be made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive do not believe that there is any discrepancy between the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 schedule 1 and the subsequent guidance CCD/4/2002 issued to councils on the implementation of the policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136614,"EventID":"S1O-05452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect emergency service crews from attack.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect emergency service crews from attack.","AnswerText":"The Executive is very concerned about attacks on emergency service personnel and I am sure that this Parliament joins me in condemning this totally unacceptable behaviour. We want those involved to be detected and apprehended by the police and dealt with firmly by the courts. The Executive is arranging a seminar this autumn which will bring together a wide range of professionals to identify how we might impact on those "hard to reach" groups who indulge in this kind of behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136615,"EventID":"S1O-05457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce its decision on the application for a field scale trial of winter GM oilseed rape at Newport-on-Tay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to announce its decision on the application for a field scale trial of winter GM oilseed rape at Newport-on-Tay.","AnswerText":"I am currently considering this matter and will make an announcement shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136616,"EventID":"S1O-05461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns that local authorities are not interpreting its guidance on the application of the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 uniformly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns that local authorities are not interpreting its guidance on the application of the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 uniformly.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and local authorities worked together to develop the guidance to ensure there was fair and consistent implementation across Scotland. Monitoring arrangements have been established to ensure this is achieved.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136617,"EventID":"S1O-05466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits would accrue to the economy from the development of the aquaculture industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits would accrue to the economy from the development of the aquaculture industry.","AnswerText":"Scotland produces in the region of 150,000 tonnes of aquaculture products which constitute some 40% of Scottish food exports. The principal benefit of developing this market would be the creation of jobs in areas where other sources of employment are not readily available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136618,"EventID":"S1O-05472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve industrial relations in further education colleges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve industrial relations in further education colleges.","AnswerText":"Industrial relations and employment issues within further education colleges, which are autonomous bodies in terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, are for the colleges themselves to address. I do of course expect college managers to foster good industrial relations, which are crucial to the delivery of an efficient and effective service to the public.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136619,"EventID":"S1O-05474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in liaising with Her Majesty's Government to implement new powers to sei'e the assets of drug dealers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in liaising with Her Majesty's Government to implement new powers to sei'e the assets of drug dealers.","AnswerText":"The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 received Royal Assent on 24 July. The act enhances the powers to confiscate assets following conviction, strengthens police powers of investigation, introduces new powers of civil recovery and cash seizure, and allows for the taxation of suspected criminal assets.

It is intended to implement the new cash seizure powers in December 2002, and the bulk of the rest of the act in February 2003. To this end, a major implementation programme is well under way, involving relevant officials and agencies across the UK. Scottish Executive and Crown Office officials are represented on the Home Office Implementation Group, and a separate Scottish implementation group has also been set up.

In particular, the existing Crown Office Criminal Confiscation Unit will be strengthened and a new Civil Recovery Unit set up. There will also be a major training exercise involving Procurators Fiscal, Police and Customs and Excise officers.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136620,"EventID":"S1O-05476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the use of the not-for-profit trusts as a vehicle for increasing investment in public services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the use of the not-for-profit trusts as a vehicle for increasing investment in public services.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been supporting developing work by Partnerships UK for some time with Argyll and Bute Council. Good progress has been made with the council in developing a variant model, founded on the standard public private partnership model, but dealing with the issues of internal distribution of surpluses (ie non-profit distributing) and stakeholder involvement. The 25 June announcement of over £1 billion in schools infrastructure by Cathy Jamieson supported this project with revenue support for an investment value of £80 million.

However, the test of whether this model will work lies in a live procurement situation, and the funding announcement now allows Argyll and Bute, supported financially by the Executive and with the continued expertise of Partnerships UK, to enter the procurement stages. It will take about a year for that process to reach the stage where we can properly assess whether this variant model has been successful as a new delivery vehicle.

The Executive evaluated the SNP's Scottish Investment Trust proposal last year. Whilst it had in principle the advantage of aggregating borrowing to lever in more competitive lending rates, the proposal was flawed in claiming that a private sector trust would be able to access borrowing rates at the same low rates as Government itself. If to achieve this the Government had to act as guarantor to the trust, then loans to the trust would count as public expenditure and assets created would score as on the public sector balance sheet. If that were the result, then some key advantages of PPP would be negated. Also, there were unanswered questions about issues such as control over appointments as trustees, and accountability over such a powerful funding body influencing public infrastructure investment.

Other trust models claiming to be based on not-for-profit objectives have been publicised. However, to date none has been submitted for consideration of revenue support from the Executive. Unless new issues emerge, and until it is ready for wider application in due course, the Executive will continue to focus its interest in new developments efficiently and with strong technical support in the Argyll and Bute model.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136621,"EventID":"S1O-05481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to end low pay in the health service in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to end low pay in the health service in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to addressing low pay in the context of the UK national negotiations on pay modernisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136622,"EventID":"S1O-05482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects local authorities to administer funds allocated for the provision of nursery places.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it expects local authorities to administer funds allocated for the provision of nursery places.","AnswerText":"Under the Standards in Scotland's Schools Act (2000) from 1 April this year local authorities were placed under a duty to secure a free part-time pre-school education place for all three- and four-year-olds whose parents wish one.

To assist them in meeting their new duty, resources amounting to £137 million were re-integrated into the local government settlement from financial year 2002-03. Authorities are now able to use the range of resources including pre-school grant, nursery education funding, Sure Start and the Childcare Strategy in an integrated way in order to purchase or provide the required range of services for children.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136623,"EventID":"S1O-05483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will it take to speed up the tendering process for the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service to facilitate the marketing of the route for next year's touri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will it take to speed up the tendering process for the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry service to facilitate the marketing of the route for next year's tourist season.","AnswerText":"We will shortly consult key local interests on the draft Service Specification, which will include the requirement that a detailed marketing plan be submitted.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136624,"EventID":"S1O-05492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will meet its new targets for renewable energy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will meet its new targets for renewable energy.","AnswerText":"The Renewables Obligation Scotland, introduced earlier this year, is resulting in a number of developers applying for consent to build new renewable generating plant. We expect this level of interest to continue and to increase. We will work with developers, planners, the energy industry and the economic development agencies to ensure that we fully exploit Scotland's natural resource and realise the opportunity for Scotland to become a world leader in renewable technology.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136625,"EventID":"S1O-05494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in encouraging young people to remain in education beyond the age of 16. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in encouraging young people to remain in education beyond the age of 16. ","AnswerText":"Since 1999, a number of initiatives have been introduced to encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to remain in education. These include the Education Maintenance Allowance pilot programme, the Young Student Retention Fund for Further Education Students and the Young Students Bursary Fund for Higher Education Students.

The overall proportion of young people staying on at school beyond fourth year or going on to further or higher education has increased since 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136626,"EventID":"S1O-05496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it can take to ensure that Scottish Water fulfils its promise to eradicate the odour problem in the Kirkcaldy constituency by the agreed September 2002 deadlin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it can take to ensure that Scottish Water fulfils its promise to eradicate the odour problem in the Kirkcaldy constituency by the agreed September 2002 deadline.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers may direct Scottish Water in the exercise of its functions using powers contained in section 56(3) of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act. I am aware of problems with odour at the new treatment works at Kirkcaldy. This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I understand work is in hand to identify and resolve the problem, including the installation of improved deodorising units by early October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136627,"EventID":"S1O-05498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made over the summer towards its target for provision of nursery places.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made over the summer towards its target for provision of nursery places.","AnswerText":"The Programme for Government target was to provide a pre-school place for all three-and four-year-olds whose parents wish such a place by 2002. I announced the latest figures, for academic year 2001-02, on 21 August. They show that 96% of four-years-olds and 85% of three-year-olds are participating in pre-school education.

You will recall that the scheme is voluntary and some parents will not want their children to take part. It is envisaged that the levels announced last month equate to full participation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136628,"EventID":"S1O-05502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it arrived at its recently announced target for eliminating fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it arrived at its recently announced target for eliminating fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ending fuel poverty by 2016 and has set an interim target that the number of households in fuel poverty will fall by 30% between 2002 and 2006. This target was set following discussions with the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group which includes as members the energy companies, COSLA, Friends of the Earth, Energy Action Scotland, Help the Aged, Age Concern, the Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem, energywatch and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations. The target is subject to review in 2003 when information from the 2002 Scottish House Condition Survey becomes available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136632,"EventID":"S1O-05510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on primary class si'e numbers as of August 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on primary class si'e numbers as of August 2002.","AnswerText":"Information on primary class sizes is collected in September of each year as part of the School Census.

As set out under the National Statistics Code of Practice, results from the September 2002 School Census will be published as soon as rigorous validation procedures have been carried out on the data to ensure that the statistics are accurate, reliable and fit for purpose.

The Scottish Executive currently plan to publish the results of the September 2002 School Census in spring 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136634,"EventID":"S1O-05514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement about new GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement about new GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive announced on Monday 9 September that farm-scale trials at two sites in Scotland could proceed this autumn. This decision was taken after ministers received the strongest assurances possible, from the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA) and Central Science Laboratories (CSL), on the purity of the seed to be used.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136636,"EventID":"S1O-05527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on drawing together the national waste strategy. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on drawing together the national waste strategy. ","AnswerText":"I am pleased to say that implementation of the National Waste Strategy is progressing well. All 11 draft Area Waste Plans have been published for public consultation. I intend to publish, shortly, a summary report on the work to check that the plans are consistent, will achieve Scotland's overall targets and identify potential economies of scale. The next step will be to finalise the area plans around the end of the year and publish an overall National Waste Plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136637,"EventID":"S1O-05530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns regarding the provision of public services in the Scottish Borders. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns regarding the provision of public services in the Scottish Borders. ","AnswerText":"Public Services in the Scottish Borders are subject to scrutiny through

inspection and audit and other performance review mechanisms.

The Executive has not been invited to date to take any actions with regard to any public service failures but will consider any recommendations it receives as a result of statutory review processes.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136640,"EventID":"S1O-05552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce further measures to assist key public sector workers to gain access to the housing market in pressured rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce further measures to assist key public sector workers to gain access to the housing market in pressured rural areas.","AnswerText":"The answer to questions S1W-28144 and S1W-28145 on 29 August 2002, set out a number of initiatives which are helping to increase the supply of affordable housing in rural areas. Individual projects may sometimes provide housing specifically for essential workers, such as a teacher, in very small communities. However, the Scottish Executive has no plans to introduce any general measures targeted on public sector workers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136643,"EventID":"S1O-05566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increase on current traffic flows is built into the traffic flow design figures for the proposed Glasgow southern orbital junction with the M77.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increase on current traffic flows is built into the traffic flow design figures for the proposed Glasgow southern orbital junction with the M77.","AnswerText":"The present and predicted hourly traffic volumes in the year 2020, taken as the design year for this scheme, were given in the answers to questions S1W-28403 and S1W-28404 on 10 September 2002. North of the proposed junction with the Glasgow Southern Orbital route the increases are approximately 1,000 vehicles and 700 vehicles respectively for the morning and evening peak hours. South of the junction traffic to and from the Glasgow Southern Orbital will add to this flow and the increases are 2,800 and 2,350 vehicles in the peak hours.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136644,"EventID":"S1O-05571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been committed to prison for non-payment of fines over the last six months for which figures are available. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been committed to prison for non-payment of fines over the last six months for which figures are available. ","AnswerText":"The provisional number of prison receptions for fine default in the first six months of 2002 was 3,631.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136645,"EventID":"S1O-05573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to maintain provision of technology, science and language skills to the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to maintain provision of technology, science and language skills to the economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive works closely with the enterprise networks, employer-led former National Training Organisations, emerging Sector Skills Councils, and education and training providers to enhance skills development and increase workforce productivity.

A Science Strategy for Scotland committed the Executive to ensure that enough people study science to a standard which will enable the future needs of the country to be met. Significant additional funds have been provided by both the Executive and the UK Government, as part of the recent Spending Review, to boost the uptake of science and technology subjects.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136646,"EventID":"S1O-05576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in respect of concerns of the community in Dunoon about the proposed restriction of the vehicle ferry service. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in respect of concerns of the community in Dunoon about the proposed restriction of the vehicle ferry service. ","AnswerText":"I have listened carefully to concerns expressed at meetings with local elected representatives and with representatives of community councils and other community interests in and around Dunoon. I will meet shortly with representatives of Argyll and Bute Council and the STUC, among others, as part of the consultation on the Draft Service Specification for Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services. I will take the views of all these consultees into account, along with written responses to the consultation process, in considering the final form of the service specification after the consultation ends on 27 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136647,"EventID":"S1O-05577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the task group established to review the licensing provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by the task group established to review the licensing provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","AnswerText":"The independent task group issued a consultation paper on its initial findings on 15 July and the closing date for responses is 4 October. Following consideration of the responses received it is anticipated that the task group will report to ministers with its recommendations around the turn of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136648,"EventID":"S1O-05578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of submissions made to the consultation exercise on the draft designation order for the proposed Cairngorms National Park, it will now widen the pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of submissions made to the consultation exercise on the draft designation order for the proposed Cairngorms National Park, it will now widen the proposed boundaries and, if so, whether it will undertake a new consultation exercise on such new boundaries.","AnswerText":"The consultation exercise into our proposals to establish a national park in the Cairngorms area has only recently finished. The responses are now being reviewed. We hope to complete that process shortly and will then bring forward a draft designation order for Parliamentary consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136649,"EventID":"S1O-05579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the deadline is for the publication of the Cities Review. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the deadline is for the publication of the Cities Review. ","AnswerText":"We aim to publish the Cities Review report at the end of October.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136650,"EventID":"S1O-05580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is making the public aware of the free off-peak travel scheme for older people and people with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is making the public aware of the free off-peak travel scheme for older people and people with disabilities.","AnswerText":"I launched a nationwide advertising campaign at Stirling Bus Station on 10 September to publicise the introduction of free local off-peak concessionary bus travel for elderly and disabled people from 30 September 2002. Posters will appear in and on buses throughout Scotland advising concession card holders of the minimum benefits to which they will be entitled. We will also be placing adverts in local newspapers across the country later in the month. These initiatives will complement guidance and information provided by councils, at a local level, on individual concessionary travel schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136651,"EventID":"S1O-05583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to phase out analogue hearing aids in favour of digital and programmable aids.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to phase out analogue hearing aids in favour of digital and programmable aids.","AnswerText":"The decision on what type of hearing aid best meets the needs of an individual patient is for the clinician in charge of their care.

The wide-ranging review of audiology services is on target to report to the Executive by the end of October. The report, which will take account of advances in hearing aid technology, will establish the extent to which the Scottish service needs to undergo modernisation and how best to implement any necessary improvements.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136652,"EventID":"S1O-05585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is educating children about road safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is educating children about road safety.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides funding to the Scottish Road Safety Campaign to enable it to produce road safety education resources aimed at children of all ages. The campaign is developing and implementing a strategy for road safety education in Scottish schools at all stages of education, from pre-school to upper secondary school, including special educational needs. The main aim is to ensure that there is a core curriculum of road safety taught to all children in Scotland.

As part of the Campaign's Theatre in Education programme, a number of plays aimed at different age groups tour schools throughout Scotland each year. The Campaign's website includes an area specifically for 8 to 13 year old children, which is designed to convey road safety messages in a fun way.

On 10 September the campaign launched a national Junior Road Safety Officer scheme, in which senior primary school pupils, supported by local authority or police Road Safety Officers, are appointed to raise awareness of road safety issues among other pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community.

The Scottish Executive is providing funding, totalling £810,000 over six years, for selected schemes, implemented by local authorities, to train five- and six-year-olds in practical road safety skills. Priority is being given to schemes in disadvantaged areas. The first three successful authorities were announced in January. The second bidding round was launched in June.

The Scottish Executive also funds the Children's Traffic Club in Scotland, which offers free road safety education to all three and four year old children in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136653,"EventID":"S1O-05586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to monitor the level of spending on overtime by police forces.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to monitor the level of spending on overtime by police forces.","AnswerText":"Information on spending on overtime by forces is contained in the annual financial returns which police forces make to the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136654,"EventID":"S1O-05594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to promote offshore wind farms. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to promote offshore wind farms. ","AnswerText":"The Renewables Obligation Scotland operates to promote the development of all renewables technologies. The Government's three year programme to support renewable technologies provides £64 million of capital grants and £10 million from the New Opportunities Fund for the development of offshore wind.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136655,"EventID":"S1O-05598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to introduce 20 mph speed limits outside schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to introduce 20 mph speed limits outside schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing additional resources to local authorities, totalling nearly £22 million over the period 2000 to 2004, for Safer Routes to School and Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets projects. Local authorities can use these resources to introduce measures such as 20 mph speed limits outside schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136656,"EventID":"S1O-05600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will recognise World Al'heimer's Day 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will recognise World Al'heimer's Day 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive already provides substantial support to Alzheimer Scotland, the Dementia Services Development Centre, and carers' organisations, and has no special plans to recognise World Alzheimer's Day 2002 on 21 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136657,"EventID":"S1O-05603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in extending lifelong learning to all age groups, with particular regard to the over-60s.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in extending lifelong learning to all age groups, with particular regard to the over-60s.","AnswerText":"The total number of students in all age bands, including the over 60s, in tertiary education in Scotland, has increased each year since 1994.

We are working with Scotland's older people to ensure they have the information they need to access learning opportunities, through various publications such as the Pensioners' Guide, the newsletter AGEnda for the over 50s, and a new website. This is in addition to information available through learndirect scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136658,"EventID":"S1O-05607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the health of homeless people. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the health of homeless people. ","AnswerText":"In October 2000, we announced our intention to prioritise the health of homeless people. To this end we appointed a Health and Homelessness Co-ordinator and issued guidance to NHS Scotland that outlined the requirement to pro-actively address the needs of this greatly disadvantaged group of people. As a result all NHS boards have submitted Health and Homelessness Action Plans which identify the activities they have planned to improve the health of homeless people across Scotland.

By April 2003 Health and Homelessness Action Plans will also be integrated into Local Authorities' Homelessness Strategies, which will ensure full NHS Scotland involvement in overall developments to tackle homelessness in Scotland.

The Health and Homelessness Co-ordinator and Health and Homelessness Steering Group are monitoring the delivery of these activities, and I am following progress with interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136659,"EventID":"S1O-05612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when discussions were last held with Clydeside local authorities concerning the dredging of the River Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when discussions were last held with Clydeside local authorities concerning the dredging of the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"Dredging of the River Clyde has not been raised by the Clydeside local authorities with the Executive. Clydeport, as harbour authority, has statutory powers to dredge the River Clyde.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136660,"EventID":"S1O-05613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in regard to the restoration of the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in regard to the restoration of the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry link.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering the technical and financial aspects of the initial expressions of interest received, and will shortly consult key local interests on the draft service specification.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136661,"EventID":"S1O-05619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to introduce to support young people with special educational needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to introduce to support young people with special educational needs.","AnswerText":"A review has been undertaken of the assessment and recording process for pupils with special educational needs and, after consultation, proposals for change were published in Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward?. Copies are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19469). These proposals are now being developed further, with input from service users and providers and the Executive expects to publish a draft bill early next year. We aim to modernise the framework for supporting pupils with additional needs, strengthen parents' involvement in decisions affecting their child's education and safeguard the rights of pupils with the most complex needs.

We plan to replace the Records of Needs with a more flexible co-ordinated support plan for the most vulnerable pupils. The new plan will focus more on support to help the pupil achieve long term learning outcomes rather than the current emphasis in the Record of Needs on assessment and on the failings of the child or young person. It will build on the individual planning mechanisms for pupils, such as the Individualised Educational Programmes, and will improve the co-ordination of the range of services that these pupils with complex needs require. The Co-ordinated Support Plan will have legal status and will be reviewed regularly, whenever required. Parents will be able to appeal its contents, including provision, to a new independent Additional Support Needs Tribunal. Parents will also be able to appeal to the tribunal education authorities' decisions about opening, reviewing and closing Co-ordinated Support Plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136662,"EventID":"S1O-05622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance forestry has to the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance forestry has to the economy.","AnswerText":"Forestry is a significant asset to the economy, particularly in rural areas. Forestry and primary wood processing in Scotland currently provide over 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs, and contributes around £800 million per year to the economy. Timber production from our forests is set to double over the next 10 to 15 years and, in partnership with the Scottish Forest Industries Cluster, we are seeking to promote competitiveness and innovation to take advantage of this opportunity to increase forestry's contribution to our economy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136663,"EventID":"S1O-05623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to transfer civil service departments and government agencies to the greater Glasgow area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to transfer civil service departments and government agencies to the greater Glasgow area.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to transfer civil service departments and government agencies to the greater Glasgow area. As set out in the answer given to question S1W-27024 on 26 July 2002, there are, however, several organisations currently undertaking relocation reviews, with decisions expected later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136664,"EventID":"S1O-05635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the public consultation on the central Scotland transport corridor studies is progressing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the public consultation on the central Scotland transport corridor studies is progressing.","AnswerText":"The consultants' corridor plan recommendations have been available for public consideration since 13 June 2002.

Newsletters outlining the consultants' key findings and recommendations have been widely distributed for each corridor.

Public exhibitions for the A8 and A80 corridors were held during the week beginning 16 September and the M74 corridor exhibition is being held in conjunction with the exhibition for the M74 Completion Scheme during the week beginning 23 September.

The consultation period is scheduled to end on 30 September and a wide range of comments on the plans has already been received. These, and any further comments, will all be given due consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136665,"EventID":"S1O-05642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority concessionary travel schemes coming into force on 30 September 2002 provide the national minimum standard for such schemes only.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority concessionary travel schemes coming into force on 30 September 2002 provide the national minimum standard for such schemes only.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136666,"EventID":"S1O-05646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is offering to vulnerable young people and those from deprived backgrounds and their families in the early years of education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is offering to vulnerable young people and those from deprived backgrounds and their families in the early years of education.","AnswerText":"Over the past four years, in partnership with the UK government, we have taken action to raise the incomes of families, especially for those on the lowest incomes. We have set the long-term objective of ending child poverty within a generation in partnership with the UK government. Since then, we have made significant progress towards that aim, improving the lives, prospects, and opportunities of children and young people. We are committed to ensuring that all children get the best possible start in life. Early intervention like the Sure Start Scotland programme will enable them to make the most of subsequent opportunities including pre-school education. Under the Spending Review we are providing an extra £31 million for Sure Start Scotland by 2006, bringing the total spend to £50 million that year.

We are also taking steps to reduce child income poverty by giving parents real opportunities to increase their incomes: by getting more parents into work through support for New Deal programmes, by providing affordable child care for parents, and through supporting education and training programmes. This is underpinned by the work of the UK Government, modernising the tax and benefit system and making work pay.

Help with child care costs is also available through the Childcare Tax Credit element of Working Families Tax Credit. Take-up in Scotland is currently around £30 million.

Pre-school education resources amounting to £137 million were re-integrated into the local government settlement from financial year 2002-03. This is to assist local authorities meet their new duties under the Standards in Scotland's Schools Act (2000), to secure a free part-time pre-school education place for all three- and four-year-olds whose parents wish one.

The Scottish Executive's Childcare Strategy aims to provide affordable accessible, quality child care to help parents into work and training. The Executive is providing local authorities with Childcare Strategy funding of £16.75 million this year which will increase by £23.9 million in the period up to 2006.

Funding amounting to £25.3 million is also available under the New Opportunities Fund Out of School Hours Childcare Initiative 1999-2003, designed to create new out of school care for children aged 3 to 14.

The NOF Childcare Initiative 2003-2006 amounting to £14.5 million, which was launched on 16 September, will have a particular focus on disadvantaged communities and vulnerable families.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136667,"EventID":"S1O-05648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is targeting investment to tackle youth crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is targeting investment to tackle youth crime.","AnswerText":"£25.5 million was allocated to local authorities between 2000 and 2003-04 for community-based programmes to help young people stop offending. On 18 September, I announced that the Executive would continue to invest resources to support the 10-Point Action Plan. £8 million, £24 million and £33 million will be provided over the next three years. An additional EYF allocation of £15 million is also being made available this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136668,"EventID":"S1O-05649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging people to use public transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging people to use public transport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is encouraging people to use public transport in a number of ways, including the launch on 18 September of Traveline Scotland, a telephone enquiry service providing timetable and journey planning information, which aims to encourage travellers to make greater use of public transport through providing customised information and comparisons about travel by all modes of public transport, and the enhancement of existing concessionary fares schemes to allow for free local bus travel within existing scheme boundaries for pensioners and disabled people outwith the morning peak from 30 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136669,"EventID":"S1O-05661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its policy of free personal care for elderly people is being implemented nationally in line with its expectations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its policy of free personal care for elderly people is being implemented nationally in line with its expectations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that there has been a fair and consistent implementation across Scotland. Chair of the Implementation Steering Group, Alexis Jay, is receiving regular feedback from local authorities and the overall picture is very positive.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136670,"EventID":"S1O-05666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it now has any plans to measure the impact on the economy of Her Majesty's Government's 10% tax on oil and gas profits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it now has any plans to measure the impact on the economy of Her Majesty's Government's 10% tax on oil and gas profits.","AnswerText":"The Executive will continue to work with the UK Government to support the success of the North Sea oil and gas industry and is committed to the PILOT targets to promote and sustain investment.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136671,"EventID":"S1O-05670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve services for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve services for disabled people.","AnswerText":"Policies across the whole range of Scottish Executive responsibilities aim to provide better services for disabled people. Through consultation with service users and disability groups the Executive aims to ensure that the needs and requirements of disabled people are identified and enhanced.

In addition, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, such as providing extra help or making changes to the way they provide their services. From October 2004 they may also have to make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136672,"EventID":"S1O-05680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to meet Glasgow Housing Association and Glasgow City Council concerning the timetable for the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to meet Glasgow Housing Association and Glasgow City Council concerning the timetable for the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer. ","AnswerText":"The Glasgow stock transfer is a highly complex and ambitious project to improve housing conditions for around 80,000 tenants, and the Scottish Executive is in regular contact with both Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Housing Association to take it forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136673,"EventID":"S1O-05681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to promote the new concessionary travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to promote the new concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"Iain Gray launched the introduction of free local off-peak bus travel for elderly and disabled people on 30 September.

The enhanced arrangements have also been publicised by a nationwide advertising campaign including posters at bus shelters, and on and in buses. These posters advised concession cardholders of the minimum benefits to which they are now entitled.

Regionalised adverts covering the impact of the new minimum entitlements on each of the existing concessionary travel schemes have been placed in 91 local newspapers.

These messages complement the guidance and information produced by councils, at a local level, on individual concessionary travel schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136674,"EventID":"S1O-05690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address any shortfall of new business start-ups in the greater Glasgow area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address any shortfall of new business start-ups in the greater Glasgow area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise is providing a range of measures under its New Approach to Entrepreneurship to increase the number of start-ups assisted across the Enterprise Network. I understand that a number of local measures are also being put in place by Scottish Enterprise Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136675,"EventID":"S1O-05692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote enterprise in Fife. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote enterprise in Fife. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise Fife is taking action in line with the direction and priorities set out in the Executive's A Smart, Successful Scotland. This sets out the foundation for sustained improvement in economic performance in Scotland. It focuses on three key challenges for raising productivity:

Growing businesses

Global connections

Learning and skills

Provision of information on programmes and projects is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.

The Fife Local Economic Forum, of which Scottish Enterprise Fife is a member, provides a mechanism for co-ordinated delivery of local economic development activities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136676,"EventID":"S1O-05696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to improve the quality of life in the Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to improve the quality of life in the Highlands.","AnswerText":"Among many other measures it takes in the Highlands, the Executive recently approved an additional £4.3 million to Highland Council to spend on quality of life initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136677,"EventID":"S1O-05698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reduce the amount it spends on advertising.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reduce the amount it spends on advertising.","AnswerText":"The First Minister has said that he believes that there is scope to reduce expenditure on advertising by up to 25% within the next 12 months. This is currently being reviewed by myself and I will be providing advice to the First Minister shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136678,"EventID":"S1O-05702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve directional signing to the A92 coastal tourist route to Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve directional signing to the A92 coastal tourist route to Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"It is for VisitScotland to submit to Scottish ministers proposals for signing on a national tourist route. No such proposals have been submitted for this route.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136679,"EventID":"S1O-05704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received on whether fluoridation of drinking water supplies, as considered in Towards Better Oral Health in Children, would be in contravention of any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received on whether fluoridation of drinking water supplies, as considered in Towards Better Oral Health in Children, would be in contravention of any European Union law.","AnswerText":"Questions relating to compliance with European Union Law could only be properly tested against a specific legislative proposition or fluoridation scheme. Towards Better Oral Health in Children contains no such proposal.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136680,"EventID":"S1O-05705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the spending review will have on the A75 Trans-European Network Route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the spending review will have on the A75 Trans-European Network Route.","AnswerText":"The trunk road programme will be maintained at a level which allows continuing improvements to long-distance, single carriageway strategic routes, such as the A75. This will include delivering on our current commitment to complete six major improvement schemes on the route.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136681,"EventID":"S1O-05707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting walking and cycling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting walking and cycling.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing additional resources to local authorities, totalling nearly £22 million over the period 2000 to 2004, for Safer Routes to School and Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136682,"EventID":"S1O-05708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is implementing the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 relating to the sei'ure of drug dealers' assets. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is implementing the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 relating to the sei'ure of drug dealers' assets. ","AnswerText":"A major implementation programme is well under way, involving relevant officials and agencies across the UK. Scottish Executive and Crown Office officials are represented on the Home Office Implementation Group, and a separate Scottish implementation group has also been set up.

On 23 August 2002 the Executive published for consultation a draft code of practice in relation to searches for suspected cash, as required by section 293 of the act. The finalised code will be brought into effect by statutory instrument after it has been approved by the Scottish Parliament. The Executive is in the process of recruiting an "appointed person" to scrutinise police use of cash search powers under section 290 and 291 of the act. We intend that the cash provisions in part 5 of the act, and also the money laundering provisions in part 7, will be implemented in December 2002.

The bulk of the rest of the act will be implemented by February 2003. Prior to that we will also be issuing a draft code on the use of the new investigations powers in part 8. Following consultation, it will be subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament.

In Scotland, the existing Crown Office Criminal Confiscation Unit is being strengthened and a new Civil Recovery Unit set up. A major training exercise involving procurators fiscal, police, customs and excise officers and other involved in enforcing the act's provisions is under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136683,"EventID":"S1O-05712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent progress it has made in tackling drug abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent progress it has made in tackling drug abuse.","AnswerText":"Our Drugs Strategy is based on four pillars - young people, communities, treatment and availability. The strategy is supported by £130 million, in new resources, over three years. Scotland's 22 Drug Action Teams take the lead in implementing the strategy at local level.

We are making steady progress. For example, new and improved treatment and rehabilitation services are being rolled out across Scotland, supported by our new resources. Our "Know the Score" Drugs Communications Strategy is providing factual information to the public on the risks posed by drugs, and where help and advice can be obtained. Our enforcement bodies are seizing record amounts of Class A drugs, which cause the most harm to individuals and communities.

More detailed information on progress in 2002 will be provided in the Executive's Annual Report on Drug Misuse, which will be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136684,"EventID":"S1O-05715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any aspect of its policies has been amended as a result of representations made by any member of the Royal Family since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any aspect of its policies has been amended as a result of representations made by any member of the Royal Family since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive ministers exchange correspondence with members of the Royal Family from time to time on a range of matters. All such correspondence is treated as private and confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136685,"EventID":"S1O-05716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the decision of the Inland Revenue not to give a tax concession that would allow ex-gratia payments in respect of the Scottish Transport Group pension sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of the decision of the Inland Revenue not to give a tax concession that would allow ex-gratia payments in respect of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes to be made as tax-free lump sum payments, what action it will now take in the interests of the scheme members, given that the Inland Revenue has allowed tax-free lump sum payments to members of the National Bus Company pension scheme.","AnswerText":"We have made representations to Treasury Ministers. The matter now lies with them and I understand that Scottish Members of Parliament are pursuing these matters on behalf of their constituents.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136686,"EventID":"S1O-05717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has regarding delay in the transfer of Scottish Borders Council housing stock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has regarding delay in the transfer of Scottish Borders Council housing stock.","AnswerText":"The transfer of the Scottish Borders housing stock to Scottish Borders Housing Association is progressing. The independent valuation required to be updated to reflect the basis of the sale e.g. intervening right to buy sales, rent increases and capital investment undertaken by the council. This work has been completed and Scottish Borders Housing Association is in the process of updating its business plan which is now due for submission by 31 October. The formal consent of ministers' should be available thereafter, allowing the transfer to complete by the end of the year. All parties remain fully committed to concluding this complex process as soon as possible in order that the significant commitments to tenants can be actioned.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136687,"EventID":"S1O-05719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the McCrone settlement has benefited schools in rural areas. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the McCrone settlement has benefited schools in rural areas. ","AnswerText":"Successful implementation of the agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century will provide greater flexibility, autonomy and diversity to deliver local solutions, helping to modernise school education throughout Scotland.

The agreement recognises and rewards the professionalism teachers bring to the classroom and, by improving administrative practices and providing increased numbers of support staff, ensures they have more time to teach.

The implementation of the agreement is on track and making good progress towards full implementation in 2006.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136688,"EventID":"S1O-05720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of junior doctors joining the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of junior doctors joining the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking a number of steps to increase the number of junior doctors.

The total Specialist Registrar establishment was increased by 100 in 2001, a rise of 9%, with many of the increases being in the specialties with the highest levels of vacancies. Additional funding for a further targeted increase of 375 junior doctors was announced on 2 April 2001, for the period to 2004.

The great majority of junior doctors in Scotland start as medical students in Scotland. The Executive has commissioned Sir Kenneth Calman to undertake a review of basic medical education in response to recommendations contained in Future Practice, Professor John Temple's report of his review of the Scottish medical workforce.

Other measures include a review of medical careers, which will be undertaken by Professor John Temple as part of a co-ordinated national approach to NHS and health careers that promotes and attracts professionals to work in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136689,"EventID":"S1O-05724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS will cope with long-term population change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS will cope with long-term population change.","AnswerText":"The NHS in Scotland will take into account population change as part of its strategic planning at NHS board level. This planning will be undertaken in the light of the assessed current and future needs of the local population.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136690,"EventID":"S1O-05727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to attract, support and retain quality, high-skill call centre enterprises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to attract, support and retain quality, high-skill call centre enterprises.","AnswerText":"We continue to work through Scottish Development International to promote Scotland as a quality location for value-added, high-skill call centres, emphasising our educational strengths, providing support and assistance with identifying locations and training, and offering financial support where appropriate. Financial services and telecommunications are priority areas for Scottish Development International and are being actively targeted in key overseas markets.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136691,"EventID":"S1O-05730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote British Sign Language (BSL) and to encourage its use, particularly within the social work services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote British Sign Language (BSL) and to encourage its use, particularly within the social work services.","AnswerText":"In 2000, the Executive established the British Sign Language and Linguistics Access Working Group to assist the development of policy around BSL and related linguistic access issues.

In March this year, good practice guidelines for public authorities were published by the Scottish Translation Interpreting and Communication Forum. The guidelines consider BSL as well as other community language issues. The Executive is funding a development worker, based in the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters and managed by the forum, to take this work forward. The Executive is actively encouraging sign language training and interpreting through funding of voluntary organisations under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136692,"EventID":"S1O-05732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of PPP and PFI schemes on the level of appropriate community access to school buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of PPP and PFI schemes on the level of appropriate community access to school buildings.","AnswerText":"Although the Scottish Schools Standard PPP contract contains provisions for community use of school facilities, it is for individual local authorities to consider the provision of appropriate levels of community access in the light of local circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136693,"EventID":"S1O-05737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue updated planning advice on open space.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue updated planning advice on open space.","AnswerText":"A Planning Advice Note on planning and open space will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136694,"EventID":"S1O-05739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a decent homes standard.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a decent homes standard.","AnswerText":"Improving the quality of the housing stock in Scotland is a key priority for the Scottish Executive. The Housing Improvement Task Force is giving consideration to possible ways in which the quality of the Scottish housing stock might be assessed and we will take account of this work when considering how best to measure progress in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136695,"EventID":"S1O-05742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to voluntary organisations working with survivors of heart disease and strokes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to voluntary organisations working with survivors of heart disease and strokes.","AnswerText":"We welcome the contribution voluntary bodies make to coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke care, especially rehabilitation. We are directly supporting two projects, one in the Borders, the other in Forth Valley. Strengthening the role of patients in service planning is central to our CHD and Stroke Strategy which we launched last week.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136696,"EventID":"S1O-05746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting schemes that reduce the risk of re-offending and anti-social behaviour in children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting schemes that reduce the risk of re-offending and anti-social behaviour in children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive takes these issues very seriously.

Between 2000 and 2003-04, we invested £25.5 million in programmes to reduce offending and anti-social behaviour among children and young people. In June, we announced £15 million end-year funding to support the Executive's 10-point plan to tackle youth crime. The Scottish budget will increase the amount of new money available to reduce youth crime by £33 million a year by 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136697,"EventID":"S1O-05747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about when the Regional Air Services Co-ordination Study will be published. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about when the Regional Air Services Co-ordination Study will be published. ","AnswerText":"I understand from the Department for Transport that the Regional Air Services Co-ordination Study will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136698,"EventID":"S1O-05748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Sub-committee on Sustainable Scotland last met and what matters were discussed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Sub-committee on Sustainable Scotland last met and what matters were discussed. ","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland last met on 2 October, when it discussed the Spending Review and sustainable development; the recent Johannesburg World Summit; the sub-committee's annual report to Cabinet, and progress on a number of other issues of interest to the work of the committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136699,"EventID":"S1O-05749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that there are adequate transport links to the new accident and emergency departments proposed under the acute services review in Gla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that there are adequate transport links to the new accident and emergency departments proposed under the acute services review in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"During September and October of 2001, Greater Glasgow NHS Board carried out a survey of attendances at adult accident and emergency units. The data collected over that period indicated that the number of patients who used public transport to attend accident and emergency units was less than one in 10 patients.

It is, however, of paramount importance that all current transport systems and travelling patterns are fully analysed against the new acute services configuration proposals to identify and address any mismatches. This will be essential in underpinning the plans in their entirety.

As I said during the parliamentary debate on 12 September, the NHS board has commissioned work to assess the broader transport implications of its future acute services configuration for staff, patients and visitors. The results of that work will be available later this month. I expect the NHS board to fully involve local communities in any changes to transport arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136700,"EventID":"S1O-05750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up rate has been for the new concessionary bus fares scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the take-up rate has been for the new concessionary bus fares scheme.","AnswerText":"Free local off-peak bus travel for elderly and disabled people has been delivered through enhancements to the 16 existing concessionary fares schemes operated by local authorities in Scotland.

A research project has been commissioned by the Scottish Executive to monitor travel behaviour both before and after the enhancements came into force in order to measure their impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136701,"EventID":"S1O-05758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in developing services for women suffering from alcohol dependency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in developing services for women suffering from alcohol dependency.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems, which was published in January, sets out that alcohol problems services should be sensitive to the needs of particular groups including women. The Executive published an Alcohol Problems Support and Treatment Services Framework on 5 September, which identifies women as one of the groups who might need support to access services.

The Health Education Board for Scotland, Alcohol Focus Scotland and the Scottish Association of Alcohol Action Teams are currently establishing a women and alcohol network. The network will provide a vehicle for the development and dissemination of good practice in working with women.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136702,"EventID":"S1O-05760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in encouraging sporting excellence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in encouraging sporting excellence.","AnswerText":"The establishment of the Scottish Institute of Sport is a key achievement among a range of initiatives and programmes designed to help our top and emerging athletes compete successfully on the world stage. The Scottish Institute and the network of Area Institutes will ensure that our talented athletes have the top quality coaching and other services and support they need to fulfil their potential. The Talented Athlete and Junior Groups Programmes run by sportscotland and the World Class Performance Programme run by UK Sport are also key parts of the support arrangements.

The current review of Sport 21, the development of sportscotland's next four-year lottery strategy and the review of all sportscotland's Exchequer and lottery programmes (following its internal reorganisation) will all contribute to our general aim of encouraging the achievement of sporting excellence.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136703,"EventID":"S1O-05764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to offer breast cancer screening services to all women whose mothers received diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy between 1941 and 1975.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to offer breast cancer screening services to all women whose mothers received diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy between 1941 and 1975.","AnswerText":"The NHS Scotland Breast Screening Programme provides routine breast screening every three years for women aged 50-64. Women below the age of 50, irrespective of whether or not they received diethylstilboestrol (DES) during pregnancy, are not routinely screened due to the density of their breast tissue which makes it difficult to detect problems.

Some of those women whose mothers received DES during pregnancy between 1941 and 1975 will already be within the routine breast screening age range. However, any women irrespective of their age who has concerns, should seek advice from their General Practitioner (GP) and may be referred by their GP to the symptomatic breast service, where appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136704,"EventID":"S1O-05769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation of the National Cultural Strategy is proceeding effectively.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation of the National Cultural Strategy is proceeding effectively.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Executive looks forward next month to publishing the 2nd Annual Report giving details of action to implement the National Cultural Strategy and progress achieved in the past year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136705,"EventID":"S1O-05774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to reverse the population decline in the Western Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to reverse the population decline in the Western Isles.","AnswerText":"We are committed to tackling the causes of population decline in the Western Isles, and throughout rural Scotland, through initiatives to support rural economic development, tackle social exclusion and improve access to services. In the Western Isles, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Western Isles Enterprise are supporting economic development. The Comhairle, HIE and the Local Enterprise Company, and the health board are all working together with communities and the voluntary sector, through the community planning process, to tackle exclusion and improve service delivery.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136706,"EventID":"S1O-05776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to consult the fishing industry on any proposals to impose new effort limitation measures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to consult the fishing industry on any proposals to impose new effort limitation measures.","AnswerText":"Effort control has been on the table since December last year, when the European Commission published its draft regulation for a cod and hake recovery plan. We have received written comments from the industry, and we have discussed possible effort limitation with them in various official and ministerial meetings since then.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136707,"EventID":"S1O-05779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to meet the Association of Scottish Colleges and the EIS to discuss on-going industrial relations issues in the further education sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to meet the Association of Scottish Colleges and the EIS to discuss on-going industrial relations issues in the further education sector.","AnswerText":"I plan to meet the General Secretary of the EIS in the near future to discuss a range of issues, including industrial relations in the further education sector. I have also arranged to meet the Chairman and the Chief Executive of the Association of Scottish Colleges on 5 November; the agenda has still to be finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136708,"EventID":"S1O-05785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities in regard to any difficulties that are being experienced in funding the terms and conditions for teachers as agreed und","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities in regard to any difficulties that are being experienced in funding the terms and conditions for teachers as agreed under the McCrone settlement. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has regular discussions with COSLA, the body which represents Scotland's local authorities in relation to these issues.

The Scottish Executive has more than met it's commitment to fund the agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century in full. The total costs of the package and the distribution between councils were agreed, in writing, with COSLA.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136709,"EventID":"S1O-05788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with financial organisations regarding the impact of irresponsible lending practices on social justice issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with financial organisations regarding the impact of irresponsible lending practices on social justice issues.","AnswerText":"As the member will be aware, the legislation governing irresponsible lending is reserved. However, we are in regular contact with a range of financial organisations such as the Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers and the Scottish Credit Union movement, with whom we discuss a range of social and financial inclusion issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136710,"EventID":"S1O-05789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reviewed plans made by BEAR Scotland Ltd for winter road maintenance in the Highlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reviewed plans made by BEAR Scotland Ltd for winter road maintenance in the Highlands.","AnswerText":"Yes. Bear's Winter Maintenance Plans have been reviewed by the Performance Audit Group and agreed by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136711,"EventID":"S1O-05791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public sector expenditure in total there has been on monitoring, running and supporting HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public sector expenditure in total there has been on monitoring, running and supporting HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"The total cost to the Scottish Prison Service has been in the region of £46 million from 1999 to date.

The Scottish Executive does not hold details of any local authority expenditure in relation to HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136712,"EventID":"S1O-05793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic impact the closure of white fish grounds would have on the fish processing industry. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic impact the closure of white fish grounds would have on the fish processing industry. ","AnswerText":"We intend to promote credible alternatives to widespread closure of our fishing grounds. The processing sector also has other sources of supply and is not wholly dependent on whitefish. Together, these should limit the economic impact on processors of any measures agreed by the Council of Ministers in December.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136713,"EventID":"S1O-05795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in promoting the use of public transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in promoting the use of public transport.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made progress in promoting the use of public transport in a number of ways. The introduction on 30 September of free local bus travel for pensioners and disabled people outwith the morning peak makes public transport more accessible and affordable to many. The Executive continues to provide support for improvements through the Public Transport Fund, with £175 million going to 79 projects. On 18 September I launched Traveline Scotland, a telephone enquiry service providing timetable and journey planning information. The travel awareness campaign Learn to Let Go which is now in its second year has raised levels of public awareness.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136714,"EventID":"S1O-05797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the views expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister on 22 October 2002 in the House of Commons on lack of necessity and justification for the firefig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the views expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister on 22 October 2002 in the House of Commons on lack of necessity and justification for the firefighters' industrial action.","AnswerText":"We are pleased that, through the intervention of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and the local authority employers are meeting again this week in the National Joint Council. We hope that the resumption of negotiations and the work of the Independent Review under Professor Sir George Bain will encourage the FBU to suspend their future planned industrial action and participate in the review process.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136715,"EventID":"S1O-05798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to offset recent job losses in South Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to offset recent job losses in South Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"I fully recognise the particular difficulties being faced by the wider Ayrshire economy, and am confident that local agencies will meet these challenges by working up a shared economic development strategy to boost the local economy and create jobs for local people. This strategy is currently being finalised by the Local Economic Forum and focuses on the key objectives of boosting the economy, developing the workforce and reducing unemployment.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136716,"EventID":"S1O-05799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to resolve the issues which have led to the recent situation in the provision of mental health services in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensbur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to resolve the issues which have led to the recent situation in the provision of mental health services in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh.","AnswerText":"NHS Argyll and Clyde is recruiting and taking the other action necessary to ensure that mental health services are available to meet health care needs in the area.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136717,"EventID":"S1O-05801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in the encouragement of cycling as a mode of transport. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in the encouragement of cycling as a mode of transport. ","AnswerText":"We are making good progress towards our target of doubling the number of cycle journeys between 1996 and 2002. The latest figures show that the average annual number of journeys made per person by bicycle in Scotland increased from eight for the years 1995-97, to 14 for the years 1998-2000 (Scottish Transport Statistics Number 21, Table 12.1: Parliament's Reference Centre Bib. number 23316).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136718,"EventID":"S1O-05802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the recruitment of social workers. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to improve the recruitment of social workers. ","AnswerText":"I launched the National Recruitment and Awareness Campaign on 22 October. This aims to raise the profile of social care and social work and to highlight the range of career options available. The campaign is a key part of a sustained commitment to ensuring a confident and competent social services workforce which can meet the demands placed upon it.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136719,"EventID":"S1O-05808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that car parking charges at hospitals are affordable for patients, visitors and staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that car parking charges at hospitals are affordable for patients, visitors and staff.","AnswerText":"The department expects NHS trusts to consult fully with staff and the public when considering the introduction, and subsequent operation of, car parking charges. Revised guidance is currently under consideration and consultation will be a feature of that guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136720,"EventID":"S1O-05813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for the installation of bar markings or take any further additional safety measures at the Sandyford Toll roundabout on the A77.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for the installation of bar markings or take any further additional safety measures at the Sandyford Toll roundabout on the A77.","AnswerText":"The new Sandyford Toll roundabout at the A77/A719 junction is, in common with all other alterations to the trunk road network, subject to a Road Safety Audit (RSA) procedure. The third stage in this procedure is a site examination once the works have been opened to traffic.

The RSA, which took place on 21 October, identified a number of measures which could further enhance safety at the roundabout and these have been programmed for completion in week ending 15 November. Yellow transverse bar markings are currently being designed for implementation on the trunk road approaches to the roundabout.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136721,"EventID":"S1O-05815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry route. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Campbeltown to Ballycastle ferry route. ","AnswerText":"A draft Service Specification was issued to key local interests in Kintyre and around Ballycastle on 11 October. I would expect to receive responses to that consultation by Monday of next week.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136722,"EventID":"S1O-05822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to promoting environmentally sustainable farming in a variety of ways. One of the key aims of A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture, which I launched last year, is better integration of agricultural and environmental objectives. We are taking forward the Custodians of Change report which I commissioned following publication of the Forward Strategy and will be consulting early in the New Year on further proposals to improve the operation of agri-environment schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136723,"EventID":"S1O-05824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the performance of students in Higher English, as referred to by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in its recent report on the 2002","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the performance of students in Higher English, as referred to by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in its recent report on the 2002 exam diet.","AnswerText":"Ministers take very seriously the Assessment Panel report on Higher English and recognise the importance of the SQA taking forward the recommendations for action.

Separate from these recommendations the Scottish Executive is involved in a series of initiatives to improve standards in English and related subjects throughout the school curriculum - including Higher English.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136724,"EventID":"S1O-05825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reviewed the timescale for reviewing local authority boundaries in the light of the current review of parliamentary boundaries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reviewed the timescale for reviewing local authority boundaries in the light of the current review of parliamentary boundaries.","AnswerText":"No. As stated in the Executive's consultation paper on Renewing Local Democracy: The Next Steps published earlier this year, there are no plans to review local authority boundaries in the foreseeable future.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136725,"EventID":"S1O-05830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation is being made of its concessionary travel scheme for elderly and disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation is being made of its concessionary travel scheme for elderly and disabled people.","AnswerText":"Free local off-peak concessionary bus travel for elderly and disabled people has been delivered through enhancements to the 16 existing concessionary fares schemes operated by local authorities in Scotland.

A research project has been commissioned by the Executive to monitor travel behaviour both before and after the enhancements came into force in order to accurately gauge their impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136726,"EventID":"S1O-05834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in closing the poverty gap.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in closing the poverty gap.","AnswerText":"Closing the Opportunity Gap: Scottish Budget 2003-2006 was published last month. It sets out, by ministerial portfolio, what the Executive has achieved to date and how the recent spending plans and associated objectives and targets will sharpen the attack on poverty, inequality and discrimination.

In addition, the 3rd Social Justice Annual Report will be published shortly, detailing progress against the 29 social justice milestones.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136727,"EventID":"S1O-05837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling the fear of crime amongst elderly people. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is tackling the fear of crime amongst elderly people. ","AnswerText":"Recent survey information suggests that Scotland is a safer place to live compared to the rest of the UK, not only for older people but also generally, and that the fear of crime amongst older people is also lower.

We have set a target to reduce the fear of crime or seriousness of worry about crime in the justice section of the recently published Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06. Whilst no specific target or date has been set for this to be achieved, we aim to reduce the fear of crime for all in our communities by successfully meeting other targets within the same proposals to reduce specific areas of serious crime. This should have a positive effect on how safe our communities feel. We shall use the Scottish Crime Survey 2004 results to measure progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136728,"EventID":"S1O-05841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in tackling GP recruitment in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in tackling GP recruitment in rural areas.","AnswerText":"A range of measures are in place to support the retention and recruitment of GPs in remote and rural areas. New GPs joining the NHS in remote and rural areas get the standard £5,000 "Golden Hello" payment and a further £5,000 as a special remote and rural supplement.

Personal Medical Services pilots offer particular advantages to remote and rural practices by tailoring working arrangements and GP contracts to specific practice needs - we are investing £18.5 million over three years in the initiative. The Inducement Payment Scheme tops up rural GPs' salaries. The Associate Allowance helps single handed GPs to employ an associate, and the Scottish Rural Practice Fund compensates GPs for time spent visiting patients in scattered practices. Locum allowances enable GPs to attend educational courses and assist with the costs of out-of-hours cover.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136729,"EventID":"S1O-05845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its crime statistics support the research by the Scottish Gas and Help the Aged partnership into the fear of crime amongst older people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its crime statistics support the research by the Scottish Gas and Help the Aged partnership into the fear of crime amongst older people.","AnswerText":"The recent findings published by Scottish Gas and Help the Aged support data from the Scottish Crime Survey which suggest that Scotland is a safer place to live not only for older people but also generally. However, whilst our statistics tend to confirm that older people in Scotland are almost half as likely to be victims of violent crime as those in England and Wales, the level of fear of crime amongst older people in Scotland, whilst still lower than England and Wales, is disproportionate to the level of crime they experience. This message needs to be reinforced and the additional investment we are making to tackle serious crime, such as violence and drugs, the measures we have introduced and the targets we have set to reduce these and other crimes should have a positive effect on how our communities feel.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136730,"EventID":"S1O-05846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that social housing meets acceptable standards. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that social housing meets acceptable standards. ","AnswerText":"As part of a package of housing measures, Margaret Curran announced earlier today that we intend to work with local authorities, registered social landlords and others to develop a national quality standard for social housing.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136731,"EventID":"S1O-05849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in encouraging nurses to return to practice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in encouraging nurses to return to practice.","AnswerText":"One hundred and forty nurses or midwives have returned or are in the process of returning to practice as a result of the introduction of the funded managed implementation programme in six board areas since March 2002. I announced an additional £1 million of funding to implement return to practice programmes for all of NHSScotland which will allow up to 600 nurses or midwives to return to practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136732,"EventID":"S1O-05850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage men to take up careers in childcare.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage men to take up careers in childcare.","AnswerText":"The Executive is keen to encourage both men and women to take up careers in childcare. In 2000 it launched Childcare: The Training Challenge - An Action Plan for the Training and Development of Workers in Early Education, Childcare and Playwork. It has also published Working With Children, a guide to qualifications and careers in early education and childcare. Both of these publications make it clear that we welcome men working in childcare.

In March 2002 I announced an additional £9.2 million for the period 2002-04, which will be allocated to local authorities for the expansion and development of the early years workforce. In the Scottish Budget additional resources were identified and for 2004-05 and 2005-06 the amount allocated to local authorities for this purpose will increase again to £6 million each year. The Executive will write to local authorities giving examples of areas that the funding can be used for, and one area that we will highlight is increasing the diversity of the early years workforce.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136733,"EventID":"S1O-05853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking on the current industrial dispute at the Central College of Commerce in Glasgow. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking on the current industrial dispute at the Central College of Commerce in Glasgow. ","AnswerText":"I have nothing further to add to the answer given to question S1O-5472 on 5 September 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136734,"EventID":"S1O-05854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to attract young people to live and work in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to attract young people to live and work in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Our vision for rural Scotland, published in May 2000, stressed the importance of improving the lives of all those living in rural areas. This included our determination to ensure that our rural areas attract and retain young people to live and work there - to ensure that "getting on need not mean going away". To realise that vision, we have in place a range of measures across all Scottish Executive portfolios.

We are increasing employment opportunities through support for rural economic development, improving the provision of child care and school education in rural areas, and increasing opportunities for further and higher education. We are tackling social exclusion, improving the provision of transport in rural areas and improving housing conditions through our community ownership programme. For example, the proposed transfer of Scottish Borders Council's housing to Scottish Borders Housing Association will generate around £82 million investment in the first 10 years to repair and modernise the housing stock. The knock-on effect of this substantial investment is expected to be more local jobs and training opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136735,"EventID":"S1O-05860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are required to report the results of environmental impact assessments on proposals for new or extended landfill sites for ha'ardous waste. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are required to report the results of environmental impact assessments on proposals for new or extended landfill sites for ha'ardous waste. ","AnswerText":"Yes.

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999, when a decision is made on a planning application to which they apply, the planning authority must inform the Scottish ministers in writing and inform the public by a notice in a local newspaper or such other means as are reasonable in the circumstances. They must also make available for public inspection a statement containing:

(i) the content of the decision and any conditions attached thereto;

(ii) the main reasons and considerations on which the decision is based, and

(iii) the description, where necessary, of the main measures to avoid, reduce and, if possible, offset the major adverse effects of the development.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136736,"EventID":"S1O-05873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take as part of its strategy against poverty that would result in an improvement in the disposable income of households in Glasgow. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take as part of its strategy against poverty that would result in an improvement in the disposable income of households in Glasgow. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is combating poverty by improving the disposable income of households in Glasgow through a range of actions. These include concessionary bus passes for older people, delivering our Warm Deal Central Heating programmes, supporting the child care costs of lone parents who are continuing their education and, alongside the UK government, providing real opportunities for people to work through the New Deal programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136737,"EventID":"S1O-05874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet Dundee City Council and what issues will be raised. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet Dundee City Council and what issues will be raised. ","AnswerText":"I meet with all councils from time to time to discuss issues of mutual interest but have no plans to meet with Dundee City Council in the immediate future.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136738,"EventID":"S1O-05875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the NHS through the Centre for Change and Innovation. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the NHS through the Centre for Change and Innovation. ","AnswerText":"The Centre for Change and Innovation was established on 1 November 2002.

It will support frontline staff and managers as they lead change and redesign services round the needs of patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136739,"EventID":"S1O-05877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make an announcement about the proposed boundaries of, and planning powers for, the Cairngorms National Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make an announcement about the proposed boundaries of, and planning powers for, the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"The draft Designation Order, which includes details on the extent of the park boundary and the arrangements for planning, was laid before the Parliament earlier today.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136740,"EventID":"S1O-05878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is introducing to prevent further job losses in Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is introducing to prevent further job losses in Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"I fully appreciate the particular difficulties being faced by the wider Ayrshire economy, and am confident that the local agencies will meet these challenges through their shared long-term economic development strategy to boost the local economy and create jobs for local people. This strategy was agreed in principle by the Local Economic Forum on Friday 8 November and focuses on the key objectives of boosting the economy; increasing connectivity to markets; developing a positive workforce; reducing unemployment in Ayrshire, and promoting a pride in Ayrshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136741,"EventID":"S1O-05879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to respond to recent attacks on emergency services staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to respond to recent attacks on emergency services staff.","AnswerText":"These continuing attacks on emergency services staff are deplorable and we condemn them in the strongest possible terms. We debated these issues in Parliament in September when there was considerable consensus about the importance of protecting emergency service personnel. There are already a range of protective measures and strategies in place and we need to ensure that these are effective, as well as considering what more might be done.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136742,"EventID":"S1O-05883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a moratorium on GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a moratorium on GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to introduce a moratorium on GM crop trials. Ministers and the Executive have made clear that autumn 2002 is the final round of the farm scale evaluation (FSE) programme and that there will be no commercial growing of GM crops pending the results of the FSE research programme and the outcome of the public debate.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136743,"EventID":"S1O-05885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns about the level of voids in local authority housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any concerns about the level of voids in local authority housing.","AnswerText":"The Accounts Commission collects information on void levels in local authorities, which is published annually. The management of voids is, however, a matter for individual local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136744,"EventID":"S1O-05892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider amending the tiered testing proposals for amnesic shellfish poisoning in scallops, in view of concerns from the scallop industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider amending the tiered testing proposals for amnesic shellfish poisoning in scallops, in view of concerns from the scallop industry.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency have assured me that they will consider all points made by the scallop industry in regard to the proposed tiered system. Where possible they will be incorporating any suggested measures in their recommendations to ministers. The overriding concern is to develop a regime to meet legal requirements and to safeguard public health.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136745,"EventID":"S1O-05894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the number of ecstasy-related deaths in 2001 in Scotland compared with England and Wales. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the number of ecstasy-related deaths in 2001 in Scotland compared with England and Wales. ","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland paper on Drug-Related Deaths in Scotland in 2001 shows that ecstasy was known to be involved in the deaths of 20 people resulting from drug poisoning or overdose. However, we need to be clear that this does not mean that ecstasy was solely responsible for these deaths, as implied in some recent media articles.

It is likely that ecstasy, in some cases in conjunction with alcohol, was primarily responsible for only six of these deaths. There were 10 deaths involving poly-drug misuse, where it was not possible to identify the primary drug or drugs responsible. It should be noted, however, that all 10 of these cases involved an opiate, such as heroin, and/or a benzodiazepine. Whilst recorded as being present, ecstasy was not directly involved in the four remaining deaths.

The media reports also compared the figure of 20 deaths in Scotland, with a figure of 40 deaths in England and Wales. We understand that the figure for England and Wales comes from a study of deaths in 2001 by St George's Hospital Medical School. The St George's study uses a different methodology from the GROS Paper, so the figures are not directly comparable.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136746,"EventID":"S1O-05900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle delayed discharge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle delayed discharge.","AnswerText":"Our Delayed Discharge Action Plan, which was launched on 5 March 2002, set out a range of short- and long-term measures for reducing the number of people experiencing a delay in their discharge from hospital. This year, we have backed our action plan with a £20 million additional investment, and are requiring local authority and NHS board partnerships to use that to move 1,000 additional people from hospital to more appropriate forms of care by April 2003. As announced recently, we will increase that level of funding to £30 million for each of the following three years - but only on the condition that local partnerships meet the initial targets we have set for this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136747,"EventID":"S1O-05903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is ensuring that people in the Highlands and Islands are being included in the consultation on the future of air services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is ensuring that people in the Highlands and Islands are being included in the consultation on the future of air services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the UK Department for Transport have jointly conducted a series of consultation events on the Future Development of Air Transport. Highlands and Islands representatives were invited to all these events. Anyone can participate in the consultation by completing a questionnaire or submitting written comments.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136748,"EventID":"S1O-05909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for ending the over 30-month rule on the slaughter of cattle. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for ending the over 30-month rule on the slaughter of cattle. ","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency is currently undertaking a review of the over 30-month rule, under which the sale for human consumption of meat from cattle aged over 30 months at slaughter is prohibited. The review is expected to be completed in May 2003. The future of the Over Thirty Month Scheme will be examined in the light of advice from the agency on conclusion of their review.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136749,"EventID":"S1O-05916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill introduced on 13 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill introduced on 13 November 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the aspiration for legislation within the Gaelic community but does not consider that the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Bill meets that aspiration; a formal response will be made within the normal parliamentary timetable.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136750,"EventID":"S1O-05917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adequate alcohol detoxification services are in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adequate alcohol detoxification services are in place.","AnswerText":"Home, community and residential alcohol detoxification services are available across Scotland. The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems, which was published on 18 January, acknowledges the need to improve alcohol problems services and fill gaps in current provision, including detoxification, if this is appropriate. It requires local Alcohol Action Teams to assess needs in their areas and produce plans to address these by April 2003. The Executive issued a framework for support and treatment services in September to act as a guide for local plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136751,"EventID":"S1O-05919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Scottish fishing industry and what matters were discussed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Scottish fishing industry and what matters were discussed. ","AnswerText":"I met representatives of the Scottish fishing industry on 14 November to discuss forthcoming fisheries negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136752,"EventID":"S1O-05920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give assurances that the children of asylum seekers living in Scotland will continue to be educated in existing state-sector schools and not through separ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give assurances that the children of asylum seekers living in Scotland will continue to be educated in existing state-sector schools and not through separate, segregated education.","AnswerText":"Immigration and asylum matters are reserved to the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136753,"EventID":"S1O-05922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has regarding the funding of free personal care for elderly people. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has regarding the funding of free personal care for elderly people. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is confident that provision for implementing this policy is sufficient to enable all local authorities to meet their commitments to existing self-funding residents at 31 March 2002, replace lost income following the ending of charges for personal care and meet additional demand stimulated by the policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136754,"EventID":"S1O-05928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is with regard to the relocation of the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage to Inverness. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is with regard to the relocation of the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage to Inverness. ","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are carefully considering the comprehensive report submitted by the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Board, which sets out possible relocation options for the SNH headquarter functions currently carried out in Edinburgh. Whilst Inverness is included in these relocation options, it is not the only one under consideration. A decision will be reached in accordance with the Scottish Executive's published relocation policy and an announcement will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136755,"EventID":"S1O-05936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how all stakeholders will derive benefit from the ending of the two-tier workforce in new public private partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how all stakeholders will derive benefit from the ending of the two-tier workforce in new public private partnerships.","AnswerText":"As the Deputy First Minister said in his response to you on 14 November, workers will all be treated on an equal basis, which must be good for employee morale. That will in turn benefit the public in terms of the quality services that are delivered. The protocol will help to attract high-quality staff. The contractors have also bought into it. The protocol represents a genuine partnership and flows from our approach of attempting to achieve reform by building consensus. It demonstrates that agreements, such as our memorandum of understanding with the Scottish Trades Union Congress, can help to deliver tangible benefits and it is indicative of our commitment to improve the quality of public services.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136756,"EventID":"S1O-05941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the designation order for the Cairngorms National Park will adhere to the Sandford principles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the designation order for the Cairngorms National Park will adhere to the Sandford principles.","AnswerText":"The issue of adhering to the Sandford Principles is dealt with in the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. Section 9(6) of the act makes clear that, where it appears to the National Park Authority that there is conflict between the National Park aims, the authority must give greater weight to the aim of conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of the area.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136757,"EventID":"S1O-05942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in encouraging recycling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in encouraging recycling.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30486 on 7 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136758,"EventID":"S1O-05944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve services to children at risk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to improve services to children at risk.","AnswerText":"Improving services for all children, especially those at risk, is a key priority for the Scottish Executive. The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Children's Services is driving forward better integration of policy, funding and delivery of children's services. We also set up an inter-agency audit and review of child protection with the aim of reducing the number of children being abused and neglected and to improve services for those who have experienced abuse or neglect. The report will be published on 25 November and we will respond fully to any recommendations that are made.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136759,"EventID":"S1O-05948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to tackle binge drinking, particularly among younger women, and when it plans to seek a parliamentary debate on its Plan for Action on alco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to tackle binge drinking, particularly among younger women, and when it plans to seek a parliamentary debate on its Plan for Action on alcohol problems.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems, published in January, sets out a range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in Scotland. Reducing binge drinking is one of the two key priorities of the plan and the How Much is Too Much? national communications strategy, launched in April, specifically targets male and female binge drinkers in the 18 to 35 age range. The plan requires Alcohol Action Teams to assess needs in their areas and produce local prevention and communications strategies to address these by April 2003. At present we have no plans for a parliamentary debate.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136760,"EventID":"S1O-05950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that regional selective assistance funding contributes to its overall objectives of sustainability and closing the opportunity gap.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that regional selective assistance funding contributes to its overall objectives of sustainability and closing the opportunity gap.","AnswerText":"Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) plays a key role in meeting the Executive's commitment to closing the opportunity gap by helping to create and sustain jobs in the assisted areas of Scotland, thereby addressing areas of relatively high disadvantage and unemployment.

This commitment has recently been further strengthened by a direct link with the New Deal scheme, under which firms can be offered a premium rate of grant as a targeted incentive to recruit and retain New Dealers.

The Executive is also committed to sustainable development, and in the recent spending review we committed to assessing all RSA applications involving grant offers of £2 million and over against the Executive's sustainable development objectives.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136761,"EventID":"S1O-05951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether licenses for houses in multiple occupation (HMO) are being issued for properties for which appropriate planning permission has not also been sought.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether licenses for houses in multiple occupation (HMO) are being issued for properties for which appropriate planning permission has not also been sought.","AnswerText":"It is for local licensing authorities to determine what conditions must be met before a licence for a house in multiple occupation is granted. HMO licensing and planning control are not linked in law and not all HMOs require planning permission. Some authorities require confirmation that the property has any necessary planning permission before granting an HMO licence, some grant conditional licences requiring that planning permission must be obtained, and others do not consider planning issues in the licensing process.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136762,"EventID":"S1O-05955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to promote the establishment of a single airport for central Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to promote the establishment of a single airport for central Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are currently engaged in an extensive consultation on the future development of air transport. It would be wrong to prejudge the outcome of this process. We have no predetermined view on how best to provide additional airport capacity and we are keen to hear the views of all stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136763,"EventID":"S1O-05957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it is making in respect of the proportion of S2 pupils that did not meet the required grades in reading, writing and mathematics. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it is making in respect of the proportion of S2 pupils that did not meet the required grades in reading, writing and mathematics. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is continuing the drive to raise standards through National Priority targets set at both local authority and school level and by streamlining the assessment of individual pupils through the Assessment Development Programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136764,"EventID":"S1O-05958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a requirement for oncologists to undertake training and placements in hospices. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a requirement for oncologists to undertake training and placements in hospices. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no role in determining the training requirements of oncologists as these are set nationally by the Specialist Training Authority.

The Specialist Training Authority is the UK competent authority and works in partnership with the relevant Royal College in setting the required standard of training for all doctors.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136765,"EventID":"S1O-05965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is now provision of foreign language instruction in every primary school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is now provision of foreign language instruction in every primary school.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently do not have this information, however we are about to ask local authorities to provide details of their language learning provision, including coverage in all primary schools. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education is also gathering more detailed information about provision at school level.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136766,"EventID":"S1O-05967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to amending the criminal law to permit criminal proceedings to be brought against persons previously acquitted of serious criminal charges","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to amending the criminal law to permit criminal proceedings to be brought against persons previously acquitted of serious criminal charges where compelling new evidence has become available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27759 on 15 August 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136767,"EventID":"S1O-05974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to support the Shetland economy in the light of job losses at the Sullom Voe terminal. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to support the Shetland economy in the light of job losses at the Sullom Voe terminal. ","AnswerText":"Our immediate priority is to provide support and assistance for those facing redundancy. This will be provided through the Executive's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) framework. The type of support will be tailored to meet individual needs and local circumstances. This will include Jobcentre Plus services, one-to-one counselling, comprehensive information packs and access to high quality training.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Shetland Enterprise are working within our framework strategy, A Smart, Successful Scotland to help develop a strong, diverse and sustainable economy in Shetland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136768,"EventID":"S1O-05975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to single parents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to single parents.","AnswerText":"In 2001, the Scottish Executive established a £1,000 child care grant for lone parents in higher education and over 1,600 lone parents have already accessed this grant.

The Executive provides a range of services, such as Sure Start Scotland, that meet the needs of disadvantaged families, including those headed by lone parents.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136769,"EventID":"S1O-05980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional statutory and non-statutory support it intends to put in place to assist vulnerable families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional statutory and non-statutory support it intends to put in place to assist vulnerable families.","AnswerText":"We will continue to work with statutory and non-statutory agencies to expand and improve support to vulnerable families. We are providing enhanced resources to back this. For example, we will be providing an additional £31 million for Sure Start Scotland by 2006 (which provides a range of support to vulnerable and deprived families with very young children). And we are increasing resources for child care - by £23.9 million in 2006 - and to back change and improvement in the planning and delivery of children's services - by £32.5 million in 2006.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136770,"EventID":"S1O-05982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in ensuring access to NHS dentistry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in ensuring access to NHS dentistry services.","AnswerText":"Whilst acknowledging that there are problems of access to NHS dentistry in some parts of Scotland, the Executive has in place a number of measures aimed at increasing the numbers of dentists providing NHS treatment. These include:

We are currently working with the dental profession on a further phase of recruitment and retention measures.

In addition, where an NHS board or Primary Care NHS Trust considers that the existing general dental service provision is insufficient to meet the demands of the local population, and no independent general dental practitioner is available to fill the gap, approval can be sought from Scottish ministers to appoint a salaried dentist. A number such posts have been approved and established.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136771,"EventID":"S1O-05988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to abolish council tenants' right to buy their properties. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to abolish council tenants' right to buy their properties. ","AnswerText":"We have no plans to abolish the right to buy.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136772,"EventID":"S1O-06000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is marking the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is marking the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is holding a debate this afternoon, to inform Parliament about progress made to date in tackling violence against women and the future development of the work. A news release was issued on 25 November in which I emphasised that the Executive is fully committed to continuing the work towards eradicating domestic abuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136773,"EventID":"S1O-06004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to monitor the effectiveness of victim information and advice services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to monitor the effectiveness of victim information and advice services.","AnswerText":"An evaluation of the Crown Office Victim Information and Advice Service is under way and it is anticipated that the results will be published early in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136774,"EventID":"S1O-06010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent social inclusion is tied to the economic agenda for the regeneration of the River Clyde waterfront and the Glasgow Harbour development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent social inclusion is tied to the economic agenda for the regeneration of the River Clyde waterfront and the Glasgow Harbour development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the importance of social inclusion for the sustainable regeneration of the Clyde Waterfront. The Clyde Waterfront Working Group focuses on social inclusion issues through its Community Regeneration Sub-Group. The Glasgow Harbour development will consider these issues as part of its proposed local labour agreement with Glasgow City Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136775,"EventID":"S1O-06011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with local enterprise companies regarding improvements to the provision of child care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with local enterprise companies regarding improvements to the provision of child care.","AnswerText":"In July this year Iain Gray and I issued a joint letter to the Chairs of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, outlining the key role that local enterprise companies could play in developing the Child Care Strategy, and asking for their support in engaging the enterprise network in the strategy.

Following this letter, the Executive organised a seminar on the 19 November for the local enterprise companies to meet with Child Care Partnerships as an opportunity to build links and to share examples of good practice. The event also saw the launch of a Guide to LEC Involvement in the Development of the Child Care Sector. The guide is the result of an Executive-funded research project and is designed to raise awareness of what assistance local enterprise companies can offer the childcare sector.

The Executive is planning a further event next year, which will be aimed at employers","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136776,"EventID":"S1O-06020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote literacy and numeracy in primary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote literacy and numeracy in primary schools.","AnswerText":"In June I launched national statements for improving attainment in literacy and numeracy in schools in Scotland.

These statements will help promote and develop the work taking place in education authorities and schools by providing a complete overview of the national guidance, resources and initiatives available for literacy and numeracy across pre-school, primary and secondary education.

Funding has been provided to Learning and Teaching Scotland to appoint two national Development Officers to support education authorities and schools teach literacy and numeracy.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136777,"EventID":"S1O-06025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young students' bursaries have been awarded since they were introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young students' bursaries have been awarded since they were introduced.","AnswerText":"The Young Students' Bursary is provided as an entitlement based on the level of parental income. Eligibility for the bursary is assessed as part of the overall assessment of eligibility for student support.

In academic year 2001-02, there were 13,579 recipients of the Young Students' Bursary. In the current academic year, to date, 20,190 awards have been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136778,"EventID":"S1O-06027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on securing a future for fishing communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on securing a future for fishing communities.","AnswerText":"In order to secure a future for fishing communities, we need to safeguard the fish stocks on which they depend. The Scottish Executive takes very seriously the latest scientific advice that a substantial reduction in fish mortality is required if a collapse of key whitefish stocks is to be avoided. However, the Commission has accepted our argument that alternatives to closure must be sought. We shall continue to press hard for alternative measures that strike an appropriate balance between conservation of stocks and ensuring a sustainable fishing industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136779,"EventID":"S1O-06031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its consultation on governance and accountability in the further education sector. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its consultation on governance and accountability in the further education sector. ","AnswerText":"I am currently considering the responses to the consultation exercise, and I hope to be in a position to announce the outcome of my consideration early in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136780,"EventID":"S1O-06032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to meet any need for investment in public services and infrastructure in areas where the population is increasing. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to meet any need for investment in public services and infrastructure in areas where the population is increasing. ","AnswerText":"General funding allocations, for example to local authorities, reflect relative population levels. The three-year local government settlement allocations I announced yesterday use the most recent available information from the 2001 Census and population and school pupil projections for future years. East Lothian Council's increased allocations of £113 million, £120 million and £125 million for each of the next three years reflect its projected population levels across relevant age groups.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136781,"EventID":"S1O-06042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it received to its consultation on the review of area tourist boards and when it expects to announce its conclusions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it received to its consultation on the review of area tourist boards and when it expects to announce its conclusions.","AnswerText":"The consultation period on current area tourist board arrangements ran from 27 May 2002 to 27 September 2002, and a total of 324 responses were received. We expect to announce the results of the consultation in the new year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136782,"EventID":"S1O-06044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has to meet ministers from other parts of the UK to discuss tourism issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has to meet ministers from other parts of the UK to discuss tourism issues.","AnswerText":"Meetings between ministers take place at regular UK Tourism Summits or when a particular issue warrants a meeting. I met with UK Tourism ministers at the latest summit on 28 November and two days earlier Mike Watson attended a meeting involving UK tourism ministers on "Tomorrow's Tourism", the UK tourism strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136783,"EventID":"S1O-06046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of annual pay it considers reasonable for a firefighter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of annual pay it considers reasonable for a firefighter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no direct locus in fire service pay and conditions of service issues. These are matters for the local authority employers and are negotiated on a UK basis through the National Joint Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136784,"EventID":"S1O-06047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in increasing the amount of rolling stock available for the passenger rail franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in increasing the amount of rolling stock available for the passenger rail franchise.","AnswerText":"I was pleased to be able to announce on 6 November our intention to provide new rolling stock to service the Edinburgh Park development.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136785,"EventID":"S1O-06048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for monitoring the quality of educational provision in the pre-fives sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place for monitoring the quality of educational provision in the pre-fives sector.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act, 2001, the Care Commission have joint responsibility with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HIME) for the inspection of day care of children which includes an educational activity.

A very extensive three-year transitional programme of integrated inspections by HMIE and the Care Commission will begin in April 2003. These inspections will monitor the quality of both education and care in all pre-school education services.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136786,"EventID":"S1O-06049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is helping asylum seekers integrate into communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is helping asylum seekers integrate into communities.","AnswerText":"The Executive established the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum to allow Scotland's statutory and voluntary agencies to work in partnership to support refugees more effectively. Where appropriate, the forum has also considered the needs of asylum seekers. It will publish its action plan early next year following a recent consultation on a draft plan. In addition, £700,000 was assigned from the Social Inclusion Partnership Budget in September 2001 to assist community projects in dispersal areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136787,"EventID":"S1O-06051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives there are to support the educational attainment of looked-after children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives there are to support the educational attainment of looked-after children.","AnswerText":"We are committed to improving the educational attainment of looked-after children. By the end of this year we expect local authorities to ensure that looked-after children receive full-time education, that they have a care plan covering their educational needs, and that each school has a designated teacher to look after their interests. In 2001-02 we gave local authorities £10 million to support the education of looked-after young people. The spending review allocated money to improving outcomes, including educational attainment, for looked-after children. This year we have collected information on the educational attainment of looked-after children for the first time and we have commissioned Who Cares? Scotland to survey looked-after children to find out about their experiences of education, what they want from education and how it can be inspired.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136788,"EventID":"S1O-06053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on integrated inspections of early years provision. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on integrated inspections of early years provision. ","AnswerText":"From April 2003 to April 2006, HM Inspectorate of Education and the Care Commission will jointly inspect all EA nursery schools and classes, independent school nursery classes, and voluntary and private pre-school centres which are in funded partnership with their education authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136789,"EventID":"S1O-06063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to alleviate child poverty in social inclusion partnership areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to alleviate child poverty in social inclusion partnership areas.","AnswerText":"Child poverty is defined not only by income, but also by children's ability to reach their potential. Social inclusion partnerships are assisting in the alleviation of child poverty by promoting a range of activities to encourage and empower communities; health projects; child care provision, and routes into employment and training.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136790,"EventID":"S1O-06064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a target for Scotland's share of the UK economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a target for Scotland's share of the UK economy.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not have such a target. However, it does wish to see an increase in the long-term growth rate of the Scottish economy and believes it has the policies in place to do so, within the context of a stable UK macro-economic framework.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136791,"EventID":"S1O-06069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce guidance similar to that issued in England and Wales under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, placing a duty","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce guidance similar to that issued in England and Wales under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, placing a duty on local authorities to be proactive in their efforts to serve deafblind people.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to issue similar guidance at present. The Executive is taking forward its own initiatives in Scotland. We are working together with the main organisations that provide community care services to adults with sensory impairments, including deafblindness. We are reviewing objectives, agreeing priorities and devising a strategy for future developments.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136792,"EventID":"S1O-06071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will review funding of the arts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will review funding of the arts.","AnswerText":"There are no current Executive plans to undertake a formal review of arts funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136793,"EventID":"S1O-06075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit has made in reducing bureaucratic burdens on business. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit has made in reducing bureaucratic burdens on business. ","AnswerText":"The Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit ensures that all departments take full account of business interests where regulation is necessary.

Regulatory Impact Assessment Reviews ensure that regulations are fit for purpose.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136794,"EventID":"S1O-06076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its policies will speed up the roll-out of broadband to rural areas. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its policies will speed up the roll-out of broadband to rural areas. ","AnswerText":"Our policies and initiatives on broadband are outlined in the broadband strategy update, which I published last week.

You will see that there are specific initiatives in the more rural areas, which should help to speed up broadband provision there. These include the Pathfinder initiatives to aggregate public sector demand for broadband in the Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland. It is hoped that this major public investment will help to stimulate supply of and demand for broadband within these areas. Work on the Pathfinder initiative is well in hand.

There are also projects funded by the Scottish programme under the UK broadband fund, encouraging uptake of broadband and exploring alternative delivery mechanisms, which could help roll-out in rural areas. These include awareness raising measures through the Broadband for Business demonstration project in the Highlands and Islands and technology trials of Powerline Carrier and Wireless technology, which aim to determine the potential of these technologies for delivering broadband in rural communities.

I also announced a new initiative last week, worth up to £24 million, aimed at accelerating and widening broadband provision in Scotland. Rural areas should benefit from this initiative as will the rest of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136795,"EventID":"S1O-06077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the rising male suicide rate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the rising male suicide rate.","AnswerText":"On 2 December 2002, the Scottish Executive launched Choose Life: A National Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Scotland, which aims to tackle the rising rate of suicides in Scotland. It includes a particular focus on a range of vulnerable groups, including young people (especially young men), people with mental health problems, substance misusers and persons in prison. The strategy outlines clear objectives for concerted national and local action. The strategy and action plan are supported by a new investment of £12 million over three years, to be used to help promote improved, co-ordinated planning and the development and implementation of action by local agencies; to support local innovation and training and to encourage the development of interventions and services by local voluntary, community and self-help groups, and for work at national level and the establishment of a national implementation support team.

The Scottish Executive also funds the Breathing Space telephone advice line for people, particularly but not exclusively young men, who suffer from low mood and might be at risk of suicide.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136796,"EventID":"S1O-06079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30396 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 November 2002, whether its Education Department is aware of research conducted by RNIB Scotland and Vi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30396 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 November 2002, whether its Education Department is aware of research conducted by RNIB Scotland and Visual impairment Scotland indicating that the actual prevalence rate of visual impairment among school pupils is approximately 2.3 per thousand, equating to more than 2000 pupils, compared with the total figure of 429 pupils quoted in that answer.","AnswerText":"We are aware that a 1999 RNIB survey indicated a prevalence rate for visually impaired children in the UK in 1997 of 2.3 per thousand. This is higher than the number of school pupils with a Record of Needs in Scotland whose main learning difficulty arises from visual impairment. This is because recording rates vary considerably across local authorities, not all school pupils with a visual impairment will require a Record of Needs, and many pre-school children do not have a record.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136797,"EventID":"S1O-06082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with Her Majesty's Government on student funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with Her Majesty's Government on student funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on a range of student funding issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136798,"EventID":"S1O-06088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discussions with the European Commission on next year's management regime for white fish stocks in waters round Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discussions with the European Commission on next year's management regime for white fish stocks in waters round Scotland.","AnswerText":"Preliminary discussions on a management regime for North Sea and West of Scotland stocks took place at the November Council following the Commission publication of its proposals for effort reduction. I met Commissioner Fischler on Tuesday 10 December, and further discussions will continue at official level until the December Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136799,"EventID":"S1O-06089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in schools to help tackle racism. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in schools to help tackle racism. ","AnswerText":"Schools are at the heart of preparing young people to live in a multi-cultural and inclusive society. We have funded the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland (CERES) since 1991. CERES aims to promote education for racial equality within educational services in Scotland. CERES liaises with education authorities and schools to assist with formulating, developing and refining policies for multi-cultural and anti-racist education.

We commissioned CERES, working in partnership with LTS, and the City of Edinburgh Council, to produce a resource to provide staff in pre-school, special schools, primary and secondary schools with materials to support a more effective delivery of anti-racism education. The CD-Rom Educating for Race Equality - A Toolkit for Scottish Teachers was launched on 3 December, and will be available to all schools in the New Year.

In addition, to enable the implementation of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 across the school and pre-school sectors we set up a Delivery Group. The group's remit was to ensure that education authorities and schools/centres are aware of their new duties under the act and to support smooth implementation. As part of this, the group has produced an information leaflet for school staff which will be issued before Christmas.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136800,"EventID":"S1O-06102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to increase the number of stops made by ScotRail services on the east coast mainline. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to increase the number of stops made by ScotRail services on the east coast mainline. ","AnswerText":"Proposals to run new services, including ScotRail services on the East Coast Main Line, are matters for the local transport authority or transport partnership to take forward.

The Scottish Executive's powers to issue directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority are set out in section 208 of the Transport Act 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136801,"EventID":"S1O-06105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to extend access to broadband services for communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to extend access to broadband services for communities.","AnswerText":"Last week, I published an update to our broadband strategy, which details all the actions we are taking to increase the availability of broadband throughout Scotland. I also announced a new initiative, worth up to £24 million, aimed at accelerating and extending the reach of broadband across Scotland.

Moreover, under the DTI's Broadband Fund, the Executive is taking forward a suite of projects, many of which include trials of innovative ways of delivering broadband to communities. Under the Executive's Pathfinder project, communities in both the pilot areas, the Highlands and Islands and the South of Scotland, will hopefully benefit from the additional telecoms investment that could be stimulated by the aggregation of public sector demand for broadband services.

In addition, the Spark project aims to deliver a broadband interconnect to every education authority across Scotland. In the longer term, the project also aims to make its facilities available to community learning and lifelong learning interests.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136802,"EventID":"S1O-06109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that full access to broadband internet services is available throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that full access to broadband internet services is available throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"I published an update to our broadband strategy last week and it shows the actions we are taking. I also announced a new initiative, worth up to £24 million, aimed at accelerating and extending broadband provision in Scotland. This should help take us closer to realising our vision of a nation with affordable and pervasive access to broadband.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136803,"EventID":"S1O-06114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to highlight road safety during the festive season.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to highlight road safety during the festive season.","AnswerText":"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is conducting an enforcement campaign, focussing on drink driving, drug driving, speeding and seat belt use from 9 December to 6 January. The Scottish Road Safety Campaign has arranged complementary publicity on drinking and driving.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136804,"EventID":"S1O-06116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve services for people who are HIV positive. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve services for people who are HIV positive. ","AnswerText":"Following the publication of the Report of the HIV Health Promotion Strategy Review Group in January 2001, the Executive made an additional £7 million available to NHS boards, over the four years from 2000-01, to assist their work to prevent the spread of HIV and other bloodborne viruses. The allocation for 2002-03 is £8.1 million.

Local authorities also have a key role in supporting those suffering from HIV. Substantial additional resources have been allocated in the local government finance settlements for 2001-02 to 2003-04 for all community care provision.

The Executive also provides some £500,000 to a range of voluntary organisations responding to the challenges posed by bloodborne viruses, particularly HIV and hepatitis C.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136805,"EventID":"S1O-06118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address housing shortages in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address housing shortages in rural areas.","AnswerText":"A wide range of factors affect the supply of housing in rural areas. Overall, it is for local authorities to analyse housing needs in their areas and make plans to meet those needs. Central government funding is available through a number of schemes to provide new and improved homes in rural areas. In particular, Communities Scotland's Rural Development Programme has been increased from £36 million in 1998-99 to £48 million in 2002-03, providing over 6,600 new and improved homes during that period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136806,"EventID":"S1O-06119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing traffic accidents. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing traffic accidents. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is supporting the establishment of Safety Camera Partnerships, led by local authorities and police forces. To date three such partnerships have been approved and are operational: in Strathclyde, Fife, and Grampian. Each Safety Camera Partnership is responsible for continually assessing the effectiveness of its speed cameras in reducing traffic accidents and casualties.

Where safety cameras have been installed, the number of crashes has fallen significantly. For example, at the 28 City of Glasgow locations where fixed safety cameras have been in place over the past two years, the number of crashes involving personal injury at those locations fell by 64%.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136807,"EventID":"S1O-06124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its plans for developing the National Waste Strategy are proceeding. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its plans for developing the National Waste Strategy are proceeding. ","AnswerText":"The implementation of the National Waste Strategy is progressing well. Eleven draft Area waste plans were published for public consultation earlier this year and are now being finalised, along with preparation of a National Waste Plan. The Executive has allocated £230 million over the next three years to the Strategic Waste Fund to assist local authorities with additional costs of implementing the plans. £6 million is to be distributed between local authorities this year to allow them all to ensure that improvements in recycling and composting get under way, contributing to the Executive's target of 25% for municipal waste by 2006. Other bids to the fund from individual authorities are being assessed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136808,"EventID":"S1O-06125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the up-to-date plans are for the upgrading of the A8000 and the dualling of the A1. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the up-to-date plans are for the upgrading of the A8000 and the dualling of the A1. ","AnswerText":"The A8000 is a local road and is therefore the responsibility of the City of Edinburgh Council. The council, supported by the Forth Estuary Transport Authority, are taking forward plans for a major upgrade of the route, providing a new dual carriageway link between the M9 spur and the A90 south of the Forth Road Bridge. Draft orders were published in the autumn and representations on these are being considered by the Executive.

On the A1, work was recently completed on the dualling of the road between Bowerhouse and Spott Road, six weeks ahead of schedule. We are also taking forward three further upgrades, including construction of the Haddington to Dunbar Expressway, at a total cost of over £50 million. When complete some two-thirds of the A1 in Scotland will have been improved by dualling or the provision of climbing lanes. There are no plans to dual further stretches of the route.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136809,"EventID":"S1O-06126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with its Safer Routes to Schools initiative. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making with its Safer Routes to Schools initiative. ","AnswerText":"The provision of Safer Routes to Schools is a matter for individual local authorities, having regard to local needs and circumstances. In December 1999, the Executive published How to run a successful Safer Route to School which gives guidance on initiatives to encourage more children to walk, cycle or take public transport to and from school. The Executive has also provided additional funds to local authorities to support the implementation of Safer Routes to School projects. Details of this funding were provided in the answer given to question S1W-31552 on 9 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136810,"EventID":"S1O-06131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the report from the Scottish Committee of the Council of Tribunals regarding the children's hearing system. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the report from the Scottish Committee of the Council of Tribunals regarding the children's hearing system. ","AnswerText":"I replied to the report on 4 December in a letter to the Chairman of the Scottish Committee of the Council for Tribunals. A news release on the Scottish Executive response was issued on 9 December. The release may be accessed through:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136811,"EventID":"S1O-06134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on securing the future of fishing communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on securing the future of fishing communities.","AnswerText":"Ross Finnie is currently participating in the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council at which decisions about fishing quotas for 2003 will be taken. He will continue to emphasise that fishing is crucial to the economy of dependent communities in Scotland, and the need for decisions which strike an appropriate balance between stock conservation and socio-economic considerations.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136812,"EventID":"S1O-06138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions there have been regarding passenger railway provision in the area between Dunblane and Perth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions there have been regarding passenger railway provision in the area between Dunblane and Perth.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are best placed to identify local public transport requirements and to take any resulting projects forward. In this case any such proposals would therefore be for Perthshire and Kinross Council or Stirling Council to bring forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136813,"EventID":"S1O-06139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help reduce instances of suicide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to help reduce instances of suicide.","AnswerText":"On 2 December 2002, the Executive launched Choose Life: A National Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Scotland, which aims to tackle the rising rate of suicides in Scotland through co-ordinated national and local action. The strategy and action plan are supported by new investment of £12 million over three years for both national and local initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136814,"EventID":"S1O-06141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce national standards for the youth justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce national standards for the youth justice system.","AnswerText":"I announced the publication of the national standards for Scotland's youth justice system earlier today. The report National Standards for Scotland's Youth Justice Services is available at the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25683).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136815,"EventID":"S1O-06144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the number of people involved in road traffic accidents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the number of people involved in road traffic accidents.","AnswerText":"In 2000 the Scottish Executive and the UK Government announced targets for road accident casualty reductions in the period to 2010. The targets and a strategy for achieving them were set out in the document Tomorrow's Roads - Safer for Everyone, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 5711).

The Executive provides funding to the Scottish Road Safety Campaign for the development of key road safety education initiatives and publicity messages aimed at all road users. The Executive also funds free membership of the Children's Traffic Club in Scotland, which offers road safety training to all three- and four-year-old children in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136816,"EventID":"S1O-06152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has to support fishing communities in the event of a ban on cod fishing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has to support fishing communities in the event of a ban on cod fishing.","AnswerText":"The Executive remains committed to ensuring a viable future for the communities that depend on the Scottish fishing industry and we will not agree to a ban on cod fishing. In the context of the cuts that are being proposed, the Executive would have a key role in dealing with their wider economic impact. For example, each local enterprise company has a remit to support business and skills development in order to strengthen local economies.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136817,"EventID":"S1O-06153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it is having in promoting the uptake of the flu vaccine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it is having in promoting the uptake of the flu vaccine.","AnswerText":"Initial figures to end November 2002, suggest that uptake of flu immunisation is already around 65% which was, of course, the target uptake set for those aged 65 and over last year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136818,"EventID":"S1O-06155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when digital hearing aids will be available on the NHS on the same basis as in England and Wales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when digital hearing aids will be available on the NHS on the same basis as in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The guidance issued by the Executive to NHSScotland emphasises that the important point is to match the features of the hearing aid to the needs of the patient.

The final report of the review of audiology services, commissioned to establish the extent to which these services (including hearing aid provision) need to be modernised and improved, is currently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136819,"EventID":"S1O-06163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will tackle any legal challenges to the use of the community right to buy provisions in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will tackle any legal challenges to the use of the community right to buy provisions in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Executive would defend robustly any legal challenges to the legislation.

Should there be any legal challenge regarding the actual use of the right to buy, the bill already provides for the right of appeal to the sheriff against ministerial decisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136820,"EventID":"S1O-06165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the new BSc course in audiology to commence in the 2004-05 academic year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects the new BSc course in audiology to commence in the 2004-05 academic year.","AnswerText":"The final report of the review of audiology services commissioned to establish the extent to which these services need to be modernised and improved is currently under consideration. It includes recommendations on how staffing issues might be addressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136821,"EventID":"S1O-06167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring forward legislation to establish a register of civil partnerships in the light of the announcement by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to bring forward legislation to establish a register of civil partnerships in the light of the announcement by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.","AnswerText":"The Executive notes that the UK Government intends to consult in summer 2003 on the introduction of a civil registration scheme. The Executive is committed to equality and will, therefore, consider the issue carefully over the coming months in consultation with UK ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136885,"EventID":"S1O-06359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will apply for membership of the Regional Government Network for Sustainable Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will apply for membership of the Regional Government Network for Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"The Executive is considering this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136886,"EventID":"S1O-06361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on its proposals for music tuition in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on its proposals for music tuition in schools.","AnswerText":"Proposals relating to music tuition for children and young people are currently being considered by ministers. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136887,"EventID":"S1O-06362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Health and Community Care retains the ultimate decision over the location of the proposed new single site hospital for the Forth Valley.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Health and Community Care retains the ultimate decision over the location of the proposed new single site hospital for the Forth Valley.","AnswerText":"Decisions about the organisation and location of health services for an area, including hospital services, are matters for the relevant NHS board. Proposals for major changes to health services, such as those contemplated by Forth Valley NHS Board, require the approval of the Minister for Health and Community Care.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136888,"EventID":"S1O-06363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on the timescale for the completion of the M74 from Gretna to Carlisle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on the timescale for the completion of the M74 from Gretna to Carlisle.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on a range of transport issues in England with implications for Scotland, including construction of the M6 from Carlisle to Guards Mill at Gretna.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136889,"EventID":"S1O-06365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to address any shortage of NHS dentists in Grampian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to address any shortage of NHS dentists in Grampian.","AnswerText":"We acknowledge that access to NHS dental services in Grampian is becoming more difficult. That is why Grampian is one of the designated areas for the £1 million package which we introduced last August as part of a phased programme to improve recruitment and retention of dentists in Scotland. Although there are elements of the package which cover all areas of Scotland, there are enhanced incentives for designated areas.

We are currently concluding discussions with the dental profession on a further phase of recruitment and retention measures which I hope to announce shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136890,"EventID":"S1O-06368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being given to the fish processing industry. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being given to the fish processing industry. ","AnswerText":"The Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme will continue to assist the processing sector.

I have also asked the industry to consider how we might build on the achievements of the Fish Processing Action Plan and I look forward to receiving their proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136891,"EventID":"S1O-06372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in reviewing practices in hospital cleaning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in reviewing practices in hospital cleaning.","AnswerText":"As the recent Audit Scotland Report on Hospital Cleaning shows the NHS has made progress but there is a continuing need to raise standards. The report made an initial examination of compliance with the new NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Standards for Cleaning Services. It concluded that significant work to implement the standards has taken place in many NHS trusts. Each trust has agreed an action plan to work towards full implementation of the standards.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136892,"EventID":"S1O-06381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Strategic Rail Authority and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of the Strategic Rail Authority and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Strategic Rail Authority on wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136893,"EventID":"S1O-06382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding provision is being made for the payment of nursing home fees for 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding provision is being made for the payment of nursing home fees for 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is, in partnership with local authorities, currently negotiating with the independent care home sector on the level of fees to be paid to homes from 1 April 2003. The Executive and COSLA have put to the sector an offer, which honours our earlier commitment to meet the fee levels recommended by the National Review Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136894,"EventID":"S1O-06388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the voluntary sector can play in delivering public services. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the voluntary sector can play in delivering public services. ","AnswerText":"The voluntary sector plays an important role in the delivery of public services.

The Executive's review of its policies to promote the social economy, which was published on 27 January, sets out how the Executive and other public sector and independent agencies might help the sector to realise its potential in this area. This is underpinned by £6 million of new funding over the years 2003-04 to 2005-06. Copies of the report are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136895,"EventID":"S1O-06390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to fund and carry out research into multiple sclerosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to fund and carry out research into multiple sclerosis.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department, has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and health care needs in Scotland. CSO is largely a response mode funder of research and this role is well known and advertised throughout the health care and academic community.

CSO is not currently directly funding any research projects into multiple sclerosis (MS) but would be pleased to consider funding research proposals for innovative MS studies of a sufficiently high standard. These would be subject to the usual peer and committee review.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136896,"EventID":"S1O-06392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the New Opportunities Fund about the PE and Sport in Schools Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the New Opportunities Fund about the PE and Sport in Schools Programme.","AnswerText":"We have liased closely with the New Opportunities Fund both before and since the launch of the PE and Sport in Schools Programme, which will provide £87 million across Scotland for sporting activities as well as new and improved sports facilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136897,"EventID":"S1O-06393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to combat any detrimental impact of the EC Directive on food supplements on the provision of supplements, vitamins and minerals produced by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to combat any detrimental impact of the EC Directive on food supplements on the provision of supplements, vitamins and minerals produced by UK companies whose production standards are outwith the directives.","AnswerText":"There is no specific disadvantage to UK manufacturers or their competitiveness compared with manufacturers from other member states. Implementation of the Directive will not immediately outlaw any products already on the UK market.

The Executive intends to take advantage of Article 4 of the Directive which enables member states to allow, subject to criteria being met, the continued sale of products containing vitamin and mineral sources not yet on the permitted lists up until 31 December 2009.

The Executive are committed to the view that, in the interests of consumer choice, the law should allow food supplements that are safe and properly labelled to be freely marketed.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136898,"EventID":"S1O-06394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to protect Scottish agricultural interests in Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to protect Scottish agricultural interests in Europe.","AnswerText":"The Executive represents Scottish agricultural interests in a variety of ways, including ministerial attendance at Agriculture Councils, official representation on working groups and direct discussions with the Commission. I am also closely involved in formulating the UK line on agriculture to ensure that Scottish interests are fully taken into account.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136899,"EventID":"S1O-06398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the future of the fire service. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the future of the fire service. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive set out its plans for the fire service in Scotland in the consultation document The Scottish Fire Service of the Future, published on 30 April 2002. This provides the framework for taking forward changes needed in developing the fire service in Scotland in the 21st Century.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136900,"EventID":"S1O-06399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take following the decision of the European Parliament's Petitions Committee to call for the closure of the cattle incinerator in Carntyne, Glasgo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take following the decision of the European Parliament's Petitions Committee to call for the closure of the cattle incinerator in Carntyne, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The European Parliament's Petitions Committee has raised a number of important issues in relation to the Carntyne incinerator. I will give these careful consideration and, as I intimated to the committee when I met them, respond as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136901,"EventID":"S1O-06400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it intends to make to the recent Office of Fair Trading report on pharmacy services. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it intends to make to the recent Office of Fair Trading report on pharmacy services. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently considering the Office of Fair Trading report in detail and, in formulating its response is consulting widely with all key stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":136999,"EventID":"S1O-06700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortfall of paediatricians in relation to positions in hospitals and, if so, what steps are being taken to address the situation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortfall of paediatricians in relation to positions in hospitals and, if so, what steps are being taken to address the situation.","AnswerText":"The latest available information on the number of consultant paediatric posts and vacancies is shown in the following table.

Paediatrician vacancies in Scotland1,2

Headcount at 30 September 2002
 

Became vacant:

Vacancies as a percentage of establishment:

 

Establishment3

In Post

Total Vacancies

After 1 April 2002

Before 31 March 2002

Total Vacancies

After 1 April 2002

Before 31 March 2002

Paediatrics

126

121

5

3

2

4.0%

2.4%

1.6%

Paediatric surgery

15

15

-

-

-

-

-

-

Paediatric dentistry

10

9

1

1

-

10.0%

10.0%

-

Notes:

1. Includes honorary appointments.

2. Details posts vacant at 30 September 2002 irrespective of when the vacancy arose.

3. Comprises Staff-in-Post + Total Vacancies.

The Scottish Executive has made a commitment to 375 more junior doctors by 2004 and is committed to increase the number of consultants by 600 over the spending review period.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137000,"EventID":"S1O-06707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the tourist industry about the impact of the small business rates relief scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the tourist industry about the impact of the small business rates relief scheme.","AnswerText":"There was wide consultation with all sections of business before the scheme was announced. VisitScotland and the Scottish Tourism Forum have been consulted throughout the implementation phase.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137001,"EventID":"S1O-06708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the procedures local authorities must follow to close rural schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the procedures local authorities must follow to close rural schools.","AnswerText":"The publicity and consultation requirements which local authorities are required to follow in connection with school closure proposals are set out in the Education (Publication and Consultation Etc)(Scotland) Regulations 1981. We have no current plans to amend the regulations. This was recently discussed at the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137002,"EventID":"S1O-06710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether botox injections are safe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether botox injections are safe.","AnswerText":"The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) has advised that botox met appropriate standards of quality, safety and efficacy to justify its licence for use in the relief of muscle spasms and the management of excessive sweating of the armpits.

Since licensing, the safety of botox has been closely monitored by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the CSM. The balance of risks and benefits remains favourable in the licensed indications.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137003,"EventID":"S1O-06714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any progress towards ending inequality of wealth in the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any progress towards ending inequality of wealth in the last four years.","AnswerText":"Figures published earlier in March show that the Executive has made clear inroads in defeating poverty. Since 1997 we have lifted over 170,000 people in Scotland out of relative poverty, which is an indicator of how the living standards of poorer families compare with those of society as a whole. We are working across the Executive on various measures to close the opportunity gap including reducing fuel poverty and developing Scotland's skillbase through programmes like education maintenance allowances and modern apprenticeships.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137004,"EventID":"S1O-06715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to relevant authorities in Northern Ireland about the environmental impact of the proposed opencast lignite mine and power station","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to relevant authorities in Northern Ireland about the environmental impact of the proposed opencast lignite mine and power station near Ballymoney, County Antrim.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with relevant officials in Northern Ireland on a variety of air quality issues. These contacts have included discussions about the opencast lignite mine and power station near Ballymoney, the proposals for which are only at a very early stage. Such contacts will continue with a view to ensuring that any planned development meets the required environmental standards laid down by the relevant legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137005,"EventID":"S1O-06719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education and Young People will next meet representatives of the teaching unions and what issues will be discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Education and Young People will next meet representatives of the teaching unions and what issues will be discussed.","AnswerText":"I have met representatives from the Educational Institute of Scotland and Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association within the last three weeks to discuss a variety of issues. I have no further plans to meet representatives of the teaching unions before the end of the current parliamentary session.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137006,"EventID":"S1O-06720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of restorative justice projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of restorative justice projects.","AnswerText":"Last year, we announced £2 million to help set up restorative justice schemes for under 16s. As a result, most local authorities now have local restorative youth justice programmes in place, with schemes in development in the remaining areas.

In December 2002, we provided £250,000 to the Scottish Police Service for training and support for a Scottish-wide system of restorative cautions. Work is on-going to identify good practice and guidance will be produced in the coming year that will inform a further £250,000 of extra funding.

In addition, mediation and reparation schemes for over 16s operate in Edinburgh/Midlothian, North and South Lanarkshire and Aberdeen as part of diversion from prosecution. Community Service Orders, which are available nationally, can also be regarded as meeting restorative justice principles.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137007,"EventID":"S1O-06721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps can be taken to ensure that Scottish Water is able to place contracts with local companies that traditionally worked with the former water authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps can be taken to ensure that Scottish Water is able to place contracts with local companies that traditionally worked with the former water authorities.","AnswerText":"The selection of contractors for the delivery of the capital programme is a decision for Scottish Water in light of its obligations to provide services to customers as effectively and efficiently as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137008,"EventID":"S1O-06723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting the development of the core path network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting the development of the core path network.","AnswerText":"Section 17 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides for a duty on local authorities, not later than three years following implementation of Part 1 of the act, to draw up a plan for a system of paths sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area. Implementation of Part 1 of the act is expected to be in the first half of 2004.

An allocation of £6.5 million for 2003-04, £7.4 million for 2004-05 and £8.1 million for 2005-06 will be made available to local authorities in respect of access related activity. Scottish Natural Heritage is spending over £21 million over the current three years to promote and facilitate access, a proportion of which will be in the form of grants to local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137009,"EventID":"S1O-06727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual rate of growth in the economy has been since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual rate of growth in the economy has been since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The average annual growth rate measured between the four quarters to 1999 Q1 and the four quarters to 2002 Q1 was 1.7%.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137010,"EventID":"S1O-06728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made towards introducing a licensing scheme for the vendors of fireworks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made towards introducing a licensing scheme for the vendors of fireworks.","AnswerText":"The Fireworks Bill, a Private Member's Bill introduced by Bill Tynan at Westminster, received its second reading on 28 February. The bill covers both devolved and reserved matters and, if successful, will enable ministers to introduce suitable regulations which will address many of the concerns which have been raised with the Executive. We are keeping in close contact with the UK Government on the progress of the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137011,"EventID":"S1O-06730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Scottish Agricultural College following the publication of the review of the college's operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Scottish Agricultural College following the publication of the review of the college's operations.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Scottish Agricultural College to consult stakeholders and staff on the Deloitte & Touche Report, and to undertake additional work on its strategy for its education services, and on the financial viability and affordability of the options in the review.

I have also asked the college to re-examine the extent to which it proposes to relocate services from the west and north-east of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137012,"EventID":"S1O-06734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of women setting up their own businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the number of women setting up their own businesses.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises that we need to increase the number of women led businesses in Scotland. We are committed to this in our strategic document Smart, Successful Scotland that sets out the direction and priorities for the Enterprise Networks.

To help improve our performance I recently announced the formation of a National Women's Enterprise Unit within the Enterprise Networks. The unit will have a strategic focus in supporting more women into business and, as its first task, will review existing support mechanisms across the networks. The unit will be assisted by an advisory group of leading women entrepreneurs who will have a key advocacy role in encouraging more women to consider setting up in business.

It is also encouraging that Scottish Enterprise aims to increase the number of start-ups by women assisted by the network to 40% by 2004-05, when the overall performance target will have increased to 9,000 start-ups.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137013,"EventID":"S1O-06736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic impact will be of the Scottish Agricultural College's plan to rationalise its operations and base them in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic impact will be of the Scottish Agricultural College's plan to rationalise its operations and base them in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to say, no decisions have been taken on the Scottish Agricultural College's proposals.

I have asked the college to invite comments on the Options Appraisal Report, prepared by consultants Deloitte & Touche, and to undertake further work on a number of key aspects of their proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":137014,"EventID":"S1O-06739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":4,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the monitoring group on Glasgow's acute services review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the monitoring group on Glasgow's acute services review.","AnswerText":"During the debate on Glasgow's acute services review on 12 September 2002, Malcolm Chisholm endorsed a commitment to keep named services at Stobhill General Hospital and the Victoria Infirmary over the next five years, and to have this monitored locally. I have now had the opportunity to consider how this commitment should be discharged and have commissioned two monitoring groups, one for north Glasgow and one for south Glasgow. The remit is the same for both groups and includes an opportunity for stakeholder involvement in service design and other key implementation aspects of the acute services review.

The membership of the groups, which will both meet for the first time on Friday 28 March, reflects strong local involvement of elected representatives and members of the public. The remainder of the membership comprises clinical and NHS staff representatives. Both groups have independent chairs with strong links to Glasgow throughout their careers.

I believe that this is the best balance to deliver the commitment made during the debate and will ensure that local people have an opportunity to be fully involved as decisions flowing from the acute services review are implemented.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":null,"MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":149203,"EventID":"S1W-12445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently waiting for admission to hospital, broken down by speciality and by health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently waiting for admission to hospital, broken down by speciality and by health board.","AnswerText":"The number of patients awaiting hospital admission for in-patient and day case treatment on 30 September 2000, by specialty and by Health Board area of residence, is provided in the table.

NHSScotland: Number of Patients1 Waiting for Admission to Hospital for In-Patient and Day Case Treatment on 30 September 2000, by Specialty and by Health Board of Residence
 

All Areas

Argyll & Clyde

Ayrshire & Arran

Borders

Dumfries & Galloway

All Specialties

86,540

7,385

7,610

1,468

2,372

Acute Surgical

75,837

6,433

6,561

1,225

2,164

General Surgical (total)

23,569

2,407

2,346

370

727

Accident & Emergency

36

-

35

-

-

Anaesthetics

140

-

-

2

-

Cardiothoracic Surgery (total)

1,165

","AnswerDate":"2001-02-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2001-01-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Susan Deacon","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158042,"EventID":"S1W-21445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether tourist journeys on the Royal Scotsman train are unable to stable at Ardlui; what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and what steps it will take in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether tourist journeys on the Royal Scotsman train are unable to stable at Ardlui; what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and what steps it will take in respect of this situation.","AnswerText":"I understand that the Royal Scotsman train is unable to stable at Ardlui due to its length (207 m) and the space available (150m). This is a matter for Railtrack and the operators of the Royal Scotsman. The Scottish Executive has no direct locus or powers to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158077,"EventID":"S1W-21480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how it plans to monitor the effectiveness of NHS Board","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how it plans to monitor the effectiveness of NHS Boards' antenatal and postnatal parent education and support programmes.","AnswerText":"A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland, published in 2001, requires NHS Boards to provide parent education programmes and support to parents as part of their maternity strategies. The Scottish Executive is currently conducting an audit of these strategies against the principles laid out in the framework.

The Health Education Board for Scotland, the Scottish Executive Health Department and the Royal College of Midwives held a stakeholder event in November 2001 to review approaches to antenatal and parent education with midwives, health visitors and parents. A follow up event is planned in March.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158078,"EventID":"S1W-21481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it will publish guidelines to help health profess","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it will publish guidelines to help health professionals recognise when women are experiencing domestic violence. ","AnswerText":"A Short Life Working Group has prepared draft guidance on domestic abuse for all health care workers. This guidance explains the nature and prevalence of domestic abuse and its effects on health. It identifies the signs which may suggest abuse, establishes the principles which should inform practice and gives guidance on appropriate support and advice. The Short Life Working Group is currently consulting widely on the draft document, which is expected to be published in April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158079,"EventID":"S1W-21482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it will issue guidance on the education of childr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it will issue guidance on the education of children who are too ill to attend school. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's Guidance on Education of Children Absent from School Through Ill-Health was issued on 19 December 2001, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18538).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158080,"EventID":"S1W-21483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how it is supporting local authorities and health boar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how it is supporting local authorities and health boards in implementing a single shared needs assessment by health or social care professionals for older people and people with dementia.","AnswerText":"We have set up a dedicated team to implement single shared assessment for older people in the first instance and a reference group to advise it. More directly, we issued guidance in setting out the key steps to implementation and the essential infrastructures we expect to be in place by 1 April 2002. And to promote and support implementation locally, we held regional seminars and are currently visiting every local authority area. Single shared assessment will be extended to the rest of community care in the course of 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158081,"EventID":"S1W-21484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it will introduce National Services Frameworks in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it will introduce National Services Frameworks in the three clinical priority areas.","AnswerText":"Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change was published in July 2001. The Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland was issued in September 1997 and has subsequently been updated. The Executive established a CHD/Stroke Task Force which reported in September 2001. Following consultation, which is now complete, the strategy for Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke is expected to be ready for publication this spring.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158082,"EventID":"S1W-21485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how many rapid access chest pain clinics there were, o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how many rapid access chest pain clinics there were, or will be, in (a) 2000-01, (b) 2001-02 and (c) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"We are currently seeking this information from NHS trusts and will reply to the member as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158083,"EventID":"S1W-21486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, what the current maximum wait is from urgent referral ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, what the current maximum wait is from urgent referral to treatment for children's cancers and acute leukaemia.","AnswerText":"There are currently no formal waiting times for children with cancer, nor for people diagnosed with leukaemia. The diagnosis of leukaemia, particularly in children, is usually a clinical emergency warranting immediate admission for urgent treatment. For those cases not requiring immediate emergency admission, treatment is mostly commenced within one week of diagnosis.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158084,"EventID":"S1W-21487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, whether it will set up an Information Task Group to de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, whether it will set up an Information Task Group to develop better access to the information that cancer patients and their families need.","AnswerText":"The commitment to establish an Information Task Group was reaffirmed in Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change launched in July last year. The group has now been set up and met for the first time on 23 January 2002.

Mr Ian Gibson, Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Macmillan Cancer Relief and a member of the Scottish Cancer Group, is chairman of the group. Its membership also includes patient, voluntary sector and regional cancer clinical network representatives from a variety of professions and disciplines. The group will report to the Scottish Cancer Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158085,"EventID":"S1W-21488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when the audit document to help all agencies identify ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when the audit document to help all agencies identify their role in the care and custody of people with mental health problems will be published.","AnswerText":"The promised planning and audit document was published on 12 February 2001 and sent to all relevant agencies. A copy is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 12345).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158086,"EventID":"S1W-21489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how it is monitoring the training and awareness of sta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how it is monitoring the training and awareness of staff about existing good practice on disability issues.","AnswerText":"Progress on implementing good practice on staff issues relating to disability will be made through the Staff Governance Standard which I launched on 25 January at the Scottish Partnership Forum Conference. The Standard requires NHS employers to ensure Partnership Information Network guidelines such as the Equal Opportunities Guideline which includes disability are implemented and progressed. In addition, a self assessment audit on the implementation of \"Learning Together\", the Strategy for Education and Lifelong Learning for NHSScotland staff to ensure all staff are appropriately trained, will be undertaken by the local partnership forum.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158087,"EventID":"S1W-21490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how the accessibility audit of all NHS premises is pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how the accessibility audit of all NHS premises is progressing.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, reinforces the requirement of NHSScotland to meet the specific needs of people with physical disability by giving a commitment to \"improve physical access to health services, meetings and offices, by carrying out an accessibility audit of all NHS premises\". This commitment is consistent with the legal obligations which require NHS bodies to comply with the statutory requirements of section 21: Access to Goods and Services, of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). The provisions of section 21 are being phased in over the period October 1999 to December 2004.

To assist NHS Holding Bodies the Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD) and the NHSScotland Property and Environment Forum have issued comprehensive guidance on both compliance with section 21 of the DDA and on accessibility audits. Responsibility for implementing measures to ensure compliance with these legal obligations rests with NHS Holding Bodies, e.g. NHS trusts, and to inform the process accessibility audits are currently on-going.

Having issued this guidance SEHD and the NHSScotland Property and Environment Forum are considering what monitoring mechanisms need to be put in place to assess the progress of compliance. It is anticipated that appropriate monitoring arrangements will be in place in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158088,"EventID":"S1W-21491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how the establishment of a new Staff Governance standa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, how the establishment of a new Staff Governance standard for the NHS in Scotland is progressing.","AnswerText":"I launched the Staff Governance Standard on 25 January at the Scottish Partnership Conference. A copy of the Standard is available on the Health Department website.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158089,"EventID":"S1W-21492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it plans to introduce a new Leadership Developmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it plans to introduce a new Leadership Development Programme for NHS managers.","AnswerText":"A range of leadership development programmes have been supported by the Executive and delivered in local NHS organisations since the publication of the Scottish Health Plan. In addition, the National Leadership Programme, Xceed, launched in April 2001, is currently providing leadership to a range of NHS personnel including doctors, nurses administrative and other staff engaged in managerial functions. The programme has been well received and demand for places has been, and continues to be, very high.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158090,"EventID":"S1W-21493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it plans to introduce schemes to recognise and va","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it plans to introduce schemes to recognise and value staff commitment through long service awards and good service awards. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Partnership Forum Partnership Information Network (PIN) Board has set up a Guideline Development Group to produce a PIN Guideline on Long and Good Service Awards. The group's membership comprises of health service managers and nominations from trade union and the professions. The group will deliver a draft document for consultation in the summer and issue during autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158091,"EventID":"S1W-21494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it plans to ban tobacco advertising. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it plans to ban tobacco advertising. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to achieving a ban on tobacco advertising and promotion in Scotland which is both effective and enforceable. We do not rule out Scottish legislation at some point, but consider that UK wide action would enable a much more comprehensive ban to be delivered. The UK Government is committed to legislate to effect a ban during the lifetime of the current Westminster Parliament and we have been pressing hard and consistently for this to be done as soon as possible. We are following with interest the progress in the House of Lords of the Lord Clement-Jones Bill to ban tobacco advertising and promotion.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158092,"EventID":"S1W-21495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Enterprise consultants have undergone training in giving business advice and how much this has cost in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Enterprise consultants have undergone training in giving business advice and how much this has cost in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158093,"EventID":"S1W-21496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bids have been received from local authorities for areas to be pilot digital communities under the digital inclusion strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bids have been received from local authorities for areas to be pilot digital communities under the digital inclusion strategy.","AnswerText":"Twenty-nine local authorities submitted an expression of interest by the closing date, 30 November 2001. These were:

Aberdeen City

East Lothian

North Lanarkshire

Aberdeenshire

Edinburgh

Orkney

Angus

Falkirk

Perth & Kinross

Argyll & Bute

Fife

Renfrewshire

Borders

Glasgow

Shetland

Clackmannanshire

Highland

Stirling

Dumfries & Galloway

Inverclyde

West Dunbartonshire

Dundee

Moray

West Lothian

East Ayrshire

Midlothian

Western Isles

East Dunbartonshire

North Ayrshire

Following careful consideration, six have been shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process. These are:

Falkirk (Dawson)

Renfrewshire (Foxbar, Paisley)

West Dunbarton (Bellsmyre)

Argyll & Bute (North Argyll Islands)

Dumfries & Galloway (South Machars)

East Ayrshire (Muirkirk)

We expect to select one urban and one rural community at the end of March.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158094,"EventID":"S1W-21497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public access internet points have been created since the launch of the digital inclusion strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public access internet points have been created since the launch of the digital inclusion strategy.","AnswerText":"The public internet access points initiative was announced as a part of the Executive's Digital Inclusion Strategy (published September 2001). It will create over 1,000 new public internet access points in a wide range of different types of venue. We expect the first of the new public internet access points to be created in the spring of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158095,"EventID":"S1W-21498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average si'e of GP patient lists has been in each health board area in each of the last three years, and what the current figures are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average si'e of GP patient lists has been in each health board area in each of the last three years, and what the current figures are.","AnswerText":"The average size of GP patient lists for each health board area in the years 1998 to 2001 is shown in the following table.

Average Size of GP Patient Lists 1, by Health Board: 1998-20012

Based on Whole-Time Equivalent (WTE)

1998

1999

2000

2001

Scotland

1,527

1,523

1,510

1,508

Argyll & Clyde

1,445

1,439

1,415

1,406

Ayrshire & Arran

1,558

1,556

1,539

1,539

Borders

1,374

1,348

1,351

1,365

Dumfries & Galloway

1,248

1,260

1,254

1,243

Fife

1,564

1,551

1,528

1,529

Forth Val","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158096,"EventID":"S1W-21499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visitors there were to each tourist board area in each of the last three years, expressed also as a ratio of the budget for each board in each year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visitors there were to each tourist board area in each of the last three years, expressed also as a ratio of the budget for each board in each year.","AnswerText":"The information in respect of 1998, 1999 and 2000 is shown in the following table. Information for 2001 is not yet available.

Number of Visitors (millions) to each ATB 1998-2000

Area Tourist Board

1998

1999

20001

Number of Visitors

Ratio of the budget for 1998-993

Number of Visitors

Ratio of the budget for 1999-20003

Number of Visitors

Ratio of the budget for 2000-013

Aberdeen & Grampian

1.6

0.93

1.3

0.63

2.1

0.91

Angus & Dundee

0.5

0.52

0.5

0.54

0.9

0.98

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomand, Stirling and Trossachs

1.8

0.55

1.7

0.52

2.7

0.84

Ayrshire & Arran

1.1

The community right to buy will benefit rural communities in the North East, and throughout Scotland, by providing greater opportunities for them to determine their own future. It will enable them to register an interest in, and subsequently purchase, land with which they can demonstrate a connection. This will provide rural communities with a right to buy when the land which is subject to the registered interest comes to be sold, and time to raise the necessary funding. Community ownership of land can bring social, economic and environmental benefits to rural communities.

The North East of Scotland parliamentary region should have the same opportunity to benefit from these proposals as other areas to which the legislation applies.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158099,"EventID":"S1W-21502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its review of the law relating to aggravated bail will be concluded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its review of the law relating to aggravated bail will be concluded.","AnswerText":"To inform the review, two separate but related research projects were planned. The first was completed in June 2001 and concluded, among other things, that under half of all charges proved between April 1996 and March 2000 involving offending on bail attracted an aggravated sentence; that the practice of imposing aggravated sentences had declined slightly over that period; and that the greatest use of aggravated sentences was made by the High Court and sheriff solemn courts. The second research project is scheduled to commence in March and be completed early in 2003. We aim to complete the review in the middle of that year.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158100,"EventID":"S1W-21503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20836 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 December 2001, whether it will provide the figures on the number of district nurses employed broken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20836 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 December 2001, whether it will provide the figures on the number of district nurses employed broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the whole time equivalent of district nurses in post at 30 September in each of the years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 by health board. Data for the year 2000 are the latest available.

District Nurses directly employed by NHSScotland by Health Board

Whole Time Equivalent at 30 September:

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000P

Scotland1

1,780.0

1,799.7

1,852.5

1,940.7

1,935.8

Argyll and Clyde

155.0

157.9

154.7

159.0

147.5

Ayrshire & Arran

146.6

150.9

158.7

160.2

157.5

Borders

9.1

8.2

7.6

9.4

10.0

Dumfries and Galloway

47.1

45.5

52.9

62.3

Guide to Collective Decision Making, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 5884), the Executive operates on the basis of collective responsibility and does not disclose details of the internal processes through which a decision has been made. For that reason, the Executive does not normally comment on which ministers attended specific meetings. Details of the membership of Cabinet Sub-Committees are made available on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158103,"EventID":"S1W-21506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the revenue allocation to the Scottish Ambulance Service for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the revenue allocation to the Scottish Ambulance Service for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service was given an indicative revenue allocation of £107.6 million for 2002-03 on 6 April 2001. Firm allocations for 2002-03 will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158104,"EventID":"S1W-21507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide sufficient revenue allocation in financial year 2002-03 to enable the Scottish Ambulance Service to convert any of its stations from operating","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide sufficient revenue allocation in financial year 2002-03 to enable the Scottish Ambulance Service to convert any of its stations from operating on a non-call basis for some periods to full-time operation.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently reviewing the 2002-03 indicative allocation for the Scottish Ambulance Service against its proposed service developments. We expect to issue the allocations for 2002-03 in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158105,"EventID":"S1W-21508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on which Scottish Ambulance Service stations could be converted to full-time operation rather than operating on a non-call basis for some periods.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on which Scottish Ambulance Service stations could be converted to full-time operation rather than operating on a non-call basis for some periods.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service last year submitted to the department proposals to convert 10 selected ambulance stations from part-time to full-time operations thereby eliminating the reliance on on-call working in these areas. The proposals identified the expected patient care benefits, performance improvements, legal requirements and competing priorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158106,"EventID":"S1W-21509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support moves in 2002-03 to convert either or both of the Scottish Ambulance Service stations at Peterhead and Fraserburgh from operating on a non-call ba","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support moves in 2002-03 to convert either or both of the Scottish Ambulance Service stations at Peterhead and Fraserburgh from operating on a non-call basis for some periods to full-time operation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21507.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158107,"EventID":"S1W-21510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a risk assessment has been conducted comparing the operation of the Peterhead and/or Fraserburgh stations of the Scottish Ambulance Service on a non-call basis fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a risk assessment has been conducted comparing the operation of the Peterhead and/or Fraserburgh stations of the Scottish Ambulance Service on a non-call basis for some periods with full-time operation.","AnswerText":"Yes, such an assessment informed the Scottish Ambulance Service proposals to convert 10 selected ambulance stations, including Peterhead and Fraserburgh, from part-time to full-time operations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158108,"EventID":"S1W-21511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the colorectal cancer screening project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the colorectal cancer screening project.","AnswerText":"The Scottish arm of the UK Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot, which commenced in March 2000 at a cost of approximately £2.672 million, is progressing well.

The final report of the independently commissioned Evaluation Group, which is evaluating the feasibility, practicality and acceptability of the pilot screening programme, is due in early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158109,"EventID":"S1W-21512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been allocated to the colorectal cancer screening project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been allocated to the colorectal cancer screening project.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21511.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158110,"EventID":"S1W-21513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources have been allocated by health boards for further diagnostic testing and treatment as a consequence of positive results under the colorectal canc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources have been allocated by health boards for further diagnostic testing and treatment as a consequence of positive results under the colorectal cancer screening project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Fife, Grampian and Tayside NHS Boards. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158111,"EventID":"S1W-21514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to further diagnostic tests and treatments as a consequence of positive results for individuals participating in the colorectal cancer scre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to further diagnostic tests and treatments as a consequence of positive results for individuals participating in the colorectal cancer screening project.","AnswerText":"Any individual who, as a result of participating in the screening pilot, has an overall positive Faecal Occult Blood test result is referred to a Specialist Nurse for explanation of their test result, potential investigations and their consequences.

The patient then requires to make an informed choice about further investigations and following their agreement the nurse will refer them for a colonoscopy and where appropriate a barium enema. Following the diagnostic investigations, the patient will then follow the trust treatment protocols appropriate for their condition. If cancer is found, the treatment protocols will follow the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Guidelines for colorectal cancer, which are currently being reviewed.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158112,"EventID":"S1W-21515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21002 by Lewis MacDonald on 3 January 2002, whether it has had discussions with Her Majesty's Government concerning the restriction","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21002 by Lewis MacDonald on 3 January 2002, whether it has had discussions with Her Majesty's Government concerning the restriction of rail freight through the Channel Tunnel that began on 7 November 2001 and its impact on Scotland and, if so, on what date these discussions took place, who took part and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"Rail freight generally is a reserved matter, as are European railway services. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including freight services through the Channel Tunnel. Contact on this issue has continued throughout the period in question, including most recently a letter earlier this month to George Foulkes, Minister of State at the Scotland Office, in which I reiterated our concern to see this matter resolved.

It is not usual to provide details of discussions between officials and third parties, as the disclosure of this information would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion. This policy is supported by the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information, which provides that information should be released except where disclosure would not be in the public interest, as specified in Part II of the Code.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158113,"EventID":"S1W-21516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism is in place to prevent a conflict of interest arising when solicitors employed by the civil service receive instructions in the same matter from both the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism is in place to prevent a conflict of interest arising when solicitors employed by the civil service receive instructions in the same matter from both the Lord Advocate and the Advocate General.","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate and the Advocate General are supported by separate civil service offices. There is no joint office which works for both of them. No question of conflict of interest therefore arises.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158114,"EventID":"S1W-21517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hospitals are currently prescribing Herceptin for the treatment of secondary breast cancer and whether this is prescribed on a trial basis or otherwise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what hospitals are currently prescribing Herceptin for the treatment of secondary breast cancer and whether this is prescribed on a trial basis or otherwise.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Herceptin is available on the NHS. However, its use depends on the clinical judgement of specialists experienced in the management of cancer. Data on drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally. Centrally collected data relates to items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158115,"EventID":"S1W-21518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will start funding testing for HER2 in breast cancer patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will start funding testing for HER2 in breast cancer patients.","AnswerText":"Planning and provision of clinical services is a matter for NHS boards based on the assessed needs of their resident patient populations, taking into account available clinical and cost effectiveness guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158116,"EventID":"S1W-21519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address the increase in the level of breast cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address the increase in the level of breast cancer.","AnswerText":"Tackling cancer in all its forms is a continuing priority for the Scottish Executive and the NHS in Scotland. This is being addressed in a variety of ways including:

A continuing emphasis of health promotion and health education backed up by a £100 million Health Improvement Fund

The Scottish Breast Screening Programme for which the age range of women eligible for screening was recently extended to those aged up to 70

The continuing cancer strategy, Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change for which an additional £40 million is being invested to ensure more rapid diagnosis and treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158117,"EventID":"S1W-21520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding has been made available for research into the causes of breast cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding has been made available for research into the causes of breast cancer.","AnswerText":"Within the Scottish Executive Health Department, the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland and, as such, is the main departmental funder of NHS-related research.

CSO is currently funding 11 research projects with a total value of £1,261,450 on breast cancer, five of which, with a total value of £499,377, are into the causes of breast cancer. Details of these projects are available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is in the Scottish Parliament Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).

Cancer remains a health research priority and as such the CSO would be happy to consider further research proposals into this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158118,"EventID":"S1W-21521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of breast cancer patients has been tested for HER2.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of breast cancer patients has been tested for HER2.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158119,"EventID":"S1W-21522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Beatson Oncology Centre does not make Herceptin available for NHS patients given that one of the three HER2 testing reference laboratories in the UK funded by a d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Beatson Oncology Centre does not make Herceptin available for NHS patients given that one of the three HER2 testing reference laboratories in the UK funded by a drug company is based there.","AnswerText":"The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is expected to provide guidance on the use of Trastuzamab in the near future.

Pending this guidance and Health Technology Board for Scotland Comment, Herceptin is currently supported by NHS Greater Glasgow and many other NHS Boards across Scotland within locally agreed clinical protocols and based on individual clinical assessments.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158120,"EventID":"S1W-21523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of HER2 patients in Glasgow has received the drug Herceptin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of HER2 patients in Glasgow has received the drug Herceptin.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Local management confirm that NHS Greater Glasgow currently supports the use of Herceptin. Decisions on treatment are the responsibility of clinicians in consultation with their patient.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158121,"EventID":"S1W-21524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the figures for breast cancer incidence rates for 1998 will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the figures for breast cancer incidence rates for 1998 will be made available.","AnswerText":"The 1998 breast cancer incidence data are now available on line at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/cancer/facts_figures/types/breast.htm","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158122,"EventID":"S1W-21525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to extend free personal care to younger people with severe disabilities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to extend free personal care to younger people with severe disabilities. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to extend free personal care to younger people with disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158123,"EventID":"S1W-21526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional help and assistance it plans to make available to young people with disabilities and their carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional help and assistance it plans to make available to young people with disabilities and their carers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to supporting vulnerable families and ensuring that all children receive the best start in life. From 20 December 2001, 16- and 17-year-olds with disabilities have been able to receive direct payments to purchase children's services. The Community Care and Health (Scotland) Bill includes a number of provisions which will help to make direct payments more widely available and make it possible for parents of children with disabilities to receive direct payments to purchase services for their child. The Bill also extends the rights of carers to include an assessment of their ability to care and will ensure that carers' views are taken into account.

The Scottish Executive is also providing almost £2.2 million per annum to the Family Fund Trust for grants to families with severely disabled children to allow them to continue to care for their child at home.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158124,"EventID":"S1W-21527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20971 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 3 January 2002, why the information provided in response to question S1W-5623 was collected from rep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20971 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 3 January 2002, why the information provided in response to question S1W-5623 was collected from reports in the daily Scottish newspapers rather than from Department of Trade and Industry information gleaned from submissions under the statutory redundancy consultation and notification provisions contained in Part IV of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, as amended by the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993, the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995/2587) and the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/1925) implementing the EC Collective Redundancies Directive (98/59/EC).","AnswerText":"The information collected by the Department of Trade and Industry under the provision of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 gives details of proposed redundancies from individual companies. It is not known how many of the notified redundancies actually took place, nor is individual company data made public for commercial reasons.

The data collected from the Scottish daily newspapers is intended for internal use only. It provides a general overview of the current position and trends.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158125,"EventID":"S1W-21528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why original invoices are required by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department for Sheep Annual Premium Scheme audits and whether farmers should be entitled to withho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why original invoices are required by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department for Sheep Annual Premium Scheme audits and whether farmers should be entitled to withhold information, such as vendors' names and prices, which may be commercially sensitive.","AnswerText":"Invoices are required to fulfil the inspection requirements that the department is obliged, by EC Regulation, to undertake. Sheep Annual Premium is paid to producers who maintain the claimed number of eligible animals throughout a 100-day retention period. It is not feasible to undertake all inspections prior to payment so that officials need to take account of any changes in the flock (due to purchases, sales, deaths, etc) between the date of claim and date of inspection. The inspection seeks a reconciliation between the number of animals counted and the number claimed and in order to have confidence in the result, the inspectors need to examine the original documents. This is similar to say an accountant who needs to see original sale or purchase invoices as part of an audit.

Regarding the second part of the question, farmers are obliged to co-operate with inspections and confirm that they will do so by signing the declaration at the time of claim submission. Again, under EC Regulation, the department is obliged to refuse payment or seek recovery of subsidy paid, if any action by a producer prevents the inspection from being undertaken. However, I hope such actions could be avoided and I would encourage producers with particular concerns to contact their local area offices.

In conclusion, I must add that officials see a wide-range of information in the course of their normal work that could be considered commercially sensitive. The department's published service standards, however, require them to treat such information in confidence and prohibit them from divulging details to third parties.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158126,"EventID":"S1W-21529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether officials from its Environment and Rural Affairs Department are obliged to advise owners of crops when they plan to make an inspection of their crops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether officials from its Environment and Rural Affairs Department are obliged to advise owners of crops when they plan to make an inspection of their crops.","AnswerText":"There are two types of crop inspection carried out by officials from the Environment and Rural Affairs Department.

Although not obliged to do so, it is usual practice for inspectors to advise growers before inspecting seed potato, cereal and horticultural crops under Plant Health and Seeds Certification Schemes.

EU Regulations also require department officials to inspect 5% of arable and forage crops on which assistance has been claimed as part of an IACS Area Aid application. The IACS Regulation requires inspections to be carried out as on-the-spot checks, which should be unannounced. However, advance notice not exceeding 48 hours can be given provided this does not jeopardise the purpose of the inspection.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158127,"EventID":"S1W-21530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation will be undertaken before the publication of the replacement of the Patients Charter in June 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation will be undertaken before the publication of the replacement of the Patients Charter in June 2002.","AnswerText":"The report of a pre-consultation exercise on the effectiveness of the Patients' Charter was published in May 2000. Subsequently, the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) was asked to develop its patient care or \"generic\" standards. As stated in Patient Focus and Public Involvement, the Scottish Consumer Council (SCC) has now been commissioned to work with the CSBS and local health councils to develop a more comprehensive replacement for the Charter that will incorporate:

a guide to the NHS;

standards focusing on patient entitlements, based on the CSBS generic standards;

the responsibilities of patients using the NHS, and

information about medical records, legal rights, and the complaints procedure.

The SCC will involve the public in the development of this package and consider the scope of any further public consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158128,"EventID":"S1W-21531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when patient smart cards will be introduced and in which health board area they will be piloted and evaluated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when patient smart cards will be introduced and in which health board area they will be piloted and evaluated.","AnswerText":"Our National Plan commits to increase the use of patient-held records and, by April 2003, to pilot and evaluate patient-held smart cards in areas where they will be most likely to promote patient involvement and better co-ordination of care.

Options for such a pilot are currently under consideration and will be announced as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158129,"EventID":"S1W-21532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to relocate civil service staff to London; whether any such plans follow a review of its operational needs, and, if some relocation does take place, how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to relocate civil service staff to London; whether any such plans follow a review of its operational needs, and, if some relocation does take place, how many staff will be relocated, showing their grades and designations, who these civil servants will report to and what the total cost of the relocation will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive wishes to maintain close links with Whitehall departments. No decision has yet been taken on whether these links could be strengthened by establishing a more formal base in London.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158130,"EventID":"S1W-21533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17558 by Angus MacKay on 13 September 2000, how much has been (a) claimed by and (b) paid to Scottish Borders Council under the Bel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17558 by Angus MacKay on 13 September 2000, how much has been (a) claimed by and (b) paid to Scottish Borders Council under the Bellwin scheme following heavy snowfalls in February 2001 and what the reasons are for any difference between the two amounts.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Bellwin Scheme, detailed in Finance Circular 9/2000, Scottish Borders Council claimed costs of £642,580. £39,685 was disallowed because it covered works which were insurable and normal staff costs which are ineligible under the scheme. This reduced the claim to £602,895.after the deduction of a threshold, which is £222,328 for Scottish Borders, 85% of the remainder was eligible for payment.

The sum of £291,134 (90% of amount payable) was paid on 21 December 2001. The remaining 10% will be paid following receipt by the Executive of an audited claim.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158131,"EventID":"S1W-21534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20622 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 28 December 2001 and with regard to her letter to me of 1 January 2002, how many members of staff ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20622 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 28 December 2001 and with regard to her letter to me of 1 January 2002, how many members of staff are now employed by the call centre company at Claridge Mill in Selkirk.","AnswerText":"The Manpower Call Centre at Claridge Mill currently employs 37 people. As stated in the news release, the company expects to create around 200 jobs at the facility. This figure is based on projections made by the company.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158132,"EventID":"S1W-21535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating units had been installed under its central heating installation programme at 31 December 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating units had been installed under its central heating installation programme at 31 December 2001.","AnswerText":"Eaga had installed 289 central heating systems in the private sector. They are on target to install over 3,500 systems by 31 March 2002. Information is currently being collected from the social rented sector landlords, but indications show that they will have installed around 6,400 central heating systems by 31 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158133,"EventID":"S1W-21536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me of 1 January 2002 from the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, whether the sums of #670,000, #7,020 and #3,000 from","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me of 1 January 2002 from the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, whether the sums of #670,000, #7,020 and #3,000 from Scottish Enterprise Borders represent the total public funding allocated from all sources to the call centre company at Claridge Mill in Selkirk.","AnswerText":"Total public funding allocated to Manpower is as follows: £600,000 to secure and adapt the premises in Selkirk, £70,000 for training, £7,020 to re-train workers made redundant by other companies and £3,000 to implement the European Computer Driving License on a pilot basis.

In addition, the company has been made an offer of Regional Selective Assistance of which no payments have yet been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158134,"EventID":"S1W-21537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me of 1 January 2002 from the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and to its news release SE0357/2001 on 14 February 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me of 1 January 2002 from the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and to its news release SE0357/2001 on 14 February 2001, how many jobs are projected in total to be created at the contact centre at Claridge Mill in Selkirk.","AnswerText":"refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21534.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158135,"EventID":"S1W-21538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on rail infrastructure in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on rail infrastructure in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Information on expenditure by the rail industry is not held centrally. However the Executive has made the following awards to date for rail infrastructure projects
 

1999-2000 (£ million)

2000-01( £ million)

2001-02 (£ million)

Freight Facilities Grant

5.521

1.977

3.542

Public Transport Fund

12.351

5.258

17.894

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158136,"EventID":"S1W-21539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy reviews it has undertaken since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy reviews it has undertaken since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Reviews of policy at various levels are carried out as appropriate on an on-going basis across the Executive. No central record is held of policies under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158137,"EventID":"S1W-21540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it plans to create (a) a central innovation fund ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the publication of the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, when it plans to create (a) a central innovation fund and (b) a Centre for Change and Innovation for the NHS.","AnswerText":"Significant levels of funding are already being invested in innovation and modernisation of the NHS. Proposals for the Centre for Change and Innovation and a central innovation fund are currently being finalised and details will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158138,"EventID":"S1W-21541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me of 1 January 2002 from the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and to its news release SE0357/2001 on 14 February 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me of 1 January 2002 from the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and to its news release SE0357/2001 on 14 February 2001, what the source was for estimates of the number of jobs to be created at the call centre at Claridge Mill, Selkirk.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21534.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158139,"EventID":"S1W-21542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budgets were of each local authority in each year since 1998-99 for criminal justice issues; what contribution it made in each year to these budgets, and what t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budgets were of each local authority in each year since 1998-99 for criminal justice issues; what contribution it made in each year to these budgets, and what the annual percentage change in budgets was, also expressed as a percentage of the overall budget for that year.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not hold this information. Local authorities incur expenditure on criminal justice services under a number of budget headings including district courts, offender services and police. They have no identifiable criminal justice budget and it is not possible to identify total expenditure from the information available.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158140,"EventID":"S1W-21543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of teachers are employed on a temporary contract basis, broken down by teacher category and local authority area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of teachers are employed on a temporary contract basis, broken down by teacher category and local authority area. ","AnswerText":"The information is not held in the format requested. However, a survey commissioned by COSLA shows the number of teachers on temporary contracts by category as at November 2000.

Number of teaching staff employed by authority

Category

Teachers on temporary contracts

Total

number of teachers

Percentage

Nursery teachers

137

1,320

10.4%

Primary teachers

3,269

26,459

12.3%

Secondary teachers

4,314

29,015

14.9%

Special schools teachers

375

3,240

11.6%

Combined schools teachers

41

368

11.1%

Total

8,136

60,402

13.5%

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158141,"EventID":"S1W-21544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the NHS inspectors employed by the Health & Safety Executive are being transferred from Aberdeen and whether it was consulted on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the NHS inspectors employed by the Health & Safety Executive are being transferred from Aberdeen and whether it was consulted on this matter.","AnswerText":"Occupational health and safety is a reserved issue. The Scottish Executive liaises with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on a range of matters affecting devolved issues, such as public health, but has no remit in relation to HSE's operational decisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158142,"EventID":"S1W-21545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, and to whom, on the number of Health and Safety Executive inspectors employed in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, and to whom, on the number of Health and Safety Executive inspectors employed in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Occupational health and safety is a reserved issue. The Scottish Executive liaises with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on a range of matters affecting devolved issues, such as public health, but has no remit in relation to HSE's operational decisions. The Scottish Executive is also in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including occupational health and safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158143,"EventID":"S1W-21546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it and Local Enterprise Companies are being informed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of any instances in Scotland of statutory notification to the D","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it and Local Enterprise Companies are being informed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of any instances in Scotland of statutory notification to the DTI under Part IV of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, as amended by the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993, the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995/2587) and the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/1925).","AnswerText":"The Department of Trade and Industry makes available to the Scottish Executive the notifications of proposed redundancies in Scotland, provided in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

This information is used as appropriate in connection with the local response teams, including local enterprise companies, under Partnership Action for Continuing Employment for assisting in redundancy situations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158144,"EventID":"S1W-21547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19322, S1W-19323, S1W-19324, S1W-19325, S1W-19326, S1W-19327, S1W-19328, S1W-19329 and S1W-19330 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 Novem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19322, S1W-19323, S1W-19324, S1W-19325, S1W-19326, S1W-19327, S1W-19328, S1W-19329 and S1W-19330 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 November 2001, why it does not hold centrally information on job losses in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish labour market is dynamic. The monthly labour market statistics from the Office of National Statistics give net employment changes from quarter to quarter. There are large shifts between employment, unemployment and inactivity each month/quarter. Any attempt to measure job loss figures is likely to be swamped by these large flows.

The Labour Force Survey (run by the Office of National Statistics) provides data on a quarterly basis for redundancies, although it is a survey of households and individuals, not businesses. The information collected on redundancies relates to whether an individual was made redundant in the three months prior to the survey interview. The data, however, is not sufficiently large to disaggregate reliably below an all-Scotland level.

Jobs are constantly being created and lost across the country as firms start-up, expand, contract, close or merge. It would be a substantial burden on business - and indeed - all employers to require notifications of all job changes.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158145,"EventID":"S1W-21548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19322, S1W-19323, S1W-19324, S1W-19325, S1W-19326, S1W-19327, S1W-19328, S1W-19329 and S1W-19330 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 Novem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19322, S1W-19323, S1W-19324, S1W-19325, S1W-19326, S1W-19327, S1W-19328, S1W-19329 and S1W-19330 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 November 2001 why the information requested is not held centrally given the obligation on employers to make statutory redundancy notifications to the Department of Trade and Industry under Part IV of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, as amended by the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993, the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995/2587) and the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/1925). ","AnswerText":"Under the provisions contained in Part IV of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, employers must notify the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in writing, if they propose to make 20 or more redundancies within a month. The Department of Trade and Industry therefore hold information on those proposed redundancies that fall within the scope of the Act. Data on individual companies is not made public as this information is potentially commercially sensitive. Companies are not required by the Act to confirm how many of the notified redundancies actually took place. Nor is the data collated in the disaggregated form requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158146,"EventID":"S1W-21549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19685 by Jackie Baillie on 19 November 2001, what proportion of asylum seekers in Scotland are currently attending further educatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19685 by Jackie Baillie on 19 November 2001, what proportion of asylum seekers in Scotland are currently attending further education courses.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158147,"EventID":"S1W-21550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19747 by Susan Deacon on 21 November 2001, what financial resources (a) have been made available to the cancer centres in (i) Aberd","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19747 by Susan Deacon on 21 November 2001, what financial resources (a) have been made available to the cancer centres in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Dundee, (iii) Edinburgh, (iv) Glasgow and (v) Inverness in each of the last five years and (b) will be made available to those centres in each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. NHS trust chief executives at the acute hospital trusts which host Scotland's cancer centres will be able to provide information locally - Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust, Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust, Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust, North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust and Highland Acute Trust. Contact details are available online at: www.show.scot.nhs.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158148,"EventID":"S1W-21551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19478 by Susan Deacon on 21 November 2001, what plans there are to increase the number of linear accelerators per million of popula","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19478 by Susan Deacon on 21 November 2001, what plans there are to increase the number of linear accelerators per million of population at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"During 2002-03, two additional linear accelerators will be purchased and installed at the Beatson Oncology Centre, funded by the Scottish Executive's radiotherapy equipment modernisation programme. This will bring the total number of linear accelerators to 10, which is 3.9 per million population.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158149,"EventID":"S1W-21552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the occurrence of cancer as a percentage of the population was in each cancer centre area in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the occurrence of cancer as a percentage of the population was in each cancer centre area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows, by NHS board areas for the years 1994-98, the number of patients diagnosed with cancer and percentage of the population served by Scotland's five cancer centres. However, it should be noted that oncology services are provided through regional managed clinical networks which transcend NHS board boundaries.

Cancer centre area

Period of diagnosis

Number of cases

Percentage of population

Aberdeen

(Grampian,

Orkney and

Shetland)

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

2,607

0.45

2,678

0.47

2,579

0.45

2,594

0.45

2,668

0.47

Dundee

(Tayside)

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

2,028

0.51

2,125

0.54

2,231

0.57

2,100

0.54

2,140

0.55

Edinburgh

(Lothian, Fife, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway)

HTBS has now developed strong collaborative links with NICE providing input to all their appraisals and commenting where appropriate on draft documents. HTBS involves Scottish experts in this process so that issues pertinent to Scotland can be raised during the NICE process. This should reduce the need for formal comment.

The HTBS is also supporting the development of the Scottish Medicines Consortium. The consortium will shortly begin to provide NHS boards and Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees with advice on new drugs at the time of their market launch.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158155,"EventID":"S1W-21559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 30 women in Glasgow who have recently been tested positive for HER2 and have secondary breast cancer are not receiving the drug Herceptin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 30 women in Glasgow who have recently been tested positive for HER2 and have secondary breast cancer are not receiving the drug Herceptin.","AnswerText":"Guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence on the use of Trastuzamab (Herceptin) is awaited.

Clinicians are responsible for making appropriate decisions on treatment in individual cases, in consultation with their patient.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158156,"EventID":"S1W-21560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed by the Health Technology Board for Scotland on salaries of (a) under #40,000 and (b) over #40,000 and how many are (i) part-time and (ii) full","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are employed by the Health Technology Board for Scotland on salaries of (a) under #40,000 and (b) over #40,000 and how many are (i) part-time and (ii) full-time.","AnswerText":"At 1 January 2002, the Health Technology Board for Scotland employed 13 full-time staff on salaries of under £40,000 and three full-time staff on salaries of over £40,000 (one executive grade, one medical and one scientific). All 16 members of staff are employed on full-time contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158157,"EventID":"S1W-21561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Health Technology Board for Scotland will report its accounts for 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Health Technology Board for Scotland will report its accounts for 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) accounts for 2000-01 were published in the board's Annual Report, which is available from the HTBS website (www.htbs.co.uk).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158158,"EventID":"S1W-21562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the use of Herceptin in HER2 patients in Scotland, given that Scotland has a higher percentage of such patients being treated privately than","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the use of Herceptin in HER2 patients in Scotland, given that Scotland has a higher percentage of such patients being treated privately than in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21518 on 21 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158159,"EventID":"S1W-21563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current postgraduate education allowance is for general practitioners; whether general practitioners are required to apply for funding or whether the allowance i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current postgraduate education allowance is for general practitioners; whether general practitioners are required to apply for funding or whether the allowance is paid automatically; what the duration of the allowance is, and what other professions are eligible to receive the allowance.","AnswerText":"Postgraduate Education Allowance (PGEA) is designed to encourage general practitioners (GPs) to keep themselves educationally up to date by attending five days accredited training per year. The allowance is paid on a progressive scale reaching a maximum of £2,735 per annum following five successive years (25 days) of training. To maintain the full allowance the GP has to continue attending at least five training days per year. This method of payment encourages the GP to be involved in continuous postgraduate educational training.

The current postgraduate education allowance for general medical practitioners (GMPs) is as follows:

Level 1

£545 per annum

Level 2

£1,090 per annum

Level 3

£1,635 per annum

Level 4

£2,180 per annum

Full Allowance

£2,735 per annum

General medical practitioners (GMPs) who qualify for the allowance have to claim for payment each year. The allowance is paid on a yearly basis providing the GMP has attended five days of accredited postgraduate education each year as laid down in the GMP's Statement of Fees and Allowances (SFA).

General dental practitioners (GDPs), who satisfy certain conditions, may claim a continuing professional development allowance of up to £1,092 per annum. This amount is subject to abatement, based on the proportion of the GDP's NHS earnings to total earnings.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158160,"EventID":"S1W-21564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods it uses to promote the postgraduate education allowance for general practitioners and other professions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods it uses to promote the postgraduate education allowance for general practitioners and other professions.","AnswerText":"This information is not currently available.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158161,"EventID":"S1W-21565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations are being made to the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education to ensure that clinical psychologists are adequately trained in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations are being made to the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education to ensure that clinical psychologists are adequately trained in autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education commissions training to meet the professional accreditation requirements for chartered clinical psychologists. Formal teaching for and clinical experience of psychology services for children, young people and their families is a core component of all clinical psychology training. Within that element of training, autistic spectrum disorders are a core topic.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158162,"EventID":"S1W-21566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chief Scientist Office has been approached to fund research into links between autism and dementia in the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chief Scientist Office has been approached to fund research into links between autism and dementia in the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office has received no approaches to fund research into links between autism and dementia in the last three years but would be pleased to consider funding research proposals into this matter which would be subject to the usual peer group and committee review.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158163,"EventID":"S1W-21567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chief Scientist Office has been approached regarding the funding of research into autism and Asperger's Syndrome in people aged 40 and over.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chief Scientist Office has been approached regarding the funding of research into autism and Asperger's Syndrome in people aged 40 and over.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office has received no approaches to fund research into autism and Asperger's Syndrome in people aged 40 and over, but would be pleased to consider funding research proposals into this matter which would be subject to the usual peer group and committee review.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158164,"EventID":"S1W-21568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) psychiatrists and (b) psychologists classify autism and Asperger's Syndrome as their main speciality, broken down by health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) psychiatrists and (b) psychologists classify autism and Asperger's Syndrome as their main speciality, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"While a number of psychiatrists specialise in the treatment of specific conditions, they will treat patients with a wide range of psychiatric needs. Information is not collected on those who deal only with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, as staff data is classified by main specialty only and does not identify sub-categories of specialty or special interest.

The numbers of clinical psychologist who would classify these conditions as their main specialty are small and the data is not collected centrally.

However, many more will indicate autistic spectrum disorders among their interests. This reflects the fact that children with autistic spectrum disorders do not enter the service through one service point, nor spend their lives in one service context. They will have a variety of needs over their developmental years, which will bring them into contact with different sections of the services for children, young people and their families.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158165,"EventID":"S1W-21569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to its news release SE3061/2001 of 7 September 2001, which organisations were consulted on the role of the proposed Forth Estuary Transportation Authority and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to its news release SE3061/2001 of 7 September 2001, which organisations were consulted on the role of the proposed Forth Estuary Transportation Authority and when the consultation period ended.","AnswerText":"The 52 organisations listed were consulted. Full information on the consultation was placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 16212) and on the Executive website. Consultation closed on 30 November 2001.

Organisations Consulted

Aberdeen City Council

Midlothian Council

Scotland Office

Aberdeenshire Council

Moray Council

CBI Scotland

Angus Council

North Ayrshire Council

Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT)

Argyll and Bute Council

North Lanarkshire Council

The Automobile Association (AA)

City of Edinburgh Council

Orkney Islands Council

RAC Foundation

Clackmannanshire Council

Perth and Kinross Council

Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers (ATCO)

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Renfrewshire Council

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC)

Dumfries and Galloway Council

Scottish Borders Council

Freight Transport Association

Dundee City Council

Shetland Islands Council

Road Haulage Association

East Ayrshire Council

South Ayrshire Council

Transform Scotland

East Dunbartonshire Council

South Lanarkshire Council

Travelwise

East Lothian Council

Stirling Council

Scottish Association of Passenger Transport (SAPT)

East Renfrewshire Council

Further information on CSO grant conditions is available on the CSO website at www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158177,"EventID":"S1W-21581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria must be met in order for an application for funding from the Chief Scientist Office to be successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria must be met in order for an application for funding from the Chief Scientist Office to be successful.","AnswerText":"Research proposals to the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) are assessed on the basis of their scientific quality and potential relevance to the health of the Scottish people. The principal research grant holder must be a permanent salaried member of staff in a Scottish institution and the administering body must be based in Scotland.

Projects must also be able to demonstrate \"health gain\" and potential to improve health care. Such assessments are made by expert peer group and committee review.

Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their research idea with CSO at an early stage, so that they can develop their proposals in a way that most directly addresses Scotland's public health and health services research needs.

Comprehensive information and guidance on how to apply for a CSO research grant is available on the CSO website at: www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso/.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158178,"EventID":"S1W-21582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an application to the Chief Scientist Office for research funding involving staff based outwith Scotland would be processed as normal and whether the fact that no","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an application to the Chief Scientist Office for research funding involving staff based outwith Scotland would be processed as normal and whether the fact that non-Scottish employees would be working on the project would affect awarding decisions.","AnswerText":"The involvement of staff based outwith Scotland would not affect the processing of a research grant application or affect the decision to award grant provided that the principal grant holder is a permanent salaried member of staff in a Scottish institution and the administrating body is based in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158179,"EventID":"S1W-21583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the consultation paper on mental health services for deaf and deafblind people by its Principal Medical Officer will be made available to the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the consultation paper on mental health services for deaf and deafblind people by its Principal Medical Officer will be made available to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21433 om 29 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158180,"EventID":"S1W-21584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist units, professionals and additional resources are available in each health board area for deaf and deafblind people diagnosed with a mental illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist units, professionals and additional resources are available in each health board area for deaf and deafblind people diagnosed with a mental illness.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and local authorities will decide what resources to allocate to any specialist provision for this care group reflecting the needs of their area. On an individual level, assessments should always take account of the whole person with care responses wherever possible matching all needs. The particular needs of those with sensory difficulties underline the importance of the individual aspect to care design and the key supportive role for advocates, carers and family.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158181,"EventID":"S1W-21585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12969 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 March 2001, what progress has been made with the Health & Safety Executive update on guidelines on t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12969 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 March 2001, what progress has been made with the Health & Safety Executive update on guidelines on the operation of sun tanning parlours.","AnswerText":"The Health and Safety Executive confirm that the guidance has been reviewed. No substantive changes were required or proposed.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158182,"EventID":"S1W-21586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has it given to the introduction of legislation requiring sun tanning parlours to be licensed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has it given to the introduction of legislation requiring sun tanning parlours to be licensed.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to introduce legislation requiring sun tanning parlours to be licensed. Sun tanning parlours are subject to the requirements of health and safety regulations that place obligations on employers to protect the health of their employees and members of the public who might be affected by their work (in this case, customers). The National Radiological Protection Board also proposes to develop guidance on limitations of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158183,"EventID":"S1W-21587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the licensing of sun tanning parlours in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the licensing of sun tanning parlours in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to introduce such a licensing regime.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158184,"EventID":"S1W-21588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how students involved in higher education should fill the #700 funding gap which they will experience every year, as identified by Universities Scotland, once its bursary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how students involved in higher education should fill the #700 funding gap which they will experience every year, as identified by Universities Scotland, once its bursary proposals have been implemented.","AnswerText":"In addition to the main student support entitlement, which for a young full-time student starting higher education in Scotland is worth up to £4,315, supplementary grants for students with children or other special needs are also available. These grants include Dependants' and Lone Parents' Grants, the School Meals Grant and the Disabled Students' Allowance. From this year, the Lone Parents Grant contains an additional element for childcare worth up to £1,000. The School Meals Grant is also new this year. Assistance may also be available in individual cases from the Hardship Funds and/or Hardship Loans, which are intended to enable institutions to assist students who face particular financial difficulties. Mature students may also apply for support from the Mature Students Bursary Fund, from which payments up to the value of £2,000 a year may be made.

Actual levels of personal expenditure, and the methods by which these are financed, are, however, ultimately a matter for individuals.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158185,"EventID":"S1W-21589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether Family Matters was selected as the provider of the new childcare voucher scheme for MSPs and staff by open competition and, if so, which other providers were consi","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether Family Matters was selected as the provider of the new childcare voucher scheme for MSPs and staff by open competition and, if so, which other providers were considered.","AnswerText":"Three companies were invited to tender for this contract. The two other providers were Busy Bees and Accor Corporate Services.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158186,"EventID":"S1W-21590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what remuneration or fee will be received by Family Matters annually in respect of providing the new childcare voucher scheme and any other services for MSPs and staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what remuneration or fee will be received by Family Matters annually in respect of providing the new childcare voucher scheme and any other services for MSPs and staff.","AnswerText":"Information about contract fees is commercially sensitive and, as such, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) cannot disclose this information. To do so could cause significant damage both to the legitimate commercial interests of our supplier, and to the SPCB's negotiating position.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158187,"EventID":"S1W-21591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what options were available to the Parliament in respect of supporting MSPs and staff with childcare costs, prior to the decision to introduce a vouchers scheme and engage","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what options were available to the Parliament in respect of supporting MSPs and staff with childcare costs, prior to the decision to introduce a vouchers scheme and engage an external organisation to provide this service.","AnswerText":"The SPCB considered a number of options to support MSPs and staff with childcare costs before deciding to introduce a childcare voucher scheme. These were:

the provision of an on-site nursery in the Parliament's interim accommodation;

the creation of a new nursery outwith the interim complex;

a contract with a private nursery, and

a childcare voucher scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158188,"EventID":"S1W-21592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20906 by Ross Finnie on 3 January 2002, when it expects the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment to report and when th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20906 by Ross Finnie on 3 January 2002, when it expects the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment to report and when the report will be published.","AnswerText":"The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment will consider this matter at their next meeting, to be held on 24 January. Any advice that the committee offers to the Scottish Executive will be made public.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158189,"EventID":"S1W-21593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20906 by Ross Finnie on 3 January 2002, whether it will stop current and future field scale trials until it has received the report","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20906 by Ross Finnie on 3 January 2002, whether it will stop current and future field scale trials until it has received the report from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment.","AnswerText":"The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) will consider the research concerning the presence of transgenic DNA in native maize in Mexico at their meeting on 24 January 2002.

The potential for cross-pollination is taken into account by ACRE before consent is granted for any GM crop to be grown in the UK. If ACRE consider that the possibility of cross-pollination between GM and native maize varieties in Mexico supersedes their existing advice in relation to the GM oilseed rape being grown in Scotland, we would expect to be advised by ACRE on the implications for the farm scale evaluations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158190,"EventID":"S1W-21594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20906 by Ross Finnie on 3 January 2002, whether the priority it places on the protection of human health and the environment is gre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20906 by Ross Finnie on 3 January 2002, whether the priority it places on the protection of human health and the environment is greater than that accorded to the completion of the GM trials and whether this is consistent with precautionary principles.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive would not hesitate to halt the farm scale evaluation programme if any credible evidence of harm to human health or the environment was to be found.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158191,"EventID":"S1W-21595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15191 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 April 2001, whether it has received a report from the Law Commission in respect of title to sue for n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15191 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 April 2001, whether it has received a report from the Law Commission in respect of title to sue for non-patrimonial loss under the Damages (Scotland) Act 1976 and when it will bring forward proposals to the Parliament for reform of the Act.","AnswerText":"The Executive expects to receive the Scottish Law Commission's report by the end of March. We will then consider whether any legislation is necessary in the light of the commission's recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158192,"EventID":"S1W-21596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20910 by Iain Gray on 8 January 2002, how many central heating installations have been completed to date under the Central Heating ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20910 by Iain Gray on 8 January 2002, how many central heating installations have been completed to date under the Central Heating Programme in total.","AnswerText":"As at 16 January, Eaga had installed 405 central heating systems in the private sector. They are on target to install over 3,500 systems by 31 March 2002. Information is currently being collected from the social rented sector landlords, but indications show that they will have installed around 6,400 central heating systems by 31 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158193,"EventID":"S1W-21597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average timescale is from application to installation of central heating under the Central Heating Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average timescale is from application to installation of central heating under the Central Heating Programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20749 on 10 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158194,"EventID":"S1W-21600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any waiting lists have been closed, including any which have been subsequently re-opened, in any hospital in the Lanarkshire Health Board area in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any waiting lists have been closed, including any which have been subsequently re-opened, in any hospital in the Lanarkshire Health Board area in 2001.","AnswerText":"Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust was one of several NHS Trusts which revealed restrictions to outpatient lists in a very small number of highly-specialist areas. Where a GP considers that referral to the Clinical and Counselling Psychology Service in Lanarkshire is the most appropriate for that individual, that patient should be added to the waiting list. It is unacceptable to refuse to accept a referral and to close waiting lists.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158195,"EventID":"S1W-21601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21089 by Iain Gray on 3 January 2001, when the membership of the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum will be agreed; when the forum ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21089 by Iain Gray on 3 January 2001, when the membership of the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum will be agreed; when the forum will be launched, and when the research commissioned on the impact of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 will be published.","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum will take place on 21 January 2002.

The members for the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum will be:

Sally Daghlian - Chief Executive of the Scottish Refugee Council

Professor David Walsh - Dean of Health Faculty for Glasgow Caledonian University and Chair of National Refugee Forum

Kathleen Bolt - Principal Legal Officer for Commission for Racial Equality

Ken Corsar - Director of Education Service, Glasgow City Council

Ms Linda McTavish - Principal of Anniesland College

Brian Dempsey - Board Member of Scottish Business in the Community

Philippa Bonella - Policy Officer for Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

Ms Kaliani Lyle - Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland

Pat Bonar - Vice Chair Castlemilk Law Centre, Board Member of Positive Action in Housing

Robert Aldridge - Director of Scottish Council for Single Homeless

Mark Batho - Head of Social Justice Group, Scottish Executive Development

Rachael Reynolds - Deputy Director of Immigration and Nationality Department, Home Office

Other members are still to be confirmed. Nominations from COSLA, Scottish Interfaith Council, ACTS, and Scottish Asylum Seekers Consortium are awaited.

The research on the impact of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 is now under way and will be published in autumn 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158196,"EventID":"S1W-21602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20062 and S1W-20064 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2001, under what legislation the Scottish Prison Service is allowed to take ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20062 and S1W-20064 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2001, under what legislation the Scottish Prison Service is allowed to take digital images of visitors as part of the Visitor Identity System in place at HM Prisons Barlinnie and Edinburgh. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The Visitor Identity Systems have been introduced to prevent prisoners escaping and to prevent prohibited visitors from entering prison. In terms of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 and the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 the Scottish ministers have a duty to ensure that prisoners are only released in accordance with the provisions of these acts. In terms of rule 78 of the Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 1994 (as amended) the Governor is responsible for the supervision of the whole prison and the control of prisoners confined therein. The Visitor Identity System is being carried out in pursuance of these duties.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158197,"EventID":"S1W-21603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20062 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2001, whether the electronically scanned image of a visitor's right index finger and/or the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20062 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2001, whether the electronically scanned image of a visitor's right index finger and/or the digital image of a visitor's face is forwarded to the police national database, kept on record within HM Prisons Barlinnie or Edinburgh or elsewhere, or destroyed immediately the visitor has left the establishment.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Neither the scanned image of a finger nor the digital image of a visitor's face is forwarded to the police national database. This information is retained within the prisons only to speed up access at subsequent visits by the same person.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158198,"EventID":"S1W-21604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20065 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2001, what legal opinion it or the Scottish Prison Service has obtained on the compliance of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20065 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2001, what legal opinion it or the Scottish Prison Service has obtained on the compliance of the Visitor Identity System with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The Visitor Identity Systems have been introduced to prevent prisoners escaping and to prevent prohibited visitors from entering prison. Legal advisers have been consulted on the system and, in the light of legal advice received the Scottish Prison Service, is satisfied that it can be justified in terms of the European Convention on Human Rights as a necessary and proportionate measure designed to prevent disorder or crime.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158199,"EventID":"S1W-21605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19947 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 December 2001, whether it is satisfied that Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust ensures that high qu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19947 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 December 2001, whether it is satisfied that Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust ensures that high quality primary care services continue to be available for the people of Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"Arrangements are in place across Scotland to enable the Health Department to monitor NHS performance and quality of service, and to support independent verification of service quality. On the basis of these arrangements, I am satisfied that in general terms Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust ensures that high quality primary care services continue to be made available to the people of Lanarkshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158200,"EventID":"S1W-21606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20044 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 November 2001, whether it has researched, or intends to research, the reasons behind the continued de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20044 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 November 2001, whether it has researched, or intends to research, the reasons behind the continued decline in the use of alternatives to court action in the case of custody/access disputes.","AnswerText":"The figures contained in the answer to question S1W-20044 were the official figures of Family Mediation Scotland (FMS). In the light of the information supplied in that answer, I caused further enquiries to be made. I understand a new monitoring system was introduced by FMS during 2000-01 in order to standardise the recording of referrals throughout their centres in Scotland. As a result, previous year's figures cannot be considered comparable. In addition, due to organisational change the figures from Grampian have not been included in those for 2000-01.

Allowing for this, it appears the number of referrals in recent years have remained broadly similar and have not declined.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158201,"EventID":"S1W-21607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19311, S1W-19312, S1W-19313, S1W-19314, S1W-19315, S1W-19316, S1W-19317, S1W-19318, S1W-19319 and S1W-19320 by Ms Wendy Alexander","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19311, S1W-19312, S1W-19313, S1W-19314, S1W-19315, S1W-19316, S1W-19317, S1W-19318, S1W-19319 and S1W-19320 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 6 November 2001, whether it intends to collect and hold centrally such information on job losses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish labour market is dynamic. The monthly labour market statistics from the Office of National Statistics give employment changes from quarter to quarter. There are large shifts between employment, unemployment and inactivity each month/quarter. Any attempt to measure job loss figures is likely to be swamped by these large flows.

The Labour Force Survey (run by the Office of National Statistics) provides data on a quarterly basis for redundancies. The information collected on redundancies relates to whether an individual was made redundant in the three months prior to the survey interview. The data, however, is not sufficiently large to disaggregate reliably below an all-Scotland level.

Jobs are constantly being created and lost across the country as firms start-up, expand, contract, close or merge. It would be a substantial burden on business - and indeed all employers - to require notifications of all job changes.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158202,"EventID":"S1W-21608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agencies, organisations or persons it instructs to draft both primary and subordinate legislation. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agencies, organisations or persons it instructs to draft both primary and subordinate legislation. ","AnswerText":"Primary and subordinate legislation on devolved matters is drafted by the Office of the Scottish Parliamentary Counsel in the Scottish Executive and by the Office of the Solicitor to the Scottish Executive, respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158203,"EventID":"S1W-21609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of its Constitutional Policy Unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of its Constitutional Policy Unit.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Constitutional Policy Unit works on a range of issues relating to the operation of the Scotland Act and the devolution settlement, including advice, guidance and training; relations with the UK Government and the other devolved administrations; the Joint Ministerial Committees and the British Irish Council, and the preparation of subordinate legislation under the Scotland Act. The unit is also responsible for the preparation and implementation of the Public Sector Ombudsman Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158204,"EventID":"S1W-21610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done of the efficacy of its pilot debtline in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has done of the efficacy of its pilot debtline in Fife.","AnswerText":"The debtline pilot in Fife is part of a joint pilot led by the Department of Trade and Industry. At present the advice work has not started and therefore no analysis has been done. However, we hope the pilot will be fully operational in the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158205,"EventID":"S1W-21611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has revised its systems for keeping Scottish Transport Group pensioners informed of the progress of their applications with regard to the wind-up of the Scotti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has revised its systems for keeping Scottish Transport Group pensioners informed of the progress of their applications with regard to the wind-up of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes and, if so, what its current arrangements are.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-17011. In addition, the Executive has taken the decision to issue a copy of the Scottish Transport Group Pension Funds Information Bulletin - December 2001 to each potential beneficiary who has registered an interest with or who requests a relevant form from the Executive. This distribution is under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158206,"EventID":"S1W-21612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20852 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 December 2001, who the members of the rural areas maternity service provision sub-group are, when t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20852 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 December 2001, who the members of the rural areas maternity service provision sub-group are, when the sub-group will be expected to report and whether any such report will be made public.","AnswerText":"The Remote and Rural Areas Initiative (RARARI) sub-group on maternity services is chaired by Mrs Brenda Thorpe, Head of Midwifery Services in Dumfries and Galloway. It draws its membership from professional groups, especially from remote and rural areas, including midwives, neonatal nurses, obstetricians, paediatricians, anaesthetists, and also has lay and user representation.

The sub-group will consider remote and rural issues concerning maternity services, as identified in A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland. The group will meet for the first time in February 2002. Detailed reporting arrangements are a matter for RARARI.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158207,"EventID":"S1W-21613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20574 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 January 2002, how many road accidents resulting in deaths have occurred on trunk roads in the Central","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20574 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 January 2002, how many road accidents resulting in deaths have occurred on trunk roads in the Central Scotland police area in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"The number of road accidents resulting in deaths that have occurred on trunk roads in the Central Scotland police area in each of the last four years is as follows:

Year

No of Fatal Accidents

1998

9

1999

2

2000

4

2001

6

Total

21

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158208,"EventID":"S1W-21614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Communities budget was in real terms in 2000-01; what the Social Justice budget is in real terms in 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04; which of its divisions have mov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Communities budget was in real terms in 2000-01; what the Social Justice budget is in real terms in 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04; which of its divisions have moved from the ministerial portfolio of the former Minister for Communities and the present Minister for Social Justice since 2000, and by how much the budgets were reduced following any such move, for each of the years from 2000-01 to 2003-04. ","AnswerText":"The table sets out the Communities budget for 2000-01 and Social Justice budgets for 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-04 in real terms.

Budget

2000-01

2001-02

2002-03

2003-04

Communities

644

-

-

-

Social Justice

-

698

7121

774

Notes:

  1. Excludes £44 million in NHS Cash Balances for use in the repayment of debt principal.

The figures are sourced from Investing in You: The Annual Expenditure Report of the Scottish Executive and The Scottish Budget: Draft Budget 2002-03. The expected spend on Social Justice commitments over the period from 2000-01 will include further amounts carried forward from 2000-01 to 2001-02 and in future years. The details of this were announced by the Executive on 1 November 2001. Real terms figures based on 2000-01 prices.

On the reorganisation of ministerial portfolios in October 2000, responsibility for local government policy was moved from the Communities Minister to the Minister for Finance and Local Government. The remaining responsibilities of the Communities Minister formed the Social Justice portfolio. This change had very little impact on the Social Justice budget, as local government finance had previously been the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. £2 million per annum for committees, commissions, publicity and policy was moved from the Communities budget and included in the Local Government budget. This change was explained in the Annual Expenditure Report of the Scottish Executive published in March 2001.

In addition, following the recent change in ministerial portfolios, planning, building standards and digital inclusion have been brought within the Minister for Social Justice responsibilities. This has no implications for the overall Social Justice budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158209,"EventID":"S1W-21615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the extent was of any addition to the Scottish Assigned Budget for 2000-01 arising from negotiations with the Department of Work and Pensions and based on calculatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the extent was of any addition to the Scottish Assigned Budget for 2000-01 arising from negotiations with the Department of Work and Pensions and based on calculations of rent rebate payments and average rent levels in Scotland in that financial year. ","AnswerText":"No adjustment was made to the Scottish Assigned Budget in 2000-01. We expect to receive shortly the agreement of Treasury and the Department of Work and Pensions to the adjustments in respect of 2000-01 and 2001-02, and I will announce the relevant sums when the figures have been finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158210,"EventID":"S1W-21616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring Her Majesty's Government's pilot schemes for the use of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) to increase investment in local authority housing; w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring Her Majesty's Government's pilot schemes for the use of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) to increase investment in local authority housing; whether it intends to commission any research on the use of the PFI, and whether it plans to identify any pilot schemes for the use of the PFI to increase investment in local authority housing.","AnswerText":"A small number of HRA PFI Pathfinder schemes have been set up in England, however, there are no plans to set up similar schemes in Scotland. One of the key elements of the Executive's housing policy is the promotion of community ownership. With PFI models it is not clear that tenants would be fully involved in investment decisions and they would not have the opportunity to ultimately take on the ownership of their housing.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158211,"EventID":"S1W-21617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring Her Majesty's Government's pilot schemes for the establishment of Arms Length Housing Companies to increase investment in local authority housing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring Her Majesty's Government's pilot schemes for the establishment of Arms Length Housing Companies to increase investment in local authority housing; whether it intends to commission any research on the use of Arms Length Housing Companies, and whether it plans to identify any pilot schemes for the use of Arms Length Housing Companies to increase investment in local authority housing.","AnswerText":"A number of councils in England are in the process of setting up arms length housing management companies to support capital investment in council housing. There are currently no plans to establish such companies in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158212,"EventID":"S1W-21618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20257, S1W-20258 and S1W-20816 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 January 2002, what the legal barriers were, broken down by particular Act ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20257, S1W-20258 and S1W-20816 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 January 2002, what the legal barriers were, broken down by particular Act and section, that prevented it, as the author of the trunk roads maintenance contracts, from (a) requiring that the Statement of Practice guidelines associated with TUPE transfers be an obligation during the transfer of staff and (b) improving the contractual protection of the pension rights of local authority staff in its tender process in each case.","AnswerText":"TUPE is the UK Regulation which transposes the EC Acquired Rights Directive. The application of TUPE is a matter of law. The Scottish Executive were unable to state that a Transfer of Undertaking would occur on the award of the new contracts. Regulation 3 of TUPE requires the occurrence of a relevant transfer as a precondition of the application of the regulations.

Further to the answer given to question S1W-20816, the contracts are silent on the pensions position. There are no powers within the contract which would have allowed ministers to require the new operating companies to improve the levels of pension.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158213,"EventID":"S1W-21619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is continuing to monitor the economic and social impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is continuing to monitor the economic and social impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerText":"In recognition of the on-going nature of the impacts, the Economic Impact Assessment Group continue their work. They last met in November and have maintained a regular dialogue since. Their next meeting will coincide with the availability of the results of their case studies into the economic and social impacts on communities and key sectors.

The next stage of their work will involve a full ex-post assessment of the outbreak. It will be taken forward in collaboration with the other Devolved Administrations and Whitehall Departments; the Impact Assessment Group will be represented on the steering group by SEERAD officials. The project is currently out to tender and will publish in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158214,"EventID":"S1W-21620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with the enterprise network and other appropriate agencies over assistance to crews whose berths will be disposed of under the fishing vessel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with the enterprise network and other appropriate agencies over assistance to crews whose berths will be disposed of under the fishing vessels decommissioning scheme.","AnswerText":"The enterprise networks have been made aware, in discussions in the management groups overseeing the European structural funds programmes that partially fund the fishing vessel decommissioning scheme, of decommissioning plans. The actual impact of decommissioning on individual fishermen, and their ability to find alternative berths or employment if necessary, remains to be seen. The department and the enterprise networks will remain in contact over these issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158215,"EventID":"S1W-21621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being made available to the crews of fishing vessels who lose their livelihoods due to the fishing vessel decommissioning scheme and what preparations ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being made available to the crews of fishing vessels who lose their livelihoods due to the fishing vessel decommissioning scheme and what preparations are being made to ensure that such assistance is in place when necessary.","AnswerText":"It remains to be seen what the effects of decommissioning will be on individual fishermen and their employment status. If assistance is required, then the local enterprise companies and their employment partners have mechanisms in place to provide training and re-employment support.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158216,"EventID":"S1W-21622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Performance Audit Group has taken in respect of the trunk roads maintenance contract for the Highland Council area (a) in each of the last three months an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Performance Audit Group has taken in respect of the trunk roads maintenance contract for the Highland Council area (a) in each of the last three months and (b) over the Christmas and New Year period.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21624.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158217,"EventID":"S1W-21623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Performance Audit Group last made a report to it in respect of the trunk roads maintenance contract for the Highland Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Performance Audit Group last made a report to it in respect of the trunk roads maintenance contract for the Highland Council area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21624.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158218,"EventID":"S1W-21624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has requested a report from the Performance Audit Group in respect of the trunk roads maintenance contract for the Highland Council area in (a) the last three ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has requested a report from the Performance Audit Group in respect of the trunk roads maintenance contract for the Highland Council area in (a) the last three months, (b) over the Christmas and New Year period; what dates any such requests were made, and what response it received.","AnswerText":"The Performance Audit Group (PAG) carries out auditing and monitoring of the activities of the Operating Company, BEAR Scotland. The auditing and reporting is not carried out on a local authority boundary basis. A report, prepared by PAG, covering the first year of operation of the trunk road maintenance contracts will be published in summer 2002.

A report on winter maintenance over the Christmas and New Year period has been submitted by PAG to the Scottish Executive in response to a request from the Executive on 3 January 2002. This report indicated that BEAR had undertaken its winter maintenance activities satisfactorily.

PAG has provided the Scottish Executive with numerous routine audit reports and specific reports which confirm BEAR is generally carrying out road maintenance satisfactorily.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158219,"EventID":"S1W-21625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received on the performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd in respect of the trunk roads maintenance contract in the Highland Council area and what acti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received on the performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd in respect of the trunk roads maintenance contract in the Highland Council area and what action it has taken in response to each such representation in each of the last six months.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received a number of representations regarding the performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd in respect of the trunk road maintenance contract in the North west Unit, which includes the Highland Council area.

In the majority of cases the matter has been referred to BEAR to investigate and address where necessary. The Performance Audit Group regularly audits BEAR's performance and in a few instances this had led to the issue of default notices.

It would not be appropriate to give details of each representation received due to disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158220,"EventID":"S1W-21626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many representations it has received on the adequacy of the gritting programme for trunk roads in the Highlands Council area between 20 December 2001 and 7 January 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many representations it has received on the adequacy of the gritting programme for trunk roads in the Highlands Council area between 20 December 2001 and 7 January 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive received seven representations concerning the adequacy of the gritting programme for trunk roads in the Highland area between 20 December 2001 and 7 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158221,"EventID":"S1W-21627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) gritters, (b) snow blowers and (c) items of other machinery were available for use on trunk roads in the Highland Council area on (i) 10 December 2001, (ii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) gritters, (b) snow blowers and (c) items of other machinery were available for use on trunk roads in the Highland Council area on (i) 10 December 2001, (ii) 3 December 2001, (iii) 26 November 2001 and (iv) the same dates in 2000.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive records indicate that the number of vehicles available and dedicated for use on trunk roads in the Highland area on the dates requested are as follows:

Type / Date

26 November 2001

3 December 2001

10 December 2001

Snow plough vehicles

31

32

32

Glycol sprayers

2

3

3

Footway ploughs / vehicles

7

7

7

Snow blowers

5

5

5

Patrol vehicles

2

2

2

Additional vehicles stationed elsewhere in the North West Unit were available for redeployment on the Highland network if required.

The North West Partnership Winter Plan of 2000-01 indicates the following vehicles were available for use on trunk and local roads. The tables are not directly comparable, as Highland plant was not dedicated to trunk roads.

Type

Number

Snow plough vehicles

48

Glycol sprayers

2

Footway ploughs / vehicles

Not Known

Snow blowers

13

Official Report shall be provided for all meetings of the Parliament. The question and answer sessions held by the Holyrood Progress Group are not formal meetings of the Parliament and it would not be appropriate, therefore, for an Official Report to be published.

A summary of these sessions is provided in the Progress Group's Newsletters, which are issued to all Members and are available on the web. The next Newsletter is due to be published in February. I am also advised by the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that it is the Group's intention to provide a live webcast of future events.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158229,"EventID":"S1W-21635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21034 on 3 January 2002, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide a list of the sub-contractors of Flour City ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21034 on 3 January 2002, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide a list of the sub-contractors of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and a list of the sums of money claimed by each sub-contractor as due to them by Flour City. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body is not party to sub-contracts let by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and does not hold the information requested. This type of information is held by the official receiver.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158230,"EventID":"S1W-21636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21035 on 3 January 2002, whether Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd used the Holyrood site as its business address.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21035 on 3 January 2002, whether Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd used the Holyrood site as its business address.","AnswerText":"As with all other trade package contractors taking occupation of the accommodation at the Holyrood site, Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd used the site address for business relating to the Holyrood Project.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158231,"EventID":"S1W-21637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any losses to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body following the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited are considered to have arisen as a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any losses to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body following the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited are considered to have arisen as a result of force majeure.","AnswerText":"There have been no losses to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body as a result of \"force majeure\", following the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158232,"EventID":"S1W-21638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bank and agency nurses have been employed by each NHS Trust in the last year and what the cost was to each Trust of employing such nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bank and agency nurses have been employed by each NHS Trust in the last year and what the cost was to each Trust of employing such nurses.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following tables and covers the period April 2000 to March 2001. The information includes qualified and unqualified staff in whole-time equivalent terms for bank and agency nurses. Headcount for bank nurses has been included but is not available for agency nurses.

Table 1: Bank and Agency Nursing and Midwifery Staff Employed by Trust1

April 2000 - March 2001Thom v Hetherington 1988 SLT 724 was satisfactory and that there was no need for legislation to restate or reform it. The Executive continues to support that recommendation and does not plan to take any action in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158234,"EventID":"S1W-21640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 July 2001, what recognition it has given to those legal titles concerning boundary division subjects ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 July 2001, what recognition it has given to those legal titles concerning boundary division subjects which are extant and which conform to, and are based on, the legal standing of the subject as set out in Principles of the Law of Scotland, (10th Edition 1899, section 1078).","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21639.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158235,"EventID":"S1W-21641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 July 2001, what action it plans to take in respect of holders of legal title concerning boundary divi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 July 2001, what action it plans to take in respect of holders of legal title concerning boundary division subjects which are based on the Principles of the Law of Scotland, (10th Edition 1899, section 1078) which confirmed the subjects as being held as common or mutual property \"pro indiviso\" if such holders' rights and value in their property are affected in adverse manner by an alleged change in the law to ownership only to the mid-point of the subject and how it will address any confusion and inequality amongst such 'pro-indiviso' holders.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21639.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158236,"EventID":"S1W-21642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement the report by the Scottish Law Commission, Report on Child Abduction, and what the timetable is for the report's implementation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to implement the report by the Scottish Law Commission, Report on Child Abduction, and what the timetable is for the report's implementation.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to implement the 1987 Scottish Law Commission (SLC) Report on Child Abduction. The law in this area has developed since 1987. The common law crime of abduction has been used more frequently to deal with the taking of children, and Section 2 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 makes it clear that a parent cannot remove from Scotland a child habitually resident in Scotland without the appropriate consent.

Within the European Union, member states are currently discussing a proposed regulation on the mutual enforcement of judgements on rights of access to children, and a European Commission working document on mutual recognition of decisions on parental responsibility. The Scottish Executive is fully represented in these discussions and has consulted the Justice 2 and the European Committees about future developments in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158237,"EventID":"S1W-21643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will establish baseline figures in respect of controlled waste collected by or for local authorities for the purposes of meeting its obligations under the EU Landf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will establish baseline figures in respect of controlled waste collected by or for local authorities for the purposes of meeting its obligations under the EU Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC), given that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency states in its report Waste Data Digest 2001 that such figures are not known, and when it will do so.","AnswerText":"The obligation in the Landfill Directive to reduce the proportion of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfill applies to Member States, based on 1995 levels. Scotland will be expected to meet a proportion of this. There are a number of potential methods for dividing the overall figures between local authorities, which do not depend on knowing the actual amounts of waste for each authority for that year. We plan to publish a consultation paper later in 2002 setting out proposals on how we shall establish the baseline and target figures for each authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158238,"EventID":"S1W-21644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to address any concerns over existing complaints procedures in respect of the provision of dental services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to address any concerns over existing complaints procedures in respect of the provision of dental services.","AnswerText":"The evaluation of the NHS complaints procedure which was carried out on a UK basis during 2001 considered the operation of the procedure in all parts of the NHS, including dental services. The report of the independent researchers can be found at: www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/health/nhscomplaints.pdf.

A pre-consultation exercise was carried out in the autumn of 2001 to inform the development of proposals to meet the Health Plan commitment of establishing a new complaints process which is \"credible, easy to use, demonstrably independent and effective\". A working group, which includes patient representatives, is currently developing proposals for inclusion in a public consultation on the new procedure for issue in March 2002. The new procedure will continue to cover dental services.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158239,"EventID":"S1W-21645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to appoint a dental services ombudsman.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to appoint a dental services ombudsman.","AnswerText":"The Health Service Ombudsman is responsible for reviewing complaints wherever they occur in NHSScotland. The Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman Bill proposes the establishment of a \"one stop shop\", combining the offices of the Scottish Parliamentary, Health Service, Local Government and Housing Association Ombudsman.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158240,"EventID":"S1W-21646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14468 by Susan Deacon on 5 July 2001, what progress has been made in considering whether support tights should be made available on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14468 by Susan Deacon on 5 July 2001, what progress has been made in considering whether support tights should be made available on prescription through GPs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Rehabilitation Technology Providers Forum (SCOTRET) Orthotic Sub-Group, the NHS providers forum for the clinicians, has been asked to consider and provide views by end of March on whether support tights should be available on prescription from GPs.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158241,"EventID":"S1W-21647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make the 1901 Census freely available to the public.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make the 1901 Census freely available to the public.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) has been making the 1901 census returns available on microfilm to readers paying the standard daily search fee in its office at New Register House, Edinburgh since 3 December 2001. Copies of the microfilm are also available for sale and have been purchased by many local library services. The GROS plans to make the census returns available as indexed digital images in New Register House from 24 January. The images will also be made available from that date on the \"Scots Origins\" pay-per-view website.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158242,"EventID":"S1W-21648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19176 by Mr Jack McConnell on 8 January 2002, whether it plans to include in the Scottish Ministerial Code provisions to restrain m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19176 by Mr Jack McConnell on 8 January 2002, whether it plans to include in the Scottish Ministerial Code provisions to restrain ministers from commenting on the conduct of those charged with offences whose cases have not been dealt with by the courts.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to include such provisions in the Scottish Ministerial Code. The Scottish Ministerial Code gives overarching guidance to ministers. It does not give detailed advice on specific circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158243,"EventID":"S1W-21649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what particular skills and competencies are required to be a member of the board of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what particular skills and competencies are required to be a member of the board of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"Members of the board of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) are appointed under the Education (Scotland) Act 1996. Appointments are made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies 2002 and the skills and competencies were set out in a person specification. This is reproduced as follows:

SQA board members are appointed in a personal, not a representative, capacity and should have relevant managerial or organisational skills and experience. They should possess effective communication skills and have some experience of working as part of a team. They should also be able to demonstrate a willingness to fully participate in decision-making processes. Some knowledge of and interest in the education and training system in Scotland would be helpful along with a willingness to play an active role in the area of qualifications. However, a detailed knowledge of the examination and certification process is not essential. The qualities required for the post include:

Leadership, vision and a capacity to take a strategic view

Ability to focus on essentials, identify key success factors and seek and analyse relevant evidence

A commitment to Scotland's education and training system

Good interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written)

Sound judgement

Willingness to take, and adhere to, difficult decisions

Ability to work in a team environment

National and international outlook

The ability to win respect and confidence of key stakeholders

Integrity and discretion

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158244,"EventID":"S1W-21650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether every school is required to make resources available for the provision of drug education and whether every school does.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether every school is required to make resources available for the provision of drug education and whether every school does.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's Drug Action Plan:Protecting our Future sets the national standard that all schools will provide drug education to every pupil and will have written procedures for managing incidents of drug misuse, in line with national advice, by 2002. This commitment to drug education is reflected in our Programme for Government, Working Together for Scotland.

We undertake an annual survey of schools and in the latest survey 97% of schools reported that they provided drug education to every pupil, 81% in line with national advice. To assist education authorities and schools to deliver the national standards, additional grant funding has been made available in 2001-02 as shown in the following table. No previous grant funding has been made available. A further survey of schools will be carried out this year.

National guidelines set out the principles which should be observed, but it is for education authorities and school managers to develop their health education programmes and determine the resources that will be used, including the choice of drug education material. We have no plans to specify the choice of resources.

 

Headcount2,3

Bank Nurse Average WTE4

Agency Average WTE4

Scotland

9,821

1,345.8

725.1

Argyll & Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

690

51.0

8.0

Lomond & Argyll PCT

180

20.8

4.3

Renfrewshire & Inverclyde PCT

85

12.5

58.0

Ayrshire & Arran Acute Hospitals Trust

348

68.0

8.3

Ayrshire & Arran PCT

351

45.3

-

Borders General Hospital NHS Trust5

217

11.7

..

Borders PCT

305

36.3

0.6

Education Authority

Amount

Education Authority

Amount

Aberdeen City

32,557

Highland

36,712

Aberdeenshire

39,000

Inverclyde

18,500

Angus

21,359

Midlothian

18,289

Argyll and Bute

17,552

Moray

17,740

Clackmannanshire

12,550

North Ayrshire

26,360

Comhairle an Eilean Siar

8,900

North Lanarkshire

Scotland Against Drugs has however no formal role in recommending drugs education material and resources for schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158248,"EventID":"S1W-21654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to easyJet to encourage the company to commence an air passenger service between Inverness and Gatwick and whether it will make fundi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to easyJet to encourage the company to commence an air passenger service between Inverness and Gatwick and whether it will make funding available for the marketing of such a service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is awaiting a decision by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on the request for measures to protect access to Gatwick for an Inverness service. The Executive will not take any action to encourage another service to a London system airport (Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted) in advance of the UK Government's decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158249,"EventID":"S1W-21655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its final detailed proposals for NHS capital expenditure for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its final detailed proposals for NHS capital expenditure for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The proposed changes to the capital planning and approvals process are currently being considered following a period of consultation with NHSScotland. It is anticipated that the outcome of this exercise will be announced by the end of March.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158250,"EventID":"S1W-21656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any requests by Grampian NHS Board for capital expenditure funding for facilities in the Banff area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any requests by Grampian NHS Board for capital expenditure funding for facilities in the Banff area.","AnswerText":"The Executive currently has no such requests under consideration. We will of course give careful consideration to any future proposals put to us by NHS Grampian for capital funding for facilities in the Banff area.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158251,"EventID":"S1W-21657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any requests by Grampian NHS Board for permission to develop NHS facilities in the Banff area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any requests by Grampian NHS Board for permission to develop NHS facilities in the Banff area.","AnswerText":"NHS Grampian is considering longer term proposals for service developments to improve benefits for patients and any proposals for Banff should follow that.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158252,"EventID":"S1W-21658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include provision within its NHS capital expenditure allocations for 2002-03 to fund developments in the Banff area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include provision within its NHS capital expenditure allocations for 2002-03 to fund developments in the Banff area.","AnswerText":"It is entirely a matter for NHS Grampian to fund any capital developments in the Banff area from within available resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158253,"EventID":"S1W-21659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last received any correspondence from Grampian NHS Board regarding health services in the Banff area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last received any correspondence from Grampian NHS Board regarding health services in the Banff area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department is in regular and frequent contact with NHS Grampian through correspondence and meetings. These contacts cover a wide range of subjects affecting health care services throughout the area.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158254,"EventID":"S1W-21660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last sent any correspondence to Grampian NHS Board regarding health services in the Banff area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last sent any correspondence to Grampian NHS Board regarding health services in the Banff area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21659.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158255,"EventID":"S1W-21661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subjects have been covered in any correspondence with Grampian NHS Board on health services in the Banff area since September 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subjects have been covered in any correspondence with Grampian NHS Board on health services in the Banff area since September 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21659.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158256,"EventID":"S1W-21662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 26 November 2001 to the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care regarding Scottish Ambulance Service provision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 26 November 2001 to the Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care regarding Scottish Ambulance Service provision.","AnswerText":"I replied to the member on 15 January.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158257,"EventID":"S1W-21663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lifelong learners have been affected by the closure of the Individual Learning Accounts scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lifelong learners have been affected by the closure of the Individual Learning Accounts scheme.","AnswerText":"At 7 January 2002, 253,952 people held Individual Learning Accounts. 116,465 of these have engaged in ILA-assisted learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158258,"EventID":"S1W-21664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans have been made to provide on-going support to lifelong learners who have not yet activated their Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) following the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans have been made to provide on-going support to lifelong learners who have not yet activated their Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) following the closure of the ILA scheme.","AnswerText":"Learners who enrolled in learning before the scheme's closure will be able to proceed, if their learning starts before the end of this month. Letters have gone to all account holders explaining the reasons for the closure and providing them with details of a dedicated freephone helpline, 0808 100 1090, should they require further advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158259,"EventID":"S1W-21665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will relaunch the Individual Learning Accounts scheme following its closure and what advice is being given to lifelong learners in the interim.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will relaunch the Individual Learning Accounts scheme following its closure and what advice is being given to lifelong learners in the interim.","AnswerText":"We remain committed to encouraging the widest possible participation in lifelong learning. We are actively considering what future arrangements might be put in place to support individual learning. I expect to be able to say more about this later in the spring.

In the meantime, learndirect scotland continue to provide advice for learners on freephone 0808 100 9000. Individual Learning Account (ILA) holders with ILA-related enquiries may contact a dedicated freephone helpline on 0800 100 1090.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158260,"EventID":"S1W-21666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20150 by Iain Gray on 17 December 2001, how Energy Action Scotland's targets are assessed and what specific targets have been set.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20150 by Iain Gray on 17 December 2001, how Energy Action Scotland's targets are assessed and what specific targets have been set.","AnswerText":"Energy Action Scotland is an independent registered charity. It is sponsored by the Scottish Executive to enable it to carry out activities which reflect ministers' aims to tackle fuel poverty and its effects. Sponsorship is not awarded for particular activities but is dependent on the organisation meeting a number of targets. For the current financial year the targets are (a) to secure £95,000 of private sector resources, at least £65,000 of which must be awarded for projects to improve home energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty and (b) to enrol 26 Scottish local authorities as members. The targets are such that success in achieving them is easily assessed. Questions about any involvement by COSLA in the work of Energy Action Scotland must be addressed to those organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158261,"EventID":"S1W-21667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20150 by Iain Gray on 17 December 2001, what costs the funding received by Energy Action Scotland (EAS) from the Executive is inten","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20150 by Iain Gray on 17 December 2001, what costs the funding received by Energy Action Scotland (EAS) from the Executive is intended to cover and whether EAS makes financial awards for energy efficiency or energy poverty projects.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21666.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158262,"EventID":"S1W-21668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20150 by Iain Gray on 17 December 2001, how many local authorities are members of Energy Action Scotland (EAS) and whether COSLA ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20150 by Iain Gray on 17 December 2001, how many local authorities are members of Energy Action Scotland (EAS) and whether COSLA has any involvement in EAS.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21666.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158263,"EventID":"S1W-21669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated deer population was in each of the last 40 years; by what method any such estimates were determined, and what its position is on figures in respect of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated deer population was in each of the last 40 years; by what method any such estimates were determined, and what its position is on figures in respect of deer population provided by the Deer Commission for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Annual estimated deer population figures are not held by the Scottish Executive.

The Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) is the statutory body charged with furthering the conservation, control and sustainable management of wild deer in Scotland and detailed deer data is published in their Annual Report, which is laid before Parliament (Bib. number 17932).

Estimates of red deer numbers and densities over previous years are also available from the DCS. General indications are that over the last 40 years, in many areas, red deer numbers and densities have been increasing. Similar information on other species is not collated.

Red deer estimates are based on a rolling programme of deer counts by DCS itself as well as counts carried out by estates which they are encouraged to undertake as part of an integral approach to good land management. There are currently no generally accepted methods of estimating numbers of other species over a large area.

In recent years, DCS has moved away from national statistics to describe deer populations in Scotland due to the temporal inaccuracy of the data. DCS considers that the best method of deer control is a co-ordinated management approach at local level, where numbers and densities make more sense, through a system of Deer Management Groups. This approach is endorsed by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158264,"EventID":"S1W-21670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has made or is making, and what research it has commissioned or plans to commission, to assess the impact of student poverty on academic performance and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has made or is making, and what research it has commissioned or plans to commission, to assess the impact of student poverty on academic performance and whether it will detail the results of any such analysis and research.","AnswerText":"A wide range of factors, including financial ones, will affect an individual's academic performance. We do not have any current plans to commission, research on the impact of student poverty on academic performance. As the member will be aware there are a new set of financial support arrangements being introduced.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158265,"EventID":"S1W-21671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact student poverty and student debt have on the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact student poverty and student debt have on the economy.","AnswerText":"I am not aware of any research into the impact of student income levels and student debt on the Scottish economy.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158266,"EventID":"S1W-21672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the imposition of tuition fees on students had on the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the imposition of tuition fees on students had on the economy.","AnswerText":"Tuition fees were abolished for eligible Scottish domiciled and EU students studying in Scotland from academic year 2000-01. I am not aware of any research into the impact of student contributions to fees in the period 1998-99 to 1999-2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158267,"EventID":"S1W-21673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reinstate subsistence grants for students in place of the current student loans system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reinstate subsistence grants for students in place of the current student loans system.","AnswerText":"Since August 2001 young Scottish students from low-income homes starting full-time study in Scotland have been eligible for a Young Student Bursary of up to £2,000 each year towards their living costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158268,"EventID":"S1W-21674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of reinstating student grants would be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of reinstating student grants would be.","AnswerText":"The Executive has already introduced bursaries of up to £2,000 a year for new entrant young students in full-time higher education in Scotland. These have been available since August 2001. The cost of substituting non-repayable grants for the remaining student loan support currently provided to Scottish domiciled students is estimated to be approximately £115 million per annum at 2001-02 prices. This figure excludes any assessment on the consequences for the Student Awards Agency for Scotland and the Student Loans Company of implementing any such change.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158269,"EventID":"S1W-21675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of student debt is a consequence of the introduction of the student loans system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of student debt is a consequence of the introduction of the student loans system.","AnswerText":"Data on student debt other than student loans is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158270,"EventID":"S1W-21676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what percentage of, entrants to higher and further education left without completing the qualification they were studying for and how many, and what percent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what percentage of, entrants to higher and further education left without completing the qualification they were studying for and how many, and what percentage, left as a result of debt or poverty in each of the past three years and in the current year, broken down by institution.","AnswerText":"The information cannot be provided in the format requested.

Information on the number of students leaving higher education courses before completion can be found in the Standard Tables on Higher Education and Further Education in Scotland, published by the Scottish Executive under National Statistics in June 2001.

Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18496) or on the Scottish Executive website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00086-00.asp","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158271,"EventID":"S1W-21677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the non-completion of courses by students has on the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the non-completion of courses by students has on the economy.","AnswerText":"I am not aware of any research on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158272,"EventID":"S1W-21678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the non-completion of courses by students has on the education system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the non-completion of courses by students has on the education system.","AnswerText":"Retention rates in higher education institutions in Scotland are high by international standards. However, the Scottish Executive recognises that it is important to minimise non-completion, which is why my guidance letter of 10 December 2001 asked the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to continue to work with institutions and with the department, to develop a better understanding of the factors affecting the variation in retention rates between institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158273,"EventID":"S1W-21679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the non-completion of courses by students had or is having on the ability of those students to repay tuition fees or their student loans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the non-completion of courses by students had or is having on the ability of those students to repay tuition fees or their student loans.","AnswerText":"Eligible Scottish domiciled and EU students studying in Scotland have not been required to contribute to the cost of their tuition since 2000-01. They are not required to repay tuition fees paid to institutions by the Executive on their behalf.

Under the Income Contingent Repayment system, introduced for students starting in higher education from 1998, students are not required to repay their student loans until they leave their course, whether or not they complete it, and are earning more than the annual income threshold of £10,000, after which payments are made at the rate of 9% of income over £10,000. It is too early to judge whether there is any clear relationship between a student's completion of their course, and their long-term ability to repay loans made under the income-contingent scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158274,"EventID":"S1W-21681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any research it has commissioned into the rates of non-completion of courses by students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any research it has commissioned into the rates of non-completion of courses by students.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question on 18 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158275,"EventID":"S1W-21682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential students from less affluent backgrounds from entering further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential students from less affluent backgrounds from entering further and higher education.","AnswerText":"Student loans apply only in higher education. Support for further education is provided in the form of bursary.

As part of the new student support arrangements introduced from this academic year, young students entering full-time higher education in Scotland from less affluent backgrounds receive up to £2,000 of their annual support entitlement in the form of a non-repayable Young Students Bursary. New entrant mature students may also be able to receive non-repayable support of up to £2,000 a year from the Mature Students Bursary Fund, in addition to their loan support, at the discretion of their institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158276,"EventID":"S1W-21683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to female students from entering further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to female students from entering further and higher education.","AnswerText":"Student loans apply only in higher education.

There are a wide variety of reasons why individuals choose whether or not to enter further or higher education.

Information on student numbers by gender in further and higher education over the last five years can be found in the Standard Tables on Higher Education and Further Education in Scotland, published by the Scottish Executive under National Statistics in June 2001.

Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18496) or on the Scottish Executive website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00086-00.asp

These figures show an increase in the number of female students in Scotland over the period covered.

Support for students in further education is given in the form of a bursary.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158277,"EventID":"S1W-21684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to mature students from entering further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to mature students from entering further and higher education.","AnswerText":"Support for students in further education is given the form of bursary. Student loans apply only in higher education.

There are a wide variety of reasons why individuals choose whether or not to enter further or higher education.

Information on student numbers by age in further and higher education over the last five years can be found in the Standard Tables on Higher Education and Further Education in Scotland, published by the Scottish Executive under National Statistics in June 2001.

Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18496) or on the Scottish Executive website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00086-00.asp

These figures show an increase in the number of mature students in Scotland over the period covered.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158278,"EventID":"S1W-21685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential students from ethnic minority backgrounds from entering further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether student loans are a disincentive to potential students from ethnic minority backgrounds from entering further and higher education.","AnswerText":"Student loans apply only in higher education.

There are a wide variety of reasons why individuals choose whether or not to enter further or higher education.

Information on student numbers by ethnicity in further and higher education over the last five years can be found in the Standard Tables on Higher Education and Further Education in Scotland, published by the Scottish Executive under National Statistics in June 2001.

Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18496) or on the Scottish Executive website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00086-00.asp

These figures show an increase in the number of ethnic minority students in Scotland over the period covered.

I am aware that there are some individuals who are not prepared to borrow money on the grounds of religious belief.

Support for students in further education is in the form of a bursary.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158279,"EventID":"S1W-21686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether tuition fees are a disincentive to any potential students from entering further and higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether tuition fees are a disincentive to any potential students from entering further and higher education.","AnswerText":"Tuition fees were abolished for eligible Scottish domiciled and EU students in further and higher education in Scotland from academic year 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158280,"EventID":"S1W-21687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has commissioned, or plans to commission, into the effects on students' academic performance of also being in employment and whether it will detail the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has commissioned, or plans to commission, into the effects on students' academic performance of also being in employment and whether it will detail the results of any such analysis and research.","AnswerText":"A wide range of factors, including financial ones, will affect an individual’s academic performance. We do not have any current plans to commission, research into the effects of being in employment on students' academic performance. As the member will be aware there are a new set of financial support arrangements being introduced.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158281,"EventID":"S1W-21688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20814 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 December 2001, what the locations were of the traffic calming measures on the Ardrossan stretch of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20814 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 December 2001, what the locations were of the traffic calming measures on the Ardrossan stretch of the A78 trunk road, including pedestrian refuges, nibbings, improved road markings and appropriate gateway signing, which have been carried out since January 1997, other than the pedestrian island and right turn lane at the North Crescent Road/Witches Linn Junction and the nibbings at the junction of Parkhouse Road/Loanhead Road.","AnswerText":"These works were carried out under the previous trunk road contracts. The limited information available indicates that improved road markings were installed on Parkhouse Road as part of the A78/Sorbie Road Junction improvement in 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158282,"EventID":"S1W-21689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20814 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 December 2001, whether any traffic calming measures were carried out on the Saltcoats stretch of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20814 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 December 2001, whether any traffic calming measures were carried out on the Saltcoats stretch of the A78 trunk road along the lines of those referred to as having been carried out in Seamill, Ardrossan and Stevenston which include pedestrian refuges, nibbings, improved road markings and appropriate gateway signing.","AnswerText":"These works were carried out under the previous trunk road contracts. The limited information available indicates that improved road markings were installed on High Road, Saltcoats as part of the Dalry Road Junction improvement in 1998.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158283,"EventID":"S1W-21690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances a patient from outwith Scotland would be allocated a bed in an NHS hospital in Scotland ahead of people on waiting lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances a patient from outwith Scotland would be allocated a bed in an NHS hospital in Scotland ahead of people on waiting lists.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the priority to be given to the treatment of individual patients are taken by clinicians. These decisions depend on their assessment of clinical priority based on need.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158284,"EventID":"S1W-21691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce unemployment in the Clydesdale area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce unemployment in the Clydesdale area.","AnswerText":"Tackling unemployment in any area remains a high priority for the Scottish Executive and the enterprise networks.

Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire is focusing on the direction and priorities set out in the Executive's A Smart, Successful Scotland. This sets out the foundation for sustained improvement in economic performance in Scotland. It focuses on three key challenges for raising productivity:

Growing businesses

Global connection

Learning and skills

In addition, a number of local economic initiatives, targeted on specific areas of need within Lanarkshire, including Clydesdale, have been established by Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire with other local agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158285,"EventID":"S1W-21692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Ministry of Defence regarding the provision of helicopter search and rescue services within Scotland and in particular at HMS Gann","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Ministry of Defence regarding the provision of helicopter search and rescue services within Scotland and in particular at HMS Gannet.","AnswerText":"None. The Executive, which is consulted on civil search and rescue matters, but for which the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions has lead responsibility, understands that MoD's plans will not affect civil search and rescue capabilities in and around Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158286,"EventID":"S1W-21693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many workers are currently employed by BEAR Scotland Ltd in relation to the operation of the trunk roads maintenance contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many workers are currently employed by BEAR Scotland Ltd in relation to the operation of the trunk roads maintenance contract.","AnswerText":"The number of personnel currently employed directly by BEAR Scotland Ltd, in relation to the operation of the trunk road maintenance contracts in the North East and North West Units, is 231.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158287,"EventID":"S1W-21694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has inspected the vehicles used by BEAR Scotland Ltd to fulfil their obligations under the trunk roads maintenance contract in order to monitor whether the veh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has inspected the vehicles used by BEAR Scotland Ltd to fulfil their obligations under the trunk roads maintenance contract in order to monitor whether the vehicles are fit for their purpose and whether the gritters used by them are able to, and do in practice, disperse sufficient quantities of grit.","AnswerText":"The Trunk Road Maintenance Contracts require all gritters to be calibrated to ensure that they disperse the necessary quantities of salt. The Performance Audit Group has carried out audits on BEAR's winter operations, including winter maintenance vehicles, and these audits have confirmed that their vehicles have been calibrated to disperse the required quantities of salt.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158288,"EventID":"S1W-21695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gritters are used by BEAR Scotland Ltd in order to fulfil its obligations under the trunk roads maintenance contract. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gritters are used by BEAR Scotland Ltd in order to fulfil its obligations under the trunk roads maintenance contract. ","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in the Winter Maintenance Plans published by BEAR Scotland Ltd for the North East and North West Units, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. No's 18110 and 18114).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158289,"EventID":"S1W-21696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which learning providers based in Moray were recipients of Individual Learning Account payments in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which learning providers based in Moray were recipients of Individual Learning Account payments in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The following learner providers received Individual Learning Account payments from Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise in the last two years:

2000-01

Moray Academy of Transport Training

Moray College

2001-02

Academy of Crystal and Natural Healing

Learning Matrix

Microteach

Moray Academy of Transport Training

Moray College

Moray College Business Services

Moray College Open Learning Unit

Moray College Training Services

Pitman Training Forres

Smart Computers Scotland

Spring Skills

The Nicolson Training Centre

Varis Training","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158290,"EventID":"S1W-21697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on vaccination or immunisation requirements for the purposes of nursery and primary school admissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on vaccination or immunisation requirements for the purposes of nursery and primary school admissions.","AnswerText":"There are at present no vaccination or immunisation requirements for the purposes of nursery and primary school admissions. The Executive has no plans to change that policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158291,"EventID":"S1W-21698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual cost per prisoner place in the Scottish Prison Service was in each of the last 10 years and what expenditures are included in calculating that cos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual cost per prisoner place in the Scottish Prison Service was in each of the last 10 years and what expenditures are included in calculating that cost. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

Recording of average annual cost per prisoner place was first introduced by the Scottish Prison Service in respect of 1994-1995. The cost includes all current expenditure but excludes all capital expenditure.

Financial year

£ (000's)

2000-01

28,114

1999-2000

28,375

1998-99

26,912

1997-98

26,170

1996-97

26,744

1995-96

25,786

1994-95

26,479

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158292,"EventID":"S1W-21699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road gritters BEAR Scotland Ltd is operating on each trunk road within the Highland Council area compared to the previous number operated by the council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road gritters BEAR Scotland Ltd is operating on each trunk road within the Highland Council area compared to the previous number operated by the council.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of road gritters operated by BEAR Scotland Ltd can be found in the Winter Maintenance Plans published by BEAR for the North East and North West Units, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. No's 18110 and 18114).

It is not possible to make direct comparisons between BEAR and the previous operator as Highland Council had resources to fulfil its responsibilities on both trunk and local roads. Other factors that influence direct comparisons are the size and the types of vehicles used, age and reliability of vehicles and modern technology.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158293,"EventID":"S1W-21700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency arrangements BEAR Scotland Ltd has in place for extreme weather conditions in the Highland Council area compared to the previous arrangements in place und","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency arrangements BEAR Scotland Ltd has in place for extreme weather conditions in the Highland Council area compared to the previous arrangements in place under the council.","AnswerText":"BEAR Scotland Ltd has arrangements in place for extreme winter weather conditions to mobilise standby plant, re-deploy resources from the combined North East and North West Units and to obtain additional resources from Ennstone Thistle, some local contractors and councils. Additional resources may also be obtained from BEAR's partners outwith the geographical area.

The previous arrangements under Highland Council included the use of standby plant, the redeployment of resources within the council area and the possible employment of local contractors.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158294,"EventID":"S1W-21701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that all new applicants from Scottish residents or institutions will not be disadvantaged as a result of the transfer of the Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that all new applicants from Scottish residents or institutions will not be disadvantaged as a result of the transfer of the Scottish Studentship Scheme from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland to the Arts and Humanities Research Board in Bristol.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158295,"EventID":"S1W-21702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Studentship Scheme is being withdrawn and, if so, what procedures are in place to ensure that a fair proportion of the applications from Scotland ben","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Studentship Scheme is being withdrawn and, if so, what procedures are in place to ensure that a fair proportion of the applications from Scotland benefit from the scheme administered by the Arts and Humanities Research Board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21701.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158296,"EventID":"S1W-21703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor the performance of the Arts and Humanities Research Board in areas of Scottish interest and research.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor the performance of the Arts and Humanities Research Board in areas of Scottish interest and research.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21701.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158297,"EventID":"S1W-21704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any contingency plans to restore the responsibility for awards under the Scottish Studentship Scheme back to the Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland (SA","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any contingency plans to restore the responsibility for awards under the Scottish Studentship Scheme back to the Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) should the Arts and Humanities Research Board in Bristol be found to be placing postgraduate research and researchers at a disadvantage compared to the SAAS administered system. ","AnswerText":"The work of the Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB), since its creation a few years ago, has been broadly welcomed by the arts and humanities research community in Scotland as a body which is improving the standing of arts and humanities research and researchers. In the unlikely event that problems were to arise in the future, then we would expect the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to resolve those with the AHRB so that Scottish institutions are properly served.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158298,"EventID":"S1W-21705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Parliament's restaurant and shop currently accept payment in euros and, if not, whether there are any plans to allow them to do so. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Parliament's restaurant and shop currently accept payment in euros and, if not, whether there are any plans to allow them to do so. ","AnswerText":"Neither the restaurant nor the shop currently accepts payment in currencies other than sterling, and there are no plans at present to change these arrangements. The SPCB will review this in planning for the Holyrood building.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158299,"EventID":"S1W-21706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what proportion of draft school inspection reports were altered in each of the last five years following comments made by the responsible education authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what proportion of draft school inspection reports were altered in each of the last five years following comments made by the responsible education authority.","AnswerText":"It is standard practice for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) to show all draft reports to the relevant education authority, headteacher and school board chair before publication. Any additional evidence provided at this stage is taken into account by HMIE as they finalise the report. The source of the evidence is not of itself significant in that process. Based on all the evidence gathered in the course of the inspection, the published report records HMIE's professional evaluation of the standard of the school. Minor changes are common, but the final decision on every such change rests with HMIE.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158300,"EventID":"S1W-21707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of draft school inspection reports were altered in each of the last five years in order to render them more critical of a school following comments made b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of draft school inspection reports were altered in each of the last five years in order to render them more critical of a school following comments made by the responsible education authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21706. Any amendments to reports are only made as result of careful consideration of all relevant evidence and not solely on comments from any source, including an education authority. Final responsibility for changes - as with every aspect of the published inspection report - clearly lies with HMIE.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158301,"EventID":"S1W-21708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are followed when Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education is considering whether to alter a draft inspection report following comments made by a local aut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are followed when Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education is considering whether to alter a draft inspection report following comments made by a local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21706. During inspections, Her Majesty's Inspectors (HMI) take account of evidence drawn from a number of sources, including comments by the education authority, headteacher and school board chair, data from a representative sample of parents, and first-hand experience of the learning and teaching in the school. These procedures are outlined in inspection guidance, which is publicly available. Based on all the evidence gathered in the course of the inspection, the published report records HMI's professional evaluation of the standard of the school.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158302,"EventID":"S1W-21709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposed alterations to a draft school inspection report suggested by a local education authority that are detrimental to the school are investigated by Her Majes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether proposed alterations to a draft school inspection report suggested by a local education authority that are detrimental to the school are investigated by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education before being accepted.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-21706 and S1W-21708. Any amendments to reports are only made as result of careful consideration of all relevant evidence.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158303,"EventID":"S1W-21710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion it has had with sportscotland regarding the recent departure of three senior members of staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion it has had with sportscotland regarding the recent departure of three senior members of staff.","AnswerText":"The cessation of these three posts formed part of the proposed new management structure of sportscotland as recommended in last year's Organisational Review of sportscotland. This was approved by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158304,"EventID":"S1W-21711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when was it informed that sportscotland wished to restructure its senior management, what response it made to such information and when it will make an announcement to th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when was it informed that sportscotland wished to restructure its senior management, what response it made to such information and when it will make an announcement to the Parliament about the restructuring.","AnswerText":"The final report of sportscotland's Organisational Review recommended a revised management structure. sportscotland sought the Scottish Executive's views in October 2001 and the latter accepted the case for the changes proposed. It is for sportscotland to decide on whether to make an announcement on the restructuring and the form any such announcement should take.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158305,"EventID":"S1W-21712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first became aware of the existence of the PanAsia Type O strain of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first became aware of the existence of the PanAsia Type O strain of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"The pandemic strain of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O, which has been named PanAsia, was first identified in northern India in 1990. It spread westwards into Saudi Arabia in 1994 and then throughout the Near East and into Europe (Turkish Thrace, Bulgaria and Greece) in 1996. This information would have been passed to all member states of the European Union by the OIE.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158306,"EventID":"S1W-21713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what international conferences on agriculture or animal health and disease it was represented by its officials in each of the last two years and whether foot-and-mouth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what international conferences on agriculture or animal health and disease it was represented by its officials in each of the last two years and whether foot-and-mouth disease was discussed at any such conferences.","AnswerText":"In the past two years the Scottish Executive has been represented at the following international conferences:

Conference of Directors of EU Paying Agencies, Portugal - May 2000;

The World Potato Conference, Amsterdam - September 2000;

The Annual General Meeting of the OIE, Paris - May 2000;

FMD Conference on Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Brussels - December 2001;

FMD was discussed at the OIE and Foot-and-Mouth Disease Conferences.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158307,"EventID":"S1W-21714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Chief Veterinary Officer received or saw before 23 February 2001 any report from the Institute of Animal Health or from any other body that indicated a threat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Chief Veterinary Officer received or saw before 23 February 2001 any report from the Institute of Animal Health or from any other body that indicated a threat from the PanAsia Type O strain of foot-and-mouth disease to previously clear areas.","AnswerText":"Leslie Gardner is the Senior State Veterinary Service representative in Scotland and advises the Scottish ministers on all animal health matters. He did not see any specific report of any threat from the PanAsia Type O strain of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). All strains of FMD are significant and are a constant threat. Our contingency plans reflect that.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158308,"EventID":"S1W-21715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers were first alerted before 23 February 2001 to any report from the Institute of Animal Health or from any other body that indicated a threat from the Pan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers were first alerted before 23 February 2001 to any report from the Institute of Animal Health or from any other body that indicated a threat from the PanAsia Type O strain of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"Ministers were alerted to the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on Wednesday 21 February 2001. Prior to that they were not aware of any report of any threat from the PanAsia Type O strain of the virus.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158309,"EventID":"S1W-21716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers were made aware before 23 February 2001 of any substantial risk of infection in previously clear areas of Europe from the PanAsia Type O strain of foot-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers were made aware before 23 February 2001 of any substantial risk of infection in previously clear areas of Europe from the PanAsia Type O strain of foot-and-mouth disease and what action it took in the light of any such information.","AnswerText":"Ministers were alerted to the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on Wednesday 21 February 2001. Prior to that they were not aware of any substantial risk of infection from the PanAsia Type O strain of the virus. All strains of foot-and-mouth disease are significant and are a constant threat.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158310,"EventID":"S1W-21717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it had with Her Majesty's Government, with other governments or with any other international bodies before 23 February 2001 about any threat posed by the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it had with Her Majesty's Government, with other governments or with any other international bodies before 23 February 2001 about any threat posed by the PanAsia Type O strain of foot-and-mouth disease, when any such discussions took place and what the outcomes were.","AnswerText":"There were no discussions between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government, other Governments or any other international bodies prior to the outbreak of the disease about any threat posed by PanAsia type O strain of foot-and-mouth disease virus.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158311,"EventID":"S1W-21718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it undertook any review before 23 February 2001 of the state veterinary service; if so, who carried out the review, what recommendations the review contained, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it undertook any review before 23 February 2001 of the state veterinary service; if so, who carried out the review, what recommendations the review contained, what action was taken by Ministers in the light of the review and whether it (a) contained any assessment of or any other reference to the ability of the service to respond to a major crisis in animal health and (b) specifically mentioned a possible outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive did not undertake a specific review of the State Veterinary Service (SVS) before 23 February 2001. However, it did examine and clarify the relationship between the SVS and the Scottish Executive in 1999. This led to the production of the Concordat between MAFF and the Scottish Executive in respect of the SVS. The Concordat set out an agreed framework for co-operation between the two organisations and detailed the key principles and practices underlying this co-operation.

The Concordat does not deal specifically with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease but does cover the procedures to be adopted during an animal health emergency.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158312,"EventID":"S1W-21719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency or emergency plans existed for coping with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland before 23 February 2001; when any such plans were drawn up; ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency or emergency plans existed for coping with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland before 23 February 2001; when any such plans were drawn up; then when were subsequently reviewed, and what changes were made to them in the light of such review.","AnswerText":"All SEERAD Area Offices and sub-offices have contingency plans for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks and each of the five Divisional Animal Health Offices have detailed instructions for dealing with all notifiable disease emergencies including FMD. Practical FMD control exercises are carried out every second year by each of the five divisional AHO offices and at every exercise participants are invited from other AHO offices, the State Veterinary Service Head Office in Edinburgh, SEERAD Area Offices, local authorities and other relevant agencies.

In addition, these instructions and contingency plans are backed by local authority and police authority contingency plans providing detailed instructions for dealing with disease emergencies.

SVS plans are reviewed annually and the SEERAD Area Office plans are reviewed regularly. The plans have been in existence for many years and are amended to reflect changes in organisations and findings from the practical exercises. The most recent changes were to update contact details.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158313,"EventID":"S1W-21720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates of (a) the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, (b) the likely number of cases and (c) the need for specialist assistance in slaughter and disposal including ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates of (a) the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, (b) the likely number of cases and (c) the need for specialist assistance in slaughter and disposal including the hire or purchase of specialist or additional equipment and supplies were contained in any contingency or emergency plans for coping with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that existed before 23 February 2001 and how accurate any such estimates were.","AnswerText":"Since the scale and nature of outbreaks are unpredictable it is not possible to make any realistic estimate about the spread of foot-and-mouth disease or the likely number of cases. SEERAD Area Office and State Veterinary Service plans do not contain estimates for specialist assistance in slaughter or for the hire or purchase of additional equipment. However, information about availability of specialist equipment is usually available from contingency plans drawn up by local authorities, which cover a wide range of emergency situations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158314,"EventID":"S1W-21721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the accuracy of information regarding the location, si'e, nature and current operational status of farms available to the state vete","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the accuracy of information regarding the location, si'e, nature and current operational status of farms available to the state veterinary service, to the police or to other services during the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001.","AnswerText":"SEERAD made two key sources of information available to those involved in tackling the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001.

The first source was basic information held in the EU Agricultural subsidies database, the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) which provided details of all IACS and agri-environment claimants. This covers most agricultural holdings, the exception being pig and poultry farms and non-claimants. The IACS Field Register was used to provide geographic information on the boundaries of fields and farms. The grid reference of each holding found to be infected was used to identify details of fields and farms located within the 3km exclusion zone of that holding. A set procedure was established to ensure that checks were undertaken within SEERAD to verify the grid reference prior to use, to ensure its accuracy. Under the IACS regulations, claimants are subject to a regime of administrative checks and on-the-spot inspections to validate claims, with a percentage of farms inspected each year. The inspection process includes checks on the physical field boundaries. These existing check processes ensured that the data were fit for use in fighting foot-and-mouth disease.

The second source was the Agricultural Census, which provided a register of all agricultural holdings. Farmers are required to register their agricultural holdings with the census branch under sections 78 and 79 of the Agriculture Act 1947, and thus the details held should be complete and current. However, in reality, it is acknowledged that a small number of farmers refuse to complete census forms or confirm land movements, and thus completeness and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The census registration includes pig and poultry farms and non (or part-non) claimants, and so could be used to complement the IACS information.

In addition to this, local knowledge of SEERAD agricultural staff from the local area office was used to supplement the centrally-held information. There were no significant accuracy issues identified with either data source, although there were a few instances where people owned livestock as pets and so their address was not classified as agricultural premises and not identified by the data sources.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158315,"EventID":"S1W-21722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received any complaints or comments from the state veterinary service, the police or other services, including local authorities, during or after the outbreak ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received any complaints or comments from the state veterinary service, the police or other services, including local authorities, during or after the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001 regarding the accuracy of information on the location, si'e, nature and current operational status of farms and what the nature of such complaints and comments was.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive have not received any complaints or comments from the police, State Veterinary Service or any other organisation concerning the accuracy of the information on the location, size, nature, and current operational status of farms.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158316,"EventID":"S1W-21723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to make available a complete, accurate and regularly updated database of farms giving precise details of their locations, si'e, nature and current","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to make available a complete, accurate and regularly updated database of farms giving precise details of their locations, si'e, nature and current operational status.","AnswerText":"Farmers are required to register their holdings under the Agriculture Act 1974 with the Agricultural Census branch, and thus a complete database of farms already exists. However, in reality, it is acknowledged that a small number of farmers refuse to complete census forms or confirm land movements, and thus completeness and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

In addition, the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) holds details of all claimants for EU agricultural subsidies. Both systems are subject to restrictions on the uses to which these data may be put, due to confidentiality constraints. Discussions are on-going to ensure that coverage of both systems is as complete and consistent as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158317,"EventID":"S1W-21724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20917 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 January 2002, what specific issues were discussed at its meetings last year with representatives of S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20917 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 January 2002, what specific issues were discussed at its meetings last year with representatives of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority. ","AnswerText":"In the last year the Executive has met bilaterally with the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority to discuss the following issues.

Issue

Clyde & Western Isles Ferries Tendering Exercise

Larkhall-Milngavie Rail Link

Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS)

Public Transport Fund and SPT capital programme

Rail Access to Airports Study

Review of Strategic Planning

Special Rail Grant allocation for 2001-02

SPT funding

Traveline

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158318,"EventID":"S1W-21725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20918 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 January 2002, why no evaluation has been carried out and whether it is confident that Strathclyde Pas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20918 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 January 2002, why no evaluation has been carried out and whether it is confident that Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority has been carrying out its statutory duties.","AnswerText":"The Executive maintains close contact with the authority, the constituent councils and other interested parties involved in the delivery of public transport in the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (SPTA) area. We are aware of no substantial evidence that SPTA has failed to carry out its statutory duties.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158319,"EventID":"S1W-21726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions have been given to Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority regarding security measures since 11 September 2001, by whom, and why any such directions wer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions have been given to Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority regarding security measures since 11 September 2001, by whom, and why any such directions were given.","AnswerText":"Security and safety are reserved matters. It is not our policy to disclose details of security measures.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158320,"EventID":"S1W-21727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Cabinet last discussed the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Cabinet last discussed the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet discussed the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review at its meeting on Wednesday 16 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158321,"EventID":"S1W-21728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Cabinet next expects to discuss the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Cabinet next expects to discuss the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review.","AnswerText":"No date has yet been set.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158322,"EventID":"S1W-21729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review and the associated financial assessment undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review and the associated financial assessment undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has both documents and is considering them.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158323,"EventID":"S1W-21730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20313 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2001, whether it has set a date for the publication of the Scottish Prison Service's Estates","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20313 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2001, whether it has set a date for the publication of the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review. ","AnswerText":"Publication will coincide with the start of the consultation process, likely to commence in the next couple of months.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158324,"EventID":"S1W-21731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the period of consultation after the publication of the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the period of consultation after the publication of the Scottish Prison Service's Estates Review will be.","AnswerText":"The period of consultation will be 12 weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158325,"EventID":"S1W-21732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children and young people aged (a) under 16 and (b) from 16 to 18 in each sheriff court area have been held in adult establishments in each of the last three yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children and young people aged (a) under 16 and (b) from 16 to 18 in each sheriff court area have been held in adult establishments in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The information requested is given in tables titled, "Receptions of young offenders into adult establishments by age, court and establishment: 1998 to 2000" and are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. No. 18600). Figures for year 2001 are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158326,"EventID":"S1W-21733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide sufficient secure establishments for children and young people in order to avoid any necessity to use adult prisons. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide sufficient secure establishments for children and young people in order to avoid any necessity to use adult prisons. ","AnswerText":"There are 95 secure places in Scotland and we have over twice the proportion of children in secure accommodation as in England and three times as many as in Wales. The Secure Accommodation Advisory Group's interim report concluded that the available data did not substantiate the need for expansion. We are considering this further and I will announce our conclusions shortly. Only under extreme circumstances are young people held in adult units, for the absolute minimum time necessary for secure accommodation to be found. The number of such cases is declining (13 in 1999: 5 in 2000).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158327,"EventID":"S1W-21734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had, or plans to have, meetings with any internet service provider or web hosting services to discuss guidelines for the protection of children using such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had, or plans to have, meetings with any internet service provider or web hosting services to discuss guidelines for the protection of children using such services.","AnswerText":"Internet regulation is a reserved issue. Matters relating to the protection of children using the internet is the responsibility of the Home Office which has established a task force involving representatives from across the UK internet industry. As a result of the group's recommendations to raise public awareness of the activities of paedophiles in internet chatrooms and steps to avoid them the Executive is contributing to the current UK-wide "know the net" campaign to alert children to the risks of the internet and how to minimise them. The Executive is also participating in a UK-wide exercise to accredit educational Internet service providers who wish to serve the education market (including libraries, community learning facilities, UK Online centres etc). The main focus of the approval process is on safety features such as content filtering.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158328,"EventID":"S1W-21735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police which are subsequently prosecuted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police which are subsequently prosecuted.","AnswerText":"The objective of the police is to investigate such incidents properly and fully. The objective of procurators fiscal is to scrutinise reports for a sufficiency of evidence and then to select from the range of available options the one which is most appropriate in the particular case. One important consideration is the probability that any given option will reduce the likelihood of further offending. Allegations of domestic abuse are treated very seriously by prosecutors who were issued in July 2000 with fresh training and guidance on this area of offending. However, it would be inappropriate to have an objective to increase the number of prosecutions. Each individual case must be considered on its own merits.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158329,"EventID":"S1W-21736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle repeat victimisation in cases of domestic abuse reported to the police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle repeat victimisation in cases of domestic abuse reported to the police.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to ensuring that women who have experienced domestic abuse get the support and protection they need. This includes providing a sufficient number of refuge places but also providing support to those who do not wish to leave. There are many reasons why women might be reluctant to leave an abusive partner and may suffer a number of incidents of abuse before doing so. Her decision must be respected. The important thing is that she should get the help and information she wants at any stage.

The information on repeat victimisation in the police statistics is very helpful in building up a picture of the nature of abuse. It is for police forces to decide how they will respond to specific instances of repeat victimisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158330,"EventID":"S1W-21737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18510 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 October 2001, whether the Central Research Unit has now completed its Crime and Criminal Justice resea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18510 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 October 2001, whether the Central Research Unit has now completed its Crime and Criminal Justice research programme for 2001-04 and, if it has, how much funding it is planning to devote to research on domestic violence issues in each of the next two years.","AnswerText":"The new Crime and Criminal Justice Research Programme is not yet available for publication. The previous Research Programme ran from 1998 to 2001. A new research agenda is being worked out for publication early in 2002. Even when the research agenda is published it will not be possible to say how much monies will be devoted to a specific issue such as domestic violence. Research is not commissioned to a fixed timetable but, rather, according to identified and emerging priorities and the cost of that research is determined by the nature of the study and how long it takes to complete.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158331,"EventID":"S1W-21738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the 37% of recorded incidents of domestic abuse in 1999-2000 referred to the Procurator Fiscal's Office were subsequently referred to diversion from pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the 37% of recorded incidents of domestic abuse in 1999-2000 referred to the Procurator Fiscal's Office were subsequently referred to diversion from prosecution schemes and on what grounds any such referrals were made.","AnswerText":""Domestic abuse\" may be constituted by several offences. Records relating to those offences do not distinguish those which fall into the domestic abuse category. The information is, accordingly, not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158332,"EventID":"S1W-21739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is currently available to staff employed by government agencies in how to deal with people suffering from domestic abuse and whether any such staff training","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is currently available to staff employed by government agencies in how to deal with people suffering from domestic abuse and whether any such staff training is compulsory.","AnswerText":"Workplace polices is one of the areas to be looked at by the prevention working group established by the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland. The group is expected to report to the National Group in May.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158333,"EventID":"S1W-21740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what match funding was provided by NHS boards for projects concerning domestic abuse in the last year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what match funding was provided by NHS boards for projects concerning domestic abuse in the last year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund administered by the Scottish Executive Justice Department provides £6 million over four years to strengthen local services, of which £79,000 currently supports seven projects where all or part of the matched funding is provided by an NHS board.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158334,"EventID":"S1W-21741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 245,000 individual learning account (ILA) holders will not be in a position to start a course due to the closure of the ILA scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 245,000 individual learning account (ILA) holders will not be in a position to start a course due to the closure of the ILA scheme.","AnswerText":"Learners who enrolled in learning before the scheme's closure will be able to proceed if their learning starts before the end of this month. Letters have gone to all account holders explaining the reasons for the closure and providing them with details of a dedicated freephone helpline (0808 100 1090) should they require further advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158335,"EventID":"S1W-21742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it anticipates that investigations will last into the validity of claims for payment of individual learning accounts before 20 December 2001 and for which learni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it anticipates that investigations will last into the validity of claims for payment of individual learning accounts before 20 December 2001 and for which learning will have commenced by 31 January 2002, and whether there will be any priority given to small businesses whose future may depend on these payments.","AnswerText":"Claims for payment of ILA-supported learning commenced before 31 January 2002, for which the learner enrolled before 20 December 2001, are currently being accepted. Validation of all outstanding claims is on-going.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158336,"EventID":"S1W-21743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of potential fraud in connection with individual learning accounts are being investigated and who is carrying out the investigations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of potential fraud in connection with individual learning accounts are being investigated and who is carrying out the investigations.","AnswerText":"The scale of potential fraud is being assessed through the validation currently under way, as well as retrospective auditing of claims already paid under the scheme. The investigations are being undertaken by KPMG and Scottish Enterprise staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158337,"EventID":"S1W-21744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government concerning any impact on Scottish businesses and, in particular, on the whisky industry of the restriction of ra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government concerning any impact on Scottish businesses and, in particular, on the whisky industry of the restriction of rail freight through the Channel Tunnel that began on 7 November 2001.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues including the restriction of rail freight, which might impact on Scottish businesses such as the whisky industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158338,"EventID":"S1W-21745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact on Scottish businesses of the current restrictions on rail freight through the Channel Tunnel and of any related issues in respe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact on Scottish businesses of the current restrictions on rail freight through the Channel Tunnel and of any related issues in respect of timing and reliability of trains.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21001 on 31 December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158339,"EventID":"S1W-21746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had, or is having, discussions with Her Majesty's Government with a view to identifying solutions to any difficulties facing Scottish businesses arising fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had, or is having, discussions with Her Majesty's Government with a view to identifying solutions to any difficulties facing Scottish businesses arising from the current restrictions on rail freight through the Channel Tunnel.","AnswerText":"Both rail freight generally and European railway services are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including how any changes to rail freight services using the Channel Tunnel might impact on Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158340,"EventID":"S1W-21747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request Her Majesty's Government to propose that the protection of trade routes and, in particular, rail freight trade routes is discussed at a meeting of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request Her Majesty's Government to propose that the protection of trade routes and, in particular, rail freight trade routes is discussed at a meeting of the Council of Ministers in order to protect the interests of Scottish businesses. ","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade and rail freight are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including rail freight trade routes and how the current position at the Channel Tunnel might impact on businesses in Scotland. In addition, we welcome the continuing close interest take in this matter by the European Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158341,"EventID":"S1W-21748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any implications for Scottish business of any review by the European Commission of maintenance of trade routes within and between member st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any implications for Scottish business of any review by the European Commission of maintenance of trade routes within and between member states of the European Union. ","AnswerText":"The regulation of trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive is in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry on trade issues including those relating to the Free Movement of Goods (FMOG) Regulation - Council Regulation EC No 2679/98. Following a report by the European Commission in March 2001 on the application of the FMOG Regulation the Council of the EU adopted a set of Conclusions in September 2001 committing member states to a more dynamic approach in applying the Regulation. The Executive will continue to work with DTI on this matter and the follow up to the Council's Conclusions on the Regulation.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158342,"EventID":"S1W-21749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in respect of safeguarding public investment in cross-Channel rail freight developments in order to prote","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in respect of safeguarding public investment in cross-Channel rail freight developments in order to protect access to rail freight for Scottish businesses.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21746.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158343,"EventID":"S1W-21750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of any significant fines owed by English Welsh & Scottish Railway on the company's Scottish business interests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of any significant fines owed by English Welsh & Scottish Railway on the company's Scottish business interests.","AnswerText":"None. European railway services are a reserved issue and the imposition of fines on freight operators using the Channel Tunnel is a matter for the UK Government. However, we understand that there have been no such civil penalties imposed on English Welsh & Scottish Railways since May 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158344,"EventID":"S1W-21751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on Scottish business of any security issues at the Channel Tunnel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on Scottish business of any security issues at the Channel Tunnel.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21001 on 31 December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158345,"EventID":"S1W-21752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any increase in road freight in Scotland arising from restrictions on rail freight through the Channel Tunnel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any increase in road freight in Scotland arising from restrictions on rail freight through the Channel Tunnel.","AnswerText":"Information on possible increases in road freight in Scotland arising from any restrictions on rail freight through the Channel Tunnel is not held centrally. However, we are in regular contact with the UK Government concerning European and International rail services.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158346,"EventID":"S1W-21753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact on Scottish business of any rail freight terminal closures arising from the current restrictions on rail freight through the Ch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact on Scottish business of any rail freight terminal closures arising from the current restrictions on rail freight through the Channel Tunnel and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"Both rail freight generally and European railway services are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including rail freight services. I am not aware of the impending closure of any freight terminals in Scotland, arising from the current restrictions on rail freight through the Channel Tunnel.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158347,"EventID":"S1W-21754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government that it should take steps to ensure that freight trains bound for Scotland are not delayed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government that it should take steps to ensure that freight trains bound for Scotland are not delayed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government on a wide range of issues, including rail freight.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158348,"EventID":"S1W-21755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted on the impact on Scottish business of any planned diversion of freight trains from the west coast main line to other routes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted on the impact on Scottish business of any planned diversion of freight trains from the west coast main line to other routes.","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Executive has not been approached by any of the rail freight operators concerning the effects on Scottish business of trains being diverted from the West Coast Main Line.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158349,"EventID":"S1W-21756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to safeguard water quality in rivers, lochs and groundwaters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to safeguard water quality in rivers, lochs and groundwaters.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed in its Programme of Government to safeguarding and improving Scotland's environment. Scottish waters are a vital component of Scotland's image as a healthy and clean environment. They are, by and large, of good or excellent chemical and biological quality.

Extensive research has identified a number of areas throughout Scotland as having unacceptable levels of nitrate pollution. Accordingly, I am today announcing the release of a consultation paper on proposals for new NVZs based on research and monitoring. Work will begin shortly to identify the precise boundaries of the proposed new NVZs. We will consult fully with farmers in these areas on the designations, and with other interested parties. The proposed new zones are in:

the Black Isle and along the Moray Coast;

Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan;

Strathmore;

Fife;

Lothian and the Borders, and

Nithsdale (Dumfries and Galloway)

For the Black Isle and Moray Coast, parts of Strathmore, Falkirk and West Lothian we are obtaining further monitoring data to validate assessments of a high risk of nitrate pollution in these areas.

We will work with farmers to phase-in action programme measures. Guidance on how to comply with the rules will be provided and grant assistance may be available towards the costs of additional slurry storage.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158350,"EventID":"S1W-21757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many companies have published environmental reports for the year ending 31 December 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many companies have published environmental reports for the year ending 31 December 2001.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally. Collecting company annual reports is a matter for the UK government. The Executive supports the call made by the Prime Minister for the top 350 companies to publish annual environment reports. We believe that it is vital to work closely with the business community to promote sustainable development.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158351,"EventID":"S1W-21758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many multinational companies with bases in Scotland have published environmental reports for the year ending 31 December 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many multinational companies with bases in Scotland have published environmental reports for the year ending 31 December 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question .","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158352,"EventID":"S1W-21759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in assessing the case for Lennoxtown document presented to it by Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire in November 2001 and when it plans to make a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in assessing the case for Lennoxtown document presented to it by Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire in November 2001 and when it plans to make a response.","AnswerText":"In anticipation of the planned closure of Lennox Castle Hospital, Greater Glasgow Primary Care Trust has been considering the options for the reuse of the hospital site. I understand that the proposed partnership initiative with East Dunbartonshire Council and the local community is one and that it is in the early stages of development.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158353,"EventID":"S1W-21760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options it is considering in respect of use of funds from the sale of the former Lennox Castle hospital site and when a decision will be reached on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options it is considering in respect of use of funds from the sale of the former Lennox Castle hospital site and when a decision will be reached on this matter.","AnswerText":"It is initially for NHS Greater Glasgow to consider what use will be made of any receipt available from the sale of Lennox Castle Hospital site. When NHS Greater Glasgow has reached a conclusion this will be considered by the Scottish Executive Health Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158354,"EventID":"S1W-21761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the #20 million announced by the First Minister on 9 January 2002 to tackle bed blocking will be allocated for patients with mental illness as well as elderly pat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the #20 million announced by the First Minister on 9 January 2002 to tackle bed blocking will be allocated for patients with mental illness as well as elderly patients.","AnswerText":"The additional resources for delayed discharge will be aimed at reducing delays across NHSScotland and not tied to particular specialities.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158355,"EventID":"S1W-21762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the tender document which specified the standards required to be met by applicants for the trunk roads maintenance contracts made any stipulation as to the salt c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the tender document which specified the standards required to be met by applicants for the trunk roads maintenance contracts made any stipulation as to the salt content to be used in grit.","AnswerText":"The tender document specified that the Operating Company shall use rock salt complying with BS 3247 for de-icing operations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158356,"EventID":"S1W-21763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the salt content of the grit used by BEAR Scotland Ltd in maintaining the trunk roads in the north of Scotland complies with the standards required under its cont","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the salt content of the grit used by BEAR Scotland Ltd in maintaining the trunk roads in the north of Scotland complies with the standards required under its contract; what testing it has conducted to check that BEAR Scotland Ltd are meeting these required standards; what the results of any such testing were, and when the testing was carried out and at what location.","AnswerText":"The contract requires that salt used to de-ice trunk roads must be regularly tested to comply with standards, and the records of these tests must be maintained for inspection. The Performance Audit Group intends to inspect this information as part of their on-going programme of audits.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158357,"EventID":"S1W-21764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the required level of salt in grit and how it ensures that there is not a low salt content in the grit used on trunk roads which results in a reduce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the required level of salt in grit and how it ensures that there is not a low salt content in the grit used on trunk roads which results in a reduced effectiveness of the grit.","AnswerText":"The policy for salt used to de-ice trunk roads is contained in the contract documents. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21762 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158358,"EventID":"S1W-21765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring it has carried out into the salt content in the grit used by BEAR Scotland Ltd in performing its obligations under the trunk roads maintenance contract; w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring it has carried out into the salt content in the grit used by BEAR Scotland Ltd in performing its obligations under the trunk roads maintenance contract; whether it will place a copy of the results of this monitoring in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and make it publicly available, and what monitoring it plans to carry out in the future.","AnswerText":"The Performance Audit Group (PAG) is appointed by the Scottish Executive to audit and monitor the activities of BEAR Scotland Ltd, including their winter activities, and I have undertaken to publish a report by PAG on the first year of operation of the new contracts in line with the recommendation of the Auditor General. A copy of the report, once available, will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158359,"EventID":"S1W-21766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether BEAR Scotland Ltd has any plans to reduce costs by lowering the salt content of the grit used on trunk roads and whether it will give details, including dates, of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether BEAR Scotland Ltd has any plans to reduce costs by lowering the salt content of the grit used on trunk roads and whether it will give details, including dates, of any representations it has made to BEAR Scotland Ltd on this matter.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to amend the quality of salt specified in the contract documents. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21762 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158360,"EventID":"S1W-21767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and make publicly available copies of any communication between it and BEAR Scotland Ltd in connection","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and make publicly available copies of any communication between it and BEAR Scotland Ltd in connection with its monitoring of BEAR Scotland Ltd's performance under the trunk roads maintenance contract.","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate to publish copies of correspondence between the Executive and BEAR Scotland Ltd because of contractual and commercial considerations. However, I have undertaken to publish a report by PAG on the first year of operation of the new contracts in line with the recommendation of the Auditor General. A copy of the report, once available, will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158361,"EventID":"S1W-21768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to it, or what inquiries it has made, into the condition of the pavements in Newtonmore during the week commencing 30 December 2001; w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to it, or what inquiries it has made, into the condition of the pavements in Newtonmore during the week commencing 30 December 2001; whether the salt content of the grit was a factor in the condition of the pavements, and what action it has taken, and with whom, as a result.","AnswerText":"No representations were received by the Scottish Executive concerning the condition of the footways in Newtonmore during the week commencing 30 December 2001.

All rock salt used on trunk roads and associated footways complies with British Standard BS 3247 and this material is not considered to be a factor in the condition of the pavements in Newtonmore.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158362,"EventID":"S1W-21769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will specify the powers it possesses under the trunk roads maintenance contact with BEAR Scotland Ltd to issue directions, orders or instructions to BEAR Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will specify the powers it possesses under the trunk roads maintenance contact with BEAR Scotland Ltd to issue directions, orders or instructions to BEAR Scotland Ltd in respect of BEAR Scotland Ltd fulfilling its obligations under the contract and, in particular, what powers it has to issue directions, orders or instructions to BEAR to use more vehicles, workers and grit when necessary.","AnswerText":"The powers to issue directions, orders or instructions to BEAR are contained in the legal contact documents that form the contract.

Provided BEAR meets its contractual obligations, the Executive would not expect to interfere in the way BEAR uses its resources. Any such interference could have serious contractual implications for either or both parties to the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158363,"EventID":"S1W-21770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures BEAR Scotland Ltd has in place to ensure that the highest regard is made to public safety when fulfilling its obligations under the trunk roads maintenance ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures BEAR Scotland Ltd has in place to ensure that the highest regard is made to public safety when fulfilling its obligations under the trunk roads maintenance contract and what monitoring there is to ensure that such measures are in place and are complied with.","AnswerText":"BEAR Scotland Ltd has quality systems and operational procedures in place which require safety issues to be addressed, relating both to the public and its employees, whilst ensuring that its other obligations under the terms of the trunk road contract are met. These systems and procedures have been scrutinised by Performance Audit Group and consented to by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158364,"EventID":"S1W-21771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the broadband services will be delivered to the south of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands as referred to by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the broadband services will be delivered to the south of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands as referred to by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in the debate on the Scottish Executive's Priorities on 9 January 2002 (Official Report, Col.5184) and who will initiate this delivery. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently considering what body, or bodies, should lead the procurement process for broadband services for the Highlands and Islands and the South of Scotland. We wish to see services in place as soon as possible but given the nature of the procurement process and the need for equipment to be put in place, we would not expect services under a new contract to be delivered before the second part of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158365,"EventID":"S1W-21772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the broadband services referred to by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in the debate on the Scottish Executive's Priorities on 9 January 2002 (Offi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the broadband services referred to by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in the debate on the Scottish Executive's Priorities on 9 January 2002 (Official Report, Col. 5184) will be extended to other rural areas and who will initiate this extension.","AnswerText":"The Executive will determine how broadband services should be procured for the public sector in rural areas outside the initial pathfinder areas by having regard to experience in the pathfinder areas and developments in the telecoms sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158366,"EventID":"S1W-21773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the broadband services referred to by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in the debate on the Scottish Executive's Priorities on 9 January 2002 (Offi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the broadband services referred to by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in the debate on the Scottish Executive's Priorities on 9 January 2002 (Official Report, Col.5184) will be delivered to rural areas within the Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituency and who will initiate this delivery.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W- 21772.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158367,"EventID":"S1W-21774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to co-ordinate the establishment of the NHS Technology Transfer Office with that of the proposed Technology Transfer Office for academic servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to co-ordinate the establishment of the NHS Technology Transfer Office with that of the proposed Technology Transfer Office for academic services funded by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any specific proposal by the Scottish Health Education Funding Council (SHEFC) to establish a Technology Transfer Office for academic services. The Scottish Executive Health Department has on-going and effective links with SHEFC to ensure effective communication and, where appropriate, co-ordination of activities.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158368,"EventID":"S1W-21775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11438 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 January 2001, what the average annual cost to the taxpayer will be of each prisoner place in each Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11438 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 January 2001, what the average annual cost to the taxpayer will be of each prisoner place in each Scottish Prison Service prison other than HM Prison Kilmarnock in (a) real cash terms and (b) net present value terms over the same 25-year period of the HM Prison Kilmarnock contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

The information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158369,"EventID":"S1W-21776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Home Secretary on the announced change in classification of cannabis and whether it has issued any guidelines to police forces reg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Home Secretary on the announced change in classification of cannabis and whether it has issued any guidelines to police forces regarding the announced change.","AnswerText":"We have not made formal representations to the Home Secretary on this issue, which is reserved to the UK Government. However, Scottish interests are well represented on the statutory Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, which has been asked by the Home Secretary to review the classification of cannabis.

A recommendation from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to the Home Secretary is expected in the next few months and may lead to reclassification. Any advice to Scottish Police Forces from the Scottish Executive would reflect the Home Secretary's decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158370,"EventID":"S1W-21777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the investigation into those responsible for the Larkhall gas explosion in December 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the investigation into those responsible for the Larkhall gas explosion in December 1999.","AnswerText":"Following a meeting between representatives of the Procurator Fiscal's Office and Crown Counsel on 15 November 2001, the Procurator Fiscal at Hamilton was instructed to undertake further enquiries. The results of those further enquiries should be reported to Crown Office by 31 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158371,"EventID":"S1W-21778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance the NHS 24 helpline will give to those with a mental illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance the NHS 24 helpline will give to those with a mental illness.","AnswerText":"NHS 24 recognises that there is a real need to provide support for people with a mental health illness and have taken this into account in developing the clinical decision software that will be used by its nurses. Clinical algorithms have been developed for crisis, suicide, depression, confusion and many other conditions. These have also been reviewed under NHS 24's quality review process by a range of clinicians which have included doctors and mental health specialist nurses.

NHS 24 recognises the importance of ensuring that their nurses have the skill set and competency base to support patients with mental health problems. Within the core induction and training for NHS 24 nurses, they have invested a significant resource towards mental health training. This comprehensive training programme has been specifically developed for NHS 24 by the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health in conjunction with Abertay University.

NHS 24's Health Information Service will also provide information to people on the mental health and support services which are available at a local and national level.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158372,"EventID":"S1W-21779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend a statutory duty of Best Value to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) for which it has responsibility and to which NDPBs this would be app","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend a statutory duty of Best Value to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) for which it has responsibility and to which NDPBs this would be applied.","AnswerText":"We are committed to Best Value and will be extending a requirement for Best Value across the public sector, including NDPBs, by spring 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158373,"EventID":"S1W-21780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend a statutory duty of Best Value to the expenditure of NHS boards and trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend a statutory duty of Best Value to the expenditure of NHS boards and trusts.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to extend a statutory duty of Best Value to NHS Boards and Trusts. NHS Trusts already have a statutory responsibility to carry out their functions effectively, efficiently and economically. Additionally, the operational and financial performance of NHS bodies is scrutinised directly and systematically by the Health Department through the new Performance Assessment Framework, as announced in Our National Health, and through regular monitoring.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158374,"EventID":"S1W-21781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a statutory duty of Best Value to the expenditure of each of its Departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a statutory duty of Best Value to the expenditure of each of its Departments.","AnswerText":"We are committed to Best Value and will be extending a requirement for Best Value across the public sector, including departments of the Executive, by spring 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158375,"EventID":"S1W-21782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20998 by Iain Gray on 8 January 2002, why 43 of the 116 applications made for free central heating in the Scottish Borders area wer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20998 by Iain Gray on 8 January 2002, why 43 of the 116 applications made for free central heating in the Scottish Borders area were found to be ineligible.","AnswerText":"Nineteen applicants were ineligible because they had a working central heating system and one applicant had not occupied the house for the required 12 months. The remaining 23 was made up of those who had not returned their application forms to EAGA at the time the earlier question was asked. All of those applications have now been processed and qualify for grant. Many have now received their package of measures.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158376,"EventID":"S1W-21783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will receive the #16.7 million Regional Selective Assistance clawback from Motorola announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 25 April 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will receive the #16.7 million Regional Selective Assistance clawback from Motorola announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 25 April 2001.","AnswerText":"Motorola repaid £16.75 million to the Executive in May 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158377,"EventID":"S1W-21784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the #2.5 million Regional Selective Assistance should be clawed back from the electronics company NEC Semi-conductors (UK) Ltd following the comments made by the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the #2.5 million Regional Selective Assistance should be clawed back from the electronics company NEC Semi-conductors (UK) Ltd following the comments made by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 20 December 2001 (Official Report, col. 5066).","AnswerText":"I made clear in the Parliament on 20 December that while NEC's facility at Livingston is regarded as mothballed rather than closed, the outstanding grant of £2.4 million will not require to be repaid. A close watching brief on this will of course be maintained.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158378,"EventID":"S1W-21785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18938 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 26 October 2001, whether the position in regard to the Motorola Taskforce remains the same.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18938 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 26 October 2001, whether the position in regard to the Motorola Taskforce remains the same.","AnswerText":"I announced in Parliament on 25 April 2001 that the Executive would set aside up to £10 million to fund measures which may be required by the closure of Motorola's Bathgate plant. The answer I provided to parliamentary question S1W-20969 details how much of the monies which are available to the Motorola Taskforce have been spent to date and forecast spend.

I also announced in Parliament on the 20 December 2001 that the Executive will provide £6 million (of the £10 million which had been set aside) to the West Lothian Strategic Action Plan for economic development in the area. In addition the Motorola Taskforce can also continue to draw on resources of agencies involved in helping ex Motorola workers find new opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158379,"EventID":"S1W-21786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #16.7 million Regional Selective Assistance clawback from Motorola announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 25 April 2001 will be allocat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #16.7 million Regional Selective Assistance clawback from Motorola announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 25 April 2001 will be allocated.","AnswerText":"On 25 April 2001 I announced in the Parliament that the Scottish Executive was setting aside up to £10 million to help fund the Motorola Taskforce's action plan.

On 20 December 2001 I announced in the Parliament that the Scottish Executive will provide £6 million (of the £10 million which had been set aside) to the West Lothian Strategic Action Plan for economic development for the area.

All recoveries of Regional Selective Assistance are returned to the Executive's budget, in line with normal procedure.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158380,"EventID":"S1W-21787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #16.7 million Regional Selective Assistance clawback from Motorola announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 25 April 2001 will be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #16.7 million Regional Selective Assistance clawback from Motorola announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning on 25 April 2001 will be invested in West Lothian.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21786.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158381,"EventID":"S1W-21788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20738 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 December 2001, how many monitoring assignments the Performance Audit Group undertook outside normal ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20738 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 December 2001, how many monitoring assignments the Performance Audit Group undertook outside normal working hours between 20 December 2001 and 7 January 2002 in the Highland Council area.","AnswerText":"The offices of the Performance Audit Group (PAG) were closed between 24 December and 2 January. However, in view of the weather conditions prevailing, staff from the PAG travelled routes in the north west and north east Operating Units to report on conditions on 27, 28, 29 and 31 December. Staff also visited BEAR's winter control room in the North East on 29 December.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158382,"EventID":"S1W-21789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would fund and support, in principle, a study into the viability of cross-estuary commuter ferries on the Firth of Forth, and whether it would urge other relev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would fund and support, in principle, a study into the viability of cross-estuary commuter ferries on the Firth of Forth, and whether it would urge other relevant non-departmental public bodies to support such a study.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive part-funded an earlier study of fast ferry links across the Forth which showed that considerable public sector financial support would be required for such a venture.

I expect the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority to take up its responsibilities on 1 April 2002. These responsibilities include the examination of and, if appropriate, funding of measures that would improve cross-Forth travel.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158383,"EventID":"S1W-21790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it took to draft its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home; when the draft was completed; when it sen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it took to draft its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home; when the draft was completed; when it sent copies to (a) the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, (b) the Association of Directors of Education, (c) individual education authorities and (d) home education organisations and when a copy was posted on to its website.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive undertook work to prepare the draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home between July 2000 and December 2001. The draft was completed on 10 December 2001. Following printing, copies of the draft guidance were issued for consultation to (a) the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, (b) the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, (c) individual education authorities, and (d) home education organisations on 20 December 2001. A copy of the draft guidance was posted on the Scottish Executive website on 27 December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158384,"EventID":"S1W-21791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there was no indication in its website news section that its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home had bee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there was no indication in its website news section that its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home had been published; whether the version which was originally posted on its website indicated to whom responses should be sent and by when and, if so, when the revised version showing this information was posted.","AnswerText":"When the draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home was issued for consultation, the Scottish Executive decided to send the document to those parties with a direct interest. This was done on 20 December 2001. The document was posted on the Scottish Executive website on 27 December 2001.

The version of the draft guidance originally posted on the website did not indicate to whom responses should be sent and by when; this was an error that was rectified on 8 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158385,"EventID":"S1W-21792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what views were expressed by home education organisations in advance of publication of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Thei","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what views were expressed by home education organisations in advance of publication of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home; which of these views were reflected in the guidance; what consideration was given to the views expressed by the Scottish Consumer Council in its report Homeworks on the treatment by local authorities of home educating families, and in what way these views were reflected in its guidance.","AnswerText":"During initial consultation, representatives of home education organisations and local authorities raised a range of issues that have been addressed in the draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home. The Scottish Consumer Council Homeworks report was also given full consideration and many of the issues raised in the report have been addressed in the draft guidance which has been issued for consultation until 29 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158386,"EventID":"S1W-21793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the intentions set out in paragraph 2.6 of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home exceed the powers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the intentions set out in paragraph 2.6 of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home exceed the powers contained under section 37 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and, if so, whether there is any risk of local authorities engaging in unlawful activity as a result and in breaching data protection and human rights legislation, and to what legal scrutiny the draft guidance was subject to before publication.","AnswerText":"Section 37 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, provides that authorities have a duty to intervene if they are not satisfied that a parent is providing an efficient education that is suited to his or her child. The Scottish Executive believes that authorities cannot fulfil this responsibility without taking reasonable steps to satisfy themselves as to the effectiveness of the education provision being made for a child. Paragraph 2.6 of the draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home reflects that position. In fulfilling their duties, authorities must act within the terms of data protection and human rights legislation. The draft guidance, which has been issued for consultation until 29 March 2002, was subject to the normal legal scrutiny.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158387,"EventID":"S1W-21794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any research which exists to support the position that home educated children are in need of extraordinary measures of care and protection; whether any o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any research which exists to support the position that home educated children are in need of extraordinary measures of care and protection; whether any of this research was considered in advance of the drafting of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home and, if so, in what way it has been reflected in the guidance and why the draft guidance takes the position it does.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any research which exists to suggest that home educated children are in need of extraordinary measures of care and protection. The Scottish Executive believes that appropriate measures should be in place to ensure the educational welfare of all children and that position is reflected in the draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home, issued for consultation until 29 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158388,"EventID":"S1W-21795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way the national priorities for schools are relevant to home education and which academic studies relating to home education were considered prior to the drafting","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way the national priorities for schools are relevant to home education and which academic studies relating to home education were considered prior to the drafting of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home.","AnswerText":"The effectiveness of home education provision should be considered in the context of, but not dictated by, the philosophy behind the National Priorities which have been established for school education. The National Priorities promote the development of core skills, self-discipline, respect for self and others in society, and creativity and ambition in all children. A range of documents provided by Education Otherwise was considered in preparing the draft guidance, including a summary of Educating Children at Home by Alan Thomas and The Next Learning System by Roland Meighan.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158389,"EventID":"S1W-21796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are currently being home educated by choice and how this figure was compiled and substantiated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children are currently being home educated by choice and how this figure was compiled and substantiated.","AnswerText":"In response to a Scottish Executive survey of children educated outwith school, education authorities reported that a total of 349 children were known to be receiving home education as a result of parental choice in 2000-01. The survey requested information about all children who had received education outwith school at any point during the 2000-01 school year, whether out of necessity or by parental choice. The above figure relates only to those children educated outwith school by parental choice. It does not include those who received education outwith school because they were unable to attend due to illness or exceptional circumstances. The Scottish Executive recognises that the true figure is likely to be much higher since many children who are educated at home by choice are not currently in contact with their education authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158390,"EventID":"S1W-21797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its plans to monitor children as outlined in its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home are connected with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its plans to monitor children as outlined in its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in Which Parents May Choose to Educate Their Children at Home are connected with the proposed surveillance monitoring of all children through the collection in England of personalised school census and other data without the express consent of parents or children and what discussions it has held with the Department for Education and Skills concerning the establishment of a UK-wide tracking system for children.","AnswerText":"The recommendations made in the draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home that relate to the monitoring of home education provision are not connected with any plans in England to collect pupil level school census data for statistical purposes. There were no discussions held with the Department for Education and Skills on the establishment of a UK-wide tracking system for children.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158391,"EventID":"S1W-21798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many owner-occupied houses in the City of Edinburgh Council area have been demolished in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many owner-occupied houses in the City of Edinburgh Council area have been demolished in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21800.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158392,"EventID":"S1W-21799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses owned by housing associations have been demolished in the City of Edinburgh Council area in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses owned by housing associations have been demolished in the City of Edinburgh Council area in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21800.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158393,"EventID":"S1W-21800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses owned by the City of Edinburgh Council have been demolished in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses owned by the City of Edinburgh Council have been demolished in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. From 1998, information on demolitions by tenure distinguishes only local authority stock from non-local authority stock.

Total Number of Dwellings Demolished by Tenure

City of Edinburgh Council, 1997 to 2000:

Calendar Year

Local Authority

Owner Occupied

New Town

Scottish Homes

Housing Association

Other

All Tenures

1997

352

4

0

0

0

0

356

1998

286

ß 0 à

286

1999

555

ß 0 à

555

2000

281

ß 0 à

281

Note: The data which local authorities supply on demolitions of non-local authority houses will mainly cover demolitions arising from statutory action by the council.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158394,"EventID":"S1W-21801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made regarding any possibility of Consignia ceasing to use rail freight in Scotland given the possible impact on the road transport system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made regarding any possibility of Consignia ceasing to use rail freight in Scotland given the possible impact on the road transport system.","AnswerText":"The decision whether to continue using rail freight is a commercial matter for Consignia. In accordance with the Scottish Executive's policy of encouraging the use of rail for freight movements, I hope Consignia continue to use rail. The Executive, however, has no direct locus or powers to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158395,"EventID":"S1W-21802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20742 by Mike Watson on 20 December 2001, whether it will make any representations to Her Majesty's Treasury seeking additional fun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20742 by Mike Watson on 20 December 2001, whether it will make any representations to Her Majesty's Treasury seeking additional funds in the event of the campaign by VisitScotland to promote shopping holidays in Edinburgh and Glasgow generating increased revenue through VAT and other taxation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158396,"EventID":"S1W-21803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what representations it has made regarding on-going speed restrictions for rail freight in Scotland and (b) when, and to whom, any such representations were made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what representations it has made regarding on-going speed restrictions for rail freight in Scotland and (b) when, and to whom, any such representations were made.","AnswerText":"The imposition of speed restrictions on the railway network is an operational matter for Railtrack. The Scottish Executive has no direct locus or powers to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158397,"EventID":"S1W-21804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of the Marine Harvest salmon farm at Naast on Loch Ewe before a rene","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of the Marine Harvest salmon farm at Naast on Loch Ewe before a renewal of the farm's licence or any increase in its biomass limit is granted.","AnswerText":"Decisions about Environmental Impact Assessments are for the competent authority, currently the Crown Estate. No development application, either for renewal or modification, has been received to date by the Crown Estate for the site in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158398,"EventID":"S1W-21805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance, financial or otherwise, it provides to Planning Aid for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance, financial or otherwise, it provides to Planning Aid for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not provide any financial or other assistance to Planning Aid for Scotland.

The Executive's consultation paper on Getting Involved in Planning highlights the need to consider with local authorities and the profession, ways of helping to put Planning Aid for Scotland on a more secure financial footing. The Executive has informed Planning Aid for Scotland that it is happy to explore with them, ways of how this can best be achieved.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158399,"EventID":"S1W-21806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently employed in its Improving Regulation in Scotland unit and what its budget is for (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently employed in its Improving Regulation in Scotland unit and what its budget is for (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit is currently staffed by the equivalent of 2.5 full-time staff with additional support being given where necessary. The running costs of the unit are contained within those of the Enterprise and Industry Division and cannot be disaggregated.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158400,"EventID":"S1W-21807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will allocate the #20 million announced on 9 January 2002 to tackle bed blocking amongst NHS and health boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will allocate the #20 million announced on 9 January 2002 to tackle bed blocking amongst NHS and health boards.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Health and Community Care will announce an Action Plan on delayed discharge in February 2002. This will contain details of how the new resources will be targeted to reduce bed blocking in Scottish hospitals.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158401,"EventID":"S1W-21808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to prevent job losses in Glenrothes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to prevent job losses in Glenrothes.","AnswerText":"Tackling unemployment in any area remains a high priority for the Scottish Executive and the enterprise networks.

Scottish Enterprise Fife is focusing on the direction and priorities set out in the Executive's A Smart, Successful Scotland. This sets out the foundation for sustained improvement in economic performance in Scotland. It focuses on three key challenges for raising productivity:

Growing businesses

Global connection

Learning and skills","AnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158402,"EventID":"S1W-21809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist teachers for deaf children are currently employed in each education authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist teachers for deaf children are currently employed in each education authority area.","AnswerText":"At September 1998, there were an estimated 164 full-time equivalent teachers who had a hearing impairment teaching qualification in publicly funded schools in Scotland. Detailed information is not held for all authorities and is therefore not available in the form requested.

However, the following table shows the number of peripatetic teachers for hearing impairment who are employed centrally or mainly outwith schools by education authority area.

Survey Of Teachers Employed Centrally Or Mainly Outwith Schools

SEN Peripatetic Teachers - Hearing

Scotland (Excluding Mid-Lothian & Shetland)

87.9

Aberdeen City

4

Aberdeenshire

5.2

Angus

1

Argyll & Bute

0.4

Clackmannanshire

1.5

Dumfries & Galloway

5

Dundee City

4

East Ayrshire

0

East Dunbartonshire

4

East Lothian

5

East Renfrewshire

4.4

Edinburgh, City Of

8.3

Eilean Siar

0.5

Falkirk

3

Fifehttp://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/hdl.asp

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer wrote to health boards and others in January 2001, announcing the introduction of single use instruments for tonsillectomies. Since then, problems have been reported with diathermy. The Medical Devices Agency in England issued a Hazard Notice on 26 October 2001. In Scotland, a similar notice HAZ(SC)01/04 was issued by Scottish Healthcare Supplies.

The Chief Medical Officer issued guidance in December 2001 that diathermy should not be used for tonsil and adenoid surgery until the reported problems had been thoroughly investigated and the aetiology determined.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158408,"EventID":"S1W-21815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust regarding any suspension of tonsillectomies at the Vale of Leven Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust regarding any suspension of tonsillectomies at the Vale of Leven Hospital.","AnswerText":"The Chief Medical Officer wrote to all relevant parties in Scotland on 21 December 2001, advising that non-emergency tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies should be postponed. This advice was given following reports of adverse effects associated with single use instruments introduced earlier in the year, and to give time for an audit to be carried out. I understand that the Vale of Leven Hospital has complied with the Chief Medical Officer's advice.

The Executive continues to monitor the situation closely and keep the NHS informed of developments.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158409,"EventID":"S1W-21816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued regarding the purchase, quality and supply of single use disposable instruments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued regarding the purchase, quality and supply of single use disposable instruments.","AnswerText":"The department advised the service in May 2001 that a central supply contract for single use instruments had been established. The contract was negotiated on a UK basis with Scottish Healthcare Supplies, a division of the Common Services Agency, leading for Scottish procurement interests.

The Health Department continues to monitor the use of single use instruments closely and keeps the NHSScotland informed of developments.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158410,"EventID":"S1W-21817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21136 by Nicol Stephen on 10 January 2002, what Innovation Grants Programme awards to projects specifically relating to autism and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21136 by Nicol Stephen on 10 January 2002, what Innovation Grants Programme awards to projects specifically relating to autism and Asperger's syndrome have been made since the programme's conception.","AnswerText":"The Executive's SEN Innovation Grants Programme has made awards to four voluntary organisations to run six projects specifically relating to Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The projects as listed in the following table cover a range of aspects affecting a child or young person's experience of education.

Organisation

Project

Award

The Scottish Society for Autism

Social Inclusion Partnership Project

£88,010

Video Interaction Positively

£41,275

The National Autistic Society

Developing Social Skills & Understanding

£100,620

Accreditation Scotland

£153,236

The Parent to Parent Tayside Initiative

Promoting Good Practice for Parents

£42,116

The Scottish Society for Autism and Highlands and Islands Autism Group (Caithness Branch)

Co-ordination of Services for Children with Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Project.

£79,711

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158411,"EventID":"S1W-21818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21136 by Nicol Stephen on 10 January 2002, whether it will provide details about the project set up by Stevenson College on researc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21136 by Nicol Stephen on 10 January 2002, whether it will provide details about the project set up by Stevenson College on research into the needs of young people with communication impairment and Asperger's syndrome including the remit of the group undertaking the project, its members and the duration of research.","AnswerText":"Further to the answer given to question S1W-21136, this project will research, through a development worker, the transitional needs of young people (aged 14-25) who have communication impairment and are AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users and young people who have high-level autism (Asperger's Syndrome). The project will run from October 2001 to March 2004. It has two main aims:

to develop a multi-agency and seam-free approach to transition into further education and training for young people with complex needs, and

to investigate ways of providing transitional services for these young people who challenge service providers because of:

low incidence in a local area;

complex and variable individual needs, and

the likelihood of extended transitional needs across a number of agencies.

A Steering Group, representative of all relevant agencies, will advise the project, take decisions and inform their own sector of implications and developments of the research. Members are:

Mary Hitt, Stevenson College

Robin Pickard, Moving Into Work

Debbie Jans, KeyComm

Kitty Mason, City of Edinburgh Education and Social Work Departments

Sean Bradley, 15:24 Project, Career Development Edinburgh and Lothians

Alison Cox, The BRITE Centre, Stevenson College

Sue Brogan, Researcher

Zoe Dunhill, Community Child Health Department

Angus Whyte, Stevenson College

Anne Edmonstone, Health Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158412,"EventID":"S1W-21819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21136 by Nicol Stephen on 10 January 2002, whether it will detail any funding packages which have been awarded specifically for pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21136 by Nicol Stephen on 10 January 2002, whether it will detail any funding packages which have been awarded specifically for projects relating to autism and/or Asperger's syndrome, including the total amount of funding and the duration and remit of projects, under the #22.6 million which was made available to take forward action on inclusiveness over the period 2001-04.","AnswerText":"Further to the answer given to question S1W-21136, £147,409 has been awarded over the period October 2001 to March 2004 to the Stevenson College element of the Career Development Edinburgh and Lothians Inclusiveness project.

This project will research the transitional needs of young people (aged 14-25) who have communication impairment and are AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users and young people who have high-level autism (Asperger's Syndrome). It has two main aims:

to develop a multi-agency and seam-free approach to transition into further education and training for these groups of young people, and

to investigate ways of providing transitional services for these young people who challenge service providers because of:

low incidence in a local area;

complex and variable individual needs, and

the likelihood of extended transitional needs across a number of agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158413,"EventID":"S1W-21820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what problems are caused to rivers by giant hogweed, and what solutions it proposes to any such problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what problems are caused to rivers by giant hogweed, and what solutions it proposes to any such problems.","AnswerText":"Giant hogweed can cause soil erosion on riverbanks but the main problems arise when the plant is handled.

The Executive is participating in a GB-wide review of the current and potential threats posed by invasive non-native species, including giant hogweed. The review will consider and identify appropriate preventative and damage minimisation strategies and will report to Scottish ministers later this year.

Local authorities have powers to take action where the local amenity of a particular area is threatened by giant hogweed, or other invasive plant species.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158414,"EventID":"S1W-21821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many advertisements for posts within its departments have been placed in each national and regional newspaper in each of the past three years and in the current year,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many advertisements for posts within its departments have been placed in each national and regional newspaper in each of the past three years and in the current year, detailing the newspapers concerned and the number of posts advertised in each newspaper.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in tables 1-4 of Recruitment Advertising Costs April 1998 - December 2001, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18618).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158415,"EventID":"S1W-21822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many advertisements for posts within its departments have been placed in publications outwith Scotland in each of the past three years and in the current year; what t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many advertisements for posts within its departments have been placed in publications outwith Scotland in each of the past three years and in the current year; what the cost was in each year, and in what publications the advertisements were placed.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in tables 1-4 of Recruitment Advertising Costs April 1998 - December 2001, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18618).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158416,"EventID":"S1W-21823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any special arrangements which are in place to encourage applications for posts within its departments from students at universities and colleges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any special arrangements which are in place to encourage applications for posts within its departments from students at universities and colleges.","AnswerText":"There is currently no on-going programme of graduate recruitment for general entrance to the Scottish Executive, although a one off campaign targeted specifically at graduates was held in December 2000 and resulted in the employment of 41 Graduate Administrators.

Some recruitment of specialists, such as statisticians and economists, is targeted at graduates on a civil service-wide basis. The Scottish Executive co-ordinates the recruitment of graduates as legal trainees on behalf of the Government Legal Service for Scotland.

The Scottish Executive also participates in the Civil Service Fast Stream Development Programme, run by the Cabinet Office, which seeks to recruit both generalist and specialist graduates. In 2001 the Scottish Executive recruited 13 Fast Streamers, 11 are anticipated for 2002.

In addition to these arrangements, the Scottish Executive also offers student sandwich placement opportunities. In 2001 the Executive provided 66 such placements for students.

As part of the Scottish Executive's commitment to equality of opportunity, a diversity outreach project worker is employed to raise the Scottish Executive's profile amongst black and ethnic minority communities and thereby encourage applications for employment. The outreach worker has established contacts with higher education institutions and has been actively involved in promoting the Scottish Executive as an employer of black and ethnic minority graduates. In connection with this project 15 undergraduates and recent graduates from black and ethnic minorities are to be offered six week placements in the Scottish Executive in summer 2002.

A review of recruitment is currently under-way in the Scottish Executive and the recruitment of graduates is being considered as part of this review.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158417,"EventID":"S1W-21824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many advertisements for posts within the Parliament have been placed in each national and regional newspaper in each of the past three years and in the current year, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many advertisements for posts within the Parliament have been placed in each national and regional newspaper in each of the past three years and in the current year, detailing the newspapers concerned and the number of posts advertised in each newspaper.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) became an employer in its own right on 1 April 2000 and began carrying out its own recruitment from January 2000. Prior to that date, recruitment was conducted on behalf of the SPCB by the Scottish Office/Scottish Executive. Our records only go back to January 2000.

Details of advertisements placed within Scottish national and regional newspapers from January 2000 are set out in the table below. All posts advertised in the press are also published on the Parliament's website. Adverts in the Herald, Scotsman or Daily Record also appear in the Sunday Herald, Scotland on Sunday and Sunday Mail respectively and are also posted on the papers' websites. The majority of posts advertised in the Edinburgh Evening News were also placed in Job Centres.

Publication

2000

2001

2002

Total to Date

Adv.

Posts

Adv.

Posts

Adv.

Posts

Adv.

Posts

Edinburgh Evening News

8

35

4

16

-

-

12

51

The Scotsman

17

62

23

52

1

1

41

115

The Herald

13

Details of advertisements placed in publications outwith Scotland from January 2000 are set out in the table below.Section 7(4) further provides factors which can be used to determine the extent of the exclusion, such as the location and other characteristics of the house. Whether a defined garden area that is not adjacent to a house would be excluded from access rights by virtue of these provisions, would depend on the facts and circumstances of the particular case.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158421,"EventID":"S1W-21828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why BEAR Scotland Ltd has not responded to correspondence from Strathdearn Community Council dated 10 November 2001 regarding snowclearing and gritting on the A9 and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why BEAR Scotland Ltd has not responded to correspondence from Strathdearn Community Council dated 10 November 2001 regarding snowclearing and gritting on the A9 and what monitoring it conducts in respect of BEAR Scotland Ltd's response to correspondence.","AnswerText":"BEAR has replied to outstanding correspondence from Strathdearn Community Council on 12 November 2001 and apologised for overlooking earlier correspondence.

The Performance Audit Group carries out audits of the Operating Companies across a wide range of functions, including dealing with correspondence.

Scottish Executive managers are aware that BEAR has not complied with contractual requirements with regard to general correspondence. A default notice has been issued and monies withheld. The Executive will continue to keep this matter under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158422,"EventID":"S1W-21829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the outside lane of the dual carriageway between Tomatin and Inverness remained covered with snow and ice for the whole day on Saturday 29 December 2001 and why, on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the outside lane of the dual carriageway between Tomatin and Inverness remained covered with snow and ice for the whole day on Saturday 29 December 2001 and why, on that day, the road at Daviot was blocked by jack-knifed lorries unable to negotiate the hill. ","AnswerText":"Due to heavy snowfalls during the weekend of 29-30 December 2001, BEAR deployed gritters and snow ploughs on the A9.

The first priority on dual carriageway roads is to keep one lane open in each direction and once this has been achieved the gritters treat the outside lanes. However, due to the heavy prolonged snowfall on 29 December 2001 the gritters were fully deployed keeping one lane open. Consequently, it was not possible to keep the outside lane between Tomatin and Inverness free from ice and snow.

With regard to the problems experienced by lorries on the hill at Daviot, I understand that a lorry overtook a gritter and became stuck in the outside lane. However, it did not block the road and other vehicles were able to pass safely using the inside lane. The lorry was removed soon after the incident.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158423,"EventID":"S1W-21830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to 999 operators on which emergency services to contact when dealing with a call relating to (a) a road traffic accident, (b) a house fire ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to 999 operators on which emergency services to contact when dealing with a call relating to (a) a road traffic accident, (b) a house fire during the day, (c) a house fire during the night and (d) suspected suicide. ","AnswerText":"BT operators connect a 999 caller to the service they ask for but in cases where it is not clear they go through a series of prompts. Where more than one, or all three emergency services are required, BT will connect with each service in turn. If the member has a particular case in mind in pursuing this matter and cares to write to me, I will be happy to investigate further.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158424,"EventID":"S1W-21831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are followed by the emergency services on whether to contact other emergency services when dealing with (a) a road traffic accident, (b) a house fire dur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are followed by the emergency services on whether to contact other emergency services when dealing with (a) a road traffic accident, (b) a house fire during the day, (c) a house fire during the night and (d) suspected suicide. ","AnswerText":"The emergency services are in constant touch through their respective control rooms in handling 999 incidents and follow established procedures and guidance in attending singly or together at the kind of incidents described. If the member has a particular issue in mind in pursuing this matter and cares to write to me, I will be happy to investigate further.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158425,"EventID":"S1W-21832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much rural land is currently held by each local authority under the Common Good Fund and whether such land is being managed in the best way to ensure sustainable dev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much rural land is currently held by each local authority under the Common Good Fund and whether such land is being managed in the best way to ensure sustainable development or the well-being of the communities on whose behalf the land is held.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158426,"EventID":"S1W-21833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on making it compulsory for all local authorities to employ litter wardens with powers to impose penalty fines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on making it compulsory for all local authorities to employ litter wardens with powers to impose penalty fines.","AnswerText":"Different local authority areas will experience different incidences of littering. Litter legislation allows each authority to respond in a way and at a level which is most appropriate to its own problem. We believe that making the litter warden service a mandatory one will remove that flexibility. We therefore have no plans for amending the legislation to this effect.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158427,"EventID":"S1W-21834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many discharges there were in 2000-01 from the coronary care units at (a) Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, (b) Stracathro Hospital, Brechin and (c) Perth Royal Infirmary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many discharges there were in 2000-01 from the coronary care units at (a) Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, (b) Stracathro Hospital, Brechin and (c) Perth Royal Infirmary.","AnswerText":"Discharges from coronary care units at Ninewells Hospital, Stracathro Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary during the year ended 31 March 2001 were as follows:

Publication

2000

2001

2002

Total to Date

Adv.

Cost (£)

Adv.

Cost (£)

Adv.

Cost (£)

Adv.

Cost (£)

Guardian

4

18,781.88

3

9,700.25

  

7

28,482.13

Computer Weekly

2

14,599.65

2

12,432.00

  

4

27,031.65

Library Association Record

3

2,551.50

2

1,649.70

1

980.00

6

5,181.20

Hospital

Number of Discharges

Ninewells Hospital

937

Stracathro Hospital

566

Perth Royal Infirmary

489

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158428,"EventID":"S1W-21835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been lodged through the NHS complaints procedure in each of the past three years, broken down by health board area and by category of complaint.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been lodged through the NHS complaints procedure in each of the past three years, broken down by health board area and by category of complaint.","AnswerText":"This information is available at the following web address: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/complaints/index.htm. This site records complaints against health boards and trusts and provides analysis by category.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158429,"EventID":"S1W-21836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the implementation of existing guidance for local authorities on brain injury.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the implementation of existing guidance for local authorities on brain injury.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required to produce and publish Community Care Plans every three years, and to review these annually. Officials scrutinise these plans for their content.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158430,"EventID":"S1W-21837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging local authorities (a) to implement existing guidance on brain injury and (b) to ensure that services for brain injured people are clearly explained ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging local authorities (a) to implement existing guidance on brain injury and (b) to ensure that services for brain injured people are clearly explained in the Joint Strategy documents currently being drawn up with health boards and social work services departments.","AnswerText":"Our guidance to local authorities on community care planning contained in SWSG 35/1997 remains extant. Local authorities are required to update and roll forward annually their community care plans in partnership with health boards. All plans are produced jointly with NHS boards. In early 2000, we issued to health boards, trusts and local authorities a Scottish Needs Assessment Programme report on the needs of people with brain injuries, and invited these agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations intended to improve care planning and provision.

Community Care Plans are primarily for use locally, and are intended to help agencies develop strategic thinking on a joint basis, and plans are a matter of public record. We also provide core funding to Headway Scotland, the brain injured association, which, in addition to providing support services locally for sufferers, also helps to raise awareness of the needs of the brain injured with the statutory service providers.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158431,"EventID":"S1W-21838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether AMEY Highways Ltd and BEAR Scotland Ltd are responsible for clearing litter from trunk road verges, central reservations and roadsides under their contracts for m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether AMEY Highways Ltd and BEAR Scotland Ltd are responsible for clearing litter from trunk road verges, central reservations and roadsides under their contracts for management and maintenance of the trunk road network.","AnswerText":"Amey Highways Ltd and BEAR Scotland Ltd carry out litter clearance on special roads and motorways under their contracts for management and maintenance of the trunk road network.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, responsibility for litter clearance from all other trunk roads rests with the local councils through which area the trunk road passes. However, the trunk road maintenance contracts contain a provision which requires the Operating Companies to liaise with local councils to ensure that their policies meet with the requirements of the relevant sections of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, with respect to trunk roads within the unit.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158432,"EventID":"S1W-21839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications under the Agricultural Business Development Scheme have been made in each of the last three years and the current year; how many applications were a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications under the Agricultural Business Development Scheme have been made in each of the last three years and the current year; how many applications were approved, and what funding was allocated and spent as a result, broken down by category of application and by local area office in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Agricultural Business Development Scheme (ABDS) statutory instrument did not come into force until February 2001 therefore it was not possible to issue grant awards before that date. Four Project Assessment Committee meetings were held in 2001 to assess 479 applications, of which 338 of those were approved. The total amount of grant allocated to ABDS applicants in 2001 was £4,057,437 and to date £502,402 has been claimed and issued.

The ABDS is funded jointly by the Scottish Executive and by the EU as part of the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme. £3.99 million is available for allocation to ABDS applicants in year 2002.

The breakdown of applications by Area Office and category of application is as follows:

(a) Applications by Area Office

Area Office

No. of applications

No. approved

Grant allocated (£)

Ayr

51

43

479,816

Elgin

70

53

559,789

Inverness

84

63

714,650

Kirkwall

47

39

702,065

Lairg

13

6

59,237

Lerwick

8

5

57,635

Oban

127

The assessment concluded that a 20-day standstill effectively applied has the potential to reduce, probably by somewhere close to 100%, the probability of spread of infection by movement of livestock from any premises where infection is present in the livestock. However, the presence of non-blood tested sheep is likely to reduce the probable effectiveness of a 20-day standstill by a considerable amount.

Following discussions with our main stakeholders, my officials are now consulting wider interests on proposals which will:

retain the principle of the 20-day standstill during 2002, subject to review;

allow, from mid-February, a number of limited exemptions from the standstill (for breeding bulls and rams, foster calves and lambs etc);

permit from 18 March for cattle and 18 May for sheep an option to apply the 20-day standstill only to animals brought onto the farm (or to animals to be moved off) and not the rest of the animals on the holding on condition that they are kept separate and that biosecurity measures are observed.

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158434,"EventID":"S1W-21841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be represented at Ministerial level at the 5th North Sea Ministerial Conference on 20 and 21 March 2002 in Bergen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be represented at Ministerial level at the 5th North Sea Ministerial Conference on 20 and 21 March 2002 in Bergen.","AnswerText":"Yes. I will be representing the Scottish Executive as part of the UK delegation.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158435,"EventID":"S1W-21846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19994 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 December 2001, who briefed the UK delegation to the EU Health Council meeting in Brussels on 15 Nov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19994 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 December 2001, who briefed the UK delegation to the EU Health Council meeting in Brussels on 15 November 2001 on any matters of particular interest to Scotland and what any such matters were.","AnswerText":"Briefing for these events is co-ordinated by the Department of Health in London with input as appropriate from devolved administrations. The details of discussions are confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158436,"EventID":"S1W-21847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently include brain injury as a separate care group section within community care plans, as recommended in the Social Work Scotland Guidance ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently include brain injury as a separate care group section within community care plans, as recommended in the Social Work Scotland Guidance package Index Ref: F16 issued in 1997.","AnswerText":"Of existing plans, 27 of the 32 councils include brain injury as a separate section. Plans for the 2001-04 period are presently being reviewed and, of 16 received to date, 12 include a separate section.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158437,"EventID":"S1W-21848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to reform the Occupiers' Liability (Scotland) Act 1960 in light of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill with reference to the liability on farmers and lan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to reform the Occupiers' Liability (Scotland) Act 1960 in light of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill with reference to the liability on farmers and landowners for personal injury to those exercising their statutory rights. ","AnswerText":"We see no need to amend the Occupiers' Liability (Scotland) Act 1960 which essentially enshrined in legislation the relevant common law principles relating to liability. Under the 1960 Act, the occupier of land has a duty to take such care, as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable, to see that any person entering on the land will not suffer injury or damage by reason of any dangers due to the state of the premises or to anything done or omitted to be done on them.

Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill provides for a right of responsible access to land for recreation and passage. Section 5(2) of the bill effectively provides that Part 1 of the bill, or its operation, will not affect the duty of care owed by an occupier to any person present on the land. This means, for example, that the fact that someone was exercising access rights when injured has no bearing on the extent of any duty of care owed by the occupier of land to that person in terms of the 1960 Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158438,"EventID":"S1W-21849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals there are to ensure that personal liability is a matter for those who exercise a right to responsible access under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals there are to ensure that personal liability is a matter for those who exercise a right to responsible access under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-21848 and S1W-21851.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158439,"EventID":"S1W-21850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications arise as to the availability of grants and loans under the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant and Loan schemes for crofters who pursue a community rig","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications arise as to the availability of grants and loans under the Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant and Loan schemes for crofters who pursue a community right to buy under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"None, as the change in ownership of the land relates only to the landowner's interest. The individual crofters will continue to be croft tenants and thus their eligibility for crofting grants will be unaffected.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158440,"EventID":"S1W-21851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will ensure that those who seek to exercise a right of access do so at their own risk.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will ensure that those who seek to exercise a right of access do so at their own risk.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21848, which explained that we see no need to amend the Occupier's Liability (Scotland) Act 1960, given the terms of section 5(2) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. Section 2(3) of the 1960 Act also provides that nothing in that act imposes on occupiers any obligations to persons entering their land in respect of risks which such persons have willingly accepted, as determined by reference to the same principles as in other cases in which one person owes to another a duty of care. This ensures the application of the relevant common law rules concerning assumption of risk. However, since the issue of assumption of risk is so tied up with the question of the extent of the occupier's duty of care and since section 5(2) makes it clear that nothing in Part 1 of the bill will affect that duty, we do not consider that any further provision is necessary concerning this issue in the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158441,"EventID":"S1W-21852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the December 2001 EU Fisheries Council meeting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the December 2001 EU Fisheries Council meeting.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21331 on 17 January 2002. A note of the outcome of the Fisheries Council has also been sent to the Convenor of the Rural Development Committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158442,"EventID":"S1W-21853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20732 by Allan Wilson on 20 December 2001, whether it will give details of the visit made by officials to the company applying for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20732 by Allan Wilson on 20 December 2001, whether it will give details of the visit made by officials to the company applying for a licence to kill or remove eider ducks and whether an official from Scottish Natural Heritage was involved in the visit.","AnswerText":"A site visit was carried out on 2 November 2001 and was attended by representatives of Fisheries Research Services Marine Laboratory and Scottish Natural Heritage, both of whom provided advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158443,"EventID":"S1W-21854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on dental provision in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and what the projected spending is for 2002-03, broken down by health/NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on dental provision in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and what the projected spending is for 2002-03, broken down by health/NHS board.","AnswerText":"The following table lists information on gross expenditure for general dental services by health board area for 1999-2000 and 2000-01. In addition, it lists the general dental services indicative allocation figures for 2001-02 and 2002-03 for each health board area since gross expenditure figures for 2001-02 are not yet available.

General Dental Services (£ million):

Health Board

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

2002-03

Argyll & Clyde

14.205

14.088

15.835

16.704

Ayrshire & Arran

11.955

12.352

13.736

14.489

Borders

3.394

3.408

3.691

3.893

Dumfries & Galloway

3.903

3.653

4.253

4.486

Fife

10.368

10.860

11.637

12.275

Forth Valley

8.819

9.475

9.932

10.477

Grampian

15.402

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158444,"EventID":"S1W-21855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the introduction of Land Management Contracts as proposed in A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the introduction of Land Management Contracts as proposed in A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's policy is outlined in A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture; the aim is to introduce Land Management Contracts in two to three years' time. As part of that policy, a steering group to assist in the development of Land Management Contracts will be announced in due course.

Officials have also been in contact with the European Commission and with the French Ministry of Agriculture. A further fact-finding visit to France will take place over the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158445,"EventID":"S1W-21856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what statutory instrument licences are granted which allow applicants to shoot to scare eider ducks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what statutory instrument licences are granted which allow applicants to shoot to scare eider ducks.","AnswerText":"Licences may be granted under the terms of section 16.-(1)(k) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158446,"EventID":"S1W-21857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it envisages the operation of Quality Contract Schemes for buses in order to ensure an equitable tender process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it envisages the operation of Quality Contract Schemes for buses in order to ensure an equitable tender process.","AnswerText":"The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 sets out the tendering requirements. The Executive has also issued comprehensive guidance on Part 2 (Bus Services) of the act. It is for local transport authorities to ensure that Quality Contracts awarded comply fully with all relevant regulations.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158447,"EventID":"S1W-21858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) regarding charter flight supplements charged on holiday flights from Scotland and what action it prop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) regarding charter flight supplements charged on holiday flights from Scotland and what action it proposes to take in light of the decision given by the OFT in its report on the matter, Scottish Flight Supplements.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no representations to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) regarding supplements on charter flights from Scotland. The Executive has no plans to take action specifically in light of the OFT's recent findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158448,"EventID":"S1W-21859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to initiate sea routes to Scandinavia and the Baltic. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to initiate sea routes to Scandinavia and the Baltic. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the benefits that may result from additional transport links with Europe. We are not aware of any current proposals to introduce commercial ferry services to Scandinavia or the Baltic, but we would encourage ferry operators to consider the opportunities that such markets might provide. While the Executive has no powers to offer revenue support for such services, any necessary shore infrastructure associated with them, which is related to the carriage of freight, might be eligible for support under the Freight Facilities Grant scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158449,"EventID":"S1W-21860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it will implement free nursing and free personal care for older people.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it will implement free nursing and free personal care for older people.","AnswerText":"Further detailed consideration has been undertaken on practical issues arising from the new policy, including the issue of attendance allowance and the detailed work required of local authorities. We are now able to move ahead.

The Chair of the steering group which was established to advise on implementation has advised that a slight delay in implementation would allow an orderly introduction of the new arrangements, in the light of all the preparatory work required. After considering the impact of this proposal carefully, the Executive has decided that full implementation of free nursing and personal care for those assessed as needing it will take place from 1 July 2002.

The amounts to be paid from 1 July 2002 for those in care homes will be £145 per week for those assessed as needing personal care and a further £65 per week for those assessed as needing nursing care. Those who accept such a payment towards their nursing and personal care costs will cease to be eligible for Attendance Allowance under Department of Work and Pensions rules, but are of course being fully compensated by the amounts set out above.

Those who currently pay charges for the personal care provided to them in their own homes will not be charged for that type of care after 1 July 2002. Nursing care is already provided free of charge by the NHS for those at home through the community nursing and health visitor services.

Those types of care defined by the Care Development Group as personal care will be included in the Community Care and Health Bill currently before Parliament, subject to parliamentary approval.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158450,"EventID":"S1W-21861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how technical fisheries conservation measures reflect the difference between over 500hp twin- or single-rigged demersal fishing vessels and single low powered seine net f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how technical fisheries conservation measures reflect the difference between over 500hp twin- or single-rigged demersal fishing vessels and single low powered seine net fishing vessels.","AnswerText":"The only difference in the EU technical conservation measures applying to these boats is the requirement for a smaller square mesh panel in trawls and seines used by boats under 150hp.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158451,"EventID":"S1W-21862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic assessment has been made, or is being made, of the effect on shore-based businesses in coastal communities of the reduction in catching capacity caused by t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic assessment has been made, or is being made, of the effect on shore-based businesses in coastal communities of the reduction in catching capacity caused by the 2001 fishing vessel decommissioning scheme.","AnswerText":"Decommissioning will not of course reduce the level of fishing opportunities available and, indeed, should help contribute to healthier stocks and a more viable, sustainable industry for the future. We recognise, however, that fleet size reductions may have some impact on supporting industries. The effect on individual communities and businesses will depend on the circumstances involved and, indeed, decisions by individual vessel owners on whether to proceed with decommissioning following a decommissioning grant offer.

In the event that there are impacts arising from fleet restructuring, bodies such as the enterprise networks are in place to assist, including in relation to any employment consequences or, for example, measures to reduce dependency on fishing.

More generally, work is under way - including through the Scottish Fish Industry Project led by Scottish Enterprise, the Processors Action Working Group and the Fisheries Departments and SeaFish - on economic issues related to the fishing industry. The aim of this work is to improve understanding of the economics of the industry and how to ensure its longer term sustainability.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158452,"EventID":"S1W-21863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on inshore, single seine net fishing vessels resulting from the introduction of nets with 120mm mesh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on inshore, single seine net fishing vessels resulting from the introduction of nets with 120mm mesh.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has funded research looking at the impact of various mesh sizes on the catch of a single seine net fishing vessel. The work was conducted by the North Atlantic Fisheries College in Shetland as part of the £1 million science/industry partnership that the Scottish Executive announced in March 2001. The trial looked at catches from a variety of mesh types, including 120mm cod ends.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158453,"EventID":"S1W-21864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions are taking place with the European Commission regarding the introduction of a days at sea scheme targeted at whitefish species and, in particular, cod.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions are taking place with the European Commission regarding the introduction of a days at sea scheme targeted at whitefish species and, in particular, cod.","AnswerText":"Commission proposals for a Council Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of cod and hake stocks, published on 11 December, include provisions for effort limitation measures.

Discussion of the proposals within the EC is just getting under way. The Scottish Executive will be involved, as part of UK delegations, throughout discussions as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158454,"EventID":"S1W-21865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the scientific research on which the 25% cut in monkfish quotas for both the North Sea and the west coast was based, as agreed at the EU Fisheries","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the scientific research on which the 25% cut in monkfish quotas for both the North Sea and the west coast was based, as agreed at the EU Fisheries Council meeting in December 2001, when the research was carried out and by whom.","AnswerText":"The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which provides the scientific basis underpinning the setting of Total Allowable Catches, published the findings of the most recent international assessment of monkfish stocks in October 2001. The ICES advice, noting the parlous state of monkfish stocks and that the present fishery is not sustainable, advocated a 50% cut in catches for 2002. The UK successfully argued that cuts should be introduced more gradually to take account of the impact on fishing communities and provide fishermen with some time to adapt their fishing patterns. At the Fisheries Council last month, the council agreed to a smaller cut of 25% for 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158455,"EventID":"S1W-21866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the EU/Norway blue whiting negotiations; what measures are currently in place for the period until an agreement is reached, and when the re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the EU/Norway blue whiting negotiations; what measures are currently in place for the period until an agreement is reached, and when the representative parties will next meet.","AnswerText":"Negotiations on the management of the blue whiting stock involve the European Community, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Russia. The most recent meeting was held last month immediately prior to the December Fisheries Council. Discussions failed to resolve the level of the Total Allowable Catch to be fished in 2002, or the allocation of the stock between Coastal States. Frans Fischler, the European Commissioner with responsibility for fisheries, intends to meet from Coastal States in February to press for a multilateral agreement to regulate the stock.

In the absence of an international consensus, the European Council of Ministers agreed to reduce quotas in European waters by 280,000 tonnes in line with scientific advice. Blue whiting transfers to Norway were also reduced substantially and were discontinued with the Faroe Islands. These arrangements will be reviewed in the light of any future international management agreement.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158456,"EventID":"S1W-21867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current and projected output of dental graduates will achieve the annual target output of 120 per annum for the next five years as recommended in Section 6.1 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current and projected output of dental graduates will achieve the annual target output of 120 per annum for the next five years as recommended in Section 6.1 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"Following the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee for the Dental Workforce (SACDW) in October 2000, the Dental Schools and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council increased the student funded places to achieve an output of 120 graduates per year. The dental course takes five years and it is therefore anticipated that allowing for the increase to flow through to graduate numbers this target will be achieved in 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158457,"EventID":"S1W-21868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 10 additional vocational training posts and five two-year general professional training posts are now in place as recommended in Section 6.1 in the report by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 10 additional vocational training posts and five two-year general professional training posts are now in place as recommended in Section 6.1 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"Ten additional vocational training places have been funded and five additional professional training posts are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158458,"EventID":"S1W-21869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the basic education and training for dental hygienists and therapists is now in place as recommended in Section 6.2 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the basic education and training for dental hygienists and therapists is now in place as recommended in Section 6.2 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"The Executive have, through the Dental Workforce Report, taken the lead in planning and funding the education and training of dental hygienists and therapists, and this has now been established on a Scottish basis. Resources and organisation are now being transferred to the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education. New training places for hygienists have been funded and initiated in Edinburgh and Dundee. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21870.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158459,"EventID":"S1W-21870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for at least one hygiene school to extend its courses to produce dually qualified dental hygienists/therapists to commence in 2002-03 as recommended in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for at least one hygiene school to extend its courses to produce dually qualified dental hygienists/therapists to commence in 2002-03 as recommended in Section 6.2 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"A cost appraisal exercise for enhancing the hygienist course to produce dually qualified hygienists and therapists is being completed at present at Glasgow Dental School. If this does not highlight significant barriers to the plan then we would hope to be able to confirm commencement of such a course in 2002 or 2003 as indicated in the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158460,"EventID":"S1W-21871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional 50 student places for dental hygienists and therapists are now in place as recommended in Section 6.2 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Commit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional 50 student places for dental hygienists and therapists are now in place as recommended in Section 6.2 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"Funding has been made available to increase the total funded student places by 40 with the addition of two new courses, one at Edinburgh and one at Dundee. Additional funding is planned for 2002-03 dependant on decisions on a joint hygienist/therapist course, which, once established, would fulfil the target for an additional 50 funded places. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21870.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158461,"EventID":"S1W-21872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals are in place to achieve the target of 200 dental nurses and 15 dental technicians to complete basic training as recommended in Section 6.3 in the report by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals are in place to achieve the target of 200 dental nurses and 15 dental technicians to complete basic training as recommended in Section 6.3 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"In the last 12 months, 213 dental nurses qualified in Scotland. Training of dental nurses is in transition and during 2002-04 all training will be transferred to a new Scottish Vocational Qualification system linked to colleges of further education or training organisations. It is planned that the present output will be maintained during this transition.

We are currently working with the relevant organisations to establish an appropriate structure to deliver on the target for basic training for dental technicians.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158462,"EventID":"S1W-21873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for retention schemes rewarding on-going commitment to the NHS and for those returning to work after a career break as recommended in Section 6.4 in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for retention schemes rewarding on-going commitment to the NHS and for those returning to work after a career break as recommended in Section 6.4 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"A commitment payments scheme was introduced from 1 April 2000 to reward general dental practitioners for on-going commitment to NHS dentistry. This is under regular review jointly with the profession. Schemes for retaining dentists in Scotland in rural and remote areas and for return to work are presently being considered as part of the ongoing review of the dental workforce.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158463,"EventID":"S1W-21874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the results are of collaboration with the United Kingdom and European organisations in relation to planning and monitoring the dental workforce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the results are of collaboration with the United Kingdom and European organisations in relation to planning and monitoring the dental workforce.","AnswerText":"Dental workforce issues in Europe are complex with no workforce plans in some countries whilst others have sophisticated models which we are assessing. Scotland has led the way within the UK on dental workforce planning with the report Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland. Following the report, Wales and Northern Ireland increased the numbers of dental student places funded by these devolved administrations, and a review is currently under way in England.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158464,"EventID":"S1W-21875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the review of undergraduate financing and the linkage to quality assurance programmes as recommended in Section 7 in the report by the Scottish Ad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the review of undergraduate financing and the linkage to quality assurance programmes as recommended in Section 7 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"The review of undergraduate funding identified an imbalance in the NHS support for Dundee compared to other UK schools. This has been progressively adjusted to benefit Dundee over the last four years. Review of the numbers of students required to achieve the target output of 120 in conjunction with the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) resulted in financial gain for the Universities training dental students.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158465,"EventID":"S1W-21876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether structures and funding at NHS trusts are now identified for the education and training of dental nurses, dental technicians, dental receptionists and practice man","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether structures and funding at NHS trusts are now identified for the education and training of dental nurses, dental technicians, dental receptionists and practice managers as recommended in Section 7 in the report by the Scottish Advisory Committee on the Dental Workforce, Workforce Planning for Dentistry in Scotland: A Strategic Review: Interim Report and Recommendations.","AnswerText":"Funding is now in place through the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education for the education of all the professionals complementary to dentistry. Initial work is concentrating on the largest of these professions, dental nurses. Structures are being developed which link dentists, NHS trusts and boards, Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education, colleges of further education and training organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158466,"EventID":"S1W-21877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20256 by Ross Finnie on 9 January 2002, whether the study into the costs and feasibility of a heavy duty cable network to take elec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20256 by Ross Finnie on 9 January 2002, whether the study into the costs and feasibility of a heavy duty cable network to take electricity from wind farms and wave energy devices from the Highlands and Islands to English markets will be produced before the end of this financial year.","AnswerText":"This study was commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry, and a draft report outlining the consultants' findings has now been received by that department. A further announcement is expected from DTI during the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158467,"EventID":"S1W-21878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review its policy concerning charges for car parking at NHS hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review its policy concerning charges for car parking at NHS hospitals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently has no plans to review its policy, detailed in Management Executive Letter (MEL)(2000)13 on charges for car parking at NHS hospitals.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158468,"EventID":"S1W-21879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what income has been generated by the introduction of car parking charges at St. John's Hospital in Livingston and on what capital and revenue items the income generated","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what income has been generated by the introduction of car parking charges at St. John's Hospital in Livingston and on what capital and revenue items the income generated has been spent.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally but could be obtained from West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158469,"EventID":"S1W-21880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will promote Rosyth as a ferry port for Edinburgh following the announcement of the continental ferry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will promote Rosyth as a ferry port for Edinburgh following the announcement of the continental ferry.","AnswerText":"The promotion of Rosyth as a ferry port is a matter for the port authority and the ferry operator of the new service to Europe. VisitScotland is also working in partnership with transport providers, including this new service, to promote tourism opportunities within Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158470,"EventID":"S1W-21881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #0.1 billion collected in Scotland under the category of Air Passenger Duty, as set out in Table 15. Receipts for UK and Estimates for Scotland, 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #0.1 billion collected in Scotland under the category of Air Passenger Duty, as set out in Table 15. Receipts for UK and Estimates for Scotland, 1999-2000 in Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland 1999-2000, relates to travel originating in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to estimate with any degree of precision a breakdown by region of Air Passenger Duty (APD) collected in Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands. From 1 April 2001, passengers travelling from airports in the Highlands and Islands have been exempt from APD.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158471,"EventID":"S1W-21882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its officials are responsible for ports policy and what its current policy is with respect to both trust and non-trust ports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its officials are responsible for ports policy and what its current policy is with respect to both trust and non-trust ports.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are responsible for devolved ports policy in Scotland. Policy advice is provided mainly by the Scottish Executive Development Department (SEDD) Ports and Harbours Branch. This falls largely to three staff in that branch amongst their other duties. The development of policy requires close liaison within SEDD Transport Group on related issues, including grant assistance to piers and harbours serving lifeline ferry routes in the Highlands and Islands, and with the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department interest in fishery harbours.

Ports policy is set out in Modern Ports: A UK Policy (November 2000, Parliament's Reference Centre Bib. number 9874). The paper sets out the broad policy aims on both devolved and reserved matters for UK ports. In addition, trust ports are implementing the guidance set out in Modernising Trust Ports: A Guide to Good Governance (January 2000, Parliament's Reference Centre Bib. number 18579). This provides a benchmark for best practice in the management, accountability and operation of trust ports, including the appointment of board members.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158472,"EventID":"S1W-21883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or plans to make, to Her Majesty's Government or the Office of Fair Trading regarding the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or plans to make, to Her Majesty's Government or the Office of Fair Trading regarding the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicines, given the Competition Commission's current investigation into the issue. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no representations to the UK Government or the Office of Fair Trading regarding the supply of prescription-only medicines. The control of medicines is a matter reserved to the Westminster Parliament and any representations will be taken into account by them whilst developing the UK position.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158473,"EventID":"S1W-21884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes in each of the past six years for which figures are available; how many producers were eligible to participat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes in each of the past six years for which figures are available; how many producers were eligible to participate in each scheme, and how many did so, broken down by area.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:
 

Expenditure

ESA Scheme

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

Breadalbane (Original)

£42,733

£5,858

-

-

-

-

Breadalbane (Revised)

£354,064

£551,798

£607,426

£546,495

£656,148

£581,891

Loch Lomond (Original)

£5,449

£3,230

£2,310

£1,500

-

-

Loch Lomond (Revised)

£120,388

£168,076

£159,650

£140,715

£153,535

£192,265

Stewartry (Original)

£111,353

£45,940

£25,801

Rivers, Lochs, Coasts: The Future for Scotland's Waters (Parliament's Reference Centre Bib. number 14576), our consultation paper on the proposed Water Environment and Water Services Bill, which will give effect to the Directive in Scots Law, we said that we believed that the key to tackling diffuse pollution was to ensure the implementation of good practice across the board. We envisaged that this might be done by means of statutory codes of good practice, backed up by powers for a regulator to enforce specific pollution control measures where necessary. We also said that non-regulatory approaches such as voluntary and educational initiatives would have an important role to play.

The issue of timing will be discussed in our second consultation paper on our legislative intentions for the bill. We will publish that paper shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158479,"EventID":"S1W-21890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is taking place of the use by businesses and, in particular, the tourism industry of the euro and of the availability of trading in euro to foreign visito","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is taking place of the use by businesses and, in particular, the tourism industry of the euro and of the availability of trading in euro to foreign visitors.","AnswerText":"Although the euro is not legal tender in the UK, some retailers have indicated that they are prepared to accept it as a method of payment. This reflects the commercial choices of businesses. VisitScotland are distributing material, on request, regarding the euro.

In conjunction with the Treasury, Scotland Europa have implemented a detailed programme to provide advice and raise awareness of the need by all businesses - including in the tourist industry - to make appropriate preparations for the introduction of the currency. This includes the Trading in Euro symbol which indicates that an organisation is willing and able to deal with the euro currency.

The Executive has undertaken two surveys of businesses in Scotland, assessing usage and expected usage of the euro. The first survey took place in the summer of 2000 and was repeated in 2001. The surveys did not include specific results from the tourism sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158480,"EventID":"S1W-21891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic assessment has been made of the impact of the imposition of the aggregates tax in Shetland and any cost rise implications for local businesses and individua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what economic assessment has been made of the impact of the imposition of the aggregates tax in Shetland and any cost rise implications for local businesses and individuals.","AnswerText":"Assessment of economic impacts of UK taxation measures is the responsibility of Her Majesty's Treasury. No separate assessment has been undertaken by the Scottish Executive of the impact in Shetland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158481,"EventID":"S1W-21892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures will be undertaken to improve the recruitment and retention of general practitioners in rural, remote and island areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures will be undertaken to improve the recruitment and retention of general practitioners in rural, remote and island areas.","AnswerText":"A review of medical workforce planning is currently under way. This review is looking at the many issues surrounding the supply of trained doctors for Scotland, and is specifically looking at provision of services in rural and remote areas. The advisory group for the review is expected to produce an interim report for the Minister for Health and Community Care by the end of February.

The Executive also supports the use of salaried general medical practitioners as a way of improving access to healthcare in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158482,"EventID":"S1W-21893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures it is discussing with the dental profession to improve the recruitment and retention of dental practitioners in rural, remote and island areas and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures it is discussing with the dental profession to improve the recruitment and retention of dental practitioners in rural, remote and island areas and when it expects to implement any such measures.","AnswerText":"We are discussing with the dental profession, increased continuing professional development allowances and a remote allowance for dentists in such areas. We are also at present considering other measures to improve recruitment and retention of dental practitioners. The first priority will be to retain dental practitioners in Scotland and especially to attract practitioners to practices outwith the central belt. More specific measures are being considered for remote areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158483,"EventID":"S1W-21894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Inverness airport terminal is (a) owned and (b) managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd only and, if not, by whom it is owned and managed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Inverness airport terminal is (a) owned and (b) managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd only and, if not, by whom it is owned and managed.","AnswerText":"Inverness Airport terminal building is owned and operated by Inverness Air Terminal Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158484,"EventID":"S1W-21895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body would be liable for any remaining debt on the Skye Bridge should the tolls there be declared illegal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body would be liable for any remaining debt on the Skye Bridge should the tolls there be declared illegal.","AnswerText":"The statutory basis of the Skye Bridge tolling regime has been examined and upheld by the Scottish courts on a number of occasions and we see no reason to believe that the position will change. However, as owners of the bridge, the Scottish ministers would be liable for any outstanding debt on the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158485,"EventID":"S1W-21896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to amend the signage on the M90 north of the Forth Road Bridge to reduce the volume of traffic travelling to Dunfermline following a route through Rosy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to amend the signage on the M90 north of the Forth Road Bridge to reduce the volume of traffic travelling to Dunfermline following a route through Rosyth.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to amend the signing at this location. The existing signing, which is the responsibility of Fife Council, does not direct traffic for Dunfermline through Rosyth.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158486,"EventID":"S1W-21897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the A823 (N) in Rosyth to connect with the new Ferry Terminal thereby bypassing residential areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the A823 (N) in Rosyth to connect with the new Ferry Terminal thereby bypassing residential areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in discussions with Fife Council about its access strategy to the new ferry terminal at Rosyth, including signage to keep heavy goods vehicles to existing agreed routes. The A823 (N) is a local road. As such, proposals for developing a new access road would be a matter for Fife Council as the local roads authority for the area.

For information, there are currently no proposals for the Executive to extend the A823 (M) trunk road.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158487,"EventID":"S1W-21898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what credit check was carried out in respect of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd prior to 1 August 2001 and whether copies of any relevant correspondence will be p","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what credit check was carried out in respect of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd prior to 1 August 2001 and whether copies of any relevant correspondence will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"There was no available published credit reference available for Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, as the company had been operating in the UK for a relatively short period of time. Bovis Lend Lease who have responsibility for credit checks, therefore obtained Flour City International's published accounts, which included the following:

Highlights of Financial Summary 1994-98

Condensed Balance Sheet 1997-98

Condensed Statement of Income 1997-98

Condensed Statement of Cashflow 1996-98

The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that relevant papers will be obtained from Bovis Lend Lease in order to enable advice to be taken from the Parliament's legal office as to whether or not these can properly be put into the public domain. If there is no impediment to doing so, they will be will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158488,"EventID":"S1W-21899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21201 on 15 January 2002, whether the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was not concluded as final and binding ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21201 on 15 January 2002, whether the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was not concluded as final and binding until the contract was \"completed as a deed\" and, if so, on what legal basis the payments in respect of the work undertaken by Flour City on design and specialist cladding services at the new Parliament building at Holyrood, and as specified in his answer to question S1W-20306 on 7 December 2001, were made and, if the contract was concluded as final and binding prior to 1 August 2001, on what date this took place.","AnswerText":"Payments were made to Flour City under the terms of a Letter of Intent, issued to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd on 26 January 2001, which forms a legally binding agreement. The formal contract, concluded on 1 August 2001 superseded the letter of intent and finalised the full terms and conditions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158489,"EventID":"S1W-21900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a report on the progress made with each of the 58 recommendations contained within the Summary of the Review of the Investigation of Road Deaths ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a report on the progress made with each of the 58 recommendations contained within the Summary of the Review of the Investigation of Road Deaths in Scotland by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Quality and Practice Review Unit.","AnswerText":"Work has been on-going to implement the recommendations of the Quality and Practice Review Unit review of the investigation of road traffic deaths. There are no plans to publish a progress report at this stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158490,"EventID":"S1W-21901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the outstanding 22 recommendations referred to in the Summary of the Review of the Investigation of Road Deaths in Scotland by the Crown Office a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the outstanding 22 recommendations referred to in the Summary of the Review of the Investigation of Road Deaths in Scotland by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Quality and Practice Review Unit.","AnswerText":"It is not intended to publish the 22 unpublished recommendations of the Quality and Practice Review Unit review of the investigation of road traffic deaths. They are of an internal administrative nature only. All 80 recommendations for improvements in practice are being implemented and I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21900 on 22 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158491,"EventID":"S1W-21903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"Strategies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are primarily a matter for NHS Boards. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), which is funded by the Scottish Executive Health Department, produced a clinical guideline on the Management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis in December 2000, which will have informed clinicians of the best practice for diagnosis and management of the condition.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158492,"EventID":"S1W-21904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on the NHS in Scotland will be of the judgement of the European Court of Justice in the case of Geraets-Smits and Peerbooms (C-157/99) on 12 July 2001 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on the NHS in Scotland will be of the judgement of the European Court of Justice in the case of Geraets-Smits and Peerbooms (C-157/99) on 12 July 2001 and what steps have been taken to implement any administrative action required as a result of the judgement.","AnswerText":"It has always been possible for Scottish individuals to go abroad for treatment under a standing arrangement which is named after the relevant EC documentation, E112. Policy on E112 is reserved to Westminster. The prior consent of the referring and receiving clinicians, the local NHS board and the Department of Health, (London) is required before a person can be treated abroad. The vast majority of approved cases involve those where the care need is not available in the home country.

The Secretary of State for Health is considering revising the E112 arrangements once the European Court of Justice decisions in these and further pending cases have been fully evaluated, and the Executive will be keeping in close touch with developments.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158493,"EventID":"S1W-21905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish details of grant aided expenditure in respect of 2000-03 in a \"green book\" and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish details of grant aided expenditure in respect of 2000-03 in a \"green book\" and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"\"Green books\" for 2000-01 and 2001-02 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 7912 and 12261 respectively). Allocations of grant aided expenditure for 2002-03 and 2003-04 were based on those for 2001-02, adjusted to take account of projected changes to population data for those years. Details of these adjustments are contained in a supplement attached to the \"green book\" for 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158494,"EventID":"S1W-21906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any directions it has given to any local authority to suspend its school capital repairs programme pending the outcome of its bid made under the Pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any directions it has given to any local authority to suspend its school capital repairs programme pending the outcome of its bid made under the Public Private Partnership/Private Finance Initiative and when any such directions were made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued no such directions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158495,"EventID":"S1W-21907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amount has been automatically deducted from students' travel expenses awarded by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland in each of the last three years and how this","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amount has been automatically deducted from students' travel expenses awarded by the Students Awards Agency for Scotland in each of the last three years and how this amount is calculated.","AnswerText":"In the last three years, the amount which the Awards Agency deducts from travel claims has been as follows:

Session

Continuing Scheme (i.e students who entered HE before 1998-99)

New Scheme (i.e. students who entered HE for the first time in 1998-99 or later)

1998-99

£70

£70

1999-2000

£80

£155

2000-01

£80

£155

Prior to 1999-2000, the travel element for all students was calculated as a percentage of the whole student support package available. In session 1999-2000, the maximum living cost support for new students entering higher education was increased. The increase included a revision of the amount within the student loan that is deemed to be for travel expenses and which is therefore deducted from the total amounts claimed by students. This resulted in the figures quoted above.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158496,"EventID":"S1W-21908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils at publicly-funded schools in primary (a) 1, (b) 2, and (c) 3 were being educated in classes of 30 or more as at 31 August 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils at publicly-funded schools in primary (a) 1, (b) 2, and (c) 3 were being educated in classes of 30 or more as at 31 August 2001.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in the form requested. Definitive information and figures on class sizes will only be available once the results of the September 2001 School Census have been validated.

However, in order to gauge the progress made by local authorities in meeting the Programme for Government commitment to reduce P1-P3 classes to 30 pupils or less, Scottish Executive officials have made enquiries of education authorities. Due to pupil movements within the school year, the figures change constantly, but they give a provisional picture in advance of validated data being available through the School Census results.

Officials have identified a total of 13 classes that did not comply with The Education (Lower Primary Class Sizes) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. In each case, action is being taken by the education authority to resolve the problem. Of the other P1-P3 classes with more than 30 pupils 61 had 2 teachers present in the classroom and 17 had \"excepted pupils\", as defined in the relevant regulations.

These figures contrast with 939 P1-P3 classes of over 30 pupils in 1998 - the year before the class size programme began.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158497,"EventID":"S1W-21909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in establishing a method for recording the educational achievement of children leaving care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in establishing a method for recording the educational achievement of children leaving care.","AnswerText":"Starting this year, the Scottish Executive will collect information about the educational qualifications of careleavers aged 16 to 18.

As part of the monitoring of the delivery of national priorities for education through the School Improvement Framework, we have a standard performance measure on the percentage of young people leaving local authority care who have at least Standard Grade 1-6 in English and maths

At an individual level, the Executive is committed to Personal Learning Plans for all school pupils by 2003. These plans will record young people's progress and achievement across the curriculum.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158498,"EventID":"S1W-21911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all pilot future school projects currently in operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all pilot future school projects currently in operation.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Future Learning & Teaching Programme has already provided financial support for two pilot projects: Dundee City Council's Personal ICT project, and the SCHOLAR programme run by Heriot-Watt university. We are in discussion with a number of other education authorities about potential projects, and will publish the details of the agreed first phase of projects and evaluation plans later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158499,"EventID":"S1W-21912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing plans for the evaluation of future school projects and on what date the strategy documents regarding these are due for publicati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing plans for the evaluation of future school projects and on what date the strategy documents regarding these are due for publication.","AnswerText":"We have issued an invitation to tender for evaluation teams to evaluate the pilot projects supported by the first phase of the Future Learning & Teaching Programme. Full evaluation plans will be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158500,"EventID":"S1W-21913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support it has provided for Modern Apprenticeships in each year since 1994 in respect of each (a) Local Enterprise Company and (b) framework.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support it has provided for Modern Apprenticeships in each year since 1994 in respect of each (a) Local Enterprise Company and (b) framework.","AnswerText":"Support for Modern Apprenticeships is provided from within the block grant-in-aid to Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. Decisions on more detailed expenditure are operational matters for those bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158501,"EventID":"S1W-21914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Modern Apprenticeship places have been available to candidates in each year since 1994 in respect of each (a) Local Enterprise Company and (b) framework and how ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Modern Apprenticeship places have been available to candidates in each year since 1994 in respect of each (a) Local Enterprise Company and (b) framework and how many unfilled places there were in each case.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. Modern Apprenticeships (MA) are not allocated in quotas by the enterprise network or by industrial sector. The level of MA uptake reflects the demand for training opportunities by young people and the number of jobs made available by employers.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158502,"EventID":"S1W-21915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Modern Apprenticeships have not been completed by those undertaking such training in respect of each (a) Local Enterprise Company and (b) framework in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Modern Apprenticeships have not been completed by those undertaking such training in respect of each (a) Local Enterprise Company and (b) framework in each year since 1994.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15345 on 23 May 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158503,"EventID":"S1W-21916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which National Training Organisations are (a) based solely in Scotland and (b) have representative offices in Scotland, broken down by Local Enterprise Company area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which National Training Organisations are (a) based solely in Scotland and (b) have representative offices in Scotland, broken down by Local Enterprise Company area.","AnswerText":"As UK-wide bodies, no National Training Organisation is based solely in Scotland. Seventy one National Training Organisations (NTOs) are currently recognised. Two have their Headquarters based in Scotland - the British Plumbing Employers Council (Edinburgh) and the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation (Aberdeen). 43 other NTOs have representatives based in Scotland. The breakdown by Local Enterprise Company (LEC) area is as follows:

LEC Area

Number of NTOs with a Presence

SE Ayrshire

1

SE Borders

1

SE Dumfries and Galloway

2

SE Edinburgh and Lothian

25

SE Fife

4

SE Forth Valley

1

SE Glasgow

8

SE Grampian

5

SE Lanarkshire

2

SE Renfrewshire

2

SE Tayside

4

Argyll and Islands Enterprise

1

Inverness and Nairn Enterprise

3

Some NTOs have representatives based in more than one LEC area.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158504,"EventID":"S1W-21917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many National Training Organisation employees are based in Scotland (a) in total and (b) broken down by (i) organisation (ii) Local Enterprise Company area and (iii) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many National Training Organisation employees are based in Scotland (a) in total and (b) broken down by (i) organisation (ii) Local Enterprise Company area and (iii) location.","AnswerText":"National Training Organisations (NTOs) operate on a UK-wide basis and two have their Headquarters in Scotland. The Scottish Executive does not hold details of the numbers of NTO employees based in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158505,"EventID":"S1W-21918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many definitions of \"rural\" it uses; what plans it has to review these definitions; who would conduct any such review and what role Her Majesty's Government would hav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many definitions of \"rural\" it uses; what plans it has to review these definitions; who would conduct any such review and what role Her Majesty's Government would have.","AnswerText":"A review of rural definitions in use across the Executive revealed that around 20 different definitions of rural were in use. To ensure a more consistent approach to defining rural Scotland within the Executive, a core definition was adopted. It defines rural Scotland as being areas outside settlements of more than 3,000 residents. A framework approach ensures that, where appropriate, variations on the core definition, or indeed, alternative definitions can be adopted, where it can be demonstrated that those variations will allow individual policies or programmes to be targeted more effectively. An article giving details about this review was published in the Scottish Economic Report, published in June 2001. The Executive has no immediate plans to carry out a further review of rural definitions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158506,"EventID":"S1W-21919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in response to the comments as reported on the BBC News Website by George Lyon MSP on 5 January 2002 in connection with the negotiations betw","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in response to the comments as reported on the BBC News Website by George Lyon MSP on 5 January 2002 in connection with the negotiations between the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union on levels of agricultural support and the effect on Scotland of any reduction in this support.","AnswerText":"It is not our practice to comment on individual opinions expressed by MSPs. Ministers and officials from all four UK Agriculture Departments are already engaged in discussions which will shape the UK negotiating position for the forthcoming mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy. The Scottish Executive is committed in the review process to ensure that Scotland's farmers and crofters continue to receive appropriate support.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158507,"EventID":"S1W-21920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to his answer to question S1W-21305 on 15 January 2002, whether poor performance in previous contracts is one of the grounds for exclusion of potential tenderers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to his answer to question S1W-21305 on 15 January 2002, whether poor performance in previous contracts is one of the grounds for exclusion of potential tenderers from the tendering process for Parliament contracts. ","AnswerText":"A potential tenderer's ability to meet the particular requirements of a contract is a key factor in the supplier selection procedure. Each contract opportunity is considered on its own merits and, where a potential tenderer's poor performance on previous contracts is relevant to the particular requirements being tendered, it would be taken into consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158508,"EventID":"S1W-21921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what financial support it has given in the current financial year to both the Piping Centre and the College of Piping in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what financial support it has given in the current financial year to both the Piping Centre and the College of Piping in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"A grant of £300,000 has been given to the Piping Centre. No grant has been made to the College of Piping.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158509,"EventID":"S1W-21922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to facilitate the reopening of Laurencekirk station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to facilitate the reopening of Laurencekirk station.","AnswerText":"The proposal to reopen Laurencekirk Station is a local transport matter, and as such is the responsibility of the relevant local transport authorities in partnership with the rail industry to take forward.

Railway infrastructure projects may qualify for financial assistance from either the Scottish Executive's Public Transport Fund (PTF) or Integrated Transport Fund (ITF). Bids under the PTF would have to satisfy eligibility criteria and compete with other bids, and those under the ITF would have to be considered by the Scottish Executive as being regionally or nationally strategic.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158510,"EventID":"S1W-21923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received in support of an investigation into the winter roads maintenance performance of Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen Councils and BEAR Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received in support of an investigation into the winter roads maintenance performance of Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen Councils and BEAR Scotland Ltd and what plans it has for such an investigation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has asked the Performance Audit Group (PAG) to carry out a comprehensive audit of BEAR's winter maintenance activities in the North East of Scotland over the festive period following the period of severe winter weather which affected the area. PAG is employed by the Executive to monitor the performance of the trunk road Operating Companies and provide advice.

The Executive has received representations from several MSPs in respect of BEAR's winter roads maintenance operations. No representations have been received in respect of the winter performance of Aberdeenshire or Aberdeen Councils, on local roads for which, of course, they are responsible.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158511,"EventID":"S1W-21924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils at schools in Edinburgh took an examination in a foreign language and how many, and what percentage, passed in each year since 1997, broken down by langua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils at schools in Edinburgh took an examination in a foreign language and how many, and what percentage, passed in each year since 1997, broken down by language.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of pupils in publicly funded schools in the City of Edinburgh education authority who (a) sat and (b) passed a foreign language examination:

Subject Name

1997

1998

1999

2000

Number Sat

Number Passed

Number Sat

Number Passed

Number Sat

Number Passed

Number Sat

Number Passed

Standard Grade French

1,789

1,665

93%

1,917

1,781 93%

1,834

1,750

95%

2,054

1,924

94%

Standard Grade

Gaelic (learners)

5

5

100%

*

*

8

8

100%

Standard Grade Gaidhlig

*

*

Year

Total number of leavers

Number of leavers not attaining a Standard Grade in a foreign language

1997-98

3,388

629

1998-99

3,408

642

Note:

1. Data relating to 1999-2000 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158513,"EventID":"S1W-21926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 16- to 18-year-olds currently have a diagnosis of (a) autism and (b) Asperger's Syndrome, broken down by health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 16- to 18-year-olds currently have a diagnosis of (a) autism and (b) Asperger's Syndrome, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158514,"EventID":"S1W-21927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people over 35 have a diagnosis of (a) autism and (b) Asperger's Syndrome, broken down by (i) age, (ii) gender and (iii) health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people over 35 have a diagnosis of (a) autism and (b) Asperger's Syndrome, broken down by (i) age, (ii) gender and (iii) health board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158515,"EventID":"S1W-21928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what housing provision is available for 16- to 18-year-olds with autism or Asperger's Syndrome in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what housing provision is available for 16- to 18-year-olds with autism or Asperger's Syndrome in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158516,"EventID":"S1W-21929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest figures are for the uptake of the MMR vaccine, broken down by health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest figures are for the uptake of the MMR vaccine, broken down by health board area.","AnswerText":"Figures published by the Common Services Agency (CSA) confirm that the percentage uptake of MMR for children aged up to 24 months at quarter ended 30 September 2001 was 86.9%. This was broken down by NHS board as follows:

NHS Board area

MMR % uptake in quarter to September 2001

Argyll and Clyde

86.0

Ayrshire and Arran

84.6

Borders

84.8

Dumfries and Galloway

92.6

Fife

85.3

Forth Valley

88.0

Grampian

90.6

Greater Glasgow

86.0

Highland

73.4

Lanarkshire

86.8

Lothian

88.7

Orkney

90.4

Shetland

90.0

Tayside

90.5

Western Isles

66.1

Scotland

86.9

These figures are published on ISD (Information and Statistics Division of CSA) online at:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/child_health/ch_immunisation/ch_UptakeRates.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158517,"EventID":"S1W-21930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the project to extend the M77 remains on target and whether a timetable for the completion of the road will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the project to extend the M77 remains on target and whether a timetable for the completion of the road will be published.","AnswerText":"The project to extend the M77 between Fenwick and Malletsheugh is being taken forward jointly with the Glasgow Southern Orbital and is on target for opening in early 2005. This is in line with the timetable set out following the Strategic Roads Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158518,"EventID":"S1W-21931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation (a) Scottish Enterprise, (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (c) its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department have on the Pharmaceutical Liais","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation (a) Scottish Enterprise, (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (c) its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department have on the Pharmaceutical Liaison Group.","AnswerText":"The Pharmaceutical Liaison Group is an informal forum designed to allow discussion of matters of shared interest to the Health Department, NHSScotland and pharmaceutical interests. As such, none of the organisations mentioned in the question have representation on that group. However, a member of Scottish Enterprise did attend one meeting to discuss an item of relevance.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158519,"EventID":"S1W-21932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in meeting objective 3 of A Science Strategy for Scotland of ensuring that enough people study science to a standard which will enable the fut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in meeting objective 3 of A Science Strategy for Scotland of ensuring that enough people study science to a standard which will enable the future needs of the country to be met.","AnswerText":"For details of the progress being made on the Science Strategy commitments on school science education, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-4498 on 24 January 2002.

On post-school education, progress is being made on the commitments in the Science Strategy in consultation with the various bodies involved and as they fit with wider developments. Progress includes: issuing guidance to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council on the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship skills; widening the availability of entrepreneurship courses to all Scottish universities through the Scottish Institute for Enterprise; and participating in the UK-led Roberts Review of the Supply of Scientists and Engineers, the final report of which will be published later this year. The Review of Education for Work and Enterprise, which is currently under way, will also consider the role that financial education and the science and technology curriculum can play in fostering enterprising and entrepreneurial attitudes and activities in later life.

The Scottish Science Advisory Committee, which is currently being established, will provide advice on the extent to which we are achieving our cross-cutting objectives for science.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158520,"EventID":"S1W-21933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent laboratory technicians are currently in post in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent laboratory technicians are currently in post in schools.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158521,"EventID":"S1W-21934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by schools on accommodation, materials and equipment in (a) science subjects, (b) business studies suites and (c) computing suites in each year since 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by schools on accommodation, materials and equipment in (a) science subjects, (b) business studies suites and (c) computing suites in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected by the Scottish Executive. Individual education authorities and schools are responsible for the detailed decisions on the allocation of resources for particular subject areas in schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158522,"EventID":"S1W-21935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by schools on teaching materials and equipment for (a) chemistry, (b) biology and (c) physics in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by schools on teaching materials and equipment for (a) chemistry, (b) biology and (c) physics in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21934.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158523,"EventID":"S1W-21936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to determine how much was spent by schools on (a) chemistry, (b) biology and (c) physics and from which budgets the funds for such spending were a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to determine how much was spent by schools on (a) chemistry, (b) biology and (c) physics and from which budgets the funds for such spending were allocated in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21934.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158524,"EventID":"S1W-21937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent Technical Education teachers are currently in post.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent Technical Education teachers are currently in post.","AnswerText":"The latest information available from the Teacher Census at September 1998, shows the number of full-time equivalent teachers in publicly funded secondary schools, whose main teaching qualification was in technological education, was 1,418.

In the primary sector, the great majority of teachers have a general qualification in primary teaching and are not assigned to particular subjects.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158525,"EventID":"S1W-21938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent vacancies there were for teachers in (a) chemistry, (b) biology and (c) physics in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent vacancies there were for teachers in (a) chemistry, (b) biology and (c) physics in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Teacher vacancies are largely a matter for education authorities (EAs). The requested information on vacancies for each year since 1997 is not held centrally. On the basis of advice from 31 out of 32 EAs, there are the following numbers of full-time equivalent vacancies in EA secondary schools at 10 September 2001:

Chemistry

7.7

Biology

13

Physics

8.5

Total

29.2

","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158526,"EventID":"S1W-21939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE 4012/2001 of 19 September 2001, (a) how much of the #101.9 million end-year flexibility award for education has been allocated, (b) to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE 4012/2001 of 19 September 2001, (a) how much of the #101.9 million end-year flexibility award for education has been allocated, (b) to whom or to what organisations or projects it has been allocated and (c) whether local authorities may apply for funding from the award and, if so, (i) how they should do so and (ii) whether there are or have been any time limits on making such applications.","AnswerText":"All of this funding has now been allocated. A significant proportion of EYF funding comprised a managed underspend to be set against the additional costs to local authorities arising from the teachers' pay and conditions settlement. Substantial additional resources have also been allocated to schools for use directly at school level. Funding has also been made available to authorities for increasing the number of three-year-olds in pre-school education, provision of Pupil Support Bases and ICT associated initiatives. Further EYF funding has been allocated to Social Justice projects aimed at improving the education of looked after children.

Where resources have been allocated through specific grant mechanisms requiring application by education authorities, this process has been completed and all local authorities have received their appropriate allocation.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158527,"EventID":"S1W-21940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE 4012/2001 of 19 September 2001, whether it will allocate any of the #101.9 million end-year flexibility award for education to the Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE 4012/2001 of 19 September 2001, whether it will allocate any of the #101.9 million end-year flexibility award for education to the Scottish Borders Council education budget, in light of any further cuts to that budget being considered by the council.","AnswerText":"All of this funding has been allocated, as indicated in the answer given to question S1W-21939.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158528,"EventID":"S1W-21941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates issuing a final consultation document on the boundaries of the proposed Cairngorms National Park, how long any proposed consultation will last, and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates issuing a final consultation document on the boundaries of the proposed Cairngorms National Park, how long any proposed consultation will last, and when it expects to reach a final decision on the matter.","AnswerText":"We have still to complete our consideration of the Scottish Natural Heritage consultation report on proposals for a Cairngorms National Park. It is our intention, however, to initiate consultation on a draft Designation Order for the Cairngorms National Park in the near future. Consultation on the draft Order will run for a minimum 12-week period.

The detailed time frame for reaching a final decision on the Cairngorms National Park depends on the issues raised during that consultation. The Programme for Government undertakes to establish the first two National Parks in Scotland by early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158529,"EventID":"S1W-21942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any communication from North Ayrshire Council about signage on the A78 trunk road at the boundary of the area currently identified on signs as Se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any communication from North Ayrshire Council about signage on the A78 trunk road at the boundary of the area currently identified on signs as Seamill.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158530,"EventID":"S1W-21943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action should be taken by a local authority once it is established that a settlement sign on a trunk road wrongly identifies the settlement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action should be taken by a local authority once it is established that a settlement sign on a trunk road wrongly identifies the settlement.","AnswerText":"Should a local authority decide that a settlement sign on a trunk road wrongly identifies a settlement, it should submit proposals to amend the sign to the Scottish Executive, as trunk road authority. The Scottish Executive's role is to ensure that all signs erected within the trunk road boundary comply with current regulations and guidelines and have no adverse effect on road safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158531,"EventID":"S1W-21944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17935 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 October 2001, whether, given that the area known as Seamill now forms part of the contiguous urban set","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17935 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 October 2001, whether, given that the area known as Seamill now forms part of the contiguous urban settlement of West Kilbride, North Ayrshire Council should ensure that the sign on the A78 at the boundary of the settlement reads \"West Kilbride\". ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for North Ayrshire Council to consider.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158532,"EventID":"S1W-21946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what offences were committed by eight- to 12-year-olds in each of the last 10 years, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what offences were committed by eight- to 12-year-olds in each of the last 10 years, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"Since 1996, statistics relating to the children's hearings system have been a matter for the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA). Recent national statistics are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18780).

Previously, The Scottish Office collected the statistics. The information is not available in the format requested. Available information is:

Year

Total children aged

8-12 referred to reporter on offence grounds

Total offences for which referred

1995

3,411

8,103

1994

3,276

7,759

1993

3,036

7,097

1992

3,16

7,797

1991

3,380

8429

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158533,"EventID":"S1W-21947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences were committed by eight- to 12-year-olds, what the breakdown was of the offences involved in each case, and how many of these offences were referred to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences were committed by eight- to 12-year-olds, what the breakdown was of the offences involved in each case, and how many of these offences were referred to a court, all in each of the last 10 years, broken down by each category of offence.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table for the ages from eight to 12 inclusive. Data for 2001 is not yet available. Information on the types of offences committed by children referred to the Reporter is not collected centrally.

No. of offences referred to the reporter for children aged eight to 12 in Scotland, 1991-2000/20011

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-012

8,429

7,797

7,097

7,759

8,103

7,342

8,531

10,381

10,297

8,581

Notes:

1. Data collected from 1995-96 onwards is on a financial year basis. The data prior to 1995 refers to calendar years.

2. Provisional.

Children aged eight to 12 proceeded against in Scottish courts, 1991-2000

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

9

3

5

2

1

6

Through InUK, a joint DTI/FCO organisation, the Department of Trade and Industry has assisted in the marketing of the Bathgate site of Motorola.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158535,"EventID":"S1W-21949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving, or intends to give, to any companies or other organisations that were suppliers of goods and services to the Motorola plant in Bathgate and/or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving, or intends to give, to any companies or other organisations that were suppliers of goods and services to the Motorola plant in Bathgate and/or the NEC plant in Livingston and have been or will be adversely affected by their closure.","AnswerText":"Following the closure of the Motorola plant in Bathgate, the Motorola Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) team undertook a review of the likely impact of the closure on the supply base companies. The review concluded that while a few companies had been directly affected, the majority of the 300 suppliers had felt little or no significant impact. This PACE team is currently undertaking a similar review on the supply chain for NEC.

Scottish Enterprise wrote to all the supplier companies outlining the assistance that may be available to those companies affected. That could include business advice, assistance and financial support. This package is still available to companies as required.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158536,"EventID":"S1W-21950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the trunk road network in West Lothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the trunk road network in West Lothian.","AnswerText":"We are committed to implementing the decisions that flow from the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies, which includes the A8/M8 corridor.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158537,"EventID":"S1W-21951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further special support it plans to offer West Lothian in light of the recent large scale redundancies and labour market statistics showing an increase in the claima","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further special support it plans to offer West Lothian in light of the recent large scale redundancies and labour market statistics showing an increase in the claimant count level in the area.","AnswerText":"As I announced to Parliament in December, the Executive is making £6 million available to help implement the West Lothian Action Plan for economic development. This fulfils the commitment to provide up to £10 milion following the Motorola closure last year.

In addition, a wide range of specific support measures has been implemented to assist those affected by redundancies in the area. The Motorola Taskforce has already assisted in the redeployment of approximately three-quarters of former employees. Similarly, NEC employees will have access to a number of forms of assistance such as an on-site response team, counselling and high quality training.

The unemployment rate in West Lothian remains below the Scottish average.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158538,"EventID":"S1W-21952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis of any impact on the supply chain of the closures of the Motorola plant in Bathgate and the NEC plant in Livingston was undertaken by the Partnership Action","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis of any impact on the supply chain of the closures of the Motorola plant in Bathgate and the NEC plant in Livingston was undertaken by the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment team in West Lothian.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21949.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158539,"EventID":"S1W-21953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring it has undertaken of the effectiveness of the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment contingency plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring it has undertaken of the effectiveness of the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment contingency plans.","AnswerText":"In March-April 2001 the Executive undertook a series of seminars to review the first year of operation of the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) framework.

In October 2001 the report Partnership Action for Continuing Employment 2001 Review was published, outlining the key findings from the review. The document included an action plan for the further improvement and development of PACE at a strategic and local level. That included recommendations in respect of early warnings and forward planning.

We are also commissioning research on how other countries deal with large-scale redundancies in order to identify other examples of best practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158540,"EventID":"S1W-21954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children left school in the West Lothian area without attaining a standard grade in (a) English, (b) Mathematics and (c) English and Mathematics in each academic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children left school in the West Lothian area without attaining a standard grade in (a) English, (b) Mathematics and (c) English and Mathematics in each academic year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number and percentage of pupils that left publicly funded schools in the West Lothian education authority in 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99, without attaining a standard grade in (a) English, (b) Mathematics and (c) English and Mathematics:

Year

Total number of leavers

Percentage not attaining Standard Grade Mathematics

Percentage not attaining Standard Grade English

Percentage not attaining Standard Grade Mathematics and English

1996-97

1,861

190 (10%)

200 (11%)

239 (13%)

1997-98

1,912

143 (7%)

137 (7%)

180 (9%)

1998-99

1,939

118 (6%)

106 (5%)

150 (8%)

Note: Data relating to 1999-2000 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158541,"EventID":"S1W-21955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its review of the social economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its review of the social economy.","AnswerText":"The Social Economy Review has been conducted by Mr Stephen Maxwell, on secondment to the Executive for this purpose from the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations. Mr Maxwell is currently finalising his report which will be published once his work is complete. Once we have seen and studied the final version of the report and its conclusions, my colleagues and I, in consultation with interested parties, will wish to determine what actions are required to encourage the further development of the social economy in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158542,"EventID":"S1W-21956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions were reached following its review of the social economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions were reached following its review of the social economy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21955.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158543,"EventID":"S1W-21957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions will be taken to implement any recommendations arising from the review of the social economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions will be taken to implement any recommendations arising from the review of the social economy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21955.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158544,"EventID":"S1W-21958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the next phase of the voluntary sector funding review will be and when it will commence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the next phase of the voluntary sector funding review will be and when it will commence.","AnswerText":"The current review of funding for the voluntary sector is looking at the Executive's own grant-making procedures, with a view to developing a co-ordinated Executive funding strategy for the voluntary sector.

The next stage will be a wider, strategic funding review. As well as looking at the wider issues identified in the direct funding consultation paper, it will look at how the Executive's indirect funding meets the needs of the sector and whether it is possible for all the indirect funders to work together to ensure that they are operating in a way that meets their own needs and those of the sector.

We expect the wider review to commence in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158545,"EventID":"S1W-21959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted COSLA, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and charitable trusts in considering the content of the next phase of the voluntary secto","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted COSLA, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and charitable trusts in considering the content of the next phase of the voluntary sector funding review.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has consulted with COSLA, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and a number of charitable trusts in considering the content of the next phase of the voluntary sector funding review.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158546,"EventID":"S1W-21960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues have been identified for consideration in the next phase of the voluntary sector funding review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues have been identified for consideration in the next phase of the voluntary sector funding review.","AnswerText":"The review of the Scottish Executive's direct funding of the voluntary sector invited consultation respondents to suggest topics for a wider strategic review. The responses received supported the issues identified in the consultation paper, namely:

any gaps in coverage of Scottish Executive support for the voluntary sector, for example at the intermediate level;

indirect funding, especially how it is prioritised, allocated and accounted for;

the development of systems to provide/promote loans, trading, earned income and asset transfer as a supplement to providing grant aid;

issues arising out of relationships between Scottish, UK and international voluntary organisations and the Executive; and

the assistance the sector might need in developing manageable \"exit strategies\" for when funding is coming to an end.

No further issues were identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158547,"EventID":"S1W-21961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Ofgem about the removal of price controls on electricity and pre-payment tariffs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Ofgem about the removal of price controls on electricity and pre-payment tariffs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Ofgem on a wide range of issues, including the regulation of electricity supply prices.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158548,"EventID":"S1W-21962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on its fuel poverty strategy of any price differential of electricity supplied to (a) domestic consumers and (b) non-domestic co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on its fuel poverty strategy of any price differential of electricity supplied to (a) domestic consumers and (b) non-domestic consumers compared with the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"No such assessment has been made, but I have asked the Fuel Poverty Working Group to examine the matter as part of the consideration of the Fuel Poverty Statement that Scottish ministers are required to make under section 88 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158549,"EventID":"S1W-21964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on the outcome of the consultation on the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park draft designation order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report on the outcome of the consultation on the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park draft designation order.","AnswerText":"We hope to lay a draft Designation Order for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and the associated Elections Order, before the Scottish Parliament, in the very near future. As required by section 6(6) of the National Parks (Scotland) Act the Designation Order will be accompanied by a statement summarising the Executive's consultation, responses received and changes to the order, if any.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158550,"EventID":"S1W-21965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report of the Homelessness Task Force will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report of the Homelessness Task Force will be published.","AnswerText":"The Homelessness Task Force is currently finalising its report and recommendations, which I expect to be published before the end of February.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158551,"EventID":"S1W-21966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sites are currently in use, or have been identified for future use, as repositories for nuclear waste and what the source of the nuclear waste was, or will be, for e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sites are currently in use, or have been identified for future use, as repositories for nuclear waste and what the source of the nuclear waste was, or will be, for each site.","AnswerText":"The latest information on the amount, location and source of radioactive waste presently stored in the UK and predicted to arise in future is contained on the CD-ROM 1998 United Kingdom Radioactive Waste Inventory, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 8385). The Inventory does not include information on past disposal of waste. Dounreay has operated disposal facilities for low and intermediate level waste which has arisen as a result of past activity on the site. The intermediate level waste disposal facility, the so-called \"Dounreay shaft\", has not been used since 1977. Details of the waste to be recovered from it are included in the Inventory as it is proposed that it will be removed from the shaft.

The consultation document Managing Radioactive Waste Safely began the process to develop a long-term policy for the management of solid radioactive waste in the UK. Future stages of this process will consider options for the storage and disposal of radioactive waste. This is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 16146).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158552,"EventID":"S1W-21967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16250 by Rhona Brankin on 27 June 2001, whether any sites for the repository of nuclear waste material from decommissioned nuclear ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16250 by Rhona Brankin on 27 June 2001, whether any sites for the repository of nuclear waste material from decommissioned nuclear submarines have now been selected.","AnswerText":"No sites have been selected. I understand that in its announcement on the publication of the final report of the Project ISOLUS Front End Consultation, the Ministry of Defence stated it will not be until industry comes forward with proposals that potential sites will begin to emerge.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158553,"EventID":"S1W-21968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the administration of its central heating programme will cost in total.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the administration of its central heating programme will cost in total.","AnswerText":"The programme is administered by local authorities and housing associations for their own houses as part of the day to day administration of their stock. The amount of fees payable to Eaga for administering the programme in the private sector will depend on the number of systems installed, which in turn depends on the number of eligible households coming forward. It is therefore not possible at present to estimate the total cost, but fees for work in each dwelling will represent less than 7% of the average grant.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158554,"EventID":"S1W-21969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list bids whose applications for funding to (a) the Public Transport Fund and (b) the Integrated Transport Fund were refused.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list bids whose applications for funding to (a) the Public Transport Fund and (b) the Integrated Transport Fund were refused.","AnswerText":"The following local authority bids were not awarded funding from Round 4 of the Public Transport Fund:

East Renfrewshire Council - A77 Fenwick Road Giffnock Reconfiguration.

Renfrewshire Council - Paisley Town Centre Quality Bus project and Paisley Interchange study.

Argyll & Bute Council - Lismore and Luing Ferry Services project development work.

East Renfrewshire Council - Transportation Study for Glasgow Southern Circumferential Route.

Orkney Islands - Public Transport Interchange project.

Perth & Kinross Council - Interchange and cycle measures study

South Ayrshire - Multi-modal travel study.

Highland Council - Great Glen Transport Axis and Inverness City Centre Improvements Study.

Aberdeen City Council - Urban Realm study.

East Dunbartonshire Council- Integrated Community Access Plans study

Fife Council - Forth Bridgehead Transportation study

North Lanarkshire Council - Safer Routes to School project and Quality Bus Corridors Study

West Lothian Council - Airdrie Bathgate Railway Line reopening study

WESTRANS - park and ride strategy for West of Scotland development

There is no bidding process for the Integrated Transport Fund (ITF). ITF funds are allocated at the discretion of ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158555,"EventID":"S1W-21970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21018 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 January 2002, what the eligibility criteria are for the Public Transport Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21018 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 January 2002, what the eligibility criteria are for the Public Transport Fund.","AnswerText":"The eligibility criteria for the Public Transport Fund are set out in circular DD3/2001 inviting bids. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18647).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158556,"EventID":"S1W-21971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how may general medical practitioners in Lothian have closed their patient lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how may general medical practitioners in Lothian have closed their patient lists.","AnswerText":"Nine practices in the area of Lothian NHS Board have indicated that they are not currently accepting new patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158557,"EventID":"S1W-21972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many general dental practitioners in Lothian have closed their patient lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many general dental practitioners in Lothian have closed their patient lists.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. As independent contractors dentists can choose whether to treat individual patients, and some will only treat adult fee-paying patients privately.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158558,"EventID":"S1W-21973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the target waiting time is for patients who have been referred to a hospital to receive information regarding their status on the waiting list.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the target waiting time is for patients who have been referred to a hospital to receive information regarding their status on the waiting list.","AnswerText":"There is no national target waiting time for patients referred to hospital to receive details of their appointment with a consultant.

The Electronic Clinical Communications Implementation Programme, which is currently being piloted, will support electronic booking of hospital appointments. This will enable patients, where appropriate, to receive details of their hospital outpatient appointment before leaving the GP surgery.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158559,"EventID":"S1W-21974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses in (a) South Lanarkshire and (b) the Clydesdale constituency receive their water supply through lead pipes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses in (a) South Lanarkshire and (b) the Clydesdale constituency receive their water supply through lead pipes.","AnswerText":"There are no lead pipes in the distribution network for public water supplies. Service connections to individual houses were typically made using lead pipe until the early 1960s. The use of lead pipe for plumbing services within houses declined during the 1950s as better materials became available. There are no detailed records of lead in the Scottish housing stock.

The new Drinking Water Directive sets new tighter standards for lead in drinking water from the beginning of 2004. In preparation for the introduction of the new standard, the water authorities are conducting surveys to reveal the prevalence of lead pipes.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158560,"EventID":"S1W-21975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to replace the remaining lead piping which distributes water supplies in Clydesdale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to replace the remaining lead piping which distributes water supplies in Clydesdale.","AnswerText":"There are a number of measures planned to deal with lead water supply pipes throughout Scotland. These were published in my Quality and Standards paper (August 2001) (Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. number 15676) and The Water Supply (Water Quality)(Scotland) Regulations 2001.

In summary these measures include:

Water treatment to reduce the uptake of lead.

Opportunistic renewal of any lead service connection pipes belonging to the water authority found during mains repair or renewal.

Notification and advice to householders about how to reduce their exposure to lead e.g. by flushing.

Advice to house owners on the measures they can take e.g. replace the pipes.

I shall be consulting shortly on proposed regulations to deal with drinking water quality in public buildings such as schools, hospitals and restaurants. This will further address the issue of lead piping.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158561,"EventID":"S1W-21976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met each of the water authorities to discuss charitable reliefs and what the outcome was of any such discussions. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met each of the water authorities to discuss charitable reliefs and what the outcome was of any such discussions. ","AnswerText":"The Executive announced a scheme to exempt certain premises from water and sewerage charges on 15 January 2002. In the period leading up to that announcement, the Executive discussed charitable reliefs with the water authorities on a number of separate occasions.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158562,"EventID":"S1W-21977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21023 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 January 2002, what discussions have taken place with the appropriate legal authorities concerning the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21023 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 January 2002, what discussions have taken place with the appropriate legal authorities concerning the appointment of suitably qualified women lawyers to the positions of (a) sheriff and (b) Judge of the Supreme Court.","AnswerText":"None. It will be for the independent Judicial Appointments Board to consider ways of encouraging more applications for judicial appointments from women and other under-represented groups. The board membership is being recruited now and I expect it to be operational shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158563,"EventID":"S1W-21978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20074 by Allan Wilson on 7 January 2002, what recent applications have been received from Renfrewshire Council concerning the imple","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20074 by Allan Wilson on 7 January 2002, what recent applications have been received from Renfrewshire Council concerning the implementation of flood prevention measures.","AnswerText":"No further approaches have been made by Renfrewshire Council to the Scottish Executive in connection with flood prevention measures, since the answer given to question S1W-20074 on 7 January 2002.

However, I am fully aware of the concerns regarding flood risk in Renfrewshire and the Council's considerable efforts and plans to reduce flood risk in its area.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158564,"EventID":"S1W-21979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) Fife Council and (b) Clackmannanshire Council have spent on arts and cultural services, expressed in monetary and per capita terms, in each of the last four ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) Fife Council and (b) Clackmannanshire Council have spent on arts and cultural services, expressed in monetary and per capita terms, in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"Figures for arts and culture are not identified separately in reports to the Executive. The figures reported for the sport, arts and culture sector are as follows:

Clackmannanshire

Fife

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Libraries

960

896

965

1,059

5,354

5,162

5,592

5,763

Museums & Galleries

47

45

52

65

867

863

The purpose of the Rural Challenge Fund is to provide funding to not-for-profit organisations that are taking forward projects to support people who live and work in rural communities. For example, under the RCF a machinery ring co-operative would be eligible to apply for funding to establish a project that helps local people to take advantage of local employment opportunities. The department provides grant aid to the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd. (SAOS) which in turn provides advice and support to those machinery rings which are members of their organisation. In addition Lantra, the land based National Training Organisation, is currently in negotiations with SAOS with a view to organising a joint event to raise the profile of machinery rings, and encourage and promote co-operation with farmers.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158567,"EventID":"S1W-21982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of every individual allocation of money it has made to Stirling Council in this financial year and for what purpose each such allocation was","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of every individual allocation of money it has made to Stirling Council in this financial year and for what purpose each such allocation was made.","AnswerText":"Details can be found in the document Allocations of Central Government Grant to Local Authorities 2001-02, a copy of which is held in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19464).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158568,"EventID":"S1W-21983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of every individual allocation of money it has made to Clackmannanshire Council in this financial year and for what purpose each such alloca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of every individual allocation of money it has made to Clackmannanshire Council in this financial year and for what purpose each such allocation was made.","AnswerText":"Details can be found in the document Allocations of Central Government Grant to Local Authorities 2001-02, a copy of which is held in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number19464).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158569,"EventID":"S1W-21984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of every individual allocation of money it has made to Fife Council in this financial year and for what purpose each such allocation was mad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of every individual allocation of money it has made to Fife Council in this financial year and for what purpose each such allocation was made.","AnswerText":"Details can be found in the document Allocations of Central Government Grant to Local Authorities 2001-02, a copy of which is held in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19464).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158570,"EventID":"S1W-21985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publication, printing and distribution of its January 2002 report A survey of local authority provision for arts and culture, including fees p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publication, printing and distribution of its January 2002 report A survey of local authority provision for arts and culture, including fees paid to consultants Bonnar Keenlyside.","AnswerText":"The full costs of the publication were £16,182.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158571,"EventID":"S1W-21986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) actual and (b) projected health expenditure was or will be per capita in (i) each NHS health board area and (ii) Scotland in the years (1) 2000-01, (2) 2001","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) actual and (b) projected health expenditure was or will be per capita in (i) each NHS health board area and (ii) Scotland in the years (1) 2000-01, (2) 2001-02 and (3) 2002-03 and (4) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Details of actual and projected health expenditure per capita in each NHS board area for 2000-01 to 2002-03 is as follows:

Health Board

2000-01

Per Capita

Funding

(£)

2001-02

Per

Capita

Funding

(£)

2002-03

Per

Capita

Funding

(£)

Argyll and Clyde

1,008

1,075

1,091

Ayrshire and Arran

973

1,036

1,080

Borders

994

1,049

1,069

Dumfries and Galloway

1048

1,116

1,146

Fife

898

953

988

Forth Valley

936

984

997

Grampian

919

971

987

Greater Glasgow

1,076

1,156

1,190

Highland

1,009

1,101

1,137

Lanarkshire

907

988

980

Lothian

927

1,003

996

Orkney

1,214

1,228

1,203

Shetland

1,285

1,309

1,245

Tayside

1,095

1,207

1,180

Western Isles

1,526

1,612

1,630

Notes:

1. The level of per capita funding for 2000-01 has been calculated using the mid-year estimates of population at 30 June 2000, final cash limited/unified budget and actual expenditure for demand-led Family Health Services.

2. The level of per capita funding for 2001-02 has been calculated using the mid-year estimates of population at 30 June 2000, final cash limited/unified budget and the indicative allocations for demand-led Family Health Services.

3. The level of per capita funding for 2002-03 has been calculated using the mid-year estimates of population at 30 June 2000, allocations to date for unified budgets and the indicative allocations for demand-led Family Health Services. Further allocations will be made in-year.

For 2003-04, th","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2008-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158572,"EventID":"S1W-21987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of rape were reported in 2000; how many of these led to charges being laid against the alleged perpetrators; how many led to convictions, and what the aver","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of rape were reported in 2000; how many of these led to charges being laid against the alleged perpetrators; how many led to convictions, and what the average sentence was.","AnswerText":"There were 562 crimes of rape recorded by the police in 2000. Fifty persons were proceeded against in 2000 where rape was the main offence involved, of which 27 had a charge proved. The average sentence, where a custodial sentence was given, was six and a half years.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158573,"EventID":"S1W-21988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many amendments to a bill it has undertaken to lodge at Stage 3 of the legislative process during Stages 1 and 2 of the process and how many amendments it has actuall","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many amendments to a bill it has undertaken to lodge at Stage 3 of the legislative process during Stages 1 and 2 of the process and how many amendments it has actually lodged at Stage 3 since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Information requested is not held centrally. The Parliament's website contains marshalled lists of amendments selected at Stage 3 of a bill and the Official Report records discussion of the issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158574,"EventID":"S1W-21989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received on whether Section 5.4 of its draft Guidance On The Circumstances In Which Parents May Choose To Educate Their Children At Home is in br","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received on whether Section 5.4 of its draft Guidance On The Circumstances In Which Parents May Choose To Educate Their Children At Home is in breach of the Data Protection Act 1998.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive solicitors were consulted during the preparation of the draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home, which has been issued for consultation until 29 March 2002. In fulfilling their duties, authorities must comply with the requirements of data protection legislation. The terms of paragraph 5.4 are not intended to suggest otherwise, and will be given further consideration before final guidance is issued.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158575,"EventID":"S1W-21990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the abandonment of the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit (CERT) scheme has increased the commercial viability of the proposed railway station at Edinburgh Airport ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the abandonment of the City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit (CERT) scheme has increased the commercial viability of the proposed railway station at Edinburgh Airport and whether its policy on the proposed station been reassessed following the abandonment of CERT.","AnswerText":"Sinclair Knight Merz have been commissioned to undertake a detailed financial and engineering study into rail links to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. They are aware of the abandonment of City of Edinburgh Rapid Transit (CERT) in favour of the West Edinburgh Busways project. It is too early to say what the outcome of the study will be, and how the abandonment of CERT might affect it.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158576,"EventID":"S1W-21991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to continue its discussions with Her Majesty's Government and other interested parties in regard to the proposed railway station at Edinburgh Airport, sh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to continue its discussions with Her Majesty's Government and other interested parties in regard to the proposed railway station at Edinburgh Airport, should its commercial viability be established.","AnswerText":"The Executive intends to continue its discussions with all stakeholders about a proposed rail link to Edinburgh Airport.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158577,"EventID":"S1W-21992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of direct grants from the Scottish Office to the voluntary sector was in 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of direct grants from the Scottish Office to the voluntary sector was in 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The level of direct grants from the Scottish Office to the voluntary sector in 1998-1999 was around £23 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158578,"EventID":"S1W-21993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to exempt officials of the Parliament from jury duty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to exempt officials of the Parliament from jury duty.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to make the Parliament's officials ineligible for, or give them an automatic right of excusal from, jury service. Like all those cited for jury service, officials of the Parliament may apply to the clerk of court to be excused and the clerk may excuse them if there is good reason to do so. The judge may also excuse a juror.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158579,"EventID":"S1W-21994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on devolved matters of the outcome of the Laeken European Council of December 2001 and, in particular, the Laeken Declaration on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact on devolved matters of the outcome of the Laeken European Council of December 2001 and, in particular, the Laeken Declaration on the future of the European Union.","AnswerText":"As a matter of course, policy divisions within the Scottish Executive assess the implications for devolved matters of the outcomes of all EU summits. The Executive very much welcomes the declaration on the Future of Europe which maps out the process for the next stage of the debate. Building a more efficient EU which focuses on the issues concerning ordinary people and starts to close the gap between EU Institutions and European citizens is of great importance to Scotland and that is why the Scottish Executive will continue to contribute to this debate.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158580,"EventID":"S1W-21995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it will make to the Convention on the Future of Europe announced in the Laeken Declaration on the future of the European Union.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it will make to the Convention on the Future of Europe announced in the Laeken Declaration on the future of the European Union.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive considers it very important that Scotland should contribute to EU thinking on major issues such as the Future of Europe debate and believes that Scotland and legislative regions can play an important part in helping to address the acknowledged gap which exists between individual citizens and the EU institutions. The Executive will therefore pursue all the avenues open to it to feed Scottish views into the work of the convention.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158581,"EventID":"S1W-21996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to my letter of 4 October 2001 regarding returners to the nursing profession.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to my letter of 4 October 2001 regarding returners to the nursing profession.","AnswerText":"My office has advised that the records show a response to the member's letter was issued on 24 October 2001.

I have issued a further response to the member, updating him on the issues regarding nurses wishing to return to practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158582,"EventID":"S1W-21997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to my letter of 21 November 2001 regarding the multiple sclerosis Fair Treatment campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to my letter of 21 November 2001 regarding the multiple sclerosis Fair Treatment campaign.","AnswerText":"A reply to this letter was issued on 22 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158583,"EventID":"S1W-21998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of junior doctor training posts complied with the average 56-hour weekly duty limit in each year since 1991, broken down by (a) NHS and healt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of junior doctor training posts complied with the average 56-hour weekly duty limit in each year since 1991, broken down by (a) NHS and health board and (b) NHS trust.","AnswerText":"Comprehensive information on compliance with junior doctor hour's limits is not available prior to 1999 and does not reflect the current configuration of NHS Scotland (NHSS) Trusts or the current New Deal contract for junior doctors. The New Contract for junior doctors phases in compliance with New Deal hour's limits over a three-year period according to grade. Compliance for Pre Registration House Officers (PRHO) was made obligatory from 1 August 2001. Senior House Officers (SHO) and Specialist Registrars (SpR) are to be compliant from 1 August 2003.

The following table shows the current configuration of NHSS Trusts (column A); and the number and percentage of compliant junior doctor posts declared by trusts for the period 1999-2001 (column B). These figures include the SHO and SpR grades for which New Deal compliance is not yet mandatory. Column C shows the % compliance of PRHO grades over the same period.

The New Deal Implementation Support Group (ISG) was established by the Minister for Health and Community Care in September 1999 as a partnership arrangement between the Scottish Executive Health Department and the Scottish Junior Doctor Committee (SJDC) of the BMA. The group's remit is to work with NHSS trusts in identifying appropriate measures at local level to secure compliance with the New Deal.

The work of the ISG has concentrated on obtaining increasingly accurate data on New Deal compliance by NHSS Trusts. These efforts are reflected in the levels of compliance recorded since 1999. NHSS Trusts, the Scottish Executive Health Department and the BMA all agree that current data on compliance is an accurate reflection of those posts that meet New Deal limits both on hours of work and rest.

A

B

C

Trust

All Grade Compliance

PRHO

1999

2000

2001

1999

2000

2001

No

%

No

%

No

%

%

%

%

Argyll & Clyde Acute

133

The preparatory work will be completed by late spring and will feed into work on the development of the new Index of Deprivation, which will be completed in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158585,"EventID":"S1W-22000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in addressing the findings of the report by the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working Group, Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural Scotland and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in addressing the findings of the report by the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working Group, Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural Scotland and what action plan and timetable have been drawn up against which progress can be monitored.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Social Justice and I are currently taking forward work in response to the issues raised in the report of the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working Group, Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural Scotland. This will include engaging with external bodies that have a role in progressing some of the report's recommendations.

We are also taking action to ensure, where appropriate, that we can disaggregate all the Social Justice Milestones on a rural/urban basis - providing proxy measures where this is not currently possible - and that rural issues are taken into account within the new Index of Deprivation that is being developed as part of the Neighbourhood Statistics Strategy. Progress will be reported on in the Executive's Social Justice Annual Report.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158586,"EventID":"S1W-22001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent rural benchmarking is taking place in respect of the 29 social justice milestones as referred to in the report by the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent rural benchmarking is taking place in respect of the 29 social justice milestones as referred to in the report by the Rural Poverty and Inclusion Working Group, Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural Scotland.","AnswerText":"Where data was readily available, analysis in the 2001 Social Justice Annual Report contained a rural/urban breakdown against the milestones. Work on rural benchmarking of the other social justice milestones is currently being carried out in-house within the Scottish Executive. Consultation is under way both within the Executive and with external dataholders to investigate the provision of proxy measures against the milestones for rural Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158587,"EventID":"S1W-22002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish an organisation to undertake work similar to that carried out by Rural Forum and, if so, what progress has been made in determining how such","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to establish an organisation to undertake work similar to that carried out by Rural Forum and, if so, what progress has been made in determining how such an organisation will be set up and what its functions will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, together with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Homes and COSLA, commissioned EKOS Limited to investigate the mechanisms which exist or are required to support rural communities. The report of this study was received in the summer of 2001, and has been passed to the Scottish National Rural Partnership for further consideration and advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158588,"EventID":"S1W-22003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the Rural Parliament which exists in Sweden and whether it plans to establish a Rural Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the Rural Parliament which exists in Sweden and whether it plans to establish a Rural Parliament.","AnswerText":"We are aware of the Rural Parliament which exists in Sweden, and will consider carefully any lessons of relevance to rural Scotland. However, we have no plans to establish a Rural Parliament here in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158589,"EventID":"S1W-22004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to implement the recommendations of the report prepared by the University of Aberdeen, Pre-School Education Provision in Rural Areas and, in part","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to implement the recommendations of the report prepared by the University of Aberdeen, Pre-School Education Provision in Rural Areas and, in particular, to address any gap between the number of eligible pre-school children and the provision of places in remote areas and any difficulties of access in intermediate areas, together with the level of costs involved, and to provide additional funding for the provision of pre-school provision in remote and intermediate areas.","AnswerText":"The findings of the report are based on data collected between October 1998 and June 1999. Since then, the number of three- and four-year-olds attending part-funded pre-school education has risen significantly across Scotland. All four-year-olds now have access to a funded part-time pre-school place, and we expect that all three-year-olds will have access to a place by April 2002.

From April 2002, all local authorities will be placed under a duty to provide a free part-time pre-school education place to all three- and four-year-olds whose parents want one. To take account of the additional cost of pre-school provision in rural areas, the pre-school education grant, which from April 2002 will be re-integrated into the local government settlement, includes a rural weighting. For 2002-03, this rural weighting will be worth £6.4 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158590,"EventID":"S1W-22005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20313 on 17 December 2001 by Mr Jim Wallace, when it will announce the date of publication of the Scottish Prison Service Estates R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20313 on 17 December 2001 by Mr Jim Wallace, when it will announce the date of publication of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"Publication will coincide with the start of the consultation process, likely to commence within the next couple of months.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158591,"EventID":"S1W-22006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what areas have been identified as being in need of further examination following the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland, Second Year Revie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what areas have been identified as being in need of further examination following the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland, Second Year Review of Scottish Criminal Record Office Primary Inspection of 2000.","AnswerText":"This report highlighted the commitment demonstrated by Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) to continuous improvement. The primary report made 17 recommendations as well as five suggestions for improvement in a variety of areas. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMIC) found that six of the recommendations and three of the suggestions had been fully discharged. HMIC will, however, look for evidence of further development and improvement at the 3rd year review in the following areas:

the arrangements for the annual performance review of senior staff;

the consideration of the Director of SCRO's scheme of delegation as part of the repositioning of SCRO within a new common police services agreement;

the development of outcome performance measures for each of the bureaux within SCRO;

the development of an absence management policy, and

the establishment of a service level agreement between SCRO and Strathclyde Joint Police Board detailing services and costs.

There are also five recommendations related to finance and the financial procedures within SCRO which are being taken forward in conjunction with the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158592,"EventID":"S1W-22007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there was an overspend on the Individual Learning Accounts scheme and, if so, what amount was involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there was an overspend on the Individual Learning Accounts scheme and, if so, what amount was involved.","AnswerText":"The final costs of the scheme for the current year are not yet known but as part of the normal budget monitoring process the department has been advised by the Enterprise Networks of the possibility of an overspend. As a result, the department has made available further provision of up to £3 million to meet that eventuality.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158593,"EventID":"S1W-22008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its action plan on alcohol misuse, announced in the debate on alcohol misuse of 7 December 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its action plan on alcohol misuse, announced in the debate on alcohol misuse of 7 December 2000.","AnswerText":"Our Plan for Action on alcohol problems is published today. The plan sets out a powerful package of national and local measures for a range of organisations and individuals to reduce alcohol-related harm in Scotland. Action proposed covers changing some of the cultures surrounding drinking, prevention and education, support and treatment services for people with alcohol problems and protection of individuals and the wider community.

The success of the plan will depend upon partnership working. Our aims are ambitious, and it will take time to see changes. However, the Executive believes the Plan for Action offers an important opportunity to reverse the current worrying trends in alcohol problems in Scotland. We will review progress in delivering the plan by the end of 2003.

Copies of the plan have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18608) and it is also being published on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158594,"EventID":"S1W-22009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations made in the report by the Accounts Commission for Scotland, Full House - Theatre Utilisation in Scottish Hospitals, have been implemented in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations made in the report by the Accounts Commission for Scotland, Full House - Theatre Utilisation in Scottish Hospitals, have been implemented in full and what measures have been or will be put in place to ensure greater utilisation of hospital theatres.","AnswerText":"The Accounts Commission report Full House - Theatre Utilisation in Scottish Hospitals, which was published in June 1999, highlighted that hospitals were generally performing well in the delivery of services, but that there were variations in how well hospitals and surgical specialties used operating theatre time. The report made a number of recommendations for actions to maximise the use of NHSScotland theatre times.

Theatre utilisation has an impact on waiting times experienced by NHSScotland patients. The Scottish Executive has made reducing waiting, particularly in the clinical priority areas of cancer and heart disease, a key priority for NHSScotland. NHS trusts are responsible for making plans and taking actions, including organising theatre capacity and availability, to achieve waiting times targets. Waiting times performance is monitored by the Health Department and NHS boards and trusts are held to account for their performance.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158595,"EventID":"S1W-22010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proposed date is for work to start on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link and when it will become operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proposed date is for work to start on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link and when it will become operational.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is keen to see the Larkhall-Milngavie project taken forward. That is why we have continued to support Strathclyde Passenger Transport, following Railtrack's announcement that it was withdrawing its support last December, to try and identify practical ways to keep this scheme moving forward.

There are a number of complex technical and legal matters to consider before work can start on the rail link. We are continuing to press both Railtrack and the Strategic Rail Authority to take this project forward. The outcome of the various discussions will determine the way that the project will be managed and a possible timetable for delivering the rail link.

The provisions of the British Railways (No. 3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 remain in force until amended or repealed.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158596,"EventID":"S1W-22011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it issues any guidance to local authorities concerning payment of councillors' allowances and expenses in advance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it issues any guidance to local authorities concerning payment of councillors' allowances and expenses in advance.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required to set up and administer schemes for payment of allowances to council members. There is general guidance on the payment of allowances but no specific guidance has been issued on the payment of allowances and expenses in advance.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158597,"EventID":"S1W-22012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first received representations from individuals alleging that Individual Learning Account providers had claimed incentives without individuals' knowledge. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first received representations from individuals alleging that Individual Learning Account providers had claimed incentives without individuals' knowledge. ","AnswerText":"We first received such representations on 8 August 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158598,"EventID":"S1W-22013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any financial interest on the part of East Lothian Council in the planning application before the council for developments in the area of Aberlady ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any financial interest on the part of East Lothian Council in the planning application before the council for developments in the area of Aberlady Bay and whether it will call in any application in respect of Aberlady Bay should it become aware of any financial interest in the application on the part of the council.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any financial interest by East Lothian Council although it would be possible for the council to enter into an agreement with the developer for the provision of certain infrastructure associated with the development. This is standard practice where infrastructure improvements are required to support the development.

The circumstances in which councils are required to notify a planning application to the Scottish ministers are given in SODD Circular 4/97, Notification of Planning Applications. These include any development in which the council has a financial or land interest where the proposal does not accord with the development plan or where there has been a substantial body of objection. It is for the council to consider the terms of any notification direction and to act accordingly. If the application is notified to the Scottish ministers, any decision to call it in will be based on a thorough assessment of the planning issues involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158599,"EventID":"S1W-22014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to ensure that local authorities fulfil their obligations set out in SODD circular 4/1997, Notification of Planning Applications, to notify it abou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to ensure that local authorities fulfil their obligations set out in SODD circular 4/1997, Notification of Planning Applications, to notify it about certain applications and, in particular, any in which the council has a financial interest.","AnswerText":"It is for the planning authority to consider the terms of any direction requiring the notification of a particular planning application, or category of planning applications, to the Scottish ministers and to act accordingly. Where a planning authority failed to comply with such a direction, and issued planning permission, it could be leaving itself open to, for example, an application to the courts for judicial review of the planning decision, or possibly a complaint to the Ombudsman on the grounds of maladministration.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158600,"EventID":"S1W-22015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a local authority may make planning decisions on the basis of a local plan which is subject to legal challenge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a local authority may make planning decisions on the basis of a local plan which is subject to legal challenge.","AnswerText":"An application to the Court of Session challenging a local plan may seek an interim order suspending such local plan either wholly or in part or generally or in relation to specific property owned by the applicant. If such an order were granted by the court it would have the effect of suspending the local plan to the extent set out in the order, and to that extent the planning authority would not be in a position to take the local plan or the relevant part of it into account in making a planning decision.

Otherwise, it would be a matter for the planning authority to consider in the individual circumstances of each case whether or not it would be appropriate to make a planning decision taking into account a particular local plan in circumstances where although the local plan has been the subject of a court challenge, as yet undetermined, it has not actually been suspended.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158601,"EventID":"S1W-22016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce targets for recycling waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce targets for recycling waste.","AnswerText":"The introduction of recycling targets will be informed by the findings of the Area Waste Plans currently being developed as part of the National Waste Strategy. This will ensure that the Best Practicable Environmental Option for dealing with waste in each area has been taken into account before targets are established.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158602,"EventID":"S1W-22017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding will be made available at the end of the current three year period to support the implementation of Area Waste Plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding will be made available at the end of the current three year period to support the implementation of Area Waste Plans.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for future Spending Reviews.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158603,"EventID":"S1W-22018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect Railtrack pulling out of the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link will have on the competency of the British Railways (No. 3) Order Confirmation Act 1994.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect Railtrack pulling out of the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link will have on the competency of the British Railways (No. 3) Order Confirmation Act 1994.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22010.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158604,"EventID":"S1W-22019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21310 by Lewis Macdonald on 16 January 2002, why there has been a delay in the Order in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21310 by Lewis Macdonald on 16 January 2002, why there has been a delay in the Order in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 to transfer legislative competence to the Parliament in respect of the promotion and construction of railways being laid and brought into force.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Scottish Executive and from the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions have been working steadily through the details of implementing the McLeish settlement since devolution. Orders implementing previous parts of it have been agreed by both Parliaments. This order constitutes the final step and I expect it to be made in the first half of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158605,"EventID":"S1W-22020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the powers under the British Railways (No. 3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 can and will be transferred to Strathclyde Passenger Transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the powers under the British Railways (No. 3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 can and will be transferred to Strathclyde Passenger Transport.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22010.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158606,"EventID":"S1W-22021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it has held with (a) the Sounding Board, (b) the Academic Panel and (c) any other public bodies in respect of its Review of Scotland's Cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it has held with (a) the Sounding Board, (b) the Academic Panel and (c) any other public bodies in respect of its Review of Scotland's Cities.","AnswerText":"During our review of Scotland's cities we have met (a) three times with the Sounding Board, (b) twice with the Academic Panel and (c) approximately 75 times with other public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158607,"EventID":"S1W-22022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17829 by Angus MacKay on 26 September 2001, whether the membership of (a) the Sounding Board and (b) the Academic Panel has changed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17829 by Angus MacKay on 26 September 2001, whether the membership of (a) the Sounding Board and (b) the Academic Panel has changed and, if so, whether it will give details of the current membership in each case.","AnswerText":"The membership of the Sounding Board and Academic Panel remains as reported in the answer given to question S1W-17829 on 30 August 2001, with the exception of Susan Dalgetty (who has withdrawn from the Sounding Board on taking up an appointment with the Scottish Executive) and Oonagh Aitken (who has been replaced by Albert Tait following her resignation as Chief Executive of COSLA and pending the appointment of a permanent replacement).

Given that both bodies had been up and running for some months, it was decided that rather than add to their membership at this late stage, the views of other experts would instead be sought through bilateral contacts, city visits and the seminar programme as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158608,"EventID":"S1W-22023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Social Inclusion Partnership projects operating in Glasgow have attracted funding from external agencies in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Social Inclusion Partnership projects operating in Glasgow have attracted funding from external agencies in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Four hundred and thirty Social Inclusion Partnership projects attracted funding from external sources from April 1999 to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158609,"EventID":"S1W-22024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Social Inclusion Partnership projects operating in Glasgow were closed down in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Social Inclusion Partnership projects operating in Glasgow were closed down in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"One Social Inclusion Partnership project in Glasgow was closed down early from April 1999 to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158610,"EventID":"S1W-22025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) individuals and (b) groups have been invited to give evidence to, or otherwise participate in, any meetings it has held about its Review of Scotland's Cities wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) individuals and (b) groups have been invited to give evidence to, or otherwise participate in, any meetings it has held about its Review of Scotland's Cities with (i) the Sounding Board, (ii) the Academic Panel and (iii) any other public bodies. ","AnswerText":"Over 225 organisations and individuals from the public, private and voluntary sectors have contributed their views and evidence to the review through a variety of meetings, visits or seminars held as part of the first phase of the review.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158611,"EventID":"S1W-22026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with its Review of Scotland's Cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with its Review of Scotland's Cities.","AnswerText":"The explanatory, evidence gathering, phase of the review was concluded in December 2001. This has involved ministers and the review team visiting each of the five cities, two seminars on the \"working city\" and the \"living city\" and a range of bilateral meetings with public, private and voluntary sector bodies across Scotland.

We are now beginning more focused work on the key issues identified in the first phase.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158612,"EventID":"S1W-22027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the result of its Review of Scotland's Cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the result of its Review of Scotland's Cities.","AnswerText":"I expect the review to conclude in the spring of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158613,"EventID":"S1W-22028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to grant franchises for the management of poorly performing hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to grant franchises for the management of poorly performing hospitals.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to grant franchises for the management of poorly performing NHS hospitals in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158614,"EventID":"S1W-22029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce Foundation Hospitals with autonomous decision-making and management similar to those announced by the Secretary of State for Health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce Foundation Hospitals with autonomous decision-making and management similar to those announced by the Secretary of State for Health.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to introduce Foundation Hospitals with autonomous decision-making and management into the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158615,"EventID":"S1W-22030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce and publish a star rating system for NHS hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce and publish a star rating system for NHS hospitals.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to introduce a star rating system for NHS hospitals in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158616,"EventID":"S1W-22031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are (a) known to be suffering from hepatitis C and officially recorded as such and (b) estimated to be suffering from hepatitis C but not officially recor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are (a) known to be suffering from hepatitis C and officially recorded as such and (b) estimated to be suffering from hepatitis C but not officially recorded as such.","AnswerText":"Figures published by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) confirm that to end June 2000, there were 10,929 laboratory confirmed cases of hepatitis C in Scotland. The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme Report, published in August 2000, estimated that 35,000 people in Scotland are infected with the hepatitis C virus.

Figures showing confirmed cases of hepatitis C infection to June 2001 are to be published by SCIEH next month.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158617,"EventID":"S1W-22032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date figures are for recorded incidence of dental fluorosis in (a) fluoridated and (b) non-fluoridated areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date figures are for recorded incidence of dental fluorosis in (a) fluoridated and (b) non-fluoridated areas.","AnswerText":"A study of caries and fluorosis prevalence of schoolchildren in naturally fluoridated and non-fluoridated townships of Morayshire recorded incidences of dental fluorosis at (a) 7 % in fluoridated areas and (b) 3% in non-fluoridated areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158618,"EventID":"S1W-22033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes it has initiated that promote the inclusion of people with both learning difficulties and physical disabilities in the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes it has initiated that promote the inclusion of people with both learning difficulties and physical disabilities in the community.","AnswerText":"Promoting inclusion of people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities is an important part of our social justice agenda.

Policies across the whole range of Scottish Executive responsibilities are designed to tackle exclusion, by improving opportunities for education, lifelong learning and employment, and assisting people with a disability to live independently.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158619,"EventID":"S1W-22034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage local authorities to reduce local authority housing rent arrears.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage local authorities to reduce local authority housing rent arrears.","AnswerText":"In June 2000 the Accounts Commission and Scottish Homes published a report on Managing Rent Arrears, which recommended actions that should be taken by local authorities and registered social landlords to improve their management of rent arrears. In addition, the Housing (Scotland) Act introduced a single regulatory framework for local authorities and registered social landlords. This means that, in future, Communities Scotland will be assessing councils in relation to a number of performance standards including rent arrears.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158620,"EventID":"S1W-22035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage local authorities to complete the sale of local authority houses within the national target time of 26 weeks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage local authorities to complete the sale of local authority houses within the national target time of 26 weeks.","AnswerText":"Although ministers expect that council house sales should take no longer than six months to complete, there is no statutory time limit within which sales must be completed.

Local authorities are encouraged to complete sales within six months through the inclusion of this target in the list of key housing performance indicators collated and published by the Accounts Commission. Their most recent report, published on 17 January 2002, showed that the percentage of houses sold in 26 weeks or less rose from 60.2% in 1999-2000 to 64.6% in 2000-01.

In addition, the Housing (Scotland) Act introduced a single regulatory framework for local authorities and registered social landlords. This means that, in future, Communities Scotland will be assessing councils in relation to a number of performance standards, including the efficient processing of Right to Buy applications.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 allows tenants to seek a reduction in the purchase price equal to the amount of rent paid if landlords fail to process applications at particular stages within specified time limits. This is also intended to encourage landlords to process applications without unreasonable delay.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158621,"EventID":"S1W-22036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider making respiratory illness a national health priority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider making respiratory illness a national health priority.","AnswerText":"Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change set out our commitment to giving greater priority to the needs of those with chronic conditions. That commitment will of course apply to the main respiratory illnesses. Malignant respiratory diseases are covered in the Executive's cancer strategy, Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change, published in July 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158622,"EventID":"S1W-22037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its press release SE1935/2000 on 3 July 2000, what improvements to people's health the Public Health Institute for Scotland has achieved since January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its press release SE1935/2000 on 3 July 2000, what improvements to people's health the Public Health Institute for Scotland has achieved since January 2001.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Public Health Institute for Scotland (PHIS) is \"to protect and improve the health of the people of Scotland by working with relevant agencies and organisations to increase the understanding of the determinants of ill health, help formulate public health policy and increase the effectiveness of the public health endeavour\". Copies of the PHIS Work Programme were sent to all organisations involved in health improvement, both inside and outside the NHS, and to all MSPs and MPs on 4 January 2002 and is available on the PHIS website. Several significant milestones were achieved in 2001.

Profiles of every parliamentary constituency were published in March 2001, highlighting the range of factors influencing health.

In conjunction with the Scottish Executive, PHIS supported the development of the new LHCC Public Health Practitioner (PHP) posts, most of whom were in post by the end of 2001.

PHIS had a significant input into the induction programmes for the new unified NHS boards.

PHIS led a consultation exercise on the contribution of health promotion to health improvement.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158623,"EventID":"S1W-22038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets, and timescales for achieving these targets, have been set for the Public Health Institute for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets, and timescales for achieving these targets, have been set for the Public Health Institute for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), in consultation with a multi-agency group, The Public Health Function Implementation Group (PHFIG) set key aims for the Public Health Institute for Scotland (PHIS) which are:

to strengthen the public health information base, especially through developing a comprehensive database for public health;

to assemble the public health evidence base, and

to support the development of public health skills among different agencies and occupational groups and in communities.

In response to this, PHIS submitted a work programme which was approved by the CMO, CNO and PHFIG and subsequently published. This sets out the projects which they will undertake over the next two years to help achieve these aims, along with associated timescales.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158624,"EventID":"S1W-22039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Diabetes Framework will be published and what the reason is for any delay in its publication.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Diabetes Framework will be published and what the reason is for any delay in its publication.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive published the key milestones of the Scottish Diabetes Framework on World Diabetes Day - 14 November 2001 - at the same time as the clinical standards for diabetes, published by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland, and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Guideline on the management of diabetes. Publication of the full framework document is expected in March 2002. Meanwhile, good progress is being made to ensure that the targets set out in the framework will be met.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158625,"EventID":"S1W-22040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to its staff on the operation of the concordats between it and departments of Her Majesty's Government and on the operation of the Memorandum o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to its staff on the operation of the concordats between it and departments of Her Majesty's Government and on the operation of the Memorandum of Understanding between Her Majesty's Government, Scottish ministers and the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales.","AnswerText":"No specific guidance has been issued to Scottish Executive staff on the operation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government and the devolved administrations and the concordats between Scottish Executive and UK Government Departments, as these documents themselves constitute guidance to staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158626,"EventID":"S1W-22041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials within its Environment and Rural Affairs Department had responsibility in relation to the bee-keeping profession in the years (a) 2001, (b) 1995 and (c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials within its Environment and Rural Affairs Department had responsibility in relation to the bee-keeping profession in the years (a) 2001, (b) 1995 and (c) 1990.","AnswerText":"The number of officials is as follows:

2001

24

1995

22

1990

16

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158627,"EventID":"S1W-22042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy to release consultation papers during the winter holiday season.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy to release consultation papers during the winter holiday season.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive engages in consultation activity throughout the entire year, and consultation papers are released at times to meet expressed commitments, to suit the consultees and the policy timetable. Consultation periods which include the winter holiday season normally extend their duration by 7-14 days to accommodate this.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158628,"EventID":"S1W-22043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its consultation paper of 1 November 2001 on the draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children at Home was released at","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its consultation paper of 1 November 2001 on the draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children at Home was released at the end of December 2001 and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children at Home was issued on 20 December 2001, as soon as drafting and printing were complete. The consultation period on the draft guidance runs until 29 March 2002 to ensure that all parties have sufficient time to respond.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158629,"EventID":"S1W-22044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its consultation paper of 1 November 2001 on the draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children at Home was available o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its consultation paper of 1 November 2001 on the draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children at Home was available or referred to on its website at the time of publication; what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and why the paper does not state to whom or by when responses to the paper should be made.","AnswerText":"The draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children at Home was available on the Scottish Executive website on 27 December 2001. It had been mailed to key interested parties and organisations prior to this, on 20 December 2001, to ensure that those with a direct interest in the guidance received the consultation document first. A covering letter was issued with all hard copies of the draft guidance, stating to whom responses should be made, and by when. The initial version of the document posted on the Scottish Executive website did not state to whom or by when responses should be made. This was rectified on 8 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158630,"EventID":"S1W-22045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the needs of older women in relation to domestic abuse and other forms of violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the needs of older women in relation to domestic abuse and other forms of violence.","AnswerText":"No specific research has been carried out into the needs of older women in relation to domestic abuse and other forms of violence. Results from the Scottish Crime Survey 2000 suggest, however, that older women are less likely to be victims of violence. The National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland contains a recommendation about the provision of refuge, and other services, to meet the needs of women who may not currently have access to such services, including older women and it recognises that older women may have special need in accessing provision.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158631,"EventID":"S1W-22046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to establish sexual assault treatment centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to establish sexual assault treatment centres.","AnswerText":"There is a growing recognition of the needs of victims of sexual offences and every Scottish police force therefore has access to a dedicated rape suite. These facilities may be situated in police stations, hospitals or other suitable locations arranged through their local social work departments.

Work is also being taken forward by the Scottish Prison Service in prisons, and by local authorities, in the community to provide programmes to tackle sex offending behaviour. For example, initiatives such as the Fife Council community protection team Change Programme and the Tay Project are aimed at addressing the offending behaviour of adult sex offenders as part of criminal justice social work's statutory supervision of sex offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158632,"EventID":"S1W-22047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to relax the rules on the coaching of witnesses prior to court proceedings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to relax the rules on the coaching of witnesses prior to court proceedings.","AnswerText":"There are no rules preventing witnesses from being prepared for court by explaining to them what will happen and providing visits to court for young or vulnerable witnesses. Preparation of this type is often done. To coach witnesses in the sense of telling them what to say would undermine their credibility and reliability and might well amount to a criminal offence. The Executive has no intention of changing the law in this respect.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158633,"EventID":"S1W-22048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drug-assisted sexual assaults took place in the most recent year for which figures are available, broken down by the gender of the assaulted persons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drug-assisted sexual assaults took place in the most recent year for which figures are available, broken down by the gender of the assaulted persons.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158634,"EventID":"S1W-22049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for male victims of rape.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for male victims of rape.","AnswerText":"Two projects are funded by the Executive specifically to support survivors of sexual abuse, including male as well as female rape victims. A number of other projects with a broader remit will also provide support to male rape victims. In addition, the Executive commissioned research in this area which is published in the report, The Experience of Violence and Harassment of Gay Men in the City of Edinburgh. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 5154).

In terms of the support provided within the criminal justice system, criminal justice agencies have a shared commitment, enshrined in the Scottish Strategy for Victims, to ensure that all victims, regardless of their gender, are able to access support, assistance and information at all stages in the criminal justice process.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158635,"EventID":"S1W-22050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to highlight drug-assisted assaults and the measures that can be taken to prevent them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to highlight drug-assisted assaults and the measures that can be taken to prevent them.","AnswerText":"The Executive awaits the outcome of a strategic assessment on the wider issue of drug-related sexual assault, which is being carried out by a working group led by the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency.

In addition, the Home Office is currently considering whether Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate, linked to alleged \"date rape\" cases, should be brought within the controls of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which would bring about criminal penalties for possession and supply.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158636,"EventID":"S1W-22051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods are available to the police to screen for drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods are available to the police to screen for drugs.","AnswerText":"Scottish police forces do not routinely screen arrestees for drugs.

However, in relation to driving offences, drug recognition techniques and field impairment testing were introduced by Scottish forces in June 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158637,"EventID":"S1W-22052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve access for pensioners to information about older people's groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve access for pensioners to information about older people's groups.","AnswerText":"The Executive is keen to improve information about matters which may affect older people or be of interest to them. An older people's newsletter was launched in October 2001 and a website is planned.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158638,"EventID":"S1W-22053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting up a database listing all older people's groups which could be accessed by pensioners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting up a database listing all older people's groups which could be accessed by pensioners.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to set up such a database.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158639,"EventID":"S1W-22054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Healthy Living Centres have been established since January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Healthy Living Centres have been established since January 2001.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to say that 24 successful Healthy Living Centres worth £14.5 million have been announced by the New Opportunities Fund and we expect to see a steady stream of further awards until the end of the assessment period in September 2002. I am also pleased to add that this includes an award made yesterday to the Mearns Healthy Living Network in the member's own constituency area.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158640,"EventID":"S1W-22055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people over 65 were screened for breast cancer in 2001 compared to 2000, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of people screened for breast cancer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people over 65 were screened for breast cancer in 2001 compared to 2000, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of people screened for breast cancer in each year.","AnswerText":"Women aged between 65 and 70 will be routinely invited for breast screening from April 2003, with the service phasing in over a three-year period. Women aged 65 and over may self-refer for screening at present.

The number of women over 65 who were screened for breast cancer in 1999-2000 and 2000-01 and the percentage of women of all ages screened for breast cancer in each year was as follows:

 

1999-2000

2000-01

No. of women screened

% of women screened

No. of women screened

% of women screened

Women < 65 years

109,177

91.2

121,546

91.5

Women aged 65 years and over

10,530

8.8

11,334

8.5

Total screened

119,707

 

132,880

 

Notes:

1. Scottish Breast Screening Programme data are only available by financial year.

2. The above figures relate to routine appointments and self/GP referral appointments.

3. Routine appointments relate to women who have been invited, by the Scottish Breast Screening Programme, to attend a standard appointment. This usually occurs once every three years. Self/GP referral appointments relate to women who have referred themselves or been referred for screening by their GP.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158641,"EventID":"S1W-22056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of \"inappropriate settings\" as used in section 2.6 of Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of \"inappropriate settings\" as used in section 2.6 of Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","AnswerText":"Those that are not the most suitable for the patient or client's assessed needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158642,"EventID":"S1W-22057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to improve health education for older people since January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to improve health education for older people since January 2001.","AnswerText":"The Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) is involved in or supporting activities aimed at improving health education for older people and is currently developing a campaign tailor-made to the health education needs of older people. Research commissioned by HEBS on perceptions of health and healthy ageing in later life will be used in the development of this new programme.

NHS Board Health Promotion Departments are also involved at local level in promoting healthy lifestyles for older people.

Those aged 65 and over were also one of the main target groups of the Executive's winter flu immunisation campaign which involved a major national publicity and media campaign.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158643,"EventID":"S1W-22058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reforming drug misusers were prepared for training and employment in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reforming drug misusers were prepared for training and employment in 2001.","AnswerText":"The New Futures Fund managed by Scottish Enterprise supported 1,692 people in 2001 who had identified their drug misuse as a barrier to training and employment. In addition, there is a wide range of programmes and initiatives, such as Employment Services New Deal programme and Training For Work programmes operated by Local Enterprise Companies. These will contribute to meeting our Programme for Government target of assisting 1,000 reforming drug misusers per annum to prepare for training and employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158644,"EventID":"S1W-22059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how support for families of drug misusers has increased since January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how support for families of drug misusers has increased since January 2001.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated £4 million in 2001-02, in new resources, to tackle drug misuse by, and affecting, children and young people. One of the primary areas is the provision of services for children and young people in families of drug misusing parents.

Examples of proposals we have agreed include the expansion of community-based family support services to parents with addiction problems in Glasgow, and support services for babies, children and families with drug using families in Falkirk.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158645,"EventID":"S1W-22060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has improved local involvement in the development of health services since January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has improved local involvement in the development of health services since January 2001.","AnswerText":"Patient Focus and Public Involvement, published in December of last year, reported on steps taken to develop the actions identified in the Involving People section of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change. It also set out more detailed proposals for work over the coming three years to develop the capacity of the NHS to involve patients, the public and local communities in the development of health services.

Work with local health services has shown that effective public involvement can:

act as a catalyst for change;

help achieve a major improvement in the health of the public, and

help strengthen public confidence in the NHS.

Local health councils have been supported to clarify their role and to identify the scope for increased public involvement in local services. Patient Focus and Public Involvement sets out how we will take this work forward by the proposed development of a Scottish Health Council - a national body with a local presence - and by establishing a Health Service Users Forum in each NHS board area.

Each NHS board is required to have a designated director with responsibility for public involvement and a key part of their role is to ensure that public involvement is embraced by the whole organisation. A number of different approaches and methodologies have been piloted or developed nationally to improve the way in which local services engage with, listen to and respond to local people. These include Designed to Involve, an Executive funded project which initially supported the development of public involvement in primary care. It is now being rolled-out across NHSScotland. Other innovative programmes, such as Allies in Change, Partners in Policymaking and Partners in Change, have shown how local service users can be supported to become more confident in their dealings with the services they use and contribute effectively to their development.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158646,"EventID":"S1W-22061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff posts have been or will be lost as a result of the establishment of the new NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff posts have been or will be lost as a result of the establishment of the new NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The establishment of 15 new NHS boards was intended to improve governance and accountability of Scotland's local NHS systems, and was not intended to have any impact on staff numbers. Information on changes in the number of posts following the establishment of the new NHS boards is not currently held centrally, but may be held by local NHS management.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158647,"EventID":"S1W-22062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received treatment for the first time from their local drug treatment service in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people received treatment for the first time from their local drug treatment service in 2001.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of individual patients/clients reported to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database by NHS board area of residence for 2000-01. More detailed information has been published in the ISD Scotland publication Drug Misuse in Scotland 2001, which is available on the National Drug Misuse website.

New1 individual patients/clients2,3 reported to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database by NHS board area of residence

Scotland

10,591

Argyll & Clyde

1,330

Ayrshire & Arran

1,239

Borders

102

Dumfries & Galloway

207

Fife

598

Forth Valley

247

Grampian

631

Greater Glasgow

3,290

Highland

124

Lanarkshire

513

Lothian

1,947

Tayside

405

Island Boards4

24

Outside Scotland

7

Notes:

1. The definition of "new" is (a) the person is attending the particular service for the first time ever, or (b) the person has attended before but not within the previous six months","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158648,"EventID":"S1W-22063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many toothbrushes have been provided free to children since January 2001. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many toothbrushes have been provided free to children since January 2001. ","AnswerText":"Sixty-nine thousand, seven hundred and eighty-one toothbrushes have been provided free to children since January 2001. The distribution programme is on-going.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158649,"EventID":"S1W-22064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions it has issued to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on prioritising data gathering for the Priority Waste Stream Projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions it has issued to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on prioritising data gathering for the Priority Waste Stream Projects.","AnswerText":"No formal directions on this matter have been issued to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158650,"EventID":"S1W-22065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what surveys other than the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Study (CSTCS) have been undertaken regarding road safety on the A80 at Cumbernauld, (b) how many accid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what surveys other than the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Study (CSTCS) have been undertaken regarding road safety on the A80 at Cumbernauld, (b) how many accidents were reported on this stretch of trunk road in each of the last five years and (c) when it will publish the CSTCS report into the future development and upgrading of this route.","AnswerText":"A study resulting in preparation of the A80/M80 Crowwood to M80 Junction 5 Route Accident Reduction Plan was completed in March 1999.

Reported accidents over the last five years are as follows:

Year

Fatal

Serious

Slight

Total

1996

0

6

33

39

1997

1

5

23

29

1998

0

2

25

27

1999

0

3

28

31

2000

0

4

25

29

We expect the report on the A80 corridor study around the end of May.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158651,"EventID":"S1W-22066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many referrals were made alleging that a child aged between eight and 12 had committed a criminal offence in Edinburgh to (a) the Reporter to the Children's Panel and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many referrals were made alleging that a child aged between eight and 12 had committed a criminal offence in Edinburgh to (a) the Reporter to the Children's Panel and (b) the Procurator Fiscal; how many of these referrals were subsequently prosecuted (i) at court and (ii) at a Children's Panel Hearing, and what sentence was imposed in each case, all in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Between 1997 and 2000 two children aged between eight and 12 were proceeded against in Edinburgh courts. In one case a plea of not guilty was accepted and in the other the child was detained.

Operational statistics for children's hearings are a matter for the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration. This information is not held centrally. National statistics are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18780).

Referrals to the children's hearings system are not prosecutions, but hearings to determine whether compulsory measures of supervision are required in the best interests of the child, whether or not they have offended. A children's hearing does not impose a sentence on the child before it. It can either discharge the case, remit it to the sheriff court for proof, or make a supervision requirement in respect of the child, attaching such conditions as the hearing deems appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158652,"EventID":"S1W-22067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the meeting between the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Strategic Rail Authori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the meeting between the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Strategic Rail Authority's strategic plan will be amended to confirm that airport links to Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport will go ahead within five years and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) intends to carry out an annual revision of their strategic plan. This is to take account of changes in the industry, the outcomes of various studies currently under way, the emerging Joint Transport Studies, and the responses of stakeholders. The Scottish Executive, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, the British Airports Authority and the SRA, is leading a detailed economic and engineering study of the various options available for rail links to Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport. At the appropriate time the conclusion of the study will feed through into the annual revision of the SRA's strategic plan.

The Executive and the SRA hope that, depending on the outcome of the study, the relevant local authorities will be keen to progress the requirement for parliamentary powers, thus making it possible to move to design and construction from 2005, subject to suitable resources being available at the time.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158653,"EventID":"S1W-22068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it made to the Strategic Rail Authority to seek its agreement for the inclusion of particular rail projects in the authority's strategic plan; what t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it made to the Strategic Rail Authority to seek its agreement for the inclusion of particular rail projects in the authority's strategic plan; what timescales it sought for the completion of any such rail project, and whether any such projects were included within the published strategic plan. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was in contact with the Strategic Rail Authority on a number of issues during the preparation of the authority's strategic plan, including the inclusion of particular rail projects and the timescales for delivery of those projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158654,"EventID":"S1W-22069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police force divisions have specialist sexual offence officers and how many such officers each division has.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police force divisions have specialist sexual offence officers and how many such officers each division has.","AnswerText":"Every Scottish force has specialist officers dedicated to the investigation of sexual offences. The number and allocation of these officers is a matter for individual Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158655,"EventID":"S1W-22070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which police force areas women doctors are available at all times to conduct medical examinations following a sexual assault.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which police force areas women doctors are available at all times to conduct medical examinations following a sexual assault.","AnswerText":"Local arrangements, varying on a force-to-force basis, exist whereby doctors are contracted to provide medical assistance when required. Victims sometimes express a preference to be examined by either a male or a female doctor. The Scottish Police Service believes such choices should be respected and forces endeavour to meet such requests wherever possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158656,"EventID":"S1W-22071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19180 by Iain Gray on 15 November 2001, what further research has been carried out into \"attrition rate\" as recommended by Dr Lynn ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19180 by Iain Gray on 15 November 2001, what further research has been carried out into \"attrition rate\" as recommended by Dr Lynn Jamieson and Dr Michelle Burman in the Central Research Unit report The 'Attrition' of Sexual Offences in the Criminal Justice System.","AnswerText":"No further research has been carried out into the rate of attrition in sexual offence cases. Responses to the consultation document, Towards a Just Conclusion, provided numerous examples of the problems experienced by victims giving evidence. As noted in my response to your question on plans for research into the treatment of sexual offence witnesses in court (question S1W-18513, answered on 9 October 2001), we plan to commission further research to provide a baseline of information prior to any changes to be brought about by the Sexual Offences (Procedure and Evidence) (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158657,"EventID":"S1W-22072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the numbers of patients removed from GP lists in each year and what reasons other than a patient's death are given in such cases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the numbers of patients removed from GP lists in each year and what reasons other than a patient's death are given in such cases.","AnswerText":"The numbers of patients removed from lists by Island NHS Boards or Primary Care Trusts at the request of GPs each year, excluding those removed as a result of death, emigration or change of address, have been collected centrally since 1996. Except where a GP wishes removal to take immediate effect because of violence or the threat of it, GPs are not required by their Terms of Service to describe the cause of removal requests and no information on reasons is available. The numbers removed are as follows:
 

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

Total removals excluding deaths, emigration and change of address

6,295

5,824

6,643

5,845

4,043

3,992

Removals in cases of violence

110

97

125

197

109

96

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158658,"EventID":"S1W-22073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies to be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies to be completed.","AnswerText":"We expect the report on the A80, A8 and M74 studies around the end of May.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158659,"EventID":"S1W-22074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allocate an animal welfare portfolio to a specific minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to allocate an animal welfare portfolio to a specific minister.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Environment and Rural Development has specific responsibility for animal health and welfare.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158660,"EventID":"S1W-22075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to conduct a review of animal welfare legislation similar to that announced by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 January","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to conduct a review of animal welfare legislation similar to that announced by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 2 January 2002.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to conduct a separate review, since the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) consultation will include a number of animal welfare bodies that are organised on a GB rather than English or Scottish basis and a number of specifically Scottish bodies, including the SSPCA. The outcome of the consultation is therefore likely to be as relevant to Scotland as to England and Wales. The Executive will be closely involved in the DEFRA review.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158661,"EventID":"S1W-22076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it can ensure that local authorities enforce the Weeds Act 1959 with regard to ragwort.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it can ensure that local authorities enforce the Weeds Act 1959 with regard to ragwort.","AnswerText":"The Weeds Act 1959 does not confer any powers on local authorities to act in relation to ragwort. The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department investigates all written complaints received about the presence of ragwort on land.

The act places responsibility for control of certain weeds, including ragwort, on the occupier of the land and in the first instance, where livestock may be at risk, the Executive will advise the occupier to carry out control measures. Where necessary and as a last resort, powers are available under the act to give occupiers of land formal written notice requiring them to take action.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158662,"EventID":"S1W-22077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which individuals and organisations have been sent copies of Forth Estuary Transportation Authority Report on Public Consultation. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which individuals and organisations have been sent copies of Forth Estuary Transportation Authority Report on Public Consultation. ","AnswerText":"Copies were sent to all those who were consulted (listed in the answer given to question S1W-21569 on 22 January 2002) or who responded to the consultation, and were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18603) and made available on the Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158663,"EventID":"S1W-22078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the options for further decentralising administration of forestry policy and management.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the options for further decentralising administration of forestry policy and management.","AnswerText":"Following the completion of the first stage of the review of the Forest Enterprise Executive Agency in May 2001, we agreed with Environment and Rural Development Ministers in England and Wales that we intended to review the options for further decentralisation of forestry policy and management. Ministers have collectively decided that the review will start shortly and report next spring. It will consider the current administrative arrangements for delivering sustainable forestry policies in Scotland, England and Wales and the UK's international forestry commitments, including options for further devolution of these arrangements. The review will be undertaken by officials from the Scottish Executive, Forestry Commission, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the National Assembly for Wales, the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will also be involved in the review. Views will be sought from interested parties during the course of the review.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158664,"EventID":"S1W-22079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding any losses incurred following the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd should be carr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding any losses incurred following the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd should be carried out; what grounds there are for such an inquiry; what the remit of such an inquiry should be; whether a request for such an inquiry should be referred to Audit Scotland, and what the reasons are for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Audit Scotland is currently reviewing the Flour City contract as part of the routine audit of the SPCB's accounts. The SPCB decided at its meeting on 5 February 2002 to consider any further action in the light of Audit Scotland's findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158665,"EventID":"S1W-22080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIP) are currently in operation; how many people are employed by each SIP, and what employment, administrative and property costs a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIP) are currently in operation; how many people are employed by each SIP, and what employment, administrative and property costs are associated with each SIP.","AnswerText":"There are 48 Social Inclusion Partnerships operating in Scotland. The Partnerships have provided the following information on their staffing and costs for the last financial year, 2000-01. This information excludes project staff and costs and "in kind" provision of resources from partners but includes support staff and in some instances, development workers. In many cases costs are met from a variety of sources.

SIP

Number of Employees

Employment Costs

Property Costs

Administrative Costs

Alloa South and East

1

£27,000

£12,000

£3,000

Argyll and Bute

0.5

£10,265

-

£10,131

Big Step1

10

£228,918

£28,453

£44,148

Blantyre and North Hamilton

5

£126,000

£6,000

£12,000

Cambuslang

In kind

-

-

-

Craigmillar

5

£138,106

£16,222

£24,832

Drumchapel1

West of Scotland Water commissioned a survey of visitors to the reservoirs at Milngavie over a four-day period in August 2001. This showed that some 3,250 recreational users visit the reservoirs in a week, therefore suggesting between 150,000 and 170,000 visitors every year.

The authority is committed to maintaining public access to the existing walkways around the reservoirs following completion of the new water treatment works such that the development will have no significant impact on the footpaths or other public areas.

The authority has made considerable efforts in its planning of the new treatment works to ensure that the amenity value of the reservoirs will not be adversely impacted by the works, which will be well screened from the public walkways by trees and will be designed to have minimum visibility from footpaths used by visitors.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158670,"EventID":"S1W-22085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the West of Scotland Water Authority will take to liaise with the local community during preparatory works for the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the West of Scotland Water Authority will take to liaise with the local community during preparatory works for the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water Authority. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

West of Scotland Water has been extremely proactive in its liaison with the local community regarding the Katrine Water Project - both in the consultations which have been crucial to the whole option selection process, and in the preparatory work which is proceeding ahead of the construction works.

Consultation and communications activities have included a series of briefing meetings with local community organisations and groups, a series of public meetings (comprising presentations and question and answer sessions), the use of a mobile information unit sited within the community (which attracted over 3,000 visitors), the provision of regular press releases to local press and use of local press advertisements. A Community Forum comprising representatives of community councils and local interest groups has also been established to further involve the community and this recently held its inaugural meeting.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158671,"EventID":"S1W-22086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the analytical matrix was for the site selection process for the Katrine Water Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the analytical matrix was for the site selection process for the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water Authority. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

A large number of different criteria were used to consider all of the selected sites. For each criterion, the sites were measured or assessed so that they could be ranked in order of preference.

The option appraisal information was used in a series of Value Management workshops to present complex information in a manageable form. Decisions were made by comparing options, identifying key trade-offs and reaching consensus on the preferred options through discussion and debate between the different disciplines in the project team (engineering, environmental, construction, operations, finance).

When trying to balance the different criteria there is no analytical matrix which can simplify the site selection process. Annex D of the Environmental Statement submitted with the Planning Application for the project notes: \"for a project of this complexity, with its many different components and different, often conflicting, criteria, it would be difficult if not impossible to develop a robust, numerical, multi-criteria decision method which would meet the rigorous standards required\". Accordingly, a variety of tools including simple ranking, rating, scoring and weighting, trade-off graphs and pair-wise comparisons were utilised to compare options and allow overall ranking of options.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158672,"EventID":"S1W-22087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of any increase in traffic flows along local roads and the A81 during the construction phase of proposed works at Milngavie and Baldernock in connec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of any increase in traffic flows along local roads and the A81 during the construction phase of proposed works at Milngavie and Baldernock in connection with the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"The A81 is a local road and as such the responsibility of East Dunbartonshire and Stirling Councils as the local roads authorities for the sections of the road that lie within their areas. This is therefore a matter for the councils to address.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158673,"EventID":"S1W-22088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the water management and farm management improvements undertaken by the West of Scotland Water Authority in response to recommendations mad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the water management and farm management improvements undertaken by the West of Scotland Water Authority in response to recommendations made by the Scottish Agricultural College in its detailed risk assessment study of the Loch Katrine catchment and the aqueducts running from Loch Katrine to the treatment works at Milngavie. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water Authority. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

Water management practices have been changed within the Loch Katrine catchments. Loch Arklet and Glen Finglas are only used when possible contamination risk is low. Water is drawn from these lochs when cryptosporidium levels are below 0.03 oocysts per 10 litres for seven consecutive days.

Recommended farm management improvements within Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet direct catchments have been implemented. These have been audited by the Scottish Agricultural College. Since then, however, the authority has taken the decision to remove sheep from the Loch Katrine catchment as a precautionary public health measure to minimise the risk of possible contamination of water supplies by animals. The operation of the new water treatment works at Milngavie will ensure the removal of the cryptosporidium bacteria.

Recommendations made by the Scottish Agricultural College relating to the aqueducts would involve changes in farming practices in the area and we are in contact with the relevant landowners.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158674,"EventID":"S1W-22089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides financial support, through Grant Aided Expenditure or other mechanisms, towards the provision of local authority run animal centres; if so, which loca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides financial support, through Grant Aided Expenditure or other mechanisms, towards the provision of local authority run animal centres; if so, which local authorities currently receive any such support and how much each of these local authorities receive.","AnswerText":"Revenue grant provided to local authorities is largely unhypothecated and is available for councils to spend on the whole range of council services. No funding is set aside specifically for local authority run animal centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158675,"EventID":"S1W-22090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average length of time taken to complete asbestos related court cases is and what estimates have been made of any reduction in the length of time taken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average length of time taken to complete asbestos related court cases is and what estimates have been made of any reduction in the length of time taken following the appointment of Lord Mackay of Drumadoon in respect of such cases.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily available. The nomination of Lord Mackay of Drumadoon to oversee the procedural aspects of these actions, and particularly to focus the attention of parties on the matters which may be barring or delaying settlement or other progress as set out in the notice published in the Rolls of the Court of Session on 20 December 2001, is expected to result in certain actions being concluded more quickly. It is not possible to estimate by what extent, as a number of factors, not all of which are within the control of the court, influence the time such litigations take to be brought to a conclusion.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158676,"EventID":"S1W-22091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many asbestos-related court cases were outstanding at the date of Lord Mackay of Drumadoon's appointment; how many surviving asbestos sufferers are expected to acces","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many asbestos-related court cases were outstanding at the date of Lord Mackay of Drumadoon's appointment; how many surviving asbestos sufferers are expected to access the court processes following his appointment, and what judicial resources will be allocated in order to ensure that such cases will be expedited.","AnswerText":"As at 20 December 2001 there were in the region of 450 asbestos related cases on-going in the Court of Session. During January 2002, Lord Mackay has conducted procedural hearings in a selection of cases, with a view to identifying any issues that might have a bearing on the future progress of these and future cases. Cases will continue to be called before him for the purposes set out in the notice in the Rolls of the Court of Session dated 20 December 2001, but it remains open to parties to the actions to make application to the court in accordance with the normal rules. The nomination of Lord Mackay of Drumadoon does not supersede normal procedure.

It is expected that the additional judicial input into these cases through Lord Mackay will expedite progress focusing parties attention on issues that are barring or delaying settlement or other progress. Appropriate priority will continue to be given to those few cases that proceed to proof.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158677,"EventID":"S1W-22092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methodology was used by West of Scotland Water in order to determine the best environmental option for the Katrine Water Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methodology was used by West of Scotland Water in order to determine the best environmental option for the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water Authority. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

West of Scotland Water commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Katrine Water Project. This was undertaken by Environmental Resources Management (ERM), an internationally respected environmental consultancy.

ERM followed the good practice guidance of the Scottish Executive (1999) Planning Advice Note 58 and Scottish Executive Circular 15/99. In cases where guidance was unavailable, ERM's considerable internal experience was utilised.

Performance across a range of environmental, technical and financial criteria was assessed to identify the best overall options for the project at the Value Management workshops. The environmental team was represented at all of these workshops. The process is described in Chapter 2 and in Annex D of the Environmental Statement submitted with the Planning Application.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158678,"EventID":"S1W-22093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given to any impact on levels of (a) usage of energy and (b) greenhouse gas emissions in the appraisal of alternatives for the Katrine Water Projec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given to any impact on levels of (a) usage of energy and (b) greenhouse gas emissions in the appraisal of alternatives for the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water Authority. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

Annual energy usage and resultant carbon dioxide emissions were considered for all options as part of the option appraisal and selection process. The relative performance of each option was considered along with all the other criteria during the Value Management workshops; this criterion is one of many already discussed in the answers given to questions S1W-22086 and S1W-22092 on 4 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158679,"EventID":"S1W-22094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report on its review of the diligence system will be available for consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report on its review of the diligence system will be available for consultation.","AnswerText":"The work on the review of the law of diligence is almost complete and the Executive hopes to publish a consultation paper within the course of the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158680,"EventID":"S1W-22095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase direct exports from Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase direct exports from Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Global Connections Strategy, launched in October 2001, sets out the Executive's aims for future international economic development activity. The strategy led to the creation of Scottish Development International which brings together the experience and expertise of Scottish Trade International and Locate in Scotland.

Scottish Development International is responsible for delivering a range of initiatives to meet the aims of the strategy including the need to ensure that companies are able to realise the full benefits of trading in international markets. It provides generic and custom market research and knowledge to Scottish companies and delivers customised strategic market entry support. This covers a wide range of activities including the delivery of all government trade services in Scotland, tailored Market Assistance Programmes and assistance for companies on outward missions and attendance at exhibitions. Work is done with companies on a one to one basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158681,"EventID":"S1W-22096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether offenders who have been sentenced to undertake community service orders can be ordered to perform their sentence by collecting litter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether offenders who have been sentenced to undertake community service orders can be ordered to perform their sentence by collecting litter.","AnswerText":"Work placements for those sentenced to community service orders are designed to present a challenge to the offender and to enable the offender to make reparation to the community for the offence. Work undertaken can range from physically demanding outdoor environmental projects such as building countryside walkways or removing graffiti to placements providing assistance to the elderly or disabled. Selection of work placements for those subject to community service orders are governed by the National Objectives and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice system. Whether it involves litter collection is a matter for the local authority to determine. In exercising their discretion in providing a range of placements local authorities are required to ensure that others are not deprived of paid employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158682,"EventID":"S1W-22097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration is being given to banning powerboats and similar vessels on Loch Lomond.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration is being given to banning powerboats and similar vessels on Loch Lomond.","AnswerText":"Schedule 2 to the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 provides National Park Authorities with wide-ranging byelaw making powers. These include powers to make byelaws to secure the public enjoyment of, and safety in, the National Park; the prevention or suppression of nuisances, and the regulation of recreational activities. Once established, therefore, it will be for the Park Authority to determine how to exercise these powers as part of the overall management of the National Park.

Where a National Park Authority proposes to make and introduce byelaws it must publicise that fact and, in addition, consult with interested parties on such proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158683,"EventID":"S1W-22098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is not introducing a 'ero tolerance policy in relation to violent attacks on NHS and ambulance staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is not introducing a 'ero tolerance policy in relation to violent attacks on NHS and ambulance staff.","AnswerText":"Our National Health made a commitment to provide staff with a safe working environment. Since then we have issued guidance on Dignity at Work: Eliminating Bullying and Harassment in the Workforce and are now in the process of preparing further guidance on Health at Work. This is being done in partnership with staff groups and will include a model policy for NHSScotland concerning refusal of treatment in certain circumstances to patients who are violent towards staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158684,"EventID":"S1W-22099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or any bodies within its general responsibility, will have any responsibility in relation to overseeing arrangements for any referendum on the euro.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or any bodies within its general responsibility, will have any responsibility in relation to overseeing arrangements for any referendum on the euro.","AnswerText":"UK membership of the European single currency is a reserved matter. Any referendum on UK membership would be held in accordance with the provisions of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

Although the Executive would not have a formal role, bodies within its general responsibility - Scottish local authorities - would. There would be a Chief Counting Officer who would be responsible for the UK as a whole. He/she would formally appoint counting officers for each relevant area in the UK. In the context of Scotland, this is a local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158685,"EventID":"S1W-22100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to fabric decline and reduction in facilities for staff at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to fabric decline and reduction in facilities for staff at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The trust's Chief Executive, Mr Robert Calderwood, has advised me that there have been no reductions to clinical services provided on the Victoria Infirmary (VI) estate in the period from April 1997 to date.

Since the beginning of 1998, a number of upgrading programmes have been carried out at the VI. These include the creation of improved accommodation for the Haemato-Oncology Inpatient Unit; the creation of a dedicated Breast Care Unit and new theatre accommodation and the upgrading and installation of new radiology equipment. In addition, in December 2001 a £250,000 upgrade of ward 17, an acute medical ward, was completed.

The South Trust also intends to look at the provision of improved staff changing and associated facilities and other fabric improvements during the present calendar year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158686,"EventID":"S1W-22101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a target date has been set for construction of a new hospital building to replace the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a target date has been set for construction of a new hospital building to replace the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"No. The future of the Victoria Infirmary forms part of Greater Glasgow NHS Board's review of acute services throughout the city. The Executive will shortly receive the NHS Board's Acute Strategy and Implementation Plan for consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158687,"EventID":"S1W-22102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the current system of escorting prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change the current system of escorting prisoners.","AnswerText":"The police, Scottish Courts Services, and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) will proceed with contracting-out the escorting of prisoners. The range of such escorting will be from police cells and prisons to court, the management of prisoners within court buildings and escorting throughout SPS. There will be a restructuring of the police presence retained in court for public order purposes.

By contracting-out the escorting of prisoners to a specialist provider, significant benefits will accrue to the criminal justice system. The disruptive impact that providing escorts currently has on the continuity of provision of prison industries and offending programmes will cease. This will enable us to concentrate our efforts on the core task of reducing reoffending. The police will look to return officers, released from court and escort duty, to core policing roles within their communities.

SPS, as the only national service with the necessary legal powers, will manage the contract. The preparations for contracting-out and the tender negotiations will be undertaken by a Criminal Justice Inter-Agency Group comprising representatives of the police, Scottish Court Services and SPS, with the SPS taking the lead.

It is expected that the developing and letting of the contracts will be completed in approximately one year and that the contractors will take on escort duties in a phased process during 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158688,"EventID":"S1W-22103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any risk that exclusion of certain age groups of children and young people from appearing at court will result in their victims taking vigilante action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any risk that exclusion of certain age groups of children and young people from appearing at court will result in their victims taking vigilante action.","AnswerText":"Children and young people are not excluded from appearing at court, although a child under the age of eight cannot currently be prosecuted for a criminal offence. We are not aware that this has led to any vigilante action, which none of us would condone.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158689,"EventID":"S1W-22104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to his answer to question S1W-20307 on 7 December 2001, whether a copy of the Parent Company Guarantee provided by Flour City International Inc in respect of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to his answer to question S1W-20307 on 7 December 2001, whether a copy of the Parent Company Guarantee provided by Flour City International Inc in respect of the obligations of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The convenor of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that legal advice is currently being sought as to whether or not it is proper to release into the public domain details of the Parent Company Guarantee. If it is considered that there is no impediment in doing so, the relevant papers will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158690,"EventID":"S1W-22105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-20307 on 7 December 2001, whether any advice has been received concerning the enforceability of the Parent Company Guarantee provide","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-20307 on 7 December 2001, whether any advice has been received concerning the enforceability of the Parent Company Guarantee provided by Flour City International Inc in respect of the obligations of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and, if so, what the prospects are of any recovery being made under the guarantee.","AnswerText":"Legal advice is currently being sought concerning the enforceability of the Parent Company Guarantee provided by Flour City International Inc in respect of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd. Once this advice has been received, an assessment will be made of the prospects for recovery under the guarantee.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158691,"EventID":"S1W-22106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-20307 on 7 December 2001, whether any other contractor or contractors have been engaged to undertake the work contracted to Flour Ci","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-20307 on 7 December 2001, whether any other contractor or contractors have been engaged to undertake the work contracted to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that the contractor to supply and install the bay window element of the MSP building cladding has been appointed. Tenders have been returned for the remaining elements and these are being analysed.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158692,"EventID":"S1W-22107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-18874 on 12 October 2001, whether all design and specialist cladding services undertaken by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-18874 on 12 October 2001, whether all design and specialist cladding services undertaken by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd are the property of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158693,"EventID":"S1W-22108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what capital contracts are currently out to tender in relation to the Holyrood Project and what the timescale is in each case for (a) return of tenders, (b) award of cont","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what capital contracts are currently out to tender in relation to the Holyrood Project and what the timescale is in each case for (a) return of tenders, (b) award of contracts, (c) commencement on site and (d) completion of works.","AnswerText":"There are no Trade Packages out to tender currently.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158694,"EventID":"S1W-22109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-12273 on 25 January 2001, whether each of the works packages listed has been completed within the estimated contract duration stated","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-12273 on 25 January 2001, whether each of the works packages listed has been completed within the estimated contract duration stated and, if not, when it is estimated that the works in respect of each contract will be completed","AnswerText":"All of the works packages listed in the answer to question S1W-12273 on 25 January 2001 were completed within the estimated contract duration with the exception of Tower Cranes, Queensberry House Scaffolding, Lifts (whole site) and Queensberry House Demolition/Reconstruction which are expected to run as previously estimated for a further 11 months, six months, 14 months and five months respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158695,"EventID":"S1W-22110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any legal action against Flour City International Inc in respect of breach of contract by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd can be pursued in Scotland and, ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any legal action against Flour City International Inc in respect of breach of contract by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd can be pursued in Scotland and, if not, whether it must be pursued in the United States of America.","AnswerText":"Legal advice is currently being sought which will enable the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's position to be fully determined in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158696,"EventID":"S1W-22111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote training and skills development in the energy industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote training and skills development in the energy industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive continues to work through the pilot oil and gas working group to identify skills and training needs across the energy industry, to ensure relevant delivery against these needs and to promote an industry-wide co-ordinated approach to education and training. In addition, the Executive is working with the Department for Education and Skills to ensure that Scottish interests are taken into account in developing the Sector Skills Council (SSC) network which comes into effect in March 2002. The new network will include a Trailblazer Petrochemicals SSC covering the oil and gas industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158697,"EventID":"S1W-22112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote research and development in the energy industry in partnership with the industry and the higher and further education sectors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote research and development in the energy industry in partnership with the industry and the higher and further education sectors.","AnswerText":"A proposal for an Energy Intermediary Research Institute is being developed by Scottish Enterprise. In addition, the Scottish Energy Environment Foundation already promotes commercialisation of energy research and development.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158698,"EventID":"S1W-22113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to move Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department energy section jobs to Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to move Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department energy section jobs to Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Energy Division of the Enterprise and Lifelong Department relocated from Edinburgh to Glasgow in November 2000. There are no plans to relocate the division to Aberdeen.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158699,"EventID":"S1W-22114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist companies originating from Scotland in benefiting from new opportunities in renewable energy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist companies originating from Scotland in benefiting from new opportunities in renewable energy.","AnswerText":"We will continue to work with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to demonstrate to Scottish companies the opportunities now arising as a result of new renewable energy schemes being planned in Scotland, and refurbishment of existing ones. These schemes are being brought forward by developers in response to the Executive's forthcoming Renewables Obligation (Scotland).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158700,"EventID":"S1W-22115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to designate Aberdeen as a centre of excellence for energy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to designate Aberdeen as a centre of excellence for energy.","AnswerText":"Aberdeen is already widely recognised throughout Europe as a centre of excellence for energy: it is a leading location for oil and gas companies and its academic institutions have a well deserved reputation in the energy field. That will be a good foundation on which to build as the energy sector evolves in future to take advantage of the new opportunities in renewable energy.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158701,"EventID":"S1W-22116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the establishment of a Scottish energy institute in Aberdeen bringing together academic, public and private sector players.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the establishment of a Scottish energy institute in Aberdeen bringing together academic, public and private sector players.","AnswerText":"An outline proposal for a Scottish intermediary research institute in the energy field is being developed by Scottish Enterprise, and will be submitted to ministers in due course. Decisions on this proposal will be taken after full and proper consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158702,"EventID":"S1W-22117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about transferring Department of Trade and Industry Oil and Gas Directorate jobs to Aberdeen in order to fac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about transferring Department of Trade and Industry Oil and Gas Directorate jobs to Aberdeen in order to facilitate the work of Local Enterprise Companies in respect of jobs in the oil and gas sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no representations to Her Majesty's Government about transferring further jobs in the Oil and Gas Directorate of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from London to Aberdeen. We are, however, in regular contact with the DTI's Oil and Gas Directorate in both Aberdeen and London on a wide range of matters including PILOT, skills issues and diversification opportunities, and we work with DTI staff in both locations to maximise the benefits of the oil and gas industry to the Scottish economy.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158703,"EventID":"S1W-22118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the new National Waiting Times Co-ordination Unit will take to improve the service for cancer patients at the Beatson Oncology Unit in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the new National Waiting Times Co-ordination Unit will take to improve the service for cancer patients at the Beatson Oncology Unit in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Interim arrangements for the provision of oncology clinics in the west of Scotland serviced by the Beatson Oncology Centre consultants were announced by NHS Greater Glasgow on 18 January 2002. These arrangements seek to ensure that services for patients with newly diagnosed cancer, and those with recurrence of active disease, are preserved and importantly, that the timescale within which these patients are seen will not lapse.

The central role of the National Waiting Times Unit is to ensure that the Scottish Executive's policy of acting to reduce waiting times and to achieve waiting times targets across the patient's journey of care is implemented successfully by NHSScotland. Patients are not currently experiencing waits for treatment at the Beatson which exceed targets and guidelines. There is no waiting time for chemotherapy treatment, and at present, radiotherapy waiting times are approximately four weeks - a reduction from seven to eight weeks over the past year. It is hoped that further waiting times reductions will be delivered as the radiotherapy equipment modernisation programme continues, with a further two additional linear accelerators in place during 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158704,"EventID":"S1W-22119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve relations between the police and young people as a result of the research evidence made available to the Stephen Lawrence Steering Gro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve relations between the police and young people as a result of the research evidence made available to the Stephen Lawrence Steering Group showing that both minority ethnic and white youths appear alienated from the police.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive regards the report on the use of police stop and search powers as an important contribution to the understanding of police practice in this area. While the findings provide reassurance that the powers are being used appropriately, they also identified areas of concern including anecdotal evidence that minority ethnic and white youths appeared to be alienated from the police. We are, therefore, together with the Scottish Police Service, carefully considering the findings and recommendations in order to determine what action is necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158705,"EventID":"S1W-22120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve police practice in dealing with both minority ethnic and white young people as a result of the evidence of poor practice highlighted i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve police practice in dealing with both minority ethnic and white young people as a result of the evidence of poor practice highlighted in the research made available to the Stephen Lawrence Steering Group.","AnswerText":"This is primarily a matter for Chief Constables to consider. However, under the direction of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Scottish Police Service is considering the research findings and what improvements it could make to improve its practice, particularly in regard to young people.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158706,"EventID":"S1W-22121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that police officers do not avoid contact with people from black and minority ethnic communities for fear that they might be labelled \"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that police officers do not avoid contact with people from black and minority ethnic communities for fear that they might be labelled \"racist\" as highlighted in the research evidence made available to the Stephen Lawrence Steering Group.","AnswerText":"Chief Constables both individually and collectively through the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland are providing diversity awareness training, guidance and support to create a climate which will enable officers to engage with confidence and in an appropriate manner with members of minority ethnic communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158707,"EventID":"S1W-22122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report the findings of the Review of Cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will report the findings of the Review of Cities.","AnswerText":"I expect the review to conclude in the spring of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158708,"EventID":"S1W-22123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orthodontists are employed by the NHS in Scotland; of these how many (a) only take NHS patients and (b) practise privately alongside their NHS work, and how many","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orthodontists are employed by the NHS in Scotland; of these how many (a) only take NHS patients and (b) practise privately alongside their NHS work, and how many orthodontists in Scotland only take private patients. ","AnswerText":"At 30 September 2000, there were 26 consultant orthodontists employed by NHS Scotland and working in hospitals. Some orthodontic treatment may also be provided by staff employed within the Community Dental Service, but details on the number of those who offer this treatment are not available. In addition, two salaried dentist posts have been approved by Scottish ministers to provide orthodontic treatment under general dental services.

Information on how many of these staff take only NHS patients, how many practise privately alongside their NHS work and how many take only private patients is not collected.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158709,"EventID":"S1W-22124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what qualifications it recognises as being appropriate for staff directly employed in council-managed homes for children; what proportion of staff directly employed in co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what qualifications it recognises as being appropriate for staff directly employed in council-managed homes for children; what proportion of staff directly employed in council-managed homes for children hold such a qualification, and what action is it taking to increase this proportion.","AnswerText":"Local authority staff, including managers, working in residential childcare hold a variety of qualifications. Social care staff may have for example Diploma in Social Work, SVQs, relevant HNCs or the Certificate in Residential Care of Children and Young People. In addition staff might have teaching, nursing or nursery nursing, play or youth work qualifications. Some staff have no formal qualifications. Decisions about the right mix of skills and qualifications are based on the needs of the children in the different types of residential units. In future the Scottish Social Services Council will lay down such qualifications as part of its work to register staff.

The Scottish Executive has made the training of staff working in residential childcare a priority for development. In addition to establishing the new Scottish Social Services Council, the Executive has established the Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care to improve the training and qualification of staff and to work with the residential units to promote effective organisational development.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158710,"EventID":"S1W-22125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it has in place to liaise with Her Majesty's Government over possible Orders in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it has in place to liaise with Her Majesty's Government over possible Orders in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the UK Government liase closely as a matter of course in relation to possible Orders in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158711,"EventID":"S1W-22126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all those assessed as needing care in the community will receive the appropriate level of care from local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all those assessed as needing care in the community will receive the appropriate level of care from local authorities.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a statutory obligation to provide services and secure provision of facilities that are suitable and adequate for people in their areas. We are continuing to provide authorities with the resources, direction and support to meet that statutory obligation and deliver adequate levels of care to all those who require it.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158712,"EventID":"S1W-22127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to determine whether fluoride should be added to water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to determine whether fluoride should be added to water.","AnswerText":"The Water (Fluoridation) Act 1985 places on health boards the onus of applying to the relevant water authority if they wish to introduce a fluoridation scheme. It is for the water authority to decide whether to implement the application.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158713,"EventID":"S1W-22128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any patients who face a long waiting list for surgery provided by the NHS in Scotland will be given the option of being treated elsewhere in the EU.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any patients who face a long waiting list for surgery provided by the NHS in Scotland will be given the option of being treated elsewhere in the EU.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no immediate plans to arrange treatment in the EU for patients, other than those individuals being treated under the long-standing E112 arrangements. The English Department of Health is currently piloting projects in the South East of England to see how patients can best benefit from NHS treatment in Europe, and we will monitor the success of these pilots.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158714,"EventID":"S1W-22129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education will make an assessment into the impact of the cuts made on the provision of education in the Scottish Borders by the Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education will make an assessment into the impact of the cuts made on the provision of education in the Scottish Borders by the Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) to determine the timing of inspections, including the inspection of the education functions of local councils. HMIE notified Scottish Borders Council on 28 January that it would be conducting an inspection of the education functions of the council. The main inspection activity will take place between late March and early May, with a report of the findings to be published in June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158715,"EventID":"S1W-22130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients with suspected cancer in the Argyll & Clyde NHS Board area failed to receive a hospital appointment within two weeks after the referral from their gener","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients with suspected cancer in the Argyll & Clyde NHS Board area failed to receive a hospital appointment within two weeks after the referral from their general practitioner in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.

The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland recently completed its assessments of breast, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer services across Scotland, including where applicable referral standards. National reports setting out their assessments are expected to be published in the near future.

Aggregated information derived from prospective clinical audit of cancer services may be available locally about referral times where a cancer diagnosis has been confirmed. Contact details for Chief Executives of NHS boards and trusts are available from www.show.scot.nhs.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158716,"EventID":"S1W-22131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients with suspected cancer failed to receive an appointment within two weeks after the referral from their general practitioner to the Royal Alexandra Hospit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients with suspected cancer failed to receive an appointment within two weeks after the referral from their general practitioner to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22130.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158717,"EventID":"S1W-22132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions there have been against skippers for fishing offences in each of the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful prosecutions there have been against skippers for fishing offences in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"The numbers of successful prosecutions taken against skippers in Scottish courts for fisheries related offences over the past five years are as follows:

Year

Skipper Prosecutions

1997

97

1998

70

1999

63

2000

48

2001

62

Total

340

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158718,"EventID":"S1W-22133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the construction of the proposed water treatment plant and associated works for each of the 16 potential development areas considered by the West of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the construction of the proposed water treatment plant and associated works for each of the 16 potential development areas considered by the West of Scotland Water Authority as part of the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

For each potential development area, a number of scheme options exist around the treatment plant and associated works. These options include, inter alia, various configurations of treatment works size and treatment process, connecting pipework, storage reservoir provision and pump installations.

For the 16 potential development areas considered, 190 possible options were costed on a comparative basis*. The range of comparative costs, as identified in Table D6.1 of the Environmental Statement, including capital and operating costs over the lifetime of the works, ranges between £85 million and £130 million.

* It should be noted that it is normal practice in the consideration of alternatives to consider comparative costs and not absolute costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158719,"EventID":"S1W-22134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used by the West of Scotland Water Authority to shortlist the potential development areas for the Katrine Water Project and why the study area was not ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used by the West of Scotland Water Authority to shortlist the potential development areas for the Katrine Water Project and why the study area was not extended beyond Milngavie in the west and Balmore treatment works in the east.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

The criteria used to short list the potential development areas for the Katrine Water Project are detailed in Table D6.2 of the Environmental Statement for the project, together with the primary observations made under each criteria against each area. The criteria can be grouped under three main headings:

Economics: The total comparative cost of developing a scheme around a potential development area, including capital and operating costs for the lifetime of the works.

Environment: Impacts on people, the natural and cultural heritage and energy use.

Engineering: The anticipated ground conditions, available land, topography, local services and service corridor for connection of infrastructure.

As described in appendix D6.1 of the Environmental Statement for the project the study area extends from 2.5 miles West of Milngavie to Balmore WTW 5 km East of Milngavie. The study area naturally derived itself from consideration of several fundamental criteria, namely; location of raw water supply (i.e. existing Milngavie raw water reservoirs), location of water distribution infrastructure (i.e. existing Milngavie Water Treatment Works and existing Glasgow bulk water supply pipework) and the elevation relative to Milngavie reservoirs. In addition, other considerations included use of existing assets (i.e. existing Balmore Water Treatment Works), land ownership, current land use and land character. On this basis no significant economic, environmental or engineering benefit was identified in extending the study area beyond that considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158720,"EventID":"S1W-22135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the question S1W-12177 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 January 2001 and with regard to its responsibilities under section 1(4) of the Water Protection","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the question S1W-12177 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 January 2001 and with regard to its responsibilities under section 1(4) of the Water Protection Act 1985, what information it has received from Her Majesty's Government about any classification of (a) hexafluorosilicic acid and (b) disodium hexafluorosilicate as poisonous substances under EU regulations.","AnswerText":"These substances have been approved for use in the treatment of drinking water when used in accordance with the document Code Of Practice On Technical Aspects Of Fluoridation. Hexafluorosilicic acid and disodium hexafluorosilicate are not classified as dangerous substances under EU Regulations.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158721,"EventID":"S1W-22136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated for the proposed Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park so far and what further allocations are expected to be made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated for the proposed Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park so far and what further allocations are expected to be made.","AnswerText":"In the current financial year £2.15 million has been allocated for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Interim Committee, with further funding of up to £350,000 made available for the Gateway Centre at Lomond Shores. For 2002-03 an allocation of £3.8 million has been made in respect of both the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms National Parks. We shall keep the budget under review but can make no commitment at this stage to making additional assistance available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158722,"EventID":"S1W-22137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the rise in agency nursing and recharged staff costs from #7,619,000 in 1999-2000 to #13,513,000 in 2000-2001 which has been incurred by the North Glasgow Univer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the rise in agency nursing and recharged staff costs from #7,619,000 in 1999-2000 to #13,513,000 in 2000-2001 which has been incurred by the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust, as detailed on page 11 of the Trust's Annual Report 2000-01, has given value to patients.","AnswerText":"NHS trusts are generally expected to employ permanent nursing staff. There will, however, be occasions when this is not possible or practical. At such times, appropriately trained agency nurses are employed to ensure and maintain the delivery of quality patient care services.

Decisions about the employment of agency nurses and the relationship with patient care are matters for consideration at local level, taking into account Audit Scotland Guidance on the employment of bank and agency nurses. Last September my department sought and received confirmation from NHS trusts that they were complying with the guidance. A further letter will shortly issue to the service reminding trusts of this requirement.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158723,"EventID":"S1W-22138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor the number of agency nursing staff currently employed in NHS trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor the number of agency nursing staff currently employed in NHS trusts.","AnswerText":"Data on the number and cost of agency staff is already collected and for 2000-01 has recently been made available on ISD online, this can be viewed on:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.

Use of agency nurses is included in the Staff Governance Standard and will be assessed by local partnership forums using a self-assessment tool designed in conjunction with Audit Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158724,"EventID":"S1W-22139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage increase there was in the level of agency nursing staff employed in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01 compared with the previous year, broken down by each NHS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage increase there was in the level of agency nursing staff employed in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01 compared with the previous year, broken down by each NHS trust.","AnswerText":"The table shows the percentage increase, or decrease, in the average whole time equivalent of agency nursing staff in 2000-01 compared with 1999-2000 by trust. The percentage increase for 1999-2000 compared with 1998-99 is not available due to the reconfiguration of trusts in 1999. Information on agency nurse usage within NHSScotland will be routinely published on ISD's website at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.

Agency Nursing Staff Usage by Trust

Average Whole Time Equivalent 1

1999-2000

2000-01

% increase 2 between 2000-01 and 1999-2000

Scotland

562.1

725.1

29%

Argyll & Clyde Acute Trust

28.3

8.0

-(72%)

Lomond & Argyll PCT

4.9

4.3

-(12%)

Renfrew & Inverclyde PCT

-

58.0

x

Ayrshire & Arran Acute Trust

11.0

8.3

-(25%)

Borders PCT

0.3

0.6

(100%)

Fife Acute Trust

18.4

33.0

79%

Fife PCT

1998-99

534 new cases

1999-2000

490 new cases

2000-01

460 new cases

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158726,"EventID":"S1W-22141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the employment of more full-time nursing staff in all NHS trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the employment of more full-time nursing staff in all NHS trusts.","AnswerText":"Following the Nursing and Recruitment Convention held in November 2001, the Scottish Executive has published an Action Plan entitled Facing the Future which sets out a range of measures and initiatives aimed at encouraging the employment of more full-time nursing staff in NHS Trusts.

An Implementation Group has been established and I chaired the first meeting on 22 January.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158727,"EventID":"S1W-22142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether conducting three Health Technology Assessments by December 2002 is an adequate use of the funding allocated to the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether conducting three Health Technology Assessments by December 2002 is an adequate use of the funding allocated to the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"In addition to completing the three Health Technology Assessments currently on its work programme, HTBS will add further Health Technology Assessments to its work programme, continue to provide HTBS Comments on NICE Guidance (eight published last year and approximately 30 anticipated this), and develop and support the work of the Scottish Medicines Consortium.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158728,"EventID":"S1W-22143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the period by which the Health Technology Board for Scotland must deliver its comments on all National Institute of Clinical Excellence Technology Appraisal Guidance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the period by which the Health Technology Board for Scotland must deliver its comments on all National Institute of Clinical Excellence Technology Appraisal Guidance to the NHS in Scotland will be reduced from its current level of six to ten weeks to its target level of four to eight weeks.","AnswerText":"As stated in the Health Technology Board for Scotland's (HTBS) Purpose, aims and objectives, the board will comment on all National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidance within four to eight weeks from the 5th Wave of the NICE Work Programme. From the 5th Wave, HTBS is a full consultee on all NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance and this will reduce the timescale for HTBS Comments. The first of the 5th Wave Technology Appraisal Guidance is expected in May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158729,"EventID":"S1W-22144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to identify any barriers which may exist in connection with the involvement of the public in the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to identify any barriers which may exist in connection with the involvement of the public in the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive conducts quarterly review meetings with the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) to discuss progress on its work programme, including the involvement of the public in the board's work. Executive staff also attends HTBS meetings and Topic Specific Group meeting as observers.

HTBS draws on the expert advice of its Public Involvement Working Group to identify any barriers to public involvement. It also benefits from experience gained from working with the Executive's Partners in Change programme and is incorporating the guidance provided by the Scottish Executive in Patient Focus and Public Involvement into its public involvement strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158730,"EventID":"S1W-22145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the Health Technology Board for Scotland conducts independent Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) rather than adapting HTAs for use with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that the Health Technology Board for Scotland conducts independent Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) rather than adapting HTAs for use within Scotland which have been conducted by other organisations.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) is conducting its own Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) details of which can be found at its website at www.htbs.org.uk. In addition to this, HTBS will use its expertise to adapt HTAs from other recognised, international HTA organisations when their assessments are suitable and provide beneficial information for Scotland.

Similarly, in line with the scientific principle of sharing knowledge from research, it can be expected that other organisations may adapt HTBS' assessments for use in their own countries.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158731,"EventID":"S1W-22146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland is adequately informing the public and clinical communities about all stages of its assessment processes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland is adequately informing the public and clinical communities about all stages of its assessment processes.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) informs the public and clinical communities about its assessments in a variety of ways. These include: involving health professionals and patient representatives throughout assessments in the Topic Specific Groups formed for each assessment; publishing regular updates on its website; announcing key developments in press releases; conducting focus groups with patients; circulating work programmes and updates; and holding public consultation meetings at the beginning of the public consultation phase for each assessment. For example, in November last year, more than 130 health professionals and patients and carers attended HTBS workshops about its assessment of the organisation for services for diabetic retinopathy screening.

Additionally, HTBS draws on the expertise of its Public Involvement Working Group, NHS Reference Group, Advisory Council, and Communications Reference Group to improve, continuously, information provided to the public and clinical communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158732,"EventID":"S1W-22147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland's target of conducting 25 Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) by December 2006 is adequate and whether these HTAs will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland's target of conducting 25 Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) by December 2006 is adequate and whether these HTAs will be independent of guidelines issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.","AnswerText":"Given the depth and breadth of Health Technology Assessments conducted by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS), their advice from 25 Health Technology Assessments by December 2006 is expected to make a substantial contribution to improving Scotland's health. These assessments will take account of all relevant international evidence. In addition, HTBS will provide comments on all NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance.

If a new drug is already on the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Technology Appraisal Guidance work programme, HTBS will usually await the publication of the NICE Guidance and then provide an authoritative comment on it.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158733,"EventID":"S1W-22148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all of the 25 Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) due to be conducted by the Health Technology Board for Scotland by December 2006 will be based solely on new dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all of the 25 Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) due to be conducted by the Health Technology Board for Scotland by December 2006 will be based solely on new drugs and devices or whether some of the HTAs will be based on existing drugs and devices.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) aims to have a balanced work programme. Its current assessments already include existing drugs and devices, and new devices, and deal with broad issues around the optimal organisation of healthcare in Scotland. The aim is to create a balance between new and existing technologies.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158734,"EventID":"S1W-22149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to recruit more staff to the Health Technology Board for Scotland on an annual salary above #35,000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to recruit more staff to the Health Technology Board for Scotland on an annual salary above #35,000.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland will continue to recruit specialist scientific staff to fill current vacancies in its in-house Appraisals Team. Some of these may be paid a salary above £35,000 depending on their experience and seniority, in line with the NHS Whitley Council Clinical Scientists Grade.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158735,"EventID":"S1W-22150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to instruct NHS boards to make any drugs available to clinicians before such drugs have been approved by the National Institute for Clinical Exce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to instruct NHS boards to make any drugs available to clinicians before such drugs have been approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the Health Technology Board for Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) will make recommendations to all NHS Boards and their Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees about the formulary status of all newly licensed medicines, all new formulations of existing medicines and any major new indications for established products. SMC's recommendations will be made as soon as practicable after the launch of the product involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158736,"EventID":"S1W-22151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration has been given to the mandatory use by NHS boards of new drugs and devices in circumstances where patients are clinically suitable and for which gu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration has been given to the mandatory use by NHS boards of new drugs and devices in circumstances where patients are clinically suitable and for which guidelines have been approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the Health Technology Board for Scotland. ","AnswerText":"NHS boards should take account of advice and evidence from the Health Technology Board for Scotland and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. Likewise, individual clinicians should take account of evidence-based guidance, when exercising their clinical judgement.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158737,"EventID":"S1W-22152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Capecitabine is currently not available to cancer patients in hospitals in the west of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Capecitabine is currently not available to cancer patients in hospitals in the west of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Capecitabine is available on NHS prescription for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Its use depends on the clinical judgement of specialists experienced in the management of cancer, informed by advice and evidence about its use.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158738,"EventID":"S1W-22153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the proposed Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman will be able to begin accepting referrals for investigation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the proposed Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman will be able to begin accepting referrals for investigation.","AnswerText":"The date on which the Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman can begin exercising functions will depend on the timing of completion of consideration of the bill currently before the Parliament, and completion of the appointment process by the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158739,"EventID":"S1W-22154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the preferred option for the Katrine Water Project compares to the other options in relation to (a) energy consumption and CO2 emissions and (b) maintenance of pumpin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the preferred option for the Katrine Water Project compares to the other options in relation to (a) energy consumption and CO2 emissions and (b) maintenance of pumping infrastructure and other pipework. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

(a) Energy consumption is one of many environmental criteria considered in the selection of the preferred option for the Katrine Water Project. Question S1W-22092 (answered on 4 February 2002) sets out the methodology used to consider all environmental criteria.

The preferred option, like many other options considered, uses available treatment capacity at Balmore Water Treatment Works (WTW). In so doing these options significantly reduce the overall energy consumption of the Loch Lomond Water Supply Scheme from current levels. Present predictions indicate that this benefit could offer a potential annual saving in the order of 8.5 kWh from current energy levels in the Lomond Scheme if 100 Ml/d is transferred to Balmore WTW from Katrine aqueducts.

For all those options considered that use available treatment capacity within Balmore, the total energy consumption ranged between 14.5 million kWh/annum and 23.8 million kWh/annum (based on estimated average water consumption). The energy consumption for the preferred option is estimated as 19.7 million kWh/annum) which lies in the mid-range of options.

Using government figures1 the following annual CO2 consumption equivalents are calculated;

Energy consumption of Options (using Balmore):

6,000 tonne to 10 000 tonne2

Energy consumption of Preferred Option:

8,000 tonne2

Notes:

1. Conversion factors of 0.43 kgCO2/kWh, DETR/DEFRA publication Guidelines on Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

2. Rounded to nearest 1000 tonne.

(b) Pumping and pipework elements formed an integral part of all options considered for the Katrine Water project. In relation to maintenance of pumping infrastructure and other pipework, the preferred option compares favourably in a number of areas with other options considered (e.g. number of pump installations, integration with existing infrastructure, pipe pressures, network pressure stabilisation etc.).

A descriptive summary of how the pumping and pipework maintenance requirements of the preferred option relate to the short-listed options can be found in appraisal Table D9.2 of the Environmental Statement for the project which may be viewed at the planning offices of East Dunbartonshire Council. This information is also presented in Table B2 of the advance extracts of the Environmental Statement which were distributed at a public meeting of the 26 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158740,"EventID":"S1W-22155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any reduction in costs associated with the option chosen for the Katrine Water Project (potential development areas 3 and 8) compared with the opt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any reduction in costs associated with the option chosen for the Katrine Water Project (potential development areas 3 and 8) compared with the option ruled out (potential development areas 13 and 15).","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water, and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

Different criteria than those used to select the scheme design options were used to identify the Potential Development Areas (PDA's). This is because each PDA is the subject of more than one scheme option.

At the first Value Management workshop the performance of scheme options based on PDA 13 were poorer than those short-listed for PDA's 12, 8 & 3. In addition, for the same generic conjunctive-use option, it is some £9.5 million more expensive than the chosen scheme. There were two main drawbacks to PDA 13P:

in order to gain access to the site for construction traffic, many narrow lanes would need to be upgraded. This would clearly have had an impact on the rural nature of the surrounding area, and

considerable lengths of additional pipes would be required to be laid to enable the transfer of raw water to, and treated water from, the site.

PDA 15 lies adjacent to Balmore Water Treatment Works. The generic option for this area assumed that all available development potential within the Balmore works itself would be utilised with the remaining treatment capacity being constructed on PDA 15. Capital costs for this option were at least £10 million more expensive than for the other PDAs. Further drawbacks of this option include:

additional costs associated with considerable interruption to the existing plant at Balmore;

the low elevations of Balmore and PDA 15 would have mean significantly more pumping than short-listed options with consequentially higher CO2 emissions and OPEX/whole life costs, and

considerable extra lengths of multiple pipelines.

The final scheme option, which uses parts of PDA's 3 & 8, has not been directly compared with PDA's 13 & 15, as the final option had not been developed at the time of the initial Value Management workshop. However, the final option performed better in relation to all the criteria than those options based solely at either PDA 3 or PDA 8.

A full explanation of the Scheme Selection Process may be found in Annex D of the Environmental Statement which is part of the Planning Application for the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158741,"EventID":"S1W-22156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it has taken, or plans to take, to preserve the heritage of Craigmaddie and Mugdock Reservoirs, whose tunnel entrances, retaining wall and bridge are Categor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it has taken, or plans to take, to preserve the heritage of Craigmaddie and Mugdock Reservoirs, whose tunnel entrances, retaining wall and bridge are Category B listed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to answer. His response is as follows:

Action to protect listed structures, such as those parts of Craigmaddie and Mugdock Reservoirs, may be taken under powers set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997. Such action is, in the first place, the responsibility of the relevant planning authority, in this case East Dunbartonshire Council. I understand that the proposals affecting Craigmaddie and Mugdock Reservoirs are still under active consideration by East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158742,"EventID":"S1W-22157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the development application and the environment statement for the Milngavie to Larkhall rail extension will be finalised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the development application and the environment statement for the Milngavie to Larkhall rail extension will be finalised.","AnswerText":"Orders confirmed by the UK Parliament in 1994 authorised development in connection with the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link, and empowered the British Railways Board to construct works and purchase land. Prior to this confirmation, an Environmental Statement was prepared in 1993.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158743,"EventID":"S1W-22158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from the Department of Trade and Industry about (a) the number of Innovative Manufacturing Research Centres in Scotland and (b) the level","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from the Department of Trade and Industry about (a) the number of Innovative Manufacturing Research Centres in Scotland and (b) the level of funding for each centre.","AnswerText":"The Innovative Manufacturing Research Centres (IMRCs) are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council as part of their Innovative Manufacturing Programme. The first 12 IMRCs were announced in November 2001 and were awarded on the basis of national excellence in manufacturing research.

Although none of the 12 initial centres are located in Scotland, a tranche two IMRC involving Glasgow, Cardiff, Cambridge and Surrey Universities has been approved for funding. The start date is currently under negotiation, and the University of Glasgow is expected to be awarded more than £1 million. Another tranche two centre at Heriot-Watt University in the area of Photonics is currently under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158744,"EventID":"S1W-22159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any increase in the level of courses not completed by students at Scottish universities, particularly in respect of courses offering access to disa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any increase in the level of courses not completed by students at Scottish universities, particularly in respect of courses offering access to disadvantaged people, in line with any such experience in the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

Information on course completion by higher education institution can be found in Table 5 of the Performance Indicators on Higher Education in the UK, published by the Higher Education Funding Councils in December 2001. Courses specifically intended to enable access to higher education are not separately identified in these figures.

The publication also provides information on participation among those from various disadvantaged groups. However, there is no direct link to non-completion.

Copies of the document, and of previous years' publications, are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18498) or on the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's website at:

www.shefc.ac.uk/content/library/press/2001/prhe2701.htm","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158745,"EventID":"S1W-22160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with VisitScotland and the local tourist boards regarding establishing the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park as a visitor destinatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with VisitScotland and the local tourist boards regarding establishing the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park as a visitor destination.","AnswerText":"None. Responsibility for marketing the area of the National Park is an operational matter for VisitScotland and the Local Area Tourist Board.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158746,"EventID":"S1W-22161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total number of bed days lost as a result of hospital acquired infections was in each NHS hospital in the Forth Valley Health Board area in each of the past thre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total number of bed days lost as a result of hospital acquired infections was in each NHS hospital in the Forth Valley Health Board area in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158747,"EventID":"S1W-22162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to combat the spread of hospital acquired infections in NHS hospitals in the Forth Valley Health Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to combat the spread of hospital acquired infections in NHS hospitals in the Forth Valley Health Board area.","AnswerText":"A new national system of surveillance of hospital-acquired infections has been created and we have invested in infection control training for nurses.

A National Standard on infection control has been set. The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) will report in March, on progress by the NHS against the standard. Over the following six months, the CSBS will visit all NHS boards and trusts to ensure that progress is followed up and will produce a further report later this year.

A new National Standard for hospital cleaning services has also been made available to the NHS and the CSBS is working with Audit Scotland to ensure compliance with this standard.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158748,"EventID":"S1W-22163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make access to the online 1901 census details available free of charge to schools for use in history and modern studies classes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make access to the online 1901 census details available free of charge to schools for use in history and modern studies classes.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) has no plans to make online access to the 1901 census through the Scots Origins website available free of charge to schools. The process of making these records available online involved considerable expenditure on the part of the taxpayer, which needs to be recouped. Income from the site is also ploughed back into expanding and improving the service.

The GROS is, however, looking at other options for facilitating and broadening access to its online service by institutions on behalf of their users.

Many local authority library and archive services have bought microfilm copies of the census returns for their areas, and it is of course open to them to make these available to schools as freely as they wish.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158749,"EventID":"S1W-22164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for access to information held by the General Register Office for Scotland which is available online for paid usage to be provided free of charge ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for access to information held by the General Register Office for Scotland which is available online for paid usage to be provided free of charge to schools for use in history and modern studies classes.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) has no plans to provide free of charge to schools the information held by it and available online.

The GROS currently has its major Digital Imaging of the Genealogical Records of Scotland's people (DIGROS) programme under way. This aims by the end of 2003 to provide access online to digital images of all the historical records GROS holds (beginning with the 1901 Scottish census). This programme involves considerable expenditure on the part of the taxpayer, which needs to be recouped. Income from the site is also ploughed back into expanding and improving the service.

The GROS is, however, looking at other options for facilitating and broadening access to its online service by institutions on behalf of their users.

Many local authority library and archive services have bought microfilm copies of the old parochial registers and various census returns for their areas, and it is of course open to them to make these available to schools as freely as they wish.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158750,"EventID":"S1W-22165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19901 by Mr Andy Kerr on 14 January 2002, whether it will name any special advisers to the former First Minister who worked with hi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19901 by Mr Andy Kerr on 14 January 2002, whether it will name any special advisers to the former First Minister who worked with him on constituency correspondence and matters relating to his constituency accounts over the period from 2 November to 5 November 2001.","AnswerText":"I have nothing to add to the answer given to question S1W-19901 on 11 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158751,"EventID":"S1W-22166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many separate pieces of information for motorists are displayed within a quarter mile radius of the Ballinluig junction of the A9, and of these, how many would be rem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many separate pieces of information for motorists are displayed within a quarter mile radius of the Ballinluig junction of the A9, and of these, how many would be removed if a grade-separated junction was in place at this location.","AnswerText":"There is a combined total of 116 signs on the A9 and A827 within a quarter mile radius of the Ballinluig junction. Of the 49 signs that would not be required if the junction were to be grade-separated, 40 are on the A9. However, there could be a requirement for up to 30 new signs for a grade-separated junction.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158752,"EventID":"S1W-22167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it carried out to ensure that its crofting community right to buy proposals contained in the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill are compatible with the E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it carried out to ensure that its crofting community right to buy proposals contained in the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has to be satisfied that its legislative proposals are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. It has been aware from the outset that the legislation on the Crofting Community Right to Buy would require to be formulated carefully to achieve compliance with the convention. Ministers have sought and been given legal advice on the provisions necessary to achieve that outcome.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158753,"EventID":"S1W-22168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much special grant aid was promised to museums for transitional purposes pending the final outcomes of the National Audit of Collections; how much such aid has been p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much special grant aid was promised to museums for transitional purposes pending the final outcomes of the National Audit of Collections; how much such aid has been paid, and to whom.","AnswerText":"The National Cultural Strategy committed the Executive to initiate a national audit of collections in museums and galleries, beginning with the industrial museums. £250,000 has been made available for the audit and an interim report was published in October 2001. In addition, a Strategic Change Fund of £3 million over three years has been announced for the sector. In December 2000, the Executive announced a funding package of £1.26 million over three years towards the running costs of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, the Scottish Maritime Museum and the Scottish Mining Museum in recognition of their financial difficulties, and grants of £60,000, £160,000 and £200,000 respectively have been paid during the financial year 2001-02. In addition, a further £110,000 has been paid in 2001-02 to the Scottish Maritime Museum to address their cash flow and deficit problems.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158754,"EventID":"S1W-22169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing its policy on museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing its policy on museums.","AnswerText":"The National Cultural Strategy committed the Executive to initiate a national audit of collections in museums and galleries, beginning with the industrial museums. £250,000 has been made available for the audit and an interim report was published in October 2001 by Scottish Museums Council. The final report will be published later this year. The audit will inform strategic policy and planning for the sector, including the consideration of a comprehensive national framework for the sector as set out in the National Cultural Strategy.

In addition, a Strategic Change Fund of £3 million over three years has been announced for the sector. The criteria for access to the fund are being developed by Scottish Museums Council at present. In December 2000, the Executive announced a funding package of £1.26 million over three years towards the running costs of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, the Scottish Maritime Museum and the Scottish Mining Museum in recognition of their financial difficulties, with a further £110,000 for the Scottish Maritime Museum in 2001-02.

The National Cultural Strategy undertook to increase access to collections by means of ICT, including securing the future of SCRAN (the Scottish Cultural Resources Access Network). The Executive has now awarded a grant of £120,000 to SCRAN.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158755,"EventID":"S1W-22170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input the Scottish Museums Council has had to the development of a national policy on museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input the Scottish Museums Council has had to the development of a national policy on museums.","AnswerText":"Scottish Museums Council is the Executive's main adviser on local museums and the main channel of Executive support for Scotland's 400 or so local museums and galleries. Scottish Museums Council is conducting the national audit of the museums sector, and is leading on developing the criteria for the Strategic Change Fund, and sits on the steering group for industrial museums. Officials have regular meetings with Scottish Museums Council to discuss key policy issues. I have agreed to meet next month with the Director, Jane Ryder, to discuss future developments in the museum sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158756,"EventID":"S1W-22171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what international best practice on funding for museums is informing the development of a national policy on museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what international best practice on funding for museums is informing the development of a national policy on museums.","AnswerText":"There could be difficulties in deciding how international best practice can inform the development of national policy on museums in Scotland. We will take account of best international practice taking appropriate account of the differences in historic pattern of provision, legal and financial frameworks between Scotland and other countries.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158757,"EventID":"S1W-22172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans ministers have to visit Kilmartin House Museum in Argyll; whether any visits planned by ministers in the last 12 months have been cancelled, and what the reaso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans ministers have to visit Kilmartin House Museum in Argyll; whether any visits planned by ministers in the last 12 months have been cancelled, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to visit Kilmartin Museum. The Scottish Executive has responsibility for the National Museums and Galleries, whereas responsibility for the 400 or so non-national museums lies with local agencies.

I understand that arrangements had been made for Allan Wilson in his capacity as Deputy Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture to visit Kilmartin Museum but the visit had to be cancelled due to pressing parliamentary business. Subsequently, a meeting with ministers was offered in either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The offer was not accepted.

I understand that Scottish Museums Council, who advise the Executive on local museum matters, have invited representatives of the Kilmartin House Trust to a meeting to take place shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158758,"EventID":"S1W-22173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when proposals will be developed with NHS and health boards for consultation on the fluoridation of the water supply, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when proposals will be developed with NHS and health boards for consultation on the fluoridation of the water supply, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The arrangements we propose for consultation on children's oral health, including fluoridation of the public water supply, will be announced shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158759,"EventID":"S1W-22174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pilot schemes have been established to provide alternative fluoride programmes in areas where fluoridation of the water supply is not a feasible alternative, as r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pilot schemes have been established to provide alternative fluoride programmes in areas where fluoridation of the water supply is not a feasible alternative, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"No pilot schemes have yet been established.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158760,"EventID":"S1W-22175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of the expansion of qualified professions complementary to dentistry for clinical based programmes to help the elderly, as recommended in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of the expansion of qualified professions complementary to dentistry for clinical based programmes to help the elderly, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A sub-group on Oral Health of the Elderly has been established to support the implementation of the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland. This group is currently carrying out a review of the issues relevant to improving the oral health of the elderly, which includes assessment of a range of options for improving care to this age group.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158761,"EventID":"S1W-22176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the proposals for oral cancer surveillance and improved preventive services for the elderly, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the proposals for oral cancer surveillance and improved preventive services for the elderly, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Outline proposals for oral cancer screening were submitted to the Chief Scientist's Office (CSO) in October 2001. The applicants have been invited to proceed to full application which will be subject to CSO Committee review.

The Subgroup on Oral Health of the Elderly, set up to support implementation of the Scottish Dental Action Plan, is looking at the issues relevant to improving the oral health of the elderly. The Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group on the Health of Older People has recently been considering ways of improving the oral health of older people, as a part of a wider health review.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158762,"EventID":"S1W-22177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the proposals for the establishment of drop-in centres in the major cities and the enhanced use of mobile services for access to dentistry, as ou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the proposals for the establishment of drop-in centres in the major cities and the enhanced use of mobile services for access to dentistry, as outlined in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"In line with the recommendations in the dental action plan and under the premises modernisation programme we have recently approved an application for capital funding for the consolidation of emergency dental services in Edinburgh. The proposals for the revised service include a drop-in facility for patients. We are continuing to review the position on such services, including mobile services, with NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158763,"EventID":"S1W-22178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clinical assistant posts have been created in (a) orthodontics, (b) surgical dentistry and (c) paediatric dentistry, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clinical assistant posts have been created in (a) orthodontics, (b) surgical dentistry and (c) paediatric dentistry, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18318 on 22 November 2001, which dealt with the same issue. That answer still applies.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158764,"EventID":"S1W-22179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the managed clinical networks linking general dental practitioner (GDP) specialists with hospital services and other GDPs are now in place, as recommended in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the managed clinical networks linking general dental practitioner (GDP) specialists with hospital services and other GDPs are now in place, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The networks recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland are not currently in place. Discussions are on-going with the profession and the service providers on the development of all aspects of the Action Plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158765,"EventID":"S1W-22180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the target of 120 graduates per annum, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland, is sufficient to meet the demands for increased availabi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the target of 120 graduates per annum, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland, is sufficient to meet the demands for increased availability of, and access to, dental services.","AnswerText":"The number of dentists working in Scotland has increased constantly over the last 30 years and by 300 in the last eight years, and we are committed to increasing numbers further. The Scottish Advisory Committee for the Dental Workforce (SACDW) advises on the most effective way to achieve this.

The size of the graduate output is only one of the various factors which influence the supply of and access to practising dentists. The current target output of 120 is considered to be the level appropriate to expected demands, on the information currently available. Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education with ISD Scotland are improving the information available by mapping the characteristics and supply dynamics of the dental workforce. Once this information is available, SACDW will consider the findings and will recommend on the most appropriate method to increase the number of dentists working in primary care in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158766,"EventID":"S1W-22181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the fee structure for specialist treatments such as orthodontics and sedation will be published and implemented, as recommended in the Action Plan for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the fee structure for specialist treatments such as orthodontics and sedation will be published and implemented, as recommended in the Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The narrative and fees for sedation and for orthodontics, contained in the Statement of Dental Remuneration, have been reviewed to increase patient safety.

Amendment Number 78 to the statement lists the revised narrative for fees related to orthodontics. It took effect on 1 April 2001.

Amendment Number 79 lists the revised narrative and fees for sedation and a new narrative and fee related to copying of radiographs by dentists accepting orthodontic referrals. The amendment took effect on 13 August 2001.

The Executive continues to review the delivery of orthodontics and sedation.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158767,"EventID":"S1W-22182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider extending the scope of section 1 of the Weeds Act 1959 to include Japanese Knotweed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider extending the scope of section 1 of the Weeds Act 1959 to include Japanese Knotweed.","AnswerText":"No. The powers in the Weeds Act 1959 arise from the need to safeguard commercial food production.

In nature conservation terms, Japanese Knotweed is listed in Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and under this act it is an offence to accidentally or deliberately release the species into the wild.

The Executive is participating in a GB-wide review of the current and potential threats posed by invasive non-native species, including Japanese Knotweed. The review will consider and identify appropriate preventative and damage minimisation strategies and will report to Scottish ministers later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158768,"EventID":"S1W-22183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many infection control nurses there are, broken down by NHS/health board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many infection control nurses there are, broken down by NHS/health board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.

Prior to 30 September 2001, a new occupation code was introduced on the Scottish Standard Payroll System (SSPS) to identify infection control nurses and trusts were asked to record the appropriate staff in this category. It is hoped that this data will be available in April 2002 by trust or NHS board.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158769,"EventID":"S1W-22184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many infection control nurses are currently undergoing training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many infection control nurses are currently undergoing training.","AnswerText":"There are two providers of training for infection control nurses in Scotland. The University of Dundee offers a Bachelor of Nursing degree with Specialist Practitioner Qualification in Infection Control nursing and University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute offers a Masters degree in infection control.

Between the two institutions there are 27 nurses working in Scotland currently undergoing training.

In addition, the University of Dundee is beginning recruitment to a fast track training programme in September 2002. Twenty funded places are available and will be targeted at newly appointed infection control nurses.

Proposals for investment in a new national training scheme on infection control for up to 3,500 frontline nurses will be formally presented at an international summit on health care associated infection to be held this summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158770,"EventID":"S1W-22185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect and promote coarse fish species and coarse fishing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect and promote coarse fish species and coarse fishing.","AnswerText":"I am currently considering responses to the Green Paper, Scotland's Freshwater Fish and Fisheries: Securing their Future. This contained a number of proposed initiatives aimed at protecting and promoting both Scotland's game and coarse fish and fisheries.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158771,"EventID":"S1W-22186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many intensive care beds there were in 2001, broken down by (a) health board and (b) NHS trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many intensive care beds there were in 2001, broken down by (a) health board and (b) NHS trust.","AnswerText":"The latest figures for the average number of intensive care beds in the period April to November 2001, as collated by the Scottish Intensive Care Society, shows the following:

Health Board/Acute Trust

No. of ICU beds

NHS Argyll &Clyde

8

NHS Ayrshire & Arran

9

NHS Borders

3

NHS Dumfries & Galloway

4

NHS Fife

10

NHS Forth Valley

9

NHSGrampian

9

NHS Greater Glasgow (North Trust)

19

NHS Greater Glasgow (South Trust)

10

NHS Highland

6

NHS Lanarkshire

15

NHS Lothian (University)

19

NHS Lothian (West Lothian)

4

NHS Tayside

10

Total

135

This data excludes neuro ICU at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, paediatric ICU, coronary care units and cardiac ICU beds.

These figures do not include the planned expansion of intensive care units in order to manage winter pressures. These plans allow ICUs in Scotland to expand to around 145 beds for extended periods, stretching to around 170 beds for short periods. Final figures on the average number of beds available in 2001 will not be available from the Scottish Intensive Care Society until later this y","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158772,"EventID":"S1W-22187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients who required an intensive care bed have been transferred between hospitals in order to be accommodated in such a bed in each of the last five years, bro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients who required an intensive care bed have been transferred between hospitals in order to be accommodated in such a bed in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) health board and (b) NHS trust.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of patients admitted to intensive care beds on transfer from another hospital obtained from national general acute in-patient/day case discharge data is shown in the following table. It is not possible from this data source to identify the reasons for these transfers.

General acute discharges from Intensive Care Units where patient admitted from another NHS Trust, years ended 31 March: 1998-20011

Health Board/Location of Treatment

Year ended 31 March:

1998

1999

2000

2001p

Scotland

556

592

570

506

Health Board

Argyll & Clyde

13

20

17

14

Ayr & Arran

34

28

15

22

Borders

2

1

3

3

Dumfries & Galloway

1

4

4

5

Fife

The RA, when conducting its initial audit of mobile telephone base stations on school sites, did not automatically calculate the amalgam of cumulative emissions at peak times. The audit was designed to measure accurately all emissions received at the measurement location at the time when the audit was undertaken.

Nonetheless, the RA was alert to the possibility that at the time of each audit not all channels from any particular base station would, necessarily, be transmitting. Consequently the RA decided to carry out more detailed measurements where the measurements taken were found to be higher than 1/100th of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. However, these additional measurements did not prove necessary as during the course of the many thousands of measurements made during the 101 audits, the highest measurement recorded was 1/279th of the ICNIRP guidelines. Typically measurement levels were found to be many thousands of times below the ICNIRP guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158774,"EventID":"S1W-22189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in support of the international campaign on epilepsy \"Out of the Shadows\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in support of the international campaign on epilepsy \"Out of the Shadows\".","AnswerText":"The Executive is not planning any action directly related to \"Out of the Shadows\", though we provide grant funding to Epilepsy Action Scotland (EAS), which plays an active role in the campaign.

We recently sponsored an EAS Symposium on Managed Clinical Networks for Epilepsy, and this year will also see the publication of the report of the UK-wide National Sentinel Audit on Sudden Death in Epilepsy, co-funded by the Executive, and the revised and updated version of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Epilepsy in Adults, funded by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158775,"EventID":"S1W-22190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standard literature on epilepsy is provided by each NHS and health board to newly diagnosed patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standard literature on epilepsy is provided by each NHS and health board to newly diagnosed patients.","AnswerText":"Information on the literature currently used by NHS boards is not held centrally. The Executive's plans to improve communication with patients and provide better patient information were set out in Patient Focus and Public Involvement, published on 12 December 2001. These plans should bring a better quality of information to people with epilepsy and other health conditions.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158776,"EventID":"S1W-22191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the total number of consultant neurologists appointed in order to help reduce the misdiagnosis rate for epilepsy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the total number of consultant neurologists appointed in order to help reduce the misdiagnosis rate for epilepsy.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards and trusts to assess and provide for local needs and to determine the staffing levels required for effective delivery of service outcomes. It would be wrong for the Executive to attempt to define staffing levels, as trusts must be able to adapt staffing arrangements to suit the changing pattern of circumstances, and be judged by outcomes rather than inputs.

The number of higher specialist training posts available in Scotland is regularly adjusted to meet the projected number of new consultants needed to meet known and anticipated turnover and local service developments. In March 2001, the specialist registrar establishment for neurology was increased from 12 to 14. We will consider whether additional training posts for neurologists should be part of the targeted increase of 375 junior doctors which was announced on 2 April 2001 for the period to 2004. Targeting will take account of the review of medical workforce planning which is also currently under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158777,"EventID":"S1W-22192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that its good practice guidance on the administration of medicines in schools is uniformly implemented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that its good practice guidance on the administration of medicines in schools is uniformly implemented.","AnswerText":"This is primarily a matter for health boards and education authorities. The good practice guidance emphasises the need for co-operation between NHS boards and education authorities to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place. These would determine the respective responsibilities of each in relation to the administration of medicines in schools. Implementation and practical issues will, however, need to reflect local circumstances and in some cases the individual needs of pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158778,"EventID":"S1W-22193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide resources for a public awareness campaign during National Epilepsy Week from 18-24 May 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide resources for a public awareness campaign during National Epilepsy Week from 18-24 May 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive gives grant funding to Epilepsy Action Scotland, to support their role in promoting public awareness of epilepsy. We have not had any application for resources directly related to National Epilepsy Week 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158779,"EventID":"S1W-22194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to issue guidance to local authorities to ensure that all of their staff are offered epilepsy awareness training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to issue guidance to local authorities to ensure that all of their staff are offered epilepsy awareness training.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158780,"EventID":"S1W-22195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist epilepsy nurses were employed by each NHS and health board in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist epilepsy nurses were employed by each NHS and health board in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158781,"EventID":"S1W-22196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in each NHS and health board area are currently being prescribed Infliximab and Entanercept.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in each NHS and health board area are currently being prescribed Infliximab and Entanercept.","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally. Infliximab and Entanercept are available on NHS prescription. However, their use depends on the clinical judgement of specialists experienced in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Data on drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally. Centrally collected data relates to items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158782,"EventID":"S1W-22197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support front line public sector workers, such as police and social workers, who are assaulted or threatened at work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support front line public sector workers, such as police and social workers, who are assaulted or threatened at work.","AnswerText":"The Executive has provided backing for the Association of Directors of Social Work in launching and developing their programme of Support for Front-line staff. One of the programme's primary aims is to improve information about assaults or threats at work and the responses by local authorities to these.

The responsibility for the occupational health and safety of police officers rests with their respective Chief Constable, not the Scottish Executive.

However, the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 contains provision for a penalty not exceeding £2,500 and/or three months imprisonment for any person who assaults a police officer in the execution of his duty. For a second offence within a two-year span, a period of imprisonment not exceeding nine months and/or a fine not exceeding £5,000 is applicable.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158783,"EventID":"S1W-22198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a new offence of aggravated assault where the victim is a public sector worker, for example a health sector worker who is assaulted in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a new offence of aggravated assault where the victim is a public sector worker, for example a health sector worker who is assaulted in the course of their duties.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. Individuals who are assaulted in the course of their duties are already treated as the victims of an aggravated assault. Procurators Fiscal treat such assaults as being more serious due to the employment status of the victim. The punishment for assault is not fixed in statute. The penalty imposed will depend on the circumstances of each case including the status of the victim.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158784,"EventID":"S1W-22199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what part water fluoridation will play in its dental strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what part water fluoridation will play in its dental strategy.","AnswerText":"This will be part of the consultation we propose on children's oral health.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158785,"EventID":"S1W-22200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any financial support to local authorities for the transportation of fridges to an o'one-depleting gas recovery facility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any financial support to local authorities for the transportation of fridges to an o'one-depleting gas recovery facility.","AnswerText":"I announced on 6 December in response to question S1O-4233 on 6 December 2001 that the Executive will provide funding to local authorities towards the additional costs which local authorities will incur in dealing with fridges containing ozone-depleting substances. I hope to announce the amount of allocations to local authorities shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158786,"EventID":"S1W-22201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold an enquiry into the causes and handling of the landslides on the A83 at the Rest and be Thankful in Argyll which caused a five day closure of this r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold an enquiry into the causes and handling of the landslides on the A83 at the Rest and be Thankful in Argyll which caused a five day closure of this route.","AnswerText":"No. Following the landslides, the Scottish Executive asked the Performance Audit Group (PAG) to examine how BEAR Scotland Ltd handled the incident. The PAG concluded that BEAR responded efficiently with diversions put in place and resources mobilised quickly to deal with the problem.

BEAR has been instructed to examine the causes of the landslides and prepare a report on proposals to minimise the possibility of future slips.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158787,"EventID":"S1W-22202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address any national shortage of paediatric specialists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to address any national shortage of paediatric specialists.","AnswerText":"The number of higher specialist training posts available in Scotland is regularly adjusted to meet the projected number of new consultants needed to meet known and anticipated turnover and local service developments. We will consider whether additional training posts for paediatrics should be part of the targeted increase of 375 junior doctors which was announced on 2 April 2001 for the period to 2004. Targeting will take account of the review of medical workforce planning which is also currently under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158788,"EventID":"S1W-22203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the provision on site of children's in-patient medical services in general hospitals such as Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the provision on site of children's in-patient medical services in general hospitals such as Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.","AnswerText":"The Executive expects NHS boards and trusts to design and operate health services, including children's services, so that they meet local needs and adhere to overall Scottish and other policies and frameworks where relevant.

The Child Health Support Group published its Template for Child Health Services within Unified NHS Board Areas in May 2001. The template is a framework for the planning of child health services by NHS boards across Scotland and is available at www.Show.Scot.nhs.uk/chsg under the heading \"Work of the Group\". The Executive would expect local children's health service planning in Lanarkshire to be carried forward within this framework.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158789,"EventID":"S1W-22204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistical information it holds in respect of any increase in the number of children requiring admission to hospitals in Lanarkshire over the winter period.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistical information it holds in respect of any increase in the number of children requiring admission to hospitals in Lanarkshire over the winter period.","AnswerText":"The following table provides information on the number of patients under the age of 16 years that were admitted to Lanarkshire acute hospitals for in-patient and day case treatment during the period April 1998 to March 2001, the most up to date figures available.

"Winter" Months

"Summer" Months

Type of admission

Oct 1998 -Mar 1999

Oct 1999-Mar 2000

Oct 2000 -Mar 2001p

Apr 1998 -Sep 1998

Apr 1999 -Sep 1999

Apr 2000 -Sep 2000

Elective

1,545

1,380

968

1,710

1,514

1,320

Transfer

82

55

68

66

69

49

Emergency

2,518

2,490

2,382

2,462

2,385

2,330

Total

Source: ISD Scotland.

P Provisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158790,"EventID":"S1W-22205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sick children requiring in-patient services should be cared for as close to their home as possible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sick children requiring in-patient services should be cared for as close to their home as possible.","AnswerText":"The Child Health Support Group Template for Child Health Services within Unified NHS Board Areas sets out that, where possible, in order to minimise anxiety for the child, the chosen model of acute care should be out-patient provision located as near as possible to the child's home. Where in-patient care is necessary we recommend in At Home in Hospital - A Guide to Care of Children and Young People that families should have easy access to hospital facilities for children without needing to travel significant distances.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158791,"EventID":"S1W-22206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of consultation with the public and any other interested parties it would expect to be undertaken in respect of any temporary removal of in-patient medical se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of consultation with the public and any other interested parties it would expect to be undertaken in respect of any temporary removal of in-patient medical services for children from Monklands Hospital to Wishaw General Hospital.","AnswerText":"I would expect Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to formally consult with the Local Health Council and to seek the views and thoughts of parents and children who have had long-term contact with the paediatricians at Monklands Hospital.

I understand from the trust that the decision to temporarily transfer in-patient paediatric services over the winter period was taken on the grounds of patient safety. The trust advertised the proposed transfer in local newspapers, through GP Practices and in Monklands Hospital. I also understand that a public meeting was held on 12 December in Airdrie, where the public were invited to raise concerns and to clarify arrangements, including the reimbursement of any extra costs incurred in travelling to Wishaw.

The trust has confirmed that in-patient paediatric services will return to Monklands General Hospital at the beginning of April.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158792,"EventID":"S1W-22207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of consultation with the public and any other interested parties it would expect to be undertaken in respect of any permanent change in service provision at Mo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of consultation with the public and any other interested parties it would expect to be undertaken in respect of any permanent change in service provision at Monklands Hospital.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are expected to consult with all affected communities about any significant service change or development whether these are new or existing services, or a change in the way health services are used.

Boards should agree a process that provides a clear timetable for decision making, identifies who will be consulted and when this will happen, the range of approaches that will be used, and the stages at which people who have been involved will be made aware of progress. This approach should be shared with the local health council, the local authority and other representative bodies at an early stage for advice where appropriate.

It is important that service users should be involved in developing possible options or alternatives prior to proceeding with the formal consultation process. The initial stages of a consultation process should begin with open sessions to gain views on a range of options of key interest groups, for example service user groups, community groups, NHS staff and trade unions.

Full public debate on the options should be supported by feedback, through the media and newsletters, of the points made at open sessions. Focus groups and surveys should be used where appropriate to ensure patient experience and the wider public perspective are fed into the process. Written comments should be encouraged with particular attention being given to eliciting comment from local councils, local councillors, MSPs and MPs and other key local individuals and organisations.

In deciding whether to approve a proposal for a permanent change of use, ministers will take account of the quality and extent of the public involvement in the development of the proposal for service change.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158793,"EventID":"S1W-22208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what educational materials have been developed that target middle-aged and older women in light of the Health Education Board for Scotland report, women and alcohol: repo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what educational materials have been developed that target middle-aged and older women in light of the Health Education Board for Scotland report, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar. ","AnswerText":"Alcohol Focus Scotland has produced an information leaflet for older people, which provides advice on sensible drinking levels and contacts for further information. The Executive will give further consideration to the prevention and education needs of women in light of the findings of the Health Education Board for Scotland's women and alcohol seminar in April. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22209.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158794,"EventID":"S1W-22209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training and information have been given to health professionals in respect of identifying alcohol-related problems in women in light of the Health Education Board f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training and information have been given to health professionals in respect of identifying alcohol-related problems in women in light of the Health Education Board for Scotland report, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar.","AnswerText":"The Executive set up Scottish Training on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (STRADA) last year to provide training for staff working in the alcohol and drugs fields. STRADA's programme will include training on identifying and addressing alcohol problems among specific groups, including women.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158795,"EventID":"S1W-22210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what gender-sensitive approaches have been developed by providers of alcohol services in order to take account of the particular needs of women with alcohol problems in l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what gender-sensitive approaches have been developed by providers of alcohol services in order to take account of the particular needs of women with alcohol problems in light of the Health Education Board for Scotland report, women and alcohol: report of an expert seminar. ","AnswerText":"The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems, which was published on 18 January 2002, sets out that alcohol problems services should be sensitive to the needs of particular groups, including women. The Executive will shortly be consulting on a framework for alcohol problems support and treatment services and this will include consultation with groups who have a specific interest in women with alcohol problems.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158796,"EventID":"S1W-22211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the installation of condensing boilers has not been specified in the terms of its Central Heating Installation Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the installation of condensing boilers has not been specified in the terms of its Central Heating Installation Programme.","AnswerText":"The specification for the Central Heating Installation Programme does not prevent the installation of condensing boilers. The specifications were set in terms of performance levels and not on the basis of make or form of heating.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158797,"EventID":"S1W-22212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to stimulate net capital expenditure in Glasgow's manufacturing sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to stimulate net capital expenditure in Glasgow's manufacturing sector.","AnswerText":"In financial years 1996-2001 we made offers of Regional Selective Assistance amounting to £137,882,650 towards projects involving capital expenditure of £822,335,910 in the Glasgow Travel to Work Area.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158798,"EventID":"S1W-22213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the growth rate in jobs was in Glasgow in each year from 1996 to 2001 and what it is expected to be in each year until 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the growth rate in jobs was in Glasgow in each year from 1996 to 2001 and what it is expected to be in each year until 2006.","AnswerText":"Data from the ONS's Annual Business Inquiry and Annual Employment Survey shows that the growth rate for jobs in Glasgow City for each year is:

1999-2000

6.90%

1998-99

-1.70%

1997-98

2.20%

1996-97

4.50%

2000 is the latest year that these data are available.

Information on forecasts is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158799,"EventID":"S1W-22214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines have been given to fire brigades concerning the provision of free smoke alarms to households in their regions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines have been given to fire brigades concerning the provision of free smoke alarms to households in their regions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not issued guidance to fire brigades. However, the Scottish Executive and all fire brigades strongly encourage the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms. Advice is offered to the public by all brigades through their Community Fire Safety departments. In addition, the Scottish Executive has funded a number of initiatives on the importance of smoke alarms, including recent TV and radio advertising, posters on buses and the regular press supplement \"Fire Safety Scotland\" which we produce in partnership with the Scottish Fire Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158800,"EventID":"S1W-22215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued to fire brigades concerning the installation of smoke alarms in their regions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued to fire brigades concerning the installation of smoke alarms in their regions.","AnswerText":"From time to time the Scottish Executive issues information to fire brigades about smoke alarms. The most recent was in November 2000 and advised brigades about a revised British Standard specification for smoke alarms. The Scottish Executive and the Scottish Fire Service strongly encourage the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms. Advice is offered to the public by all brigades through their Community Fire Safety departments. In addition, the Scottish Executive has funded a number of initiatives on the importance of smoke alarms, including recent TV and radio advertising, posters on buses and the regular press supplement \"Fire Safety Scotland\" which we produce in partnership with the Scottish Fire Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158801,"EventID":"S1W-22216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has funded any research projects that aim to assess the effectiveness of free distribution of smoke alarms as a way of reducing fire fatalities and injuries re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has funded any research projects that aim to assess the effectiveness of free distribution of smoke alarms as a way of reducing fire fatalities and injuries related to household fires.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not funded any such research projects but smoke alarm ownership in Scotland is relatively high with 88% of dwellings having smoke alarms. However, we have recently undertaken a comprehensive advertising campaign to further raise people's awareness of the benefits of installing and maintaining smoke alarms, involving the use of TV and radio advertising, posters on buses and advertising boards at football grounds. In addition, we have undertaken a survey on the impact of the regular press supplement \"Fire Safety Scotland\" which we produce in partnership with the Scottish Fire Service. The survey confirmed the effectiveness of the supplement in targeting the most vulnerable groups. I will write to the member with more detail on the survey and also place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158802,"EventID":"S1W-22217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from Railtrack in respect of the infrastructure improvement programme for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde over the next four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from Railtrack in respect of the infrastructure improvement programme for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde over the next four years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Railtrack on a wide range of issues. Infrastructure improvement works, including essential maintenance works currently under way, are the responsibility of Railtrack and subject to regulation by HM Railways Inspectorate.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158803,"EventID":"S1W-22218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many telecommunications masts have been constructed in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Scotland in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many telecommunications masts have been constructed in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Scotland in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

You may be interested to know that the Radiocommunications Agency have a \"sitefinder\" facility through which information on individual sites can be obtained. It is accessed via the internet at www.radio.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158804,"EventID":"S1W-22219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase funding for (a) children's hospices and (b) hospices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase funding for (a) children's hospices and (b) hospices.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for funding palliative care and respite care lies with NHS boards and local authorities. The Executive provides some core funding for voluntary organisations which run hospices. We have no plans to change existing arrangements.

However, we are aware that the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) is planning to build a second children's hospice in Scotland. I place a very high value on CHAS' work at Rachel House, its existing hospice. I propose to make an award of grant to support this new development. I will make a contribution of £500,000 to the capital costs of the new hospice and provide additional grant of £250,000 per annum to support its first two years, when it is up and running.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158805,"EventID":"S1W-22220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce bed blocking in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Scotland as a whole.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce bed blocking in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"On 9 January 2002, we announced a £20 million package for local authorities and NHSScotland to make a significant reduction in the number of patients experiencing delayed discharge from hospitals across Scotland. This is over and above the recurring £10 million already provided to local authorities for the purpose through their Grant Aided Expenditure settlements. Additionally, an expert group, led by NHSScotland Chief Executive, Trevor Jones, has been looking in detail at delayed discharge and the reasons for it. Next month, I will announce an Action Plan based on the work of this group, and including the distribution arrangements for the new resources, to help drive down the delayed discharge figures.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158806,"EventID":"S1W-22221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued to local authorities concerning the siting of waste incinerators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued to local authorities concerning the siting of waste incinerators.","AnswerText":"Current guidance to planning authorities on the siting of incinerators is contained in National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 10: Planning and Waste Management. A copy of NPPG 10 is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 1084).

We will shortly be publishing further advice to planning authorities in Planning Advice Note 63: Waste Management Planning.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158807,"EventID":"S1W-22222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the recycling of waste over the next 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the recycling of waste over the next 10 years.","AnswerText":"No targets for the recycling of waste have been set to date. The introduction of targets will be informed by the findings of the Area Waste Plans currently being developed as part of the National Waste Strategy. This will ensure that the Best Practicable Environmental Option for dealing with waste in each area has been taken into account before targets are established.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158808,"EventID":"S1W-22223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much non-domestic rate revenue each local authority collects from businesses with rateable values of (a) less than #10,000 and (b) #10,000 or more.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much non-domestic rate revenue each local authority collects from businesses with rateable values of (a) less than #10,000 and (b) #10,000 or more.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158809,"EventID":"S1W-22224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the level of business rates on firms' cash flows, given that, as reported in the Edinburgh Evening News on 14 January 2002, 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the level of business rates on firms' cash flows, given that, as reported in the Edinburgh Evening News on 14 January 2002, 29% of Scottish firms are experiencing cash flow problems.","AnswerText":"A number of factors affect the cash flow of a business.

Business rates affect firms' cash flows to a greater or lesser extent depending on the rateable value of the property or properties involved. An assessment of the impact would therefore vary from business to business.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158810,"EventID":"S1W-22225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address any decline in exports, given that, as reported in the Edinburgh Evening News on 14 January 2002, 33% of exporters experienced an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address any decline in exports, given that, as reported in the Edinburgh Evening News on 14 January 2002, 33% of exporters experienced an increase in turnover in the second half of 2001 compared with 52% in the second half of 2000.","AnswerText":"The Global Connections Strategy, launched in October 2001, sets out the Executive's aims for future international economic development activity. The strategy led to the creation of Scottish Development International which brings together the experience and expertise of Scottish Trade International and Locate in Scotland.

One of Scottish Development International's key aims is to ensure that companies are able to realise the full benefits of trading in international markets. It provides generic and custom market research and knowledge to Scottish companies and delivers customised strategic market entry support. This covers a wide range of activities including the delivery of all government trade services in Scotland, tailored Market Assistance Programmes and assistance for companies on outward missions and attendance at exhibitions. Work is done with companies on a one to one basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158811,"EventID":"S1W-22226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to mitigate any distress and injury caused to animals during the prolonged period of firework use on and around 5 November.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to mitigate any distress and injury caused to animals during the prolonged period of firework use on and around 5 November.","AnswerText":"The sale, supply and safety of fireworks are consumer protection matters and, as such, are reserved. The Scottish Executive and the Scottish Fire Service fully support the DTI's annual Firework Safety Campaign. In 2001, the DTI's Firework Safety Toolkit was issued to fire brigades across Scotland. Brigades distributed the toolkit, including safety posters and leaflets, to schools. Additionally, brigades took further action which they considered essential to raise awareness of bonfire and firework safety issues in their local areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158812,"EventID":"S1W-22227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the financial package put in place by the Glasgow Housing Association for the proposed housing stock transfer is sufficient for meeting the commitments made to t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the financial package put in place by the Glasgow Housing Association for the proposed housing stock transfer is sufficient for meeting the commitments made to tenants.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council will assess the Glasgow Housing Association's Business Plan and submit a transfer proposal to the Executive. As part of this assessment the council will wish to ensure that the commitments made to tenants are met.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158813,"EventID":"S1W-22228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of grant will be available to any homeowners facing common ownership charges of between #7,500 and #9,500 should the Glasgow housing stock transfer takes plac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of grant will be available to any homeowners facing common ownership charges of between #7,500 and #9,500 should the Glasgow housing stock transfer takes place.","AnswerText":"Homeowners in Glasgow whose properties may require to be improved as a result of the Glasgow housing transfer will be eligible to apply for assistance through the improvement and repairs grant scheme. The level of assistance available will depend on individual circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158814,"EventID":"S1W-22229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the levels of rent currently paid by council house tenants in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the levels of rent currently paid by council house tenants in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Council house rent levels are a matter for individual councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158815,"EventID":"S1W-22230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Glasgow Housing Association funding bid for housing stock transfer is satisfactory and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Glasgow Housing Association funding bid for housing stock transfer is satisfactory and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"A Funders Panel was appointed by Glasgow City Council (GCC) and the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) to consider funding issues highlighted in the GHA's outline business plan. The Funders Panel report has now been completed and initial indications from funders are positive, but it is for GCC to reach agreement on the proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158816,"EventID":"S1W-22231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20755 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 January 2002, what specific arrangement has been made between it and Her Majesty's Treasury in re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20755 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 January 2002, what specific arrangement has been made between it and Her Majesty's Treasury in relation to Glasgow City Council's housing debt, should tenants vote in favour of wholesale housing stock transfer. ","AnswerText":"The revised arrangements for dealing with local authorities' residual housing debt following stock transfer were set out in the answer to question S1W-18180 on 28 September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158817,"EventID":"S1W-22232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20755 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 January 2002, whether it plans to pay off Glasgow City Council's capital housing debt should tena","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20755 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 January 2002, whether it plans to pay off Glasgow City Council's capital housing debt should tenants reject wholesale stock transfer and, if not, how much of the #415 million allocated to the Council for re-provisioning and demolition costs following such a transfer would still be available to the council if the wholesale stock transfer were rejected.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to pay off Glasgow City Council's housing debt if tenants reject the stock transfer proposal. As was made clear in the answer to question S1W-20755 on 14 January 2002, if the whole stock transfer does not proceed the funds for re-provisioning and demolition will not be available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158818,"EventID":"S1W-22233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20755 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 January 2002, why the #415 million allocated to Glasgow City Council for re-provisioning and demo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20755 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 January 2002, why the #415 million allocated to Glasgow City Council for re-provisioning and demolition costs will not be available to the Council should tenants vote against wholesale stock transfer in the forthcoming ballot.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20755 on 14 January 2002 on 14 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158819,"EventID":"S1W-22234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18204 by Lewis Macdonald on 24 October 2001, what response it has received to its formal request that Her Majesty's Government impo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18204 by Lewis Macdonald on 24 October 2001, what response it has received to its formal request that Her Majesty's Government impose a public service obligation on the Inverness to Gatwick route and implement measures that will secure the slots required to maintain the service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is awaiting response from the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions to the case for measures to protect access to Gatwick for the Inverness service.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158820,"EventID":"S1W-22235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish all correspondence between it and Her Majesty's Treasury, the Department for Work and Pensions and any other individuals or departments concerning","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish all correspondence between it and Her Majesty's Treasury, the Department for Work and Pensions and any other individuals or departments concerning the loss of Attendance Allowance to Scottish pensioners resulting from the implementation of free personal and nursing care for pensioners.","AnswerText":"Correspondence relating to discussions between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government is not published, in accordance with Exemption 2 of Part ll of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158821,"EventID":"S1W-22236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21105 by Dr Elaine Murray on 3 January 2002, what reasons given were for the Piping Centre, Glasgow having debts of this nature. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21105 by Dr Elaine Murray on 3 January 2002, what reasons given were for the Piping Centre, Glasgow having debts of this nature. ","AnswerText":"The Piping Centre incurred a substantial debt in the conversion of the building. In its initial years the centre's income without public subsidy has not yet matched its costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158822,"EventID":"S1W-22237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether losses on commercial activity are taken into account when it considers deficit funding to cultural bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether losses on commercial activity are taken into account when it considers deficit funding to cultural bodies.","AnswerText":"All the relevant financial and operational factors are taken into account.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158823,"EventID":"S1W-22238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it met the deadline for the implementation of the European Union's e-commerce Directive (2000/31/EC) and, if it did not, by how much it missed the deadline and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it met the deadline for the implementation of the European Union's e-commerce Directive (2000/31/EC) and, if it did not, by how much it missed the deadline and what the explanation was for the delay.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-4608 on 7 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158824,"EventID":"S1W-22239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21105 by Dr Elaine Murray on 3 January 2002, what criteria it used when deciding to award funding in September 2000 and November 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21105 by Dr Elaine Murray on 3 January 2002, what criteria it used when deciding to award funding in September 2000 and November 2001 to the Piping Centre, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The criteria included being a centre of excellence and providing international leadership in piping, its educational role, which involves teaching on the RSAMD's course in Scottish music, and evidence of financial need.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158825,"EventID":"S1W-22240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to prevent the reductions in pupil performance at Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 level as detailed in Her Majesty's Inspectors of Education report St","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to prevent the reductions in pupil performance at Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 level as detailed in Her Majesty's Inspectors of Education report Standards and Quality in Primary and Secondary Schools 1998-2001 and to increase parents' confidence that all pupils will be encouraged to achieve their potential at this stage in their education.","AnswerText":"The report emphasises that there is much to be proud of in our schools. Standards are improving year on year. However, several areas for improvement are identified. We are already taking action to deal with them through a range of policies, the framework for improvement and action to promote effective leadership in schools.

Education authorities are required to ensure that school boards and parents are consulted when school improvement plans are being drawn up.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158826,"EventID":"S1W-22241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20685 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 December 2001, what progress it has made in considering the advice given by the Government Actuary on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20685 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 December 2001, what progress it has made in considering the advice given by the Government Actuary on determining the rate of return to be expected from the investment of sums awarded for damages and when the order prescribing an assumed rate of return on the investment of damages to ensure that victims of personal injury in Scotland are not disadvantaged in comparison to victims in the rest of the United Kingdom will be brought forward.","AnswerText":"Having now considered the advice of the Government Actuary, the Scottish ministers have now made the Damages (Personal Injury)(Scotland) Order 2002, setting the discount rate at 2.5%. This is the same rate as in England and Wales. The order enters into force on 8 February 2002, so that victims of personal injury do not have to delay court proceedings or settlements in order to get the benefit of the new rate.

We intend to consult shortly on questions relating to future changes to the discount rate.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158827,"EventID":"S1W-22242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ad-hoc Judicial Appointments Board ranked the candidates they interviewed in June 2001 for recommendation for appointment as a Senator of the College of Just","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ad-hoc Judicial Appointments Board ranked the candidates they interviewed in June 2001 for recommendation for appointment as a Senator of the College of Justice.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158828,"EventID":"S1W-22243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the NHS has paid out in ex-gratia payments, compensation or other awards as a result of claims in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the NHS has paid out in ex-gratia payments, compensation or other awards as a result of claims in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Over the last five years, NHSScotland reported the following losses in respect of ex-gratia payments, compensation or other rewards:
 

2000-01

1999-2000

1998-99

1997-98

1996-97

Total Value of Payments (£ 000)

8,849

5,865

6,239

6,707

7,541

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158829,"EventID":"S1W-22244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled students currently studying with the Open University have applied to the Disabled Students' Allowance Scheme. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled students currently studying with the Open University have applied to the Disabled Students' Allowance Scheme. ","AnswerText":"To date, 62 applications for Disabled Students' Allowance from students studying through the Open University have been received.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158830,"EventID":"S1W-22245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to the Disabled Students' Allowance Scheme were fully processed before students currently studying with the Open University who made applications st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to the Disabled Students' Allowance Scheme were fully processed before students currently studying with the Open University who made applications started their courses. ","AnswerText":"To date, 31 applications for Disabled Students' Allowance from students studying through the Open University have been fully processed prior to the start of their courses.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158831,"EventID":"S1W-22246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any delays in processing applications to the Disabled Students' Allowance Scheme since academic year 1999-2000 and what the reasons for any such d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any delays in processing applications to the Disabled Students' Allowance Scheme since academic year 1999-2000 and what the reasons for any such delay were.","AnswerText":"Since academic year 1999-2000, there have not been any delays in processing applications for the Disabled Students' Allowance. The target of 21 days for processing fully completed applications is being met and in many cases exceeded. In certain cases, the process of putting equipment in place can take longer if a student needs to be assessed for technology needs by one of the National Federation of Access Centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158832,"EventID":"S1W-22247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students studying with or planning to study with the Open University and who applied to the Disabled Students' Allowance Scheme subsequently withdrew from or def","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students studying with or planning to study with the Open University and who applied to the Disabled Students' Allowance Scheme subsequently withdrew from or deferred their course since academic year 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) was extended to distance-learning students for the first time in academic year 2001-02. Students have a responsibility to advise the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) of any change in circumstances that might affect their support entitlement. SAAS is not aware of any DSA students who have withdrawn from or deferred their course in academic year 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158833,"EventID":"S1W-22248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the total amount of residential care costs relate to the cost of personal care in the current year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the total amount of residential care costs relate to the cost of personal care in the current year.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158834,"EventID":"S1W-22249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many heart transplant operations were carried out at the Scottish Heart Transplant Unit in Glasgow in 2001 and what the target is for carrying out heart transplant op","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many heart transplant operations were carried out at the Scottish Heart Transplant Unit in Glasgow in 2001 and what the target is for carrying out heart transplant operations at the unit in 2002.","AnswerText":"Six heart transplants have been carried out at the Scottish Heart Transplant Unit in Glasgow since the full service resumed on 3 September 2001. The target for the period 3 September 2001 to 31 March 2002 is 10.

Under present arrangements, the unit is expected to perform 30 heart transplants in a full year, but there are likely to be variations due to the availability of donor organs.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158835,"EventID":"S1W-22250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action has been taken to help raise awareness of E.coli 0157 and to promote a culture of good health, including providing information to those people who have","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action has been taken to help raise awareness of E.coli 0157 and to promote a culture of good health, including providing information to those people who have had close contact with people who have been exposed to the virus, as discussed in its report Task Force on E.coli 0157: Final Report.","AnswerText":"A response to the report of the task force on E.coli 0157 will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158836,"EventID":"S1W-22251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action has been taken to monitor the introduction and movement of E.coli 0157 in restocked herds following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, as recommended","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action has been taken to monitor the introduction and movement of E.coli 0157 in restocked herds following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, as recommended in its report Task Force on E.coli 0157: Final Report.","AnswerText":"Consideration was given to monitoring E.coli 0157 in restocked herds in line with the task force's recommendations. However, because the restocking had already begun from multiple sources and because an appropriate project to research this issue was not produced which would have added to existing knowledge of the epidemiology of E.coli 0157, it was decided not to proceed with monitoring work. Research on E.coli 0157 is continuing.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158837,"EventID":"S1W-22252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for traffic on the A81 from Milngavie to Strathblane of West of Scotland Water Authority's plan to build a new treatment plant at its Milngavie ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for traffic on the A81 from Milngavie to Strathblane of West of Scotland Water Authority's plan to build a new treatment plant at its Milngavie reservoir.","AnswerText":"The A81 is a local road and, as such, the responsibility of East Dunbartonshire and Stirling Councils as the local roads authorities for the sections of the road that lie within their areas. This is therefore a matter for the councils to address.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158838,"EventID":"S1W-22253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of schools have school boards; how many members of school boards there are; how many vacancies there are on school boards, and how many elections of schoo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of schools have school boards; how many members of school boards there are; how many vacancies there are on school boards, and how many elections of school boards were contested in the most recent round of school board elections, all broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The biennial survey of school boards, last conducted by the Scottish Executive in May 2000, provides details of the number and percentage of schools with school boards and the number of elections contested. The latest data available for school board elections is therefore for the election which took place between September and December 1999. Data for the most recent elections, which took place in late 2001, is not yet available.

Table 1 provides details of the number and percentage of primary schools with school boards and the number and percentage of school board elections contested, broken down by local authority area, as at May 2000. Table 2 provides these details for secondary schools and Table 3 provides these details for special schools.

These figures were published in a press release on 25 October 2000, entitled School Boards in Scottish Schools: May 2000.

Data on the number of members of school boards and the number of vacancies on school boards is not collected centrally.

Table 1

Education Authority Primary Schools1, May 2000

Number of eligible schools with a school board, and where election was contested

Education Authority

Total number of eligible schools at 31 May 2000

Eligible schools with school board at 31 May 2000

Eligible schools with school board, consequent to a contested regular election, at 31 May 20002

Number

Percentage of eligible schools

Number

Percentage of eligible schools

Scotland

2,276

1,867

82

212

9

Aberdeen City

58

31

53

1

2

Aberdeenshire

157

<","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158839,"EventID":"S1W-22254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that school board members are aware of the devolved budget granted to their school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that school board members are aware of the devolved budget granted to their school.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not currently take any specific action in relation to school boards and devolved school budgets, however this is an issue which is being examined as part of current work considering support for school boards in general.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158840,"EventID":"S1W-22255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) continuing and (b) welfare powers of attorney have been submitted to the Public Guardian since the coming into force of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) continuing and (b) welfare powers of attorney have been submitted to the Public Guardian since the coming into force of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000; how many were rejected at first instance, and what the reasons were for these rejections, broken down by category. ","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

According to information held by the Office of the Public Guardian, the number of cases in each category as at 24 January 2002 are as follows:

Registered Power of Attorneys:

Continuing

2,843

Welfare

148

Continuing & Welfare

936

Rejected at first instance:

Continuing

1,080

Welfare

72

Continuing & Welfare

558

Reasons for rejection:

No registration form or fee enclosed/form incomplete

877

Power of Attorney does not conform to requirements of Act

295

Registration prohibited by non occurrence of specified event

262

Other (including Forms unsigned, missing names and dates,errors in completion of relevant certificates etc)

938

Some cases are rejected for more than one reason.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158841,"EventID":"S1W-22256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many infection control nurses are currently employed by each NHS trust in the Greater Glasgow NHS board area, broken down by hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many infection control nurses are currently employed by each NHS trust in the Greater Glasgow NHS board area, broken down by hospital.","AnswerText":"The information required is not available centrally.

Prior to 30 September 2001, a new occupation code was introduced on the Scottish Standard Payroll System to identify infection control nurses and trusts were asked to record the appropriate staff in this category. It is hoped that this data will be available in April 2002 by trust or health board.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158842,"EventID":"S1W-22257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many infection control nurses currently in training will be posted to hospitals in the Greater Glasgow NHS board area after their training is completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many infection control nurses currently in training will be posted to hospitals in the Greater Glasgow NHS board area after their training is completed.","AnswerText":"The information required is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158843,"EventID":"S1W-22258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available to health boards to help them prescribe anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthriti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available to health boards to help them prescribe anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"Health boards' unified budgets include provision for the cost of prescribed medicines and are set to allow for the introduction of new medicines and the greater use of existing therapies. As these funds form part of their unified budget, health boards have the flexibility to decide locally how to use them. It is for health boards and trusts to agree the amount to be set aside for new medicines or treatments.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158844,"EventID":"S1W-22259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has produced guidance to health boards on prescribing anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has produced guidance to health boards on prescribing anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"Health boards determine their prescribing policy on new medicines, taking into account local needs and advice from their Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee. The Scottish Medicines Consortium will provide a single Scottish source of advice to local Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees. In addition, some new medicines will be evaluated by the Health Technology Board for Scotland. The advice of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is also made available publicly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158845,"EventID":"S1W-22260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients with rheumatoid arthritis are currently being prescribed anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients with rheumatoid arthritis are currently being prescribed anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs.","AnswerText":"This information is not available centrally. Infliximab and Entanercept are available on NHS prescription. However, their use depends on the clinical judgement of specialists experienced in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Data on drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally. Centrally collected data relates to items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158846,"EventID":"S1W-22261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether anti-tumour necrosis drugs for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been assessed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether anti-tumour necrosis drugs for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been assessed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.","AnswerText":"A technology appraisal of Etanercept and Infliximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is expected to be issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158847,"EventID":"S1W-22262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national guidelines are available for prescribing anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national guidelines are available for prescribing anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. ","AnswerText":"No national guidelines are available at present on the prescribing anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The Health Technology Board for Scotland will issue a Comment on the technology appraisal by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on Entanercept and Infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis which is expected to be issued in March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158848,"EventID":"S1W-22263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many universities offer BA courses in childhood studies and how many students applied to each university to undertake this course in each academic year from 1997 to d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many universities offer BA courses in childhood studies and how many students applied to each university to undertake this course in each academic year from 1997 to date.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158849,"EventID":"S1W-22264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that staffing levels are keeping pace with the expansion of pre-five education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that staffing levels are keeping pace with the expansion of pre-five education.","AnswerText":"The Guidance for Local Authorities issued in June 1991 under The Children Act 1989 sets out the current minimum staff:child ratios in early years settings. From 1 April 2002, the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care will take over responsibility for the regulation and inspection of early years settings including the setting of adult:child ratios.

In both cases, subject to the required ratios, staffing of pre-school services is a matter for employers, whether local authorities or operators in the private or voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158850,"EventID":"S1W-22265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what planning is in place to implement the provisions of the Regulation of Care Act 2001 in relation to pre-five education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what planning is in place to implement the provisions of the Regulation of Care Act 2001 in relation to pre-five education.","AnswerText":"Planning is well in hand to set up the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (The Care Commission) with effect from 1 April. It will regulate all care services, including those in pre-five education. Following consultation we issued a plan to all local authorities in November 2001. This set out how a smooth and trouble free transition should take place. We are about to issue a leaflet to providers of services telling them more about these new arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158851,"EventID":"S1W-22266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Waiting Times Unit will make recommendations for greater utilisation of resources and capacity in NHS, private and independent hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Waiting Times Unit will make recommendations for greater utilisation of resources and capacity in NHS, private and independent hospitals.","AnswerText":"The unit has already commenced work on assessing existing capacity in NHSScotland and the limited spare capacity in the independent sector. It will monitor performance and capacity, and make recommendations on an ongoing basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158852,"EventID":"S1W-22267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive , further to the answers to questions S1W-21381 and S1W-21382 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, whether any legal impediments exist which prevent it from directi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive , further to the answers to questions S1W-21381 and S1W-21382 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, whether any legal impediments exist which prevent it from directing further and higher education establishments on their grievance and appeals procedures and, if so, whether it will detail these impediments.","AnswerText":"In respect of further education colleges, section 21 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 enables the Scottish ministers to give college boards of management directions of a general or specific character with regard to the discharge of their functions. This power must be exercised reasonably.

Ministers have no corresponding powers to give such directions to the governing bodies of higher education institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158853,"EventID":"S1W-22268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21381 and S1W-21382 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, whether it could be held legally or financially liable for any malp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21381 and S1W-21382 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, whether it could be held legally or financially liable for any malpractice resulting from grievance and appeals procedures at further and higher education establishments.","AnswerText":"This would ultimately be a matter for the courts to establish.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158854,"EventID":"S1W-22269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21381 and S1W-21382 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, whether it will detail any duty of care it has with regard to stude","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21381 and S1W-21382 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, whether it will detail any duty of care it has with regard to students attending further and higher education establishments.","AnswerText":"Further and higher education establishments are legally autonomous bodies which carry their own liabilities regarding duties of care in respect of students.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158855,"EventID":"S1W-22270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests for assistance it has received in each of the past five years from (a) students and (b) welfare or student support services, broken down by year and ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests for assistance it has received in each of the past five years from (a) students and (b) welfare or student support services, broken down by year and category of request.","AnswerText":"The Executive provides assistance to students and student welfare services both in terms of financial support, guidance and advice. This assistance is provided through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Councils and individual institutions themselves. Details of individual requests for information are not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158856,"EventID":"S1W-22271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21381 and S1W-21382 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, on what date it advised further and higher education establishments","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21381 and S1W-21382 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, on what date it advised further and higher education establishments to review their practices and procedures to ensure that they comply with the European Convention on Human Rights; whether it will place a copy of any such advice or instructions in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, and what action it has taken, or plans to take, to ensure that they undertake the review of practices and procedures in line with its advice.","AnswerText":"Higher education institutions were issued with guidance in December 1999 advising them to review their practices and procedures to ensure that they comply with the convention. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18845).

All further education colleges received similar guidance and advice in November 2000 in the form of a legal briefing in the November 2000 issue of \"Broadcast\", the journal of the Scottish Further Education Unit. Copies of the guidance are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18843).

As autonomous bodies, further education colleges and higher education institutions are entirely responsible for deciding what action is necessary to ensure that their own procedures comply with any legal requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158857,"EventID":"S1W-22272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21383 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on student complaints, grievances and academic appeals at further a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21383 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on student complaints, grievances and academic appeals at further and higher education establishments is not held centrally and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"Ministers have no role in institutions' complaints procedures. The institutions are autonomous, and are themselves responsible for such internal affairs.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158858,"EventID":"S1W-22273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21385 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the Scottish Funding Councils for Further and Higher Education do not specifica","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21385 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the Scottish Funding Councils for Further and Higher Education do not specifically distribute funds for welfare services and why the funding of welfare services is a matter for individual institutions.","AnswerText":"The question why the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Councils do not specifically distribute funds for welfare services is one for the funding councils themselves. The further and higher education institutions are autonomous bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158859,"EventID":"S1W-22274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21385 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why it does not earmark a particular portion of funding which it makes available to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21385 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why it does not earmark a particular portion of funding which it makes available to the Scottish Funding Councils for Further and Higher Education for student welfare purposes and whether it will, from now, hypothecate monies for this purpose, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"Funding for student welfare services is a matter for institutions themselves. Such services are funded from institutions' income, which derives from a number of sources including funding from the funding councils. The Scottish Funding Councils decide how funds should be disbursed to institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158860,"EventID":"S1W-22275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21385 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, what advice or instruction it has provided to (a) further and higher education inst","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21385 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, what advice or instruction it has provided to (a) further and higher education institutions and (b) the Scottish Funding Councils for Further and Higher Education regarding the funding of welfare services and whether it will place a copy of any such advice or instructions in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158861,"EventID":"S1W-22276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21387 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the information requested regarding state entrants to university and further ed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21387 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the information requested regarding state entrants to university and further education colleges is not held centrally in the format requested nor is available to further education colleges and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"In deciding which statistics to collect on further education college students, the Scottish Further Educational Funding Council balances need, burden, cost and reliability. The does, for instance, collect information on students' previous qualifications but not on whether they attended a state school.

In higher education, the data collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency and published by the UK Funding Council, referred to in the previous answer, provides information on the proportion of entrants from state schools at each institution. The additional information requested in the earlier question is not deducible from the data collected from institutions, insofar as whether an entrant has come directly from a state school, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost for the other categories sought.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158862,"EventID":"S1W-22277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21388 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the information on the number of full- and part-time students at universities a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21388 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the information on the number of full- and part-time students at universities and further education colleges designated as having a physical disability could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council only commenced collecting data on college students with disabilities from 2000-01 academic year. The collated figures should be available this spring.

In higher education institutions, the Higher Education Statistics Agency collects information on disability, some of which was provided in the answer to question S1W-21388. It is the department's assessment that this information broken down further to the levels of course classification, and displayed as percentages for the last five years, could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158863,"EventID":"S1W-22278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21388 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the information on the number of full- and part-time students at further educat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21388 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the information on the number of full- and part-time students at further education colleges designated as having a physical disability is not held centrally and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not directly collect statistics relating to further education. This is the responsibility of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, which has started to collect information on students with disabilities. The first data, for the academic year 2000-01, should be available this spring.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158864,"EventID":"S1W-22279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21388 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, what difficulties would arise in terms of the potential identification of individua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21388 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, what difficulties would arise in terms of the potential identification of individuals and whether it will detail how the Data Protection Act 1998 would impact on, or prevent any collation of, information on students with disabilities.","AnswerText":"In the Data Protection Act 1998, stricter conditions apply to the processing of sensitive data, which includes information relating to health. The Executive's current policy is that figures should not be disclosed where the relevant population is less than or equal to five and greater than or equal to one, due to the potential for identification of individuals.

The tables requested in the original question (S1W-21388) were at such a detailed level that disclosing a number of the figures would have breached this policy.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158865,"EventID":"S1W-22280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21389 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on students who failed to complete their courses is not held centra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21389 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on students who failed to complete their courses is not held centrally in the format requested and is not available to further education colleges and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"Publication of information on college student completion rates has been suspended because of concerns over the reliability of the source data. The Scottish Further Education Funding Council is currently developing a set of new performance indicators which will reflect, among other things, aspects of student achievement.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158866,"EventID":"S1W-22281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21390 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information regarding further and higher educational establishments without dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21390 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information regarding further and higher educational establishments without disabled access and egress is not held centrally and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"Further and higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are themselves responsible for the provision of appropriate facilities for students with special needs, in accordance with the relevant legislation. It would serve no useful purpose for the Scottish Executive to maintain details of the physical accessibility of college and university buildings, and there are no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158867,"EventID":"S1W-22282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21391 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information regarding lecture halls in university and further education college","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21391 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information regarding lecture halls in university and further education college buildings without loop systems to assist students with hearing difficulties is not held centrally and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"Further and higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are themselves responsible for the provision of appropriate facilities for students with special needs in accordance with relevant legislation. It would serve no useful purpose for the Scottish Executive to maintain details of which college and university lecture halls have loop systems, and there are no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158868,"EventID":"S1W-22283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21393 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the funding of universities and further education colleges is a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21393 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the funding of universities and further education colleges is a matter for the Scottish Funding Councils for Higher and Further Education only and is not held centrally and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"The department is responsible for allocating funding to the funding councils on an annual basis, and details of these allocations are collated and published each year in the Annual Expenditure Report. This can be found on the Scottish Executive website at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/finance/aer-00.asp.

It is properly the responsibility of the funding councils to allocate funds at the level of individual institutions. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the councils to collate and disseminate this information.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158869,"EventID":"S1W-22284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21394 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information regarding academic staffing is not collected in the format requeste","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21394 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information regarding academic staffing is not collected in the format requested for further education colleges; what format the information is collected in for these establishments, and whether it will, from now, collate this information in this format centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not directly collect statistics relating to further education colleges. This is the responsibility of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, which already collects a range of academic staff data from further education colleges.

Details are available on the following webpages:

www.sfefc.ac.uk/content/sfefc/festats/guidnote/0001/scr/webdoc.html.

http://www.sfefc.ac.uk/content/sfefc/festats/factsfig/9900/staffing/staffing.htm.

The Scottish Executive has no plans to collate centrally the information requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158870,"EventID":"S1W-22285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21394 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the number of staff at higher education establishments who were ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21394 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the number of staff at higher education establishments who were required to take compulsory retirement is not collected and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Agency does not collect information on the number of staff required to take compulsory retirement.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158871,"EventID":"S1W-22286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21394 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the number of staff at higher education establishments who took ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21394 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the number of staff at higher education establishments who took early retirement and did not have their contracts renewed could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects information on when staff leave institutions, at what age and in many cases which institutions they have come from or gone to. However, the information is not provided by HESA in the format requested and it is the department's assessment that analysis at the level requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158872,"EventID":"S1W-22287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21395 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why a breakdown of the number of academic staff at further education colleges with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21395 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why a breakdown of the number of academic staff at further education colleges with a recognised teaching qualification is not held on a per college and subject category basis centrally and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not directly collect statistics related to further education. This is the responsibility of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC). Following Scottish Executive policy guidance, SFEFC has set out in its Corporate Plan targets for increase in percentage of academic college staff with a recognised teaching qualification, and has made £2.75 million available to colleges this academic year for investment in staff development. The Scottish Executive looks to the council to monitor progress within the further education sector towards these targets.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158873,"EventID":"S1W-22288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21395 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on full-time and part-time academic staff in universities with reco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21395 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on full-time and part-time academic staff in universities with recognised teaching qualifications is not collected and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) does not collect this data as there is no standard teaching qualification for academic staff in higher education institutions.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158874,"EventID":"S1W-22289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21396 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on teaching staff at further educational establishments with a phys","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21396 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on teaching staff at further educational establishments with a physical disability is not held centrally and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not directly collect statistics relating to further education colleges. This is the responsibility of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC).

The Scottish Executive has already asked SFEFC to support and ensure the promotion of equal opportunities in further education colleges, and looks to the council to take appropriate action to achieve this. The Scottish Executive has no plans to collate centrally information on college teaching staff with a physical disability.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158875,"EventID":"S1W-22290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21397 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the number of students attending university or further education","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21397 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the number of students attending university or further education colleges who applied for a student loan, either through the Awards Agency for Scotland or the Students Loans Company Ltd, could only be obtained at disproportionate cost and whether the information could be provided were individual parliamentary questions on separate aspects of the subject lodged.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-21397 set out the background to the various data sets collected by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland and the Student Loans Company.

To answer the question on the number of loans applied for would require a complete crosscheck of the two organisation's records for the past five years, which could only be undertaken at disproportionate cost.

The previous answer provided the information sought on numbers of loans made and the average amount paid.

There are a variety of measures of the number of Scottish students, including or excluding post graduates, part-time students, Scottish domiciled students studying in Scotland or elsewhere, non-Scottish domiciled students studying in Scotland and so on. In the absence of a specific definition in the question, percentage figures were not provided.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158876,"EventID":"S1W-22291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21398 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the average period students spend in default on their student lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21398 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on the average period students spend in default on their student loans and the average charge applicable to these defaults is not available or could only be obtained at disproportionate cost and whether it will, from now, collate this information centrally, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"Information on individual student loan accounts is held by the Student Loans Company. The analysis requested could only be obtained by examining the loan accounts of each individual borrower who had been in default. The company advises that such an exercise could only be undertaken at disproportionate cost.

We have no plans to collate this information centrally, as this would require the Executive to hold duplicate records to those of the Student Loans Company.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158877,"EventID":"S1W-22292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21399 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on how many students applied for full financial support in each of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21399 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why information on how many students applied for full financial support in each of the past five years cannot be provided in the format requested and whether it will, from now, collate this information, detailing the reasons behind its decision.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-21399 assumed that \"full financial support\" should be taken to mean the maximum amount to which any particular individual was entitled.

The answer explained that the full support to which any student is entitled will depend upon personal circumstances and family income. Applications for support are based on self-declaration of these details by the student or their parents.

At present, students are only required to provide the information essential for those elements of support for which they choose to apply. Information on the full financial support available to each individual student could, therefore, only be obtained by requiring all applicants to provide details beyond those required for their particular application, including details of income even when the application is for non-means tested elements of support alone, and to confirm whether or not they meet the eligibility criteria for any of the supplementary grants, even when they choose not to apply for these. We have no plans to ask applicants to provide this additional information.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158878,"EventID":"S1W-22293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21401 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the more detailed information on the number of students from university and fur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21401 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 18 January 2002, why the more detailed information on the number of students from university and further education college going into employment within an industry directly associated with their specific area of study could only be produced at disproportionate cost.","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Agency collects information on the first destinations of graduates from higher education courses provided in higher education institutions. The Scottish Further Education Funding Council collects similar information on graduates from higher education courses provided in further education colleges.

These collections provide data on employment, classified by both the standard industrial classification (SIC) and the standard occupational classification (SOC). To produce the information requested requires the cross-referencing of these SIC and SOC classifications against subject groups, which are often very broad.

This can often rely on subjective judgements, of what subjects are associated with what industry and/or occupation. It is the department's assessment that the analysis required could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158879,"EventID":"S1W-22294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies for positions in the Young People's unit in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital there currently are, broken down by post. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies for positions in the Young People's unit in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital there currently are, broken down by post. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Information on vacancies for consultant and staff grade posts is collected at board and trust level only.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158880,"EventID":"S1W-22295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people are currently on the waiting list for the Young People's Unit in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people are currently on the waiting list for the Young People's Unit in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.","AnswerText":"There are 88 young people currently on the Young People's Unit waiting list.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158881,"EventID":"S1W-22296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds for young people with mental health problems are currently available, broken down by NHS and health board areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds for young people with mental health problems are currently available, broken down by NHS and health board areas.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of available staffed beds for child and adolescent psychiatry is shown in the following tables. Table 1 provides numbers by NHS board of treatment and Table 2 provides numbers by NHS trust.

Table 1

NHS Average Available staffed beds1 by NHS board area of treatment

Selected psychiatric specialties

Child Psychiatry

Quarter ending 30 September 2001P

Adolescent Psychiatry

Quarter ending 30 September 2001P

Scotland

15

43

Fife

-

10

Greater Glasgow

9

14

Highland

2

-

Lothian

-

12

Tayside

4

7

P Provisional.

Note:

1. Includes NHS beds in joint-user and contractual hospitals.

Table 2

NHS Average Available staffed beds1 by NHS trust

Selected psychiatric specialties

Child Psychiatry

Quarter ending 30 September 2001 P

Adolescent Psychiatry

Quarter ending 30 September 2001 P

All trusts

15

43

Fife Primary Care

-

10

Greater Glasgow Primary Care

-

I understand they are not yet in a position to identify a start date or completion date for construction, as a result of on-going issues in relation to land acquisition.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158885,"EventID":"S1W-22300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21573 and S1W-21574 by Dr. Elaine Murray on 22 January 2002, how it defines \"soon\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21573 and S1W-21574 by Dr. Elaine Murray on 22 January 2002, how it defines \"soon\".","AnswerText":"A major funding package of £3.5 million for Scotland's theatre sector over this and the coming two years was announced on 28 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158886,"EventID":"S1W-22301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the word \"soon\" as used in answers to parliamentary questions and ministerial statements means a period of (a) less than one week, (b) between one week and one mo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the word \"soon\" as used in answers to parliamentary questions and ministerial statements means a period of (a) less than one week, (b) between one week and one month, (c) more than one month, (d) more than six months, (e) more than one year or (f) some other unspecified period of time.","AnswerText":"Interpretation of the term will depend upon the particular context in which it is employed. Where the term is used, it will, as is always the case, be the Executive's intention to follow up the issue without any avoidable delay. Whenever possible, however, we will aim to provide a specific deadline.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158887,"EventID":"S1W-22302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used in selecting 4 March 2002 as the date for the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used in selecting 4 March 2002 as the date for the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"The selection of the ballot date is a matter for Glasgow City Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158888,"EventID":"S1W-22303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much borrowing for capital investment by local authorities and other public bodies was sanctioned in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much borrowing for capital investment by local authorities and other public bodies was sanctioned in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"In respect of local authorities it is the level of capital spending that is controlled, not borrowing. The figures requested, for borrowing, are set out in the following table:
 

1999-2000

(£ million)

2000-01

(£ million)

2001-02

(£ million)

Local authorities

506

589

646

Water authorities

220

213

256

Scottish Enterprise

10

10

10

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

1

1

1

NHS Trusts

21

10

50

Caledonian MacBrayne

1

4

14

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158889,"EventID":"S1W-22304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21123 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 January 2002, what bodies it has consulted in relation to the content of its training programme for pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21123 by Cathy Jamieson on 3 January 2002, what bodies it has consulted in relation to the content of its training programme for panel members in respect of autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"Children's Panel Training Organisers, who are funded by the Scottish Executive to provide training to panel members, are responsible for the development of material used in training. They have drawn on expertise provided by child psychologists and psychiatrists which has been incorporated into training on communicating with children which features in panel member pre-service training.

In-service training may involve workshops on specific issues. The National Autistic Society conducted such a workshop in October 2001 in Dundee.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158890,"EventID":"S1W-22305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Professor Joseph Thomson and Professor Gerard Maher were appointed as Scottish Law Commissioners in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Professor Joseph Thomson and Professor Gerard Maher were appointed as Scottish Law Commissioners in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies.","AnswerText":"The recent reappointments of Professors Maher and Thomson as Scottish Law Commissioners were conducted in accordance with the procedures for appointments to public bodies and after due consultation with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158891,"EventID":"S1W-22306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21899 on 23 January 2002, whether he will place copies of the Letter of Intent and formal contract in the Scottish Parliament Inform","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-21899 on 23 January 2002, whether he will place copies of the Letter of Intent and formal contract in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. ","AnswerText":"The convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that legal advice is currently being sought as to whether or not it is proper to release into the public domain details of the Letter of Intent and formal contract. If it is considered that there is no impediment in doing so, the relevant papers will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158892,"EventID":"S1W-22307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following Lord Gill's appointment as Lord Justice Clerk, whether the appointment of a new chairman of the Scottish Law Commission will be made in accordance with the Com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following Lord Gill's appointment as Lord Justice Clerk, whether the appointment of a new chairman of the Scottish Law Commission will be made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies.","AnswerText":"The procedure for the imminent appointment of a successor to Lord Gill as Chair of the Scottish Law Commission (SLC) has been formulated in consultation with the Executive's Public Appointments Unit and with the approval of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158893,"EventID":"S1W-22308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following Lord Gill's appointment as Lord Justice Clerk, whom it is consulting in respect of the appointment of a new chairman of the Scottish Law Commission.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following Lord Gill's appointment as Lord Justice Clerk, whom it is consulting in respect of the appointment of a new chairman of the Scottish Law Commission.","AnswerText":"The procedure for the imminent appointment of a successor to Lord Gill as Chair of the Scottish Law Commission has been formulated in consultation with the Executive's Public Appointments Unit and with the approval of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

In terms of the agreed procedure, the senior judiciary will be consulted before a new Chair is appointed.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158894,"EventID":"S1W-22309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with respect to the Standards Commission for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with respect to the Standards Commission for Scotland.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Professor Hugh Begg as Convener of the Standards Commission for Scotland and Mr David Stuart Allan as the Chief Investigating Officer. As members of the commission I have appointed Mrs Linda Costelloe-Baker, Professor Lorne Crerar, Mrs Wendy Goldstraw, Mrs Elinor Smith, and Mr Albert Tait.

These appointments were carried out in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and will extend for a period of three years from 17 January 2002. The commission headquarters will be at Rosyth.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158895,"EventID":"S1W-22310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that all students emerging from colleges and universities are familiar with, and have the skills to feel confident about, operating n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that all students emerging from colleges and universities are familiar with, and have the skills to feel confident about, operating new information and communication technologies as referred to at point 6.3 in its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides guidance to the Scottish further and higher education funding councils on strategic priorities for the further and higher education sectors, including the development of specific student skills.

The Scottish Executive is making available to the funding councils £15 million over a three-year period to promote information and communication technology (ICT) pervasiveness in the further and higher education sectors and to ensure use of these technologies in the management, research, teaching and learning activities of all institutions. This funding will help to promote a range of developments to improve the ICT learning environment for students throughout the further and higher education sectors.

The funding councils will commission regular updates from institutions to monitor progress towards achieving the objectives set out in the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158896,"EventID":"S1W-22311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scotland's graduates compare with others around the world when competing to secure research in information and communication technology related to science and technol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scotland's graduates compare with others around the world when competing to secure research in information and communication technology related to science and technologies as referred to at point 6.3 of its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. I have asked the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and Future Skills Scotland to discuss whether reliable data can be collected on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158897,"EventID":"S1W-22312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that staff in further and higher education institutions are familiar and comfortable in using and teaching information and communication","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that staff in further and higher education institutions are familiar and comfortable in using and teaching information and communication technologies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish further and higher education funding councils are responsible for ensuring further and higher education institutions invest appropriately in staff training and development. Both councils have distributed significant funding to institutions for investment in information and communications technology (ICT).

In further education, specific funding is being allocated for staff development in ICT skills. Examples of how this is being used include the promotion of the European Computer Driving Licence and of developments to support teaching and learning and also for non-teaching staff, to ensure that colleges can make full use of ICT support services such as guidance, careers, library and other student services.

In higher education, significant project funding has been provided to institutions to promote more effective use of ICT in staff development throughout the sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158898,"EventID":"S1W-22313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Information Technology Communications and Electronics implementation group last met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Information Technology Communications and Electronics implementation group last met.","AnswerText":"The Information Technology, Communications and Electronics implementation group, which is sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills, last met in July 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158899,"EventID":"S1W-22314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Scottish Enterprise has taken to take advantage of the substantial economic opportunity represented by the developing global market in educational software as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Scottish Enterprise has taken to take advantage of the substantial economic opportunity represented by the developing global market in educational software as referred to at point 6.9 of its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"Scottish Development International, which is a joint venture between the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise offers a broad range of services to companies and organisations in this field to help them enter new markets and to further develop existing markets. This includes establishing focus groups to discuss issues and requirements for assistance as well as making full use of Scottish Development International's network of offices overseas and the Commercial Departments of British Embassies around the world. In the delivery of these activities Scottish Development International works closely with Scottish Enterprise's E-Business Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158900,"EventID":"S1W-22315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for ensuring that young graduates from other parts of the world are encouraged to stay in Scotland after they have graduated as referred to at point 6.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for ensuring that young graduates from other parts of the world are encouraged to stay in Scotland after they have graduated as referred to at point 6.12 of its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"This responsibility is clearly one which is shared between the Executive, other public bodies such as Scottish Enterprise, and employers. The Executive is also working with the UK Government to publicise changes introduced by the Home Office from October 2001 which will make it easier for international students completing degrees in the UK to move from student status to employed status.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158901,"EventID":"S1W-22316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of companies are currently online as referred to at point 7.5 in its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of companies are currently online as referred to at point 7.5 in its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"Measuring levels of e-commerce uptake by Scottish businesses is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The results of the 2001 e-business benchmarking report, which includes figures for connectivity, can be found on:

http://www.ecommerce-scotland.org/internationalbenchmarking/.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158902,"EventID":"S1W-22317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many small and medium-si'ed enterprises have used the Scottish Enterprise Business Gateway to seek advice on e-commerce issues since the service began.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many small and medium-si'ed enterprises have used the Scottish Enterprise Business Gateway to seek advice on e-commerce issues since the service began.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158903,"EventID":"S1W-22318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way Scottish Enterprise currently promotes e-business as referred to at point 7.7 in its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way Scottish Enterprise currently promotes e-business as referred to at point 7.7 in its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The information requested is not held centrally. Scottish Enterprise's e-business strategy is set out in the updated version of Connecting Scotland, published in November 2001, which can be accessed on:

http://www.ecommerce-scotland.org/.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158904,"EventID":"S1W-22319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has carried out to ensure broadband access for rural areas as referred to at point 7.9 in its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has carried out to ensure broadband access for rural areas as referred to at point 7.9 in its report on the Knowledge Economy Cross Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21288 16 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158905,"EventID":"S1W-22320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mortgage repossessions orders were granted in Edinburgh sheriff court in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mortgage repossessions orders were granted in Edinburgh sheriff court in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The recorded figures for the number of mortgage repossession orders granted in Edinburgh sheriff court since 1997 are shown in the following table:

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

536

633

625

357

356

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158906,"EventID":"S1W-22321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17830 by Susan Deacon on 27 September 2001, how many people are currently waiting for an out-patient appointment at the Scottish Na","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17830 by Susan Deacon on 27 September 2001, how many people are currently waiting for an out-patient appointment at the Scottish National Sleep Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh; how many patients on average are assessed at the centre each month for the provision of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) unit, and how much funding the centre (a) has received in (i) 1999-2000 and (ii) 2000-01 and (b) will receive in 2001-02 from Lothian Health Board.","AnswerText":"The total number of out-patients waiting for an out-patient appointment at the Scottish National Sleep Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, from all health boards, is approximately 1,000. The number of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) assessments carried out each month, involving overnight studies, is approximately 50. Not all patients whose cases are studied in this way are assessed as suitable for CPAP treatment.

Funding by NHS Lothian in 2000-01 for the service was £172,000. In 2001-02 this was increased by £109,000, following the review of the service in June 2001. Final details of next year's funding have not yet been agreed. In addition, the National Sleep Centre receives substantial funding from a number of other NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158907,"EventID":"S1W-22322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Strategic Rail Authority regarding the transfer of three Eurostar trains which were intended to provide a service from Scotland b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Strategic Rail Authority regarding the transfer of three Eurostar trains which were intended to provide a service from Scotland but have now been removed to the London-Leeds line.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Strategic Rail Authority on a wide range of issues including the train operations on the East Coast Main Line.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158908,"EventID":"S1W-22323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been for theft by housebreaking at Edinburgh sheriff court in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been for theft by housebreaking at Edinburgh sheriff court in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Data for 2001 are not yet available.

Persons with a charge proved in Edinburgh sheriff court where the main offence was housebreaking, 1997-2000

1997

1998

1999

2000

306

241

202

264

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158909,"EventID":"S1W-22324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been for assault to severe injury at Edinburgh sheriff court in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been for assault to severe injury at Edinburgh sheriff court in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Assault to severe injury is included under the category of serious assault within the SEJD classification of crimes and offences. The available information is given in the following table. Data for 2001 are not yet available.

Persons with a charge proved in Edinburgh sheriff court where the main offence was serious assault, 1997-2000

1997

1998

1999

2000

102

82

79

84

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158910,"EventID":"S1W-22325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the planned withdrawal of core funding for Borders Women's Aid, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, and, in light of the servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the planned withdrawal of core funding for Borders Women's Aid, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, and, in light of the service this group provides to women and children who are victims of domestic violence in the Scottish Borders Council area, what action it will take to ensure that this service continues.","AnswerText":"The Local Government Spending Review 2000 provides an extra £1.2 billion in support for local government over three years - an increase in real terms of 10.5%. It is the Scottish Executive's view that this should enable all local authorities to provide the necessary support for all women's refuges. It is therefore the responsibility of Scottish Borders Council to allocated funding according to its priorities. The National Group on Domestic Abuse, which I chair, will be looking at funding for service provision as part of its future work programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158911,"EventID":"S1W-22326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the planned closures of swimming pools in Jedburgh, Eyemouth and Selkirk following recently announced cuts by Scottish Borders Council, reported i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the planned closures of swimming pools in Jedburgh, Eyemouth and Selkirk following recently announced cuts by Scottish Borders Council, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, and what measures it will take to prevent these closures.","AnswerText":"It is entirely a matter for each local authority to establish its expenditure priorities within the budget available to it. It would not be appropriate for ministers to intervene in the individual spending decisions of a council.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158912,"EventID":"S1W-22327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact of funding cuts by Scottish Borders Council, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, on voluntary organisations t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact of funding cuts by Scottish Borders Council, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, on voluntary organisations that provide essential services throughout the council area and what action it plans to take in respect of such cuts.","AnswerText":"The funding of voluntary organisations by local authorities is a matter for individual local authorities to decide in light of local circumstances and priorities. However, the Executive has made a generous local authority settlement this year and our notification of indicative three-year funding should enable local authorities to plan their funding of local groups.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158913,"EventID":"S1W-22328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the planned withdrawal of core funding for the Gala Youth Project, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, and, in light of the numb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the planned withdrawal of core funding for the Gala Youth Project, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, and, in light of the number of young people in difficulty supported by the project, the support for the project of educationalists and the police and the possible closure of the project on 31 March 2002, what action it will take on the matter. ","AnswerText":"It is for each council to establish its expenditure priorities within unhypothecated resources available to it. It would not be appropriate for ministers to intervene in such circumstances.

However, I am aware that Gala Youth Project was part of the bid put forward by Scottish Borders for resources allocated to drugs projects under the Changing Children's Services Fund. We understand that the full funding allocated by the Executive for the first year has been passed on to the Gala Youth Project. Officials will be seeking clarification from the council on the use of the resources to be allocated in years two and three of the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158914,"EventID":"S1W-22329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on planned cuts to the continuing education program in the Scottish Borders Council area, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on planned cuts to the continuing education program in the Scottish Borders Council area, reported in The Southern Reporter on 24 January 2002, and what action it will take on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22560.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158915,"EventID":"S1W-22330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by (a) Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and (b) any other organisation on marketing Inverness Airport to travellers in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent by (a) Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and (b) any other organisation on marketing Inverness Airport to travellers in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The amounts spent on marketing Inverness Airport to travellers are as follows:
 

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

Total

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd

£735,000

£318,000

£154,000

£46,000

£116,000

£1,369,0001

The Highland Council

£13,332

£8,000

£7,500

£7,500

-

£36,3322

Inverness and Nairn Enterprise

£13,332

£8,000

-

-

-

£21,3322

Notes:

1. Seventy-five per cent of the total relates to promotional discounts and the remainder covers advertising, consultants' fees, direct marketing assistance in cash to airlines and tour operators, management and staff costs.

2. The expenditure by The Highland Council and Inverness and Nairn Enterprise relates to cash assistance to airlines and tour operators. No details are held centrally of support provided by any other organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158916,"EventID":"S1W-22331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7250 by Henry McLeish on 8 June 2000, what impact its employment initiatives have had on the claimant unemployment rate in West Dun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7250 by Henry McLeish on 8 June 2000, what impact its employment initiatives have had on the claimant unemployment rate in West Dunbartonshire since May 1999. ","AnswerText":"Employment is a reserved issue. Through UK Government and Scottish Executive employment initiatives, for example New Deal 18-24 and Training for Work, the claimant unemployment rate has dropped by 14% in West Dunbartonshire since May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158917,"EventID":"S1W-22332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will implement the provisions of the EU Zoo directive 1999/22/EC.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will implement the provisions of the EU Zoo directive 1999/22/EC.","AnswerText":"We are currently consulting with relevant interests and will determine shortly the appropriate means of implementing the directive in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158918,"EventID":"S1W-22333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal responsibilities the Scottish water authorities and other utilities companies have in respect of returning roads that have been excavated during the conduct o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal responsibilities the Scottish water authorities and other utilities companies have in respect of returning roads that have been excavated during the conduct of their business to their original state.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answers given to questions S1O-4462 and S1O-4522 on 17 January 2002 and 24 January 2002 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158919,"EventID":"S1W-22334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the current state of roads that have been excavated during the upgrade of water and sewerage mains in the constituency of Argyll and Bute.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the current state of roads that have been excavated during the upgrade of water and sewerage mains in the constituency of Argyll and Bute.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Argyll and Bute Council as local roads authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158920,"EventID":"S1W-22335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data exists that sets out the performance of each local authority in (a) monitoring water authorities and other utilities companies in respect of repairing the road","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data exists that sets out the performance of each local authority in (a) monitoring water authorities and other utilities companies in respect of repairing the roads they excavate satisfactorily and (b) compelling such bodies to do so, and whether it will publish any such data.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual local roads authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158921,"EventID":"S1W-22336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions can be used by local authorities against water authorities or other utilities companies in disputes surrounding roads that they have left in an unsatisfac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions can be used by local authorities against water authorities or other utilities companies in disputes surrounding roads that they have left in an unsatisfactory state of repair after excavations in the conduct of their business.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-4462 on 17 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158922,"EventID":"S1W-22337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering giving any further powers to local authorities to assist them in (a) monitoring water authorities and other utilities companies in respect of r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering giving any further powers to local authorities to assist them in (a) monitoring water authorities and other utilities companies in respect of repairing the roads they excavate to a satisfactory standard and (b) compelling such bodies to do so.","AnswerText":"No. Powers are currently available to roads authorities under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 to ensure that utility companies reinstate roads to a satisfactory standard after excavations.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158923,"EventID":"S1W-22338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to creating a national roads inspectorate that would monitor and enforce standards in respect of the state of repair of roads to ensure t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to creating a national roads inspectorate that would monitor and enforce standards in respect of the state of repair of roads to ensure that the approach to this issue is consistent.","AnswerText":"Roads authorities are responsible for monitoring the reinstatement of roads in their area. There are no plans at present to create a National Roads Inspectorate.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158924,"EventID":"S1W-22339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what government schemes are available to fund basketball clubs; how these schemes operate including whether applicants to the schemes are required to find match funding, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what government schemes are available to fund basketball clubs; how these schemes operate including whether applicants to the schemes are required to find match funding, and how much financial assistance has been given for the promotion of basketball in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Sportscotland operates a number of programmes through the Lottery Sports Fund which are shaped around the needs of sport in Scotland as set out in Sport 21 and reflected in the lottery strategy Levelling the Playing Field. These programmes are application based and are open to basketball clubs in the same way they are open to other sports. Applications are considered on their individual merits and involve the applicant committing partnership funding.

Sportscotland also operates an Exchequer-funded Governing Body Development Initiative Programme. The amount of grant-in-aid received by the Scottish Basketball Association under this programme in the years since 1997 is set out in the table.

Year

£

1997-98

61,500

1998-99

66,000

1999-2000

63,000

2000-01

63,000

2001-02

78,400

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158925,"EventID":"S1W-22340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available to basketball clubs through (a) the Sportsmatch programme and (b) Awards for All Scotland scheme; why these schemes operate differently to simil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available to basketball clubs through (a) the Sportsmatch programme and (b) Awards for All Scotland scheme; why these schemes operate differently to similar schemes in England and how much funding has been awarded by each scheme in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Sportsmatch and Awards for All Programmes are open grants programmes. Applications to both programmes, from whatever sport are considered on their individual merits.

The Sportsmatch Programme is operated in England, Scotland and Wales in a similar fashion although the level of resources available in each country differs. In Scotland, the programme is also linked to the priorities and targets set out in Sport 21. In England the programme is seen almost as a stand alone programme. The total amount of awards made under the programme in Scotland each year since 1997 is set out in the table.

Year

£

1997-98

289,855

1998-99

269,009

1999-2000

253,250

2000-01

197,821

2001-02 (to date)

160,550

The Awards for All Programme has been operating since 1998 and is a joint programme set up to help small groups seeking Lottery awards. It involves sportscotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Scottish Arts Council and the National Lottery Charities Board, Scotland. As with the Sportsmatch Programme, the main difference in operation is the level of resources available under the programme. The funds contributed by sportscotland to the Awards for All Programme are set out in the table below. Information on the actual awards made under the programme is held by the Awards for All Office and you should contact the office direct for details on individual awards.

Year

£

1998-99

718,714

1999-2000

888,956

2000-01

766,740

2001-02 (to date)

798,545

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158926,"EventID":"S1W-22341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6585 by Susan Deacon on 22 August 2000, whether it will give a progress report on the steps it is taking to respond to the projecte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6585 by Susan Deacon on 22 August 2000, whether it will give a progress report on the steps it is taking to respond to the projected shortage of junior doctors.","AnswerText":"The number of junior doctors, defined as doctors in training, required in the short, medium and long term is affected by a variety of major factors, making for a very complex situation.

In the short term, in response to the requirements of the European Working Time Directive and of the new contract arrangements for junior doctors, action is being taken to reduce working hours and achieve compliance with those requirements, and we have committed central funding for 375 more junior doctors to support that effort. The bulk of that funding comes on stream in the next two financial years.

In the medium to long term, the numbers of junior doctors required are affected by changes in the demands of service provision, the way in which service delivery is organised, patterns of work for senior doctors, patterns of training for junior doctors and the composition and outlook of the workforce.

The current fundamental review of medical workforce planning by Professor John Temple which Susan Deacon announced on 20 June 2001 is gathering and examining evidence on these short, medium and long term issues and will be reporting to ministers shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158927,"EventID":"S1W-22342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase teacher numbers, provide teachers with improved career paths and enhance students' grades in East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbarton","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase teacher numbers, provide teachers with improved career paths and enhance students' grades in East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"In 2001 the Scottish Executive mounted the first ever major national teacher recruitment advertising campaign, with the twin objectives of improving the public perception of teaching as a worthwhile and rewarding career and increasing the number of talented people entering the profession.

The agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century introduced the new Chartered Teacher grade to provide an alternative career progression route. The Chartered Teacher programme will enable teachers to pursue a challenging and rewarding career without having to leave the classroom.

A sub-group of the Ministerial Strategy Committee for Continuing Professional Development is drafting guidance to ensure school leaders and managers at all levels are fully supported and equipped to meet the demands of their posts.

Education authorities and headteachers are responsible for the quality of courses and standards of attainment in individual schools. In support of this, the Scottish Executive is taking a range of actions which will improve the quality of provision and raise attainment levels nationally. We have published revised curriculum guidelines, advice on curriculum flexibility and a clear statement of National Priorities for education. We are developing the schools/education Improvement Framework as the basis for improvement within individual schools and education authorities. We have provided support and resources for a range of key aspects of education, including literacy, numeracy and science, and through a number of initiatives such as the New Community Schools initiative. We have established the Assessment Development Programme, and are implementing the recommendations of the Discipline Task Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158928,"EventID":"S1W-22343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set each of the three water authorities under the Scottish Climate Change Programme to reduce the use of energy, waste and water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set each of the three water authorities under the Scottish Climate Change Programme to reduce the use of energy, waste and water.","AnswerText":"None.

The Scottish Climate Change Programme recognised the need for the water authorities to integrate climate change issues into their business strategies and to take account of climate change in future investment programmes. Water Quality and Standards, Investment Priorities for Scotland's Water Authorities 2002-2006, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 15676), recognised the need to use available knowledge on climate change to address a number of possible specific problems in their long-term investment plans.

The three Scottish water authorities have jointly produced a set of 10 sustainability indicators, based on the set published by Water UK, to provide a measure of progress towards sustainability in the Scottish water industry.

The Scottish water authorities publish annually environment and quality reports, and these are available on their websites.

Additionally, the Executive has established a Climate Change Network for the Scottish water industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158929,"EventID":"S1W-22344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-20928 by Ms Margaret Curren on 7 January 2002, how much development funding to assist with the provision of affordable housing in E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-20928 by Ms Margaret Curren on 7 January 2002, how much development funding to assist with the provision of affordable housing in Edinburgh was made available in each year since 1996-97, and will be made available in 2002-03, and whether it will give a breakdown of the source of this funding and of the recipients.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

The following table sets out the development funding made available through Scottish Homes, and now Communities Scotland, for the provision of affordable housing in the City of Edinburgh for the years in question. Development funding is provided through grant in aid funding from the Scottish Executive.

Year

Development Funding for housing for social rent

Development funding for housing for low cost home ownership

Total

£million

£million

£million

1996-1997

24.0

2.4

26.4

1997-1998

14.5

2.3

16.8

1998-1999

15.3

2.7

18.0

1999-2000

14.6

3.3

17.9

2000-2001

15.1

2.1

17.2

2001-20021

13.1

0.7

13.8

2002-2003

TBC

TBC

TBC

Note:

1. Estimate.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158930,"EventID":"S1W-22345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the contractors involved in work on the Holyrood building project face exclusion from applying for future contracts which the Executive tenders as a resul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the contractors involved in work on the Holyrood building project face exclusion from applying for future contracts which the Executive tenders as a result of poor performance.","AnswerText":"Contractors are not excluded from applying for contracts with the Scottish Executive but may be excluded at an early stage of the selection process. A short-list of firms to be invited to tender is compiled on the basis of an assessment of their suitability (for example, whether or not they have been convicted of any offences), their economic and financial standing and their technical capacity. The aim is to select suitable firms that, at the time, are considered best placed to carry out the required work. An assessment of technical capacity will usually include consideration of past performance including references provided by other clients.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158931,"EventID":"S1W-22346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the contractors involved in work on the Holyrood building project face exclusion from applying for future contracts which the Scottish Parliamentary Corpor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the contractors involved in work on the Holyrood building project face exclusion from applying for future contracts which the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body tenders as a result of poor performance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21920 on 30 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158932,"EventID":"S1W-22347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it plans to give to West Dunbartonshire Council's Lord Provost's Appeal for the centenary of Clydebank Town Hall.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it plans to give to West Dunbartonshire Council's Lord Provost's Appeal for the centenary of Clydebank Town Hall.","AnswerText":"Revenue grant provided to local authorities is largely unhypothecated and is available for councils to spend on the whole range of council services. The Scottish Executive has no plans to provide additional financial assistance for the Clydebank Town Hall Appeal.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158933,"EventID":"S1W-22348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list and cost all projects being undertaken by (a) North of Scotland Water, (b) East of Scotland Water and (c) West of Scotland Water to comply with the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list and cost all projects being undertaken by (a) North of Scotland Water, (b) East of Scotland Water and (c) West of Scotland Water to comply with the provisions of the drinking water quality directive 80/778/EEC.","AnswerText":"North of Scotland Water Authority and West of Scotland Water Authority have both given Scottish ministers an undertaking to carry out improvement works, to comply with the provisions of the new Drinking Water Directive 98/78/EC. There is currently no drinking water quality undertaking for East of Scotland Water Authority. The projects that comprise the undertakings for the North and the West are listed in the authorities annual water quality reports.

There are 564 water supply zones in Scotland and the North of Scotland Water Authority undertaking should bring about compliance with the Directive in 258 of these zones at an estimated cost of £180 million. The West of Scotland Water Authority undertaking, which covers 28 zones, is estimated to cost £123 million. The cost of the individual projects comprising the undertaking is not held centrally. This is a matter for the water authorities.

In addition to the undertaking programmes in the North and the West, all three water authorities are carrying out lead pipe replacements and installing orthophosphate dosing equipment, to comply with the new lead standard.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158934,"EventID":"S1W-22349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve connections between Clydebank and the motorway network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve connections between Clydebank and the motorway network.","AnswerText":"The main links between Clydebank and the motorway network are local roads and therefore the responsibility of Glasgow City and West Dunbartonshire Councils.

On the strategic road network, the Executive plans to undertake major strengthening work to the deck of the Erskine Bridge to meet current loading requirements and to upgrade access to the main deck and towers for maintenance purposes. This scheme, which is expected to cost some £2.25 million plus VAT, will be undertaken in phases, beginning in summer 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158935,"EventID":"S1W-22350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7250 by Henry McLeish on 8 June 2000, what recent action it has taken to reduce unemployment by encouraging new business start-ups ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7250 by Henry McLeish on 8 June 2000, what recent action it has taken to reduce unemployment by encouraging new business start-ups and by providing support for existing small- and medium-si'ed business start-ups in West Dunbartonshire and what impact these efforts are having on business birth and survival rates in the area.","AnswerText":"The Small Business Gateway was introduced from July 2000 and provides a consistent and minimum service provision for business start-ups and small businesses throughout the Scottish Enterprise area, including West Dunbartonshire.

Specific figures on the number and survival rates of new start companies, assisted through the Small Business Gateway on a local basis, is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158936,"EventID":"S1W-22351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created in (a) East and (b) West Dunbartonshire in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created in (a) East and (b) West Dunbartonshire in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested on the number of jobs created is not held centrally. However, information on the number of employee jobs is available from the Annual Business Inquiry. Therefore, the change in the number of employee jobs each year is available. The latest available data are for 2000.

Net Change in the Number of Employee Jobs

1999-2000

East Dunbartonshire

907

West Dunbartonshire

844

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158937,"EventID":"S1W-22352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the coverage of the \"Make it in Scotland\" manufacturing industry education roadshow for S2 pupils, as referred to in the Scottish Economic Report - January 2002, wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the coverage of the \"Make it in Scotland\" manufacturing industry education roadshow for S2 pupils, as referred to in the Scottish Economic Report - January 2002, will be extended to schools in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife.","AnswerText":"We plan to rollout the \"Make it in Scotland\" campaign for S2 pupils across Scotland in the 2002-03 academic year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158938,"EventID":"S1W-22353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which libraries, colleges and workplaces in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife have been branded as \"learning centres\" to date by learndirect scotland, as referred to i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which libraries, colleges and workplaces in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife have been branded as \"learning centres\" to date by learndirect scotland, as referred to in the Scottish Economic Report - January 2002.","AnswerText":"Of the 236 learndirect scotland branded learning centres registered at 1 February 2002, 28 are located within the Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife areas. There are seven learndirect scotland learning centres in the Stirling area, 20 in Fife and one in Clackmannanshire. The centres have been developed in a wide-range of locations, including: local libraries, colleges, workplaces, community centres and schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158939,"EventID":"S1W-22354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the implications of the judgement in the European Court of justice in the case of Gerat-Smits and Peerbooms for health services, including drug ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the implications of the judgement in the European Court of justice in the case of Gerat-Smits and Peerbooms for health services, including drug treatment, in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive, in liaison with the other UK Health Departments, is keeping in close touch with developments on the European Court of Justice decisions in these two cases and further pending cases. The implications have not yet been fully evaluated.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158940,"EventID":"S1W-22355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners in each parliamentary constituency have (a) taken up their entitlement and (b) received free central heating under its Central Heating Installation P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners in each parliamentary constituency have (a) taken up their entitlement and (b) received free central heating under its Central Heating Installation Programme.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. We will be publishing an annual report on the Central Heating Installation Programme which will give details of take-up across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158941,"EventID":"S1W-22356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20749 by Iain Gray on 10 January 2002, whether it has any plans to provide a fast track procedure for applications for free central","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20749 by Iain Gray on 10 January 2002, whether it has any plans to provide a fast track procedure for applications for free central heating under its Central Heating Installation Programme for those people who have respiratory illness or a similarly heightened need for central heating or who lack a current centralised source of hot water.","AnswerText":"We have identified three groups which will receive priority as far as is reasonable, practicable and cost effective in the circumstance. They are single person households, households aged 75 or over and the disabled or long-term sick.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158942,"EventID":"S1W-22357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any penalty clauses under the terms of its contract with EAGA Partnership (Scotland) for any extreme delays in the installation of central heating for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any penalty clauses under the terms of its contract with EAGA Partnership (Scotland) for any extreme delays in the installation of central heating for elderly people under its central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"There are no such clauses. EAGA are required to spend the budget each year and all applications will be dealt with as quickly as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158943,"EventID":"S1W-22358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many high-profile (a) visits and (b) visitors to the Parliament are anticipated for the period from January to April 2002; by how much this figure differs from the (i)","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many high-profile (a) visits and (b) visitors to the Parliament are anticipated for the period from January to April 2002; by how much this figure differs from the (i) anticipated and (ii) actual figures for the same period in (1) 2000 and (2) 2001, and what implications have been identified for police resources in respect of such forthcoming visits.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's External Liaison Unit is currently aware of 21 high-profile visits to the Parliament in the period from 1 January to 30 April 2002. It is anticipated that a further 20 or so high profile visits can be expected during the period.

(The term high-profile is used to cover all visits organised by the unit and includes visiting parliamentarians, heads of state, representatives of governments including ministers, ambassadors and high-level officials and senior representatives of international or other organisations. Details of forthcoming visits are available on the External Liaison Unit site on SPEIR. Information is kept on the basis of numbers of visits rather than visitors. The figures given, therefore, include both individual high-profile visitors and group visits to the Parliament.)

The number of actual similar visits to the Parliament in the same period in 2000 was 20, in line with anticipated volume. In 2001 the figure was 57. This demand was greater than the unit had anticipated and measures have been taken to allow the Parliament to manage better the flow and timetabling through the year of visits of this type. It is anticipated, therefore, that while the number of visits between 1 January and 30 April 2002 will be greater than in the same period in 2000, there will be somewhat fewer than in early 2001.

The policing requirements of the majority of visits to the Parliament are handled by the Parliament's dedicated Police Unit as part of normal duties. Only a small number of visits, depending on the status of the visitor, require a wider input from Lothian and Borders Police or Specialist Departments. There is close liaison between the parliamentary staff handling visits and the police to ensure that any implications for police resources can be taken into account as far in advance as possible. The police services, however, are aware of the need to police the many important visitors to Edinburgh each year and build that commitment into normal budget planning.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158944,"EventID":"S1W-22359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications under the Rural Stewardship Scheme have been made in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications under the Rural Stewardship Scheme have been made in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"Four hundred and seventy-eight applications under the Rural Stewardship Scheme have been made in the current financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158945,"EventID":"S1W-22360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of how money was allocated under the Rural Stewardship Scheme in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of how money was allocated under the Rural Stewardship Scheme in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"The breakdown of how money was allocated under the Rural Stewardship Scheme in the current financial year is as follows:

Management Options:

£0

Environmental Audits/Moorland Management Plans:

£191,819

Capital Options:

£2,091,061

The first management payments amounting to £2,750,046 for applications approved this year will be made in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158946,"EventID":"S1W-22361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money allocated for field margins and boundaries under the Rural Stewardship Scheme was specifically allocated for (a) fencing (b) hedging and (c) stone dykes. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money allocated for field margins and boundaries under the Rural Stewardship Scheme was specifically allocated for (a) fencing (b) hedging and (c) stone dykes. ","AnswerText":"Funding of £2,557,891 has been allocated to fencing required in connection with conservation management. No funding has been allocated to hedge planting or restoration of stone dykes.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158947,"EventID":"S1W-22362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the use of the euro in the retail and tourism sectors in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is monitoring the use of the euro in the retail and tourism sectors in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21890 on 29 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158948,"EventID":"S1W-22363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice about the euro is being given by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise or Scottish Trade International to exporters to the Euro'one and to th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice about the euro is being given by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise or Scottish Trade International to exporters to the Euro'one and to those companies which import goods and services.","AnswerText":"In the Scottish Enterprise area, responsibility for providing advice to businesses regarding the euro is the responsibility of Scotland Europa. In conjunction with HM Treasury, they have implementing a detailed programme - including workshops, conferences, publications, a website and a telephone hotline - to provide advice and raise awareness of the need to make appropriate preparations for the introduction of the currency. Such advice is continuing to be provided.

Within the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) area, awareness raising activity have been undertaken by HIE and the European Information Centre (EIC). They are developing a series of practical workshops for businesses in the area on how they can use the euro. These are being developed in conjunction with banks in the area, private sector business representatives and the EIC. HIE Local Enterprise Companies provide information on the euro to businesses on request, drawing on Scotland Europa, the EIC and other resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158949,"EventID":"S1W-22364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the location of the European Maritime Safety Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the location of the European Maritime Safety Agency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the location of the European Maritime Safety Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158950,"EventID":"S1W-22365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to undertake a review of the geographic provision of in-patient services across Scotland in the light of A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to undertake a review of the geographic provision of in-patient services across Scotland in the light of A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have conducted local maternity service reviews, which take account of the various geographical and demographic features of their particular area. The Scottish Executive is currently auditing NHS board strategies against the principles laid out in A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.

A short life Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services, chaired by Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care, Mrs Mary Mulligan, will convene in February 2002 to develop recommendations on models of acute and intra-partum maternity care to assist boards to configure their services appropriately.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158951,"EventID":"S1W-22366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were treated for hospital-acquired infections at district general hospitals in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients were treated for hospital-acquired infections at district general hospitals in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

However, collection of core data on the incidence of selected hospital-acquired infections is a key component of the new national surveillance framework announced in July 2001. The framework will ensure regular feedback to NHS boards and trusts from the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health of centrally analysed local and national data about selected hospital infections.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158952,"EventID":"S1W-22367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its Scottish Economic Report: January 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its Scottish Economic Report: January 2002.","AnswerText":"The total cost of printing, publishing and distributing the Scottish Economic Report, January 2002, is estimated at £11,730.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158953,"EventID":"S1W-22368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given, in light of medical evidence suggesting health risks from the use of sun beds, to introducing a ban on the provision of public sunbed fa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given, in light of medical evidence suggesting health risks from the use of sun beds, to introducing a ban on the provision of public sunbed facilities. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has not considered introducing a ban on the provision of public sunbed facilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158954,"EventID":"S1W-22369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to initiate further research into chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to initiate further research into chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland.

In response to the publication of the English Chief Medical Officer's working group on myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), the Department of Health in England has asked the Medical Research Council to draw up a research strategy to inform the future direction of research on CFS/ME. Until that strategy is available, it would not be sensible for CSO to commission research.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158955,"EventID":"S1W-22370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in light of the report to the Department of Health by the Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in light of the report to the Department of Health by the Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.","AnswerText":"The Executive is setting up a short-life action group to consider the most effective ways of improving the care and quality of life for those with CFS/ME, in the light of the English Chief Medical Officer's Working Group Report. In the interim, we will make sure that the NHS in Scotland is aware of, and can access, the report itself.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158956,"EventID":"S1W-22371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to increase awareness and understanding of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to increase awareness and understanding of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22370.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158957,"EventID":"S1W-22372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide education and awareness training in respect of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome for healthcare professionals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide education and awareness training in respect of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome for healthcare professionals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22370.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158958,"EventID":"S1W-22373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Transport will attend a public meeting in Badenoch and Strathspey in order to explain why BEAR Scotland Ltd was appointed to be responsible for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Transport will attend a public meeting in Badenoch and Strathspey in order to explain why BEAR Scotland Ltd was appointed to be responsible for trunk road maintenance; whether it is satisfied with the performance of BEAR Scotland Ltd to date; what action it has taken to ensure that BEAR Scotland Ltd fulfils its contractual obligations, and whether the division of responsibility for trunk roads and non-trunk roads between BEAR Scotland Ltd and the relevant local authority is effective.","AnswerText":"Scottish minister were obliged to follow EU procurement rules in appointing trunk road maintenance operator, and to avoid contracts on the basis of the most economically advantageous tenders, subject to bidders being able to demonstrate a proven track record in road management and maintenance.

BEAR Scotland Ltd was appointed trunk road operating company for the North East and North West Units following the tender competition where BEAR was assessed as submitting the most economically advantageous tenders for both Units. Prior to tender invitation the companies who make up BEAR Scotland Ltd were able to demonstrate that they have a proven track record of providing road management and maintenance services, including winter maintenance.

The Scottish Executive employs the Performance Audit Group (PAG) to audit and monitor the activities and performance of BEAR to ensure the standards required by the trunk road contract are achieved. To date there is no evidence to suggest that the level of service has dropped since BEAR took over the contract. The current trunk road maintenance contracts specify the same level of service as in previous years.

The level of service provided on non-trunk roads is a matter for the relevant local authorities. I have received no invitation to attend a public meeting as described, nor do I have any plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158959,"EventID":"S1W-22374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed as suffering from depression, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age and, (c) NHS board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed as suffering from depression, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age and, (c) NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"The available figures for depression are based on those from a sample of GP practices for the year ending December 2000.
 

Age group

CMR population

Number of CMR patients seen

CMR prevalence rate

Scottish population

Estimated number of patients seen in Scotland

Male

0-4

9,596

4

0.4

147,890

62

5-14

22,298

39

1.7

331,683

580

15-24

21,128

615

29.1

326,591

9,507

25-44

54,420

2,487

45.7

770,214

35,199

45-64

43,320

1,966

45.4

590,183

26,784

65-74

13,020

408<","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158960,"EventID":"S1W-22375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been set up by each local authority since 1999 to assist people diagnosed with depression.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been set up by each local authority since 1999 to assist people diagnosed with depression.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158961,"EventID":"S1W-22376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to raise the profile of depression amongst 16 to 25-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to raise the profile of depression amongst 16 to 25-year-olds.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is developing a national programme to improve the mental health of the Scottish population. To drive that process, I am chairing a National Advisory Group, consisting of a range of stakeholders across health, education, social justice, business and other sectors. The advisory group will oversee various projects and initiatives, which is likely to include work with young people.

A range of services is also being developed to meet the needs of people suffering from depression, including psychological interventions, which were added to the Framework for Mental Health Services in October last year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158962,"EventID":"S1W-22377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund initiatives such as the project set up by Facilitate Scotland which offers telephone counselling for people with mental health illnesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund initiatives such as the project set up by Facilitate Scotland which offers telephone counselling for people with mental health illnesses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently funds a range of voluntary bodies in the mental health arena which provide various types of support, including telephone helplines, for people with mental health difficulties. In addition, we are currently planning the introduction of a telephone helpline for people with low mood and depression, who may be at risk of suicide, which will help put them in touch with appropriate services offered by the statutory and voluntary sectors.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158963,"EventID":"S1W-22378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to review the process of driving licence withdrawal from a person with a deteriorating ps","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to review the process of driving licence withdrawal from a person with a deteriorating psychiatric condition.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including driver licensing.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158964,"EventID":"S1W-22379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to bring sheriff courts into line with English and Welsh magistrate's courts by extending the time of appeal against the withdrawal or refusal of a driv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to bring sheriff courts into line with English and Welsh magistrate's courts by extending the time of appeal against the withdrawal or refusal of a driver's licence due to an advancing psychiatric condition from 21 days to six months.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. The 21-day time limit for lodging appeals (in non-criminal matters) with the sheriff court is set by the Act of Sederunt (Summary Applications, Statutory Applications and Appeals etc. Rules) 1999. Under these rules courts have the discretion to waive this time limit for whatever reason and frequently do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158965,"EventID":"S1W-22380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) regarding the requirement for a DVLA medical adviser to be present at an appeal agains","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) regarding the requirement for a DVLA medical adviser to be present at an appeal against the refusal or withdrawal of a driving licence for a person with an advancing psychiatric condition and in particular regarding the costs to the individual for the attendance of such an advisor.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including driver licensing.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158966,"EventID":"S1W-22381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the current services available for young people who have been diagnosed with a mental health illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the current services available for young people who have been diagnosed with a mental health illness.","AnswerText":"The Executive has already commissioned the Public Health Institute for Scotland to conduct a national review of child and adolescent mental health services. Their report is due later this year. In addition separate studies of adolescent psychiatry out-patient services, depression among adolescents and adolescent psychosis have been funded. Together, the findings will inform future decisions on the best organisation of services for this important care group.

Our expert Child Health Support Group has been visiting NHS boards to offer support in strengthening local services for children and young people. Their national conference later this month will include examples of good practice in child and adolescent mental health services.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158967,"EventID":"S1W-22382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding has been provided to young people diagnosed with a mental health illness, broken down by NHS board area, in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding has been provided to young people diagnosed with a mental health illness, broken down by NHS board area, in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Health care for young people with a mental health illness is funded from the general allocations that the Scottish Executive provides to NHS boards. The boards are responsible for determining how these resources are used to meet the different healthcare needs of their populations in line with national guidance on health priorities. We do not hold centrally information about expenditure by NHS boards on young people with a mental health problem.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158968,"EventID":"S1W-22383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are currently offered to young people diagnosed with a mental illness, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are currently offered to young people diagnosed with a mental illness, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"That is a matter for each NHS board to decide in consultation with their local authority and other care partners. A review of all child and adolescent mental health services is under way by the Public Health Institute for Scotland and is due to report later this year.

Providing age sensitive care and the importance of appropriate and planned transition from child, through adolescent to adult services are key to the successful planning and delivery of care for this priority group.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158969,"EventID":"S1W-22384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the energy requirements will be of additional pumping required for the new Milngavie water treatment plant proposed as part of the Katrine Water Project and what alt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the energy requirements will be of additional pumping required for the new Milngavie water treatment plant proposed as part of the Katrine Water Project and what alternatives to pumping were considered.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His reply is as follows:

The replacement Milngavie water treatment works is located to the north of the existing Mugdock and Craigmaddie raw water reservoirs and is fed by a new raw water pumping station. Based on the maximum design flow the estimated energy usage of the pumping station is calculated as approximately 8.5 million kWh/annum.

This energy usage is off-set by a similar reduction in energy usage within the Loch Lomond Supply System, reflecting the efficiency of the proposed scheme.

Alternative sites were considered that had a different energy profile. However, in all options pumping was required, whether this was raw water pumping at the treatment works inlet or treated water pumping on the treatment works outlet.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158970,"EventID":"S1W-22385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will issue an opinion on the environmental impact of the new Milngavie reservoir proposed as part of the Katrine Water Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will issue an opinion on the environmental impact of the new Milngavie reservoir proposed as part of the Katrine Water Project. ","AnswerText":"I understand that East Dunbartonshire Council, as planning authority, is presently giving consideration to a planning application and environmental statement submitted by the West of Scotland Water Authority for the Katrine Water Project. As a statutory consultee, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has been given the opportunity to comment on the environmental statement.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158971,"EventID":"S1W-22386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what independent monitoring will be put in place by West of Scotland Water Authority to ensure that the noise standards specified in section 3.3.1 of its Katrine Water Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what independent monitoring will be put in place by West of Scotland Water Authority to ensure that the noise standards specified in section 3.3.1 of its Katrine Water Project Environmental Statement--Non-Technical Summary will not be exceeded during construction of the project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water and I have asked the Chief Executive respond. His reply is as follows:

This issue is addressed in pages 2-20 to 2-21 of the Environmental Statement included in the authority's planning application.

During the construction of the new works the Katrine Water Project will develop and implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) which will be integrated with the construction quality and health and safety management systems. Amongst other issues, it will address the procedures to be adopted to minimise environmental risks from noise and vibration. The EMS will also include procedures for appropriate noise monitoring. The EMS will be developed in detail once all planning conditions have been agreed. Environmental monitoring information will be made available to the local community through the recently established Community Forum.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158972,"EventID":"S1W-22387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether stage one of the Katrine Water Project is being undertaken cost effectively, in light of the allowance for its completion of #5.3 million in Stirling Water's expe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether stage one of the Katrine Water Project is being undertaken cost effectively, in light of the allowance for its completion of #5.3 million in Stirling Water's expenditure plan, given that this phase involves (a) an optioneering study, (b) selection, conceptual design and planning submission of a preferred scheme and (c) agreement of an agreed target cost for the stage two works.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His reply is as follows:

The latest estimate of the Stage 1 expenditure is £5.1 million. As well as the three items in the question, this phase also included:

extensive Value Management exercises, and

the construction, commissioning and running for a 12 month period of a substantial Pilot Plant to confirm the water treatment processes necessary for the new works.

An independent review was undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers which indicated positively on both the methodology and particularly the robustness of the contract delivery process. In addition, independent cost consultants EC Harris have reported comprehensively on the commercial costing of the project.

The allocation of sufficient resources to stage 1 of the project is crucial to the success of the project. Tight definition of outputs and resources at an early stage plus rigorous assessment of options ensures value for money by limiting the scope for cost and time over-runs.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158973,"EventID":"S1W-22388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme has secured from the European Regional Development Fund for the infrastructure and development of Private/Pub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme has secured from the European Regional Development Fund for the infrastructure and development of Private/Public Partnerships which are required to overcome the economic and demand problems of broadband delivery in rural areas as referred to in the report by British Telecommunications plc, Broadband Britain-Realising the Vision.","AnswerText":"Under the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme 2000-06, ICT support is included under Measure 2.2 Improving Regional Competitiveness Through Developing the Information Society. The measure covers both awareness raising (demand side) activities and assistance for physical infrastructure (supply side). €13 million is allocated to the measure with a split of €4 million for the demand side and €9 million for supply side projects.

No expenditure has yet been made on supply side projects. The programme requires that the partners commission an independent study to make recommendations on the best use of funds to enhance physical infrastructure. This is complete. An initial action plan has also been produced and a more detailed description of project activities is currently being finalised. The first application under this part of the measure will be submitted shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158974,"EventID":"S1W-22389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether rural areas will be at any disadvantage in accessing broadband communications and how it ensures that providers do not limit provision of broadband connection to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether rural areas will be at any disadvantage in accessing broadband communications and how it ensures that providers do not limit provision of broadband connection to areas that are cost-effective for them.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no direct control over the provision of broadband services by telecoms operators. This is a commercial matter for the companies concerned and will largely depend on demand.

The Scottish Executive has been working with the enterprise agencies to develop demand stimulation proposals under the UK broadband fund for innovative broadband projects.

This approach is part of the Executive's wider broadband strategy, Connecting Scotland: our broadband future, launched in August 2001. The aim of the strategy is to make affordable pervasive broadband connections available to citizens and businesses across Scotland.

The strategy also includes two further strands:

A programme that will progressively aggregate public sector demand for broadband infrastructure. This approach is being taken forward initially in two pathfinder areas - the Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland. The Executive, taking account of both the experience in the pathfinder areas and developments in the telecoms sector, will consider how broadband services should be procured for the public sector in other rural areas.

Close liaison at a UK level on regulatory and policy development.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158975,"EventID":"S1W-22390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households and businesses are currently connected to the internet, using a broadband connection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households and businesses are currently connected to the internet, using a broadband connection.","AnswerText":"Forty-nine per cent of the Scottish population have access to a broadband connection via cable or DSL. We do not have reliable figures for take-up of broadband services in Scotland. However, the Office of the E-Envoy are working to produce such figures in the longer term.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158976,"EventID":"S1W-22391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects have been set up with the assistance of European Structural Funds in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects have been set up with the assistance of European Structural Funds in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows how many projects have been funded in each of the past three years:
 

2000

2001

2002

Highlands & Islands - ESF

163

141

111

ERDF

35

34

0

EAGGF

6

16

0

FIFG

0

0

0

Objective 2 - West ESF

0

50

0

West ERDF

0

78

0

East

0

246

0

South

0

72

0

Objective 3

541

428

0

EQUAL

0

Nearly half of these patients are residents of and therefore the responsibility of Greater Glasgow NHS Board. The remainder come from five other NHS boards and from Northern Ireland. To identify the small numbers for these, health boards risk compromising patient confidentiality.

The Executive made clear in 1999 its policy expectations for the creation of local safe services and accommodation for mentally disordered offenders. Different NHS boards are at different stages in developing the services in line with the policy. In October 2001, the Chief Executive of NHSScotland reminded the NHS boards of the need to make progress in developing local forensic psychiatric accommodation, services and support. Last month, Greater Glasgow NHS Board announced its plans for the development of local services for the area. Further announcements are expected in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158985,"EventID":"S1W-22400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to local authorities in respect of meeting obligations under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to draw up housing strategies in accordance with eq","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to local authorities in respect of meeting obligations under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to draw up housing strategies in accordance with equal opportunity requirements.","AnswerText":"A plan is being considered by the Scottish Executive on how best to take forward the equal opportunities agenda in housing as well as the support that can be offered to local authorities to meet their obligations under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, including the preparation of Local Housing Strategies.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158986,"EventID":"S1W-22401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring processes are planned to ensure that local authorities' homelessness strategies are drawn up in accordance with equal opportunity requirements under the H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring processes are planned to ensure that local authorities' homelessness strategies are drawn up in accordance with equal opportunity requirements under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires each local authority to state in its homelessness strategy how it will comply with its equal opportunities duty under section 106 of the act, so far as relating to the matters included in the strategy. Communities Scotland will be responsible for monitoring homelessness strategies and their implementation through its regulation and inspection function.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158987,"EventID":"S1W-22402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence a decision on the clinical effectiveness of Herceptin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence a decision on the clinical effectiveness of Herceptin.","AnswerText":"The preliminary date for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to issue guidance to the NHS on the clinical and cost effectiveness of trastuzumab (Herceptin) is March 2002. As with all NICE appraisals consultees have the right to appeal against these recommendations. If an appeal is lodged the timelines may be extended in order to consider the appeal. Details of the schedule are published on the institute's website at nice.org.uk.

The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) will consult with experts to determine if there are any important differences to be considered in Scotland. HTBS will then issue authoritative guidance for NHSScotland in the form of an HTBS Comment, six to 10 weeks after NICE publishes its guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158988,"EventID":"S1W-22403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from the police in respect of any defective road surface on the A82 south of Inverarnon and, if so, when such representations","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from the police in respect of any defective road surface on the A82 south of Inverarnon and, if so, when such representations were received.","AnswerText":"No representations from the police have been received by the Scottish Executive concerning the condition of the road surface on the A82 south of Inverarnan.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158989,"EventID":"S1W-22404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on any concerns that Communities Scotland will no longer recognise UNISON in respect of staff transferred to it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on any concerns that Communities Scotland will no longer recognise UNISON in respect of staff transferred to it.","AnswerText":"It is not the case that Communities Scotland will no longer recognise UNISON. That union may continue to represent members of staff on a personal basis. As the new agency does not have independent collective bargaining status and therefore has no delegated responsibility for dealing with pay and related matters, these matters will be dealt with under the Executive's existing single table bargaining arrangements with its three recognised unions.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158990,"EventID":"S1W-22405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the effectiveness of the way in which Scottish Borders Council has managed its financial affairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the effectiveness of the way in which Scottish Borders Council has managed its financial affairs.","AnswerText":"The Accounts Commission for Scotland, which is independent of ministers, is responsible for securing the audit of local authorities and for monitoring and investigating stewardship of public funds by local authorities. The commission has undertaken an investigation of the deficit in the education budget of Borders Council and has published its findings. These highlighted a number of high level failings in governance, and drew a number of general concerns to the attention of all Scottish councils. The commission now requires Borders Council to take appropriate remedial action and has asked the Controller of Audit to monitor the council's progress and to make a further report on the council's position after the financial year ending 31 March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158991,"EventID":"S1W-22406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to protect the interests of communities which may be adversely affected by cuts in services proposed by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to protect the interests of communities which may be adversely affected by cuts in services proposed by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"It is entirely a matter for each local authority to establish its expenditure priorities within the budget available to it. It would not be appropriate for ministers to intervene in the individual spending decisions of a council.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158992,"EventID":"S1W-22407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum level of provision of community facilities in rural areas is appropriate and what action it will take to ensure that councils do not cut such provision beyon","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimum level of provision of community facilities in rural areas is appropriate and what action it will take to ensure that councils do not cut such provision beyond that level.","AnswerText":"Provided they fulfil their statutory duties, it is for councils to decide what level of services and facilities to provide in their area.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158993,"EventID":"S1W-22408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many permanent members of staff were employed by Scottish Enterprise on 1 January in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many permanent members of staff were employed by Scottish Enterprise on 1 January in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The Executive does not hold this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158994,"EventID":"S1W-22409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many temporary members of staff were employed by Scottish Enterprise on 1 January in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many temporary members of staff were employed by Scottish Enterprise on 1 January in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The Executive does not hold this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158995,"EventID":"S1W-22410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was paid by Scottish Enterprise to contracted consultants in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was paid by Scottish Enterprise to contracted consultants in 2001.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The Executive does not hold this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158996,"EventID":"S1W-22411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise spent on public relations staff in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise spent on public relations staff in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The Executive does not hold this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158997,"EventID":"S1W-22412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise spent on contracted public relations services in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise spent on contracted public relations services in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The Executive does not hold this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158998,"EventID":"S1W-22413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases involving fraudulent procurement of goods and services on the internet were referred to the Procurators Fiscal in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases involving fraudulent procurement of goods and services on the internet were referred to the Procurators Fiscal in 2001.","AnswerText":"Records of fraud cases do not distinguish between different methods of committing the offence and the information is, accordingly, not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":158999,"EventID":"S1W-22414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions involving fraudulent procurement of goods and services on the internet were brought in 2001; what proportion of cases were brought (a) in the High C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions involving fraudulent procurement of goods and services on the internet were brought in 2001; what proportion of cases were brought (a) in the High Court and (b) in sheriff courts; where High Court sittings in respect of such prosecutions were held and how many sittings were held in each location; how many such prosecutions brought in sheriff courts were heard in each sheriffdom, and what proportion of all such prosecutions proceeded to conviction.","AnswerText":"The information held on the Scottish Executive Justice Department's court proceedings database does not separately identify prosecutions for fraudulent procurement of goods and services on the internet from other cases of fraud.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159000,"EventID":"S1W-22415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what venture capital support is available to small technology companies in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what venture capital support is available to small technology companies in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"A number of private sector venture capital companies are active in this field. Various public sector supported schemes have also invested in small technology companies in the current financial year. The Executive has been considering whether the needs of such companies are being fully met in the present market and I expect to make an announcement very shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159001,"EventID":"S1W-22416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which industrial sectors it, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, the Scottish Further Education Funding ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which industrial sectors it, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, the Scottish Further Education Funding Council and the education sector concentrate their efforts on in attempting to develop the knowledge economy.","AnswerText":"The National Clusters Liaison Group, which includes representatives of the Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the funding councils and the education sector, is currently considering this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159002,"EventID":"S1W-22417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Scottish Enterprise and Highland and Islands Enterprise have each taken, or plan to take, since the publication of its report Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Scottish Enterprise and Highland and Islands Enterprise have each taken, or plan to take, since the publication of its report Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting Initiative to take advantage of commercial e-learning opportunities.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise are, in liaison with Highland and Islands Enterprise and other partners, taking forward a number of activities aimed at taking advantage of commercial e-learning opportunities. Action within the broad area of e-learning includes promotion, development of supply capabilities and stimulating demand. These are operational matters for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and, as such, Mr Mundell may wish to contact the Chief Executives directly for details on action being taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159003,"EventID":"S1W-22418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have each taken since the publication of its report Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting Initiative to enco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have each taken since the publication of its report Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting Initiative to encourage the softer business and language skills necessary for Scotland to become a leading centre of e-commerce in Europe.","AnswerText":"Following the publication of the Knowledge Economy Report, £6 million was allocated to the enterprise network for this purpose. The specific activities for which the funding is used are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159004,"EventID":"S1W-22419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to improve aggregate performance on research and development as referred to in its report Knowledge Economy Cross-cutting Init","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to improve aggregate performance on research and development as referred to in its report Knowledge Economy Cross-cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-19144 on 14 November 2001. In addition, as part of the Scottish Economic Statistics Programme, the Executive is continuing to improve its understanding of the knowledge economy, innovation and research and development activity. Amongst other initiatives, the Executive is working on the development of a Knowledge Based Industries Index to measure growth in the Scottish knowledge economy, and recently published the results of a survey on Intellectual Property Commercialisation in Scottish Higher Education Institutions.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/who/elld/reports/finalreport.asp.

The Executive is also working with Scottish Enterprise to commission from the Office of National Statistics further analysis of business research and development expenditure in Scotland. This will hopefully provide a more detailed and rigorous explanation of the reasons underlying Scotland's record in research and development expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159005,"EventID":"S1W-22420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expenditure on research and development in (a) business, (b) government and (c) higher education was in terms of gross domestic product in 2001 as referred to in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expenditure on research and development in (a) business, (b) government and (c) higher education was in terms of gross domestic product in 2001 as referred to in section 5.5 of its report Knowledge Economy Cross-cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"1999 is the latest year for which figures on government and higher education expenditure on research and development have been published. Figures for business expenditure have been published for both 1999 and 2000. In 1999, expenditure on research and development by government accounted for 0.3% of GDP and expenditure by higher education institutions accounted for 0.6% of GDP. In 1999, expenditure on research and development by businesses accounted for 0.5% of GDP in Scotland. Total expenditure on research and development in 1999 accounted for 1.4% of GDP.

In 2000, business expenditure on research and development in Scotland accounted for 0.6% of GDP. All figures are published by the Office for National Statistics.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159006,"EventID":"S1W-22421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen to the original #5.5 million funding allocation for Individual Learning Accounts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen to the original #5.5 million funding allocation for Individual Learning Accounts.","AnswerText":"This funding was spread over three years and was to help improve IT skills. From April 2001, I extended the 80% discount being offered through ILAs up to Level 2 courses and I expect that the funding for the first year will be largely taken up by that decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159007,"EventID":"S1W-22422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for the collection of litter on the A701 trunk road between Dumfries and Moffat.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for the collection of litter on the A701 trunk road between Dumfries and Moffat.","AnswerText":"The A701 trunk road runs from Dumfries to its junction with the A74(M). The A701 from the A74(M) junction to Moffat is a local road network.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, responsibility for litter clearance from the A701 trunk road rests with the local council through whose area the trunk road passes, namely Dumfries and Galloway Council. However, the trunk road maintenance contracts contain a provision which requires the Operating Company to liaise with the local council to ensure that the council's policies meet with the requirements of the relevant sections of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 with respect to trunk roads.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159008,"EventID":"S1W-22423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many independent assessors oversee the public appointments system and how much they are paid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many independent assessors oversee the public appointments system and how much they are paid.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that following an open competition towards the end of last year 12 new Independent Assessors have been appointed for a period of three years commencing 1 January 2002. This increases the total number of current assessors from 14 to 26 (10 men, 16 women, three people from an ethnic minority background and 1 disabled person) and brings the total number of assessors back up to the June 2001 level (there were 25 assessors in post in June).

With effect from 1 January, all assessors will now be paid a daily fee of £150 or £250 subject to the level of their involvement in the appointments process. This policy change brings the Executive in line with the majority of Whitehall Departments. The overall financial implications are minimal, in the region of £13,000 per annum.

Brief details of the new Independents are as follows:

Mr John Anderson

Professional Officer, Professional Association of Teachers

Anja Ansel

Retired. Former Director and Secretary, Scottish YMCA Housing Association

Ijaz Ashraf

Chair of Central Scotland Racial Equality Council, Case worker, Wester Hailes Representative Council Ltd

Dr Dorothy Bell

Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Head of Clinical Psychology for Adults with Learning Disabilities - Forth Valley Primary Care NHS Trust

Frances Buckler

Business Improvement Director, Rolls Royce, Glasgow

Peter Burdon

Independent Director/Consultant. Director, Scottish University for Industry

Karen Carlton

Partner, Carlton Edgar (organisation development consultancy)

Kathleen Davies

Freelance writer/book editor, general and educational publishing

Robin Jordan

Senior Partner, Robin Jordan Associates (Management and Human Resources Consultants)

Paul Matheson

Senior Training Officer, Strathclyde Police

Daniel Tierney

Lecturer, Jordanhill College, Edinburgh

Dr Alex Wright

My predecessor announced on 23 November 2000 (question S1W-11479) that Her Majesty will undertake engagements in Scotland in May 2002, and in particular attend the opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh on 25 May 2002. He also explained that Tuesday 4 June this year would be a Bank Holiday in place of the Spring Bank Holiday, which would otherwise fall on 27 May, and that Monday 3 June would be an additional Bank Holiday for the Golden Jubilee.

On 22 June 2001 (question S1W-16461) my predecessor announced the main features of The Queen's United Kingdom programme of Golden Jubilee visits, Her outline programme of visits from May to August 2001 and the lottery funding available to help local communities mark and celebrate the Jubilee.

I am pleased to announce the programme of visits and other events throughout the United Kingdom from May to August this year, which will be undertaken by Her Majesty and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, to mark the Golden Jubilee.

Details of The Queen's visit to Scotland from 23 to 29 May are as follows:

23-May

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, will attend a Scottish Service of Thanksgiving at Glasgow Cathedral

24-May

Falkirk; Edinburgh (including a Reception in the Palace of Holyroodhouse)

25-May

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, will open the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh; The Queen will also give a Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

26-May

The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will attend the General Assembly Service, St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh

27-May

Isle of Skye; Isle of Lewis; Wick

28-May

Aberdeen (including a visit to the Scottish Parliament, sitting at King's College Conference Centre, Aberdeen University); Dundee

29-May

Lauder; Melrose

The full UK programme, which includes further Scottish events on 5 and 7 August, is as follows:

29-Apr

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a Dinner at No. 10 Downing Street.

<","AnswerDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159013,"EventID":"S1W-22428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of assaults on hospital staff have been recorded in each hospital in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 to date; what initiatives it is taking ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of assaults on hospital staff have been recorded in each hospital in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 to date; what initiatives it is taking to address the issue of assaults on hospital staff across Scotland, and what priority it is giving to addressing this issue.","AnswerText":"Data on violence and aggression towards staff is not available centrally for 1999-2000. Information for 2000-01 is currently being collated as part of the occupational health and safety minimum dataset and should be available at the end of March this year. Information for 2001-02 will be collected in late spring and is expected to be available in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159014,"EventID":"S1W-22429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what protection is offered to privately operated rifle ranges and clay pigeon shoots and their surrounding danger areas within the access provisions of the draft Land Ref","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what protection is offered to privately operated rifle ranges and clay pigeon shoots and their surrounding danger areas within the access provisions of the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. ","AnswerText":"Under section 6(f)(ii) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill access rights would not be exercisable over land which has been developed or set out for a particular recreational purpose while in use for that purpose.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159015,"EventID":"S1W-22430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions and criteria were set for (a) the use of and (b) the management of the funding awarded to the City of Edinburgh Council's West of Edinburgh Busways proje","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions and criteria were set for (a) the use of and (b) the management of the funding awarded to the City of Edinburgh Council's West of Edinburgh Busways project; what checks were in place to ensure that the funds were used and managed in accordance with such conditions and criteria; what timescales were established for the construction of the project; whether it indicated that funding could be withdrawn in circumstances whereby progress was not made on the construction of the project by a specified date, and what any such specified dates were","AnswerText":"The conditions that apply to Public Transport Fund projects starting in 2002-03 including City of Edinburgh Council's West of Edinburgh Busways project are set out in Circular DD3/2001. This is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18647).

City of Edinburgh Council expect that work on the project will commence in 2002-03 and estimate that it will be complete by the end of the 2004-05 financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159016,"EventID":"S1W-22431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19009 by Nicol Stephen on 21 January 2001 and with regard to its news release SE1826/2001 on 6 August 2001, on what basis the bandi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19009 by Nicol Stephen on 21 January 2001 and with regard to its news release SE1826/2001 on 6 August 2001, on what basis the bandings for primary and secondary schools derived from the si'e of the school roll were selected as the criteria for distributing the additional resources to local authorities.","AnswerText":"The bandings were selected to reflect, in broad terms, the range of different school rolls in the primary, secondary and special school sectors. Five bands were used for primary schools, three bands for secondary schools and two for special schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159017,"EventID":"S1W-22432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was spent by the NHS on hiring private sector nurses, midwives and health visitors in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was spent by the NHS on hiring private sector nurses, midwives and health visitors in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The term \"hiring private sector nurses, midwives and health visitors\" has been taken to mean the cost of using agency nurses in NHSScotland. In 2000-01 the cost of agency nurses was £19,028,372. Information for 1999-2000 is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159018,"EventID":"S1W-22433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders have been released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with the local police force having been undertaken prior to th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders have been released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with the local police force having been undertaken prior to their release in the last year.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

The Scottish Prison Service is not aware of any sex offenders having been released from prison in the last year without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with the local police force having been undertaken prior to their release.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159019,"EventID":"S1W-22434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received concerning any sex offenders released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with local police forces having b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received concerning any sex offenders released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with local police forces having been undertaken; when it first received any such information, and what action it has taken in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

The Scottish Prison Service has not received any information that any sex offender has been released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with local police forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159020,"EventID":"S1W-22435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to track any sex offenders released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with local police forces having ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to track any sex offenders released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with local police forces having been undertaken.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Contrary to press reports I am unaware of any cases of sex offenders having been released from Scottish prisons without appropriate arrangements having been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159021,"EventID":"S1W-22436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to hold an inquiry into whether any sex offenders have been released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with local pol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to hold an inquiry into whether any sex offenders have been released from prison without a risk assessment or appropriate consultation with local police forces having been undertaken.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

I am unaware of any such cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159022,"EventID":"S1W-22437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18520 by Ms Margaret Curran on 9 October 2001, when it will publish its evaluation of the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's \"Respec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18520 by Ms Margaret Curran on 9 October 2001, when it will publish its evaluation of the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's \"Respect\" educational project.","AnswerText":"The final draft of the evaluation report has been passed to the project's steering group for their consideration and it will be published as soon as possible thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159023,"EventID":"S1W-22438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19852 by Iain Gray on 23 November 2001, how many individuals convicted of domestic abuse-related offences took part in treatment pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19852 by Iain Gray on 23 November 2001, how many individuals convicted of domestic abuse-related offences took part in treatment programmes offered by the prison service in the last year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

This information is not recorded by the Prison Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159024,"EventID":"S1W-22439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20358 by Nicol Stephen on 7 December 2001, whether it plans to review the appropriateness of allowing parents convicted of abusing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20358 by Nicol Stephen on 7 December 2001, whether it plans to review the appropriateness of allowing parents convicted of abusing their children to participate in a children's hearing.","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to review the arrangements described by Nicol Stephen in his answer given to question S1W-20358 on 7 December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159025,"EventID":"S1W-22441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effect a tourism tax would have on tourism numbers and the industry in general.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effect a tourism tax would have on tourism numbers and the industry in general.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159026,"EventID":"S1W-22442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to lay the order under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 imposing specific duties to promote racial equality on local authorities and other specified ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to lay the order under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 imposing specific duties to promote racial equality on local authorities and other specified public bodies.","AnswerText":"We are aiming to lay the order later this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159027,"EventID":"S1W-22443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which learning providers based in Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber were recipients of Individual Learning Account payments in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which learning providers based in Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber were recipients of Individual Learning Account payments in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The following learning providers based in Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber have been recipients of Individual Learning Account payments in each of the last two years:

2000-01

Development Partners

Foremost IT

Inverness College

Nevis Training Centre

Strathnairn Management

2001-02

B.A.S.P.

Development Partners

Eagle Consulting

Foremost IT

GHMS

Hotscot

HTL (Highland Training Ltd)

Inverness College

John Rose PC

Lochaber Business Development Services

Moray Firth Training Group

Nevis Training Centre

Norcom

Strathnairn Management.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159028,"EventID":"S1W-22444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated prison populations are (a) in total and (b) broken down by each category of prisoner for each of the years (i) 2003, (ii) 2008, (iii) 2013, (iv) 2018, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated prison populations are (a) in total and (b) broken down by each category of prisoner for each of the years (i) 2003, (ii) 2008, (iii) 2013, (iv) 2018, (v) 2023 and (vi) 2028 or, if such information is not available, what information it can provide on this matter, at proportionate cost, to show the basis of planning for prison populations over the next 25 years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table, which contains the projected prison population, disaggregated by type of prisoner. The projections do not distinguish the crimes committed by prisoners.

Prison Population Projections, by Type of Prisoner

Year

Remand

Short-Term

Long-Term

Other

Total

1990

751

2,465

1,484

24

4,724

1991

770

2,506

1,538

25

4,839

1992

876

2,706

1,648

27

5,257

1993

948

2,868

1,786

35

5,637

1994

1,015

2,690

1,851

29

5,585

SPS makes the assumption that all offenders who have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment are considered serious offenders. As such, all sex offenders in custody are considered \"serious\". The Executive proposes to introduce, in the forthcoming Criminal Justice Bill, statutory criteria defining the highest risk offenders. In addition, the proposed Risk Management Authority will produce common standard guidelines to assist with categorising the risk such offenders pose to the public.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159031,"EventID":"S1W-22447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it plans to give to NHS boards and any other organisations in order to ensure that the prevention and treatment of asthma is accorded a priority commensurat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it plans to give to NHS boards and any other organisations in order to ensure that the prevention and treatment of asthma is accorded a priority commensurate with the number of deaths it causes each year.","AnswerText":"The care of people with asthma is primarily a matter for NHS boards, and there are no immediate plans for further guidance. However, the Executive endorses the recommendations of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network on self-management for people with asthma and is funding the Scottish Asthma Management Initiative, one aim of which is to help general practitioners to identify suitable patients and devise self-management regimes.

The Executive also provides grant funding to the National Asthma Campaign Scotland, which works to support people with asthma and encourage them to take control of the condition.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159032,"EventID":"S1W-22448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many responses were received following the survey of MSPs and their staff in respect of the operation of the Parliament travel contract by Carlson Wagonlit; what comm","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many responses were received following the survey of MSPs and their staff in respect of the operation of the Parliament travel contract by Carlson Wagonlit; what comments were made in their responses and, in particular, whether they were favourable, and what action is now proposed in light of the response to the survey.","AnswerText":"Only eight responses were received following the survey of MSPs, their staff and Parliament staff. Four of the responses were favourable, but this level of response cannot be considered to be a representative sample. Comments were made regarding the delivery and prices of tickets, invoice details and telephone contact with Carlson Wagonlit. A second telephone number for Carlson Wagonlit has now been provided and the Parliament is considering other enhancements to the service.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159033,"EventID":"S1W-22449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the (a) provision of and (b) eligibility of children for free school meals, what information it has received concerning (i) the number of households with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the (a) provision of and (b) eligibility of children for free school meals, what information it has received concerning (i) the number of households with children that do not receive income support but do receive (1) working families' tax credit, (2) housing benefit and/or (3) council tax benefit in each parliamentary constituency and (ii) the estimated number of children living in each such household. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold the information about individual pupils and their families that would be needed to answer this question.

The Inland Revenue publishes statistical information about Working Families Tax Credit and the Department for Work and Pensions publishes statistical information about income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. These publications are freely available on the relevant department's websites at:

http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/wftc/index.htm;

http://www.dss.gov.uk/asd/hbctb-q.pdf, and

http://www.dss.gov.uk/asd/is_aug2001_pub.pdf.

The information contained in these publications may be helpful, although it will not answer the detailed questions.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159034,"EventID":"S1W-22450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many agency nurses were employed in hospitals in each of the last three financial years; what proportion of hospitals use the bank hour system in order to meet staff","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many agency nurses were employed in hospitals in each of the last three financial years; what proportion of hospitals use the bank hour system in order to meet staffing levels, and whether it will issue any guidance on the recruiting of more permanent staff in place of relying on agency staff and the bank hour system.","AnswerText":"The number of agency nurses employed in NHSScotland in each of the last three years, expressed as an average whole time equivalent (WTE), is as follows:

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

537.5

562.1

725.1

The average WTE figure represents the number of agency nurses that on average work in NHSScotland on any given day.

Information on the number of hospitals using the bank hour system is not held centrally.

The Accounts Commission for Scotland (now Audit Scotland) published their report on the employment of bank and agency nurses in Scotland entitled Temporary Measures in February 2000. Employers are expected to employ permanent staff. Before a bank or agency nurse is employed, employers should have gone through the criteria for employing bank and agency nurses set out in the report. Audit Scotland has advised that they are currently carrying out a review of ward-based nursing in NHSScotland which will include a follow-up on the trusts implementation of the main recommendations in their earlier report; the new report is expected in the autumn.

Trusts were written to in September last year and again on 7 February this year reminding them that they should be using the Accounts Commission criteria. Use of agency nurses will be monitored through the Staff Governance Standard.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159035,"EventID":"S1W-22451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of this year's budget for the Rural Stewardship Scheme has not been allocated and what will happen to this money.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of this year's budget for the Rural Stewardship Scheme has not been allocated and what will happen to this money.","AnswerText":"All of the funding available this year for agri-environment schemes, including the Rural Stewardship Scheme has been allocated.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159036,"EventID":"S1W-22452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the applications to join the Rural Stewardship Scheme this year did not match the funding criteria.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the applications to join the Rural Stewardship Scheme this year did not match the funding criteria.","AnswerText":"Three hundred and eighty of the 476 eligible applications submitted this year were accepted for funding. Applications were assessed against published ranking criteria and the applications which provided the most environmental benefit were funded.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159037,"EventID":"S1W-22453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19952 by Dr Elaine Murray on 28 January 2002, when the safety improvements to the National Stadium, Hampden will be completed and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19952 by Dr Elaine Murray on 28 January 2002, when the safety improvements to the National Stadium, Hampden will be completed and when it expects a safety certificate to be issued.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Football Association but I understand that the safety improvements to the National Stadium, Hampden, will be completed before the end of February. Glasgow City Council will issue the safety certificate once the works have been completed to their satisfaction.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159038,"EventID":"S1W-22454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers have not yet received protective body armour, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers have not yet received protective body armour, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159039,"EventID":"S1W-22455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when police officers who have not yet received protective body armour can expect to receive such protection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when police officers who have not yet received protective body armour can expect to receive such protection.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159040,"EventID":"S1W-22456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers are currently on (a) core street shifts and (b) other administrative duties, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers are currently on (a) core street shifts and (b) other administrative duties, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The deployment of police officers is an operational matter for chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159041,"EventID":"S1W-22457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Police Negotiation Board regarding police pay and conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Scottish Police Negotiation Board regarding police pay and conditions.","AnswerText":"The Police Negotiating Board operates on a UK basis. The Scottish Executive, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Police Associations are members of the Police Negotiating Board, along with their equivalents south of the Border and in Northern Ireland. The Police Negotiating Board produced Heads of Agreement on 27 December, which are now subject to consultation. There is no Scottish Police Negotiating Board.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159042,"EventID":"S1W-22458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given to the recent announcements on police pay and conditions in England and Wales in its discussions with the Scottish Police Negotiation Boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given to the recent announcements on police pay and conditions in England and Wales in its discussions with the Scottish Police Negotiation Board on police pay and conditions in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Police Negotiating Board operates on a UK basis and is currently consulting on draft Heads of Agreement for police pay and conditions across the UK. Any recommendations which emerge will be made to Scottish ministers as well as to the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. There is no separate Scottish Police Negotiating Board.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159043,"EventID":"S1W-22459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21536 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 21 January 2002, when an offer of Regional Selective Assistance was made to Manpower plc, Selkirk; w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21536 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 21 January 2002, when an offer of Regional Selective Assistance was made to Manpower plc, Selkirk; when that offer was accepted; what the total amount of the offer was, and to what conditions any payments will be subject and when they will be made.","AnswerText":"An offer of Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) was made to Manpower in November 2000. The company has still to formally accept this offer. Details of the amount of RSA offers is made public in Labour Market Trends when the first instalment has been paid to a company; until then this remains commercially confidential. Similarly, details of the conditions attached to any offer are part of a contract between the company and the Scottish Executive and remain confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159044,"EventID":"S1W-22460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22102 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 January 2002, whether the contracting out to a specialist provider of the escorting of prisoners will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22102 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 January 2002, whether the contracting out to a specialist provider of the escorting of prisoners will result in reduction in the staffing levels of prison officers and, if so, what the projected reduction is.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:

The restructuring of prisoner escort arrangements will mean that the SPS will, over time, need about 200 fewer prison officer posts, but all our staff have been given a firm undertaking that that there will be no compulsory redundancies: any surplus staff will be suitably re-deployed.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159045,"EventID":"S1W-22461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland is a consultee in the technology appraisal process of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and, if so, whether i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland is a consultee in the technology appraisal process of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and, if so, whether it is a consultee in respect of the institute's eight \"fifth wave\" technology appraisals.","AnswerText":"From the Fifth Wave of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) work programme, the Health Technology Board for Scotland is a full consultee on all NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance. These are due to be published by NICE after May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159046,"EventID":"S1W-22462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) (a) has access to evidence submitted in respect of technology appraisals by the National Institute for Clinical Ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) (a) has access to evidence submitted in respect of technology appraisals by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and (b) contributes in any way to discussions and judgements by NICE on such appraisals; if so, why HTBS requires a further six to 10 weeks in order to produce a Comment on Technology Appraisal Guidance by NICE.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) does not have access to all evidence submitted for NICE Technology Appraisals conducted up until the Fifth Wave of the NICE work programme, nor does it contribute to the discussions and judgements concerning these appraisals.

From the Fifth Wave, HTBS is a full consultee on all NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance and this will reduce the timescale for HTBS Comments.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159047,"EventID":"S1W-22463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Health Technology Board for Scotland has to issue guidance on Herceptin to NHS boards prior to the publication of any National Institute of Clinical Excell","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Health Technology Board for Scotland has to issue guidance on Herceptin to NHS boards prior to the publication of any National Institute of Clinical Excellence appraisal and guidelines on the drug.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) has no plans to issue advice to NHS boards on the use of Herceptin for the treatment of breast cancer prior to the publication of the NICE Guidance.

In line with its usual process, HTBS will issue a Comment within six to 10 weeks of the NICE Guidance, which is due in March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159048,"EventID":"S1W-22464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to assist patients in accessing new and experimental treatments in advance of any appraisals and guidelines on such treatments issued by the Nati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to assist patients in accessing new and experimental treatments in advance of any appraisals and guidelines on such treatments issued by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence or the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) provides evidence-based advice from Health Technology Assessments that take account of clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness, organisational issues, and patient issues. This usually occurs when the product has been in general clinical use.

HTBS also supports the Scottish Medicines Consortium, which will provide advice at the time a new medicine is marketed.

Experimental treatments cannot be recommended until they are authorised by the Medicines Control Agency or the Medical Devices Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159049,"EventID":"S1W-22465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from the National Translational Cancer Research Network (NTRAC) about any plans to extend NTRAC in order to include centres of scientific","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from the National Translational Cancer Research Network (NTRAC) about any plans to extend NTRAC in order to include centres of scientific and clinical excellence based in Scotland and, if NTRAC has no such plans, what plans it has to assist patients in accessing experimental treatments and, in particular, experimental chemotherapy.","AnswerText":"The NTRAC is funded by the Department of Health in England, whose support will not extend to Scotland. However, Scotland already has established centres in translational research such as the Dundee CRC Cell Transformation Group, Glasgow CRC Beatson Laboratories and ICRF Edinburgh Medical Oncology Unit.

All of the five Scottish Cancer Centres are actively involved in UK-wide cancer clinical trials, including those for chemotherapy. Additionally, the Scottish Cancer Therapy Network works to improve access to experimental treatments and recruitment to clinical trials.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159050,"EventID":"S1W-22466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the #15 million Department of Health funding for the National Translational Cancer Research Network (NTRAC), whether any funding is being made available to h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the #15 million Department of Health funding for the National Translational Cancer Research Network (NTRAC), whether any funding is being made available to help patients in Scotland access experimental treatments and, in particular, experimental chemotherapy, given that the eight NTRAC research centres of excellence are all in England.","AnswerText":"NTRAC is an English initiative designed to support translational research into the prevention, diagnosis and/or treatment of cancer. NTRAC will receive £15 million over five years and will set up eight centres of excellence in England. Most of the clinical trial work that is undertaken as translational research involves small numbers of patients and is designed to address issues of drug dosing regimens and safety, rather than effectiveness of treatment.

The main means through which the Scottish Executive supports the improvement of access to experimental treatments and recruitment to clinical trials is through the Scottish Cancer Therapy Network (SCTN). The Chief Scientist Office and the Clinical Resource and Audit Group provide more than £300,000 per year to this network. SCTN works in conjunction with the English National Cancer Research Networks under the strategic direction of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI). The Chief Scientist Office also contributes to the costs of the NCRI.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159051,"EventID":"S1W-22467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21523 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2002 and given that local management in NHS Greater Glasgow supports the use of Herceptin f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21523 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2002 and given that local management in NHS Greater Glasgow supports the use of Herceptin for the treatment of secondary breast cancer, whether this drug is currently being prescribed on the NHS to any of the patients clinically suitable for receiving the treatment and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"As stated in my answer to question S1W-21523 on 21 January 2002, NHS Greater Glasgow supports the use of Herceptin, which is a licensed medicine currently being prescribed by NHS doctors in accordance with agreed local protocols. Individual treatment decisions are agreed between clinicians and their patient and are bound by the rules of patient confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159052,"EventID":"S1W-22468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21522 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2002, why data on drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally, given that a central ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21522 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2002, why data on drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally, given that a central body, the Health Technology Board for Scotland, is responsible for providing advice on the clinical and cost effectiveness of new and existing health technologies.","AnswerText":"The need to collect information on drugs dispensed in hospitals has been recognised. The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland, published on 4 February, gives a commitment for the Scottish Executive Health Department to explore with the Common Services Agency, the creation of a combined community and hospital medicines utilisation database.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159053,"EventID":"S1W-22469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21522 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2002, whether it will undertake to gather and hold centrally information concerning drugs d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21522 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2002, whether it will undertake to gather and hold centrally information concerning drugs dispensed in hospitals in order to determine whether NHS boards are adhering to Health Technology Board for Scotland guidelines and comments in respect of ensuring that treatment is consistent throughout all locations in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22468 today. NHSScotland should take account of advice and evidence from the Health Technology Board for Scotland and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. Likewise, individual clinicians should take account of evidence-based guidance when exercising their clinical judgement. Centrally, the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland includes all relevant guidance when developing its standards and, subsequently, checks for compliance during its visits programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159054,"EventID":"S1W-22470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff it has seconded to (a) the European Union and (b) Her Majesty's Government, indicating the institution and department respectively in each case both (i) in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff it has seconded to (a) the European Union and (b) Her Majesty's Government, indicating the institution and department respectively in each case both (i) in this year and (ii) in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in the following tables. Movements between the Scottish Executive and Departments of Her Majesty's Government are loans and not secondments.

Secondments to the European Union:

European Commission Directorate-General:

1999

2000

2001

2002

Agriculture

1

2

1

 

Competition

   

1

Education and Culture

 

1

  

Employment and Social Affairs

1

1

  

Energy and Transport

2

1

2

1

Enterprise

1

1

  

Environment

2

2

4

2

Fisheries

1

2

 

1

Health and Consumer Protection

Date of visit

End date

(if different)

Minister

Purpose

07/07/1999

 

Jack McConnell

Fact finding and Structural Funds visit

29/09/1999

 

Jack McConnell

Pre-Scotland week press briefing

11/10/1999

13/10/1999

Ross Finnie

Scotland Week

10/10/1999

13/10/1999

Donald Dewar

Scotland Week

10/10/1999

14/10/1999

Jack McConnell

Scotland Week

11/10/1999

12/10/1999

Peter Peacock

Scotland Week

13/10/1999

 

Sarah Boyack

Scotland Week

14/10/1999

 

Henry McLeish

Scotland Week

14/10/1999

15/10/1999

Rhona Brankin

Scotland Week

15/10/1999

 

Alasdair Morrison

Scotland Week

22/11/1999

 

John Home Robertson

Fisheries Council

Subject

Date

Venue

Scottish Minister

Plenary

1 September 2000

Edinburgh

First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Plenary

30 October 2001

Cardiff

First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Europe

1 March 2001

London

Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs and Deputy Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs

Europe

8 November 2001

London

No Scottish minister was able to participate

Health

7 April 2000

Cardiff

First Minister and Minister for Health and Community Care

Health

5 June 2000

London

Deputy First Minister and Minister for Health and Community Care

Health

16 June 2000

Glasgow

Deputy First Minister and Minister for Health and Community Care

Health

26 October 2000

Belfast<","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159063,"EventID":"S1W-22479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister participating in a Joint Ministerial Committee has not agreed to the convening of such a meeting since July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister participating in a Joint Ministerial Committee has not agreed to the convening of such a meeting since July 1999.","AnswerText":"Meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC), in the appropriate functional form, are held at the request of one or more of the participating administrations. We are not aware of any occasion since July 1999 where a minister who is a member of the JMC or any of its functional groups, has not agreed to the convening of such a meeting.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159064,"EventID":"S1W-22480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its policy on external relations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its policy on external relations.","AnswerText":"I propose to present a statement of the Executive's priorities for external relations at the time of my forthcoming appearance before the European Committee, the date of which is to be confirmed.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159065,"EventID":"S1W-22481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official visits have been undertaken outwith Scotland by (a) the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in relation to his responsibility for external r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official visits have been undertaken outwith Scotland by (a) the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in relation to his responsibility for external relations and the development and implementation of links with Europe and (b) the former ministers with responsibility for Europe and external affairs since July 1999.","AnswerText":"I have not yet undertaken a visit overseas in relation to my responsibility for external relations. The following table lists visits undertaken by the Minister for Education, Europe and External Affairs, Mr Jack McConnell, between November 2000 and November 2001, not including visits relating to education business:

Date of visit

End date

Country

Purpose

28/01/2001

 

Belgium

Meeting the UK Permanent Representative to the EU and the Swedish Representative Office

15/02/2001

17/02/2001

France

Meeting to prepare for the next CLRAE Conference of Presidents in November

16/03/2001

 

Belgium

Attendance at Governance Hearing

24/04/2001

26/04/2001

Poland

Address at British Council conference "Borders and their impact on European citizens"

29/05/2001

 

France

CLRAE: Regional chamber meeting and cultural and education sub-committee meetings

04/09/2001

 

France

Attendance at CLRAE Working Group

05/10/2001

08/10/2001

Germany

Meeting with Ministerial counterparts and visits to the Bavarian and North Rhine Westphalia Parliaments

09/10/2001

10/10/2001

Belgium

The proposed new groundwater nitrate vulnerable zones described in the consultation paper Protection of Scotland's Water Environment have been identified by the Scottish Executive on the basis of the criteria set out at Annex IA(2) of the directive, i.e. that the groundwaters of the proposed zones contain more than 50mg/litre nitrates or could contain more than 50 mg/litre nitrates if action programme management measures are not taken. The proposals are based on analysis of water, quality data from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's monitoring network and other sources and supporting research commissioned from the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and the British Geological Survey.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159073,"EventID":"S1W-22489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the January 2002 edition of its statistical bulletin in the Social Work Series on Staffing will be produced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the January 2002 edition of its statistical bulletin in the Social Work Series on Staffing will be produced.","AnswerText":"The Statistical Bulletin \"Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2001\" will be published in August 2002.

The previous bulletin, relating to staff at October 2000, was published in August 2001. This is available at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00106-00.asp

and is also available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19002).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159074,"EventID":"S1W-22490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13512 by Susan Deacon on 2 March 2001, when the Dairy Products (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations in respect of EU Directive 92/46/EE","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13512 by Susan Deacon on 2 March 2001, when the Dairy Products (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations in respect of EU Directive 92/46/EEC will be introduced. ","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency, that EU Directive 92/46/EC is currently implemented by the Dairy Product (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations 1995.

The new Dairy Product (Hygiene) (Scotland) Regulations will consolidate, update and amend these regulations and these have received the necessary clearance from the commission in respect of technical standards.

Some proposed revisions to these regulations are, however, still under consideration and await legal clarification. It is anticipated that the new regulations will be laid before the Scottish Parliament as soon as these have been addressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159075,"EventID":"S1W-22491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits it has received from overseas governments since July 1999 and which ministers met each delegation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits it has received from overseas governments since July 1999 and which ministers met each delegation.","AnswerText":"The Executive is involved in visits to Scotland by representatives of overseas governments on an extremely regular basis. A total number of visits since July 1999, including details of which ministers were involved, could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159076,"EventID":"S1W-22492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many visits have been made to the Parliament by (a) overseas governments and (b) parliamentary delegations from overseas since July 1999 and whether any such visit inc","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many visits have been made to the Parliament by (a) overseas governments and (b) parliamentary delegations from overseas since July 1999 and whether any such visit included a meeting with a minister.","AnswerText":"Since July 1999, 20 visits have been made to the Parliament by overseas governments and 95 visits have been made by overseas parliamentarians or delegations of parliamentarians. These figures do not include visits involving only officials nor visits from representatives of other United Kingdom institutions.

A number of visits to the Parliament have included a meeting with a minister.

On some occasions the Parliament arranges a meeting or hospitality involving ministers together with members from across the parties. In the case of some visits to the Parliament there is a specific request for a meeting with a minister. Parliamentary staff liaise with Executive officials over arrangements to ensure a co-ordinated programme. Parliamentary staff also facilitate requests for meetings between visitors and representatives of non-Executive parties.

In many cases visitors make their own separate arrangements for meetings directly with the Executive or with party offices, outwith the Parliament visit programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159077,"EventID":"S1W-22493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings of the EU Council of Ministers have been attended by its ministers since March 2000, expressed also as a percentage of the overall total of meetings held.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings of the EU Council of Ministers have been attended by its ministers since March 2000, expressed also as a percentage of the overall total of meetings held.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. This represents 12.8% of all council meetings held during that period. Scotland is represented at all council meetings as part of the United Kingdom.

Start Date

End Date

Council

Minister

17/03/2000

18/03/2000

Informal Council for Ministers of Lifelong Learning (Portugal)

Nicol Stephen

20/03/2000

20/03/2000

Agriculture Council (Brussels)

Ross Finnie

08/06/2000

08/06/2000

Education Council (Luxembourg)

Nicol Stephen

16/06/2000

16/06/2000

Fisheries Council (Luxembourg)

John Home Robertson

22/06/2000

22/06/2000

Environment Council (Luxembourg)

Sarah Boyack

17/11/2000

17/11/2000

Fisheries Council (Brussels)

Rhona Brankin

20/11/2000

20/11/2000

Agriculture Council (Brussels)

Ross Finnie

3","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159078,"EventID":"S1W-22494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits it has received from UKRep since July 1999 and how many members of UKRep were present during each visit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits it has received from UKRep since July 1999 and how many members of UKRep were present during each visit.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22471.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159079,"EventID":"S1W-22495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many visits the Parliament has received from UKRep since July 1999 and how many members of UKRep were present during each visit.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many visits the Parliament has received from UKRep since July 1999 and how many members of UKRep were present during each visit.","AnswerText":"The Parliament has received two visits from members of the United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union. On both occasions the visit was by the serving Permanent Representative. Sir Stephen Wall visited on 8 June 2000 and Sir Nigel Sheinwald visited on 29 March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159080,"EventID":"S1W-22496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in support of the creation of a permanent place for Scotland on the body which is replacing the Independent ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in support of the creation of a permanent place for Scotland on the body which is replacing the Independent Television Commission.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made representations designed to ensure that the new OFCOM structure has the capacity to take full account of the interests of Scottish audiences and of the broadcasting and telecommunications industries in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159081,"EventID":"S1W-22497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contractual requirements are placed on Amey Highways Ltd under the trunk road maintenance contracts to respond to requests from the police to carry out winter mainte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contractual requirements are placed on Amey Highways Ltd under the trunk road maintenance contracts to respond to requests from the police to carry out winter maintenance. ","AnswerText":"Amey is required to work closely with the police and others during the winter season to ensure that all parties are aware of actions being taken. There is no contractual requirement on them to respond to requests from the police in carrying out winter maintenance activities, which are the responsibility of the operating companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159082,"EventID":"S1W-22498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the operating costs of its Brussels office have been in each of the last four years and in the current year to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the operating costs of its Brussels office have been in each of the last four years and in the current year to date.","AnswerText":"Since establishing the Scottish Executive EU Office on 1 July 1999, its operating costs have been:

July 1999 - March 2000

£322,000

April 2000 - March 2001

£450,000

April 2001 - December 2001

£306,000

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159083,"EventID":"S1W-22499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official speeches have been made outwith the Parliament in (a) Scotland and (b) elsewhere concerning Europe and external relations by (i) the Deputy First Minis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official speeches have been made outwith the Parliament in (a) Scotland and (b) elsewhere concerning Europe and external relations by (i) the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and (ii) former ministers with responsibility for Europe and external relations; what the subject matter of any such speech was; where any such speeches were delivered, and whether dates and locations have been arranged for any future speeches.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have made speeches in full or in part concerning Europe and external relations on a very wide range of occasions. Major speeches outwith Parliament concentrating on Europe and external relations have included those listed in the following table:

Date

Minister

Subject

Location

08/12/1999

Donald Dewar

William & Mary Lecture - Scotland and Europe

Leiden, Netherlands

22/11/2000

Jim Wallace

Globalisation and Legislative Regions

Barcelona, Spain

04/12/2000

Jack McConnell

Scotland in Europe

Centre for Scottish Public Policy, Edinburgh

06/04/2001

Henry McLeish

Scotland and the US

Washington Press Club, USA

09/05/2001

Jack McConnell

EU Enlargement

Edinburgh

24/09/2001

Jack McConnell

Jean Monnet Centre Conference - Future of Europe

Edinburgh

09/10/2001

Jack McConnell

Scotland Week - Future of Europe

Brussels

Ministers will continue to give such speeches at a range of events. I will set out the Executive's current priorities on external relations in a forthcoming appearance before the European Committee, the date of which is to be arranged.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159084,"EventID":"S1W-22500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received to its policy and financial management review of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and when it plans to undertake a second ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received to its policy and financial management review of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and when it plans to undertake a second stage consultation on this issue.","AnswerText":"There have been 45 responses to the first consultation paper issued in October 2001. It is planned to issue a second stage, wider-ranging consultation paper on higher education and the future role of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council in April.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159085,"EventID":"S1W-22501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the management and accountability of higher and further education institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the management and accountability of higher and further education institutions.","AnswerText":"Higher education institutions are autonomous with their own governing bodies to whom they are responsible. As part of the Review of Higher Education, we will be taking the opportunity to consult on a wide range of issues including aspects of management and accountability.

A commitment has also been given to undertake a review of governance and accountability in the further education sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159086,"EventID":"S1W-22502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contacts (a) ministers and (b) civil servants have had with (i) the accounting firm Arthur Andersen and (ii) Arthur Andersen Consulting including (1) meetings (2) h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contacts (a) ministers and (b) civil servants have had with (i) the accounting firm Arthur Andersen and (ii) Arthur Andersen Consulting including (1) meetings (2) hospitality received including events organised by bodies other than the Executive (3) briefings or assistance with policy formulation and (4) any other form of contact, all since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"It is not practicable to provide the information in the detail requested. In particular, detailed records are not kept of the other participants in, or sponsors of, events such as conferences or seminars that are attended by ministers or officials. Partners or staff of Arthur Andersen or Andersen Business Consulting may be involved as members of other organisations, or advisors to them, and detailed records are not kept of contacts with them in that capacity.

Direct contacts with Arthur Andersen or Andersen Business Consulting about contracts or other services provided or offered to the Scottish Executive, including meetings, conferences and presentations, are subject to strict public procurement rules and rules governing the acceptance of hospitality.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159087,"EventID":"S1W-22503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts have been awarded to Arthur Andersen Consulting by (a) the Scottish Executive, (b) agencies of the Scottish Executive and (c) non-departmental public b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts have been awarded to Arthur Andersen Consulting by (a) the Scottish Executive, (b) agencies of the Scottish Executive and (c) non-departmental public bodies stating, for each organisation under (a), (b) and (c), (i) the number of contracts awarded, (ii) the total value of contracts awarded, (iii) the areas of work in which contracts were awarded and (iv) the percentage of all contracts awarded, all since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"Only four contracts have been placed with Arthur Andersen or Arthur Andersen Consulting since 1 July 1999. All four were awarded following competition.

Expenditure to date on these contracts is £410,000. However, three contracts have not yet been completed and it is expected that additional expenditure will be incurred in 2002 and 2003 taking the estimated total value to around £1.1 million.

Two of the four contracts were in respect of financial advice - one in connection with a PFI project and one in connection with broadband. The other two contracts were in respect of consultancy advice - one in connection with continuous professional development for teachers and one in connection with a review of Scottish Police Information Strategy.

None of the Executive's agencies have placed any contracts with Arthur Andersen over the period.

Procurement of goods and services by non-departmental public bodies is a matter for the individual body concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159088,"EventID":"S1W-22504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #258,788 announced by the Minister for Finance and Local Government on 14 June 2001 for the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park marketing programme ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #258,788 announced by the Minister for Finance and Local Government on 14 June 2001 for the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park marketing programme has been spent to date; what the money has been spent on, and what the balance is expected to be spent on.","AnswerText":"To date £26,805 of European Regional Development Fund has been claimed for marketing, media advertising, public relations and direct mailing. The balance will be spent on staffing, public relations, media advertising, direct mailing, printing material and a dedicated website.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159089,"EventID":"S1W-22505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the ideas contained in The Trachtenberg Speed System of Basic Mathematics by Jakow Trachtenberg have played in the teaching of arithmetic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the ideas contained in The Trachtenberg Speed System of Basic Mathematics by Jakow Trachtenberg have played in the teaching of arithmetic.","AnswerText":"To our knowledge, none at present. Education authorities and schools are, of course, free to use whichever specific teaching methods they consider best meet the needs of pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159090,"EventID":"S1W-22506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Her Majesty's Government's e-Envoy and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met Her Majesty's Government's e-Envoy and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the e-Envoy and with officials at all levels in the Office of the e-Envoy. In particular, the Executive is represented on the e-Champions Joint Collaborative Group, chaired by Andrew Pinder, the e-Envoy which brings together the devolved administrations and the e-Envoy quarterly to discuss the whole e-agenda.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159091,"EventID":"S1W-22507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided any financial or other assistance to the Third Age Group, based in Fife, in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided any financial or other assistance to the Third Age Group, based in Fife, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Third Age Group received a grant of £15,000 in 1995-96, £15,000 in 1996-97 and £7,500 in 1997-98 from the Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund.

The Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund is a trust that provides grants to assist voluntary action projects in Scotland. It has received grant-in-aid from the Scottish Executive/Scottish Office for a programme of funding for local voluntary organisations since 1982. Decisions on individual applications for funding are made by the trustees of the fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159092,"EventID":"S1W-22508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it will publish the farm income figures for 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it will publish the farm income figures for 2001.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is today publishing the Scottish farm income figures. The estimated figures show that Total Income from Farming (TIFF) rose by 11% in 2001 to £273 million.

Compensation payments for animals culled due to foot-and-mouth disease do not count towards TIFF because they are payments for the loss of capital assets. These payments, which are estimated at around £165 million in Scotland, enter the accounts as capital transfers.

Average Net Farm Income (NFI) is forecast to rise in 2001-02 by two-thirds to almost £9,600. Dairy and general cropping farms are forecast to show the greatest improvement in their financial position while the incomes of Less Favoured Area specialised sheep farms are expected to deteriorate with negative NFIs on average. Detailed estimates of the outputs, inputs and income of Scottish agriculture at both the aggregate level and by farm type will be published this morning and will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18811).","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159093,"EventID":"S1W-22509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the report of the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group on the Healthcare of Older People.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the report of the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group on the Healthcare of Older People.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to be able to announce that the expert group's report, entitled Adding Life to Years, is published today. We are also publishing in association with it the results of a specially-commissioned MORI survey on public attitudes to the healthcare of older people and a report prepared by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency which takes the form of a comprehensive examination of the demography, health and social circumstances of Scotland's older people over the next 30 years. Copies of each of these documents have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

The work of the expert group will help us to take forward a key commitment, set out in Our National Health, a plan for action a plan for change, about addressing concerns regarding the healthcare of older people. Today's report tells us how we can make the shift in emphasis needed to put older people at the top of NHSScotland's agenda.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159094,"EventID":"S1W-22510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, whether the bids sub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, whether the bids submitted by local authorities for funding to improve school buildings require to be in respect of the whole of the school estate and, if not, whether such bids which only cover part of the school estate are less likely to succeed in attracting funding.","AnswerText":"The nature of the bids is a matter for each authority in the light of their plans for the delivery of education and the management of their school stock. All bids will be assessed against the same criteria. They do not require to be for the whole of the school estate.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159095,"EventID":"S1W-22511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, what criteria will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, what criteria will be used in determining how funds to improve school buildings will be allocated among the competing bids. ","AnswerText":"The bid assessment criteria are set out in Scottish Executive Education Department circular 8/2001, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159096,"EventID":"S1W-22512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, whether the bidding ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, whether the bidding process for funding to improve school buildings will give any incentive to local authorities which are reducing the si'e of their school estates. ","AnswerText":"All bids are subject to the same assessment criteria. In relation to any school building proposals, authorities should take a strategic view of their needs and take account of pupil number projections and the number and location of school places available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159097,"EventID":"S1W-22513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, what the total value","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, what the total value is of bids received so far for funding to improve school buildings and what level of funding is being made available in response.","AnswerText":"The capital value of the bids received in December 2001 is approximately £1.9 billion. Final decisions have still to be taken on the level of revenue support which will be available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159098,"EventID":"S1W-22514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, whether any account ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, whether any account is taken of rurality in the bidding process for funding to improve school buildings.","AnswerText":"Bids are being assessed against the assessment criteria set out in Scottish Executive Education Department circular 8/2001. These criteria apply equally to bids which include proposals for schools in rural or non-rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159099,"EventID":"S1W-22515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S10-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, whether local author","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S10-3907 and S1W-20775 by Mr Jack McConnell and Nicol Stephen on 4 October 2001 and 7 January 2002 respectively, whether local authorities which are not successful in whole or in part in the bidding process for funding to improve school buildings will be able to submit further bids in any future bidding rounds.","AnswerText":"First round bids had to be submitted by 14 December 2001 and there is a deadline of 30 September 2002 for second round bids. Scottish Executive Education Department circular 8/2001 indicated that \"there may be some constraint on the extent to which unsuccessful first round bids can be reconsidered in the second round\". This remains the position.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159100,"EventID":"S1W-22516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital cost of each community buy-out has been since 1994, including the cost of the community buy-out of Assynt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital cost of each community buy-out has been since 1994, including the cost of the community buy-out of Assynt.","AnswerText":"Public funding awarded to community buy-outs is available from various sources, details of overall funding are not held centrally. The capital cost of community buy-outs administered through Highlands and Islands Enterprise Community Land Unit which was established in July 1997 amounts to £7.3 million. The unit holds limited information on community buy-outs prior to 1997 but are able to advise that the capital cost awarded to Assynt Crofters Trust amounted to £300,000.

Details of awards to assist in community buy-outs from the New Opportunities Fund's Scottish Land Fund, established in February 2001, are a reserved matter for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Can I invite the member to write to Stephen Dunmore, Chief Executive of the New Opportunities Fund in this regard.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159101,"EventID":"S1W-22517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual costs of funding community buy-outs have been since 1994.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual costs of funding community buy-outs have been since 1994.","AnswerText":"The annual costs of funding community buy-outs is not held centrally as funding is available from various sources. I have, however, detailed in the table, the annual costs of funding community buy-outs administered through Highlands and Islands Enterprise Community Land Unit since 1997 when the unit was established.

Financial Year

No. of Acquisitions

£

1997-98

1

30,000

1998-99

4

158,750

1999-2000

13

233,944

2000-01

17

455,181

2001-Present

16

686,469

Total

51

1,564,344

It should be noted that these are approvals of assistance not actual expenditure as there are some projects which have been approved but for various reasons, have not gone ahead. The unit holds limited information on community buy-outs prior to 1997 but are able to advise that three additional buy-outs which occurred in the 1990's before 1997 amounted to capital costs totalling £1,811,500.

Details of awards made to assist in community buy-outs from the New Opportunities Fund's Scottish Land Fund, established in February 2001, are a reserved matter for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Can I invite the member to write to Stephen Dunmore, Chief Executive of the New Opportunities Fund in this regard.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159102,"EventID":"S1W-22518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs created by community buy-outs since 1994 have been subsidised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs created by community buy-outs since 1994 have been subsidised.","AnswerText":"Jobs created by community buy-outs have not been subsidised using the definition of subsidised as "long-term on-going recurrent contribution toward salary and other employment related costs". However, Highlands and Islands Enterprise Community Land Unit have contributed to the running costs of development workers employed by community land owners for fixed time periods, usually a maximum of three years. Details of contributions follow:

Funding Type

Applicant Group

HIE Funding Approved

Project Officer

Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust

£30,000

Project Officer

The Laggan Forest Trust Forestry Company Ltd

£24,391

Project Officer

The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust

£20,839

Project Officer

Fernaig Community Trust

£24,520

Project Officer

Kinlochleven Land Development Trust

£17,333

Project Officer

Colonsay Community Development Company

£29,680

Total

£116,763

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159103,"EventID":"S1W-22519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created by community buy-outs since 1994.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been created by community buy-outs since 1994.","AnswerText":"Details of jobs created by community buy-outs since 1994 are not available.

It should be recognised that for many community land initiatives, job creation is not necessarily the primary objective. Priorities can vary, and include security and control of land, environmental management, access and amenity, provision of social services, building management, and promotion of voluntary activity.

Job creation and retention, both of a direct and indirect type, can take time. In some community land buy-outs, there has been some initial loss of employment as the new community owner attempts to put the estate on a more sound, financially sustainable footing. In others, the formation of subsidiary companies and encouragement of other business start-up has created indirect spin-off employment.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise Community Land Unit have, however, estimated the employment impact of two community land owners as follows:

Knoydart

12.75

Eigg

19

These figures include created, retained, direct and indirect jobs.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159104,"EventID":"S1W-22520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Brunton Theatre Company will receive a share of the #3.5 million additional funding for the theatre sector announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Brunton Theatre Company will receive a share of the #3.5 million additional funding for the theatre sector announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on 28 January 2002 and, if so, how much it will receive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council will determine how the additional £3.5 million funding will be allocated.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159105,"EventID":"S1W-22521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the South of Scotland Pathfinder Group as referred to in Connecting Scotland: Our broadband future, (a) how many times the group has met, (b) when the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the South of Scotland Pathfinder Group as referred to in Connecting Scotland: Our broadband future, (a) how many times the group has met, (b) when the group last met, (c) what the membership of the group is and (d) what funding it has made available to the group.","AnswerText":"The South of Scotland Pathfinder Steering Group has met three times, most recently on 20 December 2001. In addition to formal meetings of the steering group, more frequent meetings have taken place at working level.

The steering group consists of 12 members representing each of the local authorities, local enterprise companies and health bodies in the pathfinder area (Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders Councils). Higher and further education and the Scottish Executive are also represented. We are currently considering funding for the local project manager and his team.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159106,"EventID":"S1W-22522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21446 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 January 2002, in what month it expects to be able to report on the consultation exercise on Caledoni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21446 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 January 2002, in what month it expects to be able to report on the consultation exercise on Caledonian MacBrayne services.","AnswerText":"We plan to publish the draft service specification for consultation in the spring. Following consideration of responses, final decisions will be made later this year. The issues are complex and the timescales will depend on consideration of detailed points raised.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159107,"EventID":"S1W-22523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the report commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive and prepared by Professor David Ball which suggests that the cost of safety surfaces in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the report commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive and prepared by Professor David Ball which suggests that the cost of safety surfaces in children's playgrounds cannot be justified in cost benefit terms, as reported in Scotland on Sunday on 27 January 2002.","AnswerText":"I understand that the Health and Safety Executive has commissioned a report from Professor David Ball as part of wider discussions about playground safety. The report has not yet been published but will be made available publicly soon in the Health and Safety Executive's Contract Research Report series.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159108,"EventID":"S1W-22524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the provision of safety surfaces in children's playgrounds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the provision of safety surfaces in children's playgrounds.","AnswerText":"Health and safety is a reserved matter enforced by the Health and Safety Executive or local authorities depending on the type of premises. There are no specific regulations covering children's playgrounds under health and safety law. The Health and Safety Executive has issued a sector information minute which provides information on the physical standards expected in children's playgrounds, the management systems play providers should have in place and the relevance and status of applicable European standards. I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19102).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159109,"EventID":"S1W-22525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations govern the materials which can be used to provide safety surfaces in children's playgrounds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations govern the materials which can be used to provide safety surfaces in children's playgrounds.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22524.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159110,"EventID":"S1W-22526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of planned research by the World Health Organi'ation into travel related deep vein thrombosis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of planned research by the World Health Organi'ation into travel related deep vein thrombosis","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of the research planned by the World Health Organisation into travel related deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, the cost of this large epidemiological study is great (over £4.8 million) and at present funding for this study has not been secured. Although the Department of Health in England has agreed to contribute towards these costs, this is conditional upon funding being provided by other sources such as the airline industry. The Scottish Executive has not made any direct representation to the World Health Organisation or the Department of Health relating to this subject.

The Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Executive is currently funding three projects at a cost of £328,000 into aspects of DVT, the findings of which will inform the future direction of research and treatment of DVT.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159111,"EventID":"S1W-22527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the World Health Organi'ation with regard to its planned research into travel related deep vein thrombosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the World Health Organi'ation with regard to its planned research into travel related deep vein thrombosis.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22526.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159112,"EventID":"S1W-22528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government's Department of Health on the planned research by the World Health Organi'ation on travel related deep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government's Department of Health on the planned research by the World Health Organi'ation on travel related deep vein thrombosis.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22526.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159113,"EventID":"S1W-22529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households had insulation installed under the Warm Deal between 1 April and 31 December 2001, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households had insulation installed under the Warm Deal between 1 April and 31 December 2001, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on the Warm Deal will be published in the Scottish Executive's next annual report, \"Benefits from the Warm Deal in Scotland 2001-2002\". The report will be available later in the year and copies will be sent to all MSPs. Details are not collected by local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159114,"EventID":"S1W-22530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households had insulation installed under the Warm Deal between 1 April and 31 December 2000, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households had insulation installed under the Warm Deal between 1 April and 31 December 2000, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on the Warm Deal is published in the Scottish Executive's annual report, Benefits from the Warm Deal in Scotland 2000-2001 (Bib. number 17363). Copies were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Details are not collected by local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159115,"EventID":"S1W-22531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional funding to Fife Constabulary to meet the cost of policing associated with the Rosyth Ferry Terminal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional funding to Fife Constabulary to meet the cost of policing associated with the Rosyth Ferry Terminal.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in discussion with Fife Constabulary about the additional policing costs arising from the commencement of the proposed Rosyth ferry service.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159116,"EventID":"S1W-22532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Borders rail line could be converted to light rail as suggested by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning in an interview with Radio Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Borders rail line could be converted to light rail as suggested by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning in an interview with Radio Scotland on 16 January 2002; what investigations, including technical investigations, it has carried out into this possibility, and what discussions it has held on such a scheme.","AnswerText":"In principle, the Borders railway could operate either light or heavy rail. However, the decision as to which option is to be operated will be a matter for the working group, led by Scottish Borders Council, which is responsible for taking forward the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159117,"EventID":"S1W-22533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what volume of herbicide has been used per mile of trunk road by (a) BEAR Scotland Ltd, (b) Amey Highways Ltd and (c) Autolink Concessionaires Ltd since the beginning of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what volume of herbicide has been used per mile of trunk road by (a) BEAR Scotland Ltd, (b) Amey Highways Ltd and (c) Autolink Concessionaires Ltd since the beginning of their respective contracts.","AnswerText":"The total volume of herbicide used by BEAR Scotland Ltd and Amey Highways Ltd since 1 April 2001 is as follows:

  • BEAR Scotland Ltd - 1,371 litres

  • Amey Highways Ltd - 1,551 litres

BEAR is responsible for 1,270 miles of trunk road and Amey for 706 miles, although herbicides are only used at specific locations.

The approximate volume of herbicide used by Autolink Concessionaires (M6) plc during 2001 on the 56 miles of motorway between Junction 12 and Junction 22 of the A74(M)/M74 was 34 litres per mile. This volume will reduce now that the new motorway landscaping has been established. Autolink do not have figures prior to 2001 due to the subcontractor going into liquidation.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159118,"EventID":"S1W-22534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given to the contract with Autolink Concessionaires Ltd as a model contract when drawing up the trunk roads maintenance contracts with BEAR Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given to the contract with Autolink Concessionaires Ltd as a model contract when drawing up the trunk roads maintenance contracts with BEAR Scotland Ltd and Amey Highways Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive considered a number of contracts including the M6 DBFO contract as well as the previous term management and maintenance contracts when drawing up the new term management and maintenance contracts for the trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159119,"EventID":"S1W-22535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the trunk roads maintenance contracts with (a) BEAR Scotland Ltd, (b) Amey Highways Ltd and (c) Autolink Concessionaires Ltd are being evaluated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the trunk roads maintenance contracts with (a) BEAR Scotland Ltd, (b) Amey Highways Ltd and (c) Autolink Concessionaires Ltd are being evaluated.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive employs the Performance Audit Group to undertake audits and investigations of BEAR Scotland Ltd and Amey Highways Ltd to evaluate their performances against the requirements of the trunk roads maintenance contracts.

The contract with Autolink Concessionaires (M6) plc is evaluated by Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd who act as the Scottish Ministers' Agent for the M6 DBFO and monitor, inspect and review the performance of Autolink against the requirements of the DBFO contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159120,"EventID":"S1W-22536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures consistency in standards between (a) BEAR Scotland Ltd, (b) Amey Highways Ltd and (c) Autolink Concessionaires Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures consistency in standards between (a) BEAR Scotland Ltd, (b) Amey Highways Ltd and (c) Autolink Concessionaires Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Operating Company contracts and the M6 DBFO contract each have similar service standards specified for the management and maintenance of the network. The Performance Audit Group and Scott Wilson Scotland Limited monitor the performance of the Operating Companies and Autolink respectively against the requirements of each contract. Each of these supervision commissions stands to be re-awarded later this year and a common competition is now being promoted to appoint a single organisation to oversee all of the contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159121,"EventID":"S1W-22537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fourth year pupils have left school before the age of 16 in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fourth year pupils have left school before the age of 16 in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information is not collected centrally that is sufficient to calculate the age of pupils on the date they left school. Information is, however, collected and published on the number of pupils who leave school at the minimum school leaving age and is presented in the following table. The latest information currently available relates to the 1998-99 school year.

All School Leavers by Stage and Term of Leaving: 1994-95 to 1998-99

Academic Year

Number of Leavers (=100%)

S4

S5

S6

% who left at School Leaving Age

Winter

Summer

Winter

Summer

All

  

1994-95

61,836

0.8

23.0

10.6

21.8

43.8

30.1

1995-96

62,978

0.6

22.1

12.0

21.6

43.7

30.1

1996-97

65,988

0.6

21.3

12.9

20.8

44.4

30.7

Greater Glasgow Health Board has maintained a steady rise in total and per capita revenue expenditure over the last six years.

Greater Glasgow Health Board

Audit Figure

Original

2000-2001

1999-2000

1999-2000

1998-99

1997-98

1996-97

1995-96

000's

000's

000's

000's

000's

Base Population

904.4

902.3

902.3

902.3

902.4

907.0

896.3

Revenue Expenditure

£985,332

£916,173

£920,978

£875,474

£849,122

£823,760

£802,648

Travelling in Strathclyde document and Strathclyde Passenger Transport's Strathclyde Public Transport Strategy 2000, both of which were the subject of public consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159126,"EventID":"S1W-22542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to work with Her Majesty's Government and UK representatives in Brussels to ensure that West Dunbartonshire receives a level of European Structural Fun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to work with Her Majesty's Government and UK representatives in Brussels to ensure that West Dunbartonshire receives a level of European Structural Funding support that reflects the social and economic circumstances of the area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is already fully engaged with the UK Government in the development of the UK position in the debate on the future of European Structural Funds. We participated in significant events last year such as the Cohesion Forum in Brussels in May, the Namur Informal Council in July and meetings with the Commissioner for Regional Policy and Scottish MEPs in September.

We are working with the breadth of Scottish interests to produce a robust presentation of the key areas for structural funds in the future and to ensure that Scottish priorities are adequately reflected in the final UK position. We expect to attend the commission's seminars on the 10 priorities highlighted in the Second Cohesion Report in May. Subject to clarification on the format of these seminars it is hoped a broad Scottish delegation will accompany us.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159127,"EventID":"S1W-22543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects have been set up using European Structural Fund grants in (a) East Dunbartonshire and (b) West Dunbartonshire in each of the past four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects have been set up using European Structural Fund grants in (a) East Dunbartonshire and (b) West Dunbartonshire in each of the past four years.","AnswerText":"The numbers of projects approved in 1999, 2000 and 2001 are shown in the following tables. There were no project application rounds for objective 2 in 2000 (the gap between the old and new programmes), and there is yet to be a round of decisions issued for either objective for 2002.

Objective 2 (ERDF & ESF)

Number of projects:
 

1999

20001

2001

20022

West Dunbartonshire

12

0

4

 

East Dunbartonshire

2

0

0

 

Dunbartonshire wide

4

0

3

 

Notes:

1. There were no project applications for 2000 as this was the gap between the old and new programme.

2. We have yet to have a round of decisions issued in 2002.

Objective 3 (ESF)

Number of projects:
 

1999

2000

2001

20021

West Dunbartonshire

1

5

4

 

East Dunbartonshire

8

4

1

 

Note:

1. We have yet to have a round of decisions issued in 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159128,"EventID":"S1W-22544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for the provision of library books was allocated by each local authority in each of the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for the provision of library books was allocated by each local authority in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Statutory responsibility for local libraries lies with local authorities. It is for the local authorities themselves to determine the level of resources allocated for the library service which they provide for the residents in their area, including the provision of books.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159129,"EventID":"S1W-22545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national standards are in existence which define the area of playground required in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national standards are in existence which define the area of playground required in schools.","AnswerText":"There is a requirement for every school to have, immediately adjacent to the school building, an outdoor area or areas laid out and surfaced for educational and recreational activities. The area of such space is not currently defined and will vary according to the nature and layout of particular school sites and the related buildings.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159130,"EventID":"S1W-22546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15440 by Sarah Boyack on 11 May 2001, whether it will give a breakdown of the #3 million \"other public/private sector funding\" towa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15440 by Sarah Boyack on 11 May 2001, whether it will give a breakdown of the #3 million \"other public/private sector funding\" towards the M74 northern extension between Parkhead and the Kingston Bridge, detailing who the parties involved are.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18394 on 5 October 2001. It is too early to provide a breakdown of contributions or details of the parties involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159131,"EventID":"S1W-22547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any changes to the rates of support for further and higher education students which will apply in the academic year 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any changes to the rates of support for further and higher education students which will apply in the academic year 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Whilst opening Fife and Glenrothes Colleges' Institute of Applied Technology this morning I announced the new rates of support for students in further and higher education. I have therefore, today placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre details of the rates of those loans, bursaries and grants, which will be available to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students in full-time higher education in academic year 2002-03.

A general uprating factor of 2.4%, in line with inflation, will be applied to the existing schemes of support in 2002-03, thus maintaining their value in real terms. We are also increasing by the same factor the standard rates of payment made to institutions by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

These changes are consistent with those for England and Wales announced by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.

I am also delighted to announce today the introduction of a means-tested bursary of up to £510 for young Scottish domiciled students from low-income families commencing full-time higher education courses elsewhere in the UK from August 2002. The full bursary will be available to students with a family income of £15,360 or less. This will bring the spending power of these students into line with that of young Scottish students studying in Scotland, following the changes introduced last year, without increasing overall borrowing. The bursary will be available whether or not a student chooses to take out his or her full loan entitlement. We are also removing the anomaly whereby better-off parents are currently expected to contribute less if their children study elsewhere in the United Kingdom. From August 2002, the minimum loan for young students commencing courses outside Scotland will therefore be reduced to £1,870. These changes can be introduced at no additional cost. The arrangements for these students otherwise remain unchanged.

The Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) has also agreed to maintain the alignment between the further and higher education sectors by, where appropriate, uprating the support available to further education students by 2.4%.

SFEFC have also taken this opportunity to offer FE colleges some flexibility in the administration of the additional discretionary funding available to students.","AnswerDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159132,"EventID":"S1W-22548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the Minister or Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning to visit Moray and, if a visit is planned, whom the Minister or Dep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the Minister or Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning to visit Moray and, if a visit is planned, whom the Minister or Deputy Minister will meet.","AnswerText":"No invitation has been received and there are no immediate no plans to visit Moray.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159133,"EventID":"S1W-22549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Working Time Directive (93/104/EC) has had on the number of junior doctors employed by the NHS, broken down by NHS board area, in each year since","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Working Time Directive (93/104/EC) has had on the number of junior doctors employed by the NHS, broken down by NHS board area, in each year since the directive came into force.","AnswerText":"The European Working Time Directive does not come into force for doctors in training until the year 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159134,"EventID":"S1W-22550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial impact of the European Working Time Directive (93/104/EC) has been in each year since the directive came into force, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the financial impact of the European Working Time Directive (93/104/EC) has been in each year since the directive came into force, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159135,"EventID":"S1W-22551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of the national minimum wage has had on the number of junior doctors employed by the NHS in each year since it came into force, broken down b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of the national minimum wage has had on the number of junior doctors employed by the NHS in each year since it came into force, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22552.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159136,"EventID":"S1W-22552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the introduction of the national minimum wage has had on the NHS in each year since it came into force, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the introduction of the national minimum wage has had on the NHS in each year since it came into force, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"NHS Whitley pay rates have been above the rate of the national minimum wage since it came into force in April 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159137,"EventID":"S1W-22553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precautionary health service arrangements are in place in anticipation of any major incident at the Grangemouth refinery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precautionary health service arrangements are in place in anticipation of any major incident at the Grangemouth refinery.","AnswerText":"NHS Forth Valley takes account of the refinery at Grangemouth in its emergency plans. These are co-ordinated with those of the emergency services, local authorities and other organisations, and are reviewed and exercised regularly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159138,"EventID":"S1W-22554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposals for changes to in-patient maternity and other services in the Forth Valley NHS Board area will be put out to public consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposals for changes to in-patient maternity and other services in the Forth Valley NHS Board area will be put out to public consultation.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Forth Valley. I understand, however, that proposals are being developed on acute and related services, with the public consultation phase scheduled to take place between May and July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159139,"EventID":"S1W-22555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce additional safety measures or reduce traffic speed on the A84 through Doune and Blair Drummond.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce additional safety measures or reduce traffic speed on the A84 through Doune and Blair Drummond.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to introduce any additional safety measures or to reduce speed limits on the A84 through Doune and Blair Drummond.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159140,"EventID":"S1W-22556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the installation in Scotland of the European hi-tech train protection system and what position it h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the installation in Scotland of the European hi-tech train protection system and what position it has taken in any such representations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including railway safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159141,"EventID":"S1W-22557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it is making to Consignia regarding the social and economic effects in Scotland of the proposed alterations to morning mail deliveries, possible redu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it is making to Consignia regarding the social and economic effects in Scotland of the proposed alterations to morning mail deliveries, possible reduction of staff and closure of sorting offices.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters.

The Scottish Executive recognises the importance of the availability of postal services across Scotland. It is in regular contact with Consignia on a range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159142,"EventID":"S1W-22558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a failure to reach agreements with the relevant local authorities is creating any problems in relation to the proposal for a rail link to Glasgow Airport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a failure to reach agreements with the relevant local authorities is creating any problems in relation to the proposal for a rail link to Glasgow Airport.","AnswerText":"No. The study examining options for rail links is still at an early stage. Local authorities will play an important role in the provision of any such link.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159143,"EventID":"S1W-22559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to meet Angus Council to discuss the review of the cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to meet Angus Council to discuss the review of the cities.","AnswerText":"We are in the process of setting up a meeting with Angus and the other councils neighbouring Dundee.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159144,"EventID":"S1W-22560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reductions in drug and alcohol residential services by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reductions in drug and alcohol residential services by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for each local authority to establish its expenditure priorities within the budget available to it. It would not be appropriate for ministers to intervene in the individual spending decisions of a council.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159145,"EventID":"S1W-22561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed service reductions in supported employment by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed service reductions in supported employment by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22560.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159146,"EventID":"S1W-22562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reductions in the hearing impairment service by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reductions in the hearing impairment service by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22560.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159147,"EventID":"S1W-22563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reductions in nursing home provision by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reductions in nursing home provision by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22560.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159148,"EventID":"S1W-22564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposal by Scottish Borders Council to introduce means-testing for adaptations to the property of people with a disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposal by Scottish Borders Council to introduce means-testing for adaptations to the property of people with a disability.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22560.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159149,"EventID":"S1W-22565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposal by Scottish Borders Council to introduce charges for adaptations to the property of people with a disability based on an assessment o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposal by Scottish Borders Council to introduce charges for adaptations to the property of people with a disability based on an assessment of ability to contribute to the costs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22560.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159150,"EventID":"S1W-22566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed increase in meals on wheels charges from #2.12 to #2.85 per meal by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed increase in meals on wheels charges from #2.12 to #2.85 per meal by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22560.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159151,"EventID":"S1W-22567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Borders Women's Aid by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Borders Women's Aid by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22325.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159152,"EventID":"S1W-22568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Gala Youth Project by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Gala Youth Project by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22328 on 7 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159153,"EventID":"S1W-22569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Scottish Pre-school Playgroup Association by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Scottish Pre-school Playgroup Association by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"It is entirely a matter for each local authority to establish its expenditure priorities within the budget available to it. It would not be appropriate for ministers to intervene in the individual spending decisions of a council.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159154,"EventID":"S1W-22570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Scottish Childminding Association by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Scottish Childminding Association by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22569.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159155,"EventID":"S1W-22571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Who Cares? Scotland by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Who Cares? Scotland by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I hope that it will be possible for Borders Council to resolve its budget difficulties without reducing funding to voluntary bodies carrying out important work. However, it is entirely a matter for each local authority to establish its expenditure priorities within the budget available to it. It would not be appropriate for ministers to intervene in the individual spending decisions of a council.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159156,"EventID":"S1W-22572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the First Step Trust by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the First Step Trust by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22571.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159157,"EventID":"S1W-22573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Borderline by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Borderline by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22571.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159158,"EventID":"S1W-22574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Borders Carers Centre by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Borders Carers Centre by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22571.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159159,"EventID":"S1W-22575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22571.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159160,"EventID":"S1W-22576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Penumbra by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Penumbra by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22571.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159161,"EventID":"S1W-22577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Eyemouth and District Disability Association by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Eyemouth and District Disability Association by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22571.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159162,"EventID":"S1W-22578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Children 1st by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Children 1st by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22571.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159163,"EventID":"S1W-22579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Scottish Borders Voluntary Development Agency by Scottish Borders Council. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to the Scottish Borders Voluntary Development Agency by Scottish Borders Council. ","AnswerText":"Borders Local Volunteer Development Agency currently receives funding of £31,500 from the Scottish Executive, as part of our funding package for the national network of Volunteer Centres. Each Volunteer Centre is required to raise funding of a similar scale from other sources, which can include local authorities.

We understand that its decision with regard to the level of future resources has not been disclosed by Borders Council to Borders Local Volunteer Development Agency, but a reduction has been indicated. As with all voluntary organisations that we sponsor, the funding position of Borders Local Volunteer Development Agency will be kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159164,"EventID":"S1W-22580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Dry Dock by Scottish Borders Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the proposed reduction or removal of funding to Dry Dock by Scottish Borders Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22571.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159165,"EventID":"S1W-22581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of all employees of (a) Arthur Andersen, (b) Deloitte & Touche, (c) Ernst & Young, (d) KPMG and (e) PricewaterhouseCoopers who have been se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of all employees of (a) Arthur Andersen, (b) Deloitte & Touche, (c) Ernst & Young, (d) KPMG and (e) PricewaterhouseCoopers who have been seconded to work for it in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in the following table:
 

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

Arthur Andersen

-

-

-

-

-

-

Deloitte & Touche

-

-

-

-

-

-

Ernst & Young

-

-

-

-

-

-

KPMG

-

-

-

-

-

-

PricewaterhouseCoopers

-

-

-

-

1

1

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159166,"EventID":"S1W-22582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts, and to what value, it has awarded to (a) Arthur Andersen, (b) Deloitte & Touche, (c) Ernst & Young, (d) KPMG and (e) PricewaterhouseCoopers in each ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contracts, and to what value, it has awarded to (a) Arthur Andersen, (b) Deloitte & Touche, (c) Ernst & Young, (d) KPMG and (e) PricewaterhouseCoopers in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not keep a central record of contracts placed by individual departments and agencies with particular suppliers. However, the value of payments made in each year is set out in the following table:

1997

(£000)

1998

(£000)

1999

(£000)

2000

(£000)

2001

(£000)

Total

(£000)

(a) Arthur Andersen

nil

64

30

nil

381

475

(b) Deloitte and Touche

7

30

51

51

390

706

(c) Ernst &Young

15

Nil

7

7

45

74

(d) KPMG

12

119

48

48

116

334

(e) PWC*Dumfries and Galloway (two projects) - £17,500

Forth Valley Health Board - £3,000

Highland Health Board - £5,000

Ayrshire and Arran Health Board (two projects) - £9,500

Lothian Health Board has also contributed to a project in partnership with Lothian and Borders Police and City of Edinburgh Council but separate figures are not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159172,"EventID":"S1W-22588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken at present, and is planned, to challenge and change the behaviour of men who abuse women and who have not been through the criminal justice pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken at present, and is planned, to challenge and change the behaviour of men who abuse women and who have not been through the criminal justice process.","AnswerText":"The current Scottish Executive awareness raising campaign aims to change attitudes of both men and women through a variety of media.

The Action Plan in the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland recommends the further development of voluntary programmes for those abusive men who are not dealt with through mandatory supervision under criminal justice processes. The national group will consider this recommendation in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159173,"EventID":"S1W-22589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to increase the number of convictions for offences relating to domestic abuse and what changes are being implemented by the police in the wa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to increase the number of convictions for offences relating to domestic abuse and what changes are being implemented by the police in the way they investigate and gather evidence and by prosecutors fiscal in respect of the evidence they request from the police and the way they structure their cases.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to raising awareness about domestic abuse, improving information about the scale and nature of the problem and ensuring that victims get the protection and support they need. This is being achieved through the implementation of the Action Plan in the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland. Raising awareness in this way is designed to encourage the reporting of domestic abuse.

As regards the criminal justice system, the Prosecution Code sets out the legal, evidential and public interest criteria which apply to all cases, including domestic abuse, and which are taken into account in considering the actions to be taken in relation to a report of a crime. The prosecution views allegations of domestic abuse seriously and where a report alleging such abuse is submitted to the procurator fiscal, the allegation is fully and thoroughly investigated.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159174,"EventID":"S1W-22590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will compile information centrally on how many epilepsy specialist nurses are employed and which NHS board employs them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will compile information centrally on how many epilepsy specialist nurses are employed and which NHS board employs them.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to compile information centrally on the numbers of epilepsy specialist nurses.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159175,"EventID":"S1W-22591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider producing an Epilepsy Framework similar to its Diabetes Framework.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider producing an Epilepsy Framework similar to its Diabetes Framework.","AnswerText":"There are no plans for an Epilepsy Framework. Active consideration is being given, with the help of Epilepsy Action Scotland, to the possibility of a pilot Managed Clinical Network for epilepsy. The Executive funded a Symposium on this, which took place on 11 February.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159176,"EventID":"S1W-22592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist nursing posts are funded by charities or charitable foundations and where any such nursing posts have been located since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist nursing posts are funded by charities or charitable foundations and where any such nursing posts have been located since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159177,"EventID":"S1W-22593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of how any monies from the modulation of farmers' subsidies will be spent in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of how any monies from the modulation of farmers' subsidies will be spent in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"All the receipts raised in Scotland will be used in Scotland in ways which are of benefit to the Scottish farming industry. We forecast that around £3.97 million of the receipts raised through modulation will be used to fund agri-environment schemes (the Rural Stewardship Scheme, the Organic Aid Scheme, the Countryside Premium Scheme and Environmentally Sensitive Areas) and £1.61 million will be used to fund afforestation schemes (the Woodland Grant Scheme and the Farm Premium Woodland Scheme).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159178,"EventID":"S1W-22594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the comments made by Lord Bonhomy regarding the state of the court system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the comments made by Lord Bonhomy regarding the state of the court system.","AnswerText":"Lord Bonomy's criticisms were caused by the late intimation to the court that an accused person was due to attend hospital for an operation on the day his case was called in to court for trial.

A memorandum issued by the Lord Justice General will come in to effect on 25 February 2002. It sets out a protocol for both the Crown and Defence requiring them to exchange the necessary information to avoid unnecessary delay in cases being brought before the High Court and in their further continuation or adjournment to a later date.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159179,"EventID":"S1W-22595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cultural co-ordinators have been appointed by (a) it and (b) local authorities in each of the past three years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cultural co-ordinators have been appointed by (a) it and (b) local authorities in each of the past three years. ","AnswerText":"We will be making an announcement in the near future on the setting up of a pilot programme for school cultural co-ordinators.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159180,"EventID":"S1W-22596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Airports Authority regarding passenger numbers and the number of direct routes from Aberdeen and the authority's other airpo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Airports Authority regarding passenger numbers and the number of direct routes from Aberdeen and the authority's other airports in Scotland and what the outcome was of any such discussions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive meets BAA on a regular basis to discuss a range of aviation matters including passenger numbers and air links serving Scotland. The Executive, in partnership with the Enterprise Networks, VisitScotland and the airport operators, will continue to encourage the development of more commercial and cost effective air services from Scotland for the benefit of the travelling public and the Scottish economy.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159181,"EventID":"S1W-22597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prescribed anti-TNF (tumour necrosis factor) treatments on the NHS in each of the past five years, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prescribed anti-TNF (tumour necrosis factor) treatments on the NHS in each of the past five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Infliximab and Etanercept are available on NHS prescription. However, their use depends on the clinical judgement of specialists experienced in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Data on drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally. Centrally collected data relates to items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159182,"EventID":"S1W-22598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have adhered to the (a) Scottish Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical Effectiveness of TNF Alpha Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis (SPECTRA) and (b) S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards have adhered to the (a) Scottish Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical Effectiveness of TNF Alpha Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis (SPECTRA) and (b) Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159183,"EventID":"S1W-22599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the current waiting lists are for joint replacement surgery, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the current waiting lists are for joint replacement surgery, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for hip and knee joint replacement surgery for the year ended 30 September 2001, by NHS Board of residence, are given in the following table:

NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times For Hip And Knee Joint Replacement Surgery, By NHS Board Of Residence: Year Ended 30 September 2001.

NHS Board

Hip Joint Replacement

Knee Joint Replacement

Argyll and Clyde

187 days

207 days

Ayrshire and Arran

138 days

141 days

Borders

173 days

186 days

Dumfries and Galloway

206 days

169 days

Fife

184 days

179 days

Forth Valley

218 days

284 days

Grampian

108 days

115 days

Greater Glasgow

217 days

224 days

Highland

112 days

133 days

Lanarkshire

132 days

133 days

Rheumatology staff directly employed by NHSScotland by Health Board

Headcount at 30 September1
 

Consultants

Other Career Grades2

Training Grades3

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Scotland

16

17

19

20

22

22

12

10

10

8

10

12

13

17

18

19

22

However, the table which follows sets out the number of indictments registered in the High Court over the last three years, the number of cases which had a plea of guilty tendered before evidence was commenced, the number of cases which proceeded to have evidence led, and the balance of cases which did not proceed either prior to, or on the day of trial, for a variety of reasons. These reasons may include cases not proceeding due to witness unavailability, not called in court or deserted by the Crown, or cases where a warrant is issued for the accused among other things.

No information on the costs of postponements is collected.
 

High Court

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

Indictments Registered

1,154

1,478

1,343

Guilty plea tendered

601

738

616

Evidence-led trials

412

407

462

Balance of cases

141

333

265

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159187,"EventID":"S1W-22603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sheriff court cases in (a) Scotland and (b) each court have been postponed on the day of commencement due to technicalities or other reasons and what the estimat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sheriff court cases in (a) Scotland and (b) each court have been postponed on the day of commencement due to technicalities or other reasons and what the estimated cost was resulting from such postponements in each case, in each of the past three years and in the current year.","AnswerText":"The table which follows sets out the number of summary criminal trials which were called in court for trial, and the number which were adjourned to another trial date for a variety of reasons.

No information on the costs of postponements is collected.

The figures are as follows:

Summary Trial Adjournments

1998

1999

2000

2001

No. of Summary Trials Called

Total No. of adjournments

No. of Summary Trials Called

Total No. of adjournments

No. of Summary Trials Called

Total No. of adjournments

No. of Summary Trials Called

Total No. of adjournments

Aberdeen

1,348

523

1304

452

1,023

374

1,390

576

Banff

82

27

146

62

159

73

215

108

Dingwall

183

Year

Number of Prescriptions

1996-97

46,904

1997-98

49,556

1998-99

51,486

1999-2000

54,310

2000-01

52,889

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159190,"EventID":"S1W-22606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost was to the NHS in real terms of (a) generic, (b) branded and (c) homeopathic prescriptions in each of the last five years for which figures are avai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost was to the NHS in real terms of (a) generic, (b) branded and (c) homeopathic prescriptions in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The following table lists the average cost of a prescription item for each category for the last five years:

Generic

Year

Average cost per item (£)

2000-01

10.64

1999-2000

9.50

1998-99

8.22

1997-98

7.76

1996-97

6.88

Branded

Year

Average cost per item (£)

2000-01

14.29

1999-2000

13.27

1998-99

12.77

1997-98

12.22

1996-97

11.78

Homeopathic

Year

Average cost per item (£)

2000-01

3.68

1999-2000

3.49

1998-98

3.29

1997-98

2.97

1996-97

2.85

These data refer to NHS prescriptions dispensed in the community and do not take into account any items dispensed by hospitals or hospital based","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159191,"EventID":"S1W-22607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to protect jobs at Richards and the Caledonian Airborne Engineering Group in Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to protect jobs at Richards and the Caledonian Airborne Engineering Group in Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to assist both companies and their workforce as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159192,"EventID":"S1W-22608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in legal fees it has incurred in preparing a defence against the appeal by Ayr United Football Club concerning the club's stadium planning application.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in legal fees it has incurred in preparing a defence against the appeal by Ayr United Football Club concerning the club's stadium planning application.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not yet available, but once counsel's accounts are submitted, I shall write to the member with the necessary details and place a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159193,"EventID":"S1W-22609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of any legal expenses incurred by Heritage Scotland Ltd it will be liable for in respect of the appeal by Ayr United Football Club concerning the club's ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of any legal expenses incurred by Heritage Scotland Ltd it will be liable for in respect of the appeal by Ayr United Football Club concerning the club's stadium planning application.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be liable for all of Heritage Scotland Ltd's legal expenses incurred (as taxed) up to and including the By Order hearing stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159194,"EventID":"S1W-22610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will now confirm (a) approval of the planning decision taken by South Ayrshire Council on 30 June 1999 for the development at Heathfield in Ayr, which includes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will now confirm (a) approval of the planning decision taken by South Ayrshire Council on 30 June 1999 for the development at Heathfield in Ayr, which includes a new stadium for Ayr United Football Club, or (b) acceptance of recommendations made by the Inquiry Reporters Unit in respect of this planning decision.","AnswerText":"Neither. As I explained in my letter of 31 January, the Scottish ministers will seek the views of concerned parties on those areas of the public local inquiry report, with which there was disagreement. These will then be taken into account before the Scottish ministers issue a fresh decision letter.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159195,"EventID":"S1W-22611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many staff and (b) what percentage of staff employed by each local authority are graded A1 or A2.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many staff and (b) what percentage of staff employed by each local authority are graded A1 or A2.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in Table 9 of the Joint Staffing Watch Survey: December 2000, published jointly by the Scottish Executive and COSLA in November 2001, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17232), and on the Scottish Executive internet site: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/localgov/jsws-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159196,"EventID":"S1W-22612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of river pollution have been made to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; how many such reports resulted in a prosecution, and what the verdicts ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of river pollution have been made to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; how many such reports resulted in a prosecution, and what the verdicts and disposals were in respect of such prosecutions, in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Information on some successful prosecutions is published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on its website, at:

http://www.sepa.org.uk/data/prosecutions/.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159197,"EventID":"S1W-22613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the appointees to Scottish public bodies since 1 July 1999 have been (a) women, (b) people with disabilities, (c) people from ethnic minorities, (d) people f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the appointees to Scottish public bodies since 1 July 1999 have been (a) women, (b) people with disabilities, (c) people from ethnic minorities, (d) people from outwith the central belt and (e) people from lower socio-economic groups, as identified in paragraph 33 of Public Bodies: Proposals for Change and how it proposes to quantify and measure any progress made in this area.","AnswerText":"The reporting periods set by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for statistical returns have changed over the past three years. It is not therefore possible to give annual figures. The following table provides details of the number of women, disabled and ethnic minority appointees during the periods specified.

Period

Women

Disabled

Ethnic Minority

Total Appointments

No.

% of Total

No.

% of Total

No.

% of Total

1.7.1999-31.12.1999

28

28

Nil

 

1

1

101

1.1.2000-30.9.2000

74

36

1

<1

2

<1

207

1.10.2000-31.3.2001

23

27

1

1

1

1

84

It has to be borne in mind that the overall composition of boards changes on a regular basis as posts are vacated and filled. The most up to date statistics show that, of the 1,132 appointees in post at 1 December 2001, 360 (32%) were women; 20 (1.7%) were people from ethnic minority backgrounds and seven (0.6%) were people with self-registered disabilities. On the same date, jus","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159198,"EventID":"S1W-22614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 from abusing butane gas, broken down by age group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 from abusing butane gas, broken down by age group.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the follow table.

Deaths from butane abuse, Scotland

Age Group

1997

1998

1999

2000

15-19

-

1

1

-

20-24

1

-

-

1

25-29

-

-

1

-

1999-99: ICD9 code 3046, with a mention of butane.

2000: ICD10 code F182, with a mention of butane.

Note: International Classification of Diseases, underlying cause of death codes selected.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159199,"EventID":"S1W-22615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the long-term trends are in the level of solvent abuse, broken down by age group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the long-term trends are in the level of solvent abuse, broken down by age group.","AnswerText":"In March 1999, as part of its survey into Health Behaviours of Scottish Schoolchildren, the Research Unit in Health and Behavioural Change, University of Edinburgh Medical School published a report on Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use in the 1990s. The report showed that among the 13-year-old schoolchildren surveyed, 10.3% in 1998 had ever used glue/solvents, compared to 9.2% in 1994. Among the 15-year-old age group, the figures were 15.2% in 1998 compared to 20% in 1994. The report also indicated that in 1998, 15.7% of 13-year-olds who had ever used drugs claimed to have used glue/solvents in the four weeks prior to the survey, compared to 16.2% in 1994. For the 15-year-olds, the figures were 6.1% in 1998 and 11.1% in 1994. Statistics for other age groups are not held centrally.

According to statistics provided by St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, there were eight volatile substance abuse-related deaths in Scotland in 1999 (the most recent year for which data is available). This represented a small decrease from the total of 10 deaths recorded in 1998, and continued the downward trend since the figure of 21 deaths in 1991.

Levels of solvent abuse will be monitored through a bi-annual survey of Scottish schools, funded by the Executive, of adolescent lifestyles and substance use.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159200,"EventID":"S1W-22616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were treated by the NHS in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 as a result of solvent abuse, broken down by age group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were treated by the NHS in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 as a result of solvent abuse, broken down by age group.","AnswerText":"The information presented in tables 1 and 2 shows the number of discharges from general acute hospitals and psychiatric hospitals where a diagnosis involving solvent abuse was recorded for the years 1997-2001, by age group.

The figures show numbers of discharges, not numbers of individual patients. A patient may undergo multiple admissions and discharges.

Treatment services are also provided by a wide range of statutory and non-

statutory agencies.

Table 1: General acute admissions with a discharge diagnosis of solvent abuse1: years ending 31 March 1997 to 2001

Age2

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001P

Total all ages

30

24

35

39

25

under 15 years

7

7

6

9

4

15-19 years

9

6

7

10

10

20-24 years

2

3

7

4

3

25-29 years

5

3

6

4

-

30-34 years

4

-

4

8

6

35-39 years

1

4

1

3

1

40 years and over

2

1

4

1

1

Table :2 Psychiatric inpatient discharges with a discharge diagnosis of solvent abuse1: years ending 31 March 1997 to 2001

Age2

1997

1998

1999

Volatile Substance Abuse - Guidance for Professionals, produced in support of new legislation which prohibits the sale of butane gas lighter refills to under 18s. Scotland Against Drugs (SAD) and HEBS produced the booklet The Facts of Drugs - a Parent's Guide, which includes a section on volatile substances. SAD's publication, Drugs - Know Your Stuff, also covers solvents.

In addition, the Executive contributes towards the funding of the National Drugs Helpline, which responds to calls about solvent abuse as well as the misuse of drugs. The Helpline also distributes some materials which give advice about solvents.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159202,"EventID":"S1W-22618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures are in place in respect of rehabilitating solvent abusers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures are in place in respect of rehabilitating solvent abusers.","AnswerText":"According to the 2000-01 Drug Action Team (DAT) Corporate Planning exercise, there are 99 drug agencies in Scotland which provide a solvent abuse service. Drugs services for young people include work with those who use solvents.

With effect from 1 April 2001, the Executive has made new resources available over a three-year period of some £13 million for drug treatment, £20 million for drug rehabilitation and £20 million for drugs work targeting children and young people. This new investment will ensure an expansion of treatment and rehabilitation, including services catering for solvent abusers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159203,"EventID":"S1W-22619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis extended borrowing was approved for the Western Isles Council following the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis extended borrowing was approved for the Western Isles Council following the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International.","AnswerText":"Western Isles Islands Council lost £23 million following the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International. Since there was no immediate prospect of recovering the money and no chance of continuing to be in a position to discharge its statutory obligations without revenue borrowing, the council wrote to the Secretary of State in August 1991 requesting special borrowing consent to replace the £23 million.

Exceptionally, on account of the scale of the loss in relation to the council's total financial resources, the Secretary of State granted the council consent to borrow in terms of paragraph 1(2) of schedule 3 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1975 to make good the shortfall and maintain its day-to-day cash flow requirements during the remainder of 1991-92. Since the loss was consequent on ultra vires investment activity, the terms of the consent specified that the interest and repayment costs of the borrowing must be met entirely by the council without any grant aid or other financial assistance from the Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159204,"EventID":"S1W-22620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to encourage businesses to provide more senior positions on a part-time and job-share basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to encourage businesses to provide more senior positions on a part-time and job-share basis.","AnswerText":"Work-Life balance, including encouraging the provision of part-time working and job sharing where appropriate, is a reserved issue. The Department of Trade and Industry launched the Work-Life Balance campaign, with an accompanying Challenge Fund, in March 2000.

The campaign aims to persuade employers to introduce ways of working which meet the needs of the business and customers while simultaneously improving the work-life balance of their employees. It is directed at employers in the public, private and voluntary sectors and intended to benefit all employees whether or not they have caring responsibilities.

The Challenge Fund provides free consultancy support for private, public and voluntary employers who want to introduce and develop innovative, flexible and diverse working patterns or practices for the benefit of the organisations, employees and customers. The Challenge Fund is supporting 14 projects in Scotland, and is currently inviting a further round of applications.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159205,"EventID":"S1W-22621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to discourage speeding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to discourage speeding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is liaising closely with the UK Government on the implementation of the speed policy proposals in the GB road safety strategy Tomorrow's Roads - Safer for Everyone, copies of which are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 5711).

The Executive provides funding to the Scottish Road Safety Campaign for the development of key road safety education initiatives and publicity messages. The campaign's \"Foolsspeed\" campaign aims to change driver attitudes to speed and speed choice. The campaign also arranges publicity to complement police enforcement campaigns focussing on a number of road safety issues, including speeding.

The Executive has made it easier for local authorities to set 20 mph speed limits. Revised guidance, issued in August, provides advice on 20 mph zones, in which engineering measures ensure that the zones are self-enforcing; on mandatory 20 mph speed limits, with or without engineering measures; and on advisory 20 mph speed limits.

The Executive is working with the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland on the implementation of pilot part-time speed limits outside selected schools in Aberdeenshire, Angus, Edinburgh, Glasgow and West Lothian. 20 mph speed limits will apply outside the schools at times when children are arriving and leaving.

On the trunk road network the Executive encourages compliance with speed limits by installing traffic calming measures which include speed cameras at locations where excessive speed is known to cause or contribute to the severity of accidents. Signs which are triggered by speeds over a particular threshold are to be trialled on the A9. The signs will say \"Slow Down\" and indicate the 60 mph speed limit.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159206,"EventID":"S1W-22622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions on the dualling of the A1 north and south of the border and what the pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions on the dualling of the A1 north and south of the border and what the proposed timescale is for any such work.","AnswerText":"The Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, which has responsibility for the A1 south of the border, is currently carrying out a multi-modal study of the route between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle. The Scottish Executive is represented on the study's steering group.

In Scotland, the Executive is committed to delivering four major improvement schemes on the route, including the Haddington to Dunbar Expressway. Together, these projects will provide an additional 18.8 km of dual carriageway, at a total cost of some £50 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159207,"EventID":"S1W-22623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police forces take into account the possibility of an inaccurate speedometer in the speeding car when issuing tickets for speeding offences and whether the Execut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police forces take into account the possibility of an inaccurate speedometer in the speeding car when issuing tickets for speeding offences and whether the Executive or police forces have undertaken any research into the effects that inaccurate speedometers in cars may have on the incidence of speeding.","AnswerText":"Police forces issue fixed penalties or make reports to the Procurator Fiscal on the basis of corroborated evidence of the speed of vehicles. It would be for the defence to introduce any evidence of a faulty speedometer as a defence or mitigation.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159208,"EventID":"S1W-22624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the estimated cost is of the landscaping works for the Holyrood Project; whether this contract was put out to tender; whether less expensive plans for landscaping wer","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the estimated cost is of the landscaping works for the Holyrood Project; whether this contract was put out to tender; whether less expensive plans for landscaping were considered and, if so, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will detail the costs and plans for any such less expensive options. ","AnswerText":"The estimated cost of the landscaping works must remain commercial-in-confidence at this stage since the tender documents for the works are not due to be issued until the end of February. I am informed by the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that, since the landscape scheme needs to be conceptually consistent with the building in terms of planning for the Holyrood site as a whole, the plans have not changed significantly since those first made public in 1999. The overall cost of the landscaping is unchanged from that made public in September 2000 and is based upon more detailed plans approved by the City of Edinburgh Planning Department in September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159209,"EventID":"S1W-22625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scotland will receive of the #7.6 billion investment by Her Majesty's Government on science, engineering and technology in 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scotland will receive of the #7.6 billion investment by Her Majesty's Government on science, engineering and technology in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The total provisional expenditure referred to, which is shown in Table 2 of the Department of Trade and Industry's publication The Forward Look 2001, includes budget figures for a variety of programmes, some of which apply only in England; some apply only in the Devolved Administrations; some apply across the whole of the UK. Within the total planned expenditure of £5.1 billion shown in this table on UK civil science, engineering and technology, it is estimated that over £0.5 billion will be spent in Scotland by the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, the Department of Trade and Industry and the UK Research Councils. Figures are not available on how much of the £2.2 billion planned research and development expenditure by the Ministry of Defence will be spent in Scotland. The remaining £0.3 billion relates to UK contributions to EU research programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159210,"EventID":"S1W-22626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21284 by Iain Gray on 16 January 2002, how many local champions it now has employed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21284 by Iain Gray on 16 January 2002, how many local champions it now has employed.","AnswerText":"There are eight (full-time equivalent) Digital Champions and one national manager for the Digital Champions programme employed by Scottish Enterprise on behalf of, and funded by, the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159211,"EventID":"S1W-22627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21263 by Mr Andy Kerr on 16 January 2002, what projects it is currently piloting which are using new technology in order to increas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21263 by Mr Andy Kerr on 16 January 2002, what projects it is currently piloting which are using new technology in order to increase online consultation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is increasing its use of electronic methods to engage the public in consultation. The Scottish Executive website is being redesigned to improve e-consultation opportunities, and more Scottish Executive consultations are using electronic discussion fora (for example in the current, \"Blue Badge Parking Scheme\" and on the \"Getting Involved in Planning\" exercise). In particular, e-mail software is soon to be applied to the regular distribution of consultation documents to those who subscribe to a consultation distribution list.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159212,"EventID":"S1W-22628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21264 by Mr Andy Kerr on 16 January 2002, when e-voting will become an option for Scottish voters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21264 by Mr Andy Kerr on 16 January 2002, when e-voting will become an option for Scottish voters.","AnswerText":"It is possible that e-voting pilots will be available in 2003. However, this will depend on the final proposals being agreed with all relevant parties, including the Scottish Executive, local authorities and the Electoral Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159213,"EventID":"S1W-22629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21276 by Iain Gray on 16 January 2002, what qualities and qualifications a Digital Champion needs to possess.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21276 by Iain Gray on 16 January 2002, what qualities and qualifications a Digital Champion needs to possess.","AnswerText":"The advertisement for the Digital Champion posts stated the requirements as follows:

A Degree qualification in a related discipline, for example IT, preferably allied to a relevant post graduate qualification. You will have at least four years experience in a related field such as ICT project management, or training provision including the sourcing and securing of external funding or private sector sponsorship. You may also have experience of community-based education projects, including strategic experience of community learning strategies. Your high level of information technology awareness will be allied to your solid communication skills and ability to work on your own initiative. You will have a strong desire to make a difference and to serve the needs of the community in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159214,"EventID":"S1W-22630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21265 by Mr Andy Kerr on 16 January 2002, how it plans to promote the e-Government Interoperability Framework across public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21265 by Mr Andy Kerr on 16 January 2002, how it plans to promote the e-Government Interoperability Framework across public bodies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21249 on 17 January 2002. In addition to the information given there, the bidding guidance for the Modernising Government Fund (MGF) states that all MGF projects will be required to comply with the interoperability standards (including eGIF) before MGF funding is awarded.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159215,"EventID":"S1W-22631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21287 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 January 2002, when the Accessing Telecoms Links Across Scotland project by Scottish Enterprise wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21287 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 January 2002, when the Accessing Telecoms Links Across Scotland project by Scottish Enterprise will be completed.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise launched phase 1 of the Accessing Telecoms Links Across Scotland project (ATLAS) on 4 February 2002. The project has the aim of substantially cutting high bandwidth telecoms costs for Scottish businesses. Phase 1 of Project ATLAS will be operational by the end of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159216,"EventID":"S1W-22632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the statistics and information which it and Scottish Enterprise publish which benchmark Scotland's performance in adopting e-commerce against international competit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the statistics and information which it and Scottish Enterprise publish which benchmark Scotland's performance in adopting e-commerce against international competitors can be found, as referred to in section 2.9 of its Report on the Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise has responsibility for commissioning research to benchmark Scotland's e-business performance and the results of the latest survey can be found on:

http://www.ecommerce-scotland.org/internationalbenchmarking/.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159217,"EventID":"S1W-22633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to create an E-Commerce Institute in Scotland since the publication of its Report on The Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to create an E-Commerce Institute in Scotland since the publication of its Report on The Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting Initiative.","AnswerText":"The development of collaborative work to improve links between academia and industry in the field of e-commerce technologies is the responsibility of Scottish Enterprise. Its e-commerce strategy includes references to this work and can be found in http://www.ecommerce-scotland.org. The Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting Initiative Report mentioned that the Executive would provide £12 million to Scottish Enterprise to develop the e-institute approach to maximise the economic benefits of linking top class research and expertise at home and abroad. Scottish Enterprise announced on 7 February that £6 million of this had been allocated to developing links between University of Edinburgh and Stanford University in California.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159218,"EventID":"S1W-22634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to stimulate the creation of a sustainable life sciences industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to stimulate the creation of a sustainable life sciences industry.","AnswerText":"Sector-specific support and growth of biotechnology companies indigenous to Scotland and from outwith Scotland is taken forward by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.

The Scottish Enterprise Biotechnology Cluster team has implemented a £40 million biotechnology cluster action plan, Framework for Action, which was launched on 9 November 1999. Between 1999 and 2003 the plan aims to double employment in the sector, the number of biotechnology companies, and the number of support and supply companies. The action plan can be viewed at www.biotech-scotland.org.

Since March 1999 the number of core biotechnology companies has grown at an average rate of 30% per annum, which compares well with the European average rate of 17% per annum over the same period. At September 2001, there were 428 organisations with 24,406 employees in the Scottish cluster, compared with 257 companies (12,729 jobs) at March 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159219,"EventID":"S1W-22635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that all students emerging from college and university are familiar with and have the skills with which to feel confident about opera","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that all students emerging from college and university are familiar with and have the skills with which to feel confident about operating information and communications technologies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22310 on 7 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159220,"EventID":"S1W-22636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it will publish a strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it will publish a strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the Strategy entitled The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland, is published today. It was produced after a period of consultation with patient representative groups, pharmacists and other healthcare professions and meets the commitment in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change to develop a strategy for pharmacy. Copies of the strategy have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18835).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159221,"EventID":"S1W-22637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16175 by Angus MacKay on 20 June 2001, how many businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak have now (a) applied for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16175 by Angus MacKay on 20 June 2001, how many businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak have now (a) applied for and (b) received hardship relief in relation to non-domestic rates, broken down by local authority area. ","AnswerText":"The number of businesses in each local authority area, who were awarded hardship relief as at 30 November 2001, is shown in the following table. The information on the number of applications is not held centrally.

Council

No. Cases

Aberdeenshire

13

Angus

16

Argyll & Bute

32

Dumfries & Galloway

975

East Ayrshire

4

East Dunbartonshire

1

East Lothian

3

Eilean Siar

11

Highland

96

Moray

4

North Ayrshire

10

Orkney

7

Perth & Kinross

24

Scottish Borders

632

South Ayrshire

9

Stirling

6

West Dunbartonshire

1

West Lothian

3

Total

1,847

Source: Returns from local authorities as at 30 November 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159222,"EventID":"S1W-22638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-16813 and S1W-19221 by Susan Deacon on 1 August and 16 November 2001, how many of the babies given intra-uterine transfusions liv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-16813 and S1W-19221 by Susan Deacon on 1 August and 16 November 2001, how many of the babies given intra-uterine transfusions lived longer than four weeks in each of the years from 1975 to 2000.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in Table 1 for years 1980 to 1998.

Information for 1975 to 1979 is not available centrally.

Information for 1999 and 2000 is not available centrally at present.

Table 1 Intrauterine transfusion - Scotland:

Number of pregnancies involving procedures and number of births surviving over four weeks: 1980-1998(SORRO), which acts as an independent support group for parents distressed by past practice in relation to organ retention at post-mortem, is a self-financing organisation. The Executive has paid some minor expenses incurred by SORRO in helping to draw to a line under the consequences of past post-mortem practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159225,"EventID":"S1W-22641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date in 1975 the first death of a baby who had been given an intra-uterine transfusion occurred and where the death occurred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date in 1975 the first death of a baby who had been given an intra-uterine transfusion occurred and where the death occurred.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and would require a major piece of research at disproportionate cost for local agencies to provide the information requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159226,"EventID":"S1W-22642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a start date for the Edinburgh Airport rail link as announced in the strategic plan of the Strategic Rail Authority and how the link will be funded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a start date for the Edinburgh Airport rail link as announced in the strategic plan of the Strategic Rail Authority and how the link will be funded.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-22082 and S1W-22083 on 4 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159227,"EventID":"S1W-22643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new train crew depot at Dumfries as announced in the strategic plan of the Strategic Rail Authority is due for completion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new train crew depot at Dumfries as announced in the strategic plan of the Strategic Rail Authority is due for completion.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for ScotRail. I understand, however, that this depot began operation in August 2001, and is expected to become fully operational in the course of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159228,"EventID":"S1W-22644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will describe the improved operational flexibility for trains at Dumfries and Dunblane as announced in the strategic plan of the Strategic Rail Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will describe the improved operational flexibility for trains at Dumfries and Dunblane as announced in the strategic plan of the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerText":"These are operational matters for the rail industry. I understand, however, that the improvements to operational flexibility for trains at both Dumfries and Dunblane are intended to reduce train turn-around times.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159229,"EventID":"S1W-22645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the plans to tackle trespass and vandalism on railways as announced in the strategic plan of the Strategic Rail Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the plans to tackle trespass and vandalism on railways as announced in the strategic plan of the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerText":"Railway safety is a reserved matter. This includes issues surrounding trespass and vandalism. It is for the Health and Safety Executive, in conjunction with the Strategic Rail Authority, to set out plans to tackle trespass and vandalism.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159230,"EventID":"S1W-22649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the political affiliation was of each of the applicants who put their names forward to be Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-depar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the political affiliation was of each of the applicants who put their names forward to be Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies when such vacancies have been advertised in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"Assessors have been appointed twice during the past three years. In 2000, the Minister for Finance invited nominations from the Conservative and Scottish National Parties by writing to their parliamentary spokesmen. He also asked the Convenor of the Equal Opportunities Committee for nominations. Decisions were announced by means of an answer to a written question S1W-13732 on 1 March 2001. A news release was also issued on the same date.

In 2001, a system along the lines outlined in the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice was used. Nominations were invited from a wide group of organisations and individuals, including the Convenors of the Parliament's subject committees. Of the 27 applications received, 11 declared having undertaken political activities on behalf of the Labour Party and one on behalf of the SNP. The remaining 15 applicants had not undertaken any political activities.

Details of an individual's political affiliations are not recorded because it would be inappropriate for an individual's voting preferences to be known.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159231,"EventID":"S1W-22650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies it has received each time such vacancies have b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies it has received each time such vacancies have been advertised in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"A new system for recruiting independent assessors which involved seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds was introduced for the first time in 2001. Twenty-seven applications were received.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159232,"EventID":"S1W-22651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a commitment to cancel the appointments of the current team of Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental pub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a commitment to cancel the appointments of the current team of Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies and initiate another selection process, based on the new procedures for their selection as set out by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services on 15 January 2002 to the Local Government Committee, should these procedures be adopted.","AnswerText":"No. Each individual was appointed on merit. It will be for the Scottish Commissioner for Public Appointments, once in post, to determine when and how future independent assessors should be appointed and to evaluate on an ongoing basis the performance of all independent assessors.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159233,"EventID":"S1W-22652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the process by which each of the 12 new Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies announced ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the process by which each of the 12 new Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 29 January 2002 were appointed.","AnswerText":"Details of the open competition to fill Independent Assessor vacancies were announced in question S1W-16557 on 27 June 2001. Details were also contained in an Executive news release and published on the Executive's website. In addition, letters inviting nominations for these posts were sent to over 100 organisations, including conveners of the Parliament's subject committees.

In total 60 information packs were issued and 27 applications received. An appointments panel sifted all applications against the criteria set out in the person specification and job description.

19 applicants were invited to interview. Recommendations for appointments were made by the appointments panel to me. I made my decisions on the basis of the advice of the panel.

The process followed was in accordance with the requirements of the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159234,"EventID":"S1W-22653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are currently appointed members of an NDPB under ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are currently appointed members of an NDPB under the responsibility of either it or Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"Five.

Four of these sit on bodies sponsored by the Executive. These appointments were made prior to devolution. Following devolution, the commissioner's advice was sought as to whether these four assessors could remain in post. Her view was that since they had been appointed to their posts under a different administration, there would be no conflict of interest in their overseeing appointments made by the Scottish ministers.

One assessor sits on a body sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159235,"EventID":"S1W-22654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who have served in each of the past three years w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who have served in each of the past three years were also appointed members of an NDPB under the responsibility of either it or Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"In 1999, seven out of a total of 28 assessors held public appointments. In 2000, five out of a total of 16 held appointments and in 2001, four out of a total of 14.

All those involved were appointed as assessors prior to devolution. Following devolution, the commissioner's advice was sought as to whether these individuals could remain in post. Her view was that since they had been appointed to their posts under a different administration, there would be no conflict of interest in their overseeing appointments made by the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159236,"EventID":"S1W-22655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total spending of all public bodies for which it was responsible for was in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total spending of all public bodies for which it was responsible for was in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table.

Year of Outcome1,2

Number of pregnancies involving at least one

Intrauterine Transfusion3,4,5

Outcome5

Total births Surviving over four weeks

Aborted6

Maternity7

1980

5

-

5

5

1981

4

2

2

2

1982

1

-

1

-

1983

1

-

1

1

1984

3

1

2

1

1985

1

-

1

1

1986

6

2

4

4

1987

2

-

2

2

1988

10

1

9

7

1989

13

1

12

11

1990

17

2

15

12

1991

9

-

9

8

1992

11

-

11

11

1993

12

-

12

10

1994

18

-

18

16

Year

Total Gross Expenditure

1999-2000

7,814,909,000

2000-01

8,830,940,000

Expenditure figures for the current financial year 2001-02 are not yet available.

The above figures cover all public bodies with budgetary responsibilities including, Executive non-departmental public bodies, nationalised Industries, public corporations and National Health Service Bodies in Scotland.

The data provided has been extracted from the annual publication Public Bodies which is available from the Cabinet Office website at:

www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango/index/pubs.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159237,"EventID":"S1W-22656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies are given in order to carry out their official duties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies are given in order to carry out their official duties.","AnswerText":"Assessors must attend a one-day induction programme which focuses on their roles and responsibilities. The Commissioner for Public Appointments, who also attends each event, agrees the content of these training days. Where possible, assessors are also encouraged to shadow an existing assessor before participating in an appointments round.

In addition, if any assessor requires specific training in any aspect of their role this is also provided.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159238,"EventID":"S1W-22657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the 15 candidates who were rejected as Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies asked for an offici","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the 15 candidates who were rejected as Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies asked for an official explanation for their rejection.","AnswerText":"All those who were unsuccessful were offered an explanation for their rejection. They were also offered an opportunity to meet with officials to discuss the outcome of the panel's deliberations.

One candidate took up the offer of a meeting and three others were given verbal feedback by telephone.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159239,"EventID":"S1W-22658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it took from the closing date for applications to appoint the 12 new Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it took from the closing date for applications to appoint the 12 new Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"The closing date for applications was 31 July 2001. The appointments were announced on 29 January 2002. Ministerial changes last autumn contributed to the delay in final decisions being made.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159240,"EventID":"S1W-22659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the vacancies for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies were advertised and on what dates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the vacancies for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies were advertised and on what dates.","AnswerText":"These posts were advertised on the Executive's website between 27 June and 3 August 2001. In addition, letters inviting nominations were sent to over 100 organisations, including conveners of the Parliament's subject committees, a PQ was tabled and a News Release issued.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159241,"EventID":"S1W-22660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to select the successful candidates for the recent vacancies for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmenta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to select the successful candidates for the recent vacancies for Independent Assessors to oversee the ministerial appointments to non-departmental public bodies and who carried out the interviews.","AnswerText":"All applications received were sifted by an appointments panel, not by ministers, against the criteria set out in the person specification and job description. They were approved by the UK Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Interviews were carried out by the appointments panel which comprised Dame Rennie Fritchie, UK Commissioner for Public Appointments (acting as Independent Assessor) and two civil servants.

Job Description

Job Title: Independent Assessor of the Public Appointments Process

Main Duties:

Play a full, visible and active part in the appointments process to ensure that the procedures employed by the Executive in making public appointments are transparent, fair and applied consistently to all candidates.

Ensure that the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice for Public Appointments and the principles on which it is based are followed throughout the selection process in every case.

As appropriate, to review the documented procedures relating to the selection of candidates before recommendations are put to ministers, or as part of a scrutiny panel established for individual appointments. As part of a scrutiny panel an Independent Assessor will be involved in shortlisting and interviewing candidates.

Whenever necessary, to draw the attention of the selection panel or senior officials, the commissioner or the minister, to any shortcomings that arise during the appointments process.

Recording the details of appointments in which you have played a part and retention of this record for at least one year after the appointment has been made to assist the commissioner in the investigations of any complaint that might be made about the way a particular appointment was made.

Specific Objectives:

To assist ministers in the task of making effective public appointments that command public confidence.

To provide an assurance that the appointments process has conformed with the principles and practice set out in the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

To ensure that appointments are made on merit after fair, open and transparent process.

Person Specification

Necessary Skills

Sound analytical skills

Sound judgement

Good written communication skills

Good oral communication skills

Able to express self assertively

Interpretative skills

Problem solving skills

Be logical and possess common sense

Desirable Skills

Interviewing techniques

Desirable Knowledge

Recruitment and personnel management

Policy and processes

Equal opportunities legislation

Appointment procedures

Necessary Experience

Team working

Decision making

Desirable Experience

Committee work

Resolving conflict

Management responsibilities

Office administration

Record keeping

Qualifications

Formal academic qualifications are not necessary. Skills acquired through non-traditional employment patterns are also recognised.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159242,"EventID":"S1W-22661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Burns Cottage Museum has participated in the national audit of museums by the Scottish Museums Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Burns Cottage Museum has participated in the national audit of museums by the Scottish Museums Council.","AnswerText":"Yes. I understand that the Scottish Museums Council, who are responsible for undertaking the National Audit, have received a completed questionnaire from the Burns National Heritage Park.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159243,"EventID":"S1W-22662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the collection of Robert Burns' mementoes and artefacts displayed and stored at the Burns Cottage Museum will be conserved, display","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the collection of Robert Burns' mementoes and artefacts displayed and stored at the Burns Cottage Museum will be conserved, displayed and archived to the highest standards.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is responsible for National Museums and Galleries whereas the responsibility for non-national museums, including the Burns Cottage Museum and its collections, is the responsibility of local agencies. The Burns National Heritage Park was formed in 1995 drawing together Burns assets in Alloway including local authority assets. The park is under a joint management board of the local authority, Burns Monument Trust and the local enterprise company. I understand that the management board sent some of the items from the collection at the Burns Museum for storage to the National Library of Scotland.

I understand that the Burns National Heritage Park are working on plans to develop the park further, centred on the museum.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159244,"EventID":"S1W-22663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it will make to the proposed redevelopment project for the Burns Cottage Museum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it will make to the proposed redevelopment project for the Burns Cottage Museum.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the important role that the Burns Cottage Museum plays in its local area. I recognise the significant investment by South Ayrshire Council in the park and I welcome their continued interest in its future along with the other partners overseeing the park's Development Plan. None of the partners has presented to the Executive any request for support. While I would be happy to consider any such request it would be against the background that as a non-national museum the Burns Cottage Museum is not the responsibility of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159245,"EventID":"S1W-22664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contributions it has made since May 1999 to, or in support of, Burns-related cultural events and tourist promotions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contributions it has made since May 1999 to, or in support of, Burns-related cultural events and tourist promotions.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated £100,000 to support the Burns Festival being developed by Ayrshire and Arran Tourist board. £45,000 has also been given to North Ayrshire Council to support the development of a children's opera on Burns, in conjunction with Scottish Opera for All. A further £100,000 has also been made available to the Scottish Arts Council in this and each of the next two financial years to support projects with a Burns theme in areas of social deprivation. VisitScotland is also currently in discussion with the Robert Burns World Federation to develop a Burns trail.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159246,"EventID":"S1W-22665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contributions it plans to make from now until May 2003 to, or in support of, Burns related cultural events and tourist promotions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contributions it plans to make from now until May 2003 to, or in support of, Burns related cultural events and tourist promotions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22664.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159247,"EventID":"S1W-22666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much foot-and-mouth disease-related pyre ash material was transported from (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) the Scottish Borders for landfill at Garlaff in East Ayrs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much foot-and-mouth disease-related pyre ash material was transported from (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) the Scottish Borders for landfill at Garlaff in East Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"In total some 4,828 tonnes of waste material, including pyre ash, soil and bottoming, was transported and buried at Garlaff landfill site. Three thousand, seven hundred and twenty-one tonnes were transported from the two continuous burning sites in Dumfries and Galloway and 1,107 tonnes from the site in the Scottish Borders.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159248,"EventID":"S1W-22667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of transportation and disposal of pyre ash from (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) the Scottish Borders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of transportation and disposal of pyre ash from (a) Dumfries and Galloway and (b) the Scottish Borders.","AnswerText":"The ash disposal was the subject of a contract between DEFRA and Barr Limited and the cost is a commercially confidential matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159249,"EventID":"S1W-22668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21692 by Dr Richard Simpson on 24 January 2002, whether the current establishment of civil search and rescue capability at HMS Gann","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21692 by Dr Richard Simpson on 24 January 2002, whether the current establishment of civil search and rescue capability at HMS Gannet will be retained and remain unaffected by the Ministry of Defence's plans.","AnswerText":"I understand that the search and rescue capabilities at Prestwick will remain unchanged when HMS Gannet otherwise closes at the end of March. However, the precise details are a matter for the Ministry of Defence.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159250,"EventID":"S1W-22669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered introducing financial penalties for any universities that do not attempt to widen access.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered introducing financial penalties for any universities that do not attempt to widen access.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) is responsible for the allocation of funding to individual institutions. The council has not been asked to introduce financial penalties related to performance on widening access. SHEFC has decided to introduce a new condition of grant from 2002-03, which will link main funding for teaching and research to satisfactory progress on key policy objectives, which will include equality of opportunity and widening participation.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159251,"EventID":"S1W-22670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish new targets for universities in respect of widening access.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish new targets for universities in respect of widening access.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Annual Expenditure Report already includes a range of targets related to widening access which we are committed to delivering.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159252,"EventID":"S1W-22671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken to bring a case to trial was in each sheriffdom in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time taken to bring a case to trial was in each sheriffdom in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The average number of weeks between pleading diet and trial diet in sheriff/stipendiary summary courts are detailed in the following table:

March 2002

March 2001

March 2000

March 1999

March 1998

March 1997

March 1996

March 1995

March 1994

March 1993

Aberdeen

12.0

12.0

12.0

11.0

11.0

10.0

12.0

13.0

12.0

12.0

Airdrie

12.0

18.0

12.0

13.0

12.0

11.0

14.0

18.0

15.5

17.0

Alloa

16.0

13.0

26.0

12.0

9.5

8.0

10.0

12.0

9.0

11.0

Arbroath

13.0

10.0

19.0

12.0

13.0

12.0

15.0

12.0

11.0

12.0

Ayr

15.0

14.0

11.0

10.0

12.0

12.0

11.0

11.0

11.0

9.0

Banff

16.0

20.0

12.0

9.0

9.0

April 1997 - March 1998

High Court: Percentage served

by 6 months

by 7 months

by 8 months

by 9 months

by 10 months

10+ months

Aberdeen

27%

31%

44%

78%

91%

100%

Airdrie

14%

16%

24%

46%

73%

100%

Alloa

67%

67%

67%

67%

67%

100%

Arbroath

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Ayr

20%

20%

27%

33%

67%

100%

Banff

33%

33%

67%

67%

100%

100%

Campbeltown

0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

100%

Cupar

80%

80%

100%

100%

100%

100%

(b) The information requested is not held centrally.

(c) It is standard practice to refer a member to a previous answer given to a parliamentary question if this reply provides the appropriate information.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159255,"EventID":"S1W-22674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21522 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2002, why, if Hercepetin is currently supported by NHS Greater Glasgow and by other NHS boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21522 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 January 2002, why, if Hercepetin is currently supported by NHS Greater Glasgow and by other NHS boards across Scotland within locally agreed protocols and based on individual clinical assessments, NHS Lothian makes funds available on a case-by-case basis when requested by the treating centre and NHS Greater Glasgow does not.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159256,"EventID":"S1W-22675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to advise Greater Glasgow NHS board to carry out a survey of existing staff's intentions to transfer from Stobhill Hospital to other board locations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to advise Greater Glasgow NHS board to carry out a survey of existing staff's intentions to transfer from Stobhill Hospital to other board locations.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Greater Glasgow.

Where staff transfer proposals are made by NHS management, a Staff Governance Standard requires that staff are kept fully informed and are involved in any decision-making process that affects them.

NHS employers are also required to consult with the trade unions, professional organisations and staff at the beginning of any discussions that might have a bearing on employment and staff security.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159257,"EventID":"S1W-22676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the Commission for Local Administration in Scotland has in respect of community councils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the Commission for Local Administration in Scotland has in respect of community councils.","AnswerText":"The Commission for Local Administration in Scotland has no powers over community councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159258,"EventID":"S1W-22677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities have any responsibility for reviewing the conduct of community councils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities have any responsibility for reviewing the conduct of community councils.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for the administration of community council schemes, including how they conduct their business.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159259,"EventID":"S1W-22678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is currently taking to progress the introduction of clear country of origin labelling on food products and what timescale it envisages for completing the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is currently taking to progress the introduction of clear country of origin labelling on food products and what timescale it envisages for completing the introduction of such labelling.","AnswerText":"On matters of food safety and standards the Scottish Executive is advised by the Food Standards Agency. Currently, the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 require particulars of the place of origin or provenance of a food to be shown if failure to give such information might mislead a purchaser to a material degree as to the true origin or provenance of the food.

I am advised by the agency that they are committed to pressing for changes in EU rules to widen the requirement for origin labelling. Discussions are still at an early stage and such changes necessarily take time to bring about. In recognition of this, the agency is also currently consulting publicly on revised Country of Origin Guidance notes for use by industry and enforcement officers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159260,"EventID":"S1W-22679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20704 by Iain Gray on 28 January 2002, how many private meetings the Minister for Social Justice has had with local authorities reg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20704 by Iain Gray on 28 January 2002, how many private meetings the Minister for Social Justice has had with local authorities regarding its Cities Review.","AnswerText":"I have had three meetings with local authorities on the Cities Review: one with Glasgow City Council; one with the local authorities neighbouring Glasgow, and one with the local authorities neighbouring Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159261,"EventID":"S1W-22680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20704 by Iain Gray on 28 January 2002, whether it will give details of any (a) private and (b) public meetings that have been held ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20704 by Iain Gray on 28 January 2002, whether it will give details of any (a) private and (b) public meetings that have been held with representatives of City of Edinburgh Council regarding the Cities Review.","AnswerText":"The Review Team have met privately with the City of Edinburgh Council on three occasions and ministers have met privately with the council on two occasions. Ministers also attended meetings with the City Partnership and with an invited audience of local interest at both of which the City Council was present.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159262,"EventID":"S1W-22681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times, and on what dates, the Scottish Textile Forum has met since January 2001; what specific items were discussed at each meeting and when it next intends to m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times, and on what dates, the Scottish Textile Forum has met since January 2001; what specific items were discussed at each meeting and when it next intends to meet.","AnswerText":"The full forum last met in January 2001. Since then the subcommittees have met at least three times each. The next meeting of the full forum is planned for 4 March 2002 at Cardonald College, Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159263,"EventID":"S1W-22682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sub-groups have been set up by the Scottish Textile Forum; how many times any such sub-groups have met and what specific items were discussed at any such meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sub-groups have been set up by the Scottish Textile Forum; how many times any such sub-groups have met and what specific items were discussed at any such meetings.","AnswerText":"Each of the four sub-groups (weaving, apparel, knitting & technical textiles) have met three times and discussed various issues, including training, recruitment, the industry image, branding and the setting up of initiatives to tackle these issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159264,"EventID":"S1W-22683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the Scottish Textile Forum since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the Scottish Textile Forum since its inception.","AnswerText":"Much progress has been made since the Scottish Textile Forum set up a three-year Action Plan in January 2001. So far the forum has developed several initiatives to tackle key issues including: recruitment into the sector, training in the workplace, branding/marketing assistance, and a project to ensure that good news stories on the industry are placed in the news media.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159265,"EventID":"S1W-22684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to attract more young people into the textile industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to attract more young people into the textile industry.","AnswerText":"Behind the Label is a programme to allow young people to get a better understanding of the textile sector. This has been operating successfully in the Borders for the last two years. Textile companies are also part of this year's Make it in Scotland extended pilot in Ayrshire, Glasgow and Angus which promotes manufacturing to S2 pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159266,"EventID":"S1W-22685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the textile champions announced on 12 June 2000 are still being utilised and, if they are, what functions or events in (a) Scotland and (b) abroad have been atte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the textile champions announced on 12 June 2000 are still being utilised and, if they are, what functions or events in (a) Scotland and (b) abroad have been attended by them since their inception.","AnswerText":"To date, two champions helped us at the launch of the Scottish Textiles Forum last year, and two have attended textile promotion functions at Dover House. Several of them have achieved positive press coverage about textiles.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159267,"EventID":"S1W-22686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing a generic labelling initiative for Scottish textiles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing a generic labelling initiative for Scottish textiles.","AnswerText":"This was discussed with the industry, but was seen as less important than other priorities, such as the industry's image, attracting young people into the industry and training issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159268,"EventID":"S1W-22687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Partnership Action for Continuing Employment has made in re-training workers from DAKS Simpson or placing them in alternative employment. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress Partnership Action for Continuing Employment has made in re-training workers from DAKS Simpson or placing them in alternative employment. ","AnswerText":"The 90-day consultation period has not yet expired, but much progress has already been made. The local PACE team have already put in place a number of initiatives, including:

Open days at the factory staffed by representatives of the Employment Service, Benefits Agency, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire Council Economic Development and Money Matters Advice team;

Presentations to the workforce by the PACE partnership;

Jobshop on-site at DAKS staffed by the Employment Service and Benefits Agency staff and including full access to the ES computerised vacancy system; and

Mini employer / training events on site.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159269,"EventID":"S1W-22688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent in helping workers from DAKS Simpson find other employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent in helping workers from DAKS Simpson find other employment.","AnswerText":"There is no separate monitoring or ring-fencing of expenditure by the various supporting agencies on a company basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159270,"EventID":"S1W-22689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which textile companies have (a) applied for and (b) been granted Regional Selective Assistance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which textile companies have (a) applied for and (b) been granted Regional Selective Assistance.","AnswerText":"It is not the department's practice to provide details of all grant applications received. However, details of all Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) offers involving grant of over £75,000 are published in the Office of National Statistics' quarterly Labour Market Trends after the first payment of grant has been made. This publication is held in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

Since 1 July 1999 the Scottish Executive has made 14 offers under the RSA and Invest for Growth schemes to companies in the textile sector. The assistance offered amounted to £4,706,400 and was in respect of projects planned to safeguard 719 and create 81 jobs.

Of the 14 offers referred to above, two companies, Stoddard International Plc and Peter Greig & Co Ltd, have received offers of RSA for amounts over £75,000 and have also been paid the first instalment of grant. Details of their grant offers have therefore been published.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159271,"EventID":"S1W-22690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of the work of the Manufacturing Image Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of the work of the Manufacturing Image Group.","AnswerText":"The Manufacturing Image Group identified that one way to ensure that manufacturing has a bright future in our economy is to encourage our young people to become involved. In view of this they recommended that a campaign targeted at S2 pupils was the way to show how diverse and interesting manufacturing is today. The campaign, Make it in Scotland was successfully piloted in East Ayrshire last year and has been extended to the whole of Ayrshire, Glasgow and Angus this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159272,"EventID":"S1W-22691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what feedback has been received from the pilot project in Ayrshire aimed at improving the image of textiles and what progress has been made on the development of this pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what feedback has been received from the pilot project in Ayrshire aimed at improving the image of textiles and what progress has been made on the development of this project.","AnswerText":"A pilot of the Make it in Scotland project to raise the image of manufacturing amongst S2 pupils was carried out in East Ayrshire last year. The experience gained last year has allowed the project to be extended this year to the whole of Ayrshire, Glasgow and Angus. Scottish textile companies are actively involved in this.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159273,"EventID":"S1W-22692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million aid package announced by Her Majesty's Government on 6 June 2000 has been spent in Scotland and on what it has been spent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million aid package announced by Her Majesty's Government on 6 June 2000 has been spent in Scotland and on what it has been spent.","AnswerText":"The amount announced by Stephen Byers and Margaret Hodge on 6 June 2000 was £15 million. This announcement also covered the initial 12-point action plan for the UK textiles and clothing industry. The action plan was issued in response to recommendations made by the Textile and Clothing Strategy Group in their document A National Strategy for Textiles and Clothing.

I understand that the UK Government has invested in capital investment, export support, technical development, research, skills development and training for the textile and clothing sector. However, a separate figure for expenditure in Scotland is not available, as it is not ring-fenced separately.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159274,"EventID":"S1W-22693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to support the wider community in Larkhall in light of the forthcoming closure of DAKS Simpson.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to support the wider community in Larkhall in light of the forthcoming closure of DAKS Simpson.","AnswerText":"This is an issue for South Lanarkshire Council in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire. However, the Executive is providing funding of £16 million to deliver the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link, which includes a new station in Larkhall.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159275,"EventID":"S1W-22694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secure accommodation units for young people there currently are, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secure accommodation units for young people there currently are, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of Scotland's secure accommodation units, the number of places within them and where they are located.

Secure Accommodation for Children in Scotland, 2001:

Secure Unit

Managing Council/Organisation

Secure Places

Rossie School

Montrose

ANGUS DD10 9TW

Independent

25

St Mary's Kenmure

Bishopbriggs

GLASGOW G64 2EH

Independent

30

Kerelaw School

Kerelaw Road

STEVENSTON

Ayrshire KA20 4JY

Glasgow

24

Howdenhall

39 Howdenhall Road

EDINBURGH

EH16 6TY

Edinburgh

5

St Katherine's Centre - Guthrie Unit

29B Balmwell Terrace

EDINBURGH

EH16 6PS

Edinburgh

7

(inc 1 emergency bed)

The Elms Secure Unit

Elm Court

317 South Road DUNDEE

Dundee

4

(incl 1 emergency bed)

 

Total

95

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159276,"EventID":"S1W-22695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in each of the past three years the actions of directors of social services did not conform to the recommendations made by children's panels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in each of the past three years the actions of directors of social services did not conform to the recommendations made by children's panels.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

It is the statutory responsibility of the local authority to give effect to supervision requirements made by children's hearings. If they are unable to do so, then they should bring the case back to the hearing for review.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159277,"EventID":"S1W-22696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate has been made of the number of additional disposals which could be made available if the age of criminal responsibility was altered as set out in the recent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate has been made of the number of additional disposals which could be made available if the age of criminal responsibility was altered as set out in the recent report of the Scottish Law Commission Age of Criminal Responsibility.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the Scottish Law Commission's recommendations would not lead to any significant difference in the number of children dealt with by the children's hearings system. The recommendations would prevent prosecution of children aged eight to 11 inclusive in the criminal courts, but the Commission's report showed that there were only 11 such prosecutions between 1994 and 1999. There are no recommendations in the report to change the disposals available to the courts in dealing with offenders or the measures available to the children's hearings to deal with children referred on offence grounds.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159278,"EventID":"S1W-22697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4475 by Iain Gray on 24 January 2002, what options it is currently considering to access more detailed information about the preval","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4475 by Iain Gray on 24 January 2002, what options it is currently considering to access more detailed information about the prevalence of ethnic community languages and when it will have new arrangements in place for this purpose.","AnswerText":"The Executive is working with a number of partner organisations to develop a clearer picture of community language use across Scotland as well as considering possible specific research or surveys. This is continuing work and there is currently no fixed timetable for its completion.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159279,"EventID":"S1W-22698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a pilot scheme, similar to the one in England, whereby speed cameras are painted yellow to make them more visible to motorists there","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a pilot scheme, similar to the one in England, whereby speed cameras are painted yellow to make them more visible to motorists thereby encouraging them to reduce their speed. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive agrees with the proposals to make speed cameras more conspicuous. Discussions are taking place with the police and other interested parties to determine how best this should be done.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159280,"EventID":"S1W-22699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost will be to the NHS in 2002-03 of the increased rates of employers' National Insurance Contributions. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost will be to the NHS in 2002-03 of the increased rates of employers' National Insurance Contributions. ","AnswerText":"The actual cost of employer's National Insurance Contributions is dependent on the staff mix within each NHS board. The overall costs are not held centrally but will be available from each NHS board.

The cost of employer's National Insurance Contributions will be met from NHS board's unified budgets which are to increase by 7.2% on average in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159281,"EventID":"S1W-22700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs will be to local authorities in 2002-03 of the increased rates of employers' National Insurance Contributions. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs will be to local authorities in 2002-03 of the increased rates of employers' National Insurance Contributions. ","AnswerText":"We do not make separate estimates for the wide range of individual factors that might impact on local authority expenditure levels. The actual costs of National Insurance Contributions by local authority employers will depend, in part, on local policy choices about staffing levels, etc.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159282,"EventID":"S1W-22701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities on limiting damage and nuisance caused by seagulls. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities on limiting damage and nuisance caused by seagulls. ","AnswerText":"The last meeting with local authority representatives to discuss this subject took place in September 2000. Policy in relation to problems caused by gulls is clear and well-established.

Where a threat to public health or public safety exists, local authorities already have discretionary powers (under general licence SEGEN/10) to control herring gulls and greater and lesser black-backed gulls. In addition, action can be taken by local authorities to limit the availability of food in urban areas and to reduce the attractiveness of potential nesting and roosting sites.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159283,"EventID":"S1W-22702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it made to the Moffat Hills Wild Goat Framework Plan. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it made to the Moffat Hills Wild Goat Framework Plan. ","AnswerText":"The Executive was not involved in the Moffat Hills Wild Goat Framework Plan, which was prepared by Scottish Natural Heritage.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159284,"EventID":"S1W-22703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what ferry service arrangements for passengers, freight and livestock between Orkney and Shetland and the mainland will be in place between 1 March and 1 October 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what ferry service arrangements for passengers, freight and livestock between Orkney and Shetland and the mainland will be in place between 1 March and 1 October 2002. ","AnswerText":"P&O Scottish Ferries have stated publicly their willingness to continue operating the existing service for the extension period from 1 April to 30 September 2002 and I welcome that commitment.

We have had extensive discussions with P&O Scottish Ferries on the full range of issues relating to the proposed contract extension. These talks are continuing and both parties recognise the need to clarify the remaining outstanding points as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159285,"EventID":"S1W-22704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new system of cassettes for the transport of livestock will be operational following its #100,000 grant to NorthLink Ferries Ltd. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the new system of cassettes for the transport of livestock will be operational following its #100,000 grant to NorthLink Ferries Ltd. ","AnswerText":"The grant that has been provided will enable NorthLink to finalise the design of the cassette system. NorthLink is currently developing proposals for the purchase and operation of cassettes involving a third party, including arrangements for the lease of cassettes to other operators wishing to use them to carry livestock.

Subject to the completion of all relevant preparations, I understand that NorthLink expects to have the cassettes operational from September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159286,"EventID":"S1W-22705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has for the transport of livestock between Orkney and Shetland and the mainland, if the proposed cassette system is not operational by 1 October","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has for the transport of livestock between Orkney and Shetland and the mainland, if the proposed cassette system is not operational by 1 October 2002. ","AnswerText":"We share the livestock industry's interest in contingency plans. We plan to work with NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Limited, the local authorities and farming interests to ensure that adequate fallback arrangements are in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159287,"EventID":"S1W-22706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-22106 by Sir David Steel on 4 February 2002, who the contractor is who has been appointed to supply and install the bay window eleme","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-22106 by Sir David Steel on 4 February 2002, who the contractor is who has been appointed to supply and install the bay window element of the MSP building at the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that Baydale Architectural Systems Ltd is the contractor appointed to supply and install the bay window element of the MSP building.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159288,"EventID":"S1W-22707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre details of the specification of the windows to be fitted in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre details of the specification of the windows to be fitted in the new Parliament building at Holyrood and whether any independent testing such as accelerated weathering testing will be carried out prior to work proceeding on their installation.","AnswerText":"Legal advice has indicated that the documents requested may form part of the productions in any litigation that may follow and therefore cannot be made available at this time. All suppliers have a duty to satisfy the client that their product is fit for purpose and the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that weather testing will be carried out by the appointed contractor and the results made available thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159289,"EventID":"S1W-22708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-22107 on 4 February 2002, whether Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd provided all of the design services which they were under","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-22107 on 4 February 2002, whether Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd provided all of the design services which they were under contractual obligation to provide.","AnswerText":"I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress that Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd had not completed all of the design services required under contract prior to the company's insolvency.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159290,"EventID":"S1W-22709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Postal Services Commission in order to ensure the continued availability of pos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Postal Services Commission in order to ensure the continued availability of postal services in rural areas in light of the commission's proposals for opening the market for postal services.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters.

The Scottish Executive recognises the importance of the availability of postal services across Scotland. It is in regular contact with the Department of Trade & Industry and the Postal Services Commission on a range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159291,"EventID":"S1W-22710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses received to its consultation on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill expressed an opinion relating to section 9(2)(a) of the bill and, of these, how many (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses received to its consultation on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill expressed an opinion relating to section 9(2)(a) of the bill and, of these, how many (a) supported and (b) opposed the inclusion of this provision in the bill.","AnswerText":"The provision set out in section 9(2)(a) of the bill did not form part of the consultation draft of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The decision to include section 9(2)(a) was taken in response to arguments advanced by 151 respondents to the consultation on the draft bill, who considered that access rights should not extend to commercial activities. There were four respondents who were in support of commercial activities being included in access rights.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159292,"EventID":"S1W-22711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek payment of agrimonetary compensation for the sheep sector; whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government that such compensation sh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek payment of agrimonetary compensation for the sheep sector; whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government that such compensation should be made available, and how much agrimonetary compensation is estimated to be available on application by Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"The European Commission have yet to confirm whether there is any agrimonetary compensation available to the sheep sector. Although this aid relates to the second and third stages of compensation paid last year, the EU agrimonetary rules provide for these later payments to be reduced or cancelled if the market prices and exchange rates have since moved in a direction which ameliorates the situation which led to the initial compensation. We will not know for some months what the commission assessment will be. When we do find out how much, if any, agrimonetary aid is available we will carefully consider the case for payment and make the appropriate representations to Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159293,"EventID":"S1W-22712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for (a) extraction of wisdom teeth and (b) hernia operations in the NHS Forth Valley area and what the average waiting times we","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for (a) extraction of wisdom teeth and (b) hernia operations in the NHS Forth Valley area and what the average waiting times were for each in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"Patients requiring the extraction of wisdom teeth can be treated by a General Dental Practitioner or as a hospital outpatient or in-patient/day case. Information on waiting times for specific treatment carried out by General Dental Practitioners or at hospital outpatient clinics is not collected centrally.

Information is collected centrally on the time between a patient being placed on the in-patient and day case waiting list and their admission to hospital for treatment. The median waiting times for the extraction of wisdom teeth and for hernia repair operations for NHS Forth Valley residents, for the years ending 30 September 2000 and 2001 are shown in the table.

NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times For In-patient/Day Case Treatment For The Extraction Of Wisdom Teeth And For Hernia Repair Operations, For NHS Forth Valley Residents: Years Ending 30 September 2000 and 2001P.

Years Ending

Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

Median Wait (Days)

Hernia Repair

Median Wait (Days)

30 September 2000

103

100

30 September 2001p

67p

138p

Source: ISD Scotland (SMR01).

P Provisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159294,"EventID":"S1W-22713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently any requirement for Scene of Crime Officers to photograph a fingerprint on the surface on which it has been found and what safeguards are in p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently any requirement for Scene of Crime Officers to photograph a fingerprint on the surface on which it has been found and what safeguards are in place to ensure probity and continuity in the treatment of fingerprint lifts.","AnswerText":"In dealing with fingerprints at a crime scene the presumption is that any marks discovered may be evidential and must be treated accordingly. All actions involving the processing of fingerprint lifts and impressions must therefore be fully documented and audited and Scenes of Crime Officers must be in a position to be able to recall the precise location of any mark found. Current practice allows this to be done by making contemporaneous notes, a sketch or photograph of the location.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159295,"EventID":"S1W-22714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to verify the location of a fingerprint in cases where there is a dispute over the provenance of a fingerprint lift.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to verify the location of a fingerprint in cases where there is a dispute over the provenance of a fingerprint lift.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22713.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159296,"EventID":"S1W-22715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been received from toll charges on the Erskine Bridge in each year since its construction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been received from toll charges on the Erskine Bridge in each year since its construction.","AnswerText":"The information is set out in the following table:

Year

Tolls (£)

1971-72

194,775

1972-73

312,273

1973-74

359,570

1974-75

380,557

1975-76

417,495

1976-77

471,743

1977-78

524,666

1978-79

583,760

1979-80

525,059

1980-81

679,171

1981-82

843,467

1982-83

1,194,705

1983-84

1,257,592

1984-85

1,373,882

1985-86

1,394,421

1986-87

1,506,547

1987-88

1,627,605

In the years ending 30 September 2000 and 30 September 2001, the number of NHS Argyll and Clyde residents who waited longer than 15 weeks for a first outpatient appointment with a Consultant, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner or General Dental Practitioner were 13,494 and 13,290 respectively. These represent 16.1% and 17.5% of the total number of NHS Argyll and Clyde residents who attended a first outpatient consultant clinic, following such a referral, during these periods.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159300,"EventID":"S1W-22719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) residential and (b) nursing care homes were (i) opened and (ii) closed in the Renfrewshire local authority area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) residential and (b) nursing care homes were (i) opened and (ii) closed in the Renfrewshire local authority area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"In the Renfrewshire local authority area, (a) (i) two Residential Care Homes opened in 1999; and (ii) one home closed in 2001. (b) Information on openings and closures of Nursing Care Homes is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159301,"EventID":"S1W-22720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual expenditure was on the employment of doctors, nurses and midwives hired from the private sector in order to provide NHS services in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual expenditure was on the employment of doctors, nurses and midwives hired from the private sector in order to provide NHS services in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Information on expenditure on the employment of doctors, nurses, and midwives hired from the private sector is not held centrally by the Scottish Executive Health Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159302,"EventID":"S1W-22721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the Strategic Rail Authority concerning overcrowding on ScotRail services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the Strategic Rail Authority concerning overcrowding on ScotRail services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Strategic Rail Authority on a wide range of issues including overcrowding on ScotRail services.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159303,"EventID":"S1W-22722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to extend eligibility for free school meals and clothing grants to claimants of the Disability Living Allowance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to extend eligibility for free school meals and clothing grants to claimants of the Disability Living Allowance.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159304,"EventID":"S1W-22723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to extend eligibility under the Central Heating Installation Programme to householders in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to extend eligibility under the Central Heating Installation Programme to householders in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance.","AnswerText":"We have said that if resources became available we will consider which other vulnerable groups should benefit from the programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159305,"EventID":"S1W-22724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timetable has been set for the implementation of the Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime announced by the First Minister on 28 January 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timetable has been set for the implementation of the Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime announced by the First Minister on 28 January 2002.","AnswerText":"The Action Programme to reduce youth crime 2002 contains 24 action points and work to implement these is under way or in development. We will report on progress by the end of 2002, by which time we expect to have made significant progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159306,"EventID":"S1W-22725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21663 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, how many of the 253,952 people who held Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) at 7 Jan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21663 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, how many of the 253,952 people who held Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) at 7 January 2002 have been compensated for any loss associated with the closure of the ILA scheme.","AnswerText":"There is no provision under the terms of the Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) scheme to make compensation payments. However, closure of the scheme should not result in a loss to any ILA member. Commitments given to those who had enrolled for learning by the closure date and who had started their learning by 31 January will be honoured.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159307,"EventID":"S1W-22726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21664 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, what advice is being given to those holding Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) who ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21664 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, what advice is being given to those holding Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) who had not enrolled in learning before the end of January 2002, following the closure of the ILA scheme.","AnswerText":"Individual Learning Account (ILA) members who had not enrolled in learning before the scheme's closure and who had not started their learning by 31 January cannot now access ILA-discounted learning. However, any learner whose learning was booked on the ILA Centre computer system before its suspension on 23 November will still be able to access ILA funds, irrespective of the date on which they start their learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159308,"EventID":"S1W-22727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21665 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, how many potential learners may be lost in each month during the interim period bet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21665 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, how many potential learners may be lost in each month during the interim period between the closure of the Individual Learning Accounts scheme and the launch of a replacement scheme.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to quantify this figure on a monthly basis. In total over 215,000 Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) were opened in 2001 and over 108,000 activated. The number of learners taking up learning, with or without an ILA grant, would be expected to vary from year to year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159309,"EventID":"S1W-22728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the expert panel on school meals will give to the principles of the School Meals (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the expert panel on school meals will give to the principles of the School Meals (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20232 on 17 December 2001, which set out the remit of the expert panel.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159310,"EventID":"S1W-22729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources will be allocated to police forces to reduce bureaucracy in fighting crime following the announcement by the First Minister on 24 January 2002 on this issu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources will be allocated to police forces to reduce bureaucracy in fighting crime following the announcement by the First Minister on 24 January 2002 on this issue.","AnswerText":"We have already said that we are aiming to make better use of technology and civilian staff as well as cutting paperwork. The drive to reduce bureaucracy is being taken forward on a range of fronts including, for example, the review of common police services; through the implementation of best value principles; through provisions in the forthcoming legislation and in other ways to release more police officers for front line work; and through investment in better information and communications technology.

These measures are just part of the wide-ranging reform agenda for the police in Scotland which we are taking forward in partnership with police authorities and police associations.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159311,"EventID":"S1W-22730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20232 by Nicol Stephen on 17 December 2001, how much money was allocated to making improvements in the school meals system in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20232 by Nicol Stephen on 17 December 2001, how much money was allocated to making improvements in the school meals system in each year since 1998-99 and how much will be allocated in each of the next five years.","AnswerText":"Resources to support provision of school meals are part of the unhypothecated funding made available to authorities in support of local services including school education. Information in the form requested is, therefore, not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159312,"EventID":"S1W-22731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20235 by Nicol Stephen on 17 December 2001, what plans it has to expand the Glasgow City Council and Greater Glasgow NHS Board Frui","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20235 by Nicol Stephen on 17 December 2001, what plans it has to expand the Glasgow City Council and Greater Glasgow NHS Board Fruit Plus initiative to all pre-school and primary school children across Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The NHS in Scotland provides the conduit for the bulk of the £26 million per annum Health Improvement Fund resources, which includes priorities to improve the diet of children through supporting the provision of fruit in pre-school settings and breakfast clubs and fruit/salad bars in school settings. NHS boards have received their allocations and notification of the priority topics and it is for boards, in partnership with other local interests, to determine how best to meet local needs to improve community health in their local areas.

I look forward to receiving the evaluation report from the pilot Fruit Plus initiative in Glasgow, which is partly funded through the Health Improvement Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159313,"EventID":"S1W-22732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-202901 by Malcolm Chisholm on 27 December 2001, what impact the (a) new ultrasound scanner, (b) CT scanner and (c) refurbished x-ra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-202901 by Malcolm Chisholm on 27 December 2001, what impact the (a) new ultrasound scanner, (b) CT scanner and (c) refurbished x-ray facilities have had on waiting times at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.","AnswerText":"The trust acknowledges that at present waiting times for imaging remain higher than is acceptable. However, it believes that this financial year will see significant improvements through the investment in equipment and the recruitment of additional radiographers and radiologists. In the run up to these developments having a positive and sustainable impact on waiting times, the trust has put in place additional imaging sessions in the evening at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159314,"EventID":"S1W-22733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the completion of the second phase of the replacement of the Beatson Oncology Centre with a new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the completion of the second phase of the replacement of the Beatson Oncology Centre with a new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","AnswerText":"I approved the outline business case for the proposed new West of Scotland Cancer Centre at Gartnavel Hospital on 29 January. Detailed planning for the new centre, including the timetable for the project, services to be provided, numbers of patients capable of being treated and the workforce required to deliver services, are matters which are being taken forward by NHS Greater Glasgow and will be reflected in the full business case.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159315,"EventID":"S1W-22734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the replacement of the Beatson Oncology Centre with a new cancer centre at Gartnavel will have on on-going patient care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the replacement of the Beatson Oncology Centre with a new cancer centre at Gartnavel will have on on-going patient care.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159316,"EventID":"S1W-22735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the first patient to be treated at the new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the first patient to be treated at the new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159317,"EventID":"S1W-22736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the last patient to be treated at the Beatson Oncology Centre before services are transferred to the new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the last patient to be treated at the Beatson Oncology Centre before services are transferred to the new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159318,"EventID":"S1W-22737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are currently employed at the Beatson Oncology Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are currently employed at the Beatson Oncology Centre.","AnswerText":"Staffing information below trust level is not available centrally but will be held by local NHS management. Contact details for NHS management personnel are available on: www.show.scot.nhs.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159319,"EventID":"S1W-22738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff will be employed at the new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff will be employed at the new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159320,"EventID":"S1W-22739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients can currently be treated at the Beatson Oncology Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients can currently be treated at the Beatson Oncology Centre.","AnswerText":"As with all cancer centres, the numbers of patients treated at the Beatson Oncology Centre depend on the numbers of new patients referred and the pattern and disposition of in-patient and out-patient services. Out-patient facilities are delivered both at the Beatson and at outreach clinics across the West of Scotland. Chemotherapy treatment is often delivered at local hospitals and clinics so that patients are treated as close to home as possible.

During the year ending 30 September 2001 the following in-patient and day case episodes and out-patient attendances were recorded at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, for clinical and medical oncology. The Beatson Oncology Centre is sited within the Western Infirmary.

In-Patient Episodes1

Day Case episodes

Out-Patient Attendances

Clinical Oncology

5,234

6,476

14,238

Medical Oncology

2,265

3,794

8,965

Total

7,499

10,270

23,203

Notes:

1. Includes in-patient discharges and transfers out.

2. Provisional data provided by ISD Scotland.

3. Some of these episodes and out-patient attendances will relate to multiple treatments/attendances of individual patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159321,"EventID":"S1W-22740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients will be able to be treated at the new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients will be able to be treated at the new cancer centre at Gartnavel.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22733.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159322,"EventID":"S1W-22741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13284 by Sarah Boyack on 23 March 2001, whether it or its agents now record the number of times on which powers under the Roads (Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13284 by Sarah Boyack on 23 March 2001, whether it or its agents now record the number of times on which powers under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 are invoked.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not record this information. However, the trunk road operating companies are required to maintain records of the times that they undertake delegated functions under the powers of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159323,"EventID":"S1W-22742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many formal patient transfers from general practitioner lists there were in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many formal patient transfers from general practitioner lists there were in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. On behalf of Island NHS Boards and Primary Care Trusts, the Practitioner Services Division of the Common Services Agency prepares and maintains lists of the patients for whose treatment each general practitioner is responsible.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159324,"EventID":"S1W-22743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the practice of informal patient transfers from general practitioner lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the practice of informal patient transfers from general practitioner lists.","AnswerText":"None. Movement of patients from the patient list of a general practitioner to that of another general practitioner is governed by statutory arrangements. Patients who wish to take advantage of general medical services under the National Health Service should apply to a general practitioner for inclusion on his or her list or should apply to the local island NHS Board of Primary Care Trust for assignment.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159325,"EventID":"S1W-22744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21977 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 January 2002, which organisations and other interested parties were consulted concerning the recruitm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21977 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 January 2002, which organisations and other interested parties were consulted concerning the recruitment and selection of members of the Judicial Appointments Board.","AnswerText":"The recruitment exercise is being carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. A panel, including an independent assessor is currently undertaking a selection process and in due course will provide ministers with a list of recommendations. The Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates have been consulted about professional members.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159326,"EventID":"S1W-22745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21977 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 January 2002, in which publications advertisements were placed for members of the Judicial Appointmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21977 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 January 2002, in which publications advertisements were placed for members of the Judicial Appointments Board.","AnswerText":"The advertisement for the chair and lay members was placed in the Scotsman and the Herald. It attracted 119 firm applications. An advertisement for professional members was placed in the Scots Law Times.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159327,"EventID":"S1W-22746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce an implementation and monitoring plan in respect of the guidance on the administration of medicines in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce an implementation and monitoring plan in respect of the guidance on the administration of medicines in schools.","AnswerText":"The guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Schools emphasises that it is for NHS boards to ensure that appropriate agreements are in place with education authorities in relation to the administration of medicines in schools. The guidance was issued to NHS boards and education authorities approximately five months ago and the Scottish Executive plans to make enquiries on the progress that has been made at the sixth month point.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159328,"EventID":"S1W-22747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value was of prescriptions for drugs and devices to treat asthma in each of the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total value was of prescriptions for drugs and devices to treat asthma in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"The following figures are derived from the Prescription Cost Analysis system. They give the cost of NHS prescriptions for drugs and devices to treat asthma in sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the British National Formulary in the last five years for which figures are available. The cost is the cost of ingredients before deduction of discount and patient charges and addition of dispensing fees.

Year

Cost (£)

1996-97

50,892,763

1997-98

55,263,570

1998-99

58,545,599

1999-2000

61,318,783

2000-01

63,644,056

These data refer to prescriptions dispensed in the community and do not take into account any items dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159329,"EventID":"S1W-22748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the income was from prescription charges for drugs and devices to treat asthma in each of the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the income was from prescription charges for drugs and devices to treat asthma in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"The following figures are derived from the Prescription Cost Analysis system. They give the value of prescription charges collected for drugs and devices to treat asthma in sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the British National Formulary in the last five years for which figures are available.

Year

Prescription

Charges Collected

(£)

1996-97

1,914,303

1997-98

2,113,371

1998-99

2,341,077

1999-2000

2,739,813

2000-01

2,828,598

These data refer to prescriptions dispensed in the community and do not take into account any items dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159330,"EventID":"S1W-22749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a pilot programme to empower patients with chronic long-term medical conditions through self-management training like the Expert Patients ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a pilot programme to empower patients with chronic long-term medical conditions through self-management training like the Expert Patients Programme being introduced by the NHS in England.","AnswerText":"As Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change acknowledged, people who live and cope with chronic disease or long-term disability acquire a great deal of expertise and insight about their condition. Innovative Scottish programmes, such as Allies in Change and Partners in Policymaking, have shown that the expertise of patients can be put at the heart of service redesign. When these "expert patients" and health care professionals come together to plan and develop services, strong partnerships are created which lead to positive change in service culture and practice. Change that can only come about because of the depth of understanding which patients and users of services bring to the process.

We are building on the approach successfully demonstrated by these programmes by requiring every NHS board to set up at least one Partners in Change programme by April 2002. People with long-term health conditions are now involved in preparatory work on over 80 local Partners in Change programmes. Among these local schemes are some where people teach others with that condition how to manage it, in others patients provide training for staff on the benefits of self-management, or work with staff to plan a redesigned service. This work is confirming that people want support and recognition for the key role of those who support them, often their own family, or neighbours, helped by their GP practice. It is supporting the NHS adopt a "whole person" approach that supports the people it serves across the span of their needs.

There are also well organised, well-informed support groups for most chronic conditions. These groups possess a powerful and valuable insight into the spectrum of needs of people with enduring health problems. We are taking steps to ensure that these support groups are closely involved in service redesign and delivery at both a local and national level.

Patient Focus and Public Involvement, published in December of last year, reported on how this, and other work identified in the Involving People section of Our National Health, will be developed over the coming three years. Harnessing the expertise of patients is key to creating a patient-focussed NHS that exists for the patient and is designed to meet the needs and wishes of the individual receiving care and treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159331,"EventID":"S1W-22750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any sightseeing trips around Scotland were organised during Tony Gauci's visits; to what locations any such trips were made, and what the cost was of each such tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any sightseeing trips around Scotland were organised during Tony Gauci's visits; to what locations any such trips were made, and what the cost was of each such trip.","AnswerText":"It would be inappropriate to comment on matters relating to a witness in the Lockerbie case while the appeal is continuing.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159332,"EventID":"S1W-22751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates any visits to Scotland were made by Tony Gauci and what the cost was of facilitating any such visits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates any visits to Scotland were made by Tony Gauci and what the cost was of facilitating any such visits.","AnswerText":"It would be inappropriate to comment on matters relating to a witness in the Lockerbie case while the appeal is continuing.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159333,"EventID":"S1W-22752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions Tony Gauci was brought to Scotland by (a) the police or (b) the Crown Office. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions Tony Gauci was brought to Scotland by (a) the police or (b) the Crown Office. ","AnswerText":"It would be inappropriate to comment on matters relating to a witness in the Lockerbie case while the appeal is continuing.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159334,"EventID":"S1W-22753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18301 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 October 2001, how many offences there were in the Central Scotland Police force area involving the pos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18301 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 October 2001, how many offences there were in the Central Scotland Police force area involving the possession of knives in 2001 and how many homicides there were in the area involving the use of knives in (i) 2000 and (ii) 2001.","AnswerText":"Information on recorded crime in 2001 is not yet available.

There were no homicides involving the use of sharp instruments in Central Scotland police force area in 2000. Data for 2001 are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159335,"EventID":"S1W-22754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations nominated each applicant for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations nominated each applicant for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22755 on 25 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159336,"EventID":"S1W-22755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any organisations that responded to any request for nominations for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any organisations that responded to any request for nominations for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts.","AnswerText":"Although none of the organisations approached submitted nominations, we understand that individuals were notified that a competition to fill these vacancies was underway. The range of applicants in terms of their backgrounds and geographical locations indicate that a large constituency of people were alerted to these vacancies. The applicants who applied for the Independent Assessor posts did so on their own behalf.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159337,"EventID":"S1W-22756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a copy of any letter that it sent to organisations in order to request nominations for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a copy of any letter that it sent to organisations in order to request nominations for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts.","AnswerText":"The following is a copy of the letter issued on 27 June 2001:

Dear Sir/Madam

INDEPENDENT ASSESSOR POSTS TO OVERSEE THE PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS PROCESS IN SCOTLAND

I am writing to seek your assistance in identifying individuals who might be considered for appointment as Independent Assessors for Public Appointments. I am also writing in similar terms to a wide range of groups and organisations throughout Scotland seeking nominations for consideration for appointment (the list at Annex A refers). It is anticipated that up to 10 appointments will be made in total from across the diverse range of Scottish society.

The role of the Independent Assessor is to assist Scottish Ministers in the task of making effective public appointments that command public confidence and to provide an assurance that the appointment process has conformed with the principles and practices set out in the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Details of the 7 principles contained in the Commissioner's Code are attached at Annex B for ease of reference. In short, an Assessor has to be able to provide an assurance that appointments have been made on merit after fair, open and transparent process.

As you will be aware, in his statement to Parliament on proposed changes to public bodies and the public appointments system in Scotland on 21 June, the Minister for Finance and Local Government announced that in the future responsibility for the appointment and training of Independent Assessors would transfer to a new Scottish Commissioner for Public Appointments. However, until formal arrangements are in place to implement all the proposed changes we need to have sufficient numbers of Assessors in place to ensure that the current system continues to function.

Ten of the Executive's 25 Assessors are due to stand down on 30 June. Ministers have agreed that 10 new Assessors are needed to ensure that the appointments system continues to operate effectively during the period of transition ahead. The Executive is keen to ensure that these new appointments should reflect the diversity of modern Scottish society and that is why I would like to enlist your help in identifying possible candidates to carry out this role during the transition period. Thereafter it would be for the Scottish Commissioner to decide whether or not to retain the services of these Assessors.

I hope that you will be able to assist by providing names of potential candidates for these posts. If you would like further information, a job description, person specification and application form please contact:

The Scottish Executive

Public Appointments Unit

Room 318

16 Waterloo Place

EDINBURGH

EH1 3DN

Tele: 0131-244-4999, or, 0131-244-4996

Fax: 0131-244-5077

Email: public.appointments@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Website: www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicappoint

I look forward to hearing from you by 10 July 2001.

ANNEX A

INDEPENDENT ASSESSOR POSTS: LIST OF ORGANISATIONS CONSULTED

Aberdeen Women's Centre

African Caribbean Women's Association, Glasgow

African Women's Group, Aberdeen

Age Concern Scotland

Asian Action Group, Dundee

Association of Indian Organisations

BAHA'I Council for Scotland, Bridge of Weir

Black and Ethnic Minority Voluntary Network, Glasgow

Black Environment Network

Cabinet Office

CBI Scotland

Central Scotland Racial Equality Council

Centre for Managing Diversity - University of Paisley

Centre for Racial Equality in Scotland

Citizens Advice Scotland

Clackmannanshire Council

Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

Council of British Pakistanis (Scotland)

Dennis Canovan MSP

Disability Rights Commission

Disability Service Team - Edinburgh and South East Scotland

Disability Service Team - Highlands, Islands and Grampians

Disability Service Team, Central Scotland

Disability Scotl","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159338,"EventID":"S1W-22757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any details of each organisation to which it wrote in order to request nominations for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any details of each organisation to which it wrote in order to request nominations for the 12 new Independent Assessor posts. ","AnswerText":"I refer to the member to the answer given to question S1W-22756.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159339,"EventID":"S1W-22758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many audiologists are currently employed by the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many audiologists are currently employed by the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The latest information available from ISD Scotland shows no medical staff employed by North Glasgow University Hospitals Trust in the specialty of audiological medicine as at 30 September 2000. This is a relatively recent addition to the specialty list and it may be that staff recorded in other ways were carrying out audiological services. Local NHS management will hold information on the current position. Contact details for NHS management personnel are available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159340,"EventID":"S1W-22759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the audiologists currently employed by the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust have been trained in (a) the diagnosis of patients' suitability for di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the audiologists currently employed by the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust have been trained in (a) the diagnosis of patients' suitability for digital hearing aids, and (b) the fitting of digital hearing aids.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22758 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159341,"EventID":"S1W-22760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the equipment used by North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust to assess patients' requirements in terms of hearing aids is suitable for carrying out assessme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the equipment used by North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust to assess patients' requirements in terms of hearing aids is suitable for carrying out assessments for suitability for digital hearing aids.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and should be obtained from North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159342,"EventID":"S1W-22761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the makes and model numbers are of the nine types of digital hearing aid available to NHS patients and whether these are the most up-to-date models made by the relev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the makes and model numbers are of the nine types of digital hearing aid available to NHS patients and whether these are the most up-to-date models made by the relevant companies.","AnswerText":"The 17 digital hearing aids, which will be available to NHSScotland on renewal of the central contract on 1 April, are as follows:

Code

Supplier

DIGITRIM

A & M Hearing Ltd

SELECTRA

A & M Hearing Ltd

NEWTONE 001

G N Resound

NEWTONE 002

G N Resound

D61-10

Lavis Medical Systems

D61-20

Lavis Medical Systems

D61-40

Lavis Medical Systems

D71-10 P2

Lavis Medical Systems

D71-10S P2

Lavis Medical Systems

D71-20 P2

Lavis Medical Systems

D71-40 P2

Lavis Medical Systems

D71-40S P2

Lavis Medical Systems

WIDEX BRAVO B1

P C Werth Ltd

WIDEX BRAVO B2

P C Werth Ltd

WIDEX SENSO P37

P C Werth Ltd

AERO BTE

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159343,"EventID":"S1W-22762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the recent consultation exercise carried out by the Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust into the siting of its proposed new secure care unit. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the recent consultation exercise carried out by the Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust into the siting of its proposed new secure care unit. ","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally as it is a matter for Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159344,"EventID":"S1W-22763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the rebuilding and extension of Lanark Sheriff Court, including the cost of any temporary accommodation used during building works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the rebuilding and extension of Lanark Sheriff Court, including the cost of any temporary accommodation used during building works.","AnswerText":"Presently the proposed redevelopment is at scheme design stage and as such, the anticipated costs are under review. The costs associated with the temporary outhousing accommodation are, however, contractually committed.

The anticipated cost of the proposed redevelopment is in the region of £3,000,000. The cost of the temporary accommodation, including fees, lease, construction costs, is estimated at £297,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159345,"EventID":"S1W-22764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new facilities will be available at the renovated Lanark Sheriff Court that were not available prior to commencement of the renovation works and who requested that a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new facilities will be available at the renovated Lanark Sheriff Court that were not available prior to commencement of the renovation works and who requested that any such facilities be provided.","AnswerText":"The renovated facilities will provide a courtroom to replace the courtroom currently housed in a porta-cabin at the rear of the building. It will upgrade the custody suite, improve access to the building, including disabled access, and generally upgrade the internal accommodation.

The decision to refurbish Lanark Sheriff Court was made on an assessment of the business needs of the courthouse.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159346,"EventID":"S1W-22765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21028 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 January 2002, whether any of its representatives led on topics of major interest to Scotland at meeti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21028 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 January 2002, whether any of its representatives led on topics of major interest to Scotland at meetings of the EU Council before 8 June 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21028 on 28 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159347,"EventID":"S1W-22766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21028 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 January 2002, which topics each of the ministers spoke to when they led the UK delegation at the EU C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21028 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 January 2002, which topics each of the ministers spoke to when they led the UK delegation at the EU Council of Ministers on 8 June 2000, 12 February 2001 and 4 June 2001.","AnswerText":"The detail of exchanges within EU Council of Ministers meetings is confidential. The agenda and conclusions of the relevant meetings are available on the Europa website, www.europa.eu.int.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159348,"EventID":"S1W-22767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21846 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 January 2002, which elected representatives briefed the UK delegation to the EU Health Council meet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21846 by Malcolm Chisholm on 29 January 2002, which elected representatives briefed the UK delegation to the EU Health Council meeting in Brussels on 15 November 2001 in relation to matters of interest to Scotland.","AnswerText":"Specific discussions between the UK Government and the Scottish Executive are conducted on a confidential basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159349,"EventID":"S1W-22768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uniformed police (a) Establishmentlishment and (b) strength was and how many police probationers there were in each police force in each year from 1991 to 2001. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uniformed police (a) Establishmentlishment and (b) strength was and how many police probationers there were in each police force in each year from 1991 to 2001. ","AnswerText":"The available information is shown in the following table. Information on probationers is not held centrally.

Establishmentlishment and Strength by Force

As at:

Central

Dumfries & Galloway

Fife

 

Establishment

Strength

Establishment

Strength

Establishment

Strength

31-3-91

638

638

361

360

780

756

31-3-92

643

645

384

385

780

790

31-3-93

650

653

384

385

780

790

31-3-94

650

658

384

386

780

791

31-3-95

652

A1 (Old Craighall to east of Haddington)

A720 Edinburgh City Bypass (Old Craighall to East of Hermiston)

A80 (Junction 4 of M80 to Old Inns Junction at Cumbernauld)

Litter clearance is carried out by the operating companies on these routes and on motorways.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159351,"EventID":"S1W-22770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5266/2002 of 31 January 2002, whether it has any plans to invest in projects similar to the Healthy Respect project that aid efforts to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5266/2002 of 31 January 2002, whether it has any plans to invest in projects similar to the Healthy Respect project that aid efforts to promote sexual health, prevent unwanted teenage pregnancies and reduce sexually-transmitted infections. ","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans for any project similar to Healthy Respect. We keep the need for new initiatives under continuing review.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159352,"EventID":"S1W-22771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions are taking place with local authorities and bus operators in the areas covered by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority regarding the introducti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions are taking place with local authorities and bus operators in the areas covered by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority regarding the introduction of free concessionary fares for pensioners on bus services from October 2002 and what progress is being made in such discussions.","AnswerText":"The Executive has met with COSLA and many individual authorities to discuss the introduction of free local off-peak bus travel from October 2002, and there is an agreement in place to do so on a voluntary basis by enhancing existing concessionary travel schemes. In addition, the Executive established an Implementation Working Group, comprising representation from COSLA, ATCO, SPT and the bus industry, to take forward consideration of the many detailed issues associated with the introduction of these enhancements. It is for concessionary scheme managers to enter into detailed discussions with the bus industry at a local level in order to vary existing schemes to take account of these enhancements, and I understand that SPT as administrators of the joint Strathclyde scheme have begun such discussions.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159353,"EventID":"S1W-22772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing arrangements for concessionary fares on rail, underground and ferry services in the areas covered by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing arrangements for concessionary fares on rail, underground and ferry services in the areas covered by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority will continue to apply after October 2002 when the new concessionary scheme is due to be introduced.","AnswerText":"The Executive has reached agreement with COSLA and the local authorities to enhance existing concessionary travel schemes from October 2002 so as to provide free local off-peak bus travel for elderly and disabled people. The Executive is encouraging local authorities to consider whether the principle of free travel should be extended to local ferries, to ensure that elderly and disabled island residents have access to their nearest administrative centres. However, final decisions on whether to extend this enhancement to other modes in the Strathclyde area are a matter for the Strathclyde Joint Concessionary Travel Scheme Committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159354,"EventID":"S1W-22773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing arrangements which allow pensioners to travel up to 10 miles at concessionary rates even where this involves crossing local authority boundaries in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing arrangements which allow pensioners to travel up to 10 miles at concessionary rates even where this involves crossing local authority boundaries in the areas covered by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority will continue to apply after October 2002 when the new concessionary scheme is due to be introduced.","AnswerText":"The Executive has reached agreement with COSLA and the local authorities to enhance existing concessionary travel schemes, from October 2002, so as to provide free local off-peak bus travel for elderly and disabled people. Eligible residents of the twelve authorities which comprise the Strathclyde Joint Concessionary Travel Scheme area will therefore be able to travel free of charge anywhere within that area on local bus services.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159355,"EventID":"S1W-22774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence of homeless people being moved from Edinburgh to Glasgow by (a) City of Edinburgh Council or (b) the police and, if so, how many have been m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence of homeless people being moved from Edinburgh to Glasgow by (a) City of Edinburgh Council or (b) the police and, if so, how many have been moved in each year since 1999 broken down by (a) and (b).","AnswerText":"A local authority may refer a homeless applicant to another authority if the applicant (a) has no local connection with the authority to whom he/she has applied, (b) has a local connection with the other authority and (c) will not be at risk of domestic violence in the other local authority area. I understand that, of the 4,410 homelessness applications received in Edinburgh in 2000-01, nine were referred to another local authority, but none were referred to Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159356,"EventID":"S1W-22775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) timetabled and (b) average actual rail journey time between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh was in (i) 1961, (ii) 1971, (iii) 1981, (iv) 1991 and (v) 2001","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) timetabled and (b) average actual rail journey time between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh was in (i) 1961, (ii) 1971, (iii) 1981, (iv) 1991 and (v) 2001.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159357,"EventID":"S1W-22776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dynamic loops there are on the rail line between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk and whether any additional loops would be required to permit significant impro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dynamic loops there are on the rail line between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk and whether any additional loops would be required to permit significant improvements in the journey times through the introduction of non-stop or very limited stop trains on that route.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. This is an operational matter for Railtrack.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159358,"EventID":"S1W-22777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow would take using existing rolling stock if trains did not stop between Haymarket and Glasgow Queen Street stations and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long the journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow would take using existing rolling stock if trains did not stop between Haymarket and Glasgow Queen Street stations and if the trains operated at their maximum permitted safe speeds.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. This is an operational matter for ScotRail.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159359,"EventID":"S1W-22778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of stops presently made by trains operating between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk is consistent with the route's categorisation as an inter-city se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of stops presently made by trains operating between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk is consistent with the route's categorisation as an inter-city service.","AnswerText":"The calling pattern on any railway route is a commercial matter for the train operating company within the context of its contracted Passenger Service Requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159360,"EventID":"S1W-22779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what technical steps would be required to introduce a non-stop or very limited stop service between Glasgow and Edinburgh on the line via (a) Falkirk and (b) Shotts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what technical steps would be required to introduce a non-stop or very limited stop service between Glasgow and Edinburgh on the line via (a) Falkirk and (b) Shotts.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. This is an operational matter for Railtrack.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159361,"EventID":"S1W-22780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the facilities available in council and independent care homes will be adequate to meet the needs of all elderly people assessed as being entitled to free persona","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the facilities available in council and independent care homes will be adequate to meet the needs of all elderly people assessed as being entitled to free personal care on 1 July 2002.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for arranging the provision of care to meet the needs of their local populations. The Executive has made substantial new resources available to implement free personal care from 1 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159362,"EventID":"S1W-22781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all elderly people requiring an assessment for eligibility to free personal care in their own homes or in a residential setting will be guaranteed an assessment b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all elderly people requiring an assessment for eligibility to free personal care in their own homes or in a residential setting will be guaranteed an assessment before 1 July 2002.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the assessment of an individual's care needs lies with local authorities. The Implementation Steering Group, set up to advise the Executive on the technical and practical issues, is working closely with local authorities and others to ensure effective implementation of free personal care from 1 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159363,"EventID":"S1W-22782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient resources and staff will be in place in order to ensure that free personal care will be available by 1 July 2002 to all those who are eligible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient resources and staff will be in place in order to ensure that free personal care will be available by 1 July 2002 to all those who are eligible.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made £250 million available over the next two financial years to fund in full the implementation of free personal and nursing care from 1 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159364,"EventID":"S1W-22783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all accident and emergency departments in the NHS are staffed to the minimum level recommended by the British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all accident and emergency departments in the NHS are staffed to the minimum level recommended by the British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine. ","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards and trusts to assess and provide for local needs and to determine staff numbers and the design of teams required for effective delivery of service outcomes. Information on staffing levels for individual departments is not available centrally but will be held by local NHS management. Contact details for NHS management are available on:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159365,"EventID":"S1W-22784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Trade and Industry on the implications of any agreement Her Majesty's Government has entered into in relation to the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Trade and Industry on the implications of any agreement Her Majesty's Government has entered into in relation to the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade and its effect on the Water Industry (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not made any such representations.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159366,"EventID":"S1W-22785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister had in either the appointment, or authorisation of the appointment, of the 12 new Independent Assessors. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister had in either the appointment, or authorisation of the appointment, of the 12 new Independent Assessors. ","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Scottish Ministerial Code, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister must be consulted about all major appointments and are bound equally by the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, as are all ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159367,"EventID":"S1W-22786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it offers financial support to Scottish students studying in England under the Dance and Drama Awards Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it offers financial support to Scottish students studying in England under the Dance and Drama Awards Scheme.","AnswerText":"Assistance is available for Scottish domiciled higher education students in receipt of such an award to study in England, from the Student Awards Agency in Scotland.

Until last summer Scottish domiciled further education students in receipt of an award had to apply to their home local authority for assistance with living costs. But from the start of the current academic year, last August, the Scottish Executive has entered into an agreement whereby the Department for Education and Skills provides help with living costs directly to Scottish students in receipt of an award, on the same basis as for both English and Welsh students. The Scottish Executive then reimburses the department the relevant costs.

A copy of the DfES booklet entitled \"Dance and Drama Awards 2001-02\", giving details of the new arrangements for Scottish students, has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159368,"EventID":"S1W-22787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what animal welfare specifications any cassettes used for the transport of livestock between Orkney, Shetland and the mainland have to be built and when and with whom ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what animal welfare specifications any cassettes used for the transport of livestock between Orkney, Shetland and the mainland have to be built and when and with whom any such specifications were agreed.","AnswerText":"Such use would have to comply with the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 which states that:

animals must be provided with adequate space for standing in their natural position;

air must be able to circulate freely;

there must be sufficient space to feed and water the animals.

The design specifications have still to be finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159369,"EventID":"S1W-22788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pits were dug at Lochmaben in Dumfriesshire in order to dispose of ash derived from pyres of foot-and-mouth disease-infected carcasses; how much it cost to dig a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pits were dug at Lochmaben in Dumfriesshire in order to dispose of ash derived from pyres of foot-and-mouth disease-infected carcasses; how much it cost to dig and maintain each such pit, and how many such pits were used for this purpose.","AnswerText":"No pits were constructed for the disposal of ash. All pits excavated at Birkshaw Forest, near Lochmaben, were for the disposal of carcasses arising from the slaughter of animals on premises not infected with Foot and Mouth Disease.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159370,"EventID":"S1W-22789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why ash derived from pyres of foot-and-mouth disease-infected carcasses at Lochmaben in Dumfriesshire was transported to Garlaff in East Ayrshire for disposal, given, as ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why ash derived from pyres of foot-and-mouth disease-infected carcasses at Lochmaben in Dumfriesshire was transported to Garlaff in East Ayrshire for disposal, given, as reported in the Sunday Mail on 3 February 2002, the provision of pits for this purpose at Lochmaben.","AnswerText":"The pits at Birkshaw Forest were not constructed for the disposal of ash, only the disposal of animal carcasses. The ash, from animals which were not infected, was classified by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency as controlled waste and, as such, must be disposed of in a lined engineered landfill site licensed to take such material. Birkshaw was not licensed for this purpose, unlike the Garlaff site.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159371,"EventID":"S1W-22790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are proposed to address any overcrowding on the Fife circle railway line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are proposed to address any overcrowding on the Fife circle railway line.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to making special grant payments to Fife Council totalling £2.384 million spread over financial years 2000-01 to 2003-04 inclusive, in support of additional rail services in Fife. In addition, the Executive are committed to providing extra rolling stock for operation on the Fife commuter lines. The Executive is currently assessing the best option as to how to achieve this.

In the longer term, the lengthening of platforms in Fife under the Strategic Rail Authority's Incremental Output Statement programme will facilitate the operation of longer trains. We would also expect the successful bidder for the re-letting of the ScotRail franchise, which expires in March 2004, to come forward with innovative proposals on how it will address overcrowding across the Scottish railway network.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159372,"EventID":"S1W-22791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the installation of the Train Protection Warning System at signals on the rail network is near completion. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the installation of the Train Protection Warning System at signals on the rail network is near completion. ","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Railtrack. I understand that the installation of TPWS in Scotland is scheduled for completion in early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159373,"EventID":"S1W-22792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20750 by Malcolm Chisholm on 4 February 2002 and in relation to the levels and trends of new patient referrals accepted or planned ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20750 by Malcolm Chisholm on 4 February 2002 and in relation to the levels and trends of new patient referrals accepted or planned for each whole-time equivalent NHS consultant oncologist in the North Glasgow University Hospital NHS Trust and the Greater Glasgow NHS Board areas (a) from whom the information will be derived and (b) what mechanisms it has put in place (i) for Dr Bryson and the board and trust to report to it and (ii) for assessments to be carried out on any such reports.","AnswerText":"All NHS Scotland organisations responsible for patient services are required to provide activity data via Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR) to the Information and Statistics Division, NHS Scotland.

It is a matter for NHS boards to use all available sources of information in planning healthcare services required to meet the assessed needs of their resident populations.

Six additional consultant oncology posts were created from the first year's investment plans to support implementation of Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change. It is expected that appointments to these posts will drive down the current levels of new referrals per consultant at the Beatson.

During the term of his appointment as Medical Director at the Beatson Oncology Centre, Dr Adam Bryson reports directly to the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow, Mr Tom Divers. The NHS Performance Assessment Framework provides the focus for annual accountability reviews with NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159374,"EventID":"S1W-22793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expert group on acute services reviews will have a role in respect of tracking and reporting on the (a) impacts of service changes and (b) co-ordination of NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expert group on acute services reviews will have a role in respect of tracking and reporting on the (a) impacts of service changes and (b) co-ordination of NHS specialisms included in the service reviews.","AnswerText":"I am presently considering the role of the expert group on service reconfiguration.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159375,"EventID":"S1W-22794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expert group on acute services reviews will report on any recommendations made by health boards with regard to in-patient bed capacities and the service impli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expert group on acute services reviews will report on any recommendations made by health boards with regard to in-patient bed capacities and the service implications of such capacities.","AnswerText":"The role of the expert group is presently under consideration, and I hope to be able to make an announcement in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159376,"EventID":"S1W-22795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ad-hoc Judicial Appointments Board invited applicants for appointment to the supreme courts to declare membership of Freemasonry and any other secret society ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ad-hoc Judicial Appointments Board invited applicants for appointment to the supreme courts to declare membership of Freemasonry and any other secret society and whether any such declaration by any of the candidates was made.","AnswerText":"No such information was requested and none was volunteered.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159377,"EventID":"S1W-22796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider directing the Judicial Appointments Board to require applicants for appointment to the supreme, sheriff and district and minor courts to disclose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider directing the Judicial Appointments Board to require applicants for appointment to the supreme, sheriff and district and minor courts to disclose membership of Freemasonry and any other secret society.","AnswerText":"I will give consideration to this once the membership of the Judicial Appointments Board has been finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159378,"EventID":"S1W-22797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider inviting current office holders in the supreme, sheriff and district and minor courts to disclose membership of Freemasonry and any other secret ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider inviting current office holders in the supreme, sheriff and district and minor courts to disclose membership of Freemasonry and any other secret society.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to take action on this matter at present.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159379,"EventID":"S1W-22798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the benefits of weekend detention and home curfews for persons convicted of minor non-violent criminal offences, with particular reference","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the benefits of weekend detention and home curfews for persons convicted of minor non-violent criminal offences, with particular reference to rehabilitation and recidivism.","AnswerText":"We have made no assessment of the benefits of weekend detention. Restriction of Liberty Orders will be introduced as a community disposal for courts across Scotland from May 2002. Electronic monitoring will be used to check compliance. We also plan to extend the availability of electronic monitoring for use as a condition in community disposals and for offenders released on licence.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159380,"EventID":"S1W-22799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20103 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 January 2002, why the information requested regarding whether the 10 extra cancer treatment consulta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20103 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 January 2002, why the information requested regarding whether the 10 extra cancer treatment consultant posts have all been successfully filled, on whether the target for eight out of the 10 extra consultants to be employed in the specialities of radiology and histopathology has been achieved and on the number of trainee radiographers there were in 2000-01, is currently not available, given the initial information provided in answer to question S1W-9585 by Susan Deacon on 25 September 2000.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-20103 reflected the difficulty in obtaining full information timeously at the time of drafting of the answer. I am pleased to give the information requested, which I have now been able to obtain.

Following the answer given to question S1W-9585, further discussions were held both within the Executive and with our health service colleagues to fully assess the location and specialty breakdown for the new consultant posts to be established. As a result of these discussions, it was decided that the funding announced in June 2000 should be specifically targeted to create an additional six posts in cancer services, two for the establishment of a national retrieval service for the transport of critically ill children and two in immunology. Further and substantial new funding in cancer services was also announced on 3 July 2001, to support the implementation of Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change.

In full consultation with the three regional cancer networks, the services provided for patients with cancer have been enhanced by the equivalent of six additional whole time consultant posts as a direct result of this funding. The allocation of two of the consultant posts in the national retrieval service made it possible for the service to commence formally at the beginning of May 2001. Of the two posts targeted for immunology services, the advertisement for one has been instructed and discussions are continuing to achieve the most effective use of the other post to support services.

The higher education institutions have advised that 99 pre-registration student radiographers began training in academic year 2000-01. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22801 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159381,"EventID":"S1W-22800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20103 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 January 2002, when it will announce whether the 10 new cancer treatment consultant posts announced b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20103 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 January 2002, when it will announce whether the 10 new cancer treatment consultant posts announced by Susan Deacon on 25 September 2000 have been filled.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22799.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159382,"EventID":"S1W-22801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20103 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 January 2002, when it will be able to provide the information sought on the number of trainee radiog","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20103 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 January 2002, when it will be able to provide the information sought on the number of trainee radiographers in 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The higher education institutions have advised that the pre-registration student radiographer training population in 2000-01 for levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 training was 351.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159383,"EventID":"S1W-22802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total bill was for the NHS of employing agency nursing staff in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, and (c) 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total bill was for the NHS of employing agency nursing staff in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, and (c) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Information on the cost of agency nursing and midwifery staff used by the NHSScotland was collected for the first time for the financial year 2000-01. The cost of agency nurses for the financial year 2000-01 is £19,028,372. Data for 2000-01 has recently been made available on ISD online and can be viewed on:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.

Employers are expected to employ permanent staff. Before an agency nurse is employed, employers should have gone through the criteria for employing bank and agency nurses set out in the Accounts Commission report Temporary Measures, which was published in February 2000. The criteria are:

flexible rota management;

asking part-time staff to work extra hours;

sharing staff across wards or departments;

appointing a bank nurse;

offering overtime to existing staff;

appointing an agency nurse.

Use of agency nurses will be monitored as part of the staff Governance Standard.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159384,"EventID":"S1W-22803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the more than 30-year-old Mark 1 slam-door carriages are still in operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the more than 30-year-old Mark 1 slam-door carriages are still in operation.","AnswerText":"These are operational matters for the rail industry. I understand, however, that no such carriages are used by operators of rail passenger franchises in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159385,"EventID":"S1W-22804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18674 by Colin Boyd QC on 1 February 2002, how many cases relating to a contravention of section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18674 by Colin Boyd QC on 1 February 2002, how many cases relating to a contravention of section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 were reported to the Procurators Fiscal in the City of Edinburgh and how many were dealt with by (a) a warning letter, (b) a fixed penalty notice and (c) the service of a complaint or petition, in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service does not collect statistical information broken down by reference to particular crimes or offences. To provide the information requested it will be necessary to prepare and run a special computer programme. This will provide numbers of cases reported to the Procurator Fiscal at Edinburgh; the numbers will include offences committed outwith the city of Edinburgh but within the jurisdiction of the Procurator Fiscal there. It will not be possible to provide information for 1997.

The available information will be provided shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159386,"EventID":"S1W-22805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22081 by Mrs Elish Angiolini QC on 4 February 2002, how many reports were submitted to the Lothian and Borders Regional Procurator ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22081 by Mrs Elish Angiolini QC on 4 February 2002, how many reports were submitted to the Lothian and Borders Regional Procurator Fiscal regarding alleged offences under section 41 (1) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967; in respect of how many such reports were prosecutions proceeded with by the service of a complaint or petition, and how many such reports resulted in a conviction, in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service does not collect statistical information broken down by reference to particular crimes or offences. Thus, information about the numbers of reports of offences under section 41(1) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 is not routinely available.

Information is available from the Scottish Executive Criminal Statistics Division in relation to convictions under section 41(1) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967: the following table provides the numbers of persons with a charge proved where the main offence was under section 41(1) of the Police (Scotland) Act 1967 in the Lothian and Borders Police Force area.

Section

1997

1998

1999

2000

41(1) A

389

456

382

380

41(1) B

17

6

11

9

Total

406

462

393

389

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159387,"EventID":"S1W-22806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20219 by Lewis Macdonald on 1 February 2002, what the extent and nature are of the aviation experience of the two members of the Bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20219 by Lewis Macdonald on 1 February 2002, what the extent and nature are of the aviation experience of the two members of the Board of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd with such experience. ","AnswerText":"One of the board members of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) had 17 years' experience in aviation with helicopter, airline and oil companies prior to his appointment. The other member had six years' experience with an airline.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159388,"EventID":"S1W-22807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement the trade unions have had in developing the new Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement the trade unions have had in developing the new Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) is represented on the Joint Advisory Committee which is overseeing the development of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159389,"EventID":"S1W-22809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20486 by Lewis MacDonald on 12 December 2001, whether it will instruct BEAR Scotland Ltd to undertake an urgent investigation of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20486 by Lewis MacDonald on 12 December 2001, whether it will instruct BEAR Scotland Ltd to undertake an urgent investigation of the A90 Friarton Bridge area in light of the most recent fatal accident.","AnswerText":"Following the fatal road accident which occurred on 5 February 2002, BEAR has been asked to undertake an urgent review of all recent accidents in the vicinity of Friarton Bridge, in conjunction with Tayside Police, and to provide a report outlining what, if any, action is recommended.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159390,"EventID":"S1W-22810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4170 by Lewis Macdonald on 20 November 2001, when it now expects to publish the results of the camera surveillance exercise of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4170 by Lewis Macdonald on 20 November 2001, when it now expects to publish the results of the camera surveillance exercise of the A9 at Ballinluig Junction.","AnswerText":"The A9 Ballinluig Junction camera surveillance report will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre by 28 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159391,"EventID":"S1W-22811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the results of the consultation on priorities for the development of the passenger rail network have yet been presented to the Strategic Rail Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the results of the consultation on priorities for the development of the passenger rail network have yet been presented to the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerText":"Strategic Priorities for Scotland's Passenger Railway: Response to the Consultation Paper was published in June 2001 and a copy was sent to the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159392,"EventID":"S1W-22812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 10% reduction in the total allocated catch for nephrops in 2001 will be re-instated for 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 10% reduction in the total allocated catch for nephrops in 2001 will be re-instated for 2002.","AnswerText":"At last December's Fisheries Council, the commission proposed reductions in various Nephrops total allocated catch (TAC). In line with the scientific advice, the UK argued successfully for increases on these commission proposals. The outcome for 2002 was a Nephrops TAC in the North Sea restored to 2000 levels, and a Nephrops TAC West of Scotland restored to 2001 levels but lower than the TAC for 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159393,"EventID":"S1W-22813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the implementation of the proposed Community Investment Tax Credit and what the outcome of any such discu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the implementation of the proposed Community Investment Tax Credit and what the outcome of any such discussions has been.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the proposed Community Investment Tax Credit. In his Pre-Budget Report in November 2001 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the tax credit will be introduced in the 2002-03 tax year. Accreditation of Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) to benefit from the tax credit will be conducted on a UK-wide basis by the Small Business Service (SBS). Officials of the Scottish Executive and the other devolved administrations have been involved in the development of the accreditation processes and will continue to be involved in implementation.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159394,"EventID":"S1W-22814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to support and fund the extension of partnerships such as the Challenging Offending through Support and Intervention Project, developed joint","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to support and fund the extension of partnerships such as the Challenging Offending through Support and Intervention Project, developed jointly by North Lanarkshire Council Social Work Department and Barnardos, to other local authority areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive is investing £23.5 million over the four years to 2004 to support the development across Scotland of programmes such as CHOSI for persistent offenders. Our Action Programme to reduce youth crime, published in January 2002, states that we will provide an interim report on the use of the first slice of this investment. This will be available within the next two months.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159395,"EventID":"S1W-22815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents were (a) recorded and (b) reported to the Procurator Fiscal by each police force in each month since May 1997 and how many such accidents were re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents were (a) recorded and (b) reported to the Procurator Fiscal by each police force in each month since May 1997 and how many such accidents were recorded as being caused by adverse or winter weather conditions.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover damage only accidents. The returns do not provide information about the causes of the accidents.

Accidents for which adverse or winter weather conditions were reported as an attributable factor are not identified as such in the STATS 19 returns. The returns do, however, include information about the weather and the road surface condition at the time of the accident.

The following table 1 lists the number of injury road accidents by month and police force from May 1997 to October 2001, the latest month for which information for each force area is held centrally.

The following table 2 lists the number of these injury road accidents which occurred in what might be regarded as adverse or winter weather conditions. The following types of accidents were counted for the purpose of producing the figures in this table - those for which either (a) the weather was recorded as one of the following: snowing; fine with high winds; raining with high winds; fog or mist (if hazard); or other adverse weather conditions; or (b) the road surface condition was recorded as one of the following: snow; frost/ice; or flood (surface water over 3 cm deep).

In the tables all figures for 2001 are provisional.

Information on road accidents which lead to a report to Procurators Fiscal is not held centrally.

Table 1 Injury road accidents by month and police force:

May 1997 to October 2001","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159396,"EventID":"S1W-22816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22092 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, whether it will list the range of environmental, technical and financial criteria which we","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22092 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, whether it will list the range of environmental, technical and financial criteria which were used to identify the best overall options for the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

Further to the answer given to question S1W-22092 on 4 December 2002, and as described in Chapter 2 and in Annex D of the Environmental Statement submitted with the planning application, the criteria utilised in the identification of the best overall project option for the Katrine Water Project are as follows:

  1. Environmental

    2. Impacts on people

    Impact on residents

    Impact on commercial or other property

    Impact on recreation facilities and other community land uses

    Impact of construction traffic

    Visual impact

    Severance and disruption

    Impacts on the natural environment and cultural heritage

    Impact on agricultural resources and farming

    Risk from ground contamination

    Impact on aquatic environment

    Impact on ecological resources

    Impact on landscape resources

    Impact on historic and cultural resources

    Impacts on resources/ Global climate impact

    Energy consumption and CO2 emissions in operation

  2. Technical

    3. Ground conditions

    Groundwater problems

    Geotechnical problems

    Land availability

    Temporary land requirements

    Permanent land requirements

    Accessibility

    Ownership

    Topography

    Suitability of site topography

    Availability of services

    Accessibility of utilities

    Impact on existing utilities

    Effluent disposal

    Overflow disposal

    Ease of connection

    Raw water transfer

    Treated water transfer

  3. Financial

Capital cost

Relative cost of construction in £ million at 2001 prices

Operating cost

Indicative relative costs of operation

Net Present Cost

Whole life cost in £ million at 2001 prices including capital and operating costs

NPV annualised over the whole lifetime of the works 40 years at 6% discount rate

Risk

Estimate of the level of risk (uncertainty) attached to the cost estimates based on possible events that might impact on costs (delay, technical problems, etc).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159397,"EventID":"S1W-22817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the West of Scotland Water Authority will nominate a specific member of staff to be responsible for liaising with local residents while the Environmental Stateme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the West of Scotland Water Authority will nominate a specific member of staff to be responsible for liaising with local residents while the Environmental Statement is being exhibited by the authority and during construction of the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie as part of the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water, and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

The Environmental Statement is part of the planning process and in the first instance all correspondence on this matter should be addressed to the Head of Partnership & Planning, East Dunbartonshire Council, The Triangle, Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs G66 4TJ.

West of Scotland Water's Katrine Water Project team are currently responding to queries from residents on all matters relating to the project including the Environmental Statement. Members of the public can contact either the Katrine Water Project Office at Kirk Wynd House, Montgomery Place, The Village, East Kilbride G74 4BF, telephone number 01355-581469 or the authority's Customer Helpline number on 0808-100-5333 should they wish further information.

For community liaison during the construction phase, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22386 on 8 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159398,"EventID":"S1W-22818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given that the proposed Milngavie water treatment plant will have a storage capacity of over 350 tonnes of chemicals, including chlorine and alum, (a) what plans the Wes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given that the proposed Milngavie water treatment plant will have a storage capacity of over 350 tonnes of chemicals, including chlorine and alum, (a) what plans the West of Scotland Water Authority will put in place to ensure adequate security and (b) what plans the West of Scotland Water Authority will put in place to prevent possible spillages or leakages.","AnswerText":"Under the Security and Emergency Measures (Water and Sewerage Authorities) (Scotland) Direction 1998, water authorities are required to make, keep under review and revise plans to ensure the provision of essential water supplies and sewerage services. The existing plans provide for adequate security of chemicals and will be revised for the new works.

The design, construction and operation of the new works will also need to comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999.

During the design and construction of the works a full Hazard and Operability study will be also be undertaken.

The current treatment facility is covered by detailed West of Scotland Water Emergency Planning and site-based emergency planning procedures in the event of emergency spillage's actually occurring. These plans will be fully revised in advance of the new works coming into operation.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159399,"EventID":"S1W-22819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the West of Scotland Water Authority gave to matters of demand management when it determined the si'e of the proposed new water treatment plant at Mil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration the West of Scotland Water Authority gave to matters of demand management when it determined the si'e of the proposed new water treatment plant at Milngavie.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water (WoSW). The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

The proposed new water treatment plant at Milngavie has been sized to meet expected demand over the foreseeable future. This has resulted in a 390 Ml/d demand which is being accommodated by utilising 150 Ml/d spare capacity at Balmore Water Treatment Works (WTW) and building a new 240Ml/d plant at Milngavie. Traditional ways of sizing treatment plants were to allow for treating 110% of the reliable yield of the catchment feeding the works. This methodology would have indicated a need for 490 Ml/d capacity, i.e. a new plant at Milngavie with 340 Ml/d capacity.

Domestic demand is the product of population times the amount consumed per head. Projections show the supply population to be falling and recent thinking suggests per capita water consumption will be near static. The overall effect is expected to be marginally falling future demand. The GRO standard figures were used as a basis and these were modified through extensive additional consultation and consideration of WoSW historical data. Current water demands are available in the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Joint Structure Plan 2000 and also in the Scottish Office - Scottish Domestic Consumption Study. However, Katrine Water Project (KWP) and WoSW also undertook studies to establish Per Capita Consumption figures.

Industrial and commercial demand is mainly through metered supplies so we have reliable figures for this element. No allowance has been made for future increases in commercial demand.

One aspect of the supply volume which we can influence is leakage. There is an overall target for reduction in leakage of between 50 and 70 Ml/d for the whole Glasgow network. This has been determined as the economic level of leakage after extensive studies by RPS Limited. The target for the areas directly supplied by Milngavie WTW is 43 Ml/d. This has been taken into account in determining the level of supply required from the Katrine Water Project.

It should also be noted that demand is not constant and there are considerable seasonal and daily variations. Short-term peaks frequently occur and the whole system has to be capable of maintaining supply under all conditions short of the most catastrophic of incidents. To size the new works to accommodate short-term peaks would necessitate building a larger plant. As an alternative, treated water reservoirs are used to attenuate the short-term peaks in demand. The sizing of the new plant is a carefully calculated balance between treatment capacity of the plant and the storage capacity of the reservoirs.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159400,"EventID":"S1W-22820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the full environmental statement submitted by the West of Scotland Water Authority in connection with its proposed new water treatment plant at Milngavie should ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the full environmental statement submitted by the West of Scotland Water Authority in connection with its proposed new water treatment plant at Milngavie should be made available for public inspection on the Water Authority's website and whether such electronic access should be made available in respect of all major engineering works.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

It would not be practical to place an electronic copy of the full Environmental Statement from the planning application for the Katrine Water Project on the authority's website as it has a file size of over 156 megabytes. This is a very large file, being 500 times the size of the current Water Bill on the Scottish Parliament's website. In practise, if it were put on the authority's website it would overload the system.

To download this file with a high speed ISDN line could take an hour, and with a standard modem over a phone line connection it could take 10 hours.

As the Environmental Statement is only one part of the planning application then, it could be reasoned, that the whole planning application should be made available electronically. The planning application comprises files totalling 347 MB.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159401,"EventID":"S1W-22821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all five bidders who responded to the invitation to bid for the Katrine Water Project proposed the construction of a new water treatment plant at Milngavie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all five bidders who responded to the invitation to bid for the Katrine Water Project proposed the construction of a new water treatment plant at Milngavie.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West Of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

In their tender returns to West of Scotland Water, none of the bidders made any specific proposals to construct a water treatment plant at Milngavie since they were not asked to.

Specifically, the OJEC notice for this project (issued in December 1999) states the following:

(a) The contract is likely to include for project development as well as the design, construction and commissioning of a potable water treatment facility with associated pumping station(s), storage tank(s) and pipelines. It is the authority's intention to enter into a partnering agreement with the successful tenderer.

(b) It is intended that the initial award will include participation in the project development and option appraisal and will result in a full design with target completion costs. It is anticipated that the same tendering entity responsible for producing the design will be instructed to construct the works.

(c) The purpose of the works is to upgrade the existing water supply to the greater Glasgow area in line with current and future UK and EU legislation relating to water quality.

The tendering process adopted by West of Scotland Water was explained to Mr McNulty in reply to his letter of 15 November 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159402,"EventID":"S1W-22822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on its plans for protecting the water environment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on its plans for protecting the water environment.","AnswerText":"I am publishing today a consultation paper: The Future for Scotland's Waters: Proposals for Legislation. I am placing copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre. I am also placing an analysis of the responses to our first consultation paper, Rivers, Lochs, Coasts: The Future for Scotland's Waters (Bib. number 14576), published in June last year, on the Scottish Executive website and in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

The consultation paper makes proposals for the water environment provisions of the Water Environment and Water Services Bill and lays the foundation for a modernised approach to protecting and enhancing Scotland's waters. The need to involve, take account of and balance all interests will be a cornerstone of this new approach. We need to hear the views of all those with an interest if we are to get the bill right for Scotland. We started the debate when we published Rivers, Lochs, Coasts. This paper is another significant step along the road to the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159403,"EventID":"S1W-22823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to introduce a three-yearly review for all patients fitted with NHS hearing aids.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to introduce a three-yearly review for all patients fitted with NHS hearing aids.","AnswerText":"In answer to this question and also to questions S1W-22824, S1W-22826 and S1W-22827 I would advise that, in response to concerns about access to audiology services and quality of treatment, Good Practice Guidance on Adult Hearing and Fitting Services was issued to NHSScotland in March 2001.

The Executive has commissioned a wide-ranging review of audiology services, which is due to report in the autumn. The review group report will provide costs and recommendations to NHSScotland on how to address any shortfalls identified in the service provided. The review will also report on progress on implementation of the Good Practice Guide.

The Good Practice Guidance recommends that all patients should be reviewed at least every three years as part of a process of continuing care. It also recommended that digital aids should be supplied whenever clinical judgement indicates that they would provide benefit to the patient involved that would not be provided by other types of hearing aid.

Digital hearing aids are included within the wide range of hearing aids available on the central contract for NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159404,"EventID":"S1W-22824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to modernise NHS audiology departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to modernise NHS audiology departments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22823.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159405,"EventID":"S1W-22825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit and train more audiologists for the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit and train more audiologists for the NHS.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards and trusts to assess and provide for local needs and to determine staff numbers and the design of teams required for effective delivery of service outcomes. The number of higher specialist training posts available in Scotland is regularly adjusted to meet the projected number of new consultants needed to meet known and anticipated turnover and local service developments.

To help inform local decisions in this area, the Executive has initiated a wide-ranging review of audiology services, which is expected to report in autumn 2002. The review group will report initial recommendations on staffing, training and skill-mix by the end of March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159406,"EventID":"S1W-22826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of introducing a programme, modelled on the modernisation of audiology services in the NHS in Wales, in order to make digital hearing aids more wid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of introducing a programme, modelled on the modernisation of audiology services in the NHS in Wales, in order to make digital hearing aids more widely available to patients in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22823.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159407,"EventID":"S1W-22827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a costed programme to make digital hearing aids more widely available to patients, similar to the action being taken by the National Assembly fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a costed programme to make digital hearing aids more widely available to patients, similar to the action being taken by the National Assembly for Wales.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22823.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159408,"EventID":"S1W-22828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has received from the North of Scotland Water Authority (NOSWA) and others on the accidental discharge of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has received from the North of Scotland Water Authority (NOSWA) and others on the accidental discharge of aluminium sulphate into the water treatment plant at Tomich by NOSWA on 5 February 2002 and what action SEPA plans to take as a result.","AnswerText":"There was a treatment failure at North of Scotland Water Authority's Newmore water treatment works on 5 February. This resulted in an overflow from the wash water recovery tanks into the local watercourse. Wash water is liable to contain aluminium sulphate, which forms part of the treatment process. The water authority immediately took remedial action to prevent any further discharge and reported the incident to the Dingwall office of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Any follow up actions by SEPA will be a matter for them. However, they have received no reports of any adverse impact arising out of this incident.

The incident was also notified to the Water Services Unit at the Scottish Executive in accordance with agreed procedures.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159409,"EventID":"S1W-22829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the gritting and snow clearance undertaken by Amey Highways Ltd on the A1 on 30 December 2001 and whether it has any access to independent inf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the gritting and snow clearance undertaken by Amey Highways Ltd on the A1 on 30 December 2001 and whether it has any access to independent information about the performance of the contractors.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has access to records which Amey Highways Ltd is required to keep showing all winter maintenance operations carried out each day. Independent information on Amey's performance is provided by the Performance Audit Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159410,"EventID":"S1W-22830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct Amey Highways Ltd to pay East Lothian Council for gritting work undertaken by the council on Pencraig Hill on 30 December 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct Amey Highways Ltd to pay East Lothian Council for gritting work undertaken by the council on Pencraig Hill on 30 December 2001.","AnswerText":"East Lothian Council has no responsibility to carry out winter maintenance on trunk roads, and the Scottish Executive is not aware of any such work undertaken by the council on 30 December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159411,"EventID":"S1W-22831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct the trunk road maintenance contractors to make it a priority to take all reasonable steps to keep roads clear and safe when fulfilling the terms o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct the trunk road maintenance contractors to make it a priority to take all reasonable steps to keep roads clear and safe when fulfilling the terms of its winter maintenance trunk roads contracts.","AnswerText":"This is a requirement of the Term Contract for Management and Maintenance of the Scottish Trunk Road Network.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159412,"EventID":"S1W-22832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the cost implications for (a) individual landlords and (b) tenants of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Houses in Mu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the cost implications for (a) individual landlords and (b) tenants of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order 2000 (SSI 2000/177).","AnswerText":"When the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order 2000 was laid in the Scottish Parliament, the Executive provided a Regulatory Impact Assessment setting out the estimated cost implications on groups affected by mandatory licensing, including landlords and tenants. This assessment was based on the best available information at that time. A copy can be obtained from the Scottish Parliament website.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159413,"EventID":"S1W-22833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has begun monitoring the operation of the mandatory licensing of housing in multiple occupancy and when it will report on the operation of this monitoring.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has begun monitoring the operation of the mandatory licensing of housing in multiple occupancy and when it will report on the operation of this monitoring.","AnswerText":"The Executive monitors local authorities' implementation of mandatory licensing by means of an annual statistical return. Figures from the first returns, covering the period up to 31 March 2001, were published in the Housing Statistical Bulletin last September. This is available on the Scottish Executive website.

In addition, when the order was originally introduced in 2000, the Executive agreed that it would review mandatory licensing after its first year of operation. We have therefore commissioned independent researchers from the University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University/Edinburgh College of Art to carry out research on housing in multiple occupancy (HMO) licensing in conjunction with wider research on the private rented sector. As far as possible, we expect that the researchers will seek to establish the impact of HMO licensing to date, but the evidence may be rather limited and inconclusive after only one year of licensing, which has applied only to larger HMOs. Given the fairly extensive nature of this research, it will not be completed until the summer this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159414,"EventID":"S1W-22834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken, or plans to undertake, any studies on the impact of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken, or plans to undertake, any studies on the impact of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order 2000 (SSI 2000/177) on the level of rents charged to tenants in houses in multiple occupation.","AnswerText":"When mandatory licensing was introduced in 2000, the Executive agreed that it would review the scheme after its first year of operation. We have therefore commissioned independent researchers from the University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University/Edinburgh College of Art to carry out research on housing in multiple occupancy (HMO) licensing in conjunction with wider research on the private rented sector. As far as possible, we expect that the researchers will seek to establish the impact of HMO licensing to date, but the evidence may be rather limited and inconclusive after only one year of licensing, which has applied only to larger HMOs.

The research will include in depth interviews with a sample of landlords, interviews with tenants of HMOs and focus groups with tenants of institutional HMO landlords. Although these interviews and focus groups will have a qualitative focus and will not offer any statistical data, they may highlight whether there are concerns from tenants that mandatory licensing has caused an increase to their rents that is not comensurate with improvements in the property condition. That said, it will be very difficult to identify any direct link between licensing and rent increases, as the level of rent paid for a private tenancy is very much a matter for individual agreement between the landlord and tenant and in general will reflect the market rent for that area.

We expect the research to be completed in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159415,"EventID":"S1W-22836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the (a) volume and (b) weight of litter and fly-tipped rubbish that is deposited on public land annually and what proportion of such material is r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the (a) volume and (b) weight of litter and fly-tipped rubbish that is deposited on public land annually and what proportion of such material is removed by public authorities.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally, but the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is in the process of collecting similar information from local authorities as part of its new waste data survey. The information should be available from SEPA towards the end of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159416,"EventID":"S1W-22837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to public funds is of collecting and disposing of litter and fly-tipped rubbish.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to public funds is of collecting and disposing of litter and fly-tipped rubbish.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Local authorities report expenditure to the Executive on various services within their cleansing budget. These are waste management, waste disposal, street cleaning and recycling. expenditure on litter and flytipping may come under any of the first three headings and is not disaggregated.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159417,"EventID":"S1W-22838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there were for litter and fly-tipping offences in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there were for litter and fly-tipping offences in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Data for 2001 is not yet available.

Persons proceeded against in Scottish Courts where the main offence was a litter offence, 1997-2000:

Northern

Grampian

Tayside

Fife

Lothian

& Borders

Central

Strathclyde

Dumfries & Galloway

Scotland

1997

May

89

125

117

77

280

67

611

40

1,406

June

96

121

96

69

294

88

621

33

1,418

July

98

137

98

58

270

83

627

45

1,416

1997

1998

1999

2000

50

41

30

14

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159418,"EventID":"S1W-22839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will erect a stop sign in order to control traffic joining the A1 trunk road from Torness Power Station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will erect a stop sign in order to control traffic joining the A1 trunk road from Torness Power Station.","AnswerText":"Stop signs and markings are only considered where visibility at a junction is severely restricted. The Scottish Executive has no plans to erect a sign at this location, as it does not satisfy this requirement. An Accident Investigation and Prevention study carried out at the A1/Torness Power Station junction in 2001 recommended measures to improve safety and these have now been implemented.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159419,"EventID":"S1W-22840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to ensure that the A1 trunk road is kept clear during winter weather conditions and whether it is satisfied that Amey Highways Ltd fulf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to ensure that the A1 trunk road is kept clear during winter weather conditions and whether it is satisfied that Amey Highways Ltd fulfilled its contractual obligations in recent months.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the Performance Audit Group have reviewed and accepted the Winter Maintenance Plan prepared by Amey Highways Ltd. A copy of this plan, which demonstrates compliance with the terms of the trunk road contract, has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 18110 and 18116).

The Scottish Executive is satisfied that Amey is fulfilling its contractual obligations with regard to winter maintenance on trunk roads in the south of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159420,"EventID":"S1W-22841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its response to the report of the Review of Educational Psychologists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its response to the report of the Review of Educational Psychologists.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering the report of the Review of Educational Psychology Services which will be published by the end of February. Our response will follow in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159421,"EventID":"S1W-22842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official engagements the First Minister has carried out in the north east Scotland parliamentary region since his appointment and whether it will detail these en","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official engagements the First Minister has carried out in the north east Scotland parliamentary region since his appointment and whether it will detail these engagements.","AnswerText":"I held a meeting with the Leader of Aberdeen City Council when I visited Aberdeen on 26 January 2002. I will be attending Parliament when it sits in Aberdeen in May and intend to carry out a number of official engagements in and around the region at that time.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159422,"EventID":"S1W-22843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance (a) is currently available and (b) will be available in 2002-03 to all farmers whose operations are affected by nitrate vulnerable 'one designat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance (a) is currently available and (b) will be available in 2002-03 to all farmers whose operations are affected by nitrate vulnerable 'one designations.","AnswerText":"None. There is no specific financial assistance available at present but carrying out conservation management proposals which meet the objectives of a nitrate vulnerable zone is one of the criteria used to prioritise applications to join the Rural Stewardship Scheme. As regards 2002-03, regulations are being prepared to allow for a Capital Grant Scheme to be introduced. The proposed scheme would assist farmers in nitrate vulnerable zones by offering grant at a rate of 40% towards the building or upgrading of storage facilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159423,"EventID":"S1W-22844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4555 by Nicol Stephen on 31 January 2002, how the pay and conditions of school librarians will be reviewed, given that they are not","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4555 by Nicol Stephen on 31 January 2002, how the pay and conditions of school librarians will be reviewed, given that they are not represented on the Scottish negotiating committee for teachers.","AnswerText":"I have looked into this issue further. It has been explained to me that the pay and conditions of service of school librarians has never been part of the negotiations held on behalf of the teaching and related professions. The pay and conditions of service of school librarians is a matter for the Scottish Joint Council (SJC) for Local Government Employees. The Scottish Executive is not part of the SJC.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159424,"EventID":"S1W-22845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20422 by Nicol Stephen on 11 December 2001, whether it will take urgent action in order to bring forward the publication of the Rev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20422 by Nicol Stephen on 11 December 2001, whether it will take urgent action in order to bring forward the publication of the Review of Educational Psychologists; on what date the report will be published; whether it is impossible for the negotiating group representing educational psychologists to negotiate salary levels until this report has been made available to them; what its position is on the role and pay and conditions of educational psychologists compared with those of teachers, and what steps it will take in order to ensure that no discrimination against educational psychologists arises.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will publish the report of the Review of Educational Psychology Services by the end of February.

The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) is currently considering the issue of pay and conditions for educational psychologists.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159425,"EventID":"S1W-22846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the submissions it received during the drafting of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the submissions it received during the drafting of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children At Home.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to publish submissions received as part of the development process of the draft guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home. Responses to the consultation on the draft guidance, which runs until 29 March 2002, will, however, be published. This approach is consistent with Scottish Executive consultation policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159426,"EventID":"S1W-22847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any independent research on the treatment by local authorities of home educating families that contributed to the drafting of its Draft Guidance on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any independent research on the treatment by local authorities of home educating families that contributed to the drafting of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children At Home.","AnswerText":"In preparing the Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children At Home, the Scottish Executive considered the Scottish Consumer Council Homeworks report on the treatment of home educating families by local authorities. Many of the issues raised in the report have been addressed in the draft guidance, which has been issued for consultation until 29 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159427,"EventID":"S1W-22848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any internal research on the treatment by local authorities of home educating families that contributed to the drafting of its Draft Guidance on t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any internal research on the treatment by local authorities of home educating families that contributed to the drafting of its Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children At Home.","AnswerText":"The outcome of the Scottish Executive's internal research into this issue has already been published in the form of the Draft Guidance on the Circumstances in which Parents may Choose to Educate their Children At Home, issued for consultation until 29 March 2002. In preparing the draft guidance, officials sought and considered the views of local authorities and representatives of home education organisations on the issues they wished to be addressed in the guidance. The Scottish Consumer Council research into the treatment of home educating families by local authorities, published in their Homeworks report, was also given careful consideration together with a range of other documents provided by Education Otherwise.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159428,"EventID":"S1W-22849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fully fund the cost of bus travel for pensioners and those with special needs travelling off peak from October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fully fund the cost of bus travel for pensioners and those with special needs travelling off peak from October 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has reached agreement with COSLA and the local authorities on a funding package to meet the cost of enhancing existing concessionary travel schemes to provide free local off-peak bus travel from October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159429,"EventID":"S1W-22850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons within the Lanarkshire Health Board area have been assessed as requiring a digital hearing aid and how many persons were provided with such a hearing aid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons within the Lanarkshire Health Board area have been assessed as requiring a digital hearing aid and how many persons were provided with such a hearing aid in each of the past three years, broken down by how many were supplied free of charge by the NHS and how many were provided by the NHS at a monetary cost to the patient.","AnswerText":"Digital hearing aids provided by NHSScotland are provided free of charge. Each individual case must be a matter for the clinical judgement of the clinicians concerned as is the question of whether a person requiring two digital aids will have both provided at the same time.

The additional information requested in this question and questions S1W-22851, S1W-22852, S1W-22853 and S1W-22854 is not held centrally. The questions should be directed to the appropriate NHS boards and NHS trusts.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159430,"EventID":"S1W-22851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons within the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area have been assessed as requiring a digital hearing aid and how many persons were provided with such a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons within the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area have been assessed as requiring a digital hearing aid and how many persons were provided with such a hearing aid in each of the last three years, broken down by how many were supplied free of charge by the NHS and how many were provided by the NHS at a monetary cost to the patient.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22850.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159431,"EventID":"S1W-22852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons within the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency area have been assessed as requiring a digital hearing aid and how many persons were provided with such a h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons within the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency area have been assessed as requiring a digital hearing aid and how many persons were provided with such a hearing aid in each of the last three years, broken down by how many were supplied free of charge by the NHS and how many were provided by the NHS at a monetary cost to the patient.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22850.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159432,"EventID":"S1W-22853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons within the Lanarkshire Health Board area have been assessed as requiring two digital hearing aids and how many persons were provided with two such hearin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons within the Lanarkshire Health Board area have been assessed as requiring two digital hearing aids and how many persons were provided with two such hearing aids in each of the last three years, broken down by how many were supplied free of charge by the NHS and how many were provided by the NHS at a monetary cost to the patient","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22850.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159433,"EventID":"S1W-22854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a person requiring two digital hearing aids will have both aids provided at the same time and free of charge by the NHS and what the reasons are for the position ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a person requiring two digital hearing aids will have both aids provided at the same time and free of charge by the NHS and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22850.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159434,"EventID":"S1W-22855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided in total for the creation of lip-reading classes to assist those with hearing difficulties in each of the last three years and what the reaso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided in total for the creation of lip-reading classes to assist those with hearing difficulties in each of the last three years and what the reasons are for its position on the provision of such classes.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive support for lip-reading skills is focussed on the training of tutors in lip-reading. Grants are made under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. In 2000-01 a pump-priming grant of £20,000 was made to the Scottish Course to Train Tutors in Lip Reading. Grant for 2001-02 has been set at £30,000 and for 2002-03 it has been set at £35,000. These funds will contribute towards the training of up to 15 tutors each year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159435,"EventID":"S1W-22856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided for the establishment of lip-reading classes in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area to assist those with hearing difficulties in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided for the establishment of lip-reading classes in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area to assist those with hearing difficulties in each of the last three years and what the reasons are for its position on the provision of such classes in this area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive support for lip-reading skills is focussed on the training of tutors in lip-reading, rather than the support of classes in particular areas of the country. Grants are made under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. In 2000-01 a grant of £20,000 was made to the Scottish Course to Train Tutors in Lip Reading. Grant for 2001-02 has been set at £30,000 and for 2002-03 it has been set at £35,000. These funds will contribute towards the training of up to 15 tutors each year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159436,"EventID":"S1W-22857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided for the establishment of lip-reading classes in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency area to assist those with hearing difficulties in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided for the establishment of lip-reading classes in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency area to assist those with hearing difficulties in each of the last three years and what the reasons are for its position on the provision of such classes in this area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive support for lip-reading skills is focussed on the training of tutors in lip-reading, rather than the support of classes in particular areas of the country. Grants are made under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. In 2000-01 a pump-priming grant of £20,000 was made to the Scottish Course to Train Tutors in Lip Reading. Grant for 2001-02 has been set at £30,000 and for 2002-03 it has been set at £35,000. These funds will contribute towards the training of up to 15 tutors each year.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159437,"EventID":"S1W-22858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lip-reading tutors were employed in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area to assist those with hearing difficulties in each of the last three years and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lip-reading tutors were employed in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area to assist those with hearing difficulties in each of the last three years and what the reasons are for the position on the employment of such tutors in this area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159438,"EventID":"S1W-22859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lip-reading tutors were employed in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency area to assist those with hearing difficulties in each of the last three years and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many lip-reading tutors were employed in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency area to assist those with hearing difficulties in each of the last three years and what the reasons are for the position on the employment of such tutors in this area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159439,"EventID":"S1W-22860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many objections have been lodged to the proposed Eastern Relief Road at Kincardine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many objections have been lodged to the proposed Eastern Relief Road at Kincardine.","AnswerText":"Eight objections were lodged to the draft orders for the proposed Eastern Link Road at Kincardine, of which two have been subsequently withdrawn.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159440,"EventID":"S1W-22861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a national strategy for asthma and what steps it is taking to train more asthma nurse specialists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a national strategy for asthma and what steps it is taking to train more asthma nurse specialists.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans for a national strategy for asthma. I have, however, arranged to meet representatives of the National Asthma Campaign Scotland, the British Lung Foundation and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland to discuss services for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Specialist training for nurses in asthma is available in Scotland, for example, through the National Asthma and Respiratory Training Centre which provides courses based at Stirling Management Centre. It is the responsibility of the NHS trusts to identify and meet their respective training needs for staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159441,"EventID":"S1W-22862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fully co-operate with and, if requested, give evidence to the temporary committee of the European Parliament set up to look into the outbreak of foot-and-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fully co-operate with and, if requested, give evidence to the temporary committee of the European Parliament set up to look into the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to learning as many lessons as possible from the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and will co-operate with any requests made by the European Parliament, as we have done with the existing independent UK Inquiries.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159442,"EventID":"S1W-22863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether (a) any major landscape problems and (b) any subsidence connected to any such problems have been identified in respect of the Holyrood Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether (a) any major landscape problems and (b) any subsidence connected to any such problems have been identified in respect of the Holyrood Project.","AnswerText":"I have been informed by the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that there have been no landscape problems or problems associated with subsidence in respect of the Holyrood Building Project.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159443,"EventID":"S1W-22864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost would be of providing (a) free bus travel, (b) free rail travel and (c) free domestic fuel for pensioners throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost would be of providing (a) free bus travel, (b) free rail travel and (c) free domestic fuel for pensioners throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information on bus and rail travel is not available in the form requested. The Scottish Executive Concessionary Fares Study Report (November 2000) indicated that providing free off-peak bus and rail travel across Scotland for pensioners and disabled people would cost in the region of £96 million per annum. That figure did not take account of potentially very large additional operating costs. The report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 12085). The information required to estimate the cost of providing free domestic fuel for all Scottish pensioners is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159444,"EventID":"S1W-22865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formula it uses to distribute financial support to local authorities and whether it has considered using a formula based on needs and deprivation similar to the Arbu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formula it uses to distribute financial support to local authorities and whether it has considered using a formula based on needs and deprivation similar to the Arbuthnott scheme applied to health expenditure.","AnswerText":"The local government revenue grant is already distributed by a needs based system that takes account of the impact of deprivation on the costs of service delivery. There are 13 assessments within the formula - mainly those for social work and education - that include deprivation adjustments. In addition, a number of important social work assessments are influenced by health indicators which reflect deprivation. The Scottish Executive and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities together carried out a thorough review of the account taken of deprivation in the local government finance system last year. As a result we have redistributed an additional £16 million to help councils tackle the effects of deprivation in schools. We have also made available through the Better Neighbourhoods Services Fund an additional £90 million to help improve services within the most deprived neighbourhoods.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159445,"EventID":"S1W-22866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to make available copies of (a) the report on the review of regional selective assistance and (b) its response to the report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to make available copies of (a) the report on the review of regional selective assistance and (b) its response to the report.","AnswerText":"I have considered carefully the report which was presented to me in December. I fully accept the key recommendations of focusing more on growing Scottish firms and more support for quality projects. A full copy of the report and my response is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159446,"EventID":"S1W-22867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many more debtors will receive advice as a result of the #3 million additional funding for new debt advice services; how much earlier than at present debtors will now","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many more debtors will receive advice as a result of the #3 million additional funding for new debt advice services; how much earlier than at present debtors will now be able to access free and independent debt advice and what support will be available for front-line advisors.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22872.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159447,"EventID":"S1W-22868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #3 million additional funding for new debt advice services will be used to employ new and additional debt advice workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #3 million additional funding for new debt advice services will be used to employ new and additional debt advice workers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22872.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159448,"EventID":"S1W-22869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail those groups and/or individuals who have been consulted on the allocation of the #3 million additional funding for new debt advice services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail those groups and/or individuals who have been consulted on the allocation of the #3 million additional funding for new debt advice services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22872.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159449,"EventID":"S1W-22870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any new monies allocated for debt advice services will be used to expand the breadth and quality of existing free advice services rather than establishing new org","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any new monies allocated for debt advice services will be used to expand the breadth and quality of existing free advice services rather than establishing new organisations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22872.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159450,"EventID":"S1W-22871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next phase of its diligence review will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next phase of its diligence review will be published.","AnswerText":"The work on the review of the law of diligence is now complete. I am currently considering a draft consultation document. The Executive intends to publish it in April.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159451,"EventID":"S1W-22872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much new money for debt advice services will be available as a result of the report of the Working Group on a Replacement for Poinding and Warrant Sales, Striking the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much new money for debt advice services will be available as a result of the report of the Working Group on a Replacement for Poinding and Warrant Sales, Striking the Balance: A New Approach to Debt Management; how it will ensure that this is additional and not recycled money; how the money will be allocated, and who will decide the allocation and in consultation with whom.","AnswerText":"As announced by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice, in the answer given to question S1W-21207 on 19 December 2001, an additional £3 million per annum will be made available for the provision of money advice. This additional funding is intended to enhance local availability of money advice. It will be targeted on improving front-line services.

It is envisaged that this money will be made available through local authorities. As local authorities currently provide the majority of funding for local money advice provision, this has the advantage of building on existing structures and is the best way of ensuring that resources are available quickly.

We will consult COSLA on the distribution of additional resources between all local authorities, taking account of relevant factors such as additional outcomes to be secured. The decision on allocations to local authorities will be made by Scottish Executive ministers.

We envisage that local authorities will involve local providers in the planning and decision-making process. However, consultation is ultimately a matter for local authorities who are best placed to assess local needs.

Support for front-line money advisers, such as training, is currently available from existing national organisations, in particular Money Advice Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland. The Executive is at present considering whether, given the planned expansion of services, greater support is needed for money advice workers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159452,"EventID":"S1W-22873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5173/2002 of 16 January 2002, whether the #10,000 threshold on annual income for the charitable relief scheme under the Water Industry ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5173/2002 of 16 January 2002, whether the #10,000 threshold on annual income for the charitable relief scheme under the Water Industry (Scotland) Bill will apply to the income of the organisation as a whole or to income derived from the premises for which relief is sought.","AnswerText":"News release SE5341/2002 of 13 February 2002, available on the Scottish Executive website, announced a revised income threshold of £50,000 per annum for the exemption scheme for charitable organisations currently receiving reliefs on their water charges. The income referred to will be that of the organisation liable for the water charges for the relevant premises. The Executive recognises that clear guidance will be required on the definition of income and will consult interested parties to ensure that this is provided.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159453,"EventID":"S1W-22874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will obtain a valuation of the land and buildings occupied by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) at Hope Terrace, Edinburgh; whether, should the SNH head office b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will obtain a valuation of the land and buildings occupied by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) at Hope Terrace, Edinburgh; whether, should the SNH head office be relocated from Edinburgh, the capital receipt from the sale of the premises at Hope Terrace would be available (a) in whole or (b) in part for relocation costs, and how any partial contribution to relocation costs arising from any such capital receipt would be calculated. ","AnswerText":"In accordance with the general principles in undertaking a relocation review, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will consider issues such as costs, social issues, personnel issues, transport and environmental considerations. A valuation of Hope Terrace, Edinburgh will be obtained to ascertain the potential costs or benefits in relocating. Should the review recommend moving from Hope Terrace, capital receipts of up to £1 million would be available to SNH to cover relocation or other costs: capital receipts of more than £1 million would similarly be available with the consent of the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159454,"EventID":"S1W-22875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any deadline has been fixed for the submission by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) of a report costing the options for relocating its headquarters from Edinburgh; ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any deadline has been fixed for the submission by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) of a report costing the options for relocating its headquarters from Edinburgh; which locations are being considered for such a relocation; whether SNH staff will have access to the full report prior to its final submission, and whether any parts of the report will not be disclosed and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"It was announced on 19 November 2001 that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) would undertake a relocation review, as there is a property lease break in one of its Edinburgh offices in 2005. The review will access issues such as costs, quality and efficiency of service, economic factors such as unemployment, availability and suitability of property and staff, transport and environmental issues. Staff and unions will be consulted before decisions are taken on the most suitable location for SNH staff. The target date for completion of the review is mid-2002 and ministers will take a decision on the most suitable HQ location for SNH based on the review findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159455,"EventID":"S1W-22876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any headquarters functions of Scottish Natural Heritage that are carried out (a) at Hope Terrace, Edinburgh, (b) at Bonnington Bond, Leith, (c) in In","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any headquarters functions of Scottish Natural Heritage that are carried out (a) at Hope Terrace, Edinburgh, (b) at Bonnington Bond, Leith, (c) in Inverness, (d) in Aberdeen, (e) in Battleby and (f) in Clydebank.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage carries out a range of headquarters functions at its Hope Terrace, Bonnington, Battleby, Inverness, Aberdeen and Clydebank locations.

The following table gives details of the HQ functions carried by out by one or more staff at each office location.

Hope Terrace

Bonnington

Inverness

Aberdeen

Battleby

Clydebank

Secretariat, Press and PR

Corporate Planning and Information Unit

Finance Services

Personnel Services

Information Systems Services

Common Services

Design & Information Services

Audit and Review

Operational Support Unit

","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159456,"EventID":"S1W-22877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to have the current ban on fishmeal in ruminant feedstuff lifted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to have the current ban on fishmeal in ruminant feedstuff lifted.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-17515 on 22 August 2001.

Once such a test is developed and fully validated, the Executive will seek to have the current EU prohibition on the use of fishmeal in ruminant feedstuffs lifted at the earliest possible opportunity.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159457,"EventID":"S1W-22878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts the scientific findings by Professor Emeritus John Robinson of the Scottish Agricultural College, Aberdeen of 29 November 1991 that in typical weather ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts the scientific findings by Professor Emeritus John Robinson of the Scottish Agricultural College, Aberdeen of 29 November 1991 that in typical weather conditions 10% of the national sheepflock could die over the lambing season as a result of the current ban on fishmeal in ruminant feedstuff.","AnswerText":"While the findings of Professor Robinson are of some interest, there are alternative sources of protein commercially available to producers that would prevent losses of this nature.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159458,"EventID":"S1W-22879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in regard to the establishment of an enterprise 'one for Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in regard to the establishment of an enterprise 'one for Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans for the establishment of further Enterprise Zones.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159459,"EventID":"S1W-22880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in regard to the establishment of an enterprise 'one on land near or adjacent to the M74 northern extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in regard to the establishment of an enterprise 'one on land near or adjacent to the M74 northern extension.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22879.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159460,"EventID":"S1W-22881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that derelict and vacant land reclamation in sites near or adjacent to the M74 northern extension is carried out simultaneously with the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that derelict and vacant land reclamation in sites near or adjacent to the M74 northern extension is carried out simultaneously with the construction of the road.","AnswerText":"The Executive is working with the local authorities and Scottish Enterprise to ensure that they are aware of the opportunities that the M74 will create for the regeneration and reclamation of the land along the road corridor.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159461,"EventID":"S1W-22882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates to be the cost to (a) local authorities and (b) the NHS of the recent severe weather damage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates to be the cost to (a) local authorities and (b) the NHS of the recent severe weather damage.","AnswerText":"No local authority has submitted information on increased costs to the Executive. No information about additional costs has been received by the Executive from NHS trusts.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159462,"EventID":"S1W-22883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what 24 hour acute psychiatric provision is currently available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what 24 hour acute psychiatric provision is currently available.","AnswerText":"It is for each NHS board area to organise care and support that reflect the needs of its community.

NHS hospital services, including specialist acute psychiatric care, operate on a seven day, 24 hour basis. Otherwise, the aim is for care that matches need and for mental health in particular, to provide care from community, primary care and specialist settings based on integrated arrangements designed to prevent and manage crisis in a safe and supportive manner.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159463,"EventID":"S1W-22884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the publication dates for all up-dated data previously available in Chapter M, Hospital and Clinical Activity, of Scottish Health Statistics 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the publication dates for all up-dated data previously available in Chapter M, Hospital and Clinical Activity, of Scottish Health Statistics 2000.","AnswerText":"A wide range of health statistics are published by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency for NHSScotland (ISD Scotland). All ISD Scotland publications are now placed on the ISD Scotland website; the website now contains more information than was previously presented in Scottish Health Statistics. Although in future Scottish Health Statistics will not continue as a specific publication, the contents page will be retained and used as one of the indexes for the rest of the ISD Scotland website.

As part of ongoing reviews of published health statistics in Scotland, which include consultation with major users of health statistics, it is possible that the content and format of the statistics that previously formed Chapter M (Hospital and Clinical Activity) of Scottish Health Statistics will be revised. Any resulting changes will be clearly explained on the relevant webpages.

The release dates for ISD Scotland publications for the month of March 2002 will be placed on the following websites on 28 February 2002:

ISD Scotland website: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/index.htm

Scottish Executive website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/recent.asp

National Statistics website:\t http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/updates.pdf

Information relating to ISD Scotland publications for the year commencing 1 April 2002 will be issued as part of the ISD Scotland Statistical Plan 2002-2003 and is expected to be available from the following web address from March 2002:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/National_statistics/index.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159464,"EventID":"S1W-22885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what current figures are available on the incidence of suicide and attempted suicide in the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what current figures are available on the incidence of suicide and attempted suicide in the community.","AnswerText":"Figures on the incidence of suicide are as follows:

Table 1 - Suicide and Undetermined Deaths, by Age and Sex, Scotland - 1970, 1990-2000

Year

All Ages

Total

M

F

1970

618

364

254

1990

749

566

183

1991

706

523

183

1992

793

576

217

1993

912

679

233

1994

834

611

223

1995

836

625

211

1996

846

620

226

1997

874

655

219

1998

878

650

228

1999

874

663

211

2000

878

674

204

Source: General Register Office for Scotland.

Table 2 - Death by Suicide and Self Inflicted Injury, by Age and Sex, Scotland - 1970, 1990-2000

Year

All Ages

T

M

F

1970

397

236

161

1990

535

415

120

1991

525

394

131

1992

569

418

151

1993

615

473

142

1994

624

463

161

1995

Our National Health and the Framework for Mental Health Services, but principally Fair for All, recognise the distinctive cultural and other needs of people and family groups from ethnic minorities that must be considered by agencies when organising care and support. Each recognises the responsibilities placed upon NHS Scotland in delivering a culturally competent service.

Local care agencies are expected to respond to the particular needs of their local communities and design services that are accessible and appropriate in all respects.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159466,"EventID":"S1W-22887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients received an angiography within 12 weeks of their initial referral, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of patients waiting to receive an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients received an angiography within 12 weeks of their initial referral, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of patients waiting to receive an angiography, in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being compiled by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency, but it will take a few days to complete because of the need to undertake data linkage of individual patient records.

I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and will arrange for a copy of my letter to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159467,"EventID":"S1W-22888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients received an angioplasty operation within 24 weeks of having an angiography, also expressed as a percentage of the total number of patients waiting to re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients received an angioplasty operation within 24 weeks of having an angiography, also expressed as a percentage of the total number of patients waiting to receive an angioplasty operation, in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is being compiled by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency, but it will take a few days to complete because of the need to undertake data linkage of individual patient records.

I will write to the member as soon as the information is available and will arrange for a copy of my letter to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159468,"EventID":"S1W-22889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients were admitted to hospital from the waiting list for treatment within nine months of their initial referral, in the most recent 12-month period","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients were admitted to hospital from the waiting list for treatment within nine months of their initial referral, in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"In the year ended 30 September 2001, 96.7% of NHSScotland patients were admitted to hospital for treatment within nine months of being placed on the inpatient/day case waiting list.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159469,"EventID":"S1W-22890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in respect of how many Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnership schemes or proposed schemes Arthur Andersen or any of its subsidiaries and associated compani","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in respect of how many Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnership schemes or proposed schemes Arthur Andersen or any of its subsidiaries and associated companies have been awarded (a) contracts and (b) sub-contracts and (c) have undertaken consultancy work since May 1997.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22503 on 13 February 2002, which gave the information requested for the Scottish Executive and its agencies. The information requested is not held centrally for other public bodies as the contracts are a matter for the individual bodies concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159470,"EventID":"S1W-22891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether clear guidance will be issued in regard to the concept of notional capital in relation to assessment of those eligible for the payment of care in the community an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether clear guidance will be issued in regard to the concept of notional capital in relation to assessment of those eligible for the payment of care in the community and residential care allowances. ","AnswerText":"Notional capital is defined as part of the residential care charging requirements of the National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992. Clear guidance on the issue is available in circular SWSG6/98 Charges for Residential Accommodation.

Copies of the circular are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 8853) or can be accessed from:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library/swsg/index-f/c212.htm","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159471,"EventID":"S1W-22892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that, once an individual's care needs have been assessed, those needs are then met regardless of the resources available to either the individual conce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that, once an individual's care needs have been assessed, those needs are then met regardless of the resources available to either the individual concerned or the relevant local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22126 on 4 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159472,"EventID":"S1W-22893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of Communities Scotland's Quality News are issued each year and what the total annual cost is of printing, publication and distribution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of Communities Scotland's Quality News are issued each year and what the total annual cost is of printing, publication and distribution.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

Communities Scotland's Quality News is issued twice a year. The combined print run for the last two issues was 9,500 copies. The total cost for printing, publication and distribution of these two issues was £9,970.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159473,"EventID":"S1W-22894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will visit Aviemore and travel along the A95 in order to observe the condition of the road and what a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will visit Aviemore and travel along the A95 in order to observe the condition of the road and what assessment it has made of the importance of the road to the whisky industry and the local economy as a whole.","AnswerText":"I visited Aviemore and travelled along the A95 on 11 February 2002.

Trunk roads are defined as nationally important routes that serve destinations of importance to industry, commerce, agriculture and tourism. As such the 1996 Shaping the Trunk Road Network report designated the A95 a trunk road in view of its importance to the economically productive Strath Spey valley industries (including the whisky industry) and in order to provide a gateway to the fishing centres along the Moray coast.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159474,"EventID":"S1W-22895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to enhance the provision of greenspace in East and West Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to enhance the provision of greenspace in East and West Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recently approved Scottish Natural Heritage's business case for their "Greenspace for Communities" initiative. This will allow Scottish Natural Heritage, the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Greenspace Trust, and other organisations including local authorities within the area, to enhance and manage greenspaces with the aid of additional funding from the New Opportunities Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159475,"EventID":"S1W-22896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18229 by Susan Deacon on 15 October 2001, what initiatives will be undertaken in 2002 to strengthen the relationship between the NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18229 by Susan Deacon on 15 October 2001, what initiatives will be undertaken in 2002 to strengthen the relationship between the NHS and the hospice movement.","AnswerText":"We welcome the close partnership which exists in Scotland between the NHS and the hospice movement, as it ensures that a comprehensive range of services is in place in response to patients' needs. We will continue to encourage hospices and the NHS to work together.

Hospices will receive additional funding through NHS boards to take account of the impact on their running costs of the withdrawal of charitable relief on water and sewerage charges.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159476,"EventID":"S1W-22897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the projects being undertaken by (a) North of Scotland Water Authority, (b) East of Scotland Water Authority and (c) West of Scotland Water Authority","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the projects being undertaken by (a) North of Scotland Water Authority, (b) East of Scotland Water Authority and (c) West of Scotland Water Authority to comply with the provisions of the EU urban wastewater treatment directive (91/272/EEC) subsequently amended by Commission Directive (98/15/EC) including costings.","AnswerText":"The list of projects which are currently under way, and their costs, is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20557).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159477,"EventID":"S1W-22898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful it has been in assisting with the establishment of credit unions and what is being done to ensure that existing credit unions, such as those in Dalmuir, Du","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful it has been in assisting with the establishment of credit unions and what is being done to ensure that existing credit unions, such as those in Dalmuir, Dunbartonshire and East Clydebank, continue to trade successfully.","AnswerText":"The Executive will assist the development of the credit union movement in Scotland through the implementation of the action plan "Unlocking the Potential". £1.5 million of new resources are available over this and the next two years to help implement the plan. To help credit unions meet the Financial Services Authority's new regulatory changes (coming into effect on 1 July), every credit union in Scotland has been offered free compliance training.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159478,"EventID":"S1W-22899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being given to West Dunbartonshire Council to improve its council tax collection rates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being given to West Dunbartonshire Council to improve its council tax collection rates.","AnswerText":"Following from the work of the joint "It Pays to Pay" Working Group, we have introduced legislative changes to allow all councils to start collecting council tax earlier and to take action more quickly when people fall into arrears. Good practice guidance has also been issued on council tax billing and collection arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159479,"EventID":"S1W-22900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being given to West Dunbartonshire Council to improve its rate of collection of rent from council-owned housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is being given to West Dunbartonshire Council to improve its rate of collection of rent from council-owned housing.","AnswerText":"The collection of council house rents is a matter for individual local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159480,"EventID":"S1W-22901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have visited the National Museum of Scotland since April 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have visited the National Museum of Scotland since April 2001.","AnswerText":"The National Museums of Scotland (NMS) collect visitors numbers as a matter or routine. Visitor figures for each museum within the NMS estate since April 2001 are set out in the following table:

Museum

Number of Visitors

Notes

Royal Museum of Scotland/Museum of Scotland

555,971

 

National War Museum

333,379

 

Museum of Flight

51,576

 

Museum of Scottish Country Life

36,192

Museum open since July 2001.

Shambelie House Museum of Costume

12,698

 

Granton Store

630

 
","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159481,"EventID":"S1W-22902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional element of surplus in the Scottish Transport Group pension funds which accrues in the current financial year will be made over in full to the membe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional element of surplus in the Scottish Transport Group pension funds which accrues in the current financial year will be made over in full to the members of the funds or whether any such sum will be paid to other persons or bodies.","AnswerText":"The audited report and accounts for the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes in respect of the final accounting period are due to be received by the Executive shortly. The position as regards distribution of the surplus remains as I announced to Parliament on 29 November 2001 (motion S1M-2486).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159482,"EventID":"S1W-22903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 27 December 2001, to the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning in respect of the Scottish Transport Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 27 December 2001, to the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning in respect of the Scottish Transport Group.","AnswerText":"A reply to your letter was issued on 6 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159483,"EventID":"S1W-22904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by local economic forums in determining what they do in Year 2.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by local economic forums in determining what they do in Year 2.","AnswerText":"Local economic forums first responsibility will be to continue to focus on delivering their action plans to reduce overlap and duplication, streamline access to business support services and deliver real improvements. Some forums may also wish to address issues of local strategic importance but new national priorities should await completion of the first task. The Scottish Executive will publish details of this shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159484,"EventID":"S1W-22905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how research funding will change in the light of the Research Assessment Exercise in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how research funding will change in the light of the Research Assessment Exercise in 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21633 on 23 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159485,"EventID":"S1W-22906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether traffic congestion is damaging to business.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether traffic congestion is damaging to business.","AnswerText":"Road congestion imposes significant costs on business and the wider economy. The 1999 Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment report, Transport and the Economy, acknowledged the fact that traffic congestion can act as a constraint on economic growth, but noted that the linkages between transport and the economy are complex.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159486,"EventID":"S1W-22907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail and cost the alternatives to the construction of a new water treatment plant at Milngavie as part of the Katrine Water Project submitted by (a) Tro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail and cost the alternatives to the construction of a new water treatment plant at Milngavie as part of the Katrine Water Project submitted by (a) Trossach Water, (b) Balfour Beatty et.al., (c) Craigmaddie Water and (d) Alfred McAlpine et.al. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water, and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22821 on 20 February 2002. The consortia tendering for the Katrine Water Project were not asked to provide proposals for new treatment works.

As part of the tendering exercise each consortia were asked to apply rates to a bill of quantities for a hypothetical generic works. The purpose of this was only to directly compare commercial tender rates and to give guidance rates for the later calculation of a target price.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159487,"EventID":"S1W-22908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the highest point above ground will be of the proposed new water treatment plant at Milngavie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the highest point above ground will be of the proposed new water treatment plant at Milngavie.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water, and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

The highest point of the proposed new treatment works at Milngavie is the roof above the lime storage silo at the north end of the treatment building which is at an elevation of 126.4 meters above Ordnance Datum (AOD). The general level of the ridge of the treatment building is 125.4 meters AOD. The level of the hillside behind and to the west of the building is 139 meters AOD.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159488,"EventID":"S1W-22909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis West of Scotland Water considers the construction of a new water treatment plant at Milngavie to be the best value solution for the Katrine Water Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis West of Scotland Water considers the construction of a new water treatment plant at Milngavie to be the best value solution for the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-22387 (8 February 2002), S1W-22134 (5 February 2002), S1W-22133 (5 February 2002), S1W-22086 (4 February 2002) and S1W-22155 (11 February 2002).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159489,"EventID":"S1W-22910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was undertaken by West of Scotland Water before it determined its preferred option for the location of a new water treatment plant as part of the Katrin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was undertaken by West of Scotland Water before it determined its preferred option for the location of a new water treatment plant as part of the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water, and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

The preferred option became a firm proposal when the planning application was submitted. Prior to this Katrine Water Project was very proactive in communicating with statutory and non-statutory consultees. In total 71 statutory and non-statutory consultees were contacted. Consultations began as early as March 2000 as part of the Babtie Mott Strategic Review. As the project developed, meetings were held with the major consultees and presentations were given. Initially this was to explain the large numbers of options, then to seek their views about the short-listed options, and more recently to include for any concerns they had in the design and development of the preferred scheme. In addition, during the process of surveying possible sites and pipe routes, members of the project team and our land agents visited some 75 landowners, occupiers and tenants. A further consultation process was undertaken as part of their Environmental Impact Assessment by our consultants, ERM. They wrote to 62 bodies giving details of our proposals and seeking their comments.

The project team has also met with and given presentations to, on several occasions, local community and interest groups including: Baldernock Community Council, Milngavie Community Council, the Mugdock Association, Strathblane Community Council and the Baldernock Amenity Society.

In August 2001, once the preferred scheme had been identified, a website (www.katrinewaterproject.com) was established and a caravan display taken to the Milngavie and Baldernock areas. It was exhibited over a continuous period of 26 days and received nearly 3,000 visitors. Comment sheets were available. Those completed showed no disapproving comments on the detail of the initial proposal itself. Some asked for information on other options considered and most raised concerns on aspects of project implementation.

Following the caravan initiative, public meetings were held in Balmore and Milngavie on 29 and 30 August to explain the project proposals, respond to queries and seek feedback. To satisfy requests for further information on the site selection process, a third meeting was held on 26 September. At that meeting further documentation was handed out which gave cost comparisons and explained how the data previously given out had been used to come to the preferred option.

Since the planning application was submitted, material relating to the submission has been displayed at six local venues where members of the project team have been available to explain the proposals to anyone interested.

At all stages the various public meetings and displays have been publicised in the local press and by widespread distribution of posters.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159490,"EventID":"S1W-22911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the reasons for the decision by West of Scotland Water Authority to engage Stirling Water as contractor for the Katrine Water Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the reasons for the decision by West of Scotland Water Authority to engage Stirling Water as contractor for the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22821 on 20 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159491,"EventID":"S1W-22912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the construction of the works associated with the Katrine Water Project will commence and be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the construction of the works associated with the Katrine Water Project will commence and be completed.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water, and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

The construction of the works associated with the Katrine Water Project cannot commence until East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) grants planning approval. The work must be constructed, commissioned and supply drinking water to the Glasgow distribution system by December 2005 in order to comply with drinking water quality regulations.

If EDC grants planning approval, and Scottish ministers grant listed building approval by June this year, the construction work should be completed by mid-summer 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159492,"EventID":"S1W-22913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact any delays in the development approvals process would have on the costs of the Katrine Water Project. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact any delays in the development approvals process would have on the costs of the Katrine Water Project. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water, and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

Any delay in the approvals process will have an adverse financial impact on the Katrine water Project.

Planning was submitted to East Dunbartonshire Council in November and the statutory approval/decision period is four months, i.e. until mid-March 2002. Thereafter there is a 28-day period for Scottish ministers to give listed building approval bringing us to mid-April.

A delay of greater than four to six weeks will inconvenience the excavation operations which rely on better weather for their efficiency. This means that more muck would be shifted in the winter months resulting in increased operation times and costs.

Should a planning inquiry be deemed necessary, the consequent delays and costs are a larger order of magnitude. Our best advice is that an inquiry cannot be carried out in less than one year and is more likely to take 18 to 24 months. Direct costs of such an enquiry could easily be in the order of £2.5 to £3 million. Consequential increased construction costs resulting from the delay could bring this figure up to £10 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159493,"EventID":"S1W-22914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen to the eight members of West of Scotland Water's tourist office at Loch Katrine and the SS Walter Scott screw steamer following the commissioning of a ne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen to the eight members of West of Scotland Water's tourist office at Loch Katrine and the SS Walter Scott screw steamer following the commissioning of a new water treatment plant at Milngavie. ","AnswerText":"Tourism at Loch Katrine and the Katrine Water Project are not related.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159494,"EventID":"S1W-22915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Minister for Health and Community Care and/or either of his deputies have had with the Chief Medical Officer regarding the postponement of tonsillect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Minister for Health and Community Care and/or either of his deputies have had with the Chief Medical Officer regarding the postponement of tonsillectomy operations in the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board area.","AnswerText":"Following the postponement of non-emergency tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies across Scotland, the Executive continues to monitor the situation. The Chief Medical Officer is keeping ministers fully appraised of the most up-to-date position.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159495,"EventID":"S1W-22916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Director of Education at South Ayrshire Council regarding any proposed Public/Private Partnership initiative for schools in the ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Director of Education at South Ayrshire Council regarding any proposed Public/Private Partnership initiative for schools in the area.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159496,"EventID":"S1W-22917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the current guidance to local authorities on Public/Private Partnerships and Private Finance Initiatives and what plans it has to revise this guida","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the current guidance to local authorities on Public/Private Partnerships and Private Finance Initiatives and what plans it has to revise this guidance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-4565 on 31 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159497,"EventID":"S1W-22918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria is applied in the consideration of a school closure and what bearing does a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education have.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria is applied in the consideration of a school closure and what bearing does a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education have.","AnswerText":"In consulting with parents and school boards on school closure proposals, and subsequently reaching decisions, education authorities would be expected to take account of educational, financial and community issues and other relevant considerations. Whether or not an inspection report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education would have any bearing on an authority's consideration of a school closure proposal would be a matter for the authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159498,"EventID":"S1W-22919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role rural schools play in the local community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role rural schools play in the local community.","AnswerText":"This will depend on the school and the community. The principal purpose of a school in any community, rural or urban, is as a place in which pupils should receive education and learning directed to the development of their personality, talents and mental and physical abilities. Many schools also have a role in providing for other uses and activities, both for the children who attend the school and the wider community.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159499,"EventID":"S1W-22920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 February 2002, whether the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill will have an effect in allowing ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 February 2002, whether the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill will have an effect in allowing access to the correspondence between it and Her Majesty's Treasury, the Department of Work and Pensions and any other individuals or departments, in connection with the loss of Attendance Allowance to Scottish pensioners resulting from the implementation of free personal and nursing care for pensioners.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to anticipate decisions about specific requests for information that would be made under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill, once enacted. Such considerations will be made on a case-by-case basis. The Bill provides a right of appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner, who would be able to determine whether information should be disclosed in the public interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159500,"EventID":"S1W-22921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 February 2002, whether the correspondence between it and Her Majesty's Government concerning the los","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 February 2002, whether the correspondence between it and Her Majesty's Government concerning the loss of Attendance Allowance to Scottish pensioners resulting from the implementation of free personal and nursing care for pensioners was automatically covered by Part II of its Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information and what consideration it gave or will now give to releasing this correspondence under Part I, 3(v). ","AnswerText":"Paragraph 3(v) of Part 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information commits the Scottish Executive to release information except where disclosure would not be in the public interest as specified in Part II of the Code. Disclosure of the information requested in question S1W-22235 would not be in the public interest as it would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion including confidential communications between departments, public bodies and regulatory bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159501,"EventID":"S1W-22922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22285 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why neither it nor the Higher Educati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22285 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why neither it nor the Higher Education Statistics Agency collects information on the number of staff required to take compulsory retirement.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the data it collects are a matter for the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) which is funded directly by higher education institutions across the UK to cover a wide range of statistical data for institutions. The Executive has no plans to duplicate that function.

As indicated in my reply to question S1W-22285 on 7 February 2002, officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159502,"EventID":"S1W-22923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22286 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002 and the statement that \"the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects infor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22286 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002 and the statement that \"the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects information on when staff leave institutions, at what age and in many cases which institutions they have come from or gone to\", why the information requested on the number of staff at higher education establishments who took early retirement and did not have their contracts renewed was not provided and when HESA will provide this information.","AnswerText":"The information requested was not provided as the Executive does not collect it, and neither is it available from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Decisions on the data it collects are a matter for the HESA which is funded directly by higher education institutions across the UK to cover a wide range of statistical data for institutions. The Executive has no plans to duplicate that function.

As indicated in my replies to various questions on data available, officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159503,"EventID":"S1W-22924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22287 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will place the policy guidance it gave to the Scottish Further Education","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22287 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will place the policy guidance it gave to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council regarding increasing the percentage of academic college staff with a recognised teaching qualification in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Letters of 7 and 8 February 2001 and 17 December 2001 to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre at the time.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159504,"EventID":"S1W-22925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22287 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why the Scottish Further Education Fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22287 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why the Scottish Further Education Funding Council alone is responsible for monitoring progress in regard to the targets for increasing the percentage of academic college staff with a recognised teaching qualification in the further education sector and why it does not collate the information centrally.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council sets the targets, makes supporting funding available and monitors progress towards achievement of the targets. It is therefore appropriate that the council should centrally collate this information.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159505,"EventID":"S1W-22926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22288 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why the Higher Education Statistics A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22288 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why the Higher Education Statistics Agency does not collect information on full-time and part-time academic staff in universities who hold a recognised qualification for teaching in any education establishment and why there is no recognised standard teaching qualification for academic staff in higher education establishments.","AnswerText":"Decisions on appropriate levels of qualifications for staff undertaking teaching duties in higher education institutions are a matter for the individual institutions concerned.

Institutions have supported the formation of the Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILT) in Higher Education to support excellence in learning and teaching. The ILT is a professional body for academic staff which aims to develop and maintain professional standards of practice and become the main source of professional recognition for all staff engaged in teaching and the support of learning. More information on ILT can be found at: www.ilt.ac.uk

Decisions on the data it collects are a matter for the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). It is possible that membership of the ILT could be included as a field in the HESA collection in the future.

As indicated in my reply to S1W-22288, officials from the Department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159506,"EventID":"S1W-22927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22288 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether there is a standard teaching qualification for academic staff in further ed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22288 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether there is a standard teaching qualification for academic staff in further education establishments and what requirement there is for applicants to possess any such qualification prior to their appointment to an academic post in a further education establishment, detailing the reasons for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Various courses are available leading to the award of a Teaching Qualification (Further Education), ranging in level from certificate of education to Master's degree. Courses are not standard but each is based on and incorporates the core competencies for further education lecturers specified in the National Guidelines on Provision Leading to the Teaching Qualification (Further Education) and Related Professional Development (April 1997).

There is no requirement for all academic staff in further education colleges to possess a teaching qualification on appointment. This reflects the diversity of appointments within the sector, where contracts may range from a couple of hours a week to full-time and permanent. Following appointment, all teaching staff are encouraged to pursue programmes of study leading to appropriate qualifications in teaching.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159507,"EventID":"S1W-22928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22289 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why it is the responsibility of the S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22289 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why it is the responsibility of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council alone to collect statistics relating to further education colleges and why the Executive does not collect such statistics.","AnswerText":"The collection of statistics relating to further education colleges is a necessary adjunct to the council's funding function and its responsibility to secure adequate and efficient further education in Scotland. These functions were transferred to the council on its establishment in 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159508,"EventID":"S1W-22929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22289 by Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why it has no plans to collate centrally","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22289 by Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why it has no plans to collate centrally information on college teaching staff with a physical disability.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22931.

The Scottish Executive does not require such information. It is for the Scottish Further Education Funding Council to decide what statistics it needs to collect in order to carry out its functions.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159509,"EventID":"S1W-22930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22289 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, when and how it asked the Scottish Further Education Funding Council \"to ensure the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22289 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, when and how it asked the Scottish Further Education Funding Council \"to ensure the promotion of equal opportunities in further education colleges\" with regard to the employment of staff with physical disabilities and whether it will place its guidance on this matter in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"In my letter of 17 December 2001 to the Chair of the Scottish Further Education Funding Council I asked the council to support and ensure the promotion of equal opportunities generally, within colleges. I did not confine my request to the matter of the employment of staff with physical disabilities. My letter was placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre at the time.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159510,"EventID":"S1W-22931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22289 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it looks to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFECF) to take appr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22289 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it looks to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFECF) to take appropriate action in regard to the employment of staff with physical disabilities and what action it has taken to ensure that the SFEFC has acted on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council was established to exercise a wide range of functions on behalf of the Scottish ministers. Although statutory responsibility for employment matters rests with the individual colleges I have asked the council to support the sector and ensure that it is addressing the need to promote equal opportunities and the development of good staff management strategies and practices.

Scottish Executive officials are in regular dialogue with the council regarding the implementation of all policy guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159511,"EventID":"S1W-22932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22267 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether, under section 21 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22267 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether, under section 21 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, it would be reasonable for it to direct further education establishments to ensure that all grievance and appeal procedures are fully compliant with the European Convention of Human Rights, detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"No. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22933.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159512,"EventID":"S1W-22933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22267 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether, under section 21 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22267 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether, under section 21 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, it can direct further education establishments to ensure that all grievance and appeal procedures are fully compliant with the European Convention of Human Rights, detailing the reasons for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. As autonomous bodies, further education colleges are responsible for deciding what action is necessary to ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements. The power of direction is to be exercised only in accordance with the discharge of their statutory functions.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159513,"EventID":"S1W-22934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22267 by Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether any directions it makes to college boards of management under section 21 of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22267 by Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether any directions it makes to college boards of management under section 21 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 must be complied with.","AnswerText":"Section 21 (1) of the 1992 act states that, \"it shall be the duty of a board of management to whom any such directions are given to comply with the directions\".","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159514,"EventID":"S1W-22935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22267 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it does not have the same powers to direct higher education establishments as i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22267 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it does not have the same powers to direct higher education establishments as it does under section 21 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 to direct further education establishments and whether it has any plans to address this position, detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"There is no such power under the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992.

The Executive is currently conducting a review of higher education, during which individuals and organisations are at liberty to propose changes to these arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159515,"EventID":"S1W-22936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22268 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it has undertaken any assessment of the potential for it to be held legally","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22268 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it has undertaken any assessment of the potential for it to be held legally or financially liable for any malpractice resulting from grievance and appeal procedures at further and higher education establishments, detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has considered the matter and is of the view that, given the terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, liability for any malpractice resulting from grievance and appeal procedures would lie with the establishment in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159516,"EventID":"S1W-22937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22269 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what duties of care it has, outwith the duties of care which further and higher edu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22269 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what duties of care it has, outwith the duties of care which further and higher education establishments have, in regard to the attendance of students at further and higher education establishments.","AnswerText":"It is for the courts to determine in what circumstances a duty of care is owed to a particular individual.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159517,"EventID":"S1W-22938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22272 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why the Scottish Funding Councils for Further and Higher Education alone have respo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22272 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why the Scottish Funding Councils for Further and Higher Education alone have responsibility for holding information centrally on student complaints, grievances and academic appeals at further and higher education establishments; what plans it has to hold such information itself and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The funding councils are not obliged to hold information centrally on student complaints, grievances and academic appeals. The Executive has no plans to hold such information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159518,"EventID":"S1W-22939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information on further and higher educational establishments it holds centrally, detailing the reasons for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information on further and higher educational establishments it holds centrally, detailing the reasons for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive has access to a wide range of information on further and higher educational establishments, including some collected directly for specific purposes, such as data collected by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

The Executive collects such data as it requires, and which cannot be obtained from other bodies, such as the Scottish Funding Councils and the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

As indicated in previous replies, officials from the department would be happy to meet with you to discuss data collection and the information that is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159519,"EventID":"S1W-22940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it undertakes any assessment to ensure that best academic practice is employed at further and higher educational establishments, detailing the reasons behind its ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it undertakes any assessment to ensure that best academic practice is employed at further and higher educational establishments, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council engages HM Inspectorate of Education to assess the quality of academic practice at further education colleges.

The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council has a statutory duty to secure that provision is made for assessing the quality of education provided in institutions whose activities they fund or are considering funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159520,"EventID":"S1W-22941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to celebrate the Parliament's visit to Aberdeen and to maximise the involvement of the people of the north east.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to celebrate the Parliament's visit to Aberdeen and to maximise the involvement of the people of the north east.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's arrangements for the period when the Parliament is in Aberdeen have not yet been finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159521,"EventID":"S1W-22942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with further education establishments over the new measures of student activity on which the Scottish Further Education Funding Council's (S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with further education establishments over the new measures of student activity on which the Scottish Further Education Funding Council's (SFEFC) funding formula will be based and which were announced by the SFEFC on 8 February 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council, which is responsible for these matters, developed the new approach to measuring student activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159522,"EventID":"S1W-22943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what models were set up to estimate the impact on further education establishments of the new measures of student activity on which the Scottish Further Education Funding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what models were set up to estimate the impact on further education establishments of the new measures of student activity on which the Scottish Further Education Funding Council's (SFEFC) funding formula will be based and which were announced by the SFEFC on 8 February 2002.","AnswerText":"Given the large number of matters under consideration and potential outcome permutations, it was not practical for SFEFC to estimate the impact of everything being consulted on.

The council has indicated that it now proposes to work closely with colleges in preparing an implementation plan, if necessary making adjustments to aspects of these proposals; and that it will not expect any college to have to manage a significant funding change in just one year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159523,"EventID":"S1W-22944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated impact is on the budget of each further education college of the new measures of student activity announced by the Scottish Further Education Funding ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated impact is on the budget of each further education college of the new measures of student activity announced by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council on 8 February 2002.","AnswerText":"The estimated impact on each college will not be known until the council has developed a detailed implementation plan. The council has indicated that there will be no consequential changes to funding until academic year 2003-04 at the earliest.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159524,"EventID":"S1W-22945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has to celebrate the Parliament's visit to Aberdeen and to maximise the involvement of the people of the north east.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what plans the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has to celebrate the Parliament's visit to Aberdeen and to maximise the involvement of the people of the north east.","AnswerText":"The first day of the visit will be marked by an address to the Parliament by Her Majesty The Queen. During the three days that the Parliament will sit in Aberdeen, a full programme of business will be taken which will enable local people to observe proceedings live in the chamber and in adjacent lecture theatres. A number of the Parliament's committees are also planning activities such as fact-finding visits and civic participation events.

In addition, our educational visits programme will be located in Aberdeen for the week as will the retail outlet. Special events will be co-ordinated on-site at King's College, including information and displays about the Holyrood building. A full programme of outreach events is planned involving local partner libraries, other community organisations and educational venues.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159525,"EventID":"S1W-22946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever provided briefings or information for use by non-Executive members during debates of the Parliament and, if so, (a) when, (b) in respect of which deba","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever provided briefings or information for use by non-Executive members during debates of the Parliament and, if so, (a) when, (b) in respect of which debates and (c) to whom each such briefing was provided.","AnswerText":"It is not practicable to provide the information in the form requested. The Scottish Executive publishes and provides a great deal of information which may be used by non-Executive members, for example, briefings on bills to committees of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159526,"EventID":"S1W-22947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever provided briefings or information for use by non-Executive members during meetings of parliamentary committees and, if so, (a) when, (b) in respect of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever provided briefings or information for use by non-Executive members during meetings of parliamentary committees and, if so, (a) when, (b) in respect of which meetings and (c) to whom each such briefing was provided.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22946.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159527,"EventID":"S1W-22948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency who do not have access to any private means of transport should travel in order to keep appointments at Wishaw G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency who do not have access to any private means of transport should travel in order to keep appointments at Wishaw General Hospital.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Lanarkshire NHS Board and Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159528,"EventID":"S1W-22949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency who do not have access to any private means of transport should travel in order to keep appointments at Monkland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency who do not have access to any private means of transport should travel in order to keep appointments at Monklands Hospital.","AnswerText":"I refer the Member to the answer given to question S1W-22948.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159529,"EventID":"S1W-22950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been treated at Stobhill Hospital in each of the last three years; whether treatment at the hospital w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been treated at Stobhill Hospital in each of the last three years; whether treatment at the hospital will continue to be provided to residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in the future, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22948.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159530,"EventID":"S1W-22951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Lanarkshire NHS Board is required to reimburse (a) Stobhill Hospital (b) North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust or (c) Greater Glasgow NHS Board for treatme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Lanarkshire NHS Board is required to reimburse (a) Stobhill Hospital (b) North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust or (c) Greater Glasgow NHS Board for treatment of residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22948.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159531,"EventID":"S1W-22952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid by Lanarkshire NHS Board to (a) Stobhill Hospital, (b) North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust or (c) Greater Glasgow NHS Board for treatment ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid by Lanarkshire NHS Board to (a) Stobhill Hospital, (b) North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust or (c) Greater Glasgow NHS Board for treatment of residents of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22948.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159532,"EventID":"S1W-22953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to ensure that those working in the childcare sector are being advised on and protected against childhood diseases such as measles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to ensure that those working in the childcare sector are being advised on and protected against childhood diseases such as measles.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for occupational health and safety matters for staff working in childcare rests with employers, whether local authority, private or voluntary sector providers. Should an outbreak of measles or mumps occur in a school or a nursery, local public health professionals, in close consultation with education authorities, staff and parents, would initiate appropriate and timely action to control its spread.

The childhood immunisation programme aims to prevent disease at the individual level and control or eradicate disease at the population level. As such, the Executive will continue to encourage high immunisation uptake, in order to protect the population as a whole. The Executive will also continue to work with health professionals to provide factual information to the parents of children due to be immunised, to allow them to make an informed choice for vaccination.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159533,"EventID":"S1W-22954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that BEAR Scotland Ltd meets representatives of the community in Mallaig in relation to the complaints from Mallaig Community Council in regard to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that BEAR Scotland Ltd meets representatives of the community in Mallaig in relation to the complaints from Mallaig Community Council in regard to the condition of the A830, and whether it will require BEAR Scotland Ltd to produce an action plan for the community of Mallaig to deal with pot holes and repairs to the A830 trunk road.","AnswerText":"BEAR Scotland Ltd. met with representatives of Mallaig Community Council on 20 February 2002 to discuss their concerns regarding the condition of the A830, in particular the section of the road east of Arisaig.

To address those concerns, a structural maintenance scheme has been identified for implementation this autumn. An interim strategy to undertake urgent repairs and increase the frequency of safety inspections, has also been formulated to ensure road safety is maintained.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159534,"EventID":"S1W-22955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to enhance the availability of venture capital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to enhance the availability of venture capital.","AnswerText":"We have been considering carefully the extent to which Scottish firms are able to access venture capital investment in the current market. It seems clear that some firms continue to face difficulties in accessing small-scale, early-stage equity, and I am announcing today our intention to set up a new venture capital fund of funds to address this equity gap. To establish this, over the next three years a total of £20 million will be made available from my department's Regional Selective Assistance budget. The fund of funds will support a number of new private sector equity funds in Scotland making small-scale investments - mainly up to £250,000 (but up to £500,000 where justified).","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159535,"EventID":"S1W-22956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many conveners of committees of the Parliament it invited to nominate candidates for selection as Independent Assessors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many conveners of committees of the Parliament it invited to nominate candidates for selection as Independent Assessors.","AnswerText":"The convenors of all the parliamentary committees were asked in June 2001 to identify individuals who might be considered for appointment as an Independent Assessor.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159536,"EventID":"S1W-22957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many conveners of committees of the Parliament, which it invited to nominate Independent Assessors, replied to the invitation and whom any convener nominated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many conveners of committees of the Parliament, which it invited to nominate Independent Assessors, replied to the invitation and whom any convener nominated.","AnswerText":"None of the convenors of the parliamentary committees replied to the invitation to identify individuals who might be considered for appointment as an Independent Assessor.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159537,"EventID":"S1W-22958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will reply to my letter of 14 December 2001 regarding the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will reply to my letter of 14 December 2001 regarding the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my letter of 25 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159538,"EventID":"S1W-22959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require the Scottish Agricultural College to reconsider its proposals in regard to Auchincruive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require the Scottish Agricultural College to reconsider its proposals in regard to Auchincruive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Agricultural College is currently still developing its proposals. No decisions have been taken and their final plans have yet to be submitted to ministers. When they are we will give them full and careful consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159539,"EventID":"S1W-22960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Equal Opportunities Committee's 6th Report 2001, Consultation on the Implementation of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Equal Opportunities Committee's 6th Report 2001, Consultation on the Implementation of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"The Executive presented its response to Parliament today.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159540,"EventID":"S1W-22961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the incidence of falls among the elderly and infirm patients or residents in (a) NHS hospitals and (b) (i) local authority and (ii) independent nursing ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the incidence of falls among the elderly and infirm patients or residents in (a) NHS hospitals and (b) (i) local authority and (ii) independent nursing homes and what action it is taking to reduce the incidence of such falls. ","AnswerText":"The number of falls and other accidents experienced by NHS patients and residents in registered care homes is not collected centrally. However, care standards for all residents and patients in all registered care settings are monitored and prevention of accidents and falls promoted.

The report of the Expert Group on the Healthcare of Older People (published January 2002) contains a section on falls and fracture prevention. It recommends, amongst other things, that all older people should be asked annually if they have fallen in the past year and that NHS boards should ensure the availability of falls assessment services which provide interventions of proven effectiveness, tailored to community or care home settings. We will expect NHS boards to act on these recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159541,"EventID":"S1W-22962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many falls among elderly and infirm patients in NHS hospitals have been recorded in each NHS board area in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many falls among elderly and infirm patients in NHS hospitals have been recorded in each NHS board area in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22961.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159542,"EventID":"S1W-22963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many falls among elderly and infirm residents of (a) local authority and (b) independent residential and nursing homes have been recorded in each local authority area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many falls among elderly and infirm residents of (a) local authority and (b) independent residential and nursing homes have been recorded in each local authority area since 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22961.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159543,"EventID":"S1W-22964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often its railway officials have met representatives from the South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTRAN) to discuss rail enhancements in the south and east o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often its railway officials have met representatives from the South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTRAN) to discuss rail enhancements in the south and east of Scotland and whether the minutes of any such meetings are available for public scrutiny.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive rail officials have attended meetings of South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTRAN) to discuss a wide range of issues. The minutes of those meetings are the property of SESTRAN. SESTRAN is also a partner with the Scottish Executive in the Scottish Strategic Rail study and a key stakeholder in the study into rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159544,"EventID":"S1W-22965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it offers to local authorities on the appropriate level of reserve funds to hold in their General Funds, their Housing Revenue Accounts and any other funds,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it offers to local authorities on the appropriate level of reserve funds to hold in their General Funds, their Housing Revenue Accounts and any other funds, including Direct Labour Organisation accounts.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not issued guidance on the maintenance of reserves by local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159545,"EventID":"S1W-22966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to provide sex offenders with learning disabilities with access to sex offender programmes while in (a) prison and (b) the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to provide sex offenders with learning disabilities with access to sex offender programmes while in (a) prison and (b) the community.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

The Scottish Prison Service runs a sex offender programme developed by HMPS specifically for sex offenders with borderline or learning disability problems. The programme is called Adapted STOP and runs for 70 sessions. It is being delivered at HMP Peterhead for adult sex offenders and HMYOI Polmont for young offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159546,"EventID":"S1W-22967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on developing and providing rehabilitation programmes in (a) prison and (b) the community for sex offenders who deny their crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on developing and providing rehabilitation programmes in (a) prison and (b) the community for sex offenders who deny their crime.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:

Apart from those who deny their offence completely, sex offenders who deny elements of their case are accepted for participation in SPS Sex Offender Programmes if they are prepared to attend, as research has shown that attendance in itself may help to address denial. There are no accredited or approved programmes currently provided in SPS specifically targeted at complete denial, although preliminary work is being carried out.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159547,"EventID":"S1W-22968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes for sex offenders are currently available in (a) prison and (b) the community, where these programmes are provided and what criteria must be met before se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes for sex offenders are currently available in (a) prison and (b) the community, where these programmes are provided and what criteria must be met before sex offenders can access them.","AnswerText":"(a) The Core Sex Offender Programme (STOP 2000) is currently available at HMP Barlinnie and HMP Peterhead.

Criteria for this programme include a history of sex offending and appropriate cognitive ability. Those referred must agree to go onto the programme. Prisoners may be deemed not ready to take part in the programme in relation to a number of other criteria relating to literacy, physical and mental health and complete denial of offence.

The Adapted Sex Offender Programme is available at HMP Peterhead and HMYOI Polmont.

Criteria for this programme include a history of sex offending and cognitive level of borderline learning disability or below or social functioning problems. Again, the prisoner may be deemed not ready if they do not meet the other criteria such as mental and physical health, or are in complete denial.

Sex offenders can also access Scottish Prison Service programmes for Anger Management, Cognitive Skills, Drugs, Problem Solving and Approved Activities in Relationships, Alcohol, Parenting and Drugs at most establishments.

(b) The Scottish Executive funds local authorities through the 100% funding arrangements for criminal justice social work to provide programmes for sex offenders. Where a specific groupwork programme is not available in an area a qualified social worker will work with an offender on an individual basis to address his/her needs. All offenders subject to statutory supervision whether as part of a community sentence or on release from custody have access to programmes either on a group or individual basis. Offenders not subject to statutory post release supervision can access programmes by seeking voluntary assistance.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159548,"EventID":"S1W-22969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the arrangements made for child witnesses within the criminal justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the arrangements made for child witnesses within the criminal justice system.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Justice Department are currently chairing the Implementation Group set up to carry into effect the recommendations of the Lord Advocate's Working Group on Child Witness Support. These recommendations cover a wide range of issues related to the experience of children within the criminal justice system. One of the major recommendations relates to supporting children prior to and at court and highlights the role of a child witness officer. Another central recommendation tackles the task of improving the conduct of interviews and precognitions with young witnesses. The implementation of the recommendations seeks to adopt an approach to child witnesses which recognises their vulnerability and serves their particular interests within the existing criminal justice system.

The Scottish Executive will also shortly be publishing a consultation paper looking at whether further changes to the law of evidence are required to assist vulnerable witnesses (including children). The paper will look at the current statutory definition of \"vulnerable person\" and discuss possible changes to the special measures available at the moment to assist such witnesses when giving evidence, as well as possible new special measures.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159549,"EventID":"S1W-22970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to review the Sexual Offenders Act 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to review the Sexual Offenders Act 1997.","AnswerText":"Part I of the Sex Offenders Act was reviewed jointly by the Scottish Executive and the Home Office in 2000 and the results published as part of a public consultation in July 2001. Consideration is currently being given to what further steps are needed to strengthen the Act as a result of the review, building on the measures already introduced in the Criminal and Court Services Act 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159550,"EventID":"S1W-22971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum level of subsistence is for individuals aged (a) 16 to 17, (b) 18 to 25 and (c) over 25, with (i) no dependants, (ii) one dependant and (iii) two or more","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the minimum level of subsistence is for individuals aged (a) 16 to 17, (b) 18 to 25 and (c) over 25, with (i) no dependants, (ii) one dependant and (iii) two or more dependants.","AnswerText":"Social security benefits and policy on minimum incomes are reserved to the UK Government. The Executive will, however, continue to work closely with UK ministers on these and other issues in the pursuit of our social justice agenda.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159551,"EventID":"S1W-22972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report on the study carried out by Steer Davies Gleave on the aspirations of South East Scotland Transport Partnership authorities for new or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report on the study carried out by Steer Davies Gleave on the aspirations of South East Scotland Transport Partnership authorities for new or enhanced passenger services in the Edinburgh area and when it expects to publish the report. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Strategic Rail Study is currently considering the costs and benefits of potential service improvements across all congested parts of the Scottish rail network, including the SESTRAN area. The final report is due at the end of July 2002 and it will be published shortly afterwards.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159552,"EventID":"S1W-22973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a copy of the report and study funded by the Strategic Rail Authority and carried out by Railtrack to assess track, signalling and power supply co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a copy of the report and study funded by the Strategic Rail Authority and carried out by Railtrack to assess track, signalling and power supply constraints and the cost of measures required to increase capacity for train movements in the south east of Scotland and when it anticipates publishing the report.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Strategic Rail Study is currently considering the costs and benefits of potential service improvements across all congested parts of the Scottish rail network, including those in the south east of Scotland. Information from the Central Scotland Capacity Review by Railtrack will feed into this study. The final report for the Scottish Strategic Rail Study is due at the end of July 2002 and will be published shortly afterwards.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159553,"EventID":"S1W-22974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22009 by Malcolm Chisholm on 31 January 2002, whether it will specify which of the recommendations in the report by the Accounts Co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22009 by Malcolm Chisholm on 31 January 2002, whether it will specify which of the recommendations in the report by the Accounts Commission, Full House - Theatre Utilisation in Scottish Hospitals, have been implemented in full to ensure a greater utilisation of hospital theatres.","AnswerText":"The aim of the Accounts Commission report Full House - Theatre Utilisation in Scottish Hospitals, which was published in June 1999, was to help hospitals to improve the use of planned theatre sessions, to identify ways to minimise session and case cancellations, to make full and best use of theatre resources and to use management information in an effective way. The report made a number of recommendations for actions to assist in this regard. These recommendations were, in the main, detailed operational matters for NHS trusts.

In compiling their Local Health Plans, NHS boards, in conjunction with NHS trusts, will assess the capacity needed to meet national and local health targets. This work will include an examination of theatre requirements and utilisation. In addition, the National Waiting Times Unit is currently working with NHS trusts, to develop and share best practice to help ensure better and more effective use of existing capacity, including theatre capacity, in NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159554,"EventID":"S1W-22975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22280 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what the specific concerns were over the reliability of the source data which cause","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22280 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what the specific concerns were over the reliability of the source data which caused the suspension of the publication of information regarding college student completion rates; when it became aware of these concerns; on what date the suspension took effect, and on what date the new system will become operational.","AnswerText":"In early 2000, the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) considered that the information systems then in place did not provide the complexity of data required to produce robust and publishable completion rates.

A footnote intimating the suspension of the data appeared in the Scottish ministers' Annual Report, Further Education in Scotland 1999, which was published on 25 October 2000; as follows:

Student Programme Achievement Ratio, Student Achievement Ratio by Unit of Learning and Post Course Success Ratio.

Performance Indicators have not been included in the 1999 Further Education Annual Report as the data used is not adequately robust. The Scottish Further Education Funding Council is currently reviewing performance indicators which will assist future decisions of the council and inform ministers.

SFEFC plans to consult this year on a framework of new performance indicators for the further education sector, which it would intend to introduce next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159555,"EventID":"S1W-22976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22280 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what action it took to ensure that the Parliament was aware of the position in rega","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22280 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what action it took to ensure that the Parliament was aware of the position in regard to the suspension of the collection of college student completion rates; whether all relevant correspondence in relation to this matter was placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and, if so, on what date it was so placed, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Parliament was made aware of the position in the Scottish Ministers' Annual Report,

Further Education in Scotland 1999, which was laid before Parliament on 25 October 2000.

The report contained the following footnote:

Student Programme Achievement Ratio, Student Achievement Ratio by Unit of Learning and Post Course Success Ratio.

Performance Indicators have not been included in the 1999 FE Annual Report as the data used is not adequately robust. The Scottish Further Education Funding Council is currently reviewing performance indicators which will assist future decisions of the Council and inform ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159556,"EventID":"S1W-22977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22280 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what specific new performance indicators are being developed by the Scottish Furthe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22280 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what specific new performance indicators are being developed by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council; what instructions or guidance it has provided to the council on these proposed indicators; whether it will place any such instructions or guidance in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and, if so, on what date they will be so placed, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Policy guidance letters of 7 and 8 February 2001 and 17 December 2001 to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC), made various references to performance indicators. Each letter was placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre at the time.

SFEFC has not yet completed work on the development of a framework of new performance indicators.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159557,"EventID":"S1W-22978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22280 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it did not detail its reasons behind its decision not to centrally collate info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22280 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it did not detail its reasons behind its decision not to centrally collate information on students failing to complete their courses and whether it will provide a full explanation of the reasons behind the use of a different process for collating such information for further education institutions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-22975 and S1W-22976 on 11 March 2002.

Information on student completion rates has been centrally collated and previously published in the Secretary of State for Scotland's Annual Reports, Further Education in Scotland 1997 and 1998.

The Scottish Further Education Funding Council has not yet completed work on the development of a framework of new performance indicators for the further education sector, nor decided exactly how the data will be collated.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159558,"EventID":"S1W-22979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it treats further and higher education institutions as autonomous bodies given that it funds them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it treats further and higher education institutions as autonomous bodies given that it funds them.","AnswerText":"Further and higher education institutions are constituted as independent, autonomous bodies, and are consequently treated as such by the Scottish Executive. The Executive does not consider autonomy to be a barrier to public funding, which, for example, in the case of Edinburgh University accounts for only around 50% of income.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159559,"EventID":"S1W-22980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the autonomous position of further and higher education institutions, detailing the reasons for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the autonomous position of further and higher education institutions, detailing the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no current plans to review the autonomous status of further and higher education institutions. Ministers have indicated that they do not wish to pre-empt the findings of the Inquiry into Lifelong Learning which is being conducted by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159560,"EventID":"S1W-22981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22273 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what proposals it has to address the position whereby the Scottish Further and High","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22273 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, what proposals it has to address the position whereby the Scottish Further and Higher Education Councils alone are responsible for the distribution of funds for welfare services, detailing the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-22273 did not ascribe sole responsibility for the distribution of funds for student welfare services to the funding councils. I refer the member to that answer and to the answer given to question S1W-21385 on 18 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159561,"EventID":"S1W-22982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22276 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, how its policies on access for all and lifelong learning are developed in the absen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22276 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, how its policies on access for all and lifelong learning are developed in the absence of the information being collated by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council on the number of students from state schools who enter universities and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21387 on 18 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159562,"EventID":"S1W-22983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22275 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why no advice or instruction has been provided to the Scottish Higher and Further E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22275 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why no advice or instruction has been provided to the Scottish Higher and Further Education Funding Councils regarding the funding of student welfare services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21385 on 18 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159563,"EventID":"S1W-22984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22275 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it has any concerns regarding the provision of student welfare provision at","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22275 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it has any concerns regarding the provision of student welfare provision at higher and further education establishments, detailing the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21385.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159564,"EventID":"S1W-22985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22274 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why it will not hypothecate monies fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22274 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether it will provide a full explanation of why it will not hypothecate monies for student welfare purposes as requested.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S1W-21385.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159565,"EventID":"S1W-22986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22274 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it is appropriate that the decision on how funds should be disbursed to institu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22274 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it is appropriate that the decision on how funds should be disbursed to institutions is one for the Scottish Higher and Further Education Funding Councils alone.","AnswerText":"The Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 provides that the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council shall be responsible for administering funds made available to it by the Scottish ministers and others for the purposes of providing financial support for activities eligible for funding. Ministers are expressly prevented by the act from framing conditions of grant by reference to particular institutions, programmes of study, selection of staff or admission and selection of students. The Executive is currently conducting a review of higher education during which individuals and organisations are at liberty to propose changes to these arrangements.

The Scottish Further Education Funding Council (Establishment) (Scotland) Order 1998 delegates to that council the former Secretary of State function of making public funding available to further education colleges.

As a result of these arrangements, ministers set broad policy priorities through the medium of guidance to the councils, but do not prescribe sums of money for individual institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159566,"EventID":"S1W-22987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22282 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it considers that it would serve no useful purpose to maintain details of which","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22282 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, why it considers that it would serve no useful purpose to maintain details of which college and university lecture halls have loop systems and why there are no plans to do so.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not require detailed information on which institutions' lecture halls have loop systems. The provision of such auxiliary aids and services is a matter for individual institutions in response to local demand.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159567,"EventID":"S1W-22988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to manufacturers of mobile telephones regarding the health implications of using such telephones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to manufacturers of mobile telephones regarding the health implications of using such telephones.","AnswerText":"Mobile telephones should comply with the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive Article 3.1.(a), which states as an essential requirement \"the protection of the health and safety of the user and any other person...\" This requirement is achieved by compliance with the EU Recommendation on Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields, which specifies the exposure guidelines of the International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones chaired by Sir William Stewart also recommended that the ICNIRP guidelines should be adopted for use in the UK. This was accepted by Government, including the Scottish Executive, and industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159568,"EventID":"S1W-22989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers (a) should have been and (b) were available for operational duties at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station in each of the last 12 mont","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers (a) should have been and (b) were available for operational duties at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The deployment of police officers is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159569,"EventID":"S1W-22990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers (a) should have been and (b) were available for operational duties at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station in each of the last 12 months","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers (a) should have been and (b) were available for operational duties at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The deployment of police officers is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159570,"EventID":"S1W-22991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Cumbernauld and (b) Kilsyth police station have been the victims of assault whilst on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Cumbernauld and (b) Kilsyth police station have been the victims of assault whilst on duty in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159571,"EventID":"S1W-22992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Motherwell and (b) Wishaw police station have been the victims of assault whilst on d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Motherwell and (b) Wishaw police station have been the victims of assault whilst on duty in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159572,"EventID":"S1W-22993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Cumbernauld and (b) Kilsyth police station have taken sick leave after being victims ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Cumbernauld and (b) Kilsyth police station have taken sick leave after being victims of assault whilst on duty in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159573,"EventID":"S1W-22994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Motherwell and (b) Wishaw police station have taken sick leave after being the victim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Motherwell and (b) Wishaw police station have taken sick leave after being the victims of assault whilst on duty in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159574,"EventID":"S1W-22995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Cumbernauld and (b) Kilsyth police stations have been required to take sick leave for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Cumbernauld and (b) Kilsyth police stations have been required to take sick leave for any form of psychiatric illness in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159575,"EventID":"S1W-22996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Motherwell and (b) Wishaw police stations have been required to take sick leave for a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers designated as being available for operational duties at (a) Motherwell and (b) Wishaw police stations have been required to take sick leave for any form of psychiatric illness in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159576,"EventID":"S1W-22997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many police officers paraded for operational duties at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station and (b) how many such officers at each station were require","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many police officers paraded for operational duties at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station and (b) how many such officers at each station were required to patrol the streets unaccompanied, each given as an average per shift in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The deployment of police officers is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159577,"EventID":"S1W-22998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many police officers paraded for operational duties at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station and (b) how many such officers at each station were required ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many police officers paraded for operational duties at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station and (b) how many such officers at each station were required to patrol the streets unaccompanied, each given as an average per shift in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The deployment of police officers is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159578,"EventID":"S1W-22999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles were arrested and taken into custody at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station in each of the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles were arrested and taken into custody at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159579,"EventID":"S1W-23000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles were arrested and taken into custody at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station in each of the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles were arrested and taken into custody at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159580,"EventID":"S1W-23001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles arrested and taken into custody at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station were (1) charged with an offence and (2) cautione","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles arrested and taken into custody at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station were (1) charged with an offence and (2) cautioned in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159581,"EventID":"S1W-23002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles arrested and taken into custody at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station were (1) charged with an offence and (2) cautioned ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles arrested and taken into custody at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station were (1) charged with an offence and (2) cautioned in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159582,"EventID":"S1W-23003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles arrested, taken into custody and charged with an offence at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station were prosecuted in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles arrested, taken into custody and charged with an offence at (i) Cumbernauld and (ii) Kilsyth police station were prosecuted in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service does not collect statistical information by reference to individual police stations. Accordingly, the information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159583,"EventID":"S1W-23004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles arrested, taken into custody and charged with an offence at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station were prosecuted in each of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adults and (b) juveniles arrested, taken into custody and charged with an offence at (i) Motherwell and (ii) Wishaw police station were prosecuted in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service does not collect statistical information by reference to individual police stations. Accordingly, the information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159584,"EventID":"S1W-23005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fiscal fines were (a) offered and (b) accepted in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fiscal fines were (a) offered and (b) accepted in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The latest available information shows that there were 2,973 fiscal fines offered and 2,014 fiscal fines accepted in North Lanarkshire in 2000-01. Breakdowns by constituency and by month are not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159585,"EventID":"S1W-23006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fiscal fines were (a) offered and (b) accepted by persons arrested, taken into custody and charged in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the las","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fiscal fines were (a) offered and (b) accepted by persons arrested, taken into custody and charged in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159586,"EventID":"S1W-23007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons with a criminal record in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have (a) been offered and (b) accepted fiscal fines in each of the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons with a criminal record in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have (a) been offered and (b) accepted fiscal fines in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159587,"EventID":"S1W-23008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons with a criminal record in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have (a) been offered and (b) accepted fiscal fines on more than one occasion in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons with a criminal record in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have (a) been offered and (b) accepted fiscal fines on more than one occasion in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159588,"EventID":"S1W-23009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many juveniles in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have (a) been offered a caution by the police and (b) accepted such cautions on more than one occasion in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many juveniles in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have (a) been offered a caution by the police and (b) accepted such cautions on more than one occasion in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159589,"EventID":"S1W-23010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many juveniles in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been arrested on more than one occasion in each of the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many juveniles in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been arrested on more than one occasion in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159590,"EventID":"S1W-23011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many juveniles from the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been brought before a Children's Hearing in each of the last (a) five years and (b) 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many juveniles from the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been brought before a Children's Hearing in each of the last (a) five years and (b) 12 months.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Operational statistics relating to the children's hearings system are the responsibility of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration. National statistical bulletins for 1997-2000 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. (Bib. number 16799)","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159591,"EventID":"S1W-23012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many juveniles from the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been brought before a Children's Hearing on more than one occasion in each of the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many juveniles from the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency have been brought before a Children's Hearing on more than one occasion in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23011.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159592,"EventID":"S1W-23013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many changes to EU fishing regulations which apply in Scottish waters and which created new criminal offences, were made in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many changes to EU fishing regulations which apply in Scottish waters and which created new criminal offences, were made in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","AnswerText":"European regulations do not create criminal offences. There are therefore no changes to EU fisheries regulations of the kind suggested in the question.

Associated criminal offences are set out in domestic UK and Scottish legislation. There are essentially three sources of criminal offences in fisheries: section 30 of the Fisheries Act 1981; breaching a licence condition, and via Statutory Instrument.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159593,"EventID":"S1W-23014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21315 by Ross Finnie on 20 December 2001, whether it will give a detailed breakdown of how the #18 million for the Rural Stewardshi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21315 by Ross Finnie on 20 December 2001, whether it will give a detailed breakdown of how the #18 million for the Rural Stewardship Scheme in the current financial year will be allocated, broken down by scheme area or Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department area office.","AnswerText":"Following further appraisal of successful Rural Stewardship Scheme applications, the total value of plans for those who have been offered entry to the Scheme is £17 million over five years.

Details of the anticipated spend for the Rural Stewardship Scheme in the current financial year, broken down by Environment and Rural Affairs Department Area and local offices are given in the following table:

Area Office

Financial Year 2001-02 Anticipated Spend

Ayr

£225,511

Benbecula

£260

Dumfries

£47,642

Dundee

£7,405

Galashiels

£65,551

Grampian

£428,238

Hamilton

£58,486

Inverness

£330,708

Kirkwall

£86,257

Lairg

£14,910

Lerwick

£825

Oban

£100,834

Perth

£36,794

Portree

£1866

Stirling

£73,588

Stornoway

£18,583

Thurso

£157,047

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159594,"EventID":"S1W-23015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-22360 and S1W-22361 by Ross Finnie on 8 February 2002, whether it will clarify the difference in figures showing the allocations m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-22360 and S1W-22361 by Ross Finnie on 8 February 2002, whether it will clarify the difference in figures showing the allocations made in the current financial year under the Rural Stewardship Scheme and whether it will provide a definitive list showing all allocations made this year.","AnswerText":"Further to the answer to questions S1W-22360 and S1W-22361 on 8 February 2002, the difference in figures showing the allocations made is because the response to question S1W-22360 details the anticipated spend in one financial year while the response to question S1W-22361 sets out the allocation of funds over five financial years in respect of the applications of those who have been offered an agreement to join the scheme.

It is not possible to provide a definitive statement of what will be spent this year because not all businesses to which an agreement has been offered have yet accepted, and because within the five year period of the agreement scheme participants have some discretion about when to carry out certain capital works and when to claim reimbursement. Estimates of spending on Rural Stewardship Scheme (RSS) measures in any particular financial year are therefore subject to variation. A geographical division of anticipated spending on RSS measures in the current financial year, based on revised forecasts, is provided in the response to question S1W-23014 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159595,"EventID":"S1W-23016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to introducing legislation on the licensing of lap-dancing clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to introducing legislation on the licensing of lap-dancing clubs.","AnswerText":"By virtue of the provisions of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976, such establishments are required to be licensed by local licensing boards for the provision of alcohol. A local authority Public Entertainment Licence, under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, must also be obtained where the entertainment continues after the conclusion of the normal evening permitted hours for selling alcohol (11 pm). The Executive has not received representations that the current licensing arrangements for these kinds of club, which allow for objections to be lodged, are unsatisfactory.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159596,"EventID":"S1W-23017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22361 by Ross Finnie on 8 February 2002, why no funding has been allocated to hedge planting or for the restoration of stone dykes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22361 by Ross Finnie on 8 February 2002, why no funding has been allocated to hedge planting or for the restoration of stone dykes.","AnswerText":"No funding has been allocated to hedge planting or restoration of stone dykes because funding in full all applications, including capital measures which are not essential to conservation management, would have meant that only a small proportion of those who applied to join the Rural Stewardship Scheme in 2001 would have received funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159597,"EventID":"S1W-23018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which political parties were invited to submit nominations for the Independent Assessors appointed on 29 January 2002 and which parties replied.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which political parties were invited to submit nominations for the Independent Assessors appointed on 29 January 2002 and which parties replied.","AnswerText":"All the political parties represented in the Scottish Parliament and the independent member were invited by letter on 27 June 2001, to identify individuals who might be considered for appointment as an Independent Assessor. None of the parties nor the independent member replied.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159598,"EventID":"S1W-23019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities whose tenants chose not to accept the housing stock transfer option will be given any other form of assistance with housing debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities whose tenants chose not to accept the housing stock transfer option will be given any other form of assistance with housing debt.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to provide assistance with the housing debt of those authorities who do not transfer their housing stock.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159599,"EventID":"S1W-23020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The agency's performance against its targets in 2000-01 was published in full in its Annual Report and Accounts laid before the Scottish Parliament in August (Bib. number 15417). The performance against its targets in 2001-02 will be reported in the Annual Report and Accounts to be laid before the Scottish Parliament in 2002.

For 2002-03 I have set the agency the following key performance targets:

Quantitative targets

Achievement of a target income of £120,000 from new work or new customers.

Completion of 96% of all scientific tests and analysis within the timescales set by customers.

Improvement in the unit cost of the scientific work of the agency (cost per direct scientific hour).

As part of the agency's rolling programme of consultation with customers, ensuring that 95% of the customers surveyed are at least \"satisfied\".

Milestone targets

Fulfilment of the Service Level Agreement within the budget agreed with the Environment and Rural Affairs Department.

Formal quality assurance accreditation for the Pesticide Usage Surveying work of the agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159600,"EventID":"S1W-23021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with NHS boards in order to consider the rationalisation of computer systems throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with NHS boards in order to consider the rationalisation of computer systems throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHSBoards have been working closely with colleagues in the Scottish Executive to update the National IM&T Strategy and are now working to take the strategy forward. A theme of the updated strategy, available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk is rationalisation of systems and the underlying infrastructure.

Commitments are made in the strategy to national programmes of work to bring best practice and consistent benefits to patients across Scotland including:

Electronic Clinical Communications Implementation between primary and secondary care on an all Scotland basis.

Scottish Care Information programme bringing important elements of common infrastructure to enable sharing of information across NHSScotland.

National systems for health screening and child care.

Rationalisation of patient indexes and use of the Community Health Index as a unique patient identifier across all NHSScotland systems.

National information standards covering clinical messages, security and confidentiality of patient identifiable information, electronic patient and health records and technical standards based on the Government Interoperability Framework.

Collaboration to produce coherent IM&T strategies across NHSBoard areas to make best use of resources and systems across the area and compatibility with other NHSScotland areas.

National contracts for telecommunications networks and services.

A coherent national approach to corporate support systems such as payroll, human resources, finance and supplies.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159601,"EventID":"S1W-23022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a policy of rationalisation and compatibility of computer systems throughout the NHS in Scotland, in particular in order to take advantage o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce a policy of rationalisation and compatibility of computer systems throughout the NHS in Scotland, in particular in order to take advantage of advances in telecommunications relating to its strategy on broadband and digital technology.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question S1W-23021 today, which confirmed that we are adopting a policy of rationalisation and compatibility of computer systems throughout NHSScotland. Rationalisation of systems and resources is necessary to achieve cost effectiveness, best use of available resources and to enable patient information to be shared with appropriate consent and under agreed protocols between NHS organisations across a Board area and across Scotland. This approach is reflected in the updated National IM&T Strategy available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk.

An important element of the infrastructure required to provide the right information at the right time in the right place across the whole of Scotland is a robust telecommunications network with the capacity to cope with the millions of clinical messages exchanged each year and increasingly with the sharing of images including real time images such as are used in telemedicine. For those reasons NHSScotland are active partners in the Scottish Executive Broadband initiative in which the Highlands and Islands as well as the South of Scotland are designated as pathfinder areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159602,"EventID":"S1W-23023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and how the fishing industry was informed of any changes to the technical conservation regulations, implemented on 1 January 2002 under the EU Cod Recovery Plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and how the fishing industry was informed of any changes to the technical conservation regulations, implemented on 1 January 2002 under the EU Cod Recovery Plan.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive issued a letter of guidance to every fishing vessel licence holder in Scotland on 23 November 2001. This guidance summarised the new requirements brought in by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2056/2001 establishing additional technical measures for the recovery of the stocks of cod in the North Sea and to the west of Scotland. This regulation entered into force on 1 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159603,"EventID":"S1W-23024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the site lease rental charge levied by Crown Estate Commissioners on Scottish salmon farmers in the cur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the site lease rental charge levied by Crown Estate Commissioners on Scottish salmon farmers in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"No such representations have been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159604,"EventID":"S1W-23025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been notified of when the report of the review into the provision of domiciliary oxygen supplies in England will be published and what its timetable is for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been notified of when the report of the review into the provision of domiciliary oxygen supplies in England will be published and what its timetable is for the consideration of this report and the implementation of any similar review in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any impending announcement by the Department of Health.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159605,"EventID":"S1W-23026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Commission has set any targets for the completion of areas as Special Protection Areas and what the terms of any such targets are in respect of the (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Commission has set any targets for the completion of areas as Special Protection Areas and what the terms of any such targets are in respect of the (a) (i) number and (ii) area of designation and (b) timescale.","AnswerText":"The EC Birds Directive requires member states to classify the most suitable territories in number and size as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the conservation of bird species identified as being particularly vulnerable.

Since 1979, when the directive came into force, the UK has identified over 255 sites for designation as SPAs, of which 141 are Scottish. One hundred and thirty-five Scottish sites have already been classified. The UK Government is under pressure from the European Commission to meets its obligations to classify sites under the directive but the Commission has not set formal targets in relation to the number, area of designation or timescale.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159606,"EventID":"S1W-23027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many areas are currently proposed for designation as Special Protection Areas in each of 2002, 2003 and 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many areas are currently proposed for designation as Special Protection Areas in each of 2002, 2003 and 2004.","AnswerText":"The current list of Scottish Special Protection Areas (SPAs) is almost complete. I expect a further six sites, and one extension, to be classified between 2002 and 2004. Consideration is currently being given at UK level to a review of the UK SPA network, but no additional sites have been identified at this stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159607,"EventID":"S1W-23028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the areas currently under consideration for designation as Special Protection Areas and on what dates it is planned that decisions will be made on ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the areas currently under consideration for designation as Special Protection Areas and on what dates it is planned that decisions will be made on each designation proposal.","AnswerText":"The sites currently under consideration for classification as Special Protection Area's (SPA) are:

Arran Moors

Cnuic Agus Cladach Mhuile (Mull eagle site)

Cuillins (Skye eagle site)

Glen App - Galloway Moors

Ladder Hills

Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands

These sites are all listed as potential SPAs in Annex D to the revised version of the Scottish Office Circular 6/1995 published in June 2000. In addition, an extension is proposed to the Forth Islands site.

A decision on whether to classify any particular site as a Special Protection Area is only taken once all relevant documentation has been given full ministerial consideration. A key component of this documentation is the site consultation report, which is prepared by Scottish Natural Heritage on behalf of Scottish ministers. It is not possible to say precisely when any particular report will be received.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159608,"EventID":"S1W-23029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) it and (b) each of its regulatory bodies will have spent in total on regulation of the aquaculture industry in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01 and (iii) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) it and (b) each of its regulatory bodies will have spent in total on regulation of the aquaculture industry in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01 and (iii) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Actual expenditure by the Scottish Executive on the regulation of the aquaculture industry is not available, but is estimated to be about £2 million in each of these years.

Details of expenditure on aquaculture regulation by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159609,"EventID":"S1W-23030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many railway stations have been adapted to fulfil the requirements of access for all.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many railway stations have been adapted to fulfil the requirements of access for all.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159610,"EventID":"S1W-23031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to reduce dietary levels of fat and sugar with a view to reducing the prevalence of diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to reduce dietary levels of fat and sugar with a view to reducing the prevalence of diabetes.","AnswerText":"We expect NHS boards to implement the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network guideline on the management of diabetes, which includes an emphasis on the fundamental importance of healthy eating as part of diabetes health care behaviour.

Much of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 85% of the prevalence of the condition, is a consequence of overweight and obesity. If overweight people lose weight, they reduce their risk of developing diabetes. Our Scottish Diet Action Plan, Eating for Health, promotes the provision of healthy food choices and health education in order to encourage individuals to choose a balanced diet. Physical exercise is also important.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159611,"EventID":"S1W-23032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs have been incurred in respect of policing the demonstrations at Faslane during the week commencing 11 February 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs have been incurred in respect of policing the demonstrations at Faslane during the week commencing 11 February 2002.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter falling within the responsibility of the Chief Constable of Strathclyde. However, I am advised that the Strathclyde Police operation in respect of policing these demonstrations, over the period 8 February until 13 February 2002, cost approximately £169,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159612,"EventID":"S1W-23033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were involved in policing demonstrations at Faslane during the week commencing 11 February 2002 and to which (a) constabularies and (b) divisions","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers were involved in policing demonstrations at Faslane during the week commencing 11 February 2002 and to which (a) constabularies and (b) divisions they are assigned.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter falling within the responsibility of the Chief Constable of Strathclyde. However, I am advised that throughout the duration of the Strathclyde Police operation to police these demonstrations, over the period 8 February until 13 February 2002, a total of 880 police officers were deployed. All officers deployed were from Strathclyde Police, drawn from all divisions within the force.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159613,"EventID":"S1W-23034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of allocating resources to policing demonstrations at Faslane during the week commencing 11 February 2002 has been on day-to-day policing throughout Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of allocating resources to policing demonstrations at Faslane during the week commencing 11 February 2002 has been on day-to-day policing throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter falling within the responsibility of the Chief Constable of Strathclyde. However, I am advised that the need to deploy a total of 880 police officers in connection with this demonstration inevitably diverted the officers concerned from other duties as well as incurring significant additional costs in extra duty and other payments. Strathclyde Police dealt with these pressures without making demands on other forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159614,"EventID":"S1W-23035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19963 by Nicol Stephen on 11 December 2001, what progress has been made on the audit of current levels of swimming provision and op","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19963 by Nicol Stephen on 11 December 2001, what progress has been made on the audit of current levels of swimming provision and opportunities for school pupils and when the results of its survey will be announced.","AnswerText":"The final response to the questionnaire was received in mid-February and the results are being analysed. I expect to report on the results in the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159615,"EventID":"S1W-23036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20259 by Iain Gray on 6 December 2001, what progress has been made on the target of Eaga Partnerships (Scotland) to install 3,500 h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20259 by Iain Gray on 6 December 2001, what progress has been made on the target of Eaga Partnerships (Scotland) to install 3,500 heating systems under the Central Heating Installation Programme by March 2002.","AnswerText":"Good progress has been made. Over 1,400 central heating systems have now been installed and Eaga hope to install 3,500 heating systems by March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159616,"EventID":"S1W-23037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received on the restoration and re-opening of Lanark Racecourse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received on the restoration and re-opening of Lanark Racecourse.","AnswerText":"Following their approaches to me and my predecessor I am arranging to meet Karen Gillon and David Hughes, the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer. I have received no other representation on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159617,"EventID":"S1W-23038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where horse racing fits within its strategies on (a) sport and (b) tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where horse racing fits within its strategies on (a) sport and (b) tourism.","AnswerText":"There is no recognised Scottish governing body for horse racing. Consequently, no approach has been made to sportscotland for the recognition of horse racing as a sport. Horse racing has not been identified separately in the Executive's tourism strategy, although individual race courses feature in the promotional activity of relevant area tourist boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159618,"EventID":"S1W-23039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research on the future of Lanark Racecourse it or any of its agencies or non-departmental public bodies have undertaken or commissioned since 1999 and whether it wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research on the future of Lanark Racecourse it or any of its agencies or non-departmental public bodies have undertaken or commissioned since 1999 and whether it will publish any such research.","AnswerText":"I am not aware of any research undertaken or commissioned by the Executive or any of its agencies, or non-departmental public bodies since 1999 on the future of Lanark Racecourse.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159619,"EventID":"S1W-23040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the establishment of a body dedicated to the physical, social and economic regeneration of small towns similar to the Association of Market Towns in E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the establishment of a body dedicated to the physical, social and economic regeneration of small towns similar to the Association of Market Towns in England supported by the Countryside Development Agency. ","AnswerText":"A wide range of public and private sector organisations, authorities, and agencies throughout Scotland are committed to local initiatives to promote the physical, social and economic regeneration of small towns. The Scottish Executive supports the aims of the Association for Small Towns in Scotland in seeking to disseminate information and advice about the regeneration of small towns.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159620,"EventID":"S1W-23041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken, and what proposals it will bring forward, for the establishment of town champions, animateurs, enablers or facilitators as envisaged by t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken, and what proposals it will bring forward, for the establishment of town champions, animateurs, enablers or facilitators as envisaged by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and referred to in the report of the Urban Task Force in 1999, Towards an Urban Renaissance.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to bring forward specific proposals regarding the establishment of town champions. However, any appointment by local authorities of appropriate people to such, or similar, posts would be consistent with the general thrust of Designing Places, the Executive's design policy statement published in November 2001, which encourages local authorities to recognise their role in raising aspirations for good design.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159621,"EventID":"S1W-23042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what encouragement and assistance it has given, or plans to give, to small towns who have established or plan to establish development trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what encouragement and assistance it has given, or plans to give, to small towns who have established or plan to establish development trusts.","AnswerText":"To date, the Scottish Executive has not provided direct or explicit encouragement or assistance to small towns wishing to establish a development trust. However, initiatives such as Working for Communities have focused on exploring new ways to organise and deliver services. Early findings from a number of the Working for Communities pathfinders, are relevant to the role of community led organisations in service delivery, at both a strategic and operational level.

Communities Scotland has a remit to improve the delivery of community regeneration and promote community empowerment, and part of this will be developing and testing new ways to deliver regeneration and ways to increase community participation in, and ownership of the regeneration process. Development Trusts are one vehicle for progressing this. Communities Scotland are aware of the work of Development Trusts in England and are taking an interest in the recently commissioned study into the potential for, and support needs of Development Trusts in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159622,"EventID":"S1W-23043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary headteachers retired through stress-related illnesses in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary headteachers retired through stress-related illnesses in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159623,"EventID":"S1W-23044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary depute headteachers retired through stress-related illnesses in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001, broken down by local authority ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary depute headteachers retired through stress-related illnesses in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159624,"EventID":"S1W-23045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the composition is, in terms of councillors, officials and other members, of the panels in each local authority area which hear and consider grievances against teach","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the composition is, in terms of councillors, officials and other members, of the panels in each local authority area which hear and consider grievances against teachers and promoted staff and, where the composition is different for headteachers, what these differences are.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

A model grievance procedure is contained within the terms and conditions of service for teachers. It is the responsibility of individual education authorities to determine the composition of panels established to consider grievances against teachers under that model. Information on the composition of such panels is not held centrally. The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers has established a working group to review disciplinary and grievance procedures.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159625,"EventID":"S1W-23046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards currently exist to prevent the victimisation of promoted school staff by their subordinates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards currently exist to prevent the victimisation of promoted school staff by their subordinates.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of individual education authorities, as responsible employers, to ensure that there are effective procedures in place to protect teachers from victimisation in the workplace.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159626,"EventID":"S1W-23047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines exist to advise local authorities on the conduct of disciplinary procedures against teaching staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines exist to advise local authorities on the conduct of disciplinary procedures against teaching staff.","AnswerText":"A model disciplinary procedure is contained within the terms and conditions of service for teachers. It is for education authorities to develop detailed procedures based on that model. The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers has established a working group which is reviewing disciplinary and grievance procedures.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159627,"EventID":"S1W-23048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any local authorities who have disciplinary procedures for teachers and promoted teaching staff that do not currently conform to the European Convent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any local authorities who have disciplinary procedures for teachers and promoted teaching staff that do not currently conform to the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"A model disciplinary procedure is contained within the terms and conditions of service for teachers. It is for education authorities to develop procedures based on that model. Detailed compliance with the European Convention of Human Rights is a matter for individual authorities. The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers has established a working group which is reviewing disciplinary and grievance procedures.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159628,"EventID":"S1W-23049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the provision of ambulatory oxygen on prescription for people with lung disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the provision of ambulatory oxygen on prescription for people with lung disease.","AnswerText":"The possibility of providing portable or ambulatory oxygen is currently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159629,"EventID":"S1W-23050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place on the provision of toilet facilities for disabled people at sports stadiums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place on the provision of toilet facilities for disabled people at sports stadiums.","AnswerText":"There are provisions within the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, as amended. The present requirement within the Technical Standards for compliance with the regulations, which came into force in April 2000, stipulates a minimum number of wheelchair spaces dependent upon the seating capacity of a stadium. There is a further standard setting a maximum horizontal travel distance of 45 metres from any wheelchair accessible point to sanitary accommodation suitable for people with disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159630,"EventID":"S1W-23051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has in relation to the provision of toilet facilities for disabled people at sports stadiums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has in relation to the provision of toilet facilities for disabled people at sports stadiums.","AnswerText":"The statutory framework is set mainly by the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 and Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, but these do not confer specific powers on ministers, relating to the provision of toilet facilities for disabled people at sports stadiums.

Part III of the 1995 act was introduced to improve access for disabled people to goods, services and facilities. From October 2004, service providers to the public will have to make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises, to overcome physical barriers to access, if access is impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people. The Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds, the fourth edition of which was published by the then Scottish Office and the then Department of National Heritage in 1997, contains a chapter on spectator accommodation for people with disabilities. That chapter refers to the 1995 Act and relevant Building Regulations and the requirement on managers to comply with them. The Disability Rights Commission is the body through which people's complaints of non-compliance with the 1995 act can be addressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159631,"EventID":"S1W-23052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the adequacy of provision of facilities for disabled spectators at sports stadiums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the adequacy of provision of facilities for disabled spectators at sports stadiums.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no responsibility for monitoring the adequacy of provision of facilities for disabled spectators at sports grounds. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23051 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159632,"EventID":"S1W-23053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that there are adequate toilet facilities for disabled people at sports stadiums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that there are adequate toilet facilities for disabled people at sports stadiums.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23051.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159633,"EventID":"S1W-23054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21886 by Lewis Macdonald on 29 January 2002, whether the Scottish Air Transport Consultation document will (a) assess the value of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21886 by Lewis Macdonald on 29 January 2002, whether the Scottish Air Transport Consultation document will (a) assess the value of Public Service Obligations already operating on some air services and (b) consider any constraints imposed by high air fares on island and rural areas such as the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Air Transport Consultation Document will address a wide variety of issues relating to air transport in the Highlands and Islands. This will include the role of Public Service Obligations and the cost of air travel. The consultation process provides an opportunity for anyone with an interest in those topics to offer views.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159634,"EventID":"S1W-23055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21863 by Ross Finnie on 29 January 2002, when it received the results of the research conducted by the North Atlantic Fisheries Col","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21863 by Ross Finnie on 29 January 2002, when it received the results of the research conducted by the North Atlantic Fisheries College into the impact of various net mesh si'es on the catch of a single seine net fishing vessel; what action it plans to take in light of this research, and whether it plans to change current regulations that apply to such vessels.","AnswerText":"The data from the research conducted by the North Atlantic Fisheries College referred to in the question were received in February. Analysis of these data is continuing.

The Executive will review all the recent research into technical conservation, including the particular trials mentioned, once the analysis is complete.

The Executive has no plans to change regulations for single seine net boats in isolation.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159635,"EventID":"S1W-23056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22041 by Ross Finnie on 1 February 2002, what duties were performed by the 24 officials with responsibilities relating to the bee-k","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22041 by Ross Finnie on 1 February 2002, what duties were performed by the 24 officials with responsibilities relating to the bee-keeping profession in 2001.","AnswerText":"Officials' duties relating to the bee-keeping profession in 2001 comprised the following:

Agricultural Staff (18)

Participation at meetings with bee-keeping associations, and

Dealing with general enquiries regarding notifiable bee diseases and, as required, providing assistance with the collection of varroa samples for an autumn 2001 research project (co-ordinated by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency).

Scientific Staff (3)

Provision of advice to Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) on notifiable bee diseases and bee poisoning incidents;

Participation at meetings with bee-keeping associations;

Provision of support in the enforcement of legislation;

Diagnosis of varroa destructor in samples submitted by beekeepers and notification of results;

Co-ordination of collection of varroa samples for an autumn 2001 research project, and

Analysis of bees association with suspected bee poisoning incidents and notification of results.

Administrative Staff (3)

Participation at meetings with bee-keeping associations;

Policy responsibility for relevant orders relating to the control of bee diseases;

Handling enquiries and processing applications for licences to import bees into Scotland;

Liaison as necessary with SEERAD agricultural and scientific colleagues, and

Co-ordination and management of SEERAD involvement in UK National Honey Programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159636,"EventID":"S1W-23057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or is having, with local authorities with regard to the one-year placement for new entrants to the teaching profession.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or is having, with local authorities with regard to the one-year placement for new entrants to the teaching profession.","AnswerText":"Local Government representatives have been present at all meetings of the Induction Implementation Group (which was established in July 2001 to develop in partnership the Teacher Induction Scheme). In addition, during February and early March each local authority will meet representatives from the Scottish Executive Education Department to discuss in detail how the Scheme will operate in their area.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159637,"EventID":"S1W-23058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many one-year placements for new entrants to the teaching profession it expects local authorities to offer from August 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many one-year placements for new entrants to the teaching profession it expects local authorities to offer from August 2002.","AnswerText":"There will be approximately 2,400 eligible students leaving Scottish Higher Education Institutions with a Teaching Qualification in June 2002 and all of these have been guaranteed a one year training contract. The Scottish Executive is working with local authorities to ensure a quality induction experience for all of these probationary teachers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159638,"EventID":"S1W-23059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that local authorities are funded so that one-year placements are guaranteed to all new entrants to the teaching profession who seek them from Augu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that local authorities are funded so that one-year placements are guaranteed to all new entrants to the teaching profession who seek them from August 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is fully committed to meeting the direct cost of implementation of the agreement, A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century.

Appropriate measures are being taken to ensure sufficient funding is in place to meet the guarantee of a one year training contract for all eligible probationary teachers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159639,"EventID":"S1W-23060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities intend to end existing temporary contracts for teachers in order to finance one-year placements for new entrants to the teaching profession","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities intend to end existing temporary contracts for teachers in order to finance one-year placements for new entrants to the teaching profession from August 2002.","AnswerText":"Deployment of staff is a matter for local authorities and information on the use of temporary contracts is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159640,"EventID":"S1W-23061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22172 by Dr Elaine Murray on 5 February 2001, on what grounds it stated that Kilmartin House had not accepted its offer of a meetin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22172 by Dr Elaine Murray on 5 February 2001, on what grounds it stated that Kilmartin House had not accepted its offer of a meeting and on what date the offer was declined.","AnswerText":"My predecessor, Allan Wilson, offered to meet with representatives of the Kilmartin House Trust in a letter dated 7 November 2001. The director was advised by telephone to await the ministerial reshuffle before making an appointment with the appropriate minister. The director wrote to me on 6 February, and I again offered a meeting with representatives of the trust in a letter dated 21 February. The request was accepted and a meeting took place on 20 March.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159641,"EventID":"S1W-23062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police and Lothian Transport plc with regard to parking of ministerial cars on double yellow ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police and Lothian Transport plc with regard to parking of ministerial cars on double yellow lines and at a bus stop in the Lawnmarket, High Street, Edinburgh between 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm on days when the Parliament is sitting.","AnswerText":"No discussions have taken place between the Scottish Executive and Lothian Transport plc, about parking in the Lawnmarket. There were discussions with the Lothian and Borders Police Scottish Parliamentary Police Service in 1999, about the safe transportation of ministers in the heavily congested area surrounding the Parliament buildings.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159642,"EventID":"S1W-23063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it conformed with the objective of developing public confidence in the effective use of public resources for six ministerial cars to remain parked in the Lawnmark","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it conformed with the objective of developing public confidence in the effective use of public resources for six ministerial cars to remain parked in the Lawnmarket, High Street, Edinburgh for over an hour after decision time had taken place on Thursday 7 February 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to the effective use of public resources, and the resources invested in the Government Car Service are no exception.

The operation of the Government Car Service in Scotland is consistent with UK guidance on ministerial transport. It provides or arranges the provision of transport principally for Scottish ministers and ministers of UK Government Departments when in Scotland.

The scheduling system is designed to match the arrival of cars to the timetable for ministerial engagements, and keep waiting times to a minimum. However, there can be unforeseen circumstances that give rise to cars waiting longer than anticipated.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159643,"EventID":"S1W-23064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Crofting Consultative Panel referred to in paragraph 33 of the Policy Memorandum on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Crofting Consultative Panel referred to in paragraph 33 of the Policy Memorandum on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The membership of the Crofting Consultative Panel referred to in paragraph 33 of the Policy Memorandum on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is as follows:

Organisations

Argyll and Bute Council

Assynt Crofters Trust

Borve and Annishader Trust

COSLA

Crofting Law Group

Deer Commission for Scotland

The Highland Council

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland

John Muir Trust

National Farmers' Union of Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland

Scottish Crofting Foundation

Scottish Land Court

Scottish Landowners' Federation

Shetland Islands Council

Stornoway Trust

Valuation Office, Inverness

Western Isles Council

Individuals

Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw

Mr Derek Flynn

Mr Simon Fraser

Mr Magnus D Houston

Mr Alexander M Murray.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159644,"EventID":"S1W-23065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22242 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 February 2002, whether the ranking of the candidates interviewed for appointment as a Senator of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22242 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 February 2002, whether the ranking of the candidates interviewed for appointment as a Senator of the College of Justice, as decided by the ad hoc Judicial Appointments Board in June 2001, applied in respect of those candidates recommended by the board to the First Minister to fill the judicial vacancy that arose following the appointment of Lord Gill as Lord Justice Clerk.","AnswerText":"The ad hoc board advised ministers on the suitability of candidates for appointment to the Supreme Court bench, and not for any particular vacancy on the bench.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159645,"EventID":"S1W-23066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the 15 responses referred to in paragraph 33 of the Policy Memorandum on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill were from and whether it will place a copy of each response i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the 15 responses referred to in paragraph 33 of the Policy Memorandum on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill were from and whether it will place a copy of each response in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The 15 replies referred to in paragraph 33 of the Policy Memorandum on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill were from the following:

Bidwells Property Consultants

Crofters Commission

The Highland Council

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Laid Grazings Committee

The National Trust for Scotland

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland

Scottish Crofting Foundation

Scottish Landowners Federation

Sir Crispin Agnew

Dr Jean Balfour, CBE

The Hon GE Lopes

James McPherson

Cllr R J Murray

Confidential response

The original consultation indicated that responses would be treated as confidential. We have since asked the authors whether we may publish their responses and copies of responses from those organisations or individuals who are content for their comments to be made public have now been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19868).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159646,"EventID":"S1W-23067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards establishing the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Cairngorms National Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards establishing the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"The draft Designation and Election Orders for the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park were tabled for Parliament's consideration on 26 February.

Ministers continue to consider the recommendations contained in the Scottish Natural Heritage Report with regard to the establishment of a Cairngorms National Park. We hope to complete that consideration soon and to consult on a draft Designation Order for the Cairngorms National Park in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159647,"EventID":"S1W-23068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set Strathclyde Police in respect of reducing the number of road accidents and how any such targets will be achieved. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set Strathclyde Police in respect of reducing the number of road accidents and how any such targets will be achieved. ","AnswerText":"Scottish police forces were set a number of jointly agreed national road safety targets in May 2001, to be achieved by 2003-04:

A reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents by 18%.

A reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured by 25%.

A reduction in the slight casualty rate by 4%.

These are part of a range of targets set following consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and Conveners of Police Authorities. Progress towards the targets will be monitored jointly by forces, police authorities and the Executive, but it will be for each force to decide how best to contribute to the national targets, taking account of local needs and priorities and the contribution that can be made by other bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159648,"EventID":"S1W-23069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the fall in recorded crime in the Strathclyde Police force area in December 2001, what new initiatives will be introduced in 2002 in order to maintain this t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the fall in recorded crime in the Strathclyde Police force area in December 2001, what new initiatives will be introduced in 2002 in order to maintain this trend. ","AnswerText":"Local police force initiatives are the responsibility of the individual Chief Constable. The Strathclyde Police Spotlight Initiative on Safer Streets will continue until 31 March 2002. In addition, I understand that Strathclyde Police intend to concentrate on crime priority areas such as organised crime, drugs suppliers, vandalism and street disorder.

There will be two national Safer Scotland campaigns during 2002. The first, \"Crime Breakers\", will run from 28 March until 31 May focusing on the activities of criminals who utilise the transport network and will also target drink and drugs driving offences. The second national campaign will take place in the autumn and will focus on public reassurance and high visibility policing.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159649,"EventID":"S1W-23070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements in numeracy and literacy have been made since 1999 for pupils at schools in Clydebank and Milngavie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements in numeracy and literacy have been made since 1999 for pupils at schools in Clydebank and Milngavie.","AnswerText":"Relevant information on pupil attainment within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework for the six publicly funded schools in Clydebank and Milngavie constituency is set out in the following table:

Year1

% of S4 roll attaining SCQF Level 32 or better in English by the end of S4

% of S4 roll attaining SCQF Level 32 or better in Maths by the end of S4

1997-99

93.5

92.9

1998-2000

94.5

93.8

1999-2001

94.9

93.7

Notes:

1. Figures are calculated as three year rolling averages.

2. The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has brought together the existing and new SQA qualifications. The SCQF levels are now used as the basis for reporting attainment. SCQF level 3 is equivalent to Standard Grade at Foundation level or Access 3 in National Qualifications.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159650,"EventID":"S1W-23071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that all school children achieve a high minimum standard of computer skills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that all school children achieve a high minimum standard of computer skills.","AnswerText":"The National Grid for Learning (NGfL) programme in Scotland aims to deliver the infrastructure, learning material and training to ensure that all pupils and teachers have access to modern ICT facilities in order to develop their skills. Between 1999 and 2002, the Scottish Executive has invested more than £90 million in the programme. A report on progress on the NGfL was published in August 2001 and can be found at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/education/nglr-00.asp.

The Executive has worked with the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) to maximise the impact of the NOF's £23 million programme to offer ICT training to all teachers and school librarians in Scotland. This programme is helping to make sure that staff are encouraging pupils to use ICT skills throughout the curriculum.

At the same time, the Executive has issued revised national 5-14 guidelines for ICT. The guidelines and associated guides for teachers and managers provide advice and assistance to education authorities and schools in developing pupils' skills, knowledge and informed attitudes to ICT.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159651,"EventID":"S1W-23072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful its initiatives have been in widening access to further and higher education services at institutions such as Clydebank College.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful its initiatives have been in widening access to further and higher education services at institutions such as Clydebank College.","AnswerText":"Indications are that the Executive's Programme for Government target of 40,000 additional annual college places is on course for achievement. The latest academic year for which complete figures are available, 1999-2000, showed a 3% increase in college enrolments, including an additional 1,173 at Clydebank College.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159652,"EventID":"S1W-23073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the prevalence of coronary heart disease, cancer and strokes in (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) East Dunbartonshire. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the prevalence of coronary heart disease, cancer and strokes in (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) East Dunbartonshire. ","AnswerText":"Responsibility at community level rests primarily with NHS boards. They are well aware of the Executive's commitment to promoting equity of access to all services, including primary prevention measures. The results of the national demonstration project in primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD), Have a Heart Paisley, will be rolled out to all parts of Scotland. The lifestyle changes which help reduce the prevalence of CHD and stroke are also effective in reducing the prevalence of cancer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159653,"EventID":"S1W-23074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated (a) aggregate and (b) per capita cost will be to (i) Lothian NHS Board and (ii) other NHS boards and local authorities affected of re-provisioning care","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated (a) aggregate and (b) per capita cost will be to (i) Lothian NHS Board and (ii) other NHS boards and local authorities affected of re-provisioning care for residents of Binny House, the Sue Ryder Care Home at Ecclesmachan, West Lothian, which is to close on 28 February 2002.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Lothian and the other health and local authority commissioners. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159654,"EventID":"S1W-23075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE0324/02 of 12 February 2002, what budget has been set aside for each of the next three years in order to cover the cost of the Older Pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE0324/02 of 12 February 2002, what budget has been set aside for each of the next three years in order to cover the cost of the Older People's Consultative Forum.","AnswerText":"The costs of the Older People's Consultative Forum comprise secretariat and travel costs. They are being met from within existing running costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159655,"EventID":"S1W-23076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria must be met for an area to become part of a Social Inclusion Partnership scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria must be met for an area to become part of a Social Inclusion Partnership scheme.","AnswerText":"Donald Dewar, the then Secretary of State for Scotland, announced on 8 May 1998 that the 12 Priority Partnership Areas designated in November 1996 would evolve into Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) and that SIPs would also be set up in other areas across Scotland.

In July 1998 the Scottish Executive wrote to all Scottish local authority chief executives outlining the key characteristics of SIPs and inviting expressions of interest in this initiative.

These expressions of interest were evaluated and the relevant partnerships were invited to draw up detailed proposals from which a final selection would be made.

This final selection was made by an advisory group drawn from members of the Social Inclusion network, who assessed the proposals received on the following basis:

Need, with a particular focus on preventing social exclusion;

Extent to which the proposals complemented current programmes and were compatible with existing strategies;

Innovative nature of the proposals;

Ability to demonstrate the commitment of partners, including the voluntary and private sectors and local communities, and

The extent to which the proposals appear to be deliverable

The present situation is that there are no plans to extend the areas currently designated as SIPs or to award SIP designation to further areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159656,"EventID":"S1W-23077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to action points D2 and D3 of the report Supporting Active Communities in Scotland - A Draft Strategy for Volunteering and Community Action, how many public ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to action points D2 and D3 of the report Supporting Active Communities in Scotland - A Draft Strategy for Volunteering and Community Action, how many public access points that disseminate information about volunteering opportunities are available.","AnswerText":"A network of 37 Volunteer Centres operating from 51 offices in 30 local authority areas are now in place to provide information and advice on volunteering opportunities in Scotland. The aim of the Volunteer Centre network is to make it easier for people to volunteer to improve the quality of life in ways that are appropriate to local volunteering needs and circumstances. It is our aim to extend the network to all 32 local authority areas in Scotland in the coming year, provided match funding for core costs can be found from other agencies.

In addition, Volunteer Development Scotland, the main organisation for volunteering in Scotland, is developing a database of volunteering opportunities across Scotland. This will be launched later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159657,"EventID":"S1W-23078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken since the publication of the report Supporting Active Communities in Scotland - A Draft Strategy for Volunteering and Community Action in order","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken since the publication of the report Supporting Active Communities in Scotland - A Draft Strategy for Volunteering and Community Action in order to assess the approach of journalism and media studies courses to voluntary and community matters.","AnswerText":"A Media Strategy Action Group has been established to develop a strategy for the promotion of the Active Communities Initiative in Scotland. It reports directly to the Scottish Executive. As part of its deliberations, the group plans to engage the Higher Education Funding Council on a review of Journalism and Media Studies courses.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159658,"EventID":"S1W-23079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained audiologists there were in each health board area at 31 March and 30 September in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained audiologists there were in each health board area at 31 March and 30 September in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of trained medical staff employed in NHSScotland is collected annually by ISD Scotland at 30 September only. The following table shows the number of medical staff working in the specialty of audiological medicine in the last three years for which information is available.

Audiological Medicine staff directly employed by NHSScotland

Headcount at 30 September by Health Board
 

Consultant

Associate Specialist

1998

1999

2000

1998

1999

2000

Fife

-

-

-

1

1

1

Tayside

-

-

1

-

-

-

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159659,"EventID":"S1W-23080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was allocated to audiology departments by each health board area in each of the past three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was allocated to audiology departments by each health board area in each of the past three financial years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally but is being collected as part of the wide-ranging review of audiology services, which is currently under way. The review is due to report in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159660,"EventID":"S1W-23081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dedicated audiology departments there currently are in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dedicated audiology departments there currently are in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"There are currently 22 main audiology services. The majority of these services provide satellite clinics outwith their main bases - one service visits 18 peripheral clinics.

NHS Board

Argyll and Clyde

4 (Inverclyde, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Dunbarton Health Centre, Lorn and Islands District General Hospital (DGH))

Ayrshire and Arran

1 (South Ayrshire DGH)

Borders

1 (Borders DGH)

Dumfries & Galloway

1 (Dumfries Royal Infirmary)

Fife

1 (Victoria Hospital ,Kirkcaldy)

Forth Valley

1 (Stirling Royal Infirmary)

Grampian

1 (Aberdeen Royal Infirmary)

Greater Glasgow

5 (Yorkhill Hospital, Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow Royal, Stobhill, Gartnaval)

Highland

1 (Raigmore Hospital)

Lanarkshire

1 (Audiology Unit ,Auchingramont Road)

Lothian

3 (Edinburgh Royal Adult Service, Edinburgh Royal Paediatric Service, St Johns Hospital)

Tayside

2 (Ninewells Hospital, Perth Royal Inf.)

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159661,"EventID":"S1W-23082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many diabetologists there were in each health board area at 31 March and 30 September in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many diabetologists there were in each health board area at 31 March and 30 September in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of doctors recorded as specialising in endocrinology and diabetes at 30 September is shown in the following table. Information at 31 March is not available centrally.

Medical Staff Recorded as Specialising in Endocrinology and Diabetes

Headcount at 30 September

1998

1999

2000

Consultant

Staff

Hospital Practitioner 3

GMP (para 94 appt.) 3

Training Grades 4

Consultant

Staff

Hospital Practitioner 3

GMP

(para 94 appt.) 3

Training Grades 4

Consultant

Staff

Hospital Practitioner 3

GMP

(para 94 appt.) 3

Training Grades 4

Scotland

14

2

3

23

17

18

2

5

31

18

19

1

4

30

26

Argyll and Clyde

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

Ayrshire and Arran

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

-

-

4

-

is given in the tables contained within Ring-fenced Education Funding for Local Authorities (1998-99 to 2000-01). A copy is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19591).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159665,"EventID":"S1W-23086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual salary was of each local authority chief executive in each of the past three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual salary was of each local authority chief executive in each of the past three financial years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, I understand it is available from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159666,"EventID":"S1W-23087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basic councillor's attendance allowance was in each local authority in each of the past three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basic councillor's attendance allowance was in each local authority in each of the past three financial years.","AnswerText":"The maximum rate of attendance allowance for councillors is set by Scottish ministers and the current rate from 15 February this year is £30.42 per day. The previous rate, applicable from January 1999, was £28.53 per day. There is no obligation on councils to pay this allowance and the decision to do so is a matter for individual councils. No information on payment is held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159667,"EventID":"S1W-23088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments spent on postage in each year since 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments spent on postage in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table:

Department

1998-99

(£000)

1999-2000

(£000)

2000-01

(£000)

Development Department

101.2

101.5

98.5

Education Department

102.8

110.3

108.6

Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department

46.2

33.3

27.1

Environment and Rural Affairs Department

325.7

242.3

317.5

Finance and Central Services Department/Corporate Services

116.2

152.2

102.5

Health Department

116.4

90.8

96.2

Justice Department

40.4

37.4

45.7

Total

The names of the Scottish Executive departments have changed over the period reported. There have also been changes in the balance of functions between departments which will affect their demand for mail services.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159668,"EventID":"S1W-23089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments spent on stationery in each year since 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments spent on stationery in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"Departmental stationery requirements are met through central contracts. A breakdown by department since 1998-99 is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The following figures set out expenditure on stationery (e.g. recycled paper and desktop consumables) through central contracts:

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02*

£000

578

639

882

835

Notes:

* 2001-02 figures are only available to 31 January.

A substantial part of the increase since 1999 is due to significant rises in the cost of paper.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159669,"EventID":"S1W-23090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of its waste paper was sent for recycling in each year since 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of its waste paper was sent for recycling in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"In 1999-2000 the Scottish Executive recycled 25% of general waste, of which 25% was paper, and in 2000-01 we recycled 40% of general waste, of which 37% was paper. We expect to achieve our recycling target of 50% recycled waste for 2001-02.

Last year the Executive purchased, on average, 80% recycled paper for general official use.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159670,"EventID":"S1W-23091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of its waste plastic was sent for recycling in each year since 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of its waste plastic was sent for recycling in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has introduced a system for collecting and recycling plastic cups at Victoria Quay. There are plans to extend the system of recycling plastic, including plastic cups, to other major occupancy buildings. In 2000-01 the Scottish Executive recycled 40% of general waste. We expect to achieve our recycling target of 50% recycled waste for 2001-02. We do not hold specific recycling information for waste plastic.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159671,"EventID":"S1W-23092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met HM Treasury to discuss balancing payments to the Scottish Consolidated Fund, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliame","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met HM Treasury to discuss balancing payments to the Scottish Consolidated Fund, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: A Statement of Funding Policy, to redress any imbalance in housing benefit and council tax benefit costs between Scotland and England.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials have been in correspondence with officials in HM Treasury about the adjustments to the Scottish Assigned Budget that will be necessary in respect of differences in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit costs between Scotland and England. These will be made to the Scotland Departmental Expenditure Limit for 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159672,"EventID":"S1W-23093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many payments have been made to the Scottish Consolidated Fund as balancing payments, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many payments have been made to the Scottish Consolidated Fund as balancing payments, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: A Statement of Funding Policy; how much each payment was; when each payment was made, and what budget line each payment refers to. ","AnswerText":"No payments have as yet been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159673,"EventID":"S1W-23094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many payments have been made from the Scottish Consolidated Fund as balancing payments, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many payments have been made from the Scottish Consolidated Fund as balancing payments, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: A Statement of Funding Policy; how much each payment was, when each payment was made, and what budget line each payment refers to.","AnswerText":"No payments have as yet been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159674,"EventID":"S1W-23095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monies paid into the Scottish Consolidated Fund as balancing payments, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National As","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monies paid into the Scottish Consolidated Fund as balancing payments, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: A Statement of Funding Policy, will be earmarked for specific purposes and, if so, what those purposes are or will be.","AnswerText":"No monies have as yet been paid into the Scottish Consolidated Fund and when they are Scottish ministers will decide for what purposes they will be used.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159675,"EventID":"S1W-23096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any monies paid into the Scottish Consolidated Fund as balancing payments, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, Nationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any monies paid into the Scottish Consolidated Fund as balancing payments, as referred to in section 5.3 of HM Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: A Statement of Funding Policy, will be used to offset fire boards expenditure on pensions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23095.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159676,"EventID":"S1W-23097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has made, or will be making, to ensure that front-line fire services are not affected by the requirement placed on fire boards to pay pensions for fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has made, or will be making, to ensure that front-line fire services are not affected by the requirement placed on fire boards to pay pensions for firefighters out of revenue budgets.","AnswerText":"A meeting was held on 7 February with Fire Board conveners to discuss the issue of fire pensions. Since that time we have confirmed that an additional £5 million will be made available to Fire Authorities in 2002-03 to assist in meeting rising pension costs. A short-term working group has been established to address the implications of the continuing increase in the cost of fire service pensions.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159677,"EventID":"S1W-23098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary question to question S1O-4625 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 February 2002, whether it will direct the working group considerin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary question to question S1O-4625 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 February 2002, whether it will direct the working group considering fire brigade pensions to examine the figures for the three-yearly spending review and to report back before the end of the current financial year.","AnswerText":"The working group will look at both the funding pressures on authorities and the current funding arrangements for the Firemen's Pensions Scheme. We have recently obtained pension information from brigades to assist in determining the levels of funding for the next Spending Review. We have also sought the assistance of the Government Actuary's Department in analysing the information and this will be invaluable in assisting the work of the group.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159678,"EventID":"S1W-23099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary question to question S1O-4625 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 February 2002, what the specific remit is of the working group to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary question to question S1O-4625 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 February 2002, what the specific remit is of the working group to consider fire brigade pensions, whether the group will be asked to make recommendations on how to address the funding of such pensions, and whether it will agree to be bound by the recommendations of the working group.","AnswerText":"The remit of the short-term working group will be:

To examine the current arrangements for the funding of the Firemen's Pension Scheme to determine whether the arrangements might be managed better for the benefit of all brigades. In taking the work forward the group will take into account the draft report on the outcome of the review of funding arrangements initiated by the Home Office last year.

The group will prepare a report and ministers will consider its findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159679,"EventID":"S1W-23100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments will be made in the current and next financial years to fire boards to cater for pension provision; whether any such payments will be hypothecated, and whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments will be made in the current and next financial years to fire boards to cater for pension provision; whether any such payments will be hypothecated, and whether any such payments will be based on a needs assessment of each board rather than in line with current grant aided expenditure allocations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recently agreed to make an additional £5 million available to Fire Authorities in 2002-03 specifically for pension provision. These additional funds are in effect hypothecated and will be paid in 2002-03 on the basis of need. Information has been obtained from brigades and the help of the Government Actuary's Department has been sought to inform the basis of distribution.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159680,"EventID":"S1W-23101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its news release SE5229/2002 of 25 January 2002, what plans it has in respect of replacing hostels for homeless people in Glasgow, following the decommissioni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its news release SE5229/2002 of 25 January 2002, what plans it has in respect of replacing hostels for homeless people in Glasgow, following the decommissioning of such hostels.","AnswerText":"The report of the Glasgow street homelessness review team recommended that the city's large-scale hostels be closed over time. Glasgow City Council and its partners have established a Planning and Implementation Group to take forward the recommendations of the report in a way which will ensure that appropriate accommodation and services are in place before hostels are closed. The Executive is making £12.5 million available over three years to 2003-04 to assist the de-commissioning process. This will include the provision of a range of alternative accommodation options, depending on the needs of individuals.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159681,"EventID":"S1W-23102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its news release SE5229/2002 of 25 January 2002, how many families currently reside in \"inappropriate temporary accommodation\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its news release SE5229/2002 of 25 January 2002, how many families currently reside in \"inappropriate temporary accommodation\".","AnswerText":"Tables 25-27 of the latest Quarterly Housing Trends Bulletin, published on 18 December 2001, presents information on the number of households with children that were living in various types of temporary accommodation, at the end of June 2001. A copy of the bulletin, Housing Trends in Scotland, Quarter Ending 30 June 2001 is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number HSG/2001/6).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159682,"EventID":"S1W-23103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will specify all rules and regulations on the Rural Stewardship Scheme that are currently in force and what plans it has to amend any of these rules or regulat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will specify all rules and regulations on the Rural Stewardship Scheme that are currently in force and what plans it has to amend any of these rules or regulations.","AnswerText":"The Rural Stewardship Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2001 set out the legal framework within which the Rural Stewardship Scheme is operated.

Additional guidance on the operation of the scheme is set out in the scheme literature, which includes the Explanatory Booklet and the forms which accompany this.

The Scottish ministers are considering whether any changes should be made to the way in which the scheme is operated, in the light of the experience of the first year of operation.

The Rural Stewardship Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2001 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 16006). The Rural Stewardship Scheme Explanatory Booklet and forms are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19601).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159683,"EventID":"S1W-23104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications under the Rural Stewardship Scheme have been approved in the current financial year to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications under the Rural Stewardship Scheme have been approved in the current financial year to date.","AnswerText":"Three hundred and eighty of the 476 eligible applications submitted under the Rural Stewardship Scheme have been approved in the current financial year to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159684,"EventID":"S1W-23105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which councillors of Clackmannanshire, Fife, Perth and Kinross and Stirling Councils have been appointed to remunerative positions on health boards, enterprise companies ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which councillors of Clackmannanshire, Fife, Perth and Kinross and Stirling Councils have been appointed to remunerative positions on health boards, enterprise companies and other similar centrally-funded bodies in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:

Clackmannanshire Council

Name

Public Body

Period of Appointment

*Cllr Charles Forbes

Forth Valley NHS Board (formerly Forth Valley Health Board)

09/01 - 09/05

Mrs Teresa McNally (served as an elected member of Clackmannanshire Council from 1988 to 1999 but is no longer a councillor).

Forth Valley Primary Care NHS Trust

04/99 - 01/03

Fife Council

Name

Public Body

Period of Appointment

Cllr Christine May

Scottish Enterprise

Scottish Homes

12/99 - 11/02

07/99 - 09/03

Cllr Andrew Rodger

Fife NHS Board (formerly Fife Health Board)

05/98 - 09/01

*Cllr Theresa Gunn

Fife NHS Board (formerly Fife Health Board)

09/01 - 09/05

Cllr Anne R McGovern

Fife Primary Care NHS Trust

02/99 - 01/03

Cllr Susan Clark

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

10/99 - 12/02

Cllr Tom Dair

East of Scotland Water Authority

01/98 - 12/01

Perth & Kinross Council

Name

Public Body

Period of Appointment

*Cllr Lorraine Caddell

Tayside NHS Board (formerly Tayside Health Board)

09/01 - 09/05

Stirling Council

Name

Public Body

Period of Appointment

*Cllr Patrick Kelly

Forth Valley NHS Board (formerly Forth Valley Health Board)

09/01 - 09/05

Cllr Cormick McChord

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

04/96 - 10/99, re-appointed

10/99 - 12/02

Cllr Ann Dickson

East of Scotland Water Authority

01/98 - 12/01

Cllr Patricia Greenhill OBE

Scottish Homes

06/96 - 06/99, re-appointed

07/99 -09/03

Note:

* Local authority members of NHS boards are separately identified. Since 30 September 2001, each of the 32 Scottish local authorities has nominated an elected member to serve on their local NHS board. They are appointed by Scottish ministers ex officio in their capacity as elected councillors.

This information, along wi","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159685,"EventID":"S1W-23106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects have been funded by the New Futures Fund in each (a) constituency and (b) parliamentary region in each year since 1998, giving (i) the total amount of fundi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects have been funded by the New Futures Fund in each (a) constituency and (b) parliamentary region in each year since 1998, giving (i) the total amount of funding received by, (ii) the name of and (iii) the location of each such project.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Allocation of funding to individual projects is an operational matter and as such is the responsibility of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159686,"EventID":"S1W-23107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that patients with symptoms of mental disorder and substance misuse are given a dual diagnosis in order to address both conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that patients with symptoms of mental disorder and substance misuse are given a dual diagnosis in order to address both conditions.","AnswerText":"Good medical and psychiatric practice for patients with a diagnosis of mental disorder or learning disability involves multi-disciplinary reviews of people in community care, or in-patient facilities, including the presenting problems, diagnosis, behaviour and care. Drug or alcohol problems will be identified as part of such practice.

The Clinical Standards Board's Standards for Schizophrenia include a statement that patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia should have access to assessment by a specialist in substance misuse. Over the past year, Primary Care NHS Trusts have been auditing themselves to see to what extent they comply with this standard, and a report is expected soon from the board on the findings from its external accreditation of trusts.

Drug Misuse and Dependence - Guidelines on Clinical Management recognise that there are increased rates of psychiatric disorders among those with drug and alcohol problems. The Guidelines set out information and advice for doctors on assessing and treating such patients.

The Executive's Effective Interventions Unit will evaluate models of service for treating co-existing drug misuse and mental health problems in the course of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159687,"EventID":"S1W-23108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that patients with symptoms of learning disability and substance misuse are given a dual diagnosis in order to address both conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that patients with symptoms of learning disability and substance misuse are given a dual diagnosis in order to address both conditions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23107.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159688,"EventID":"S1W-23109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that all extant guidelines issued to NHS boards and trusts are adhered to; what monitoring system is in place to measure compliance, and what meas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that all extant guidelines issued to NHS boards and trusts are adhered to; what monitoring system is in place to measure compliance, and what measures are implemented in the event of any non-compliance.","AnswerText":"A range of guidance is provided to the NHS in Scotland by the Scottish Executive Health Department, by other central government departments and agencies, by professional organisations and by organisations which monitor standards and quality of healthcare.

The prime responsibility for ensuring that guidance is implemented and complied with lies with NHS organisations. Where necessary, organisations which provide guidance also monitor compliance. Examples include the work of the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland in monitoring and reporting on performance against standards developed by the board. In some cases compliance with guidance is the subject of external audits and reviews by Audit Scotland.

Action in the event of non-compliance will vary depending on the nature of the issue and of the non-compliance. The most important consideration will be to ensure that compliance is achieved as soon as reasonably practicable.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159689,"EventID":"S1W-23110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to raise awareness of and treat sexually transmitted diseases amongst teenagers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to raise awareness of and treat sexually transmitted diseases amongst teenagers.","AnswerText":"The £3 million Healthy Respect national health demonstration project seeks to increase awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly chlamydia, among young people in Lothian. Lessons learned will be shared throughout the country. The project's website (www.healthy-respect.com) was launched on 10 February.

The Executive is also funding two studies which will inform any plans to take forward opportunistic screening for chlamydia.

The Executive is providing funding to set up new drop-in centres, which will provide a range of advice and support on sexual health, specifically to young people.

Funding has been allocated for a review of current arrangements for collecting and analysing data on sexually transmitted infections.

Research forming the first stage of the national sexual health strategy, which analyses the extent and effectiveness of current sexual health services in Scotland, has recently been completed.

The Health Education Board for Scotland is also working to encourage young people to think seriously about the consequences and responsibilities of sexual relationships. Examples of that activity include the award-winning Think About It mass media campaign, and work to build capacity in terms of professional support for sex education in schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159690,"EventID":"S1W-23111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the single measles vaccine is as effective as the measles component of the triple MMR vaccine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the single measles vaccine is as effective as the measles component of the triple MMR vaccine.","AnswerText":"The single measles vaccines currently being administered in the UK are unlicensed in the UK and have been imported to meet, in the view of the prescribers and on their direct personal responsibility, the special clinical needs of individual patients. These unlicensed vaccines have not been assessed by the UK licensing authority against the criteria of safety, quality and efficacy.

Marketing authorisations (product licenses) have been granted for single measles vaccines and these licenses are extant. However, these licensed single vaccines are not manufactured for the UK market.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159691,"EventID":"S1W-23112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the dedicated post of Fisheries Secretary in its Environment and Rural Affairs Department still exists and whether there have been any recent changes to the post'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the dedicated post of Fisheries Secretary in its Environment and Rural Affairs Department still exists and whether there have been any recent changes to the post's responsibilities. ","AnswerText":"This post has recently been expanded to include rural development matters as part of a reorganisation of senior management responsibilities within the department. However, the Scottish Executive continues to give high priority to fisheries matters and both staffing levels and financial support for the fisheries sector have been increased since devolution.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159692,"EventID":"S1W-23113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what daily rates are charged by hospitals that apply parking charges and what concessions apply to hospital staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what daily rates are charged by hospitals that apply parking charges and what concessions apply to hospital staff.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally but could be obtained direct from those hospitals, which have introduced parking charges.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159693,"EventID":"S1W-23114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of health spending in the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust area is allocated to (a) the Clydebank area and (b) Milngavie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of health spending in the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust area is allocated to (a) the Clydebank area and (b) Milngavie.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22539 on 18 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159694,"EventID":"S1W-23115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the special road scheme for the A87 Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh trunk road prescribes all classes of traffic for the purposes of use of the route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the special road scheme for the A87 Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh trunk road prescribes all classes of traffic for the purposes of use of the route.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159695,"EventID":"S1W-23116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20841 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 December 2001, whether higher education institutions will be given greater flexibility in the use","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20841 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 December 2001, whether higher education institutions will be given greater flexibility in the use of Hardship Funds.","AnswerText":"Institutions already have a significant degree of flexibility in the use of Hardship Funds. Institutions themselves decide how to disburse the Hardship Funds to individual students within guidelines laid down by the Scottish Executive. For example, institutions are allowed to offer short-term repayable cash advances; to use up to 10% of their total Higher Education (HE) allocation to provide scholarships or bursaries and to provide payments of up to £3,500 per year to individual students without recourse to the Executive. Each institution is also free to determine its own \"means-test\" and the frequency of instalments.

Institutions have also now been advised that they may vire up to 20% of their Mature Students' Bursary Fund (MSBF) allocation to their HE Hardship Funds, provided that this is consistent with the objective of targeting support on assisting mature students with childcare costs. This will enable institutions to adjust the distribution of their funding allocations based on their actual student population in the current academic year, as MSBF is phased in.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159696,"EventID":"S1W-23117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20841 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 December 2001, whether it plans to take any further action in order to achieve greater alignment ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20841 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 December 2001, whether it plans to take any further action in order to achieve greater alignment of financial support for students in further and higher education.","AnswerText":"Since autumn 2001, both the thresholds for parent and spouse contributions and the amounts available for support for students over 18 have been the same regardless of whether the student is on a further or higher education course.

We are considering whether there are additional changes which should be made to the support arrangements in order to achieve further alignment.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159697,"EventID":"S1W-23118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has prosecuted West of Scotland Water for water pollution arising from any of its water treatment plants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has prosecuted West of Scotland Water for water pollution arising from any of its water treatment plants.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The reporting of incidents to the Procurator Fiscal is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159698,"EventID":"S1W-23119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the tendering processes used in both stages 1 and 2 of the Loch Katrine Water Project; whether this process was in line with normal public sector t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the tendering processes used in both stages 1 and 2 of the Loch Katrine Water Project; whether this process was in line with normal public sector tendering rules and procedures, and whether any savings could be made by re-tendering stage 2 of the project using a different tender process.","AnswerText":"This is a question for West of Scotland Water Authority and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

The tendering process for the Katrine Water Project conformed to all public sector tendering rules and procedures.

An independent audit of the process by PricewaterhouseCooper found that re-tendering stage 2 of the project would not result in any cost savings and would actually delay project progress, thereby adding to costs and would hamper the successful completion of the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159699,"EventID":"S1W-23120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the surveys and assessments made concerning the energy consumption and costs of each site considered for the Loch Katrine Water Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the surveys and assessments made concerning the energy consumption and costs of each site considered for the Loch Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a question for West of Scotland Water Authority and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

This information is available in Annex D of the Environmental Statement in the Project's Planning Application, and was also covered in great detail during the public meeting on 26 September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159700,"EventID":"S1W-23121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation with local residents will be undertaken by West of Scotland Water during the construction of the new Milngavie water treatment plant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation with local residents will be undertaken by West of Scotland Water during the construction of the new Milngavie water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-22817 (26 February 2002), S1W-22386 (8 February 2002) and S1W-22910 (22 February 2002).

West of Scotland Water Authority's Chief Executive adds:

As Mr McNulty is aware, the Community Forum has now held two meetings at which representatives of the local residents are working with members of the Project Team to help minimise the effects of construction on the local population.

In addition to this, the Project Team is always willing and is responsive to meeting with concerned individuals or groups. An example of this is a meeting held recently with residents of Craigmillar Avenue who are concerned about the routing of the sewer from the new works.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159701,"EventID":"S1W-23122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland has given any opinion concerning the environmental impact of the proposed new Milngavie reservoir; whether it will de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland has given any opinion concerning the environmental impact of the proposed new Milngavie reservoir; whether it will detail any such opinion, and what consideration it has given and response it has made to any such opinion. ","AnswerText":"The Water Industry Commissioner is responsible for promoting the interests of all customers through the economic regulation of the water industry. He has no role in the consideration of the Environmental Statements for individual projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159702,"EventID":"S1W-23123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage has given any opinion concerning the environmental impact of the proposed new Milngavie reservoir; whether it will detail any such opini","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage has given any opinion concerning the environmental impact of the proposed new Milngavie reservoir; whether it will detail any such opinion, and what consideration it has given and response it has made to any such opinion. ","AnswerText":"This is essentially a matter for Scottish Natural Heritage. I understand that East Dunbartonshire Council, as planning authority, is presently giving consideration to a planning application and Environmental Statement submitted by the West of Scotland Water Authority for the Katrine Water Project. As a statutory consultee, Scottish Natural Heritage has been given the opportunity to comment on the Environmental Statement.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159703,"EventID":"S1W-23124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how effective the consultation by West of Scotland Water with members of the local community, including the Friends of Milngavie Reservoir, has been during the exhibition","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how effective the consultation by West of Scotland Water with members of the local community, including the Friends of Milngavie Reservoir, has been during the exhibition of the proposals for the Loch Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22910. Given that the Planning Application for the Katrine Water Project is currently under consideration by East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC), it is not appropriate for me or West of Scotland Water Authority to comment either on the content of the replies made by interested parties to EDC, or on the effectiveness of the consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159704,"EventID":"S1W-23125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the risk is of contamination (a) of the existing water supply from earthmoving and construction works during the construction stages of the Loch Katrine Water Projec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the risk is of contamination (a) of the existing water supply from earthmoving and construction works during the construction stages of the Loch Katrine Water Project and (b) by chemicals/diesel leakage into the water supply when the project is completed.","AnswerText":"Question (a) is a matter for West of Scotland Water and I have asked the Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

All construction activities for the new Milngavie Water Treatment Works will be carried out in a planned, methodical way with every necessary measure being taken to prevent contamination of the existing water supply and the surrounding environment.

For question (b) I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22818 on 20 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159705,"EventID":"S1W-23126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers from Strathclyde Police additional to those normally deployed were required at the Faslane Naval Base on (a) 11 February, (b) 12 February and (c) 13 Feb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers from Strathclyde Police additional to those normally deployed were required at the Faslane Naval Base on (a) 11 February, (b) 12 February and (c) 13 February 2002; who requested their deployment, and who will be responsible for covering the costs for this extra deployment.","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Police officers do not routinely police the perimeter of Faslane Naval Base. This normally falls to the Ministry of Defence Police. Officers from Strathclyde Police are only engaged in such duties when there are large anti-nuclear demonstrations at the base.

The police operation in respect of the demonstrations at Faslane during the week commencing 11 February involved the deployment of a total of 880 Strathclyde Police officers. These officers were deployed by the local Divisional Commander for the purpose of minimising disruption to Naval Base Staff, the local community and ensuring the maintenance of public order.

While the deployment inevitably diverted the officers involved from other duties as well as incurring additional costs in extra duty and other payments, Strathclyde Police dealt with these pressures without making demands on other forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159706,"EventID":"S1W-23127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers from Strathclyde Police additional to those normally deployed have been deployed to police the perimeter of the Faslane Naval Base in each of the past ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers from Strathclyde Police additional to those normally deployed have been deployed to police the perimeter of the Faslane Naval Base in each of the past 12 months; who requested their deployment, and for what reasons.","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Police officers do not routinely police the perimeter of Faslane Naval Base. This normally falls to the Ministry of Defence Police. Officers from Strathclyde Police are only engaged in such duties when there are large anti-nuclear demonstrations at the base.

The number of Strathclyde Police officers deployed at the four major anti-nuclear demonstrations at Faslane Naval Base since the start of 2001 has not exceeded 880 officers for any one event.

Deployment by the local Divisional Commander has been for the purpose of minimising disruption to naval base staff, the local community and ensuring the maintenance of public order. The level of deployment of police officers at each demonstration has been commensurate with the number of demonstrators.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159707,"EventID":"S1W-23128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests for operational support at the Faslane Naval Base Strathclyde Police received from the Ministry of Defence in each of the past 12 months, detailing the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests for operational support at the Faslane Naval Base Strathclyde Police received from the Ministry of Defence in each of the past 12 months, detailing the circumstances on each occasion.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159708,"EventID":"S1W-23129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to Strathclyde Police by the Ministry of Defence to cover the costs of policing events associated with the Faslane Naval Base in each of the past 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to Strathclyde Police by the Ministry of Defence to cover the costs of policing events associated with the Faslane Naval Base in each of the past 12 months.","AnswerText":"Nil. Strathclyde Police have dealt with the pressures involved in policing these events from within their own resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159709,"EventID":"S1W-23130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has cost Strathclyde Police to police the Faslane Naval Base in each of the past 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has cost Strathclyde Police to police the Faslane Naval Base in each of the past 12 months.","AnswerText":"The extra costs to Strathclyde Police associated with policing the last four major demonstrations at Faslane Naval Base (in February, August and October 2001 and in February 2002) were £114,000, £188,000, £139,000 and £169,000 respectively. Strathclyde Police dealt with these pressures from within their own resources, without making demands on other forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159710,"EventID":"S1W-23131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice took into account, and upon whose advice he relied, when he considered the provisions of the Land Reform (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice took into account, and upon whose advice he relied, when he considered the provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to be within the legislative competence of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The factors which I took into account in reaching my conclusion that the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill was within the legislative competence of the Parliament were those set out in section 29 of the Scotland Act 1998.

For the rest, the policy of the Executive is, as a general rule, not to disclose the source or content of its legal advice. There does not appear to be any good reason to depart from that general policy in this particular case.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159711,"EventID":"S1W-23132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the consultation into the structure of area tourist boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the consultation into the structure of area tourist boards.","AnswerText":"I am currently meeting with a number of area tourist boards to find out the key issues that matter most to them. I will then decide how best to take forward the review.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159712,"EventID":"S1W-23133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the deadline is for applications for assistance under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the deadline is for applications for assistance under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001.","AnswerText":"Applications to the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001 had to be submitted by 31 October 2001. Applicants who have been offered a grant will have until 31 March 2002 to decommission their vessel and submit all the relevant paperwork.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159713,"EventID":"S1W-23134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emphasis it places on the perspective of the consumer when formulating and developing policies and strategies for the knowledge economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emphasis it places on the perspective of the consumer when formulating and developing policies and strategies for the knowledge economy.","AnswerText":"Delivery of customer focused services which are built around the needs and views of Scotland's citizens is at the heart of the Executive's agenda. A key message from the Scottish Executive Report on the Cross-cutting Issue of the Knowledge Economy is that the knowledge economy affects everyone, not just those in high-tech companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159714,"EventID":"S1W-23135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to promote awareness of digital television.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to promote awareness of digital television.","AnswerText":"Broadcasting is a reserved matter and this issue is therefore for UK ministers. The UK Government published the Digital Television Action Plan on 21 December 2001, setting out the action being taken to facilitate the take-up of digital television.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159715,"EventID":"S1W-23136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average data speed is achieved in rural and remote areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average data speed is achieved in rural and remote areas.","AnswerText":"Telecoms regulation is reserved to the UK Government.

However, the minimum data speed currently set by European legislation, and the subject of an obligation on BT, is 2.4 kilobits per second.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159716,"EventID":"S1W-23137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to measure performance in achieving digital inclusion targets by utilising benchmarking and monitoring techniques currently being developed withi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to measure performance in achieving digital inclusion targets by utilising benchmarking and monitoring techniques currently being developed within the European Union.","AnswerText":"The Executive already monitors internet access and usage through the Scottish Household Survey and surveys conducted by the Office for National Statistics.

Eurostat, the European Union's statistical information service, is currently developing recommendations on household and individual take-up and usage on the internet. These are expected to be very similar to data collected by the Scottish Household Survey and, therefore, should allow benchmarking with Europe once the recommendations have been put into practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159717,"EventID":"S1W-23138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of the term \"universal access\" used in the report, Digital Inclusion: connecting Scotland's people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of the term \"universal access\" used in the report, Digital Inclusion: connecting Scotland's people.","AnswerText":"Universal access will have been achieved, when there is affordable and pervasive access to the web throughout Scotland - whether at home, in work, or through public internet access facilities. Our aim is to ensure that public access to the web is generally available, within five miles in rural areas and within one mile in urban areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159718,"EventID":"S1W-23139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) rural and (b) semi-rural areas currently have no access to cable services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) rural and (b) semi-rural areas currently have no access to cable services.","AnswerText":"The following table shows which areas in Scotland have access to cable services:

% Households with Cable access by Region

Region

% households with access to cable

Grampian

0

Tayside

30

Dumfries & Galloway

0

Lothian

44

Central

9

Strathclyde

34

Islands area

0

Highlands

0

Fife

13

Borders

0

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159719,"EventID":"S1W-23140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when any (a) compulsory purchase orders and (b) parliamentary consents in respect of the proposed Milngavie to Larkhall line will expire and what action it plans to take","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when any (a) compulsory purchase orders and (b) parliamentary consents in respect of the proposed Milngavie to Larkhall line will expire and what action it plans to take on this matter.","AnswerText":"The British Railways Order Confirmation Act 1994 and the British Railways (No.3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 conferred powers on the British Railways Board, in respect of the proposed Larkhall-Milngavie rail link. The expiry of powers to make compulsory purchase orders is now a matter for Railtrack. However, I understand that the overall parliamentary powers expire in March 2004.

The Scottish Executive is in contact with Railtrack, the Strategic Rail Authority and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive about moving this project forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159720,"EventID":"S1W-23141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of proposals to open the market for postal services on the level of unemployment. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of proposals to open the market for postal services on the level of unemployment. ","AnswerText":"Postal services are a reserved matter. Subject to Postcomm's primary duty to ensure the provision of a universal postal service it also has a remit to promote competition in the interests of consumers. The UK Government take the view that the way in which postal operators respond to any opening of the market is a commercial matter for them.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159721,"EventID":"S1W-23142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be represented at the UN Special Session on Children on 8-10 May 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be represented at the UN Special Session on Children on 8-10 May 2002.","AnswerText":"A delegation will represent the UK Government at the UN General Assembly's Special Session on Children. It is not expected that this will include members from the Scottish Executive, although it will include two young people, one of them from Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159722,"EventID":"S1W-23143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been registered on the Child Protection Register in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been registered on the Child Protection Register in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Child Protection Registers are maintained by local authorities and hold the details of children who are considered to be at risk of abuse or neglect. The following table shows totals for Scotland for the last five years, for which figures are available:

Year

Children registered as at 31 March

Children placed on the register in the year to 31 March

1996

2,687

1,893

1997

2,280

1,782

1998

2,303

1,919

1999

2,361

1,962

2000

2,050

1,890

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159723,"EventID":"S1W-23144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many referral schemes for arrests in which drugs and/or alcohol feature significantly are currently in place; how many referrals under such schemes have been made in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many referral schemes for arrests in which drugs and/or alcohol feature significantly are currently in place; how many referrals under such schemes have been made in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001 and how many clients so referred have kept the appointment made at the time of arrest.","AnswerText":"Arrest referral schemes currently in existence have been instigated at a local level, so the information sought is not held centrally. We have announced that the Executive proposes to take legislative powers which will allow us to fund local authority criminal justice social work services to support interventions at the pre-court stage, such as arrest referral schemes. We will consider in due course what information should be collected centrally in relation to such schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159724,"EventID":"S1W-23145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people regularly drink above recommended limits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people regularly drink above recommended limits.","AnswerText":"In 1998, 33% of men and 15% of women aged 16-64 reported drinking above recommended weekly limits (21 units for men and 14 units for women). Twenty-six per cent of all women and 44% of all men reported drinking more than twice the recommended daily benchmarks on their heaviest drinking day. This information is taken from the 1998 Scottish Health Survey, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 10471).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159725,"EventID":"S1W-23146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio is of men to women currently referred to the Counselling and Support Service for Alcohol and Drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio is of men to women currently referred to the Counselling and Support Service for Alcohol and Drugs.","AnswerText":"Sixty-nine per cent of those referred to the Counselling and Support Service for Alcohol and Drugs in Forth Valley in the last 12 months were male and 31% were female.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159726,"EventID":"S1W-23147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to protect general practitioners and their support staff from violent or aggressive patients visiting their surgeries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to protect general practitioners and their support staff from violent or aggressive patients visiting their surgeries.","AnswerText":"Island NHS Boards and Primary Care Trusts have the power to assign violent patients to the doctor who has the most appropriate facilities. In addition, we issued a circular to boards and trusts on 17 December 2001 on addressing the problem of violent or aggressive behaviour by patients in general practice.

The circular requested boards and trusts to put in place local action plans for combating violence by 30 June 2002. It also provided advice on what action plans might contain, including mechanisms for providing services to violent patients and support for general practitioners undertaking home visits or surgery consultations where there is reason to believe there is a risk of violence.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159727,"EventID":"S1W-23148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to protect general practitioners from violent or aggressive patients when making home visits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to protect general practitioners from violent or aggressive patients when making home visits.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23147.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159728,"EventID":"S1W-23149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Pressure Audit, carried out for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, will be made public.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Pressure Audit, carried out for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, will be made public.","AnswerText":"The survey was commissioned to provide systematic information about the pressure on staff in the department. The results have been made available to staff and trade unions and, in confidence, to the Justice 2 Committee in order to inform the committee's enquiry into the department.

The report will not be published but management will use the information, working in partnership with staff and trade unions, to address the managerial, structural and cultural issues facing the department as they take forward the recommendations of the review, published on 4 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159729,"EventID":"S1W-23150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in the provision of welfare officers are planned in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and over what timescale any such changes are to be made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in the provision of welfare officers are planned in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and over what timescale any such changes are to be made.","AnswerText":"From 11 March 2002 the department has two full-time welfare officers. The department also has a contract for the provision of welfare services to its staff by the Employee Counselling Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159730,"EventID":"S1W-23151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stress prevention and management measures operate within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stress prevention and management measures operate within the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerText":"The department is actively pursuing the Scottish Health at Work initiative; is working with its trade unions and the Scottish Executive to develop a stress management policy, and will be commissioning tailored training courses in stress prevention and management for its staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159731,"EventID":"S1W-23152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service plans to adopt any training programmes to help staff to avoid stress and manage its consequences and over what time","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service plans to adopt any training programmes to help staff to avoid stress and manage its consequences and over what timescale any such programmes will be implemented.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is currently examining proposals from a number of external providers for the provision of stress prevention training courses to its staff in the financial year 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159732,"EventID":"S1W-23153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been made, or are being planned, of the number of computer workstations required by staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been made, or are being planned, of the number of computer workstations required by staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerText":"Information has been sought from every Procurator Fiscal's Office and Crown Office Headquarters about the number of computer workstations (PCs) required by staff. Our policy is to provide all members of staff, who need them, with direct access to a PC on their desks. The department currently has approximately 1,300 PCs for use by staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159733,"EventID":"S1W-23154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how responsibility for strategic planning and planning for change in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is allocated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how responsibility for strategic planning and planning for change in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is allocated.","AnswerText":"On 4 March, I announced the appointment of a Chief Executive and Crown Agent Designate who will work with senior management to take forward implementation of the recommendations on strategic planning and planning for change of the recent review of the management, allocation and planning of resources at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159734,"EventID":"S1W-23155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to provide relief staff to cover periods when staff are on vacation, attending training cours","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to provide relief staff to cover periods when staff are on vacation, attending training courses or absent through illness.","AnswerText":"Arrangements for relief cover are made by line management. Measures may include the transfer of staff from other offices, the temporary appointment of ad hoc (often recently retired) fiscals, and the appointment of casual staff. In addition, the Fiscal Offices may work with other Criminal Justice Agencies to seek to manage court commitments accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159735,"EventID":"S1W-23156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have been rewarded as a result of the implementation of a suggestion from a member of staff which w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have been rewarded as a result of the implementation of a suggestion from a member of staff which was offered through a staff suggestion scheme since 1999.","AnswerText":"The department does not currently operate a staff suggestion scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159736,"EventID":"S1W-23157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have a public relations policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have a public relations policy.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the Civil Service Code, the department has a policy of providing accurate factual information to media enquiries and to organisations and individuals who express an interest in the public services which its staff provide. The department publishes an annual report and places relevant information on its publicly accessible website:

www.crownoffice.gov.uk.

Also, representatives from both a departmental and local level of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service regularly attend at specially organised events in such places as schools and universities to educate and inform members of the community about their role and duties performed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159737,"EventID":"S1W-23158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what publications staff vacancies in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are advertised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what publications staff vacancies in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are advertised.","AnswerText":"Staff vacancies are advertised in the Department's Staff Notice. When external applications are sought for trainee solicitors, Depute Fiscals and precognition officers, adverts are placed in the Herald, Scotsman and The Firm Law Magazine. Specialist posts, such as IT and audit, are also usually advertised in the national press and are trawled in other Government Departments. Administrative posts are advertised in local newspapers and job centres. Copies of adverts are sent to the Racial Equality Councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159738,"EventID":"S1W-23159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether people with a severe and irreversible vision impairment living alone in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area should be housed on the upper floors of a t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether people with a severe and irreversible vision impairment living alone in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area should be housed on the upper floors of a tower block; whether there are any safety implications for such persons in the event of a fire or any other emergency; what action it will take in order to address any such situation, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive issues general guidance on allocations from time to time, but allocation policies and individual allocations are the responsibility of the relevant landlord. Acting within the framework set by legislation, Communities Scotland may examine allocations policies as part of the registration and inspection process, which all social landlords are subject to.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159739,"EventID":"S1W-23160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area have (a) been waiting for sheltered housing placements and (b) were provided with such a placement in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area have (a) been waiting for sheltered housing placements and (b) were provided with such a placement in each of the last (i) 12 months and (ii) five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159740,"EventID":"S1W-23161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits will be from the installation of the Future Office System (FOS) in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits will be from the installation of the Future Office System (FOS) in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. ","AnswerText":"The Future Office System (FOS) is intended to enable case marking and summary processing work to be carried out almost entirely electronically. The software programmes will permit standardisation of procedures, thereby increasing consistency, reducing the potential for errors and producing high quality case documentation. FOS should provide better management information, faster processing of initial court documentation, speedier notification of decisions to our criminal justice partners and reductions in administrative effort.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159741,"EventID":"S1W-23162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what management responsibilities legal staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have and what management training is provided to such staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what management responsibilities legal staff in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have and what management training is provided to such staff.","AnswerText":"Most legal staff in promoted posts have responsibility for managing the workload and reporting on performance of their subordinates. Two main training courses are provided: one covers topics such as teambuilding, managing teams, time management and motivation. The other deals with performance management including diversity and equal opportunity issues. In addition, legal staff with responsibility for preparing annual appraisal reports on their staff are required to undertake appropriate training.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159742,"EventID":"S1W-23163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Health Technology Board for Scotland will eradicate any inequality of access to medicines through the issuing of guidance alone and whether it has any plans to m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Health Technology Board for Scotland will eradicate any inequality of access to medicines through the issuing of guidance alone and whether it has any plans to make such guidance statutory in line with the rulings by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland should take account of advice and evidence from the Health Technology Board for Scotland, and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. Likewise, individual clinicians should take account of evidence-based guidance, when exercising their clinical judgement. Centrally, the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland includes all relevant guidance when developing its standards and, subsequently, checks for compliance during its visits programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159743,"EventID":"S1W-23164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients in all NHS board areas will have access to all drugs and treatments for Al'heimer's disease as recommended in the Health Technology Board for Scotland's ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients in all NHS board areas will have access to all drugs and treatments for Al'heimer's disease as recommended in the Health Technology Board for Scotland's Comment 1, Comment on the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Technology Appraisal Guidance on the use of donepe'il, rivastigmine and galantamine for the treatment of Al'heimer's disease.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland should take account of advice and evidence from the Health Technology Board for Scotland and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. Likewise, individual clinicians should take account of evidence-based guidance when exercising their clinical judgement.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159744,"EventID":"S1W-23165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who would accept any legal liability for any medical damage caused by fluoridation of the water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who would accept any legal liability for any medical damage caused by fluoridation of the water supply.","AnswerText":"It would be for the courts to determine in the circumstances of any particular case, legal liability in relation to any medical damage caused by fluoridation.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159745,"EventID":"S1W-23166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will re-evaluate its breast cancer awareness publicity in the light of research published in the British Journal of Cancer on 13 February 2002 suggesting that ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will re-evaluate its breast cancer awareness publicity in the light of research published in the British Journal of Cancer on 13 February 2002 suggesting that women are more susceptible to breast cancer if they have their first child later in life or if they commence menstruation at an early age.","AnswerText":"This is an important study which adds to the breast cancer research and evidence base.

On its own, however, it does not warrant a change in the advice given to women of all ages that they should be breast aware and ensure that if they notice any changes of concern to them they should seek medical advice as early as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159746,"EventID":"S1W-23167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to respond to research on breast cancer published in the British Journal of Cancer on 13 February 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to respond to research on breast cancer published in the British Journal of Cancer on 13 February 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23166 today.

I would also add that the Health Department's Chief Scientist Office (CSO) is responsible for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within NHSScotland and, as such, is the main departmental funder of NHS-related research.

CSO is currently funding 11 research projects with a total value of £1,261,450 on breast cancer, five of which, with a total value of £499,377, are into the causes of breast cancer.

Details of these projects are available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).

Cancer remains a health research priority and as such the CSO would be happy to consider further research proposals into this matter or related areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159747,"EventID":"S1W-23168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether materials used in its breast cancer awareness campaign draw attention to the increased risks of susceptibility reported in the British Journal of Cancer on 13 Feb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether materials used in its breast cancer awareness campaign draw attention to the increased risks of susceptibility reported in the British Journal of Cancer on 13 February 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23166 today.

I would add that health promotion is the responsibility of NHS boards, who would be happy to provide information about local activities and campaigns. Contact information for NHS Board Chief Executives is available from Scottish Health on the Web at:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk

Similarly, the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) is responsible for matters relating to health education. Contact details for the Chief Executive and wider information on the board's activities is available from the HEBS website at:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk/hebs.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159748,"EventID":"S1W-23169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effectiveness of materials used in its breast cancer awareness campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effectiveness of materials used in its breast cancer awareness campaign.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23168 today, specifically as it refers to health promotion and health education activities within NHSScotland and the responsibilities of NHS and Health Education Board for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159749,"EventID":"S1W-23170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive against what measures it assesses the effectiveness of materials used in its breast cancer awareness campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive against what measures it assesses the effectiveness of materials used in its breast cancer awareness campaign.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-23168 and S1W-23169 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159750,"EventID":"S1W-23171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland has set any target timescales for becoming an independent body in terms of direct funding and support from the Executive. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland has set any target timescales for becoming an independent body in terms of direct funding and support from the Executive. ","AnswerText":"No. Historic Scotland is part of the Scottish Executive and carries out a wide range of activities on behalf of Scottish ministers, including the provision of policy advice and various statutory duties which could not be carried out by an independent body. Historic Scotland has increased the proportion of its budget represented by income from 19.4% in 1991-92 (when it was established) to 36.4% in 2000-01, but there is no prospect of its becoming wholly self-sufficient.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159751,"EventID":"S1W-23172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what staff suggestion schemes are available in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and how many suggestions have been (a) received, (b) implemented and (c) hel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what staff suggestion schemes are available in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and how many suggestions have been (a) received, (b) implemented and (c) held for further consideration, all since 1999, subject to the information being provided at a proportionate cost. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23156.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159752,"EventID":"S1W-23173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained Information System/Information Technology staff are employed to develop and support computer systems in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained Information System/Information Technology staff are employed to develop and support computer systems in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerText":"There are nineteen members of staff within the department's Information Systems Unit as at February 2002. This number includes staff working in the national Help Desk support facility based in the Glasgow Procurator Fiscal's Office.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159753,"EventID":"S1W-23174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in order to enable staff in regional offices to meet senior staff on a regular basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in order to enable staff in regional offices to meet senior staff on a regular basis.","AnswerText":"Regional Procurators Fiscal are required to visit offices in their regions when they will aim to meet all staff. They also hold regular meetings with local fiscals. Regional Procurators Fiscal and senior staff will also endeavour to meet all staff when it is important to take forward key initiatives such as the response to a recent Pressure Audit report and the Scottish Health at Work initiative.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159754,"EventID":"S1W-23175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4666 by Malcolm Chisholm on 14 February 2002, whether it plans to award funding for research into the causes of autism on the same ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4666 by Malcolm Chisholm on 14 February 2002, whether it plans to award funding for research into the causes of autism on the same basis that funding have been awarded by Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans. The £2.5 million additional funding for research into the causes of autism, announced recently by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, was awarded to the Medical Research Council to conduct research into autism throughout the UK. The research findings, when available, will inform the policies and clinical practices of NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159755,"EventID":"S1W-23176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service operate a discretionary bonus scheme and what proportion of the salary budget is allocated to any such scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service operate a discretionary bonus scheme and what proportion of the salary budget is allocated to any such scheme.","AnswerText":"The department does not operate a specific discretionary bonus scheme, but under the annual staff appraisal system managers may make recommendations for bonus payments to staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159756,"EventID":"S1W-23177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22137 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002 on the compliance of NHS trusts with guidance from Audit Scotland on the employment o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22137 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002 on the compliance of NHS trusts with guidance from Audit Scotland on the employment of bank and agency nurses, whether all 36 trusts confirmed that they were complying with the guidance.","AnswerText":"Of the 36 NHSScotland employers mentioned in the Accounts Commission Report Temporary Measures, 35 are NHS trusts and one is a health board. The data in the report is based on pre trust reconfiguration information, the reconfiguration of trusts in April 1999 reduced the number of trusts from 47 to 28 and almost all the trusts mentioned are now no longer in existence.

Audit Scotland is currently carrying out a review of ward based nursing, with a view to reporting in the autumn 2002. Part of this audit is designed to follow up trust's implementation of the main recommendations of the Accounts Commission's earlier report, including expenditure on bank and agency nurses and whether these nurses are managed in line with good practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159757,"EventID":"S1W-23178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why only 22 trusts provided information to Audit Scotland on the amount spent on bank and agency nursing between 1995-96 and 1997-98.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why only 22 trusts provided information to Audit Scotland on the amount spent on bank and agency nursing between 1995-96 and 1997-98.","AnswerText":"Of the 36 NHSScotland employers mentioned in the Accounts Commission Report, Temporary Measures, 35 are NHS trusts and one is a health board. Audit Scotland have advised the department that, at the time, only 22 of the 36 employers were able to provide expenditure data for the full three year period from their existing information systems.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159758,"EventID":"S1W-23179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS trust was unable to provide The Accounts Commission for Scotland with data from its local audit for the year 1997-98 concerning its expenditure on bank and agen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS trust was unable to provide The Accounts Commission for Scotland with data from its local audit for the year 1997-98 concerning its expenditure on bank and agency nursing staff.","AnswerText":"Audit Scotland has advised the department that all data in the Accounts Commission's Report on bank and agency nursing staff, entitled Temporary Measures was anonymised. Each NHS employer included in the review received a local report from their external auditor highlighting areas for improvement.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159759,"EventID":"S1W-23180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to discussions between it and representatives of the fishing industry on the EU technical conservation regulations under the cod recovery plan before the iss","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to discussions between it and representatives of the fishing industry on the EU technical conservation regulations under the cod recovery plan before the issuing of guidance on the regulations to fishing licence holders in November 2001, whether there was any disagreement between it and representatives of the industry and to what issues any such disagreement related.","AnswerText":"The new EU technical conservation regulation under the cod recovery plan was published on 19 October 2001. On 19 November, the Executive sent a draft guidance note to the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) for comments. On 21 November, the SFF offered comments by telephone. The Executive then issued the guidance to all fishing vessel licence holders in Scotland on 23 November 2001.

No disagreements of a substantive nature were highlighted at this time by fishing industry representatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159760,"EventID":"S1W-23181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions are taking place with the European Commission about the impact of the EU minimum price regulations for imports from Norway on the salmon industry in Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions are taking place with the European Commission about the impact of the EU minimum price regulations for imports from Norway on the salmon industry in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular dialogue with the European Commission about the operation of the EU/Norway Salmon Agreement. Close contact will be maintained following the announcement that the Commission intends to conduct an interim review of the present arrangements and as expiry of the agreement approaches.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159761,"EventID":"S1W-23182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22140 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002 on the fall in the number of cases of negligence against the NHS in Scotland, whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22140 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002 on the fall in the number of cases of negligence against the NHS in Scotland, whether the increase in the budgetary provision for such claims from #3.5 million in 1999-2000 to #6.5 million in 2000-01 was necessary.","AnswerText":"The figures of £3.5 million and £6.5 million are the actual value of negligence cases settled against the NHS in 1999-2000 and 2000-01, respectively. The cost of settlements has remained relatively constant over the last four years with an average of £4.6 million per annum. The increase in 2000-2001 is explained in part by one large settlement of £1.7 million.

While the value of cases increased in 2000-01 this has to be viewed in the context of total NHS spend of £5.5 billion. There is no evidence that this represents a permanent upward shift.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159762,"EventID":"S1W-23183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to help the eight NHS Trusts with accumulated deficits of #53.9 million in 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to help the eight NHS Trusts with accumulated deficits of #53.9 million in 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive made £90 million of additional funding available on 19 September 2001. The distribution of these funds to NHSScotland resulted in all operational cumulative deficits as at 31 March 2001 being eliminated providing a clean slate for the new NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159763,"EventID":"S1W-23184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include the number of bank nursing staff employed by the NHS in the monitoring carried out by the Information and Statistics Division on the use of tempor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include the number of bank nursing staff employed by the NHS in the monitoring carried out by the Information and Statistics Division on the use of temporary nursing staff in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Common Services Agency, Information and Statistics Division (ISD) currently collect information on the number and cost of bank nursing staff and this can be seen on the ISD website:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159764,"EventID":"S1W-23186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NHS trusts in the central belt spend an average of eight times as much on agency nursing staff than trusts elsewhere.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NHS trusts in the central belt spend an average of eight times as much on agency nursing staff than trusts elsewhere.","AnswerText":"Agency nurses are generally used to overcome a particular requirement and to meet the needs of patient care. Each NHS trust, irrespective of its location will have its own reasons for using an agency nurse in a particular situation. Information on the reasons for agency use by specific trusts is not held centrally, individual NHS trusts may be able to provide this information.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159765,"EventID":"S1W-23187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has implemented any of the recommendations contained in The Accounts Commission for Scotland's report Temporary Measures - Managing Bank and Agency Nursing Sta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has implemented any of the recommendations contained in The Accounts Commission for Scotland's report Temporary Measures - Managing Bank and Agency Nursing Staff.","AnswerText":"The majority of the recommendations in the Accounts Commission Report are for NHSScotland employers to take forward. The Scottish Executive Health Department has, however, been fully supportive of the report's recommendations and has written on two occasions, the last as recently as 7 February this year, to all NHSScotland Trusts and Island Health Boards, reminding them that they should be adopting the Accounts Commission Report recommendations when employing a bank or agency nurse. In addition, it asked the Information Services Division of the Common Services Agency to collect data on bank and agency nurse activity, including expenditure and grades of staff employees and the first year's data can be viewed on the SHOW website at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159766,"EventID":"S1W-23188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22137 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002 on the employment of bank and agency nursing staff, whether the North Glasgow Univers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22137 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002 on the employment of bank and agency nursing staff, whether the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust is meeting the guidance issued by Audit Scotland on the employment of such nurses.","AnswerText":"All NHSScotland trusts and island health boards have been reminded they should use the recommendations in the Accounts Commission Report when considering employing a bank or agency nurse. North Glasgow University Hospital NHS Trust has advised that it is meeting the guidance issued by the Accounts Commission for Scotland (now Audit Scotland), in its report entitled Temporary Measures managing bank and agency nursing staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159767,"EventID":"S1W-23189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22141 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, when information from the Implementation Group established to take forward its Actio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22141 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, when information from the Implementation Group established to take forward its Action Plan Facing the Future on the employment of full-time nursing staff will be available.","AnswerText":"On 26 February, I announced an additional £3.5 million for the Facing the Future initiative, to help improve the recruitment and retention of nurses, together with measures which have already been taken forward by the implementation group. A copy of the press release can be obtained at:

www.scotland.gov.uk.

Progress on the initiatives and measures arising from Facing the Future, will be communicated widely, in particular to front-line nurses, in due course through various mediums including the development of an updated web page on Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159768,"EventID":"S1W-23190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22137 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether the increase in agency nursing and recharge staff costs has contributed to t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22137 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether the increase in agency nursing and recharge staff costs has contributed to the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust's deficit of #9.5 million and whether such an increase in costs indicates that the trust is not meeting the guidance issued by Audit Scotland on the employment of agency and bank nursing staff.","AnswerText":"The £13.5 million for agency and recharged costs shown in the 2000-01 Annual Report, arose as a result of a change in accounting methodology. Had a consistent approach between 1999-2000 and 2000-01 been maintained, the reported increase would have amounted to around £700,000. This represents under 0.2% of the annual budget for North Glasgow University NHS Trust and is likely to have had a minor effect on the amount of the trust deficit.

All NHSScotland trusts and island health boards have been reminded they should use the recommendations in the Accounts Commission Report when considering employing a bank or agency nurse. North Glasgow University Hospital NHS Trust has advised that it is meeting the guidance issued by the Accounts Commission for Scotland (now Audit Scotland) in its report entitled Temporary Measures managing bank and agency nursing staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159769,"EventID":"S1W-23191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS trusts and health boards have introduced a whistle-blowing policy to protect staff who disclose information about malpractice or maladministration in line with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS trusts and health boards have introduced a whistle-blowing policy to protect staff who disclose information about malpractice or maladministration in line with the Auditor General's report Overview of the National Health Service in Scotland 2000/2001.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The Auditor General's Report on the overview of the National Health Service in Scotland indicates that most health bodies have either introduced or are taking steps to develop appropriate procedures. To assist employers, a Scottish Partnership Forum Information Network (PIN) Guideline on Dealing With Employee Concerns was issued to the Service in January this year, the Guideline contains a model Freedom of Speech policy. PIN Guidelines underpin the Staff Governance Standard and are required to be met or exceeded by NHSScotland employers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159770,"EventID":"S1W-23192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to centralise information on the number of bank and contract nursing staff employed by NHS health boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to centralise information on the number of bank and contract nursing staff employed by NHS health boards.","AnswerText":"As part of its work, the Facing the Future Group will be looking at improving the data on the nursing workforce in its widest sense.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159771,"EventID":"S1W-23193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to include bank nursing staff in the collection of data on the number of temporary staff employed by the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to include bank nursing staff in the collection of data on the number of temporary staff employed by the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Common Services Agency, Information and Statistics Division (ISD) currently collect information on the number and cost of bank nursing staff and this can be seen on the ISD website:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159772,"EventID":"S1W-23194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it is undertaking, in relation to the River Clyde, into (a) the condition of the river embankments, (b) flood management, (c) the use of the river and (d) th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it is undertaking, in relation to the River Clyde, into (a) the condition of the river embankments, (b) flood management, (c) the use of the river and (d) the safety of the people who use the river.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not commissioned any studies in connection with the River Clyde. Studies of the kind referred to in the question are matters for the riparian owners and other landowners, developers, local authorities and local bodies, not the Executive.

We have, however, commissioned research into climate change impacts that may be relevant to interests on the River Clyde, the reports of which are available on the Executive's website:

www.scotland.gov.uk/climatechange.

The Executive is aware that the City of Glasgow Council is undertaking studies on flood risk associated with the River Clyde and officials are keeping in touch with developments.

Regarding studies on the use of the river, various studies are being undertaken by the River Clyde Working Group (RCWG). This group was established in November 2001 after the Minister for Enterprise, Transport & Lifelong Learning, convened a meeting of all public and private sector partners with an interest in regeneration of the Clyde. The RCWG studies cover the section of the Clyde between Glasgow Green and Erskine Bridge and are:

a strategic benchmarking, market assessment and economic impact study;

a collation of the existing technical and engineering studies;

an assessment of the potential for water based transport, and

an assessment of prospects for attracting European funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159773,"EventID":"S1W-23195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the sum allocated to each local authority to deal with drug misuse in each of the past three years was spent. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the sum allocated to each local authority to deal with drug misuse in each of the past three years was spent. ","AnswerText":"Local authorities are required to assess the care needs of those who misuse drugs in partnership with other local care providers and local drug action teams. Services are funded from general Grant Aided Expenditure. Much of this work is undertaken within generic services and we do not hold the information centrally that allows us to quantify spend in this area over the past three years.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159774,"EventID":"S1W-23196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to each local authority to deal with drug misuse in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to each local authority to deal with drug misuse in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Local authorities do not receive from the Executive an earmarked allocation for dealing with drug misuse. In February 2001, however, the Executive sent out information to drug action teams (DATs) and other local agencies detailing how the £100 million package of new expenditure on tackling drug misuse would be distributed over the three years from 2001-02. Incorporated in the information pack was a breakdown, by DAT area, of the distribution of the new resources over the three year period, including details of allocations to local authorities. The complete package is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the Drug Misuse in Scotland website www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org.

In the current financial year, the Executive earmarked an additional £6.8 million within local authorities' Grant Aided Expenditure line for the rehabilitation of drug misusers. We also made available to local authorities in 2001-02 additional resources of £4 million for drug projects under the Changing Children's Services Fund and £2.5 million for diversion from prosecution/community disposal schemes.

DATs are being asked to account for the spend of these additional resources and other direct spend on tackling drug misuse as part of their annual corporate planning arrangements. Information on expenditure is not yet available for 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159775,"EventID":"S1W-23197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to the setting up of a single planning authority for the River Clyde corridor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to the setting up of a single planning authority for the River Clyde corridor.","AnswerText":"None. In terms of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 a planning authority shall be the local authority and the district of the planning authority shall be the area of the local authority. Any changes in that arrangement would require primary legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159776,"EventID":"S1W-23198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the effectiveness of dredging and cleaning operations in the River Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the effectiveness of dredging and cleaning operations in the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"Monitoring of the effectiveness of dredging and cleaning operations in the River Clyde is a matter for Clydeport, as harbour authority, under the relevant statutory provisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159777,"EventID":"S1W-23199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to enforce effective dredging and cleaning of the River Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to enforce effective dredging and cleaning of the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"The statutory powers for dredging and related cleaning operations of the River Clyde are the responsibility of Clydeport, as harbour authority. The statutory powers in the Clyde Port Authority Confirmation Act 1965 do not provide for any specific enforcement role for the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159778,"EventID":"S1W-23200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the level of benefit paid to patients in long stay hospitals. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the level of benefit paid to patients in long stay hospitals. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not made any representations to the UK Government regarding the level of benefit paid to patients in long stay hospitals.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159779,"EventID":"S1W-23201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information has been produced regarding the most common reasons which people give for visiting a general practitioner.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information has been produced regarding the most common reasons which people give for visiting a general practitioner.","AnswerText":"Information, derived from Continuous Morbidity Recording system, about the 10 most common reasons why people consulted their general practitioner (GP) in the year ending December 2000 can be found at the following web page:

ISD Online - Primary Care - 10 most common reasons for consulting a GP in 2000 http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/primary_care/gmp/pcare_gmp_gp_20003.htm.

Further information on patients use of GP services is shown in the report Scotland's People, Results from the 1999-2000 Scottish Household Survey (Volume 3 Annual Report). This can be found at the following web page:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00115/00115c-01.asp","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159780,"EventID":"S1W-23202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the prescription of antidepressant drugs and whether any such research has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Cent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the prescription of antidepressant drugs and whether any such research has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The National Research Register (NRR) records over 300 research projects throughout the UK into antidepressant drugs, some of which will involve research into their prescription. A copy of the NRR is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159781,"EventID":"S1W-23203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are available for health professionals regarding the prescribing of antidepressant drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are available for health professionals regarding the prescribing of antidepressant drugs.","AnswerText":"Currently there are no universally accepted guidelines for clinicians treating people with depression. However, Clinical Evidence, a compendium of best available evidence in healthcare, has been distributed to healthcare professionals throughout Scotland and includes guidance on recent evidence for the effectiveness of some drug treatments for depression. NHS boards and also have their own Drug and Therapeutic Committees to advise professional staff about approved drugs including oral anti-depressants.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159782,"EventID":"S1W-23204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take following the appeal judgement on 14 February 2002 that, if sheriffs do not properly discharge the Intermediate Diet, the prosecution fail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take following the appeal judgement on 14 February 2002 that, if sheriffs do not properly discharge the Intermediate Diet, the prosecution fails.","AnswerText":"As the member will now know, the Criminal Procedure (Amendment)(Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 25 February, to reverse the decision of the High Court of Justiciary in the case of Reynolds v Procurator Fiscal Linlithgow, with retrospective effect. All three stages of the Parliament's consideration of the bill were completed on 27 February. It received Royal Assent on 8 March and came into force on 9 March as the Criminal Procedure (Amendment)(Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159783,"EventID":"S1W-23205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Registrar General for Scotland plans to publish information from the April 2001 census in respect of the number of Gaelic speakers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Registrar General for Scotland plans to publish information from the April 2001 census in respect of the number of Gaelic speakers.","AnswerText":"The main results from the 2001 Census are due to be published by March 2003. This will include the number of Gaelic speakers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159784,"EventID":"S1W-23206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current estimate is of the number of speakers of Scottish Gaelic and what projections it has made in respect of this matter for the next 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current estimate is of the number of speakers of Scottish Gaelic and what projections it has made in respect of this matter for the next 10 years.","AnswerText":"We have made no estimate or projection beyond the result of the 1991 Census that 69,510 people could speak, read or write Gaelic. The results of the 2001 Census are expected by March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159785,"EventID":"S1W-23207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with eating disorders have been referred to consultant psychiatrists by their general practitioner in the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with eating disorders have been referred to consultant psychiatrists by their general practitioner in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159786,"EventID":"S1W-23208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to promote cognitive behavioural therapy as a treatment for people with eating disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to promote cognitive behavioural therapy as a treatment for people with eating disorders.","AnswerText":"The promotion of individual care therapies and treatments are a matter for clinicians in consultation with the relevant professional staff/multi-disciplinary team. Decisions in each case should always be based on individually assessed needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159787,"EventID":"S1W-23209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information programmes are in operation to give advice to students about eating disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information programmes are in operation to give advice to students about eating disorders.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23216 on 11 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159788,"EventID":"S1W-23210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many males with (a) anorexia nervosa and (b) bulimia the NHS in Scotland has treated in the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many males with (a) anorexia nervosa and (b) bulimia the NHS in Scotland has treated in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of males treated in an acute general hospital, mental illness hospital or psychiatric unit between July 2000 and June 2001:
 

Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia

Male patients

7

4

Source: ISD Scotland, SMR01/04.

Provisional.

A sample of general practitioner consultations, produces figures which are too low to allow a meaningful, robust national estimate of those treated by primary care services.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159789,"EventID":"S1W-23211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is available to general practitioners to assist them in recognising the symptoms of (a) anorexia nervosa and (b) bulimia. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is available to general practitioners to assist them in recognising the symptoms of (a) anorexia nervosa and (b) bulimia. ","AnswerText":"The Health Department issued HDL(2001)75 on 9 October 2001, to provide guidance on eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia, as part of the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland. This guidance is available on the SHOW website.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159790,"EventID":"S1W-23212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients diagnosed with eating disorders are currently waiting to receive specialist treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients diagnosed with eating disorders are currently waiting to receive specialist treatment.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159791,"EventID":"S1W-23213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff with specialist training in the treatment and care of people with eating disorders are currently employed by the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff with specialist training in the treatment and care of people with eating disorders are currently employed by the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHS trusts are responsible for recruiting the staff, specialist and otherwise required for the effective delivery of service outcomes. Information on the staffing levels for individual departments is not held centrally but is held by local NHS trusts. Contact details for NHS trusts are available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159792,"EventID":"S1W-23214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it costs to train a nurse in the specialist treatment and care of patients with eating disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it costs to train a nurse in the specialist treatment and care of patients with eating disorders.","AnswerText":"Costs will vary. However, the estimated cost of training a pre-registration mental health nursing student is around £30,000. To train a community psychiatric nurse can add a further £21,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159793,"EventID":"S1W-23215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in implementing the recommendations of its Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Group regarding the proposed \"fit for purpose\" network of servi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in implementing the recommendations of its Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Group regarding the proposed \"fit for purpose\" network of services.","AnswerText":"The Mental Health and Well Being Support Group continues its visits to the relevant agencies in each area and publishes a report on the progress made in each case, in implementing the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland modernisation agenda.

Each report now includes an overall summary which assesses the stage reached on individual components of a good fit for purpose mental health service. For example, an assessment of the local approach to eating disorder and psychological interventions services are included. These reports are available on the support group's website at:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159794,"EventID":"S1W-23216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is made available to education authorities and further and higher education institutions to assist in the identification of eating disorders in girls and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is made available to education authorities and further and higher education institutions to assist in the identification of eating disorders in girls and women in the (a) 11-15 and (b) 16-24 age groups.","AnswerText":"Our published guidance calls for agencies to work together to access accurate information to better inform parents, education, health and social work professionals and others in the identification of the early and other signs of eating disorders.

For schools, the advice contained in National Guidance 5-14 Health Education already includes strands on physical, emotional, and social health. These in turn link to suggested discussion areas for pupils on body image, peer and media influences and how this can impact on lifestyle choices.

For those in higher education the institutions already provide a range of welfare, personal counselling and advisory services to students on a range of life issues and in some cases specific reference is already made to eating disorders.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159795,"EventID":"S1W-23217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with eating disorders are currently being treated as in-patients in Tayside.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with eating disorders are currently being treated as in-patients in Tayside.","AnswerText":"The numbers of patients are very low (under five) and to provide the exact figure could allow them to be identified, which would breach their right to patient confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159796,"EventID":"S1W-23218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it has issued to NHS boards to support the development of self help support groups and voluntary sector organisations specialising in the care of people w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it has issued to NHS boards to support the development of self help support groups and voluntary sector organisations specialising in the care of people with eating disorders.","AnswerText":"The published guidelines, Patient Focus Public Involvement, set out detailed proposals on building capacity and communications, patient information and meaningful involvement. It shows how NHSScotland will better link, listen and support individuals and groups. The development of eating disorder care, support and advocacy groups will benefit with all other interests in terms of the steps set out and the ambition shown in the published guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159797,"EventID":"S1W-23219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards have specialist eating disorder services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards have specialist eating disorder services.","AnswerText":"Throughout Scotland, people suffering from eating disorders are diagnosed and treated by general psychiatrists. In addition, specialist services have been established in Lanarkshire, Lothian, Highland and Grampian. These services range from specialist eating disorder teams to single nurse specialist posts. Some of the specialist services are available to residents of other NHS board areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159798,"EventID":"S1W-23220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current legislation regarding lead levels in drinking water is being complied with by each local authority in regard to its housing stock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current legislation regarding lead levels in drinking water is being complied with by each local authority in regard to its housing stock.","AnswerText":"The Scottish water authorities monitor compliance with the lead standard set in the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 1990. When non-compliance is detected as a result of domestic plumbing, the owners/occupiers of the building are notified of the failure and the steps that they can take to remedy the fault. The Scottish Executive does not hold records regarding the level of compliance with the lead standard in local authority housing stock.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159799,"EventID":"S1W-23221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations it has undertaken into the level of lead in drinking water and whether it will publish the results of any such investigations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations it has undertaken into the level of lead in drinking water and whether it will publish the results of any such investigations.","AnswerText":"The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 1990 require the Scottish water authorities to monitor levels of lead in drinking water. A summary of compliance with the lead standard set in the Regulations is published annually in the Executive's report Drinking Water Quality in Scotland. A copy of the latest report is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17148).

In addition, a survey is currently being undertaken by the water authorities to determine the level of compliance across Scotland with the tighter lead standard being introduced in December 2003. The purpose of the survey is to identify areas where steps need to be taken to meet the new standard. The results of this survey will be published in a future edition of Drinking Water Quality in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159800,"EventID":"S1W-23222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds comparitive information about the acceptable levels of lead in drinking water in all EU countries and whether Scotland's standards are being observed con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds comparitive information about the acceptable levels of lead in drinking water in all EU countries and whether Scotland's standards are being observed consistently across the country.","AnswerText":"The current standard for lead in drinking water in EU Member States is set in EC Directive (80/778/EEC). The new Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC), which sets a tighter standard for lead, comes into force in December 2003. The Scottish Executive does not hold information about the level of compliance in other member states with 80/778/EEC.

The level of compliance with the lead standard, in regulatory samples taken by the water authorities in 2000, was: East of Scotland Water Authority - 98.27%; West of Scotland Water Authority - 99.36% and North of Scotland Water Authority - 99.36%.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159801,"EventID":"S1W-23223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken in order to meet the aims and objectives outlined in The Nature of Scotland - A Policy Statement. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken in order to meet the aims and objectives outlined in The Nature of Scotland - A Policy Statement. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has been developing the detail of the policy contained in The Nature of Scotland with the assistance of the Expert Working Group on Site of Special Scientific Interest Reform and the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime. We will publish a draft nature conservation bill, based on the proposals contained in The Nature of Scotland as soon as possible.

Some of the policies contained in The Nature of Scotland, which do not require new legislation, are already being implemented. Scottish Natural Heritage has, for example, launched its Natural Care programme which aims to bring an additional 25% of the Site of Special Scientific Interest series into assured management by 2007-08.

The Executive has also recently announced a number of new measures to combat wildlife crime including action against illegal trade in wildlife and poisoning of wildlife.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159802,"EventID":"S1W-23224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Communities Scotland plans to take in order to tackle adult literacy and numeracy issues. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Communities Scotland plans to take in order to tackle adult literacy and numeracy issues. ","AnswerText":"Communities Scotland will establish a development centre, to take forward a work programme supporting practitioners involved in improving literacy and numeracy levels across Scotland. This will include developing: a framework for a fully accredited national training programme for literacy and numeracy practitioners; a national curriculum for literacy and numeracy; pathfinders to raise awareness of literacy and numeracy, and test out innovative ways of delivering literacy and numeracy provision; e-learning options; a national online databank of resources; and further research.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159803,"EventID":"S1W-23225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that no lead piping is used in the supply of water in homes or business premises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that no lead piping is used in the supply of water in homes or business premises.","AnswerText":"There are no lead water mains in Scotland and lead plumbing has not been used since the 1960's. Internal lead plumbing is confined to properties constructed before 1964 although the use of lead supply pipes (the underground pipes connecting properties to the water main in the street) continued until as late as 1971 in some parts of Scotland.

The Scottish Executive has instructed the Scottish water authorities to undertake a survey of water supply zones across Scotland, to determine areas where there is likely to be non-compliance with the tighter lead standard being set by the EC from December 2003. As lead does not normally occur naturally in water, any areas of non-compliance detected are likely to be as a result of lead plumbing or lead supply pipes.

To ensure compliance with the lead standard, the water authorities will be installing water treatment in areas identified as likely to fail to meet the new standard. In addition, where the water authorities identify the presence of lead plumbing in a particular property, they will advise the owner and/or occupier of remedial action that they can take. As part of their water mains renewal programmes, the water authorities are also replacing any lengths of lead supply pipe that are found to be in their ownership.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159804,"EventID":"S1W-23226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been treated by the NHS for lead poisoning as a result of consuming water delivered by lead pipes in domestic premises in the last 25 years, broken d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been treated by the NHS for lead poisoning as a result of consuming water delivered by lead pipes in domestic premises in the last 25 years, broken down by local authority area and year.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159805,"EventID":"S1W-23227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate has been made of the number of people who may suffer from minor ailments caused by a higher than normal dose of lead as a result of being supplied with wate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate has been made of the number of people who may suffer from minor ailments caused by a higher than normal dose of lead as a result of being supplied with water through lead pipes or through pipes which contain lead solder.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159806,"EventID":"S1W-23228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) domestic and (b) business premises are supplied with water from (i) lead pipes within the building, (ii) lead pipes between the building and the public suppl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) domestic and (b) business premises are supplied with water from (i) lead pipes within the building, (ii) lead pipes between the building and the public supply and (iii) pipes affected by lead solder.","AnswerText":"There is no accurate data on the number of properties that have internal lead pipes or lead pipes connecting the property to the public water supply. Similarly, the number of properties with copper pipes with lead solder joints is not known.

The use of lead plumbing within buildings ceased in 1964 and the use of lead pipes to connect buildings to the public supply largely stopped around this time, although it is known to have carried on in some areas of Scotland until 1971. Based on these facts, a broad estimate on the extent of lead plumbing in domestic properties was contained in the 1994 annual report on Drinking Water Quality in Scotland. The 1994 report estimated that, at that time, around 589,000 domestic properties in Scotland still had lead plumbing.

Lead solder joints in copper plumbing were legal until 1987, but the illegal use of lead solder joints in copper plumbing was recently discovered on a number of new housing developments across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159807,"EventID":"S1W-23229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities it makes available to the public for water from domestic premises to be checked for the presence of lead free of charge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities it makes available to the public for water from domestic premises to be checked for the presence of lead free of charge.","AnswerText":"If a customer is concerned that they may be at risk from lead in their drinking water, as a result of lead plumbing, the water authority will test their supply on request and free of charge. A similar service is available from the local authority environmental health department.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159808,"EventID":"S1W-23230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to undertake a public information campaign on the danger of excess lead in domestic water supplies which may be caused by lead piping in the home or lea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to undertake a public information campaign on the danger of excess lead in domestic water supplies which may be caused by lead piping in the home or lead piping joining the home to the public water supply.","AnswerText":"In December 2000 a public information initiative, combining press advertising and an information leaflet, highlighted the simple precautions which could be taken to minimise any harmful effects of lead in water. The leaflet remains available to the public.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159809,"EventID":"S1W-23231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it makes available to local authorities and housing associations to replace lead water piping or water pipes affected by lead solder in housing stock owned","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it makes available to local authorities and housing associations to replace lead water piping or water pipes affected by lead solder in housing stock owned or managed by such bodies.","AnswerText":"No such allocations are made by the Scottish Executive. It is for local authorities and Registered Social Landlords to decide how best to deploy the resources available to them to meet housing need, including the replacement of lead piping.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159810,"EventID":"S1W-23232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate has been made of the cost of eliminating all lead water piping or water pipe affected by lead solder from domestic or commercial premises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate has been made of the cost of eliminating all lead water piping or water pipe affected by lead solder from domestic or commercial premises.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-23228 today, there is no accurate data on the number of properties that have internal lead pipes or lead pipes connecting the property to the public water supply. Consequently, there is no reliable estimate of the cost of eliminating all lead water pipes.

The report Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 1994 did suggest that the cost of replacement of all domestic lead plumbing would, at that time, be around £480 million. However, if the replacement was restricted to pipes directly supplying drinking water, the report suggests a cost of £280 million. However, the 1994 report did stress that these costs must be treated with some caution.

The number of properties with copper pipes with lead solder joints is not known and no cost estimate has been made regarding their replacement.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159811,"EventID":"S1W-23233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants are available to private house owners or owners of business premises to allow them to replace lead water piping or water pipes affected by lead solder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants are available to private house owners or owners of business premises to allow them to replace lead water piping or water pipes affected by lead solder.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have discretion to pay repair grants towards the cost of replacing lead plumbing in private sector houses. This also applies to business premises which share plumbing with such houses, where the premises are subject to a repair notice. The amount of grant payable is dependent on the grant applicant's resources. Grant is not normally payable in respect of a house less than 10 years old.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159812,"EventID":"S1W-23234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many junior doctors have been employed by the NHS in each NHS board area in each year since the publication of the New Deal for Junior Doctors in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many junior doctors have been employed by the NHS in each NHS board area in each year since the publication of the New Deal for Junior Doctors in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20163).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159813,"EventID":"S1W-23235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to implement the recommendation of the Royal College of Psychiatrists that there should be a consultant with special expertise in the treatment o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to implement the recommendation of the Royal College of Psychiatrists that there should be a consultant with special expertise in the treatment of eating disorders in each NHS health board area.","AnswerText":"NHS trusts are responsible for recruiting staff and making arrangements, that best respond to the assessed needs of their areas. In reaching decisions in this regard, I expect all available advice and guidelines to be taken into account, including that within our published guidance, which calls for NHS boards to consider establishing a specialist multi-disciplinary team, either at their own hand or on a consortia basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159814,"EventID":"S1W-23236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps is it taking to promote the recommendations in the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland to develop treatment protocols, clear referral pathways and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps is it taking to promote the recommendations in the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland to develop treatment protocols, clear referral pathways and a pattern of specialist in-patient provision for the treatment of sufferers of eating disorders.","AnswerText":"Specific guidance offering agencies a template for change and improvement in the provision and organisation of services, promotion, prevention and care was published in October last year.

The visiting Mental Health and Well Being Support Group has also announced that eating disorders will feature for particular attention, with other topics, in their second round review of the strategic approach to change and improvement in mental health services by the care agencies.

The outcome reports of progress made in each case, are published within four weeks of each visit and are available on the support group's website at:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159815,"EventID":"S1W-23237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by NHS boards serving remote and rural areas in the use of telemedicine, email, internet and CD-ROM based treatments for people with eating di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by NHS boards serving remote and rural areas in the use of telemedicine, email, internet and CD-ROM based treatments for people with eating disorders as referred to in the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The published guidance on the best organisation of eating disorder services invites agencies to explore all mediums that can offer improved access to services and advice.

A teleconferencing link is already established between the Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen and Lerwick Health Centre, with validated positive results for patients and therapists for all conditions including eating disorders. The Grampian Eating Disorder Service has also piloted the use of teleconferencing for people with eating disorders from Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh.

The Scottish Telemedicine Action Forum has recently funded a project designed to further extend the existing specialist psychological therapies for eating disorders service to the whole of the Grampian area.

More generally, the Remote and Rural Area Resource Initiative has been established to advise and help with more effective means of delivering care in rural and remote areas of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159816,"EventID":"S1W-23238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Student Awards Agency for Scotland has had its budget reduced by #141.7 million as detailed in Scotland's Budget Documents 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Student Awards Agency for Scotland has had its budget reduced by #141.7 million as detailed in Scotland's Budget Documents 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The main reasons detailing the reduction in the budget of the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, amounting to £141.7 million, is set out in the following paragraphs. However, as all adjustments are being made in Annually Managed Expenditure, the amount available to SAAS for student loan purposes has not been reduced as a result of these technical accounting adjustments:

The increase in the provision for bad debts, amounting to £104.8 milion, has been removed as being no longer required. The amount provided for in the existing Student Loan subsidy budget is now considered sufficient.

Capital charges have been reduced by £50.4 million. As these have been taken into account in estimating the existing Student Loan subsidy, there is no need to make further provision.

These adjustments amount to a reduction of £155.2 million. Together with various other upward adjustments within the Student Awards budget, the net effect is a reduction of £141.7 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159817,"EventID":"S1W-23240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22673 by Lewis MacDonald on 15 February 2002, (a) in what format it holds the information requested in respect of questions answere","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22673 by Lewis MacDonald on 15 February 2002, (a) in what format it holds the information requested in respect of questions answered substantively by referring to the answer to inspired question S1W-20573 by Lewis MacDonald on 29 November 2001, (b) why it was not able to provide the information requested, given that the information is available on the Parliament's website, and (c) whether it will now provide the specific details and costs requested in respect of each question so answered, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have no further information to give to the member beyond that given in my answer to question S1W-22673.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159818,"EventID":"S1W-23241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of public funding for higher education is adequate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of public funding for higher education is adequate.","AnswerText":"The level of funding provided to the sector by the Executive has risen by 20% from £551 million in 1997-98 to £660 in 2001-02. This does not include additional funding allocated for newly designated institutions of UHI Millennium Institute, Open University and Bell College of Technology and additional funding for research which will take the total allocation for 2001-02 to £710 million. Including allocations for new institutions, the total funding available in 2003-04 will be £732 million.

This does not include funding for the provision of higher education courses in further education colleges. The Scottish Further Education funding council does not allocate funds separately for higher Education and Further Education provision.

Since the beginning of the Parliament, expenditure on student support via the Student Awards Agency for Scotland has risen by 6% from £297 million in 1999-2000 to £316 million in 2001-02. By 2003-04 this is expected to rise to £343 million, a rise of over 15% in this five-year period.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159819,"EventID":"S1W-23242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated financial cost of tackling hospital-acquired infection is in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated financial cost of tackling hospital-acquired infection is in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally in the form requested. Individual NHS boards and trusts are responsible for deciding what resources are necessary for effective infection control, and for identifying these resources within the increased allocations made available to all NHS boards this year. All boards and trusts are clear that infection control is an extremely important goal for the NHS, and that their performance against the recently-agreed infection control standards developed by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland will be reported publicly by the end of 2002.

In addition to expenditure by NHS trusts, the Department has, in 2001-02, allocated additional funding of £0.2 million for infection control nurse training and £0.5 million to support the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health in implementing the national surveillance framework for Healthcare Associated Infection.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159820,"EventID":"S1W-23243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have died from hospital-acquired infection and in how many deaths has hospital-acquired infection been a significant factor in the cause of death in eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have died from hospital-acquired infection and in how many deaths has hospital-acquired infection been a significant factor in the cause of death in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information about deaths resulting from healthcare associated infection (HAI) is not available. HAI is not a notifiable cause of death.

There are considerable clinical uncertainties about the degree to which a HAI may contribute to death. In addition, there can be uncertainties about the source of infections which cause or contribute to death. The Scottish Executive and NHSScotland are committed to reducing the incidence of HAI. Preventing and controlling HAI is an important part of the responsibilities of every NHS trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159821,"EventID":"S1W-23244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3316 by Peter Peacock on 7 February 2000, what the current (a) allocation per nursery place is to local authorities and (b) minimum","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-3316 by Peter Peacock on 7 February 2000, what the current (a) allocation per nursery place is to local authorities and (b) minimum recommended payment to the provider is.","AnswerText":"In the current session, 2001-02, local authorities receive funding at the rate of £1,254 for a fully loaded part-time pre-school education place. They are free to top slice this level to meet the costs of services provided to their partner providers. The minimum recommended level for the purchase of places in the voluntary and private sector is £900.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159822,"EventID":"S1W-23245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-22708 by Sir David Steel on 15 February 2002, which design services were not completed by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-22708 by Sir David Steel on 15 February 2002, which design services were not completed by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and what the cost of completing these services (a) would have been and (b) will now be.","AnswerText":"The design services not completed by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd mainly comprised detailing of interfaces between complex cladding elements and the cost of completing that work would have been £117,500. I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that the cost of this work being completed by the Design Team is still being assessed and has yet to be agreed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159823,"EventID":"S1W-23246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated number is of summary criminal cases now unable to proceed as a result of the decision in Shaun George Reynolds v Procurator Fiscal, Linlithgow on 14 Fe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated number is of summary criminal cases now unable to proceed as a result of the decision in Shaun George Reynolds v Procurator Fiscal, Linlithgow on 14 February 2002, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide any reliable estimate because there are several possible permutations of circumstances and the outcome in each case will depend on the precise circumstances applicable in the individual case. Even if an existing complaint cannot proceed it will be possible in many cases to re-commence a prosecution so that the case itself will not be lost. What can be said with certainty is that in Scotland as a whole, as at 21 February, 18 cases had been identified as completely unable to proceed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159824,"EventID":"S1W-23247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action, in addition to the creation of the national park, is being taken to conserve and enhance Loch Lomond and its surroundings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action, in addition to the creation of the national park, is being taken to conserve and enhance Loch Lomond and its surroundings.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. I am aware, however, of a number of initiatives, including the Loch Lomond Catchment Plan, being progressed by Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and others; the Millennium Forest for Scotland Project; and the Ben Lomond National Memorial Park Project, being undertaken by Forest Enterprise in Partnership with the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Executive.

The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Interim Committee also continues to undertake a programme of work aimed at providing a properly managed infrastructure for visitors.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159825,"EventID":"S1W-23248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to conserve and enhance the Milngavie reservoirs and their surroundings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to conserve and enhance the Milngavie reservoirs and their surroundings.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Chief Executive of West of Scotland Water to respond. His response is as follows:

The plans for the new Water Treatment Works at Milngavie take into account the need to conserve and enhance the existing reservoirs. For example, no above ground construction is planned, except behind the tree belt around the site at Barrachan. Additional planting is also to be established to reinforce this tree line.

One of West of Scotland Water's environmental objectives is to improve public access to its properties, as far as this does not compromise water quality, public safety or essential maintenance activities. Once the new plant is in service, this will take all operational and maintenance activities away from the existing works at the south of the reservoirs, along with personnel access and chemical deliveries. This will remove the conflict between public access and operational requirements, leading to a possible reduction in the existing restrictions on public activities.

Some further tangible evidence of delivery of the authority's Environmental Strategy in the Craigmaddie/Mugdock area, include improving path networks and signposting within accessible areas, by December 2002. Suitable locations for bat boxes have also been identified in the locale and will be pursued in due course. When the project is completed, the need for bird scaring on the reservoirs will also be removed.

The authority and East Dunbartonshire Council have undertaken to discuss the long-term future of public access to Milngavie reservoirs. These future discussions will help formulate how to best meet the needs of the population, with respect to the reservoirs, Mugdock Country Park, access between them, and car parking.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159826,"EventID":"S1W-23249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success there has been in reducing pollution levels of sewage, rubbish and other sources in the River Clyde and what plans there are to further improve water quality","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success there has been in reducing pollution levels of sewage, rubbish and other sources in the River Clyde and what plans there are to further improve water quality.","AnswerText":"The Clyde has been improving year on year since the 1970s, in terms of the chemical and biological indicators in the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (SEPA) classification schemes. Migratory salmon now regularly return to the Cart, Kelvin and Clyde systems.

Improvements to combined sewer overflows, and sewage treatment work upgrades throughout the Clyde and its tributaries, aim at continuing this improvement.

The SEPA has published an interactive CD-ROM, called West Region Water Quality Review, which gives information about water quality, river flows, monitoring activities and environmental initiatives. It is available from the agency's Corporate Office at Erskine Court, The Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4TR or by contacting:

watercd@sepa.org.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159827,"EventID":"S1W-23250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13597 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 15 March 2001, whether it will detail what improvements have been or will be undertaken by West of Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13597 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 15 March 2001, whether it will detail what improvements have been or will be undertaken by West of Scotland Water, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or other agencies to minimise combined sewer overflows and upgrade sewage treatment works throughout the River Clyde and its tributaries. ","AnswerText":"West of Scotland Water Authority schemes completed since 1996 which will have improved water quality in the River Clyde are as follows:

Allers Sewage Treatment Works (STW) Outfall Sewer

Daldowie STW Phases III and IV

Helensburgh STW Secondary Treatment

Ardoch STW Secondary Treatment

Dalmuir STW (PFI)

at a total cost of over £95 million.

Schemes in the current investment plan 2002-06 that will improve or maintain water quality are as follows:

Bothwellbank STW Upgrading

Allers STW

Carbarns STW

Helensburgh Sewerage Scheme

Various Combined Sewer Overflow Improvements (2002-06) with further work between 2006-10

together with capital maintenance at:

Shieldhall STW

Dalmarnock STW

Daldowie STW

Hamilton STW

at a total cost of some £30 million.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continuously monitors river and estuary water quality and regulates the performance of discharges into watercourses. Since the 1970s, the River Clyde has been improving year on year, in terms of chemical and biological indicators in the SEPA water quality classification schemes. Migratory salmon now regularly return to the Clyde, Cart and Kelvin systems.

The multi-million pound programme of improvements, described previously, to CSOs will ensure that this improvement continues, and SEPA is confident of continued improvements in water quality.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159828,"EventID":"S1W-23251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how and when the #87 million from the New Opportunities Fund for the promotion of sport in diverting young people from re-offending or preventing their offending, as out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how and when the #87 million from the New Opportunities Fund for the promotion of sport in diverting young people from re-offending or preventing their offending, as outlined in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002, will be distributed. ","AnswerText":"Under policy directions issued by ministers, the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) has committed £87 million to the PE and Sport in Schools programme, under its third round of initiatives. Up to £21.75 million of this sum is targeted at supporting facilities and programmes designed to promote the role of sport, in diverting young people from criminal activity or behaviours likely to lead to this type of activity. I expect the detailed arrangements for the disbursement of these funds to be announced by NOF shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159829,"EventID":"S1W-23252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in respect of the proposal to transfer Glasgow City Council's housing stock to community ownership. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in respect of the proposal to transfer Glasgow City Council's housing stock to community ownership. ","AnswerText":"I have agreed to a request from Glasgow City Council for them to undertake the stage 2 consultation process and ballot tenants on the transfer proposal from the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA). I have also agreed that, should the transfer proposal proceed, ministers will make available a repayable grant to the GHA of up to £30 million a year for up to 10 years.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159830,"EventID":"S1W-23253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22622 by Lewis Macdonald on 15 February 2002, what its estimate is of the earliest timescale under which the Haddington to Dunbar e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22622 by Lewis Macdonald on 15 February 2002, what its estimate is of the earliest timescale under which the Haddington to Dunbar expressway will be completed, taking into account any statutory procedures.","AnswerText":"On current predictions, the earliest date on which the new road will open to traffic is Christmas 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159831,"EventID":"S1W-23254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any occasions in each of the past 12 months when it has released a press statement on a publication or report without that material having been lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any occasions in each of the past 12 months when it has released a press statement on a publication or report without that material having been lodged and available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre beforehand or simultaneously, and what the reasons were in each case.","AnswerText":"As a rule we do not issue a press release on the publication of a report until the formal steps relating to publication have been taken, including lodging the publication in the Parliament's Reference Centre. However, due to occasional difficulties experienced with regard to the number of copies available or with delivery to the Parliament Headquarters, we are aware that on occasion there has been a delay in the availability of the publications in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Each is investigated at the time to establish what lessons can be learned to reduce the possibility of a similar situation occurring in the future, but we do not hold a central record of these occasions.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159832,"EventID":"S1W-23255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will lodge all publications and reports on an embargoed basis with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre to ensure they are available to members simultane","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will lodge all publications and reports on an embargoed basis with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre to ensure they are available to members simultaneously with any press statement it issues, and what its reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"It is not the Scottish Executive's normal practice to issue publications and reports on an embargoed basis. Publications are available on the internet at the time of launch, as electronic publishing is the quickest way of making information available simultaneously, with any press statement or announcement. Copies of reports are delivered to the Parliament's Reference Centre at the time of publication, although there may be a slight time delay in their actual availability in the centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159833,"EventID":"S1W-23256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which publications or reports have been released to journalists prior to being lodged with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre in each of the past twelve months, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which publications or reports have been released to journalists prior to being lodged with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre in each of the past twelve months, and what the reasons were in each case.","AnswerText":"In general the Scottish Executive does not issue in advance to journalists, embargoed copies of policy documents, which are to be the subject of a statement to Parliament. Embargoed copies of publications are only normally issued to journalists, where there is an advance briefing on technical or analytical issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159834,"EventID":"S1W-23257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it released its press statement on Moving On - From School to College; whether this was issued under embargo and, if so, until what time; when the report its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it released its press statement on Moving On - From School to College; whether this was issued under embargo and, if so, until what time; when the report itself was made available to journalists; whether any official briefing on the report or its subject area took place and why the document was not available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre until approximately 1.00 pm on 19 February 2002, despite the electronic media having carried stories of the reports content from early that morning.","AnswerText":"I have asked Douglas Osler, Chief Executive of HM Inspectorate of Education, to respond. His response is as follows:

HM Inspectorate of Education issued its press statement on Moving On - From School To College at 10:00 on 19 February 2002. A copy of the report was made available in advance to one journalist, on the understanding that nothing would be published until later in the week. The journalist complied with this understanding. Informal briefings on the subject area were provided in advance to significant organisations in the sector. One of these organisations issued its own press statement, welcoming the report, under embargo until 19 February, but giving no specified time on that date. This party's assumption that this would be acceptable was a misunderstanding of HM Inspectorate's practice in issuing its reports.

An administrative error within HM Inspectorate resulted in the copies for the Parliament's Reference Centre being placed on their standard distribution list, rather than the advanced distribution list. This error was made known to HM Inspectorate late in the morning of 19 February and copies were dispatched as soon as feasible by courier, arriving at the Parliament at 12:40.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159835,"EventID":"S1W-23258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, distribution and launch, of Scotland's Economic Future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was of the publication, including the design, photocopying, printing, distribution and launch, of Scotland's Economic Future.","AnswerText":"The total publication costs of the Scotland's Economic Future leaflet were approximately £8,960. The launch took place at "Our Enterprise Strategy" conference held on 12 February, to review progress one year on after the publication of SSS: A strategy for the Enterprise networks. The event was co hosted by the Executive and the Enterprise networks and conference costs were met jointly by the Scottish Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159836,"EventID":"S1W-23259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the environmental impact of decommissioning nuclear submarines in the Aultbea area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding the environmental impact of decommissioning nuclear submarines in the Aultbea area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had no recent discussions with the UK Government on this issue, as no sites have been selected for the decommissioning of nuclear submarines. I understand that, in its announcement on the publication of the final report of the Project ISOLUS (Interim Storage of Laid Up Submarines) Front End Consultation, the Ministry of Defence stated that it will not be until industry comes forward with proposals, that potential sites will begin to emerge.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159837,"EventID":"S1W-23260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to take forward the implementation of the National Waste Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to take forward the implementation of the National Waste Strategy.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the National Waste Strategy is well under way, with most draft area waste plans expected to be published by the end of March. The draft plans will then be integrated into a National Waste Plan for Scotland. The integration process will be carried out by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and will ensure that the area plans are consistent and together meet the strategy's objectives.

I have decided to establish a high-level Scottish Waste Strategy Advisory Group, which I shall chair, to assist me to ensure the strategy is being effective and to advise on any changes which might be required as it develops. I envisage the group consisting of representatives of key stakeholders in the waste field, including local government, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Scottish Environmental Services Association, Enterprise Agencies, the Institute of Waste Management, NGOs, CBI Scotland, the Recycling Advisory Group Scotland, and REMADE Scotland. The group will initially meet some three times over the next year and its composition and remit will be reviewed at that stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159838,"EventID":"S1W-23261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it is intended that payments will be made to those eligible under the Scottish Bus Group pension scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it is intended that payments will be made to those eligible under the Scottish Bus Group pension scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's timetable for the payment process to begin is dependent upon the formal wind-up of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes by the trustees.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159839,"EventID":"S1W-23262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to discuss with Her Majesty's Government the possibility of the Office of Telecommunications establishing an office in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to discuss with Her Majesty's Government the possibility of the Office of Telecommunications establishing an office in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The 1984 Telecommunications Act, makes statutory provision for The Scottish Advisory Committee on Telecommunications (SACOT), to represent the interests of Scotland on committees of the Office of Telecommunications (Oftel). SACOT have an office in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159840,"EventID":"S1W-23263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to change the definition of \"universal access\" in relation to broadband services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to change the definition of \"universal access\" in relation to broadband services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to telecommunications regulation, which remains reserved to the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159841,"EventID":"S1W-23264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to include the promotion of internet access through digital television within its broadband policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to include the promotion of internet access through digital television within its broadband policies.","AnswerText":"Digital television is one of a number of means of accessing the internet. The Scottish Executive's broadband strategy is not prescriptive of any one particular technology.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159842,"EventID":"S1W-23265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Department of Trade and Industry on the need for the Office of Telecommunications to have a statutory duty to give due conside","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Department of Trade and Industry on the need for the Office of Telecommunications to have a statutory duty to give due consideration to the broadband technology needs of people living in rural areas and of low-income consumers in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to telecommunications regulation, which remains reserved to the UK Government.

The statutory duties of the Office of Telecommunications (Oftel) were determined by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in the 1984 Telecommunications Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159843,"EventID":"S1W-23266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the EU that it should bring forward regulatory policy support for the roll out of broadband services in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the EU that it should bring forward regulatory policy support for the roll out of broadband services in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Telecommunications policy is reserved to the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159844,"EventID":"S1W-23267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what direct support measures for the roll out of broadband services have been identified under the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what direct support measures for the roll out of broadband services have been identified under the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme.","AnswerText":"Programme priorities have been outlined as infrastructure enhancements in remoter areas. An action plan has been drawn up and a more detailed description of project activities is being developed. Part of this process will entail the identification of effective demand to ensure project sustainability.

I can confirm that a £11.5 million project led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in partnership with Shetland Islands Council and Orkney Islands Council to link Shetland and Orkney with the UK mainland by submarine fibre-optic cable, was recently successful in securing some £1.5 million in European funds.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159845,"EventID":"S1W-23268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had at a UK level on the regulatory proposals and policy developments in respect of broadband services and whether it will detail any proposals which it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had at a UK level on the regulatory proposals and policy developments in respect of broadband services and whether it will detail any proposals which it has put forward and what the outcome was of such proposals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has discussions with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including policy development regarding broadband services.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159846,"EventID":"S1W-23269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been made of the effectiveness of the current measures to tackle anti-social neighbours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been made of the effectiveness of the current measures to tackle anti-social neighbours.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive commissions the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland to undertake an annual exercise to determine the use being made of evictions for anti-social behaviour and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. It has also commissioned a number of detailed evaluations of specific initiatives and the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator is undertaking a systematic audit of policies and practices at the local level.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159847,"EventID":"S1W-23270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend measures to tackle anti-social neighbours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend measures to tackle anti-social neighbours.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has taken action, in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, to extend the legislative remedies available through the introduction of "probationary" tenancies (a special variant of the short Scottish secure tenancy) and by suspending the right to buy for any tenants subject to recovery procedures. It also plans to use the forthcoming Criminal Justice Bill to introduce Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.

The Scottish Executive is also encouraging good practice at the local level through the work of the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159848,"EventID":"S1W-23271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place between it, the Crown Office, local authorities and the police to ensure that anti-social behaviour proceedings are effective.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place between it, the Crown Office, local authorities and the police to ensure that anti-social behaviour proceedings are effective.","AnswerText":"Any such arrangements are agreed at the local level, although the Executive seeks to positively encourage multi-agency working through guidance and the work of the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159849,"EventID":"S1W-23272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current procedures for the removal of abandoned vehicles from residential areas are sufficiently streamlined and swift.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current procedures for the removal of abandoned vehicles from residential areas are sufficiently streamlined and swift.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-19610 on 5 December 2001, which explained that the Executive would be consulting on this matter. The consultation closed on 1 February 2002.

The responses are currently being considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159850,"EventID":"S1W-23273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the current measures aimed at preventing fly-tipping and other unlawful dumping of rubbish in residential areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the current measures aimed at preventing fly-tipping and other unlawful dumping of rubbish in residential areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive commenced a review of the effectiveness of litter and fly-tipping legislation on 21 February 2002. The review will consider whether the current legislation on litter and fly-tipping is effective and achieving its purpose, and also if it is being fully utilised by local authorities. The views of local authorities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other stakeholders are being sought. The review is expected to be completed by mid to late summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159851,"EventID":"S1W-23274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the current measures to prevent fly-tipping and other unlawful dumping of rubbish in residential areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the current measures to prevent fly-tipping and other unlawful dumping of rubbish in residential areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive will consider whether new measures are required, after it has completed its review of the effectiveness of litter and fly-tipping legislation, referred to in the answer given to question S1W-23273 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159852,"EventID":"S1W-23275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current measures allow local authorities to recover the cost of making good the damage done by fly-tipping, the abandoning of a vehicle or other unlawful dumping ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether current measures allow local authorities to recover the cost of making good the damage done by fly-tipping, the abandoning of a vehicle or other unlawful dumping of rubbish, from the offender and, if so, what assessment has been made of their effectiveness.","AnswerText":"Section 59(8) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and section 5(1) of the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978, provide that local authorities can recover costs from offenders, for dealing with fly-tipped waste and abandoned vehicles respectively.

Existing legislation regarding litter and fly-tipping is currently the subject of a wide-ranging review, the recommendations of which will be known in late summer. There are no current plans to assess the effectiveness, in terms of cost recovery, of the legislation relevant to abandoned cars.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159853,"EventID":"S1W-23276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers are available to sheriffs which would allow them to sentence an offender guilty of fly-tipping, the abandoning of a vehicle or other unlawful dumping of rubb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers are available to sheriffs which would allow them to sentence an offender guilty of fly-tipping, the abandoning of a vehicle or other unlawful dumping of rubbish in a residential area to make good any damage done.","AnswerText":"Section 202 of the Criminal Procedures (Scotland) Act 1995 permits a sheriff to impose a deferred sentence on an offender and record a condition that he should make good any damage done, either pay a sum of money or repay costs to the complainer by the date of the deferred sentence.

Under section 249 of the 1995 act the sheriff can impose a Compensation Order, subject to some qualifications and with certain conditions, in respect of an accused who has been convicted of an offence. The order will be imposed for any sum deemed appropriate, which is normally the value of the damage as proved to the court's satisfaction. However, Compensation Orders cannot be imposed as a condition of a deferred sentence.

These options remain within the sole discretion of the sheriff and there is no formal requirement for him to make such a condition or Compensation Order.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159854,"EventID":"S1W-23277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) Health Education Board for Scotland and (b) Public Health Institute for Scotland have planned in the way of health promotion in respect of coronary heart dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) Health Education Board for Scotland and (b) Public Health Institute for Scotland have planned in the way of health promotion in respect of coronary heart disease in 2002-03; what budget has been allocated for such promotion, and how these bodies are working with their NHS colleagues to ensure that there is effective follow-up monitoring after any such health promotion campaigns.","AnswerText":"During 2002-03, the Health Education Board for Scotland's (HEBS') approach to coronary heart disease (CHD) prevention will continue to be through programmes focussing on behavioural aspects such as stopping smoking and promoting physical activity and healthy eating. One of the main strands of this activity will be a continuation of the award-winning "Big 3" (CHD, cancer and stroke) advertising campaign, encouraging adults to think about making small changes in their lifestyle, which are easy to achieve, easy to maintain and can have such a beneficial impact on their health. HEBS will continue to track and monitor these adverts and develop programmes as appropriate, using both qualitative and quantitative research. NHS boards are key partners for all HEBS work.

During the course of the next financial year, HEBS estimate that expenditure on CHD/cancer and stroke will be in excess of £1.5 million.

The Public Health Institute for Scotland's remit does not extend to the design and delivery of health promotion campaigns. It will, however, be creating a Scotland-wide learning network on heart health during 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159855,"EventID":"S1W-23278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the Enterprise Bill and, in particular, the role of the Scottish courts in dealing with insolvency and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the Enterprise Bill and, in particular, the role of the Scottish courts in dealing with insolvency and what the outcome was of any such discussions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry, on the corporate insolvency aspects of this bill, to ensure that reserved matters affecting Scotland and devolved aspects of reserved matters are fully explored and handled according to the legislative requirements for these. The proposals to be contained in the forthcoming Enterprise Bill, make no direct changes to the jurisdiction of Scottish courts in corporate insolvency.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159856,"EventID":"S1W-23279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in any discussions with the Scotland Office to ensure that any electoral pilot schemes for local government elections will be matched with an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in any discussions with the Scotland Office to ensure that any electoral pilot schemes for local government elections will be matched with any similar schemes for the Scottish general election in 2003.","AnswerText":"The issue of extending pilots to the Scottish parliamentary elections was raised with the Scottish Secretary last year, and she has advised that it appears sensible to legislate, to extend pilots to the Scottish Parliament elections when an opportunity arises.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159857,"EventID":"S1W-23280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the appointment of Borders NHS Board members announced on 9 November 2001, whether Mr Tony Taylor, Mrs Eileen McDermott and Dr Ian Lowes have been involve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the appointment of Borders NHS Board members announced on 9 November 2001, whether Mr Tony Taylor, Mrs Eileen McDermott and Dr Ian Lowes have been involved in any political activity within the last five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20382 on 10 December 2002, in which I have already provided the information requested.

For convenience, I confirm that neither Mr Anthony Taylor, Chair of Borders NHS Board, nor Mrs Eileen McDermott, Staff Side Chair of Borders Area Partnership Forum, nor Dr Ian Lowles, Chair of Borders Area Clinical Forum, has been involved in any political activity within the last five years.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159858,"EventID":"S1W-23281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently any shortage of prison officers and, if so, what the shortage is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently any shortage of prison officers and, if so, what the shortage is.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

There is no shortage of prison officers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159859,"EventID":"S1W-23282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfactory (a) that on 18 February 2002 the gymnasium at HM Prison Kilmarnock was staffed by one supervisor with no prison officer in attendance and relyi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfactory (a) that on 18 February 2002 the gymnasium at HM Prison Kilmarnock was staffed by one supervisor with no prison officer in attendance and relying on the security camera system and (b) that this should regularly be the case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

It is SPS policy not to discuss matters of internal security in any prison establishment. Security matters, including supervision, are a matter for the operators of HMP Kilmarnock. SPS is satisfied with the performance of the establishment.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159860,"EventID":"S1W-23283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfactory that on 18 February 2002 the woodwork shed at HM Prison Kilmarnock was staffed by one supervisor for 20 inmates and whether this level of super","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfactory that on 18 February 2002 the woodwork shed at HM Prison Kilmarnock was staffed by one supervisor for 20 inmates and whether this level of supervision is adequate given that there are blind spots in the security camera system.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23282.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159861,"EventID":"S1W-23284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfactory that on 18 February 2002 the welding shed at HM Prison Kilmarnock was staffed by one supervisor for 27 inmates and whether this level of superv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfactory that on 18 February 2002 the welding shed at HM Prison Kilmarnock was staffed by one supervisor for 27 inmates and whether this level of supervision is adequate given that there are blind spots in the security camera system.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23282 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159862,"EventID":"S1W-23285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service has at any time given instructions that staffing levels at HM Prison Kilmarnock be reduced. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service has at any time given instructions that staffing levels at HM Prison Kilmarnock be reduced. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159863,"EventID":"S1W-23286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock will be placed in the public domain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock will be placed in the public domain.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The contract was published on 8 March.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159864,"EventID":"S1W-23287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-22460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 February 2002, why the restructuring of prisoner escort arrangements will result in the Scottish Priso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-22460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 February 2002, why the restructuring of prisoner escort arrangements will result in the Scottish Prison Service needing about 200 fewer prison officer posts, given previous statements that the contracting out of the escorting of prisoners would make prison officers available for in-prison duties and, for example, result in fewer \"lock-ups\". ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:

Once the new escorting contract is in place, the posts of those SPS staff who are currently involved in escorting prisoners will no longer be required by SPS, for that purpose. Some staff are scheduled to escorting duties; others have to be drawn from other duties, often at short notice.

The latter is the main cause of disruption to regimes and routines of prisons, including withdrawing staff from in-prison duties. The new service will mean that the main cause of disruption will cease, allowing these staff to be available for in-prison duties, for all or most of the time.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159865,"EventID":"S1W-23288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1573 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 September 1999, whether the evaluation of research into proposed legislation on the protection of hutt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1573 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 September 1999, whether the evaluation of research into proposed legislation on the protection of hutters has been concluded and, if so, what the findings were.","AnswerText":"The research on Huts and Hutters in Scotland was published in May 2000 and can be accessed on the Scottish Executive website. The responses received to the consultation exercise, carried out last year, are being considered in the light of that research and the report of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159866,"EventID":"S1W-23289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider incorporating the Jura to Islay ferry service into the tendering process for the routes currently being served by Caledonian MacBrayne.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider incorporating the Jura to Islay ferry service into the tendering process for the routes currently being served by Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerText":"The Jura to Islay ferry is the responsibility of Argyll and Bute Council. This route has already been tendered successfully by the council, and we have no plans to include it in the tendering of routes currently being served by Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159867,"EventID":"S1W-23290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by Careers Scotland in ensuring that there is \"good quality, unbiased information and advice about education and career opportunities in scien","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by Careers Scotland in ensuring that there is \"good quality, unbiased information and advice about education and career opportunities in science\" as detailed in the Science Strategy for Scotland.","AnswerText":"From its establishment on 1 April, Careers Scotland will aim to provide high quality, impartial information and advice for Scots of all ages about education and career opportunities. This will include those available in the science sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159868,"EventID":"S1W-23291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how the Parliament plans to mark the 295th anniversary of the adjournment of the former Parliament of Scotland, which falls on 25 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how the Parliament plans to mark the 295th anniversary of the adjournment of the former Parliament of Scotland, which falls on 25 March 2002.","AnswerText":">I will raise this at the next Parliamentary Bureau meeting on Tuesday 12 March 2002. In the interim, you may wish to discuss the matter with your Business Manager.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159869,"EventID":"S1W-23292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Prime Minister's statement, in respect of student grants and tuition fees, that \"students in Scotland pay as a result of the Scottish system\" ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Prime Minister's statement, in respect of student grants and tuition fees, that \"students in Scotland pay as a result of the Scottish system\" (House of Commons Official Report, 13 February 2002; Vol. 380, c. 201) and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"We presume that the Prime Minister was referring to the Graduate Endowment scheme, introduced as part of the new student support arrangements from the current academic year.

We explained, in the consultation document Helping Students, published in May 2000, that we intended to establish the endowment scheme "to create a fair but simple scheme that provides a contribution to the support of future students, from those who have benefited from a degree". We also explained that the endowment "will apply to all Scottish domiciled students in Scottish universities and colleges and to all EU students who graduate in Scotland", with exemptions covering around half of full-time students, who would otherwise be liable.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159870,"EventID":"S1W-23293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21205 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 February 2002, what the average number of available staffed beds was in (a) acute specialities and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21205 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 February 2002, what the average number of available staffed beds was in (a) acute specialities and (b) acute surgical specialities per 1,000 population in each NHS board area in (i) 2000 and (ii) 2001.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of beds per 1,000 population, in each NHS board area in the years 2000 and 2001. It is not meaningful to make comparisons between individual boards, because these figures do not take account of differences in the underlying healthcare needs of the population living in different NHS board areas, nor do they take account of the extent to which hospitals in one area may treat patients from neighbouring NHS board areas.

NHSiS - Average available staffed beds1; by health board of treatment, rate per 1,000 population

Year Ending

31 December 2000

31 December 2001p

Acute Rate2

Acute Surgical Rate

Acute Rate2

Acute Surgical Rate

Scotland

3.2

1.2

3.2

1.2

Argyll & Clyde

3.1

1.1

3.1

1.0

Ayrshire & Arran

3.0

1.1

3.0

1.1

Borders

2.5

0.9

2.5

0.8

Dumfries & Galloway

2.5

1.1

2.6

1.1

Fife

2.3

0.7

2.3

0.8

Forth Valley

2.7

1.1

2.7

1.1

Grampian

3.0

1.3

3.0

1.3

Greater Glasgow

4.4

1.7

4.4

1.7

Highland

3.5

1.4

3.5

1.4

Lanarkshire

2.8

1.1

2.7

1.0

Lothian

3.2

1.1

3.2

1.1

Orkney

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

Shetland

2.6

Both the Specialist Practice Programmes and short courses, are funded by each trust's own post registration budget, according to local priority and need.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159873,"EventID":"S1W-23296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of primary care nurses working in the field of coronary heart disease is adequate and what action it is taking in respect of this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of primary care nurses working in the field of coronary heart disease is adequate and what action it is taking in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"All primary care nurses are involved in the management and prevention of coronary heart disease.

Work relating to coronary heart disease mainly falls within the remit of practice nurses (chronic disease management), health visitors (primary and secondary prevention) and district nurses (acute management and supportive care). There are approximately 1,048 practice nurses, 1,464 health visitors and 1,340 district nurses.

Decisions regarding staffing levels for primary care nurses and the need for any specialist posts in the field of coronary heart disease, are the responsibility of NHS boards. Figures on the numbers of specialist posts are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159874,"EventID":"S1W-23297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether statins have been identified as a means of reducing the occurrence of coronary heart disease and preventing people from developing complications following a major","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether statins have been identified as a means of reducing the occurrence of coronary heart disease and preventing people from developing complications following a major coronary event and what action it and NHS boards are taking in order to ensure that any patients who need such treatment will receive it.","AnswerText":"SIGN Guideline 40, on Lipids and the Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease, indicates that for primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD), statins are the drugs of first choice for lowering the level of fat circulating in the blood. The guideline is very clear, however, that lifestyle measures, in particular stopping smoking, eating better and exercising more, remain the first priority in the primary prevention of CHD.

In relation to secondary prevention following a coronary event, a local protocol for the prescription of statins is one of the essential criteria in the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland's standards for secondary prevention, following an acute myocardial infarction. The board's standards are mandatory across NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159875,"EventID":"S1W-23298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on prescribing statins by each NHS board in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on prescribing statins by each NHS board in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The following figures, derived from the Prescription Cost Analysis system, give the number of prescriptions and the cost of statins (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin), by prescribing health board in Scotland. Data are presented for years ending 31 March 2000 and 2001. These data refer to prescriptions dispensed in the community and do not take into account medicines dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics.

Prescribing

No. of Prescribed Items

Gross Ingredient Cost (£)

Health Board

1999-2000

2000-01

1999-2000

2000-01

Argyll and Clyde

107,485

133,597

3,386,658

4,219,945

Ayrshire and Arran

71,093

94,443

2,356,941

3,297,724

Borders

21,644

26,781

631,781

747,632

DumfriesandGalloway

35,157

45,747

1,097,551

1,414,777

Fife

67,292

83,314

2,371,857

2,972,828

Forth Valley

73,799

93,004

2,369,709

3,069,771

Grampian

98,609

116,161

4,060,642

4,832,065

Greater Glasgow

175,606

230,047

5,899,684

7,709,762

Highland

37,290

45,679

1,236,711

1,520,877

Lanarkshire

131,977

171,266

4,221,557

Following the nurse recruitment and retention convention in November 2001, a commitment was made to create a further 18 nurse/midwife consultant posts in Scotland and guidance has been sent out to the service encouraging their introduction.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159877,"EventID":"S1W-23300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to implement in all NHS board areas the initiative launched in the NHS Lanarkshire area whereby defibrillators have been placed in main shoppi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to implement in all NHS board areas the initiative launched in the NHS Lanarkshire area whereby defibrillators have been placed in main shopping areas.","AnswerText":"The Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and Stroke Reference Group is currently considering the evidence on the effectiveness of defibrillators in public places, including the Lanarkshire initiative, as part of the national strategy it is developing for coronary heart disease and stroke.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159878,"EventID":"S1W-23301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for (a) the Health Technology Board for Scotland and (b) the Scottish Medicines Consortium to consider statins during the course of 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for (a) the Health Technology Board for Scotland and (b) the Scottish Medicines Consortium to consider statins during the course of 2002.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) and the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) have no plans to consider statins during 2002.

However, in recent years SIGN has published two clinical guidelines, in which the prescribing of statins was covered (SIGN 40: Lipids and the primary prevention of coronary heart disease and SIGN 41: Secondary prevention of coronary heart disease following myocardial infarction). Both guidelines can be found at:

www.sign.ac.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159879,"EventID":"S1W-23302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its Appointments to Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Scotland of February 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its Appointments to Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Scotland of February 2002.","AnswerText":"The total cost of printing, publishing and distributing the Annual Report on Appointments to Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Scotland was £2,900. The report is published in accordance with the recommendations of the First Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (the Nolan, now the Wicks Committee) which are enshrined in the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159880,"EventID":"S1W-23303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering making the promotion of home safety a statutory requirement for local authorities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering making the promotion of home safety a statutory requirement for local authorities. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to make the promotion of home safety a statutory requirement for local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159881,"EventID":"S1W-23304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been given to the Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund in each of the past five years, who its trustees are and what political affiliations they have.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been given to the Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund in each of the past five years, who its trustees are and what political affiliations they have.","AnswerText":"The Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund (UVAF) is a trust that provides grants to assist voluntary projects in Scotland. The following tables detail Scottish Executive funding to UVAF in each of the past five years. The Executive provides grant-in-aid to the fund for the administration of their Main Grants and Small Grants Schemes. UVAF also currently administers the Ethnic Minority Grant Scheme and the International Year of Volunteers Grant Scheme on the Executive's behalf.

A list of UVAF trustees is also set out below. The Executive does not have information on the political affiliation of UVAF trustees.

Scottish Executive Funding of UVAF

Grant-in-aid

Financial Year

Amount (£)

1997-98

867,600

1998-99

867,600

1999-2000

867,600

2000-01

867,600

2001-02

872,600

Ethnic Minority Grant Scheme

Financial Year

Amount (£)

1998-99

265,800

1999-00

275,600

2000-01

275,000

2001-02

277,057

International Year of Volunteers Grant Scheme

Financial Year

Amount (£)

2001-02

210,000

UVAF Trustees

Susan Elsley - Convener

Farkhanda Chaudry

Carol Downie

John Hawthorn

John Knox

Philomena de Lima

Laurie Naumann

Stuart McGregor.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159882,"EventID":"S1W-23305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding is available to ensure quality and choice in pre-school provision in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding is available to ensure quality and choice in pre-school provision in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The provision of pre-school education in rural areas is the responsibility of local authorities, working with partner providers in the private and voluntary sector. To take account of the additional cost of pre-school provision in rural areas, the pre-school education grant, which from April 2002 will be re-integrated into the local government settlement, includes a rural weighting. For 2002-03, this rural weighting will be worth £6.4 million.

Families are not provided with additional resources to obtain part-time pre-school education places for three- and four-year-olds, since from 1 April 2002, local authorities in all areas of the country will be under a duty to secure these places at no cost to the parent or guardian.

The Executive encourages the identification and dissemination of good practice, in meeting the need for pre-school provision in rural areas. The Executive is therefore funding two themes of Children in Scotland's programme Growing Up in Rural Scotland. This programme includes a series of seminars which are intended to assist local authorities, childcare partnerships, pre-school providers and other organisations in providing quality pre-school education in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159883,"EventID":"S1W-23306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what innovative and imaginative methods are being used to meet the needs of pre-school children in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what innovative and imaginative methods are being used to meet the needs of pre-school children in rural areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23305.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159884,"EventID":"S1W-23307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to help local authorities investigate innovative techniques for pre-school provision in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to help local authorities investigate innovative techniques for pre-school provision in rural areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23305.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159885,"EventID":"S1W-23308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are available to families seeking pre-school provision in intermediate and remote rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are available to families seeking pre-school provision in intermediate and remote rural areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23305.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159886,"EventID":"S1W-23309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis the higher per capita costs for pre-school provision in local authorities with large rural populations are calculated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis the higher per capita costs for pre-school provision in local authorities with large rural populations are calculated.","AnswerText":"Twelve local authorities are considered as delivering pre-school education in "very rural" areas, i.e. areas where more than 15% of the population live in communities of less than 1,000. The distribution methodology used in respect of the rural element, took account of population share of three- and four-year-olds in those 12 authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159887,"EventID":"S1W-23310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE2935/2000 of 14 November 2000, whether it has met its target of attracting 5,000 new workers into the childcare sector by 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE2935/2000 of 14 November 2000, whether it has met its target of attracting 5,000 new workers into the childcare sector by 2002.","AnswerText":"Between 1 October 1999 and 31 December 2001, 3,715 childcare workers were trained. We expect to meet the target of training 5,000 new childcare workers before the end of this calendar year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159888,"EventID":"S1W-23311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on the Lochaber economy of the decision to reject plans for the #4.5 million Castle Tioram project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on the Lochaber economy of the decision to reject plans for the #4.5 million Castle Tioram project.","AnswerText":"In his report on the public local inquiry into the application for scheduled monument consent to conserve Castle Tioram, the Reporter stated that the realisation of the project would not make the castle a national tourist attraction and the economic impact of the development would not be of national importance. However, given its fragility, he stated that the application would benefit the local economy. He also observed that similar benefits could accrue in terms of specialist trades and tourism under the consolidation approach.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159889,"EventID":"S1W-23313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation schemes are currently available or planned for residents of the Abronhill area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency affected by the four power o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation schemes are currently available or planned for residents of the Abronhill area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency affected by the four power outages in January 2002 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"All matters pertaining to electricity supply are reserved. Any question of compensation in the event of an electricity supply failure would be a matter for discussion between Scottish Power and the industry regulator, Ofgem.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159890,"EventID":"S1W-23314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether tonsillectomies are currently being carried out.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether tonsillectomies are currently being carried out.","AnswerText":"Following the recent suspension of non-emergency adenotonsillar surgery, to allow an audit to be carried out in to the safety of single use instruments, the Chief Medical Officer wrote out to the service on 15 February, advising that the audit had shown there was no significant increase in secondary haemorrhage, following the introduction of single use equipment. Routine adenoid and tonsillar surgery was, therefore, recommenced from 11 March.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159891,"EventID":"S1W-23315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22124 by Cathy Jamieson on 4 February 2002, what proportion of staff currently employed in council-managed homes for children hold ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22124 by Cathy Jamieson on 4 February 2002, what proportion of staff currently employed in council-managed homes for children hold no formal qualifications, and, given that the training of staff working in residential childcare is a priority for development, what target has it set for such staff to secure such qualifications in the future.","AnswerText":"Fifty-two per cent of staff in local authority homes hold no relevant formal qualification. For all homes, including those run by voluntary or private organisations, 60% of staff have no relevant formal qualification.

Targets were set in 1993 following a review of Residential Child Care, Another Kind of Home.

These were:

1. \"Local authorities and independent organisations should aim to achieve a position in which 30% of all residential child care staff, and 90% of all senior residential child care staff, hold a Diploma in Social Work or equivalent.\"

At the end of 2001 26% of all staff, and 40% of senior staff, had a Diploma or equivalent.

2. \"Local authorities and independent organisations should aim to achieve a position, in which 60% of residential child care staff are assessed as competent at HNC/SVQ level 3.\"

At the end of 2001 40% of all staff were assessed as competent at HNC/SVQ level.

Progress to achieve these targets was very slow and that is why, in 1999, the Executive set up the Scottish Institute of Residential Child Care. They have already established new training at all levels and conducted the first comprehensive qualification audit of residential child care in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159892,"EventID":"S1W-23316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have been built incorporating solar panels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have been built incorporating solar panels.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159893,"EventID":"S1W-23317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote research and development in respect of energy efficient technologies like solar panels and photo-voltaic cells.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote research and development in respect of energy efficient technologies like solar panels and photo-voltaic cells.","AnswerText":"Research funding for renewable energy is a reserved matter. However, the Scottish Executive is committed to the promotion and development of renewable energy, covering a range of sizes and different technologies. This is currently done under the Scottish Clean Energy Demonstration Scheme, which has already funded a photo-voltaic project. We are currently considering other ways of supporting community renewable developments throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159894,"EventID":"S1W-23318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to set energy efficiency targets for education institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to set energy efficiency targets for education institutions.","AnswerText":"We currently have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159895,"EventID":"S1W-23319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the use of solar power for bus stops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage the use of solar power for bus stops.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159896,"EventID":"S1W-23320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental management criteria have been built into the evaluation process through which proposals from local authorities under the school modernisation Public/Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental management criteria have been built into the evaluation process through which proposals from local authorities under the school modernisation Public/Private Partnership programme will be considered.","AnswerText":"The assessment criteria under which local authority bids for revenue support for school Public/Private Partnership projects are being considered are set out in Scottish Executive Education Department circular 8/2001, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The assessment process is concerned with the broad principles appropriate at the Outline Business Case stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159897,"EventID":"S1W-23321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what targets the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has set for energy saving by the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what targets the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has set for energy saving by the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The SPCB has not yet set any energy saving targets. The Parliament currently occupies a mixture of leased and serviced accommodation, making it difficult to obtain accurate energy consumption data. Energy saving targets will be established once the Parliament occupies Holyrood and baseline data can be established against which savings can be measured.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159898,"EventID":"S1W-23322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have an arts or cultural strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have an arts or cultural strategy.","AnswerText":"No records are held centrally. Cultural responsibilities are discretionary and local authorities approach them in different ways. The Executive is aware that a number of authorities have a range of strategies dealing with cultural aspects, including arts and sports strategies. Cultural matters also feature in other strategies such as community plans. The Executive is preparing guidance in consultation with COSLA to assist local authorities to develop strategies in the area of culture.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159899,"EventID":"S1W-23323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy on archaeology is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy on archaeology is.","AnswerText":"It is the policy of the Scottish Executive to encourage the preservation of archaeological sites wherever possible through the powers of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, backed up by National Planning Policy Guideline 5 on archaeology and planning and the associated Planning Advice Note 42, and through other National Planning Policy Guidelines (NPPGs), particularly NPPG 18 on planning and the historic environment.

Where preservation proves impossible in the face of threats from development, the guidance given to local authorities is that the developer should be made to ensure satisfactory excavation of the remains and publication of the excavations. Where it is not feasible to preserve an archaeological site in the face of threats from natural agencies it is our policy, wherever possible, to encourage and support excavation and reporting of excavation of the remains before they are destroyed.

More generally it is our policy to encourage provision of information, advice, guidance, education and training to help preserve archaeology.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159900,"EventID":"S1W-23324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have an archaeology service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have an archaeology service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to answer. His response is as follows:

Most of Scotland's local authorities either maintain, or have access to, a professional archaeology service on the lines defined in National Planning Policy Guideline 5 on archaeology and planning. The four current exceptions are East Dunbartonshire, City of Dundee, West Lothian and Midlothian. The last-named is actively pursuing the acquisition of relevant data and is negotiating access to professional advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159901,"EventID":"S1W-23325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21010 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, how it will assist the Health and Safety Executive's follow-up study into individual w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21010 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, how it will assist the Health and Safety Executive's follow-up study into individual worker histories at National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd in Greenock.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will assist the Health and Safety Executive with the follow-up study at National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd in Greenock in any appropriate and possible way. For example, it has been agreed that the Scottish Executive will help to prepare the protocol for the study.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159902,"EventID":"S1W-23326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21012 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, whether there has been any increase in the workload of local GPs and other health serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21012 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, whether there has been any increase in the workload of local GPs and other health service professionals following the publication of the Health and Safety Executive's report Cancer Among Current and Previous Workers at National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd, Greenock.","AnswerText":"Enquiries of the local NHS board indicate that there has been no significant increase in the workload of GPs or other health service professionals since publication of the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159903,"EventID":"S1W-23327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21013 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, what information it has received on progress made in encouraging semiconductor compani","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21013 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, what information it has received on progress made in encouraging semiconductor companies to carry out studies of ill health in their workforces with a view to establishing whether there is any causal link between the working environment and cancer rates.","AnswerText":"The Health and Safety Executive advise that discussions have been initiated with other companies within the industry, seeking their individual agreement to become involved in a wider study of the type carried out at National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159904,"EventID":"S1W-23328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd in order to ensure that the Dunoon to Gourock car ferry service is retained.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd in order to ensure that the Dunoon to Gourock car ferry service is retained.","AnswerText":"Only the passenger element of Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd's Gourock to Dunoon route is eligible for public subsidy. The company carries vehicles on a commercial basis and may reduce or withdraw that provision at its own discretion.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159905,"EventID":"S1W-23329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of full-time places for four-year-olds at nursery school will be cut in order to meet the commitment to extend a guaranteed part-time place to all thre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of full-time places for four-year-olds at nursery school will be cut in order to meet the commitment to extend a guaranteed part-time place to all three-year-olds whose parents wish such a place by 2002.","AnswerText":"From April 2002 local authorities will have a duty, under the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act 2000, to provide a funded quality part-time education place, of at least 412.5 hours per session, for all three- and four-year-olds whose parents wish it. We expect authorities to take account of the need and preferences of children and their parents when planning the delivery of pre-school education.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159906,"EventID":"S1W-23330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education has any role in the formulation of educational policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education has any role in the formulation of educational policy.","AnswerText":"HM Inspectorate of Education's role is to promote improvements in standards, quality and attainment in Scottish education through first-hand, independent evaluation. As part of that role, it has a remit to give professional advice to the Scottish Executive and others, as detailed in its published Framework Document.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159907,"EventID":"S1W-23332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what qualifications and experience are required of members of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education and, in particular, what (a) higher education qualifications and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what qualifications and experience are required of members of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education and, in particular, what (a) higher education qualifications and (b) practical experience in Scottish schools are required.","AnswerText":"I have asked Douglas Osler, Chief Executive of HM Inspectorate of Education, to respond. His response is as follows:

HM Inspectors are required to have: a relevant degree or equivalent and an appropriate professional qualification; significant and successful experience of teaching in schools, further education or community learning; proven success in one or more promoted posts within education or in a relevant post of responsibility in further education or community learning; and the ability to work effectively, both independently and as a member of a team.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159908,"EventID":"S1W-23333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when integrated public transport information for the whole of Scotland will be available online.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when integrated public transport information for the whole of Scotland will be available online.","AnswerText":"Traveline Scotland aim to extend their existing telephone service offering integrated public transport information for the whole of Scotland to include delivery through the Internet by 31 December 2002. This will make integrated information about all modes of public transport across Scotland available 24 hours per day, seven days per week and will help to encourage travellers to make greater use of public transport.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159909,"EventID":"S1W-23334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to deliver integrated ticketing between the various train operating companies, bus and coach companies and ferry companies throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to deliver integrated ticketing between the various train operating companies, bus and coach companies and ferry companies throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is participating fully in the development of the Transport Direct Initiative. Transport Direct is a UK national project which aims to deliver integrated traveller information and ticketing across all modes of travel.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001, includes provision to enable local authorities to determine what ticketing arrangements should be made available in their area, for local bus services. The guidance that was published on the bus provisions of the act, included a statement that the Executive would, when procuring transport services, encourage the development of multi-modal information provision and joint ticketing schemes

The Scottish Executive's consultation paper Strategic Priorities for Scotland's Passenger Railways, makes clear that the Scottish Executive will encourage train operators to work with providers of local bus services to issue a single ticket for bus and train travel.

When procuring ferry services the Executive will encourage operators to contribute to wider efforts to develop joint ticketing schemes and to make available travel information on a multi-modal basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159910,"EventID":"S1W-23335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve connections between Glasgow Queen Street rail station, Buchanan Street underground station, Glasgow Central rail station and Buchanan Street","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve connections between Glasgow Queen Street rail station, Buchanan Street underground station, Glasgow Central rail station and Buchanan Street bus station.","AnswerText":"The development of local transport initiatives, including proposals to improve connections between different modes of public transport, is a matter for the relevant local authority, or in this case, the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive. However, the Scottish Executive already contributes to the funding of a bus link between Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central railway stations.

In addition, the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies are looking at ways to address, in the longer term, the problems of moving along the three transport corridors - A8, A80 and M74. This includes how best to facilitate public transport journeys across central Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159911,"EventID":"S1W-23336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce overall journey times by reducing missed connections at key rail interchanges throughout the Strathclyde Passenger Transport area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce overall journey times by reducing missed connections at key rail interchanges throughout the Strathclyde Passenger Transport area. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Strategic Rail Study, commissioned by the Scottish Executive in July 2001, is currently looking at the likely costs and benefits of potential improvements to passenger railway services, operating in central and north-east Scotland. This includes service improvements, such as reduced journey times and reliability.

The connection between services at key rail interchanges is a timetabling issue and, as such, is an operational matter for the rail industry. Amendments to timetables, must be agreed at the national timetable discussions involving train operators and Railtrack.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159912,"EventID":"S1W-23337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide functioning and accurate electronic information boards at key railway interchanges throughout the Strathclyde Passenger Transport area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide functioning and accurate electronic information boards at key railway interchanges throughout the Strathclyde Passenger Transport area. ","AnswerText":"The functioning and accuracy of electronic information boards at key railway interchanges in the Strathclyde area, is an operational matter for ScotRail, in conjunction with Railtrack and the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive.

However, railway infrastructure projects, including the provision of new electronic information boards, may qualify for financial assistance, through the Scottish Executive's Public Transport Fund. Bids under this fund would have to satisfy eligibility criteria and compete with other bids.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159913,"EventID":"S1W-23338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it can give to Scottish filmmakers wanting to use the former John Brown's shipyard on the Clyde as a location for films or a film studio.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it can give to Scottish filmmakers wanting to use the former John Brown's shipyard on the Clyde as a location for films or a film studio.","AnswerText":"Scottish Screen is working with the property managers to market the site as a production base for film and television companies. One company is currently using it for their production offices while filming on location.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159914,"EventID":"S1W-23339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is per capita in the current financial year of providing (a) water supply and (b) sewerage services to residents of (i) Greater Glasgow, (ii) Edinburgh, (ii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is per capita in the current financial year of providing (a) water supply and (b) sewerage services to residents of (i) Greater Glasgow, (ii) Edinburgh, (iii) Perth, (iv) Aberdeen, (v) Inverness, (vi) the Western Isles and (vii) Orkney and Shetland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available in the form requested. Scottish Water will develop and introduce monitoring information systems, to provide this type of information over the next few years.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159915,"EventID":"S1W-23340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidences of vandalism were reported to police in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidences of vandalism were reported to police in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months.","AnswerText":"The requested information is not held centrally. The available information is given in the table. This relates to crimes recorded by the police for each quarter of 2000 for North Lanarkshire Council area. Data for the year 2001 is not yet available.

Crimes of \"Vandalism, malicious damage and malicious mischief\" recorded by the police in North Lanarkshire, 2000

Period

Crimes

Quarter 1 Jan - March

1,101

Quarter 2 April - June

972

Quarter 3 July - Sept

983

Quarter 4 Oct - Dec

1,672

Total for 2000

4,728

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159916,"EventID":"S1W-23341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests were made for offences of vandalism in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons arreste","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests were made for offences of vandalism in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons arrested were juvenile or adult.","AnswerText":"The requested information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159917,"EventID":"S1W-23342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions were instigated for offences of vandalism in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the pers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions were instigated for offences of vandalism in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons prosecuted were juvenile or adult.","AnswerText":"The information held centrally on persons prosecuted cannot be broken down by parliamentary constituency. The available information relates to persons proceeded against by court and is given in the table. Data for the year 2001 are not yet available.

Persons proceeded against where the main offence was vandalism, Airdrie Sheriff Court and North Lanarkshire District Court, 2000

Age

Month of sentence or acquittal 2000

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Total

Under 21

7

17

5

3

10

5

8

8

7

7

7

4

88

21 & Over

17

10

10

14

10

15

6

10

12

9

16

14

143

Total

24

27

15

17

20

20

14

18

19

16

23

18

231

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159918,"EventID":"S1W-23343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cautions were given for offences of vandalism in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons cauti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cautions were given for offences of vandalism in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons cautioned were juvenile or adult.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. Scotland does not have a system of formal police cautions, as used by police forces in England and Wales.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159919,"EventID":"S1W-23344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests were made in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency for drug-related offences in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons arreste","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests were made in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency for drug-related offences in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons arrested were juvenile or adult.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The available information is given in the following table. This relates to crimes recorded by the police for each quarter of 2000 for North Lanarkshire Council area. Data for the year 2001 is not yet available.

Drugs Crimes Recorded by the Police in North Lanarkshire, 2000:

Period

Crimes

Quarter 1 Jan - March

426

Quarter 2 April - June

482

Quarter 3 July - Sept

449

Quarter 4 Oct - Dec

460

Total for 2000

1,817

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159920,"EventID":"S1W-23345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions were instigated for drug-related offences in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the pers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions were instigated for drug-related offences in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons prosecuted were juvenile or adult.","AnswerText":"The information held centrally on persons prosecuted, cannot be broken down by parliamentary constituency. The available information relates to persons proceeded against by court and is given in the following table. The statistics identify persons proceeded against where the main offence involved the illegal importation, cultivation, supply or possession of drugs. Other offences may be drug-related, such as those committed to fund a drug habit, but these cannot be separately identified within the statistics held centrally. Data for the year 2001 are not yet available.

Persons proceeded against where the main offence was a drugs offence, Airdrie Sheriff Court and North Lanarkshire District Court, 2000:

Age

Month of sentence or acquittal in 2000

Jan

Feb

Mar

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Total

Under 21

7

18

11

8

9

4

8

6

8

13

9

2

103

21 & Over

15

41

34

19

15

8

15

27

19

23

19

24

259

TOTAL

22

59

45

27

24

12

23

33

27

36

28

26

362

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159921,"EventID":"S1W-23346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cautions were given for drug-related offences in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons cauti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cautions were given for drug-related offences in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons cautioned were juvenile or adult.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. Scotland does not have a system of formal police cautions, as used by police forces in England and Wales","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159922,"EventID":"S1W-23347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests were made in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency for drink-related offences in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons arrest","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests were made in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency for drink-related offences in each of the past 12 months, broken down by whether the persons arrested were juvenile or adult.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally. The information in the following table relates to crimes recorded by the police for each quarter of 2000 for North Lanarkshire Council area. Data for the year 2001 is not yet available.

"Drink Related" Crimes and Offences Recorded by the Police in North Lanarkshire, 2000:

Crime/offence

Quarter 1 Jan - March

Quarter 2 April - June

Quarter 3 July - Sept

Quarter 4 Oct - Dec

Total for 2000

Culpable homicide - Death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs

0

0

0

0

0

Drunkenness

144

171

183

180

678

Offences by licensed persons

2

2

5

1

10

Other offences against liquor licensing laws

5

23

1

2

31

Consumption of alcohol in designated places

219

289

231

208

947

Drunk driving etc

165

190

174

208

737

Total

535

675

594

599

2,403

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159923,"EventID":"S1W-23348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in each of the past 12 months police were required to attend a young persons' residential care facility in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions in each of the past 12 months police were required to attend a young persons' residential care facility in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency (a) to conduct inquiries pertaining to persons reported missing by staff and (b) in the course of criminal investigations.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159924,"EventID":"S1W-23349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-17830 and S1W-19099 by Susan Deacon on 27 September and 12 November 2001, how many patients are now in receipt of equipment for t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-17830 and S1W-19099 by Susan Deacon on 27 September and 12 November 2001, how many patients are now in receipt of equipment for the treatment of sleep apnoea.","AnswerText":"There are at present 2,355 patients in Scotland receiving Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, for sleep apnoea.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159925,"EventID":"S1W-23350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current waiting time for the Sleep Centre in Edinburgh is now two years and six months; whether there are over 100 patients waiting to be seen at the centre f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current waiting time for the Sleep Centre in Edinburgh is now two years and six months; whether there are over 100 patients waiting to be seen at the centre for a first out-patient appointment, and whether it has concerns over these figures given that a substantial number of roads accidents may be directly related to sleep apnoea.","AnswerText":"Waiting times for all services, including sleep apnoea, depend on clinical priority. The highest priority of patients referred to the Sleep Centre in Edinburgh, have their initial appointment within four to six weeks, while routine cases may at present wait 10 months for their initial assessment.

There are 1,042 people on the waiting list for a first appointment at the Sleep Centre. The Scottish Executive is concerned about long waiting times and is determined that the NHS should reduce them.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159926,"EventID":"S1W-23351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17093 by Susan Deacon on 15 August 2001, what the outcome has been of the review of the sleep apnoea service provided by the Sleep ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17093 by Susan Deacon on 15 August 2001, what the outcome has been of the review of the sleep apnoea service provided by the Sleep Centre in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The outcome of the review was an agreement by NHS Lothian to fund services for Lothian patients in 2001-02 at the same level as applied in 2000-01. NHS Lothian agreed to consider future funding levels for sleep disorder services, in the context of strategic and financial planning for 2002-03. The outcome of the review in respect of other NHS boards which send patients to the Sleep Centre, was that additional funding would be provided in 2001-02, with future funding levels being reviewed in the context of planning for 2002-03.

Information about planned funding levels for 2002-03 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159927,"EventID":"S1W-23352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what income was received by Inverness Airport in each year since 1997, broken down by the source of the income.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what income was received by Inverness Airport in each year since 1997, broken down by the source of the income.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the Annual Reports and Accounts for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Bib. numbers are as follows:

1996-97

19892

1997-98

20023

1998-99

3976

1999-2000

7211

2000-01

15017

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159928,"EventID":"S1W-23353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expenditure of Inverness Airport was in each year since 1997, broken down by category of expenditure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expenditure of Inverness Airport was in each year since 1997, broken down by category of expenditure.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23352.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159929,"EventID":"S1W-23354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the salary and remuneration was of each board member of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the salary and remuneration was of each board member of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The salaries of the Chairman and members of the board of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd are as follows:
 

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

Chairman (part-time)

£17,098

£17,611

£17,963

£18,188

£18,679

£19,240

Managing Director (full-time)

£57,478

£60,000

£61,200

£61,965

£63,638

£65,548

Non-Executive Board Members (part-time)

£5,459

£5,623

£5,735

£5,807

£5,964

£6,143

Details of remuneration are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159930,"EventID":"S1W-23355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide profit and loss accounts for each of the airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide profit and loss accounts for each of the airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23352.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159931,"EventID":"S1W-23356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22295 by Malcolm Chisholm on 7 February 2002, how many of the 88 young people on the waiting list of the Young People's Unit are fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22295 by Malcolm Chisholm on 7 February 2002, how many of the 88 young people on the waiting list of the Young People's Unit are from the Scottish Borders.","AnswerText":"There are no patients from the Borders on the waiting list for the Young People's Unit.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159932,"EventID":"S1W-23357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22295 by Malcolm Chisholm on 7 February 2002, how many of the 88 young people on the waiting list of the Young People's Unit are fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22295 by Malcolm Chisholm on 7 February 2002, how many of the 88 young people on the waiting list of the Young People's Unit are from East Lothian.","AnswerText":"There are nine patients on the waiting list for the Young People's Unit, who are registered with East Lothian general practitioners.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159933,"EventID":"S1W-23358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which roads are part of the Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T); whether the A82 is included; whether the trans-European character of this route renders it eligi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which roads are part of the Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T); whether the A82 is included; whether the trans-European character of this route renders it eligible for EU funding and, if so, what maximum funding can be sought, and whether it is considering making an application for such funding and, if so, what stage its consideration has reached.","AnswerText":"The Trans-European Transport Network aims to ensure the sustainable mobility of persons and goods across the EU. It includes all transport links within the EU that are considered to be of common interest, including the Scottish motorway network and a number of trunk roads, including the A82 between Glasgow and Invergarry. The EU may contribute up to 10% of the project cost of schemes on these routes. The Executive currently has no plans to make an application for Trans-European Network support, for any scheme on the A82.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159934,"EventID":"S1W-23359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19038 by Susan Deacon on 23 November 2001, when it plans to publish the report on the outcome of the Scottish Cervical Screening li","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19038 by Susan Deacon on 23 November 2001, when it plans to publish the report on the outcome of the Scottish Cervical Screening liquid-based cytology pilot.","AnswerText":"I have considered the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme's final report on the Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) Pilot, and have accepted the Cervical Screening National Advisory Group's recommendations that LBC should be introduced into the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme. To assist with the initial set up and training costs, I have made available to the National Services Division, CSA up to £2.75 million.

The Report on the LBC Pilot is available on the SHOW Website at: www.show.scot.nhs.uk in the publications section.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159935,"EventID":"S1W-23360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19038 by Susan Deacon on 23 November 2001, when it will make a decision on the new smear-taking method, liquid-based cytology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19038 by Susan Deacon on 23 November 2001, when it will make a decision on the new smear-taking method, liquid-based cytology.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23359.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159936,"EventID":"S1W-23361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful awards made under the Rural Stewardship Scheme were to farmers and crofters with IACS holdings, not including common gra'ings, of under 10 hectares. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful awards made under the Rural Stewardship Scheme were to farmers and crofters with IACS holdings, not including common gra'ings, of under 10 hectares. ","AnswerText":"Thirty-three awards made under the Rural Stewardship Scheme were to farmers and crofters with an IACS holding, not including common grazings, of 10 hectares or below in area.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159937,"EventID":"S1W-23362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all patients who would benefit from linear accelerators to treat tumours will have access to this treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all patients who would benefit from linear accelerators to treat tumours will have access to this treatment.","AnswerText":"NHS doctors are responsible for ensuring appropriate clinical treatment in individual cases.

Radiotherapy, which is delivered by linear accelerators, is provided from all five cancer centres in Scotland, in Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159938,"EventID":"S1W-23363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contracts or the tender documents for the contracts in respect of the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh relating to the cafeteria facilities for staff, patient","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contracts or the tender documents for the contracts in respect of the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh relating to the cafeteria facilities for staff, patients and visitors include or included provisions regarding cost and nutrition and, if so, whether it will provide details of these.","AnswerText":"The Project Agreement covers the provision of catering facilities for staff, patients and visitors within the main restaurant in the hospital (and the food court which will be provided in Phase II of the development). All aspects of the catering service are covered by an Assured Safe Catering programme and the food service will provide Recommended Nutritional Intake for all nutrients and Estimated Average Requirements for food energy for the patient groups it is planned to serve. All menus provide an identified healthy choice, which complies with national and local food policies. The catering service also reflects the dietetic needs and preferences of cultural and minority groups.

The charges made within the main restaurant are in line with the current charges at the old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Any increases in restaurant charges will be made in consultation with the trust to ensure consistency of prices across the wider trust. The lease issued by Consort Healthcare (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary) Ltd to the operator of the food court ensures that the operator will not charge any more than High Street prices.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159939,"EventID":"S1W-23364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will make available in respect of the redevelopment of Waverley Station, what form that funding will take and from what budget it will be allocated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will make available in respect of the redevelopment of Waverley Station, what form that funding will take and from what budget it will be allocated.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, in partnership with the Strategic Rail Authority, is currently considering several options for the redevelopment of Waverley Station. Funding issues will be addressed as part of that process.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159940,"EventID":"S1W-23365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it can give to the people of Colonsay over the future of freight services to the island.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assurances it can give to the people of Colonsay over the future of freight services to the island.","AnswerText":"Caledonian MacBrayne currently offers reliable and affordable ferry services, providing for passengers, cars and freight traffic, to Colonsay and other island communities in the Clyde and Western Isles. We are fully committed to protecting fares and levels of service in the forthcoming tendering of Clyde and Western Isles ferry services.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159941,"EventID":"S1W-23366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22004 by Cathy Jamieson on 31 January 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the #6.4 million rural weighting by local authority","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22004 by Cathy Jamieson on 31 January 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the #6.4 million rural weighting by local authority and per school place in each local authority.","AnswerText":"Twelve local authorities are considered as delivering pre-school education in "very rural" areas, i.e. areas where more than 15% of the population live in communities of less than 1,000.

The "rural" allocations which form part of the 2002-03 local government settlement are shown in the following table. The distribution methodology used took account of the population share of three- and four-year-olds in the 12 authorities concerned.

Local Authority

Rural Grant

Aberdeenshire

£1,348,000

Angus

£370,000

Argyll and Bute

£431,000

Dumfries and Galloway

£827,000

Eilean Siar

£255,000

Highland

£1,207,000

Moray

£310,000

Orkney

£184,000

Perth and Kinross

£489,000

Scottish Borders

£506,000

Shetland

£258,000

Stirling

£242,000

Scotland

£6,427,000

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159942,"EventID":"S1W-23367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish a rural version of the Social Inclusion Partnerships initiative and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish a rural version of the Social Inclusion Partnerships initiative and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The network of 48 Social Inclusion Partnership's which has been established across Scotland includes both urban and rural areas. Rural areas such as Moray are being supported as well as traditional urban areas, such as Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159943,"EventID":"S1W-23368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times its Ministerial Committee on Rural Development has met, what the date of each meeting was, what items were discussed at each meeting and who attended each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times its Ministerial Committee on Rural Development has met, what the date of each meeting was, what items were discussed at each meeting and who attended each meeting.","AnswerText":"Thirteen meetings of the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development were held during the period from 1 September 1999 to November 2001: on 1 September, 5 October, and 25 November 1999; 31 January, 13 March, 5 April, 6 September and 8 November 2000; 30 January, 26 March, 14 June, 11 September and 14 November 2001. In January 2002, the name of the committee was changed to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rural Development, with the following membership: the Minister for Environment and Rural Development, the Minister for Social Justice, the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, the Minister for Finance and Public Services, Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development and the Deputy Minister for Tourism Culture and Sport. Details of the membership of Cabinet Sub-Committees are available on the Scottish Executive website. So far this year the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rural Development has met once, on 5 February 2002.

All meetings discussed a variety of issues that impact on Rural Development in Scotland.

As indicated in the Guide to Collective Decision Making, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 5884) and on the Scottish Executive website, the Executive operates on the basis of collective responsibility and does not disclose details of the internal processes through which decisions have been made. For that reason, the Executive does not normally comment on which ministers attended specific meetings.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159944,"EventID":"S1W-23369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training arrangements it expects local authorities to make in order to ensure that all local authority employees dealing in the money markets on behalf of their auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training arrangements it expects local authorities to make in order to ensure that all local authority employees dealing in the money markets on behalf of their authorities are suitably qualified. ","AnswerText":"These are matters for local authorities, although we would expect them to have regard to the revised CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management in the Public Sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159945,"EventID":"S1W-23370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what supervisory arrangements it expects local authorities to implement in order that local authority employees dealing in the money markets on behalf of their authoritie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what supervisory arrangements it expects local authorities to implement in order that local authority employees dealing in the money markets on behalf of their authorities are adequately monitored at all times.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23369.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159946,"EventID":"S1W-23371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it issues to local authorities with regard to placing of local authority monies on the money markets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it issues to local authorities with regard to placing of local authority monies on the money markets.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently issues no guidelines to local authorities on this issue. Local authorities are constrained by the Trustees Investment Act 1961 and are expected to have regard to the CIPFA Code of Treasury Management.

The Scottish Executive intends to use the forthcoming Scottish Local Government Bill to introduce a regulatory framework, which will enable local authorities to make a wider range of investments without increasing their risk exposure.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159947,"EventID":"S1W-23372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish an estimate of the volume of daily transactions by local authorities on the money market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish an estimate of the volume of daily transactions by local authorities on the money market.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159948,"EventID":"S1W-23373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what professional advice it expects local authorities to seek on an on-going basis with regard to risk and performance when placing monies on the money markets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what professional advice it expects local authorities to seek on an on-going basis with regard to risk and performance when placing monies on the money markets.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities, although we expect them to have regard to the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services (2001) and professional advice where it is an issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159949,"EventID":"S1W-23374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22504 by Peter Peacock on 13 February 2002, when the dedicated website for marketing the new Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22504 by Peter Peacock on 13 February 2002, when the dedicated website for marketing the new Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park will be operational.","AnswerText":"The dedicated website (www.justoutstanding.co.uk) has been operational since mid-November 2001 and will be registered with a search engine as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159950,"EventID":"S1W-23375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will look favourably on Stirling Council's request to hold the Teith Ward by-election by postal ballot only.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will look favourably on Stirling Council's request to hold the Teith Ward by-election by postal ballot only.","AnswerText":"Stirling's application to hold an all-postal ballot in Teith Ward was approved on 27 February.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159951,"EventID":"S1W-23376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortage of specialist thoracic surgeons in the NHS in Scotland and, if so, how many vacancies currently exist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortage of specialist thoracic surgeons in the NHS in Scotland and, if so, how many vacancies currently exist.","AnswerText":"The latest available information from ISD Scotland, indicates that there were three consultant vacancies and no staff grade vacancies in the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery, at 30 September 2000.

The number of higher specialist training posts available in Scotland is regularly adjusted to meet the projected number of new consultants needed to meet known and anticipated turnover and local service developments. In March 2001 the specialist registrar establishment for cardiothoracic surgery was increased from 10 to 13.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159952,"EventID":"S1W-23377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licences for dichlorvos issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are still in operation and what remaining quantity of the chemical these licences a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licences for dichlorvos issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are still in operation and what remaining quantity of the chemical these licences account for.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159953,"EventID":"S1W-23378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which chemicals the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has licensed for use on fish farms and what annual amount of each of them is allowed to be discharged.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which chemicals the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has licensed for use on fish farms and what annual amount of each of them is allowed to be discharged.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159954,"EventID":"S1W-23379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out any assessment of the impact of depopulation on those areas which the Registrar General has forecast will be significantly depopulated by 2016.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out any assessment of the impact of depopulation on those areas which the Registrar General has forecast will be significantly depopulated by 2016.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not, to date, carried out any assessment of the impact of depopulation on the aforementioned areas. However, analysts within the Executive are planning to consider migration and demographic change in Scotland, and how it will impact upon the Scottish economy.

The Framework for Economic Development in Scotland, published in June 2000, recognises that regional and social development are important both for the attainment of the equity objectives of the Executive, and for the enhancement of overall economic growth. The framework notes (on page 65) that one of the Executive's objectives is \"to maintain and foster the wide range of communities throughout Scotland\".","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159955,"EventID":"S1W-23380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when permission will be given for tonsillectomies to be resumed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when permission will be given for tonsillectomies to be resumed.","AnswerText":"Routine tonsil and adenoid surgery, performed with single-use instruments, re-commenced with effect from 11 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159956,"EventID":"S1W-23381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to health boards about tackling the backlog of tonsillectomies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to health boards about tackling the backlog of tonsillectomies.","AnswerText":"Routine tonsil and adenoid surgery, performed with single-use instruments, re-commenced with effect from 11 March 2002.

The National Waiting Times Unit, which I established earlier this year, is working with NHSScotland to tackle the lengthy waits for routine tonsil and adenoid surgery which have built up, whilst concerns over patient health and safety and issues around surgical instruments were resolved.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159957,"EventID":"S1W-23382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to health boards about any alternative methods of carrying out tonsillectomies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has given to health boards about any alternative methods of carrying out tonsillectomies.","AnswerText":"Methods of carrying out surgery are matters for individual surgeons.

In light of a number of reported cases of complications following surgery performed with single-use instruments, and in response to concerns over patient health and safety, the Chief Medical Officer advised ear, nose and throat surgeons on 21 December 2001 that routine tonsil and adenoid surgery procedures should be postponed with immediate effect. An audit of all tonsil and adenoid surgery performed with single-use instruments since July 2001 was undertaken, and routine surgery re-commenced with effect from 11 March 2002. A prospective audit of surgery is now under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159958,"EventID":"S1W-23383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to tighten the checks on the illegal importation of meat at ports and airports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to tighten the checks on the illegal importation of meat at ports and airports.","AnswerText":"The Executive is working closely with the UK Government and enforcement agencies, to produce a comprehensive action plan to help deter and detect illegal imports. Already, action has been taken to publicise UK import rules overseas, and more effective posters are now on display at our ports and airports to underline the need for increased vigilance. Efforts have also been stepped up to improve detection and prosecution of deliberate attempts to bring illegal imports into the country. There is a greater emphasis on sharing intelligence and increased powers for local authorities to search and seize meat etc. at the point of sale where such products could not have been imported legally. The Veterinary Laboratory Agency has been asked to carry out a detailed risk assessment, so that effort and resources can be targeted to areas which are thought to represent the greatest risk.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159959,"EventID":"S1W-23384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much illegally imported meat was sei'ed at ports and airports in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much illegally imported meat was sei'ed at ports and airports in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Figures on Scottish seizures are only available for the last three financial years and are as follows:
 

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

(to date)

Total seized

47 kilos

92 kilos

94 kilos

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159960,"EventID":"S1W-23385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action West of Scotland Water will take to ameliorate the impact of noise on recreational users of the Milngavie reservoir during construction and after construction","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action West of Scotland Water will take to ameliorate the impact of noise on recreational users of the Milngavie reservoir during construction and after construction of the water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's reply is:

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22386 on 8 February 2002, and specifically to pages 2-20 to 2-21 of the Environmental Statement, which is available for inspection at the offices of East Dunbartonshire Council and West of Scotland Water.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159961,"EventID":"S1W-23386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the dimensions are of the proposed new Milngavie water treatment plant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the dimensions are of the proposed new Milngavie water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's reply is:

This information is contained within the planning application submission to East Dunbartonshire Council. The overall dimensions for the water treatment works are as follows:

The total length along the back of the building: 210 meters

The total length along the front of the building: 243 meters

The general width at the filter block: 44 meters.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159962,"EventID":"S1W-23387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs are of providing treated water from (a) Loch Katrine and (b) Loch Lomond per megalitre of water treated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs are of providing treated water from (a) Loch Katrine and (b) Loch Lomond per megalitre of water treated.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's reply is:

These costs are not comparable, as the water supplied from each of the lochs is not treated to the same standards.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159963,"EventID":"S1W-23388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental regulation and approval processes apply to the extraction of water for drinking water purposes from (a) Loch Lomond and (b) Loch Katrine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental regulation and approval processes apply to the extraction of water for drinking water purposes from (a) Loch Lomond and (b) Loch Katrine.","AnswerText":"The abstraction of water for public water supplies, from these sources, is governed by the following legislation:

1. Glasgow Corporation Consolidation (Water, Transport and Markets) Order 1964. This act specifies conditions and compensation flows.

2. The Glasgow Corporation Water Order 1968. This act reduces the compensation flow from Loch Arklet.

3. The Loch Lomond Water Board Order 1966.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159964,"EventID":"S1W-23389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22085 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, in relation to the Community Forum, (a) who its members are and how they were selected, (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22085 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, in relation to the Community Forum, (a) who its members are and how they were selected, (b) how often the forum will meet, (c) what its remit is and (d) what commitment West of Scotland Water has made to addressing the matters raised by the forum's members.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's reply is:

(a) West of Scotland Water has set up the Community Forum to promote understanding of the project during the construction phase through the community councils, local groups and to the wider public. It was established as a result of proposals at the public meetings held on 29 and 30 August 2001. The forum comprises representatives of the local community councils and interest groups, together with Katrine Water Project personnel with the composition as follows:

1 representative from Baldernock Amenity Society;

1 representative from Baldernock Community Council;

1 representative from Friends of Milngavie Reservoir;

2 representatives from Milngavie Community Council;

1 representative from Milngavie Civic Trust;

1 representative from Mugdock Association, and

1 representative from Strathblane Community Council.

There are four representatives from Katrine Water Project involving:

1 representative from West of Scotland Water (Chair);

2 representatives from Stirling Water, and

1 representative from West of Scotland Water Community Relations Unit (minute secretary).

(b) The Community Forum meets every two months.

(c) At the inaugural meeting, the Community Forum agreed the Terms of Reference as well as accepting a list of recipients for the approved minutes (refer to Appendix 1 and 2).

(d) West of Scotland Water is committed to the objectives of the forum and the authority has also undertaken to address community concerns wherever possible. The Community Forum will consider how best to communicate project implementation issues to the wider public. With West of Scotland Water committed to the continual improvement of customer relations, appropriate resources will be put in place to assist the forum. West of Scotland Water and the Katrine Water Project have undertaken to take practicable steps to minimise the disruption to the local community during construction.

Appendix 1

KATRINE WATER PROJECT

COMMUNITY FORUM

TERMS OF REFERENCE

General

  • West of Scotland Water (WoSW) will organise a Community Forum (CF) for the Katrine Water Project (KWP).

  • The CF will comprise representatives of WoSW, the KWP team and representatives from local organisations Milngavie Community Council, Milngavie Civic Trust, Baldernock Community Council, Strathblane Community Council, Baldernock Amenity Society, Mugdock Association and Friends of Milngavie Reservoir.

It is expected that all representatives will liaise with their respective organisations in a timely manner.

  • Other attendees, as required, can be invited to specific meetings by agreement and at the discretion of the CF.

  • The CF will run from the date of the first and inaugural meeting to twelve months after the completion of construction.

  • The frequency of meetings and venue will be determined and agreed by the CF.

  • WoSW will provide meeting facilities for the CF.

  • WoSW will chair the CF and will provide a minutes secretary. Draft Minutes will be provided to all attendees and organisations represented within seven days of a meeting. Additional distribution of minutes will be agreed by the CF.

  • WoSW will give a minimum of three weeks notice for meetings and will issue meeting documentation no less than seven days prior to a meeting.

  • The agenda for meetings is : Agenda

    1. Apologies for Absence

    2. Minutes of previous Meeting

    3. Matters Arising

    4. Report from the Contractor

    5. Community Feedback

    6. Construction Programme

    7. Community Feedback

    8. Community Health & Safety

    9. Construction Health & Safety

    10. Agreed Actions

    11. Any Other Competent Business

    12. Date & Venue of next Meeting
<","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159965,"EventID":"S1W-23390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what due diligence tests were carried out by West of Scotland Water before any decisions were made concerning the tendering process for the Katrine Water Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what due diligence tests were carried out by West of Scotland Water before any decisions were made concerning the tendering process for the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

I refer you to the answers given to questions S1W-22821 (on 20 February 2002), S1W-22907 (on 22 February 2002), S1W-23119 (on 5 March 2002) and to my reply to his letter of 15 November 2001. The procurement process was undertaken in accordance with EU procurement requirements. In addition, the whole process was modelled on similar tendering routes for major works of comparable cost and scale elsewhere in the water industry. EC Harris, an internationally renowned Capital Project and Facilities Consultancy, was employed by West of Scotland Water at the inception of the tendering process to advise and oversee all stages of this procedure.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159966,"EventID":"S1W-23391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any former employees of (a) West of Scotland Water and (b) East of Scotland Water have been employed by Stirling Water in the last 18 months and whether any such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any former employees of (a) West of Scotland Water and (b) East of Scotland Water have been employed by Stirling Water in the last 18 months and whether any such employees have complied with those terms of their civil service contract which may affect their subsequent actions. ","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159967,"EventID":"S1W-23392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in disposing of any property it acquired during the construction of the M74 northern extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in disposing of any property it acquired during the construction of the M74 northern extension.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not acquired any property for the M74 northern extension. For the section of the M74/A74(M) between Douglas and the border, missives are being concluded for one property, following an open market sale and two others are subject to negotiation with previous owners. Further disposals are expected soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159968,"EventID":"S1W-23393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the life and works of Thomas Telford.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to promote the life and works of Thomas Telford.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows:

We fully appreciate the significance of Thomas Telford. Most of his surviving works have been given statutory protection, either as scheduled ancient monuments or listed buildings. We have provided major funding for the repair of the Caledonian Canal, and more general support for publications on architectural history which feature his works.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159969,"EventID":"S1W-23394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the statement referred to in motion S1M-2756 in the name of Cathie Craigie that \"limited resources allocated to investigating fatal road traffic a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the statement referred to in motion S1M-2756 in the name of Cathie Craigie that \"limited resources allocated to investigating fatal road traffic accidents affect the quality of the police investigations of them\", detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The statement referred to in motion S1M-2756 reflects a conclusion of a report of the Transport Research Laboratory, which examined issues relating to careless and dangerous driving throughout the UK. Information on expenditure by Scottish police forces, on individual aspects of operational policing with force areas, is not held centrally. Funding for the police, which is currently at record levels, is allocated in total to each force. It is for police authorities in consultation with chief constables to set budgets for individual forces. Once a budget has been agreed, the use of that budget to meet the operational needs of each force is a matter for individual chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159970,"EventID":"S1W-23395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the statements contained in motion S1M-2756 in the name of Cathie Craigie, what effect its allocation of resources has had on police investigations in the Cu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the statements contained in motion S1M-2756 in the name of Cathie Craigie, what effect its allocation of resources has had on police investigations in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each of the past 12 months","AnswerText":"Information on expenditure by police forces on individual aspects of operational policing with force areas is not held centrally. Funding for the police, which is currently at record levels, is allocated in total to each force. It is for police authorities in consultation with Chief Constables to set budgets for individual forces. Once a budget has been agreed, the use of that budget to meet the operational needs of each force is a matter for individual Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159971,"EventID":"S1W-23396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acceptances there were for degrees in physics for each higher education institution in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acceptances there were for degrees in physics for each higher education institution in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Figures on acceptances to specific subjects are not available from UCAS at an institutional level.

Total acceptances to physics degree courses at scottish higher education Institutions for the last five years are shown in the following table:

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

447

424

390

370

315

Source: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159972,"EventID":"S1W-23397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acceptances there were for degrees in chemistry for each higher education institution in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acceptances there were for degrees in chemistry for each higher education institution in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Figures on acceptances to specific subjects are not available from UCAS at an institutional level.

Total acceptances to chemistry degree courses at Scottish higher education institutions for the last five years are shown in the following table:

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

570

505

455

417

375

Source: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

The most recent figures from UCAS suggest that Scottish-domiciled applications to full-time chemistry courses in all UK institutions for 2002, have increased by over 20% on the same point in the process in 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159973,"EventID":"S1W-23398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many physics degrees were awarded in each of the last five years, broken down by grade of degree. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many physics degrees were awarded in each of the last five years, broken down by grade of degree. ","AnswerText":"In the last five years, the number of graduates from higher education physics courses in Scottish institutions, broken down by class of degree, was as shown in the following table:

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

Total

334

345

296

308

296

1st Class

52

45

39

46

42

2nd Class

132

155

103

111

108

3rd Class

35

32

25

21

31

Other

115

113

129

130

115

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Scottish Further Education Funding Council and Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159974,"EventID":"S1W-23399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chemistry degrees were awarded in each of the last five years, broken down by grade of degree.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chemistry degrees were awarded in each of the last five years, broken down by grade of degree.","AnswerText":"In the last five years, the number of graduates from higher education chemistry courses in Scottish higher education institutions, broken down by class of degree was as shown in the following table:

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

Total

700

699

689

649

702

1st Class

85

74

93

87

87

2nd Class

240

235

222

230

227

3rd Class

54

38

45

54

29

Other

321

352

329

278

359

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Scottish Further Education Funding Council and Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159975,"EventID":"S1W-23400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit more orthopaedic surgeons in (a) Greater Glasgow and (b) across Scotland as a whole.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit more orthopaedic surgeons in (a) Greater Glasgow and (b) across Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for individual NHS boards and trusts to assess and provide for local needs and to determine the staffing levels required for effective delivery of service outcomes. Trusts must be able to adapt staffing arrangements to suit the changing pattern of local circumstances, and be judged by outcomes rather than inputs.

The number of higher specialist training posts available in Scotland is regularly adjusted, to meet the projected number of new consultants needed to meet known and anticipated turnover and local service developments. Sixteen doctors training in Scotland are expected to achieve a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training in Orthopaedic Surgery in 2002, allowing them to apply for consultant positions. In March 2001 the specialist registrar establishment for orthopaedic surgery was increased from 50 to 58, a rise of 16%.

We will consider whether additional training posts for orthopaedic surgery should be part of the targeted increase of 375 junior doctors, which was announced on 2 April 2001, for the period to 2004. The targeting will take account of the review of medical workforce planning which is currently under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159976,"EventID":"S1W-23401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently waiting for orthopaedic surgery in Greater Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently waiting for orthopaedic surgery in Greater Glasgow.","AnswerText":"On 31 December 2001, 3,243 patients in NHS Greater Glasgow were awaiting hospital admission for orthopaedic surgery.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159977,"EventID":"S1W-23402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a hip replacement operation in Greater Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a hip replacement operation in Greater Glasgow.","AnswerText":"In the year ending 30 September 2001, the median waiting time for a hip replacement operation in NHS Greater Glasgow was 218 days.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159978,"EventID":"S1W-23403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the average waiting time for a hip replacement operation in Greater Glasgow compares with all other NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the average waiting time for a hip replacement operation in Greater Glasgow compares with all other NHS boards.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for hip replacement surgery, in the year ended 30 September 2001, by NHS board of residence, are given in the following table:

NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times For Hip Replacement Surgery, By NHS Board of Residence: Year Ending 30 September 2001.

NHS Board

30 September 2001

Median Wait (Days)

Argyll and Clyde

182

Ayrshire and Arran

138

Borders

173

Dumfries and Galloway

202

Fife

184

Forth Valley

218

Grampian

109

Greater Glasgow

218

Highland

112

Lanarkshire

133

Lothian

207

Orkney

45

Shetland

147

Tayside

127

Western Isles

56

Scotland

158

Source: ISD, Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159979,"EventID":"S1W-23404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce and eliminate waiting lists and waiting times for patients requiring orthopaedic surgery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce and eliminate waiting lists and waiting times for patients requiring orthopaedic surgery.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to reducing waiting at every stage of the patient's journey through the NHS and to ensuring that journey is as swift and responsive as possible. The current national maximum waiting time for in-patient and day case treatment, including orthopaedic surgery, will be reduced from 12 months to nine months in 2003.

The National Waiting Times Unit expects NHS boards to be targeting lengthy waits for diagnosis and treatment. The unit is currently assessing NHS boards' Local Health Plans to determine how best to distribute additional funding to tackle waiting in 2002-03. It may fund specific initiatives to reduce delays for orthopaedic surgery, depending on the capacity in each NHS board area.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159980,"EventID":"S1W-23405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis the City of Edinburgh Council has been granted additional borrowing of approximately #2 million to defray the costs arising from the demolition of houses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis the City of Edinburgh Council has been granted additional borrowing of approximately #2 million to defray the costs arising from the demolition of houses.","AnswerText":"The City of Edinburgh Council has been awarded additional capital consent of £1.8 million for the regeneration of the Gilmerton area of the city, following the collapse of housing over old limestone workings in late 2000. The support has been granted to the council to help it cope with an emergency situation that it could not reasonably have foreseen, and that was not of its making.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159981,"EventID":"S1W-23406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis Glasgow Housing Association has been offered a #300 million interest free loan payable at #30 million per annum over 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis Glasgow Housing Association has been offered a #300 million interest free loan payable at #30 million per annum over 10 years.","AnswerText":"The annual repayable grant will be made available only if the Glasgow Housing Association can demonstrate that this will be required to overcome any potential cash flow difficulties in the early years following the Glasgow housing transfer. Details of the terms of the grant scheme have still to be finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159982,"EventID":"S1W-23407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22619 by Peter Peacock on 21 February 2002, whether an application by Scottish Borders Council under paragraph 1(2) of schedule 3 o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22619 by Peter Peacock on 21 February 2002, whether an application by Scottish Borders Council under paragraph 1(2) of schedule 3 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1975 for special borrowing in order to reverse the further #5.5 million in cuts voted through by the council administration on Thursday 14 February 2002 would be competent.","AnswerText":"Scottish Borders Council has not submitted a formal application for special borrowing to reverse its budget deficit. Further, the council has now set its budget for 2002-03 and council tax bills have issued. The competence of any future request for special borrowing from the council would depend on the terms on which it was made.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159983,"EventID":"S1W-23408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22619 by Peter Peacock on 21 February 2002, which local authorities have been awarded special or additional borrowing consent under","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22619 by Peter Peacock on 21 February 2002, which local authorities have been awarded special or additional borrowing consent under either paragraph 1(2) of schedule 3 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1975, or any other statutory or non-statutory authorisation in the last three financial years, broken down by (a) date, (b) local authority, (c) statutory or non-statutory authorisation, (d) purpose, (e) the amount awarded and (f) on what terms the award was made.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are empowered to borrow for capital purposes, by virtue of the provisions in schedule 3 to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1975. It is only where they require to borrow money for other than capital purposes (except in relation to any public utility undertaking), or to raise money outside the United Kingdom or in a foreign currency, that they require consent from Scottish ministers. No local authority has been awarded special borrowing consent in the last three financial years.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159984,"EventID":"S1W-23409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on combating the trafficking in human beings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on combating the trafficking in human beings.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues. Officials in the Scottish Executive Justice Department are working with the Home Office on the development of the EU Framework Decision on combating trafficking in human beings.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159985,"EventID":"S1W-23410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to combat the trafficking of people who are subsequently sold into the sex industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to combat the trafficking of people who are subsequently sold into the sex industry.","AnswerText":"Scots criminal law contains a range of provisions - in statute and common law - which protect people from being held unlawfully and from sexual exploitation and abuse. Those involved in sexual exploitation could be committing one or more of a variety of crimes, the most serious of which can attract up to life imprisonment. We are reviewing the law in this area and working with the Home Office on the development of the EU Framework Directive on combating trafficking in human beings and will take steps to implement the directive once it is agreed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159986,"EventID":"S1W-23411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-18517 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 October 2001, how many judges and sheriffs have received training relating to (a) domestic abuse, (b) s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-18517 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 October 2001, how many judges and sheriffs have received training relating to (a) domestic abuse, (b) sexual assault and (c) vulnerable witnesses. ","AnswerText":"These subjects have been, and are, covered in training exercises which have been attended by all the judiciary.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159987,"EventID":"S1W-23412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the current situation in regard to training for the judiciary, so that training in issues such as domestic abuse, sexual assault and vulnerable wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the current situation in regard to training for the judiciary, so that training in issues such as domestic abuse, sexual assault and vulnerable witnesses is compulsory. ","AnswerText":"Training is in the hands of the independent Judicial Studies Committee. I am satisfied that the committee have arrangements to tackle the subjects to which the question refers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159988,"EventID":"S1W-23413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been offered to judges and sheriffs in the last three years and how many have taken part in these training courses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been offered to judges and sheriffs in the last three years and how many have taken part in these training courses.","AnswerText":"All new members of the judiciary have participated in induction courses. There have also been refresher courses for serving sheriffs and a number of special events, for all the judiciary in particular on Human Rights legislation. All Supreme Court Judges and sheriffs have taken part in training at different times.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159989,"EventID":"S1W-23414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many press releases it has issued in each of the last 12 months about issues concerning the judiciary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many press releases it has issued in each of the last 12 months about issues concerning the judiciary.","AnswerText":"We do not keep records of the number of press releases issued on particular topics. The total number of press releases issued in the categories \"Law and Order\" and \"Justice\" in that period was 213. A full archive of these press releases can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/search.aspx?d=last","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159990,"EventID":"S1W-23415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been offered to the judiciary in regard to (a) sentencing and (b) what circumstances should be taken into account when deciding on the sentence for offe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been offered to the judiciary in regard to (a) sentencing and (b) what circumstances should be taken into account when deciding on the sentence for offences relating to (i) domestic abuse and (ii) sexual assault.","AnswerText":"Sentencing is a matter for the independent judiciary and ministers do not issue sentencing guidelines. Sentencing in cases involving domestic abuse or sexual assault will depend on all the circumstances of the case, including any previous convictions of the accused.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159991,"EventID":"S1W-23416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services it funds for survivors of sexual abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services it funds for survivors of sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"I announced on 19 February grant of £120,000 over the next three years to the Moira Anderson Foundation, to help raise awareness of the needs of survivors and to expand local self help groups, and £53,000 over the next two years to the Edinburgh Association for Mental Health, to evaluate operation of a national telephone helpline service for survivors of sexual abuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159992,"EventID":"S1W-23417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has funded into the effects of sexual abuse and what the conclusions of any such research have been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has funded into the effects of sexual abuse and what the conclusions of any such research have been.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) funded a research project in 1995-97, to evaluate the effectiveness of open learning training on sexual abuse in services to people with learning disabilities: Universities of Dundee, Keele and St Andrews; costing £89,998, Principal Investigator Prof. C Cullen. The research concluded that the open learning course was successful in improving student's knowledge of abuse, and enhanced attitudes to its causes.

The Scottish Executive part-funded Beyond Trauma: Mental Health Care Needs Of Women Who Survived Childhood Sexual Abuse, a summary copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 14287).

The CSO is currently funding one project on child sexual abuse. This is a pilot study evaluating an early intervention service, for non-abusing parents of victims of child sexual abuse: Edinburgh University, costing £17,230, Principal Investigator Dr Fiona Forbes. A report on its effectiveness is due soon, and will be considered by the Health Services Research Committee in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159993,"EventID":"S1W-23418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21592 by Ross Finnie on 22 January 2002, when the minutes of the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21592 by Ross Finnie on 22 January 2002, when the minutes of the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment of 24 January 2002, including any report on the GM contamination discovered in Mexico, will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23626 on 14 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159994,"EventID":"S1W-23419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to print, publish and distribute its leaflet Scotland's Economic Future - A new start for a new era - doing it differently and how many copies were distr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to print, publish and distribute its leaflet Scotland's Economic Future - A new start for a new era - doing it differently and how many copies were distributed. ","AnswerText":"The total publication costs of the Scotland's Economic Future leaflet were approximately £8,960. This figure is based on 8,000 copies of the leaflet and 5,000 copies have been distributed to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159995,"EventID":"S1W-23420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its press release SE0285/02 of 7 February 2002, which organisations have been sent the consultation paper The Future of Scotland's Water: Proposals for Legisl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its press release SE0285/02 of 7 February 2002, which organisations have been sent the consultation paper The Future of Scotland's Water: Proposals for Legislation, how much it cost to print and distribute the document and when the consultation period will close.","AnswerText":"The Future for Scotland's Water: Proposals for Legislation has so far been sent to approximately 510 different organisations and individuals. These can be summarised as follows:

Type of organisation

Number

Government

18

Public Bodies

95

Local Authorities

36

Industry

74

Voluntary/Environment Groups

25

Water Industry

6

Fishery Organisations

114

Consultancies

15

Agricultural Sector

19

Legal

14

Leisure

8

Academic/Research

35

Individuals

18

Equality/Churches

12

Other

21

The cost of printing and distributing 2,000 copies of the consultation paper to the above organisations was in the region of £4,500. The consultation period closes on Friday, 5 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159996,"EventID":"S1W-23421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what campaigns specifically related to mental health the Health Education Board for Scotland has conducted since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what campaigns specifically related to mental health the Health Education Board for Scotland has conducted since 1999.","AnswerText":"The board has undertaken a wide range of initiatives relating to mental health since 1999. These include:

  • Support to Scottish Mental Health week every year through the development of resources and a small grant scheme for small, local initiatives.

  • The development of two sets of resources for young people: \"Cool Heads\" for teenagers aged 12 to 16 years and \"Head Kit\" for 16- to 18-year-olds.

  • The highly successful mass media campaign for young people \"Think About It\" that has, at the heart of it, mental health issues and a focus on relationships, self-image and decision-making through adolescence.

  • Schools-based initiatives focussing on mental and emotional health issues.

  • A new strand of media work highlighting the importance of communication, listening and respect for children - all of which relate to the mental and emotional well-being of parents and their children.

  • A recently produced HEBS \"Evidence into Action\" paper focussing on research and evaluation of health for the under-fives includes a section on mental health issues

  • The production and dissemination of research undertaken to consider the role of primary care in the detection and management of mental health problems. A group has subsequently been set up to consider how the voluntary sector and primary care can link together more effectively.

  • The development, with the Institute of Occupational Medicine, of a new resource \"Work Positive\" which relates to stress in the workplace.

Although specific initiatives have yet to be identified, mental health issues will be an important strand of the work of the board's new Children and Families programme. HEBS has also been working with others to consider how best to make explicit links between community development work and its impact on community health. This work is still very much in the early stages of thinking and development.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159997,"EventID":"S1W-23422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding packages have been allocated to the Health Education Board for Scotland for the promotion of mental health issues which specifically target women aged betwee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding packages have been allocated to the Health Education Board for Scotland for the promotion of mental health issues which specifically target women aged between 25 and 45 since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) receives a global financial allocation from the Scottish Executive each year. It is then a matter for the board to apportion these resources according to Operational Plan priorities.

HEBS has, since 1999, undertaken a number of initiatives relating to the promotion of mental health issues. Because mental health issues are integrated into most of HEBS' work, the following figures therefore only reflect what has been ring-fenced and is not necessarily an accurate reflection of the amount of work covering mental health promotion, that is undertaken by HEBS. Nor can the figures be broken down into specific age/sex groups.

1999-2000

£290,000

2000-01

£843,000

2001-02

£1,800,000 (estimate)

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159998,"EventID":"S1W-23423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding packages have been allocated to the Health Education Board for Scotland for the promotion of mental health issues which specifically target men aged between ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding packages have been allocated to the Health Education Board for Scotland for the promotion of mental health issues which specifically target men aged between 25 and 45 since 1999","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23422.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":159999,"EventID":"S1W-23424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding packages have been allocated to the Health Education Board for Scotland for the promotion of mental health issues which specifically target parents of childr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding packages have been allocated to the Health Education Board for Scotland for the promotion of mental health issues which specifically target parents of children under five since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23422.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160000,"EventID":"S1W-23425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is in place in respect of its mental health framework.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is in place in respect of its mental health framework.","AnswerText":"Effective implementation of the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland is key to our ambition for a modern, responsive mental health service. The Mental Health and Well Being Support Group was established specifically to work with all the agencies on this objective and to monitor and report on the progress made. Area outcome reports are published within four weeks of each visit and are available on the Support Group's website at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg/.

This activity reinforces the work of the Scottish Health Advisory Service, which actively reviews and reports on progress at NHS board level in delivering care and support for priority care groups, including mental health. Aspects of the performance of NHS bodies in delivering mental health services is also monitored through the new Performance Assessment Framework. Any significant problems highlighted will be discussed between the department and the NHS board at the annual accountability review. Agreed action will be set out in the accountability review summary letter, which will be published.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160001,"EventID":"S1W-23426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether detailed costings for the implementation of the Millan Committee recommendations have been completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether detailed costings for the implementation of the Millan Committee recommendations have been completed.","AnswerText":"A Mental Health Bill will be introduced later this year, which will give effect to the Millan Committee recommendations, as described in the policy statement \"Renewing Mental Health Law\", published in October 2001. The accompanying Financial Memorandum will set out the best estimates of the costs to which the provisions of the bill could give rise.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160002,"EventID":"S1W-23427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific monies have been made available to the Health Education Board for Scotland for an anti-stigma campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific monies have been made available to the Health Education Board for Scotland for an anti-stigma campaign.","AnswerText":"The Health Education Board for Scotland has not been provided with additional funds, relating to a national anti-stigma campaign. The Scottish Executive is, however, planning to commission such a campaign as one element of the National Programme for the Improvement of Mental Health.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160003,"EventID":"S1W-23428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22857 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 February 2002, why the support it provides for lip-reading \"is focussed on the training of tutors i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22857 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 February 2002, why the support it provides for lip-reading \"is focussed on the training of tutors in lip-reading, rather than the support of classes in particular areas of the country\".","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive support for lip-reading skills is focussed on the training of tutors in lip-reading, rather than the support of classes in particular areas of the country because support for local classes is a matter for local authorities and health boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160004,"EventID":"S1W-23429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22857 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 February 2002, what studies and consultation it undertook prior to implementing its policy in regar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22857 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 February 2002, what studies and consultation it undertook prior to implementing its policy in regard to support for lip-reading skills.","AnswerText":"We consulted with the providers of lip-reading skills training.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160005,"EventID":"S1W-23430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22857 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 February 2002, what grants under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 have been made to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22857 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 February 2002, what grants under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 have been made to assist the provision of lip-reading skills in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Grants awarded under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 are to national voluntary organisations and would therefore not be awarded to the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160006,"EventID":"S1W-23431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22857 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 February 2002, what grants under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 have been made to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22857 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 February 2002, what grants under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 have been made to assist the provision of lip-reading skills in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Grants awarded under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 are to national voluntary organisations and would therefore not be awarded to the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160007,"EventID":"S1W-23432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many short-term sex offenders have been released from HM Prison Edinburgh in each month since September 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many short-term sex offenders have been released from HM Prison Edinburgh in each month since September 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

September

1

October

4

November

2

December

3

January

5

February

4

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160008,"EventID":"S1W-23433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police force areas have been notified of the release of short-term sex offenders in each month since September 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police force areas have been notified of the release of short-term sex offenders in each month since September 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Governors notify the relevant police forces, of those prisoners who are on the Sex Offender Register and are due for release. The specific information requested is not collated centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160009,"EventID":"S1W-23434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are used by the Scottish Prison Service to notify police force areas of the release of short-term sex offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are used by the Scottish Prison Service to notify police force areas of the release of short-term sex offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The legal requirement to notify the police is placed on the offender. It has nevertheless been agreed following discussion with the other Criminal Justice Agencies, that the SPS will issue reminders about notification, to relevant prisoners, as part of the discharge process, and inform the police when relevant offenders are released.

When a prisoner is liberated, a notice that summarises the notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Act is given to the prisoner. A second copy is filed, a third copy is sent to the Chief Constable for the area to which the prisoner is to be discharged and a fourth to the Prison Social Work Unit for onward transmission to the relevant Community Social Work Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160010,"EventID":"S1W-23435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are in place to ensure that no short-term sex offenders are released without a proper risk assessment and consultation with the relevant police force being","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are in place to ensure that no short-term sex offenders are released without a proper risk assessment and consultation with the relevant police force being undertaken and when these processes were put in place.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The requirement to notify the police is placed on the offender. It has, nevertheless, been agreed following discussion with the other Criminal Justice Agencies, that the SPS will issue reminders about notification as part of the discharge process, and inform the police when relevant offenders are released.

When a prisoner is liberated a notice summarising the notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Act is given to the prisoner. Copies are sent to the police in the area to which the prisoner is to be discharged, and to the relevant local authority social work department.

These processes were put in place on 1 September 1997.

Prisoners who are subject to post-release supervision, are allocated to a prison-based social worker on reception. An initial Risk Assessment is carried out in line with National Standards, and pre-release arrangements are in place for co-ordination between the prison and the community-based team, responsible for post-release supervision of the prisoner.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160011,"EventID":"S1W-23436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance staff are employed in the NHS Forth Valley area, broken down by ambulance station location.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance staff are employed in the NHS Forth Valley area, broken down by ambulance station location.","AnswerText":"The table shows the ambulance staff establishment levels by ambulance station location in the NHS Forth Valley area. The stations are all currently staffed to the establishment level.

Station

Accident & Emergency Establishment

(Full-time)

Non-Emergency

(Full-time)

Establishment

(Part-time)

Alva

10

2

4

Balfron

5

1

-

Callander

5

-

-

Falkirk

23

16

10

Killin

5

-

-

Stirling

18

8

5

Total

66

27

19

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160012,"EventID":"S1W-23437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortage of ambulance staff in the NHS Forth Valley area and, if so, whether information on this shortage can be broken down by ambulance station locat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortage of ambulance staff in the NHS Forth Valley area and, if so, whether information on this shortage can be broken down by ambulance station location.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23436.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160013,"EventID":"S1W-23438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ambulance stations within the Forth Valley Ambulance area do not provide round the clock 24 hour cover.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ambulance stations within the Forth Valley Ambulance area do not provide round the clock 24 hour cover.","AnswerText":"The ambulance stations at Balfron, Callander and Killin operate on an on-call basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160014,"EventID":"S1W-23439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average it takes ambulances within the NHS Forth Valley area to respond to calls, broken down by ambulance station location.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average it takes ambulances within the NHS Forth Valley area to respond to calls, broken down by ambulance station location.","AnswerText":"The table shows the number of 999 emergency calls, broken down by ambulance station in the NHS Forth Valley area, and the average response times for each between 1 April 2001 and 31 January 2002. The service also responded to 6,552 GPs' urgent calls in the NHS Forth Valley area over the same period.

Station

No. of 999 emergency calls

Average response time (minutes)

Alva

1,692

9.9

Balfron

381

16.5

Callander

382

14.2

Falkirk

5,373

9.3

Killin

187

18.3

Stirling

3,547

9.4

Total

11,562

10.0

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160015,"EventID":"S1W-23440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the timescales within which ambulances must respond to calls within the NHS Forth Valley area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the timescales within which ambulances must respond to calls within the NHS Forth Valley area. ","AnswerText":"The Ambulance Service's Emergency Service performance is currently measured against \"ORCON\" national response targets. These vary according to population density and cover targets for the 50th percentile and 95th percentile. For the stations at Alva, Falkirk and Stirling, which are regarded as being \"medium density\" areas, the targets are for 50% of emergency 999 calls to be responded to within eight minutes and 95% within 18 minutes. For the stations at Balfron, Callander and Killin, regarded as \"sparse density\" areas, the targets are 50% within eight minutes and 95% within 21 minutes.

For GPs' urgent calls, the national response time target is to transfer the patient to hospital within 15 minutes of the time agreed with the requesting GP.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160016,"EventID":"S1W-23441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement recommendation 14 of the report Fife Council Independent Enquiry Established by the Chief Executive Following The Conviction of David Logan Murp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement recommendation 14 of the report Fife Council Independent Enquiry Established by the Chief Executive Following The Conviction of David Logan Murphy For the Sexual Abuse of Children in regard to the funding of services for survivors of abuse.","AnswerText":"Recommendation 14 was aimed at local authorities and health boards as well as central government. Services for survivors of childhood sexual abuse are provided by a range of health, education, social care and criminal justice services funded by the Scottish Executive. The Executive also funds voluntary sector bodies to undertake work in this area, and I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-4765 on 28 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160017,"EventID":"S1W-23442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations from the report Fife Council Independent Enquiry Established by the Chief Executive Following The Conviction of David Logan Murphy For the Sexual Abu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations from the report Fife Council Independent Enquiry Established by the Chief Executive Following The Conviction of David Logan Murphy For the Sexual Abuse of Children it will recommend be implemented across all local authorities.","AnswerText":"This was a report commissioned by Fife Council and the recommendations were mainly directed to the council. However, other local authorities may have lessons to learn from the report. We are aware that Fife Council has sent the report to all local authorities and they will want to determine whether the recommendations are relevant to their procedures.

Recruitment practice was a key issue in this case, and the Scottish Executive is currently consulting externally on a safer recruitment \"toolkit\", commissioned by the Executive in response to a recommendation in the report of the Children's Safeguards Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160018,"EventID":"S1W-23443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days is preserved or a similar limitation on imprisonm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days is preserved or a similar limitation on imprisonment is included in the implementation of the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"Under present extradition arrangements with European member states, the 110-day rule does not apply to a fugitive committed to custody in Scotland pending a decision as to their extradition but it applies to fugitives extradited to Scotland once they have been fully committed. The position will be the same under the proposed European Arrest Warrant arrangements.

The purpose of the Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant is to introduce simplified arrangements for the surrender of a fugitive from one member state to another. It does not attempt to regulate how each member state issuing a European Arrest Warrant deals with a fugitive on his return.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160019,"EventID":"S1W-23444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 day","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days is preserved or a similar limitation on imprisonment is included in the implementation of the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23443.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160020,"EventID":"S1W-23445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it has obtained from Her Majesty's Government with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it has obtained from Her Majesty's Government with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days is preserved or a similar limitation on imprisonment is included in the implementation of the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23443.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160021,"EventID":"S1W-23446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the European Commission with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the European Commission with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days is preserved or a similar limitation on imprisonment is included in the implementation of the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23443.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160022,"EventID":"S1W-23447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it has obtained from the European Commission with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 da","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it has obtained from the European Commission with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days is preserved or a similar limitation on imprisonment is included in the implementation of the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23443.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160023,"EventID":"S1W-23448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Council of Ministers of the European Union with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Council of Ministers of the European Union with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days is preserved or a similar limitation on imprisonment is included in the implementation of the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"I refer to the member to the answer given to question S1W-23443.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160024,"EventID":"S1W-23449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to send a representative to future meetings of the Council of Ministers of the European Union where the European arrest warrant will be discussed with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to send a representative to future meetings of the Council of Ministers of the European Union where the European arrest warrant will be discussed with regard to ensuring that the rule of Scots law preventing imprisonment before trial for more than 110 days is preserved or a similar limitation on imprisonment is included in the implementation of the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23443 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160025,"EventID":"S1W-23450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has sent no representative to the meetings of the Council of Ministers of the European Union at which the European arrest warrant was discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has sent no representative to the meetings of the Council of Ministers of the European Union at which the European arrest warrant was discussed.","AnswerText":"I attended the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 16 November 2001, where the proposal for a European Arrest Warrant was discussed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160026,"EventID":"S1W-23451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of administration staff to the total number of beds in the NHS was in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of administration staff to the total number of beds in the NHS was in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the trend in administration staff and available staffed beds, between 1991-92 and 2000-01:

Administration Staff and Available Staffed Beds in the NHS

Year

Administration Staff (WTE)

Average Available Staffed Beds

Ratio of Staff per 100 Beds

1991-92

15,021

48,738

30.8

1992-93

15,890

46,731

34.0

1993-94

16,665

44,185

37.7

1994-95

17,596

42,351

41.5

1995-96

18,016

40,555

44.4

1996-97

17,478

38,427

45.5

1997-98

17,152

36,784

46.6

1998-99

17,030

35,182

48.4

1999-2000

16,822

33,475

50.3

2000-01

17,017

32,103

53.0

Notes:

1. The figures for administration staff include administration and clerical staff, senior management and senior nurse managers, and cover all staff employed by health board areas.

2. The figures for average available staffed beds are based on the ave","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160027,"EventID":"S1W-23452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to re-examine and review the exemption list for prescription charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to re-examine and review the exemption list for prescription charges.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160028,"EventID":"S1W-23453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of medicines per capita in Scotland is lower than in other EU countries and, if so, why this is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of medicines per capita in Scotland is lower than in other EU countries and, if so, why this is.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160029,"EventID":"S1W-23454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, why the valuation for the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame remains confidentia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, why the valuation for the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame remains confidential after the sale has been completed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The Valuation Office Agency provides valuations on a confidential basis, in accordance with the Standard Conditions of Engagement. These are governed in line with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors' Valuation and Appraisal Manual.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160030,"EventID":"S1W-23455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, whether it or the Scottish Prison Service approached the Valuation Office Agency to requ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, whether it or the Scottish Prison Service approached the Valuation Office Agency to request permission for the valuation for the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame to be made public in answer to question S1W-20333 and whether the Valuation Office Agency refused such permission.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No. The answer given to question S1W-23454 today, reflects the current position.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160031,"EventID":"S1W-23456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, whether it or the Scottish Prison Service intend to approach the Valuation Office Agenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, whether it or the Scottish Prison Service intend to approach the Valuation Office Agency to request permission for the valuation for the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame to be made public and whether, if such permission is granted, it will publish the valuation. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No, for the reasons given in answer to question S1W-23454 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160032,"EventID":"S1W-23457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, why the offers received by the Scottish Prison Service for the buildings of former HM P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, why the offers received by the Scottish Prison Service for the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame remain confidential after the sale has been completed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The offers for the buildings of former HM Prison, Penninghame were received on a \"commercial in confidence\" basis and cannot, therefore, be disclosed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160033,"EventID":"S1W-23458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all those from whom it received offers for the purchase of the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all those from whom it received offers for the purchase of the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No. The offers for the purchase of the buildings of former HM Prison, Penninghame were received on a \"commercial in confidence\" basis and cannot, therefore, be disclosed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160034,"EventID":"S1W-23459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, whether it will place the details of the sale of the buildings of the former HM Prison ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20333 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 January 2002, whether it will place the details of the sale of the buildings of the former HM Prison Penninghame in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

As confirmed in the written answer to question S1W-20333 on 28 January 2002, the sale price of the former HM Prison, Penninghame was £275,000. This information is recorded and can be accessed in the Land Register.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160035,"EventID":"S1W-23460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invitations to tender for the purchase of HM Prison Penninghame were made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invitations to tender for the purchase of HM Prison Penninghame were made.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

None. The property was placed for sale on the open market.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160036,"EventID":"S1W-23461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it invited tenders for the purchase of HM Prison Penninghame more than once and, if so, why this was done.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it invited tenders for the purchase of HM Prison Penninghame more than once and, if so, why this was done.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

As confirmed in the written answer to questions S1W-20333 on 28 January 2002, and S1W-23460 on 11 March 2002, no tenders were invited. The property was placed on the open market.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160037,"EventID":"S1W-23462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12675 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 5 February 2001 and in light of the recent report by Casella Stanger confirming the existence of the l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12675 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 5 February 2001 and in light of the recent report by Casella Stanger confirming the existence of the low frequency noise known locally as the \"Largs Hum\", whether it will review its decision not to intervene in this matter and whether it will now arrange for a full and independent inquiry to be carried out in order to determine the source of the noise.","AnswerText":"The question is based on a false premise. The Low Frequency Noise Report, undertaken by Casella Stanger for the Scottish Executive in partnership with DEFRA and the other Devolved Administrations, neither addresses nor confirms the existence of the so-called "Largs Hum". Rather, it sets out general guidance for those dealing with and investigating complaints about low frequency noise.

The use of the term "Largs Hum" implies that the issue is one of general concern to residents of Largs, however, North Ayrshire Council is aware of only three cases from Largs' residents about low frequency noise in the last two years. In one case, the complainant advised the council the noise had stopped, in another a potential acoustic source was identified. In the one other case - behind the present interest in the "Largs Hum" - despite extensive investigations, there has not been clear instrumental evidence showing the existence of a problem. As the answers to previous questions (S1W-12675 on 5 February 2001, 13098 on 9 March 2001 and 14341 on 9 April 2001) on this matter have made clear, the Executive is satisfied that North Ayrshire Council has acted fully and correctly in this matter. North Ayrshire Council officials involved in the case have indicated that they have read, and welcome, the procedures suggested in the Low Frequency Noise Report. They have also stated that they believe their actions met and exceeded the recommendations made therein. In addition, after having made wide-ranging enquiries of various expert bodies, the Executive is satisfied that, insofar as a judgement can be made, there is no identifiable acoustic source in this case.

In the absence of any significant corroboration and after making enquiries of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scottish Power and The Royal Navy and in the light of the proper actions of North Ayrshire Council, the Executive considers it inappropriate to fund the further full independent inquiry sought.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160038,"EventID":"S1W-23464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4594 by Mr Andy Kerr on 7 February 2002, whether it will detail any specific quantitative assessments which have been commissioned ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4594 by Mr Andy Kerr on 7 February 2002, whether it will detail any specific quantitative assessments which have been commissioned or completed of any impact on the economy in rural areas of the introduction of broadband services in the south of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands and whether it will publish any such assessments.","AnswerText":"Specific quantitative assessments of the impact on the economy in the Pathfinder areas have not been commissioned. Such assessments are not straightforward as indicated in UK Online: the broadband future, a report to the Prime Minister published in February 2001. The report noted that quantifying the benefits of broadband \"is not feasible at present, but evidence from the US and advice from UK industry suggests that it is likely that they will be a significant factor in determining national competitiveness over the coming years\".

Pathfinder areas were selected on the basis that the market is unlikely to meet anticipated demand under current conditions, including procurement practices.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160039,"EventID":"S1W-23465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints the Scottish Prison Service received regarding any difficulties or incidents experienced during visits by visitors to sex offenders held in institutio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints the Scottish Prison Service received regarding any difficulties or incidents experienced during visits by visitors to sex offenders held in institutions that also held other categories of prisoner in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

This information is not collected.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160040,"EventID":"S1W-23466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19658 by Iain Gray on 16 November 2001, what visits to HM Prison Peterhead have been arranged for 2002 as a result of the prison re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19658 by Iain Gray on 16 November 2001, what visits to HM Prison Peterhead have been arranged for 2002 as a result of the prison receiving the Beacon Site award.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

HMP Peterhead plan to host four Learning Activity Days on:

14 May 2002

26 June 2002

4 September 2002

6 November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160041,"EventID":"S1W-23467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supervisors of the STOP programme were previously involved in delivering training under the programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supervisors of the STOP programme were previously involved in delivering training under the programme.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The STOP programme has been delivered since 1993 in four sites. Such detailed information is not readily available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160042,"EventID":"S1W-23468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of Scottish Prison Service staff trained in the delivery of the STOP programme have, within six weeks of completing such training, participated in the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of Scottish Prison Service staff trained in the delivery of the STOP programme have, within six weeks of completing such training, participated in the programme's delivery.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The STOP programme has been delivered since 1993 in four sites. Such detailed information is not readily available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160043,"EventID":"S1W-23469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of long term prisoners held at (a) HM Prison Shotts and (b) HM Prison Glenochil are from outwith central Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of long term prisoners held at (a) HM Prison Shotts and (b) HM Prison Glenochil are from outwith central Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160044,"EventID":"S1W-23470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any study into the feasibility of the Skye Bridge with the title or Scottish Office number \"RD12\" exists and whether it will place a copy of any such study in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any study into the feasibility of the Skye Bridge with the title or Scottish Office number \"RD12\" exists and whether it will place a copy of any such study in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Study Report, Skye Bridge Revised Study and Economic Feasibility Report was published in 1988 and was lodged on production SO RD12 at the public local enquiry into the Skye Bridge project in 1992. A copy has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19709).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160045,"EventID":"S1W-23471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what audit fees each local authority has been charged by Audit Scotland in each year since 1996-97.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what audit fees each local authority has been charged by Audit Scotland in each year since 1996-97.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Audit Scotland. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160046,"EventID":"S1W-23472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Audit Scotland is required to comply with the principles of Best Value.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Audit Scotland is required to comply with the principles of Best Value.","AnswerText":"The duty of Best Value will be extended across the public sector by spring 2002, including Audit Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160047,"EventID":"S1W-23473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to prevent and tackle homelessness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to prevent and tackle homelessness.","AnswerText":"The Homelessness Task Force has undertaken a major review of the causes and nature of homelessness in Scotland. The Task Force's final report, which makes wide-ranging recommendations on how homelessness can best be prevented and, where it does occur, tackled effectively, is now available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19472). The Executive has endorsed the Task Force's recommendations and will be taking these forward in partnership with local authorities and other relevant agencies. In doing so we will focus particularly on preventing homelessness, on using resources in a more effective manner and on changing current practice in responding to homelessness.

We will be making £11 million available over the next two financial years to support the report's recommendations - this is in addition to the £27 million provided to fund the implementation of the homelessness provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. Local authorities' homelessness strategies will provide the framework for ensuring that these resources are used in the most effective manner. A Monitoring Group will also be established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160048,"EventID":"S1W-23474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any research entitled \"The Conflicting Government 1959 and 1967 Statements on Trespass\" from Alan Blackshaw, OBE, VRD of Newtonmore, Inverness-shi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any research entitled \"The Conflicting Government 1959 and 1967 Statements on Trespass\" from Alan Blackshaw, OBE, VRD of Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, and what its position is on this research and Mr Blackshaw's conclusions and, in particular, on whether there is a law of trespass in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I am aware of the research conducted by Mr Blackshaw relating to the current legal position in respect of access by the public to land. The conflicting evidence on this subject to the Justice 2 Committee from Mr Blackshaw and others, including the Law Society of Scotland, reinforces our view of the need for legislation to establish clear rights of responsible access as set out in Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160049,"EventID":"S1W-23475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it plans to allocate to local authorities in respect of refrigerator recycling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it plans to allocate to local authorities in respect of refrigerator recycling.","AnswerText":"In my reply to Parliamentary Question S1O-04233 on 6 December, I confirmed that the Executive will provide additional funding to Scottish local authorities to assist them with costs arising from the new regulations on the disposal of fridges, freezers and other domestic appliances containing ozone depleting substances. I can now confirm that the Executive has allocated £1.69 million for 2001-02 to assist with these additional costs. This funding will be allocated to local authorities as set out in the following table:

Local Authority

Allocation

Aberdeen City

£69,697

Aberdeenshire

£74,962

Angus

£36,022

Argyll & Bute

£29,295

Clackmannanshire

£15,990

Dumfries & Galloway

£48,105

Dundee City

£47,085

East Ayrshire

£39,802

East Dunbartonshire

£36,547

East Lothian

£30,120

East Renfrewshire

£29,625

Edinburgh City

£149,602

Eilean Siar

£8,970

Falkirk

£47,617

Fife

£115,612

Glasgow City

£201,052

Highland

£68,827

Inverclyde

£27,915

Midlothian

£27,120

Moray

£28,027

North Ayrshire

£45,810

North Lanarkshire

£108,097

Orkney Islands

£6,427

Perth & Kinross

£44,085

Renfrewshire.

£58,387

Scottish Borders

£35,272

Shetland Islands

Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information. This exemption covers information whose disclosure would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion and includes internal opinion, advice, recommendation, consultation and deliberation and confidential communications between departments.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160054,"EventID":"S1W-23480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied under its Central Heating Installation Programme as to the (a) maximum and (b) minimum number of radiators that can be installed in a house or a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied under its Central Heating Installation Programme as to the (a) maximum and (b) minimum number of radiators that can be installed in a house or a flat; what constraints or prohibitions there are as to the rooms in which the radiators can be installed, and whether the same constraints apply uniformly throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The rules for the installation of a central heating system under the Central Heating Installation Programme, are the same throughout Scotland. Landlords in the social rented sector apply similar arrangements. A central heating system is installed to provide heat to the main living areas of the dwelling, such as the living room, the hall, the bathroom and the main bedroom or bedrooms, depending on the size of the household. If a householder lives in a larger property and wishes to extend the system to other parts of the house, they can pay to have the additional work carried out, subject to the agreement of Eaga Partnership and the installer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160055,"EventID":"S1W-23481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is conducted of the spending of funds allocated for the support of pupils with behavioural difficulties and whether it will list any local authorities who","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is conducted of the spending of funds allocated for the support of pupils with behavioural difficulties and whether it will list any local authorities who have either wrongly allocated all or part of these funds to capital expenditure projects which were planned before the funds were made available or have been prevented from allocating funds to such projects.","AnswerText":"Funds allocated by the Scottish Executive under specific grants to local authorities, which would include amounts allocated for the provision of support directed towards pupils with behavioural difficulties, carry certain conditions which are specified at the initial stages of allocation. These conditions must be complied with, otherwise the Executive may require repayment of the full allocation or part thereof. Local authorities are required to inform the Executive how the funds have been spent and must complete a certificate of expenditure for auditing purposes.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160056,"EventID":"S1W-23482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to update the Scottish Ministerial Code.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to update the Scottish Ministerial Code.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ministerial Code was first published in August 1999. It provides a code of conduct and guidance on procedures for Scottish ministers. It also underlines our commitment to working in partnership with the Scottish Parliament. We have updated the code to reflect a number of developments since 1999. The changes include: the addition of the Seven Principles of Public Life as set out in the first report of the Nolan Committee; revised guidance on the procedure for discussion of private interests with incoming ministers; arrangements for appointing Ministerial Parliamentary Aides, and revised guidance on contact with commercial companies. Further changes will be made as and when appropriate, including any changes we consider necessary in relation to contacts with commercial lobbyists following further consideration of the Standards Committee's recent report on lobbying.

Copies of the latest version of the Scottish Ministerial Code will be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre, and on the internet at www.scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160057,"EventID":"S1W-23483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what energy efficiency targets have been built into any evaluation process for proposals for housing stock transfer to housing associations in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what energy efficiency targets have been built into any evaluation process for proposals for housing stock transfer to housing associations in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"Councils, tenants and acquiring landlords will, where appropriate, consider energy efficiency improvements when developing transfer proposals. The detailed specification of individual proposals is a matter for local consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160058,"EventID":"S1W-23484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to ring-fence money to health boards and trusts for the provision of services for survivors of sexual abuse following the findings by researchers fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to ring-fence money to health boards and trusts for the provision of services for survivors of sexual abuse following the findings by researchers from Swansea NHS Trust that abused children have more health problems than non-abused children.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160059,"EventID":"S1W-23485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on designations under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Scotland) Regulations 1994.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on designations under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Scotland) Regulations 1994.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has designated nine bathing waters as sensitive areas, under the terms of the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Scotland) Regulations 1994 (which are intended to implement the obligations of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) in Scotland). This means that water authorities are, or will be providing tertiary treatment for all significant sewage discharges that have been affecting the quality of these bathing waters. Tertiary treatment, which is a higher level of treatment than the norm of secondary treatment, means that discharges will be given either chemical or ultra violet disinfection after biological treatment and before discharge into the receiving waters. This additional treatment will provide further protection to the bathing waters, resulting in public health benefits.

List of Bathing Waters Designated as Sensitive Areas

Fraserburgh

Philorth

Inverboyndie

Nairn Central

Nairn East

Portobello Central

Portobello West

St Andrews East Sands

St Andrews West Sands

I am placing copies of maps, showing the location of these designated bathing water sensitive areas, in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19579 for the Fraserburgh and Philorth map; 19583 for the Inverboyndie map; 19580 for the Nairn Central and East map; 19581 for the Portobello Central and West map, and 19582 for the St Andrews East and West Sands map). Copies will also be deposited with Scottish Environment Protection Agency for public inspection. My officials are sending a letter to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency requiring them to take action under their statutory powers, to ensure compliance with discharge consent conditions which will include tertiary treatment and to monitor the urban waste water discharges to sensitive areas. Additionally, my officials will publish a notice of the designation in the Edinburgh Gazette.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160060,"EventID":"S1W-23486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education has had in the development of the Electronic Communities for Headteachers project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education has had in the development of the Electronic Communities for Headteachers project.","AnswerText":"The development of the Electronic Communities for Headteachers project is still at a very early stage. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education has not been involved in devising the specification for this project.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160061,"EventID":"S1W-23487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when disposable equipment will be widely available for ear, nose and throat operations in the NHS and how many patients are currently waiting for operations requiring ne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when disposable equipment will be widely available for ear, nose and throat operations in the NHS and how many patients are currently waiting for operations requiring new equipment.","AnswerText":"Single-use equipment for tonsil and adenoid surgery has been widely available to NHSScotland since August 2001.

Following concerns about patient health and safety, an embargo on undertaking routine tonsil and adenoid surgery was introduced on 21 December 2001, whilst an audit of all such procedures, performed with single-use instruments was undertaken. Routine tonsil and adenoid surgery recommenced with effect from Monday 11 March 2002.

Information on the number of patients waiting for in-patient and day case treatment is collected centrally at specialty level only. The Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency has now put arrangements in place, so that the number of patients on the in-patient/daycase waiting list, awaiting routine tonsil and adenoid surgery on 31 March 2002, can be accurately identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160062,"EventID":"S1W-23488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sums were received by NHS boards and trusts in donations from the Women's Royal Voluntary Service or other charitable bodies in each year since 1997, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sums were received by NHS boards and trusts in donations from the Women's Royal Voluntary Service or other charitable bodies in each year since 1997, broken down by NHS board area and charitable body. ","AnswerText":"Information on donations received from individual organisations is not held centrally.

The annual accounts of NHS trusts only provide information relating to the utilisation of donations as a whole within the financial year reported.

The total value of charitable donations used to fund revenue expenditure is reported on note 28 of the Summarised Account of NHS trusts in Scotland which can be found in the NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts for the year, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

The following table gives the relevant Bib. numbers:

Publication Title

Bib. number

NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1996-97

19726

NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1997-98

11584

NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1998-99

11585

NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1999-2000

19675

NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts for year ending 31 March 2001

18356

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160063,"EventID":"S1W-23489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made nominations to the staff and board of Postwatch and what discussions it has had with that organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made nominations to the staff and board of Postwatch and what discussions it has had with that organisation.","AnswerText":"Postal services and consumer protection are reserved matters. The Consumer Council for Postal Services, known as Postwatch, currently consists of 14 members: a chairman, nine regional chairmen and four ordinary members. They are all appointed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Postwatch raises issues with the Executive as it feels necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160064,"EventID":"S1W-23490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Minister is responsible for devolved matters relating to the Post Office and its impact in (a) rural areas and (b) deprived urban areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which Minister is responsible for devolved matters relating to the Post Office and its impact in (a) rural areas and (b) deprived urban areas.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Environment and Rural Development is the lead Cabinet Minister on all Post Office related matters of a devolved nature, and I deal with them on a day to day basis. All relevant ministers are consulted as appropriate and, in relation to deprived urban areas, this means close liaison with the Minister for Social Justice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160065,"EventID":"S1W-23491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been received from Her Majesty's Government towards the support of post offices in urban deprived areas and how much it has spent on such post offices. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been received from Her Majesty's Government towards the support of post offices in urban deprived areas and how much it has spent on such post offices. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's Assigned Budget was increased by £1.5 million as a formula consequential, reflecting the funds set aside in England to support post offices in deprived urban areas. Decisions on the use of the Assigned Budget are devolved. Ministers continue to examine the scope for providing support to post offices in deprived urban areas in Scotland. However, no funding has yet been committed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160066,"EventID":"S1W-23492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of reports that interim results from trials of genetically modified oilseed rape show that damage has been caused to the environment and what action i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of reports that interim results from trials of genetically modified oilseed rape show that damage has been caused to the environment and what action it intends to take.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of a newspaper report on this subject but understands that no interim results from the farm scale evaluation programme yet exist for any of the crops which are being assessed. The data from the three years of field trials will be collated upon completion of the programme and the results will be peer reviewed and published thereafter. The Scottish Executive will then consider how to respond to the results.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160067,"EventID":"S1W-23493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will respond to my letter of 6 December 2001 about jobs at West of Scotland Water in Dumfries. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will respond to my letter of 6 December 2001 about jobs at West of Scotland Water in Dumfries. ","AnswerText":"I wrote to the member on 23 October 2001 about this issue. There is no record of a subsequent letter of 6 December on this subject from the member.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160068,"EventID":"S1W-23494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to involve private companies or private finance in assisting those who are temporarily or permanently excluded from school.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to involve private companies or private finance in assisting those who are temporarily or permanently excluded from school.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently has no plans at a national level to engage the private sector in assisting pupils excluded from school.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160069,"EventID":"S1W-23495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines there are to regulate any circumstances in which a local authority may retrospectively alter conditions attached to a planning consent in favour of a dev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines there are to regulate any circumstances in which a local authority may retrospectively alter conditions attached to a planning consent in favour of a developer.","AnswerText":"Section 33 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (the 1997 act) allows a planning authority to grant planning permission for development carried out, without complying with some condition attached to the original planning permission. Where a planning permission of this sort is granted, it can take effect retrospectively from the date the development was carried out.

Section 64 of the 1997 act, empowers a planning authority to vary a grant of planning permission, in circumstances where they take the view that the variation sought by the grantee is not material. It is not possible for such variation to have retrospective effect i.e. the statutory provision does not enable the variation to be effective in respect of the period prior to it being made. Under section 42 of the 1997 act, a developer may seek planning permission to develop land, without complying with conditions attached to a previous planning permission. The planning authority can refuse such an application, grant it subject to new conditions replacing those attached to the previous permission, or grant it unconditionally. Any planning permission granted under this provision cannot have retrospective effect.

Section 65 of the 1997 act, allows planning authorities to promote orders modifying planning permission, where they consider it expedient to so do (i.e. not in response to a request from the developer) and where the development proposal has not been completed or the proposed change of use has not taken place. Again the relevant statutory provision precludes such orders having retrospective effect.

The Executive's Development Department Circular 4/1998 contains guidance on the use of conditions and the mechanisms in sections 33 and 42 of the 1997 act. It is available on the Executive's website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/planning.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160070,"EventID":"S1W-23496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it would expect a local authority to undertake when it is considering retrospectively altering conditions attached to a planning consent in favour of a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it would expect a local authority to undertake when it is considering retrospectively altering conditions attached to a planning consent in favour of a developer and to the detriment of local businesses or local communities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23495 today, regarding the different procedures for amending planning permissions and the circumstances in which they apply.

The procedures in relation to sections 33 and 42 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (the 1997 Act) involve planning applications, and the normal statutory requirements for public consultation, including neighbour notification, consultation with community councils and, where appropriate, advertising apply.

In relation to the power in section 64 of the 1997 act, no planning application is required, and therefore none of the statutory consultation procedures which apply to planning applications would apply.

Where the planning authority decides that it wants to promote an order under section 65 of the 1997 act, they must serve notice on the owner of the land affected, the lessee and the occupier of the land affected and any other person who in their opinion will be affected by the order. Those upon whom a notice has been served may request an opportunity to appear before, and be heard by, a person appointed by the Scottish ministers before the order is confirmed or confirmed subject to modifications.

The Executive is currently engaged in a consultation exercise on public involvement in the planning system, including public consultation on planning applications. The consultation paper, entitled Getting Involved in Planning, is available on the Executive's website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/planning. The consultation period closes on 31 March.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160071,"EventID":"S1W-23497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21183 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 February 2002 and in light of the requirement for best value in public services, how the Scottish Pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21183 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 February 2002 and in light of the requirement for best value in public services, how the Scottish Prison Service compares costs of private prisons with public prisons when it does not calculate the costs to it of the tendering process.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The tender costs are excluded from the costs of both private and public prison models for comparison purposes.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160072,"EventID":"S1W-23498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which companies amongst those involved in Public/Private Partnerships operate final salary pension schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which companies amongst those involved in Public/Private Partnerships operate final salary pension schemes.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the procuring bodies and companies involved in Public/Private Partnerships. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160073,"EventID":"S1W-23499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22695 by Cathy Jamieson on 18 February 2002, how many cases have been brought back to Children's Hearings Panels for review in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22695 by Cathy Jamieson on 18 February 2002, how many cases have been brought back to Children's Hearings Panels for review in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Detailed information on review hearings is an operational matter for the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration.

Supervision requirements must be reviewed by children's hearings no later than one year after they have been made. An earlier review may be called at any time by a children's hearing or by the relevant local authority if the circumstances of the child require it.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160074,"EventID":"S1W-23500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the need to hold young people under 18 years of age in adult penal establishments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce the need to hold young people under 18 years of age in adult penal establishments.","AnswerText":"Young people aged 16 to 20, on conviction, are normally detained in a Young Offenders Institution and not in an adult establishment. Those under 16 who are sentenced by a court to detention are normally held in a secure unit of a residential childcare establishment, but where this is not possible they may, exceptionally, be placed in a Young Offenders Institution.

The Executive's policy is to develop robust, non-custodial disposals to give the court a realistic alternative to custody wherever possible. This is particularly important for young people, who have a high rate of recidivism from short sentences of detention.

In addition, the proposed Criminal Justice Bill will pave the way for piloting arrangements to deal with 16- and 17-year-old offenders, through the children's hearings in appropriate cases. It will also enable those aged 16 to 20 who have been remanded in custody, and those who have attained the age of 14 and who have been certified by a court to be unruly or depraved, to be detained either in a prison or a Young Offenders Institution. At present, the law does not make provision for those concerned to be held in a Young Offenders Institution.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160075,"EventID":"S1W-23501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister is responsible for the construction industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister is responsible for the construction industry.","AnswerText":"I am the minister responsible for the construction industry as part of my portfolio for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160076,"EventID":"S1W-23502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5332/2002 of 12 February 2002, what criteria it used in determining the membership of the Older People's Consultative Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5332/2002 of 12 February 2002, what criteria it used in determining the membership of the Older People's Consultative Forum.","AnswerText":"The Older People's Consultative Forum forms part of the Executive's wider strategy for involving older people. The main criterion for determining membership was that it should comprise older people themselves. Following consultations, national organisations which represent the interests of many older people's groups across Scotland were invited to nominate members.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160077,"EventID":"S1W-23503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-12041 by Susan Deacon on 4 January 2001, how many community nurses, midwives and health visitors have to date received a mobile pho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-12041 by Susan Deacon on 4 January 2001, how many community nurses, midwives and health visitors have to date received a mobile phone hands-free set and accompanying software under the initiative announced by the Scottish Office on 22 March 1999.","AnswerText":"This initiative did not specify the provision of a hands-free mobile set. The numbers of phones issued was given in my answer to question S1W-12041 on 4 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160078,"EventID":"S1W-23504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12042 by Susan Deacon on 4 January 2001, when any community nurses, midwives and health visitors who have not yet received a mobile","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12042 by Susan Deacon on 4 January 2001, when any community nurses, midwives and health visitors who have not yet received a mobile phone hands-free set and accompanying software under the initiative announced by the Scottish Office on 22 March 1999 will receive them.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23503.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160079,"EventID":"S1W-23505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-19339 and S1W-19397 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 26 November 2001 and 11 January 2002, what specific (a) discussions it has had with o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-19339 and S1W-19397 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 26 November 2001 and 11 January 2002, what specific (a) discussions it has had with or (b) representations it has made to (i) Her Majesty's Government and (ii) the European Commission about the impact of the latter's Physical Agents directives on the agriculture and transport sectors.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no function in relation to the health and safety implications of the European Commission's proposed Physical Agents directives.

The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including health and safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160080,"EventID":"S1W-23506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards protecting the \"Darwin Mounds\" and other areas of deep-sea coral off Scotland from damage by fishing activity and whether, following r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards protecting the \"Darwin Mounds\" and other areas of deep-sea coral off Scotland from damage by fishing activity and whether, following recent research published by the Royal Society, it will ask Her Majesty's Government to designate urgently the \"Darwin Mounds\" and other areas of deep-sea coral as marine Special Areas of Conservation.","AnswerText":"The protection of the \"Darwin Mounds\" and any other areas of deep-sea coral that lie beyond the limit of Scottish territorial waters is a reserved matter.

Protection of other areas of deep-sea coral within Scottish territorial waters is a devolved matter. These areas can be designated as Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, but any decision would be made on the basis of available scientific evidence.

The UK Government has announced that it is currently taking steps to implement the site identification and protection requirements of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives beyond territorial waters where it claims sovereign rights. This will involve steps to provide protection where appropriate to several species and habitats, including reefs. As part of this process the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) have been commissioned to identify and agree relevant habitats and species in the 12-200 mile marine zone; to develop selection criteria and refine habitat definitions, and to collate known data on those habitats and species. The JNCC are due to report in April 2002 and the UK plans to host a European conference to discuss the findings of the report during the summer of 2002. Subject to the conclusions of the JNCC report, the Darwin Mounds appear to be a strong candidate for site protection under the Habitats Directive as a Special Area of Conservation.

The Scottish Executive is participating actively with the UK Government to implement the site identification and protection requirements of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives beyond territorial waters.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160081,"EventID":"S1W-23507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average per capita water consumption is of residents in (a) Greater Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Perth, (d) Aberdeen, (e) Inverness, (f) the Western Isles","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average per capita water consumption is of residents in (a) Greater Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Perth, (d) Aberdeen, (e) Inverness, (f) the Western Isles and (g) Orkney and Shetland.","AnswerText":"Detailed studies would be required to produce the information being sought. However, information relating to domestic water consumption in general in Scotland is given in the publication Using Water in the Home in Scotland. Domestic Water Consumption Study 1999, a joint study by the three water authorities, Research Consultancy Services and RPS Water Services which was published in October 2000. A copy of this is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19718).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160082,"EventID":"S1W-23508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has introduced in order to reduce water consumption and what forecasts have been made of average per capita water consumption by residents of (a) Greater","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has introduced in order to reduce water consumption and what forecasts have been made of average per capita water consumption by residents of (a) Greater Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Perth, (d) Aberdeen, (e) Inverness, (f) the Western Isles and (g) Orkney and Shetland in 10 years' time.","AnswerText":"Measures to reduce water consumption include informing water authorities that applications for new Water Orders or amendments to existing Water Orders for the abstraction of water for public water supplies will not be approved unless they can demonstrate that they have achieved the economic level of leakage. Other measures include encouraging the water authorities to undertake joint publicity campaigns to promote water efficiency among customers. They are also required to carry out efficiency audits of their own operations with the proviso that nothing done should compromise public health and that full use should be made of the Welfare to Work scheme to provide an inspection/leakage repair service.

Forecasting domestic water consumption for the areas mentioned would require detailed studies. However, some information on forecasting water consumption in the home can be found in Using Water in the Home in Scotland. Domestic Water Consumption Study 1999, a joint study by the three Scottish water authorities, Research Consultancy Services and RPS Water Services, published in October 2000, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19718).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160083,"EventID":"S1W-23509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to reinstate a regular bus service between Clydebank and Milngavie and whether such a service would be eligible for funding from the Public Tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to reinstate a regular bus service between Clydebank and Milngavie and whether such a service would be eligible for funding from the Public Transport Fund.","AnswerText":"It is for the relevant local transport authority to secure the provision of any public passenger transport services which are considered necessary but are not provided on a commercial basis. Subsidy for the provision of such services is not eligible for funding from the Public Transport Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160084,"EventID":"S1W-23510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to plans to rejuvenate the banks of the River Clyde in Clydebank by transforming the former John Brown shipbuilding site into a film studio.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to plans to rejuvenate the banks of the River Clyde in Clydebank by transforming the former John Brown shipbuilding site into a film studio.","AnswerText":"Scottish Screen is working with the property managers on the site, to assess the feasibility of creating permanent build space and production offices for the film and television industry in Clydebank.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160085,"EventID":"S1W-23511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on demand-led special needs education (a) nationally and (b) by each local authority in each of the last five years for which figures are availabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on demand-led special needs education (a) nationally and (b) by each local authority in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table in Section 5(i) of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) (Scottish Branch) Rating Review Actuals of Income and Expenditure, published annually. Copies for the five years from 1996-97 to 2000-01 are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 7544, 7545, 7548, 14654 and 19781).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160086,"EventID":"S1W-23512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current daily water consumption is of water from Balmore water treatment plant and Milngavie water treatment plant and by how much this will increase following ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current daily water consumption is of water from Balmore water treatment plant and Milngavie water treatment plant and by how much this will increase following completion of the proposed new Milngavie water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Chief Executive of West of Scotland Water to respond. His response is as follows:

The current consumption of water at Balmore water treatment works is approximately 220 megalitres per day. The consumption of water at Milngavie water treatment works is approximately 400 megalitres per day.

The capacity of the Balmore works is approximately 350 megalitres per day. With a leakage reduction of approximately 20 megalitres, this means that 150 megalitres will be available to the Glasgow network. The proposed new water treatment works at Milngavie has been designed to provide 240 megalitres per day based on a leakage reduction for the Glasgow area of 43 megalitres per day.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160087,"EventID":"S1W-23513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the excess capacity of the proposed new Milngavie water treatment plant will be following completion of the Katrine Water Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the excess capacity of the proposed new Milngavie water treatment plant will be following completion of the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22819 on 20 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160088,"EventID":"S1W-23514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Katrine Water Project, what the energy consumption per year will be as a result of pumping treated water from Balmore through the pipe network at Bard","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Katrine Water Project, what the energy consumption per year will be as a result of pumping treated water from Balmore through the pipe network at Bardowie.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

The energy consumption associated with pumping water from Balmore to the existing Glasgow supply system will vary depending upon the water demand in any given year and the mode of operation selected for both the Balmore and the new Milngavie water treatment plants. Based on an average year demand, the energy consumption of pumping from Balmore into the Glasgow supply system could lie within the operating range of 3.6 million kWh to 7 million kWh.

For the option selection process, the lower figure was selected for use in all option comparisons as being the most representative energy consumption figure for a typical operating year and compatible with operating efficiency frameworks.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160089,"EventID":"S1W-23515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Katrine Water Project, what the cost of acquiring land will be for the new holding reservoir at Bankell farm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Katrine Water Project, what the cost of acquiring land will be for the new holding reservoir at Bankell farm.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Chief Executive of West of Scotland Water to respond. The response is as follows:

Unfortunately I am unable to give an answer to this question as disclosure may prejudice the current land negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160090,"EventID":"S1W-23516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what volume of water will be pumped per day to Balmore water treatment works under the Katrine Water Project proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what volume of water will be pumped per day to Balmore water treatment works under the Katrine Water Project proposals.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Chief Executive of West of Scotland Water to respond. His response is as follows:

No water will be pumped to Balmore water treatment works under the Katrine Water project proposals. However, as a consequence of the solution adopted up to 8.5 million kWh of energy consumption will be saved at Ross Priory Pumping Station.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160091,"EventID":"S1W-23517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Katrine Water Project, whether West of Scotland Water's preferred option required untreated water to be pumped above the level at which it originated ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Katrine Water Project, whether West of Scotland Water's preferred option required untreated water to be pumped above the level at which it originated at Loch Katrine.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Chief Executive of West of Scotland Water to respond. The response is as follows:

The water in Loch Katrine originates from a number of lochs which form a complex combined catchment system. Loch Katrine is the lowest point of this system with Loch Finglas the highest point at 157 metres AOD. The difference in level between the top water level at Loch Katrine and the reservoirs at Milngavie is only 22 inches, an impressive Victorian engineering achievement and one which constrains solution development for the Katrine Water Project.

The top water level to which the proposed solution will pump is approximately the same as the top operating level in Loch Katrine. On occasions throughout the year, when Loch Katrine is drawn down, the level to which water is pumped at Milngavie may be higher than the level of Loch Katrine but may not necessarily be higher than the level at which the water originated.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160092,"EventID":"S1W-23518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22086 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, what relative weightings were allocated to the different disciplines in the project team i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22086 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, what relative weightings were allocated to the different disciplines in the project team in respect of decisions made by comparing options, identifying key trade-offs and reaching consensus on the preferred options through discussions and debate.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Chief Executive of West of Scotland Water to respond. The response is as follows:

I would refer you to Annex D of the Environmental Statement which is available for inspection at the offices of East Dunbartonshire Council and West of Scotland Water.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160093,"EventID":"S1W-23519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22086 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, whether the relative weightings chosen by West of Scotland Water in respect of different d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22086 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, whether the relative weightings chosen by West of Scotland Water in respect of different disciplines in the project team distorted the importance attached to immaterial differences in engineering criteria.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

Each discipline was asked to score options against their criteria to assist in summarising the information in the Environmental Statement. Each discipline adopted its own scoring approach and a variety of different ranges and scoring methods were used, although for all criteria a low score represented worse and a high score better performance. So for example the environmental team scored all options on a range of 1 (worst) to 10 (best) for all environmental criteria; the different engineering disciplines used ranges e.g. 0-2, 0-5, 1-5, depending on the criterion and the degree of differentiation between the options. For energy consumption the quantitative values were simply converted to a scale of 1 to 10 from worst to best. It should be emphasised that the scores for different criteria are not equivalent and cannot be summed together. The scoring ranges are indicated on the appraisal framework in Table D6.2 of Appendix D in the Environmental Statement.

It is worth stressing that throughout the complex decision making process, final choices were made by discussion and debate between different disciplines in the team. Consequently distortions related to importance did not occur. Tools were used to help the team sort out their ideas and distil information down into a manageable form to help their discussions, but they were not the principal methods used to make choices.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160094,"EventID":"S1W-23520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the performance levels will be in respect of water pressure and reliability and continuity of the drinking water supply in Greater Glasgow following completion of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the performance levels will be in respect of water pressure and reliability and continuity of the drinking water supply in Greater Glasgow following completion of the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Chief Executive of West of Scotland Water to respond. The response is as follows:

The proposed scheme is planned to comply with the standards set out in West of Scotland Water's Code of Practice and Guaranteed Standards Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160095,"EventID":"S1W-23521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what volume of leakage is anticipated per year from the new pipe network to be installed as part of the Katrine Water Project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what volume of leakage is anticipated per year from the new pipe network to be installed as part of the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerText":">This is a matter for West of Scotland Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

West of Scotland Water would not anticipate any leakage from the new pipe network to be installed as part of the Katrine Water Project.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160096,"EventID":"S1W-23522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each further and higher educational institution (a) received from it in grants and (b) allocated to student welfare services, giving (i) the actual sum and (ii) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each further and higher educational institution (a) received from it in grants and (b) allocated to student welfare services, giving (i) the actual sum and (ii) the allocation as a percentage of total grant monies received by each institution, all in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-21385 and S1W-21393 on 18 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160097,"EventID":"S1W-23523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me from the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning dated 14th February 2002, which ministers' remits cover issues c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter to me from the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning dated 14th February 2002, which ministers' remits cover issues concerning ferry services operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerText":"Wendy Alexander, Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning has cabinet level responsibility for all transport matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160098,"EventID":"S1W-23524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently have an anti-social tenant policy in place and which have a dedicated officer who liaises with all necessary agencies regarding such ten","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently have an anti-social tenant policy in place and which have a dedicated officer who liaises with all necessary agencies regarding such tenants.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally but the Sociable Neighbourhood National Co-ordinator appointed by COSLA, with funding from the Scottish Executive, is currently undertaking an audit of anti-social policy and practice in Scottish local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160099,"EventID":"S1W-23525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently have a support programme for the victims of anti-social behaviour and which have members of staff dedicated to that programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently have a support programme for the victims of anti-social behaviour and which have members of staff dedicated to that programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23524.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160100,"EventID":"S1W-23526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21664 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, what the likely timescale is now for the relaunch of the Individual Learning Accoun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21664 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, what the likely timescale is now for the relaunch of the Individual Learning Account Scheme.","AnswerText":"I am keen to make progress in developing a new scheme to encourage the widest possible participation in lifelong learning, but in doing so I want to take the best from the first Individual Learning Account (ILA) scheme while addressing the concerns that have been raised. While it would be premature to give any indication of when any successor to ILAs will be introduced, I expect to be able to say more about these plans later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160101,"EventID":"S1W-23527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21993 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 January 2002, whether it will discuss with Her Majesty's Government the different practices which cur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21993 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 January 2002, whether it will discuss with Her Majesty's Government the different practices which currently exist between the UK Government and the Scottish Parliament in regard to the exemption of officials from jury duty.","AnswerText":"The statutory right of excusal from jury duty is not a reserved matter and the Scottish Parliament could vary the categories to which the right of excusal extends, if it wished to do so. As indicated in the answer I gave to question S1W-21993 on 20 January 2002, we have no plans to introduce legislation for that purpose at present.

It is worth noting that the report by Lord Justice Auld, following his review of the criminal courts in England and Wales, recommended that, except for those who have recently undertaken or have been excused by the court from jury service, no-one in England and Wales should be excusable from jury service as of right, only on showing good reason for excusal.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160102,"EventID":"S1W-23528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hotels have a rateable value of (a) under #10,000, (b) between #10,000 and #25,000 and (c) over #25,000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hotels have a rateable value of (a) under #10,000, (b) between #10,000 and #25,000 and (c) over #25,000.","AnswerText":"Rateable value information held centrally groups non-domestic subjects in general categories. The following table shows the number of subjects in the \"hotel and guest house etc\" category by rateable value band.

Number of Hotels and Guesthouse in Scotland by Rateable Value at April 2000

Up to £10,000

£10,001 to £25,000

Over £25,000

Total

5975

1,390

986

8,351

Source: As reported to Scottish Executive by Assessors for Revaluation 2000.

Notes:

1. Excludes subjects with zero rateable value.

2. Some assessors include public houses and caravan parks within the hotel, guesthouse etc category of subjects.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160103,"EventID":"S1W-23529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many guesthouses have a rateable value of (a) under #10,000, (b) between #10,000 and #25,000 and (c) over #25,000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many guesthouses have a rateable value of (a) under #10,000, (b) between #10,000 and #25,000 and (c) over #25,000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23528.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160104,"EventID":"S1W-23530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the right of access as conferred by Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill should also apply at night and, if so, whether it has taken account of how this will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the right of access as conferred by Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill should also apply at night and, if so, whether it has taken account of how this will impact on the lives of those who live and work in isolated situations.","AnswerText":"Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill provides rights of responsible access to land and inland water for recreation and passage. A person will be presumed to be exercising access rights responsibly if they do not interfere unreasonably with the rights of others. There is no reason why the responsible exercise of access rights at night should impact unreasonably on the lives of those who live and work in isolated situations. The bill does not distinguish, therefore, between daylight hours and the hours of darkness. However, when access outside daylight hours would create problems in a particular local situation, section 11(1)(d) of the bill provides that local authorities may, by order, restrict the responsible exercise of access rights over a particular area of land during the hours of darkness.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160105,"EventID":"S1W-23531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, commercial companies operating in the countryside should seek agreement with the owner or manager of land over which their","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, commercial companies operating in the countryside should seek agreement with the owner or manager of land over which their commercial activities are planned to take place before carrying out such activities.","AnswerText":"Section 9 (2)(a) of the bill excludes commercial activities from access rights created under the bill. Commercial businesses currently access private land only with the express or implied consent of the owner. When the legislation comes into force there will be no change in the way in which existing or new businesses operate. Guidance on access for commercial activities, including when the express agreement of the landowner should be sought, will be set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The code will also provide guidance for landowners in respect of access to their land for commercial activities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160106,"EventID":"S1W-23532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it has made in fish farming since May 1999 in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and whether it will give a breakdown of how the investment was s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it has made in fish farming since May 1999 in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and whether it will give a breakdown of how the investment was spent in each case.","AnswerText":"The Executive routinely makes direct investment in aquaculture through research and development work, in support of its statutory responsibilities for disease control and improving understanding of impacts on the marine environment; and through FIFG Structural Funds, where the priorities of the aquaculture scheme remain the efficient and hygienic production of quality fish and shellfish. In recent years, there has also been exceptional expenditure through the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) Re-Start Scheme, to facilitate the sustainability of employment and business activity in fish and shellfish farming businesses in the Highlands and Islands, which had been adversely affected by ISA, as well as the payment of formation grant to a producer organisation.

This is detailed in the following table:

Item

1999-2000

(£ million)

2000-01

(£ million)

2001-02

(£ million)

Research and development - costs incurred

1.4

1.1

1.3

FIFG Structural Funds - awards approved in aquaculture scheme

N/A

N/A

2.1

Formation grant to Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation

N/A

0.1

N/A

Highlands & Islands Enterprise ISA Re-Start Scheme - funds approved

N/A

3.0

0.8

Totals

1.4

4.2

4.2

For both FIFG and the ISA Re-Start Scheme, although awards may be approved in a particular financial year, funds may not necessarily be drawn down by the recipient in that same year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160107,"EventID":"S1W-23533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it (a) has taken and (b) plans to take in order to promote the fish farming industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it (a) has taken and (b) plans to take in order to promote the fish farming industry.","AnswerText":"The Executive's aim is to secure a sustainable and competitive future for the aquaculture industry in Scotland, as one of our most important rural employers. We will achieve this through a partnership with all the relevant stakeholders, working together to balance their social, economic and environmental aspirations.

We are currently consulting on a strategic framework which will shape the development of the industry for the medium-term. This will build on recent work, through the Tripartite Working Group, to maintain a healthy stock of wild fish; through the Aquaculture Health Joint Working Group, to prevent disease and improve fish health; and to streamline and improve the regulation of the industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160108,"EventID":"S1W-23534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has used its power of direction in respect of non-departmental government bodies and, if so, (a) when, (b) in respect of which bodies and (c) why it did so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has used its power of direction in respect of non-departmental government bodies and, if so, (a) when, (b) in respect of which bodies and (c) why it did so.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160109,"EventID":"S1W-23535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any payments made to individuals following any finding of maladministration by any ombudsman and whether the powers to increase the level","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any payments made to individuals following any finding of maladministration by any ombudsman and whether the powers to increase the level of awards that can be made are to be reviewed.","AnswerText":"I am able to respond in respect only of ombudsmen whose jurisdiction covers Scottish public bodies for which the Scottish ministers have responsibility.

Information on payments made to individuals following recommendations by Scottish public sector ombudsmen is not held centrally.

There are no specific powers relating to awards to individuals following a finding of maladministration by a Scottish public sector ombudsman. Where an ombudsman determines that a person has suffered an injustice or hardship as a result of maladministration, he may recommend whatever action he considers appropriate to remedy that injustice or hardship. This may involve financial redress, the amount of which is wholly dependent on the circumstances of the particular case.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160110,"EventID":"S1W-23536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into (a) the short-term and (b) the long-term safety implications of the emergency contraceptive Levonelle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into (a) the short-term and (b) the long-term safety implications of the emergency contraceptive Levonelle.","AnswerText":"The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is the UK-wide medicines regulatory authority responsible for ensuring the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines available on the UK market.

The MCA has advised that the decision to grant a marketing authorisation in the UK for a product containing levonorgestrel 0.75 mg (emergency hormonal contraceptive) followed advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) who were satisfied as to the product's safety, quality and efficacy. The evidence considered by the CSM included two World Health Organisation sponsored pivotal studies. One study involving approximately 2,000 women in 14 countries including the UK, has been published in the Lancet (1998). The other, published in Human Reproduction (1993), involved 880 women. Other supporting data not in the public domain are confidential to the application.

Evidence of safety was also taken into account when the CSM considered the proposal for levonorgestrel 0.75 mg to be available without a prescription. A note of the CSM meeting of 23 March 2000 is available on their website:

www.mca.gov.uk/aboutagency/regframework/csm/csmhome.htm.

The Yellow Card Scheme underpins drug safety monitoring in the UK. Under the scheme, doctors, pharmacists, dentists and coroners are encouraged to report any suspected adverse drug reactions to the CSM and the MCA, jointly responsible for running the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160111,"EventID":"S1W-23537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what clinical trials were conducted to ensure that the emergency contraceptive Levonelle is safe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what clinical trials were conducted to ensure that the emergency contraceptive Levonelle is safe.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23536.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160112,"EventID":"S1W-23538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to monitor repeated use of the emergency contraceptive Levonelle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to monitor repeated use of the emergency contraceptive Levonelle.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to monitor repeated use of Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) from data available centrally. EHC may be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist to women aged 16 and over without a prescription. Data on medicines purchased privately through community pharmacies without a prescription is not collected centrally.

EHC remains available free of charge on NHS prescription. Data collected centrally on prescribed items dispensed in the community is not patient-specific.

In all their actions, health professionals will have regard to issues of patient confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160113,"EventID":"S1W-23539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22796 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 February 2002, whether persons applying for appointment to the Judicial Appointments Board will be re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22796 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 February 2002, whether persons applying for appointment to the Judicial Appointments Board will be required to disclose membership of Freemasonry and any other secret society.","AnswerText":"The recruitment exercise for membership of the Judicial Appointments Board has already taken place and candidates were not asked to disclose membership of Freemasonry or any other secret society. Applicants were asked to disclose any possible conflict of interest which might arise if they were appointed, whether personally, in relation to their employment, or in relation to their connections with any organisations. No candidate declared a potential conflict of interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160114,"EventID":"S1W-23540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the needs of deaf people in regard to securing equal and fair access to NHS services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the needs of deaf people in regard to securing equal and fair access to NHS services.","AnswerText":"A Good Practice Guide to support the implementation of section 21 of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), which requires that people with disabilities are given reasonable access to goods and services, was issued to NHSScotland in September 1999.

The guide was compiled in consultation with Scottish disability groups and includes advice on the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160115,"EventID":"S1W-23541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in securing access for deaf people to NHS 24 via a textphone facility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in securing access for deaf people to NHS 24 via a textphone facility.","AnswerText":"When NHS 24 is launched in the Grampian area in late spring, the service will offer nurse consultation and health information services to deaf, deafblind, deafened, hard of hearing, and speech impaired people through the Typetalk service. NHS 24 will be running a comprehensive public awareness campaign to inform people about the new service and how this can be accessed.

Typetalk is a new service established just over a year ago and managed by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf in partnership with BT.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160116,"EventID":"S1W-23542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received, or assessment it has made, of the likely utility of a Typetalk relay service in allowing deaf people to access NHS 24.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received, or assessment it has made, of the likely utility of a Typetalk relay service in allowing deaf people to access NHS 24.","AnswerText":"Typetalk is a service run by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf in partnership with BT. It is the only national telephone service which enables deaf, deafblind, deafened, hard of hearing, and speech impaired people to communicate with hearing people anywhere in the world.

The Typetalk service will allow easy access for deaf and hearing impaired individuals to the nurse consultation and health information services and will be accessed via NHS 24's national telephone number. NHS 24 will promote these services in line with the regional roll out plan.

NHS 24 will work closely with all communities who will benefit from the services, including the deaf community, and will involve them in the on-going monitoring and continuous improvement of its services. This will include an assessment of the suitability and appropriateness of the Typetalk service.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160117,"EventID":"S1W-23543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any additional cost to the taxpayer following the appointment of eight Ministerial Parliamentary Aides and what budget has been set aside to accommo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any additional cost to the taxpayer following the appointment of eight Ministerial Parliamentary Aides and what budget has been set aside to accommodate any such costs.","AnswerText":"Ministerial Parliamentary Aides are unpaid. If they make any visits within the United Kingdom relating to their duties as a Ministerial Parliamentary Aide, they would be entitled to normal Civil Service travel and subsistence allowances. It is not envisaged that such visits will occur very often, and no specific budget has been set aside to accommodate any such costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160118,"EventID":"S1W-23544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides any financial or other support to the Scottish Childminding Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides any financial or other support to the Scottish Childminding Association.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) is receiving core funding from the Scottish Executive, this year and for the next three years, to assist in the delivery of the Childcare Strategy to provide accessible affordable quality children's services. The SCMA is also receiving funding for training, IT development and a project to promote understanding of the new system for registration and inspection. This funding totals £134,407 in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160119,"EventID":"S1W-23545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice, guidance or guidelines it provides to childminders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice, guidance or guidelines it provides to childminders.","AnswerText":"Under the Children Act 1989, local authorities are responsible for the regulation of childminders and it is for them to offer any advice to providers. Guidance for local authorities on the regulation and review of childminding was issued by the Scottish Office in 1991.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160120,"EventID":"S1W-23546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which bodies regulate or vet the procedures of childminders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which bodies regulate or vet the procedures of childminders.","AnswerText":"Childminders are currently regulated by local authorities under the Children Act 1989. As from 1 April 2002, the new Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care will assume responsibility for the regulation and inspection of childminders under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160121,"EventID":"S1W-23547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requires childminders to have documented policies on (a) equal opportunities, (b) admissions procedures, (c) complaints procedures, (d) access to any records k","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requires childminders to have documented policies on (a) equal opportunities, (b) admissions procedures, (c) complaints procedures, (d) access to any records kept and (e) confidentiality.","AnswerText":"The Children Act 1989 requires local authorities to impose a duty on childminders to keep records about the children in their care. It is currently for the local authority to decide on the need for any further documentation. The new Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care will assume this responsibility from 1 April 2002, and will apply the care standards which will be launched on 11 March. These will require childminders to ensure that records, plans and policies are properly made and kept in accordance with national and local guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160122,"EventID":"S1W-23548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to publish, print and distribute the Homelessness Task Force's final report Helping Homeless People - An Action Plan for Prevention and Effective Respons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to publish, print and distribute the Homelessness Task Force's final report Helping Homeless People - An Action Plan for Prevention and Effective Response.","AnswerText":"The Homelessness Task Force's final report, and its companion document, Research for the Homelessness Task Force: A summary, cost £964 to publish, £6,716 to print and approximately £1,000 to distribute. These costs relate to the publishing and printing of 4,000 copies of each document and the distribution of a total of 6,100 copies thus far.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160123,"EventID":"S1W-23549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scotland's share will be of the new funding of up to #20 million allocated by Her Majesty's Government to the Million Visitor Campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scotland's share will be of the new funding of up to #20 million allocated by Her Majesty's Government to the Million Visitor Campaign.","AnswerText":"The campaign budget will not be split by country brand. This is a Britain campaign, with Scotland featuring as an integral brand in the Britain portfolio.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160124,"EventID":"S1W-23550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the Million Visitor Campaign and what resources it intends to apply to any such support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the Million Visitor Campaign and what resources it intends to apply to any such support.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland has committed £100,000 to the Million Visitor Campaign, which will supplement their current marketing campaigns in both the United States and in continental Europe.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160125,"EventID":"S1W-23551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects all sectors of the tourism industry to be able to participate in the Million Visitor Campaign in view of the expectation for match funding and whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects all sectors of the tourism industry to be able to participate in the Million Visitor Campaign in view of the expectation for match funding and whether it will provide support to enable the tourism industry to have access to the campaign.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland will provide advice to tourism businesses enabling them to become involved in the campaign and inviting them to enhance their profile further through the provision of special deals for promotion on both BTA and VisitScotland websites.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160126,"EventID":"S1W-23552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what part VisitScotland will play in promoting the Million Visitor Campaign across the whole of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what part VisitScotland will play in promoting the Million Visitor Campaign across the whole of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Information will be provided to businesses via the dedicated industry web site, scotexchange.net. Area tourist boards and the Scottish Tourism Forum will also promote the initiative to their members.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160127,"EventID":"S1W-23553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22010 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 February 2002, whether the British Railways (No.3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 will be amended or re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22010 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 February 2002, whether the British Railways (No.3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 will be amended or repealed to allow the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive to complete the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link.","AnswerText":"The amendment or repeal of the British Railways (No.3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 is not a matter for the Scottish Executive. This is a reserved issue and involves private legislation procedures.

In terms of the Larkhall-Milngavie rail link itself, as my previous reply made clear, we are pressing Railtrack and the Strategic Rail Authority to keep the project moving.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160128,"EventID":"S1W-23554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #7 billion which the Strategic Rail Authority has estimated will be needed to purchase new trains from the private sector will be required for the Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #7 billion which the Strategic Rail Authority has estimated will be needed to purchase new trains from the private sector will be required for the Scottish network.","AnswerText":"This figure is the Strategic Rail Authority's best estimate of the commitments needed to deliver the short and medium term priorities for growth and improvement set out in The Strategic Plan. The proportion of that figure that will be required for the Scottish network depends both on the contents of our directions and guidance for the Scottish passenger rail franchise and on the subsequent commercial negotiations that the SRA will conduct on the Executive's behalf.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160129,"EventID":"S1W-23555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is currently providing to local rural partnerships such as the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it is currently providing to local rural partnerships such as the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership.","AnswerText":"During the 2001-02 financial year, the Executive has made available some £211,000 to local rural partnerships through the Rural Strategic Support Fund. The fund, which facilitates the establishment of local rural partnerships, is one of the three elements that make up the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160130,"EventID":"S1W-23556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership in each of the last three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided to the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"Local Rural Partnerships are funded by the Executive through the Rural Strategic Support Fund. This fund is one of the three elements that make up the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund.

No funding has been sought by Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership from the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund in the last three financial years, although the partnership did receive some funding in earlier years.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160131,"EventID":"S1W-23557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership in the next financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership in the next financial year.","AnswerText":"Funding for Local Rural Partnerships is provided by the Executive through the Rural Strategic Support Fund, an element of the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund.

The fund is operated by an annual bidding process. No application has been submitted to the scheme from, or on behalf of, the Highland Perthshire Communities Partnership for the 2002-03 bidding round.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160132,"EventID":"S1W-23558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22875 by Allan Wilson on 22 February 2002, which locations are being considered for the relocation of the headquarters of Scottish ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22875 by Allan Wilson on 22 February 2002, which locations are being considered for the relocation of the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage as part of the relocation review.","AnswerText":"As stated in my reply of 22 February to the member, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will undertake a review of its headquarters locations. No targets have been set for relocating public sector posts and all areas of Scotland will be considered. The review has not yet started. The target date for completion of the review is mid-2002 and ministers will take a decision on the most suitable HQ location for SNH based on the review findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160133,"EventID":"S1W-23559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliament will continue to use the Royal Mail service following the de-regulation of postal services. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliament will continue to use the Royal Mail service following the de-regulation of postal services. ","AnswerText":"The SPCB is currently contracted to Consignia for the provision of a mail management service at the Parliament's interim accommodation. The contract for this service was competitively tendered and there are no plans to review arrangements with Consignia following the deregulation of postal services.

We are, however, tendering for the provision of a mail screening and mail management/messenger service for the Parliament's accommodation at Holyrood.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160134,"EventID":"S1W-23560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are taken by the water authorities to control the number of rats in sewers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are taken by the water authorities to control the number of rats in sewers.","AnswerText":"Scottish water authorities ensure that measures to control rodents in sewers are effective, pragmatic and appropriate to local needs.

The water authorities' employees liase with local authorities at a corporate and at a local level to respond to any reported outbreaks and generally a partnership approach is adopted where the resources of both organisations are mobilised to deal with the issue.

In spring 2001 the Scottish Executive oversaw the introduction of a voluntary joint agreement between COSLA and the Scottish water authorities - this set out a strategy to ensure closer collaboration between local authorities and water authorities regarding the control of rodents in sewers. This document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19775).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160135,"EventID":"S1W-23561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring there is of the number of rats in sewers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring there is of the number of rats in sewers.","AnswerText":"Monitoring to identify the exact number of rats in sewers is not undertaken by the Scottish Water Authorities. In the event of a reported rodent infestation outbreak a reactive approach is adopted as this ensures that responses are appropriate to local needs and are effective in the protection of public health.

In spring 2001, the Scottish Executive oversaw the introduction of a voluntary joint agreement between COSLA and the Scottish Water Authorities. This agreement helps to ensure effective collaboration between local authorities and water authorities re. the control of rodents in sewers. This document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19755).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160136,"EventID":"S1W-23562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in practice have taken place in dealing with rats in sewers in the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in practice have taken place in dealing with rats in sewers in the last five years.","AnswerText":"A key change in practices for dealing with rats in sewers has been the voluntary joint agreement between COSLA and the Scottish Water Authorities introduced in spring 2001. This was overseen by the Scottish Executive and it sets out a strategy to ensure closer collaboration between local authorities and water authorities regarding practices for the control of rodents in sewers. This agreement is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19755).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160137,"EventID":"S1W-23563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for dealing with the issue of rats in sewers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for dealing with the issue of rats in sewers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive strategy for dealing with the issue of rats in sewers includes:

Each Scottish water authority has a local strategy which responds to the needs of their particular area - this practice will continue after the vesting of Scottish Water;

A training strategy ensures that water authority staff are competent in the skills required to deal with rats in sewers;

In spring 2001, The Scottish Executive oversaw the introduction of a voluntary joint agreement between COSLA and the Scottish Water Authorities - this set out a strategy to ensure closer collaboration between local authorities and water authorities re the control of rodents in sewers. This document is available in the Parliament's reference Centre (Bib. number) 19755.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160138,"EventID":"S1W-23564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown by local authority of the #10 million allocated in July 2000 for delayed discharge and whether it will detail any audit carried out in re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown by local authority of the #10 million allocated in July 2000 for delayed discharge and whether it will detail any audit carried out in respect of these funds.","AnswerText":"This has been distributed to local authorities, on a recurring basis, as part of their general Grant Aided Expenditure uplift. It has been subject to no specific audit. Monitoring of trends, causes and duration of delays, as well as of performance in individual local authority and health board areas, is done through Information and Statistics Division's quarterly census.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160139,"EventID":"S1W-23565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the #20 million allocated in January 2002 to NHS boards to tackle delayed discharge will be used specifically for bed blocking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the #20 million allocated in January 2002 to NHS boards to tackle delayed discharge will be used specifically for bed blocking.","AnswerText":"We are targeting this additional money to ensure that local authority and health board partnerships use it only for the reduction of delayed discharges. The funding will be released against joint local authority/NHS board action plans, which will include local authority and NHS targets, to reduce the number of patients waiting for discharge and to deliver their share of transferring 1,000 patients across Scotland to more appropriate forms of care.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160140,"EventID":"S1W-23566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to respond to the recently published evaluation of the Public Defence Solicitors' Office pilot in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to respond to the recently published evaluation of the Public Defence Solicitors' Office pilot in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"Having carefully considered the evaluation, I have decided to continue with the Edinburgh pilot for a further period beyond the current end date of October 2003, and to consider launching one or two further pilot projects in other locations. I will bring forward the necessary legislative proposals and make a more detailed statement in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160141,"EventID":"S1W-23567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Ministerial Working Group on Women's Offending will be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Ministerial Working Group on Women's Offending will be available.","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Working Group's report was published today, and is available on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160142,"EventID":"S1W-23568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any appointments have been made to the Mobility Access Committee for Scotland and, if so, whether it will detail these appointments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any appointments have been made to the Mobility Access Committee for Scotland and, if so, whether it will detail these appointments.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not yet made any appointments to the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland, but will be doing so shortly. Details of the appointments will be announced publicly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160143,"EventID":"S1W-23569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Premier Prisons Ltd is contractually the liable party for any damage arising at HM Prison Kilmarnock, during the transportation of any prisoner to or from the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Premier Prisons Ltd is contractually the liable party for any damage arising at HM Prison Kilmarnock, during the transportation of any prisoner to or from the prison or through any other services provided by the company. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited is contractually liable for any damage at HM Prison Kilmarnock arising from the provision of any of the services under the contract (which includes certain responsibilities during the transportation of prisoners to and from the prison).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160144,"EventID":"S1W-23570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultation carried out by Highland NHS Board over the appointment of a general practitioner in Helmsdale was adequate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultation carried out by Highland NHS Board over the appointment of a general practitioner in Helmsdale was adequate.","AnswerText":"The procedure for the appointment of general practitioners is set out in the NHS (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995. The only statutory consultation which an Island NHS Board or Primary Care Trust is required to undertake is with the Area Medical Committee before a report is made to the Scottish Medical Practices Committee on the need to fill a vacancy. In the case of Helmsdale, Highland Primary Care Trust carried out that task. The nature of any informal consultation which the trust may have also carried out with local interests is a matter for the trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160145,"EventID":"S1W-23571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-22708 on 18 February 2002, which design services that Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was under contract to provide were no","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-22708 on 18 February 2002, which design services that Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was under contract to provide were not completed; what the cost of those services was to have been and, if no specific sum was stipulated under the contract with the company, what the estimated cost would have been had all of the design services been provided.","AnswerText":"The design services not completed by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd mainly comprised detailing of interfaces between complex cladding elements and the cost of completing that work would have been £117,500. I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that the cost of this work being completed by the Design Team is still being assessed and has yet to be agreed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160146,"EventID":"S1W-23572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is one minister responsible for policy on architecture and, if so, which minister that is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is one minister responsible for policy on architecture and, if so, which minister that is.","AnswerText":"I have overall portfolio responsibility for architecture. My deputy, Dr Elaine Murray has direct ministerial responsibility for policy on architecture.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160147,"EventID":"S1W-23573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22522 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 February 2002, how it defines \"the spring\" and, in particular, when spring begins and when it ends.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22522 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 February 2002, how it defines \"the spring\" and, in particular, when spring begins and when it ends.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-22522, asked about the timetable for consulting on the draft service specification for the tendering of services currently provided by Caledonian MacBrayne. We plan to publish the draft specification in May or June.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160148,"EventID":"S1W-23574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that architectural students at Scottish further and higher education institutions receive formal and mandatory training in meeting the n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that architectural students at Scottish further and higher education institutions receive formal and mandatory training in meeting the needs of disabled people through the social model of disability and what representations it has made, and to whom, on this matter.","AnswerText":"Regulation of the profession of architect is a reserved matter and the Executive has no jurisdiction over the content of academic courses in architecture. The validation of course content is the joint responsibility of the Architects Registration Board and the Royal Institute of British Architects.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160149,"EventID":"S1W-23575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that qualified architects in Scotland receive formal and mandatory training and continuing professional development training in meeting ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that qualified architects in Scotland receive formal and mandatory training and continuing professional development training in meeting the needs of disabled people through the social model of disability and what representations it has made, and to whom, on this matter.","AnswerText":"The regulation of the profession of architect is a reserved matter and the Executive has no jurisdiction over accreditation of courses or the continuing professional development of architects. These matters are the joint responsibility of the Architects Registration Board and the Royal Institute of British Architects.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160150,"EventID":"S1W-23576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there have been any attempts, successful or otherwise, to hack in to the Parliament's computer system and what action has been taken on this issue. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there have been any attempts, successful or otherwise, to hack in to the Parliament's computer system and what action has been taken on this issue. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament, like all high profile organisations with a presence on the internet, is a target for attempted hacking and for virus attacks. The Parliament employs several layers of security in line with BS7799 and IT Security best practices, to provide a secure environment for the Parliament's computer system, and the security measures are constantly monitored and regularly updated.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160151,"EventID":"S1W-23577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it paid to Geoff Peart Consulting for analysing the responses to its consultation paper, Review of Strategic Planning, and the subsequent preparation and publica","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it paid to Geoff Peart Consulting for analysing the responses to its consultation paper, Review of Strategic Planning, and the subsequent preparation and publication of Review of Strategic Planning Consultation Paper: Analysis of Responses, published on 27 February 2002.","AnswerText":"Geoff Peart Consulting was paid £7,315 for analysing the responses and for preparing a report of the analysis. The cost of publishing the full report, an executive summary and a summary of the research findings on 27 February was £4,192.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160152,"EventID":"S1W-23578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to print, publish and distribute its report Evaluation of New Deal for Young People in Scotland: Phase Two .","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to print, publish and distribute its report Evaluation of New Deal for Young People in Scotland: Phase Two .","AnswerText":"The Evaluation of New Deal for Young People in Scotland: Phase Two report by the Policy Studies Institute was published by the Scottish Executive on 28 February 2002. The total cost to print, publish and distribute the report was £1,100.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160153,"EventID":"S1W-23579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when electronic health records will be available to all people in Scotland and whether any pilot research projects regarding them are currently taking place or are planne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when electronic health records will be available to all people in Scotland and whether any pilot research projects regarding them are currently taking place or are planned.","AnswerText":"Our target for Electronic Health Records is to establish, with active co-operation of patients, pilots based on GP summary information by 2003. We are currently studying options for these pilots and will publish proposals in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160154,"EventID":"S1W-23580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will be possible for prescription information to be transmitted electronically between general practitioner practices, NHS hospitals and pharmacies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will be possible for prescription information to be transmitted electronically between general practitioner practices, NHS hospitals and pharmacies.","AnswerText":"As stated in The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland published on 4 February (Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. number 18835), we are committed to having the electronic transmission of prescriptions operational across Scotland during 2005. As a first step we aim to have the system operational between the GP practices and community pharmacies throughout Irvine, Kilwinning and Dundonald LHCC this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160155,"EventID":"S1W-23581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been done on the availability of emergency hormonal contraception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been done on the availability of emergency hormonal contraception.","AnswerText":"No evaluation has been undertaken by the Scottish Executive on the availability of emergency hormonal contraception.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160156,"EventID":"S1W-23582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools are currently dispensing the Levonelle morning-after pill for emergency hormonal contraception, broken down by education authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools are currently dispensing the Levonelle morning-after pill for emergency hormonal contraception, broken down by education authority.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160157,"EventID":"S1W-23583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teenage pregnancies there were in each of the past five years, broken down by health and NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many teenage pregnancies there were in each of the past five years, broken down by health and NHS board.","AnswerText":"All published health statistics, including those for teenage pregnancies broken down by health board, are available on the SHOW website at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/publications/publications.htm.

The Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency, which gathers and publishes annual teenage pregnancy statistics, must rely on returns from hospitals. Because of delays in returns from some hospitals, the last year for which full figures are available is 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160158,"EventID":"S1W-23584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is a payment of #20 for the Levonelle morning-after pill when purchased from a pharmacist, when the pill is free from general practitioner surgeries, Brook Advi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is a payment of #20 for the Levonelle morning-after pill when purchased from a pharmacist, when the pill is free from general practitioner surgeries, Brook Advisory Service and other family planning clinics.","AnswerText":"The retail price levied for Levonelle when purchased privately from a community pharmacy is a commercial decision, determined by the manufacturer and is not a matter for the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160159,"EventID":"S1W-23585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the availability of emergency hormonal contraception has had on the number of teenage pregnancies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the availability of emergency hormonal contraception has had on the number of teenage pregnancies.","AnswerText":"Many factors affect teenage pregnancy. It is not possible easily to isolate any effect the availability of emergency contraception may have had.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160160,"EventID":"S1W-23586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to improve diabetes education and information facilities in order to raise public awareness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to improve diabetes education and information facilities in order to raise public awareness.","AnswerText":"Raising awareness of the causes and consequence of diabetes and improving the quality and availability of patient information about diabetes, are key strands of the Scottish Diabetes Framework. Specific plans in these areas will be developed by the Scottish Diabetes Group over the coming months.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160161,"EventID":"S1W-23587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce special measures to assist ethnic groups, parents with young children and carers to cope with diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to introduce special measures to assist ethnic groups, parents with young children and carers to cope with diabetes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diabetes Framework seeks to raise standards of care and support for all people with diabetes. Ethnic minority groups, parents with young children and carers are all recognised as groups with particular needs, in terms of coping with diabetes.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160162,"EventID":"S1W-23588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures will be introduced to assist those people with diabetes who are becoming visually impaired or blind.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new measures will be introduced to assist those people with diabetes who are becoming visually impaired or blind.","AnswerText":"The priority of the Scottish Executive is to prevent people with diabetes from losing their sight. Eye care is therefore identified as one of the first stage priorities in the Scottish Diabetes Framework, due to be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160163,"EventID":"S1W-23589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public information is currently available, or will be made available, on those NHS boards who do not achieve best standards with respect to diabetes management in ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public information is currently available, or will be made available, on those NHS boards who do not achieve best standards with respect to diabetes management in accordance with Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines and Clinical Standards Boards for Scotland standards.","AnswerText":"The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland will undertake the process of external peer review of its diabetes standards during 2003. It will then publish a report on each visit, including a detailed assessment of performance against each standard, at the same time as it publishes a national report giving an overview of performance across Scotland against all the standards.

Further information is to be found in the Scottish Diabetes Survey, an annual snapshot of diabetes care based on local diabetes registers. The results of the 2001 survey were published in November 2001. The report of the 2002 survey should be published before the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160164,"EventID":"S1W-23590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the economic needs of the north east.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the economic needs of the north east.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to the north-east of Scotland and through its agencies, including Scottish Enterprise Grampian, has a series of programmes to address economic change in that area.

Following our meeting on 28 February on manufacturing businesses in the Aberdeen area, I can confirm that Scottish Enterprise Grampian is in regular contact with key businesses experiencing economic difficulties, and are currently reviewing the prospects for manufacturing industries in the Aberdeen area. They will publish a report shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160165,"EventID":"S1W-23591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on its commitment to promote an annual award for the best publicly-funded building; who is being asked to put forward nominations; when the fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on its commitment to promote an annual award for the best publicly-funded building; who is being asked to put forward nominations; when the first award will be made; what the award will be; whether buildings built under Public/Private Partnership schemes will be eligible; what consultation there has been as to the award and the process to be followed in relation to it, and whether the award will be judged by it or by an independent body or person and, if the latter, who that person or body will be.","AnswerText":"The creation of an annual Scottish award for best publicly funded building is one of a number of initiatives to which the Executive is committed under the policy on architecture. How we take this forward is currently under consideration. At the moment, Scottish projects are eligible for the Prime Minister's Better Public Buildings Award, which is a UK-wide scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160166,"EventID":"S1W-23592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for a genealogy product development strategy and how much funding has been allocated for this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for a genealogy product development strategy and how much funding has been allocated for this.","AnswerText":"On 24 January, I launched the genealogy tourism website ancestralscotland.com. This website will assist users from around the world to research their ancestry and also encourage them to visit those parts of Scotland where their ancestors lived. VisitScotland has allocated £320,000 for the development and marketing of genealogy tourism in the current financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160167,"EventID":"S1W-23593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations it has identified for potential partnerships to facilitate the delivery of genealogy tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations it has identified for potential partnerships to facilitate the delivery of genealogy tourism.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland will lead area tourist boards and enterprise networks in the development of genealogy tourism.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160168,"EventID":"S1W-23594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice and support it will provide to any voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of genealogy tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice and support it will provide to any voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of genealogy tourism.","AnswerText":"A research programme to be led by Scottish Enterprise and due to be completed in March 2003 will identify and recommend actions which will be communicated to those bodies involved in genealogy to help them build their marketing and product development strategies. There are no plans to fund voluntary organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160169,"EventID":"S1W-23595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to introduce a quality assurance scheme for family history research.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to introduce a quality assurance scheme for family history research.","AnswerText":"The major series of records about Scotland's people, including statutory registers of births, deaths and marriages, the open census records 1841-1901, and the old parish registers of the Church of Scotland, are held by the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) in New Register House, Edinburgh. GROS do not, at their own hand, undertake family history research, and it is not within their remit to monitor or to quality-assure those private individuals or companies who do provide this type of service. Neither the Scottish ministers nor the Registrar General have any current plans to introduce a public sector quality-assurance scheme for family history research. I understand that the relevant professional body, the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Record Agents, have entry requirements for membership, and have a Code of Practice to which members are required to subscribe.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160170,"EventID":"S1W-23596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21931 by Malcolm Chisholm on 30 January 2002, whether it plans to give Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21931 by Malcolm Chisholm on 30 January 2002, whether it plans to give Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department representation on the Pharmaceutical Liaison Group.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to extend representation on the Pharmaceutical Liaison Group to include the organisations mentioned in the question.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160171,"EventID":"S1W-23597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise prescription and other National Health Service charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to revise prescription and other National Health Service charges.","AnswerText":"We shall lay before Parliament regulations to increase prescription and other National Health Service charges in Scotland from 1 April 2002. There will be a cash increase in the prescription charge of 10p, (1.64%) from £6.10 to £6.20 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed.

The cost of prescription prepayment certificates will rise to £32.40 for a four month certificate and £89.00 for an annual certificate. These offer savings for those needing more than five items in four months or 14 in one year. Prepayment certificates will, from 1 April, be available for purchase from community pharmacists and dispensing doctors.

Prescription charges are expected to raise some £45.7 million for NHSScotland in 2002-03.

Charges for elastic stockings and tights, wigs and most fabric supports supplied through the Hospital Service will be increased similarly.

The maximum patient charge for a single course of dental treatment begun on or after 1 April 2002 will increase from £360 to £366.

We have restricted the prescription charge increase to the same cash amount as the previous three years and the other increases are in line with this percentage increase.

NHS charges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are a matter for these Administrations.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160172,"EventID":"S1W-23598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish input there has been into the draft Marine Stewardship Report of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish input there has been into the draft Marine Stewardship Report of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.","AnswerText":"The Marine Stewardship Report is intended to cover the United Kingdom as a whole. Although many of the matters addressed in the report are reserved, the Scottish Executive has been closely involved in the drafting of the report where it touches on devolved matters or issues with a particular Scottish dimension. The Executive also hosted a workshop last November to obtain the views of Scottish stakeholders on the scope and content of the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160173,"EventID":"S1W-23599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific plans it has for expansion of the number of international routes from Aberdeen Airport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific plans it has for expansion of the number of international routes from Aberdeen Airport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, in partnership with the Enterprise Networks, VisitScotland and airport operators, continues to look at how best more direct air services serving all parts of Scotland, including Aberdeen, can be developed for the benefit of the travelling public and the Scottish economy. It is for airport operators in conjunction with local stakeholders and, where appropriate, the Executive's agencies to market the facilities at all airports to airlines, but the decision to develop new international routes is a matter for the commercial judgement of the airlines themselves.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160174,"EventID":"S1W-23600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds it currently has available to assist route development from Scotland's airports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds it currently has available to assist route development from Scotland's airports.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive works in partnership with the Enterprise Networks, VisitScotland and the airport operators on how best any available funding can be deployed for the greatest benefit of the Scottish economy and tourism. The Executive continues to encourage the development of more commercial and cost effective air services from Scotland for the benefit of the travelling public and the Scottish economy.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160175,"EventID":"S1W-23601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for the development of international routes from Scotland's airports and whether Aberdeen and Inverness Airports are part of this strategy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for the development of international routes from Scotland's airports and whether Aberdeen and Inverness Airports are part of this strategy","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive works in partnership with the Enterprise Networks, VisitScotland and the airport operators to look at how best more direct air services serving all parts of Scotland can be developed for the benefit of the travelling public and the Scottish economy. Any development needs to be structured to ensure that new routes are in the best interests of Scotland.

A Scottish Air Transport Consultation Document will be produced in the spring. This is part of an on-going review of aviation/airports policy leading to the development of an aviation policy for the next 30 years. The development of international routes to and from Scotland, including Aberdeen and Inverness, is being addressed as part of that consultation process.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160176,"EventID":"S1W-23602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education played in each Scottish Executive Education Department conference in 2001 and what expert advice it provided to each con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education played in each Scottish Executive Education Department conference in 2001 and what expert advice it provided to each conference.","AnswerText":"In 2001, HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) attended three conferences on National Priorities in Education, which were organised by Scottish Executive Education Department's New Educational Development Division. At the most recent conference HMIE provided advice about how to measure progress against national priorities, in particular how to use the new edition of How good is our school? for this purpose.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160177,"EventID":"S1W-23603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21586 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 January 2002, whether it will consider the introduction of legislation on the licensing of suntanni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21586 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 January 2002, whether it will consider the introduction of legislation on the licensing of suntanning parlours following recent reports linking them with criminal activities.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to introduce legislation requiring suntanning parlours to be licensed.

Any allegation of criminal activity is a matter for the police, who will rigorously investigate any information or complaints made to them.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160178,"EventID":"S1W-23604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to instigating an investigation into the operation of sunbed parlours following recent reports linking them with criminal activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to instigating an investigation into the operation of sunbed parlours following recent reports linking them with criminal activities.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the police, who will rigorously investigate any information or complaints made to them. Anyone with information which relates to any suspected criminal activity in this area should therefore report it to the police.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160179,"EventID":"S1W-23605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21774 by Malcolm Chisholm on 25 January 2002, whether the Scottish University for Industry has considered creating a Technology Tra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21774 by Malcolm Chisholm on 25 January 2002, whether the Scottish University for Industry has considered creating a Technology Transfer Office.","AnswerText":"The Scottish University for Industry (SUfI) is a broker and facilitator of learning between individuals, learning providers and companies and has no direct role in delivering learning itself. SUfI is not a primary holder of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). We therefore do not believe that the concept of technology transfer applies, nor does SUfI have any role in, or capacity to, undertake research and development functions relating to the application of IPR.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160180,"EventID":"S1W-23606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21774 by Malcolm Chisholm on 25 January 2002, what progress is being made with the establishment of the NHS Technology Transfer Off","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21774 by Malcolm Chisholm on 25 January 2002, what progress is being made with the establishment of the NHS Technology Transfer Office.","AnswerText":"We are making good progress in our discussions with both NHS trusts and Scottish Enterprise and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160181,"EventID":"S1W-23607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider repealing sections of Part II of the Local Government Act 1988 that prohibit non-commercial matters, such as employees' terms and conditions, fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider repealing sections of Part II of the Local Government Act 1988 that prohibit non-commercial matters, such as employees' terms and conditions, from being taken into account by public authorities when entering into contracts for the delivery of goods and services and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive plans to use the forthcoming Scottish Local Government Bill to amend those parts of the Local Government Act 1988 that are currently preventing Scottish local authorities from delivering fully on their commitment to fair employment and Best Value. This change is being made in response to a recommendation of the Best Value Task Force.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160182,"EventID":"S1W-23608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider repealing sections of Part II of the Local Government Act 1988 with regard to the ability of local authorities to carry out new build constructio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider repealing sections of Part II of the Local Government Act 1988 with regard to the ability of local authorities to carry out new build construction work on behalf of others and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to amend the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970 to allow Scottish local authorities to engage in new-build construction work. However, this issue was raised in the recent consultation on the Scottish Local Government Bill. The Executive will take time to consider the views of those who responded on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160183,"EventID":"S1W-23609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review restrictions on the political activities of local authority employees and what the timescale is for implementing any such plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review restrictions on the political activities of local authority employees and what the timescale is for implementing any such plans.","AnswerText":"We consulted on the issue of political restrictions in the Green Paper on local government, published in November 2000. Specific proposals on political restrictions will be included in the Local Government Consultative Document due to be published before the Easter Recess.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160184,"EventID":"S1W-23610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"Many public sector bodies in Scotland have been under a general obligation under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 to promote race equality since April 2001.

An order extending the list of bodies in Schedule 1A of the 1976 Act, including devolved bodies, to be made subject to the general duty to promote race equality was laid in Westminster in October 2001 and came into force on 3 December 2001.

However, the act recognised that there would be a need to make provision for more specific duties to ensure the better performance by public bodies of the general duty.

The Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002 was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 15 February 2002 and will come into force on 13 March 2002. Public bodies will require to comply with the duties by November 2002.

The Commission for Racial Equality, Scotland will shortly be publishing for consultation a draft Statutory Code of Practice and associated guidance for devolved public bodies in Scotland. The code will provide practical guidance to bodies on how to fulfil both their general and specific duties and will be supported by examples of best practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160185,"EventID":"S1W-23611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it now plans to publish its response to the Race Equality Advisory Forum report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it now plans to publish its response to the Race Equality Advisory Forum report.","AnswerText":"The Executive published its response on 12 March.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160186,"EventID":"S1W-23612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21044 by Ms Margaret Curran on 3 January 2002, on what specific areas the second stage of the Housing Improvement Task Force's work","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21044 by Ms Margaret Curran on 3 January 2002, on what specific areas the second stage of the Housing Improvement Task Force's work will concentrate.","AnswerText":"At its third meeting on 4 February 2002 the Housing Improvement Task Force agreed that the work of stage two, the formulation of policy recommendations to address the issues identified in the first stage report (to be published during March 2002), will be undertaken through three sub-groups considering:

Owner occupiers resident in houses and flats that require improvement or repair;

Individuals buying and selling property, and

Landlords renting property in the private sector (and the interests of tenants who occupy these properties).

Draft remits for each of the sub-groups are included in the papers for the 4 February meeting, which will be placed on the Scottish Executive website.

The specific policy areas that the sub-group will look at in detail have yet to be decided. They will be agreed at each group's first meeting to take place from 19 March to 4 April. As with all other papers relating to the work of the task force, the papers for these meetings will be published on the website prior to each meeting.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160187,"EventID":"S1W-23613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to question S1O-4696 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 14 February 2002, when the tender for a feasibility study on establishi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to question S1O-4696 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 14 February 2002, when the tender for a feasibility study on establishing a national centre for women's enterprise will be awarded; what key issues the study will consider, and when the study's findings will be published.","AnswerText":"The tender for a feasibility study on establishing a national centre for women's enterprise was awarded to the Paisley Enterprise Research Centre, University of Paisley, on 22 February. The study will provide an assessment of the need for a women's enterprise centre in Scotland and the role it could best perform. The study is expected to be concluded by end May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160188,"EventID":"S1W-23614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21962 by Iain Gray on 30 January 2002, when it will publish its fuel poverty statement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21962 by Iain Gray on 30 January 2002, when it will publish its fuel poverty statement.","AnswerText":"A consultative draft of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement has been published today, 11 March 2002. I am placing copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19805). We are seeking comments on the consultative draft by 31 May 2002, prior to issuing a final version of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160189,"EventID":"S1W-23615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define \"income\" in respect of voluntary organisations that apply for exemption from water and sewerage charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define \"income\" in respect of voluntary organisations that apply for exemption from water and sewerage charges.","AnswerText":"The regulations providing for exemption from water and sewerage charges for small voluntary organisations will include a definition of income for the purposes of assessing eligibility for the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160190,"EventID":"S1W-23616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to backdating eligibility for exemption from water and sewerage charges for voluntary organisations that lost relief after moving premise","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to backdating eligibility for exemption from water and sewerage charges for voluntary organisations that lost relief after moving premises.","AnswerText":"The exemption scheme will operate with effect from 1 April 2002. The Executive will announce the scheme's eligibility criteria, including the qualifying date for eligibility, shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160191,"EventID":"S1W-23617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water will continue to provide free metering and practical support and advice on water conservation to voluntary organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water will continue to provide free metering and practical support and advice on water conservation to voluntary organisations.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160192,"EventID":"S1W-23618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations and any other bodies about the exemption scheme for water and sewerage charges for volunt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations and any other bodies about the exemption scheme for water and sewerage charges for voluntary organisations; on what dates any such discussions took place, and what conclusions were reached.","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials have had the following meetings to discuss the exemption scheme for water and sewerage charges:

Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations

7 January, 30 January, 7 February and 6 March

Scottish Churches Committee

31 January and 6 February

Youth organisations

1 February and 6 February

These discussions contributed to the development of the exemption scheme now being implemented. Further meetings are expected.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160193,"EventID":"S1W-23619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Audit Scotland issued its guidance to NHS trusts on the use of agency nursing staff and whether the 18% increase in the use of agency nursing staff in 1997-98 was co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Audit Scotland issued its guidance to NHS trusts on the use of agency nursing staff and whether the 18% increase in the use of agency nursing staff in 1997-98 was consistent with NHS Trusts complying with that guidance.","AnswerText":"The Accounts Commission for Scotland (now Audit Scotland) published its report entitled Temporary Measures managing bank and agency nursing staff in February 2000. It is not known whether the increase in agency nurses in 1997-98 would have been consistent with the guidance that subsequently published.

Audit Scotland has advised that they are currently carrying out a review of ward based nursing in NHSScotland and this report is due out later this year. The report will include a follow up on trusts implementation of the main recommendations in Temporary Measures managing bank and agency nurses.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160194,"EventID":"S1W-23620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22137 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether the increases in the use of temporary nursing staff, including bank and agen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22137 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether the increases in the use of temporary nursing staff, including bank and agency staff and in the costs incurred by the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust indicate that the trust is not complying to the guidance issued by Audit Scotland on the employment of such staff.","AnswerText":"North Glasgow University Hospital NHS Trust has advised that it is meeting the guidance issued by the Accounts Commission for Scotland (now Audit Scotland) in its report entitled Temporary Measures managing bank and agency nursing staff.

All NHSScotland trusts and island health boards have been reminded they should use the recommendations in the Accounts Commission Report when considering employing a bank or agency nurse.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160195,"EventID":"S1W-23621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4965 by Susan Deacon on 17 March 2000 on the steps taken by the Scottish Partnership Forum (SPF) on the employment of bank and agen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-4965 by Susan Deacon on 17 March 2000 on the steps taken by the Scottish Partnership Forum (SPF) on the employment of bank and agency nursing staff, whether the SPF has recommended any action to be taken in regard to the use of such staff by the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Partnership Forum (SPF) heard presentations from three of the larger users of bank and agency staff, North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust, Lothian University Hospitals Trust and Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care Trust and commended the Accounts Commission (now Audit Scotland) for Scotland report to the service. The SPF did not recommend any specific action to North Glasgow University NHS Trust. North Glasgow University NHS Trust has confirmed that it is meeting the recommendations of the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160196,"EventID":"S1W-23622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation it has made of any lessons to be learned in Scotland from the report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation it has made of any lessons to be learned in Scotland from the report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food.","AnswerText":"Officials have studied the Policy Commission report in detail and have noted that there is considerable overlap between what we are already doing in Scotland and what the Policy Commission recommends for England. There do not appear to be any material lessons to be learned in Scotland from the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160197,"EventID":"S1W-23623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any economic impact assessment of Her Majesty's Government's proposals to introduce strip stamps for spirits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any economic impact assessment of Her Majesty's Government's proposals to introduce strip stamps for spirits.","AnswerText":"The proposal to introduce strip stamps for spirits is a reserved matter. I understand that Customs and Excise will carry out an economic impact assessment after evaluating the responses to their consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160198,"EventID":"S1W-23624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding its proposals to introduce strip stamps for spirits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding its proposals to introduce strip stamps for spirits.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues including the formal consultation on the costs, benefits and practicalities of introducing a tax system for spirits.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160199,"EventID":"S1W-23625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities have in respect of dealing with invasive plant species and whether such species include leylandii.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities have in respect of dealing with invasive plant species and whether such species include leylandii.","AnswerText":"The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 provides local authorities with powers to take action in circumstances where the amenity of an area is affected by the presence of invasive plants such as, for example, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed. In natural heritage terms, leylandii (leyland cypress) is not regarded as posing a significant threat to the countryside.

The problems associated with leylandii and other high trees and hedges, when grown in gardens are, however, generally well recognised. Local authorities are required, under powers derived from the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to investigate complaints about a statutory nuisance occurring on premises, including land. It is a matter for local authorities, in considering individual cases, to determine whether a particular high tree or hedge constitutes a statutory nuisance, and to decide what action should be taken.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12936 on 31 January 2001 about the problems caused by high hedges in Scotland, in which the Deputy First Minister announced that the Executive had decided in principle that a statutory remedy of last resort was needed, involving complaints to the local authority and enforcement action in appropriate cases. However, it was not possible to give a commitment as to when legislation would be brought forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160200,"EventID":"S1W-23626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21592 by Ross Finnie on 22 January 2002, how it plans to make public any reports it receives from the Advisory Committee on Release","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21592 by Ross Finnie on 22 January 2002, how it plans to make public any reports it receives from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment.","AnswerText":"The advice of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) is in the public domain and, as such, is routinely placed on their website.

Following their meeting on 24 January 2002, at which the subject of the presence of transgenic material in native maize in Mexico was discussed, ACRE have submitted their advice on this matter to Government. Given the interest shown in this subject in Scotland, the Scottish Executive has placed the committee's advice on the GM section of our own website.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160201,"EventID":"S1W-23627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21594 by Ross Finnie on 22 January 2002, how it defines \"credible evidence\" and whether it will give examples of what its definitio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21594 by Ross Finnie on 22 January 2002, how it defines \"credible evidence\" and whether it will give examples of what its definition includes.","AnswerText":"Evidence of harm would be considered \"credible\" if that evidence had the support of the scientific advisers to ministers. Dependent upon the nature of the evidence highlighted, that advice could come from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, the Health & Safety Executive, the Food Standards Agency or Scottish Natural Heritage. If the conclusion of those advisers was that the evidence did indeed suggest that a particular GM release could harm human health or the environment, ministers have the power to halt that release.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160202,"EventID":"S1W-23628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-02-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought any legal advice or guidance with regard to its powers to veto any proposals to build new nuclear electricity generation stations and, if so, what a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought any legal advice or guidance with regard to its powers to veto any proposals to build new nuclear electricity generation stations and, if so, what advice or guidance it received.","AnswerText":"As on all other matters, the Scottish Executive seeks legal advice as and when necessary and acts on it appropriately. Planning matters in Scotland are devolved. In addition, powers conferred by section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 have been executively devolved to Scottish ministers. Any application to build an electricity generating station in Scotland therefore requires the consent of the Scottish ministers; several such applications are currently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160203,"EventID":"S1W-23629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing vessel owners to date have accepted decommissioning funds; how many vessels these funds applied to; how many vessels have been subsequently scrapped, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing vessel owners to date have accepted decommissioning funds; how many vessels these funds applied to; how many vessels have been subsequently scrapped, and in what location these vessels were scrapped.","AnswerText":"As of 4 March, the owners of 80 fishing vessels have accepted decommissioning grant offers under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001, out of 102 vessels currently subject to grant offers. Of these vessels, 70 have submitted, and had approved, plans to begin the decommissioning process. Nine vessels have been scrapped so far: four in Scotland, two in England, two in Northern Ireland and one in Denmark.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160204,"EventID":"S1W-23630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the use of the Health Improvement Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the use of the Health Improvement Fund.","AnswerText":"A report entitled Putting the Pieces in Place has been compiled in conjunction with NHS boards. I am placing copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19606).

The report summarises the impressive range of work that is under way and planned as a direct result of the Health Improvement Fund. It also indicates that NHS boards and local partners, including local authorities and community organisations, are building effective co-operative working relationships. We intend to review the experience to date, in consultation with national partners, as a means of identifying and disseminating best practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160205,"EventID":"S1W-23631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to respond to the report on the Management Review of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to respond to the report on the Management Review of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerText":"I received the report of the Management Review, led by Jonathan Pryce, on 28 February. I welcome the report which analyses the pressures that the service is under and identifies the need for significant managerial, structural and cultural changes in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. I believe the report provides a sound basis on which to further modernise the organisation to ensure that it commands public confidence, provides an excellent service to all, deals with business in a timely and efficient manner and offers a satisfying and challenging career for staff with effective team-working between legal and non-legal staff.

I have agreed with the First Minister that the necessary investment will be made to make the changes we decide to implement.

I am accepting one of the reports main recommendations by appointing Robert Gordon as Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from today. Andrew Normand, currently Crown Agent, is moving today to undertake a special project for the Deputy First Minister and I on the integration of objectives of the various elements of the criminal justice system. Norman McFadyen, currently Regional Procurator Fiscal for Lothian and Borders has today become Crown Agent Designate and has assumed the legal and prosecution policy responsibilities of the Crown Agent. He will become Crown Agent in the new management structure in due course.

The Chief Executive and Crown Agent Designate will start work immediately on implementing the recommendations of the review. They will ensure that there is further consultation on the detail and implementation of the report. A copy of the full report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160206,"EventID":"S1W-23632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the fourth supplementary question to question S10-4764 by Peter Peacock on 28 February 2002, which councils have received special borrowing cons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the fourth supplementary question to question S10-4764 by Peter Peacock on 28 February 2002, which councils have received special borrowing consent in order to allow them to eliminate budgetary deficits.","AnswerText":"Western Isles Council was granted additional borrowing consent in 1991, in respect of significant losses incurred by investment in BCCI. I am not aware of any other council having been granted special borrowing consent in relation to a budget deficit.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160207,"EventID":"S1W-23633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the fourth supplementary question to question S10-4674 by Peter Peacock on 28 February 2002, whether it would respond favourably to an applicati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the fourth supplementary question to question S10-4674 by Peter Peacock on 28 February 2002, whether it would respond favourably to an application for special borrowing consent by the Scottish Borders Council if the council applied part or all of its proposed reserves of #1.8 million to reducing cuts to front line services.","AnswerText":"No such request has been received. The level and use of reserves is a matter for the council.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160208,"EventID":"S1W-23634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the #300 million repayable grant offered to Glasgow Housing Association over a period of 10 years at 0% interest (a) what the repayment regime for the gra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the #300 million repayable grant offered to Glasgow Housing Association over a period of 10 years at 0% interest (a) what the repayment regime for the grant will be and (b) how much, in total, the grant will cost the association.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23406 on 24 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160209,"EventID":"S1W-23635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reparation cases arising out of alleged exposure to asbestos have now reached a conclusion since the appointment by the Lord President and Lord Justice General ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reparation cases arising out of alleged exposure to asbestos have now reached a conclusion since the appointment by the Lord President and Lord Justice General of Lord Mackay of Drumadoon to oversee reparation actions and how many of these were (a) settled by the parties and (b) determined by the court.","AnswerText":"Nineteen of the cases put out for a By Order hearing before Lord Mackay have settled before the hearing actually took place. A further 34 cases set down for hearings of evidence (proofs), on dates since 20 December 2001, have settled. Reparation actions frequently settle without any immediate intimation of such settlements to the court.

Since Lord Mackay's appointment, only one case has been determined by judicial ruling, following the hearing of evidence at a proof.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160210,"EventID":"S1W-23636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether measures are being taken to identify prior to admission patients who are most at risk from hospital-acquired infections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether measures are being taken to identify prior to admission patients who are most at risk from hospital-acquired infections.","AnswerText":"NHS hospitals are required to implement the guidance in the Scottish Infection Manual (1998). This makes clear that:

where the potential for the spread of infection may pose exceptional difficulties, hospitals should develop and adhere to appropriate infection control policies to reduce the risk to particularly vulnerable patients;

suitable arrangements should be established for the admission, transfer and discharge of patients with infection, including liaison with the medical and nursing staff responsible for the care of patients during admission and after discharge or transfer, and

hospitals are required to provide suitable accommodation for the clinical care of patients with healthcare associated infection.

Trust chief executives are responsible for ensuring that effective arrangements for infection control are in place, including adequate clinical facilities and staff, microbiological resources, infection control teams and occupational health service.

To ensure that hospitals are addressing healthcare associated infection effectively, the Executive requested the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) to introduce a new infection control standard. The CSBS will shortly provide an interim report on hospitals' performance against this standard.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160211,"EventID":"S1W-23637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies are being proposed to provide support to patients with hospital-acquired infections to enable early discharge into the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies are being proposed to provide support to patients with hospital-acquired infections to enable early discharge into the community.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23636.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160212,"EventID":"S1W-23638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether more isolation facilities are being used for patients with hospital-acquired infections in order to stop \"hot-bedding\" and the consequent spreading of such infect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether more isolation facilities are being used for patients with hospital-acquired infections in order to stop \"hot-bedding\" and the consequent spreading of such infections.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23636.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160213,"EventID":"S1W-23639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adequate investment has taken place to ensure quick diagnosis of hospital-acquired infections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adequate investment has taken place to ensure quick diagnosis of hospital-acquired infections.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23636.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160214,"EventID":"S1W-23640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10883 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 January 2001, what progress has been made in the delivery of online public services; whether it s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10883 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 January 2001, what progress has been made in the delivery of online public services; whether it supports the delivery of such services through post offices and sub-post offices; whether the appropriate equipment will be provided to every sub-post office to enable them to deliver such services, and what other options are being considered for the delivery of online public services.","AnswerText":"Our modernising agenda is about improving choice in the way services are delivered. The Scottish Executive is therefore committed to a multi-channel approach for the delivery of online public services and is continuing to explore a variety of platforms, including the use of interactive digital television, public kiosks, Personal Digital Assistants, the internet and WAP phones.

As part of this, the Scottish Executive is paying close attention to the development of the Your Guide pilot project in Post Offices in Leicestershire and Rutland. Arrangements have been made for ministers and officials from the Scottish Executive to see the project first hand. The pilot will of course have to be comprehensively evaluated to assess the case for national roll out. In particular those organisations wishing to use Your Guide will need to examine carefully how a national service could fit in with their wider service delivery plans, how far it could help in achieving greater efficiencies and whether it would provide value for money compared with alternative direct channels to the public. Until these evaluations are complete, it would be premature to discuss details such as responsibility for the provision of equipment. I can assure you, however, that the Scottish Executive is examining this project and its potential implications for Scotland with great care and that we are committed to finding ways to achieve citizen-centred public service delivery.

As regards progress in the delivery of online public services, the Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report, published on 16 November 2001, details the services provided by the Scottish Executive, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies. That report shows that 66% of services are now available online, though the majority of these relate to the provision of information. The second Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report is currently being prepared and will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160215,"EventID":"S1W-23641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 July 2001, whether it supports the use by the Scottish Law Commission in paragraph 1.5 of its Report ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 July 2001, whether it supports the use by the Scottish Law Commission in paragraph 1.5 of its Report on Boundary Division Walls (footnote 7) of the Stair Memorial Encyclopaedia (Volume 18, paragraph 223) to justify the commission's opinion that the law on March Fence Type Divisions had been changed from ownership \"pro-indiviso\" to ownership to mid-line only (\"ad medium filum\") when at the time of publication of this encyclopaedia in 1993 the commission itself (a) had in a letter to Mr David Lambie MP in October 1990 stated that research commissioned by itself had shown that case law on the subject was confused, consisting of essentially two lines of decision which cannot be satisfactorily reconciled, (b) had issued in June 1992 a consultation paper on Mutual Boundary Walls which confirmed this confusion in this aspect of the law but suggested that holding as \"pro-indiviso\" common property should be confirmed and asking inter alia whether legislation to clarify and settle the matter was required, (c) stated that the matter was still open and under consideration, including the consultee responses, when the Encyclopaedia was published in 1993 and (d) issued in December 1990, a discussion paper (No. 91) on the law of the tenement in which the proposals supported the use of \"pro-indiviso\" common property for walls dividing property ownership, which in the commission's own words 'met with general support from consultees'.","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate for the Executive to comment on the detailed considerations taken into account by the Scottish Law Commission in the preparation of its reports. I can confirm, however, that the Executive agrees the conclusions of the commission's report on boundary walls.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160216,"EventID":"S1W-23642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Professor KGC Reid was a member of the Scottish Law Commission at the time the commission published its Report on Boundary Division Walls in March 1998 and, if s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Professor KGC Reid was a member of the Scottish Law Commission at the time the commission published its Report on Boundary Division Walls in March 1998 and, if so, whether he had been a member for three years and whether paragraph 223 in Volume 18 of the Stair Memorial Encyclopaedia on \"Ownership and Maintenance\" as published in 1993 was compiled by him while he was a member of the commission.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Law Commission is an independent body of legal experts established by the Law Commissions Act 1965. Commissioners are appointed by Scottish ministers; Professor Kenneth Reid was first appointed on a part-time basis in October 1995 and on a full-time basis in January 1999.

As these questions otherwise raise operational matters, the member may wish to approach the Scottish Law Commission itself.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160217,"EventID":"S1W-23643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there was a team of three Commissioners in operation prior to the publication of the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Boundary Division Walls, which was respo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there was a team of three Commissioners in operation prior to the publication of the Scottish Law Commission's Report on Boundary Division Walls, which was responsible for property considerations and, if so, for how long this team was in operation and whether Professor KGC Reid was a member of it.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23642.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160218,"EventID":"S1W-23644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the statement in the Stair Memorial Encyclopaedia (Volume 18, paragraph 223) that \"the modern law is not now in doubt\"; whether, at the time of the en","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the statement in the Stair Memorial Encyclopaedia (Volume 18, paragraph 223) that \"the modern law is not now in doubt\"; whether, at the time of the encyclopaedia's publication, the Scottish Law Commission was expressing and demonstrating that doubt existed and was promoting a view in direct conflict with this statement and whether the author of this paragraph was aware of the commission's position at the time.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23641.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160219,"EventID":"S1W-23645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 July 2001, whether it supports the change of mind by the Scottish Law Commission, as stated at paragr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 July 2001, whether it supports the change of mind by the Scottish Law Commission, as stated at paragraph 1.13 of their Report on Boundary Division Walls; on what basis this change of mind came about; what reconsideration was given to the Commission's consultation paper and the Stair Memorial Encyclopaedia on this issue; what importance can be attached to the change of Commissioners at the commission, and what plans it has to ensure that a clear, consistent and uniform policy on this matter is adopted and maintained.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23641 on 15 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160220,"EventID":"S1W-23646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will appoint members of the board of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and when elections will take place for the elected positions on the board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will appoint members of the board of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and when elections will take place for the elected positions on the board.","AnswerText":"The draft Designation Order, lodged in Parliament on 24 February, sets 27 June 2002 as the date of poll for direct elections to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority. Applications have already been sought from people interested in being appointed directly to the authority, and nominations from local authorities for appointment will be sought shortly. All these appointments will be finalised shortly after the outcome of the elections is known.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160221,"EventID":"S1W-23647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5424/2002 of 28 February 2002, what funding it will provide to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5424/2002 of 28 February 2002, what funding it will provide to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05, (c) 2005-06 and (d) 2006-07.","AnswerText":"The level of funding to be allocated to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in future years will be determined as part of the spending review undertaken by the Scottish Executive. The period covered in the forthcoming review runs from 2003-04 until 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160222,"EventID":"S1W-23648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its press release SE4015/2001 on 19 September 2001, how many NHS trusts have had their financial deficits written off; how much was written off; when the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its press release SE4015/2001 on 19 September 2001, how many NHS trusts have had their financial deficits written off; how much was written off; when the deficits were written off, and who authorised the writing off of each deficit, broken down by NHS trust.","AnswerText":"Susan Deacon announced on 19 September 2001, an allocation of an additional £90 million for the NHS in Scotland. Using these resources, seven trusts had their financial deficits written off in this financial year (2001-02).

The following amounts were applied against the cumulative deficits of NHS trusts:
 

£000

Argyll & Clyde Acute

3,035

Renfrewshire & Inverclyde PCT

1,077

Grampian Acute

4,914

North Glasgow Acute

9,491

South Glasgow Acute

4,092

Highland Acute

2,744

Tayside Acute

15,852

Total

41,205

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160223,"EventID":"S1W-23649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to implement Article 5 of the European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC requiring member states to encourage re-use systems of pack","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to implement Article 5 of the European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC requiring member states to encourage re-use systems of packaging which can be re-used in an environmentally sound manner.","AnswerText":"Article 5 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive makes a packaging-reuse option available to member states which the United Kingdom has not expressly adopted. However, companies with a packaging recovery obligation under The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 can reduce their obligation, and the cost of their compliance, by using re-usable forms of packaging. This therefore offers an encouragement to businesses, to operate re-use systems.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160224,"EventID":"S1W-23650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to implement Article 7 of the European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC requiring member states to take the necessary measures to e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been taken to implement Article 7 of the European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC requiring member states to take the necessary measures to ensure that systems are set up to provide for (a) the return and/or collection of used packaging and/or packaging waste from the consumer, other final user, or from the waste stream in order to channel it to the most appropriate waste management alternatives and (b) the re-use or recovery, including recycling, of the packaging and/or packaging waste collected.","AnswerText":"The Directive on Packaging Waste Directive has been implemented in Great Britain by the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended).

The regulations require businesses which manufacture or use packaging materials or products, to recover and recycle certain volumes of packaging waste, calculated by the amount of packaging handled by the business. Such businesses can reduce their recovery obligation by using less packaging and by re-using packaging whenever possible. The more re-usable packaging a company uses, the less is its packaging recovery obligation and the lower are its consequent compliance costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160225,"EventID":"S1W-23651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Article 6 of European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC, what its current targets are for the percentage of packaging waste to be recovered and re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Article 6 of European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC, what its current targets are for the percentage of packaging waste to be recovered and recycled.","AnswerText":"The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2000 set a recovery target of 56% and a recycling target of 18% for 2001 and beyond. These targets apply to companies with a turnover of over £2 million and which produce or use more than 50 tonnes of packaging materials or products per year. The Executive and UK Government have consulted on increasing these targets for 2002 and beyond and are currently considering what the appropriate level should be.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160226,"EventID":"S1W-23652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the answer to question S1W-22619 by Peter Peacock on 21 February 2002 and the answer to the fourth supplementary question to question S10-4764 b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the answer to question S1W-22619 by Peter Peacock on 21 February 2002 and the answer to the fourth supplementary question to question S10-4764 by Peter Peacock on 28 February 2002, what the difference in circumstances is between the position of Western Isles Council and the current situation at the Scottish Borders Council with regard to a council obtaining special borrowing consent following mismanagement of its finances.","AnswerText":"The position of Western Isles Council in 1991, is significantly different from that in the Scottish Borders, in that Western Isles Council had acted ultra vires, in investing in BCCI and faced loses equal to around one third of its total annual budget for services. The scale of the losses suffered by Western Isles Council meant that without action being taken immediately, the delivery of basic services was under threat.

The Controller of Audit's report into the Scottish Borders budget deficit in 2001-02, identified an overspend, accumulated over two years 1999-2000 and 2000-01, of £3.9 million - or less than 1.5% of its total budget for all services for each year - arising from financial mismanagement.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160227,"EventID":"S1W-23653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development last met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development last met.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rural Development (the current name for the former Ministerial Committee on Rural Development) last met on 5 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160228,"EventID":"S1W-23654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development will next meet and what subjects will be on its agenda.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development will next meet and what subjects will be on its agenda.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rural Development will next meet in May. It will discuss issues that impact on Rural Development in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160229,"EventID":"S1W-23655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the minutes of meetings of the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the minutes of meetings of the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the Guide to Collective Decision Making, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 5884) and on the Scottish Executive website, the Executive operates on the basis of collective responsibility and does not disclose details of the internal processes through which decisions have been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160230,"EventID":"S1W-23656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring the Scottish Legal Aid Board carries out on legal aid applications by people from ethnic minorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring the Scottish Legal Aid Board carries out on legal aid applications by people from ethnic minorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Legal Aid Board, at present, does not hold information on the ethnicity of applicants. Applications for advice and assistance are monitored by gender only and this is reported in the board's annual report.

As a public body, under the recently laid Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002, the board will be required to publish a race equality scheme setting out how they intend to fulfil their duties under the order. All bodies have until 30 November 2002 to comply with the order.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160231,"EventID":"S1W-23657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many parents are currently waiting for information regarding the removal of organs from their deceased children without written consent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many parents are currently waiting for information regarding the removal of organs from their deceased children without written consent.","AnswerText":"Each trust has nominated a dedicated member of staff to act as the initial contact point for parents and other relatives wishing to obtain information about organ retention. Trusts are encouraged to deal with inquiries as promptly and sensitively as possible.

The Executive does not hold information on the number of requests awaiting a response at any given time.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160232,"EventID":"S1W-23658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22094 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 February 2002, when it will publish a bill containing a comprehensive overhaul of the diligence and d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22094 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 February 2002, when it will publish a bill containing a comprehensive overhaul of the diligence and debt recovery system.","AnswerText":"The Executive intends to publish a consultation paper in April, which makes proposals for reform of the law of diligence. After analysis of the responses to the consultation, the Executive will consider how and when to proceed with a bill. The paper does not consider the humane and effective replacement for poinding and warrant sale which is the subject of a separate bill that will be put before Parliament shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160233,"EventID":"S1W-23659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will work with the Central Legal Office of the National Health Service in Scotland to undertake a fully researched mediation project mirroring that being under","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will work with the Central Legal Office of the National Health Service in Scotland to undertake a fully researched mediation project mirroring that being undertaken by the National Health Service Litigation Authority in England and as recommended in paragraph 2.14 of the report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Encouraging Resolution: Mediating Patient/Health Service Disputes in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I welcome the publication of this Report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The Scottish Executive will consider the recommendations in the report very carefully and will take its findings into consideration in the on-going review of the NHS complaints procedure and in the work of the expert group being established to look at the compensation system.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160234,"EventID":"S1W-23660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give active consideration to encouraging \"NHS Education for Scotland\", in partnership with all interested stakeholders, to promote mediation training and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give active consideration to encouraging \"NHS Education for Scotland\", in partnership with all interested stakeholders, to promote mediation training and awareness in the workforce, as recommended in paragraph 2.21 of the report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Encouraging Resolution: Mediating Patient/Health Service Disputes in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-3659.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160235,"EventID":"S1W-23661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote education through undergraduate training in medicine, nursing and professions allied to medicine with relevant institutions incorporating the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote education through undergraduate training in medicine, nursing and professions allied to medicine with relevant institutions incorporating the role and process of mediation within their core curricula, as recommended in paragraph 2.21 of the report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Encouraging Resolution: Mediating Patient/Health Service Disputes in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-3659.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160236,"EventID":"S1W-23662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in its current review of the NHS complaints procedure, it will consider mediation as being an integral option in the process of resolving non-medical negligence ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in its current review of the NHS complaints procedure, it will consider mediation as being an integral option in the process of resolving non-medical negligence disputes, as recommended in the report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Encouraging Resolution: Mediating Patient/Health Service Disputes in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-3659.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160237,"EventID":"S1W-23663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a medical disputes forum, comprising relevant stakeholders to consider, develop and implement quality standards relevant to mediating medic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a medical disputes forum, comprising relevant stakeholders to consider, develop and implement quality standards relevant to mediating medical negligence (and non-clinical in a clinical context) disputes, as recommended in paragraph 2.31 of the report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Encouraging Resolution: Mediating Patient/Health Service Disputes in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-3659.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160238,"EventID":"S1W-23664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been referred to Scottish ministers since May 1999, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been referred to Scottish ministers since May 1999, broken down by parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Planning applications, notified to the Scottish ministers, are recorded by planning authority area. Since 1 May 1999, 830 have been referred, but it is not possible to accurately identify these by parliamentary constituency. This is because the information on the planning application form is not always sufficiently precise to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160239,"EventID":"S1W-23665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications were referred to Scottish ministers in each month since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications were referred to Scottish ministers in each month since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The number of planning applications referred to the Scottish ministers since 1 May 1999 totals 830. A breakdown by monthly receipt is given in the following table:

Cases Notified to the Scottish Ministers since May 1999:
 

1999

2000

2001

2002

January

-

15

19

12

February

-

34

28

25

March

-

25

27

-

April

-

31

32

-

May

8

34

25

-

June

22

35

25

-

July

26

40

18

-

August

25

22

19

-

September

25

24

17

-

October

29

22

23

-

November

16

20

19

-

December

25

31

32

-

Total

176

333

284

37

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160240,"EventID":"S1W-23666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many representations it has received from MSPs on planning applications which have been referred to Scottish Ministers since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many representations it has received from MSPs on planning applications which have been referred to Scottish Ministers since May 1999.","AnswerText":"In the period May 1999 to date, 830 planning applications have been notified to the Scottish ministers. To extract and examine each file, current and archived, in order to provide the information requested could only be carried out at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160241,"EventID":"S1W-23667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has in respect of Crown Estates property and whether it will seek additional powers from Her Majesty's Government, with particular regard to fish farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has in respect of Crown Estates property and whether it will seek additional powers from Her Majesty's Government, with particular regard to fish farms.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no powers in respect of Crown Estates property, and has no intention of seeking any.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160242,"EventID":"S1W-23668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any (a) powers and (b) plans to give financial relief to fish farms in respect of rents charged by the Crown Estates Commissioners and what information it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any (a) powers and (b) plans to give financial relief to fish farms in respect of rents charged by the Crown Estates Commissioners and what information it has received on any such charges collected in other countries for the purposes of assessing their impact on the fish farming industry in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no powers and, therefore, no plans to give financial relief to fish farms, in respect of rents charged by the Crown Estates.

The fish farming industry has described the effect that the rents have on their competitiveness, in comparison with other salmon-producing countries. However, this is a matter for the Crown Estate and the industry to take account of, in their rent reviews. In the course of the development of our aquaculture strategy, we are considering the future competitiveness of the industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160243,"EventID":"S1W-23669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that no vision and strategy papers and detailed and outline policy proposals on devolved topics will be issued between 31 December 2002 and 1 May 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that no vision and strategy papers and detailed and outline policy proposals on devolved topics will be issued between 31 December 2002 and 1 May 2003 except in circumstances where any such documents have been fully agreed by all parties represented in the Parliament.","AnswerText":"No. However, detailed guidance on the role and conduct of Scottish Executive civil servants during the 2003 Scottish parliamentary elections, will be issued to Scottish Executive staff when the Parliament is dissolved. That guidance will be published.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160244,"EventID":"S1W-23670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it is making to ensure that government resources are not used for party political purposes in the run up to the May 2003 Scottish Parliament elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it is making to ensure that government resources are not used for party political purposes in the run up to the May 2003 Scottish Parliament elections.","AnswerText":"Government resources should never be used for party political purposes and detailed guidance on the role and conduct of Scottish Executive civil servants during the Scottish Parliament election campaign will be issued to Scottish Executive staff when the Parliament is dissolved. The guidance will be published.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160245,"EventID":"S1W-23671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation exercises are currently under way; what consultation exercises remain to be launched during 2002, and what plans it has to publish policy proposals and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation exercises are currently under way; what consultation exercises remain to be launched during 2002, and what plans it has to publish policy proposals and vision and strategy papers between 31 December 2002 and 1 May 2003.","AnswerText":"Details of current consultation exercises can be found on the Scottish Executive website. Decisions about the publication of further consultations and policy documents are taken by ministers on an on-going basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160246,"EventID":"S1W-23672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in view of its responsibility for economic development, what estimate it has made of any increase in the volume of quarrying by-products, such as dust, which will be uns","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in view of its responsibility for economic development, what estimate it has made of any increase in the volume of quarrying by-products, such as dust, which will be unsaleable in circumstances where such by-products are replaced in construction projects with other materials which are not subject to the aggregates tax and what the consequent loss will be to Scotland's gross domestic product.","AnswerText":"No such estimate has been made. The taxation of quarry wastes is currently being reviewed by Her Majesty's Treasury.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160247,"EventID":"S1W-23673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in view of its responsibility for the environment, what plans it has for the disposal of any increased volume of dust which may be unsaleable at an economic price as a r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in view of its responsibility for the environment, what plans it has for the disposal of any increased volume of dust which may be unsaleable at an economic price as a result of the introduction of the aggregates tax.","AnswerText":"None. The scale of this issue depends on the on-going consideration by Her Majesty's Treasury of the way quarry wastes are taxed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160248,"EventID":"S1W-23674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage increase it expects in the construction costs of public projects for which it, its agencies and other public bodies are responsible as a result of any ris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage increase it expects in the construction costs of public projects for which it, its agencies and other public bodies are responsible as a result of any rise in the cost of concrete blocks following the introduction of the aggregates tax.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for assessing the economic impact of taxation matters lies with Her Majesty's Treasury. No specific estimate has been made of the percentage increase in construction costs of public sector projects in Scotland. However, the cost of aggregates is normally a small fraction of overall costs, and the impact of the tax can be minimised by use of recycled materials or alternative building techniques.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160249,"EventID":"S1W-23675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction it anticipates in the number and value of public construction projects for which it, its agencies and other public bodies are responsible as a result of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction it anticipates in the number and value of public construction projects for which it, its agencies and other public bodies are responsible as a result of the introduction of the aggregates tax.","AnswerText":"No detailed estimates have been made, but the Scottish Executive does not anticipate a significant reduction in the number and value of public sector construction projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160250,"EventID":"S1W-23676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to mitigate any effects on construction projects for which it, its agencies and other public bodies are responsible of any reduction in the availa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to mitigate any effects on construction projects for which it, its agencies and other public bodies are responsible of any reduction in the availability of primary aggregates as a result of the introduction of the aggregates tax.","AnswerText":"None. The Executive expects the supply of primary aggregates to continue to meet demand.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160251,"EventID":"S1W-23677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from Her Majesty's Government about any impact that the implementation of the aggregates tax will have on projects commissioned by it, it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from Her Majesty's Government about any impact that the implementation of the aggregates tax will have on projects commissioned by it, its agencies and other public bodies.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not received any information other than that already in the public domain, namely relevant Budget Reports, the Finance Act 2001 and consultations related to the implementation of the tax. None of these relate specifically to the impact of the tax on public sector projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160252,"EventID":"S1W-23678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responsibility for any aspect of the implementation of the aggregates tax in areas such as (a) weighing of materials extracted from quarries; (b) the measu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responsibility for any aspect of the implementation of the aggregates tax in areas such as (a) weighing of materials extracted from quarries; (b) the measurement of any environmental impact arising from any increased on-site storage of unsaleable dust; (c) any aspect of enforcement, and (d) any other matter related to the implementation of the tax.","AnswerText":"The Executive has a general responsibility for environmental monitoring, but no specific responsibilities in relation to the aggregates tax.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160253,"EventID":"S1W-23679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the letter by the Minister for Finance and Public Services to the Finance Spokesman for COSLA dated 25 February 2002, whether the minister will allocat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the letter by the Minister for Finance and Public Services to the Finance Spokesman for COSLA dated 25 February 2002, whether the minister will allocate #3-4 million of the identified under-spend of #200 million to Scottish Borders Council to prevent the present round of cuts.","AnswerText":"No. It is for Scottish Borders Council to set a budget which is within its means. I understand that it has done so.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160254,"EventID":"S1W-23680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed with HIV and how many people have been diagnosed with HIV in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed with HIV and how many people have been diagnosed with HIV in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The cumulative total of HIV-antibody positive persons reported to the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, to 31 December 2001, is 3,349. Of these, 1,278 are known to have died.

The corresponding data for each of the last five years are set out in the following table:

1997

182

1998

168

1999

156

2000

154

2001

173

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160255,"EventID":"S1W-23681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information has been sent to the residents on the Anderston estate in Glasgow to advise them of the transfer of their houses from Scottish Homes to Communities Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information has been sent to the residents on the Anderston estate in Glasgow to advise them of the transfer of their houses from Scottish Homes to Communities Scotland.","AnswerText":"None of Scottish Homes houses at any time transferred to Communities Scotland. All Scottish Homes tenants were supplied with a newsletter in September 2001, which explained the future for Scottish Homes and its remaining tenants. A copy of the newsletter has been put in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160256,"EventID":"S1W-23682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources (a) were allocated in 2001-02 and (b) will be allocated in 2002-03 to the Caries Prevention Scheme for oral health for children aged six to 10.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources (a) were allocated in 2001-02 and (b) will be allocated in 2002-03 to the Caries Prevention Scheme for oral health for children aged six to 10.","AnswerText":"The caries prevention scheme is open to all registered six- and seven-year-olds in Scotland. In the period April 2001 to January 2002 payments under the scheme amounted to £1.15 million; and it estimated that a further £250,000 will be paid in the remainder of the financial year. In the financial year 2002-03, the scheme is expected to cost around £1.5 million. The financial resources for the scheme are allocated through the General Dental Services budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160257,"EventID":"S1W-23683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of research post-graduates is sufficient for the future enhancement of research, given that 4% of current students are pursuing a research post-graduat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of research post-graduates is sufficient for the future enhancement of research, given that 4% of current students are pursuing a research post-graduate course.","AnswerText":"The number of students undertaking post-graduate research in Scottish higher education institutions has increased in recent years. A key objective of our Science Strategy is to ensure that enough people study science to a standard which will enable the future needs of the country to be met. Currently, the Executive is participating in the Robert's Review of the Supply of Skilled Scientists and Engineers in the UK, the findings of which will be published shortly. Interim findings for the review were published last November. These suggest that the greater participation rates in higher and further education in Scotland have benefited the supply of scientists and engineers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160258,"EventID":"S1W-23684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Charter for Small Enterprises will improve attitudes towards starting a business, given that in the household survey by the Department of Trade and I","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Charter for Small Enterprises will improve attitudes towards starting a business, given that in the household survey by the Department of Trade and Industry 33% of people hoping to start a business thought they would achieve their goal.","AnswerText":"In its recent report on the implementation of the charter, the European Commission recognised the charter as a pillar of the Commission's enterprise policy and the cornerstone of the policy of the member states. The Commission report revealed that real progress was being made in a number of areas, including the costs and time required in setting up a new business and that the UK was one of the leaders in this area. This should positively influence attitudes to starting up in business.

The household survey in question was conducted under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry's Small Business Service and relates to England only.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160259,"EventID":"S1W-23685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Phoenix Fund is available in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Phoenix Fund is available in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Phoenix Fund comprises a number of strands, only one of which is available in Scotland. The loan guarantees element, to help co-finance commercial lending to Community Finance Initiatives, is applicable across the UK. Organisations based in Scotland are free to submit bids for this strand of funding on the same basis as any other UK Community Finance Initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160260,"EventID":"S1W-23686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Business Link Network is operational in disadvantaged communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Business Link Network is operational in disadvantaged communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to the Business Link Network, which falls under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry's Small Business Service and operates in England only.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160261,"EventID":"S1W-23687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-19124 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2001, when it expects the national advisory forum set up to look at the implementation of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-19124 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2001, when it expects the national advisory forum set up to look at the implementation of the review of charity law to complete its deliberations.","AnswerText":"No specific date has been set by which the advisory forum has to complete its deliberations. We anticipate that the forum will contribute to the analysis of issues and options for implementation. We will make available to the forum, and will publish more widely, an analysis of the responses to our consultation on the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission's recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160262,"EventID":"S1W-23688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2903 by Susan Deacon on 8 February 2001, whether it is acceptable that form E1 issued by a Procurator Fiscal in relation to the dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2903 by Susan Deacon on 8 February 2001, whether it is acceptable that form E1 issued by a Procurator Fiscal in relation to the disposal of mortal remains by cremation should contain no specific cause of death.","AnswerText":"The Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 1935 provide that, when applicable, the Procurator Fiscal should complete form E1. This form requires that cause of death should be given.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160263,"EventID":"S1W-23689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address local concerns in relation to the continued suitability of Arran War Memorial Hospital to adequately serve the needs of the island; whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address local concerns in relation to the continued suitability of Arran War Memorial Hospital to adequately serve the needs of the island; whether there are any plans to provide the Isle of Arran with a new hospital, and whether any consideration has been given to the availability of land for any such development.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care NHS Trust, which is responsible for providing health services on Arran.

I understand that NHS Ayrshire and Arran are in the process of developing a long-term property strategy. I have been assured that the people of Arran will be consulted throughout this process.

Subject to that strategy, the primary care trust is committed to maintaining its existing premises on the island and ensuring that they provide an adequate and safe environment for patients and staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160264,"EventID":"S1W-23690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the statement that it \"is committed to the transfer of council housing to community ownership, both in Glasgow and throughout Scotland\" in the October 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the statement that it \"is committed to the transfer of council housing to community ownership, both in Glasgow and throughout Scotland\" in the October 2001 issue of The Key - Special Edition for Home Owners, whether the proposed transfer of housing stock in Glasgow is the blueprint for the future of public housing throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"Transfers of council housing to community ownership offer substantial benefits to tenants, councils and communities. It is for councils and tenants to decide whether to pursue housing stock transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160265,"EventID":"S1W-23691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ballot on the Glasgow housing stock transfer will be under way before the second stage consultation is completed and what measures it will take should any new","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ballot on the Glasgow housing stock transfer will be under way before the second stage consultation is completed and what measures it will take should any new information emerge from the consultation process after tenants have returned ballot papers.","AnswerText":"The ballot will be under way before the second stage consultation is completed. Any representations received from tenants will be taken into account by Scottish ministers when the application for formal consent to transfer is received.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160266,"EventID":"S1W-23692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will finance training in order to address vacancies arising from construction industry shortages following the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock, in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will finance training in order to address vacancies arising from construction industry shortages following the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock, in light of research commissioned by the council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and Communities Scotland forecasting approximately 6,500 such vacancies.","AnswerText":"Skills training for construction will be funded through Scottish Enterprise working in partnership with employers, local authorities and colleges. Various training programmes will be involved including, Modern Apprenticeships, Skillseekers, Training for Work and the New Deal.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160267,"EventID":"S1W-23693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has provided in (a) grants, subsidies or any other non-repayable finance and (b) loans or any other repayable finance in respect of the transfer of Glasgow Ci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has provided in (a) grants, subsidies or any other non-repayable finance and (b) loans or any other repayable finance in respect of the transfer of Glasgow City Council housing stock.","AnswerText":"To date a total of almost £20 million has been made available to the Glasgow Housing Association and Glasgow City Council, for costs in respect of the Glasgow housing transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160268,"EventID":"S1W-23694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the forthcoming ballot on the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock will include an option for tenants to indicate positively a wish to remain tenants ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the forthcoming ballot on the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock will include an option for tenants to indicate positively a wish to remain tenants of the council as an alternative to simply voting against the transfer.","AnswerText":"No. The content of the ballot paper is a matter for Glasgow City Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160269,"EventID":"S1W-23695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, if tenants choose to vote against stock transfer in the forthcoming ballot, what action the Executive proposes to take to facilitate a step change in investment in Glasg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, if tenants choose to vote against stock transfer in the forthcoming ballot, what action the Executive proposes to take to facilitate a step change in investment in Glasgow's housing.","AnswerText":"Should tenants vote against the proposed housing transfer, the stock will be retained by Glasgow City Council. In these circumstances the council would continue to receive their share of existing Housing Revenue Account resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160270,"EventID":"S1W-23696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the fees paid to markers were for the exam diets of (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the fees paid to markers were for the exam diets of (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001. ","AnswerText":"Information about the fees paid to the markers of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), is an operational matter for the SQA and is not held centrally by the Scottish Executive. However, I have passed your question to the Chair of the SQA.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160271,"EventID":"S1W-23697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that an anomaly has arisen as a consequence of the implementation of the McCrone Agreement in regard to the guarantee of a placement for the one pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that an anomaly has arisen as a consequence of the implementation of the McCrone Agreement in regard to the guarantee of a placement for the one probation year for new graduates which affects the 2-year probation of graduates intending to qualify in primary or secondary disciplines and who currently complete 2-year probationary placements in primary and secondary schools, and how many probationers this situation will effect.","AnswerText":"Currently those teachers graduating with a teaching qualification in a secondary subject can teach their subject in a primary school. However, to gain full registration they must complete two years probation within a secondary setting. They cannot become fully registered as a primary teacher without further training and a further period of probation.

The new scheme will guarantee all eligible probationary teachers a one-year training contract, teaching the subject in which they are qualified. In the case of those with a secondary qualification, this will be in a secondary school. This will lead to achievement of the standard for full registration and the opportunity to register as a fully qualified secondary teacher.

The opportunity to teach in their subject in primary schools is still available but, as with the current situation, will not lead to full registration as a primary teacher.

The Scottish Executive considers there is no anomaly in this situation and does not collect information on how many students are in this position.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160272,"EventID":"S1W-23698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial resources have been, or will be, allocated to implement the new guidelines on racist crime issued to all chief constables on 26 February 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial resources have been, or will be, allocated to implement the new guidelines on racist crime issued to all chief constables on 26 February 2002.","AnswerText":"Funding for the police, which is currently at record levels, is allocated in total to each force. It is for police authorities, in consultation with chief constables, to set budgets for individual forces. Once a budget has been agreed, the use of that budget to meet the operational needs of each force is a matter for individual chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160273,"EventID":"S1W-23699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional support through personnel, training and other means will be given to police forces to implement the guidelines issued on 26 February 2002 to chief constab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional support through personnel, training and other means will be given to police forces to implement the guidelines issued on 26 February 2002 to chief constables on racist crime and, in particular, on the need to assess the language needs of victims and bereaved relatives and to deal appropriately with cultural sensitivities and the religious and cultural needs of bereaved relatives in cases where a death has occurred and to comply with the requirements of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000","AnswerText":"It is for chief constables to determine how best to adhere to the Lord Advocate's guidance.

Whilst the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland continues to provide forces with comprehensive guidance on all national policing issues concerning racial diversity. The Commission for Racial Equality in Scotland are also aiming to publish, for consultation, their draft Statutory Code of Practice and associated guidance for devolved public bodies in Scotland, including police forces, in early May. The code will provide practical guidance to bodies on how to fulfil both their general and specific duties and will be supported by examples of best practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160274,"EventID":"S1W-23700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22493 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 February 2002, whether the percentage of EU Council of Ministers meetings attended refers to the prop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22493 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 February 2002, whether the percentage of EU Council of Ministers meetings attended refers to the proportion of the total of all formal and informal meetings of the EU Council of Ministers.","AnswerText":"Since the figure for councils attended by Scottish ministers, given in answer to question S1W-22493, included two informal meetings of EU Ministers, the percentage given should have referred to the proportion of the total of all formal meetings of the EU Council of Ministers and informal meetings of EU Ministers. However, due to an administrative error a figure for the total number of formal meetings only was used.

The proportion of formal meetings of the EU Council of Ministers attended by Scottish ministers between 1 March 2000 and 28 February 2002 is 11.4%.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160275,"EventID":"S1W-23701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licensed firearms were recorded in (a) Scotland and (b) Glasgow in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licensed firearms were recorded in (a) Scotland and (b) Glasgow in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The following table gives the number of firearms covered by certificates in Scotland and in Strathclyde on issue at 31 December 1999 and 31 December 2000. Figures for 2001 will not be published until autumn 2002. The information held is not broken down below force level.

Firearms on certificate

 

1999

2000

Scotland

Possessed

62,421

58,862

Authorised to be purchased/acquired

11,272

9,934

Total

73,693

68,796

Strathclyde

Possessed

11,314

10,857

Authorised to be purchased/acquired

1,937

1,513

Total

13,251

12,370

Note: The recorded totals in the table, may include an element of double counting in that two or more individuals may each hold a certificate that allows them to possess the same firearm.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160276,"EventID":"S1W-23702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been admitted to hospitals in (a) Scotland and (b) Glasgow as a result of firearm related incidents in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been admitted to hospitals in (a) Scotland and (b) Glasgow as a result of firearm related incidents in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The number of patients admitted to hospital in each of the last three years with a diagnosis related to a firearms1 incident are shown in the table
 

Year ending 31 Dec:

Treated in:

1999

2000

2001P

NHS Glasgow

30

36

42

NHS Scotland

140

138

136

P Provisional.

Notes:

1. includes incidents involving handguns, rifles, air guns and unspecified.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160277,"EventID":"S1W-23703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of firearm related offences in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of firearm related offences in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table. Other crime categories, such as possession of an offensive weapon and robbery, may also involve firearms. However, the numbers of such cases cannot, from the information held centrally, be separately identified from the total numbers of prosecutions and convictions for these crime categories. Data for the year 2001 are not yet available.

Persons proceeded against in Scottish courts for specified firearms offences, 1999-2000

Main crime and result

Year

1999

2000

Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life or commit crime

Persons proceeded against

19

20

Of which had a charge proved

12

12

Reckless conduct with firearms

Persons proceeded against

56

50

Of which had a charge proved

39

42

Miscellaneous firearm offences1

Persons proceeded against

213

161

Of which had a charge proved

170

143

Total

Persons proceeded against

288

231

Of which had a charge proved

221

197

Note:

1. Includes other offences under the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended) and section 50(5) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160278,"EventID":"S1W-23704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many illegal firearms have been sei'ed in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many illegal firearms have been sei'ed in each year since 1999, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160279,"EventID":"S1W-23705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what learning providers in the Glasgow Kelvin parliamentary constituency area have been recipients of Individual Learning Account payments and what the total value was o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what learning providers in the Glasgow Kelvin parliamentary constituency area have been recipients of Individual Learning Account payments and what the total value was of such payments.","AnswerText":"The following learning providers, based in Glasgow Kelvin parliamentary constituency, have been recipients of Individual Learning Account payments:

Alliance Francaise de Glasgow - £21,073

AMT International - £5,219

BPP Glasgow - £13,382

British Red Cross Scotland - £360

Catersafe Food Hygiene - £750

Centre for Educational Systems - £1,800

Centro Espanol Lorca - £22,005

College of Holistic Medicine - £4,650

Garnethill Centre - £450

Glasgow Caledonian University - £64,513

Glasgow Media Access Centre - £155

Goethe-Institut Glasgow - £14,344

Gosta Training - £701

Harmony Kinesiology College - £655

Informatics Group UK Ltd - £750

International Correspondence Schools - £42,106

Internet Exchange - £30,000

ITC-Skills Ltd - £289,221

Kinharvie - £1,950

Learning and Teaching Scotland - £23,816

Mindstore - £1,350

Netcon-X Enterprise Ltd - £1,200

Network Driver Training - £600

PCT Professional Development - £300

Scot-Train - £45,220

Scottish College of Complementary Medicine - £2,400

Scottish Screen - £1,805

Scottish Training & Counselling Services (SCOTACS) - £5,920

Scottish Yoga Teachers' Association - £1,350

Services to Software Ltd - £600

Share - £2,143

Sports Rehab and Education Services - £857

Stow College - £283,490

University of Glasgow - Adult & Continuing Education - £134,703

University of Glasgow - Language Centre - £3,528

University of Glasgow - Universal Training Solution - £23,769

University of Strathclyde - Centre for Lifelong Learning - £40,773

University of Strathclyde - Centre for Professional Legal Studies - £28,000

University of Strathclyde - Languages for Business - £600

The total value of payments to these providers is: £1,116,508.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160280,"EventID":"S1W-23706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available in order to ensure (a) that the Bridgeguard 3 assessment programme will be completed and (b) that any necessary action identified b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available in order to ensure (a) that the Bridgeguard 3 assessment programme will be completed and (b) that any necessary action identified by the assessment programme will be taken.","AnswerText":"On 25 February, I awarded an extra £20 million in grant in financial year 2001-02 to local authorities to speed up assessment and repair work to local roads and bridges. This is in addition to the extra £70 million included in capital allocations between financial year 2001-02 to 2003-04 to tackle the backlog of repairs and maintenance to local roads and bridges.

It is for local authorities to prioritise the upgrading of any bridges and to allocate the necessary funding from the resources available to them. It is also their responsibility to take forward any action required to complete the Bridgeguard 3 assessment programme and to carry out any necessary work identified by the programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160281,"EventID":"S1W-23707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it (a) has made or (b) will make any representations to the Postal Services Commission as part of the current consultation on the commission's market opening prop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it (a) has made or (b) will make any representations to the Postal Services Commission as part of the current consultation on the commission's market opening proposals in respect of the impact of the proposals on (i) social inclusion, (ii) rural areas and (iii) urban deprived areas. ","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Postal Services Commission on a range of issues, including its most recent consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160282,"EventID":"S1W-23708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the legally responsible employer is of the four fingerprint experts currently under suspension from the Scottish Criminal Record Office following investigations into ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the legally responsible employer is of the four fingerprint experts currently under suspension from the Scottish Criminal Record Office following investigations into the Shirley McKie case.","AnswerText":"Civilian staff employed by the Scottish Criminal Record Office are employees of Strathclyde Joint Police Board and are subject to their terms and conditions of employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160283,"EventID":"S1W-23709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of civil legal aid cases (a) sought and (b) were refused a sanction for (i) junior and (ii) senior counsel in each of the past three years, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of civil legal aid cases (a) sought and (b) were refused a sanction for (i) junior and (ii) senior counsel in each of the past three years, broken down by subject matter (such as matrimonial, reparation or contract).","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Legal Aid Board. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160284,"EventID":"S1W-23710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) sheriff courts and (b) High Courts have now installed CCTV systems for use with vulnerable witnesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) sheriff courts and (b) High Courts have now installed CCTV systems for use with vulnerable witnesses.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The four largest courts have a CCTV system permanently installed. All others have access to mobile systems which can be deployed to the courts as required. The information is given in the following table.

Name of Court/ Sheriffdom

CCTV System Installed

No. of Mobile CCTV Systems available

Glasgow Sheriff Court

1

 

Edinburgh Sheriff Court

1

 

Lothian and Borders

 

1

Grampian Highlands and Islands

 

2

Tayside Central and Fife

 

2

South Strathclyde Dumfries and Galloway

 

2

North Strathclyde

 

2

High Court, Lawnmarket Edinburgh

1

 

High Court, Saltmarket Glasgow

1

 
","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160285,"EventID":"S1W-23711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many cases in (a) High Courts and (b) sheriff courts CCTV systems have been used in connection with the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses in the past thre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many cases in (a) High Courts and (b) sheriff courts CCTV systems have been used in connection with the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses in the past three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No figures are maintained, to show the frequency with which CCTV systems are used. However, prior to using such systems, the prosecution or defence must first make application to the court. While, in the event the CCTV system may not be required to be used, the number of such applications in the last three years are given in the following table:

Applications made to the court for the use of CCTV
 

1999

2000

2001

Sheriff Courts

23

11

12

High Court

26

29

27

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160286,"EventID":"S1W-23712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Scottish Law Commission and other interested parties concerning the legal definition and interpretation of the term \"vul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Scottish Law Commission and other interested parties concerning the legal definition and interpretation of the term \"vulnerable witness\".","AnswerText":"The Scottish Law Commission last considered the definition of a vulnerable witness in its Report No. 125 of 1990. Since then, work on this issue has been taken forward by the Scottish Executive through the Towards a Just Conclusion Action Plan, published in June 2000. A number of discussions have taken place with relevant voluntary organisations. A consultation paper including a section on this topic is scheduled for publication this spring.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160287,"EventID":"S1W-23713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many cases screens have been used in (a) High Courts and (b) sheriff courts in order to give a degree of protection to (i) vulnerable witnesses and (ii) police w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many cases screens have been used in (a) High Courts and (b) sheriff courts in order to give a degree of protection to (i) vulnerable witnesses and (ii) police witnesses over the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

  1. No figures are maintained to show the frequency with which screens have been used. However, prior to using screens, the prosecution or defence, first make application to the court. While in the event the screens may not require to be used, the number of such applications in the last three years are given in the following table:

Applications made to the court for the use of Screens
 

1999

2000

2001

Sheriff Courts

45

38

43

High Court

24

31

28

(ii) In terms of section 271 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, these provisions can be used in respect of child witnesses or persons who are suffering from mental disorder, within the meaning of the relevant mental health provisions, or who otherwise appear to the court, to suffer from significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning. They do not extend to cover police witnesses.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160288,"EventID":"S1W-23714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many second homes are entitled to the 50% council tax discount and what percentage of the national housing stock this figure represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many second homes are entitled to the 50% council tax discount and what percentage of the national housing stock this figure represents.","AnswerText":"Second homes are not identified separately from other homes receiving a 50% discount. At 3 September 2001 there were 60,319 chargeable dwellings in Scotland subject to a 50% discount. This represents 2.7% of the total number of chargeable dwellings in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160289,"EventID":"S1W-23715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with COSLA and the local authorities outwith COSLA concerning the provision of refuges and supported housing schemes for the vict","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with COSLA and the local authorities outwith COSLA concerning the provision of refuges and supported housing schemes for the victims of domestic violence.","AnswerText":"There have been no formal discussions with COSLA and local authorities outwith COSLA about the provision of refuges and supported accommodation for the victims of domestic violence since the spring of 2001 when the allocation of monies in respect of the first tranche of the Refuge Development Programme was being considered.

Communities Scotland local officers have since had informal discussions with individual local authorities about projects under the programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160290,"EventID":"S1W-23716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given to the position of council-owned refuges and other supported housing schemes for victims of domestic violence in housing stock transfer ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given to the position of council-owned refuges and other supported housing schemes for victims of domestic violence in housing stock transfer programmes.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for local consideration and agreement, as to whether council-owned refuges and supported housing schemes for victims of domestic abuse, are included as part of a council housing transfer to community ownership. Where residents of refuges are assessed as homeless, the homelessness provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 will continue to apply after transfer. In addition, regulations to be made under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 will strengthen the rights of people living in hostels.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160291,"EventID":"S1W-23717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with Scottish Women's Aid and other appropriate bodies concerning the provision and funding of council-owned refuges and support","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with Scottish Women's Aid and other appropriate bodies concerning the provision and funding of council-owned refuges and supported housing schemes for the victims of domestic violence following the transfer of housing stock from council ownership to housing associations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23716.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160292,"EventID":"S1W-23718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal protection will be given to the residents of refuges and supported housing schemes following the transfer of housing stock from council ownership to housing a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal protection will be given to the residents of refuges and supported housing schemes following the transfer of housing stock from council ownership to housing associations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23716.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160293,"EventID":"S1W-23719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many units of social housing were built by each local authority in each of the last three years and how many such units are projected to be built by each local autho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many units of social housing were built by each local authority in each of the last three years and how many such units are projected to be built by each local authority in each of the next two years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of social housing units built each year, is published in the Scottish Executive Housing Trends Bulletins. The information, by local authority area, was published for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively in the following publications, all of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers: HSG/1999/4, HSG/2000/3, HSG/2001/2). Information for 2001 will be available, and published, in June 2002.

There are no centrally produced projections on future new build levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160294,"EventID":"S1W-23720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which companies will assist with the electoral modernisation pilot studies and whether an estimate of the cost of any such studies is now available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which companies will assist with the electoral modernisation pilot studies and whether an estimate of the cost of any such studies is now available.","AnswerText":"No electoral pilot studies have yet been run under the provisions of the Scottish Local Government (Elections) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160295,"EventID":"S1W-23721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have implemented concessionary travel schemes for (a) children aged under 16 years and (b) 16- to 18-year-olds following full-time education co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have implemented concessionary travel schemes for (a) children aged under 16 years and (b) 16- to 18-year-olds following full-time education courses.","AnswerText":"The latest information we have available indicates that concessionary travel schemes operated by the following local authorities include provision for children under 16 and 16- to 18-year-olds in full-time education:

Local Authority

Concessionary travel schemes which include provision for under 16-year-olds

Clackmannanshire Council

14- to 15-year-olds only

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar

Children under 16 only

Falkirk Council

14- to 15-year-olds only

Midlothian Council

Under 16 year olds (registered disabled)

Orkney Council

5- to 16-year-olds only

Shetland Islands Council

5- to 16-year-olds only

Strathclyde Passenger Transport*

5- to 15-years-old (if receipt of DLA)

Stirling Council

14- to 15-year-olds only

Note:

* The scheme administered by SPT covers the whole of the following local authority areas:

Argyll and Bute

North Ayrshire

East Ayrshire

North Lanarkshire

East Dunbartonshire

Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire

South Ayrshire

City of Glasgow

South Lanarkshire

Inverclyde

West Dunbartonshire

Local Authority

Concessionary travel schemes which include provision for 16- to 18-year-olds

Fife Council

16 to 18 (in full time education)

Dundee Council

16 to 18 (in full time education)

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160296,"EventID":"S1W-23722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with bus companies concerning the adoption of pilot travel schemes involving the use of American-style yellow school buses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with bus companies concerning the adoption of pilot travel schemes involving the use of American-style yellow school buses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive had a meeting with First Group in September last year to discuss the company's plans to pilot American-style yellow school buses.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160297,"EventID":"S1W-23723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans have been adopted to publish new appointments made to health boards and trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans have been adopted to publish new appointments made to health boards and trusts.","AnswerText":"All non-executive appointments to NHS boards, Special Health Boards and NHS trusts are announced by the Scottish Executive in the form of news releases. The latest, dated 11 January 2002, is to be found on the Scottish Executive's website at the following address:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2002/01/SE5143.aspx

Additionally, details of current ministerial appointments to all Scottish public bodies are published on the Scottish Executive Public Appointments website at the following address:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicappoint/publicbodies.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160298,"EventID":"S1W-23724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons have been learned from the appointment by the National Assembly of Wales of a Children's Commissioner in relation to the establishment of such a post in Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons have been learned from the appointment by the National Assembly of Wales of a Children's Commissioner in relation to the establishment of such a post in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering our response to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee's Report on their inquiry into the need for a Children's Commissioner in Scotland, which was published on 14 February. The arrangements for establishing a Children's Commissioner in Wales formed part of the committee's considerations in preparing their report.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160299,"EventID":"S1W-23725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Scottish Law Commission and other interested parties concerning the future of trial by jury.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Scottish Law Commission and other interested parties concerning the future of trial by jury.","AnswerText":"We have had no discussions with any organisation recently about the future of trial by jury generally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160300,"EventID":"S1W-23726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to (a) reduce crime and (b) improve the safety of communities in (i) West Renfrewshire and (ii) Inverclyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to (a) reduce crime and (b) improve the safety of communities in (i) West Renfrewshire and (ii) Inverclyde.","AnswerText":"This is primarily a matter for Strathclyde Police who work in partnership with other local bodies to reduce crime.

However, the Scottish Executive has lent support to partnership working by providing £250,000 for CCTV in Port Glasgow under the \"Make our Communities Safer CCTV Challenge Competition\".

Last October we also announced details of a new community safety award programme, which will give all council-led Community Safety Partnerships a share of £12 million over the next three years for local community safety initiatives. This award is made up of two elements, a formulated award based on population share and crimes per head of population and a variable award based on progress and quality of partnerships' community safety strategies and action plans. We announced the formulated awards last October. Inverclyde will receive £259,073, and Renfrewshire will receive £362,215 over the next three years. The variable award for 2002-03 was announced on 15 March and Inverclyde and Renfrewshire will both receive a further £26,783.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160301,"EventID":"S1W-23727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22150 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002 on the availability of drugs to clinicians, whether Capecitabine for metastatic color","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22150 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002 on the availability of drugs to clinicians, whether Capecitabine for metastatic colorectal cancer has been approved by the Area Drugs and Therapeutics Committee for West Glasgow Hospitals.","AnswerText":"Local management confirm that the Greater Glasgow Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee has approved the use of Capecitabine for metastatic colorectal cancer. The use of this treatment for individual patients depends on the clinical judgement of the specialists concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160302,"EventID":"S1W-23728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a review of the recommendations set out in The Account Commission for Scotland's report Temporary Measures - Managing Bank and Agency Nursing St","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a review of the recommendations set out in The Account Commission for Scotland's report Temporary Measures - Managing Bank and Agency Nursing Staff.","AnswerText":"Audit Scotland has advised that they are currently carrying out a review of ward based nursing in NHSScotland and this report is due out this autumn. The report will include a follow up on trusts' implementation of the main recommendations in Temporary Measures - Managing Bank and Agency Nursing Staff.

In addition, as part of its work, the Facing the Future Group will be looking at improving the data on the nursing workforce in its widest sense.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160303,"EventID":"S1W-23729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to comments made by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to the Justice 1 Committee and Justice 2 Committee joint meeting on 19 September 2001 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to comments made by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to the Justice 1 Committee and Justice 2 Committee joint meeting on 19 September 2001 (Official Report, Col. 117), whether it plans to introduce measurement of the existing incidence of physical chastisement of children.","AnswerText":"The Executive has commissioned research from an independent contractor into the current incidence of physical punishment of children by their parents. This will serve as a base line against which to measure the effect of our proposed legislation. A report is expected during the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160304,"EventID":"S1W-23730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale has been set for the modernisation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service announced on 4 March 2002 and what financial investment will be alloc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale has been set for the modernisation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service announced on 4 March 2002 and what financial investment will be allocated to it.","AnswerText":"The Report of the Review of the Planning, Allocation and Management of Resources in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service published on 4 March considered that it would take up to two years to implement fully its recommendations. I have moved quickly to appoint a Chief Executive to lead the introduction of the necessary changes and I look to him to do this with appropriate speed. Consultation on some of the report's recommendations, including in relation to future area and management structures will take several weeks and recruitment of significant numbers of additional qualified managerial and legal staff will take time. The current annual expenditure of the COPFS is some £64 million. The Executive have agreed that significant additional resources will be allocated to the department in 2002-03 and beyond.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160305,"EventID":"S1W-23731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20624 by Cathy Jamieson on 28 December 2001, what recourse an unaccompanied asylum seeking child has to ensure that he/she is given","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20624 by Cathy Jamieson on 28 December 2001, what recourse an unaccompanied asylum seeking child has to ensure that he/she is given their full rights under a local authority's duty of care under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 where there is an absence of official documentation to prove the child's identity.","AnswerText":"The duty on local authorities to provide assistance to a child, does not depend on the identity of the child. We do not expect the absence of official documentation to prove a child's identity, to affect the child's access to local authority assistance.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160306,"EventID":"S1W-23732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20817 by Nicol Stephen on 28 December 2001, what recourse asylum seeking families have to ensure that their school age children are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20817 by Nicol Stephen on 28 December 2001, what recourse asylum seeking families have to ensure that their school age children are given full rights to a school education under the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000.","AnswerText":"The operation of facilities for asylum seekers is the responsibility of the Home Office. However, where school education is provided by a local authority, families seeking asylum have the same means of recourse available to them as other families who have concerns about the education being provided for their child by a local authority. Those means include seeking resolution through the authority's complaints procedures or if necessary seek to challenge the decision or action of the local authority in court.

In practice, such families may wish to raise their concerns through support organisations for asylum seeking families or through liaison officers appointed by local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160307,"EventID":"S1W-23733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sections 93 and 94 of the Environment Act 1995 provide for the power to introduce a statutory instrument for deposit-refund systems and, if so, what the limits o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sections 93 and 94 of the Environment Act 1995 provide for the power to introduce a statutory instrument for deposit-refund systems and, if so, what the limits of any such power are.","AnswerText":"It is likely that sections 93 and 94 do provide a power to introduce a deposit-refund scheme. The detail of proposed scheme would have to be examined to determine whether its introduction would fall within devolved competence. It would also need to be considered in the light of EC and domestic law on competition and the sale and supply of goods.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160308,"EventID":"S1W-23734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or any other body which has responsibility for natural heritage issues has any plans to hold an independent enquiry","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or any other body which has responsibility for natural heritage issues has any plans to hold an independent enquiry into marine conditions in the Loch na Keal area on the Isle of Mull.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any plans to hold such an inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160309,"EventID":"S1W-23735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the library purchase and usage figures as detailed in the Accounts Commission Performance Audit Performance Indicators 2000/2001- Leis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the library purchase and usage figures as detailed in the Accounts Commission Performance Audit Performance Indicators 2000/2001- Leisure and Library Services - Comparing the Performance of Scottish Councils.","AnswerText":"Statutory responsibility for local libraries lies with local authorities. Each local authority is responsible for determining the level of resources allocated for the library service, which they provide for the residents of their area. This includes resources for the purchasing of books.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160310,"EventID":"S1W-23736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies there are for social workers (a) in Glasgow and (b) across Scotland as a whole.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies there are for social workers (a) in Glasgow and (b) across Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"The Chief Social Work Inspector received a report from the City of Glasgow on 21 February 2002, that there were 39 social worker vacancies in Glasgow.

There are no current figures held centrally for social worker vacancies across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160311,"EventID":"S1W-23737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), what matters were discussed and when it next intends to meet representatives of HIAL.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met representatives of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), what matters were discussed and when it next intends to meet representatives of HIAL.","AnswerText":"Ministers last met the management of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) on 23 January 2002, when a variety of issues were discussed. Scottish Executive officials meet HIAL's management regularly to discuss financial and operational matters, and are represented at board meetings through the presence of an assessor. The last meeting was held on 8 March; and the last meeting between the Executive and senior HIAL staff was held on 13 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160312,"EventID":"S1W-23738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates that the investigation into the use of equipment used in tonsillectomies will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates that the investigation into the use of equipment used in tonsillectomies will be completed.","AnswerText":"An audit of all tonsil and adenoid surgery, performed with single-use instruments since July 2001, was completed recently. Routine tonsil and adenoid surgery recommenced with effect from 11 March 2002 and a prospective audit of surgery will be undertaken from that date.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160313,"EventID":"S1W-23739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional resources to all NHS boards to help with the increased waiting lists for tonsillectomies following the postponement of this procedure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide additional resources to all NHS boards to help with the increased waiting lists for tonsillectomies following the postponement of this procedure.","AnswerText":"The National Waiting Times Unit expects NHS boards to be targeting the lengthy waits for routine tonsil and adenoid surgery which have built up, whilst concerns over patient health and safety and issues around surgical instruments were resolved.

The unit is currently assessing NHS boards' Local Health Plans to determine how best to distribute additional funding to tackle waiting in 2002-03. It may fund specific initiatives to help reduce the number of patients awaiting routine tonsil and adenoid surgery depending on the capacity in each NHS board area.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160314,"EventID":"S1W-23740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has held with Her Majesty's Government regarding the possibility of implementing a public service order for air links to and from Inverness airport, when","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has held with Her Majesty's Government regarding the possibility of implementing a public service order for air links to and from Inverness airport, when any such meetings took place and with whom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish ministers and officials meet their counterparts at the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, as well as Scotland Office ministers, on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of matters. This has included the pursuit of the case for the imposition of a Public Service Obligation, and the associated ring-fencing of slots, on the Inverness to Gatwick route.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160315,"EventID":"S1W-23741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will publish her transport strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will publish her transport strategy.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will publish the Transport Delivery Report shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160316,"EventID":"S1W-23742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed west Edinburgh tram system will be funded by a Private Finance Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed west Edinburgh tram system will be funded by a Private Finance Initiative.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with City of Edinburgh Council to examine all options for how best to finance this project.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160317,"EventID":"S1W-23743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed West Edinburgh tram system will be complementary to the West Edinburgh Busways scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed West Edinburgh tram system will be complementary to the West Edinburgh Busways scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive expects City of Edinburgh Council to ensure that the two projects complement each other.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160318,"EventID":"S1W-23744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to contribute additional funding for the west Edinburgh tram system beyond the #5 million it is considering contributing for preparatory work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to contribute additional funding for the west Edinburgh tram system beyond the #5 million it is considering contributing for preparatory work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with City of Edinburgh Council, to examine all options for how best to finance this project beyond our initial commitment, in principle, to fund further appraisal work and work to obtain Parliamentary powers for the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160319,"EventID":"S1W-23745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 review group will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 review group will be published.","AnswerText":"The independent task group, set up by ministers to review the licensing provisions contained in the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, will consult on their emerging findings shortly. It is anticipated that the task group will report to ministers with its recommendations following that consultation, later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160320,"EventID":"S1W-23746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to changes in the law relating to planning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to changes in the law relating to planning.","AnswerText":"The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, does not include provisions relating to land use planning.

However, the Executive is currently conducting a review of the legislative and administrative arrangements for strategic planning. This review is likely to have implications for the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and related secondary legislation.

The Executive is also engaged in a consultation exercise on measures to improve public involvement in the planning system. The closing date for comments has been extended to 21 April, and the consultation paper, Getting Involved in Planning, can be viewed on the Executive's website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/planning.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160321,"EventID":"S1W-23747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to changes in the law relating to the consumption of alcohol on licensed prem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to changes in the law relating to the consumption of alcohol on licensed premises.","AnswerText":"None. A separate review of Scottish liquor licensing law is being conducted at present by an independent committee representing relevant interests, under the chairmanship of Sheriff Principal Gordon Nicholson. It is expected the committee will report early in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160322,"EventID":"S1W-23748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to changes in the laws concerning entertainment licences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 to changes in the laws concerning entertainment licences.","AnswerText":"An independent task group was set up to review all the licensing provisions contained in the act, including those relating to places of public entertainment. I understand the group will shortly be consulting widely on their emerging findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160323,"EventID":"S1W-23749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where, when and for how long the post of Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service was advertised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where, when and for how long the post of Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service was advertised.","AnswerText":"The post was filled by assignment of a senior civil servant, already experienced in operating at this level, because of the need to strengthen the top management of Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and to do so without delay.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160324,"EventID":"S1W-23750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were for the post of Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were for the post of Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23749.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160325,"EventID":"S1W-23751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules and procedures were followed for the interview, selection and appointment of the Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules and procedures were followed for the interview, selection and appointment of the Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23749.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160326,"EventID":"S1W-23752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) were in existence in May 1999; how many will be in existence by May 2002; how many Chief Executives are employed by NDBPs ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) were in existence in May 1999; how many will be in existence by May 2002; how many Chief Executives are employed by NDBPs and how many of them the Executive pays for; how much each Chief Executive was paid in 1999-2000, and how much each Chief Executive is paid in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"The Executive carried out a fundamental review of the public bodies it sponsors in 2001. Details of the 183 bodies then in existence, together with recommendations about the method and timetable for abolition or further review of 113 of them were published in Public Bodies: Proposals for Change, in June 2001, this can be found at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/government/pbreview.pdf. The number of public bodies sponsored by the Scottish Executive as at 12 March 2002 is 153.

Comprehensive information about Non-Departmental Public Bodies, including details of Chief Executive salaries, is collected and published annually in the publication Public Bodies. Copies of the 2001 version, together with earlier editions, are available from the Cabinet Office website at:

www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango. Public Bodies 2002, which will include financial information in respect of the 2001-02 financial year, is expected to be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160327,"EventID":"S1W-23753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21955 by Iain Gray on 30 January 2002, what the timetable is for the publication of the report on the review of the social economy ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21955 by Iain Gray on 30 January 2002, what the timetable is for the publication of the report on the review of the social economy and for consideration of the report's recommendations.","AnswerText":"I have now received a draft of the social economy review undertaken by Mr Stephen Maxwell, Assistant Director of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. I shall be discussing Mr Maxwell's draft with him and will arrange for publication of the report for consultation in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160328,"EventID":"S1W-23754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget is for the New Deal: Next Phase initiative in respect of each new deal programme in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget is for the New Deal: Next Phase initiative in respect of each new deal programme in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland, it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.

The Green Paper, Towards Full Employment in a Modern Society, was published in March 2001. It set out a series of changes and initiatives within the New Deal programme - "New Deal: Next Phase" - designed to tackle harder to help clients, as unemployment rates fall, and to focus on the needs of employers in sectors where there are employment opportunities. These initiatives are funded from the overall New Deal budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160329,"EventID":"S1W-23755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets and timescales have been set for the delivery of the New Deal: Next Phase initiative in each new deal programme in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets and timescales have been set for the delivery of the New Deal: Next Phase initiative in each new deal programme in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government, which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.

The key developments in Scotland, under New Deal: Next Phase, are as follows:

Local Account Managers have been appointed in all Employment Service Districts in Scotland, to secure engagement with employers. Business sector initiatives are being developed, to offer opportunities to New Deal clients and meet the skill needs of employers.

Targeted assistance is being developed for people with drug problems. Five "Progress2work" pathfinders are in place in Glasgow North; Glasgow South; Tayside; Fife; and Dumbarton, Argyll and Bute. These will be extended to the rest of the country progressively by 2003.

There will be two Step-UP pilots in Scotland in East Ayrshire and Dundee, to provide jobs for people who have not succeeded in finding employment after New Deal. These will provide stepping-stones to work through guaranteed jobs.

There will be two tailored pathway pilots in Scotland, in Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway, to provide a more flexible approach to New Deal for Young People options. These will allow personal advisers to combine elements of the four options, to suit the needs of individuals.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will publish targets for Jobcentre Plus shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160330,"EventID":"S1W-23756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimates are of any skill shortages in the construction, oil and gas and electronics industries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest estimates are of any skill shortages in the construction, oil and gas and electronics industries.","AnswerText":"The relevant employer-led National Training Organisations (NTOs) provide estimates of skill shortages in the construction, oil and gas, and electronics industries. The provision of labour market information is a key function of NTOs, a role that will be taken on by the new Sector Skills Councils, when they replace NTOs from April 2002.

The Future Skills Scotland unit has recently commissioned the first-ever Scottish Employers Skill Survey, the fieldwork for which will take place during April/May 2002. The results of this survey should be available by late summer and will complement the existing labour market information in these sectors.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160331,"EventID":"S1W-23757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community services were affected by the four power outages in the Abronhill area of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency during January 2002; what information it ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community services were affected by the four power outages in the Abronhill area of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency during January 2002; what information it has received about the causes of each outage, and what action it has undertaken, or will undertake, in order to ensure that any such services are not affected in the future.","AnswerText":"Regulation of the electricity supply industry is a reserved matter, and is the responsibility of the industry regulator, Ofgem. We understand that the supply interruptions in question were the result of two unrelated intermittent faults on the cable that supplies the Abronhill area, surrounding the Almond Drive Substation. Scottish Power have now permanently repaired all of the faults and carried out full tests on the distribution cable.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160332,"EventID":"S1W-23758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22850 by Mary Mulligan on 21 February 2002, whether the statement by the Royal National Institute for Deaf people that \"only 1.4% o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22850 by Mary Mulligan on 21 February 2002, whether the statement by the Royal National Institute for Deaf people that \"only 1.4% of people in Scotland who need a hearing aid have access to free digital aids on the NHS\" is correct and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Digital hearing aids are amongst a wide range of hearing aids available on the central contract, negotiated for NHSScotland. The figure quoted by Royal National Institute for Deaf people relates to the number of digital hearing aids, that were actually drawn off the contract during a specific period, expressed as a percentage of the total number of hearing aids drawn off the contract.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22823 on 21 February 2002, which gives details of the Good Practice Guidance, issued by the Executive on Adult Hearing and Fitting Services and provides advice on circumstances in which digital hearing aids should be provided by NHSScotland. The decision on who should be given a digital aid, is a matter for the clinician involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160333,"EventID":"S1W-23759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22850 by Mary Mulligan on 21 February 2002, what contact it has had with the Royal National Institute for Deaf people since the lau","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22850 by Mary Mulligan on 21 February 2002, what contact it has had with the Royal National Institute for Deaf people since the launch of the institute's campaign to have individual MSPs lobbied to write to the Deputy Health Minister with regard to the provision of digital hearing aid provision in Scotland compared with provision in England and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"A representative from the Royal National Institute for Deaf people (RNID) was invited to join the wide-ranging review of audiology services, commissioned by the Executive, because of the expertise and experience RNID could bring to the review. The Executive therefore has regular contact with RNID.

The audit element of the review has been constructed to incorporate the information gathered by the RNID research report Audiology in Scotland 2001, released on 6 February. The RNID information will be examined and analysed by the review group, to help formulate recommendations to address areas of concern.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160334,"EventID":"S1W-23760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation is available to providers and users of community services affected by the four power outages in the Abronhill area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth const","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation is available to providers and users of community services affected by the four power outages in the Abronhill area of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency during January 2002; where information on any such compensation schemes is available, and what assistance it can provide to the users and providers of any community service affected by the outages.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-23313 and S1W-23757 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160335,"EventID":"S1W-23761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the Plotnikoff and Woolfson Report Implementation Group are; when the implementation group has met; when it next expects to meet in the current year, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the Plotnikoff and Woolfson Report Implementation Group are; when the implementation group has met; when it next expects to meet in the current year, and when it expects to complete its work. ","AnswerText":"The Plotnikoff and Woolfson Report was commissioned to assist the Lord Advocate's Working Group on Child Witness Support. The membership of the Child Witness Support Implementation Group, which is taking forward the working group's recommendations, comprises officials of the Scottish Executive, including the Crown Office, and the Scottish Children's Reporters Administration. It met in September, October, and November 2001 and in January 2002. It will meet again in April.

Regarding the completion of its work, I refer the member to the answer given to S1O-4737 on 28 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160336,"EventID":"S1W-23762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when information relating to health spending on specific priorities in the forthcoming financial year will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when information relating to health spending on specific priorities in the forthcoming financial year will be made available.","AnswerText":"NHS boards were notified of their allocations to meet the health care needs of their resident populations in 2002-03 on 7 February. It is for boards to decide how best to meet national and local priorities from within the funds available. Details of NHS boards' expenditure in 2002-03 will be available from board annual accounts. The recently introduced Performance Assessment Framework will deliver a systematic and consistent assessment of performance in the NHS, including those on specific priorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160337,"EventID":"S1W-23763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made to date for free central heating installation in the Dumfries and Galloway area under its Central Heating Installation Programme; how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made to date for free central heating installation in the Dumfries and Galloway area under its Central Heating Installation Programme; how many of these applications have been processed, and how many installations have been carried out in (a) the private sector, (b) the local authority sector and (c) housing associations.","AnswerText":"Four hundred and ninety-three applications have been made to Eaga, from households in the private sector in the Dumfries and Galloway postcode area. 309 of the 440 applications processed so far are eligible for grant and 101 jobs were allocated to Eaga's heating contractors. 16 installations have been completed and the others will be dealt with as soon as possible. Dumfries and Galloway Council and the housing associations in the area, advise that they have no stock which could be included in the programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160338,"EventID":"S1W-23764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the ballot on housing stock transfer in Dumfries and Galloway will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the ballot on housing stock transfer in Dumfries and Galloway will take place.","AnswerText":"This will be a matter for Dumfries and Galloway Council, once it has submitted a transfer proposal to the Executive and received "in principle" approval to formally consult tenants.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160339,"EventID":"S1W-23765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many research projects have been carried out into attention deficit hyperactive disorder with part or full funding from pharmaceutical companies in the last ten years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many research projects have been carried out into attention deficit hyperactive disorder with part or full funding from pharmaceutical companies in the last ten years, broken down by date, authors and financial supporters.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160340,"EventID":"S1W-23766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has to the control of medicines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has to the control of medicines.","AnswerText":"The control of medicines is a reserved matter. The Scottish Executive are consulted on matters relating to the licensing and control of medicines under the Medicines Act 1968.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160341,"EventID":"S1W-23767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what definition of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is used when determining government guidelines on the disorder; who carried out the necessary trials to c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what definition of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is used when determining government guidelines on the disorder; who carried out the necessary trials to conclude that ADHD is a recognised condition, and on what date such recognition was formalised and by whom. ","AnswerText":"Clinical guidelines are prepared by expert working groups, who use the best available definitions of a given condition world-wide. Such definitions are usually prepared by professional bodies, though the World Health Organisation (WHO) issues a publication called International Classification of Diseases (ICD) which is regularly revised.

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline on Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders in Children and Young People, published in June 2001, gives detailed advice on the definition, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, informed by more than 150 publications, including the WHO classification.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160342,"EventID":"S1W-23768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is definitive evidence that attention deficit hyperactive disorder is a genetic or organic disease; where any such evidence can be accessed, and whether a c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is definitive evidence that attention deficit hyperactive disorder is a genetic or organic disease; where any such evidence can be accessed, and whether a copy of any such evidence will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. ","AnswerText":"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex condition which has been the subject of a considerable body research world-wide. While there is evidence that the condition may have an organic basis and that there could be a genetic contribution, there is no definitive proof that these are the only factors.

The Department of Health maintains a National Research Register, with details of all on-going and recent research into a wide variety of medical conditions, including ADHD. This is available on regularly updated CD-ROM in the Parliament's Reference Centre and online at:

http://www.update-software.com/nrr/CLIBINET.EXE?A=1&U=1001&P=10001.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160343,"EventID":"S1W-23769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence is being used to support the use of methylphenidates in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactive disorder; whether any research has been carried out i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence is being used to support the use of methylphenidates in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactive disorder; whether any research has been carried out into any possible side effects and long-term damage to children who are prescribed methylphenidates, and which relevant research programmes have been consulted and used to provide guidance for the prescription of methylphenidates. ","AnswerText":"In deciding whether to prescribe methylphenidate, for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), clinicians would be expected to take account of advice and guidance about the drug, including the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 52 on ADHD and the advice issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in October 2000.

The National Research Register (NRR), records two recently completed research projects on side effects and long-term effects to children who have taken methylphenidate. Details of these projects are available from the NRR, a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).

Details of the relevant research programmes used to provide guidance for the prescription of methylphenidate, are given in the SIGN Guideline and the NICE advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160344,"EventID":"S1W-23770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many long-term patients there are broken down by (a) gender, (b) age, (c) ailment and/or diagnosis and (d) health board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many long-term patients there are broken down by (a) gender, (b) age, (c) ailment and/or diagnosis and (d) health board area. ","AnswerText":"Information on the total number of patients ready for discharge, by health board area of treatment and selected age group is shown in the following table. Information on the gender, and on the specific ailment and/or diagnosis of patients ready for discharge, is not held centrally. The information shown is based on the number of patients who had waited over six weeks (i.e. the common local discharge planning period) at the 15 January 2002 census, the latest date for which information is held centrally.

Age Groups

NHS Board area of treatment

Total

0-64

65-74

75-79

80-84

85-89

90+

Scotland

2075

288

303

333

408

431

312

Argyll & Clyde

352

44

58

52

61

83

54

Ayrshire & Arran

189

6

29

30

50

37

37

Borders

36

3

3

9

6

8

7

Dumfries & Galloway

25

-

4

4

6

7

4

Fife

117

11

13

19

The Scottish Executive has made available to local authorities, £24 million this year, rising to £48 million in 2003-04 (an increase of 30% on current spending), to expand the range and quality of home care services, specifically to enable people to remain in their own homes.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160346,"EventID":"S1W-23772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average monthly cost is of long-term care for an elderly person (a) in hospital and (b) in a nursing home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average monthly cost is of long-term care for an elderly person (a) in hospital and (b) in a nursing home.","AnswerText":"In 2000-01, the majority of local authorities paid an average of £346 per week for each individual placed in the care of a private nursing home. The net cost per in-patient week for geriatric continuing care in 2000-01 was £845.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160347,"EventID":"S1W-23773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a project will be initiated to research attention deficit hyperactive disorder without the use of funding from pharmaceutical companies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a project will be initiated to research attention deficit hyperactive disorder without the use of funding from pharmaceutical companies.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland.

CSO has no plans to commission research into attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), but would be pleased to consider proposals for research into ADHD, which would be subject to the usual peer and committee review.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160348,"EventID":"S1W-23774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any waiting lists for consultations on psychological services have been closed; if so, which waiting lists have been closed; when any such waiting lists were clo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any waiting lists for consultations on psychological services have been closed; if so, which waiting lists have been closed; when any such waiting lists were closed, and how long any such waiting lists are likely to remain closed.","AnswerText":"An audit of NHS trusts, conducted in December last year, revealed restrictions to a very small number of out-patient waiting lists. The following list gives names of NHS trusts which identified waiting lists for psychological services which had been closed:

Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust;

Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust;

Lomond and Argyll Primary Care NHS Trust, and

Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care NHS Trust.

Following the audit, the Chief Executive of NHSScotland and the Chief Medical Officer issued guidance to the Health Service in Scotland instructing NHS Chief Executives to ensure that no patient who has been referred for assessment, or treatment, is refused admission to an appropriate waiting list.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160349,"EventID":"S1W-23775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average lengths of waiting lists for psychological services currently are in each health board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average lengths of waiting lists for psychological services currently are in each health board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

Most psychological therapy treatment is undertaken on an out-patient basis. Data on waiting lists is only available at speciality level for in-patient and day case treatment. Information on waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant following a general practitioner referral is collected at speciality level only.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160350,"EventID":"S1W-23776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) convictions in respect of each illegal drug type and (b) sei'ures of each such drug there were in each police authority area in (i) 1998-99, (ii) 1999-2000, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) convictions in respect of each illegal drug type and (b) sei'ures of each such drug there were in each police authority area in (i) 1998-99, (ii) 1999-2000, (iii) 2000-01, and (iv) 2001-02. ","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables:

Number of seizures of controlled drugs by police force and drug type, 1998-991

1998

Police force2,3

All4 seizures

Cocaine

Heroin

Ecstasy

Amphet-amines

Cannabis

Other drugs

Central

829

8

73

20

52

727

34

Dumfries and Galloway

509

8

140

13

54

341

18

Fife

655

5

54

26

108

551

45

Grampian

1,682

36

270

45

213

1,329

160

Lothian and Borders

2,432

46

130

107

359

2,055

248

Northern

399

4

5

14

58

357

13

Strathclyde

10,045

134

1,709

179

1,102

7,355

1,349

Tayside

1,261

13

43

61

156

1,066

111

Scotland

17,812

254

2,424

465

2,102

13,781

1,978

1999

Police force2,3

All4 seizures

Cocaine

Heroin

Ecstasy

A Scottish FP6 Focus Group has been formed by the Scottish Executive with representation from Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scotland Europa, Scottish Enterprise Cluster Teams and Innovation Relay Centres Scotland. The aim of the focus group is to develop and implement a Scottish framework for FP6 promotion and support in order to maximise Scottish involvement in FP6 projects. Scottish universities are one of a number of organisations who are expected to benefit from this initiative.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160355,"EventID":"S1W-23781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has in place to monitor the decommissioning programme for fishing vessels. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has in place to monitor the decommissioning programme for fishing vessels. ","AnswerText":"The physical process of decommissioning fishing vessels under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001 is monitored through site visits/inspections by officers authorised under the scheme, in consultation with environmental interests and control authorities in other member states where appropriate. Financial aspects of the scheme are subject to normal Executive audit procedures and European Commission scrutiny.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160356,"EventID":"S1W-23782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vessels have been decommissioned under the European Union's current scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vessels have been decommissioned under the European Union's current scheme.","AnswerText":"There is currently no centrally run European Union fishing vessel decommissioning scheme. However, as of 11 March, 102 Scottish vessels have been offered a decommissioning grant under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001 - 13 have completed the process and have been scrapped. Similar decommissioning schemes are also being run in England and Northern Ireland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160357,"EventID":"S1W-23783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who administers the European Interreg funding programme. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who administers the European Interreg funding programme. ","AnswerText":"Scotland participates in four INTERREG IIIB (Trans-national co-operation) programmes. Each is administered by a programme secretariat based in the programme area.

Details are as follows:

Atlantic Area, Programme Secretariat, Poitiers, France

Northern Periphery Secretariat, Copenhagen

North Sea Region Secretariat, Viborg, Denmark

North West Europe, Programme Secretariat, Lille, France

Scotland may also participate in INTERREG IIIC, which is designed to allow areas not eligible for IIIB funding, to participate in inter-regional co-operation. The Secretariat is also in Lille.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160358,"EventID":"S1W-23784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it had in developing a partnership between the Strathclyde European Partnership and its equivalent in Saxony-Arnhalt, Germany.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it had in developing a partnership between the Strathclyde European Partnership and its equivalent in Saxony-Arnhalt, Germany.","AnswerText":"There is no formal relationship between Strathclyde European Partnership and Saxony-Anhalt. Officials in Saxony-Anhalt have approached a number of other regional bodies, including Strathclyde European Partnership, with a view to developing an application, under INTERREG III C, on the themes of Innovation and the Information Society. The proposal is at a very early stage. The Scottish Executive has had no involvement in this development to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160359,"EventID":"S1W-23785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Interreg (a) (b) and (c) funding it has received since 2000 and how much it is due to receive during the current structural fund programme for 2000-06. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Interreg (a) (b) and (c) funding it has received since 2000 and how much it is due to receive during the current structural fund programme for 2000-06. ","AnswerText":"The INTERREG III Community Initiative has three strands. Strand A concerns cross-border co-operation; B trans-national; and C inter-regional, through small pilot projects.

Scotland can participate in IIIB and IIIC. Programmes have either only recently been approved by the European Commission or await approval. As such, no awards of grant have yet been made, nor have specific projects been identified for funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160360,"EventID":"S1W-23786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what current projects (a) receive and (b) are due to receive Interreg funding during the current structural fund programme for 2000-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what current projects (a) receive and (b) are due to receive Interreg funding during the current structural fund programme for 2000-06.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23785.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160361,"EventID":"S1W-23787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the European Commission with regard to negotiations with the World Trade Organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the European Commission with regard to negotiations with the World Trade Organisation.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry on trade issues including negotiations with the World Trade Organisation, and how these may impact on the Executive's responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160362,"EventID":"S1W-23788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of traffic were experienced on the Forth Road Bridge in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of traffic were experienced on the Forth Road Bridge in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001.","AnswerText":"The levels of traffic experienced on the Forth Road Bridge, expressed as northbound traffic are as follows:

1997-98

10,538,940

1998-99

10,390,699

1999-2000

10,933,567

2000-01

11,084,253

2001-02

11,303,629

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160363,"EventID":"S1W-23789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revenues were received from tolls charged on the Forth Road Bridge in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revenues were received from tolls charged on the Forth Road Bridge in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001.","AnswerText":"The revenues received from the northbound toll on the Forth Road Bridge are:

1997-98

£ 8, 823, 373

1998-99

£ 8, 659, 142

1999-2000

£ 9, 054, 918

2000-01

£ 9, 150, 848

2001-02

£ 9, 293, 592

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160364,"EventID":"S1W-23790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current projections are for volumes of traffic using the Forth Road Bridge in each of the next 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current projections are for volumes of traffic using the Forth Road Bridge in each of the next 10 years.","AnswerText":"On the basis of projected growth of 3.5% per year over March 2001 traffic levels, projections for northbound traffic using the Forth Road Bridge are:

2002-03

11, 835, 000

2003-04

12, 250, 000

2004-05

12, 680, 000

2005-06

13, 125, 000

2006-07

13, 585, 000

2007-08

14, 060, 000

2008-09

14, 550, 000

2009-10

15, 060, 000

2010-11

15, 585, 000

2011-12

16, 135, 000

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160365,"EventID":"S1W-23791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial powers the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority will possess.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial powers the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority will possess.","AnswerText":"The authority will be tasked with developing a charging strategy, under the terms of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001. It will also be able to use tolling income to support wider road and public transport improvements and traffic management measures.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160366,"EventID":"S1W-23792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is planned to be provided to the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is planned to be provided to the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160367,"EventID":"S1W-23793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority will have on planning and co-ordinating public transport provision within the authority's geographic area of respons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority will have on planning and co-ordinating public transport provision within the authority's geographic area of responsibility.","AnswerText":"The authority will comprise local authority representatives from the City of Edinburgh, Fife, Perth and Kinross and West Lothian Councils. It will be the role of these representatives to ensure that the priorities, policies and charging strategy of the authority are consistent with the priorities and policies of its constituent authorities. Opportunity to input on planning and the co-ordination of public transport provision will also arise through the democratic procedures currently in place, through the duty placed on local authorities to consult and the requirements placed on the authority in the 2002 Order to consult widely on its charging strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160368,"EventID":"S1W-23794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority will have in respect of varying the level of tolls charged on the Forth Road Bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the Forth Estuary Transportation Authority will have in respect of varying the level of tolls charged on the Forth Road Bridge.","AnswerText":"None. Any varying of tolls proposed by the authority would require the approval of Scottish ministers and secondary legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160369,"EventID":"S1W-23795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for (a) chemistry, (b) physics and (c) biological sciences degree courses were received by higher education institutions by the closing date in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for (a) chemistry, (b) physics and (c) biological sciences degree courses were received by higher education institutions by the closing date in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of applications to full-time degree courses in chemistry, physics and biological sciences, received by Scottish higher education institutions through UCAS over the last five years has been:

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

Chemistry

3,008

2,802

2,580

2,248

2,185

Physics

2,423

2,203

2,057

1,884

1,964

Biological Sciences

13,460

12,147

11,826

11,254

12,353

Source: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160370,"EventID":"S1W-23796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of civil servants employed by it in each grade band are ordinarily resident in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Dundee, (iii) Edinburgh, (iv) Glas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of civil servants employed by it in each grade band are ordinarily resident in (i) Aberdeen, (ii) Dundee, (iii) Edinburgh, (iv) Glasgow and (v) East Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"Information on core Scottish Executive staff as at 1 March 2002, by grade and recorded home address, is provided in the table. The accuracy of addresses recorded centrally for employees is dependent on the individual employee informing their personnel officer should they change address.

Numbers
 

Home address

Grade

Aberdeen

Dundee

Edinburgh

Glasgow

East Dunbartonshire

SCS

0

1

89

6

2

C

1

0

298

43

4

B

18

15

838

160

3

A

1

13

650

66

0

Percentages of each grade
 

Home address

Grade

Aberdeen

Dundee

Edinburgh

Glasgow

East Dunbartonshire

SCS

0

1

57

4

1

C

0

0

52

8

1

B

1

1

41

8

0

A

0

1

40

4

0

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160371,"EventID":"S1W-23797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of the Faculty of Actuaries are employed by or on secondment to the Executive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of the Faculty of Actuaries are employed by or on secondment to the Executive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not employ any actuaries.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160372,"EventID":"S1W-23798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chartered accountants are employed by or on secondment to it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chartered accountants are employed by or on secondment to it.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive employs 61 qualified accountants throughout its core and its agencies. All are members of various chartered bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160373,"EventID":"S1W-23799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many holders of practising certificates from the Law Society of Scotland are employed by or on secondment to the Executive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many holders of practising certificates from the Law Society of Scotland are employed by or on secondment to the Executive.","AnswerText":"There are 527 lawyers employed or seconded to the Scottish Executive holding practising certificates awarded by the Law Society of Scotland. This figure includes 402 legal staff employed by the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160374,"EventID":"S1W-23800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registered medical practitioners are employed by or on secondment to it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registered medical practitioners are employed by or on secondment to it.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently employs 12 registered medical practitioners with a further seven being seconded in.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160375,"EventID":"S1W-23801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects Her Majesty's Government to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects Her Majesty's Government to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.","AnswerText":"I welcome this opportunity to confirm that UK ratification of the Kyoto Protocol was today announced in the House of Commons by Margaret Beckett. This confirms the UK commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its continuing leading role in international efforts to tackle the threat of climate change.

We are working in partnership with the UK Government and other devolved administrations to meet the Kyoto target and the action we are taking in Scotland is contained in the Scottish Climate Change Programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160376,"EventID":"S1W-23802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of upgrading the A9 to dual carriageway for the entire section from Perth to Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is of upgrading the A9 to dual carriageway for the entire section from Perth to Inverness.","AnswerText":"It is not the Executive's policy to dual the whole length of the A9 between Perth and Inverness, and no recent estimate of the costs has been made. However, a study commissioned in 1993 estimated these costs at £281 million at 1994 prices.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160377,"EventID":"S1W-23803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the policy of each water authority is on sub-contracting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the policy of each water authority is on sub-contracting.","AnswerText":"Each of the three water authorities have adopted slightly different policies but central to each is the continued use of those contractors who have a proven track record of cost effective delivery for them. Each authority operates a reduced-size list of contractors, derived in accordance with European Community procurement regulations.

The Scottish water authorities cannot dictate to main contractors which sub contractors to utilise. Main contractors will use cost effective, reliable sub contractors who have geographical proximity to the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160378,"EventID":"S1W-23804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of sub-contracts issued by each water authority have been awarded to Scottish companies, broken down by value of contract, in each of the last three year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of sub-contracts issued by each water authority have been awarded to Scottish companies, broken down by value of contract, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The water authorities subcontract a wide variety of services from construction to IT support to estate management. The detailed information requested is not held centrally. It is estimated, however, that in relation to the authorities' capital programmes only, between 85 - 95% of the money paid out will remain in the Scottish economy, regardless of the nationality of the contractor's base office.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160379,"EventID":"S1W-23805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the reasons are for delay in providing security clearance and security passes for interns from the United States of America currently working for SNP members.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the reasons are for delay in providing security clearance and security passes for interns from the United States of America currently working for SNP members.","AnswerText":"As part of the Parliament's security vetting policy, checks are carried out with the relevant foreign authorities on all applicants who are foreign nationals or who have lived abroad for a period during the previous five years. Under normal circumstances, the clearance of such applicants takes on average five weeks: the average for UK resident applicants is two weeks.

The terrorist attacks of 11 September resulted in increased demands on the resources of the USA authorities and low priority was given to vetting enquiries. Clearance times increased to an average of 16 weeks, which meant that the interns who commenced in September 2001 had finished their assignment before clearance had been received. As a result of measures set up with Edinburgh University, which arranges the internships, together with easing pressures on the USA authorities, the average clearance time for the most recent intake of interns is currently eight weeks, with the majority being cleared within six weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160380,"EventID":"S1W-23806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the average length of time is for which an intern from the United States of America waits for a security pass, broken down by the political party of the members to wh","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the average length of time is for which an intern from the United States of America waits for a security pass, broken down by the political party of the members to whom they are assigned. ","AnswerText":"In order to minimise the overall time taken, the vetting process normally starts before interns are assigned to party groups and a formal application for a security pass received. There are currently 12 USA interns working in the Parliament, of whom nine have been security cleared. The average time that those who have been cleared waited for a security pass, broken down by political party, is:

Party

No. of Interns

Average Time

Labour

4

5 weeks

Scottish National Party*

1

4 weeks

Liberal Democrat*

1

6 weeks

Conservative

3

5 weeks

*The Security Office continues to hasten the clearance of the remaining three interns. (SNP-2, Lib/Dem-1).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160381,"EventID":"S1W-23807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when broadband services provided by Omne Communications Ltd in Dumfries and Galloway will be fully operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when broadband services provided by Omne Communications Ltd in Dumfries and Galloway will be fully operational.","AnswerText":"Omne Communications Ltd have stated that planned build for Dumfries and Galloway is scheduled for early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160382,"EventID":"S1W-23808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs will be created in Dumfries and Galloway as a result of the roll out of broadband services provided by Omne Communications Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs will be created in Dumfries and Galloway as a result of the roll out of broadband services provided by Omne Communications Ltd.","AnswerText":"Omne Communications Ltd do not have any current plans to open an office in Dumfries and Galloway. However, when the construction of the network commences in this area, Omne expect indirect jobs will be created for construction and installation teams.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160383,"EventID":"S1W-23809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which areas broadband services provided by Omne Communications Ltd will be available from 25 February 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which areas broadband services provided by Omne Communications Ltd will be available from 25 February 2002.","AnswerText":"Omne Communications Ltd. offer broadband services in Irvine and Troon.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160384,"EventID":"S1W-23810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates to be the cost of catering services to the Scottish Prison Service in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates to be the cost of catering services to the Scottish Prison Service in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No estimates for 2002-03 have yet been set.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160385,"EventID":"S1W-23811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost of catering services was to the Scottish Prison Service in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) to date in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost of catering services was to the Scottish Prison Service in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) to date in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

(a) £7.2 million

(b) £6.8 million

(c) The cost of catering services for the current year 2001-02 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160386,"EventID":"S1W-23812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal status will be of national training organisations as of 1 April 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal status will be of national training organisations as of 1 April 2002.","AnswerText":"National Training Organisations (NTOs) will be de-recognised by government on 31 March 2002. They will be replaced by a smaller, stronger network of UK-wide Sector Skills Councils. Most NTOs will continue to function as legal entities beyond 31 March, with transitional funding primarily from the Department for Education and Skills, to continue essential functions pending the gradual introduction of Sector Skills Councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160387,"EventID":"S1W-23813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the development of sector skills councils in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the development of sector skills councils in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Sector Skills Councils will be developed by employers as UK-wide organisations, with support from a new UK-wide Sector Skills Development Agency. They will be licensed jointly by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and the Lifelong Learning Ministers in the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive will be fully involved in the licensing process to ensure that Scotland's interests are covered.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160388,"EventID":"S1W-23814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the current estimates are of any losses to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body following the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, giving a de","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the current estimates are of any losses to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body following the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, giving a detailed breakdown of any such estimates.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that at this point in time, there are no identified losses. The additional costs to the project arising from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, are currently estimated as £3.85 million. The various elements of the MSP cladding are presently out to re-tender therefore it is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown of this figure.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160389,"EventID":"S1W-23815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer which companies awarded contracts for the new Parliament Building at Holyrood, other than Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, (a) had no assets other than #2 share ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer which companies awarded contracts for the new Parliament Building at Holyrood, other than Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, (a) had no assets other than #2 share capital, (b) had never traded in the UK and (c) did not produce a performance bond.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160390,"EventID":"S1W-23816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Boundary Commission for Scotland that, if the boundaries of the constituency of Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber are altere","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Boundary Commission for Scotland that, if the boundaries of the constituency of Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber are altered, the new constituency name should be \"Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey\" and not \"Inverness and Badenoch\".","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter and as the Scottish Executive does not have a statutory role, it does not intend to make any representations.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160391,"EventID":"S1W-23817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the Pilot oil and gas industry task force there have been in each year since it was created. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the Pilot oil and gas industry task force there have been in each year since it was created. ","AnswerText":"There were four Pilot meetings in each of 2000 and 2001, and so far this year there have been two meetings. More information is available on the Pilot website at:

http://www.pilottaskforce.co.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160392,"EventID":"S1W-23818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions ministers have attended meetings of the PILOT oil and gas industry task force and which ministers attended.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions ministers have attended meetings of the PILOT oil and gas industry task force and which ministers attended.","AnswerText":"The minutes and attendance records for all PILOT meetings are available on the PILOT website at: http://www.pilottaskforce.co.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160393,"EventID":"S1W-23819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many oil and gas fields, and which ones, are currently under consideration for development by the Progressing Partnership Group of Pilot.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many oil and gas fields, and which ones, are currently under consideration for development by the Progressing Partnership Group of Pilot.","AnswerText":"The Progressing Partnership Working Group of PILOT is not directly responsible for development of particular fields, as that is the responsibility of the operators themselves; however its work means that it liaises closely with these operators. In addition, the group has identified an estimated 120 fallow discoveries and 160 fallow blocks on the UKCS, and plans to publish details of these assets on the LIFT (Licence Information for Trading) website in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160394,"EventID":"S1W-23820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Pilot or its associated groups have mapped the fallow acreage in the UK Continental Shelf and whether it will publish details of any such mapping.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Pilot or its associated groups have mapped the fallow acreage in the UK Continental Shelf and whether it will publish details of any such mapping.","AnswerText":"I understand that Pilot has not itself mapped the fallow acreage, but there are an estimated 120 fallow discoveries and 160 fallow blocks on the UKCS. In due course, details of the fallow assets will be placed on the LIFT (Licence Information for Trading) website.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160395,"EventID":"S1W-23821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures it has taken, or plans to take, to ensure that indigenous companies are well placed to compete for manufacturing opportunities in the renewable en","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures it has taken, or plans to take, to ensure that indigenous companies are well placed to compete for manufacturing opportunities in the renewable energy sector.","AnswerText":"We work closely with Scottish Enterprise to help Scottish companies working in the area of renewable energy to grow, and to encourage diversification of other companies into the manufacturing opportunities which are already arising in Scotland from development of renewable energy sources under the forthcoming Renewables Obligation (Scotland). We will continue to back our own renewables industry, to attract new investment to Scotland, and to persuade Scottish businesses to capitalise on this new business opportunity.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160396,"EventID":"S1W-23822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Factor IX, as used in the blood transfusion service, was made safe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Factor IX, as used in the blood transfusion service, was made safe.","AnswerText":"The Factor IX product supplied by Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) for use by the NHS in Scotland after May 1985 was heat-treated to 80º for 72 hours, which protected against hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

In October 1985 SNBTS formally recalled all non-heat-treated Factor IX product, which had been supplied prior to May 1985, when sufficient stocks of the heat treated product were available to meet expected demand in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160397,"EventID":"S1W-23823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice or guidance it has given, or plans to give, to NHS boards on the provision of services for patients who have multiple chemical sensitivities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice or guidance it has given, or plans to give, to NHS boards on the provision of services for patients who have multiple chemical sensitivities.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not issued any guidance specific to multiple chemical sensitivity, and has no plans to do so. General guidance on immunology and allergy services in Scotland was issued in September 2000, in the form of a report by the Scottish Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee. The report set out the provision at that time of services in Scotland for the diagnosis and management of patients with immunological and allergic disorders and made a number of recommendations for their improvement.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160398,"EventID":"S1W-23824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make provision for affordable access to alternative clothing and furniture to those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make provision for affordable access to alternative clothing and furniture to those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivities.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to make such provision.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160399,"EventID":"S1W-23825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has made of the cost to farmers as a result of nitrate vulnerable 'one designation in north-east Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has made of the cost to farmers as a result of nitrate vulnerable 'one designation in north-east Scotland.","AnswerText":"A full draft Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is currently under preparation and will consider the impact, in terms of costs and benefits, of proposals for action programme management measures for the new nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) proposed in the consultation paper Protection of Scotland's Water Environment (Bib. number 18665). This includes proposals for NVZs in north-east Scotland.

A further consultation paper on proposals for action programmes for NVZs including a summary of the draft RIA will be released shortly. Arrangements will be made for copies to go directly to farmers in the proposed NVZs. The full draft RIA will be available from the Scottish Executive website and in hard copy form for those who want it.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160400,"EventID":"S1W-23826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has received regarding nitrate vulnerable 'one status from individuals and organisations in north-east S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has received regarding nitrate vulnerable 'one status from individuals and organisations in north-east Scotland.","AnswerText":"To date the department has received 12 responses from individuals and organisations in the north-east of Scotland to the consultation document Protection of Scotland's Water Environment (Bib. number 18665) released on 14 January. There have been a further two requests for more information and 89 requests for the CD-ROM action programme guidance. I personally have received 4 pieces of correspondence about the proposals for new nitrate vulnerable zones in the north-east.

The consultation period ends on 15 April.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160401,"EventID":"S1W-23827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out for or on behalf of its Environment and Rural Affairs Department into the natural production of nitrates on set-aside land and what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out for or on behalf of its Environment and Rural Affairs Department into the natural production of nitrates on set-aside land and what the findings of any such research were.","AnswerText":"Research was commissioned by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) to quantify the effect of green cover strategies for non-rotational set-aside on losses of nitrogen and phosphorus to watercourses. The research was completed by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) in March 1998. Results from this study show that when set-aside land is sown with a dense green cover with a high content of ryegrass, it has the potential of minimising nitrate leaching to watercourses. If a cover crop is not established on the set-aside land and there is subsequent late ploughing, this results in a high loss of nitrate from agricultural land to water courses.

The benefits of set-aside in minimising nitrate losses were also confirmed by earlier work commissioned from the SAC by the department (in 1993) which measured and modelled the nitrogen cycle in soils under various agricultural systems including set-aside over three to four years.

The research and its conclusions have been taken into account by SAC in preparation of the draft Regulatory Impact Assessment commissioned by SEERAD for the proposed nitrate vulnerable zone action programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160402,"EventID":"S1W-23828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account is taken by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department of the impact of forestry on nitrate levels in north-east Scotland when considering nitrate vulnerab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account is taken by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department of the impact of forestry on nitrate levels in north-east Scotland when considering nitrate vulnerable 'one status.","AnswerText":"Poor forestry practices can lead to nitrate pollution and, although the EC Nitrates Directive does not apply to forests, the new revision of the Forestry Commission's Forests and Water Guidelines takes account of the directive, and recommends that foresters observe the restrictions placed on agriculture.

The evidence from Scottish Environment Protection Agency sampling of surface waters in upland catchments, where forestry is prevalent, indicates low nitrate levels and that adherence to the guidelines is preventing pollution.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160403,"EventID":"S1W-23829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information has been gathered by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department on the rate of transfer of nitrates from groundwater to watercourses in north-east Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information has been gathered by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department on the rate of transfer of nitrates from groundwater to watercourses in north-east Scotland.","AnswerText":"No specific information has been gathered by the department on this matter. General advice on the exchange of water between groundwaters and watercourses has been obtained by the department from the British Geological Survey as part of its report Groundwater nitrate vulnerable zones for Scotland (Bib. number 18567). Groundwater is, of course, recharged with water from the soil and watercourses. In Scotland, however, rainfall is generally high and therefore main, trunk sections of rivers tend not to lose water to aquifers, but rather gain in volume through groundwater discharges along their length. The rate of this \"baseflow\" movement varies with a number of factors, including permeability of the aquifer. During periods of flood, river water can recharge river gravels, but only as temporary storage and within months the water generally returns to the river.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160404,"EventID":"S1W-23830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of application of nitrate fertilisers was in (a) the former Grampian region and (b) Scotland as a whole in each of the last seven years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rate of application of nitrate fertilisers was in (a) the former Grampian region and (b) Scotland as a whole in each of the last seven years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table:
 

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Scotland

Nitrogen overall application rate (kg/ha)

All Tillage

128

140

122

134

131

126

135

All Grass

111

114

100

124

119

117

110

All Crops and Grass

118

124

108

128

124

121

118

North East (Aberdeenshire & Moray)

Nitrogen overall application rate (kg/ha)

All Tillage

132

122

112

61

104

107

128

All Grass

117

127

131

75

97

123

118

All Crops and Grass

123

125

121

67

100

114

123

Source: British Survey of Fertiliser Practice

Annual changes in relative cropping areas, as well as any change in fertiliser practice for individual crops, may affect nutrient application rates when aggregated across the main crop groupings such as all tillage, all grass and crops and grass.

Unusual seasonal weather can also influence fertiliser usage in some years.

The unusually low overall nitrogen application rates for north east Scotland in 1997 is explained by the fact that there were very few fields sampled in that area that year (only 141 fields compared with 550 fields in the 2000 sample). Moreover, the fields that were sampled in the north east in 1997 predominantly grew spring barley and root crops for stockfeed, where nitrogen application rates are typically low. The 2000 sample on the other hand included fields growing winter wheat, winter barley and winter oilseed rape, where application rates are very much higher. The small number of fields surveyed and the small number of types of crop represented in 1997 means that the estimates for the north east for the overall \"all grass\" and \"all tillage\" nitrogen application rates are not very robust and will have associated large standard errors.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160405,"EventID":"S1W-23831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22872 by Iain Gray on 22 February 2002, whether there was any reduction in the amount to be made available in extra resources for d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22872 by Iain Gray on 22 February 2002, whether there was any reduction in the amount to be made available in extra resources for debt and money advice before the announcement of #3 million for this purpose and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The decision to make £3 million available, to enhance money advice provision, was informed by an assessment of need. Following decision by Cabinet this was announced to Parliament by Scottish ministers on 19 December 2001. There has been no change in the amount available for this purpose since that date.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160406,"EventID":"S1W-23832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22872 by Iain Gray on 22 February 2002, whether the #3 million per annum additional resources for the provision of money advice wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22872 by Iain Gray on 22 February 2002, whether the #3 million per annum additional resources for the provision of money advice will be (a) ring-fenced for debt advice services within local authority areas and (b) used for genuinely new services.","AnswerText":"Councils will have the flexibility to use these resources alongside their existing expenditure on debt advice services, without formal ring-fencing. However, it will be a condition of allocating the funding that individual authorities demonstrate how the resources will be used to deliver enhanced debt advice provision.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160407,"EventID":"S1W-23833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it makes available for debt, money and other advice services within core regeneration areas; how such funding is allocated; how many money and advice wo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it makes available for debt, money and other advice services within core regeneration areas; how such funding is allocated; how many money and advice workers are employed with this money, and whether services supported by this funding will be financed beyond 31 March 2002 and, if so, from which budget.","AnswerText":"The Executive funds 48 Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) across Scotland, to tackle existing social exclusion and prevent future exclusion in regeneration areas. SIPs use the funding allocated to them in pursuit of their own locally defined strategic objectives, one of which may be tackling financial exclusion through debt advice. Firm funding allocations for 2002-03 have been communicated to SIPs, along with indicative allocations for 2003-04.

Support to local advice services is primarily provided by local authorities, SIPs and other non-statutory sources. From April 2002, the Executive will make an additional £3 million annually available, through local authorities, to enhance money advice provision across Scotland. This will not affect funding for SIPs.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160408,"EventID":"S1W-23834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding was allocated to audiology services for the implementation of The Good Practice Guidance for Adult Hearing Aid Fittings and Services for the y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding was allocated to audiology services for the implementation of The Good Practice Guidance for Adult Hearing Aid Fittings and Services for the years 2001-02 and 2002-03. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive issued the Good Practice Guidance to service providers on the basis that they were expected to implement the recommendations from within current resources.

At national level the health budget will rise from £5.9 billion this year to £6.9 billion in 2003-04, representing around one third of the total Scottish Executive budget. It is important that local NHS boards and trusts are able to take decisions about the allocation of the resources at local level to meet local needs and priorities.

The wide-ranging review of audiology services, commissioned by the Executive, will monitor the extent of the implementation of the guidance and will provide robust evidence and recommendations on how NHSScotland should address shortfalls identified. The review will report in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160409,"EventID":"S1W-23835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all prisoners are given access to the appropriate care, support, advice, counselling and medication to address their drug and/or alcohol problems while in prison","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all prisoners are given access to the appropriate care, support, advice, counselling and medication to address their drug and/or alcohol problems while in prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

All prisoners are medically assessed on entry to prison, including for drug and alcohol problems. All prisoners who are identified as having drug and/or alcohol problems are offered assessment and needs-based individualised care planning.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160410,"EventID":"S1W-23836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Nalorex and Subatex are available to all prisoners when deemed appropriate to address their drug and/or alcohol addictions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Nalorex and Subatex are available to all prisoners when deemed appropriate to address their drug and/or alcohol addictions.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

The prescribing of medication in relation to substance misuse is a matter for the individual medical professionals concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160411,"EventID":"S1W-23837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to provide access to suitable detoxification and rehabilitation facilities for all prisoners who want to stop their drug and/or alcohol addictions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to provide access to suitable detoxification and rehabilitation facilities for all prisoners who want to stop their drug and/or alcohol addictions.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:

In March 2000, SPS launched its drug strategy, Partnership and Co-ordination. In February 2001, its updated Health Care Standard, Substitute and Detoxification Prescribing was published.

Work is currently under way to develop a similar standard for alcohol withdrawals.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160412,"EventID":"S1W-23838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all prisoners with mental health problems are receiving adequate and appropriate support while in prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all prisoners with mental health problems are receiving adequate and appropriate support while in prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

All prisoners benefit from the services of appropriately qualified health and social care professionals who, among other things, work with those prisoners suffering from mental health problems.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160413,"EventID":"S1W-23839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently sufficient availability of forensic and clinical psychology services for prisoners; if not, where any shortages of these services exist, what a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is currently sufficient availability of forensic and clinical psychology services for prisoners; if not, where any shortages of these services exist, what action is being taken to reduce them, and whether there is any risk to the public from any such shortages given the role such services play in risk assessment of prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

There are currently sufficient forensic psychology services for prisoners, with further developments planned for 2002-03.

Against a national shortage, the Scottish Prison Service is currently seeking to recruit further clinical psychologists to fill vacant posts.

There is no risk to public safety, given the input of both forensic and clinical psychology input, to prisoner risk assessment and management.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160414,"EventID":"S1W-23840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) current and (b) planned future number is of training places for clinical and forensic psychologists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) current and (b) planned future number is of training places for clinical and forensic psychologists.","AnswerText":"There are currently 32 training places per year for Clinical Psychology in Scotland. This will be increased to 36 from October 2002.

There are currently 24 students accepted each year for the first stage of Forensic Psychology training in Scotland, which is a two-year course. Following this, in order to become chartered Forensic Psychologists, candidates must undertake a further year's training.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160415,"EventID":"S1W-23841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the current policy on, and residential facilities for, the treatment and rehabilitation of serious sex offenders under the age of 16.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the current policy on, and residential facilities for, the treatment and rehabilitation of serious sex offenders under the age of 16.","AnswerText":"There are three residential facilities in Scotland that provide specialist treatment and rehabilitation for young people of sixteen and under, who have committed a sexual offence or are displaying sexually aggressive behaviour. These are St Mary's Kenmure, Kibble and Geilsland.

The Executive will announce shortly its response to the Expert Panel on Sex Offending report. This will include how we will take forward its recommendation that we review current provision in relation to assessment and intervention programmes and provision for this age group.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160416,"EventID":"S1W-23842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders under the age of 16 have been treated outwith Scotland in each of the past five years and at what cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders under the age of 16 have been treated outwith Scotland in each of the past five years and at what cost.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers do not have the power to place convicted sex offenders outwith Scotland whilst they are serving their sentence. Local authorities have the power to place outwith Scotland, young people who have sexually offended or are displaying sexually aggressive behaviour, if that is necessary. Information on how many young people this has involved, is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160417,"EventID":"S1W-23843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people under the age of 16 have been treated for drug addiction outwith Scotland in each of the past five years and at what cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people under the age of 16 have been treated for drug addiction outwith Scotland in each of the past five years and at what cost.","AnswerText":"Information on how many young people under the age of 16 have been treated for drug addiction outwith Scotland is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160418,"EventID":"S1W-23844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of qualified audiologists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of qualified audiologists.","AnswerText":"To help inform local and national decisions on staff numbers for audiology services, the Executive has initiated a wide-ranging review of audiology services, which is due to report in full in autumn 2002. The review group is expected to provide an initial profile on staffing and skill-mix by the end of March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160419,"EventID":"S1W-23845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all audiology departments are meeting the standards set out in The Good Practice Guidance for Adult Hearing Aid Fittings and Services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all audiology departments are meeting the standards set out in The Good Practice Guidance for Adult Hearing Aid Fittings and Services.","AnswerText":"The wide-ranging review of audiology services initiated by the Executive will report its findings on this in the autumn. The research report recently released by the Royal National Institute for Deaf people, which collected anonymised data, included examination of the extent to which the Good Practice Guidance is being applied across the service and would indicate that not all audiology departments are currently meeting the standards.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160420,"EventID":"S1W-23846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the contribution of dia'epam to 146 drug deaths and to over half of the 196 deaths involving heroin/morphine in 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the contribution of dia'epam to 146 drug deaths and to over half of the 196 deaths involving heroin/morphine in 2000.","AnswerText":"Enforcement bodies are continuing their efforts to reduce the illicit availability of drugs, and seizures of benzodiazepines, including diazepam, have increased throughout the 1990s.

The UK Health Departments' Drug misuse and Dependence-Guidelines on Clinical Management set out guidance for clinicians on the prescribing of diazepam, including patient monitoring, checking for signs of polydrug misuse and liaison with dispensing pharmacists. The procedures are intended to reduce the risks to patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160421,"EventID":"S1W-23847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether dia'epam is widely available to illicit drug users; if so, why and what plans it has to reduce such availability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether dia'epam is widely available to illicit drug users; if so, why and what plans it has to reduce such availability.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23846 today.

Sources of diazepam include sold or stolen prescriptions and illegal imports. The number of seizures of benzodiazepines across Scotland was higher in 1999 (663) than in 1998 (647). The reclassification earlier this year of diazepam from Schedule 4 part II (Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985) to a revised Schedule 4 Part I (Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001) makes it an offence to possess diazepam without a prescription, which will help the police in reducing diversion of the drug.

Clinicians can prescribe diazepam to illicit drug users under a long-term benzodiazepine withdrawal programme, and guidance is set out in Drug misuse and Dependence-guidelines on Clinical Management.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160422,"EventID":"S1W-23848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce trials in prescribing heroin under medical supervision, instead of methadone, in order to address and reduce drug addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce trials in prescribing heroin under medical supervision, instead of methadone, in order to address and reduce drug addiction.","AnswerText":"Prescribing heroin under medical supervision is a reserved matter. The Department of Health and the Home Office have held a consensus event reviewing current guidelines on prescribing and have asked the National Treatment Agency to take forward this work with a view to developing further guidance on best practice by the end of 2002. This guidance would also apply in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160423,"EventID":"S1W-23849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently prescribed methadone on a regular basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently prescribed methadone on a regular basis.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people in Scotland currently prescribed methadone on a regular basis is not held centrally. However we are working with ISD Scotland to see how the information can be extrapolated from prescription data.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160424,"EventID":"S1W-23850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to support the 20% of UK clinical research which is stated by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry to be based in Scotland in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to support the 20% of UK clinical research which is stated by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry to be based in Scotland in order to ensure long-term stability for the industry and diversity of the economy.","AnswerText":"The Executive supports the conclusions of the Pharmaceutical Industry Competitiveness Task Force report of March 2001, which seek to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of clinical research. The Executive will continue to liaise with the Department of Health about progressing issues jointly where appropriate.

Issues more appropriately progressed separately in a Scottish context will be taken forward through the Pharmaceutical Liaison Group. This group, chaired by the Chief Scientist, is a forum designed to allow discussion of matters of shared interest to the Scottish Executive Health Department, NHSScotland and pharmaceutical interests. The group plans to meet next in April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160425,"EventID":"S1W-23851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or plans to make, to Her Majesty's Government on the effect on the NHS in Scotland of the proposed adoption of the EU health card which","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or plans to make, to Her Majesty's Government on the effect on the NHS in Scotland of the proposed adoption of the EU health card which will allow people to access urgently needed medical treatment at the point of delivery free of charge and which will contain data allowing foreign hospitals and doctors to bill the NHS directly.","AnswerText":"The proposals are at an early stage and are a refinement of the current, long standing E111 arrangements applicable across the EU. The proposals will not give rise to new entitlements and the Scottish Executive will be formally consulted at all stages.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160426,"EventID":"S1W-23852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to halt further genetically modified crop trials for oilseed rape and beet given the recent research, as reported in The Times on 17 February 2002, rega","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to halt further genetically modified crop trials for oilseed rape and beet given the recent research, as reported in The Times on 17 February 2002, regarding damage to the environment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23492 on 7 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160427,"EventID":"S1W-23853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with Scottish Coal on the future of the Longannet deep mine in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with Scottish Coal on the future of the Longannet deep mine in Fife.","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter. We are aware that there have been frequent discussions between Scottish Coal and the Department of Trade and Industry on the future of the Longannet mine. Both the company and the Department of Trade and Industry have kept the Scottish Executive fully informed. Due to severe flooding which has ended production at Longannet, its operator Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Co Ltd is now in provisional liquidation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160428,"EventID":"S1W-23854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with Her Majesty's Government on the future of the Longannet deep mine in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has held with Her Majesty's Government on the future of the Longannet deep mine in Fife.","AnswerText":"Although matters concerning the coal industry are reserved, the Scottish Executive have been in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry about the future of the Longannet mine. Due to severe flooding which has ended production at Longannet, its operator Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Co Ltd is now in provisional liquidation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160429,"EventID":"S1W-23855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical help has been provided to Scottish Coal to help it secure the long-term future of the Longannet deep mine in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical help has been provided to Scottish Coal to help it secure the long-term future of the Longannet deep mine in Fife.","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter within the remit of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Longannet received £41 million in aid from the DTI under the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme. Due to severe flooding which has ended production at Longannet, its operator Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Co Ltd is now in provisional liquidation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160430,"EventID":"S1W-23856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward legislation to ensure that all forms of public transport are accessible to people with physical impairments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will bring forward legislation to ensure that all forms of public transport are accessible to people with physical impairments.","AnswerText":"The regulatory powers in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 require all new land based public transport vehicles to be accessible to disabled people are reserved for the UK Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160431,"EventID":"S1W-23857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report on the National Audit of Museums will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report on the National Audit of Museums will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Museums Councils are responsible for publishing the final report of the National Audit of museum and gallery collections, buildings and services. We expect the report will be published in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160432,"EventID":"S1W-23858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied in the awarding of special grants from the Strategic Change Fund to industrial museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied in the awarding of special grants from the Strategic Change Fund to industrial museums.","AnswerText":"The National Cultural Strategy committed the Executive to initiate a national audit of collections in museums and galleries, beginning with the industrial museums. Resources of £250,000 were made available for the audit and an interim report was published in October 2001. In addition, a Strategic Change Fund of £3 million over three years was announced for the sector. In December 2000, the Executive allocated £1.26 million of this fund over three years towards the running costs of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, the Scottish Maritime Museum and the Scottish Mining Museum in recognition of their financial difficulties. A condition of the package was that the local authorities involved would maintain their level of support over the same three-year period. The three industrial museums were accepted as museums of national importance on the strength of evidence from a number of independent studies and expert advice from the National Museums of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160433,"EventID":"S1W-23859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding funding from (a) the Scottish Museums Council and (b) individual museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received regarding funding from (a) the Scottish Museums Council and (b) individual museums.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has awarded an increase in funding of £850,000 over the three years 2001-02 to 2003-04 to the Scottish Museums Council. The Scottish Museums Council has made a bid to the Executive for additional funding for ICT development to enable them to provide more support for the non-national museum sector.

We have received representations on funding from six individual non-national museums.

The Scottish Executive is responsible for the National Museums and Galleries; the responsibility for non-national museums rests with local agencies and local authorities, which have statutory responsibility to provide cultural facilities for the residents in their areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160434,"EventID":"S1W-23860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will decide on the suitability for employment as teachers in Scotland of those who hold the English Quality Teacher Status qualification.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will decide on the suitability for employment as teachers in Scotland of those who hold the English Quality Teacher Status qualification.","AnswerText":"All teachers who have not trained in Scotland who wish to teach here must seek admission to the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) register of persons entitled to teach in Scotland.

I have asked Matthew MacIver, Chief Executive of the GTCS to respond. His response is as follows:

Those teachers who hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a teaching qualification from England recognised by the GTCS as fulfilling the council's requirements with regards to academic qualifications, professional training and relevant experience should have no difficulty in gaining registration to teach in Scotland. Those who hold QTS with a teaching qualification from England that the GTCS does not consider meets the standards required to teach in Scotland, such as some employment based routes, will be advised by the GTCS as to what course of action is required for registration to teach in Scotland.

I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23862 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160435,"EventID":"S1W-23861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to education authorities with regard to applications for teaching posts by those who hold the English Quality Teacher Status qualification.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to education authorities with regard to applications for teaching posts by those who hold the English Quality Teacher Status qualification.","AnswerText":"Education authorities must check that all teachers employed in publicly funded schools in Scotland are registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). Qualified Teacher Status does not give automatic acceptance to the GTCS register of those entitled to teach in Scotland. To gain entry to the register a teacher must satisfy the GTCS of their academic and professional fitness to teach.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160436,"EventID":"S1W-23862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the General Teaching Council for Scotland with regard to recognition of the English Quality Teacher Status qualification.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the General Teaching Council for Scotland with regard to recognition of the English Quality Teacher Status qualification.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department has been instrumental in the establishment of a sub group of the General Teaching Council 5 Nations Group, which brings together the General Teaching Councils in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, to review mutual recognition of teaching entry requirements, as well as exploring other cross border registration issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160437,"EventID":"S1W-23863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether putrescible waste can be imported from Northern Ireland to be disposed of in Scottish landfill sites; if so, under what legislative powers and whether it will out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether putrescible waste can be imported from Northern Ireland to be disposed of in Scottish landfill sites; if so, under what legislative powers and whether it will outline the procedures surrounding such importations regarding matters such as licence applications, local consultation and grants available.","AnswerText":"The Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations prohibit imports and exports of waste for disposal to and from the UK. However, there is no restriction on movement of waste between parts of the UK. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has no powers to control the origin of waste deposited at a landfill site, this is a commercial matter for a landfill operator, as long as the site is operated in compliance with the waste management licence.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160438,"EventID":"S1W-23864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact any importation of putrescible waste would have on its National Waste Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact any importation of putrescible waste would have on its National Waste Strategy.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Strategy provides a policy framework for dealing with Scotland's waste. One aspect of the strategy is the "proximity principle" that waste should be treated or disposed of as near as possible to the point where it arises, although this has to be balanced against other issues such as cost and availability of suitable facilities. The importation of waste into Scotland is therefore neither banned nor encouraged in the strategy.

The Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations prohibit imports and exports of waste between member states for disposal. However, there is no restriction on movement of waste between parts of a member state and this is normally a commercial matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160439,"EventID":"S1W-23865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average the registration of childcare workers takes under Part V of the Police Act 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average the registration of childcare workers takes under Part V of the Police Act 1997.","AnswerText":"Childcare services will be registered by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. As part of the registration process, childcare providers will be required to obtain a criminal record check on all new employees under Part V of the Police Act 1997. This check will be carried out by Disclosure Scotland (part of the Scottish Criminal Record Office) which will aim to issue the certificates within 10 days of receipt of applications.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160440,"EventID":"S1W-23866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what flexibility is built in to the qualifications framework for childcare workers in order to allow voluntary sector agencies to employ unqualified part-time workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what flexibility is built in to the qualifications framework for childcare workers in order to allow voluntary sector agencies to employ unqualified part-time workers.","AnswerText":"The Executive's intention is to move to a position where all staff in centres providing childcare and early education for pre-school children either hold an appropriate qualification, are seeking accreditation of skills and experience, or are pursuing on-the-job-training. The Scottish Social Services Council will be responsible for taking much of this forward in due course.

In the meantime, from 1 April 2002, the Commission for the Regulation of Care will be expected to require that all managers should be qualified in childcare, teaching or social work and as a minimum, at least half of the staff in any one facility should be qualified in childcare. "Qualified in childcare" is defined as holding any one of the qualifications mentioned in Working With Children.

Within this context, staffing structures are a matter for employers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160441,"EventID":"S1W-23867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what feedback is given to unsuccessful applicants for funding from (a) the New Futures Fund, (b) the New Opportunities Fund, (c) other National Lottery funds and (d) the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what feedback is given to unsuccessful applicants for funding from (a) the New Futures Fund, (b) the New Opportunities Fund, (c) other National Lottery funds and (d) the Scottish University for Industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish University for Industry administers the Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) support for learning centre development on behalf of the Executive. CMF applicants who are unsuccessful are advised in writing and given specific reasons. The scheme, which closed to new applicants last October, ends on 31 March 2002 and all remaining unsuccessful applicants will be given feedback by mid-April.

The New Futures Fund is managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise and feedback to unsuccessful applicants is an operational matter for them. I understand, however, that feedback will be given on request.

Decisions on funding from the New Opportunity Fund and the National Lottery Fund are a matter for these organisations. I have asked them to write to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160442,"EventID":"S1W-23868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to ensure transparency of criteria used for assessing applications for funding from the New Futures Fund, the New Opportunities Fund, other Na","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to ensure transparency of criteria used for assessing applications for funding from the New Futures Fund, the New Opportunities Fund, other National Lottery funds and the Scottish University for Industry.","AnswerText":"Scottish University for Industry (SUfI) administers the Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) support for learning centre development on behalf of the Executive. SUfI has made known the criteria used for assessing CMF in a variety of ways, including through promotional literature for the scheme, their website, speeches at public events, direct contact with applicants and in response to written/telephone enquiries.

The assessment of bids for funding from the New Futures Fund, New Opportunities Fund and the National Lottery Funds are operational matters for the bodies concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160443,"EventID":"S1W-23869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to continue funding of successful projects at the end of their funding periods from (a) the New Futures Fund, (b) the New Opportunities Fund, (c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to continue funding of successful projects at the end of their funding periods from (a) the New Futures Fund, (b) the New Opportunities Fund, (c) other National Lottery funds and (d) the Scottish University for Industry.","AnswerText":"SUfI administers the Capital Modernisation Fund support for learning centre development on behalf of the Executive. Funding for the scheme, which closed to new applicants in October, ends on 31 March 2002. The Executive does not plan any further funding thereafter. SUfI does not own or operate the learning centres it has branded, but took a view on sustainability of the centres before they were granted learndirect scotland branded status.

I have asked the funding distributors, concerned with the administration of the other funds, to write to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160444,"EventID":"S1W-23870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any targets are set in order to ensure that a diversity of organisations are awarded funding from (a) the New Futures Fund, (b) the New Opportunities Fund, (c) ot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any targets are set in order to ensure that a diversity of organisations are awarded funding from (a) the New Futures Fund, (b) the New Opportunities Fund, (c) other National Lottery funds and (d) the Scottish University for Industry.","AnswerText":"Scottish University for Industry administers the Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) support for learning centre development on behalf of the Executive. There are no specific targets aimed at ensuring a diversity of organisations receive CMF. Individual applications are judged on their own merits in relation to the overall objectives of the scheme; these include geographic coverage, provision in socially excluded areas and addressing sectoral or other gaps. The scheme is promoted widely to a variety of organisations, including intermediaries, and all promotional literature makes it clear that any organisation is eligible to apply.

The criteria for the selection of projects to be funded by the New Futures Fund are a matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise within the broad guidelines set out by the Scottish Executive.

With regard to projects funded through the New Opportunities Fund and the National Lottery these are matters for the organisations concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160445,"EventID":"S1W-23871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what liaison there is between the New Futures Fund, the New Opportunities Fund, other National Lottery funds and the Scottish University for Industry in order to ensure t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what liaison there is between the New Futures Fund, the New Opportunities Fund, other National Lottery funds and the Scottish University for Industry in order to ensure that any projects in receipt of funding from one of these bodies but which are dependent on successful bids for funding from any of the other bodies are able to follow this process through successfully.","AnswerText":"Scottish University for Industry (SUfI) administers the Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) support for learning centre development on behalf of the Executive. SUfI and New Opportunities Fund (who offer funding to meet revenue costs) share information on applicants who have been offered/are being considered for funding. In addition, CMF applicants are asked to provide details of all other project funding that has been applied for or approved, enabling SUfI to build an overall picture of the funding position for every project.

I have asked the organisations responsible for approving funding for the New Futures Fund and The National Lottery to write to you directly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160446,"EventID":"S1W-23872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22829 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 March 2002, whether it will place the records by Amey Highways Ltd concerning snow clearance on the A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22829 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 March 2002, whether it will place the records by Amey Highways Ltd concerning snow clearance on the A1 on 30 December 2001 and any related information from the Performance Audit Group in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I have undertaken to publish a report by the Performance Audit Group on the first year of operation of the new trunk road contracts in line with the recommendation of the Auditor General. A copy of the report will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160447,"EventID":"S1W-23873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to encourage local authorities to fund pipe band tuition in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to encourage local authorities to fund pipe band tuition in schools.","AnswerText":"The Executive works closely with local authorities and the Scottish Arts Council to promote all aspects of music tuition in schools. We are in the final stages of planning a pilot programme of cultural co-ordinators to maximise the potential contribution of culture to children's education and will make an announcement shortly. The Scottish Arts Council has also been allocated £1.5 million over this and the next two years to promote excellence in the traditional arts, and last year the Traditional Scottish Music School at Plockton was opened by Mr Jack McConnell with £535,000 from the Excellence Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160448,"EventID":"S1W-23874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently provide pipe band tuition on (a) a part-time and (b) a full-time basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently provide pipe band tuition on (a) a part-time and (b) a full-time basis.","AnswerText":"Schools can make provision for instrumental tuition in a range of instruments, and musical styles, in line with the resources available to them and local need. They are free to decide which instruments they support within their school, and can opt to make provision for pipe tuition. The Scottish Executive does not hold centrally information on the range of instruments for which local authorities provide instrumental tuition.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160449,"EventID":"S1W-23876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was provided to local authorities in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2001-02 and will be provided in 2002-03 for the provision of equipment and adaptations to promote indep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was provided to local authorities in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2001-02 and will be provided in 2002-03 for the provision of equipment and adaptations to promote independent living at home.","AnswerText":"Generally it is for local authorities to decide how best to deploy the resources available to them to meet housing need, including the provision of equipment and adaptations to promote independent living at home. However, in 2000-01, a one-off allocation of £5 million was made to local authorities. This was to assist in overcoming any delays in making alterations to the homes of people with disabilities who wished to continue living in their own homes as an alternative to institutional care. The answer given to question S1W-21422 on 18 January 2002, provided a breakdown of this figure by local authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160450,"EventID":"S1W-23877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether producers are meeting their recovery and recycling obligations under Schedule II of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether producers are meeting their recovery and recycling obligations under Schedule II of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the appropriate agency under the packaging waste regulations (the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the Environment Agency). However, I understand that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency intends to publish information on compliance rates in due course as part of its next annual monitoring strategy for the packaging recovery scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160451,"EventID":"S1W-23878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to help producers meet their recovery and recycling obligations under Schedule II of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Wast","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to help producers meet their recovery and recycling obligations under Schedule II of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997.","AnswerText":"The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 allow a producer to join a compliance scheme which will meet the producer's recovery and recycling obligations on its behalf.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Environment Agency have produced guidance on various aspects of the regulations, including statutory guidance on evidence of compliance. The accreditation system established in accordance with the guidance helps producers and compliance schemes to demonstrate compliance by obtaining Packaging Waste Recovery Notes from agency-accredited reprocessors.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also provided a range of training courses on various aspects of the regulations for producers and compliance scheme members.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160452,"EventID":"S1W-23879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are being made to allow entry into the new Teacher Induction Scheme for those students who are undergoing teacher training in Scotland but whose fees p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are being made to allow entry into the new Teacher Induction Scheme for those students who are undergoing teacher training in Scotland but whose fees paid are by non-Scottish agencies.","AnswerText":"The eligibility criteria for the Teacher Induction Scheme has been developed to include all those students studying in Scotland who are in publicly funded places.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160453,"EventID":"S1W-23880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes to the new Teacher Induction Scheme are planned to remove the barrier to access to the scheme for students at Scottish institutions who are funded by Englis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes to the new Teacher Induction Scheme are planned to remove the barrier to access to the scheme for students at Scottish institutions who are funded by English education authorities but who wish to teach in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The eligibility criteria for the Teacher Induction Scheme has been developed to include all students studying in Scotland who are in publicly funded places.

No barrier to access to the scheme exists for those students, studying at Scottish institutions, who are funded by English Education Authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160454,"EventID":"S1W-23881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many circulars, guidelines and guidance notes it has issued to local authorities in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many circulars, guidelines and guidance notes it has issued to local authorities in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information requested is not collated centrally by the Scottish Executive and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. A significant amount of information is however issued by the Scottish Executive to local authorities. In an effort to reduce the burden this places on local authorities, guidance is in place to ensure that all communications detail the action required, the priority attached to the communication and where possible, suggestions of whom within the authority should be made aware of it.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160455,"EventID":"S1W-23882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22946 by Ms Patricia Ferguson on 5 March 2002, whether it has ever provided briefings directly to individual non-Executive members ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22946 by Ms Patricia Ferguson on 5 March 2002, whether it has ever provided briefings directly to individual non-Executive members for use during debates of the whole Parliament and, if so, (a) when, (b) in respect of which debates and (c) to whom each such briefing was provided. ","AnswerText":"I have nothing to add to the answer previously given to question S1W-22946 on 5 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160456,"EventID":"S1W-23883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22946 by Ms Patricia Ferguson on 5 March 2002, in what form it records the providing of briefings directly to individual non-Execut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22946 by Ms Patricia Ferguson on 5 March 2002, in what form it records the providing of briefings directly to individual non-Executive members for use during debates of the whole Parliament.","AnswerText":"No central records of the kind referred to are held.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160457,"EventID":"S1W-23884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statutory protection there is for the preservation of school playing fields.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statutory protection there is for the preservation of school playing fields.","AnswerText":"Under the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967, there is a requirement for every school to have available to it playing fields of an area related to the school roll.

Town and country planning legislation provides certain safeguards in relation to proposals to develop playing fields, including school playing fields. National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 11: Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space sets out the planning policy framework that planning authorities should have regard to when considering proposals for the redevelopment of playing fields. Sportscotland must also be consulted on all planning applications and developments likely to prejudice or lead to the loss of playing fields. Planning authorities are required to notify the Scottish ministers where they are minded to grant planning permission for any proposal which would involve the loss of a playing field where sportscotland have advised against the proposal.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160458,"EventID":"S1W-23885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20723 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, whether The Right Medicine - A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland will assis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20723 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, whether The Right Medicine - A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland will assist compliance in the NHS with the requirements of the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Regulations 1994. ","AnswerText":"The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland commits the Scottish Executive to exploring systems to allow, whenever possible, the dispensing of patient packs in all situations across primary, secondary and tertiary care. This will assist compliance in the NHS with the requirements of the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations, etc.) Regulations 1994.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160459,"EventID":"S1W-23886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20723 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, what discussions it has had with the Medicines Control Agency regarding any non-compli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20723 by Malcolm Chisholm on 3 January 2002, what discussions it has had with the Medicines Control Agency regarding any non-compliance in the NHS with the requirements of the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Regulations 1994.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had no discussions with the Medicines Control Agency regarding any non-compliance in the NHS with the requirements of the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations, etc.) Regulations 1994.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160460,"EventID":"S1W-23887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed sale of 4.25 acres of land at Broomlands Primary School complies with policy C5 of the finalised Structure Plan submitted by Scottish Borders Counci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed sale of 4.25 acres of land at Broomlands Primary School complies with policy C5 of the finalised Structure Plan submitted by Scottish Borders Council in May 2001. ","AnswerText":"Policy C5 of the submitted finalised Scottish Borders Structure Plan deals with the protection of playing fields and sports pitches. However, as the finalised plan is still under consideration by the Scottish ministers, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage. An announcement on the plan will be made soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160461,"EventID":"S1W-23888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the finalised Structure Plan submitted by Scottish Borders Council in May 2001 has been agreed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the finalised Structure Plan submitted by Scottish Borders Council in May 2001 has been agreed.","AnswerText":"The finalised Scottish Borders Structure Plan is still under consideration by the Scottish ministers. However, an announcement on the plan will be made soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160462,"EventID":"S1W-23889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to further and higher education institutions in regard to investment on the money market. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to further and higher education institutions in regard to investment on the money market. ","AnswerText":"None. The Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Councils allocate public funds to further and higher education institutions, on the condition that they are used for the purposes for which they are granted.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160463,"EventID":"S1W-23890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rent guarantees Glasgow Housing Association has given to current council tenants should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rent guarantees Glasgow Housing Association has given to current council tenants should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the Glasgow Housing Association has guaranteed that rents for current tenants will rise by no more than inflation for the first five years after transfer and by no more than inflation plus 1% for years 6-8.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160464,"EventID":"S1W-23891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guarantees Glasgow Housing Association has given on service charges to current council tenants should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ball","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guarantees Glasgow Housing Association has given on service charges to current council tenants should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the Glasgow Housing Association has guaranteed that service charges will go up by no more than inflation for each of the first five years after transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160465,"EventID":"S1W-23892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guarantees Glasgow Housing Association has given on routine repairs to properties transferring to it should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guarantees Glasgow Housing Association has given on routine repairs to properties transferring to it should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) will put into operation a published repairs and maintenance policy including timescales for different types of repairs. From day one, the GHA will instigate an appointment system that will carry out all repairs that are currently suspended by the council.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160466,"EventID":"S1W-23893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Glasgow Housing Association will deal with anti-social neighbours should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Glasgow Housing Association will deal with anti-social neighbours should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"The Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) has devised a Neighbourhood Nuisance Policy. If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the GHA will take firm action in response to complaints, placing the emphasis on early action at a local level. Their Neighbourhood Relations team will work closely with local communities and operate outwith normal office hours. The GHA also plan to establish a mediation service as well as a witness and family support scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160467,"EventID":"S1W-23894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether existing council tenants in Glasgow will still have the opportunity to buy their home should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether existing council tenants in Glasgow will still have the opportunity to buy their home should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, they will retain their Right to Buy in relation to the home that they occupy at the time of transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160468,"EventID":"S1W-23895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect will be on current council tenants' existing entitlement to discounts under the Right to Buy provision should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect will be on current council tenants' existing entitlement to discounts under the Right to Buy provision should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot. ","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, there will no change to their existing entitlements to discount under the Right to Buy provision and any discount level will transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160469,"EventID":"S1W-23896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of investment there will be on housing stock in each Glasgow parliamentary constituency over the first 10 years after the transfer of the housing stock to Gl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of investment there will be on housing stock in each Glasgow parliamentary constituency over the first 10 years after the transfer of the housing stock to Glasgow Housing Association, should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"This information is not available on a constituency basis. Indicative levels of investment, subject to a yes vote in the ballot, are provided for each local housing organisation over the first 10.5 years in the city council's second stage consultation notice. Copies of which are lodged in the Parliament's Reference Centre: Glasgow South, Bib. number 20206; Glasgow North, Bib. number 20207; Glasgow East, Bib. number 20208; Glasgow West, Bib. number 20209; Glasgow South-West, Bib. number 20210.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160470,"EventID":"S1W-23897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of investment there will be on housing stock in each Glasgow parliamentary constituency over 30 years after the transfer of housing stock to Glasgow Housing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of investment there will be on housing stock in each Glasgow parliamentary constituency over 30 years after the transfer of housing stock to Glasgow Housing Association, should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23896.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160471,"EventID":"S1W-23898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive over what timescale central heating will be installed in houses in Glasgow under the Warm Deal should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive over what timescale central heating will be installed in houses in Glasgow under the Warm Deal should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, all homes with a long-term life will have central heating within four years of transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160472,"EventID":"S1W-23899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2013,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":14,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive over what timescale double-gla'ing, insulation and exterior repairs will be completed to properties transferring from Glasgow City Council to the Glasgow Housing Associat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive over what timescale double-gla'ing, insulation and exterior repairs will be completed to properties transferring from Glasgow City Council to the Glasgow Housing Association should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, double glazing, insulation and exterior repairs will be implemented for all homes with a long-term life within six years of transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160473,"EventID":"S1W-23900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2013,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":14,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what up-grading to current council properties in Glasgow will be made under the new Glasgow Standard should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer bal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what up-grading to current council properties in Glasgow will be made under the new Glasgow Standard should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the Glasgow standard will ensure that Glasgow Housing Association's homes are safe and structurally sound, secure, with modern kitchens and bathrooms, warm, dry, dampfree with affordable central heating and energy efficient. The Glasgow standard will include specialist works to multi storey blocks and non-traditional houses, remodelling of houses, security measures, improvements to common areas and environmental works.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160474,"EventID":"S1W-23901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2013,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":14,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive over what timescale modernisation to current council properties in Glasgow under the Glasgow Standard will be completed should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive over what timescale modernisation to current council properties in Glasgow under the Glasgow Standard will be completed should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, every home with a long-term life will be fully modernised to the Glasgow Standard within 10.5 years of transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160475,"EventID":"S1W-23902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be taken to improve the energy efficiency of current council properties in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer bal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be taken to improve the energy efficiency of current council properties in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the Glasgow Housing Association's modernisation programme will, through the combination of external fabric upgrading, double-glazing, insulation and central heating, result in significant improvements in the energy efficiency of existing council properties.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160476,"EventID":"S1W-23903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new homes will be built for social rent in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new homes will be built for social rent in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"In tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, 13,000 new homes for social rent are planned for Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160477,"EventID":"S1W-23904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be sustained in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be sustained in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, in addition to the Glasgow City Council staff transferring to the Glasgow Housing Association under Transfer Undertaking Protection of Employment regulations, it is estimated that 3,100 new construction jobs will be created over the investment period as well as enhanced apprenticeship opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160478,"EventID":"S1W-23905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be taken to direct new job opportunities towards those currently unemployed in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be taken to direct new job opportunities towards those currently unemployed in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot unemployed people in Glasgow will have access to various training programmes which will enable them to take advantage of the many new job opportunities which will be created.

The Glasgow Housing Association is working in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow colleges and others to develop a range of training to suit people with different needs. Those with little previous work experience will first have access to basic skills training before progressing to further skills training and into employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160479,"EventID":"S1W-23906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be taken to improve the physical security of current council properties in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer bal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be taken to improve the physical security of current council properties in Glasgow should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"It tenants vote \"yes\" in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, all homes with a long term future will benefit from improved security measures, such as external doors and security locks. In addition older tenants will receive special home security measures, including effective and well designed door and window locks, viewers and intercoms.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160480,"EventID":"S1W-23907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that the proposal for transferring Glasgow City Council's housing stock will be funded should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock trans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that the proposal for transferring Glasgow City Council's housing stock will be funded should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"The City Council and the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) have had detailed discussions with funders to ensure that the commitments given to tenants could be delivered. Letters of support from a number of financial institutions active in the social rented housing market have been received for the GHA proposal. If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the Executive is satisfied that the proposal will attract competitive offers of funding from the financial markets and deliver for tenants.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160481,"EventID":"S1W-23908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Glasgow Housing Association will be held accountable for the commitments it has given to tenants should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ball","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Glasgow Housing Association will be held accountable for the commitments it has given to tenants should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) will be accountable to the Scottish Executive to spend funding in a manner compliant with the conditions of grant, which will attach to the offer of such funding, to the Executive's agency, Communities Scotland, as the statutory regulator of Registered Social Landlords and to its tenants. Local Housing Organisations will also be accountable as part of their registration requirement with Communities Scotland, and as part of their contractual obligations to the GHA. The GHA will also be accountable to the City Council under terms of the transfer contract and bound to implement all the guarantees set out in the Business Plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160482,"EventID":"S1W-23909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions are in place to ensure that elected councillors in Glasgow can continue to effectively represent their constituents on housing matters should there be a y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provisions are in place to ensure that elected councillors in Glasgow can continue to effectively represent their constituents on housing matters should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot of tenants.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the city council will retain strategic responsibility for housing in the city. The city council has six nominees on the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) Management Committee, which has overall responsibility for the GHA and its operations. Individual councillors are already represented on a number of existing housing associations in the city.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160483,"EventID":"S1W-23910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring will be undertaken of the Glasgow Housing Association's housing allocation policy should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring will be undertaken of the Glasgow Housing Association's housing allocation policy should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot for tenants.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, Communities Scotland, as the statutory regulator of Registered Social Landlords will be responsible for monitoring of the Glasgow Housing Association's housing allocation policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160484,"EventID":"S1W-23911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements will be put in place to ensure that Glasgow City Council is able to meet its statutory obligations under homeless legislation should there be a yes vot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements will be put in place to ensure that Glasgow City Council is able to meet its statutory obligations under homeless legislation should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, statutory responsibility for homelessness will remain with the city council who will carry out case work, homelessness assessments and provide an out of hours service. The city council will also retain ownership of existing hostels and will continue with their hostel decommissioning programme.

The Glasgow Housing Association will be expected, as a condition of sale, to provide a specific number of properties for homeless people - temporary and permanent housing.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160485,"EventID":"S1W-23912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any special arrangements will be made to meet the requirements of Glasgow's older council tenants should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any special arrangements will be made to meet the requirements of Glasgow's older council tenants should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, Glasgow's older tenants will receive enhanced home security packages including effective and well designed door and window locks, viewers and intercoms.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160486,"EventID":"S1W-23913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements will be made to deal with Glasgow City Council's existing Housing Revenue Account debt should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements will be made to deal with Glasgow City Council's existing Housing Revenue Account debt should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"If tenants vote yes in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot, the Treasury has agreed to repay the City Council's outstanding Public Works Loan Board debt (around £900 million). This is an extension of the arrangements that already apply as part of the housing transfer programme in England. As part of the deal, the breakage costs incurred will require to be met from the receipt from the sale or by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160487,"EventID":"S1W-23914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to ensure that owner occupiers in Glasgow will be able to participate in any resulting improvement works should there be a yes vote in the Glasg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to ensure that owner occupiers in Glasgow will be able to participate in any resulting improvement works should there be a yes vote in the Glasgow housing stock transfer ballot.","AnswerText":"Following transfer of housing from a local authority to a registered social landlord, the Scottish Executive will make resources available to councils to offer grant assistance to owner occupiers in respect of the costs of repairs to common areas in shared properties. The detailed arrangements of the grant scheme are being progressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160488,"EventID":"S1W-23915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Charter for Small Enterprises will lead to a reduction in red tape for Scottish businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Charter for Small Enterprises will lead to a reduction in red tape for Scottish businesses.","AnswerText":"The charter raises the prospect of improvement in a range of areas, including administration procedures to better reflect their impact on small- to medium-sized enterprises, opportunities for cheaper and faster start-ups and reductions in barriers to the raising of capital on a cross-border basis. These and other proposals within the charter, offer a very real prospect for the reduction of burdens on Scottish businesses, arising at a European level.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160489,"EventID":"S1W-23916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any call centres are considering a move to India in order to reduce operational costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any call centres are considering a move to India in order to reduce operational costs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not, as a matter of course, involved, or necessarily informed, on every occasion a business considers a change of location, for whatever reason.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160490,"EventID":"S1W-23917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21633 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 23 January 2002, when it will reach a decision on the advice submitted to it by the Scottish Higher ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21633 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 23 January 2002, when it will reach a decision on the advice submitted to it by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council in respect of the Research Assessment Exercise of 2001.","AnswerText":"In light of the advice of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, I announced, on 26 February, an additional funding package of £25 million for research in higher education over three years, consisting of £5 million in 2001-02, and £10 million each year in 2002-03 and 2003-04. It will be for the council to make final decisions on the distribution.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160491,"EventID":"S1W-23918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5443/2002 of 4 March 2002, whether it will list the economic development projects in the west of Scotland that will benefit from the ne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5443/2002 of 4 March 2002, whether it will list the economic development projects in the west of Scotland that will benefit from the new round of support from European Structural Funds under the Objective 2 programme.","AnswerText":"The list of projects that will benefit from my announcement on the latest awards of European Structural Funds announced on 4 March 2002 is shown in the following table:

Project Title

Project Sponsor

 

Support for businesses

Advancing Production in Glasgow

Glasgow City Council

1,016,000

LINC Strathclyde

LINC Scotland

363,972

Web Force\t

Scottish Enterprise Glasgow

196,250

Targeted Industrial Ecology: SME Support

University of Paisley

138,554

Investors in People

Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire

108,850

Lanarkshire Support for E-business

Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire\t

240,625

Women Into Enterprise

Glasgow City Council\t

487,515

Growing Businesses\t

Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire\t

672,500

Promoting Innovation in Ayrshire SMEs

Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire\t

536,746

Business Growth Through Innovation

Glasgow City Council

544,637

Glasgow's Sustainable Business Efficiency Initiative

Scottish Enterprise Glasgow\t

306,000

Progressing to High Level Computing Skills

Stow College

34,636

Higher Skills for Music/Media Industry

Stow College

34,636

Working in Tourism and Hospitality

Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire

100,297

Employability through e-learning

Govan Initiative

60,256

Creative Industries Skills Development

Govan Initiative

40,482

Call Centre Skills for Short Term Unemployed in North Lanarkshire

Coatbridge College

21,203

  

£4,903,159

Industrial and tourism developments

Barrhead Regeneration: Glasgow Road Development Strategy

East Renfrewshire Council\t

766,000

Treefest 2002

NHS Board

Breastfeeding %

Ayrshire and Arran

31.7

Borders

45

Argyll and Clyde

31.5

Fife

34.4

Greater Glasgow

33.4

Lanarkshire

24.5

Lothian

46.9

Tayside

39.1

Forth Valley

32.2

Notes:

1. Missing and unknown data have been excluded.

2. Figures are for exclusively breastfed and both breast and formula milk fed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160493,"EventID":"S1W-23920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registered charities there were in each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local authority area at 31 March in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many registered charities there were in each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local authority area at 31 March in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold the information requested. The Inland Revenue maintains a database of registered charities and at the end of February 2002 there were 30,197 charities registered in Scotland. The distribution of these by constituency or local authority is information that is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160494,"EventID":"S1W-23921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications were (a) made and (b) approved in each local authority area in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications were (a) made and (b) approved in each local authority area in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table:

Unitary Authority

1998-99

Total Applications Received

Total Applications Granted

1999-2000

Total Applications Received

Total

Applications Granted

2000-01

Total Applications Received

Total

Applications Granted

Aberdeen City

2,303

1,997

2,142

1,890

2,060

1,767

Aberdeenshire

3,420

3,046

3,522

3,046

3,308

2,882

Angus

1,213

1,082

1,151

1,045

1,089

942

Argyll and Bute

1,519

1,271

1,502

1,295

1,497

1,209

Clackmannanshire

381

326

381

343

323

293

Dumfries and Galloway

1,532

1,692

1,650

1,515

1,703

1,527

Dundee City

812

670

871

766

768

658

East Ayrshire

836

738

846

741

799

734

East Dunbartonshire

852

766

814

718

860

 

1999-2000

(£000)

2000-01

(£000)

2001-02 (11 months) (£000)

Postage

289

196

223

Stationery

209

173

148

Notes:

1. Postage covers all parliamentary postage, including the postage element of prepaid envelopes.

2. Stationery includes all items ordered through the parliamentary stationery contract, plain paper and printing consumables.

3. These figures do not include amounts spent by members through the Allowances Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160496,"EventID":"S1W-23923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what percentage of the Parliament's (a) waste paper and (b) waste plastic was sent for recycling in each year since May 1999-2000","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what percentage of the Parliament's (a) waste paper and (b) waste plastic was sent for recycling in each year since May 1999-2000","AnswerText":"The Parliament recycles approximately eight tonnes of waste paper per month. However, it is not possible to express this figure as a percentage as we do not have an equivalent measure of the waste paper that is not recycled.

It is estimated that 90% of plastic cups from vending machines are recycled each month. The Facilities Management Office is currently discussing options for recycling other waste plastics with its recycling contractor, LEEP (Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Partnership).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160497,"EventID":"S1W-23924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many audiologists trained in (a) the diagnosis of a patient's suitability for digital hearing aids and (b) the fitting of such aids there were in each health board ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many audiologists trained in (a) the diagnosis of a patient's suitability for digital hearing aids and (b) the fitting of such aids there were in each health board area at 31 March and 30 September in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"Information on the total number of qualified audiologists working in NHSScotland is not held centrally, but will be held by local NHS management. Contact details for NHS management personnel are available on:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk.

The supplier generally undertakes training on the fitting of digital hearing aids.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23079 on 13 March 2002, which provides information on the number of medical staff in the specialty of audiological medicine in the last three years for which information is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160498,"EventID":"S1W-23925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful claims were made against the insurers of each health board in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful claims were made against the insurers of each health board in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"Health boards and NHS trusts do not carry commercial insurance for clinical negligence and most areas of public and employer liability. Cover for these is provided through the departmentally administered Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity Scheme (CNORIS).

Where individual health bodies choose to carry insurance for other risks not covered by CNORIS, neither details of these policies nor any history of claims lodged are held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160499,"EventID":"S1W-23926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of cannabis possession in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) charged with and (b) convicted of cannabis possession in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the table. Figures for the number of prosecutions and convictions for the possession of cannabis cannot, from the information held by the Scottish Executive, be separately identified within the total number of prosecutions and convictions where the main offence was the possession of drugs. However, it is possible to estimate this proportion for convictions from the latest available Home Office data.

Persons proceeded against in Scottish courts where the main offence was the possession of drugs, 1998-2000

Year

Number of persons proceeded against

Persons with a charge proved

Number

Percentage relating to cannabis1

Percentage involving other charges2

1998

5,930

5,291

75

9

1999

5,486

4,841

72

7

2000

4,707

4,099

75

8

Notes:

1. Estimated from Home Office data.

2. Percentage of these convictions where a charge was proved for at least one other type of offence. Excludes additional charges proved for motoring and other miscellaneous offences.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160500,"EventID":"S1W-23927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have died as a direct result of ecstasy consumption in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have died as a direct result of ecstasy consumption in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The following table presents the information available. For most of these cases other drugs including alcohol were also involved. It is therefore not possible to say how many of the deaths were as a direct result of ecstasy consumption.

Drug-related deaths involving ecstasy, Scotland, 1998-2000

Year

Number

1998

3

1999

8

2000

11

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160501,"EventID":"S1W-23928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been prescribed methadone in each health board area in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been prescribed methadone in each health board area in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160502,"EventID":"S1W-23929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each health board spent on methadone prescriptions in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each health board spent on methadone prescriptions in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The figures in the following table refer to prescriptions dispensed in the community and do not take into account those dispensed by hospitals or hospital-based clinics.
 

Gross Ingredient Cost and Fees *

 

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

Ayrshire and Arran

407,417

496,298

562,426

Borders

7,573

8,254

16,660

Argyll and Clyde

535,297

836,349

965,016

Fife

161,590

242,425

324,971

Greater Glasgow

2,416,153

3,170,438

3,799,698

Highland

21,935

45,595

74,799

Lanarkshire

203,101

462,108

615,484

Grampian

421,353

696,543

979,201

Orkney

116

78

146

Lothian

715,542

884,961

1,010,833

Tayside

415,858

483,817

525,760

Forth Valley

93,549

114,749

150,321

Western Isles

157

190

24

Dumfries and Galloway

70,754

120,685

133,852

Shetland

3,803

3,358

8, 032

Total

5,474,198

7,565,848

9,167,222

Note:

*Fees include not only those paid for the dispensing of methadone but also those paid for supervising the taking of the dispensed methadone by the patient.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160503,"EventID":"S1W-23930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently have strategies in place to offer help and advice to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently have strategies in place to offer help and advice to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. It is entirely up to local authorities if they wish to develop strategies to provide help and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. However, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) would be better placed to offer information regarding individual authorities.

Jon Harris, Director of Policy and Legislation at COSLA has offered himself as a point of contact. His address is: COSLA, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5XZ.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160504,"EventID":"S1W-23931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school nurses were employed in each local authority area at 31 March and 30 September in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school nurses were employed in each local authority area at 31 March and 30 September in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"Local authorities do not employ school nurses. School nurses are employed by NHS boards and the figures are detailed in the following table. The figures reflect the number of school nurses at 30 September each year.

There are as yet no figures available for the year 2001.

School Nurses directly employed by NHSScotland by NHS Board

Headcount and Whole Time Equivalent at 30 September
 

Headcount

Whole Time Equivalent

1998

1999

2000

1998

1999

2000

Scotland

395

388

384

284.4

277.5

275.6

Argyll & Clyde

34

35

34

22.8

23.2

23.8

Ayrshire and Arran

26

27

27

18.9

19.7

18.9

Borders

8

6

5

5.5

4.4

3.8

Dumfries and Galloway

12

12

11

6.5

6.5

6.1

Fife

37

38

38

27.4

29.6

29.7

Forth Valley

17

17

17

13.5

13.5

13.4

Grampian

40

49

54

25.3

31.6

34.3

Greater Glasgow

69

66

69

54.7

52.2

54.7

Highland

19

19

22

13.9

13.9

16.7

Lanarkshire

45

42The code is accompanied by a more detailed protocol on the arrangements for release of statistics, and protocols on other related matters may also be made available in future.

I invite parliamentary committees and MSPs to consider and comment on the code and discuss it with me if they wish.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160506,"EventID":"S1W-23933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Review of the Tourism Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Review of the Tourism Strategy.","AnswerText":"We have completed the Review and I am publishing today the Tourism Framework for Action 2002-2005. This document will take forward the February 2000 Strategy, not replace it. The framework provides a clear sense of direction and way forward. It identifies the further steps that need to be taken, particularly by businesses themselves, supported by the public sector.

The document is available today on the Scottish Executive website and in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19686).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160507,"EventID":"S1W-23934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the next Conference of the Commonwealth Education Ministers will be held in Edinburgh in 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the next Conference of the Commonwealth Education Ministers will be held in Edinburgh in 2003.","AnswerText":"I am delighted to confirm that the 15th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers will be held in Edinburgh in the late autumn of 2003.

This will be a major international conference bringing together Education Ministers from the 54 states of the Commonwealth, which together represent some 30% of the world's population. It is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase Scotland's world class education system as well as to engage in dialogue with our international partners, with many of whom we have important historic and cultural links. We will be able to share and learn from educational experience with others from across the globe and to consider how to tackle the challenges common to all of us in seeking to give every child and young person the best start in life.

All four nations of the UK will of course be fully involved in the CCEM, and ministers and officials are in touch to ensure the smooth co-ordination of preparations for this important event.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160508,"EventID":"S1W-23935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of young people referred to Children's Panels live in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of young people referred to Children's Panels live in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Statistics relating to the children's hearings system are an operational matter for the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration. National statistics are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18780).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160509,"EventID":"S1W-23936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing closer links between the youth justice system and agencies dealing with children and young people who are at risk of offending.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing closer links between the youth justice system and agencies dealing with children and young people who are at risk of offending.","AnswerText":"All authorities have multi-agency youth justice teams in place. The Executive is completing a mapping exercise of all local authorities to measure their progress in working with children and young people who offend or are at risk of offending. The results will be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre shortly. We are also holding quarterly national networking events for youth justice practitioners to disseminate good practice and to support policy development.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160510,"EventID":"S1W-23937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #21.75 million available from the New Opportunities Fund to promote the role of sport in diverting young people from offending will be allocated to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #21.75 million available from the New Opportunities Fund to promote the role of sport in diverting young people from offending will be allocated to projects in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Every local authority in Scotland has been given a provisional allocation of funding to support activities, designed to promote the role of sport in diverting children and young people from crime or behaviour likely to lead to this type of activity.

The provisional allocation is based on the size of school population in the local authority area and on the levels of deprivation found in the area. There is also a weighting for the three Islands authorities, to ensure that they have meaningful allocations.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160511,"EventID":"S1W-23938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the funding announced in June 2000 for the prevention of youth crime has been allocated to tackling youth crime in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the funding announced in June 2000 for the prevention of youth crime has been allocated to tackling youth crime in rural areas.","AnswerText":"A total of £25.5 million over four years has been allocated to tackle youth offending. The following table shows the allocation by local authority:

Authority

Restorative Justice Grant 2001-02

2001-02 and 2002-03

2003-04

Aberdeen City

£78,443

£166,000

£333,000

Aberdeenshire

£94,095

£106,000

£212,000

Angus

£42,311

£76,000

£153,000

Argyll & Bute

£33,078

£56,000

£112,000

Clackmannanshire

£19,850

£51,000

£101,000

Dumfries and Galloway

£55,557

£101,000

£202,000

Dundee

£56,472

£207,000

£414,000

East Ayrshire

£48,248

£131,000

£263,000

East Dunbartonshire

£42,612

£51,000

£101,000

East Lothian

£34,195

£65,000

£130,000

East Renfrewshire

£17,950

£35,331

£89,000

Edinburgh

£163,340

£406,000

£812,000

Falkirk

£52,700

£131,000

£262,000

Fife

£126,460

£314,000

£629,000

Glasgow

£436,540

£1,086,000

£2,171,000

Highland

£63,440

£158,000

£316,000

Inverclyde

£41,620

£103,000

£207,000

Midlothian

£27,060

£67,000

£135,000

Moray

£21,490

£53,","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160512,"EventID":"S1W-23939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a commitment to maintaining (a) the Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness rail service, (b) the Wick and Thurso to Inverness rail service and (c) the sleeper","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a commitment to maintaining (a) the Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness rail service, (b) the Wick and Thurso to Inverness rail service and (c) the sleeper services from Inverness from 2004 onwards.","AnswerText":"To safeguard services that are operated by ScotRail, in excess of those contracted under its Passenger Service Requirement agreement, the Scottish Executive announced on 7 March a £70 million deal, which re-profiled the current ScotRail franchise. This will ensure that, when we prepare our Directions and Guidance for the re-letting of the Scottish passenger rail franchise, the specification will be based on this improved level of service, which includes all current services.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160513,"EventID":"S1W-23940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23171 by Mike Watson on 5 March 2002, whether Historic Scotland has set any targets for increasing the proportion of its budget rep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23171 by Mike Watson on 5 March 2002, whether Historic Scotland has set any targets for increasing the proportion of its budget represented by income.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland does not set its income targets, as a proportion of its total budget. Its income targets reflect what is achievable in any given sphere of commercial activity. It has published key performance targets, relating to market share and retail spend per visitor. The overall budget for Historic Scotland in future years will be determined as a result of the Spending Review 2002. Potential commercial income will be taken into account in that process.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160514,"EventID":"S1W-23941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which spending allocations to the former Forth Valley Health Board in each of the past two years have been based on the Arbuthnott formula for distributing health funding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which spending allocations to the former Forth Valley Health Board in each of the past two years have been based on the Arbuthnott formula for distributing health funding, including any additional or one-off items of expenditure.","AnswerText":"Plans for implementation of the Arbuthnott formula were announced in September 2000. An additional £12 million was make available nationally in September 2000, to make progress in implementing the recommendations in the Arbuthnott Report. Forth Valley Health Board received £0.307 million.

For 2001-02 all health boards received a minimum increase in unified budget of 5.5%, with those boards currently below their Arbuthnott formula targets making some move towards that target. Forth Valley Health Board received an increase in unified budget of 6% in 2001-02. In addition, Forth Valley received £0.623 million from the Health Improvement Fund and an additional £0.568 million as a contribution towards the extra costs involved in managing winter pressures, which were distributed on the basis of the Arbuthnott formula.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160515,"EventID":"S1W-23942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ministerial Code applies to those appointed as ministerial parliamentary aides.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ministerial Code applies to those appointed as ministerial parliamentary aides.","AnswerText":"The only provisions in the Scottish Ministerial Code, which apply directly to ministerial parliamentary aides, are those in paragraphs 4.6 - 4.13 of the code, which set out their role and arrangements for their appointment. Paragraph 4.12 of the code makes it clear, however, that while ministerial parliamentary aides are not subject to the rules on private interests, which apply to ministers, they must, as a general rule, seek to avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest between their role as a Ministerial Parliamentary Aide and their private interests.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160516,"EventID":"S1W-23943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4741 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 28 February 2002, which obsolete regulations affecting business it has revoked.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4741 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 28 February 2002, which obsolete regulations affecting business it has revoked.","AnswerText":"The Review Regulatory Impact Assessment or \"Regulatory MOT\", introduced in February 2001, requires that all regulations which impact significantly upon business are subject to a rigorous review within 10 years of their introduction. This is not a short-term measure, though rather aims to ensure the regulatory environment remains effective in the longer term and that regulations do not remain in force by default.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160517,"EventID":"S1W-23944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23597 by Malcolm Chisholm on 1 March 2002, how much money prescription charges have raised for the NHS in each of the last five yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23597 by Malcolm Chisholm on 1 March 2002, how much money prescription charges have raised for the NHS in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table:

Revenue from Prescriptions in Scotland 1995-96 to 2000-01

Financial Year

£000

1995-96

34,249

1996-97

33,993

1997-98

36,141

1998-99

38,715

1999-2000

42,926

2000-01

43,500

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160518,"EventID":"S1W-23945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients detained at the State Hospital Carstairs have been assessed as suitable for transfer to another hospital or other suitable establishment nearer to their","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients detained at the State Hospital Carstairs have been assessed as suitable for transfer to another hospital or other suitable establishment nearer to their or their relatives' homes.","AnswerText":"As at 28 February 2002, there were 39 patients in the State Hospital where clinical agreement had been reached between the referring and the prospective receiving clinical teams that they could be safely treated and cared for by a local service. Thirty-five of these patients have waited more than three months since that clinical agreement was secured and may be considered to be delayed transfers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160519,"EventID":"S1W-23946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was (a) allocated and (b) spent to date from the ring-fenced sums announced for the Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change Initiative and how muc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was (a) allocated and (b) spent to date from the ring-fenced sums announced for the Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change Initiative and how much will be spent (i) by the end of 2001-02 and (ii) in 2002-03 and (iii) in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

Communities Scotland's (and Scottish Homes) actual development programme investment allocated and spent to date on the Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change Initiative in the period 2000-01 to 2003-04, is as follows:

Communities Scotland/Scottish Homes - Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change Initiative - (2000-01 to 2003-04)

Year

Allocated

Spent to date

£ million

£ million

2000-01

0.8

0.8

2001-02

2.0

2.0 1

2002-03

3.0

N/A

2003-04

TBC

TBC

Note:

1. Estimate.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160520,"EventID":"S1W-23947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how much (a) Scottish Homes and (b) Communities Scotland have augmented their budgets for use in the Highlands to accommodate the ring-fenced funding allocated for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by how much (a) Scottish Homes and (b) Communities Scotland have augmented their budgets for use in the Highlands to accommodate the ring-fenced funding allocated for the Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change Initiative in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 and (c) 2003-04 as compared with their budget plans in 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

Communities Scotland's (and Scottish Homes) actual development programme budgets in the Highlands and Islands Region, including the Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change Initiative in the period 2001-02 to 2003-04, are as follows:

Communities Scotland/Scottish Homes - Highland & Islands Regional Budget (1999-2000 to 2003-04) - Capital and Revenue

Year

Highlands & Islands Region Total Budget

Increase compared to 1999-2000 budget

£ million

£ million

1999 -2000

10.2

-

2001-02

13.4

+3.2

2002-03

13.4

+3.2

2003-04

TBC

TBC

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160521,"EventID":"S1W-23948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all money allocated to the Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change initiative will be utilised by the end of 2002-03 and, if not, whether any unused su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all money allocated to the Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change initiative will be utilised by the end of 2002-03 and, if not, whether any unused sums will continue to be available beyond then.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond.

His response is as follows:

When the Highland Pilot of the Rural Partnership for Change Initiative was announced in 2000-01, Communities Scotland/Scottish Homes were committed to ring fencing £10 million of funding from the agency's development programme. Any unused sums at the end of 2002-03 will therefore continue to be ring-fenced in 2003-04 and beyond to meet our commitment to this project.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160522,"EventID":"S1W-23949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether expenditure allocated to (a) Scottish Homes and (b) Communities Scotland available for spending in the Highland Council area in (i) 2000-01, (ii) 2001-02 and (iii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether expenditure allocated to (a) Scottish Homes and (b) Communities Scotland available for spending in the Highland Council area in (i) 2000-01, (ii) 2001-02 and (iii) 2002-03 has increased over the planned expenditure for 1999-2000 and, if so, by how much.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

Communities Scotland's (and Scottish Homes) actual development programme budgets in the Highland Council area in the period 1999-2000 to 2002-03, are as follows:

Communities Scotland/Scottish Homes Expenditure - Highland Council (1999-2000 - 2003-04) - Capital and Revenue Expenditure

Year

Highland Council

Increase compared to 1999-2000 budget

£ million

£ million

1999-2000

6.6

-

2000-01

7.7

+1.1

2001-02

9.4

+2.8

2002-03

9.4

+2.8

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160523,"EventID":"S1W-23950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts have been made to secure the location of new European Union agencies in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts have been made to secure the location of new European Union agencies in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the location of new European Agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160524,"EventID":"S1W-23951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lodge a motion for consideration for debate in the Parliament on the Scottish Youth Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will lodge a motion for consideration for debate in the Parliament on the Scottish Youth Parliament.","AnswerText":"Timetabling of parliamentary business is a matter for the Parliamentary Bureau and selection of motions for debate is a matter for the Presiding Officer.

The Executive hopes to bring forward a debate on youth policy after the Easter recess. The Scottish Youth Parliament is likely to form part of this debate.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160525,"EventID":"S1W-23952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it (a) has given in each of the past two years and (b) plans to give to the Scottish Youth Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it (a) has given in each of the past two years and (b) plans to give to the Scottish Youth Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has supported the Scottish Youth Parliament, both financially and with advice as necessary. The Youth Parliament first applied for grant under the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989 for financial year 2001-02 and were awarded the sum of £80,000. They applied for three-year funding for the period 2002-05 and have been awarded £80,000 for 2002-03 and indicative amounts of the same for the following two years.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160526,"EventID":"S1W-23953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Scottish Football Association and chief constables about football-related violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Scottish Football Association and chief constables about football-related violence.","AnswerText":"On 21 January, the Deputy First Minister had a short briefing from the Chief Constable of Grampian Police on the incidents of disorder that occurred at the Aberdeen versus Rangers Scottish Premier League match the previous Saturday. Also, a Scottish Executive official attended a meeting on 11 February between representatives of the Scottish football authorities and the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland where a range of issues relating to the policing of football matches was discussed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160527,"EventID":"S1W-23954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role has been played by the system of speed cameras in reducing the incidence of (a) fatal and (b) non-fatal road accidents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role has been played by the system of speed cameras in reducing the incidence of (a) fatal and (b) non-fatal road accidents.","AnswerText":"A report on the first year of a Great Britain speed camera pilot scheme, published by the UK Government in August 2001, can be found at:

http://www.roads.dtlr.gov.uk/roadsafety/costrec/index.htm.

This confirms that cameras are playing a significant role in reducing accidents and the severity of injuries.

The report shows that, compared with the average over the previous three years, the number of injury collisions at the camera pilot sites fell by an average of 35% and the number of people killed or seriously injured fell by an average of 47%.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160528,"EventID":"S1W-23955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place concerning the implementation of the Objective 1 programme and how much has been paid to projects under this programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place concerning the implementation of the Objective 1 programme and how much has been paid to projects under this programme.","AnswerText":"Following the success of the Objective 1 Programme that operated between 1994 and 1999, the Prime Minister secured agreement for a special programme for the Highlands and Islands in March 1999. The Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme for 2000-06 was approved by the commission in August 2000.

Although the Programme Management Executive, based in Inverness, is responsible for the implementation of the programme we have regular contact with partners through committees.

To date grants to the value of about £85 million have been approved for projects under the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme, this figure reflects the activity under way by approved projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160529,"EventID":"S1W-23956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken in order to reduce delayed discharges in (a) West Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken in order to reduce delayed discharges in (a) West Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22220 on 6 February 2002. Our Delayed Discharge Action Plan, which was launched on 5 March 2002, will require all local authority and NHS partnerships to produce joint action plans to deliver specific, targeted reductions in their areas. A copy of our action plan is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20007).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160530,"EventID":"S1W-23957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have been held with ScotRail about the passengers in excess of capacity limits set by the Strategic Rail Authority and any overcrowding of ScotRa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have been held with ScotRail about the passengers in excess of capacity limits set by the Strategic Rail Authority and any overcrowding of ScotRail services.","AnswerText":"The passengers in excess of capacity overcrowding measurement is the responsibility of the Strategic Rail Authority. The Scottish Executive has no locus or powers to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160531,"EventID":"S1W-23958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many delayed discharges there were in (a) West Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde in each of the last three months for which information is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many delayed discharges there were in (a) West Renfrewshire and (b) Inverclyde in each of the last three months for which information is available.","AnswerText":"Validated figures on numbers, causes and duration of delayed discharges are contained in Information and Statistics Division's quarterly census, Patients Ready for Discharge in NHSScotland. There are no monthly figures which are validated and quality assured in the same way. Latest figures relate to Information and Statistics Division's census of 15 October 2001 (a copy is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre: Bib. number 19993). These figures show that, at the census point, a total of 235 people were delayed in Renfrewshire Council area and a total of 109 people were delayed in Inverclyde Council area.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160532,"EventID":"S1W-23959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mixed-sex hospital wards are in use in (a) West Renfrewshire, (b) Inverclyde and (c) Scotland as a whole.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mixed-sex hospital wards are in use in (a) West Renfrewshire, (b) Inverclyde and (c) Scotland as a whole.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards have been asked to report on progress towards the Executive's target of eliminating mixed sex accommodation by 1 April 2002. A copy of the report of this review will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160533,"EventID":"S1W-23960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the tourist industry about the use of euro notes and coins. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the tourist industry about the use of euro notes and coins. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with VisitScotland and the area tourist boards on this issue. VisitScotland have stated that Scotland's tourism businesses should be receptive to the needs of their customers. They therefore encourage businesses to accept the euro as a method of payment, although it is not legal tender in the UK, and are distributing suitable material and information, on request.

In conjunction with the Treasury, Scotland Europa have implemented a detailed programme to provide advice and raise awareness of the need by all businesses - including in the tourist industry - to make appropriate preparations for the introduction of the currency. This includes the Trading in euro symbol which indicates that an organisation is willing and able to deal with the euro currency.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160534,"EventID":"S1W-23961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4668 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 February 2002, what the proposed measures are in respect of making UK and foreign nationals convicted ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4668 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 February 2002, what the proposed measures are in respect of making UK and foreign nationals convicted of sex offences abroad subject to the same registration requirements as such offenders convicted in the UK. ","AnswerText":"The measures proposed would be to enable the police, if they become aware that such an offender is in the UK, to apply to a court for an Order to Register as a Sex Offender. The intention is to impose the same requirements on an individual and have the same penalties as apply under the Sex Offenders Act 1997, as if they had been convicted in the UK.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160535,"EventID":"S1W-23962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5439/2002, when the process of recruiting more prosecutors for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service will begin and when it ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5439/2002, when the process of recruiting more prosecutors for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service will begin and when it expects these prosecutors to take up their duties.","AnswerText":"A Depute Procurator Fiscal recruitment exercise is currently under way. The closing date for applications was 15 March 2002. Interviews will be held in April. Successful applicants are expected to take up post from June onwards. Sixteen trainee solicitors will take up post in August 2002 and recruitment will commence in October for trainees to take up post in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160536,"EventID":"S1W-23963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, why finance from the venture capital Investment Fund will be co-invested in funds set up and managed by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, why finance from the venture capital Investment Fund will be co-invested in funds set up and managed by private sector fund managers.","AnswerText":"The new £20 million venture capital investment fund will have a strong commercial orientation and is intended to strengthen the venture capital structure in Scotland. By co-investing in funds set up and managed by private sector fund managers, we will add to the number of players in the Scottish market while ensuring that investments in individual businesses are determined by those best placed to make such judgements.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160537,"EventID":"S1W-23964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, what criteria will be used to select the private sector fund managers for the venture capital Investment","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, what criteria will be used to select the private sector fund managers for the venture capital Investment Fund and what the selection and appointment process will be.","AnswerText":"The detailed arrangements for operation of the £20 million venture capital fund, announced on 12 February, are currently being worked up by Scottish Enterprise in collaboration with the Scottish Executive Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

These include the framework of a bidding process for private sector fund managers seeking to access the investment fund, and the conditions which will apply to fund managers in making subsequent company investment decisions. On the basis of these arrangements, it is intended that individual investment decisions will be a matter for the fund managers to determine. Further details on the operation of the new fund will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160538,"EventID":"S1W-23965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, what (a) conditions will apply to and (b) objectives will be required of the private sector fund manager","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, what (a) conditions will apply to and (b) objectives will be required of the private sector fund managers in respect of handling investments using finance from the venture capital Investment Fund. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23964.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160539,"EventID":"S1W-23966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 on 12 February 2002, what criteria will be used by the private sector fund managers when making decisions on investments usin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 on 12 February 2002, what criteria will be used by the private sector fund managers when making decisions on investments using finance from the venture capital Investment Fund and what conditions will apply to any such investments in order to secure the Executive's equity participation in the selected companies. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23964.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160540,"EventID":"S1W-23967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, what role (a) Scottish Enterprise, (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (c) local enterprise compani","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, what role (a) Scottish Enterprise, (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (c) local enterprise companies will play in the investment of finance from the venture capital Investment Fund. ","AnswerText":"We are working closely with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise in developing the detailed arrangements for operation of the new venture capital investment fund. We will be looking to the enterprise network to manage the operational arrangements in due course. The networks will also play a key role in ensuring that the demand side constraints on access to venture capital funding in Scotland are addressed through a new programme of investor readiness support for Scottish companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160541,"EventID":"S1W-23968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, whether Audit Scotland will report regularly on investments made using finance from the venture capital ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, whether Audit Scotland will report regularly on investments made using finance from the venture capital Investment Fund.","AnswerText":"Full monitoring, reporting and evaluation arrangements will be a key element of our venture capital investment proposals. Details of this and other parts of the package are currently being put together by Scottish Enterprise, in collaboration with my Department and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160542,"EventID":"S1W-23969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, whether any rules will apply to the expected internal rate of return on any investment by a private sect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5330/2002 of 12 February 2002, whether any rules will apply to the expected internal rate of return on any investment by a private sector fund manager in any one company using finance from the venture capital Investment Fund and to the return on any associated investment by the same fund manager in the same company using private finance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23964.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160543,"EventID":"S1W-23970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many venture capital firms are registered in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many venture capital firms are registered in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Regulation of financial institutions is a reserved matter. We are informed by the Financial Services Authority that, at 30 November 2001, there were 12 firms in Scotland authorised by IMRO with a permitted activity in venture capital.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160544,"EventID":"S1W-23971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a blood testing facility in south-west Scotland following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a blood testing facility in south-west Scotland following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"The provision of serology facilities to serve needs throughout Great Britain is being considered carefully in the context of contingency planning following last year's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160545,"EventID":"S1W-23972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE1903/2000 of 28 June 2000, what role it has played in the allocation and distribution of funding for post offices in deprived urban are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE1903/2000 of 28 June 2000, what role it has played in the allocation and distribution of funding for post offices in deprived urban areas; how much funding has been made available; whether any further funding will be made available and, if so, (a) when, (b) by whom and (c) on what criteria such funding (i) was or (ii) will be distributed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23491.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160546,"EventID":"S1W-23973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding it plans to make available for the marketing of Scotland overseas following the publication of its Tourism Framework for Action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding it plans to make available for the marketing of Scotland overseas following the publication of its Tourism Framework for Action.","AnswerText":"The Framework for Action is not a new strategy. It contains new actions, mainly for the industry, that will meet our aims for this important sector of the economy. The public agencies who provide support to the industry, will be able to do so within existing and planned funding levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160547,"EventID":"S1W-23974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to increase the number of direct flights to Scotland following the publication of its Tourism Framework for Action and what additional budget","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to increase the number of direct flights to Scotland following the publication of its Tourism Framework for Action and what additional budget will be allocated for this purpose.","AnswerText":"The role of direct air services in meeting Scotland's air transport needs, will be a key issue in the forthcoming air transport consultation exercise. The Scottish Executive has no specific budget provision for the promotion of new direct air links. The Executive will continue to work in partnership with the Enterprise Networks, VisitScotland and the airport operators, on how best any available funding can be deployed for the greatest benefit of the Scottish economy and tourism.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160548,"EventID":"S1W-23975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of commissioning the review by PricewaterhouseCoopers of non-clinical services in NHS Grampian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of commissioning the review by PricewaterhouseCoopers of non-clinical services in NHS Grampian.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Grampian, who commissioned the review in order to improve services for patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160549,"EventID":"S1W-23976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people are employed at the (a) headquarters and (b) other offices of each European Union agency based in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many people are employed at the (a) headquarters and (b) other offices of each European Union agency based in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Information on agencies of European Union is given at:

www.europa.eu.int.

There are no EU agencies based in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160550,"EventID":"S1W-23977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues were discussed at the meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on 7 March 2002, who attended the meeting and what the outcome was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues were discussed at the meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on 7 March 2002, who attended the meeting and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-4899 on 21 March 2002. I attended the meeting on behalf of the Scottish Executive; the meeting was chaired by the Foreign Secretary, and was also attended by other ministers and officials from the UK Government and the other devolved administrations.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160551,"EventID":"S1W-23978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on the basis of how many samples taken in each catchment area in the proposed Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, designation of the 'one was propose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on the basis of how many samples taken in each catchment area in the proposed Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, designation of the 'one was proposed.","AnswerText":"The British Geological Survey (BGS) collated nitrate data from 809 sources in the proposed Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan NVZ, including private water supplies, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) groundwater monitoring network, public water supply sources and its own boreholes. Information about these sources can be found in table 5.5 of the report Groundwater nitrate vulnerable zones for Scotland (Parliament's Reference Centre Bib. number 18567), prepared by BGS for the Department. The distribution of the sample sources can be found in Fig. 5.16 of the report.

Private water supplies are monitored in accordance with the Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 1992, which lay down the standards for these supplies and specify the duties of local authorities, in respect of sampling and analysis. Sampling frequency depends on what the supply is used for, how much is used and how many people use it, and can vary between once every five years to four times per year. The SEPA policy is to monitor groundwater sources in its network four times per year. Detailed information about individual sources and sample numbers, can be found on the GIS CD-ROM, which accompanies the BGS report.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160552,"EventID":"S1W-23979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on the basis of how many samples taken in each catchment area in the proposed Strathmore Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, designation of the 'one was proposed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on the basis of how many samples taken in each catchment area in the proposed Strathmore Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, designation of the 'one was proposed.","AnswerText":"Detailed information about sample numbers and distribution can be found in the report Groundwater nitrate vulnerable zones for Scotland (Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. number 18567), as detailed in the answer to question S1W-23978 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160553,"EventID":"S1W-23980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the Scottish Environment Protection Agency monitoring sites located in the proposed Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in the North-east Scotland parliamentary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the Scottish Environment Protection Agency monitoring sites located in the proposed Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in the North-east Scotland parliamentary region.","AnswerText":"The locations of Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) monitoring sites in the north-east Scotland parliamentary region, can be found from the SEPA maps entitled SEPA Groundwater Monitoring (Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. number 20139) and SEPA Surface Water Monitoring (Bib. number 20140). Further locational details of the monitoring sites can be obtained from the local SEPA office in Aberdeen, or from the SEPA Corporate Office in Stirling.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160554,"EventID":"S1W-23981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the success of each prison is measured with regard to rehabilitation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the success of each prison is measured with regard to rehabilitation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

It is not possible to measure rehabilitation directly and future behaviour is affected by many factors, many of which occur outwith the prison, but two of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the SPS relate to the work we do to assist prisoner rehabilitation:

Programmes to address offending behaviour; the number of programmes delivered and percentage of those which are fully accredited.

Education; the number of learning hours delivered.

In addition, the work of SPS in the fields of health, medical, nursing, drugs, work, employability and throughcare, will contribute to rehabilitation by encouraging and helping the prisoner to be more responsible.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160555,"EventID":"S1W-23982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recidivism rates are for each prison and how such rates are measured.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recidivism rates are for each prison and how such rates are measured.","AnswerText":"Recidivism figures were published by the Scottish Executive in February 2001. The study, which looked at a cohort of offenders released in 1995, recorded that 45% were reconvicted within two years.

The Scottish Prison Service publishes return to custody figures. These are not recidivism figures but the number of people released from prison, who are returned to custody within a two-year period. The most recent Research Bulletin setting out the figures for those released in 1997 was published in December 2001 (Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. number 10938).

The data is not broken down by establishment, as many offenders do not spend their complete sentence in any one prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160556,"EventID":"S1W-23983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) current average waiting times are and (b) si'e of each waiting list is for prescriptions for (i) methadone and (ii) other drug substitutes in each NHS board ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) current average waiting times are and (b) si'e of each waiting list is for prescriptions for (i) methadone and (ii) other drug substitutes in each NHS board and what the equivalent figures were in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

Waiting time information for drug misuse treatment is not held consistently by drug services across Scotland. We are, however, currently seeking from Drug Action Teams some local information on waiting times for some drug services as part of the annual corporate planning arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160557,"EventID":"S1W-23984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prescriptions for (a) methadone (b) other drug substitutes have been issued (i) so far this year and (ii) in each of the last five years in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prescriptions for (a) methadone (b) other drug substitutes have been issued (i) so far this year and (ii) in each of the last five years in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"In the following tables, the number of prescriptions issued for methadone in each of the last five years in each health board area is shown in table 1, and table 2 sets out the number of dispensings carried out in accordance with prescriber's instructions. Current year data are not available.

It is not possible to determine the volume of prescribing of drug substitutes, other than methadone because such drugs can also be appropriately prescribed for the treatment of certain medical conditions.

These data refer to prescriptions dispensed in the community and do not take into account medicines dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics.

Table 1: Methadone - Number of Prescribed Items:

Health Board

Number of Prescribed Items

 

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

Argyll and Clyde

8,167

13,780

18,451

21,749

24,319

Ayrshire and Arran

12,789

21,649

23,751

25,209

26,576

Borders

427

477

473

425

521

Dumfries and Galloway

6,548

6,259

7,139

6,531

7,238

Fife

5,017

6,677

7,599

9,449

11,398

Forth Valley

2,758

2,744

2,362

2,561

3,094

Grampian

13,396

15,006

17,924

22,863

26,931

Greater Glasgow

69,023

75,689

80,342

87,152

98,897

Highland

1,068

1,082

1,626

2,461

2,388

Lanarkshire

11,034

12,552

17,847

24,929

28,940

Lothian

18,549

18,877

new individual patients/clients by NHS board of residence, reported to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database during the five years ending 31 March 2001. This information has already been published in the ISD Scotland publication Drug Misuse in Scotland 2001 and is available on the national drug misuse website at:

http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org

Information on the estimated number of problem drug users at both national and local level is contained in Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Misuse in Scotland, published in November 2001, also available on the national drug misuse website.

Information on the number of drug users being prescribed methadone or other drug substitutes is not held centrally.

New1 individual patients/clients2,3 reported to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database by NHS Board of residence:

Years ending 31 March
 

Numbers

 

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

Scotland

8,652

8,846

9,280

10,608

10,591

By NHS Board

     

Argyll and Clyde

957

1,365

1,459

1,228

1,330

Ayrshire and Arran4

303

356

141

1,182

1,239

Borders

59

21

79

80

102

Dumfries and Galloway

149

153

231

200

207

Fife

384

362

396

433

598

Forth Valley

172

160

334

281

247

Grampian

947

1,056

835

712

631

Greater Glasgow

3,224

2,833

2,871If, at a hearing, a panel member has a concern which is not addressed in the reports before it, further advice may be sought from professionals.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160560,"EventID":"S1W-23987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants are currently on secondment to external organisations; what the nature is of each such organisation, and how long each secondment will last.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants are currently on secondment to external organisations; what the nature is of each such organisation, and how long each secondment will last.","AnswerText":"The number of civil servants currently on secondment to external organisations is 57. The duration of secondments will be part of a forthcoming interchange review. The nature of the receiving organisations and how long each secondment will last is as follows:

Total Number of Outward Secondments: 57

Nature of Organisations

Public Sector

13

Charity

12

European

11

Industry and Commerce

10

Scottish Enterprise

5

Academic

5

Trade Union

1

Duration of Secondments

0-1 year

1-2 years

2-3 years

3+years

10

31

10

6

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160561,"EventID":"S1W-23988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees of external organisations are currently on secondment to it; to which department each such employee is seconded, and how long each secondment will last","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees of external organisations are currently on secondment to it; to which department each such employee is seconded, and how long each secondment will last.","AnswerText":"The current number of employees on secondment to the Scottish Executive from external organisations is 62. The duration of secondments will be part of a forthcoming interchange review. The length of each secondment and the Scottish Executive Department to which they are seconded, are as follows:

Total Number of Inward Secondees

62

Number of secondments by host department

Health Department

26

Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Department

10

Development Department

8

Environment & Rural Affairs Department

8

Education Department

5

Justice Department

2

Finance and Central Services

2

Corporate Services

1

Duration of Secondments

0-1 year

1-2 years

2-3 years

3+years

19

27

13

3

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160562,"EventID":"S1W-23989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants in senior grades (a) are women, (b) have a disability and (c) are from ethnic minorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants in senior grades (a) are women, (b) have a disability and (c) are from ethnic minorities.","AnswerText":"Within the Executive's Senior Civil Service (SCS) grades there are currently 55 women (25.7%). There are also a small number of staff who have self-declared a disability. However, as there are less than five of these, a precise number cannot be given to preserve confidentiality. The Executive is re-surveying its staff with regard to ethnic origin and accurate statistics are therefore not presently available. These numbers do not include all of those successful in the recent SCS recruitment exercise.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160563,"EventID":"S1W-23990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure diversity of employees in the senior grades of the civil service and what specific targets have been set in respect of the number of (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure diversity of employees in the senior grades of the civil service and what specific targets have been set in respect of the number of (a) women, (b) people with disabilities and (c) people from ethnic minorities employed in such grades.","AnswerText":"We work to high standards in relation to fair and open competition and incorporate diversity as an integral part of any promotion and recruitment process. Those involved in the selection processes, are made fully aware of the need to ensure diversity on each occasion.

Targets have been set by Cabinet Office for all departments under the three headings - women, people with disabilities and people from ethnic minorities in senior grades. The Scottish Executive's targets are to have 30% of women, 3% of staff with disabilities and 1.7% of staff from ethnic minorities in the Senior Civil Service by 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160564,"EventID":"S1W-23991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing its anti-racism campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing its anti-racism campaign.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently undertaking preparatory work, with a view to the campaign starting in the late spring/early summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160565,"EventID":"S1W-23992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the successful bids for digital communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the successful bids for digital communities.","AnswerText":"Final bids for the digital communities initiative were received on 1 March 2002 and we expect to announce the two successful bids this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160566,"EventID":"S1W-23994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much, and what percentage of, its IT equipment has been lost in each of the past three years, broken down by department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much, and what percentage of, its IT equipment has been lost in each of the past three years, broken down by department.","AnswerText":"The following table shows, by department as currently named, IT equipment that has been lost in each of the last three complete financial years:

Financial Year

Department

No of Items

% of Total

1998-99

Development Department

  

Education Department

  

Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Department

  

Health Department

  

Justice Department

  

Environment & Rural Affairs Department

1

 

Finance & Central Services Department

  

Corporate Services

3

 

Total

4

0.06%

1999-2000

Development Department

2

 

Education Department

1

 

Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Department

  

Health Department

  

Justice Department

  

Environment & Rural Affairs Department

  

Finance & Central Services Department

1

 

Corporate Services

4

 

Total

8

0.11%

2000-01

Development Department

  

Education Department

  

Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Department

  

Health Department

4

 

Justice Department

  

Environment & Rural Affairs Department

1

 
The Executive worked closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to publicise the requirements of the EC Regulation. UK guidance was issued by the then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department of Trade and Industry in July 1999, in advance of the EC Regulation being finalised. The Executive issued additional guidance in October 2000, immediately after the regulation took effect, and further guidance was issued in September and December 2001, prior to obligations on the disposal of domestic refrigeration equipment entering into force on 1 January 2002. Guidance was also made available on the Executive's website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/environment/ozone/substances.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160576,"EventID":"S1W-24004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice has been given to businesses interested on establishing facilities which will recycle refrigerators and free'ers in accordance with EC Regulation 2037/2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice has been given to businesses interested on establishing facilities which will recycle refrigerators and free'ers in accordance with EC Regulation 2037/2000.","AnswerText":"The Executive wrote to the waste management industry and others on 14 September 2001 to inform them of the new disposal requirements, and on 6 December 2001 to inform them of the storage standards. Guidance is also being prepared on treatment standards.

In addition, Executive officials have been in frequent ad-hoc contact with individual companies investigating the business potential in Scotland of disposing of fridges to the new standards.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160577,"EventID":"S1W-24005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many refrigerators and free'ers are currently estimated to be stored by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many refrigerators and free'ers are currently estimated to be stored by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160578,"EventID":"S1W-24006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many refrigerators and free'ers are estimated to be discarded each year in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many refrigerators and free'ers are estimated to be discarded each year in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-19533 on 13 November 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160579,"EventID":"S1W-24007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14599 by Sarah Boyack on 23 April 2001, whether it will give details of the expenditure currently planned for (a) each trunk roads ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14599 by Sarah Boyack on 23 April 2001, whether it will give details of the expenditure currently planned for (a) each trunk roads project named in that answer and (b) any new such projects in each financial year from 2001-02 to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The following table provides our latest estimates of expenditure for the schemes announced on 27 March 2001. These estimates may change as procurement proceeds. We have since made one addition to this programme, the A75 Planting End to Drumflower, which is also listed below. Further schemes will be added as budgetary commitments permit.

Motorway and Trunk Road Schemes

Estimated Costs

2001-02

(£000)

2002-03

(£000)

2003-04

(£000)

2004-05

(£000)

2005-06

(£000)

A68 Soutra

1,457

29

0

0

0

A726 West Mains to Peel Park Roundabout

850

25

0

0

0

A76 Enterkinfoot (Phase 6)

975

50

0

0

0

A77 Hansel Village Footbridge

600

15

0

0

0

A77 Sandyford Roundabout

0

970

30

0

0

A77 Turnberry Climbing Lane

0

100

1,850

50

0

A87 Shiel Bridge Deck Replacement

350

7

0

0

0

A9 North Kessock Junction

50

450

0

0

0

A90 Bridge of Dee to Ellon Road

0

200

40

0

0

A90 Hatton Bends

100

1,500

500

50

0

A90 Inchmichael

3,781

100

0

0

0

A90 Kinfauns (Phase 2)

1,350

75

0

0

0

A90 Cammachmore

The revenue expenditure totals for local authorities are given in the following CIPFA publications, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre:

Rating Review: Actuals of Income and Expenditure 1999-2000 (Bib. number 14654).

Rating Review: Actuals of Income and Expenditure 2000-01 (Bib. number 18781).

Rating Review: Estimates of Income and Expenditure 2001-02 (Bib. number 17055).

Expenditure on both the revenue account and capital account includes capital funded from current revenue and these figures are shown separately on the capital table to avoid double counting.

Gross Capital Payments (including HRA Housing)

£000

1999-2000

2000-01

Cash

Total Gross Capital1 Payments both Funded and not Funded from Revenue

of which Capital funded from Current Revenue

Total Gross Capital1 Payments both Funded and not Funded from Revenue

of which Capital funded from Current Revenue

Scotland

1,029,960

213,564

1,012,556

210,681

Aberdeen City

48,852

19,083

40,746

15,254

Aberdeenshire

31,225

7,814

32,661

9,903

Angus

16,900

4,833

17,279

5,414

Argyll and Bute

16,511

2,343

16,011

834

Clackmannanshire

9,352

2,131

9,594

1,867

Dumfries and Galloway

25,534

7,037

29,527

8,588

Dundee City

31,368

5,401

29,622

4,405

East Ayrshire

15,332Charges to Housing Revenue Accounts for services provided by central departments are shown in the following table:

Charges to Housing Revenue Account for Support Services (2000-01)

£000

Aberdeen City

1,203

Aberdeenshire

1,340

Angus

1,152

Argyll and Bute

819

Clackmannanshire

873

Dumfries and Galloway

966

Dundee City

1,495

East Ayrshire

1,703

East Dunbartonshire

623

East Lothian

927

East Renfrewshire

588

Edinburgh City

1,724

Eilean Siar

222

Falkirk

1,673

Fife

7,682

Glasgow City

3,871

Highland

2,512

Inverclyde

823

Midlothian

2,152

Moray

1,067

North Ayrshire

1,162

North Lanarkshire

2,696

Orkney Islands

211

Perth and Kinross

1,009

Renfrewshire

2,381

Scottish Borders

1,231

Shetland Islands

647

Councils do not need consent to transfer funds from their Housing Revenue Accounts to general funds. The General Funds Contribution Limits Order prevents councils transferring general funds into their Housing Revenue Accounts, except in the case of particular circumstances when the HRA has an end year deficit.

Table 1:

Cash (£000)

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

Scotland

-1,871

-435

-19,755

-11,297

-2,073

-1,218

Aberdeen City

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aberdeenshire

0

0

0

0

0

0

Angus

0

0

0

0

0

0

Argyll and Bute

0

0

0

0

0

0

Clackmannanshire

-200

-200

-710

-370

-300

0

Dumfries and Galloway

0

0

-410

-299

-127

0

Dundee City

0

0

0

0

0

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160585,"EventID":"S1W-24013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in expanding the range of qualifications funded through the Skillseekers programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in expanding the range of qualifications funded through the Skillseekers programme.","AnswerText":"We accept the principle that Skillseekers should broaden its coverage, where the qualifications can support workplace competence and knowledge, and public funding for the qualifications is not already available. Over 80 qualifications outside Scottish Vocational Qualifications are already delivered as part of Skillseekers. £2 million will be spent over the next two years in developing new learning programmes for 16- 19-year-old employees.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160586,"EventID":"S1W-24014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of total direct foreign investment (a) companies and (b) other organisations in the Fife Council area received in each of the last three years for which f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of total direct foreign investment (a) companies and (b) other organisations in the Fife Council area received in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Of the inward investment projects attracted to Scotland by Scottish Development International and its partners in the years 1998-2001, the proportion attracted to Fife is set out in the table:

Year

% of Total Projects

% of Total Jobs

1998-99

11

6

1999-2000

10

11

2000-01

9

16

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160587,"EventID":"S1W-24015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much government aid was used to attract direct foreign investment to (a) companies and (b) other organisations in the Fife Council area in each of the last three year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much government aid was used to attract direct foreign investment to (a) companies and (b) other organisations in the Fife Council area in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Government aid, in the form of Regional Selective Assistance, was offered to inward investors locating in Fife in each of the three years from 1998 to 2001 as follows:

Year

Assistance Offered

(£m)

1998 - 99

8

1999 - 2000

13

2000 - 01

8

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160588,"EventID":"S1W-24016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of the Progress2Work pathfinder initiative will have on the delivery of the New Deal in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the introduction of the Progress2Work pathfinder initiative will have on the delivery of the New Deal in Fife.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.

Progress2work is part of a wider suite of work in the New Deal Next Phase aimed at the harder to help clients. It will target jobless people disadvantaged by drug misuse. Employment Service are about to issue the contract for specialist support services in Fife that will allow drugs misusers better access to the New Deal.

Employment Service have also appointed an employment and drugs measures co-ordinator in Fife to develop and manage a local plan to help ensure the cohesion of services and to build local referral networks.

These measures are aimed at helping individuals move towards engaging with the New Deal and improving their opportunities of getting a job.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160589,"EventID":"S1W-24017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23462 by Allan Wilson on 11 March 2002, of which expert bodies it made wide-ranging enquiries in respect of the \"Largs Hum\"; on wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23462 by Allan Wilson on 11 March 2002, of which expert bodies it made wide-ranging enquiries in respect of the \"Largs Hum\"; on what dates each such enquiry was made; what the nature of the enquiries was, and whether it will publish the responses received from the expert bodies. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-13098 on 9 March 2001 and also to the answer given to question S1W-23462 on 11 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160590,"EventID":"S1W-24018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23462 by Allan Wilson on 11 March 2002, whether, when attempting to determine the source of the \"Largs Hum\", any body or organisati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23462 by Allan Wilson on 11 March 2002, whether, when attempting to determine the source of the \"Largs Hum\", any body or organisation has carried out (a) a geological survey of the area where any noise has been most pronounced, (b) a survey of noise and vibration generating structures, transmission masts and submarine communication lines, (c) any measurement of electromagnetic radiation levels in the area where any noise is most pronounced and (d) an investigation of the communication line connected with the Faslane Naval Base at Helensburgh; if so, (i) by whom and when any such investigations, surveys or measurements were carried out and (ii) what conclusions were drawn.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24017.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160591,"EventID":"S1W-24019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23474 by Ross Finnie on 11 March 2002, whether the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill as introduced will clarify the question of whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23474 by Ross Finnie on 11 March 2002, whether the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill as introduced will clarify the question of whether there is a law of trespass and what its current position is on whether there is such a law at present.","AnswerText":"There is a law of trespass in Scotland. Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill creates a right of responsible access to land (including inland water) for recreational purposes and for passage. For the first time the bill creates clear and unambiguous general rights of access to land in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160592,"EventID":"S1W-24020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22710 by Ross Finnie on 18 February 2002, what representations or correspondence it has received expressing an opinion on section 9","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22710 by Ross Finnie on 18 February 2002, what representations or correspondence it has received expressing an opinion on section 9(2)(a) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill as introduced and, of these, how many (a) supported and (b) opposed the inclusion of this provision in the bill.","AnswerText":"Section 9(2)(a) was included following representations received during the consultation on the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. Since the introduction of the bill, concerns have been expressed by some that the inclusion of this provision will curtail the activities of people such as mountain guides. We have received 35 letters to this effect. Views for and against section 9 (2) (a) have been included in evidence to the Justice 2 Committee. Although in principle, we are not convinced it is appropriate to grant a business a statutory right of access to someone's land for the purpose of making a profit, we are considering the suggestions made by the Justice 2 Committee concerning possible amendment of section 9(2)(a).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160593,"EventID":"S1W-24021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will propose any incentives to encourage local healthcare co-operatives to raise awareness of, and address issues relating to, public health through public hea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will propose any incentives to encourage local healthcare co-operatives to raise awareness of, and address issues relating to, public health through public health clinics and by taking other appropriate measures.","AnswerText":"Guidance has been issued to NHSScotland underlining the important role of Local Health Care Co-operatives (LHCC's) in developing and delivering a broader range of community based services and initiatives, including health improvement and health promotion. This is underpinned by a locality based approach to assessing the needs of local people and working with a range of agencies to provide appropriate services which focus on improving health and reducing inequalities. This role is underlined by the appointment of public health practitioners to each LHCC.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160594,"EventID":"S1W-24022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which European standards, both mandatory and guideline, it is referring to in its commitment to bring the 60 designated bathing beaches up to European standards and over ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which European standards, both mandatory and guideline, it is referring to in its commitment to bring the 60 designated bathing beaches up to European standards and over what timescale it expects to deliver this commitment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to achieving the mandatory standards of the Bathing Waters Directive (76/160/EEC) at the 60 identified bathing waters in Scotland as soon as practicable. Beyond this, we are seeking to achieve the guideline standards in the directive. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency's consenting policy requires that all new and revised consents for discharges in the vicinity of identified bathing waters will permit the bathing water to achieve guideline standard.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160595,"EventID":"S1W-24023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what environmental protocols exist in regard to catering practices in the Parliament; how often these practices are monitored and by whom, and whether the conversion from ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what environmental protocols exist in regard to catering practices in the Parliament; how often these practices are monitored and by whom, and whether the conversion from crockery to plastic containers in the restaurant salad bar is compliant with any such environmental protocol.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's Facilities Management Office is responsible for environmental issues within the Parliament and regularly discusses these with contractors at monitoring meetings.

The Parliament's catering contractor, Sodexho, currently arranges for recycling of glass bottles, plastic cups and aluminium cans. Sodexho is also proactive in working with Parliament staff to ensure that the management and disposal of recyclable items is dealt with in an environmentally friendly way.

The conversion from crockery to plastic containers used in the salad bar was implemented to ensure the quality of the product provided. Previously, the prepared salads deteriorated after a short time, leading to high wastage rates. The replacement sealed tubs stop this deterioration and are also more convenient if the food is taken away. The tubs, once used, are sent for recycling.

The SPCB's specification for the Holyrood catering contract places great importance on environmental performance, and this represents a key part of the evaluation process.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160596,"EventID":"S1W-24024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the bathing waters panel will next meet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the bathing waters panel will next meet.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to convene the bathing waters panel.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160597,"EventID":"S1W-24025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4810 by Allan Wilson on 7 March 2002, whether it is committed to achieving compliance with European standards for all Scottish bath","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4810 by Allan Wilson on 7 March 2002, whether it is committed to achieving compliance with European standards for all Scottish bathing waters or only those beaches designated in Working Together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to achieving European standards at the 60 waters in Scotland, identified as bathing waters for the purposes of the Bathing Waters Directive (76/160/EEC).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160598,"EventID":"S1W-24026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to comments made by the Visitor Services Manager of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Interim Committee in The Courier on 11 March 2002, what (a) research ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to comments made by the Visitor Services Manager of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Interim Committee in The Courier on 11 March 2002, what (a) research has been done on or (b) estimates have been made of how many additional visitors from England, Wales and the rest of Europe there will be following the establishment of the proposed Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.","AnswerText":"Whilst the Interim Committee is a participant in a project to develop common baseline information about visitor surveys, I am not aware of any precise estimates of additional visitors to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, nor of specific research into that aspect. The Visitor Services Manager's remarks, as reported, were framed in general terms.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160599,"EventID":"S1W-24027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the source will be of the funding to keep Steven Beech under 24-hour surveillance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the source will be of the funding to keep Steven Beech under 24-hour surveillance.","AnswerText":"Costs incurred by Aberdeen City Council in providing 24-hour surveillance of Mr Beech will be reimbursed by the Scottish Executive under the 100% funding arrangements for criminal justice social work services.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160600,"EventID":"S1W-24028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions took place before it was agreed that Steven Beech could move to Aberdeen and who these discussions involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions took place before it was agreed that Steven Beech could move to Aberdeen and who these discussions involved.","AnswerText":"Grampian Police were alerted in advance to Mr Beech's intention to move to Aberdeen. Subsequently there has been very close co-operation between the relevant statutory agencies and the voluntary sector over the appropriate arrangements for him.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160601,"EventID":"S1W-24029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the sustainability plan is for the barrier free refuge in Glasgow announced on 5 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the sustainability plan is for the barrier free refuge in Glasgow announced on 5 March 2002.","AnswerText":"Glasgow Women's Aid has been granted £50,000 from the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund for a contribution to the set up costs of the barrier free refuge being developed under the Refuge Development Programme. Sustainability is not an issue for this project as the set up cost is one off expenditure for 2002-03 only.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160602,"EventID":"S1W-24030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the #50,000 for a barrier free refuge in Glasgow announced on 5 March 2002 will be used for.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the #50,000 for a barrier free refuge in Glasgow announced on 5 March 2002 will be used for.","AnswerText":"The funding is a contribution towards the start up costs for the new barrier free refuge. It will help pay for the specialised furniture and fittings necessary to provide access for the disabled.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160603,"EventID":"S1W-24031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bids were received for funding under the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bids were received for funding under the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Forty-eight applications were received for the first round of the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund. Most were for two year funding and covered the financial years 2000-01 and 2001-02. A further 10 projects were approved later to take up the full funding provision available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160604,"EventID":"S1W-24032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made a decision not to fund training posts under the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund; if so, when this decision was taken, who made it and how it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made a decision not to fund training posts under the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund; if so, when this decision was taken, who made it and how it was transmitted to those applying for funds.","AnswerText":"The second round of the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund received applications to fund 83 projects at a cost of £2,314,928 - an oversubscription of £814,928.

A decision has been taken to continue to fund those training projects already supported by the fund in 2000-01 and 2001-02 but to leave consideration of new projects until the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland develops a coherent National Training Strategy.

Letters relating to the six projects involved were issued on 5 April.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160605,"EventID":"S1W-24033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects under the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund have had their funding discontinued and how many of these will continue to be funded by the other fund","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects under the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund have had their funding discontinued and how many of these will continue to be funded by the other funding partner.","AnswerText":"Nine projects from the first round had funding discontinued in this round. It is a matter for other funding partners to decide whether they should continue their support.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160606,"EventID":"S1W-24035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being made available in order to encourage a domestic manufacturing industry for wind energy components.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being made available in order to encourage a domestic manufacturing industry for wind energy components.","AnswerText":"We work closely with Scottish Enterprise to help Scottish companies working in the area of renewable energy to grow, and to encourage diversification of other companies into the manufacturing opportunities which are already arising in Scotland from development of renewable energy sources under the forthcoming Renewables Obligation (Scotland). We will continue to back our own renewables industry, to attract new investment to Scotland, and to persuade Scottish businesses to capitalise on this new business opportunity.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160607,"EventID":"S1W-24036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each grant paid to (a) Aberdeenshire Council, (b) Aberdeen City Council and (c) Dundee City Council within aggregate external finance, broken down f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each grant paid to (a) Aberdeenshire Council, (b) Aberdeen City Council and (c) Dundee City Council within aggregate external finance, broken down for each year since 1997-98.","AnswerText":"Finance Circulars for each year since 1997-98, detailing all the grants within Aggregate External Finance (AEF) paid to local authorities, are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Finance Circulars and respective Bib. numbers are listed).

Finance Circular

Title

Bib. No.

31/1996

1997-98 Aggregate External Finance Distribution Proposals

20051

20/1997

1998-99 Aggregate External Finance Distribution Proposals

20052

19/1998

1999-00 Local Government Finance Settlement

20053

9/1999

2000-01 Local Government Finance Settlement

8310

13/2000

Local Government Finance Settlement: 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04

20054

8/2001

Local Government Finance Settlement: 2002-03, 2003-04

17961

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160608,"EventID":"S1W-24037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposals for access rights in Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (a) are necessary and (b) are proportionate with need and (c) comply with the Europea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposals for access rights in Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (a) are necessary and (b) are proportionate with need and (c) comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill for the first time creates clear and unambiguous rights of general access to land. In recommending the creation of rights of responsible access to land, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Access Forum highlighted the confusion that exists amongst members of the public as to where they may legally go in the countryside. It is important that all members of the public have the opportunity to enjoy our natural heritage and participate in healthy outdoor activities.

The legislation has been drafted to balance the demand for greater access with the rights of those who live and work in the countryside. We are content that the provisions are proportionate and comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160609,"EventID":"S1W-24038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be significant levels of discharge of nitrogen compounds of agricultural origin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be significant levels of discharge of nitrogen compounds of agricultural origin.","AnswerText":"The Nitrates Directive requires the identification of waters affected by pollution, and which could be affected by pollution, if specified measures are not taken. It defines pollution as \"the discharge, directly or indirectly, of nitrogen compounds from agricultural sources into the aquatic environment.....\". The directive also requires the designation as nitrate vulnerable zones of all known areas of land which contribute to such pollution. The Scottish Executive considers that the discharge of nitrogen compounds of agricultural origin requires to be more than de minimis to contribute to that pollution.

For our current consultation on proposals for new nitrate vulnerable zones we have taken advice from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the British Geological Survey about which areas contribute to pollution, as detailed in the answer to question S1W-24039 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160610,"EventID":"S1W-24039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken in order to ensure that the proposed Nitrate Vulnerable Zones apply only to areas where the discharge of nitrogen compounds of agricultural origin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken in order to ensure that the proposed Nitrate Vulnerable Zones apply only to areas where the discharge of nitrogen compounds of agricultural origin make a significant contribution to pollution levels.","AnswerText":"Th Scottish Executive has taken advice from the British Geological Survey and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in identifying the boundaries of the proposed Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) to ensure that only areas making a significant contribution to pollution are included. Parts of upland catchments have therefore been excluded from the proposed NVZs on this basis. The available groundwater nitrate data from upland areas are generally low. This is confirmed by Scottish Environment Protection Agency surface water nitrate data.

My officials recently wrote to those farming around the proposed NVZ boundaries specifically inviting comment on the line of the boundary. We are looking closely at the proposed boundaries, in light of comments received, to ensure that no non-polluting areas are included.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160611,"EventID":"S1W-24040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect importing putrescible waste from Northern Ireland to south-west Scotland would have on landfill charge costs in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect importing putrescible waste from Northern Ireland to south-west Scotland would have on landfill charge costs in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The level of the fee paid to a landfill operator for every tonne of waste disposed of at a site is a commercial decision for the operator of a landfill site. In Scotland and across the UK these gate charges are determined by supply and demand. Information on the effects of transfers of waste between different parts of the UK on charge levels is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160612,"EventID":"S1W-24041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much (a) has been spent and (b) is due to be paid in legal costs in connection with the attempted recovery of debt from Flour City International Inc in respect of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much (a) has been spent and (b) is due to be paid in legal costs in connection with the attempted recovery of debt from Flour City International Inc in respect of the losses to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body resulting from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and whether it is worthwhile incurring further expenditure on such recovery.","AnswerText":"Information is currently being sought from the Parliament's legal office which will enable the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body better to consider its position. The Parliament's own legal directorate has been taking specialist legal advice from Shepherd & Wedderburn WS.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160613,"EventID":"S1W-24042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the detailed breakdowns are of (a) the current estimate of #3.9 million losses to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body resulting from the insolvency of Flour Cit","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the detailed breakdowns are of (a) the current estimate of #3.9 million losses to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body resulting from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and (b) the previous estimate of losses of approximately #2 million.","AnswerText":"I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that tenders for the various elements of the MSP cladding package are presently being evaluated and therefore it is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown of this figure. The previous estimate of the additional cost of £2 million was based only upon information that the supply of windows as sourced by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was no longer available.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160614,"EventID":"S1W-24043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what evidence was provided of the skills and abilities of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd prior to the contract for the MSP block of the Holyrood Project being aw","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what evidence was provided of the skills and abilities of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd prior to the contract for the MSP block of the Holyrood Project being awarded to it.","AnswerText":"The evidence provided on the skills and abilities of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd prior to the letting of the contract for the MSP building cladding package is being assessed by Audit Scotland as part of their routine audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's (SPCB) accounts and it is not appropriate to provide details until the findings of the audit report are known. Any further action by the SPCB will be considered in the light of Audit Scotland's findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160615,"EventID":"S1W-24044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-20309 on 7 December 2001, whether there should now be an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the award of the contract for th","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-20309 on 7 December 2001, whether there should now be an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the award of the contract for the MSP block wall cladding and window package of the Holyrood Project to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and how the losses currently estimated at #3.9 million arose.","AnswerText":"The evidence provided on the skills and abilities of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd prior to the letting of the contract for the MSP building cladding package is being assessed by Audit Scotland as part of their routine audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's (SPCB) accounts and it is not appropriate to provide details until the findings of the audit report are known. Any further action by the SPCB will be considered in the light of Audit Scotland's findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160616,"EventID":"S1W-24045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the Parent Company Guarantee was (a) dated and (b) received in respect of the obligations of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the Parent Company Guarantee was (a) dated and (b) received in respect of the obligations of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that the Parent Company Guarantee was dated 28 September 2001 and was received by the Construction Manager, Bovis Lend Lease Ltd, on 5 October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160617,"EventID":"S1W-24046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the initial contract between Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body became binding.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the initial contract between Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body became binding.","AnswerText":"I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that the Interim Contract was executed on 29 January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160618,"EventID":"S1W-24047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the tenders were received for the contract for the MSP block wall cladding and windows; on what date the Holyrood Project Team considered the tenders; on what","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the tenders were received for the contract for the MSP block wall cladding and windows; on what date the Holyrood Project Team considered the tenders; on what date a recommendation was made by the Holyrood Project Team to the Holyrood Progress Group on which company should be awarded the contract; what recommendation was made, and whether all documents in regard to this recommendation will be made publicly available.","AnswerText":"Tenders for the MSP cladding and windows were received and opened on 9 October 2000 and I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group they were considered by the Design Team, Cost Consultant and Construction Manager from then until 25 January 2001 when the tender recommendation was submitted to the Holyrood Project Team. The recommendation was that Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd should be awarded the contract for the MSP cladding package. The Parliament has received legal advice that the documents requested should not be made publicly available while the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's rights and entitlements are still being evaluated, as they may form part of the productions in any litigation which may follow.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160619,"EventID":"S1W-24048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when legal advice in regard to the recovery of losses resulting from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) was first sought and from which firm; when such","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when legal advice in regard to the recovery of losses resulting from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) was first sought and from which firm; when such advice was provided, and who is now responsible for taking any decision to incur further costs in the recovery of losses from Flour City International Inc.","AnswerText":"Information is currently being sought from the Parliament's legal office which will enable the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body better to consider its position. The Parliament's own legal directorate has been taking specialist legal advice from Shepherd & Wedderburn WS.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160620,"EventID":"S1W-24049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body took the decision to transfer responsibility for awarding post-graduate research grants from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland to the Arts and Humanities","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body took the decision to transfer responsibility for awarding post-graduate research grants from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland to the Arts and Humanities Research Board and when that decision was taken.","AnswerText":"The decision to transfer responsibility for the administration of the Scottish Studentship Scheme from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland to the Arts and Humanities Research Board was a matter for the Scottish Executive and was announced on 16 November 2001. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-19977 on 16 November 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160621,"EventID":"S1W-24050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the transfer of post-graduate research student awards from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland to the Arts and Humanities Research Board, whether fundi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the transfer of post-graduate research student awards from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland to the Arts and Humanities Research Board, whether funding for post-graduate students in Scotland was ring-fenced at no less than the level it was before the transfer of responsibility.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) has agreed with the Arts and Humanities Research Board that it should aim to spend no less than £1.6 million on Scottish domiciled students. While this funding will not be formally ring fenced, we are confident that Scottish students will compete strongly for awards and are assured that SHEFC will monitor performance carefully.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160622,"EventID":"S1W-24051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons were for transferring responsibility for research grants from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland to the Arts and Humanities Research Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons were for transferring responsibility for research grants from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland to the Arts and Humanities Research Board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive agreed to this transfer following an indication from Universities Scotland that, having consulted with its membership on this issue, it had received a positive response. In all other fields of study, comparable postgraduate awards for Scottish postgraduate students are administered through the UK Research Councils. It was expected that the move would benefit Scottish-domiciled arts and humanities students, by giving them access to a UK-wide fund, for which they were expected to compete strongly, and by ending an arrangement by which these students were uniquely excluded from UK-wide arrangements in matters such as research training programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160623,"EventID":"S1W-24052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the guarantee document granted by Flour City International Inc. in respect of the obligations of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was signed by John W Tan","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the guarantee document granted by Flour City International Inc. in respect of the obligations of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was signed by John W Tang, President and Chief Executive Officer and Johnson K Fong, Chief Financial Officer and, if not, who signed the document on behalf of Flour City International Inc.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that the parent company guarantee was signed by Johnson K Fong for and on behalf of the Guarantor.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160624,"EventID":"S1W-24053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the limits are of naloxone treatment in respect of methadone overdose and what steps have been made to make doctors and paramedics aware of these as referred to in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the limits are of naloxone treatment in respect of methadone overdose and what steps have been made to make doctors and paramedics aware of these as referred to in the National Confidential Inquiry into Methadone Related Deaths (Scotland) 2000.","AnswerText":"Naloxone is a very effective drug and can be life saving when used to reverse the effects of any opiate-induced respiratory depression, or overdose with opiates. Naloxone should only be given where an overdose is suspected, and is usually administered initially by intravenous injection (0.8-2 mgs) which can be repeated at intervals of two to three minutes to a maximum of 10 mgs. If at that stage there is no response, then the problem is unlikely to be related to opiate overdose. If the patient responds, then naloxone can continue to be given for as long as required to allow the effects of the opiate to wear off.

The effectiveness and limits of naloxone treatment should be well known to all doctors, in particular those in Accident and Emergency Departments and other doctors dealing with emergency situations. I understand that paramedics are allowed to carry and administer naloxone, subject to protocols developed by the Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160625,"EventID":"S1W-24054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to provide on-going training and updates with regard to the prescription of methadone as referred to in the National Confidential Inquiry into","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to provide on-going training and updates with regard to the prescription of methadone as referred to in the National Confidential Inquiry into Methadone Related Deaths (Scotland) 2000.","AnswerText":"Training and updates for general practitioners are devised within NHS board areas across Scotland. The prescribing of methadone is a core feature of these local courses and, in some areas, is related to prescribing audits in order to improve clinical practices. The Scottish Executive will monitor the situation.

The Scottish Executive is currently looking at local practice with a view to identifying the most effective approaches.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160626,"EventID":"S1W-24055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has loaned to local enterprise companies (LECs) in each year since the establishment of LECs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has loaned to local enterprise companies (LECs) in each year since the establishment of LECs.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the enterprise networks. The Executive does not hold this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160627,"EventID":"S1W-24056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an investigation into any recent incidents of prisoner violence at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an investigation into any recent incidents of prisoner violence at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

All incidents relating to assaults are reported to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) Controller in Kilmarnock. They are also reported to SPS HQ in the same way as for any SPS establishment. Matters relating to serious assaults in any prison are routinely reported to the police.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160628,"EventID":"S1W-24057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much profit has been made from the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock in each year since the prison was opened.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much profit has been made from the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock in each year since the prison was opened.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

This is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160629,"EventID":"S1W-24058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the money for initiatives on literacy and numeracy has been allocated, to whom the money was allocated and what the outcomes of the expenditure of these allo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the money for initiatives on literacy and numeracy has been allocated, to whom the money was allocated and what the outcomes of the expenditure of these allocations has been since 1999.","AnswerText":"£18.5 million is being allocated over the three-year period 2001-04 to the local authorities. The following table sets out the allocations for 2001-02 and planned allocations for the two subsequent financial years.

Each local authority has submitted an action plan, outlining outcomes to be expected in terms of an expansion of learning opportunities for those adults needing help with literacy and numeracy. Some of the details have to be finalised before local outcome agreements can be reached with the local authorities.

Allocation of resources to local authorities for adult literacy and numeracy (2001-04)

2001-02

2002-03

(planned)

2003-04

(planned)

Over 3 years

Aberdeen City

78,305

156,611

301,621

536,537

Aberdeenshire

80,237

160,474

309,062

549,773

Angus

44,585

89,171

171,736

305,492

Argyll and Bute

39,482

78,964

152,078

270,524

Clackmannanshire

28,178

56,355

108,536

193,069

Dumfries and Galloway

74,235

148,470

285,943

508,648

Dundee City

95,732

191,465

368,747

655,944

East Ayrshire

95,530

191,059

367,966

654,555

East Dunbartonshire

28,447

56,894

109,574

194,915

East Lothian

29,122

58,244

112,173 In addition, the Scottish Executive has spent £0.4 million in 2000-01 and £0.5 million in 2001-02 on such initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160631,"EventID":"S1W-24060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a copy of the letter it issued to each Parliament committee convener and each party leader asking for nominations for the posts of Independent Assessors will be p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a copy of the letter it issued to each Parliament committee convener and each party leader asking for nominations for the posts of Independent Assessors will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"A copy of the letter sent to all those organisations consulted was included in the answer given to question S1W-22756 on 19 February 2002. Letters inviting nominations from the political parties represented in the Parliament were not addressed to party leaders but to party headquarters.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160632,"EventID":"S1W-24061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any representatives from the tourism industry sit on the Nicholson Committee and, if not, whether any such representatives can be appointed to the committee and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any representatives from the tourism industry sit on the Nicholson Committee and, if not, whether any such representatives can be appointed to the committee and whether the committee can be expected to have full and proper regard to the interests of tourists and the tourist industry as a whole.","AnswerText":"There is no representative of the tourism industry as such on the Nicholson Committee, as it is not possible to include every field of interest if the committee is to function effectively. However, that does not preclude the committee having full and proper regard to tourism interests. The Nicholson Committee has consulted widely and I understand that VisitScotland is included among the respondents who have been invited to give oral evidence to the committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160633,"EventID":"S1W-24062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the proposed changes to Regional Selective Assistance, what steps will be taken to ensure that there is no increased risk to the Grampian area as a result of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the proposed changes to Regional Selective Assistance, what steps will be taken to ensure that there is no increased risk to the Grampian area as a result of incentives for inward investors to choose other locations and assistance to businesses to relocate and to locate projects in assisted areas.","AnswerText":"There is no increased risk, as there is never any question of Regional Selective Assistance being used simply to relocate a business.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160634,"EventID":"S1W-24063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which business support schemes offered through the enterprise network are not available in the Grampian area because the region does not have assisted area status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which business support schemes offered through the enterprise network are not available in the Grampian area because the region does not have assisted area status.","AnswerText":"There are two main schemes which companies in Grampian cannot apply for due to the fact that Grampian is not an assisted area. These are Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) and Invest for Growth. Both these schemes are however operated by the Scottish Executive rather than Scottish Enterprise, as a result of the review of RSA. However, the wider measures that I announced in February, including a £20 million venture capital \"fund of funds\" and more support for commercialisation, will benefit firms across Scotland, including those in Grampian.

The impact of assisted area status on Scottish Enterprise's activity is more in terms of the rate/level of grant which can be offered to companies depending on whether they are located within an assisted or non-assisted area. The intervention rate under certain Scottish Enterprise schemes is therefore lower due to Grampian's non-assisted status.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160635,"EventID":"S1W-24064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what awards have been given under the (a) SMART (b) SPUR and (c) SPURPlus grant schemes, broken down by enterprise company, in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what awards have been given under the (a) SMART (b) SPUR and (c) SPURPlus grant schemes, broken down by enterprise company, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following three tables:

(a) Awards given under the SMART:SCOTLAND grant scheme in each of the Local Enterprise Company (LEC) Areas in each of the last five years.

LEC Area

Awards made 01/04/97 - 31/03/98

Awards made 01/04/98 - 31/03/99

Awards made 01/04/99 - 31/03/00

Awards made 01/04/00 - 31/03/01

Awards made 01/04/01 - present

No.

Value

No.

Value

No.

Value

No.

Value

No.

Value

Ayrshire

1

45,000

2

90,000

1

45,000

2

90,000

2

83,150

Borders

1

45,000

2

63,763

Dumfries and Galloway

1

45,000

Dunbartonshire

2

90,000

3

135,000

5

268,550

Edinburgh and Lothian

6

258,545

7

314,979

10

492,465

7

422,209

Marketing authorisations (product licenses) have been granted for single measles vaccine and these licenses are extant.

The Medicines Control Agency is given more basic information about plans to import unlicensed medicinal products, such as unlicensed single measles vaccine. That notification is the subject of professional negative vetting for any evidence of quality or safety issues and whether there are any licensed equivalent products available on the market in the UK. The agency may object to importation if negative vetting raises any concerns.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160637,"EventID":"S1W-24066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to use the Scottish Consumer Council's report Young People and Food Safety as baseline data for future research and action to ensure knowledge of food ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to use the Scottish Consumer Council's report Young People and Food Safety as baseline data for future research and action to ensure knowledge of food safety matters.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes this report, however this falls within the Food Standards Agency's area of responsibility and I am advised by them that they are currently reviewing its conclusions and recommendations. The report is a most welcome addition to the information the agency already holds and will be useful in helping to develop food safety policy as well as informing future research requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160638,"EventID":"S1W-24067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Food Standards Agency intends to review the clarity of food labels and to decide whether there are clear public health benefits for key food safety and hygien","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Food Standards Agency intends to review the clarity of food labels and to decide whether there are clear public health benefits for key food safety and hygiene messages to be included in food labels as recommended in the Scottish Consumer Council's report Young People and Food Safety.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency has advised that label clarity is currently being addressed as part of the agency's Food Labelling Action Plan. Recommendations in the Scottish Consumer Council's report Young People and Food Safety will be carefully considered along with the views of many other stakeholders, including industry, consumer representatives and members of the public, who have been included in the consultation process.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160639,"EventID":"S1W-24068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has given, or plans to give, to the recent draft PricewaterhouseCoopers report which suggests reductions of over #4 million in health spending by Grampia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has given, or plans to give, to the recent draft PricewaterhouseCoopers report which suggests reductions of over #4 million in health spending by Grampian NHS board. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Grampian. However, I understand that the recommendations in the report are intended to provide non-clinical support services more effectively and to increase spending on direct patient care.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160640,"EventID":"S1W-24069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers receive annually under the Common Agricultural Policy. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers receive annually under the Common Agricultural Policy. ","AnswerText":"Agricultural producers in Scotland have received the following total payments from Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) schemes in recent years:

1998 - £437,907,505

1999 - £380,338,303

2000 - £392,014,526

2001 - £298,877,944 (part figure - payments for the 2001 schemes still being made)

The above figures cover the main agricultural schemes in the Integrated Administration and Control System. They do not include payments made under the agri-environment and forestry grant schemes or the effects of indirect market support measures under the CAP.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160641,"EventID":"S1W-24070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy insofar as any such reform relates to costs to consumers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy insofar as any such reform relates to costs to consumers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is engaged in preliminary discussions with the UK Government on the full range of issues arising from the Common Agricultural Policy. Proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are not expected to emerge from the European Commission until June. When we know what is proposed, there will be an assessment of the potential effect on consumers, taxpayers, farmers, rural communities and any other groups which might be affected.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160642,"EventID":"S1W-24071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff have been seconded to UKRep; which departments have any such staff been seconded from, and how long any such secondment has lasted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff have been seconded to UKRep; which departments have any such staff been seconded from, and how long any such secondment has lasted.","AnswerText":"Mobility between Government Departments is defined as a loan rather than a secondment. The number of Scottish Executive staff who have been on loan to UKRep since 1987 is 13. The duration of each loan and the Scottish Executive Departments such staff have been on loan from are as follows:

Total Number of Scottish Executive staff on loan to UKRep: 13

Scottish Executive Departments

Development Department

4

Environment and Rural Affairs Department

6

Justice Department

2

Corporate Services

1

Duration of Loans

0-1 year

1-2 years

2-3 years

3+ years

1

1

2

9

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160643,"EventID":"S1W-24072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the question S1W-22872 by Iain Gray on 22 February 2002, how it will ensure that the providers of money advice funded by the additional #3 milli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the question S1W-22872 by Iain Gray on 22 February 2002, how it will ensure that the providers of money advice funded by the additional #3 million will be independent of local authorities, given any potential conflict of interest arising from the role of such authorities as creditors for rent and council tax arrears. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with the advice sector to promote agreed standards for money advice, including independence, training and quality assurance.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160644,"EventID":"S1W-24073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual underspend was in each of its budgets in each financial year since 1999 and how each such underspend has subsequently been allocated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual underspend was in each of its budgets in each financial year since 1999 and how each such underspend has subsequently been allocated.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the figures provided in response to questions S1W-8299 and S1W-18253, which set out the year end balances carried forward and re-allocation to budgets.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160645,"EventID":"S1W-24074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the businesses started up through the small business gateway are still trading successfully. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the businesses started up through the small business gateway are still trading successfully. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Management of the small business gateway is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160646,"EventID":"S1W-24075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the full report on the cost of upgrading Peebles sheriff court will be made available and what factors, other than the cost of upgrading, will be taken into account","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the full report on the cost of upgrading Peebles sheriff court will be made available and what factors, other than the cost of upgrading, will be taken into account in regard to the future of the court.","AnswerText":"The report by consultants is currently being evaluated by the Scottish Court Service. In addition to the cost of repair and upgrading, consideration will be given to the level of business transacted at the court and the impact on court users will be taken into account in determining the most effective means to provide court services in the local area.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160647,"EventID":"S1W-24076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of the total number of primary school teachers employed in each of the past ten years were (a) male and (b) female.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of the total number of primary school teachers employed in each of the past ten years were (a) male and (b) female.","AnswerText":"The available information on the number and percentage of the total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) primary school teachers employed in each of the years from 1992 to 2000 who were (a) male and (b) female is given in the following table:

Teachers (FTE) in Publicly Funded Schools By Gender

Year

Total

Male

Female

Percentage Male

Percentage Female

19921

22,709

1,774

20,935

8%

92%

1993

22,472

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1994

22,196

1,704

20,492

8%

92%

1995

22,550

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1996

22,483

2,078

20,405

9%

91%

1997

22,187

1,926

20,261

9%

91%

1998

22,508

1,604

20,904

7%

93%

1999

22,643

1,553

21,090

7%

93%

2000

22,429

1,565

20,864

7%

93%

Note:

1. Includes occasional teachers.

Data for 2001 is not yet available. Prior to 1996, the source of data on numbers of male and female FTE teachers is the periodic teacher census which ran in 1992 and 1994, hence there is no information on gender split available for years 1993 and 1995.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160648,"EventID":"S1W-24077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of the total number of teachers registered to teach in primary schools in each of the past ten years were (a) male and (b) female.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of the total number of teachers registered to teach in primary schools in each of the past ten years were (a) male and (b) female.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held by the Scottish Executive. It is a matter for the General Teaching Council for Scotland. We have been informed that the information is not readily available from its records.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160649,"EventID":"S1W-24078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed in the administration of the Farm Business Development (Scotland) Scheme 2001 in each area office of its Environment and Rural Affairs Depart","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are employed in the administration of the Farm Business Development (Scotland) Scheme 2001 in each area office of its Environment and Rural Affairs Department.","AnswerText":"No staff are being employed solely and directly to administer the Farm Business Development (Scotland) Scheme 2001 in the non-Highlands and Islands area offices.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160650,"EventID":"S1W-24079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its priorities for growing businesses as set out in A Smart, Successful Scotland: Ambitions for the Enterprise Networks are being applied in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its priorities for growing businesses as set out in A Smart, Successful Scotland: Ambitions for the Enterprise Networks are being applied in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The vision statement Rural Scotland: A New Approach, outlined the Executive's commitment to supporting rural economic development by building on existing strengths and promoting opportunities. The Way Forward: The Framework for Economic Development in Scotland recognised the particular opportunities in rural Scotland, while Smart Successful Scotland recognised Highlands and Islands Enterprise's on-going role in promoting the social development of the sparsely populated areas, and required Scottish Enterprise to be \"responsive to the integrated nature of rural development\". It also included a commitment to rural development and clearly set out mechanisms for priority setting.

Smart Successful Scotland has three priorities - growing businesses, global connections and learning and skills. These apply equally in rural areas. Particular rural challenges include sparsity of population, access to markets, distance, critical mass e.g. an insufficient concentration of entrepreneurs, limited job opportunities, labour supply, availability of development sites and limited range of services. These needs have been taken into account when growing businesses in rural economies:

Greater entrepreneurial dynamism and creativity

Creating openness to a world economy.

Access to capital for business birth via the Business Growth Fund, and Social Investment Scotland for social economy organisations.

Improving development for new starts e.g. 555 new businesses aided in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in 2001-02.

Providing Business advice and information via Business Mentoring Scotland, the Small Business Gateway, developing Single Entry Points for business development services in the Highlands and Islands, and innovative promotional events such as the Scottish Enterprise Grampian rural roadshows in 2001.

Greater employment inclusion for disadvantaged groups, young persons, and women.

More e-business

Assistance on all aspects of e-business delivered though the Enterprise networks and takes the form of workshops, seminars, one-to-one advice and online help. Businesses are advised about the best way for them to implement appropriate e-business solutions, including online trading.

Supporting infrastructure development through public sector procurement of broadband in pathfinder areas - Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland. This should help telcos make a business case for investment and extending services to businesses in these areas. Trials under the DTI Fund for innovative uses of broadband will test alternative technologies for delivering broadband in rural areas. Projects include a wireless trial in the Western Isles, two powerline carrier trials in Crieff and Campbeltown and a network trial in Ayrshire.

Broadband Demand Stimulation through the DTI Fund. A network of demonstration centres and a website will demonstrate the benefits of broadband to businesses. The first centre, \"Broadband for Business\" in Inverness, was launched on 19 March 2002.

Developing use e.g. though public sector e-procurement (launched in Skye on 25 March 2002), and e-rings for rural cattle sales.

Increasing commercialisation of research and innovation

Increased research and development links with universities and businesses through the Science Strategy 2001, the UHI Millennium Institute, the Borders electronics design link to Napier University, the rural entrepreneurship and tourism link to Crichton Campus Dumfries (in conjunction with Paisley/Glasgow universities), and agricultural projects with Scottish Agricultural College.

Fostering growth industries to develop Centres of Excellence in areas such as renewable energy (Muck Community Windpower unit, Vestas in Campbeltown, HIE Renewable Energy Forum, and the European Marine Energy Test Centre in Orkney), aquaculture (Dunstaffnage as the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology), nuclear decommissioning (Dounreay), and healthcare (In","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160651,"EventID":"S1W-24080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any incentives are being introduced in order to encourage the establishment of more retail outlets in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any incentives are being introduced in order to encourage the establishment of more retail outlets in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to working to improve the quality of life in rural Scotland by promoting the provision of rural services. The Scottish National Rural Partnership's report Services in Rural Scotland (January 2001), which was commissioned by ministers, identifies innovative approaches to providing service in rural areas and offers recommendations on how public, private and voluntary service providers might work with rural communities to help them achieve their service needs. We are already following up on a number of the recommendations, including the setting up of a rural community website, and, with the Enterprise Networks and other partners, exploring the feasibility of establishing pilot Community Malls.

With regard to specific incentives, a scheme of rural rate relief is in operation and is to be extended to provide 50% mandatory rate relief to small food shops which satisfy the scheme criteria. Businesses that do not meet that criteria may be eligible for relief under the small business rate relief scheme commencing in April 2003.

Advice on business start-up (including the retail sector) is also available via the Small Business Gateway. It offers all the advice, information and training small businesses will need to set up and is tailored to meet individual requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160652,"EventID":"S1W-24081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the priorities of Communities Scotland are in respect of rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the priorities of Communities Scotland are in respect of rural areas.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

Communities Scotland is guided by the rural policies and priorities of Scottish ministers, with a view to improving the quality of life for those resident in rural Scotland by fostering sustainable and healthy communities that are attractive, vibrant and safe.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160653,"EventID":"S1W-24082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 108 fishing vessel owners offered grants to decommission their vessels in December 2001 have completed the decommissioning work and claimed their grant; h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 108 fishing vessel owners offered grants to decommission their vessels in December 2001 have completed the decommissioning work and claimed their grant; how many have notified their intention to complete decommissioning before the end of April 2002, and how many have notified their intention to proceed with decommissioning, broken down by category and the total value of the grants offered.","AnswerText":"As a result of withdrawals from the scheme, and their replacement by vessels from the reserve list, there are now 100 offers of grant to fishing vessel owners. Of these, 82 have notified their intention to proceed with decommissioning. The aggregate level of grant involved for the 82 vessels concerned is £19.9 million.

As at 15 March, decommissioning had been completed and grant claims submitted in respect of 18 vessels.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160654,"EventID":"S1W-24083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any study into the feasibility of the Skye Bridge with the title or Scottish Office number \"RD11\" exists and whether it will place a copy of any such study in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any study into the feasibility of the Skye Bridge with the title or Scottish Office number \"RD11\" exists and whether it will place a copy of any such study in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The report A Bridge To Skye Feasibility Study was prepared by JMP Consultants Ltd for Highland Regional Council in 1986. It was subsequently lodged as production SORD11 at the public local enquiry into the Skye Bridge project in 1992. A copy has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20055).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160655,"EventID":"S1W-24084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next vessel decommissioning grant offers to fishing vessel owners will be made to use up any money outstanding from the #25 million sum set aside for the decommi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next vessel decommissioning grant offers to fishing vessel owners will be made to use up any money outstanding from the #25 million sum set aside for the decommissioning scheme which may be left as a result of owners who were offered grants in December 2001 subsequently declining the offers.","AnswerText":"Offers of grant are made to applicants on the reserve list as and when funding is freed up as a result of withdrawals from the scheme by those offered grant. Since initial offers of grant were made in December 2001, grant offers have been made to eight vessel owners on the reserve list.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160656,"EventID":"S1W-24086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for, and what progress it is making in, protecting and improving the environment including integrating policy on the environment with other policies a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for, and what progress it is making in, protecting and improving the environment including integrating policy on the environment with other policies across devolved areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has a wide range of targets to protect and improve Scotland's environment. These include investing in secondary sewage treatment for more than 80% of Scotland's population compared to less than 50% previously, introducing legislation in 2002 to protect and improve the water environment and establishing two National Parks by early 2003.

The Cabinet Sub Committee on Sustainable Development, chaired by the First Minister, is implementing the Executive's commitment to integrate environmentally and socially sustainable development into all its policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160657,"EventID":"S1W-24087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for, and what progress it is making in, the installation of energy efficient measures in homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for, and what progress it is making in, the installation of energy efficient measures in homes.","AnswerText":"In the Programme for Government, published in September 1999, the Scottish Executive gave a commitment to tackle damp and cold houses by improving 100,000 houses suffering from dampness and condensation under the Warm Deal by 2003. More than 130,000 houses have already been improved.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160658,"EventID":"S1W-24088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has, in partnership with local authorities, for reducing any backlog of council house repairs and what progress is being made in respect of any such targe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has, in partnership with local authorities, for reducing any backlog of council house repairs and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not have specific targets for the reduction of any backlog in council house repairs. However, Audit Scotland has a performance indicator which measures the number of repairs to council houses, the proportion of these completed within councils' target times, the number of emergency repairs and the number of emergency repairs completed within the target time. Audit Scotland published its latest figures on these targets on 17 January 2002.

In addition, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced a single regulatory framework for local authorities and registered social landlords. This means that, in future, Communities Scotland will be assessing local authorities in relation to a number of performance standards, including an efficient and effective responsive repairs service.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160659,"EventID":"S1W-24089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for the introduction of resource accounting for local authority housing finance and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for the introduction of resource accounting for local authority housing finance and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to set targets for the introduction of resource accounting for local authority housing finance.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160660,"EventID":"S1W-24090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for increasing the number of passenger miles travelled on railways and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for increasing the number of passenger miles travelled on railways and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","AnswerText":"We have no such targets at present.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160661,"EventID":"S1W-24091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has in respect of the percentage of new dwellings built on previously developed land and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has in respect of the percentage of new dwellings built on previously developed land and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","AnswerText":"National planning policies encourage the re-use of previously developed or underused land. Such sites can make an important contribution to the supply of land for housing. However, the amount of previously developed land varies greatly across Scotland. The Executive has therefore not set targets for the use of such land, as what might constitute a meaningful and challenging target in one planning authority area may be wholly unreasonable or unachievable in another.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160662,"EventID":"S1W-24092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for the development and increased implementation of good practice in local government, including working with pilot authorities, and what progress is ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for the development and increased implementation of good practice in local government, including working with pilot authorities, and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","AnswerText":"We are keen to help local authorities' efforts to improve services and share good practice. As local authorities pursue continuous improvement under Best Value we expect them to use the information in inspection reports and the Accounts Commission's value for money reports to challenge their current levels of performance and take action to achieve the standards of the best.

The consultation paper we are publishing today entitled Renewing Local Democracy: The Next Steps also seeks views on the best way of further supporting local government in its efforts to improve services.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160663,"EventID":"S1W-24093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to support continuous improvement in the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of local government services and what progress is being ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to support continuous improvement in the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of local government services and what progress is being made in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"A Best Value framework was introduced on a voluntary basis by all Scottish local authorities in 1997. The stated aim of this framework was the pursuit of continuous improvement in both corporate management and direct service provision.

The Scottish Local Government Bill will be introduced to Parliament at the end of April 2002. It will give statutory force to the existing Best Value framework. This framework seeks to provide councils with the maximum flexibility to develop policies and deliver services in the way that best reflects local needs and circumstances, while delivering value for money.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160664,"EventID":"S1W-24094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to require local authorities to set targets for the improvement of local services and what progress is being made in respect of this matt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to require local authorities to set targets for the improvement of local services and what progress is being made in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"Through Best Value, we are encouraging all local authorities to seek continuous improvement in their service delivery. They already have a duty to report performance publicly through the performance indicators. The forthcoming Local Government Bill will include a new statutory backing for Best Value in Scotland and provide the Accounts Commission for Scotland with additional powers to set performance indicators.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160665,"EventID":"S1W-24095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for the payment by it of undisputed invoices following receipt of goods and services or presentation of a valid invoice and what progress is being mad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for the payment by it of undisputed invoices following receipt of goods and services or presentation of a valid invoice and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","AnswerText":"The Executive's policy is that all undisputed invoices should be paid promptly (i.e. within 30 days, unless a different payment period has been agreed). In 2000-01, the last full financial year for which figures are available, the Executive paid around 98% of all undisputed invoices promptly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160666,"EventID":"S1W-24096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for increasing the volume of its business transactions conducted electronically and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has for increasing the volume of its business transactions conducted electronically and what progress is being made in respect of any such targets.","AnswerText":"Our second Programme for Government, Working Together for Scotland, promised that the Scottish Executive would have the capacity to conduct 90% of its low value, high volume procurement transactions electronically by the end of 2001. Since the introduction of a new finance system at the end of 2001, the Executive has had that capacity. The Executive, working in partnership with a range of other Scottish public sector bodies, is introducing an e-procurement service which will offer a single interface between public sector purchasers and their suppliers. The first transaction through the system was made by the First Minister at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands at Portree on 25 March 2002 at the launch of the service in The Highland Council. The Executive is currently in discussion with its major suppliers regarding their early adoption onto the system.

The Executive's progress in the delivery of its services electronically is detailed in the Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report which was published on 16 November 2001 and is available on the Scottish Executive website and on the OpenScotland website at www.openscotland.gov.uk. The second Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report is currently being prepared and will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160667,"EventID":"S1W-24097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in respect of removing any unnecessary regulation and ensuring that any future regulations are necessary and proportionate with need.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in respect of removing any unnecessary regulation and ensuring that any future regulations are necessary and proportionate with need.","AnswerText":"The Executive works to ensure that all regulations are necessary and proportionate, in particular for regulations which impact upon business, charities and the voluntary sector. The use of the Regulatory Impact Assessment and the Review Regulatory Impact Assessment should guarantee that regulations are proportionate, necessary and fit for purpose when they are introduced and remain so over time. To date, comments made to the Scottish Executive regarding regulations affecting business, charities and the voluntary sector seldom refer to any individual regulation for which the Executive has responsibility.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160668,"EventID":"S1W-24098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements there are for reporting its regulatory activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements there are for reporting its regulatory activities.","AnswerText":"Regulations which impact upon business, charities or the voluntary sector will be accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) and when finalised the RIA should be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, copied to the lead committee, subordinate legislative committee, Parliament legal advisors and the Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160669,"EventID":"S1W-24099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many statutory instruments it has made since July 1999, (b) how many such instruments amended existing statutory instruments and (c) how many regulatory forms iss","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many statutory instruments it has made since July 1999, (b) how many such instruments amended existing statutory instruments and (c) how many regulatory forms issued by it have been reviewed for regulatory impact and what the results were of any such review.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made 1,294 Scottish Statutory Instruments (SSIs) since July 1999. Statistics are not compiled on how many of these amended existing statutory instruments.

Where it is considered that a particular instrument could have an impact on business, whether requiring the completion of a form or not, a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is completed. Of the 1,294 total SSIs, over 70 have been subjected to this review and the resulting Final RIAs have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160670,"EventID":"S1W-24100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in (a) providing support to local authorities seeking to implement electronic government and (b) supporting partnership development between ce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in (a) providing support to local authorities seeking to implement electronic government and (b) supporting partnership development between central and local government and other agencies.","AnswerText":"Significant progress has been made both in providing support to local authorities seeking to implement electronic government and developing partnership working.

For example, the Executive in partnership with COSLA and local authorities, has established the Central Local 21st Century Government Forum which has a remit to support electronic service delivery across local authorities. Through the forum all councils are now working to produce documented 21st Century Government Action Plans which set each council priorities for electronic service delivery.

The Executive has also established the Modernising Government Fund which aims to support local authorities and other public sector providers in developing new models of service delivery. The fund has already distributed £26 million in support of this development and more than £17 million was distributed to local authorities. Further bids for a second round of the fund are currently under consideration.

The Executive has also been working with the wider Scottish public sector, including health and local government, to develop an e-procurement service which will be available to all Scottish public bodies, including all Scottish local authorities. One of the major benefits of adopting a common approach to e-procurement across the public sector is that the system will help facilitate partnership working (such as the use of common contracts) in a procurement context. Early adopters of the system are already working together in encouraging suppliers to join the system.

The Executive is also demonstrating its commitment to effective partnership working through providing a statutory basis for community planning in the forthcoming Local Government Bill. The independent Community Planning Taskforce, which comprises a wide range of interests, is also working on the key issues surrounding effective partnership working.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160671,"EventID":"S1W-24101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for the provision of local electoral registers that are joined up, maintained and managed locally, and accessible on a national level to authorised ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for the provision of local electoral registers that are joined up, maintained and managed locally, and accessible on a national level to authorised users.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no function in relation to the provision of local electoral registers.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160672,"EventID":"S1W-24102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Justice was informed of the purchase by Group 4 of a half-share in Premier Security Group's parent company Wackenhut Corporation. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Justice was informed of the purchase by Group 4 of a half-share in Premier Security Group's parent company Wackenhut Corporation. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

In accordance with the requirements of the contract between the Scottish Prison Service and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited, KPSL advised SPS of the proposed purchase by Group 4 Falck of the Wackenhut Corporation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160673,"EventID":"S1W-24103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are to the contract between it and Premier Prison Services in respect of HM Prison Kilmarnock of the purchase by Group 4 of shares in Premier Secur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are to the contract between it and Premier Prison Services in respect of HM Prison Kilmarnock of the purchase by Group 4 of shares in Premier Security Group's parent company Wackenhut Corporation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

SPS is currently in discussion with Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited to assess the implications, if any, of the proposed purchase by Group 4 Falck of the Wackenhut Corporation, one of the parent companies of Premier Custodial Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160674,"EventID":"S1W-24104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers have been transferred from the Scottish Parliament to Her Majesty's Government including any transfers which may have taken place through (a) primary legisla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers have been transferred from the Scottish Parliament to Her Majesty's Government including any transfers which may have taken place through (a) primary legislation, (b) secondary legislation and (c) Sewel motions.","AnswerText":"The powers of the Scottish Parliament are set out in the Scotland Act. Two orders have been made under section 30(2) of the Scotland Act which have contained provisions narrowing the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament in very minor respects. The relevant provisions are article 2 of SI 2000 No. 1831 and articles 2 and 5 of SI 2000 No. 3252.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160675,"EventID":"S1W-24105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will seek to re-negotiate its management contract with Bovis Lend Lease following the company's awarding of the contract","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will seek to re-negotiate its management contract with Bovis Lend Lease following the company's awarding of the contract for the supply for timber and stone products to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","AnswerText":"Audit Scotland has recently completed a review of the Flour City Architectural Metal (UK) Ltd contract as part of their routine audit of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's (SPCB) accounts. Any further action by the SPCB with regard to this matter will be considered in the light of Audit Scotland's findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160676,"EventID":"S1W-24106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to press reports on 10 March 2002 that the Lord Lyon may pursue claims against schools whose badges have a heraldic content which has not been matri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to press reports on 10 March 2002 that the Lord Lyon may pursue claims against schools whose badges have a heraldic content which has not been matriculated or registered with the Lord Lyon.","AnswerText":"I understand that the Sunday Herald have accepted that their report of this matter was inaccurate and they agreed to publish a letter from the Court of the Lord Lyon in a subsequent edition. I understand, too, that the Lord Lyon has written to you to explain the background. I have no further comment to offer on matters which are for the independent Lyon Court to consider.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160677,"EventID":"S1W-24107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office has any policy with regard to pursuing claims against schools whose badges potentially breach heraldic law and the Lyon Court's rulings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office has any policy with regard to pursuing claims against schools whose badges potentially breach heraldic law and the Lyon Court's rulings.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has no involvement in the enforcement of heraldic law. Offences in connection with that body of law are prosecuted before the Court of the Lord Lyon by the Procurator Fiscal to that Court who is not (despite his title) part of the Procurator Fiscal Service. It is understood that the Lord Lyon has written to the member about the particular position of schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160678,"EventID":"S1W-24108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that all new patients starting on methadone have sufficient education in regard to the medical implications of using the drug and the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that all new patients starting on methadone have sufficient education in regard to the medical implications of using the drug and the penalties imposed for diverting the drug to others as referred to in the National Confidential Inquiry into Methadone Related Deaths (Scotland) 2000.","AnswerText":"There is general guidance in Drug Misuse and Dependence - Guidelines on Clinical Management on the procedures which doctors should go through before prescribing methadone. In light of the patient's motivation and expectations, the doctor will set mutually agreed and realistic goals covering what methadone treatment will mean for the individual concerned.

Many doctors provide new patients starting on methadone with a copy of The Methadone Handbook, which sets out for those undergoing this treatment the effects of the drug, and the penalties for unlawful possession and supply.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160679,"EventID":"S1W-24109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23539 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 March 2002, whether it will now invite persons recommended for appointment to the Judicial Appointmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23539 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 March 2002, whether it will now invite persons recommended for appointment to the Judicial Appointments Board to declare membership of Freemasonry and any other secret society.","AnswerText":"No. I believe that the information already sought from candidates, as referred to in the answer given to question S1W-23539 on 12 March 2002, is as far as we need go at this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160680,"EventID":"S1W-24110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23014 by Ross Finnie on 11 March 2002, how the five year funding programme under the Rural Stewardship Scheme will operate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23014 by Ross Finnie on 11 March 2002, how the five year funding programme under the Rural Stewardship Scheme will operate.","AnswerText":"Details of the estimated amounts available for new agri-environment scheme commitments, including for the Rural Stewardship Scheme are available on Table 8.3 of the Scottish Rural Development Plan, which can be found on the Scottish Executive website.

Details of the estimated amounts available for new agri-environment scheme commitments, including for the Rural Stewardship Scheme are provided in the answers given to questions S1W-23014 on 11 March 2005, and S1W-24113 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160681,"EventID":"S1W-24111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the agri-environment budget in 2001-02 was allocated specifically for the Rural Stewardship Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the agri-environment budget in 2001-02 was allocated specifically for the Rural Stewardship Scheme.","AnswerText":"Expenditure in 2001-02 as a consequence of Rural Stewardship Scheme approvals issued in 2001 is currently estimated to account for 6% of the funding available for agri-environment schemes.

The first management payments for approvals issued in 2001 will be made in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160682,"EventID":"S1W-24112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17138 by Ross Finnie on 17 August 2001, why a sum was given for the total agri-management budget in 2001-02 rather than the budget ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17138 by Ross Finnie on 17 August 2001, why a sum was given for the total agri-management budget in 2001-02 rather than the budget provision for the Rural Stewardship Scheme as requested.","AnswerText":"The overall budget for agri-environment schemes is not allocated in advance to the individual schemes, which are demand-led.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160683,"EventID":"S1W-24113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23014 by Ross Finnie on 11 March 2002, whether it will set out the anticipated spend by each Scottish Executive Environment and Rur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23014 by Ross Finnie on 11 March 2002, whether it will set out the anticipated spend by each Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department area office in (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04, (c) 2004-05 and (d) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"Details of the current anticipated spend for the Rural Stewardship Scheme by each Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department local Area Office in (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04, (c) 2004-05 and (d) 2005-06 are given in the table:

Area Office

2002-03

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

Ayr

175,967

141,361

128,622

128,187

Benbecula

570

570

570

570

Dumfries

41,765

25,929

26,033

25,630

Dundee

125,892

47,284

47,284

47,284

Galashiels

822,723

491,073

473,112

475,531

Grampian

752,765

471,689

485,516

475,536

Hamilton

51,911

37,286

36,606

36,611

Inverness

522,160

361,700

360,433

358,299

Kirkwall

227,224

167,911

164,178

156,848

Lairg

6153

6153

6153

6153

Lerwick

619

1864

979

979

Oban

228,427

134,293

141,494

134,859

Perth

251,415

139,969

121,309

119,419

Portree

33,426

11,796

11,796

11,796

Stirling

150,018

111,655

97,737

90,481

Stornoway

28,108

: Planning and Housing is currently under review. A copy of the consultation draft of NPPG 3, which was published on 4 March, is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19850).

Responses to the consultation will be carefully considered before the final version of the NPPG is published.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160686,"EventID":"S1W-24116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recent comments by East Lothian Council's Planning Committee that the guidelines in Designing Places: A Policy Statement for Scotland were not","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recent comments by East Lothian Council's Planning Committee that the guidelines in Designing Places: A Policy Statement for Scotland were not prescriptive enough to be a material consideration in planning issues.","AnswerText":"I am not aware that East Lothian Council Planning Committee have made any comments on Designing Places: A Policy Statement for Scotland. I understand, however, that a report by planning officials to the Planning Committee made reference to the status of this document in respect of a specific housing development.

It is clearly stated in Designing Places (in the Foreword and on page 41) that the document is a material consideration in planning applications and appeals. Importantly, the statement sets out general design principles which would be applicable to a range of development types including housing.

In addition, National Planning Policy Guideline 1: The Planning System (revised 2000) makes it clear that design is a material consideration in determining planning applications. Design grounds may be used as the sole reason for refusal of an application.

It is for the decision-maker to decide what weight is given to each material consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160687,"EventID":"S1W-24117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in partnership with East Lothian Council to consider and act on any issues relating to the promotion of road safety arising from the development o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in partnership with East Lothian Council to consider and act on any issues relating to the promotion of road safety arising from the development of rural villages for commuter housing.","AnswerText":"Outwith the trunk road network, local roads authorities are responsible for all aspects of road safety and traffic management on local roads in their areas. In the first instance, it is for East Lothian Council to consider the need for particular measures to safeguard road users and residents, and to determine the priority that should be given to particular schemes, both in reviewing their development plans and in considering individual development proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160688,"EventID":"S1W-24118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to Planning Advice Notice No. 36, what its definition is of \"countryside\" and what si'e a community must be in order to meet the definition of \"rural village\"","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to Planning Advice Notice No. 36, what its definition is of \"countryside\" and what si'e a community must be in order to meet the definition of \"rural village\".","AnswerText":"There are no definitions provided in Planning Advice Note 36: Siting and Design of New Housing in the Countryside of \"countryside\" or what size a community must be to be considered a \"rural village\". This allows our advice to be interpreted to suit local circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160689,"EventID":"S1W-24120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which parts of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock were omitted in the version of the contract published by the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which parts of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock were omitted in the version of the contract published by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Most of the contract has been published. Certain security information and lengthy lists of, for example, fixtures and fittings were omitted together with some commercial in confidence items.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160690,"EventID":"S1W-24121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been approved to perform custodial duties in accordance with section 114 and Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been approved to perform custodial duties in accordance with section 114 and Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each calendar month from January 1999 to date. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The information requested is given in the following table:

March 1999

168

April 1999

25

June 1999

26

July 1999

1

August 1999

12

December 1999

22

January 2000

1

March 2000

15

May 2000

1

July 2000

1

August 2000

16

October 2000

1

November 2000

11

December 2000

4

January 2001

7

April 2001

9

May 2001

11

July 2001

13

September 2001

9

February 2002

3

March 2002

5\"

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160691,"EventID":"S1W-24122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people currently have a valid and current certificate to perform custodial duties in accordance with section 114 and Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Publ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people currently have a valid and current certificate to perform custodial duties in accordance with section 114 and Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

196 as at 19 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160692,"EventID":"S1W-24123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people held a valid and current certificate to perform custodial duties in accordance with section 114 and Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people held a valid and current certificate to perform custodial duties in accordance with section 114 and Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each calendar month from January 1999 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Such information is not readily available. The number as at 19 March 2002 was that 196 people held a valid and current Prisoner Custody Officer certificate.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160693,"EventID":"S1W-24124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for the trunk road maintenance contractor to carry out the alterations to the signage on the A78 trunk road at West Kilbride and Seamill, as deta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for the trunk road maintenance contractor to carry out the alterations to the signage on the A78 trunk road at West Kilbride and Seamill, as detailed in the North Ayrshire Council drawings submitted to the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning by Councillor Eli'abeth McLardy on 12 March 2002. ","AnswerText":"No. Any alterations to the boundary signing on the A78 trunk road will only be considered on the basis of proposals which have been put forward and endorsed by North Ayrshire Council.

The new signs as proposed by Councillor McLardy are not in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160694,"EventID":"S1W-24125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the development of the service provided from the Procurator Fiscal Service office in Stranraer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the development of the service provided from the Procurator Fiscal Service office in Stranraer.","AnswerText":"Earlier this month and following the completion of a management review, I announced a wide-ranging modernisation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service with the specific aim of improving the quality of the service delivered to the public. Significant additional resources are to be made available. Consultation on the recommendations in the management review report is currently under way and due to be concluded at the end of April. At this stage it is too early to indicate precisely how the service provided at Stranraer will be developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160695,"EventID":"S1W-24126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people had a certificate to perform custodial duties suspended in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people had a certificate to perform custodial duties suspended in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each calendar month from January 1999 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The information requested is given in the following table:

April 1999

1

September 1999

3

February 2000

1

June 2000

1

January 2002

2

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160696,"EventID":"S1W-24127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people had a certificate to perform custodial duties revoked in accordance with paragraph 4 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people had a certificate to perform custodial duties revoked in accordance with paragraph 4 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each calendar month from January 1999 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The information requested is given in the following table:

December 1999

2

June 2000

1

August 2000

1

October 2001

1

January 2002

2

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160697,"EventID":"S1W-24128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding it has made, or plans to make, available to Highland NHS Board for audiology services and for the recruitment and training of NHS staff for the diag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding it has made, or plans to make, available to Highland NHS Board for audiology services and for the recruitment and training of NHS staff for the diagnosis and fitting of digital hearing aids to patients in the area.","AnswerText":"At national level the health budget will rise from £5.9 billion this year to £6.9 billion in 2003-04, representing around one third of the total Scottish Executive budget. It is important that local NHS boards and trusts are able to take decisions about the allocation of the resources at local level to meet local needs and priorities.

The wide-ranging review of audiology services commissioned by the Executive will monitor the extent of the implementation of the guidance, and will provide robust evidence and recommendations on how NHSScotland should address shortfalls identified. The review will provide an initial profile of staffing and training in March ahead of its final report in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160698,"EventID":"S1W-24129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences were committed under paragraph 5 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each calendar month from January 1999 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences were committed under paragraph 5 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each calendar month from January 1999 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

I am aware of no offences.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160699,"EventID":"S1W-24130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Higher Still programme has cost the Scottish Qualifications Authority in each year since the programme began (a) in total, (b) per candidate, (c) per subjec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Higher Still programme has cost the Scottish Qualifications Authority in each year since the programme began (a) in total, (b) per candidate, (c) per subject and (d) per candidate in each subject area.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the information requested is not held centrally. However, I have asked the Chair of the SQA to write to you.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160700,"EventID":"S1W-24131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fee income the Scottish Qualifications Authority has received in respect of the Higher Still programme (a) in total, (b) in each local authority area and (c) on ave","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fee income the Scottish Qualifications Authority has received in respect of the Higher Still programme (a) in total, (b) in each local authority area and (c) on average (i) per subject and (ii) per candidate.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority and information about fee income is not held centrally. However, I have asked the Chair to write to you.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160701,"EventID":"S1W-24132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated budget is for the Scottish Qualifications Authority for (a) the current financial year, (b) 2002-03, (c) 2003-04 and (d) 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated budget is for the Scottish Qualifications Authority for (a) the current financial year, (b) 2002-03, (c) 2003-04 and (d) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Qualifications Authority's (SQA) budgeted expenditure in the current financial year is estimated at £41.5 million. The SQA's budget for future years is currently under discussion.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160702,"EventID":"S1W-24133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23591 by Dr Elaine Murray on 7 March 2002, whether the annual Scottish award for the best publicly funded building will be awarded ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23591 by Dr Elaine Murray on 7 March 2002, whether the annual Scottish award for the best publicly funded building will be awarded this year; what consultation there will be as to whether an award should be granted this year; whether the award will be open to those buildings in respect of which a certificate of completion is granted in the year of the award and, if not, what other criteria will be applied for eligibility for nomination.","AnswerText":"I indicated in my earlier answer of 7 March that how to take this forward is currently under consideration. That remains the position. However, I have decided that a Scottish award will not be initiated this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160703,"EventID":"S1W-24134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how effective it is for an issue to be included within the national priorities in education, given the view expressed in paragraph 23 of its Policy Memorandum on the Edu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how effective it is for an issue to be included within the national priorities in education, given the view expressed in paragraph 23 of its Policy Memorandum on the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Records) (Scotland) Bill that the inclusion of accessibility strategies in these priorities \"would carry little weight\".","AnswerText":"The National Priorities in Education define the key outcomes we want from school education. The inclusion of any issue in the National Priorities requires ministers, local authorities and schools to address it in planning and delivering school education.

The focus on outcomes in the Improvement Framework, under the National Priorities, is intended to give authorities and schools considerable flexibility to determine locally how these outcomes are secured.

The Policy Memorandum to the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Records) (Scotland) Bill makes clear that to support the duties introduced in Part IV of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, requires specific legislative provisions, which could not be secured through the inclusion of a single indicator in the performance measurement framework, under the National Priorities. In addition, the provisions of the Bill require to apply to all schools in the public and private sectors. The Improvement Framework applies only to publicly-funded schools. The memorandum in no way questions the value of the priorities in setting the agenda for improvement in Scottish education.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160704,"EventID":"S1W-24135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the view expressed in paragraph 23 of its Policy Memorandum on the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Records) (Scotland) Bill that the inclusion of access","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the view expressed in paragraph 23 of its Policy Memorandum on the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Records) (Scotland) Bill that the inclusion of accessibility strategies in the national priorities in education \"would carry little weight\" is reconciled with the view expressed in the letter of 16 May 2000 from the then Deputy Minister for Children and Education to the Secretary of the Gaelic School Planning Group that the inclusion of Gaelic in the priorities was probably the most significant achievement ever for Gaelic medium education.","AnswerText":"The National Priorities in Education define the key outcomes we want from school education. The inclusion of any issue in the priorities requires ministers, local authorities and schools to address it in planning and delivering school education. The inclusion of Gaelic in the priorities is, accordingly, a significant achievement for the development of Gaelic-medium education.

The focus on outcomes in the Improvement Framework, under the National Priorities, is intended to give authorities and schools considerable flexibility to determine locally how these outcomes are secured.

The Policy Memorandum to the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Records) (Scotland) Bill makes clear that to support the duties introduced in Part IV of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, requires specific legislative provisions which could not be secured through the inclusion of a single indicator in the performance measurement framework, under the National Priorities. In addition, the provisions of the Bill require to apply to all schools in the public and private sectors. The Improvement Framework applies only to publicly-funded schools. The memorandum in no way questions the value of the priorities, in setting the agenda for improvement in Scottish education.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160705,"EventID":"S1W-24136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time has been for a patient in the Tayside NHS Board area to be seen for an assessment for use of a powered wheelchair in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time has been for a patient in the Tayside NHS Board area to be seen for an assessment for use of a powered wheelchair in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 to date.","AnswerText":"The information requested in this question, and questions S1W-24137 and S1W-24138 today, is not held centrally and should be obtained directly from Tayside University Hospital NHS Trust.

The Rehabilitation Technology Information System (RetIS) has been established to support delivery of high quality care to patients by gathering information from across Scotland. RetIS plan to collect this level of detailed information with effect from 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160706,"EventID":"S1W-24137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any reductions in the frequency of assessment clinics for the use of powered wheelchairs at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and what assessment has b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any reductions in the frequency of assessment clinics for the use of powered wheelchairs at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and what assessment has been made of the health impact of any such reductions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24136.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160707,"EventID":"S1W-24138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in the Tayside NHS board area were waiting to be assessed for the use of a powered wheelchair at 31 January in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in the Tayside NHS board area were waiting to be assessed for the use of a powered wheelchair at 31 January in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24136.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160708,"EventID":"S1W-24139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether MSPs will have access to, and be able to use, computer facilities at their desks in the debating chamber at Holyrood. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether MSPs will have access to, and be able to use, computer facilities at their desks in the debating chamber at Holyrood. ","AnswerText":"The SPCB agreed at its meeting on 19 June 2001 that IT cabling should be installed to the MSP desks in the debating chamber during fabrication, along with the voting and microphone cabling, to allow for any future connecting of IT equipment. There will be no computer facilities at the desk, although future parliaments will thus be enabled to decide otherwise. Audio and Voting consoles will be provided on MSP desks in the debating chamber from the outset.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160709,"EventID":"S1W-24140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question from Karen Whitefield to question S10-4829 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2002, whether it will outline the detail of i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question from Karen Whitefield to question S10-4829 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2002, whether it will outline the detail of its plans for improving and upgrading social work training.","AnswerText":"The Action Plan for the Social Services Workforce launched on 18 April 2002 set out the main points. Implementation will be taken forward by a project delivery group, involving representatives from the relevant professional associations, employers and training institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160710,"EventID":"S1W-24141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question from Alasdair Morgan to question S10-4829 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2002, what will form the basis of its forthcom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question from Alasdair Morgan to question S10-4829 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2002, what will form the basis of its forthcoming national and local strategies to address the issue of social worker recruitment and retention.","AnswerText":"The Executive's plans are set out in the Action Plan for the Social Services Workforce, which was published on 18 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160711,"EventID":"S1W-24142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-4829 and S1O-4736 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2002 and 28 February 2002 respectively, whether its forthcoming plans and strategi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1O-4829 and S1O-4736 by Cathy Jamieson on 7 March 2002 and 28 February 2002 respectively, whether its forthcoming plans and strategies regarding social workers will address (a) a review of payscales and other terms and conditions, (b) meaningful supervision and support, (c) restricted caseloads, (d) training and development opportunities and (e) increased access to resources.","AnswerText":"Issues of pay and other terms and conditions for social work staff are matters for employers and are not centrally determined.

Supervision, support and caseload size are operational matters, determined locally.

The Action Plan launched on 18 April outlined the future direction of training for the wider social care workforce, for social workers and for management.

The Executive has made available additional funds over the last two years in relation to children's services, community care, criminal justice and drug misuse.

In March 2002 additional funding of £3.5 million was distributed to local authorities to support frontline staff in social work.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160712,"EventID":"S1W-24143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed as suffering from osteoporosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed as suffering from osteoporosis.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally in the form requested. However, it is estimated from information derived from the Continuous Morbidity Recording (CMR) system, that approximately 17,000 people in Scotland were seen by General Practitioners in respect of osteoporosis in Scotland, in the year ending March 2001 (latest figures available).

CMR data are obtained from a sample of Scottish General Practices whose population is broadly nationally representative. The above information is based on the activity of 54 Scottish General Practices with a combined population of 345,292.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160713,"EventID":"S1W-24144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to National Science Week and Science Year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to National Science Week and Science Year.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing £115,600 (2001-02) in support of Science Year. This includes funding for a Science Year Co-ordinator whose role is to promote events, activities and initiatives throughout Scotland.

National Science Week (8 to 17 March) is co-ordinated by the BA (formerly the British Association for the Advancement of Science) and funded by the Office of Science and Technology. Over 60 science events were advertised as taking place in Scotland.

The Scottish Executive has allocated an additional £5 million to Education Authorities, which has been ring fenced for science activities and resources in support of the Science Strategy for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160714,"EventID":"S1W-24145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any additional assistance available to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in order to enable the company to reduce the standard tariff landing charge","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any additional assistance available to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd in order to enable the company to reduce the standard tariff landing charges at Inverness Airport and, if so, whether such assistance will enable such charges to be reduced to the levels of airports at Glasgow, Edinburgh or London Heathrow. ","AnswerText":"Charges at the airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, and grant to the company, will continue to be set at levels which will ensure the maintenance of essential air services.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160715,"EventID":"S1W-24146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reduction of landing charges at Inverness Airport would support promotion of the tourism industry and, in particular, increase the number of visitors travelling","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reduction of landing charges at Inverness Airport would support promotion of the tourism industry and, in particular, increase the number of visitors travelling to Inverness Airport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's support to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd already ensures the maintenance of air services which provide tourism access to the Highlands.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160716,"EventID":"S1W-24147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is to be carried out in order to repair and resurface the single track sections of the A830; by what date any such work will be carried out, and whether BEAR (S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work is to be carried out in order to repair and resurface the single track sections of the A830; by what date any such work will be carried out, and whether BEAR (Scotland) Ltd will consult Mallaig Community Council in connection with these matters.","AnswerText":"A structural maintenance scheme has been identified for implementation this autumn. The precise nature and scope of the works is currently under investigation and will be finalised during the design period over the summer months. A consultation exercise involving Mallaig Community Council will be undertaken to ascertain the optimum timing for the road closures. It is anticipated that in order to keep disruption to a minimum, the road closures will take place outwith the tourist season.

An interim strategy to undertake urgent repairs and increase the frequency of safety inspections has also been formulated to ensure road safety is maintained until the above scheme is implemented.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160717,"EventID":"S1W-24148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each level one expenditure line in its total annual budget as a percentage of GDP in each year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each level one expenditure line in its total annual budget as a percentage of GDP in each year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The table shows Budget as a percentage of GDP for each major portfolio:

Level 1

2000-1 original plan

2001-02 original plan

2002-03 plan

2003-04 plan

Central Government support for Local Authorities

7.87

8.06

8.58

8.70

Children and Central Government Education

0.31

0.38

0.26

0.24

Crown Office

0.07

0.07

0.07

0.07

Enterprise and Lifelong Learning

2.60

2.69

2.48

2.43

Environment

0.57

0.63

0.66

0.67

EU funds

0.22

0.21

0.24

0.16

Forestry

0.11

0.10

0.10

0.10

Health

7.20

7.54

7.81

7.92

Justice

0.80

0.82

0.88

0.84

Rural Affairs

0.73

0.77

0.72

0.73

Scottish Executive Administration

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.25

Scottish Executive Associated Departments

0.03

0.04

0.03

0.02

Scottish Parliament and Audit Scotland

0.08

2000-01 original plan

2001-02 original plan

2002-03 plan

2002-03 plan

Total Budget as % GDP

23.25

24.48

25.03

25.19

","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160719,"EventID":"S1W-24150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in each NHS hospital in Forth Valley contracted hospital-acquired infections in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients in each NHS hospital in Forth Valley contracted hospital-acquired infections in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160720,"EventID":"S1W-24151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was spent by each local enterprise company (LEC) to fund mature apprenticeships in the last year for which figures are available (a) in total and (b) per head of pop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what was spent by each local enterprise company (LEC) to fund mature apprenticeships in the last year for which figures are available (a) in total and (b) per head of population in each LEC area.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The Executive does not hold this information centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160721,"EventID":"S1W-24152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent negotiations it has had with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on imposing a Public Service Obligation in respect of the Invernes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent negotiations it has had with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on imposing a Public Service Obligation in respect of the Inverness to Gatwick air links.","AnswerText":"The Scottish ministers and officials have met, and have had discussions with, their counterparts at the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on a regular basis to promote the case for measures to secure access to Gatwick for the Inverness air service.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160722,"EventID":"S1W-24153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made a positive submission to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in connection with the possible imposition of a Public Service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made a positive submission to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in connection with the possible imposition of a Public Service Obligation in respect of the Inverness to Gatwick air links as supported by the former Minister for Transport and Planning and, if so, whether that submission will be published and made available to all Highlands and Islands MSPs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish ministers fully supported the case presented by the Highland Council in support of measures to secure access to Gatwick for the Inverness air service. The publication of the case is a matter for the council.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160723,"EventID":"S1W-24154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to be able to announce a decision on the possible imposition of a Public Service Obligation in respect of the Inverness to Gatwick air links.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to be able to announce a decision on the possible imposition of a Public Service Obligation in respect of the Inverness to Gatwick air links.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive expects the UK Government to announce a decision on the case for the imposition of measures to secure access to Gatwick for the Inverness air service after they have been given it full and proper consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160724,"EventID":"S1W-24155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an intervention by Her Majesty's Government is possible under EC Regulation 2408/92 in order to ensure the continuation of the Inverness to Gatwick air link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an intervention by Her Majesty's Government is possible under EC Regulation 2408/92 in order to ensure the continuation of the Inverness to Gatwick air link.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160725,"EventID":"S1W-24156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any estimates have been made of the cost to the NHS of treating autism and Asperger's syndrome over a patient's lifetime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any estimates have been made of the cost to the NHS of treating autism and Asperger's syndrome over a patient's lifetime.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160726,"EventID":"S1W-24157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any estimates have been made of the costs to education services nationally of autism and Asperger's syndrome over the lifetime of a person with these conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any estimates have been made of the costs to education services nationally of autism and Asperger's syndrome over the lifetime of a person with these conditions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18479 on 15 October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160727,"EventID":"S1W-24158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any estimates have been made of the costs to social services of caring for people with autism and Asperger's syndrome over their lifetimes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any estimates have been made of the costs to social services of caring for people with autism and Asperger's syndrome over their lifetimes.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160728,"EventID":"S1W-24159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it awarded to the Family Fund Trust in each year since 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it awarded to the Family Fund Trust in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The Family Fund Trust has been awarded:

1998-99

£2,02 million

1999-2000

£2,16 million

2000-01

£2,25 million

2001-02

£2,21 million

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160729,"EventID":"S1W-24160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any specific funding has been allocated for respite care for carers and parents of children and adults with autism or Asperger's syndrome and, if so, to which org","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any specific funding has been allocated for respite care for carers and parents of children and adults with autism or Asperger's syndrome and, if so, to which organisations it was allocated and how much was allocated in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"Local authorities and NHS boards provide respite services in response to local need. The Executive has been providing substantially increased levels of resources for social care year on year since 1998-99. Under our Carer's Strategy we are making available £10 million a year to local authorities, specifically for services to support carers, including respite. Authorities are also being given substantial new resources to provide an extra 22,000 weeks of short break services each year across Scotland by 2003-04. Authorities decide how best to use all these resources in consultation with carers, service users and their representatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160730,"EventID":"S1W-24161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take action in order to ensure that links on tourist industry websites for Inverness point to internet pages about the city of Inverness in Scotland and n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take action in order to ensure that links on tourist industry websites for Inverness point to internet pages about the city of Inverness in Scotland and not to pages about Inverness County in Canada, in light of the recent error on www.visitbritain.com reported in the Inverness Courier on 26 February 2002.","AnswerText":"I have contacted the BTA about the Inverness entry on:

www.visitbritain.com.

I understand the link to Inverness, Canada was a human error, which the British Tourist Authority(BTA) corrected as soon as it was brought to their attention. The BTA has apologised for this error and will do everything that they can to ensure that this kind of mistake does not happen again.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160731,"EventID":"S1W-24162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when omne communication ltd's facilities will be fully operational in Dumfries and Galloway. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when omne communication ltd's facilities will be fully operational in Dumfries and Galloway. ","AnswerText":"Omne communications ltd, currently, have no plans to build an office in Dumfries and Galloway. Rollout of broadband services to Dumfries and Galloway is planned for early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160732,"EventID":"S1W-24163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any jobs will be created in Dumfries and Galloway as a result of the roll out of omne communication ltd's services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any jobs will be created in Dumfries and Galloway as a result of the roll out of omne communication ltd's services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23808 on 20 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160733,"EventID":"S1W-24164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which areas omne communication ltd's broadband services were available from 25 February 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which areas omne communication ltd's broadband services were available from 25 February 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23809 on 20 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160734,"EventID":"S1W-24165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerText":"The current Scottish passenger rail franchise expires at the end of March 2004. The Scottish Executive expects to issue its Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority in the course of summer 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160735,"EventID":"S1W-24166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been put in place to monitor the number of members of fishing crews who lose their employment due to the decommissioning of fishing vessels with a view","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been put in place to monitor the number of members of fishing crews who lose their employment due to the decommissioning of fishing vessels with a view to monitoring whether or not they remain in the industry or find employment elsewhere.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no function in relation to unemployed people seeking employment. The responsibility for assisting unemployed people into work rests primarily with the Employment Service, with local enterprise companies also providing training and support

I understand no additional, special monitoring measures have been introduced in relation to decommissioning. That would not seem necessary. The key issue is that any fisherman who loses his job as a result of decommissioning is given any assistance necessary to find alternative employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160736,"EventID":"S1W-24168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it has provided in connection with Heather Isles Meats Ltd in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it has provided in connection with Heather Isles Meats Ltd in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Executive has provided no financial assistance to Heather Isle Meats in the last three years.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160737,"EventID":"S1W-24169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is essential for the future of crofting in the Western Isles that there be a locally-based abattoir facility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is essential for the future of crofting in the Western Isles that there be a locally-based abattoir facility.","AnswerText":"In the interests of sustainable farming, it is important for all producers to have profitable markets for the livestock that they produce, whether that is abattoirs or other farmers who finish the animals. Around two-thirds of livestock from the Western Isles is currently sold to buyers elsewhere in the UK and it is in the best interest of Western Isles producers that the abattoirs that buy their livestock are commercially viable, irrespective of where they are based.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160738,"EventID":"S1W-24170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration sportscotland has given to the claims made by Arnold Beckett, formerly employed as senior drugs tester by the International Olympic Committee, that the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration sportscotland has given to the claims made by Arnold Beckett, formerly employed as senior drugs tester by the International Olympic Committee, that the banned substance found in skier Alain Baxter's drug test at the Winter Olympic Games is not a performance enhancing drug and, as such, should not constitute grounds for his being banned from his sport or being stripped of his Olympic bron'e medal and what representations it and sportscotland plan to make to the British Olympic Association on this matter.","AnswerText":"It is UK Sport, not the home country sports council, who is responsible for providing advice to ministers on policy in relation to drug taking in sport. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) decides which substances should be banned from Olympic competitions; the British Olympic Association does not have a role. The case involving Alain Baxter is still being considered by the IOC in accordance with its rules and procedures and it would be inappropriate and premature for any representations to be made by the Executive or sportscotland on these matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160739,"EventID":"S1W-24171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how quickly it intends to publish clear guidance, following the Court of Appeal cases in England on 11 April and 25 May 2001 concerning sections 17 and 20 of the Children","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how quickly it intends to publish clear guidance, following the Court of Appeal cases in England on 11 April and 25 May 2001 concerning sections 17 and 20 of the Children Act 1989, as to the nature of the statutory duties of local authorities under sections 22 and 25 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 towards children living in families in order to bridge any gap between current legislation and legislation recommended by the final report of the Homelessness Task Force.","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to issue further guidance on the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and recent guidance to local authorities on homelessness strategies, make clear that the best interests of children should be considered in the exercise of local authorities' homelessness functions.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160740,"EventID":"S1W-24172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reassurances it can give that offers of accommodation from a housing association or local authority under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 will have due regard to the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reassurances it can give that offers of accommodation from a housing association or local authority under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 will have due regard to the best interests of any dependent children of any homeless person and thereby ensure that no child is ever separated from his or her parents because the family is homeless.","AnswerText":"The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 amends the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 to require local authorities to have regard to the best interests of children in the exercise of their homelessness functions, including the offer of accommodation made to homeless families.

Guidance issued to local authorities on homelessness strategies sets out, as a key principle, that the needs of children must be considered during the formulation and implementation of policies to prevent and alleviate homelessness. It also emphasises the need to consider good practice in supporting homeless families to prevent disruption to the lives of children and adults.

Strategies, and their implementation, will be regulated by Communities Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160741,"EventID":"S1W-24173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the concessionary bus fares scheme will be introduced in each local authority area; whether the scheme will allow for access to bus services beyond the local","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the concessionary bus fares scheme will be introduced in each local authority area; whether the scheme will allow for access to bus services beyond the local authority area of pensioners' residence, and, if so, under what terms and conditions such access will be allowed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with COSLA to introduce free local off-peak bus travel from 1 October 2002 by enhancing existing concessionary travel schemes operated by local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160742,"EventID":"S1W-24174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21335 by Ms Margaret Curran on 28 January 2002, which members of each Social Inclusion Partnership board have interests that would ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21335 by Ms Margaret Curran on 28 January 2002, which members of each Social Inclusion Partnership board have interests that would be declarable if serving as members of a local authority. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160743,"EventID":"S1W-24175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21335 by Ms Margaret Curran on 28 January 2002, whether members of Social Inclusion Partnership boards are liable to register inter","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21335 by Ms Margaret Curran on 28 January 2002, whether members of Social Inclusion Partnership boards are liable to register interests or conflicts of interest in the same manner as those who serve on non-departmental public bodies or as elected members of local authorities. ","AnswerText":"Under the terms and conditions of Social Inclusion Partnership funding, local authorities as grant recipients are required to keep a register of interests, available on request for inspection by Communities Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160744,"EventID":"S1W-24176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21335 by Ms Margaret Curran on 28 January 2002, what steps it takes to monitor the management by Social Inclusion Partnerships of a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21335 by Ms Margaret Curran on 28 January 2002, what steps it takes to monitor the management by Social Inclusion Partnerships of any conflicts of interest of board members and any others involved in decisions about the distribution of Social Inclusion Partnership resources.","AnswerText":"The terms and conditions of Social Inclusion Partnership grant funding place a requirement on the local authority, as grant recipient, to maintain a register of interests which must be made available for inspection by Communities Scotland on request.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160745,"EventID":"S1W-24177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the accountable officer is for expenditure on and by Social Inclusion Partnerships and what steps are taken to ensure that the officer is able to monitor any conflict","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the accountable officer is for expenditure on and by Social Inclusion Partnerships and what steps are taken to ensure that the officer is able to monitor any conflicts of interest affecting decisions on such expenditure.","AnswerText":"The Chief Executive of Communities Scotland is the accountable officer for Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) funding provided by Communities Scotland, and is answerable to the Minister for Social Justice. SIP boards are responsible for making funding allocation decisions, and for ensuring that these decisions are made in the public interest. Financial guidance on this has been provided by the Executive to SIPs, and the terms and conditions of grant funding issued to local authorities as the grant recipients include guidance on conflict of interest. This includes the requirement to hold a register of interests, which must be made available for inspection by Communities Scotland on request.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160746,"EventID":"S1W-24178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since Social Inclusion Partnerships were established action has been taken in order to (a) withhold and (b) recover payments from a recipient body o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since Social Inclusion Partnerships were established action has been taken in order to (a) withhold and (b) recover payments from a recipient body of funds from a partnership; in each case, which partnership was involved and what level of payments was withheld or recovered, and what the outcome was of any investigations into why payments were withheld or recovered.","AnswerText":"Details are shown in the following table:

1999 to Date

Amount

(£)

Social Inclusion Partnership

Outcome

64,980

North Ayr

Payment released March 2002 following assurances from the council that audit recommendations to improve systems were being implemented.

97,000

Craigmillar

Payment being withheld pending the outcome of the council's investigations into potential double counting with EU funding.

174,079

Milton

Payment released September 2001 after the council confirmed allegations lodged of financial irregularities were unfounded.

366,610

GARA (£12,583), Routes Out (£3,515),

Big Step (£7,088), Gtr. Easterhouse (£70,000), East End(£54,437), Glasgow North (£81,350),

Gorbals (£5,297), Gtr. Govan (£3,781), Springburn (£1,386), Gtr. Pollok (£18,113), Milton (£2,810), Drumchapel (£18,750),

Castlemilk (£60,000),

Glasgow RP(£27,500).

Payment released following confirmation that adequate systems were in place for 2000-2001 to monitor spend and activities supported.

392,062

Gtr.Easterhouse (£78,525), Milton (£14,100), Gtr. Pollok (£31,103), Springburn (£17,422),

Drumchapel (£47,747, Big Step (£12,825), Smaller Areas [RP] (£19,108),

Gorbals (£14,425), Routes Out (£7,828),

GARA (£19,513), North Glasgow (£65,805), East End(£54,650), Gtr. Govan(£9,011).

Payment held pending further information from the council on the detail of activities supported.

 

 

 

27,540

East Ayrshire

Payment released October 2001 on satisfactory completion of council audit investigations.

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160747,"EventID":"S1W-24179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of burning the organs of a deceased child which have been removed without parental consent or legal authority is met by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of burning the organs of a deceased child which have been removed without parental consent or legal authority is met by the NHS.","AnswerText":"In response to recommendations from phase one of the work of the independent Review Group on the Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem, the Executive issued guidance in January 2001 to all Scottish NHS trusts indicating that they should, in appropriate cases, meet the expenses associated with the burial or cremation of organs retained at post-mortem examination without the parents' authorisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160748,"EventID":"S1W-24180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chief Dental Officer for Scotland (CDO) has decided that when sedation is used in the NHS by a dentist or an anaesthetist the sedation is limited to the use o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Chief Dental Officer for Scotland (CDO) has decided that when sedation is used in the NHS by a dentist or an anaesthetist the sedation is limited to the use of a single drug; if so, under what authority the CDO acted in this matter and whether such action was contrary to any General Dental Council Guidelines on the sedation of patients.","AnswerText":"More than one sedation agent may be used when intravenous sedation is administered by a dentist or an anaesthetist in an NHS hospital setting, where there is immediate access to appropriately trained personnel and equipment in case of emergencies. In general dental practices where NHS general dental services are offered, a single sedation agent is advised for purposes of patient safety.

The Chief Dental Officer advises Scottish ministers on all dental matters which are devolved, including dental sedation in the NHS.

The General Dental Council's ethical guidance Maintaining Standards gives a general guideline on how sedation should be administered. It is not specific in relation to setting or technique.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160749,"EventID":"S1W-24181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much is spent by each police force on overtime for police officers and how much such spending is in respect of police officers attending court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much is spent by each police force on overtime for police officers and how much such spending is in respect of police officers attending court.","AnswerText":"The latest expenditure figures for overtime for police officers are shown in the following table. Information on expenditure in respect of overtime for police officers attending court is not held centrally.

2000-01

Force

Expenditure on overtime

(£m)

Central

2.5

Dumfries and Galloway

1.0

Fife

1.7

Grampian

2.5

Lothian and Borders

4.3

Northern

1.9

Strathclyde

18.5

Tayside

2.0

Total

32.4

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160750,"EventID":"S1W-24182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to respond to the Scottish Law Commission's report on the age of criminal responsibility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to respond to the Scottish Law Commission's report on the age of criminal responsibility.","AnswerText":"As the First Minister said on 17 January we are considering the Scottish Law Commission's Report in the context of our overall approach to youth crime. As part of this consideration we intend to consult on the commission's proposals and will publish a consultation paper over the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160751,"EventID":"S1W-24183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to launch its Drugs Communications Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to launch its Drugs Communications Strategy.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the Deputy First Minister and I will launch the strategy later this morning.

Our core message is that all drugs can be dangerous. Through mass media campaigns, a new information line and website, all using the \"Know the Score\" logo, we aim to raise awareness among the public of the risks which drugs pose, to provide facts about drugs and to provide details of where help and advice can be obtained across Scotland. We are already working with Drug Action Teams to develop local communications strategies tailored to meet local needs and priorities. Part of this work is improving the quality and availability of drugs information materials.

Copies of the information pack, which will be distributed to the media later today, are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160752,"EventID":"S1W-24184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police stations have been operated by Fife Constabulary in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police stations have been operated by Fife Constabulary in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"In each of the last five years, Fife Constabulary have operated the following numbers of police stations:

1998

31

1999

29

2000

27

2001

29

2002

24

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160753,"EventID":"S1W-24185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Fife Constabulary has any plans to close any police stations in its area and, if so, which police stations will be closed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Fife Constabulary has any plans to close any police stations in its area and, if so, which police stations will be closed.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Fife Constabulary in the light of operational requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160754,"EventID":"S1W-24186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations exist to control the overnight parking of heavy commercial vehicles in residential streets and what powers local authorities have to enforce any such reg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations exist to control the overnight parking of heavy commercial vehicles in residential streets and what powers local authorities have to enforce any such regulations. ","AnswerText":"Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, local authorities have a general duty to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic. This general duty is met by the local authority making traffic regulation orders, which can be introduced for a variety of reasons. This could include the restriction of overnight parking of heavy commercial vehicles in residential streets, with associated penalties.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160755,"EventID":"S1W-24187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any biomass project under the Scottish Renewables Obligation is currently operating.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any biomass project under the Scottish Renewables Obligation is currently operating.","AnswerText":"Three biomass schemes were awarded contracts under the Scottish Renewables Obligation, one of which is currently operating. That is a chicken litter-fired power station at Westfield in Fife.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160756,"EventID":"S1W-24188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to encourage and promote recycling and composting in remote areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to encourage and promote recycling and composting in remote areas.","AnswerText":"Under the National Waste Strategy, Scotland has been divided into 11 waste strategy areas. Each area has an area waste planning group tasked with preparing a plan to determine the best practicable environmental option for dealing with waste over the long term. The plans will propose levels of recycling and composting which are appropriate in each area. The Executive has established the Strategic Waste Fund to begin implementing these proposals and distributed £3 million in March 2001 between all local authorities for recycling and composting initiatives. Examples of projects funded in remote areas include home composting, centralised composting, provision of mini recycling centres, kerbside collection schemes and shredding of paper for animal bedding.

The Executive is also currently supporting innovative projects to promote recycling through the Sustainable Action Grant Schemes, enabling the Shetland Amenity Trust to extend its recycling activities and providing resources to establish a Community Recycling Forum to share best practice across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160757,"EventID":"S1W-24189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the gender of (a) the accused and (b) the victim in cases of domestic violence may be ascertained from information held centrally and what the reasons are for its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the gender of (a) the accused and (b) the victim in cases of domestic violence may be ascertained from information held centrally and what the reasons are for its current system of maintaining any such information on cases of domestic violence.","AnswerText":"The information collected centrally on incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland does distinguish the gender of both victim and perpetrator.

Police forces have adopted a common definition of domestic abuse and statistical collection so that patterns of behaviour, including information on gender of both victim and perpetrator, can be monitored and repeat victimisation identified. This enables previous incidents to be taken into account and future protection of the victim and any children to be considered by the police and other agencies.

The latest available information on incidents of domestic abuse is given in the statistical bulletin Domestic Abuse Recorded by The Police in Scotland, 1 January - 31 December 2000 published by the Scottish Executive in December 2001, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18250).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160758,"EventID":"S1W-24190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to ensure that teachers who started probation in the school year 2001-02 have adequate access to suitable posts in order to meet the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to ensure that teachers who started probation in the school year 2001-02 have adequate access to suitable posts in order to meet the full requirements of the General Teaching Council for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The General Teaching Council for Scotland are currently in the process of notifying all probationer teachers of the transitional arrangements, which have been put in place for those who are not part of the Teacher Induction Scheme. These arrangements allow all existing probationer teachers with 270 days teaching experience, to apply for full registration as a teacher. Currently the normal requirement is 380 days.

The deployment of teachers is a matter for local authorities. Discussions are currently under way to finalise the details of the implementation of the Teacher Induction Scheme in individual authorities, including consideration of any impact on existing probationers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160759,"EventID":"S1W-24191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why management and administration costs in the Scottish Enterprise Network in 2000 rose from 15% to 17% of total costs when compared with the previous year, as outlined ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why management and administration costs in the Scottish Enterprise Network in 2000 rose from 15% to 17% of total costs when compared with the previous year, as outlined in the network's Annual Report Summary 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The increase reflected short-term pressures, including organisational restructuring costs and severance, on administration costs, and was agreed by my department.

Departmental officials have recently concluded a review of Scottish Enterprise's administration costs and will write to the Convenor of the Enterprise Committee, and you, on this matter shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160760,"EventID":"S1W-24192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it discussed the issue of local government boundaries when it met representatives from Angus Council to discuss the review of cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it discussed the issue of local government boundaries when it met representatives from Angus Council to discuss the review of cities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24195.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160761,"EventID":"S1W-24193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an assurance that any changes to the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies made by Her Majesty's Government will not lead to a reorganisation of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an assurance that any changes to the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies made by Her Majesty's Government will not lead to a reorganisation of local government boundaries in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made it clear in the consultation paper on Renewing Local Democracy: The Next Steps published on 27 March that there are no plans to review local authority boundaries or to reduce the number of councils in the foreseeable future.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160762,"EventID":"S1W-24194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an assurance that any changes to the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies will not pre-determine the nature of any changes to local government ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an assurance that any changes to the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies will not pre-determine the nature of any changes to local government boundaries in Scotland.","AnswerText":"It will be for the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland to determine the nature of any changes to local authority boundaries, including the impact of any changes to the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies, when they are next reviewed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160763,"EventID":"S1W-24195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its meeting with Angus Council to discuss issues related to the Review of Cities took place, with whom it met and what the outcomes were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its meeting with Angus Council to discuss issues related to the Review of Cities took place, with whom it met and what the outcomes were.","AnswerText":"Peter Peacock is due to meet with Angus Council and the other councils neighbouring Dundee on 29 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160764,"EventID":"S1W-24196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average length of sentence was served by people released from serving life sentences in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average length of sentence was served by people released from serving life sentences in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The following table contains the information requested. It should be noted that the figure for any one year can be skewed by the release on life licence of one or more prisoners after serving especially long periods in custody.

Year of Release

Average Sentence Served by Life Prisoners by Year of Release from Prison

1992

12 years 7 months

1993

12 years 2 months

1994

13 years 2 months

1995

13 years

1996

13 years 6 months

1997

15 years 3 months

1998

13 years 9 months

1999

14 years

2000

13 years 3 months

2001

13 years 6 months

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160765,"EventID":"S1W-24197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much tourism business is estimated to be generated from the internet annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much tourism business is estimated to be generated from the internet annually.","AnswerText":"Global e-commerce tourism and leisure transactions are predicted to grow from $2billion in 1999 to $30billion in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160766,"EventID":"S1W-24198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is kept by VisitScotland regarding online bookings made through its website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is kept by VisitScotland regarding online bookings made through its website.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160767,"EventID":"S1W-24199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much VisitScotland invests in its website annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much VisitScotland invests in its website annually.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160768,"EventID":"S1W-24200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how important the internet is in developing the tourism market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how important the internet is in developing the tourism market.","AnswerText":"It is predicted that tourism and leisure will account for 12% of total global e-commerce transactions by 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160769,"EventID":"S1W-24201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken in order to encourage tourism-related businesses to use the internet as a marketing tool.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken in order to encourage tourism-related businesses to use the internet as a marketing tool.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland has been running a series of roadshows across Scotland demonstrating use of the Internet as a marketing tool. Further assistance is available from the VisitScotland Quality Advisers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160770,"EventID":"S1W-24202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what market research has been undertaken on users of VisitScotland's website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what market research has been undertaken on users of VisitScotland's website.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160771,"EventID":"S1W-24203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Arts Council spent on the recruitment of its new director; how this compares to the recruitment costs of similar posts in other non-departmental pub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Arts Council spent on the recruitment of its new director; how this compares to the recruitment costs of similar posts in other non-departmental public bodies, and what guidelines there are on recruitment processes and costs in respect of senior officers in public bodies.","AnswerText":"The amount spent on the recruitment of their new director is a question for the Scottish Arts Council themselves. Details on recruitment costs in other non-departmental public bodies are not held centrally. New guidance is being devised at present covering the Executive's sponsorship of non-departmental public bodies. This will include specific guidance on the appointment of Chief Executives and similar posts, and will emphasise the importance of value for money considerations in the recruitment process.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160772,"EventID":"S1W-24204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22764 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 February 2002, why the information given in the answer differs from that provided by South Lanarkshir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22764 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 February 2002, why the information given in the answer differs from that provided by South Lanarkshire Council in its planning application report, considered by the Local Area Committee on 12 March 2002. ","AnswerText":"Question S1W-22764 asked what new facilities would be available after renovation that were not available before. The answer given provided that information and also referred to other upgrading of the court. The South Lanarkshire Council's planning application report provides further information on the work being undertaken including facilities that are currently available but that are going to be upgraded. For example, the layout of the existing facilities is being altered to provide a more efficient use of space and to create secure routes for prisoners through the court building.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160773,"EventID":"S1W-24205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21311 by Lewis MacDonald on 16 January 2002, whether it no longer anticipates that the Order in Council under section 30 of the Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21311 by Lewis MacDonald on 16 January 2002, whether it no longer anticipates that the Order in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 to provide legislative competence to the Scottish Parliament in respect of the promotion and construction of railways will be laid and brought into force during the first half of 2002 and, if so, when the order will be (a) laid and (b) brought into force.","AnswerText":"I currently expect that the Order in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998, to provide legislative competence to the Scottish Parliament in respect of the promotion and construction of railways which start and end and are wholly within Scotland, will be laid during May with a view to bringing the order into force as soon as the completion of the process in the Scottish and UK Parliaments permits.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160774,"EventID":"S1W-24206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what transitional arrangements will be made for any (a) draft provisional orders to authorise railways under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 and (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what transitional arrangements will be made for any (a) draft provisional orders to authorise railways under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 and (b) orders under the Light Railways Act 1896 and Light Railways Act 1912 that have been applied for and are outstanding on the date when the Order in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 on the promotion and construction of railways comes into force.","AnswerText":"No such transitional arrangements are currently being made. There are no current or outstanding applications, and none are anticipated before the Order in Council, under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998, on the promotion and construction of railways comes into force.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160775,"EventID":"S1W-24207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of any concerns of heritage and tourist railway companies about the costs of promoting private bills, the Light Railways Act 1896 and the Light Railway","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of any concerns of heritage and tourist railway companies about the costs of promoting private bills, the Light Railways Act 1896 and the Light Railways Act 1912 will remain in force following introduction of the Order in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 on the promotion and construction of railways, and whether order-making powers under these acts will transfer to Scottish ministers and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"The Light Railways Acts of 1896 and 1912 will remain in force following introduction of the Order in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 on the promotion and construction of railways which start and end and are wholly within Scotland. Order-making powers under these acts, in so far as they are not already devolved, will be transferred to Scottish ministers as soon as the section 30 Order is enforced.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160776,"EventID":"S1W-24208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23494 by Cathy Jamieson on 12 March 2002, whether any local authorities or other local agencies have plans to involve private compa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23494 by Cathy Jamieson on 12 March 2002, whether any local authorities or other local agencies have plans to involve private companies or private finance in assisting those who are temporarily or permanently excluded from school and what its position is on the suitability of any such plans.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold information regarding any plans by local authorities' to involve private companies or private finance in assisting those who are temporarily or permanently excluded from school.

Funding allocated by the Scottish Executive to local authorities under the Alternatives to Exclusion Programme of the Excellence Fund is subject to certain conditions. This includes reporting to the Scottish Executive how the allocated funds have been spent. Local authorities have discretion in determining how best these funds should be spent, provided that they comply with the conditions attached to the funding programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160777,"EventID":"S1W-24209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average quarterly start-up rate of new businesses was between (a) the first quarter of 1995 and the third quarter of 1999 and (b) the third quarter of 1999 and t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average quarterly start-up rate of new businesses was between (a) the first quarter of 1995 and the third quarter of 1999 and (b) the third quarter of 1999 and the latest date for which figures are available, and what the explanation is for any reduction in the start-up rate of new businesses between these dates.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of new VAT registrations relative to the adult population for the years since 1995. VAT registrations provide the primary official data on business starts and only annual figures are available.

VAT registrations in Scotland
 

Annual Registrations per 10,000 adults

1995

27

1996

27

1997

30

1998

29

1999

28

2000

28

average 1995-1999

28

average 1999-2000

28

The Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers produces figures for the number of new business accounts opened with their members. In the period 1995 Q1 to 1999 Q3 the average number of new accounts per quarter was 13.7 per 10,000 adults in Scotland. In the period 1999 Q3 to 2001 Q4 the average rate was 10.4 per 10,000 adults.

There is no single explanation for the change in the rate but it will be strongly influenced by, among other things, the rate of growth in the economy.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160778,"EventID":"S1W-24210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been requested by Her Majesty's Government to undertake consultation on the inclusion of higher education services in ongoing negotiations about strengthen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been requested by Her Majesty's Government to undertake consultation on the inclusion of higher education services in ongoing negotiations about strengthening the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

The UK Government has sought the views of the Scottish Executive on trade in education services, including higher education services, in relation to the current GATS negotiations. My officials have consulted Universities Scotland on this and we will be responding to the UK Government in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160779,"EventID":"S1W-24211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken on including higher education services in the General Agreement on Trade in Services and what responses it has received to any such co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken on including higher education services in the General Agreement on Trade in Services and what responses it has received to any such consultation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24210.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160780,"EventID":"S1W-24212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions it has reached following any consultation that it has undertaken on including higher education services in the General Agreement on Trade in Services and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions it has reached following any consultation that it has undertaken on including higher education services in the General Agreement on Trade in Services and whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government recommending that such services be included in current negotiations on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24210.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160781,"EventID":"S1W-24213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the final report of the MVA study into the benefits of reopening the Stirling - Alloa - Kincardine rail line. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the final report of the MVA study into the benefits of reopening the Stirling - Alloa - Kincardine rail line. ","AnswerText":"I received the final report of MVA's Stirling - Alloa - Kincardine Rail Line Reopening Benefit Study earlier this month. Copies of the report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

The report demonstrates that the project will have significant benefits by reconnecting Alloa to the national rail network; by taking freight trains off the Forth Bridge and improving passenger rail services between Fife and Edinburgh; and by reducing the cost of shipping coal to Longannet Power Station. The report concludes that for both the freight-only and combined passenger and freight options the benefits outweigh the costs.

I am therefore releasing up to £2 million from Clackmannanshire Council's Public Transport Fund (PTF) award to allow the council and other partners in the project to undertake more detailed costings of the works required; to promote the necessary Parliamentary Order to construct the link, and to put together a funding package to complete the project securing contributions from those who will benefit from the new services.

This is an important project with strategic benefits for the Scottish rail network. I have therefore asked my officials to work very closely with Clackmannanshire Council, Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, the Strategic Rail Authority and other partners promoting the project to ensure this project is delivered as early as possible.

Today's announcement also demonstrates that we are committed to delivering rail infrastructure improvements despite the current difficulties facing Railtrack.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160782,"EventID":"S1W-24214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any changes proposed to the structure of the Office of the Accountant in Bankruptcy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any changes proposed to the structure of the Office of the Accountant in Bankruptcy.","AnswerText":"The Accountant in Bankruptcy will become an Executive Agency of the Scottish Executive on 2 April 2002. In many ways the office already operates along agency principles and there will be no change to the statutory functions of the Accountant in Bankruptcy or to his status as an independent statutory officer.

This change will clarify the accountability of the office to both the Scottish Parliament and to Scottish ministers. It will also formalise relationships between the office and the other parts of the Scottish Executive.

All Accountant in Bankruptcy staff are civil servants within the Scottish Executive and will continue to be employed on civil service terms and conditions of service.

Copies of the agency's Framework Document are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20181).","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160783,"EventID":"S1W-24215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in improving the opportunities for victims to participate in the criminal justice system. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in improving the opportunities for victims to participate in the criminal justice system. ","AnswerText":"Following the recent consultation, I am pleased to announce our decision to proceed to pilot Victims' Statements in Scotland. This meets a commitment given in the Scottish Strategy for Victims to improve opportunities for victims to participate in the criminal justice system, by giving them the chance to set out the impact of the crime on them. A summary of the responses to the consultation is being made available to the Parliament's Reference Centre today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160784,"EventID":"S1W-24216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortage of consultants in maxillofacial and oral surgery and, if so, what the shortage is, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a shortage of consultants in maxillofacial and oral surgery and, if so, what the shortage is, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The latest available information from ISD Scotland indicates that there were three consultant vacancies in the specialty of oral surgery, one each in Dumfries and Galloway, Forth Valley and Grampian. This information is as at 30 September 2000 and includes maxillofacial surgeons.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160785,"EventID":"S1W-24217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently on the waiting list for maxillofacial and oral surgery in (a) Scotland and (b) each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently on the waiting list for maxillofacial and oral surgery in (a) Scotland and (b) each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The number of patients waiting for hospital admission for in-patient and day case treatment in the specialty of oral surgery, by NHS board of residence, on 31 December 2001, is given in the following table.

NHSScotland: Number Of Patients Waiting For Hospital Admission For In-patient/Day Case Treatment In The Specialty Of Oral Surgery1 On 31 December 2001. By NHS Board Of Residence.

NHS Board

Number of Patients

Argyll and Clyde

92

Ayrshire and Arran

322

Borders

69

Dumfries and Galloway

78

Fife

391

Forth Valley

65

Grampian

403

Greater Glasgow

213

Highland

106

Lanarkshire

211

Lothian

165

Orkney

29

Shetland

8

Tayside

115

Western Isles

3

Others/Not Known

12

Scotland

2,282

Source: ISD Scotland, SMR3.

Note:

1. Includes Maxillofacial Surgery.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160786,"EventID":"S1W-24218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) target waiting time and (b) average waiting time is for patients on the waiting list for maxillofacial and oral surgery to receive a first appointment with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) target waiting time and (b) average waiting time is for patients on the waiting list for maxillofacial and oral surgery to receive a first appointment with a consultant in (i) Scotland and (ii) each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in oral surgery, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner or General Dental Practitioner, by NHS board of residence, in the year ended 30 September 2001, is given in the following table.

The target waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a Consultant, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner or General Dental Practitioner is 9 weeks.

NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times For A First Out-patient Appointment With A Consultant In Oral Surgery1, Following Referral By A General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner, By NHS Board Of Residence. Year Ending 30 September 2001p.

NHS Board

Median Wait

Argyll and Clyde2

-

Ayrshire and Arran

55 days

Borders

21 days

Dumfries and Galloway

82 days

Fife

52 days

Forth Valley

48 days

Grampian

81 days

Greater Glasgow2

-

Highland

31 days

Lanarkshire2

-

Lothian

26 days

Orkney

52 days

Shetland

28 days

Tayside

74 days

Western Isles

10 days

Scotland2

58 days

Source ISD Scotland, SMR00.

pProvisional.

Notes:

1. Includes most Maxillofacial Surgery.

2. Information for residents of Argyll and Clyde, Greater Glasgow and Lanarkshire NHS Boards is not available due to recording difficulties at Glasgow Dental Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160787,"EventID":"S1W-24219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the care and resettlement of offenders, including offenders from outwith Scotland who have resettled in Scotland following release.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the care and resettlement of offenders, including offenders from outwith Scotland who have resettled in Scotland following release.","AnswerText":"The arrangements relating to the transfer of prisoners between UK and Islands jurisdictions are governed by statute - the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 - and apply across the jurisdictions. They enable prisoners to transfer during the custodial part of their sentence, on an unrestricted or restricted basis or to transfer their supervision on licence on release or subsequently.

Local authorities have a statutory responsibility for providing a range of social work and associated services to prisoners following release into the community in Scotland. The services are provided to enhance community safety and minimise the risk from offenders, including sex offenders and are governed by National Objectives and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System. These have been supplemented by additional guidance on the operation of the provisions in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which allow courts to impose extended sentences, thus providing additional post-release supervision for violent or sex offenders where necessary.

Offenders who are not subject to statutory supervision following release, can receive voluntary assistance in the form of advice, guidance and assistance from the local authorities on release from custody. The aim is to provide a range of supportive services to offenders to assist in the reintegration into the community and reduce the risk of re-offending.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160788,"EventID":"S1W-24220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on reimbursing the costs of care and resettlement of offenders, including any costs incurred by parties outwith the local authority and police force ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on reimbursing the costs of care and resettlement of offenders, including any costs incurred by parties outwith the local authority and police force areas where the offender normally resides.","AnswerText":"The specific costs incurred by local authorities in assisting offenders in their area who have care and resettlement needs, irrespective of their normal place of residence, are eligible for grant under the 100% funding arrangements for criminal justice social work services. The Executive also provides funding to police forces, through Police Grant, to enable them to carry out the full range of their functions.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160789,"EventID":"S1W-24221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for Scotland of the announcement by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Tuesday 19 March 2002 about competition in the wate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for Scotland of the announcement by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Tuesday 19 March 2002 about competition in the water industry in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The announcement has no direct bearing on the position in Scotland.

The Scottish Executive has also been reviewing its plans to introduce a legislative framework to safeguard public health, the environment and social objectives in a more competitive environment. It has concluded that there remains a need for such a framework. However, further consideration of some complex issues is necessary and as a result the Executive has decided that provisions relating to the framework should not be included in the Water Environment and Water Services Bill that is due to be introduced in May.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160790,"EventID":"S1W-24222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what si'e of area was planted with (a) all types of GM crops, (b) GM spring oilseed rape and (c) GM winter oilseed rape and how many trials were carried out for each type","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what si'e of area was planted with (a) all types of GM crops, (b) GM spring oilseed rape and (c) GM winter oilseed rape and how many trials were carried out for each type of GM crop in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001.","AnswerText":"Current approvals for the release of GM crops are listed on the Scottish Executive GM website and full details of all approvals are placed on a public register held by the Executive.

In 1999 the Scottish Executive gave approval for the release of a total of approximately seven hectares of GM herbicide tolerant oilseed rape, in a number of small-scale research plots. The greatest proportion of these were sown with GM winter oilseed rape, while the remainder were sown with the GM spring oilseed rape. No other varieties of GM crop were released in this year. The Farm Scale Evaluation (FSE) Programme had not been embarked upon at this time.

2000 was the first year of the FSEs in Scotland; two hectares of GM spring oilseed rape and 25.5 hectares of GM winter oilseed rape were planted in the FSEs, at a total of five sites. In addition to this, a total of approximately two hectares of GM oilseed rape was planted in small-scale research plots. No other varieties of GM crop were released in 2000.

Nine hectares of GM spring oilseed rape, and 29 hectares of GM winter oilseed rape were grown in the FSEs at a total of seven sites in 2001. A total of approximately 3.5 hectares of GM oilseed rape was planted in small-scale research plots. 0.07 hectares of GM potatoes were also grown in 2001 for research and development purposes. This is not part of the FSE programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160791,"EventID":"S1W-24223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what si'e of area it intends to plant with (a) all types of genetically modified (GM) crops, (b) GM spring oilseed rape and (c) GM winter oilseed rape and how many trials","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what si'e of area it intends to plant with (a) all types of genetically modified (GM) crops, (b) GM spring oilseed rape and (c) GM winter oilseed rape and how many trials will be carried out for each type of GM crop for the year 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not itself plant GM crops. It has however given approval for a maximum of 23 hectares, in total, of GM herbicide tolerant spring oilseed rape to be released at three sites this year as part of the Farm Scale Evaluation Programme. It is possible that the actual area planted will be less than this. No new applications have been received to release any other GM crops in 2002. Existing approvals permit no more than six hectares of GM winter oilseed rape and no more than 0.2 hectares of GM potatoes to be grown for research purposes on Scottish sites in 2002. It is not possible to know at this stage whether planting will proceed under these approvals, or whether any new applications will be received.

Current approvals for the release of GM crops are listed on the Scottish Executive GM website and full details of all approvals are placed on a public register.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160792,"EventID":"S1W-24224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or plans to make, to Her Majesty's Government on Scotland being given full fiscal autonomy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or plans to make, to Her Majesty's Government on Scotland being given full fiscal autonomy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not, and does not, plan to make representation to the UK Government on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160793,"EventID":"S1W-24225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to protect the children of parents who misuse drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to protect the children of parents who misuse drugs.","AnswerText":"Guidance was issued in 1998, Protecting Children-A Shared Responsibility, which sets out how agencies and professionals should work together to protect children from abuse and neglect, and to safeguard and promote their welfare. The Executive also issued further guidance for consultation - Getting Our Priorities Right - in September 2001, which includes guidance to local agencies on preparing policies for the support of drug misusing parents and their children.

With effect from 1 April 2001, the Executive has committed £7 million per annum for three years through the Changing Childrens Services Fund for drugs projects tailored towards children, including support for those whose parents misuse drugs. On 8 February, the Minister for Education announced the allocation of £2 million over three years to Lloyds TSB Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people affected by drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160794,"EventID":"S1W-24226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategies are in place for partnership working between agencies providing support for drug misusers where children are involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategies are in place for partnership working between agencies providing support for drug misusers where children are involved.","AnswerText":"The Executive has set a national standard that all Drug Action Teams and Child Protection Committees should have in place local policies on support to drug misusing parents and their children, in line with national guidance, by 2002. The national guidance is set out in Getting our Priorities Right - I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24225 today.

The Executive will be monitoring the Drug Action Team Corporate Action Plans to assess what progress has been made towards this standard. Child Protection Committees will continue to monitor and review local inter-agency child protection procedures on a regular basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160795,"EventID":"S1W-24227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19339, S1W-19397 and S1W-23505 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 26 November 2001, 11 January 2002 and 12 March 2002, whether it will give","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19339, S1W-19397 and S1W-23505 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 26 November 2001, 11 January 2002 and 12 March 2002, whether it will give full details of any direct discussions with Her Majesty's Government about the impact of the European Commission's Physical Agents directives on the agriculture and transport sectors and why the information requested was not given in the answer to question S1W-23505.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23505 on 12 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160796,"EventID":"S1W-24228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23623 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 March 2002, whether the economic impact assessment will differentiate between Scotland and the rest o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23623 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 March 2002, whether the economic impact assessment will differentiate between Scotland and the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"I understand that Customs and Excise are considering a wide range of issues as part of their consultation on the costs, benefits and practicalities of introducing tax stamps for spirits, including their geographical impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160797,"EventID":"S1W-24229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will present proposals for the provision of portable liquid oxygen that may be prescribed by GPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will present proposals for the provision of portable liquid oxygen that may be prescribed by GPs.","AnswerText":"I will make an announcement on this issue in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160798,"EventID":"S1W-24230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist small businesses in Inverclyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist small businesses in Inverclyde.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with the enterprise networks to stimulate the creation, competitiveness and growth of small businesses. It is doing so particularly through the Small Business Gateway, which is easing access to advice and improving the quality of business support in Scotland, including in the Inverclyde area. There has been an increase in the number of small businesses being supported in Inverclyde since the introduction of Small Business Gateway. The Small Business Gateway Information Centre handled 2,104 business enquiries from April 2001 to 25 March 2002 compared to 1,623 the previous year (through the Business Shop Inverclyde). The local Small Business Gateway advisers are also working with 116 small businesses carrying out Business Healthcheck reviews and helping on a one to one advisory capacity. During 2000-01 this figure was 77. A number of events have been held locally to encourage the take up of advisory support such as marketing clinics and Women into the Network events.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160799,"EventID":"S1W-24231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet with representatives of small businesses and what issues will be discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will next meet with representatives of small businesses and what issues will be discussed.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Small Business Consultative Group met on 26 March 2002. The group discussed a number of issues of interest to the small business community including: the economic situation; regulation; venture capital funding and investor readiness; and small business research.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160800,"EventID":"S1W-24232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its most recent plans are for improving Scotland's skills base.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its most recent plans are for improving Scotland's skills base.","AnswerText":"Future Skills Scotland has been established within the Enterprise Networks to co-ordinate and communicate current and future skills needs as part of the strategy to match skills supply with employer demand. The new unit is working closely with key stakeholders, such as employers, the careers service and education and training providers, to improve Scotland's skills base.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160801,"EventID":"S1W-24233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the circular documents or any other mailings intended for distribution to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools that it has issued in each of the la","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the circular documents or any other mailings intended for distribution to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools that it has issued in each of the last three years and how many pages each such mailing contained.","AnswerText":"The detailed information requested is not held by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160802,"EventID":"S1W-24234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish an open prison for women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish an open prison for women.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The Scottish Prison Service is currently evaluating the need to provide an open facility for women.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160803,"EventID":"S1W-24235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of a recent fire at HM Prison Cornton Vale, the current fire evacuation system in the prison is satisfactory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of a recent fire at HM Prison Cornton Vale, the current fire evacuation system in the prison is satisfactory.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Establishment plans for evacuation were followed and worked effectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160804,"EventID":"S1W-24236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place at HM Prison Cornton Vale to separate drug users from other inmates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place at HM Prison Cornton Vale to separate drug users from other inmates.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

SPS estimate that up to 97% of prisoners at Cornton Vale are drug users on admission. Cornton Vale at present maintains 27 drug-free spaces in Peebles House.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160805,"EventID":"S1W-24237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what inquiry or other investigations are currently taking place in respect of the recent fire in a cell at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what inquiry or other investigations are currently taking place in respect of the recent fire in a cell at HM Prison Cornton Vale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

An investigation was carried out by the prison's Fire Safety Officer and the SPS Fire Safety Adviser.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160806,"EventID":"S1W-24238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered funding the Family Fund Trust in order to facilitate disabled children taking holidays and what conclusions it has reached.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered funding the Family Fund Trust in order to facilitate disabled children taking holidays and what conclusions it has reached.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides over £2 million per year in funding to the Family Fund Trust to provide a range of support, including holidays, to families with severely disabled children.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160807,"EventID":"S1W-24239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend trunk road status to the A83 from Kennacraig to Campbeltown.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend trunk road status to the A83 from Kennacraig to Campbeltown.","AnswerText":"The last review of the trunk road network was launched in October 1994, with the consultation paper Local Government Reform: Shaping the Trunk Road Network. This made a number of proposals geared to provide the road user with a coherent, logical and recognisable trunk road network. The review did not propose extending trunk status to the A83 Kennacraig to Campbeltown. The Executive currently has no plans to revisit this decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160808,"EventID":"S1W-24240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Creagan Road Bridge was commissioned and on what date the bridge was completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the Creagan Road Bridge was commissioned and on what date the bridge was completed.","AnswerText":"The works were commissioned to start on 20 April 1998. On completion the bridge opened to traffic on 21 June 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160809,"EventID":"S1W-24241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any benefit could be gained from the introduction of a formal police caution system for those juveniles and adults who are willing to accept full responsibility f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any benefit could be gained from the introduction of a formal police caution system for those juveniles and adults who are willing to accept full responsibility for their actions, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Alternatives to prosecution and non-court disposals are being considered as part of a Review of Summary Justice, being taken forward by a committee chaired by Sheriff Principal McInnes. The Executive wishes to have the benefit of that committee's recommendations and report, before taking a position on any possible changes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160810,"EventID":"S1W-24242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how information on juveniles who persistently reoffend is tracked and held.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how information on juveniles who persistently reoffend is tracked and held.","AnswerText":"A record of the number of children and young people who are under 16, and some 16- and 17-year olds, who are referred to children's hearings on offence grounds is held by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA). SCRA's IT system is currently being enhanced and improvements will include the ability to hold information that tracks persistent offenders. The Scottish Criminal Record Office maintains a criminal history database which contains details of persons convicted of offences through the Scottish criminal justice system.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160811,"EventID":"S1W-24243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to answer to the question S1W-23115 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 March 2002, whether his use of the word \"prescribes\" complies with the definition contained in the Ne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to answer to the question S1W-23115 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 March 2002, whether his use of the word \"prescribes\" complies with the definition contained in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.","AnswerText":"The Invergarry - Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme 1992 was made under section 7 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, not the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. The Executive is satisfied that the scheme complies with the requirements of the 1984 act.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160812,"EventID":"S1W-24244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has building insurance cover for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has building insurance cover for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No. Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited is responsible for insurance matters, as specified in the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160813,"EventID":"S1W-24245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of building insurance cover is for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost of building insurance cover is for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

This is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160814,"EventID":"S1W-24246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what HM Treasury guidance the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has complied with, as referred to in paragraph 4 of the report by the Auditor General for Scotland in the SPS ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what HM Treasury guidance the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has complied with, as referred to in paragraph 4 of the report by the Auditor General for Scotland in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts for 2000-01 which states that the SPS has \"complied with HM Treasury guidance\" in regard to HM Prison Kilmarnock, given the statement \"that neither party is recognising HMP Kilmarnock as a property asset with both parties claiming to have transferred substantially all risk and rewards associated with ownership of the property asset to each other\".","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Treasury Task Force, Private Finance, Technical Note (Revised).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160815,"EventID":"S1W-24247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23479 and S1W-22767 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 March 2002, how it intends to encourage contributions from the Parliament's Europea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23479 and S1W-22767 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 March 2002, how it intends to encourage contributions from the Parliament's European Committee and the Parliament in advance of Her Majesty's Government contributing to meetings of the EU Council of Ministers.","AnswerText":"We have undertaken to work with the European Committee to develop improved arrangements for the provision of information regarding the Executive's contacts with the UK Government on EU issues, while respecting the need for confidentiality where this applies. I am confident these arrangements will increase the committee's ability to contribute to discussions on current EU issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160816,"EventID":"S1W-24248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23479 and S1W-22767 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 March 2002 regarding the confidentiality of discussions between it and Her Majesty'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23479 and S1W-22767 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 March 2002 regarding the confidentiality of discussions between it and Her Majesty's Government, how it plans to advance transparency in relation to such matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24247.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160817,"EventID":"S1W-24249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which accounts HM Prison Kilmarnock appears as a \"property asset\", given that paragraph 4 of the Auditor General for Scotland's report in the Scottish Prison Service A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which accounts HM Prison Kilmarnock appears as a \"property asset\", given that paragraph 4 of the Auditor General for Scotland's report in the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts for 2000-01 states that the prison does not appear in the Scottish Prison Service's accounts as a \"property asset\".","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The reversionary interest property asset value for HMP Kilmarnock is included in the 2000-01 accounts of the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160818,"EventID":"S1W-24250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the report of the University Registrar's meeting held at Stirling University on 1 March 2002, which concluded that the Arts and Humanities Researc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the report of the University Registrar's meeting held at Stirling University on 1 March 2002, which concluded that the Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB) is not able to \"separately identify awards made to Scottish students. They do not collect information on nationality as part of the application process. Therefore it will not be possible to prove whether #1.4 million transferred from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland to the AHRB is ultimately spent on Scottish students\" and whether the transfer of postgraduate studentships in the humanities from a Scottish to a UK agency represents an accountable use of taxpayer's money. ","AnswerText":"It is not normal practice for the Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB) or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to record the nationality of postgraduate students, as nationality is not used as a criterion in determining eligibility for student support. Under the previous arrangements, whether or not a particular student fell to be dealt with by SAAS or the AHRB was determined by residency. The AHRB currently monitors and will continue to monitor the residency of postgraduate students. It will therefore remain possible to identify those students receiving awards from the AHRB who would previously have fallen within the remit of SAAS.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160819,"EventID":"S1W-24251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the result of the recent consultation exercise on shellfish water designation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the result of the recent consultation exercise on shellfish water designation.","AnswerText":"As a result of the recent consultation exercise an additional 75 areas of Scotland are to be designated under the Shellfish Waters Directive. These areas are in Argyll, Dumfries & Galloway, the Highlands and Islands, North Ayrshire, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, and take account of the views expressed in the consultation exercise.

Seventy-five waters - stretching from Shetland to the Solway Firth - are to be designated for protection, and take account of the views expressed in the recent consultation exercise.

These designations will be good for the industry and good for the wider environment and I am pleased to acknowledge the support of Scotland's shellfish industry in achieving the new designations.

The new designations are:

Boundaries of the Proposed Designations

Name

Location

Argyll and Bute

Camas Nathais

Area inshore of a line drawn between NM 863 375 (Rubha Fion-àird) and NM 871 367 (Rubha Garbh-àird).

Colonsay

Area bounded by lines drawn between NR 340 907 and NR 340 897 and between NR 351 814 and NR 354 910 and between NR 360 903 and NR 360 896.

Dunstaffnage

Area bounded by lines drawn between NM 874 342 and NM 874 350, between NM 874 350 and NM 880 350 and between NM 880 350 and NM 880 345.

Gometra

Area inshore of lines drawn between NM 349 410 and NM 340 410, between NM 340 410 and NM 340 400, and between NM 340 400 and NM 366 396 (Rubha Bhrisdeadh-ramh).

Inverneill, Loch Fyne

Area inshore of lines drawn between NR 850 801 and NR 870 800 and between NR 870 800 and NR 851 811.

Keills, Knapdale

Area bounded by lines drawn between NR 682 791 (Rubha na Cille) and NR 670 820 and between NR 670 820 and NR 694 820.

Kerrera

Area inshore of a line drawn between NM 824 303 and NM 834 306 (Rubh'Ard an Duine) and extending to MLWS.

Lealt, Jura

Area bounded by lines drawn between NR 662 895 (Rubha Camas nam Meanbh-chuileag) and NR 680 900 and Between NR 680 900 and NR 680 931.

Linne Mhuirich

Area inshore of a line drawn between NR 714 824 and NR 719 828.

Lismore

Area south of a line between NM 872 460 and NM 888 460.

Loch a'Chumhainn

Area inshore of a line drawn between NM 386 551 (Rubha an Aird) and NM 408 571 (Quinish Point).

Loch Craignish

\t

Area north east of a line drawn between NR 760 989 (Rubh' an Lionaidh) and NR 783 970.

Loch Feochan

Area inshore of a line drawn between NM 852 236 and NM 852 234 and extending to MLWS.

Loch Gruinart

Reducing the Risk: Improving the response to sex offending, I am pleased to announce our decision to accept the four recommendations which will improve the information provided to courts. These aim to ensure that the court's decisions in relation to sex offenders are founded on the best available information; that report writers have adequate time to prepare reports; and, that they have objective information about the nature of the offence on which to found their assessment of risk. Provision for these recommendations will be included in a Criminal Justice Bill to be introduced shortly. We will be announcing our response to the other recommendations and publishing a full analysis of the consultation exercise in the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160821,"EventID":"S1W-24253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to adult male survivors of childhood abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to adult male survivors of childhood abuse.","AnswerText":"The support referred to in the answer to question S1W-23416 is for all survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Mental health and community care services provided to, amongst others, survivors of childhood sexual abuse are provided regardless of gender.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160822,"EventID":"S1W-24254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the decision of the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO) that no errors were made by SCRO officers in the Shirley McKie case can be reconciled with previous statem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the decision of the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO) that no errors were made by SCRO officers in the Shirley McKie case can be reconciled with previous statements by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and the Lord Advocate on this matter.","AnswerText":"The conclusion of the Independent Scrutiny Committee, which was set up to be independent of SCRO and Strathclyde Joint Police Board, was that there were no matters of misconduct or lack of capability in the work surrounding the fingerprint comparisons made by SCRO officers. The Scrutiny Committee accordingly recommended that no disciplinary action be taken against the four officers concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160823,"EventID":"S1W-24255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that Shirley McKie is paid suitable and fair compensation for the damage to her reputation, career, life and health caused by the false evidence gi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that Shirley McKie is paid suitable and fair compensation for the damage to her reputation, career, life and health caused by the false evidence given in her trial regarding fingerprint identification and, given that the court case took place in 1999, whether it will ensure that such payment is paid without further delay.","AnswerText":"We are presently considering a claim for damages submitted on Ms McKie's behalf by her legal representatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160824,"EventID":"S1W-24256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been done to show whether there is any adverse economic effect on local and national businesses caused by delays at bridge toll booths.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been done to show whether there is any adverse economic effect on local and national businesses caused by delays at bridge toll booths.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not conducted any studies on this issue. Nor are we aware of any work carried out by other organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160825,"EventID":"S1W-24257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much, and what percentage, of the money collected from tolls on the Forth Road Bridge was diverted to finance matters not directly concerned with the management of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much, and what percentage, of the money collected from tolls on the Forth Road Bridge was diverted to finance matters not directly concerned with the management of the bridge in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"All expenditure of money received from tolls on the Forth Road Bridge was on matters relating to the undertaking. This included revenue spent on traffic management schemes that impacted on the bridge's operation, namely:
 

Amount

% of revenue

1998-99

£459, 198

5

1999-2000

£ 13, 775

0.15

2000-01

£ 95, 391

1.05

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160826,"EventID":"S1W-24258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current proposals are in relation to the Forth Road Bridge including any plans for the future management of the bridge and the removal of toll charges, and wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current proposals are in relation to the Forth Road Bridge including any plans for the future management of the bridge and the removal of toll charges, and whether it is currently consulting, or plans to consult, on any such plans and, if so, with whom.","AnswerText":"On 1 April 2002 the Forth Estuary Transport Authority took over responsibility for management, maintenance and operation of the bridge. As well as establishing the new Authority the Executive has extended the present Tolling Order until 31 March 2006. The authority will be tasked with developing a charging strategy, under the terms of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001, which includes the requirement to consult widely on its strategy and obtain Scottish ministers' approval.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160827,"EventID":"S1W-24259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the future funding of the maintenance of the Forth Road Bridge and its approach roads and whether the cost of such maintenance will be financed fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the future funding of the maintenance of the Forth Road Bridge and its approach roads and whether the cost of such maintenance will be financed from road maintenance budgets or other budgets.","AnswerText":"Toll revenue is used to fund the maintenance, management and operation of the Bridge, and this arrangement will continue with establishment of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority on 1 April 2002. The authority will however have the flexibility to use surplus toll revenue more widely. It is entirely up to the authority, subject to the research it undertakes, to determine what it spends its surplus revenue on, provided that it funds schemes that reduce road congestion or encourage the greater use of public transport.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160828,"EventID":"S1W-24260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tinnitus sufferers there currently are in (a) the Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituency and (b) Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tinnitus sufferers there currently are in (a) the Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituency and (b) Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally and should be requested directly from NHS boards.

The review of audiology services commissioned last year, and due to report in the autumn, will collect data on the number of patients being referred for treatment for tinnitus and the services currently available. The review will make recommendations on how NHSScotland should address any shortfalls identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160829,"EventID":"S1W-24261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on treatment of tinnitus sufferers in (a) 1998-1999, (b) 1999-2000 and (c) 2000-01, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on treatment of tinnitus sufferers in (a) 1998-1999, (b) 1999-2000 and (c) 2000-01, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24260.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160830,"EventID":"S1W-24262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any self-help groups for tinnitus sufferers in (a) the north east of Scotland and (b) the Highlands area and whether there are any plans to increase th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any self-help groups for tinnitus sufferers in (a) the north east of Scotland and (b) the Highlands area and whether there are any plans to increase the number of such groups.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24260.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160831,"EventID":"S1W-24263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in reaching its target to reduce the standardised mortality rate from all cancers in people under 75 years old by 20%.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in reaching its target to reduce the standardised mortality rate from all cancers in people under 75 years old by 20%.","AnswerText":"The average standardised mortality rate from all cancers in people aged under 75 years during 1995-97 (the defined baseline) was 167.1 per 100,000 population. For 2000, the latest year for which data are available, the standardised mortality rate was 153.3 per 100,000 population. This equates to a reduction of 8.25%.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160832,"EventID":"S1W-24264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the monies from the annual extra tobacco tax revenues have been spent in each year to date and what plans it has for spending these revenues in future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the monies from the annual extra tobacco tax revenues have been spent in each year to date and what plans it has for spending these revenues in future.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-5895 on 18 May 2000, which confirms hypothecation to the Health Improvement Fund (HIF), and to question S1W-23630 on 4 March 2002, which directs MSPs to the report on the use of the HIF.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160833,"EventID":"S1W-24265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it expects to receive from Her Majesty's Government in extra tobacco tax revenues between 2001 and 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it expects to receive from Her Majesty's Government in extra tobacco tax revenues between 2001 and 2004.","AnswerText":"In the period 2000-04, the Scottish Executive will receive £26 million per annum in Barnett consequentials, as a result of the Chancellors 2000 UK Budget announcement to raise tobacco tax by 5% on top of inflation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160834,"EventID":"S1W-24266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual adult rates of smoking were in each year from 1995 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual adult rates of smoking were in each year from 1995 to date.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the percentage of adults aged between 16-64 years who were regular cigarette smokers in 1995 and 1998. These data are from the Scottish Health Survey, which is carried out periodically and is used as the source for monitoring progress against the smoking reduction target set in Towards a Healthier Scotland. The next Scottish Health Survey is scheduled for 2002 and should be published in 2004.

Year

Males

Females

Total

1995

34%

36%

35%

1998

36%

33%

34%

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160835,"EventID":"S1W-24267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what method it is using to record people's dietary activity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what method it is using to record people's dietary activity.","AnswerText":"Formal reporting mechanisms include The Scottish Health Survey and publications from the Food Standards Agency, HEBS and The Public Health Institute for Scotland and from Scottish Executive funded initiatives to improve Scotland's diet.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160836,"EventID":"S1W-24268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what progress it is making towards its targets to (i) double the average consumption of fruit and vegetables; (ii) increase by nearly half the intake of bread (mainly","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what progress it is making towards its targets to (i) double the average consumption of fruit and vegetables; (ii) increase by nearly half the intake of bread (mainly wholemeal); (iii) double the daily intake of breakfast cereals; (iv) reduce the proportion of total fat and of saturated fat by over 5%; (v) reduce average salt intake by over a third; (vi) halve child intake of non-milk sugar; (vii) increase the intake of non-sugar carbohydrates by a quarter; and (viii) double the consumption of oily fish as referred to in its report Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change, and (b) what the current level of intake is in each of these categories. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Health Surveys conducted in 1995 and 1998 show that:

(i) the proportion of population who eat fresh fruit once a day or more increased between 1995 and 1998. The proportion who eat green vegetables five or more times a week has decreased. Figures are not yet available to allow average consumption to be calculated.

(ii) the proportion who eat four or more slices of bread a day has increased slightly between 1995 and 1998.

(iii) the proportion who eat breakfast cereal has increased slightly.

(iv) fat intake includes many sources including butter and saturated fat margarines, fat in frying and frequency of eating fried foods, dairy produce and meat. There was no comparable information in the 1995 and 1998 Scottish Health Surveys which would allow us to look at consumption of these foods over time.

(v) the proportion of adults who usually or generally add salt to food at the table has decreased between 1995 and 1998.

(vi) in 1995 the Scottish Health Survey only contained information on persons aged between 16 and 64 years. In the 1998 survey this was extended to persons aged between two and 74. Therefore trend data are not available from this source. The next Scottish Health Survey will provide comparable data.

(vii) consumption of potatoes, pasta or rice has increased between 1995 and 1998.

(viii) consumption of oily fish has decreased between 1995 and 1998.

(b) This information will become available with the publication of the Food Standard Agency's National Diet and Nutrition Survey in early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160837,"EventID":"S1W-24269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated to the National Diet Action Co-ordinator over the next three years and what major initiatives are planned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated to the National Diet Action Co-ordinator over the next three years and what major initiatives are planned.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Food and Health Co-ordinator was appointed to support implementation of the Scottish Diet Action Plan's recommendations including work to encourage retailers, manufacturers, primary producers and caterers to play their part in implementing the SDAP recommendations. The Executive supports the implementation of the Scottish Diet Action Plan (SDAP) with dedicated resources of £1 million per annum. Food and health action is also funded from the £26 million Health Improvement Fund.

Among actions under way and planned are the establishment of an expert panel to make recommendations for wide ranging improvements in the nutritional standards and delivery of school meals and the establishment of a Breakfast Services Challenge Fund to expand services targeted on vulnerable children who are most in need of a breakfast service.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160838,"EventID":"S1W-24270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) men and (b) women between the ages of 16 and 64 were (i) moderately active and (ii) vigorously active, as referred to in Cancer in Scotland: Action","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of (a) men and (b) women between the ages of 16 and 64 were (i) moderately active and (ii) vigorously active, as referred to in Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change, in (1) 1997, (2) 1998, (3) 1999, (4) 2000 and (5) 2001. ","AnswerText":"The physical activity levels referred to in the document Cancer in Scotland- Action for Change are collated from the Scottish Health Survey. A survey was carried out in 1995 and 1998, and it is anticipated that it will also be carried out in 2002.

The 1998 survey extended the upper age limit for adults from 64 to 74. In 1998 the number of men and women between the ages of 16 and 74 who were moderately active was 38% and 27% respectively. In 1998 the number of men and women between the ages of 16 and 74 who were vigorously active was 14% and 5% respectively.

Information is not available for 1997, 1999, 2000 or 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160839,"EventID":"S1W-24271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership of the National Physical Activity Taskforce is; when it is next scheduled to meet, and what measures it uses to assess how it has raised the levels of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership of the National Physical Activity Taskforce is; when it is next scheduled to meet, and what measures it uses to assess how it has raised the levels of regular physical activity amongst all age groups.","AnswerText":"The Physical Activity Task Force is next due to meet on 30 April 2002.

A draft strategy for increasing physical activity levels amongst our population will be issued for consultation in June 2002. Following a formal period of consultation with key stakeholders, it is planned that a final strategy will be presented to Scottish Ministers in November 2002. Within the strategy, it is anticipated that the Scottish Health Survey will be the method which will monitor physical activity levels.

The following table shows the members of the Physical Activity Task Force:

Name

Representing

John Beattie (Chair)

Sports Personality

Stephanie-Anne Harris

Early years/ethnic minorities

Dr Helen Zealley, OBE

Public Health

Dave Collins

University of Edinburgh

Sandy Watson

SOLACE

James McLellan

COSLA

Dr George Crooks

GP interest in physical activity

Candace Currie

Childrens health/physical activity

Angus MacDonald

Secondary Education

Anne Pearson

Primary Education

Gabe Docherty

Health Promotion Mgrs Group

Nannette Mutrie

sportscotland

Richard Brickley

Elderly and Disabled

Stuart Mackenzie

Voluntary sector

David Leslie

Voluntary sector

Joan Henderson

Dance

Lindsay McHardy

HEBS

Alan Jones

LA Leisure Depts

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160840,"EventID":"S1W-24272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Scottish Cancer Group has met since its inception, what its remit is and what advice it has issued to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Scottish Cancer Group has met since its inception, what its remit is and what advice it has issued to date.","AnswerText":"Since it was restructured in July 2001 the Scottish Cancer Group (SCG) has met six times.

On 6 November 2001, the first annual implementation/investment plan was published. This is available from the Scottish Executive website at:

www.scotland.gov.uk or from the NHSScotland website at:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk. Copies were also placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17445).

The remit of the SCG is as follows:

1. Advise ministers, the department and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) on the implementation of Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change including;

  • Preparation of an implementation plan
  • Bringing forward annual investment plans for cancer services
  • Monitoring implementation and improvements in services, ensuring sharing of good practice and learning across Scotland

2. Working with the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland, advise on key aspects of service quality which should be monitored at national level.

3. Identify and prioritise those areas in which research and audit are required and to monitor the entry of cancer patients into clinical trials.

4. Evaluate the clinical effectiveness programme in cancer to determine its effect on clinical practice and the delivery of care, taking full account of the patients' perspective.

5. Using local, national and international sources of information to advise on trends in incidence, mortality and morbidity of various forms of cancer and their implications for prevention and service provision.

6. Identify scientific advances relevant to cancer services and advise on their service implications (e.g. the future application of cancer genetics).

7. Advise on the implementation of nationally agreed initiatives for the delivery of cancer services, programmes of prevention and screening.

8. Provide the CMO with an annual report of the work of the Scottish Cancer Group.

9. Provide ad hoc advice on such other matters as may be requested by CMO and/or the Scottish Executive Health Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160841,"EventID":"S1W-24273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in developing a co-ordinated IT system to improve the call/recall arrangements for cervical cancer screening.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in developing a co-ordinated IT system to improve the call/recall arrangements for cervical cancer screening.","AnswerText":"A Scottish Cervical Screening Programme Call/Recall Project Board was established in August 2001 to look at IT options and the development of a national call/recall system.

Work is progressing well and it is expected that the introduction of the system will begin by late spring 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160842,"EventID":"S1W-24274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set up an expert advisory group to advise its Health Department on the outcomes of research into chemo-prevention of cancer and, if so, how many times it i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set up an expert advisory group to advise its Health Department on the outcomes of research into chemo-prevention of cancer and, if so, how many times it is scheduled to meet in the next year, what the membership of the group is and what reports it has produced to date.","AnswerText":"It is felt that the most appropriate way to look at the issues surrounding chemo-prevention, is to establish an annual seminar involving a range of national and international experts, including epidemiologists and others undertaking specific cancer research, to review the published evidence and make recommendations to the Scottish Cancer Group (and through them to ministers and the Scottish Executive Health Department) on any action deemed necessary in the light of that evidence.

It is hoped to hold the first annual seminar in the late summer or early autumn of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160843,"EventID":"S1W-24275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken, with regard to its website, to use infobot technology to speed up responses to the electorate on general issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken, with regard to its website, to use infobot technology to speed up responses to the electorate on general issues.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Website does not use infobot technology. However, our policy for the website is to make it easy for the public to access and use. As well as its current search facilities, for example the website provides a facility for visitors to subscribe to an electronic mailing list for news bulletins. A procurement exercise is currently under way to implement a new search engine.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160844,"EventID":"S1W-24276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has received to support the post office network in deprived urban areas and how this funding will be utilised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has received to support the post office network in deprived urban areas and how this funding will be utilised.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23491 on 15 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160845,"EventID":"S1W-24277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information on children outwith the state school system will be included in the Scottish Exchange for Education Data.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information on children outwith the state school system will be included in the Scottish Exchange for Education Data.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department is currently in discussion with the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), concerning the benefits to independent schools from participation in the Scottish Exchange for Educational Data (SCOTXED) project. No decision has yet been taken on whether information on children educated in independent schools will be transferred electronically as part of the September 2002 Scottish School Census.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160846,"EventID":"S1W-24278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the information gathered through the Scottish Exchange for Education Data will be used solely for statistical purposes or whether information identifiable to ind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the information gathered through the Scottish Exchange for Education Data will be used solely for statistical purposes or whether information identifiable to individuals will be held and, if the latter, what mechanisms will be put in place in order to ensure individual confidentiality; how it will ensure that any such mechanisms are transparent and that the use of such information is open to challenge by the individuals to whom it relates, and how such individuals will be able to make themselves aware that their individual record had been consulted.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will use data collected through the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) project for statistical and research purposes, to inform the development, implementation and monitoring of policy. The Scottish Executive will not use any personal information collected through ScotXed to support decisions or actions in relation to specific individuals.

The Scottish Executive will fully comply with the Data Protection Act in the collection, processing and storing of information relating to individuals. The Scottish Executive will also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice, in the use of ScotXed information, to safeguard confidentiality of individuals. The Scottish Executive will not publish information on individuals, nor shall we make any use of names or other personal details beyond technical and administrative checks to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data.

ScotXed is a partnership of the Scottish Executive Education Department with local authorities, schools, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, HM Inspectorate of Education and Learning and Teaching Scotland to promote the electronic exchange of educational information to common standards. The project will provide better quality information and link-ups between education partners in Scotland, and will encourage the good use of management information by schools and education authorities.

Other organisations within the ScotXed partnership, will make use of the information gathered through ScotXed for administrative and management purposes and to improve the education of pupils.

The multiple use of the same information, much of which already exists on school systems, by different ScoXed partners, will reduce bureaucratic burdens on schools to meet multiple demands for information.

All ScotXed partners are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act when dealing with information relating to individuals.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160847,"EventID":"S1W-24279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will reply to my letter of 30 January 2002 regarding my constituent Mr D Thomson of Macduff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will reply to my letter of 30 January 2002 regarding my constituent Mr D Thomson of Macduff.","AnswerText":"A reply to your letter was issued on 26 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160848,"EventID":"S1W-24280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to my letter dated 30 January 2002 regarding my constituent Mrs A Anderson of Macduff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Health and Community Care will reply to my letter dated 30 January 2002 regarding my constituent Mrs A Anderson of Macduff.","AnswerText":"I replied to the member on 18 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160849,"EventID":"S1W-24281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made regarding Rate Relief for Small Businesses: Consultation Paper, issued in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made regarding Rate Relief for Small Businesses: Consultation Paper, issued in 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20893 on 11 December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160850,"EventID":"S1W-24282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23348 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 March 2002, whether it made inquiries to North Lanarkshire Council to obtain the information requeste","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23348 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 March 2002, whether it made inquiries to North Lanarkshire Council to obtain the information requested on the number of police attendances at residential care facilities in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency prior to providing that answer and, if so, which departments it contacted and on what dates, and whether the information requested will be made available giving the reasons for its response.","AnswerText":"As I said in my answer to question S1W-23348, this information is not held centrally. The deployment of police officers is an operational matter for Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160851,"EventID":"S1W-24283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23458 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, when the offers it received for the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame will no lon","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23458 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, when the offers it received for the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame will no longer be subject to the \"commercial in confidence\" requirement.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Offers received for the former HM Prison Penninghame are subject to the commercial in confidence requirement indefinitely.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160852,"EventID":"S1W-24284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, when the buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame were first placed on the open market a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, when the buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame were first placed on the open market and where the sale was advertised. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The buildings at the former HM Prison Penninghame were placed for sale on the open market on 24 February 2000. The sale was advertised in The Herald and The Scotsman.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160853,"EventID":"S1W-24285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether the sale of buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame was re-advertised after the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether the sale of buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame was re-advertised after the buildings were first placed on the market and, if so, where it was re-advertised.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes. It was re-advertised in the Estates Gazette.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160854,"EventID":"S1W-24286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, what closing date for offers in respect of the sale of buildings at former HM Prison Penn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, what closing date for offers in respect of the sale of buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame was advertised at the time of the buildings first being placed on the open market.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No closing date was advertised at the time of the buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame being placed on the open market.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160855,"EventID":"S1W-24287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether the buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame were ever withdrawn from the market","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether the buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame were ever withdrawn from the market and, if so, how many times and what the reasons were in each case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160856,"EventID":"S1W-24288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, how many offers for buildings at HM Prison Penninghame were received by the closing date ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, how many offers for buildings at HM Prison Penninghame were received by the closing date originally advertised at the time of the buildings first being placed on the open market.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24286 on 8 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160857,"EventID":"S1W-24289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether the buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame were placed again on the open marke","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether the buildings at former HM Prison Penninghame were placed again on the open market following any withdrawal from sale; if so, how many times and, in each case, whether a new closing date for offers in respect of the sale was set and how many offers were received by each such closing date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160858,"EventID":"S1W-24290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to bring nursing degree students currently in their second and third years of study within the revised financial support arrangements due to be int","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it would cost to bring nursing degree students currently in their second and third years of study within the revised financial support arrangements due to be introduced in Autumn 2002 whereby only first and second year students will benefit from the introduction of a non-means-tested bursary, and how it will ensure that such students are not financially disadvantaged in relation to these new arrangements.","AnswerText":"It would cost an additional £2 million between 2002-03 and 2003-04 to include second and third year nursing degree students in the new arrangements. These students will continue to receive their current support of means-tested bursary and non-means-tested student loan, as well as any additional allowances for which they may be eligible.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160859,"EventID":"S1W-24291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mechanism is for evaluating the \"Know The Score\" strategy and what criteria will be applied in the evaluation process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mechanism is for evaluating the \"Know The Score\" strategy and what criteria will be applied in the evaluation process.","AnswerText":"Our Drugs Communications Strategy will be evaluated in several ways. At national level, evaluation will include a tracking study which will measure the impact of the strategy, including shifts in attitudes towards drugs problems. Factors such as hits to the \"Know The Score\" website, calls to the information line and requests for \"Know The Score\" publications will also be taken into account.

Evaluation will also be built into local communications initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160860,"EventID":"S1W-24292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #6.3 million allocated to the \"Know The Score\" strategy will be allocated to treatment and rehabilitation services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #6.3 million allocated to the \"Know The Score\" strategy will be allocated to treatment and rehabilitation services.","AnswerText":"None of the £6.3 million allocated to our Drugs Communications Strategy will be allocated for treatment and rehabilitation services. Treatment and rehabilitation are funded separately, in accordance with our overarching drugs strategy, Tackling Drugs in Scotland - Action in Partnership. In 2001-02 and the following two financial years, we are making available new resources for drugs treatment and rehabilitation of some £13 million and £20 million respectively. This is in addition to the resources already provided by NHS boards and local authorities.

National and local communications will encourage members of the public to find out more about drugs and provide information on where help and advice can be obtained across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160861,"EventID":"S1W-24293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the \"Know The Score\" local communication strategy will be in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the \"Know The Score\" local communication strategy will be in place.","AnswerText":"Work is currently under way with Scotland's Drug Action Teams (DATs) to develop local communications strategies, including the provision of materials funded by the Executive for local use. Scotland's drugs problems are diverse and local strategies will be designed to meet local circumstances and priorities. The National Drugs Communications Co-ordinator has already held a series of seminars to help DATs in developing communications skills and expertise.

The Executive expects local communications strategies to be rolled out in the next 12 months across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160862,"EventID":"S1W-24294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the distribution of funding allocated to the \"Know The Score\" strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the distribution of funding allocated to the \"Know The Score\" strategy.","AnswerText":"We have allocated £6.3 million over three years to support activities falling within the scope of our Drugs Communications Strategy. These activities include national mass media campaigns, the production and distribution of drugs communications materials for national and local use, and the development and implementation of local drugs communications strategies.

The costs incurred to date include the first tranche of advertising at around £650,000. That includes funding for television, press, outdoor (posters), cinema and other media work. Current research costs are around £70,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160863,"EventID":"S1W-24295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of funding for drug treatment and rehabilitation services was in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02, broken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of funding for drug treatment and rehabilitation services was in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-01 and (f) 2001-02, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The following table details the resources allocated to NHS boards for drug treatment services since 1998-99, broken down by NHS board area. Funding for drug services prior to 1998-99 was arranged by contract between the Common Services Agency and individual Boards and the information is not available centrally.

NHS Board

1998-99

(£000)

1999-2000

(£000)

2000-01

(£000)

2001-02

(£000)

Argyll and Clyde

709

901

984

1,111

Ayrshire and Arran

403

535

609

737

Borders

68

96

118

160

Dumfries and Galloway

61

96

124

298

Fife

328

445

514

698

Forth Valley

103

172

226

462

Grampian

750

972

1,085

1,283

Greater Glasgow

2,871

3,502

3,670

4,387*

Highland

86

137

181

300

Lanarkshire

333

497

607

862

Lothian

2,263

2,776

2,922

3,214

Orkney

11

16

20

24

Shetland

28

37

42

46

Tayside

933

1,151

1,225

1,348

Western Isles

13

20

25

43

Total

At the end of 1999, however, the Executive's Policy Unit Review of Drugs Expenditure:

http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/PUDrugExpenRev.htm estimated that £141.5 million is spent each year on action to tackle drugs (£56.1 million specific spend and £85.4 million generic spend ie where a proportion of service time is related to drugs work). In 2000-01, extra resources of £1 million were provided for drugs-related activity in each of three separate areas ie drugs treatment, drugs rehabilitation and work by Social Inclusion Partnerships. In 2001-02, the Executive has made available an additional £28.866 million, bringing the level of funding on tackling drugs to over £170 million per annum.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160865,"EventID":"S1W-24297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it received the draft Structure Plan covering the Stirling area and when it will issue its decision on the plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it received the draft Structure Plan covering the Stirling area and when it will issue its decision on the plan.","AnswerText":"The Clackmannanshire and Stirling Structure Plan was submitted to the Scottish ministers for consideration on 24 August 2000. The plan was approved, with modifications, on 21 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160866,"EventID":"S1W-24298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a young person to be placed in the Young People's Unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a young person to be placed in the Young People's Unit.","AnswerText":"The information is not available in the form requested, however current waiting times range from one week to 24 weeks. All referrals to the Young People's Unit are prioritised according to clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160867,"EventID":"S1W-24299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23288 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 March 2002, when it will report to (a) the Justice Committees and (b) the Parliament on its conclusio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23288 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 March 2002, when it will report to (a) the Justice Committees and (b) the Parliament on its conclusions from its consultation exercise on Huts and Hutters and the report on the Carbeth Hutters by the former Justice and Home Affairs Committee.","AnswerText":"I am aware that constructive discussions are taking place at local level to resolve the difficulties at Carbeth which prompted the committee's report. All of us who are keen to see a fair and amicable settlement to this issue will hope for a positive outcome to the current discussions. I would not, however, wish to intervene in private negotiations, nor would it be appropriate to do so.

I expect within the next few weeks to announce conclusions on the committee's report and the subsequent consultation. It is already clear however that there would be substantial drawbacks to any attempt to legislate in this area. Some of these were recognised by the committee itself. Such legislation would be contrary to fundamental principles of Scots law, in particular that leased land under a short lease reverts to the landlord at expiry of the lease and that property built on leased land belongs to the landlord. Moreover, legislation could not be retrospective or applicable to hutters only, and its promotion might precipitate changes to the ownership and management of comparable estates in Scotland which would be profoundly damaging to the interests of hutters.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160868,"EventID":"S1W-24300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can clarify what was meant by its spokesman's comment that \"the situation was under review\" as reported in The Scotsman on 14 March 2002 in relation to the inc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can clarify what was meant by its spokesman's comment that \"the situation was under review\" as reported in The Scotsman on 14 March 2002 in relation to the incomplete work of the Bathing Waters Review Panel.","AnswerText":"No decision on identifying further bathing waters will be made until the form of the proposed revision of the Bathing Waters Directive (76/160/EEC) becomes clear. This situation is being kept under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160869,"EventID":"S1W-24301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its forthcoming Bathing Water Strategy will result in the award of designated status to the eight currently undesignated beaches which were recently presented wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its forthcoming Bathing Water Strategy will result in the award of designated status to the eight currently undesignated beaches which were recently presented with a Seaside Award.","AnswerText":"The intention of the Bathing Water Strategy is to co-ordinate action towards fulfilling the Scottish Executive's commitment to achieve European standards at Scotland's 60 existing bathing waters.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160870,"EventID":"S1W-24302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Bathing Waters Review Panel will have any input into the forthcoming Bathing Water Strategy and whether the strategy will set out a programme for completing t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Bathing Waters Review Panel will have any input into the forthcoming Bathing Water Strategy and whether the strategy will set out a programme for completing the unfinished work of the Bathing Waters Review Panel as required by the European Directive on Bathing Waters 76/160/EEC.","AnswerText":"The Bathing Waters Review Panel was convened by The Scottish Office specifically to review nominations for the 1998 round of bathing water identifications. The Scottish Executive has no plans to reconvene the panel. We consulted widely when preparing the Bathing Waters Strategy, including all parties with an interest in bathing waters.

The European Directive on Bathing Waters does not specifically require us to make further identifications.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160871,"EventID":"S1W-24303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the reopened waiting lists for clinical psychology and dietetics detailed in the report Review of Learning Disability Services in Forth Valley by the Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the reopened waiting lists for clinical psychology and dietetics detailed in the report Review of Learning Disability Services in Forth Valley by the Scottish Health Advisory Service in December 2001, what steps are being taken in order to guarantee that a waiting list place is available for any patient who needs it.","AnswerText":"Instructions have been issued to NHSScotland, reiterating that it is unacceptable to refuse to accept a referral to an appropriate clinical professional for clinical consultation or treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160872,"EventID":"S1W-24304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Auditor General for Scotland will publish the results of the inquiry into the management of NHS waiting lists and whether the inquiry will include the reopened w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Auditor General for Scotland will publish the results of the inquiry into the management of NHS waiting lists and whether the inquiry will include the reopened waiting lists for clinical psychology and dietetics detailed in the report Review of Learning Disability Services in Forth Valley by the Scottish Health Advisory Service in December 2001.","AnswerText":"Audit Scotland hopes to publish its report in May. It will cover the management of waiting lists in all 28 trusts in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160873,"EventID":"S1W-24305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-23283 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 March 2002 regarding security in the woodwork shed at HM Prison Kilmarnock, whether the Executive end","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-23283 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 March 2002 regarding security in the woodwork shed at HM Prison Kilmarnock, whether the Executive endorses the position of Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) that the \"SPS is satisfied with the performance of the establishment\" in view of the report in the Scottish Daily Mail on 11 March 2002 regarding a claw-hammer attack on an inmate in the shed. ","AnswerText":"Contractual matters are the responsibility of and are monitored carefully by Scottish Prison Service, who continue to regard the performance of the establishment as satisfactory, notwithstanding occasional incidents with which all prisons have to deal with.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160874,"EventID":"S1W-24306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the appropriate level of chiropody and podiatry services which should be commissioned by each Primary Care NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the appropriate level of chiropody and podiatry services which should be commissioned by each Primary Care NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"Chiropody and podiatry services are part of the range of services provided by Primary Care NHS Trusts. It is for the NHS locally to make an assessment of the needs of the local population.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160875,"EventID":"S1W-24307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it plans to provide regarding the appropriate level of chiropody and podiatry services which should be commissioned by each Primary Care NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it plans to provide regarding the appropriate level of chiropody and podiatry services which should be commissioned by each Primary Care NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to publish guidance of this nature. It is for the NHS locally to determine the range and level of services to be provided.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160876,"EventID":"S1W-24308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the implications for the provision of chiropody and podiatry services in the NHS following the publication of the guidelines relating to th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the implications for the provision of chiropody and podiatry services in the NHS following the publication of the guidelines relating to the Scottish Diabetes Framework.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Diabetes Group, the recently established national steering group for the implementation of the Scottish Diabetes Framework, will be taking forward work in relation to diabetic foot care. One of the action points of Scottish Diabetes Framework is to commission (by January 2003) a workforce study of diabetes services in hospitals and the community.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160877,"EventID":"S1W-24309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chiropodists and podiatrists were employed in the NHS in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chiropodists and podiatrists were employed in the NHS in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of chiropodists directly employed by NHSScotland is shown in the following table.

Chiropodists1 directly employed by NHSScotland

Headcount and Whole Time Equivalent at 30 September

 

Headcount

WTE

1996

680

595.8

1997

699

606.9

1998

701

608.9

1999

735

633.0

2000

741

634.7

Source: National Manpower Statistics from payroll ISD Scotland.

Note:

1. Comprises qualified staff only and includes podiatrists.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160878,"EventID":"S1W-24310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people consulted a chiropodist and/or a podiatrist in each of the last five years for which figures are available, expressed also as a percentage of the populati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people consulted a chiropodist and/or a podiatrist in each of the last five years for which figures are available, expressed also as a percentage of the population.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the total number of patients treated by chiropodists and podiatrists over the five-year period 1996 to 2000.

Number of Treatments by Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the NHS

Year

Number of Treatments

1996

467,044

1997

472,820

1998

480,161

1999

494,133

2000

485,959

The figures need to be interpreted with some care. They are based on the number of courses of treatment provided to patients. Some patients will receive more than one course of treatment during the year, and therefore the number of people receiving chiropody or podiatry treatment will be less than the total number of treatments provided.

It is not possible to identify the number of patients who receive more than one course of chiropody or podiatry treatment, and therefore we cannot estimate the number and percentage of people in the population who have seen a chiropodist or podiatrist.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160879,"EventID":"S1W-24311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to issue guidance regarding the minimum level of chiropody and podiatry services which should be available to patients from the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to issue guidance regarding the minimum level of chiropody and podiatry services which should be available to patients from the NHS.","AnswerText":"There are no such plans. It is for the NHS locally to determine the range and level of service provision in accordance with the needs of the population, and national and local priorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160880,"EventID":"S1W-24312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors, or plans to monitor, the level of patients' satisfaction with the NHS's chiropody and podiatry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors, or plans to monitor, the level of patients' satisfaction with the NHS's chiropody and podiatry services.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally. However, as Patient Focus, Public Involvement which was published in December of last year states, feedback on the services the NHS provides should be solicited in a range of ways. A well-targeted survey can provide useful data on specific elements of service user experience. Guidance on the use of surveys in the NHS, based on research carried out in conjunction with the Scottish Consumer Council, will be published shortly. This guidance will be supplemented by information on alternative ways of soliciting feedback from service users.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160881,"EventID":"S1W-24313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has of any increase in the quality of life resulting from effective foot health care provision to (a) children, (b) elderly people and (c) other adults ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has of any increase in the quality of life resulting from effective foot health care provision to (a) children, (b) elderly people and (c) other adults in the last (i) five years and (ii) 10 years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not conducted a survey of the research in this area. The outcomes of research of this nature will be reported in the professional literature. Chiropody and podiatry services are part of the range of services provided by Primary Care NHS trusts. It is for local NHS management to ensure that the provision of services is, where possible evidence based, and in accordance with good professional practice to secure improvements in health.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160882,"EventID":"S1W-24314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the need for chiropody and podiatry services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the need for chiropody and podiatry services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not conducted a survey of the research in this area. The outcomes of research of this nature will be reported in the professional literature. Chiropody and podiatry services are part of the range of services provided by Primary Care NHS Trusts. It is for the NHS locally to make an assessment of the needs of the local population.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160883,"EventID":"S1W-24315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has of any local and regional variations in the provision of chiropody and podiatry treatment by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has of any local and regional variations in the provision of chiropody and podiatry treatment by the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Information and Statistics Division (ISD) of the Common Services Agency, NHSScotland has published a Health Briefing (2001): Community Chiropody Services which presents information on community chiropody and podiatry services in Scotland between 1990-99. The information relates to the number of patients treated, the number of treatments provided, place of treatment and chiropody staffing levels. Further statistical information on the provision of chiropody services is available from the ISD website.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160884,"EventID":"S1W-24316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Health and Community Care will make a ministerial statement on any local and/or regional variations in the provision of chiropody and podiatry tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Health and Community Care will make a ministerial statement on any local and/or regional variations in the provision of chiropody and podiatry treatment by the NHS.","AnswerText":"No such statement is planned.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160885,"EventID":"S1W-24317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) new courses of podiatry and chiropody treatment were started and (b) individual podiatry patients were treated in each of the last five years, broken down by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) new courses of podiatry and chiropody treatment were started and (b) individual podiatry patients were treated in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The number of courses of chiropody and podiatry treatment provided to patients in each Health board area between 1996 and 2000 are shown in the following table.

Number of Treatments Provided by Chiropodists and Podiatrists in the NHS","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160886,"EventID":"S1W-24318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost currently is of chiropody/podiatry treatment by (a) a GP, (b) a nurse, (c) a consultant, (d) a chiropodist/podiatrist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost currently is of chiropody/podiatry treatment by (a) a GP, (b) a nurse, (c) a consultant, (d) a chiropodist/podiatrist.","AnswerText":"The only information that is collected centrally on the cost of chiropody/podiatry services is the cost of an out-patient attendance at a clinic where the patient is seen by a chiropodist. The average cost of an attendance in 2000-01 was £19.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160887,"EventID":"S1W-24319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost currently is of a foot operation when undertaken by (a) an orthopaedic surgeon and (b) a podiatric surgeon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost currently is of a foot operation when undertaken by (a) an orthopaedic surgeon and (b) a podiatric surgeon.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160888,"EventID":"S1W-24320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foot operations in the NHS in Scotland have been undertaken by (a) orthopaedic surgeons and (b) podiatric surgeons in each of the last five years, broken down by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foot operations in the NHS in Scotland have been undertaken by (a) orthopaedic surgeons and (b) podiatric surgeons in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of foot operations performed as in-patients or day cases in the speciality of orthopaedics since 1997-1998, by NHS board of residence, is provided in the following table. In that period, no surgical cases were recorded in the speciality Surgical Podiatry. Information on operations undertaken in an out-patient setting is not available centrally.

The treatment of patients by a Podiatrist is generally undertaken in a primary care setting or at sessions at NHSScotland hospitals, clinics or other Health Service facilities staffed by Professions Allied to Medicine. Information on services provided by Professions Allied to Medicine is not collected centrally.

NHSScotland: Number Of In-patient And Day Case Foot1 Operations Performed By A Consultant In The Specialty Of Orthopaedics. Years Ending 31 March 1998-2001 And 6 Months to 30 September 2001

 

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Argyll and Clyde

53,949

63,034

66,266

74,087

64,960

Ayrshire and Arran

40,824

41,134

43,179

45,074

46,188

Borders

10,590

10,308

11,457

12,322

11,655

Dumfries and Galloway

13,019

13,419

13,433

13,750

13,658

Fife

32,648

29,110

28,196

36,272

37,065

Forth Valley

24,439

23,156

23,157

23,740

24,930

Grampian

39,411

42,109

41,853

43,335

40,936

Greater Glasgow

66,581

66,011

67,155

69,789

75,244

Highland

15,964

16,340

16,483

14,784

14,291

Lanarkshire

48,890

51,329

48,427

42,103

44,376

Lothian

75,892

71,939

70,074

69,665

69,569

Orkney

2,224

2,207

2,321

2,569

2,282

Shetland

2,386

2,711

NHS Board

31 March 1998

31 March 1999

31 March 2000

31 March 2001

6 Months to 30 September 2001P

Argyll and Clyde

162

204

149

155

87

Ayrshire and Arran

193

187

160

189

58

Borders

27

44

47

55

25

Dumfries and Galloway

41

56

64

47

8

Fife

167

204

133

139

67

Forth Valley

105

108

93

116

45

Grampian

232

287

290

222

102

Greater Glasgow

303

305

325

272

117

Highland

68

99

90

89

36

Lanarkshire

195

214

186

166

68

Lothian

296

330

285The workshop recommended that extending passenger services to Dunfermline should not be considered any further as part of the Stirling - Alloa - Kincardine scheme on grounds of cost. No firm estimate was made at the workshop but it was clear that the additional cost would be very significant. It is, of course, open to other parties to assess the feasibility of extending passenger services in the future.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160890,"EventID":"S1W-24322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimation it has made of the cost of extending the Alloa to Stirling rail link to Dunfermline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimation it has made of the cost of extending the Alloa to Stirling rail link to Dunfermline.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24321.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160891,"EventID":"S1W-24323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any off-the-record briefing of journalists about the outcome of the Prison Estates Review took place prior to 17 March 2002, and if not, whether it will undertake","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any off-the-record briefing of journalists about the outcome of the Prison Estates Review took place prior to 17 March 2002, and if not, whether it will undertake an investigation of the Scottish Prison Service to determine whether any member or members of staff leaked details of the review to the media.","AnswerText":"As I said to Parliament on 21 March, I authorised no briefing to anyone prior to that date. In fact I issued specific instructions to the contrary.

I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond to the second part of your question. His response is as follows:

No briefing was given to journalists by SPS and I do not think that SPS staff leaked details of the Estates Review to the media.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160892,"EventID":"S1W-24324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15440 by Sarah Boyack on 11 May 2001, whether the cost of the M74 northern extension will still be allocated in the same proportion","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15440 by Sarah Boyack on 11 May 2001, whether the cost of the M74 northern extension will still be allocated in the same proportions as indicated in that answer; whether a procurement method for the project has been selected; what the latest estimated cost of the project is, and what the projected date is for the commencement of the project.","AnswerText":"The cost of the project is still allocated in the same proportions as indicated in answer to question S1W-15440. The procurement method has still to be decided. The current estimated cost of the project is £245 million (at May 2000 prices). These costs exclude design costs and VAT if applicable. Construction of the scheme is projected to start in autumn 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160893,"EventID":"S1W-24325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12506 by Sarah Boyack on 25 April 2001, whether it is now in a position to provide details of how the Public/Private Partnership (P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12506 by Sarah Boyack on 25 April 2001, whether it is now in a position to provide details of how the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) proposed for the A77/M77 upgrade (Malletsheugh-Fenwick) will differ from that used for the Paddy's Rickle Bridge-Cleuchbrae phase of the M74 and whether the A77/M77 PPP is intended to include operation and maintenance of any section of the A77/M77 corridor other than that to be constructed.","AnswerText":"The proposed PPP for the M77/A77 upgrade reflects the developments in roads PPP projects since the M74 contract was awarded, and in particular there are changes in the payment structure.

The project is being taken forward jointly with the Glasgow Southern Orbital scheme in partnership with East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire Councils. The operation and maintenance obligations under the contract will be limited to the new stretch of the M77, but will also include the Glasgow Southern Orbital and a small section of the A726 trunk road near Philipshill.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160894,"EventID":"S1W-24326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority was originally attached to each trunk road improvement project identified in the Route Action Plan (RAP) for the A77 South of Ayr and whether any of these p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority was originally attached to each trunk road improvement project identified in the Route Action Plan (RAP) for the A77 South of Ayr and whether any of these projects have been (a) abandoned (b) substantially amended or (c) re-programmed as a result of the recent review of the RAP.","AnswerText":"The priority ranking given to each trunk road improvement project identified in the Route Action Plan Firm Strategy Report for the A77 south of Ayr was as follows:

Scheme Location

Ranking

Type of Improvement

Ayr-Minishant

2

Dual carriageway between roundabouts

Minishant-Maybole

3

Dual carriageway between roundabouts

Maybole-Kirkoswald

4

Wide single with full overtaking sight distance

Dalquat-Turnberry

1

Northbound climbing lane

Burnside-Girvan

5

Wide single with full overtaking sight distance

Ardwell-Slockenray

7

Wide single with full overtaking sight distance

Auchencrosh-Carloch

8

Southbound climbing lane

Haggstone-Boundary

6

Northbound climbing lane

The Burnside-Girvan and Dalquat-Turnberry climbing lane schemes have been included in the programme to be constructed, which the former minister announced on 27 March 2001, along with a further scheme at Blackneuk which is now under construction.

None of the other listed improvements have been (a) abandoned, or (b) substantially amended. The Review of Route Action Plans has not yet been completed and further consideration has not been given to the original rankings.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160895,"EventID":"S1W-24327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will collate and publish the figures for fatal road accidents in each of the last ten years and make these available to the Transport Research Laboratory for i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will collate and publish the figures for fatal road accidents in each of the last ten years and make these available to the Transport Research Laboratory for its study of the working of the Road Traffic Act 1991. ","AnswerText":"The numbers of fatal road accidents in each year from 1970 to 2000 inclusive are given in Table 2 of Road Accidents Scotland 2000, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17733). Other tables provide more detailed breakdowns of the numbers of injury road accidents and the numbers of casualties. It is expected that provisional figures for 2001 will be published within the next two months.

All the Scottish figures are made available to the Transport Research Laboratory.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160896,"EventID":"S1W-24328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23454 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether permission could be obtained to release the valuation made for the former HM Pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23454 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether permission could be obtained to release the valuation made for the former HM Prison Penninghame under Section 10 of the Valuation Office Agency's standard conditions of engagement and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No. The answer given to question S1W-24356 reflects the current position.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160897,"EventID":"S1W-24329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much lottery funding has been given to (a) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (b) the Scottish Land Fund in respect of the community right to buy and crofting commu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much lottery funding has been given to (a) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (b) the Scottish Land Fund in respect of the community right to buy and crofting community right to buy elements of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill; whether such contributions were allocated from Scotland's share of lottery funds, and whether such contributions are within the original objectives for the allocation of lottery funding.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Enterprise has received no lottery funding in respect of the Community Right to Buy and Crofting Community Right to Buy elements of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill does not make any financial provision for land purchase by community bodies under either the Community Right to Buy or the Crofting Community Right to Buy Parts. The bill is designed to remove land-based barriers which historically have hampered development.

The Scottish Land Fund was launched by the New Opportunities Fund in February 2001 and it is administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise, on behalf of the New Opportunities Fund.

The £10 million fund is designed to support sustainable rural development in Scotland by helping communities to buy, manage and develop local land and related assets. The Scottish Land Fund will complement the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, but it is not an integral part of it. Funding from the Scottish Land Fund may be one source of support for communities seeking to exercise their rights under the bill.

The £10 million allocated to the Scottish Land Fund amounts to 75% of Scotland's £14 million (11.5%) share of the New Opportunities Fund's £125 million Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities programme.

The New opportunities Fund was created under the National Lottery Act of 1998 to fund Health, Education and Environment projects and the creation of the Scottish Land Fund is consistent with its remit.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160898,"EventID":"S1W-24330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding is planned to be allocated for the (a) community right to buy and (b) crofting community right to buy elements of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding is planned to be allocated for the (a) community right to buy and (b) crofting community right to buy elements of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"As indicated in paragraphs 324 to 334 of the Scottish Executive's Financial Memorandum, which accompanied the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill on introduction to Parliament on 27 November 2001, various costs to the Executive are envisaged in relation to the community and crofting community right to buy provisions of the bill. Further estimated costs to other parties are detailed in paragraphs 337 to 350 of the Financial Memorandum.

The level of funding required to assist community and crofting community bodies in purchasing land under the provisions of the bill will depend on the level of uptake. There will be no financial assistance provided by the Executive towards the cost of purchasing the land itself. It will be for community bodies themselves to look for sources of funding. The Highlands and Islands and Scottish Enterprise Community Land Units and the Scottish Land Fund are one possible route.

Copies of the bill and its accompanying documents are available from the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17790).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160899,"EventID":"S1W-24331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why local authorities and highway agencies are exempt from the proposals set out in Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road Works - A Consultation Paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why local authorities and highway agencies are exempt from the proposals set out in Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road Works - A Consultation Paper.","AnswerText":"The aim of this consultation paper was to evaluate the extent to which utility companies' roadworks caused disruption to road users and what steps could be taken to alleviate any problems identified using the powers contained in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. The relevant provisions of this act extend to utility companies only.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160900,"EventID":"S1W-24332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether road congestion has decreased or increased in each of the last five years and, if there has been an increase, to what extent the level of road works has contribu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether road congestion has decreased or increased in each of the last five years and, if there has been an increase, to what extent the level of road works has contributed to that increase.","AnswerText":"Estimates of traffic growth vary, but the long term trends suggest an increase in traffic volume on major roads between 1990 and 2000 of around 16%.

The aim of Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road Works - A Consultation Paper is to evaluate the extent to which utilities companies roadworks caused disruption to road users and to identify steps that could be taken to alleviate any problems. In addition, the Executive recently commissioned a research project, Assessing the Effectiveness Of Utility Company Roadworks. Copies of the research, which is expected to report in May, will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160901,"EventID":"S1W-24333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it will use to assess the potential impact on its information technology policies, as set out in Connecting Scotland: our broadband future, of the proposals","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it will use to assess the potential impact on its information technology policies, as set out in Connecting Scotland: our broadband future, of the proposals set out in Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road Works - A Consultation Paper.","AnswerText":"The Executive's consultation paper Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road Works invited comments on disruption from road works carried out by utility companies and asked for suggestions on how to alleviate any perceived problems. Once the responses to this consultation paper have been analysed, we will be in a better position to assess whether there are any such problems, and their scale. Thereafter, we will consider what action might be appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160902,"EventID":"S1W-24334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it will use to assess the potential impact on social exclusion of the proposals set out in Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road Works - a Consultation P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it will use to assess the potential impact on social exclusion of the proposals set out in Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road Works - a Consultation Paper.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24333.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160903,"EventID":"S1W-24335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional money will be made available through the Modernising Government Fund to support the many modernisation projects that are under way. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional money will be made available through the Modernising Government Fund to support the many modernisation projects that are under way. ","AnswerText":"I am pleased to say that I have been able to provide up to an additional £15 million to add to the £15 million that was previously announced in the budget.

The fund has attracted 93 bids from the public sector to accelerate change and improve the services they deliver to the public. This injection of up to £30 million of new money over the next two years will help to make that happen.

It is particularly encouraging that nearly all the project proposals involve public organisations working together. It is this joining up of the public sector that will significantly enhance their capability to provide services that are more convenient for the public.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160904,"EventID":"S1W-24336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) people and (b) agencies have been engaged in a consultative capacity by and on behalf of Communities Scotland since its inception and at what cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) people and (b) agencies have been engaged in a consultative capacity by and on behalf of Communities Scotland since its inception and at what cost.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

A total of 27 consultancies have been employed by Communities Scotland since its inception, details of which are given in the following table. The total cost to Communities Scotland is £502,778.

Consultancy

Project

Contract Value

Area Based Studies

EKOS Ltd.

Study into jobs and training opportunities from construction in Glasgow North

£8,187

ODS

Evaluation of Care and Repair small repairs project in Glasgow

£5,000

Glasgow University

Study to consider the feasibility of a housing market database drawing on Glasgow Solicitors Property Centre data

£8,000

Eric Watterson

Technical consultancy services on various development projects

£8,739

Dearle and Henderson

Cliffburn Masterplan - community consultation and preparation of regeneration masterplan for Cliffburn, Arbroath

£16,000

EDAW

Regenerating Stobswell - Feasibility Report

£17,000

NFO System 3 and DTZ Pied

Perth and Kinross and Angus Housing Needs Study

£30,000

Ecological Design Group

Evaluation of 14 new low energy homes for rent at Kincardine O'Neil

£5,000

ODS

Research into BTS Prioritisation in Inverclyde

£9,958

ODS

Appointed a set of residents advisors for residents in the Moorpark area

£5,000

Russell Rowbotham Associates

Appointed a set of residents advisors for residents in the Shortroods area

£5,000

HCH Chapman Hendy Consultants

Research into RSL delivery in Edinburgh

£5,000

Ernst & Young

Discussion Paper looking at low or nil subsidy provision of affordable housing

£10,000

Research

Eddy Adams

Project to scope out Communities Scotland potential role in engaging in international networking activity.

£7,486

Policy Development

Segal Quince Wicksteed

Review of Wider Role Policy

Amounts received as result of housing capital set aside rules £ million (Actual)

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

Aberdeen City

10.50

10.52

10.57

9.10

7.79

Aberdeenshire

6.73

4.26

5.25

6.58

5.113

Angus

3.79

2.59

2.84

3.25

2.316

Argyll and Bute

2.08

1.80

1.91

1.66

1.88

Clackmannanshire

1.53

1.48

1.47

1.39

1.957

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

0.43

0.54

0.35

0.40

0.34

Dumfries and Galloway

5.09

3.28

4.14

4.23

4.25

Dundee City

3.48

3.21

2.62

2.86

2.45

East Ayrshire

4.92

4.15

5.12

5.28

4.75

E. Dunbartonshire

1.85

2.46

2.64

2.33

2.28

East Lothian

Year

Primary Pupils

Secondary Pupils

Total

1998-99

4,402

29,612

34,014

1998-99

(Revised figure)*

  

37,200

1999-2000

4,652

32,954

37,606

2000-01

4,507

33,145

37,652

*In 1999 the overall figure for exclusions for 1998-99 was revised due to resubmission of data from local authorities, in light of additional guidance and discussions. The revised figure was not broken down between primary, secondary and special education pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160907,"EventID":"S1W-24339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each local authority, what percentage of the authority's bills from contractors and suppliers were paid at least 30 days from the due date for payment in the last ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each local authority, what percentage of the authority's bills from contractors and suppliers were paid at least 30 days from the due date for payment in the last year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in table 5 of the Accounts Commission report, Performance Indicators 2000/2001: Benefits, Finance and Corporate Issues, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18782).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160908,"EventID":"S1W-24340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to prepare its departments for the possible introduction of the euro.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to prepare its departments for the possible introduction of the euro.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive took the first steps in 1999 to prepare its departments for the possibility of the UK adopting the euro. Finance staff visited key contacts within the Scottish Executive, in the NHS in Scotland, and in a selection of non-deparmental public bodies (NDPBs), to raise awareness of the consequences of any decision to switch from sterling to the euro. This exercise was updated in late 2001.

One conclusion was that consistent with the Prime Minister's statement to the House of Commons when launching the first Outline National Changeover Plan in 1999, where computer systems are being upgraded, all Scottish Executive departments will build in euro compatibility where that represents value for money. The Scottish Executive has already taken action in this regard, in the recent exercise to replace the core finance system which now has dual currency functionality. This feature would help to ensure that any changeover to the euro was smooth and cost-effective.

Further information on the Scottish Executive's preparations for the possibility of the UK joining Economic and Monetary Union can be found in the detailed response made by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning to the Convener of the Scottish Parliament European Committee on 11 January 2002. That response has been placed with the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the Scottish Executive website. Paragraph 21 of the reply refers to the Scottish Executive's own systems.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160909,"EventID":"S1W-24341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was last represented on the joint central/local government working group set up by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to consider the po","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was last represented on the joint central/local government working group set up by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to consider the possible introduction of the euro and what progress affecting Scotland has been made by the group.","AnswerText":"COSLA represents Scottish interests on the group.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160910,"EventID":"S1W-24342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has established any pilot projects to assist in the preparation for the possible introduction of the euro.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has established any pilot projects to assist in the preparation for the possible introduction of the euro.","AnswerText":"Details of the UK Government's euro preparations work was set out in the Fifth Report on Euro Preparations, published in November 2001. The Scottish Executive has not established any pilot projects as part of that work. The government will continue to provide regular updates in future progress reports. Membership of the single european currency is a reserved issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160911,"EventID":"S1W-24343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the five main causes of death were for (a) males and (b) females aged 35 years and under in each year from 1991 to 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the five main causes of death were for (a) males and (b) females aged 35 years and under in each year from 1991 to 2001.","AnswerText":"All deaths in Scotland are coded according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) which is promulgated by the World Health Organisation. As with all classifications, the ICD tends to group minor categories and split up larger categories. Any choice of a \"top five\" causes of death is therefore somewhat subjective. The following table gives information on causes, or groups of causes, that are considered to be appropriate to the age group of interest. As can be seen, the top five has varied over the period in question.

Deaths Aged Under 35, Selected Causes, by Sex, Scotland

Cause of death

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Males

Suicide (incl. \"undetermined\")

213

251

291

255

250

256

282

268

285

279

Drug dependence

22

14

26

94

111

125

102

125

147

143

Road transport accidents

192

179

144

143

162

148

156

135

124

110

Perinatal conditions

136

136

101

106

91

103

82

98

83

96

Congenital anomalies

99

101

104

74

80

Visits abroad by Scottish residents on a package holiday which were made by flying from an airport outside Scotland (estimated):

Thousands

1996

279

1997

310

1998

306

1999

356

2000

357

These estimates were produced from the results of the International Passenger Survey. This involves interviews with about 0.2% of travellers, so some of the apparent year-to-year fluctuations may be due to sampling variability. Those who took more than one package holiday would be counted once for each visit abroad.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160914,"EventID":"S1W-24346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bilateral meetings have taken place between its Transport Division and Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Division to discuss Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bilateral meetings have taken place between its Transport Division and Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Division to discuss Reducing Disruption from Utilities' Road Works - A Consultation Paper.","AnswerText":"Policy areas throughout the Scottish Executive, including the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Division (ELLD), were consulted before the consultation paper was issued. No bilateral meetings between Transport Officials and ELLD have taken place to date. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24333 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160915,"EventID":"S1W-24347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total fees (a) have been paid and (b) are now due for work by external consultants employed on the Scottish Prison Service'ss Estates Review. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what total fees (a) have been paid and (b) are now due for work by external consultants employed on the Scottish Prison Service'ss Estates Review. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

(a) £107,584 excluding VAT and (b) none.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160916,"EventID":"S1W-24348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answers to questions S1W-2006, S1W-9041, S1W-9042, S1W-9374, S1W-17536, S1W-17721 and S1W-18201 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 November 1999, 31 and 24 August and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answers to questions S1W-2006, S1W-9041, S1W-9042, S1W-9374, S1W-17536, S1W-17721 and S1W-18201 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 November 1999, 31 and 24 August and 4 December 2000 and 12, 20 and 28 September 2001 respectively, why it was possible to provide figures for the number of staff who had left HM Prison Kilmarnock in the answer to S1W-2006, but not respond similarly to the remaining questions on staff turnover on the grounds that the subject was a matter for Premier Prison Services Ltd.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The answer given to question S1W-2006 was given in error shortly after the opening of Kilmarnock and prior to the establishment of arrangements under which the release of information on the company's inputs are the responsibility of KPSL.

On 22 May 2002, Elaine Bailey (Managing Director PPG) gave evidence to the Justice 1 Committee and she described turnover at HM Prison Kilmarnock to be 11%.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160917,"EventID":"S1W-24349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21184 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002, whether the cost of the Controller and his staff is included in the costs for HM Prison","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21184 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002, whether the cost of the Controller and his staff is included in the costs for HM Prison Kilmarnock given in the answers to questions S1W-9796, S1W-10002 and S1W-11308.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160918,"EventID":"S1W-24350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties have been incurred under the contract to operate HM Prison Kilmarnock by the operators of the prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties have been incurred under the contract to operate HM Prison Kilmarnock by the operators of the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

There was a start-up performance deduction of £190,912, and there have been performance related revenue deductions totalling £494,746.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160919,"EventID":"S1W-24351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all costs it incurs associated with HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all costs it incurs associated with HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

In addition to the obligations of the respective parties to the contract, details of which were published on the SPS website on 8 March 2002, SPS also incur costs associated with HMP Kilmarnock in relation to the Assisted Prison Visit Scheme (for prisoners' families); addiction transitional care service (in respect of prisoners released from Kilmarnock); prisoners' discharge grants, and the cost of the controller function.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160920,"EventID":"S1W-24352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it pays any additional fees when the number of prisoners at HM Prison Kilmarnock is greater than the number of places available for prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it pays any additional fees when the number of prisoners at HM Prison Kilmarnock is greater than the number of places available for prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

Details of the payment mechanisms are given in the contract published on 8 March 2002, on the SPS website.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160921,"EventID":"S1W-24353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12540 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, what methodology is used to estimate the cost of the Scottish Prison Service's provisi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12540 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, what methodology is used to estimate the cost of the Scottish Prison Service's provision of a custodial service equivalent to that provided at HM Prison Kilmarnock, detailing the assumptions made with regard to the calculation of net present value, inflation rates, interest rates, design costs, construction costs, financing costs, staff costs and any other relevant costs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The costs for Kilmarnock Prison date back to 1997, the date of contract signature. The most up to date estimates for the delivery of a modern customised service were prepared for the SPS Estates Review, published on 21 March 2002. Full details of the methodology and relevant assumptions are contained in the consultation documents.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160922,"EventID":"S1W-24354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12540 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, what methodology it used to calculate the net present value for HM Prison Kilmarnock a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12540 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, what methodology it used to calculate the net present value for HM Prison Kilmarnock and what assumptions were made in regard to the rate of inflation, interest rates and any other relevant factor.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The net present value for HMP Kilmarnock was calculated based on the cash flow over the 25-year operating period, discounted at 6%, according to HM Treasury guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160923,"EventID":"S1W-24355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12540 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, what its (a) base case, (b) best case and (c) worst case estimates were for the cost o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12540 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, what its (a) base case, (b) best case and (c) worst case estimates were for the cost of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The net present value (NPV) of the contract for HMP Kilmarnock was £133 million, based on the agreed contract pricing. The NPV of the public sector comparator was calculated on a pre- and post-risk basis, amounting to £263 million and £290 million respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160924,"EventID":"S1W-24356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what categories of information it is (a) able to provide, (b) willing to provide, (c) has decided to provide and (d) is unable to provide for legal or other reasons in r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what categories of information it is (a) able to provide, (b) willing to provide, (c) has decided to provide and (d) is unable to provide for legal or other reasons in regard to the valuation and sale of the former HM Prison Penninghame, detailing the reason behind its position in each case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

All information which is not subject to the "commercial-in-confidence" requirement will be provided in respect of the sale of the former HM Prison, Penninghame.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160925,"EventID":"S1W-24357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to introduce scale fees for junior counsel appearing in the sheriff court in legally aided cases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has plans to introduce scale fees for junior counsel appearing in the sheriff court in legally aided cases.","AnswerText":"Fees for junior counsel in criminal proceedings in the sheriff court are prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Criminal Legal Aid (Scotland) (Fees) Regulations 1989. Legal aid fees for junior counsel undertaking civil work in the Sheriff Court are prescribed in Regulation 10(2) of the Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) (Fees) Regulations 1989. This is 90% of the amount of fees, which would be allowed for that work on a taxation of expenses between solicitor and client, third party paying, if the work done were not legal aid.

My officials are in discussion with the Scottish Legal Aid Board about the need for a detailed table of legal aid fees for counsel involved in civil cases in the sheriff court.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160926,"EventID":"S1W-24358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are currently being taken to encourage breastfeeding amongst new mothers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are currently being taken to encourage breastfeeding amongst new mothers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Health Plan Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change set out our target of 50% of mothers breastfeeding at six weeks by 2005. It also laid out our intention to support breastfeeding by local breastfeeding strategies; implementation of the joint WHO/UNICEF initiative on breastfeeding; raising awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding through support by peers and professionals, and enhancing the opportunities for women to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

The Scottish Breastfeeding Group (SBG) and the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) are working to promote, support and sustain breastfeeding and this work includes plans to re-run the advertisement Breastmilk: The World's Best Baby Food during Breastfeeding Awareness Week May 12-18 2002. HEBS has launched a CD-ROM, Breastfeeding: images from Getting off to a Good Start, which can be used royalty free to promote breastfeeding throughout Scotland.

The National Breastfeeding Adviser is also working with NHS boards to encourage and increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding through, for example, the UNICEF Baby Friendly initiatives. Most NHS boards are now implementing a breastfeeding strategy. There are also several Peer Support programmes across many NHS board areas and breastfeeding initiatives are part of a number of Social Inclusion Partnership programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160927,"EventID":"S1W-24359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it makes to produce documents in alternative formats to allow easier access for people with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it makes to produce documents in alternative formats to allow easier access for people with disabilities.","AnswerText":"If a publication is being aimed at an audience who have disabled needs, the department producing the publication would consider supplying the alternative formats of Braille, audio tape and large print. Where an audience includes groups who would benefit from a 14 point text, or Plain English writing then these are also often employed in the main document. All publications are produced at 12 point, in accordance with the spirit of the Disability Discrimination Act (the act does not stipulate rules as to font sizes etc).

If there are no special needs groups with particular format needs, and no stated demand for this, departments have the option of producing the master document with a statement on the reverse cover to the effect that alternative formats are available on request. These alternative versions are then produced on a demand basis.

Each document and its audience is considered individually, and in deciding on the most suitable publication approach the Scottish Executive aims to take into consideration all pertinent factors including the needs of the audience, the subject and context of the document, and appropriate use of finances.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160928,"EventID":"S1W-24360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Women's Consultative Forum last met and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Women's Consultative Forum last met and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Women in Scotland Consultative Forum (WiSCF) last met on 15 May 2000. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the World Conference on Women's Rights held in Beijing in 1995 and address the topics raised in the Platform for Action. A smaller group the Women in Scotland Consultative Review Group met on 26 April 2001 to discuss the future role of the forum. It was agreed to work with Engender and Glasgow Women's Library to develop the WiSCF database and to develop local fora across Scotland. An event has already been held in Glenrothes Fife which was the culmination of a pilot project set up as part of the review. A programme of events based in different communities and areas are being planned during the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160929,"EventID":"S1W-24361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local authorities implement their policy statements for volunteering.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local authorities implement their policy statements for volunteering.","AnswerText":"Volunteer Development Scotland, which receives core funding from the Scottish Executive, has, in partnership with COSLA, issued guidance to all local authorities on how to develop and implement volunteering policies. It is for local authorities themselves to determine how best to make use of volunteers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160930,"EventID":"S1W-24362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the full costs involved in (a) publishing, (b) printing and (c) distributing (i) National Care Standards: School Care Accommodation Services, (ii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the full costs involved in (a) publishing, (b) printing and (c) distributing (i) National Care Standards: School Care Accommodation Services, (ii) National Care Standards: Care Homes for Children and Young People and (iii) National Care Standards: Early Education and Childcare up to the Age of 16.","AnswerText":"The total cost of publishing, printing and distributing each document was as follows:

National Care Standards: School Care Accommodation Services

£7,277.20

National Care Standards: Care Homes for Children and Young People

£7,744.41

National Care Standards: Early Education and Childcare

£21,987.76

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160931,"EventID":"S1W-24363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22206 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether it was consulted by Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust prior to the trust","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22206 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether it was consulted by Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust prior to the trust's decision to extend the closure of paediatric in-patient services at Monklands Hospital indefinitely; on what date it was informed of the trust's decision, and what advice it provided to the trust on the matter.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Lanarkshire. The health department was not, therefore, consulted on the decision to extend the transfer of in-patient paediatric services from Monklands Hospital to Wishaw General Hospital. The health department was advised of this decision by Mr Martin Hill, the Chief Executive of Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust, on 18 March and provided no advice to the trust on what is a matter for local determination.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160932,"EventID":"S1W-24364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22206 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, what studies have been carried out in regard to the impact that the indefinite closu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22206 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, what studies have been carried out in regard to the impact that the indefinite closure of paediatric in-patient services at Monklands Hospital will have on those from the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth parliamentary constituency who use the service; where such services will now be available, and by what means people without access to private transport will be able to access them.","AnswerText":"These are matters for NHS Lanarkshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160933,"EventID":"S1W-24365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it has for ensuring that people resident in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth parliamentary constituency have access to in-patient provision across all NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it has for ensuring that people resident in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth parliamentary constituency have access to in-patient provision across all NHS specialities and what action it has undertaken to guarantee the availability of such services in each of the last twelve months. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24364 on 16 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160934,"EventID":"S1W-24366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22206 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether it was consulted by North Lanarkshire Council prior to Lanarkshire Acute Hos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22206 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether it was consulted by North Lanarkshire Council prior to Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust's decision to extend the closure of paediatric in-patient services at Monklands Hospital indefinitely; on what date any such consultation took place, and what advice it provided to the council on the matter.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Lanarkshire. The health department was not, therefore, consulted by North Lanarkshire Council on the decision to extend the transfer of in-patient paediatric services from Monklands Hospital to Wishaw General Hospital and provided no advice to the council on what is a matter for local determination.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160935,"EventID":"S1W-24367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Real Learning Centres are now open in libraries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Real Learning Centres are now open in libraries.","AnswerText":"Real Learning is a brand name created by the key providers for learning in Glasgow (Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and other partners). I understand that at present there are 15 Real Learning Centres open at various locations in the city, with the possibility of a further eight being opened in the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160936,"EventID":"S1W-24368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in its consideration of responses to the consultation on the draft designation order for the Loch Lomond the Trossachs National Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in its consideration of responses to the consultation on the draft designation order for the Loch Lomond the Trossachs National Park.","AnswerText":"We have completed our consideration of responses to the consultation on the draft Designation Order for the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The draft Designation Order and the draft Elections Order were laid before Parliament on 26 February. The Rural Development Committee formally considered the draft Orders on 26 March when they agreed the motions to approve the Orders.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160937,"EventID":"S1W-24369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it is likely to incur in legal fees as a result of the appeal to the Court of Session against its decision to refuse planning permission for a superquarry at Lin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it is likely to incur in legal fees as a result of the appeal to the Court of Session against its decision to refuse planning permission for a superquarry at Lingerbay, and how much of this figure represents the legal costs for the developer, Lafarge Redland Aggregates Ltd.","AnswerText":"This information is not yet available. When all the accounts have been submitted, I will write to the member with the necessary details and place a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160938,"EventID":"S1W-24370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it is likely to incur in legal fees as a result of the appeal to the Court of Session against its decision to refuse planning permission for the Heathfield Road ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it is likely to incur in legal fees as a result of the appeal to the Court of Session against its decision to refuse planning permission for the Heathfield Road development in Ayr.","AnswerText":"This information is not yet available. However, once Counsels' accounts are submitted, I will write to the member with the necessary details and place a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160939,"EventID":"S1W-24371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Forestry Commission is undertaking any measures to retain the integrity, brand identity and tourism potential of the Queen Eli'abeth Forest Park given the cre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Forestry Commission is undertaking any measures to retain the integrity, brand identity and tourism potential of the Queen Eli'abeth Forest Park given the creation of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.","AnswerText":"The Forestry Commission is indeed taking such measures. It has agreed with the Interim National Park Authority that the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park will retain its own unique identity within the National Park. The commission is also taking this opportunity to review the future branding and promotion of the Forest Park and it is considering introducing an updated logo. Any new logo will, however, retain the main traditional features, including Ben Lomond, forests, lochs and deer. Furthermore, the commission is enhancing the tourism potential of the Forest Park by creating new recreational facilities and improving existing ones. This work is being financed in part by a substantial EU grant.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160940,"EventID":"S1W-24372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing its consultation document Community Budgeting: A consultation on local services and community engagement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing its consultation document Community Budgeting: A consultation on local services and community engagement.","AnswerText":"The publication and printing of the consultation document Community Budgeting: A consultation on local services and community engagement has to date cost £778. In addition, the distribution of the consultation document has so far cost an estimated £209 and the cost of translation currently stands at £864.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160941,"EventID":"S1W-24373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the suicide rate was among (a) men and (b) women prisoners in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the suicide rate was among (a) men and (b) women prisoners in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Rates of suicide for males and females, financial years 1997-2001, per thousand prisoners
 

1996-97

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

(a) Males

2.41

2.03

2.23

2.95

1.94

(b) Females

16.3

5.40

4.72

0

0

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160942,"EventID":"S1W-24374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4927 by Ross Finnie on 21 March 2002, what grants have been awarded to date under the 2002-06 Financial Instrument for Fisheries Gu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4927 by Ross Finnie on 21 March 2002, what grants have been awarded to date under the 2002-06 Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance programmes, broken down by geographical region.","AnswerText":"As at 11 April, under the 2000-06 FIFG programmes, £4.95 million has been awarded to 52 projects in the Highlands and Islands Transitional Objective 1 area and £4.52 million to 44 projects in the rest of Scotland. Details of individual awards are set out in the Executive's press releases SE 1743/2001 of 24 July 2001 and SE 5285/2002 of 4 February 2002, which can be viewed on the Executive's website.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160943,"EventID":"S1W-24375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4927 by Ross Finnie on 21 March 2002, how the #18 million made available to fish processors has been, or will be, distributed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4927 by Ross Finnie on 21 March 2002, how the #18 million made available to fish processors has been, or will be, distributed.","AnswerText":"The £18 million available to fish processors, is distributed through the FIFG Lowland Scotland Processing and Marketing Scheme, under a six-year programme ending in 2006. Processors can apply at any time, and awards are made on a quarterly basis through a competitive selection procedure.

Applications receive priority if they add value in Scotland to primary produce, involve products designed for the export market, result in an increase or safeguarding of employment or demonstrate increased returns to the catching/fish farming sector.

To date 39 applications have been awarded FIFG grant of £3.8 million plus SEERAD support grant of £1.3 million. These awards are expected to generate investment of more than £26 million and lead to the creation of 900 jobs.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160944,"EventID":"S1W-24376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19094 by Iain Gray on 12 November 2001, what measures to encourage the use of alternatives to custody for female offenders are bein","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19094 by Iain Gray on 12 November 2001, what measures to encourage the use of alternatives to custody for female offenders are being considered by the ministerial group on women's offending.","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Report on Women's Offending, A Better Way, was published on 28 February 2002.

The report looks at the pressure points in the Criminal Justice System in respect of women offenders i.e. remands, imprisonment for fine default and short sentences and proposes specific action to address these problems. Specifically, the report proposes the development of a Time Out Centre in Glasgow to provide access to services and specific programmes including assessment, counselling and support for women either on a day or residential basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160945,"EventID":"S1W-24377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the EU Commission decision of 15 March 2002 establishing special health checks for the harvesting and processing of certain bivalve molluscs with a level of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the EU Commission decision of 15 March 2002 establishing special health checks for the harvesting and processing of certain bivalve molluscs with a level of amnesic shellfish poison exceeding the limit laid down by EC Directive 91/492/EEC will have on the fishing industry.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the decision permits gatherers to continue to be able to harvest king scallops with toxin levels of up to 250 micrograms of toxins per gram of flesh compared to the current closure level of 20 micrograms. Whilst there are strict conditions associated with the new limit, this represents a relaxation of the controls set out in Council Directive 91/492/EEC and should, in respect of amnesic shellfish poisoning, result in less extensive closures for shorter periods than would otherwise occur.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160946,"EventID":"S1W-24378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision has been made to enable the fishing industry to comply with the provisions of section 2 of Article 1 of the European Commission's decision on 15 March 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision has been made to enable the fishing industry to comply with the provisions of section 2 of Article 1 of the European Commission's decision on 15 March 2002 in regard to Directive 91/492/EEC.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency advise me that they are currently preparing legislation to cover the provisions of section 2 of article 1 of the EU amnesic shellfish poisoning decision of 15 March. All stakeholders, including the fishing industry, will be consulted on the draft legislation as well as on the enforcement guidance which will accompany it.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160947,"EventID":"S1W-24379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria a mollusc processing plant will have to meet in order to be authorised as an \"approved establishment\" within the terms of section 2(b) of Article 1 of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria a mollusc processing plant will have to meet in order to be authorised as an \"approved establishment\" within the terms of section 2(b) of Article 1 of the European Commission's decision on 15 March 2002 in regard to Directive 91/492/EEC.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the authorisation criteria required by shellfish processing plants will be set out in the legislation and guidance that introduces the options to permit marketing of king scallops with above the present statutory limit of amnesic shellfish poison. Industry will be invited to comment via the statutory consultation, at open meetings and via targeted meetings with trade organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160948,"EventID":"S1W-24380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which mollusc processing plants have been authorised as \"approved establishments\" within the terms of section 2(b) of Article 1 of the European Commission's decision on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which mollusc processing plants have been authorised as \"approved establishments\" within the terms of section 2(b) of Article 1 of the European Commission's decision on 15 March 2002 in regard to Directive 91/492/EEC.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the consultation on the regulatory provisions required to provide for the approval of establishments is not expected to commence until early May. Any premises able to comply with the special conditions set out in the regulations will be able to seek approval from their local food authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160949,"EventID":"S1W-24381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of young people aged 18 and under smoked in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of young people aged 18 and under smoked in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Trend data are not available for smoking among young people aged 18 and under. The nearest available information are from a survey carried out by National Centre for Social Research and the National Foundation for Education Research. These data show the percentage of smokers aged between 12 and 15 years old.

These data show that the percentage of smokers has decreased between 1996 and 1998 and again between 1998 and 2000. The largest decrease has taken place among boys.

Percentage of pupils aged between 12 and 15 who were regular smokers:

Gender

Year

1996

1998

2000

Boys

14

11

8

Girls

14

13

13

Total

14

12

10

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160950,"EventID":"S1W-24382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) birth, (b) mortality and (c) life expectancy rates were for (i) males and (ii) females in each year from 1995-96 to 2000-01 inclusive broken down by NHS boar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) birth, (b) mortality and (c) life expectancy rates were for (i) males and (ii) females in each year from 1995-96 to 2000-01 inclusive broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The latest available information is provided in the following tables:

Birth Rates1 by Health Board Area, 1995-2001

Rates per 1,000 population

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001 2

Scotland

11.7

11.6

11.6

11.2

10.8

10.4

10.3

Argyll and Clyde

11.8

11.6

11.7

10.9

10.7

10.4

9.8

Ayrshire and Arran

11.1

11.0

11.1

10.8

10.0

9.8

9.8

Borders

11.0

10.7

10.7

9.8

9.9

10.0

10.0

Dumfries and Galloway

11.1

10.9

10.6

10.3

9.6

9.4

8.8

Fife

11.5

11.0

11.0

11.0

10.5

10.0

10.4

Forth Valley

11.6

11.6

11.5

11.5

10.9

10.5

10.1

Grampian

11.5

11.4

<","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160951,"EventID":"S1W-24383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government through the Inter-Departmental Group on Older People to reduce the housing benefit taper which require","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government through the Inter-Departmental Group on Older People to reduce the housing benefit taper which requires to pay 65p in every pound earned from occupational or private pensions over the income support level towards their rent and what assessment it has made of the impact on poverty levels among older people such a change may have.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with UK Government ministers and departments on a wide range of issues, including housing benefit. It is for the Department for Work and Pensions to assess the impact of any possible changes to the housing benefit taper.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160952,"EventID":"S1W-24384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government through the Inter-Departmental Group on Older People to reduce the council tax benefit taper which req","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government through the Inter-Departmental Group on Older People to reduce the council tax benefit taper which requires pensioners to pay 20p in every pound earned from their occupational or private pensions over the income support level towards council tax and what assessment it has made of the impact on poverty levels among older people such a change may have.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues. The UK Ministerial Sub-Committee on Older People has replaced the Inter Ministerial Group on Older People and the Minister of State at the Scotland Office is a member of the committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160953,"EventID":"S1W-24385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the maximum grant of #500 available under the Warm Deal is not index linked against inflation and whether it has any plans for it to be so linked.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the maximum grant of #500 available under the Warm Deal is not index linked against inflation and whether it has any plans for it to be so linked.","AnswerText":"The grant maximum for the Warm Deal is kept under review but we believe the current maximum of £500 is adequate. The average grant awarded in 2001-02 was around £320.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160954,"EventID":"S1W-24386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the Warm Deal to allow cross subsidy within a given tenement and multi-storey block of flats in situations where the average grant per flat do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the Warm Deal to allow cross subsidy within a given tenement and multi-storey block of flats in situations where the average grant per flat does not exceed the maximum amount of grant available.","AnswerText":"As with other grant schemes, the Warm Deal is kept under review. However, there are no plans to change the scheme in the way suggested in the question.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160955,"EventID":"S1W-24387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many men (a) were diagnosed and (b) died from prostate cancer in each year from 1996-97 to 2000-01 inclusive, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many men (a) were diagnosed and (b) died from prostate cancer in each year from 1996-97 to 2000-01 inclusive, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The following table 1 shows numbers of cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Scotland by year of diagnosis and NHS board area between 1996 and 1998, the most recent year for which cancer registration figures are available. Results are presented by calendar year for consistency with published data.

Table 1

NHS Board

Year

1996

1997

1998

Argyll and Clyde

165

132

132

Ayrshire and Arran

124

141

135

Borders

71

62

55

Dumfries and Galloway

64

43

54

Fife

174

148

131

Forth Valley

149

130

91

Grampian

223

193

221

Greater Glasgow

320

295

267

Highland

71

108

123

Lanarkshire

176

177

178

Lothian

363

312

289

Orkney

10

8

5

Shetland

11

5

11

Tayside

169

156

151

Western Isles

10

15

19

Total

The following table show the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in each year from 1991 to 1995 inclusive and how many were still alive five years later, by NHS board area. Figures are presented by calendar year for consistency with published data.

Year

NHS Board

Number Diagnosed

Alive 5 years later

1991

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argyll and Clyde

89

25

Ayrshire and Arran

69

22

Borders

24

10

Dumfries and Galloway

42

14

Fife

76

31

Forth Valley

110

61

Grampian

128

51

Greater Glasgow

189

70

Highland

52

25

Lanarkshire

102

43

Lothian

176

70

Orkney

4

1

Shetland

8

1

Tayside

100

39

Western Isles

16

7

1992

 

Argyll and Clyde

95

29

Ayrshire and Arran

78

21

Borders

Median Waiting Times1 for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts and Other Cardiac Surgery2, by NHS Board of residence. Year Ended 30 September 2001P

 

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts

Other Cardiac Surgery

NHS Board

Median Wait (days)

Median Wait (days)

Argyll and Clyde

69

43

Ayrshire and Arran

68

57

Borders

92

104

Dumfries and Galloway

58

46

Fife

84

85

Forth Valley

86

134

Grampian

35

91

Greater Glasgow

65

53

Highland

103

96

Lanarkshire

64

73

Lothian

89

88

Orkney

64

131

Shetland

32

41

Tayside

82

105

Western Isles

70

58

Scotland

70

76

Source: ISD Scotland, SMR01.

P Provisional.

Notes:

1. Patients routinely admitted from the in-patient/day case waiting list (excluding transfers).

2. Patients are defined using operation codes taken from the Office of Population and Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures 4th Revision (OPCS4). CABG has been defined using principal procedure code K40-K46; Other Cardiac Surgery has been defined using principal procedure code K25-K35.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160958,"EventID":"S1W-24390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died while on a waiting list for cardiac surgery in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000 and 2000-01 broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died while on a waiting list for cardiac surgery in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000 and 2000-01 broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-3569 on 21 January 2000, which stated that 67 people died while on the waiting list for cardiac surgery in the year ending 31 March 1999. The information for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 is being collected, and I will write to the member as soon as it is available, and place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160959,"EventID":"S1W-24391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much aggregate external finance would be received by Glasgow City Council in 2002-03 were it to receive a percentage increase in aggregate external finance equal to t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much aggregate external finance would be received by Glasgow City Council in 2002-03 were it to receive a percentage increase in aggregate external finance equal to the average percentage increase in aggregate external finance of other local authorities that year.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council would receive £962.22 million. The council with its financial settlement receives 23% above the Scottish average per head for 2002-03 and is 42%, 8% and 42% above Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh's AEF respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160960,"EventID":"S1W-24392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time was for cataract operations for the most recent period available in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time was for cataract operations for the most recent period available in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for cataract removal, by NHS board of residence, for the year ended 30 September 2001, are given in the following table:

NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times1 for Cataract Removal2, by NHS Board of Residence. Year Ended 30 September 2001P.

NHS Board

Median Wait (days)

Argyll and Clyde

124

Ayrshire and Arran

183

Borders

64

Dumfries and Galloway

114

Fife

120

Forth Valley

110

Grampian

158

Greater Glasgow

99

Highland

73

Lanarkshire

218

Lothian

83

Orkney

175

Shetland

85

Tayside

83

Western Isles

153

Scotland

106

Source: ISD Scotland, SMR01.

P Provisional.

Notes:

1. Patients admitted from the in-patient/day case waiting list. Excludes transfers.

2. Patients are defined using operation codes taken from the Office of Population and Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures 4th Revision (OPCS4). Cataract removal has been defined using principal procedure code C71-C75 and a diagnosis of H25, H26, H28.0, H28.1 or H28.2 from the International Classification Of Diseases 10th Revision.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160961,"EventID":"S1W-24393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hectares of (a) contaminated, (b) derelict and (c) vacant land were reclaimed in each of the last three years and how many hectares of such land remain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hectares of (a) contaminated, (b) derelict and (c) vacant land were reclaimed in each of the last three years and how many hectares of such land remain.","AnswerText":"Figures from the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey are provided in the following tables. Under the definitions used in the survey, all contaminated land is described as being derelict rather than vacant. The survey does not specifically require the testing of sites for contamination. The tables show vacant and derelict land categorised according to its contamination status.

Copies of the 1999, 2000 and 2001 surveys are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 20528, 20526 and 20466 respectively).

Vacant and Derelict Land1 Reclaimed Since the Previous Survey, 19992,3 (hectares)

Contamination status

Derelict Land

Vacant Land

Total Vacant and Derelict Land

Known contamination

37

0

37

Suspected contamination

146

0

146

Known or suspected not to be contaminated

105

216

322

Unknown

482

315

797

Total

770

531

1,301

Vacant and Derelict Land1 Reclaimed Since the Previous Survey, 20002,3 (hectares)

Contamination status

Derelict Land

Vacant Land

Total Vacant and

Derelict Land

Known contamination

58

0

58

Suspected contamination

52

0

52

Known or suspected not to be contaminated

110

141

251

Unknown

102

137

239

Total

321

279

600

Vacant and Derelict Land1 Reclaimed Since the Previous Survey, 20012 (hectares)

Contamination status

Derelict Land

Vacant Land

Total Vacant and

Derelict Land

Known contamination

55

0

55

Suspected contamination

43

0

43

Known or suspected not to be contamin","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160962,"EventID":"S1W-24394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of (a) neurosurgery beds, (b) neurosurgery intensive care beds and (c) specialist neurosurgery staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of (a) neurosurgery beds, (b) neurosurgery intensive care beds and (c) specialist neurosurgery staff.","AnswerText":"These are matters for local health care systems in the first instance, guided by advice from relevant professional bodies. Decisions on these issues will to some extent also depend on the work currently in progress on configuration of neurosurgical services across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160963,"EventID":"S1W-24395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each parliamentary constituency received in lottery funding in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each parliamentary constituency received in lottery funding in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the document PQ S1W-24395: Lottery Funds to Scottish Parliamentary Constituencies for Years - 1999/2000, 2000/2001, 2001/2002, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20579).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160964,"EventID":"S1W-24396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much capital debt was owed (a) by each local authority and (b) per capita in each local authority area on the most recent date for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much capital debt was owed (a) by each local authority and (b) per capita in each local authority area on the most recent date for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the total and per capita amount of capital debt owed by each local authority and joint board as at March 2001:

All Services Debt

(£000)

All Services Debt

per head (£)

Scotland

9,899,031

1,935

Aberdeen City

373,660

1,769

Aberdeenshire

361,270

1,590

Angus

103,083

944

Argyll and Bute

224,112

2,524

Clackmannanshire

74,789

1,543

Dumfries and Galloway

273,794

1,878

Dundee City

281,582

1,973

East Ayrshire

185,952

1,542

East Dunbartonshire

118,116

1,066

East Lothian

137,440

1,506

East Renfrewshire

88,466

985

Edinburgh, City of

838,208

1,849

Eilean Siar

174,924

6,436

Falkirk

196,882

1,364

Fife

487,617

1,392

Glasgow City

2,062,048

3,384

Highland

542,934

2,603

Inverclyde

216,077

2,554

Midlothian

93,360

1,136

Moray

Finance Circular

Title

Bib. No.

8/1996

1996-97 Grant Aided Expenditure Figures

20314

31/1996

1997-98 Aggregate External Finance Distribution Proposals

20051

20/1997

1998-99 Aggregate External Finance Distribution Proposals

20052

19/1998

1999-00 Local Government Finance Settlement

20053

9/1999

2000-01 Local Government Finance Settlement

8310

13/2000

Local Government Finance Settlement: 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04

20054

3/2001

Revised Local Government Settlements: 2001-02 to 2003-04

20316

8/2001

Local Government Finance Settlement: 2002-03, 2003-04

17961

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160966,"EventID":"S1W-24398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expenditure on secondary mental health services was in real terms in each of the last five years for which figures are available and what this represents as a p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expenditure on secondary mental health services was in real terms in each of the last five years for which figures are available and what this represents as a percentage of the hospital and community health services budget in each of these years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows expenditure in real terms on hospital and community services for mental health between 1996-97 and 2000-01. The expenditure figures include resource transfer from health boards to local authorities.

Expenditure on Mental Health Services in Scotland

Year

Expenditure (2000-01 Prices)

(£ million)

Expenditure as a Percentage of Total Expenditure on Hospital and Community Health Services

(%)

1996-97

452.0

14.73

1997-98

456.5

14.65

1998-99

455.1

14.40

1999-2000

485.2

14.82

2000-01

520.9

14.94

Source: Performance Template Returns.

Note:

Expenditure figures have been converted to 2000-01 prices using the GDP deflator.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160967,"EventID":"S1W-24399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capital provision for equipment was (a) allocated and (b) spent in each NHS board area in each year from 1994-95 to 2000-01 inclusive, expressed in real terms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capital provision for equipment was (a) allocated and (b) spent in each NHS board area in each year from 1994-95 to 2000-01 inclusive, expressed in real terms.","AnswerText":"Capital resources are not specifically allocated to individual NHS boards for the provision or replacement of medical equipment.

It is for individual NHS boards to determine annually the level of funding required for new and replacement medical equipment taking into account other local priorities. NHS boards can use both capital and revenue resources to meet equipment costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160968,"EventID":"S1W-24400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any ban on Scottish Prison Service employees contacting (a) their constituency MSP or (b) any MSP in order to discuss the plans for the service which we","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any ban on Scottish Prison Service employees contacting (a) their constituency MSP or (b) any MSP in order to discuss the plans for the service which were announced on 21 March 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

There is no ban on Scottish Prison Service (SPS) employees contacting their MSP in relation to the SPS Estates Review. They can also respond directly provided that they do so in confidence and the response is not made public.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160969,"EventID":"S1W-24401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to gauge the economic and conservation impact of all recent technical and conservation measures implemented by the catching sector of the fishi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to gauge the economic and conservation impact of all recent technical and conservation measures implemented by the catching sector of the fishing industry and what this impact has been.","AnswerText":"The European Commission are committed to undertake a review of the measures implemented under the cod recovery programme by the autumn. The review will take account of the experience gathered during 2002, as well as new scientific information and advice and other relevant data. They also intend to assess the economic and social impact of the revised measures on the relevant fleets.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160970,"EventID":"S1W-24402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total expenditure on transport improvements listed in the regional leaflets associated with its transport delivery report, Scotland's Transport: Delivering Impr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total expenditure on transport improvements listed in the regional leaflets associated with its transport delivery report, Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements, (a) was in each of the past three years and (b) is projected to be in future years, (i) expressed per capita and (ii) broken down by each geographical area.","AnswerText":"The leaflets detail the Scottish Executive's expenditure on transport improvements through to 31 March 2004, across nine regional areas. They cover schemes that have already been delivered, or will be delivered, from funding already in place but they do not include additional spending commitments arising from decisions taken after November 2001, such as the commitments announced on 19 March in Aberdeen, on 11 April in Ballinluig and on 15 April relating to the Ord of Caithness. The total funds committed to those projects included in the leaflets broken down by region and per capita are presented in the following table:

Region

Population*

Total Cost

(£million)

Cost Per Capita

(£)

Schemes†

Highlands AND Islands

325,890

71.029

217.95

193

North East Scotland

525,300

39.622

75.43

76

Northern Isles

42,340

16.741

395.39

69

South East Scotland 1

884,900

145.238

164.13

66

South East Scotland 2

277,600

39.541

142.44

31

Tay

737,500

71.303

96.68

105

West of Scotland 1

521,400

73.358

140.69

99

West of Scotland 2

1,145,050

162.031

141.51

34

West of Scotland 3

1,270,660

158.631

124.84

57

Scotland

5,119,200

665.215

129.95

709

Notes:

*Population figures: Mid-year estimates, GROS, 1999.

† Plus Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets projects designated by local authorities.

A year on year breakdown of the Executive's transport expenditure, actual and planned, for 2000-01 through to 2003-04 is available in The Scottish Budget: 2002-03, published on 2 April. Figures for 1999-2000 are contained in earlier versions.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160971,"EventID":"S1W-24403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the local authority housing capital allocations for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the local authority housing capital allocations for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I am able to announce the local authority housing capital allocations for 2002-03. These are set out in the following table.

Capital Allocation Allocations 2002-03<","AnswerDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160972,"EventID":"S1W-24404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the cost of introducing a Gaelic Language Bill similar to the Welsh Language Act 1993.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the cost of introducing a Gaelic Language Bill similar to the Welsh Language Act 1993.","AnswerText":"The cost would depend on how the provisions in it were to be implemented.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160973,"EventID":"S1W-24405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a voucher scheme for the purchase of a wheelchair similar to the scheme operated in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a voucher scheme for the purchase of a wheelchair similar to the scheme operated in England.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to introduce a wheelchair voucher scheme similar to the scheme operated in England.

Initial evaluation of the English scheme indicated that relatively few wheelchair users benefited from it and it was both expensive and time consuming to operate.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160974,"EventID":"S1W-24406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Ministry of Defence about job losses at the Faslane and Coulport naval dockyards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with the Ministry of Defence about job losses at the Faslane and Coulport naval dockyards.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24408.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160975,"EventID":"S1W-24407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional financial support it plans to make available to Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire to cope with the job losses at the Faslane and Coulport naval dockyard","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional financial support it plans to make available to Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire to cope with the job losses at the Faslane and Coulport naval dockyards.","AnswerText":"The number of any job reductions cannot be confirmed until Babcock Naval Services has reviewed its requirements. However, Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire (SED) is currently considering the potential impact on the local economy and will meet shortly with representatives from the Clyde Base.

Once the scale of any job losses is known, SED will assess the likely cost of the assistance offered to any employees affected. Support will be provided for those affected through dedicated local response teams in conjunction with the Executive's PACE framework. It will be for SED to discuss with Scottish Enterprise any requirement for additional financial assistance which cannot be met from its existing budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160976,"EventID":"S1W-24408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in light of the job losses at the Faslane and Coulport naval dockyards given the existing level of unemployment in the area and the impact these ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in light of the job losses at the Faslane and Coulport naval dockyards given the existing level of unemployment in the area and the impact these job losses will have on the local economy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Ministry of Defence on a wide range of issues including the Faslane and Coulport naval bases. The scale of any job reductions and consequently the deployment of resources to mitigate the effect of job reductions cannot be confirmed until Babcock Naval Services has reviewed its requirements. Officials at Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire (SED) are seeking to assess the potential impact of any redundancies and SED's Chief Executive will meet the naval director of the Clyde complex later this month. Once the Scottish Executive has received a report of the outcome of this meeting, it will consider convening a meeting with interested parties to decide upon appropriate action.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160977,"EventID":"S1W-24409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will work with the Ministry of Defence on the redeployment of redundant workers from the Faslane and Coulport naval dockyards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will work with the Ministry of Defence on the redeployment of redundant workers from the Faslane and Coulport naval dockyards.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24408.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160978,"EventID":"S1W-24410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Ministry of Defence and Her Majesty's Government to provide substantial resources for a job creation programme for the areas a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Ministry of Defence and Her Majesty's Government to provide substantial resources for a job creation programme for the areas affected by redundancies at Faslane and Coulport naval dockyards.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24408.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160979,"EventID":"S1W-24411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18802 by Angus MacKay on 19 November 2001, whether the information given in that answer is comprehensive and accurate given the art","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18802 by Angus MacKay on 19 November 2001, whether the information given in that answer is comprehensive and accurate given the article in the Scotland on Sunday on 24 March 2002 referring to a failure to compile details of the political affiliation of appointments to non-departmental public bodies and whether it has any plans to amend that answer.","AnswerText":"As I made clear in the answer to question S1W-20118 on 26 March 2002 and in a letter to the member, a recent audit of data on political activity of current members of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), discovered that in most cases the correct procedures for recording details of political activity had been followed. However, I regret to say that it also discovered that in 411 individual cases, the political activity declaration had not been completed.

The missing political activity declaration forms do affect the aggregate information about the political activity of appointees serving on NDPBs sponsored by the Executive, which was published in answer to question S1W-18802. Because records on individual appointments going back to 1996 are incomplete, we are unable to publish an amendment to that answer.

I am extremely concerned that the correct procedure was not followed by officials in every case and have raised this matter with the Permanent Secretary. He has, in turn, instructed the Heads of the Executive Departments to ensure that the correct procedures are followed in every respect in future.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160980,"EventID":"S1W-24412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from whom the land was acquired to extend the park and ride facilities at Croy Station as announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from whom the land was acquired to extend the park and ride facilities at Croy Station as announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002; whether this land was purchased or gifted and, if purchased, what costs were involved in total and broken down into the land price and associated charges, and what the date was of completion of the sale.","AnswerText":"The first phase of the extension of park and ride facilities at Croy Station will be constructed on land belonging to North Lanarkshire Council north of the railway and east of the B802 and will remain in the council's ownership. This site was chosen by Strathclyde Passenger Transport because it could be developed quickly to meet the immediate need for additional park and ride opportunities.

Options for siting the second phase of the extended park and ride facilities will be considered by Strathclyde Passenger Transport and North Lanarkshire Council in consultation with Railtrack, ScotRail and landowners. This will form part of a detailed study before any decision is taken on the location and nature of the second phase.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160981,"EventID":"S1W-24413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the extended park and ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002 will be located, de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the extended park and ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002 will be located, detailing the agencies and processes employed in deciding this location.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to S1W-24412.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160982,"EventID":"S1W-24414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any alternative location was considered other than that chosen for the extended park and ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any alternative location was considered other than that chosen for the extended park and ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002 and whether it will detail each alternative site and the reason for the chosen location being preferred in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24412.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160983,"EventID":"S1W-24415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why approval for the proposed scientific trial into the reintroduction of the European beaver in Scotland has not been given and on what date any such approval will be g","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why approval for the proposed scientific trial into the reintroduction of the European beaver in Scotland has not been given and on what date any such approval will be given.","AnswerText":"Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has been developing proposals for a trial re-introduction of the European beaver to Scotland for seven years. In January 2002 an application was submitted to the Executive for a licence to release, following importation and quarantine, a number of beavers in Forest Enterprise land at Knapdale, Argyll.

The SNH proposal raises many questions and it is premature to speculate on when a final decision on SNH's application might be taken. In giving careful consideration to the application, my ministerial colleagues and I will have regard to all relevant factors before any decisions are made. These include the guidelines on re-introductions produced by the IUCN (the World Conservation Union) and the views of ACRE (Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment). The possibility of the Executive conducting a further external consultation cannot be ruled out.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160984,"EventID":"S1W-24416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-23629 by Ross Finnie on 15 March 2002, how many of the 70 fishing vessels whose owners have had decommissioning plans accepted will ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-23629 by Ross Finnie on 15 March 2002, how many of the 70 fishing vessels whose owners have had decommissioning plans accepted will be (a) scrapped (b) permanently re-assigned for a purpose other than fishing and (c) permanently reassigned to a third country as referred to in Article 7 of European Council Regulation 2792/1999.","AnswerText":"All 70 vessels will be scrapped.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160985,"EventID":"S1W-24417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what location the vessels which have had decommissioning plans accepted, and are scheduled to be scrapped, will be scrapped.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what location the vessels which have had decommissioning plans accepted, and are scheduled to be scrapped, will be scrapped.","AnswerText":"Vessels are currently being, or have been scrapped at the following locations:

Arbroath

Carradale

Dunbar

Esbjerg, Denmark

Grenna, Denmark

Kilkeel

Macduff

Newcastle

Orkney

Port Bannatyne

Portavogie

Sandhaven

Stornoway

Stranraer

Vigo, Spain","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160986,"EventID":"S1W-24418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what purpose the vessels which have had decommissioning plans accepted, and are scheduled to be reassigned to a purpose other than fishing, will be reassigned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what purpose the vessels which have had decommissioning plans accepted, and are scheduled to be reassigned to a purpose other than fishing, will be reassigned.","AnswerText":"As at 27 March, no substantive proposals have been submitted by vessel owners for the reassignment of their vessels to a purpose other than fishing under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160987,"EventID":"S1W-24419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to which third country those vessels which have had decommissioning plans accepted, and are scheduled to be reassigned to a third country, will be reassigned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to which third country those vessels which have had decommissioning plans accepted, and are scheduled to be reassigned to a third country, will be reassigned.","AnswerText":"As at 27 March, no substantive proposals have been submitted by vessel owners for the reassignment of their vessels to Third Countries under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160988,"EventID":"S1W-24420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Category A fishing licences, excluding Category A (Pelagic Purser), Category A (Pelagic Free'er) and Category A (Pelagic Trawler), have been (a) surrendered and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Category A fishing licences, excluding Category A (Pelagic Purser), Category A (Pelagic Free'er) and Category A (Pelagic Trawler), have been (a) surrendered and (b) given to new vessels as referred to in paragraph 3 of the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001 since the scheme began.","AnswerText":"As at 26 March, 25 Category A licences have been surrendered as part of the decommissioning process. Decommissioning scheme rules make no provision for the reissue of surrendered licences.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160989,"EventID":"S1W-24421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the exact legal status of snaring within capercaillie habitats.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is the exact legal status of snaring within capercaillie habitats.","AnswerText":"Laws on snaring do not differentiate between land which supports capercaillie populations and other land types. The use of approved snares to control pest species of wild animal, such as foxes and rabbits, is legally permitted, subject to certain conditions relating to their use.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160990,"EventID":"S1W-24422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what conditions snaring within capercaillie habitats is allowed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what conditions snaring within capercaillie habitats is allowed.","AnswerText":"The use of snares to target pest species, such as foxes and rabbits, is a matter for individual landowners or their agents. Snares set must be of an approved type and must, by law, be checked at least once a day.

I understand that guidance on fox control in capercaillie habitats has been produced by the Capercaillie Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group. The guidance, which has been widely circulated to landowners and forest managers, recommends that snares are not set within woods known to hold capercaillie. The guidance also recognises that the fox is a major predator of several species of bird and that capercaillie breed more successfully where foxes and other predators are fewer.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160991,"EventID":"S1W-24423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether snaring within capercaillie habitats can be allowed in the context of the EC Directive on wild birds habitats.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether snaring within capercaillie habitats can be allowed in the context of the EC Directive on wild birds habitats.","AnswerText":"Article 5 of the Wild Birds Directive prohibits the deliberate killing, or capture by any method, of all species of naturally occurring wild birds. The provisions of the directive are given effect in the UK by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offence to intentionally set devices to trap or snare capercaillie. The use of approved snares for legitimate pest control purposes is not prohibited by the act.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160992,"EventID":"S1W-24424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many instances of snaring within capercaillie habitats occurred in 2001, detailing the location of each.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many instances of snaring within capercaillie habitats occurred in 2001, detailing the location of each.","AnswerText":"I have no information on this.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160993,"EventID":"S1W-24425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths of protected bird species occurred as a result of snaring within capercaillie habitats in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many deaths of protected bird species occurred as a result of snaring within capercaillie habitats in 2001.","AnswerText":"I have no information on this.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160994,"EventID":"S1W-24427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any concern has been expressed to it by the Civil Service Commissioners in regard to any appointment made by it since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any concern has been expressed to it by the Civil Service Commissioners in regard to any appointment made by it since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The Civil Service Commissioners have not expressed concern in regard to any appointment made by the Scottish Executive since May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160995,"EventID":"S1W-24428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has requested the Civil Service Commissioners to routinely monitor the appointments it makes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has requested the Civil Service Commissioners to routinely monitor the appointments it makes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is subject to regular audit by the Civil Service Commissioners in relation to posts below Senior Civil Service level. The last such audit took place in March 1999. Approval of individual appointments by the Commissioners is required for appointments in the Senior Civil Service (apart from appointments of less than 12 months).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160996,"EventID":"S1W-24429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any complaints regarding its adherence to the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any complaints regarding its adherence to the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.","AnswerText":"I am not aware of any complaints regarding the Scottish Executive's adherence to the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160997,"EventID":"S1W-24430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17784 by Jackie Baillie on 21 September 2001, when it expects the working group on the withdrawal of Section 54 grants to report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17784 by Jackie Baillie on 21 September 2001, when it expects the working group on the withdrawal of Section 54 grants to report.","AnswerText":"I have asked Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

The working group has advised me that they expect to report by 26 April 2002 on whether withdrawal of the subsidy might jeopardise the viability of individual RSLs or lead to problems in their making adequate provision for future repairs.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160998,"EventID":"S1W-24431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15784 by Sarah Boyack on 11 June 2001, whether any evidence has come to light that the out-going trunk road operating companies neg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15784 by Sarah Boyack on 11 June 2001, whether any evidence has come to light that the out-going trunk road operating companies neglected the clearing of litter from motorways during the final months of the old contracts and whether any additional payments have been requested by, or made to, the new operating companies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the Performance Audit Group have investigated the evidence provided by the new operating companies and reviewed the actions taken by the previous trunk road operators in regard to the clearing of litter from motorways. The Executive's position on the evidence presented is that there is no justification for meeting the claims for additional payments submitted by the operating companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":160999,"EventID":"S1W-24432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15784 by Sarah Boyack on 11 June 2001 in regard to the clearing of litter from motorways by on-going trunk road operating companies","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15784 by Sarah Boyack on 11 June 2001 in regard to the clearing of litter from motorways by on-going trunk road operating companies in the final months of the old contracts, what action has been carried out to investigate the concerns on this matter mentioned in that answer.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive instructed the Performance Audit Group to investigate concerns expressed by the new operating companies and also review the records of actions taken by the previous trunk road operators in regard to the clearing of litter from motorways.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161000,"EventID":"S1W-24433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of Stonehouse Hospital in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of Stonehouse Hospital in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust presently provide a range of clinical services on the Stonehouse Hospital site. With the opening of new District General Hospitals at Hairmyres and Wishaw, management responsibility for Stonehouse transferred to Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust which will replace the facility with a new build development for the existing 40 continuing care beds and a range of out-patient services.

The Primary Care Trust advertised the Stonehouse Hospital project as a Public/Private Partnership project in the Official Journal of the European Community (OJEC) on 4 March 2002. Closure date for expressions of interest is 9 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161001,"EventID":"S1W-24434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14294 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 April 2001, whether proposals for a Tenement Bill have been redrafted and when any such Bill may be in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14294 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 April 2001, whether proposals for a Tenement Bill have been redrafted and when any such Bill may be introduced.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-13602, the proposals for a Tenement Bill will require to be redrafted in the light of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill as it is passed by Parliament. Some technical redrafting has already occurred, and it is likely that more will be required once the Title Conditions Bill is passed. As intimated in the answer given to question S1W-14294, we hope to bring the Title Conditions Bill before Parliament as soon as an opportunity arises in the legislative programme. It is envisaged that a Tenement Bill will be introduced after the Title Conditions Bill is passed, but it is impossible to predict an exact date as it will depend upon legislative time being found. The updated version of the Tenements (Scotland) Bill is available on the Scottish Law Commission's website at http://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk/index-1.htm","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161002,"EventID":"S1W-24435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21605 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 January 2002, whether any investigation is being carried out into the Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21605 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 January 2002, whether any investigation is being carried out into the Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust in order to enable a substantive answer to S1W-21605 to be given and when the question will be answered.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21605 on 26 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161003,"EventID":"S1W-24436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock complies with EU laws on competition, public procurement, monopolies and state aid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock complies with EU laws on competition, public procurement, monopolies and state aid.","AnswerText":"A number of questions have been raised in respect of EU laws, these are currently being investigated.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161004,"EventID":"S1W-24437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating systems were installed under its central heating installation programme in (a) private sector, (b) local authority and (c) housing association pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating systems were installed under its central heating installation programme in (a) private sector, (b) local authority and (c) housing association properties in each local authority area in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested for the private sector part of the central heating programme is not held by local authority area, but 3,500 installations were delivered across Scotland in 2001-02. A report on the results of the programme across all sectors of the stock in 2001-02 will be published later this year. Tables A and B show the position for the local authorities and housing associations respectively.

Table A: Local authorities

Authority

Proposed

Allocations

(£m)

Aberdeen City

5.293

Aberdeenshire

4.495

Angus

1.536

Argyll and Bute

1.607

Clackmannanshire

1.597

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

1.701

Dumfries and Galloway

2.125*

Dundee City

8.436

East Ayrshire

3.489

East Dunbartonshire

2.388

East Lothian

2.510

East Renfrewshire

0.964

City of Edinburgh

14.916

Falkirk

5.369

Fife

7.007

Glasgow City

22.000*

Highland

7.230

Inverclyde

3.965

Midlothian

2.122

Moray

1.848

North Ayrshire

2.953

North Lanarkshire

12.330

Orkney Islands

0.224

Perth and Kinross

2.108

Renfrewshire

8.565

Scottish Borders

0.400*

Shetland

1.000*

South Ayrshire

2.906

South Lanarkshire

Local Authority

Number of Dwellings

Aberdeen

83

Angus

6

Argyll and Bute

28

Dundee

604

East Ayrshire

133

East Dunbarton

8

East Lothian

0

East Renfreshire

61

Edinburgh

140

Falkirk

0

Fife

319

Glasgow

1,352

Highland

24

Inverclyde

84

Midlothian

21

Orkney

60

Renfrewshire

121

Shetland

28

South Lanarkshire

863

West Dunbarton

72

Total*

4,007

Note:

*Local authority stock in Aberdeenshire, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Moray, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Perth and Kinross, Scottish Borders, South Ayrshire, Stirling, West Lothian and Western Isles all have central heating and so were not included in the programme.

Table B: Housing associations

Local Authority Area

Number of Dwellings

Edinburgh

102

Dundee

109

Falkirk

61

Glasgow

281

Inverclyde

22

North Lanarkshire

12

Stirling

19

Total

606**

Note:

**This is an estimat","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161005,"EventID":"S1W-24438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) private sector, (b) local authority and (c) housing association properties in each local authority area will have a central heating system installed under it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) private sector, (b) local authority and (c) housing association properties in each local authority area will have a central heating system installed under its central heating installation programme in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"We cannot identify the number of private sector households that will benefit from the central heating programme by local authority area, but Eaga's budget will provide for 4,600 owner-occupiers and private sector tenants across Scotland in 2002-03 to receive central heating. Allocations for local authorities and housing associations have not yet been finalised for 2002-03, because most of them are still finishing the programme for 2001-02, and so it is not possible to provide the information requested at (b) and (c). The budget for this sector means that around 6,000 local authority tenants and 1,200 housing association tenants should benefit from the programme in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161006,"EventID":"S1W-24439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many private sector properties in each local authority area are still to have a central heating system installed under its central heating installation programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many private sector properties in each local authority area are still to have a central heating system installed under its central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held by local authority area, but we estimate that across Scotland there are 40,000 over 60s in the private sector without central heating or with a system which is broken and beyond repair. Over 3,500 systems have been installed to date. The remainder will be installed between now and March 2006.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161007,"EventID":"S1W-24440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review how victims of crime and their families are treated by the criminal justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review how victims of crime and their families are treated by the criminal justice system.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is demonstrating its continuing commitment to victims and their families within the criminal justice system through the implementation of the Scottish Strategy for Victims. The strategy has been developed by the main criminal justice agencies with the objectives of improving support and information for victims as well as increasing opportunities for victims to participate in the criminal justice system. Each of the agencies has published an action plan to support the strategy and implementation is monitored by the Victims Steering Group, a multi-agency forum which promotes the interests of victims and their families within the justice system.

As a result, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has established the Victim Liaison Office to improve the availability of information about the progress of individual cases reported to Procurators Fiscal for victims and bereaved next of kin. The police have also resolved the data protection issues in relation to passing information to Victim Support Scotland to make it easier for victims of crime who wish it, to get the support they need.

In addition, the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill includes provisions to give victims certain rights to improve the position of victims and their families in the criminal justice system. Thus certain victims of crime, if they wish it, will have a statutory right to be informed of an offender's release from prison; to make representations to the Parole Board before a decision is taken on the release of a prisoner, and to receive information about the outcome of Parole Board reviews and licence conditions. The Executive also plans to pilot a scheme which will allow victims to make a statement about the impact of the crime to better inform decisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161008,"EventID":"S1W-24441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve communication between the police, the procurator fiscal service and the victims of crime and their families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve communication between the police, the procurator fiscal service and the victims of crime and their families.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24440.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161009,"EventID":"S1W-24442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to place a statutory obligation on the police, the Crown Office and the courts system to ensure that the victims of crime and their families are given e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to place a statutory obligation on the police, the Crown Office and the courts system to ensure that the victims of crime and their families are given essential information relating to their case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24440.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161010,"EventID":"S1W-24443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make the criminal justice system more transparent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make the criminal justice system more transparent.","AnswerText":"The Executive is continually looking to improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and we seek wide public involvement in this work.

Lord Bonomy, for example, placed press advertisements seeking views on his review of the High Court and the committee chaired by Sheriff Principal McInnes that is reviewing summary justice has recently issued a consultation paper seeking views from those working in the criminal justice system and from the wider public.

Ministers have announced their intention to establish an independent Judicial Appointments Board whose role will be to make recommendations to the First Minister about the appointment of all new Judges and Sheriffs. The board will have equal numbers of lay and legal members.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161011,"EventID":"S1W-24444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23615 by Allan Wilson on 12 March 2002, whether it will provide a definition of income which will be contained in the regulations p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23615 by Allan Wilson on 12 March 2002, whether it will provide a definition of income which will be contained in the regulations providing for the exemption from water and sewerage charges.","AnswerText":"The Water and Sewerage Charges (Exemption) (Scotland) Regulations 2002, made on 27 March 2002 and which came into force on 1 April 2002, provided a definition of net annual income. This was defined as any income received by a person liable to pay water and sewerage charges, less:

Any funds raised and paid over by that person as a donation to a charity;

Any funds raised and paid over by that person to a parent organisation, and

Any grant paid to that person under any enactment for the purposes of capital expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161012,"EventID":"S1W-24445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated to the microcredit programme in 2001-02 and what funding will be allocated in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated to the microcredit programme in 2001-02 and what funding will be allocated in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated £1 million for the microcredit programme to Scottish Enterprise over a three-year period. In year 2001-02 Scottish Enterprise spent £70,000. The balance of funding is expected to be utilised in years 2002-03 and 2003-04, and into 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161013,"EventID":"S1W-24446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the microcredit programme is exclusively targeted at women and, if so, in what way and how the programme targets match the terms of the announcement made on Inter","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the microcredit programme is exclusively targeted at women and, if so, in what way and how the programme targets match the terms of the announcement made on International Women's Day on 8 March 2000.","AnswerText":"The microcredit programme is not exclusively targeted at women as sex discrimination legislation generally prohibits restricting funding schemes in this way. It is expected, however, that the majority of recipients of microcredit will be women as proposed in the original announcement. Details of the programme are available through Small Business Gateway outlets.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161014,"EventID":"S1W-24447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been disbursed under the microcredit programme in each year from 2000-01 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been disbursed under the microcredit programme in each year from 2000-01 to date.","AnswerText":"The first tranche of funding - £70,000 - was spent in financial year 2001-02 during February-March 2002. Disbursement of funding is a matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161015,"EventID":"S1W-24448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the group lending model proposed for the microcredit programme is suitable for mixed gender groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the group lending model proposed for the microcredit programme is suitable for mixed gender groups.","AnswerText":"Evidence from pilot schemes in the west of Scotland has shown that the group lending model is suitable for women, and women are expected to be the main beneficiaries of the extended scheme. Evaluation of the programme will, however, assess carefully the impact of the scheme on any mixed gender groups established.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161016,"EventID":"S1W-24449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of the National Advisory Forum to take forward the recommendations arising from the Scottish Charity Law Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of the National Advisory Forum to take forward the recommendations arising from the Scottish Charity Law Review.","AnswerText":"The Executive has recently published an analysis of the public consultation on the recommendations in the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission (the McFadden report). Whilst the majority of respondents agreed with the general thrust of the report's recommendations, it is clear that a number of the proposals need some refining if they are to be translated into durable practice.

Officials are now approaching the organisations which have agreed to participate in the Charity Law Advisory Forum which I announced on 23 October 2001. The published analysis will provide important context for the forum's work. We will be expecting the forum to provide advice on the practical aspects of implementing the recommendations in the McFadden report to enable ministers to decide how best to proceed. That advice will be key, not only to the analysis of issues and proposals for legislation but also to the eventual successful implementation of reforms.

In addition to the responses received to the public consultation on McFadden, the forum will have available to it the outcome of our Social Economy Review and any relevant recommendations arising from the Cabinet Office Performance and Innovation Unit's report on charities and not-for-profit organisations.

The following organisations have agreed to be represented on the forum:

Association of Charity Shops

Association of Chief Officers of Voluntary Organisations in Scotland

Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland

British Heart Foundation

Capability Scotland

Charity Commission

Church of Scotland

COSLA

Councils for Voluntary Service Scotland

Inland Revenue (Charities)

Institute of Charity Fundraising Managers

Law Society of Scotland

Roman Catholic Church

Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Scottish Charities Office

Scottish Charity Finance Director's Group

Scottish Council of Independent Schools

Scottish Credit Union Partnership

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

Volunteer Development Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161017,"EventID":"S1W-24450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the National Advisory Forum who will assist in taking forward the recommendations arising from the Scottish Charity Law Review and when the Forum ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the National Advisory Forum who will assist in taking forward the recommendations arising from the Scottish Charity Law Review and when the Forum last met.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24449.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161018,"EventID":"S1W-24451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the training grants available to Alcohol Focus Scotland to meet the increased demand for counsellors arising from its Plan for Action on Al","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase the training grants available to Alcohol Focus Scotland to meet the increased demand for counsellors arising from its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans to increase the training grants to Alcohol Focus Scotland. The Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems has only recently been published and the Executive will give consideration to training grants for Alcohol Focus Scotland as the plan rolls out and priorities are clarified.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161019,"EventID":"S1W-24452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) financial and (b) non-financial assistance it has made available in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in order to support lip-reading skills since the im","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) financial and (b) non-financial assistance it has made available in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in order to support lip-reading skills since the implementation of its policy on this issue and which organisations or other bodies received any such assistance.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive support for lip-reading skills is focussed on the training of tutors in lip-reading, rather than support of classes in particular areas of the country. Support for local classes is a matter for local authorities and health boards.

Grants are made under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to national voluntary organisations and would therefore not be awarded to local organisations in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency.

In 2000-01 a pump-priming grant of £20,000 was made to the Scottish Course to Train Tutors in Lip Reading. Grant for 2001-02 was set at £30,000 and for 2002-03 it has been set at £35,000. These funds will contribute towards the training of up to 15 tutors each year.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161020,"EventID":"S1W-24453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23429 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 March 2002, with which providers of lip-reading skills training it consulted prior to the implement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23429 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 March 2002, with which providers of lip-reading skills training it consulted prior to the implementation of its policy.","AnswerText":"As stated in my previous answer, we are unable to provide a substantive reply at this time, as the whole issue of the provision of lip-reading services in Scotland is currently under discussion.

We have however consulted with the Scottish Course to Training Tutors in Lip-reading.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161021,"EventID":"S1W-24454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet with representatives of Consignia plc to discuss how their restructuring proposals will affect Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet with representatives of Consignia plc to discuss how their restructuring proposals will affect Scotland.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government, including the Scotland Office, on a wide range of issues, including restructuring proposals by Consignia.

I am due to meet members of the Consignia Advisory Board for Scotland on 2 May. No approach for a meeting has been received from trade union representatives.

Current permanent employees are expected to be given a choice of remaining in Consignia in another role or taking a voluntary redundancy package. Support will be provided to any Consignia employees becoming redundant through dedicated local response teams already in place under the Executive's PACE framework. This will ensure a rapid response in terms of retraining/upskilling and advice on employment opportunities. These workers will have early access to Training for Work and Jobcentre Plus programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161022,"EventID":"S1W-24455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet with trade union representatives to discuss any concerns over the recently announced restructuring proposal by Consignia plc.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to meet with trade union representatives to discuss any concerns over the recently announced restructuring proposal by Consignia plc.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24454.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161023,"EventID":"S1W-24456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to minimise the impact of the recently announced restructuring plans by Consignia plc on jobs and services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to minimise the impact of the recently announced restructuring plans by Consignia plc on jobs and services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24454.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161024,"EventID":"S1W-24457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to ensure effective liaison between it, the Scotland Office and Her Majesty's Government to minimise the impact of the recently announced res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to ensure effective liaison between it, the Scotland Office and Her Majesty's Government to minimise the impact of the recently announced restructuring proposals by Consignia plc on jobs and services in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24454.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161025,"EventID":"S1W-24458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23990 by Mr Andy Kerr on 25 March 2002, what specific action it is taking to improve the number of (a) women, (b) people from ethni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23990 by Mr Andy Kerr on 25 March 2002, what specific action it is taking to improve the number of (a) women, (b) people from ethnic minorities and (c) disabled people in senior civil service grades and how progress in this area is monitored.","AnswerText":"The range of measures is set out in our Diversity Strategy, launched in November 2000. Our efforts in the last year have been concentrated in three main areas: awareness raising within the organisation; diversity proofing personnel processes with the aim of removing unnecessary barriers, and outreach work with under represented groups. With regard to monitoring, we produce regular reports against targets for the Executive's Management Group and for Cabinet Office.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161026,"EventID":"S1W-24459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what percentage of, officials in its Personnel Division are members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what percentage of, officials in its Personnel Division are members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.","AnswerText":"There are currently 38 members of staff in the Directorate of Personnel and Pay who are members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. This represents some 25% of the 155 staff currently employed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161027,"EventID":"S1W-24460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what childcare facilities it provides to civil servants; how many childcare places are actually provided, and what the demand is for the provision of childcare facilities","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what childcare facilities it provides to civil servants; how many childcare places are actually provided, and what the demand is for the provision of childcare facilities.","AnswerText":"The Executive currently provides the following childcare facilities for its staff:

Two workplace nurseries, both in Edinburgh, which currently provide care for 66 children, and

Three subsidised holiday play schemes, in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The schemes were attended by 41 children over the Easter and summer breaks last year.

Twenty-seven staff are currently awaiting nursery places.

We are currently undertaking a review of our childcare strategy provision to ensure that the childcare support we provide best meets the needs of staff, their families and those of the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161028,"EventID":"S1W-24461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants work from home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants work from home.","AnswerText":"Twenty-four members of staff currently work permanently from home on a full-time basis and nine do so part-time. Information on staff who work from home on an ad hoc basis is not held centrally. However, 370 staff currently have information technology installed which allows them to work from their home computer.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161029,"EventID":"S1W-24462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards fund intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment for infertility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards fund intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment for infertility.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the NHS boards which currently fund ICSI treatment:

NHS Board

ICSI (Yes/No)

Argyll and Clyde NHS Board

No

Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board

Yes

Borders NHS Board

Yes

Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board

Yes

Fife NHS Board

Yes

Forth Valley NHS Board

Yes

Grampian NHS Board

Yes

Greater Glasgow NHS Board

Yes

Highland NHS Board

Yes

Lanarkshire NHS Board

Yes

Lothian NHS Board

Yes

Orkney NHS Board

Yes

Shetland NHS Board

Yes

Tayside NHS Board

Yes

Western Isles NHS Board

Yes

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161030,"EventID":"S1W-24463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment for infertility will be available in NHS board areas where such treatment is not currently funded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment for infertility will be available in NHS board areas where such treatment is not currently funded.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24462 today, which shows that all NHS boards, except Argyll and Clyde NHS Board, now fund intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment on the NHS. NHS boards were asked to work towards implementation of the recommendations of the EAGISS report, which published in February 2000, within existing resources. Argyll and Clyde NHS board are currently reviewing their progress in implementing the recommendations of the report and this review will include the issue of funding ICSI treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161031,"EventID":"S1W-24464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options are available to patients wishing to access intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment for infertility in areas where the treatment is not currently provided","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options are available to patients wishing to access intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment for infertility in areas where the treatment is not currently provided by the NHS board.","AnswerText":"IVF is funded in all NHS board areas and may offer an alternative where ICSI is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161032,"EventID":"S1W-24465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with its pilot debtline in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with its pilot debtline in Fife.","AnswerText":"The debtline pilot in Fife is part of a joint pilot led by the Department of Trade and Industry. The Fife pilot was launched by myself in Kirkcaldy on 22 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161033,"EventID":"S1W-24466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its proposals for taking forward the principles of the Kerley Report on renewing local democracy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its proposals for taking forward the principles of the Kerley Report on renewing local democracy.","AnswerText":"We indicated in December last year that we would bring forward proposals for taking forward the principles of Kerley before the Easter Recess. We have today published Renewing Local Democracy: the Next Steps which fulfils that commitment. The document includes consideration of issues such as future governance, councillors' remuneration and options for electoral reform. I am placing copies of the document in the Parliament's Reference centre (Bib. number 20270).

There will now be a four-month consultation period on the options set out in the document and we would welcome comments from all those with an interest in the future of local government. Shortly after Parliament reconvenes in September 2002 the Executive will set out the next steps in relation to legislation and the future governance of councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161034,"EventID":"S1W-24467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18396 by Mr Jack McConnell on 18 October 2001, which local authorities currently provide pre-school education for the children of a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18396 by Mr Jack McConnell on 18 October 2001, which local authorities currently provide pre-school education for the children of asylum seekers and refugees.","AnswerText":"The position of children of asylum seekers and refugees, as regards provision in pre-school education, is the same as for any other child of pre-school age resident in a local authority area. Prior to 1 April 2002, local authorities had the power to provide nursery education for all such children whose parents wish it and from that date are under a duty to do so. As the provision is not compulsory and claims are made on a numerical basis, information relating to asylum seekers provided with pre-school education is not available centrally.

I can, however, confirm that asylum seekers are resident in the following authorities:

Aberdeen City

Aberdeenshire

Dumfries and Galloway

Dundee City

East Ayrshire

East Dunbartonshire

East Lothian

East Renfrewshire

City of Edinburgh,

Falkirk

Fife

Glasgow City

Inverclyde

North Ayrshire

North Lanarkshire

Renfrewshire

Stirling

West Lothian.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161035,"EventID":"S1W-24468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18396 by Mr Jack McConnell on 18 October 2001, how much additional funding is being provided to local authorities to provide pre-sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18396 by Mr Jack McConnell on 18 October 2001, how much additional funding is being provided to local authorities to provide pre-school education for the children of asylum seekers and refugees.","AnswerText":"Resources amounting to £137 million were made available in financial year 2001-02 to meet the commitment to provide free part-time pre-school education for eligible children whose parents wish it. As far as pre-school education is concerned, children of asylum seekers and refugees are treated in the same way as children born in this country and, as such, would have formed an element of the total number of children for whom grant was claimed. The significant resources available, proved to be sufficient to meet the total level of claims for pre-school education in financial year 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161036,"EventID":"S1W-24469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any refugees and asylum seekers remain in prisons run by the Scottish Prison Service and, if so, how many and in which establishments they are being held.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any refugees and asylum seekers remain in prisons run by the Scottish Prison Service and, if so, how many and in which establishments they are being held.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

As at 2 April 2002 there were no persons awaiting deportation held by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161037,"EventID":"S1W-24470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17687 by Mr Jack McConnell on 25 September 2001, whether an agreement has been reached between it, the Home Office and South Lanark","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17687 by Mr Jack McConnell on 25 September 2001, whether an agreement has been reached between it, the Home Office and South Lanarkshire Council regarding the most appropriate way to provide education services for any school-aged children resident at Dungavel Detention Centre and what the terms of any such agreement are.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-17687 on 25 September 2001, the operation of Dungavel Detention Centre is the responsibility of the Home Office. Discussions between the Scottish Executive, the Home Office and South Lanarkshire Council are, however, on-going in terms of education provision at the centre. In relation to this a meeting of relevant officials is to take place at the centre in May to ensure education issues are addressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161038,"EventID":"S1W-24471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17687 by Mr Jack McConnell on 25 September 2001, whether there are, or have been, any school-aged children resident at Dungavel Det","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17687 by Mr Jack McConnell on 25 September 2001, whether there are, or have been, any school-aged children resident at Dungavel Detention Centre and what provision was, or is being, made for their education.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-17687 on 25 September 2001, the operation of Dungavel Detention Centre is the responsibility of the Home Office. I understand that school-age children have been accommodated at the centre but this is subject to change on a daily basis. Education is being provided by the contractor operating the centre. As noted in the answer given to question S1W-24470 today, a meeting of relevant officials is to take place in May to ensure education issues are addressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161039,"EventID":"S1W-24472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23394 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 March 2002 in regard to the conclusions of a report by the Transport Research Laboratory on whether l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23394 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 March 2002 in regard to the conclusions of a report by the Transport Research Laboratory on whether limited resources are affecting the quality of police investigations, what action it proposes to address the situation in this respect and over what timescale any such action will take place.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-23394, decisions on funding at local level within police forces are not a matter for the Scottish Executive. HM Inspectorate of Constabulary is responsible for assessing all aspects of Scottish police forces, including their investigations of fatal accidents, and would make recommendations in relation to any issues arising. The Executive has, however, drawn the attention of the Chief Constables of the Scottish police forces to this report.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161040,"EventID":"S1W-24473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23394 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 March 2002, when an assessment of the investigation of fatal road traffic accidents by the police was","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23394 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 March 2002, when an assessment of the investigation of fatal road traffic accidents by the police was last conducted; by whom any such assessment was conducted, and when the next assessment will be conducted, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"HM Inspectorate of Constabulary is responsible for assessing all aspects of Scottish police forces on a regular basis, including their investigation of fatal accidents. There are no plans for a specific assessment of such investigations.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161041,"EventID":"S1W-24474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons were (a) charged and (b) convicted for offences of (i) careless driving, (ii) reckless driving, (iii) dangerous driving and (iv) causing death by dangero","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons were (a) charged and (b) convicted for offences of (i) careless driving, (ii) reckless driving, (iii) dangerous driving and (iv) causing death by dangerous driving in cases involving a fatal road traffic accident in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Information is not available centrally on prosecutions of other offences, e.g. careless driving, arising from fatal road accidents.

Persons proceeded against in Scottish courts for causing death by dangerous driving1, 1996-2000

Year

Total

Number with a charge proved

1996

23

19

1997

17

16

1998

17

14

1999

26

22

2000

14

11

1. Where main offence.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161042,"EventID":"S1W-24475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist to replace existing large Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency vessels in the near future and when a decision will be made on this issue.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist to replace existing large Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency vessels in the near future and when a decision will be made on this issue.","AnswerText":"A contract has already been awarded by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency to replace its oldest Offshore Patrol Vessel Westra in June 2003. Thereafter, the agency will consider the replacement programme for its other vessels.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161043,"EventID":"S1W-24476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow was not included in the Clyde Shipyards Task Force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow was not included in the Clyde Shipyards Task Force.","AnswerText":"I set up the Clyde Shipyards Task Force at short notice following BAE SYSTEMS' announcement in July 2001 of 1,000 redundancies. Given the need to report back within a short timescale, the remit of the task force focussed solely on the upper Clyde and did not extend as far as Port Glasgow. However, in the longer term, the work of the task force should have a positive impact on the shipbuilding industry as a whole in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161044,"EventID":"S1W-24477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the New Opportunities for PE and Sport in Schools fund announced on 19 March 2002 will include support for measures to improve swimming lessons for school childre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the New Opportunities for PE and Sport in Schools fund announced on 19 March 2002 will include support for measures to improve swimming lessons for school children and encourage their provision.","AnswerText":"Under the New Opportunities for PE and Sport in Schools fund, announced on 19 March, up to £21.75 million will be committed throughout Scotland to support out of school hours programmes, organised through schools, which offer children and young people a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.

Each local authority has been given a provisional allocation to fund these activities from the spring of 2003. Swimming lessons for children and young people aged five to 16 could be funded, provided they meet programme priorities, eligibility and assessment criteria.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161045,"EventID":"S1W-24478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or charging directions the Crown Office gives procurators fiscal regarding cases concerning road traffic accidents involving a fatality; when an assessment ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or charging directions the Crown Office gives procurators fiscal regarding cases concerning road traffic accidents involving a fatality; when an assessment into the application of such charging directions was last conducted; by whom any such assessment was conducted, and when the next such assessment will be conducted, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, the final decision on whether any prosecution will arise from a fatal road traffic accident rests with Crown counsel. The procurator fiscal will investigate the death and will prepare a report which is submitted to the Crown Office. Crown counsel will then decide whether proceedings should take place, and if so what charges the accused should face and in which court. Accordingly, the Crown Office does not give procurators fiscal guidance for charging directions on this matter nor is there any intention to re-assess this position.

However, procurators fiscal are issued with guidance on the investigation of deaths, and following a review into the investigation of road traffic deaths, revised guidance is due to be issued shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161046,"EventID":"S1W-24479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage research collaboration between Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews universities and other newer universities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage research collaboration between Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews universities and other newer universities.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. However, my Guidance Letter to the council stated that delivery of the Executive's objectives for higher education will require collaboration with a wide range of other bodies, both on the part of the council and individual institutions. Key partners include schools and colleges, the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the business community and recently created bodies, such as learndirect scotland. I look to the council to provide leadership on this and to promote a culture of partnership and co-operation across the sector and beyond, in particular to meet the challenges of creating a lifelong learning culture.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161047,"EventID":"S1W-24480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage the take-up of applied research and knowledge transfer activities by employers from universities other than Aberdeen, Edinburgh, G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage the take-up of applied research and knowledge transfer activities by employers from universities other than Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews universities.","AnswerText":"The Executive sponsors applied research and knowledge transfer activities such as TCS and Faraday partnerships, which are available to all universities. Following the report on the Knowledge Economy Cross-Cutting Initiative, published in February 2001, an additional £1.5 million was allocated to these schemes. The Executive is also a founding member of Technology Ventures Scotland, which aims to promote and accelerate commercialisation and knowledge transfer in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161048,"EventID":"S1W-24481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date planning permission was first sought for the extended park and ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date planning permission was first sought for the extended park and ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002; by whom such permission was sought, and on what date such permission was approved.","AnswerText":"Securing planning permission for the extended park and ride site at Croy Station is a matter for the promoter, Strathclyde Passenger Transport. The determination of any planning application will, in the first instance, be a matter for the planning authority, North Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161049,"EventID":"S1W-24482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local amenities will be lost as a result of the provision of the extended park and ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, T","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local amenities will be lost as a result of the provision of the extended park and ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002 and what measures will be taken should compensation for loss of any such amenities be required. ","AnswerText":"It will be for the planning authority to assess whether there will be any loss of local amenity.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161050,"EventID":"S1W-24483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific duties have been carried out by each ministerial parliamentary aide since each was appointed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific duties have been carried out by each ministerial parliamentary aide since each was appointed.","AnswerText":"Ministerial parliamentary aides have been carrying out a range of duties to assist Cabinet Ministers in the discharge of their parliamentary duties.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161051,"EventID":"S1W-24484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which non-departmental public bodies with more than 20 employees have their main offices in (a) Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Dundee and (e) Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which non-departmental public bodies with more than 20 employees have their main offices in (a) Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Aberdeen, (d) Dundee and (e) Inverness.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in the annual publication Public Bodies. A copy of the 2001 version can be found at www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161052,"EventID":"S1W-24485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) employ more than 20 people and how many people each of these NDPBs employ.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) employ more than 20 people and how many people each of these NDPBs employ.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24484.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161053,"EventID":"S1W-24486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant midwifery posts there currently are, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant midwifery posts there currently are, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The latest available information on the number of midwifery vacancies is shown in the following table:

Midwifery Vacancies by Health Board Whole Time Equivalent: at March 2001
 

WTE

Total Vacancies

Became vacant in:

Vacancies as a percentage of establishment

Less than 3 months

3 months or more

Unknown

Total

3 months or more

Scotland

31.3

26.6

1.2

3.5

1.3%

0.0%

Argyll and Clyde

50.0

1.5

-

3.5

2.1%

-

Ayrshire and Arran

-

-

-

-

-

-

Borders

-

-

-

-

-

-

Dumfries and Galloway

-

-

-

-

-

-

Fife

1.5

1.0

0.5

-

1.0%

0.3%

Forth Valley

0.5

0.5

-

-

0.3%

-

Grampian

3.3

2.6

0.7

-

1.3%

0.3%

Greater Glasgow

9.1

9.1

-

-

1.9%

-

Highland

0.8

0.8

-

 

0.6%

-

Lanarkshire

-

-

-

 

-

Facing the Future, the report of the 19 November 2001 convention on recruitment and retention in nursing and midwifery gave a commitment that every nurse and midwife in training will be guaranteed a year's employment on qualification from autumn 2002 if they wish.

Work is currently under way to put in place the processes to support the delivery of this guarantee.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161055,"EventID":"S1W-24488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 25 March 2002, what percentage of staff in senior civil servant grades are (a) from ethnic minorities and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 25 March 2002, what percentage of staff in senior civil servant grades are (a) from ethnic minorities and (b) disabled. ","AnswerText":"Currently, 0.5% of senior civil service grades within the Executive have identified themselves as coming from an ethnic minority background and 1% have self-declared a disability.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161056,"EventID":"S1W-24489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Central Service Organisation is being established for the money advice sector and what progress is being made on setting up any such organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Central Service Organisation is being established for the money advice sector and what progress is being made on setting up any such organisation.","AnswerText":"We are currently discussing with advice organisations how to increase central support for money advice, including training, information and quality assurance and expect to be able to make an announcement within the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161057,"EventID":"S1W-24490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary question S1O-4646 by Iain Gray on 7 February 2002, whether the Minister for Social Justice has raised with Her Majesty'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary question S1O-4646 by Iain Gray on 7 February 2002, whether the Minister for Social Justice has raised with Her Majesty's Government the issue of people from churches in Scotland being fingerprinted and photographed when they visit asylum seekers in Dungavel Detention Centre.","AnswerText":"As I indicated on 7 February, I intend to raise this issue when I next meet Home Office Ministers. I expect such a meeting to take place shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161058,"EventID":"S1W-24491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take in order to ensure that correspondence from me to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority of 21 January 2002, 5 February 2002 and 1 March 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take in order to ensure that correspondence from me to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority of 21 January 2002, 5 February 2002 and 1 March 2002 is acknowledged and that the points raised in that correspondence are addressed.","AnswerText":"The operation of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is the responsibility of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. I understand that the Deputy Chief Executive of the authority has now written to you in response to your letter of 1 March 2002, addressing the points that you raised in that letter and in your earlier letters to the authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161059,"EventID":"S1W-24492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibility it has for management of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibility it has for management of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have joint responsibility with the Home Secretary for the policy and general oversight of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The day to day administration of the scheme and decisions on individual applications are the responsibility of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161060,"EventID":"S1W-24493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether issues in regard to EEC subsidy rules have been a factor in the closure of the abattoir in Stornoway; what plans it has to address any concerns which the Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether issues in regard to EEC subsidy rules have been a factor in the closure of the abattoir in Stornoway; what plans it has to address any concerns which the Scottish Crofters Union and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals may have about the consequences of the closure of the abbattoir, and what action it intends to take to prevent the loss of this facility.","AnswerText":"The European Community state aid framework exists to ensure a level playing field for all enterprises in Europe by ensuring that public bodies throughout the European Union do not provide selective support to businesses or undertakings. Aid cannot be given unless it fits one of the block exemption regulations or is notified to, and approved by, the European Commission. This aid cannot take the form of an \"operating aid\" or provide support for an enterprise that would otherwise fail. My officials have been working with Western Isles Council to help them identify legitimate ways in which they could help Heather Isles Meats in Stornoway stay in business. The decision whether to invest further in Heather Isles Meats rested with the council and a full meeting of the council concluded that it should not provide further support to the business under a rescue and restructuring package.

In the interests of sustainable farming, it is important that there are profitable markets for livestock whether that is abattoirs or other farmers to finish the animals. While only one-third of livestock from the Western Isles is slaughtered on the Islands, the council remain fully committed to retaining slaughterhouse facilities throughout the Western Isles and are looking at how this aim can best be met.

Neither the Scottish Crofters Federation nor the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have approached the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161061,"EventID":"S1W-24494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21600 by Malcolm Chisholm on 30 January 2002, whether Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust has been informed that it is unacceptable to r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21600 by Malcolm Chisholm on 30 January 2002, whether Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust has been informed that it is unacceptable to refuse to accept a referral and to close waiting lists and whether the trust has confirmed that this practice no longer exists.","AnswerText":"Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust has been informed that it is completely unacceptable to refuse to accept a referral and to close waiting lists.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161062,"EventID":"S1W-24495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21675 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, whether it intends to carry out any research in order to determine what percentage ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21675 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 January 2002, whether it intends to carry out any research in order to determine what percentage of student debt is a consequence of the introduction of the student loans system.","AnswerText":"We will consider commissioning a survey of the income and expenditure of Scottish students once the new student support system has bedded in.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161063,"EventID":"S1W-24496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget allocation was for the provision by the NHS of wheelchairs and electrically powered indoor and outdoor chairs in each of the last three years for which fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget allocation was for the provision by the NHS of wheelchairs and electrically powered indoor and outdoor chairs in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Funding for the service was devolved to NHS boards from April 1996.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161064,"EventID":"S1W-24497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wheelchairs and electrically powered indoor and outdoor chairs were provided by the NHS in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wheelchairs and electrically powered indoor and outdoor chairs were provided by the NHS in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The Rehabilitation Technology Information Service (ReTIS), jointly funded by NHS boards, was established to provide a national information service in the field of Rehabilitation Technology (this includes the wheelchair and seating service). The information collected by ReTIS will be used to assist in the planning and management of services with the aim of improving performance.

A copy of the ReTIS progress report published in August 2001 (Bib. number 20692) has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre together with an aggregated data service profile report for the wheelchair and seating service for the period April 2000 and March 2001 (Bib. number 20754).

Further information on ReTIS can be obtained from its website at:

www.retis.scot.nhs.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161065,"EventID":"S1W-24498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used by the NHS in the allocation of wheelchairs and electrically powered indoor and outdoor chairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used by the NHS in the allocation of wheelchairs and electrically powered indoor and outdoor chairs.","AnswerText":"I have arranged for a full set of the criteria applied for the provision of wheelchairs by NHSScotland to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20701).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161066,"EventID":"S1W-24499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of consultations set out in the green paper Scotland's freshwater fish and fisheries: Securing their future will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of consultations set out in the green paper Scotland's freshwater fish and fisheries: Securing their future will be published.","AnswerText":"I am currently considering the outcome of the recent consultation exercise with my officials. My decisions will be published once that consideration is complete.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161067,"EventID":"S1W-24500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Performance Audit Group and Scott Wilson Scotland Limited include herbicide use as a factor to be assessed in their monitoring of the contractors maintaining ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Performance Audit Group and Scott Wilson Scotland Limited include herbicide use as a factor to be assessed in their monitoring of the contractors maintaining trunk roads.","AnswerText":"Yes. Both the Performance Audit Group and Scott Wilson Scotland monitor the use of herbicides by the trunk road Operating Companies and Autolink Concessionaires (M6) in accordance with contract requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161068,"EventID":"S1W-24501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is between being referred by a General Practitioner to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic and the first consultation at the clinic, broke","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is between being referred by a General Practitioner to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic and the first consultation at the clinic, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a Consultant in ENT following referral by a General Medical Practitioner or General Dental Practitioner, by NHS Board of Residence in the year ended 30 September 2001, are given in the following table:

NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-patient Appointment with a Consultant In ENT, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner, by NHS Board of Residence. Year Ended 30 September 2001P.

NHS Board

Median Wait (days)

Argyll and Clyde

46

Ayrshire and Arran

61

Borders

61

Dumfries and Galloway

65

Fife

46

Forth Valley

54

Grampian

75

Greater Glasgow

70

Highland

52

Lanarkshire

80

Lothian

55

Orkney

36

Shetland

42

Tayside

76

Western Isles

57

Scotland

62

Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00.

P Provisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161069,"EventID":"S1W-24502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Scottish Law Commission to report on the law of the foreshore and seabed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Scottish Law Commission to report on the law of the foreshore and seabed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Law Commission published a Discussion Paper (No 113) on the Law of the Foreshore and Seabed on 19 April 2001, inviting comments by 31 July 2001. The commission have been asked to report by 31 December 2002, and are presently on track to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161070,"EventID":"S1W-24503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any debt write-off following transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock will include non-Public Works Loan Board debts for housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any debt write-off following transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock will include non-Public Works Loan Board debts for housing.","AnswerText":"The arrangements for dealing with local authorities' residual housing debt following a whole stock transfer were set out in the answer to question S1W-18180 on 28 September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161071,"EventID":"S1W-24504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS staff have been trained as cervical smear takers under the new liquid based cytology screening pilot project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS staff have been trained as cervical smear takers under the new liquid based cytology screening pilot project.","AnswerText":"Four hundred and ninety-two NHS cervical smear taker staff in Lanarkshire, Grampian, Highland and Tayside NHS Boards have been trained to use liquid based cytology, under the Liquid Based Cytology Screening Pilot project.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161072,"EventID":"S1W-24505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards are currently targeting areas of low breast cancer screening uptake.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS boards are currently targeting areas of low breast cancer screening uptake.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards are responsible for promotion of the breast screening programme aimed at raising awareness particularly in areas of low uptake. The percentage of eligible women in Scotland in the age range 50-64, who accepted a routine invitation to attend breast screening in 2000, was 73% (minimum uptake target 70%).

In 2000-01 Greater Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Lothian Health Boards were below the minimum with uptake rates of 66.1%, 69.3% and 69.7% respectively. A range of promotion activities are undertaken by the NHS boards to encourage women within low uptake areas such as more mobile screening units in inner city deprived areas, localised media campaigns and information in GP surgeries.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161073,"EventID":"S1W-24506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which geographical areas have a low uptake for breast cancer screening against set targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which geographical areas have a low uptake for breast cancer screening against set targets.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24505.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161074,"EventID":"S1W-24507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women over 70 have been screened for breast cancer since January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women over 70 have been screened for breast cancer since January 2001.","AnswerText":"Women over the age of 70 are not routinely invited for breast screening but may self refer. In 2000-011, the latest year for which data are available, the number of women over the age of 70 who were screened following self referral was 2,985.

Note:

1. Scottish Breast Screening Programme Provisional data April 2000 to March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161075,"EventID":"S1W-24508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women over 70 have requested screening for breast cancer since January 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many women over 70 have requested screening for breast cancer since January 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24507.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161076,"EventID":"S1W-24509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the pilot screening for colorectal cancer for people between the ages of 50 and 69 in (a) Tayside, (b) Fife and (c) Grampian NHS board ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the pilot screening for colorectal cancer for people between the ages of 50 and 69 in (a) Tayside, (b) Fife and (c) Grampian NHS board areas and in what month it expects the pilot scheme to report back to the UK National Screening Committee.","AnswerText":"The Scottish arm of the UK Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot targeting people between the ages of 50 and 69 in Tayside, Fife and Grampian NHS Board areas, which commenced in March 2000 is progressing well. One complete round of screening and relevant investigatory work is scheduled to be completed in all three board areas by February 2003.

The independent Evaluation Group, which is evaluating the feasibility, practicality and acceptability of the pilot screening programme, is due to report to the National Screening Committee in early spring 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161077,"EventID":"S1W-24510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has, and over what timescale, to introduce a population based prostate cancer screening programme based on the prostate specific antigen test.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has, and over what timescale, to introduce a population based prostate cancer screening programme based on the prostate specific antigen test.","AnswerText":"At present the test and treatment for prostate cancer does not meet requirements for an effective screening programme. The Scottish Executive is committed in Cancer in Scotland Action for Change (ISBN:1 84268 915 0) to introducing a population based prostate cancer screening programme, if and when new research leads to screening and treatment techniques being sufficiently developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161078,"EventID":"S1W-24511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the results in Scotland of the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the results in Scotland of the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer.","AnswerText":"The European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer is not a Scottish Executive study. Research findings of this type may be presented at scientific meetings and are normally also available through publications in relevant medical journals and/or on appropriate websites.

It is expected that the findings of the study will be considered by the National Screening Committee in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161079,"EventID":"S1W-24512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the multi-disciplinary prostate cancer working group on its review of referral, management and treatment of people with prostate cancer, as well as any","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the multi-disciplinary prostate cancer working group on its review of referral, management and treatment of people with prostate cancer, as well as any recommendations the group makes to the Scottish Cancer Group, will be published.","AnswerText":"The final draft of the report prepared by a working party set up by the then Scottish Cancer Group (SCG) was considered by them at their last meeting in June 2001.

It was agreed at that time that although a start had been made, a great deal of further work was required to develop an evidence based framework as a possible foundation for any necessary improvements in prostate cancer services.

This issue will be reconsidered by the current SCG.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161080,"EventID":"S1W-24513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for opportunistic screening to detect oral cancers and when such proposals will be in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for opportunistic screening to detect oral cancers and when such proposals will be in place.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, much has already been done to increase professional awareness of oral cancer. The launch of the oral cancer training initiative in February 2000, distributed to all primary care dentists, doctors and pharmacists, has prepared the ground for substantial improvements in the early diagnosis and referral for oral cancer.

Opportunistic screening for oral cancer is already carried out as part of the routine oral examination.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161081,"EventID":"S1W-24514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-23592 by Mike Watson on 15 March 2002, how much funding is allocated specifically to the development of the non-marketing aspects of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-23592 by Mike Watson on 15 March 2002, how much funding is allocated specifically to the development of the non-marketing aspects of genealogy tourism.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. However, Scottish Enterprise have told me that they will allocate a minimum of £30,000 in the current financial year. Highlands and Islands Enterprise have no specific budget for genealogy related activity, but anticipate that some projects will receive support.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161082,"EventID":"S1W-24515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates the tourism niche market of genealogy is currently worth annually to each area tourist board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates the tourism niche market of genealogy is currently worth annually to each area tourist board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161083,"EventID":"S1W-24516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future support it will give to the Edinburgh Sheriff Court In-court Advice Project, whose current funding comes to an end on 31 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future support it will give to the Edinburgh Sheriff Court In-court Advice Project, whose current funding comes to an end on 31 March 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has agreed to continue funding the Edinburgh Sheriff Court In-court Advice Project, including the mediation element of the project, for the next three years at a total cost of £213,000. I know this decision will be warmly welcomed by all those involved with the project and will bring stability and continuity. The project has proved to be an effective means of providing additional support to court users, helping them to understand the issues that brought them to court. It has also contributed to a more efficient use of court time and resources.

I can also announce that the Phase 2 research report on the In-court Advice Project is published today.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161084,"EventID":"S1W-24517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1996,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":19,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Scottish Qualifications Authority has for the second year of the Winter Diet pilot. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Scottish Qualifications Authority has for the second year of the Winter Diet pilot. ","AnswerText":"I have written to the Chair of the SQA to indicate our decision to discontinue the second year of the Winter Diet pilot. Following a review by the SQA in conjunction with those schools and colleges that participated in the first year of the pilot in 2002, it is clear from the number of entries for this year and the projected entries for the second year of the pilot that continuing to run a winter exam round for such a small number of entrants is not a sensible or cost effective option at this time.

The SQA has been asked to work closely with centres to ensure that any disruption to candidates is kept to a minimum. The SQA is committed to the principle of flexibility in external assessment and has been asked to explore - in consultation with stakeholders - options for more flexible approaches in the future.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161085,"EventID":"S1W-24518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress there has been in (a) designating Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive and (b) classifying Special Protective Areas under the EC Bi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress there has been in (a) designating Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive and (b) classifying Special Protective Areas under the EC Birds Directive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is now very close to completing its submission of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in advance of further formal consideration by the European Commission scheduled for June 2002. Ninety-eight per cent of the total of 227 SACs on which consultation has already taken place have been proposed to the Commission as candidate sites.

This is a major contribution to the EU Natura 2000 network. I shall be considering, with Scottish Natural Heritage's (SNH) advice, four remaining sites and one extension to an existing SAC, all of which have already been announced as candidate sites. These are:

River Dee

River Tay

Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary

Airds Moss

Sunart extension

Some of the river sites do not currently include all qualifying tributaries but will be extended in future.

I have also agreed that five new sites (four raised bog and one blanket bog) should be considered for designation. Coverage of these habitats was not considered adequate by the European Commission in its first consideration of the UK's list. The sites are:

Red Moss of Netherly

Raeburn Flow

Peeswit Moss

Ofference Moss, which is an extension to Flanders Moss

West Fannyside Moss blanket bog

The sole remaining site on the published list of SACs is the Sound of Barra. After careful consideration, and following scientific advice from SNH, I have decided to delay a decision on this site until further data are available on the effect of construction of the Eriskay causeway on the numbers and location of seal populations.

Good progress has also been made on Special Protection Areas. One hundred and thirty-five out of 141 SPA sites in Scotland have now been classified. To complete the series, I have asked SNH to begin formal consultation on proposed golden eagle sites on Skye and Mull already announced. Consultations are in progress or complete on three other sites and one extension and decisions will be made on these sites once all necessary information is available. The remaining sites from the previously published list, and on which I expect to take decisions this year are:

Arran Moors

Cnuic Agus Cladach Mhuile (the Mull eagle site)

Cuillins (the Skye eagle site)

Glen App - Galloway Moors

Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands

Forth Islands (extension)

I expect also to consider a small number of further sites for the capercaillie, for which a significant population decline is causing concern.

The remaining site on the public list of proposed SPAs is Ladder Hills. SNH have advised that currently available data are insufficient to justify classification at present and further survey work will be required. I propose therefore to delay consideration of this site until the necessary information is available.

This contribution to the Natura network represents a notable effort on the part of SNH to present the scientific data and to ensure that as full consultation as possible has taken place with local interests.

SNH will now be closely involved in management of the sites and I expect their Natural Care programme to be of particular benefit to owners and occupiers in assisting them to bring their land into positive management. The Executive increased SNH's budget in the last Spending Review (by £22 million in total over the three years) partly to enable management schemes to be more widely offered.

Looking further ahead, for the terrestrial sites I expect the focus to be on appropriate management. I cannot, however, rule out additional SPAs or SACs, where suitable sites are identified which properly reflect Scotland's contribution to the Natura network. At UK level a framework has been put in place for review of the SPA series, and we shall continue to contribute to this consideration. In addition, we shall be required, along with the rest of the UK to contribute to the selection of SPAs and SACs in the marine environment. This process is on-going at present, led by the Joint Nature Conservation Com","AnswerDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161086,"EventID":"S1W-24519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) non-Public Works Loan Board and (b) Public Works Loan Board debt in respect of housing Glasgow City Council (i) owes in total and (ii) repays annually throu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much (a) non-Public Works Loan Board and (b) Public Works Loan Board debt in respect of housing Glasgow City Council (i) owes in total and (ii) repays annually through its Housing Revenue Account.","AnswerText":"As at 31 March 2001, Glasgow City Council's total debt was £2,185 million, comprising £1,932 million Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) and £253 million non-PWLB. Around £900 million of the total debt is apportioned to the Housing Revenue Account but in line with other councils Glasgow operates a consolidated loans fund and does not allocate individual loans to housing.

Following the result of the ballot to transfer the housing stock to the Glasgow Housing Association, the council will examine an apportionment of its loans.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161087,"EventID":"S1W-24520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out, or intends to carry out, any research and monitoring for the presence of plutonium in the sea spray on the west coast of the Western Isles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out, or intends to carry out, any research and monitoring for the presence of plutonium in the sea spray on the west coast of the Western Isles.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive itself does not undertake monitoring of radioactivity in the environment. A comprehensive environmental monitoring programme for radioactivity in Scotland is carried out by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

The objectives of this programme include the determination of levels of man made radionuclides in the environment, and the assessment of their effects on human health and the environment.

Full details of the monitoring and the assessment of radioactive pollution in the Western Isles are published annually in the Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report. A copy of the latest report (RIFE-6) has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20376).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161088,"EventID":"S1W-24521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Forth Valley NHS Board will receive details of its financial settlement for the next three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Forth Valley NHS Board will receive details of its financial settlement for the next three financial years.","AnswerText":"Forth Valley NHS Board was notified of its indicative revenue allocations for 2002-03 and 2003-04 on 6 April 2001. A firm revenue allocation for 2002-03 was notified to the board on 7 February 2002. Indicative allocations for future years will be considered following the outcome of Spending Review 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161089,"EventID":"S1W-24522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the A94.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to upgrade the A94.","AnswerText":"The A94 from Perth to Forfar is a local road. Decisions relating to its improvement are the responsibility of the relevant local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161090,"EventID":"S1W-24523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional support it will provide to Stirling Council to enable it to tackle a backlog of road maintenance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional support it will provide to Stirling Council to enable it to tackle a backlog of road maintenance.","AnswerText":"Additional capital allocations for local roads and bridges amounting to £70 million across Scotland were announced late last year, and are included in capital allocations over the three years to March 2004. It is for Stirling Council to decide how to spend its capital allocations.

In addition, Stirling Council received £656,000 in additional revenue funding for local roads and bridges as its share of the additional £20 million awarded in February 2002 to further speed up maintenance activity on local roads and bridges.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161091,"EventID":"S1W-24524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Stirling Council in regard to its plans for Doune Primary School.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Stirling Council in regard to its plans for Doune Primary School.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161092,"EventID":"S1W-24525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is now able to produce a timetable for the introduction of legislation on wildlife protection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is now able to produce a timetable for the introduction of legislation on wildlife protection.","AnswerText":"The Executive intends to come forward with legislative proposals at an early opportunity and we will publish a draft nature conservation bill, based on the proposals contained in the policy statement, The Nature of Scotland, as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161093,"EventID":"S1W-24526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to forge links with Scottish branches of clubs and societies throughout the world.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to forge links with Scottish branches of clubs and societies throughout the world.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its linked bodies are actively developing networks of many kinds throughout the world with organisations which have a Scottish focus. For example, links are being built with the American Scottish Foundation and the network of St Andrew's societies throughout the US, and Scottish Enterprise through its Global Scot initiative is creating networks of successful Scots across the world with the aim of harnessing their business expertise to assist Scotland's economic development agenda.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161094,"EventID":"S1W-24527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to undertake a consultation process in regard to the possibility of opening up Scottish Water to competition, detailing the reasons behind its position","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to undertake a consultation process in regard to the possibility of opening up Scottish Water to competition, detailing the reasons behind its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The possibility of increased competition in the water industry has been the subject of two recent public consultations:

  • Managing Change in the Water Industry - A Consultation Paper was published on 15 June 2000 and included a discussion of the scope for competition to develop in the water industry in Scotland.

  • The Water Services Bill - The Executive's Proposals was published on 23 March 2001, and included proposals for a legislative framework that would safeguard public health, environment protection and social objectives in a competitive environment.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24221, which explained that further consideration of the issues surrounding a legislative framework needed to be undertaken. This is in hand at present. We shall make an announcement when it has been completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161095,"EventID":"S1W-24528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the application from Shetland Seafood Auctions Ltd for grant aid under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance scheme for the development of an electronic au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the application from Shetland Seafood Auctions Ltd for grant aid under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance scheme for the development of an electronic auction in Lerwick was received; when the company was notified that its application had been successful; when the application for the payment of the grant accompanied by the necessary proof of payment receipts was received, and when the grant was paid. ","AnswerText":"An application from Shetland Seafood Auctions Ltd. for grant aid under FIFG was received by the Executive on 21 February 2001, in advance of the closing date for applications of 31 March. Rhona Brankin announced the outcome of bids on 24 July and the company was formally offered grant by letter dated 10 August 2001. A first, interim claim for payment of grant was submitted to the Executive on 28 November 2001 and supporting documentation, requested by the department, was received on 7 February 2002. Grant was paid in to instalments - 75% on 19 March and, following a satisfactory physical inspection of the project by a Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department surveyor, the balance on 16 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161096,"EventID":"S1W-24529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to recipients of grants under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance scheme on the maximum time between the receipt of a valid application","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to recipients of grants under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance scheme on the maximum time between the receipt of a valid application for a grant and the issue of grant and whether the interest charges accrued during this time can be claimed by recipients of grants in circumstances where payment is late. ","AnswerText":"Claimants are advised that an initial claim check will be undertaken within 30 working days of receipt by the department. No deadline is set for payments, which inevitably depend on auditing claim forms and supporting documentation and, in most cases, a physical inspection of the project involved. The need to arrange the inspection programme cost-effectively means that there can be some delay in inspection visits, particularly in remote areas. The Executive, therefore, pays 75% of an eligible claim as soon as it is satisfied with the claim and supporting documentation. The balance of the claim is paid within 10 working days of receipt of a satisfactory inspection report. The relevant EC Regulations preclude reimbursement for any financial charges accrued pending payment.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161097,"EventID":"S1W-24530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the maximum time between the receipt of a valid application for the payment of grant aid under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the maximum time between the receipt of a valid application for the payment of grant aid under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance scheme and the issue of grant aid and what percentage of applications were paid within that time in the last year for which the information is available. ","AnswerText":"The aim is for an initial check on payment claims to be carried out within 30 working days of receipt. If all the requisite documentation is in place 75% of the claimed amount is paid. The balance is paid as soon as a satisfactory physical inspection/survey of the project has been carried out by an Executive surveyor. That payment is normally made within 10 working days of receipt of a satisfactory inspection report. The vast majority of payments have been made in line with these targets. At this stage, a definitive analysis of the data, however, could only be obtained at disproportionate costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161098,"EventID":"S1W-24531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22969 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 March 2002, when the consultation document on vulnerable witnesses will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22969 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 March 2002, when the consultation document on vulnerable witnesses will be published.","AnswerText":"The Consultation Paper will be published on 1 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161099,"EventID":"S1W-24532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4876 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 March 2002, what training will be provided to ensure that the respect project is successfully roll","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4876 by Ms Margaret Curran on 14 March 2002, what training will be provided to ensure that the respect project is successfully rolled out to schools and how any such training will be funded.","AnswerText":"The issue of the provision of training and how such training will be funded forms part of the discussions I am holding with other ministers on how the Executive will proceed with the \"roll-out\" of the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's \"Respect\" materials to schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161100,"EventID":"S1W-24533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are available in schools to support young people experiencing domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are available in schools to support young people experiencing domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"Last year the Scottish Executive piloted the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's \"Respect\" package in schools and youth groups in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The aim of this package is to raise awareness amongst young people of the issues around domestic abuse, and to encourage them to build relationships based on respect and equality. We are currently considering an evaluation of the Respect pilot.

More generally, there is a range of resources available to support schools in dealing with issues relating to personal safety. Of particular relevance is the report, Promoting Personal Safety and Child Protection in The Curriculum, issued by the Scottish Office in 1998. This report stressed the need for all pre-school centres and schools to be proactive in helping children and young people to develop their knowledge and understanding of personal safety issues and the skills to deal with them. The report showed how this could be made an integral part of the curriculum.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161101,"EventID":"S1W-24534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is currently provided within teacher training courses to provide teachers with the necessary skills to support young people experiencing domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is currently provided within teacher training courses to provide teachers with the necessary skills to support young people experiencing domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"The Guidelines for Courses of Teacher Education in Scotland sets out Scottish ministers' policy on content, nature and duration of courses leading to teaching qualifications. The precise form of individual courses is determined by the higher education institution.

Issues such as domestic abuse and the rights of the child are covered within courses of initial teacher education. The guidelines require that newly qualified teachers must be able to demonstrate an understanding of international, national and local guidelines on child protection and teachers' roles and responsibilities in this area. They must also understand the roles of other professionals concerned with pupil learning and welfare and how to work with them.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161102,"EventID":"S1W-24535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new programmes have been introduced, or are planned to be introduced in the next 12 months, by the Scottish Prison Service to fulfil its commitment in preventing vi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new programmes have been introduced, or are planned to be introduced in the next 12 months, by the Scottish Prison Service to fulfil its commitment in preventing violence against women - action across the Scottish Executive to \"extend further its core programmes and develop a range of approved activities to address offending behaviour and to reduce the risk of violence including violence against women\".","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The SPS is currently reviewing the range of interventions available elsewhere to specifically address violence against women, and hopes that it may be possible to introduce such a programme in 2003. This would be supported by a wider range of interventions to address sexual offending and instrumental violence. In addition, a number of approved activities are currently under development to help tackle addictions. The aim of this combination of programmes and approved activities would be to reduce the risk of violence generally, including violence against women.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161103,"EventID":"S1W-24536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the third supplementary question to question S1F-1777 on 21 March 2002, whether the technology to stop tobacco advertising on the web will also ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the third supplementary question to question S1F-1777 on 21 March 2002, whether the technology to stop tobacco advertising on the web will also be suitable for stopping the advertisement of pornographic material on the web.","AnswerText":"Regulation of pornographic content on the internet is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161104,"EventID":"S1W-24537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to stop unsolicited pornographic pictures, adverts for pornographic sites and e-mails advertising pornography appearing on the internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to stop unsolicited pornographic pictures, adverts for pornographic sites and e-mails advertising pornography appearing on the internet.","AnswerText":"The regulation of the internet is a reserved matter under the Scotland Act 1998. However, the criminal law is devolved and the general position in law is that what is illegal off-line is also illegal online. The statutory provision on the display of obscene material and indecent photographs of children is contained in sections 51 and 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill will increase the maximum penalties available to the courts for offences under the 1982 act.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161105,"EventID":"S1W-24538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been undertaken on projects funded by the Domestic Abuse Development Fund from its inception to March 2002 and when the results of any such evaluation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been undertaken on projects funded by the Domestic Abuse Development Fund from its inception to March 2002 and when the results of any such evaluation will be available.","AnswerText":"The National Group on Domestic Abuse is committed to tackling the key actions set out in the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland. Monitoring the fund and undertaking an assessment of the impact upon improving local provision is one of these key actions and will be discussed at the next meeting of the national group, to be held next month, when the draft specification for the assessment will be considered. We will make the results available when the assessment is complete.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161106,"EventID":"S1W-24539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether software which helps prevent young people from viewing potentially harmful or adult material on the web, as developed by the Internet Content Rating Association, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether software which helps prevent young people from viewing potentially harmful or adult material on the web, as developed by the Internet Content Rating Association, will be installed on all computers in public places and whether it will assist in advertising this software to parents for installation on home computers.","AnswerText":"The Executive will continue to give support and priority to initiatives which afford greater protection to children and young people, including those which raise public awareness and promote safer use of the internet. There is a range of web content filtering software available and many computers in public places already have this installed. It is planned that content filtering software will be provided in all of the 1,000 locations where new facilities for public access to the web are currently being created by Digital Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161107,"EventID":"S1W-24540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to narrow any health gap in childhood and throughout life between different socio-economic groups and between the most deprived areas and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to narrow any health gap in childhood and throughout life between different socio-economic groups and between the most deprived areas and the rest of the country.","AnswerText":"Tackling health inequalities is the overarching aim of the public health improvement programme being progressed by the Scottish Executive and a range of partners. The programme is based on a three-level approach: improving the life circumstances that impact on health, addressing the lifestyles that lead to illness and early death, and working directly on priority health topics. The White Paper, Towards a Healthier Scotland (Bib. number 3036), and the Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change (Bib. number 10298), provide further details and are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161108,"EventID":"S1W-24541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to ensure that patients will receive treatment at a time that suits them in accordance with their clinical needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to ensure that patients will receive treatment at a time that suits them in accordance with their clinical needs.","AnswerText":"By March 2003, the Electronic Clinical Communications Implementation project will be in place throughout Scotland, enabling widespread electronic linking between GP surgeries and hospitals. This will bring a number of significant benefits for patients, including electronic booking of hospital out-patient appointments by patients and their GPs, via the GP surgery.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161109,"EventID":"S1W-24542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to reduce the maximum wait for (a) an out-patient appointment and (b) in-patient treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to reduce the maximum wait for (a) an out-patient appointment and (b) in-patient treatment.","AnswerText":"The National Waiting Times Unit (NWTU), which I established earlier this year, is working with NHS boards on the development of local waiting times standards, which reflect local clinical priorities, and which focus on tackling the longest waiting times for out-patient appointments.

The Executive undertook, in Our National Health, published in December 2000, that the national maximum waiting time for in-patient/day case treatment would be reduced to nine months, from the current 12 months, by 2003. The Executive, through the NWTU, is working with NHSScotland to help the service achieve this target.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161110,"EventID":"S1W-24543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to secure year-on-year improvements in patient satisfaction, including with standards of cleanliness and food, as measured by independent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to secure year-on-year improvements in patient satisfaction, including with standards of cleanliness and food, as measured by independently audited local surveys.","AnswerText":"Patient satisfaction depends primarily on the quality of care they receive. The Executive has introduced a system of standards, including those for cleaning services and hospital food, designed to ensure that patients receive a high quality service throughout the NHS in Scotland. The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland will monitor the achievement of these standards, but surveys of patient or user views will continue to be important.

The Patient Focus and Public Involvement framework, which I launched in December, indicated that the Executive will shortly be publishing guidance to the NHS on the use of surveys. This guidance will provide information on current practice identify key features of effective surveys and suggest ways the NHS can improve the value of surveys.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161111,"EventID":"S1W-24544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to provide high quality pre-admission and rehabilitation care for older people to help them live as independently as possible by reducin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to provide high quality pre-admission and rehabilitation care for older people to help them live as independently as possible by reducing preventable hospitalisation and by ensuring year-on-year reductions in delays in moving people aged over 75 from hospital.","AnswerText":"We are tackling these issues on a number of fronts, though not exclusively for people over 75.

Last year we provided new resources, starting with £24 million in 2001-02 and rising to £48 million in 2003-04, to enable local authorities and their partners locally to develop more responsive home care services that would prevent older people being inappropriately admitted to hospital and support them better on discharge.

In January, we published the report of the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group on the Healthcare of Older People, entitled Adding Life to Years. We have since set up an implementation group to drive forward its recommendations and to monitor progress.

On 5 March, we launched our Delayed Discharge Action Plan requiring local partners to deliver specific, targeted reductions in delayed discharges, underpinned by further new resources of £20 million in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161112,"EventID":"S1W-24545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the participation of drug users in drug treatment programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the participation of drug users in drug treatment programmes.","AnswerText":"As part of our Drugs Communications Strategy, national mass media campaigns are already under way, using the Know the Score logo, to encourage the public to find out more about drugs and where advice and treatment can be obtained across Scotland.

The Executive has provided £13.1 million over the three years from 2001-02 to

2003-04 in additional resources to NHS boards to support new and improved drug treatment services. Additional funding of some £2 million over the same period has also been made available to provide treatment services for drug misusers who are involved in the new drug courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161113,"EventID":"S1W-24547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what provisions the Parliament makes for people who visit the Parliament who are (a) deaf, (b) deafblind and (c) have hearing difficulties. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what provisions the Parliament makes for people who visit the Parliament who are (a) deaf, (b) deafblind and (c) have hearing difficulties. ","AnswerText":"Details of all of the services provided for disabled people who visit the Parliament can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/welcoming_you/disability.htm.

The Participation Services team are available to discuss customer requirements and to recommend services or visit options as appropriate to individual need.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161114,"EventID":"S1W-24548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) analogue and (b) digital hearing aids were provided by NHS Grampian in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) analogue and (b) digital hearing aids were provided by NHS Grampian in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Central contract figures are available from Scottish Healthcare Supplies for the period January 2001 to December 2001. These indicate that the following hearing aids were drawn off the contracts by NHS Grampian during that period:

Type of hearing aid

Number

Analogue

2,662

Digitally programmable

271

Digital

3

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161115,"EventID":"S1W-24556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoner custody officers have authority for the purpose of performing custodial duties in accordance with section 114 of, and Schedule 6 to, the Criminal Justi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoner custody officers have authority for the purpose of performing custodial duties in accordance with section 114 of, and Schedule 6 to, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 which has not been cancelled, withdrawn or lapsed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

One hundred and ninety as at 16 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161116,"EventID":"S1W-24557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its Policy Memorandum on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, on what grounds it is satisfied that the provisions in the bill on access, community ownership a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its Policy Memorandum on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, on what grounds it is satisfied that the provisions in the bill on access, community ownership and crofting community ownership are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been aware from the outset that many of the provisions in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill would require to be formulated carefully to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights. Ministers consider that the provisions in the bill achieve that outcome, and that there are no grounds on which it could successfully be argued that there is incompatibility with the convention.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161117,"EventID":"S1W-24558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the painting \"The Birth of Venus Boy\" by Edward Baird has a permanent home on public display in Dundee and whether it will implement a more op","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the painting \"The Birth of Venus Boy\" by Edward Baird has a permanent home on public display in Dundee and whether it will implement a more open and transparent process of decision-making in respect of the disposition of Scottish works of art that have been acquired by the Inland Revenue.","AnswerText":"Decisions by ministers on the allocation of works of art accepted in lieu of inheritance tax are based on the recommendations of a panel of expert advisers. Following their recommendation, we announced on 22 March that the painting was to be allocated to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The Scottish Executive encourages the national institutions to lend items from their collections to local and other museums, providing the correct security and environmental conditions are in place. I will urge the National Galleries of Scotland to look sympathetically at any request for temporary exhibition, from Dundee, given the strong local connections with the artist and the estate.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161118,"EventID":"S1W-24559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the last audit was carried out into NHS orthopaedic services, whether the audit was published and, if so, when and, if it was not, whether it will now be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the last audit was carried out into NHS orthopaedic services, whether the audit was published and, if so, when and, if it was not, whether it will now be published.","AnswerText":"An on-going national audit of hip fracture patients, provides regular feed back to participating centres and to annual professional meetings. An annual report is to be published within the next two months. This will be linked with the evidence based SIGN Guideline on the prevention and management of hip fracture in older people which was published in January 2002.

CRAG Clinical Outcome Indicators will be published in May 2002. These will include survival rates for 30 days and for 120 days after admission for hip fracture for every trust in Scotland (as defined before reorganisation on 1 April 1999). Complete trend data for every year from 1991 to 2000 will be presented.

The Scottish Trauma Audit Group (STAG) also collects data on all major trauma cases including orthopaedic trauma. This is fed back to local teams, but is not published.

There are no national audits into the provision of orthopaedic services, but the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) has accepted that the management of fractured hip is a tracer condition for the provision of acute services to older people. CSBS will be monitoring all Scottish acute services for older people later this year and will publish their report in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161119,"EventID":"S1W-24560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24005 by Ross Finnie on 25 March 2002, why information on the number of refrigerators and free'ers currently estimated to be held b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24005 by Ross Finnie on 25 March 2002, why information on the number of refrigerators and free'ers currently estimated to be held by local authorities is not held centrally.","AnswerText":"Collating information on the number of redundant fridges and freezers held in storage at any given time does not help to manage the problem, and asking local authority personnel to supply information which changes by the day merely diverts their attention from doing so effectively.

What is important is knowing the scale of the problem and ensuring that local authorities have the financial support they need to deal with it. The Executive's research has identified the number of waste fridges arising in Scotland and we have been able to model those numbers against local authority area. It is planning tools of this nature which local authorities and the waste management industry need. Having quantified the scale of the problem in this way, and having consulted local authorities on their likely costs, we were then able to provide them with an appropriate level of financial assistance.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161120,"EventID":"S1W-24561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is held on how each local authority deals with discarded refrigerators and free'ers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is held on how each local authority deals with discarded refrigerators and free'ers.","AnswerText":"In order to inform its consideration of the fridges issue, on 6 December 2001 the Executive advised local authorities of the volumes of discarded fridges and freezers expected to arise in their area and asked whether their plans for dealing with such waste could cope with those volumes. The response provided the basis for the local authority grant announced in the answer given to question S1W-23475 on 7 March 2002.

In other respects, each local authority is responsible for ensuring the safe disposal of the wastes it collects and the Executive does not collate information on how authorities have been dealing with discarded fridges and freezers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161121,"EventID":"S1W-24562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it proposes to introduce legislation to amend the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 in order to establish an appeals process for pupils refused a placing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it proposes to introduce legislation to amend the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 in order to establish an appeals process for pupils refused a placing request on the grounds that any remaining places in the school are reserved for families who move into the school catchment area after the beginning of the school year.","AnswerText":"Where a placing request is refused on the grounds that places are to be reserved in the specified school for families who move into the catchment area after the beginning of the school year, parents may use the existing appeals process under section 28C of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. Amendment of the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 is not, therefore, required.

It has, however, recently come to light that there may be an omission in earlier legislation following the introduction by the Education (Scotland) Act 1996 of an additional ground for refusal of a placing request at section 28A(3A); that is, to allow the reservation of places in the school for pupils likely to move into the catchment area.

Under section 28C of the 1980 act, a parent may appeal against an authority's decision to refuse their placing request, in the first instance to an appeal committee (under section 28E) and then to a sheriff (under section 28F). Under sections 28E and 28F, appeal committees and sheriffs have the power to confirm an authority's decision to refuse a placing request on one of the grounds specified in section 28A(3) of the 1980 act. Otherwise, they must reject the authority's decision and require them to place the child in accordance with the placing request. No mention is made in those sections of the ground for refusal introduced in at section 28A(3A) by the 1996 act.

A sheriff in Aberdeen recently took the view that, where the sole ground for refusal was section 28A(3A) of the 1980 act, he could not consider that ground in deciding whether to confirm the education authority's decision. He indicated that, as he could not confirm the decision on that ground, he believed he had no option but to reject the authority's refusal of the placing request on that ground and require them to place the child in accordance with the placing request.

The Scottish Executive will be taking the first appropriate legislative opportunity to address this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161122,"EventID":"S1W-24563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has in providing, or facilitating the provision of, houses in multiple occupation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has in providing, or facilitating the provision of, houses in multiple occupation.","AnswerText":"The use of houses for multiple occupation is mainly driven by market forces. In that connection the Scottish Executive's role is to ensure as far as possible that the physical condition and management of such houses is to acceptable standards, giving protection to the tenants involved and to neighbours. The Executive introduced mandatory licensing for houses in multiple occupation in October 2000, and is currently reviewing the first year of operation of the licensing scheme.

Some particular types of residential accommodation in multiple occupation are separately regulated under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 gives local authorities powers to provide discretionary grants for improvements by private owners including owners of houses in multiple occupation. Grants may also be paid specifically for the provision of fire escapes in houses in multiple occupation, and this will be extended to other means of escape from fire when Part 6 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 is commenced.

The development funding for new housing provided by the Executive, through Communities Scotland, to Registered Social Landlords, funds a number of group homes where the occupants share facilities, usually with a care element. A small proportion of other housing provided with public funding is also likely to be occupied on a shared tenancy basis, in response to specific requests from prospective tenants.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161123,"EventID":"S1W-24564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties were converted into sheltered housing complexes by social landlords other than local authorities and by private developers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties were converted into sheltered housing complexes by social landlords other than local authorities and by private developers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

Sheltered housing is now classified as supported residential accommodation on an individual or group basis. The number of unit approval rehabilitations by Registered Social Landlords in the period 1999-2000 to 2001-02 were:

1999-2000

Rehabilitation

Supported Residential

27

2000-01

Rehabilitation

Supported Residential

17

2001-02

Rehabilitation

Supported Residential

3

No information is held on provision by private developers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161124,"EventID":"S1W-24565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new sheltered housing complexes were built by social landlords other than local authorities and by private developers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new sheltered housing complexes were built by social landlords other than local authorities and by private developers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

Sheltered housing is now classified as supported residential accommodation on an individual or group basis. The number of new build unit approvals by Registered Social Landlords in the period 1999-2000 to 2001-02 are:

1999-2000

New Build

Supported Residential

148

2000-01

New Build

Supported Residential

173

2001-02

New Build

Supported Residential

78

No information is held on provision by private developers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161125,"EventID":"S1W-24566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties were converted into houses in multiple occupation by social landlords other than local authorities and by private developers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties were converted into houses in multiple occupation by social landlords other than local authorities and by private developers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24567 on 24 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161126,"EventID":"S1W-24567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new houses in multiple occupation were built by social landlords other than local authorities and by private developers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new houses in multiple occupation were built by social landlords other than local authorities and by private developers in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Although some properties are built or adapted specifically for use as hostel type accommodation, it is not possible to distinguish how many other houses in any housing sector will be used for multiple occupation, since this is not necessarily determined by the design of the house.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161127,"EventID":"S1W-24568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties were converted into sheltered housing complexes by local authorities in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties were converted into sheltered housing complexes by local authorities in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","AnswerText":"The numbers of dwellings converted into sheltered housing in the years 1999-2000 to 2001-02 are shown in the following table.

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

Conversions

Very sheltered

Sheltered

Very sheltered

Sheltered

Very sheltered

Sheltered

Aberdeen City

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aberdeenshire

0

72

0

88

0

0

Angus

0

0

0

0

0

0

Argyll and Bute

0

0

0

0

0

0

Clackmannanshire

0

20

0

15

0

17

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

0

0

0

0

0

0

Dumfries and Galloway

0

0

0

0

N/A

N/A

Dundee City

0

0

0

0

0

154

East Ayrshire

0

0

0

0

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02

New Build

Very Sheltered

Sheltered

Very Sheltered

Sheltered

Very Sheltered

Sheltered

Aberdeen City

0

0

0

0

0

0

Aberdeenshire

0

32

0

0

0

0

Angus

0

0

0

0

0

0

Argyll and Bute

0

0

0

0

0

0

Clackmannanshire

0

0

0

0

0

0

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

0

0

0

0

0

0

Dumfries and Galloway

0

0

0

0

N/A

N/A

Dundee City

0

0

0

0

0

0

East Ayrshire

0

0

0

0

The law in relation to boundary walls has been considered over the years by the courts, the Scottish Law Commission, the Westminster and Scottish Parliaments and both the former Scottish Office and the Scottish Executive. Details of that consideration were set out in my letter of 11 March 2002, a copy of which I have placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20516). The issues have received exhaustive examination and the Scottish Law Commission and the Executive are of the view that the existing law in this area is satisfactory and that there is no need for legislation to restate or reform it. The only representations received on this subject are those from the member and one of her constituents.

I would, however, be happy to meet the member, together with a representative of the Scottish Law Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161132,"EventID":"S1W-24573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, whether the presiding judge in the case of Thom v Hetherington (SLT 724) changed his op","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, whether the presiding judge in the case of Thom v Hetherington (SLT 724) changed his opinion in deciding that \"mutual\" and \"common\" meant different things and that the subject march fence type boundary wall in the case was not held as common property but as \"ad medium filum\" that is, ownership to an imaginary mid-line only; if so, what response it has given to this; what consideration it has given to paragraph 218 in Volume 18 of the Stair Memorial Encyclopaedia which states that the words \"common\" and \"mutual\" are interchangeable when being applied in legal terms to property dividing walls, and whether it believes there to be confusion in the area of the law relating to boundary walls given any change of mind by the judge, the statement that the words are interchangeable in the Stair Memorial Encyclopaedia and as demonstrated by the Scottish Law Commission in its Consultation Paper of 1992.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24572.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161133,"EventID":"S1W-24574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, what consideration and response it has given to the case of Gray v MacLeod (SLT 17) whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, what consideration and response it has given to the case of Gray v MacLeod (SLT 17) where the sheriff, when faced with the proposition that a march fence type boundary wall was owned to the mid-point only (\"ad medium filum\"), stated in his written opinion \"There has been long-standing doubt as to whether this is correct as a proposition of law\" (p.20 of Scots Law Times, 1979) and then went on to make it clear that there was an alternative proposition which denoted the boundary wall was held as common property pro indiviso.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24572.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161134,"EventID":"S1W-24575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, what consideration and response it has given to the case of Gill v Mitchell regarding a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, what consideration and response it has given to the case of Gill v Mitchell regarding a march fence type boundary wall where the sheriff, when no titles were produced, stated he was faced with a difference of opinion, when falling back on common law, as to whether the wall was held \"ad medium filum\" or as \"common property pro indiviso\" and while he himself preferred the \"ad medium filum\" view, the 'common property' view had judicial support (pages 48 and 49 of Scots Law Times, 1980).","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24572.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161135,"EventID":"S1W-24576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, whether the statements by the sheriffs in the cases of Gray v MacLeod and Gill v Mitche","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, whether the statements by the sheriffs in the cases of Gray v MacLeod and Gill v Mitchell convey to it corroboration of the expression of confusion by the Scottish Law Commission which was extant in the period 1990-93 and of the commission's statement that there are two conflicting lines of case law decision which cannot be satisfactorily reconciled in the aspect of the law concerning march fence type boundary divisions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24572.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161136,"EventID":"S1W-24577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, whether it will confirm that sheriff court opinions do not create case law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21639 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 February 2002, whether it will confirm that sheriff court opinions do not create case law.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24572.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161137,"EventID":"S1W-24578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fee was charged by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the financial review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fee was charged by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the financial review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

£107,584 excluding VAT.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161138,"EventID":"S1W-24579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which medical conditions are covered by the psychiatric research studies into \"medically unexplained symptoms\" which together received #537,000 from the Chief Scientist O","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which medical conditions are covered by the psychiatric research studies into \"medically unexplained symptoms\" which together received #537,000 from the Chief Scientist Office since 1999.","AnswerText":"The medical conditions covered by the projects include: motor symptoms (including significant motor weakness affecting at least one leg), neurological symptoms and patients without conventionally defined organic disease who are frequently referred from primary care to a range of medical specialities including general surgery, orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat, urology, general medicine, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, gastroenterology, rheumatology, respiratory, gynaecology and infectious diseases.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161139,"EventID":"S1W-24580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what diagnostic tests and markers are being used to screen possible participants in the epidemiological study into unexplained motor symptoms which has received #135,000 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what diagnostic tests and markers are being used to screen possible participants in the epidemiological study into unexplained motor symptoms which has received #135,000 from the Chief Scientist Office.","AnswerText":"The inclusion criteria used to screen possible participants for the epidemiological study of unexplained motor symptoms are:

the patient complains of symptoms or deficits affecting voluntary muscles, or deficits of sensory function that suggest a neurological or medical condition;

symptoms are not explained by an organic aetiology;

symptoms result in significant functional impairment, and

symptoms are not limited to pain or sexual dysfunction and are not explained by another mental disorder.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161140,"EventID":"S1W-24581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is to be made available to City of Edinburgh Council for expenditure incurred following the subsidence in the Ferniehill area of the city in ear","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is to be made available to City of Edinburgh Council for expenditure incurred following the subsidence in the Ferniehill area of the city in early 2001. ","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that City of Edinburgh Council is eligible for a payment of £646,841 under the Bellwin Scheme. The scheme was activated on 1 August 2001 following representation from the council on costs directly associated with the immediate aftermath of the subsidence, due to the collapse of old limestone workings, in the Ferniehill area in early 2001.

City of Edinburgh Council's costs were primarily revenue costs for evacuation of people from their homes, emergency work to safeguard buildings and the reinstatement of local roads.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161141,"EventID":"S1W-24582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the additional targets set for the police service as notified by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in May 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce the additional targets set for the police service as notified by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in May 2001.","AnswerText":"Additional targets, covering serious violent crime and vehicle crime, have been arrived at following detailed consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and the Convenors of police authorities. These new targets are being set for the Scottish police to achieve by the year 2003-04.

All of the police targets are intended to build on local plans and existing strategies and to provide a national focus for key areas. The Vehicle Crime target also encompasses the existing national target for car crime set by the UK Government in September 1998.

These new targets are as follows:

Serious Violent Crime

A reduction in the number of recorded incidents of serious violent crime of five per cent.

An increase in the detection rate of serious violent crime of 4.1 percentage points.

Vehicle Crime

A reduction in the number of recorded incidents of vehicle crime of 17%.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161142,"EventID":"S1W-24583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance has been in the third and fourth quarters of 2001 in answering ministerial correspondence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance has been in the third and fourth quarters of 2001 in answering ministerial correspondence.","AnswerText":"In the answer given to question S1W-12163, my colleague, Tom McCabe undertook to report quarterly on the numbers of letters received by ministers and our performance in answering them.

In the third quarter of 2001, July to September, 3,471 letters were received for ministerial reply of which 64% received a reply within 17 working days; and 81% received a reply within 25 working days. This performance is similar to the second quarter when 64% of letters received a reply within 17 working days and 82% received a reply within 25 working days and an improvement on the first quarter of 2001 when 60% and 79% of letters respectively received replies within 17 and 25 working days.

In the fourth quarter of 2001, October to December, 3,560 letters were received for ministerial reply of which 69% received a reply within 17 working days; and 86% received a reply within 25 working days. This is an improved performance on the third quarter. In the last quarter of 2000 only 39% of letters received a reply within 17 working days. There has been a continuous improvement in performance over all four quarters of 2001, but partly because of the ministerial changes in November and partly because of other pressures on some departments in the Executive the targets of 80% and 100% for the most recent quarter have not been met.

I have decided to retain the same targets for 2002 and I shall continue to report performance quarterly.","AnswerDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161143,"EventID":"S1W-24584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) whether it considered the application of EU rules on state aid and competition before announcing its decision to make up to #300 million available to the Glasgow Hou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) whether it considered the application of EU rules on state aid and competition before announcing its decision to make up to #300 million available to the Glasgow Housing Association in repayable grant and (b) whether its decision complies with those rules.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24436.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161144,"EventID":"S1W-24585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the view of Her Majesty's Government in respect of the application of EU procurement rules to large-scale voluntary transfer, set out in Arms Len","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the view of Her Majesty's Government in respect of the application of EU procurement rules to large-scale voluntary transfer, set out in Arms Length Management of Local Authority Housing - A Consultation Paper in December 2000 and whether any procurement of Glasgow City Council housing services and assets by Glasgow Housing Association would be compliant with EU procurement rules.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24436.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161145,"EventID":"S1W-24586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considered the application of EU procurement rules before providing New Housing Partnership funds to the Glasgow Housing Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considered the application of EU procurement rules before providing New Housing Partnership funds to the Glasgow Housing Association.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24436.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161146,"EventID":"S1W-24587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23427 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 March 2002, what the details are of its plans to commission an anti-stigma campaign as part of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23427 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 March 2002, what the details are of its plans to commission an anti-stigma campaign as part of the National Programme for the Improvement of Mental Health.","AnswerText":"We have commissioned People Too to carry out a concerted, national anti-stigma initiative in Scotland. People Too is an alliance of the Highland Users Group, the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland), Penumbra, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Scottish Association for Mental Health. Details of the initiative will be announced by People Too in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161147,"EventID":"S1W-24588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23679 by Peter Peacock on 26 March 2002, whether the #200 million underspend identified in the letter by the Minister for Finance a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23679 by Peter Peacock on 26 March 2002, whether the #200 million underspend identified in the letter by the Minister for Finance and Public Services to COSLA on 25 February 2002 has been allocated; if so, (a) where and (b) for what purpose, and, if it has not been allocated, what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"We intend to make an announcement before the summer recess on the allocation of resources carried forward from 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161148,"EventID":"S1W-24589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money the Better Government for Older People programme has received in each year since the programme started to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money the Better Government for Older People programme has received in each year since the programme started to date.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Better Government for Older People Network. The requested information is not held centrally. I asked the Network Director to write directly to the member. A copy of the reply has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20755). For information, a copy of the Network's journal Stratagem and two briefing notes, prepared by BGOP, have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20573).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161149,"EventID":"S1W-24590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how meetings of the Better Government for Older People network are advertised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how meetings of the Better Government for Older People network are advertised.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161150,"EventID":"S1W-24591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have signed up to the Better Government for Older People programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have signed up to the Better Government for Older People programme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161151,"EventID":"S1W-24592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where a copy of the constitution and rules for the Better Government for Older People network may be accessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where a copy of the constitution and rules for the Better Government for Older People network may be accessed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161152,"EventID":"S1W-24593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether access to meetings of the Better Government for Older People network is open to all older people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether access to meetings of the Better Government for Older People network is open to all older people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161153,"EventID":"S1W-24594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any salaried posts, and the salary of each, in the Better Government for Older People network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any salaried posts, and the salary of each, in the Better Government for Older People network.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161154,"EventID":"S1W-24595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any salaried postholders in the Better Government for Older People network have had any connection with the Labour Party in the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any salaried postholders in the Better Government for Older People network have had any connection with the Labour Party in the past five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24589.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161155,"EventID":"S1W-24596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23279 by Peter Peacock on 26 March 2002, what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the timing of any legislat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23279 by Peter Peacock on 26 March 2002, what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the timing of any legislation which will be introduced in order to allow for pilot election schemes for Scottish general elections to take place alongside the proposed pilot election schemes for local government elections and, in particular, about whether such legislation will allow this to happen in 2003. ","AnswerText":"As I indicated in the answer given to question S1W-23279 on 26 March 2002, the Secretary of State has advised us that it appears sensible to legislate to extend pilots to the Scottish Parliament elections when an opportunity arises.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161156,"EventID":"S1W-24597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of the proposed Shetlands Islands Council housing stock transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of the proposed Shetlands Islands Council housing stock transfer.","AnswerText":"Shetland Islands Council is currently developing a transfer proposal in consultation with tenants and a prospective landlord organisation called Shetland Homes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161157,"EventID":"S1W-24598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current estimate is of the level of resources that would be freed up in its annual budget over the next ten years by the transfer of housing stock from those lo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current estimate is of the level of resources that would be freed up in its annual budget over the next ten years by the transfer of housing stock from those local authorities actively considering wholesale stock transfer and whether it will utilise any such extra resources for the provision of social rented housing nationally or in individual local authority areas.","AnswerText":"Resources will continue to be required to meet breakage costs, and it will not be clear until the point of transfer what these costs will be. It is therefore not possible to estimate the level of resources that may be freed up. In the year of transfer, Glasgow's resources will be used by the Scottish Executive to contribute towards the costs of \"breakage\" on Glasgow's existing debt. Thereafter, some of the resources will be used to fund demolition and the costs of additional new build housing. In the longer term there may be savings and any decisions on how these are allocated will depend on Scottish Executive priorities and will fall to cabinet.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161158,"EventID":"S1W-24599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the proposal for a national public services trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the proposal for a national public services trust.","AnswerText":"I assume that a \"national public services trust\" refers to the SNP's proposal in January 2001 for a Scottish Trust for Public Investment (STPI) - an alternative form of model for funding Public/Private Partnerships (PPP) projects. This is not under active consideration currently.

The Executive is constantly reviewing evolving methods of PPP and will continue to examine different forms, to see if more efficient and successful forms of PPP can be developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161159,"EventID":"S1W-24600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current rate of interest charged by the Public Works Loan Board for local authority housing loans is. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current rate of interest charged by the Public Works Loan Board for local authority housing loans is. ","AnswerText":"Money lent by the board is intended to assist local authorities to meet long-term borrowing requirements. No distinction is made between borrowing for housing or any other legitimate purpose.

The interest rates at which the Public Works Loan Board makes loans to local authorities vary according to the authority's loan quota entitlement, the type of loan requested (fixed or variable rate) and the method of repayment. The rates of interest will be agreed between the board and the local authority at the time of application. The schedule of current interest rates can be viewed on the board's website:

www.pwlb.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161160,"EventID":"S1W-24601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rates of interest are currently being obtained by housing associations expressed as margins over the London InterBank Offered Rate or bank base rates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rates of interest are currently being obtained by housing associations expressed as margins over the London InterBank Offered Rate or bank base rates.","AnswerText":"The margins achieved by housing associations in the period October 2000 to September 2001 ranged from -0.4% to 1.5%, the median being 0.75%.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161161,"EventID":"S1W-24602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of private finance is which has been provided to fund its Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnership projects to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of private finance is which has been provided to fund its Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnership projects to date.","AnswerText":"The capital value of Public/Private Partnership (PPP) \"Done Deals\" to date is £2.2 billion. This figure comprises those projects that have been signed or are expected to sign within this financial year. The total estimated capital expenditure by the private sector on PPP projects over the period 2000-01 to 2003-04 is around 10% of the Scottish Executive's total capital expenditure for the same period and in terms of revenue support the figure is less than 2%.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161162,"EventID":"S1W-24603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16823 by Jackie Baillie on 2 August 2001, what the current status is of the proposed transfers of Scottish Homes properties to othe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16823 by Jackie Baillie on 2 August 2001, what the current status is of the proposed transfers of Scottish Homes properties to other landlords","AnswerText":"Scottish Homes has just over 3,000 houses still in ownership. Of these, some 1,200 have been successfully balloted and scheduled to transfer in April/May this year. Transfer proposals are being finalised for the remaining estates, with ballots scheduled later in the year. This is with the exception of Govan, which is subject of a management contract and Windlaw, Castlemilk, where tenants are pursuing transfer under the tenants choice scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161163,"EventID":"S1W-24604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16823 by Jackie Baillie on 2 August 2001, whether there are now any plans to transfer the Scottish Homes stock in Anderston, Cumber","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16823 by Jackie Baillie on 2 August 2001, whether there are now any plans to transfer the Scottish Homes stock in Anderston, Cumbernauld or Govan C.","AnswerText":"Residents in Anderston have been considering a range of regeneration options for the estate, and are due to make a decision later this month. Proposals will then be developed to transfer the houses in the spring of 2003.

Scottish Homes only owns 11 houses in Cumbernauld, five of which are vacant. These properties are in blocks which have structural problems. Options are currently being considered for the blocks which will include the 11 houses owned by Scottish Homes.

There are no plans to transfer the houses in Govan, where a management contract is being arranged.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161164,"EventID":"S1W-24605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been carried out into the impact on the delivery of obstetric and gynaecological services of the European Working Time Directive and guidelines issue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been carried out into the impact on the delivery of obstetric and gynaecological services of the European Working Time Directive and guidelines issued by the relevant Royal Colleges.","AnswerText":"Work is about to start on a detailed study to identify the impact and resource implications of the Working Time Regulations as they apply to all NHSScotland staff.

In addition to this, the Scottish Executive Health Department is taking forward work on workforce planning to ensure that we can deal with the many complex areas surrounding the supply of trained staff to NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161165,"EventID":"S1W-24606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments are made within the full development plan referred to at paragraph 31.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments are made within the full development plan referred to at paragraph 31.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock in respect of effecting a reduction in re-offending by prisoners after release.","AnswerText":"The plan includes commitment to address offending behaviour through programmes accredited by the Scottish Prison Service; to provide throughcare opportunities including work on drug and alcohol related problems, and for prisoners to have opportunities to gain employment skills.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161166,"EventID":"S1W-24607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the invoices received by the Scottish Ministers as required under paragraph 32.3 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the invoices received by the Scottish Ministers as required under paragraph 32.3 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock require VAT to be paid and, if so, at what rate.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes, at the current standard rate of 17.5%, but in accordance with section 41(3) of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 for qualifying contracted-out services, all VAT paid on invoices from Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited is fully recoverable.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161167,"EventID":"S1W-24608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many notices regarding security technology change quotations have been provided to the Scottish ministers, and on what dates, as required under paragraph 33.3.1 of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many notices regarding security technology change quotations have been provided to the Scottish ministers, and on what dates, as required under paragraph 33.3.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

None.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161168,"EventID":"S1W-24609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what system of recording gifts and hospitality has been put in place to aid in monitoring compliance with section 44 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what system of recording gifts and hospitality has been put in place to aid in monitoring compliance with section 44 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock on corrupt gifts and payments.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

No special system has been put in place. The standard SPS systems operate.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161169,"EventID":"S1W-24610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any notification of change of ownership as required to be notified under section 43 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any notification of change of ownership as required to be notified under section 43 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock has been given to the Scottish Ministers such that it has been deemed to be a change of control of Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited as defined at Paragraph 43.3.2.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

In accordance with the requirements of the contract between the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited (KPSL), KPSL advised SPS of the proposed purchase by Group4 Falck of The Wackenhut Corporation.

SPS is currently in discussion with KPSL to assess the implications, if any, if Group4 Falck proceed with their proposal to purchase The Wackenhut Corporation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161170,"EventID":"S1W-24611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any notification of change of ownership as required to be notified under section 43 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any notification of change of ownership as required to be notified under section 43 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock has been given to the Scottish Ministers and, if so, to what effect.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

In accordance with the requirements of the contract between the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited (KPSL), KPSL advised SPS of the proposed purchase by Group4 Falck of The Wackenhut Corporation.

SPS is currently in discussion with KPSL to assess the implications, if any, if Group4 Falck proceed with their proposal to purchase The Wackenhut Corporation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161171,"EventID":"S1W-24612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19287 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 November 2001, what the expected equity value of the contract is expected to be if notice of terminati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19287 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 November 2001, what the expected equity value of the contract is expected to be if notice of termination under section 40 and schedule H of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock were given by the Scottish ministers four years and six months after the contractual opening date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

As stated in Clause 40 of the contract between SPS and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited, published on the SPS website on 8 March 2002, it would not be open to the authority to terminate the contract at that time.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161172,"EventID":"S1W-24613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19287 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 November 2001, what the expected tax gross-up associated with the contract is expected to be, at curre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19287 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 November 2001, what the expected tax gross-up associated with the contract is expected to be, at current tax rates, if notice of termination under section 40 and schedule H of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock were given by the Scottish Ministers four years and six months after the contractual opening date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

This would require detailed calculation by independent advisers. I see no reason to commit to such expenditure on advisers now since the Executive has no plans to terminate the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161173,"EventID":"S1W-24614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many quarters has there been a reduction in the payment under section 35 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many quarters has there been a reduction in the payment under section 35 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock as a result of the application of schedule F of the agreement and in which quarters this has occurred.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

In five quarters i.e. in Performance Quarters 1, 2 and 3 of Performance Year 1 and in Performance Quarters 1 and 2 of Performance Year 3.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161174,"EventID":"S1W-24615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Ministers have provided Scottish Prison Service staff to work at HM Prison Kilmarnock under paragraph 34.1.1 of the Minute of Agreement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Scottish Ministers have provided Scottish Prison Service staff to work at HM Prison Kilmarnock under paragraph 34.1.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, excluding on matters relating to the supervision of the contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

None.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161175,"EventID":"S1W-24616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what daily charge rate is, or would be, levied under paragraph 34.1.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what daily charge rate is, or would be, levied under paragraph 34.1.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock for the use by Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited of Scottish Prison Service staff in the various categories, and with the various qualifications, which have been or may be provided.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No staff are provided under Clause 34.1.1. The question in respect of a daily rate is not therefore relevant.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161176,"EventID":"S1W-24617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoner places in HM Prison Kilmarnock were (a) being paid for and (b) occupied on (i) 30 June 2000, (ii) 31 December 2000, (iii) 30 June 2001, (iv) 31 December","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoner places in HM Prison Kilmarnock were (a) being paid for and (b) occupied on (i) 30 June 2000, (ii) 31 December 2000, (iii) 30 June 2001, (iv) 31 December 2001 and (v) 28 February 2002 or on the nearest dates for which the information can reasonably be provided.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The number of prisoner places was as follows:

 

Paid for

Occupied

30 June 2000

500

497

31 December 2000

533

533

30 June 2001

548

548

31 December 2001

510

510

28 February 2002

548

561

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161177,"EventID":"S1W-24618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether computer-simulated tests on the effect of wind around the new Parliament building can determine (a) whether it will result in any whistling and (b) what wind speed","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether computer-simulated tests on the effect of wind around the new Parliament building can determine (a) whether it will result in any whistling and (b) what wind speeds will be generated and whether there are any plans to use wind tunnel testing in order to detect any potential problems.","AnswerText":"The computer simulated wind tests on the final design of the Holyrood building were undertaken to determine the effect of windflow around the buildings. Even such sophisticated tests cannot determine whether or not whistling will occur. The elimination of whistling is essentially a matter related to the fit of the cladding components of the building and the design team have assured us that they have designed the cladding system with this in mind. Actual wind speeds will be dependent on ambient winds and their direction which are constantly varying factors, however, results from the simulation indicate that testing at a wind velocity of 60 mph, the building forms typically reduce wind speed. I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that since the computer simulation gave no cause for concern that the design of the building might accelerate wind speed, the architects currently have no plans to undertake any further form of wind testing.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161178,"EventID":"S1W-24619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the most recent visit to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by the Minister for Health and Community Care and any related meetings and whether it will detai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the most recent visit to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by the Minister for Health and Community Care and any related meetings and whether it will detail any action planned as a result of such a visit and meetings.","AnswerText":"I visited Aberdeen on 22 March 2002 at the invitation of the NHS board and in order to learn more about the services being provided at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. I also listened to the board's views on current service and patient/public involvement issues and met members of the NHS Grampian Community Forum. I expect to make similar visits to other NHS board areas in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161179,"EventID":"S1W-24620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance can be afforded to employees affected by the decision of Consignia plc to close the Parcelforce Worldwide parcel distribution centre in Glasgow and the d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance can be afforded to employees affected by the decision of Consignia plc to close the Parcelforce Worldwide parcel distribution centre in Glasgow and the depot in west Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Current permanent employees are expected to be given a choice of remaining in Consignia in another role or taking a voluntary redundancy package. Support will be provided to any Consignia employees becoming redundant through dedicated local response teams already in place under the Executive's PACE framework. This will ensure a rapid response in terms of retraining/upskilling and advice on employment opportunities. These workers will have early access to Training for Work and Jobcentre Plus programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161180,"EventID":"S1W-24621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to ensure that letters and packages are freighted from Scotland to England by rail rather than road to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to ensure that letters and packages are freighted from Scotland to England by rail rather than road to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive administers the Freight Facilities Grant scheme in Scotland which aims to encourage the transfer of freight from road to rail and waterborne modes of transport, by helping companies invest in the facilities needed to compete in financial terms with road transport.

The opportunities to take advantage of this grant scheme are available to manufacturers and logistics companies throughout Scotland. The decision about whether to carry freight by road or rail is a commercial matter for individual companies to make.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161181,"EventID":"S1W-24622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the decision by Consignia plc to move mail on fewer train services and during the day will have on the viability of (a) rail freight companies, (b) freight o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the decision by Consignia plc to move mail on fewer train services and during the day will have on the viability of (a) rail freight companies, (b) freight only services and (c) freight and passenger services on the west coast mainline.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Executive. With the exception of the administration in Scotland by the Scottish Executive of the Freight Facilities Grant and Track Access Grant schemes, rail freight is a reserved matter and as such is the responsibility of the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161182,"EventID":"S1W-24623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training and job search assistance will be given to rail workers whose jobs are in jeopardy following the decision by Consignia plc to rationalise its transport oper","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training and job search assistance will be given to rail workers whose jobs are in jeopardy following the decision by Consignia plc to rationalise its transport operations and restructure its parcels operations.","AnswerText":"I understand that no decision has been taken on this matter by Consignia, and there is no indication of whether redundancies of rail workers might result. In the event of such redundancies, the local enterprise network and other relevant organisations would be able to assist those made redundant with appropriate training.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161183,"EventID":"S1W-24624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what direct and indirect costs it expects to incur resulting from the decision by Consignia plc to reduce the number of jobs from its operations based in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what direct and indirect costs it expects to incur resulting from the decision by Consignia plc to reduce the number of jobs from its operations based in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not currently expect to incur any direct or indirect costs as a result of the recent announcement by Consignia plc to reduce the number of jobs from its operations in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161184,"EventID":"S1W-24625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21801 by Lewis Macdonald on 1 February 2002, what action it has taken to encourage operators such as Consignia plc to continue to u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21801 by Lewis Macdonald on 1 February 2002, what action it has taken to encourage operators such as Consignia plc to continue to use rail for the transportation of mail.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24621.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161185,"EventID":"S1W-24626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Scotland's Bathing Waters: A strategy for improvement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Scotland's Bathing Waters: A strategy for improvement.","AnswerText":"Two thousand copies of the bathing water strategy were printed. The costs of printing and publishing, including website conversion, were £2,314.46.

We are still distributing copies of the strategy on request. However, the main bulk of distribution was carried out immediately the strategy became available, at a cost of around £50.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161186,"EventID":"S1W-24627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Water Supplies in Public Buildings: A Consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Water Supplies in Public Buildings: A Consultation.","AnswerText":"The total cost was £1,627.52.

A breakdown of the costs is as follows:

Print costs - £1,332.75

Distribution - £85.78

Website conversion - £208.99.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161187,"EventID":"S1W-24628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Scottish Economic Statistics 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Scottish Economic Statistics 2002.","AnswerText":"The total cost of publishing Scottish Economic Statistics 2002 was £18,468.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161188,"EventID":"S1W-24629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24120 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 March 2002, whether it will specify all the omissions from the published version of the contract on H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24120 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 March 2002, whether it will specify all the omissions from the published version of the contract on HM Prison Kilmarnock in each case showing in which part of the contract the omissions were made, what information has been omitted and on what grounds it was omitted.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The categories omitted were detailed in the response to question S1W-24120. These were omitted on the grounds of security, commercial in confidence and unnecessary detail in the case of lengthy lists of fixtures, fittings, etc.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161189,"EventID":"S1W-24631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems are in place to ensure that (a) road maintenance contractors and (b) local authority departments clear up litter at the roadside and respond to litter compla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems are in place to ensure that (a) road maintenance contractors and (b) local authority departments clear up litter at the roadside and respond to litter complaints.","AnswerText":"The trunk road operating companies, Amey Highways and BEAR Scotland Ltd, are contractually required to clear litter from motorways and special roads in accordance with the standards laid down in the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the associated Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse. Under the act, responsibility for the clearance of litter from all other trunk roads rests with the local council through whose area the trunk road passes. The operating companies liaise with local councils to ensure that council policies meet with the requirements of the act. Local councils are also responsible for the clearance of litter from local roads.

The Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse sets out examples (by way of photographs) of the standards to be met in particular circumstances. It should be noted that the Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows litter levels to accumulate to certain grades before action needs to be taken. The operating companies then have various timescales to return the litter levels to acceptable standards.

The Scottish Executive has appointed the Performance Audit Group to audit and monitor the activities and performance of the operating companies and this includes their litter clearing performance.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161190,"EventID":"S1W-24632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland has had any input into the proposed road and development outside Caroline Park House, Granton, Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland has had any input into the proposed road and development outside Caroline Park House, Granton, Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to answer. His response is as follows:

Planning authorities are statutorily required to consult Scottish ministers before determining applications for planning permission for development which may affect a category A listed building or its setting. Historic Scotland, which is responsible to ministers for matters affecting Scotland's built heritage, handles such requests for comments from planning authorities.

The planning authority, the City of Edinburgh Council, has sought and received both formal and informal comments from the Historic Buildings Inspectorate within Historic Scotland on the proposed developments adjacent to category A listed Caroline Park House. The Inspectorate has also been invited by the council to participate in meetings with various parties to discuss these developments and the associated road system. This close contact between the council and the Inspectorate is expected to continue until the council determines the application.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161191,"EventID":"S1W-24633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the suggestion by M. Giscard d'Estaing, Chair of the Convention on the Future of Europe for a Youth Convention and how it expects Scottish young ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the suggestion by M. Giscard d'Estaing, Chair of the Convention on the Future of Europe for a Youth Convention and how it expects Scottish young people to have an input into such a convention.","AnswerText":"I am aware that this proposal has only recently been approved by the Praesidium of the European Convention and await further details.

The Scottish Executive believes it is important that the voice of the youth of Scotland is fed into the European Union processes and have been, and are working with colleagues on a UK basis to ensure this happens. I was very pleased that the immediate past chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament was able to participate as part of the UK delegation in last month's European Youth Gathering in Murcia, Spain.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161192,"EventID":"S1W-24634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14024 by Jackie Baillie on 22 March 2001, whether it intends to commission research into poverty levels among those people who live","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14024 by Jackie Baillie on 22 March 2001, whether it intends to commission research into poverty levels among those people who live outside of private households.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so. Household income is used as a proxy for standard of living when measuring income poverty. This does not apply to those living in institutions, and therefore they cannot be included in any estimates of the incidence of income poverty.

However, low income is only one of a number of factors which determine whether or not people are in poverty or socially excluded. The Social Justice Annual Report presents 29 milestones which describe different aspects of poverty and exclusion and many of these cover people who live outwith private households.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161193,"EventID":"S1W-24635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13944 by Jackie Baillie on 20 March 2001, what percentage of the population currently live in affordable housing options.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13944 by Jackie Baillie on 20 March 2001, what percentage of the population currently live in affordable housing options.","AnswerText":"There is no single, generally accepted definition of \"affordability\" which can be used for calculations of this nature. The following tables, based on information collected for the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) in 1996, show the percentage of households, by tenure, spending more than a specified percentage of household income on housing costs.

SHCS 1996 - Calculations Include Housing Benefit in Income and Housing Costs:

Tenure

Percentage of Households in Scotland Spending More than Specified Percentage of their Income on Housing Costs

20%

25%

30%

Owner Occupied

19

11

7

Private Rented

51

42

34

Council Rented

59

42

28

Other Social Rented

70

52

38

All Households

36

25

17

SHCS 1996 - Calculations Exclude Housing Benefit from Income and Housing Costs:

Tenure

Percentage of Households in Scotland Spending more than Specified Percentage of their Income on Housing Costs

20%

25%

30%

Owner occupied

19

11

7

Private rented

35

26

20

council rented

21

14

10

other social rented

27

19

13

All Households

21

13

9

Note:

Calculations based on net incomes of head of household and any spouse or partner. Housing costs include mortgage repayments and expenditure on rent.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161194,"EventID":"S1W-24636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the most recent visit to the north east by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and related meetings and whether it will d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the most recent visit to the north east by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and related meetings and whether it will detail any action planned as a result of such a visit and meetings.","AnswerText":"On 19 March, Wendy Alexander and I visited Kingswells Park & Ride site and met with representatives from NESTRANS, the north-east Scotland transport partnership. It was an extremely productive and useful meeting and will be followed up with meetings between officials over the coming year. NESTRANS was invited to proceed with modelling the traffic and impact of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and to come forward with a STAG appraisal by the end of the year to inform further discussion with ministers.

Immediate action as a result of this meeting includes:

  1. The Executive to provide additional funding of £585,000 in 2002-03 from the Integrated Transport Fund to match fund Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils' collective contributions for the further development and implementation of the Modern Transport System (MTS).

  2. The Executive to provide a further £600,000 in 2002-03 for Aberdeen City Council to take forward its Urban Realm project, to meet both its traffic reduction and development aspirations for the city and the wider north-east economy.

The Executive to develop a free-standing Sub Area Model to determine the character of traffic in the north-east. The model will be used by NESTRANS to assess its MTS projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161195,"EventID":"S1W-24637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether paragraph 49.1.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Mana","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether paragraph 49.1.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock permits disclosure of confidential matters in response to enquiries from the Parliament and, if not, whether it will detail the contractual restrictions which prevent any such disclosure.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes, Clause 49 of the contract between SPS and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited permits, but does not require the disclosure of Confidential Matters as defined in paragraph 1.1.14. In deciding whether disclosure is appropriate, in each case account is also taken of the public interest, and of the contractor's position regarding company commercial confidentiality at the time in question.

Almost all of the contract has been published and is available on the internet. In addition, arrangements were made to show the Justice 1 Committee the full contract under appropriate confidentiality arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161196,"EventID":"S1W-24638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how VisitScotland will guarantee that all tourist organisations will have equal access to the website and national telephone number for e-tourism Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how VisitScotland will guarantee that all tourist organisations will have equal access to the website and national telephone number for e-tourism Ltd.","AnswerText":"The Joint Venture Partnership has not yet been agreed. However, it will be a key condition that all tourism businesses will have equal access to the website and the national telephone number. The new company's business plan, which will require the agreement of VisitScotland and the Area Tourist Boards, will contain this condition. Changes to the Business Plan will also require the approval of these organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161197,"EventID":"S1W-24639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will prevent \"cherry-picking\" of high commission tourist destinations under the arrangements for e-tourism Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will prevent \"cherry-picking\" of high commission tourist destinations under the arrangements for e-tourism Ltd.","AnswerText":"It is proposed that the rules on access will prevent \"cherry picking\". For example, e-tourism Ltd will not be able to highlight special offers for individual businesses on its home page and protocols on fees and charges and commission rates will be agreed in advance between e-tourism Ltd and the ATBs/VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161198,"EventID":"S1W-24640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a private company will have the majority control of the proposed e-tourism Ltd and what safeguards will be in place to ensure that such a company cannot control a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a private company will have the majority control of the proposed e-tourism Ltd and what safeguards will be in place to ensure that such a company cannot control access, in order to disadvantage competitors, to the website and national telephone number of e-tourism Ltd.","AnswerText":"It is proposed that the private sector will have majority control of the company. However, there will be a wide range of contractual safeguards in place to control the actions of the company and to ensure that it does not act against the public interest. These will include, for example, the requirement for the ATBs/VisitScotland to approve the company Business Plan and any subsequent changes to it.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161199,"EventID":"S1W-24641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the level of public investment in the proposed e-tourism Ltd, along with any public share in the profits generated by the company.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the level of public investment in the proposed e-tourism Ltd, along with any public share in the profits generated by the company.","AnswerText":"It is proposed that the public sector will invest as follows: VisitScotland £956,250 (12.75%) and Area Tourist Boards £918,750(12.25%). After the initial investment, no further funding of e-tourism Ltd will be required from the public sector. Any profits from the joint venture (which will be dependent on how the company performs) will be shared with the public sector in the same proportions.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161200,"EventID":"S1W-24642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all those consulted about the structure, powers and funding for VisitScotland's proposed joint private sector venture e-tourism Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all those consulted about the structure, powers and funding for VisitScotland's proposed joint private sector venture e-tourism Ltd.","AnswerText":"The principle elements of the joint venture have been widely publicised - not least in the Scottish Executive's Strategy for Tourism, published in February 2000. The joint venture is subject to a full EU procurement process and a prospectus for the project was published in June 2000. A project board has guided the project and has made strategic decisions on behalf of the public sector stakeholders. The board includes representatives of the Area Tourist Board (ATB) network, which represents around 16,000 tourism related businesses. ATBs have provided information about the project to their members, and VisitScotland has provided information in its Signpost magazine as well as meeting with trade organisations. The detail of the project has been developed during negotiations with the preferred bidder and it has therefore not been practicable to consult widely on any specific points.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161201,"EventID":"S1W-24643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions it has used section 57 of the Scotland Act 1998 to implement European Community obligations in a devolved area on a UK-wide basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions it has used section 57 of the Scotland Act 1998 to implement European Community obligations in a devolved area on a UK-wide basis.","AnswerText":"Section 57(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 has been used to implement European Community obligations 17 times.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161202,"EventID":"S1W-24644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has turned down proposals for the use of section 57 of the Scotland Act 1998 by ministers and officials of Her Majesty's Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has turned down proposals for the use of section 57 of the Scotland Act 1998 by ministers and officials of Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161203,"EventID":"S1W-24645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6975 by Peter Peacock on 1 June 2000, whether it is reconsidering making it a requirement that transport for schoolchildren and pre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6975 by Peter Peacock on 1 June 2000, whether it is reconsidering making it a requirement that transport for schoolchildren and pre-school children should be fitted with seatbelts and whether it is aware of any local authorities which are making the fitting of seatbelts in school transport a requirement before awarding contracts.","AnswerText":"Our position on contract specification remains as Peter Peacock indicated. Policy and legislation on vehicle standards, including fitting of seatbelts, is reserved to the UK Parliament. The Scottish Executive does not collect information about local authority school transport contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161204,"EventID":"S1W-24647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discussions with local authorities in Strathclyde to enable free transport for elderly people to be introduced this year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discussions with local authorities in Strathclyde to enable free transport for elderly people to be introduced this year.","AnswerText":"The Executive has reached agreement with COSLA to enhance existing concessionary travel schemes on a voluntary basis, in order to provide free local off-peak bus travel within existing concessionary scheme areas from 1 October 2002. We expect the Strathclyde Concessionary Scheme Joint Committee to ratify that position later this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161205,"EventID":"S1W-24648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were cancelled as a result of a lack of beds at each in the Greater Glasgow Health Board area in each quarter of each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operations were cancelled as a result of a lack of beds at each in the Greater Glasgow Health Board area in each quarter of each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of operations cancelled by NHSScotland is not available. Data is collected on the number of planned admissions to hospital for in-patient/day case treatment which are cancelled. Information is published in Scottish Health Statistics, which is available on the Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW) website at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/Scottish_Health_Statistics/SHS2000/M1.pdf.

The number of cancellations of planned admissions to hospital for in-patient/day case treatment is one of the measures in the NHS Performance Assessment Framework (PAF). Rates of cancellations which are significantly above Scottish norms or which show a sharply rising trend will be reviewed at the annual accountability review meetings between the Health Department and NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161206,"EventID":"S1W-24649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the leasing of commercial properties by Glasgow City Council will be affected by the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the leasing of commercial properties by Glasgow City Council will be affected by the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer.","AnswerText":"The Glasgow Housing Association intends to take over the leases of those commercial properties which are transferring as part of the housing stock transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161207,"EventID":"S1W-24650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether exemption from competition for domestic users of water complies with European Union competition laws and whether any such exemption is in the best interest of con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether exemption from competition for domestic users of water complies with European Union competition laws and whether any such exemption is in the best interest of consumers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24221, which explained that further consideration is needed of the issues surrounding a legislative framework for the water industry that will safeguard public health, environment protection and social objectives in a competitive environment. This work is in hand at present. In taking it forward, the Executive will be seeking an approach that serves the interests of customers and complies with the provisions of EU law in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161208,"EventID":"S1W-24651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Renewing Local Democracy; The Next Steps.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Renewing Local Democracy; The Next Steps.","AnswerText":"Details of the full costs of publishing the document and summary are not yet available but the final cost is expected to be around £6,500. I will write to the member with this information once it is available and place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161209,"EventID":"S1W-24652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much resources were, or are to be, allocated to each social inclusion partnership for housing regeneration in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much resources were, or are to be, allocated to each social inclusion partnership for housing regeneration in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 expressed also as a percentage of the (i) overall allocation and (ii) per capita figures in each case.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not specify that core social inclusion partnership allocations are to be used for any particular purpose, such as housing regeneration. Partnerships assess regeneration needs in their own areas of operation, develop strategies to deal with these issues, and use the funding provided to implement measures aimed at effecting regeneration locally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161210,"EventID":"S1W-24653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to offer any money to the Great Northern Social Inclusion Partnership for the purpose of housing regeneration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to offer any money to the Great Northern Social Inclusion Partnership for the purpose of housing regeneration.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not specify that core social inclusion partnership SIP allocations are to be used for any particular purpose, such as housing regeneration. Partnerships assess regeneration needs in their own areas of operation, develop strategies to deal with these issues, and use the funding provided to implement measures aimed at effecting regeneration locally.

In light of this the Scottish Executive do not intend to offer funding to the Great Northern Partnership specifically for the purpose of housing regeneration.

The Scottish Executive provided £1.001 million SIP funding to the Great Northern Partnership in 2001-02 and has allocated £1.027 million SIP funding to the Great Northern Partnership via Communities Scotland for 2002-03 for social inclusion activity.

Discussions have been ongoing between the Scottish Executive, Communities Scotland and Aberdeen City Council regarding housing regeneration.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161211,"EventID":"S1W-24654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are made available to its special task forces for large-scale redundancies when deployed to businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are made available to its special task forces for large-scale redundancies when deployed to businesses.","AnswerText":"The national response to large-scale redundancy situations is the Executive's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) framework. This initiative provides a national strategic framework for partnership working across key public sector agencies.

Local response teams have been set up in each local enterprise company area, involving key local and national agencies. These teams have responsibility for implementing a wide range of early interventions to alleviate job losses where possible and, in the event of a redundancy situation arising, for implementing a local action plan targeted at finding alternative employment or training opportunities for those affected.

Under the auspices of the PACE framework, a wide variety of interventions are used to support a redundancy situation and are tailored to meet individual needs and local circumstances. There are no restrictions in terms of age limit to receipt of this support.

The membership of each team varies from area to area but the key agencies involved are the local enterprise company, local authority and Jobcentreplus. Other agencies (such as Careers Scotland, Benefits Agency, etc.) are called upon as required. All agencies involved are committed to ensuring sufficient resources, experience and knowledge to support the process.

Given the wide range of agencies involved, information on job titles, grades, work patterns, pension and salary details of each member of the local response teams is not held centrally.

Each local response team is tasked with putting in place an effective system across all agencies to allow for the tracking of individuals affected. As each redundancy situation is unique, the local response team will assess individual circumstances and sets its targets accordingly.

Following the report of the 2001 Review of PACE, work is in hand to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to learn from the experience of the PACE teams and continue to improve PACE performance.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161212,"EventID":"S1W-24655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the success of its special task forces for large-scale redundancies is measured and what the success rate of each such task force has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the success of its special task forces for large-scale redundancies is measured and what the success rate of each such task force has been.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24654.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161213,"EventID":"S1W-24656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the job titles and grades have been of members of staff on its special task forces for large-scale redundancies and whether any such members of staff have experienc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the job titles and grades have been of members of staff on its special task forces for large-scale redundancies and whether any such members of staff have experienced being made redundant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24654.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161214,"EventID":"S1W-24657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether action taken by its special task forces for large-scale redundancies include in all cases offering retraining to all staff in the target business, irrespective o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether action taken by its special task forces for large-scale redundancies include in all cases offering retraining to all staff in the target business, irrespective of age.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24654.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161215,"EventID":"S1W-24658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the staff working on its special task forces for large-scale redundancies are employed on a full-time basis with pension and salary and, if so, how much it has s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the staff working on its special task forces for large-scale redundancies are employed on a full-time basis with pension and salary and, if so, how much it has spent on salaries for such employees on each task force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24654.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161216,"EventID":"S1W-24659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-03-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23652 by Peter Peacock on 26 March 2002, whether it will define and give examples of \"basic services\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23652 by Peter Peacock on 26 March 2002, whether it will define and give examples of \"basic services\".","AnswerText":"\"Basic services\" would include the full range of a council's responsibilities, including, for example, for education, social work, environmental health, local roads, etc.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161217,"EventID":"S1W-24660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23033 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, what the crime statistics for the Strathclyde Police area reveal for the periods (a) 25 J","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23033 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, what the crime statistics for the Strathclyde Police area reveal for the periods (a) 25 January to 30 January 2002, (b) 1 February to 6 February 2002 and (c) 8 February to 13 February 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161218,"EventID":"S1W-24661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers have (a) contributed substantially to the development of any materials or rights, (b) received any monies resulting from their sale and (c) bee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish ministers have (a) contributed substantially to the development of any materials or rights, (b) received any monies resulting from their sale and (c) been made aware of any negotiations which may lead to such a sale in terms of the intellectual property rights provisions under section 51.5 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161219,"EventID":"S1W-24662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Coopers & Lybrand, or their successors PricewaterhouseCoopers, signed Schedule P in line with section 64 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Coopers & Lybrand, or their successors PricewaterhouseCoopers, signed Schedule P in line with section 64 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock on behalf of the Scottish ministers and, if so, on what date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes, on 11 November 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161220,"EventID":"S1W-24663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited has at any time transferred personal data to any country outwith the EU in line with the data protection provisions in section ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited has at any time transferred personal data to any country outwith the EU in line with the data protection provisions in section 57 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock and, if so, whether it will give details.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

This is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161221,"EventID":"S1W-24664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish ministers ensure that Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited (KPSL) and all servants, agents and sub-contractors of KPSL (a) do not unlawfully discriminate withi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish ministers ensure that Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited (KPSL) and all servants, agents and sub-contractors of KPSL (a) do not unlawfully discriminate within Scotland, (b) apply similar standards of operation elsewhere and (c) have codes of practice relating to the prevention of discrimination in line with section 56 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

By making it an enforceable condition of the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161222,"EventID":"S1W-24665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what disciplinary or corrective action has been taken regarding those responsible for the two-year delay in the completion of the new Polmont houseblock as referred to in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what disciplinary or corrective action has been taken regarding those responsible for the two-year delay in the completion of the new Polmont houseblock as referred to in paragraph 34 of its Scottish Prison Service Estate: Consultation Paper - Proposals for the Future of the Scottish Prison Service Estate.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

None is appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161223,"EventID":"S1W-24666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which prisons and in what numbers are the 1,900 prisoners held who are required to slop out each day, as referred to in paragraph 30 of its Scottish Prison Service Est","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which prisons and in what numbers are the 1,900 prisoners held who are required to slop out each day, as referred to in paragraph 30 of its Scottish Prison Service Estate: Consultation Paper - Proposals for the Future of the Scottish Prison Service Estate.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

This information refers to prisoner places which do not have access to full sanitation. It is contained in The Scottish Prison Service Estates Review Appendix B, which is shown in the following table.

Establishment

(Design Capacity)

Without Night Sanitation as at January 2002

Barlinnie (1,009)

833

Edinburgh (678)

292

Glenochil YOI (179)

174

Perth (615)

146

Peterhead (296)

296

Polmont (164)

164

Total

1,905

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161224,"EventID":"S1W-24667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are currently available for prisoners wishing to achieve qualifications to level SVQ 3 and how many achieved that level in each of the last three years ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are currently available for prisoners wishing to achieve qualifications to level SVQ 3 and how many achieved that level in each of the last three years at (a) HM Prison Kilmarnock and (b) each Scottish Prison Service prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The information requested is not held centrally and is not available for previous years.

SVQ level 3 is currently offered at present by HM Prison Peterhead (six places on Carpentry and Joinery) and from HM Prison Castle Huntly (one place on Professional Cookery).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161225,"EventID":"S1W-24669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 June 2001, how the legal holding of march fence type boundary walls can, in terms of common sense and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15753 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 June 2001, how the legal holding of march fence type boundary walls can, in terms of common sense and equity between adjacent parties, be ascribed to the rule of ownership in law to the mid-point only where the wall is constructed of linear single brick or bree'e-block with butted support along one side and capped by concrete cope.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24572 on 23 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161226,"EventID":"S1W-24670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers and duties NHS boards and local authorities have to implement health controls when illegal imports of meat arrive at airports and ports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers and duties NHS boards and local authorities have to implement health controls when illegal imports of meat arrive at airports and ports.","AnswerText":"When illegal imports of meat are detected at ports and airports, it is confiscated and destroyed by either Customs and Excise officers or the local authority.

Under the current legislation, local authorities have the power to require the destruction or re-export of any product which they have reasonable grounds for believing does not comply with conditions for import from a third country. NHS boards have no powers to implement health controls when illegal imports of meat have been discovered.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161227,"EventID":"S1W-24671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures the Food Standards Agency Scotland is taking to detect infected meat imported from abroad which (a) is unsafe for human consumption and (b) could pass infec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures the Food Standards Agency Scotland is taking to detect infected meat imported from abroad which (a) is unsafe for human consumption and (b) could pass infection to a farm animal.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that European Union (EU) food hygiene legislation on meat for human consumption requires that all meat sold on the single market must be fit for human consumption, and free from animal diseases. It must have passed the specified health checks under veterinary supervision, and have been awarded the appropriate health mark.

Meat produced within the EU may circulate freely on the single market, and is not subject to border controls. However, imports of meat from other EU states are subject to random checks by the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) at meat cutting plants, or by local authorities in meat plants under their supervision. Following problems over the presence of Specified Risk Material in contravention of BSE rules, the Food Standards Agency has instructed the MHS to inspect every single consignment of imported carcass beef.

All meat imports from third countries also have to satisfy the conditions set out in EU food hygiene and import legislation. The latter includes prior notification and importation through EU authorised Border Inspection Posts (BIPs). In the BIPs, the meat is subject to a 100% check of identity and documentation, and a random physical check. The controls cover both public and animal health aspects with responsibility resting respectively with the Food Standards Agency and Agriculture Departments. Local authorities have day-to-day responsibility for enforcement of the import legislation in BIPs in Scotland.

Agency officials are exploring proposals made in a report approved by the Board of the Food Standards Agency with a view to making a number of improvements to controls on imports at ports, and have already issued written guidance to authorities to ensure there is continued vigilance and checks on imported products both at the point of import and at the retail level. In addition the Food Standards Agency is taking an active role in interdepartmental initiatives led by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) aimed at co-ordinating action concerned with illegal imports of meat.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161228,"EventID":"S1W-24672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Glasgow housing stock transfer includes the transfer of commercial properties held by Glasgow City Council to the Glasgow Housing Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Glasgow housing stock transfer includes the transfer of commercial properties held by Glasgow City Council to the Glasgow Housing Association.","AnswerText":"The Glasgow housing transfer will include some shops and offices currently held on the Housing Revenue Account.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161229,"EventID":"S1W-24673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the staff with the most relevant experience are from whom the Scottish Prison Service sourced data as referred to in its media briefing on 28 March 2002 on the prison","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the staff with the most relevant experience are from whom the Scottish Prison Service sourced data as referred to in its media briefing on 28 March 2002 on the prison estates review; what positions do they hold and what experience do they have of prison administration, of working within prisons and of working with sex offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

No SPS media briefing took place on 28 March 2002. There was media briefing on 21 March when SPS said that throughout the review it sourced data from the most appropriate personnel, covering a range of staff including operational, estates, financial and contracts staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161230,"EventID":"S1W-24674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what percentage the Scottish Prison Service estimates that costs per prisoner year on a net present value basis would vary with reference to a 700 place prison if a Pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what percentage the Scottish Prison Service estimates that costs per prisoner year on a net present value basis would vary with reference to a 700 place prison if a Public/Private Partnership Private Build Private Operate prison were built with places for (a) 300, (b) 400, (c) 500, (d) 600, (e) 800, (f) 900 and (g) 1,000 prisoners as referred to in paragraph 1.3 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Paragraph 1.3 indicates that the base assumption for all the calculations was that of a 700 place model. This was based on the recommendation of the Estates Review (Paragraphs 57-61) that 700 was considered to be the optimum size for a new prison. Detailed calculations have not been carried out for the wide range of sizes requested and these could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161231,"EventID":"S1W-24675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adjustments were made to the data provided by HM Prison Service in relation to the levels of business rates, water, electricity, gas, heating requirements due to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether adjustments were made to the data provided by HM Prison Service in relation to the levels of business rates, water, electricity, gas, heating requirements due to climate and any other costs which differ between Scotland and England and Wales before inclusion in the calculation of the projected cost of a Public/Private Partnership Private Build Private Operate prison as referred to in paragraph 1.3 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

No.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161232,"EventID":"S1W-24676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value of assets, calculated at March 2001 values, would be transferred to the public sector upon termination after 25 years of the Minute of Agreement between the S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value of assets, calculated at March 2001 values, would be transferred to the public sector upon termination after 25 years of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock and to which public body would these assets be transferred.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

As published in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts for 2000-01, included with Land and Buildings, as at 31 March 2001, is an amount of £5,259,566 for the reversionary interest in the Private Finance Initiative prison HM Prison Kilmarnock. These assets will transfer to SPS at the end of the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161233,"EventID":"S1W-24677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what types of assets would be transferred to the public sector upon termination of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what types of assets would be transferred to the public sector upon termination of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The prison buildings and the other assets, contained in Schedule B of the contract between SPS and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited, as published on the SPS website on 8 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161234,"EventID":"S1W-24678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many transactions were included in calculating the projected cost of a Public/Private Partnership Private Build Private Operate prison as referred to in paragraph 1.3","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many transactions were included in calculating the projected cost of a Public/Private Partnership Private Build Private Operate prison as referred to in paragraph 1.3 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Six, as explained in paragraph 3.3 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161235,"EventID":"S1W-24679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HM Prison Kilmarnock was included in the calculation of the projected cost of a Public Private Partnership Private Build Private Operate prison as referred to in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether HM Prison Kilmarnock was included in the calculation of the projected cost of a Public Private Partnership Private Build Private Operate prison as referred to in paragraph 1.3 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes, as explained in paragraph 3.3 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161236,"EventID":"S1W-24680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its plans for the tourism industry include looking at ways to market ex-industrial areas throughout Scotland such as Coatbridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its plans for the tourism industry include looking at ways to market ex-industrial areas throughout Scotland such as Coatbridge.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland. I understand that they intend to market Scotland's industrial heritage as part of their new product based marketing strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161237,"EventID":"S1W-24681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the facilities provided at the Summerlee Heritage Museum in Coatbridge including working trams, the reconstruction of a drift mine, the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the facilities provided at the Summerlee Heritage Museum in Coatbridge including working trams, the reconstruction of a drift mine, the exhibition hall, the miners row cottages and the facilities and events specifically for children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has responsibility for the national museums and galleries of Scotland, whereas responsibility for non-national museums, including Summerlee Heritage Museum, lies with local agencies i.e. local authorities. North Lanarkshire Council has overall responsibility for the Summerlee Heritage Park, Coatbridge. The Scottish Executive has therefore not given consideration to its facilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161238,"EventID":"S1W-24682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports North Lanarkshire Council in their policy of allowing free entry to the Summerlee Heritage Museum in Coatbridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports North Lanarkshire Council in their policy of allowing free entry to the Summerlee Heritage Museum in Coatbridge.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has responsibility for the national museums and galleries. The responsibility for non-national museums, such as the Summerlee Heritage Museum, Coatbridge, lies with local agencies. The Public Libraries Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1887 sets out that all libraries, museums or art galleries established by local authorities under the act, or to which the act applies, shall be open to the public free of charge. The Scottish Executive supports that position.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161239,"EventID":"S1W-24683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish state-run hotels, similar to the Spanish parador, where listed buildings could be restored to provide accommodation for tourists and where ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish state-run hotels, similar to the Spanish parador, where listed buildings could be restored to provide accommodation for tourists and where holiday itineraries could include visits to facilities such as the Summerlee Heritage Museum in Coatbridge.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to establish state-run hotels or to restore listed buildings to provide accommodation for tourists.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161240,"EventID":"S1W-24684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers have any plans to visit the Summerlee Heritage Museum in Coatbridge to view the facilities available there and to help market the museum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers have any plans to visit the Summerlee Heritage Museum in Coatbridge to view the facilities available there and to help market the museum.","AnswerText":"I have not received any invitation to visit the museum but would be happy to consider any request if received.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161241,"EventID":"S1W-24685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what properties presently on, or being considered for inclusion in, its Buildings at Risk register being compiled by the Scottish Civic Trust, have in the last five years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what properties presently on, or being considered for inclusion in, its Buildings at Risk register being compiled by the Scottish Civic Trust, have in the last five years been the subject of reports to a procurator fiscal or investigatory actions ordered by a procurator fiscal with regard to insurance fraud, any breach of planning laws, malicious damage, actions contrary to the listed status of the building or any other possible illegal actions by their owners in connection with the property.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161242,"EventID":"S1W-24686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many owners of listed buildings have been prosecuted in each of the last five years for insurance fraud, any breach of planning laws, malicious damage or actions cont","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many owners of listed buildings have been prosecuted in each of the last five years for insurance fraud, any breach of planning laws, malicious damage or actions contrary to the listed status of their building; what the outcome was of each prosecution and what properties were involved.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161243,"EventID":"S1W-24687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many investigations ordered by procurators fiscal into the owners of listed buildings are currently under way with regard to insurance fraud, any breach of planning l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many investigations ordered by procurators fiscal into the owners of listed buildings are currently under way with regard to insurance fraud, any breach of planning laws, malicious damage or actions contrary to the listed status of their building and whether any of these also involved any investigation into any malicious complaints to the police, attempts to exert improper influence over any police investigations and police officers or a waste of police time.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161244,"EventID":"S1W-24688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current policy is on charging business rates on the location of cash machines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current policy is on charging business rates on the location of cash machines.","AnswerText":"Automated telling machine (cash machine) sites are liable for business rates in the same way that all non-domestic lands and heritages, which have not been specifically exempt from rates, are liable. Responsibility for setting rateable values for these sites lies with the Scottish assessors who are independent of both central and local government. Provision for exempting from rates sites occupied by automated telling machines in certain rural areas will be included in the forthcoming Local Government Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161245,"EventID":"S1W-24689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing The Scottish Budget: Annual Expenditure Report of the Scottish Executive 2003-04, including both the su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing The Scottish Budget: Annual Expenditure Report of the Scottish Executive 2003-04, including both the summary and detail booklets.","AnswerText":"The costs of publishing, printing and distribution of The Scottish Budget: Annual Expenditure Report of the Scottish Executive for both the summary and detail documents are set out as follows:

£

Publishing

Printing

Distribution

Summary Document

7,467.82*

9,087.00

700.00***

Detail Document

1,842.00**

8,695.00

 

Notes:

*Includes £1,489.00 for web conversion.

**Includes £405.00 for web conversion.

***Estimate of costs of distribution for both documents.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161246,"EventID":"S1W-24690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost is for (a) the design and production materials for public distribution, (b) radio and other media advertising, (c) display advertising including poste","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost is for (a) the design and production materials for public distribution, (b) radio and other media advertising, (c) display advertising including poster sites and (d) other promotional activities including postage and distribution, as part of its National Debate on Education launched on 20 March 2002.","AnswerText":"Promotional activity for the National Debate on Education aims to maximise participation and generate a high level of feedback, which will be shared with the Education, Culture and Sport Committee. The costs are shown in the following table:

Activity

Cost (£)

(a) Design and production materials

45,000

(b) Radio and other media advertising

215,000*

(c) Display advertising

40,000

(d) Other promotional activities

60,000*

Total

360,000*

Note:

*Costs for on-going activities are latest estimates of final totals.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161247,"EventID":"S1W-24691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) radio advertising slots and (b) poster sites have been booked for advertising its National Debate on Education consultation; what advice it was given regardi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) radio advertising slots and (b) poster sites have been booked for advertising its National Debate on Education consultation; what advice it was given regarding the choice of these slots and sites and by whom, and what fee or commission was charged by, or paid to, the agency or individual for this advice. ","AnswerText":"The National Debate on Education is being advertised on 13 commercial radio stations and 48 poster sites in key urban locations. Advice on the intensity, location and placement of media to ensure maximum participation in the debate was given by Executive officials, Faulds Advertising Agency and the Media Buyer Feather Brookes Bank. It is not the Executive's practice to disclose the terms of uncompleted contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161248,"EventID":"S1W-24692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a detailed breakdown of all the costs of its National Debate on Education consultation in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a detailed breakdown of all the costs of its National Debate on Education consultation in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24690 today. Of the activities quoted, work which was completed by the end of March 2002 cost £130,000. Costs for 2002-03 will also include sums for analysis of feedback and for events during the national debate. Figures for total expenditure will be available in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161249,"EventID":"S1W-24693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the approval process is for spending on promotion and advertising in consultation exercises and what criteria are applied when making such decisions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the approval process is for spending on promotion and advertising in consultation exercises and what criteria are applied when making such decisions.","AnswerText":"Decisions about the size of spend for promoting and advertising consultation exercises are taken by the Executive on an on-going basis, with advice on advertising and marketing from the Scottish Executive's Media and Communications Group and the specialist agencies under contract to it. Criteria for the communications spend are based on the specific requirements of individual consultation exercises.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161250,"EventID":"S1W-24694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been in each year since its inception to 31 March 2002 for the (a) design, (b) print production, (c) advertising, (d) promotion and marketing, (e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been in each year since its inception to 31 March 2002 for the (a) design, (b) print production, (c) advertising, (d) promotion and marketing, (e) distribution and (f) external assessment of responses, for all its public consultations and what the estimated budget for such activities is for the period 1 April 2002 to 1 May 2003.","AnswerText":"Costs for different aspects of consultation exercises are not always identified separately within the budget for a specific policy area. As there is no central record of such costs, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of expenditure for particular aspects of consultation exercises. Gathering such detailed information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, the Executive is currently giving consideration to the need for a central mechanism to record details of its consultations as part of the on-going work to improve Scottish Executive consultation practice and co-ordination. Decisions on the size of budgets for such activities in forthcoming consultations are taken by the Executive on an on-going basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161251,"EventID":"S1W-24695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments spent in each year since its inception to 31 March 2002 on (a) publishing and (b) promoting public consultation documents and what the b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments spent in each year since its inception to 31 March 2002 on (a) publishing and (b) promoting public consultation documents and what the budget for each department for such activities is for the period 1 April 2002 to 1 May 2003.","AnswerText":"The costs associated with particular aspects of consultation exercises are met from the budget for a specific policy area and are not always separately identified. As there is no central record of such costs, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of expenditure for particular aspects of consultation exercises. Gathering such detailed information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, the Executive is currently giving consideration to the need for a central mechanism to record details of its consultations as part of the on-going work to improve Scottish Executive consultation practice and co-ordination. Decisions about the details of activities to be undertaken in forthcoming consultations are taken by the Executive on an on-going basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161252,"EventID":"S1W-24696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public consultations it has undertaken in each year since its inception which involved the publication of a document which was available to the public and/or rad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public consultations it has undertaken in each year since its inception which involved the publication of a document which was available to the public and/or radio or other media advertising.","AnswerText":"Written consultation exercises undertaken by the Scottish Executive use a variety of document formats: letters, photocopied papers or published material. All of these documents are made available to the public via the Executive website, in addition to being distributed to targeted organisations and individuals. Consultation documents have been published on the Executive website since its inception. The following table provides details of how many consultation exercises involving written documents have been undertaken by the Scottish Executive each year.

Year

Number of Consultations

1999 (from 1 July)

92

2000

140

2001

164

2002 (up to March 2002)

45

There is no central information available on how many Scottish Executive consultations, each year, involved radio or other media advertising.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161253,"EventID":"S1W-24697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) public consultation documents, (b) responses to public consultation documents and (c) strategic plans or policy papers it intends to publish between 1 April ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) public consultation documents, (b) responses to public consultation documents and (c) strategic plans or policy papers it intends to publish between 1 April 2002 and 1 May 2003; what subjects these documents will cover and what the estimated date of publication is for each document.","AnswerText":"Decisions about the publication of consultation documents, strategic plans or policy papers are taken by the Executive on an on-going basis. Consultation papers are posted on the Scottish Executive website. Responses to consultation documents are logged and made available to the public at the Scottish Executive Library (Saughton House).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161254,"EventID":"S1W-24698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce measures designed to encourage more people on low incomes to become justices of the peace.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce measures designed to encourage more people on low incomes to become justices of the peace.","AnswerText":"Candidates to become justices of the peace are nominated to ministers by local Justice of the Peace Advisory Committees (JPACs). JPACs are required to ensure firstly, that candidates are personally suitable in terms of character, integrity and understanding. They are also encouraged to nominate candidates from across the spectrum, so that the body of justices in the area is broadly representative of all sections of the community which they serve.

The role and function of justices is to be considered as part of the wide-ranging review of summary justice being conducted by an independent committee chaired by Sheriff Principal McInnes:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/summaryjusticereview.

There are no plans to alter the current system of appointments until the committee has submitted its recommendations to ministers, but I have no doubt the committee will welcome any comments on current appointment arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161255,"EventID":"S1W-24699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role civilian neighbourhood or community wardens could play in reducing the fear of crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role civilian neighbourhood or community wardens could play in reducing the fear of crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided funding under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund for a pilot to explore the use of neighbourhood wardens in part of Paisley. Their principal function will be to observe and report incidents to local authority colleagues or the police, as appropriate, with the aim of reducing vandalism and anti-social behaviour. They will have no powers to arrest, stop or detain.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161256,"EventID":"S1W-24700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a scheme similar to the community wardens scheme in England and Wales is in place in Scotland and, if not, whether it has any plans to introduce such a scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a scheme similar to the community wardens scheme in England and Wales is in place in Scotland and, if not, whether it has any plans to introduce such a scheme.","AnswerText":"We have no plans for community support officers with police powers to undertake neighbourhood patrols along the lines proposed south of the border. However, the Executive has provided funding under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund for a pilot to explore the use of neighbourhood wardens in part of Paisley. The role of these wardens, who will be employed by Renfrewshire Council and work closely with Strathclyde Police, will be to observe and report incidents with the aim of reducing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161257,"EventID":"S1W-24701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing for parents whose children are addicted to drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing for parents whose children are addicted to drugs.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated £20 million, over three years, to the Changing Children's Services Fund for drugs projects targeted towards children. A further £2 million, again over three years, has been allocated to the Lloyds TSB Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people affected by drug misuse.

The Executive has issued guidance for consultation, Getting Our Priorities Right, which gives guidance on developing policies and promoting good practice for working with children and families where there is a drug misuse problem. We will also produce a report, later this year, on effective practice for family support which will take into account dialogue with the families of drug misusers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161258,"EventID":"S1W-24702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps have been and are being taken to tackle persistent youth offending. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific steps have been and are being taken to tackle persistent youth offending. ","AnswerText":"The action programme 2002 to reduce youth crime was launched in January. This programme outlines the steps we are taking to build a safer Scotland and to reduce youth offending. We have invested £25.5 million over four years to improve the range, quality and availability of intensive community-based programmes for persistent young offenders. Through the Youth Justice steering group, we are working closely with SCRA and representatives of the children's hearings system to identify further improvements for tackling persistent offending.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161259,"EventID":"S1W-24703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat graffiti.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat graffiti.","AnswerText":"On 31 October 2001 we announced details of a new community safety award programme which will give all council-led Community Safety Partnerships a share of £12 million over the next three years for local community safety initiatives. The programme will allow Community Safety Partnerships to identify local priorities and address issues such as graffiti. For 2002-03 the Inverclyde Community Safety Partnership has been allocated a total community safety award of £113,140.61. One of the priorities within the partnership's strategy is to tackle vandalism, graffiti and fly tipping. Indeed, Inverclyde Council's Building Services Department has a dedicated graffiti squad which will remove obscene or offensive graffiti immediately when reported and other graffiti on a priority basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161260,"EventID":"S1W-24704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being or will be taken to diminish sectarianism in all its forms and to promote Scotland as a nation free from bigotry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being or will be taken to diminish sectarianism in all its forms and to promote Scotland as a nation free from bigotry.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are opposed to sectarianism in all its forms, in education and in the workplace. I and my colleagues meet Northern Ireland ministers but have not at present any plans to implement specific anti-sectarian programmes based on their experience. We are, however, working with a cross-party group to consider the need for new legislation to increase protection from attacks motivated by religious hatred. It is important that any proposals for change in this area are practical and effective. The group intends to produce a report in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161261,"EventID":"S1W-24705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sectarianism in Scotland will be discussed at any future meeting of the British-Irish Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sectarianism in Scotland will be discussed at any future meeting of the British-Irish Council.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present to discuss sectarianism in Scotland at a meeting of the British-Irish Council, as the work programme for the council has already been agreed.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161262,"EventID":"S1W-24706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning the lessons to be learned from their experience of tackling sectarianism, bigotry and prejudic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning the lessons to be learned from their experience of tackling sectarianism, bigotry and prejudice.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24704.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161263,"EventID":"S1W-24707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been carried out into the feasibility of monitoring crimes to identify any sectarian motivation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been carried out into the feasibility of monitoring crimes to identify any sectarian motivation.","AnswerText":"A cross party working group has been established to consider possible legislation to tackle religious hatred. As part of its work the group is considering issues relating to the recording and monitoring of crime motivated by sectarianism.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161264,"EventID":"S1W-24708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available on the number of accident and emergency admissions to hospitals in (a) Glasgow, (b) Lanarkshire and (c) Renfrewshire on the dates of Celtic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available on the number of accident and emergency admissions to hospitals in (a) Glasgow, (b) Lanarkshire and (c) Renfrewshire on the dates of Celtic versus Rangers football matches in each of the past seven years and how these compare with normal rates of admission.","AnswerText":"My department does not hold this information. I would, therefore, suggest that any information that is available could best be obtained from the Acute NHS trusts in the Greater Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161265,"EventID":"S1W-24709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has sought and obtained from the Northern Ireland Executive on any ways and means of tackling sectarianism within the NHS and in monitoring sectarian incid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has sought and obtained from the Northern Ireland Executive on any ways and means of tackling sectarianism within the NHS and in monitoring sectarian incidents and any subsequent additional pressure on staff and costs.","AnswerText":"Fair for All and Patient Focus and Public Involvement, published in December of last year, reported on steps taken to develop the commitments in the Involving People section of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change. They also indicated that NHS boards are expected to take a pro-active and positive approach to delivering health services that respect the individual beliefs and cultural backgrounds of all the people of Scotland. They make it clear that there is no place for discrimination whether on religious belief or any other issue in the way the NHS deals with patients, acts as an employer, or communicates with the public.

Staff in the UK Health Departments are in regular contact about matters of mutual interest. Best practice from Northern Ireland experience was used in developing this guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161266,"EventID":"S1W-24710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the task force established to examine sectarianism; which meetings have been held to date; what future meetings are planned; with whom it has cons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the task force established to examine sectarianism; which meetings have been held to date; what future meetings are planned; with whom it has consulted; who has made submissions to date, and when the task force will publish its report.","AnswerText":"The cross party working group on possible legislation to tackle religious hatred is chaired by Dr Richard Simpson MSP, Deputy Minister for Justice, and comprises Ms Margaret Curran MSP, Deputy Minister for Social Justice, Ms Pauline McNeill MSP, Ms Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Lord James Douglas-Hamilton MSP and Mr Donald Gorrie MSP. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Crown Office are also represented.

The group has the following remit:

To consider the need for legislation to combat religious hatred (in particular the creation of a new category of statutory aggravations; and the creation of a new offence of incitement to religious hatred) and if appropriate develop effective and workable proposals for legislation to increase the protection to religious groups in Scotland.

To consider whether non-legislative action could be taken as an alternative.

The group held its first meeting on 6 February and is due to meet again on 8 May. The group intends to report on its findings in late summer and will consult with interested parties at that time.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161267,"EventID":"S1W-24711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when discussions were last held with senior police officers concerning sectarian crime and how it might be best tackled.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when discussions were last held with senior police officers concerning sectarian crime and how it might be best tackled.","AnswerText":"A cross party working group has been established to consider possible legislation to tackle religious hatred. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is represented on the group, which held its first meeting on 6 February and will meet again on 8 May.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161268,"EventID":"S1W-24712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent estimates have been made of the costs of policing sectarian events such as Orange Order parades and football matches with potential sectarian overtones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent estimates have been made of the costs of policing sectarian events such as Orange Order parades and football matches with potential sectarian overtones.","AnswerText":"Total policing costs in respect of Orange Order parades vary according to the size, location and timing of parades. Most parades (around 600 each year) take place in the areas covered by Strathclyde Police and Lothian and Borders Police. For local marches, where only a small police presence is required, the costs may be less than £100. However, the costs associated with the largest three or four annual events in the Strathclyde Police area are each estimated to be nearly £100,000.

Total policing costs in relation to football matches with sectarian overtones also vary according to a range of factors, including the clubs involved and the importance of the match in the context of the league or cup. Policing costs will be incurred outside the stadium, for example on traffic and crowd control, as well as inside the ground. Depending on the circumstances, the overall costs of a fixture involving both Rangers and Celtic could be as high as £70,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161269,"EventID":"S1W-24713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sectarianism in sport has implications for inward investment and tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sectarianism in sport has implications for inward investment and tourism.","AnswerText":"There has been no research undertaken into this. However, any issue that portrays Scotland in a bad light will inevitably have an adverse effect on people's perceptions of Scotland. The Executive continues to believe that sectarianism has no place in a modern Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161270,"EventID":"S1W-24714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) Roman Catholic children currently attend non-denominational schools and (b) non-Roman Catholic children currently attend Roman Catholic Schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) Roman Catholic children currently attend non-denominational schools and (b) non-Roman Catholic children currently attend Roman Catholic Schools.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally, as the Scottish Executive does not collect information relating to the religious denomination of individual pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161271,"EventID":"S1W-24715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any additional costs in providing separate infrastructures for non-denominational and Roman Catholic schools and, if so, what these costs are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any additional costs in providing separate infrastructures for non-denominational and Roman Catholic schools and, if so, what these costs are.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold detailed information that would allow any accurate conclusion to be drawn as to whether additional costs are associated with the provision of separate infrastructures for non-denominational and Roman Catholic schools. A wide range of factors influences the cost of education provision in each local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161272,"EventID":"S1W-24716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce anti-sectarian courses into the curriculum at both primary and secondary level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce anti-sectarian courses into the curriculum at both primary and secondary level.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to introduce anti-sectarian courses into the curriculum in Scottish schools.

Guidance to education authorities and schools and the framework of national qualifications provide relevant opportunities for raising awareness of matters such as sectarianism, through education for citizenship within the subject areas of personal and social development, religious and moral education, and under social subjects within Environmental Studies. The Scottish Executive also funds the Scottish School Ethos Network, which shares good practice in promoting positive ethos in schools, and the Anti-Bullying Network which provides advice and consultancy to schools and shares good practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161273,"EventID":"S1W-24717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning the education programme operating in Northern Ireland to tackle sectarianism amongst sch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning the education programme operating in Northern Ireland to tackle sectarianism amongst schoolchildren.","AnswerText":"There have been no detailed discussions concerning the Education for Mutual Understanding programme operating in Northern Ireland. However, Scottish Executive officials are aware of the programme and have had contact with Northern Ireland Executive officials.

We are working with education authorities, schools and relevant organisations in taking forward our commitment to promote equality of opportunity for all and to raising the attainment levels of all our young people. Every school is expected to have an equal opportunities policy, and the curriculum offers a number of opportunities to address the issue of sectarianism.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161274,"EventID":"S1W-24718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning the feasibility of a joint study of sectarianism in schools and how it might be eradicat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning the feasibility of a joint study of sectarianism in schools and how it might be eradicated.","AnswerText":"There have been no such discussions between the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161275,"EventID":"S1W-24719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the education for mutual understanding programme in Northern Ireland and what plans it has to introduce a similar programme in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the education for mutual understanding programme in Northern Ireland and what plans it has to introduce a similar programme in Scotland.","AnswerText":"There has been no assessment made of the education for mutual understanding programme in Northern Ireland, and there are no plans at present to introduce a similar programme in Scotland.

Tackling sectarianism in Scottish schools falls under our overarching efforts to promote equal opportunities in schools. One of the five National Priorities for school education set by Scottish ministers, focuses specifically on teaching pupils respect for self and others, and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161276,"EventID":"S1W-24720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the level and impact of sectarianism in society and what specific plans it has to tackle this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the level and impact of sectarianism in society and what specific plans it has to tackle this.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24704.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161277,"EventID":"S1W-24721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning the implementation of programmes to eradicate sectarianism in local communities within ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning the implementation of programmes to eradicate sectarianism in local communities within the context of the promotion of social justice.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24704.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161278,"EventID":"S1W-24722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning sectarianism in the workplace and in the education system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive concerning sectarianism in the workplace and in the education system.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24704.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161279,"EventID":"S1W-24723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a funded programme to support anti-sectarian activities in local communities based upon social justice and equality strategies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a funded programme to support anti-sectarian activities in local communities based upon social justice and equality strategies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24704.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161280,"EventID":"S1W-24724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which social inclusion partnerships have (a) underspent and (b) overspent their budgets in each financial year since 1998-99 and by how much.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which social inclusion partnerships have (a) underspent and (b) overspent their budgets in each financial year since 1998-99 and by how much.","AnswerText":"Details of social inclusion partnership (SIP) spending against their SIP Fund allocations is shown in the following tables for 1999-2000 and 2000-01. Out-turn information in respect of 2001-02 is not yet available.

SIP

Total Allocation

Expenditure

Under (Over)

Aberdeen Great Northern

809,000

809,000

0

Arbroath

140,000

140,000

0

Argyle and Bute

206,000

205,113

887

Edinburgh North

2,877,000

2,830,281

46,719

Edinburgh South

740,000

506,427

233,573

Edinburgh Strategic Programme

1,178,000

1,098,064

79,936

Edinburgh Youth SIP

205,000

182,331

22,669

Edinburgh Craigmillar

1,723,000

1,669,416

53,584

Alloa South and East*

750,000

783,252

(33,252)

Dundee Young Carers

56,000

24,332

31,668

Dundee SIP1

2,512,000

2,508,967

3,033

Dundee SIP2

792,000

792,000

0

Dundee Xplore

300,000

181,375

118,625

East Ayrshire Coalfields

741,000

694,110

Aberdeen City

Aberdeenshire

Angus

Argyll and Bute

Clackmannanshire

Dumfries and Galloway

Dundee City

East Ayrshire

Edinburgh, The City of

Eilean Siar

Falkirk

Fife

Glasgow City

Highland

Inverclyde

Midlothian

Moray

North Ayrshire

North Lanarkshire

Orkney Islands

Renfrewshire

Scottish Borders

Shetland Islands

South Ayrshire

South Lanarkshire

Stirling

Proposals from the remaining six local authority areas are expected shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161283,"EventID":"S1W-24727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made or will be made of the impact on core social work and education services of initiatives in the early years sector such as the Sure Start pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made or will be made of the impact on core social work and education services of initiatives in the early years sector such as the Sure Start programme and new community schools.","AnswerText":"Initiatives like Sure Start Scotland and New Community Schools offer exciting new and integrated ways of delivering core social work, education and health services. We are evaluating their impact both on services and service users and expect to report by mid 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161284,"EventID":"S1W-24728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the Scottish Legal Aid Board considers that a block fee regime would encourage additional usage of the courts in civil legal aid matters and what evaluatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the Scottish Legal Aid Board considers that a block fee regime would encourage additional usage of the courts in civil legal aid matters and what evaluations have been undertaken on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Legal Aid Board is by statute an independent body. It is not for Scottish ministers to speak for the board on its opinions. This question should be raised with the board. However, I await proposals from the Law Society of Scotland on fees for civil legal aid work.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161285,"EventID":"S1W-24729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Legal Aid Board has undertaken a comparative exercise on the value of work now being performed under the Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Legal Aid Board has undertaken a comparative exercise on the value of work now being performed under the Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, applying Schedule 1 of the Criminal Legal Aid (Scotland) (Fees) Regulations 1989 and, if so, what the results were.","AnswerText":"The Executive will commission an independent research project into the impact of fixed payments in the course of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161286,"EventID":"S1W-24730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5228 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 March 2000, what the additional direct costs associated with the abolition of Crown Exemption for poli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-5228 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 March 2000, what the additional direct costs associated with the abolition of Crown Exemption for police properties were in 2001-02 and what the estimated cost is for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Outturn information on the additional direct costs associated with the abolition of Crown Exemption for police properties in 2001-02 is not yet available.

The total additional amount estimated for non-domestic rates for police properties in 2002-03, based on figures provided by forces, is £10.4 million. This amount was included in the distribution of GAE for that year. The breakdown by force is shown in the following table.

Force

Additional estimated costs 2002-03

(£ million)

Central

0.4

Dumfries and Galloway

0.3

Fife

0.8

Grampian

1.1

Lothian & Borders

1.7

Northern

0.7

Strathclyde

4.5

Tayside

0.9

Total

10.4

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161287,"EventID":"S1W-24731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to protect the environment and wetland bird population from commercial shellfish extraction such as is taking place at Pettycur Bay, Burntisl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to protect the environment and wetland bird population from commercial shellfish extraction such as is taking place at Pettycur Bay, Burntisland, which is both a special protection area and a site of special scientific interest.","AnswerText":"Fife Council recently served an interim interdict on those fishing cockles at Pettycur Bay to prevent them from harvesting the cockles, and I have been advised that the cocklers are no longer operating at Pettycur Bay.

The Scottish Executive will consider conducting a cockle stock assessment.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161288,"EventID":"S1W-24732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff, showing inspectors and support staff separately, will be employed at the headquarters and each regional and sub-office of the Scottish Commission for the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff, showing inspectors and support staff separately, will be employed at the headquarters and each regional and sub-office of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.","AnswerText":"The numbers of staff currently employed by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care at its headquarters and in each of its regional offices are detailed in the following table. Decisions have yet to be made by the Care Commission as to which of those currently assigned meantime to the regional offices will ultimately be attached to the local resource centres currently being set up.

The Care Commission currently regulates only those care services already regulated prior to 1 April 2002. It will be reviewing its staffing levels in each location as other care services start to be regulated from later dates.

Location

Professional Staff

Administrative Staff

Total

Headquarters

29

18

47

North - Aberdeen

55

18

73

Central East - Dundee

76

24

100

Central West - Paisley

71

23

94

South East - Musselburgh

62

19

81

South West- Hamilton

78

25

103

Total

371

127

498

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161289,"EventID":"S1W-24733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific evidence is there for any \"innovative approach to Prison management\" from the performance of HM Prison Kilmarnock in any area other than cost, as referred ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific evidence is there for any \"innovative approach to Prison management\" from the performance of HM Prison Kilmarnock in any area other than cost, as referred to in Schedule D: Part 1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

In HM Chief Inspector of Prisons' last formal report he included 12 items of best practice at HM Prison Kilmarnock. The company operates a 50 category performance monitoring system superior to that elsewhere in SPS. They provide higher quality management information on the main outputs than we have for any of our other prisons.

SPS Operating Standards are a key driver for improving performance. Nowhere in comparable establishments are prisoners out of their cells for as long as they are at Kilmarnock during which they are challenged on their offending behaviour and the need to work. In this respect Kilmarnock is in the forefront of correctional excellence which we intend to roll out through the service over the next few years. The flexibility and speed of response to changing requirements is generally faster than elsewhere in SPS.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161290,"EventID":"S1W-24734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Category A prisoners are currently accommodated at HM Prison Kilmarnock; what the maximum number of such prisoners has been to date and how does Schedule D: Part","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Category A prisoners are currently accommodated at HM Prison Kilmarnock; what the maximum number of such prisoners has been to date and how does Schedule D: Part 1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock apply.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Since opening there have been no Category A prisoners accommodated at Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161291,"EventID":"S1W-24735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which parts of the procedures of Scottish ministers do not apply to the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock as referred to in paragraph 2.2 of Schedule D: Part 1 of the Min","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which parts of the procedures of Scottish ministers do not apply to the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock as referred to in paragraph 2.2 of Schedule D: Part 1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

In general, HM Prison Kilmarnock follows or aligns itself with most SPS policies and operational procedures, save for those involving the internal management of the company, external suppliers and other third parties.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161292,"EventID":"S1W-24736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any drop in tourism numbers in areas where wind farms are prevalent, for example in Denmark and Wales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any drop in tourism numbers in areas where wind farms are prevalent, for example in Denmark and Wales.","AnswerText":"None, but VisitScotland is to undertake research later this year into visitors' perceptions of the effect of wind farms on tourism.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161293,"EventID":"S1W-24737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, what the identified problems in the North Ayr Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) were ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, what the identified problems in the North Ayr Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) were which required the improvement of the audit systems.","AnswerText":"The identified problem relates to the Youth Information and Resource Project funded by North Ayr SIP. An audit investigation established that there was not a proper division of financial responsibilities and that there was also a lack of adequate financial supervision. However, the introduction of a dedicated senior finance officer who will administer the partnerships finances and the implementation of a series of improved financial procedures satisfied the Executive that the restriction referred to in S1W-24178 should be lifted.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161294,"EventID":"S1W-24738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, why payments to the Craigmillar Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) were witheld and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, why payments to the Craigmillar Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) were witheld and when the investigation will be complete.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive withheld SIP Fund grant from the City of Edinburgh Council as grant recipient for the Craigmillar SIP. The grant was withheld pending further investigation by CEC into the relationship between EU funding and the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund.

A judicial review has now been raised in connection with this matter. It is not possible to give a timescale for resolution of the relevant issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161295,"EventID":"S1W-24739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, which financial year does the #392,062 payment to various social inclusion partnershi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, which financial year does the #392,062 payment to various social inclusion partnerships refer to and whether any of the projects listed here are also referred to in the previous section for which payments totalling #366,610 were released.","AnswerText":"The sum of £392,062 relates to financial year 2000-01, whereas the sum of £366,610 was referring to costs within financial year 1999-2000.

As per the previous answer, S1W-24178, both figures relate to expenditure claimed by Glasgow City Council in their role as accountable body or administrator of social inclusion partnership (SIP) Fund payments to projects supported by the SIPs. The amounts claimed represent administration costs of up to 2.5% of each of the 13 Glasgow SIP allocations in any one year, which the council has incurred in respect of all SIP projects in these SIPs.

The council as accountable body is eligible to claim such costs under the terms and conditions of the SIP Fund, (latest version 1 April 2002).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161296,"EventID":"S1W-24740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24174, S1W-24175 and S1W-24176 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, how many requests to inspect the registers of interest for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24174, S1W-24175 and S1W-24176 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, how many requests to inspect the registers of interest for each social inclusion partnership have been made by Communities Scotland or any body which previously had such a power. ","AnswerText":"The requirement to hold a central register of interest only became effective from 1 April 2002, following the revision of the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund Terms and Conditions. As yet therefore, there have been no such requests to inspect the registers over the period to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161297,"EventID":"S1W-24741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24174 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether it intends to collect and publish information on which members of each social ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24174 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether it intends to collect and publish information on which members of each social inclusion partnership board have interests that would be declarable if serving as members of a local authority. ","AnswerText":"The revised terms and conditions of grant for social inclusion partnership (SIP) funding, applicable from 1 April 2002, include a new requirement on grant recipients to ensure that all members of partnerships and their sub-groups declare any relevant interests that they have, and that these interests are recorded in a register.

As such, there are no plans for the Executive centrally to collect and publish information on which members of social inclusion partnership boards have interests that would be declarable if serving as members of local authorities. Local authorities as grant recipient should keep a central register of these interests, which must be made available for inspection by Communities Scotland, all those involved in the SIP process, and members of the public on request.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161298,"EventID":"S1W-24742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24175 and S1W-24176 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether it will make public the registers of interest for social inclu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24175 and S1W-24176 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether it will make public the registers of interest for social inclusion partnership board members.","AnswerText":"The revised Terms and Conditions of grant for social inclusion partnership (SIP) funding require registers of interest to be available to the public. Applicable from 1 April 2002, they strengthen and augment the previous guidance by including a new requirement on local authorities as grant recipients to ensure that all members of partnerships and their sub-groups declare any relevant interests that they have and that these interests are recorded in a register. The local authority, as grant recipient will keep a central register of these interests, which must be made available for inspection by Communities Scotland, all those involved in the SIP process, and members of the public on request.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161299,"EventID":"S1W-24743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24175 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether members of social inclusion partnership boards are obliged to notify the appro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24175 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether members of social inclusion partnership boards are obliged to notify the appropriate local authority of any interests or conflicts of interests and, if so, what the legislation governing such an obligation is.","AnswerText":"Under the standard Terms and Conditions of Grant for the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund (1 April 2002) local authorities as grant recipients are obliged to ensure that all members of partnerships and their sub-groups declare any relevant interests.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161300,"EventID":"S1W-24744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24174, S1W-24175 and S1W-24176 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether the registrable interests for social inclusion part","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24174, S1W-24175 and S1W-24176 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether the registrable interests for social inclusion partnership board members are similar to those for elected members of local authorities or those who serve on non-departmental public bodies. ","AnswerText":"The principles behind the registration of interests for social inclusion partnership (SIP) board members are broadly similar to those for councillors and non-departmental public bodies. Financial guidance is available to accompany the terms and conditions, which provides a fuller indication of the types of circumstances in which interests should be declared. The SIP fund standard terms and conditions (1 April 2002) require that grant recipients maintain a central register of such interests.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161301,"EventID":"S1W-24745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether any of the cases involving the withholding or recovery of payments to social i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether any of the cases involving the withholding or recovery of payments to social inclusion partnerships occurred prior to May 1999.","AnswerText":"Social inclusion partnerships only became effective as of April 1999. There are no cases involving the withholding or recovery of payments to social inclusion partnerships prior to May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161302,"EventID":"S1W-24746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether it intends to carry out any investigations into the circumstances surrounding ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether it intends to carry out any investigations into the circumstances surrounding any of the cases involving the withholding or recovery of payments to social inclusion partnerships.","AnswerText":"We have put in place necessary arrangements with Audit Scotland in relation to external audit certification of grant claims, as well as detailed procedures which local authorities as grant recipients are required to follow to ensure proper financial procedures are in place.

When a case is drawn to the attention of Communities Scotland, which warrants concern, a restriction is put in place on the grant recipient pending a proper investigation. The onus is on the local authority as grant recipient to carry out that investigation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161303,"EventID":"S1W-24747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24177 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, how it ensures that social inclusion partnership (SIP) boards make funding allocation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24177 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, how it ensures that social inclusion partnership (SIP) boards make funding allocation decisions in the public interest and what sanctions are available for use against board members who fail to make such decisions in the public interest. ","AnswerText":"As stated in the response to S1W-24177, SIP boards are responsible for making funding allocation decisions, and for ensuring that these decisions are made in the public interest and not in the interests of any one individual. Communities Scotland has a monitoring role in relation to SIPs through the annual reporting and appraisal mechanisms. In the course of these annual appraisals, any matters of concern to Communities Scotland, whether they relate to funding or any other aspect of SIP activity, are raised with SIP boards.

Beyond that, various responsibilities are placed on the local authority as grant recipient in relation to SIP funding decisions. General guidance issued to local authorities as grant recipients under the new terms and conditions for SIP fund grant applicable from April 2002 state that:

  • Activity receiving SIP funding must be free of any political bias and must not involve political campaigning;
  • It is important that all decisions about the use of SIP grant are made in the public interest and not in the interests of any one individual or group of individuals, and
  • Grant recipients should ensure that all members of partnerships and their sub groups declare any relevant personal interests they have and that these interests are recorded in a central register. The grant recipient should keep a central register of these interests, which must be made available for inspection by Communities Scotland, grant recipients and members of the public on request.

On sanctions, in general terms Communities Scotland may reduce, suspend or withhold payment of grant, or require all or part of the grant to be repaid if it appears that an activity, or any part of it, has not been undertaken in accordance with these terms and conditions or for the purposes intended or with any other conditions Communities Scotland impose at the time the grant offer is made.

At SIP level, however, it would be for the SIP board to implement their own sanctions against board members should they feel that these members were not making decisions in the public interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161304,"EventID":"S1W-24748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether the police or the procurator fiscal service have ever been informed about the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24178 by Ms Margaret Curran on 2 April 2002, whether the police or the procurator fiscal service have ever been informed about the workings of a social inclusion partnership (SIP) or asked to investigate any of the workings of a SIP or any predecessor body and, if so, whether it will give details. ","AnswerText":"I can confirm that there are or have been five occasions on which the police or the procurator fiscal service have been informed about the workings of a social inclusion partnership (SIP), or asked to investigate the workings of a SIP.

For information, in the context of this question the phrase "workings of a SIP" is taken as referring not just to internal SIP processes but also to projects funded or partially funded by a SIP.

I am unable to comment on any cases that may be under investigation at present on the basis that such disclosure might compromise an on-going criminal investigation. I am also unable to comment on any cases in relation to which there is any related current legal action. Information in the answer refers to the SIP programme, which commenced in 1999.

Given the above, I can confirm the details in relation to one case of the five:

There were investigations by Glasgow City Council Internal Audit department and Strathclyde Police carried out into the operation of the CHEAF project in Milton. Both of these investigations concluded that there was no evidence to substantiate allegations of financial irregularity which had been levelled at this project.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161305,"EventID":"S1W-24749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any functions within its responsibility which have been contracted out since May 1999 and how many of these contracts are covered by commercial con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any functions within its responsibility which have been contracted out since May 1999 and how many of these contracts are covered by commercial confidentiality. ","AnswerText":"Since May 1999, the Executive has not contracted out any functions following a formal market testing process. However, the Executive routinely purchases a wide range of services under contract, some of which are to supplement in-house resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161306,"EventID":"S1W-24750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W- 21535 by Iain Gray on 28 January 2002, how many central heating systems had been installed at 31 March 2002 under its central heat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W- 21535 by Iain Gray on 28 January 2002, how many central heating systems had been installed at 31 March 2002 under its central heating installation programme in the (a) private and (b) social rented sector. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24437 on 22 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161307,"EventID":"S1W-24751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating systems have been installed so far under its central heating installation programme in each local authority area actively considering whole housi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating systems have been installed so far under its central heating installation programme in each local authority area actively considering whole housing stock transfer.","AnswerText":"One thousand, three hundred and fifty-two central heating systems have been installed in houses owned by Glasgow Council, whose tenants have now voted in favour of stock transfer. 28 systems have been installed in stock owned by Argyll and Bute Council and 28 in Shetland. Both of these councils are actively considering whole housing stock transfer. The other three councils considering stock transfer, Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders and Western Isles, have central heating in all their houses and so are not taking part in the central heating programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161308,"EventID":"S1W-24752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24007 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 March 2002, whether it will issue a similar profile of the spending to 2005-06 on motorway and trunk","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24007 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 March 2002, whether it will issue a similar profile of the spending to 2005-06 on motorway and trunk road repairs and maintenance, identifying all Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnership (PFI/PPP) payments separately and profile any level playing field support payments in the same period in respect of any local authority PFI/PPP schemes for roads projects. ","AnswerText":"A breakdown of the Motorway and Trunk Road Programme 2001-04 by composite categories of spend is published as Table 8.2 in The Scottish Budget: 2003-04. This details the Executive's planned spend on repairs, routine and winter maintenance, and PPP payments relating to the M74/A74(M) contract through the current three-year period. PPP payments to meet contractual commitments for Skye Bridge are included under the budget line Other current spending. Total PPP payments through to 2005-06 are listed in the following table:
 

2001-02

(£ million)

2002-03

(£ million)

2003-04

(£ million)

2004-05

(£ million)

2005-06

(£ million)

M74/A74(M)

24.2

26.5

26.6

27

23.4

Skye Bridge

1.0

1.1

1.1

1.1

1.1

Additional commitments will follow for two local roads PPP projects: M77/GSO joint project and A92 dualling. These will probably fall within the timescale but it is too early to firm up on estimates of payments at this stage.

No accurate profile of spend on structural repairs, or routine and winter maintenance can be provided for the years after 2003-04, as final allocations to these budget lines are dependent upon the outcome of SR2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161309,"EventID":"S1W-24753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-655 by Mr Jack McConnell on 6 September 1999, whether it will detail the (a) capital and revenue expenditure in each year since 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-655 by Mr Jack McConnell on 6 September 1999, whether it will detail the (a) capital and revenue expenditure in each year since 1996-97, (b) estimated outturn in capital and revenue expenditure in 2001-02, and (c) budgeted expenditure in 2002-03, on roads and transportation by each local authority, in (i) cash and (ii) real terms. ","AnswerText":"The information requested on roads and transportation in relation to:

(i) capital expenditure in each year since 1996-97 and estimated outturn in capital expenditure in 2001-02, shown in both cash and real terms, due to the length of the information, will be sent directly to the member and also placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20833).

(ii) revenue expenditure in each year since 1996-97 is given in Ratings Review Actuals of Income and Expenditure published by CIPFA. Copies for the five years from 1996-97 to 2000-01 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 7544,7545, 7548, 14654 and 19781).

(iii) budgeted revenue expenditure for 2001-02 is given in Ratings Review Estimates of Income and Expenditure published by CIPFA. A copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17055).

(iv) figures for outturn expenditure for 2001-02 and budgeted expenditure for 2002-03 are not yet available.

(v) The revenue expenditure figures given in the Ratings Review Actuals of Income and Expenditure are in cash terms only. These may be converted to real terms using the GDP deflators which will also be sent to the member and placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161310,"EventID":"S1W-24754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24010 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 April 2002, whether the guidance issued by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24010 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 April 2002, whether the guidance issued by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions indicates whether it is allowable to aggregate roads projects on a single corridor, such as the A75, to lift the value of the combined schemes above the threshold at which they would all become eligible for Trans-European Network (TEN) funding. ","AnswerText":"Advice from the European Commission indicates that a single application covering multiple schemes on the same TENs corridor would be possible in principle, although in practice it may be less likely to attract support due to it's greater complexity and potential for delay. In addition, the constraints on resources estimated to be available in the next TENs funding round, and the Commission's stated preference for non-road based projects limits the likelihood of any such bid being successful.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161311,"EventID":"S1W-24755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any members of staff from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and who at the time worked in a prison, attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any members of staff from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and who at the time worked in a prison, attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers and, if so, how many and what positions did they hold in the SPS at that time.","AnswerText":"Personnel covering a range of expertise, including operational, professional, estates, financial and contracts staff participated in those processes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161312,"EventID":"S1W-24756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Esta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review prepared by PwC. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Three.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161313,"EventID":"S1W-24757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff from PricewaterhouseCoopers were involved in the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review and how many working days were spent by them o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff from PricewaterhouseCoopers were involved in the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review and how many working days were spent by them on the review.","AnswerText":"Three were directly involved at various stages of the review, totalling approximately 70 chargeable days.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161314,"EventID":"S1W-24758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review submitted to it by the Scottish Prison Service was changed in any material regard as a result of the Financial Review o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review submitted to it by the Scottish Prison Service was changed in any material regard as a result of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service Estates Review document page V. refers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161315,"EventID":"S1W-24759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date ministers first received the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review in what was materially the form in which it was published and on what date was the first ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date ministers first received the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review in what was materially the form in which it was published and on what date was the first version, if different, received.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The Estates Review document page V. refers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161316,"EventID":"S1W-24760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which visits to prisons in Scotland and elsewhere were undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers staff in relation to the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which visits to prisons in Scotland and elsewhere were undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers staff in relation to the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

PricewaterhouseCoopers staff visited HM Prison Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161317,"EventID":"S1W-24761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-13080 and S1W-19055 by Susan Deacon on 17 April 2001 and 23 November 2001 respectively, what progress has been made to achieve th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-13080 and S1W-19055 by Susan Deacon on 17 April 2001 and 23 November 2001 respectively, what progress has been made to achieve the target of ending mixed sex hospital wards by April 2002. ","AnswerText":"Very substantial progress has been made towards achieving the target of ending mixed sex hospital wards. At present, of the 1,629 wards in Scotland, 1,559 are fully compliant. This represents 96% compliance and 4% non-compliance. Of the 70 non-compliant wards, 22 will be fully compliant by May 2002, bringing the total to 97%. We shall ensure that the rest are compliant in the shortest possible time. In the meantime, trusts have also been required to agree with their local health council a local policy to ensure that the dignity and privacy of patients is respected at all times in non-compliant wards.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161318,"EventID":"S1W-24762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which hospitals still have mixed sex wards, broken down by NHS board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which hospitals still have mixed sex wards, broken down by NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"This information requested is not held centrally. However, the Executive has now received reports on progress towards the elimination of mixed sex accommodation from all trusts and island boards. This information is currently being collated, and a copy of the report will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre in early May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161319,"EventID":"S1W-24763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board received for the purpose of eliminating mixed sex hospital wards; how much was spent, and whether it will detail how.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each NHS board received for the purpose of eliminating mixed sex hospital wards; how much was spent, and whether it will detail how.","AnswerText":"The Executive invested £4.8 million towards the elimination of mixed sex accommodation. Trusts and Island Boards have used this money in a variety of different ways to improve buildings and patient clinical areas. Individual allocations are detailed in the following table.

Trust/Island Health Board

Resources Awarded

Lomond and Argyll Primary Care

£81,000

Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals

£194,000

Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care

£600,000

Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care

£24,800

Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals

No allocation

Borders Primary Care

No allocation

Borders General Hospital

No allocation

Dumfries and Galloway Primary Care

£60,000

Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals

No allocation

Fife Primary Care

£110,000

Fife Acute Hospitals

£292,000

Forth Valley Primary Care

No allocation

Forth Valley Acute Hospitals

£65,000

Grampian University Hospitals

£559,000

Grampian Primary Care

£500,000.

North Glasgow University Hospitals

£396,200

South Glasgow University Hospitals

£159,500

Greater Glasgow Primary Care

£356,980

Yorkhill

No allocation

Highland Primary Care

£40,000

Highland Acute Hospitals

No allocation

Lanarkshire Primary Care

£120,000

Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals

No allocation

Lothian Primary Care

No allocation

Lothian University Hospitals

£279,100

West Lothian Healthcare

No allocation

Tayside Primary Care

£450,000

Tayside University Hospitals

£185,000

Orkney Health Board

£200,000

Shetland Health Board

PAG concluded that the public perception of BEAR's lack of winter performance is not borne out by PAG's on site observations and BEAR's records. PAG's visit to the A96 closure on 3 January 2002 did identify that significant resources had been deployed to deal with large volumes of drifting snow. PAG's detailed audits provided the most accurate objective assessment of BEAR's winter performance available. These audits have confirmed both strengths (compliant organisational, plant and material arrangements) and some weaknesses. These weaknesses have resulted in the issue of three Default Notices, which BEAR is actively addressing.

The Default Notices essentially require BEAR to shorten certain gritter routes, which will result in more resources available on the network. Also, addressing the Default Notices will require the re-submission of the Winter Maintenance Plan for approval. This exercise will allow such issues as provision of \"all necessary resources\" to be better documented and, as a result, overall winter maintenance performance should improve. We will continue to monitor the performance of the Operating Companies, and to act wherever this performance falls short of the contract requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161321,"EventID":"S1W-24765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the condition in the trunk roads maintenance contracts which precludes Amey Highways Ltd and BEAR Scotland Ltd from corresponding or meeting with M","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the condition in the trunk roads maintenance contracts which precludes Amey Highways Ltd and BEAR Scotland Ltd from corresponding or meeting with MSPs. ","AnswerText":"Yes. The condition in the contracts was carried over from an identical condition in the previous contracts in order to maintain clear lines of responsibility between the Executive and the Operating Companies. However, we are keen to maximise the accountability of the Operating Companies on operational matters. I have therefore reviewed the condition in the contracts and concluded that there is no good reason to continue to preclude the Operating Companies from meeting or corresponding with elected members on operational matters or questions of fact. They should continue to refer elected members to ministers on matters of policy.

These contracts have reached the end of their first year of operation and the Operating Companies have established operational and management procedures that they would be happy to explain to elected members. In recognition of the change in the contracts referred to above, both Amey and BEAR intend to hold Open Days at each of their main depots at which MSPs will be invited to view and discuss with senior personnel the Operating Companies' operations. These Open Days will take place during the week commencing 22 April and the Operating Companies will write to MSPs in their respective areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161322,"EventID":"S1W-24766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22122 by Iain Gray on 4 February 2002, when it will publish the report of the findings of the Review of Cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22122 by Iain Gray on 4 February 2002, when it will publish the report of the findings of the Review of Cities.","AnswerText":"The Cities Review Team aim to conclude their review by the end of May. Their report will then be submitted to Scottish ministers for consideration and the findings will be published thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161323,"EventID":"S1W-24767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4613 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 February 2002, whether it will outline the consultation arrangements for the Glasgow harbour developme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4613 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 February 2002, whether it will outline the consultation arrangements for the Glasgow harbour development. ","AnswerText":"In clearing this outline planning application back to Glasgow City Council on 28 June 2001, the Scottish ministers indicated that they were content for the matter to be dealt with by the local authority. It is now for the council to deal with all planning related matters and any associated consultation processes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161324,"EventID":"S1W-24768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22331 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 8 February 2002, what impact its employment initiatives have had on the claimant unemployment rate i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22331 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 8 February 2002, what impact its employment initiatives have had on the claimant unemployment rate in Glasgow Kelvin since May 1999.","AnswerText":"UK Government and Scottish Executive employment initiatives in Glasgow Kelvin include the New Deal programmes, the Glasgow Employment Zone and Training for Work. It is not possible to completely separate the impact of these initiatives on unemployment since May 1999, from the effects of improved economic conditions over the period. However, claimant unemployment in Glasgow Kelvin fell by 11% between May 1999 and March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161325,"EventID":"S1W-24769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22351 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 8 February 2002, what the net change in the number of employee jobs in Glasgow Kelvin has been since","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22351 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 8 February 2002, what the net change in the number of employee jobs in Glasgow Kelvin has been since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The number of employee jobs is available from the Annual Business Inquiry and the net change in the number of employee jobs is available. The latest available data are for 2000.

Net change in the Number of Employee Jobs

1999-2000

Glasgow Kelvin

15,033

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161326,"EventID":"S1W-24770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment was made of each local authority grant aided expenditure requirements for roads maintenance in each year since 1995-96.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment was made of each local authority grant aided expenditure requirements for roads maintenance in each year since 1995-96.","AnswerText":"Details of the grant aided expenditure assessments for each local authority for the years 1995-96 to 2001-02 are set out in Grant Aided Expenditure (the Green Book) for each year, which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre with Bib. numbers as follows:

Year

Bib. number

1995-96

8 453

1996-97

8 454

1997-98

8 455

1998-99

8 140

1999-2000

3 274

2000-01

7 912

2001-02

12 261

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161327,"EventID":"S1W-24771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it made for non-wage related inflationary cost elements in the 2002-03 local government finance settlement and what provision it intends to make for this i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it made for non-wage related inflationary cost elements in the 2002-03 local government finance settlement and what provision it intends to make for this in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"Allowance is included with the local government settlement totals for 2002-03 and 2003-04 towards general local authority pay and price inflation, but the inflation element is not identified separately. Allocations for 2004-05 have not yet been set.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161328,"EventID":"S1W-24772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it made when calculating this years local government finance settlement to account for inflationary pay awards for local government staff, excluding provis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it made when calculating this years local government finance settlement to account for inflationary pay awards for local government staff, excluding provisions under the McCrone settlement, and what allocation it intends to make for this in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"Allowance is included with the local government settlement totals for 2002-03 and 2003-04 for the costs of national pay awards for police and fire officers and towards general local authority pay and price inflation. These allocations are not identified separately within the settlement totals so as not to influence negotiations. Allocations for 2004-05 have not yet been set.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161329,"EventID":"S1W-24773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reform the way in which local authorities are able to access capital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reform the way in which local authorities are able to access capital.","AnswerText":"Our proposals for reform of the current capital system are contained within the recently published Local Government Consultative Document - Renewing Local Democracy (The Next Steps).

A copy of this publication is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161330,"EventID":"S1W-24774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the need for capital investment in the infrastructure for which local authorities are responsible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the need for capital investment in the infrastructure for which local authorities are responsible.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to assess the need for investment in the local infrastructure. The Executive allocates resources available for local authority capital investment on the basis of a formula that measures the relative need for investment in schools, roads etc.

The Single Allocations are increasing by 40% over the current Spending Review period.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161331,"EventID":"S1W-24775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the funding each local authority will require to pay from revenue budgets to fund Public/Private/Partnership Private Finance Initiative (PF","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the funding each local authority will require to pay from revenue budgets to fund Public/Private/Partnership Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"The estimated payments under PFI contracts for local authority signed deals is £113.2 million for the current financial year, which represents 1.5% of the total expenditure provided to local authorities in 2001-02 from the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161332,"EventID":"S1W-24776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assumption it made of the efficiency savings each local authority will make, expressed as a percentage of their total budget, when calculating their grant aided expe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assumption it made of the efficiency savings each local authority will make, expressed as a percentage of their total budget, when calculating their grant aided expenditure allocations for (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04 and (c) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"No specific assumption is made for efficiency savings within the settlement calculations.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161333,"EventID":"S1W-24777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assumption it made of the rate at which council tax charges may rise in each local authority area, expressed as an annual percentage increase, when calculating their","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assumption it made of the rate at which council tax charges may rise in each local authority area, expressed as an annual percentage increase, when calculating their grant aided expenditure allocations for (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04 and (c) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"No specific assumptions are made about annual changes in council tax levels for individual local authorities in calculating the general grant allocations. Allocations for 2004-05 have not yet been set.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161334,"EventID":"S1W-24778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total capital allocations made to each local authority is in the current financial year and what the allocations will be in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total capital allocations made to each local authority is in the current financial year and what the allocations will be in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The total non-housing allocations awarded to each authority to date for the current year and 2003-04 are given in the following table. No capital allocations have been made beyond 2003-04.

Housing allocations are determined on an annual basis. Allocations for 2002-03 are set out in the tables.

Total Non-Housing Capital Allocations*

Council

2002-03

2003-04

Aberdeen City

11,753

11,618

Aberdeenshire

10,891

12,149

Angus

6,845

7,713

Argyll & Bute

16,491

14,956

Clackmannanshire

3,564

3,937

Dumfries & Galloway

12,771

12,693

Dundee City

10,907

11,304

East Ayrshire

7,793

8,543

East Dunbartonshire

10,256

6,581

East Lothian

6,050

6,279

East Renfrewshire

5,306

5,901

Edinburgh City

26,456

31,387

Eilean Siar

13,848

13,371

Falkirk

8,975

9,824

Fife

20,752

21,604

Glasgow City

41,611

44,485

Highland

21,926

24,459

Inverclyde

9,101

9,936

Midlothian

6,170

6,214

Moray

Central Challenge Fund Awards 1997-2002

Council

1997-98

(£000)

1998-99

(£000)

1999-2000

(£000)

2000-01

(£000)

2001-02

(£000)

Angus/Aberdeenshire

3,000

2,400

1,000

0

0

Angus

1,500

622

50

0

0

Clackmannanshire

0

310

210

0

0

Dumfries and Galloway

700

1,175

0

0

0

East Ayrshire

1,400

1,050

0

0

0

East Dunbartonshire

185

0

0

0

0

East Renfrewshire

300

200

0

0

0

Edinburgh City

4,000

1,500

1,500

0

0

Eilean Siar

800

1,200

1,200

0

0

Glasgow City

400

1,250

2,650

A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century was agreed with COSLA at £174 million for 2001-02, £276 million for 2002-03 and £405 million for 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161337,"EventID":"S1W-24781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24233 by Nicol Stephen on 3 April 2002, why its Education Department does not hold detailed information on the circular documents o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24233 by Nicol Stephen on 3 April 2002, why its Education Department does not hold detailed information on the circular documents or other mailings it produces for distribution to primary and secondary schools.","AnswerText":"Written material issued by the Scottish Executive can take a number of forms and is issued from a number of areas within the Executive. Central logging of this written material is not undertaken, and a comprehensive answer could not therefore be provided to question S1W-24233.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161338,"EventID":"S1W-24782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been done to identify the local and national implications of the potential asylum seekers' centre at RAF Turnhouse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been done to identify the local and national implications of the potential asylum seekers' centre at RAF Turnhouse.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is engaged in regular and continuing dialogue with the Home Office about their proposals for establishing accommodation centres and the implications which any decision to site such a centre in Scotland would have for devolved services. The Nationality Immigration and Asylum Bill, currently before the UK Parliament, includes a provision which would require the UK Government to consult Scottish ministers before any decision was reached to site an accommodation centre in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161339,"EventID":"S1W-24783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20526 by Iain Gray on 28 January 2002, what progress has been made on the implementation of Part 6 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20526 by Iain Gray on 28 January 2002, what progress has been made on the implementation of Part 6 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"With the advice of the working group I referred to in my previous answer, we have prepared a consultation paper on the implementation of Part 6 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, which was published on 22 March this year and seeks responses by 14 June. Depending on the outcome of the consultations and any further work that may generate, we hope to implement the provisions in Part 6 as a single package in the late autumn of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161340,"EventID":"S1W-24784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19942 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 January 2002, what progress has been made to seek an exemption for Glasgow Underground from the draf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19942 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 January 2002, what progress has been made to seek an exemption for Glasgow Underground from the draft European Transport Regulation.","AnswerText":"There is no change in the position from the answer given to questions S1W-17966 on 19 September 2001 and S1W-19942 on 28 January 2002. There is specific reference to the Public Service Requirements in the conclusion of Barcelona European Council calling for agreement by the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161341,"EventID":"S1W-24785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what categories of children are eligible for legal aid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what categories of children are eligible for legal aid.","AnswerText":"Legal aid is available to any child as long as the matter is one of Scots law, the child meets the relevant statutory tests and the court or Tribunal concerned is prescribed in the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986, or relevant subordinate legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161342,"EventID":"S1W-24786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24218 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 April 2002, what the (a) target and (b) average waiting time were for patients on the waiting lists ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24218 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 April 2002, what the (a) target and (b) average waiting time were for patients on the waiting lists for maxillofacial and oral surgery to receive a first appointment with a consultant in (i) Scotland and (ii) each NHS board area in the year ending (1) 30 September 2000 and (2) 30 September 1999.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in oral surgery, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner or General Dental Practitioner, by NHS board of residence, in the years ended 30 September 1999 and 30 September 2000, are given in the following table.

The target waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner or General Dental Practitioner, was nine weeks.

NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-Patient Appointment with a Consultant in Oral Surgery1, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner/General Dental Practitioner, by NHS Board of Residence. Years Ended 30 September 1999 and 30 September 2000.

NHS Board

30 September 1999

30 September 2000

Argyll and Clyde2

-

-

Ayrshire and Arran

35 days

38 days

Borders

17 days

15 days

Dumfries and Galloway

69 days

69 days

Fife

69 days

51 days

Forth Valley

77 days

44 days

Grampian

49 days

69 days

Greater Glasgow2

-

-

Highland

29 days

33 days

Lanarkshire2

-

-

Lothian

89 days

106 days

Orkney

44 days

37 days

Shetland

25 days

29 days

Tayside

65 days

50 days

Western Isles

32 days

10 days

Scotland2

56 days

51 days

Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00.

Notes:

1. Includes most maxillofacial surgery.

2. Information for residents of Argyll and Clyde, Greater Glasgow and Lanarkshire NHS boards is not available due to recording difficulties at Glasgow Dental Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161343,"EventID":"S1W-24787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24217 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 April 2002, how many patients were on the waiting list for maxillofacial and oral surgery in (a) Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24217 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 April 2002, how many patients were on the waiting list for maxillofacial and oral surgery in (a) Scotland and (b) each NHS board area at (i) 31 December 2000 and (ii) 31 December 1999.","AnswerText":"The number of patients waiting for hospital admission for in-patient and day-case treatment in the specialty of oral surgery, by NHS board of residence, on 31 December 1999 and 31 December 2000, is given in the following table.

NHSScotland: Number of Patients Waiting for Hospital Admission for In-patient/Day-case Treatment in the Specialty of Oral Surgery1 on 31 December 1999 and 31 December 2000. by NHS Board of Residence.

NHS Board

31 December 1999

31 December 2000

Argyll and Clyde

84

74

Ayrshire and Arran

256

223

Borders

74

57

Dumfries and Galloway

78

109

Fife

397

433

Forth Valley

262

152

Grampian

340

260

Greater Glasgow

224

195

Highland

90

46

Lanarkshire

173

162

Lothian

250

129

Orkney

16

9

Shetland

23

16

Tayside

109

100

Western Isles

1

2

Others/Not Known

7

9

Scotland

2,384

1,976

Source: ISD Scotland, SMR3.

Note:

1. Includes maxillofacial surgery.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161344,"EventID":"S1W-24788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24216 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 April 2002, why more recent information than that of 30 September 2000 regarding the number of consu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24216 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 April 2002, why more recent information than that of 30 September 2000 regarding the number of consultant vacancies in oral surgery is not available.","AnswerText":"ISD Scotland is currently completing the collection of vacancy data from across NHSScotland and carrying out the required quality assurance checks on it. Provisional Scotland-wide data for September 2001 will be available by July at the latest.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161345,"EventID":"S1W-24789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24181 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 April 2002, where information on the expenditure by police forces in respect of overtime for police of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24181 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 April 2002, where information on the expenditure by police forces in respect of overtime for police officers attending court is held.","AnswerText":"The individual forces hold information on their expenditure in respect of overtime for police officers attending court. It would be open to the member to approach forces directly or through the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, if he wishes to seek to obtain such information.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161346,"EventID":"S1W-24790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a convention comprising of representatives to consider the social, political, religious and economic implications in Scotland of the future","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a convention comprising of representatives to consider the social, political, religious and economic implications in Scotland of the future role and direction of the European Union, similar to the one established in Catalonia, and to set up a website to provide details of the work of any such convention.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to establish such a convention. The Executive recognises that the debate on the future of the European Union is of great importance to the people of Scotland and it has already participated in a number of events focusing on this issue. We welcome the recent announcement by the Northern Ireland Executive of its intention to develop the debate there. We indicated in our response to the European Committee's 9th Report of 2001: Governance of the European Union and the Future of Europe: what role for Scotland? that we intend to encourage and facilitate full participation by civil society in Scotland in the Future of Europe debate. We, however, think it sensible to establish precisely how the forum and the structured network will operate and how the views of civil society can most effectively be conveyed to the Future of Europe Convention before embarking on that process and details of these arrangements are still not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161347,"EventID":"S1W-24791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on fishing 'onal management committees with delegated powers and on the European Commission's proposals for regional advisory committees; what consul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on fishing 'onal management committees with delegated powers and on the European Commission's proposals for regional advisory committees; what consultation it has had with EU member states on these matters and what information it has on whether any of these states advocate such committees and, if so, which ones and what influence such support will have on its position.","AnswerText":"The UK supports the principle of regional advisory committees, comprising of fishing industry representatives, scientists and other stakeholders. Careful consideration would need to be given to the means by which this can best be done, including the powers available to them. The UK delegation has discussed the creation of regional bodies on many occasions and will continue to do so where appropriate. The position of other member states should become clearer following the publication of the European Commission's proposals on the Common Fisheries Policy shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161348,"EventID":"S1W-24792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to engage with the Parliament and its European Committee and Rural Development Committee on the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to engage with the Parliament and its European Committee and Rural Development Committee on the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy.","AnswerText":"I will send copies of key documents to the convenors of the European and Rural Development Committees as these become publicly available and will place copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre. I will also be happy to consider requests for further information from Parliament or the committees.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161349,"EventID":"S1W-24793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase drug misuse awareness amongst parents, families and others to ensure more support can be given in the early stages to people taking","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase drug misuse awareness amongst parents, families and others to ensure more support can be given in the early stages to people taking drugs.","AnswerText":"As part of our Drugs Communications Strategy, national mass media campaigns are already under way, using the Know The Score logo, to raise awareness about drugs and where help and advice can be obtained.

The Executive has allocated £20 million over three years, through the Changing Children's Services Fund, for drugs projects tailored towards children, including those whose parents misuse drugs. A further £2 million, also over a three-year period, has been allocated to the Lloyds TSB Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people affected by drug misuse. We also intend to produce a report later this year on effective practice for family support, and this work includes dialogue with the families of drug misusers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161350,"EventID":"S1W-24794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) males and (b) females suffered from chronic alcohol dependency in each of the past 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) males and (b) females suffered from chronic alcohol dependency in each of the past 10 years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people suffering from chronic alcohol dependency is not held centrally. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey of psychiatric morbidity among adults in private households in 2000 does provide information on the number of people estimated to have mild, moderate or severe dependence on alcohol. The following table gives figures from the survey:

Prevalence of Alcohol Dependence in Private Households in Scotland in 2000

Rate per thousand population aged 16-74

Women

 

No dependence

961

Mild dependence

39

Moderate dependence

1

Severe dependence

2

Men

 

No dependence

868

Mild dependence

117

Moderate dependence

13

Severe dependence

1

Source: Psychiatric Morbidity in Private Households, 2000, ONS.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161351,"EventID":"S1W-24795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients with drug or alcohol dependency are currently participating in clinical trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients with drug or alcohol dependency are currently participating in clinical trials.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.

Information on conducting clinical trials can be found on the Medicines Control Agency website at:

www.mca.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161352,"EventID":"S1W-24796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24249 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 April 2002, who is registered as having title to HM Prison Kilmarnock and its grounds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24249 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 April 2002, who is registered as having title to HM Prison Kilmarnock and its grounds.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The land is owned by the Scottish ministers. Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited has leasehold rights to it.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161353,"EventID":"S1W-24797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24244 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 April 2002, why no substantive answer to question S1W-23569 has been issued yet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24244 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 April 2002, why no substantive answer to question S1W-23569 has been issued yet.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Because the question was different from question S1W-24244 and required some investigation. The question was answered on 24 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161354,"EventID":"S1W-24798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was, including staff costs, of the preparation of the nine Delivering Transport Improvements leaflets published on 18 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost was, including staff costs, of the preparation of the nine Delivering Transport Improvements leaflets published on 18 March 2002.","AnswerText":"The publication costs of the nine regional Delivering Transport Improvements leaflets, published on 18 March 2002, are as follows:

Publication costs

£

Printing

3,143.00

Courier

28.20

Web conversion

298.45

Total

3,469.65

Specific staff costs relating to the production of the leaflets are not separately identifiable from other work done.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161355,"EventID":"S1W-24799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to proceed with the upgrade of the Planting End to Drumflower section of the A75 as stated in the letter of 20 December 2001 to me from the Deputy Minis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to proceed with the upgrade of the Planting End to Drumflower section of the A75 as stated in the letter of 20 December 2001 to me from the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, given that it was not included in its leaflet Delivering Transport Improvements - West of Scotland 1.","AnswerText":"The Executive plans to develop the A75 Planting End to Drumflower as a substitute for the suspended Chapelton to Bush o' Bield scheme, dependent upon the outcome of the second stage Port Approach Study.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161356,"EventID":"S1W-24800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the upgrade of the Planting End to Drumflower section of the A75 was not included in its leaflet Delivering Transport Improvements - West of Scotland 1.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the upgrade of the Planting End to Drumflower section of the A75 was not included in its leaflet Delivering Transport Improvements - West of Scotland 1.","AnswerText":"The nine regional leaflets Delivering Transport Improvements detail committed funding as outlined in the Motorway and Trunk Roads Programme to 2004, announced by Sarah Boyack, then-Minister for Transport, on 27 March 2001.

The A75 Planting End to Drumflower scheme was not included in that programme, and so does not feature in Delivering Transport Improvements: West of Scotland 1.

I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24799 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161357,"EventID":"S1W-24801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has suspended the planned upgrading of the Chapelton to Bush o' Bield section of the A75, as stated in the letter of 20 December 2001 to me from the Deputy Min","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has suspended the planned upgrading of the Chapelton to Bush o' Bield section of the A75, as stated in the letter of 20 December 2001 to me from the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning and, if so, why it was included in its leaflet Delivering Transport Improvements - West of Scotland 1.","AnswerText":"Further development of the A75 Chapelton to Bush o' Bield scheme has been suspended due to contaminated land.

The scheme was initially included in the Motorway and Trunk Roads Programme 2001-04. The mention in the Delivering Transport Improvements leaflet reflects the fact that, prior to its suspension, funds were allocated and spent on the preliminary development of the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161358,"EventID":"S1W-24802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans its has to announce further improvements to the A75 and A77 in light of the plans by Stena Line for the Loch Ryan operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans its has to announce further improvements to the A75 and A77 in light of the plans by Stena Line for the Loch Ryan operations.","AnswerText":"The Motorway and Trunk Road Programme to 2004 includes 15 schemes on the A75 and A77 at a total cost of over £19 million. Consideration will be given to reallocating planned investment along the routes to best address the priorities identified in consultation with the Loch Ryan ferry companies. The case for further investment beyond 2004 stands to be considered against competing priorities from across the trunk road network in the context of Spending Review 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161359,"EventID":"S1W-24803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial resources have been allocated to improve private sector housing in the light of Issues in Improving Quality in Private Houses: The first report of the Hous","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial resources have been allocated to improve private sector housing in the light of Issues in Improving Quality in Private Houses: The first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force.","AnswerText":"Issues in Improving Quality in Private Houses: The first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force makes no specific recommendations for action by the Executive and is intended to inform the second stage of the work of the Housing Improvement Task Force. The task force plans to conclude the second stage of its work, on examination of policy options, during the early months of 2003.

In launching the first stage report and in anticipation of the need to resource new policy initiatives in this area, I announced that £10 million in 2003-04 would be available for the implementation of the task force's recommendations. The Executive will consider the need for further resource allocations in this area in the light of priorities identified in the expenditure review and the eventual recommendations of the task force itself.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161360,"EventID":"S1W-24804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial incentives and support will be made available to private house owners to assist with repairs in the light of Issues in Improving Quality in Private Houses","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial incentives and support will be made available to private house owners to assist with repairs in the light of Issues in Improving Quality in Private Houses: The first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force.","AnswerText":"Improving Quality in Private Housing set out the views of the Housing Improvement Task Force on the main strengths and weaknesses in the way private houses are maintained and repaired as well as the house buying and selling process. It makes no recommendations for action at this stage and is intended to provide the basis for stage two of the task force's work which will look at future policy options including what, if any, changes should be made to the housing improvement and repair grant system and other possible ways of supporting and encouraging owners to maintain their homes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161361,"EventID":"S1W-24805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for consideration of the need for revised local authority legislative powers to ensure that buildings are properly maintained as highlighted in Issu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for consideration of the need for revised local authority legislative powers to ensure that buildings are properly maintained as highlighted in Issues in Improving Quality in Private Houses: The first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force.","AnswerText":"The Housing Improvement Task Force has already begun the work of considering the options for revising local authority powers, as part of the second stage of its work which is due for completion in early 2003. The Scottish Executive will give careful consideration to any recommendations made by the task force.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161362,"EventID":"S1W-24806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale has been set for its stage two proposals referred to in Issues in Improving Quality in Private Houses: The first report of the Housing Improvement Task Fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale has been set for its stage two proposals referred to in Issues in Improving Quality in Private Houses: The first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force.","AnswerText":"The task force has been asked to complete its work and make its final report and recommendations early in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161363,"EventID":"S1W-24807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23664 and S1W-23665 by Ms Margaret Curran on 18 March 2002, whether it will give a breakdown by planning authority area of the 83","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23664 and S1W-23665 by Ms Margaret Curran on 18 March 2002, whether it will give a breakdown by planning authority area of the 830 planning applications that have been referred to Scottish Ministers since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The breakdown by planning authority area of the 830 planning applications referred to the Scottish ministers since May 1999 is as follows:

Cases Notified to the Scottish Ministers since May 1999 by Council

Council

1 May 1999 - 28 Feb 2002

Aberdeen City

12

Aberdeenshire

39

Angus

21

Argyll and Bute

26

City of Edinburgh

56

City of Glasgow

98

Clackmannanshire

7

Dumfries and Galloway

18

Dundee City

14

East Ayrshire

14

East Dunbartonshire

14

East Lothian

21

East Renfrewshire

22

Falkirk

15

Fife

41

Highland

49

Inverclyde

9

Midlothian

42

Moray

26

North Ayrshire

16

North Lanarkshire

63

Orkney

8

Perth and Kinross

12

Renfrewshire

21

Scottish Borders

14

Shetland Isles

15

South Ayrshire

20

South Lanarkshire

32

Stirling

16

West Dunbartonshire

6

West Lothian

Planning Application Forms provides advice on best practice on the content and layout of local authority application forms. The guidance notes on model forms contained in PAN 48 suggest that information about the address or location of the proposed development should include the postcode where possible.

Copies of PAN 48 can be ordered on: Tel. 0131 244 7066 or viewed on the advice section of the Executive's Planning internet site at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/planning.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161365,"EventID":"S1W-24809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23664 and S1W-23665 by Ms Margaret Curran on 18 March 2002, what access planning authority officials have to the Scottish Parliam","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23664 and S1W-23665 by Ms Margaret Curran on 18 March 2002, what access planning authority officials have to the Scottish Parliament website MSP list and postcode search facility.","AnswerText":"The website can be accessed by any party.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161366,"EventID":"S1W-24810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23664 and S1W-23665 by Ms Margaret Curran on 18 March 2002, what resource implications prevent planning authority officials from ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23664 and S1W-23665 by Ms Margaret Curran on 18 March 2002, what resource implications prevent planning authority officials from informing MSPs representing constituencies contained within a planning authority area that a planning application from within that area has been referred to Scottish Ministers.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for each individual local authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161367,"EventID":"S1W-24811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure the provision of specialist drug misuse services within the Lochaber area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure the provision of specialist drug misuse services within the Lochaber area.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated additional resources of over £380,000 for treatment and £831,000 for the rehabilitation of drug misusers in the Highland area for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04. Responsibility for how these and existing resources are spent rests with the local Drug and Alcohol Strategy Group and its constituent agencies, taking into account local circumstances and needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161368,"EventID":"S1W-24812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proven effective treatments are available to treat cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis addictions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proven effective treatments are available to treat cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis addictions.","AnswerText":"There is a lack of good evidence to support substitute prescribing for cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis misuse. Prescription of tranquillisers, such as diazepam, can ease the symptoms of withdrawal from psychostimulants, including sleep disturbance and anxiety. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and psychosocial interventions, such as relapse prevention, can also play an important role, either in conjunction with symptomatic relief, or as stand alone treatments. Psychosocial interventions and counselling are also used to help treat cannabis dependence.

Drop-in facilities, peer support, family support and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, can also be useful in helping psychostimulant misusers.

A working group of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse is reviewing the available evidence on best practice in prevention of psychostimulant misuse, and service provision for misusers. Evidence based on the findings of the working group will be issued later this year to those who plan and deliver drugs services.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161369,"EventID":"S1W-24813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to help post offices and, in particular, sub-post offices improve their competitiveness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to help post offices and, in particular, sub-post offices improve their competitiveness.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters.

Responsibility for business support services in Scotland rests largely with the Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise networks. Local enterprise companies provide assistance to businesses within their own geographical areas in a number of ways, including providing advice and support on improving business competitiveness. First points of contact are the Small Business Gateway in the Scottish Enterprise area and the Business Information Source in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161370,"EventID":"S1W-24814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to develop a method of measuring the benefits of social enterprises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to develop a method of measuring the benefits of social enterprises.","AnswerText":"Social enterprises have demonstrated their capacity, across a range of policy areas, to provide efficient and effective services to their customers by, for example, working closely with the communities that they serve and by recycling any surpluses into improving the services or products they provide. Communities Scotland has a role to play in the development of social enterprises and they are working jointly with Scottish Enterprise and SCVO on this, including working to develop an effective monitoring and evaluation framework that will measure the outcomes and the effectiveness of social economy enterprises.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161371,"EventID":"S1W-24815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to encourage the provision of full-time nursery places for the children of working parents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to encourage the provision of full-time nursery places for the children of working parents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing £16.75 million of Childcare Strategy funding, in the current year, to local authorities to deliver affordable, accessible, good quality childcare, including full-time nursery places, to meet the local childcare needs of working parents.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161372,"EventID":"S1W-24816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time nursery places currently exist for the children of working parents and how many such places there were in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time nursery places currently exist for the children of working parents and how many such places there were in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The total number of children aged three to four in 10 half day sessions of pre-school education a week was 5,683 in 1999-2000 and 12,782 in January 2001. The data collected does not take account of the employment status of the parents.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161373,"EventID":"S1W-24817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many childminders are currently registered and how many childminders were registered in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many childminders are currently registered and how many childminders were registered in (a) 1999-2000 and (b) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of childminders registered in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 was collected by each local authority and was not held centrally.

From 1 April 2002, the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care has had responsibility for registering childminders. Information on the number of childminders currently registered is a matter for the Care Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161374,"EventID":"S1W-24818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage people to register as childminders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage people to register as childminders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing £16.75 million of Childcare Strategy funding in the current year to local authorities to deliver affordable, accessible, good quality childcare, including childminding provision, to meet the local childcare needs of working parents.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161375,"EventID":"S1W-24819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role is envisaged for victim liaison services following the pilots in Hamilton and Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role is envisaged for victim liaison services following the pilots in Hamilton and Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"The Victim Liaison Office is a major strand of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Action Plan on the Scottish Strategy for Victims. I have already given a commitment that there would be a Victim Liaison Office within each region of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service by summer 2002. Offices have been established in Aberdeen, Hamilton, Peterhead, Glasgow and Kilmarnock. Further offices will be opened in Edinburgh and Dundee by August 2002.

The principal aims of the service are to provide information to eligible victims, witnesses and bereaved next of kin about the criminal justice process in general and the progress of the case that affects them and to facilitate referrals to other agencies for specialist support and counselling as required.

The Victim Liaison Office provides its services to the following categories:

  • Victims in serious cases where the nature of the charge is indicative of proceedings before a jury;

  • Next of kin in deaths cases which are reported for consideration of criminal proceedings, and in deaths cases where a Fatal Accident Inquiry is to be held;

  • Next of kin in cases where the Procurator Fiscal will invite the next of kin to discuss the circumstances of the death;

  • Victims in cases of domestic abuse;

  • Victims in racially aggravated cases and cases where it is known that the victim perceived the offence to be racially motivated;

  • Cases involving children who have been cited as prosecution witnesses;

  • Victims in cases involving sexual offences, and

Any other victim, witness or next of kin where the Victim Liaison Office considers that because of particular vulnerability the provision of services would be beneficial.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161376,"EventID":"S1W-24820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will complete the roll out of victim liaison services across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will complete the roll out of victim liaison services across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Action Plan on the Scottish Strategy for Victims contains a commitment to have a Victim Liaison Office operational in each region of the service by summer 2002. Offices have already been established in Aberdeen, Hamilton, Peterhead, Glasgow and Kilmarnock. The first phase of the Victim Liaison Office roll out will be complete by August 2002 when additional offices will be operational in Edinburgh and Dundee.

Decisions about the further expansion of the Victim Liaison Office will be made in light of the evaluation of the pilot sites at Aberdeen and Hamilton and the implementation of the Management Review of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161377,"EventID":"S1W-24821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a victim liaison service will be established alongside the procurator fiscal service in Dumbarton.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a victim liaison service will be established alongside the procurator fiscal service in Dumbarton.","AnswerText":"A Victim Liaison Office will be operational in each region of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service by summer 2002. At present there is no target date to establish a Victim Liaison Office in Dumbarton. However, further expansion of the Victim Liaison Office will be considered in light of the evaluation of the operation of the pilot offices in Aberdeen and Hamilton and the implementation of the Management Review of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161378,"EventID":"S1W-24822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23159 by Iain Gray on 26 March 2002, why it did not give its position on the appropriateness or potential safety implications of pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23159 by Iain Gray on 26 March 2002, why it did not give its position on the appropriateness or potential safety implications of providing accommodation to persons living alone with severe and irreversible vision impairment on the upper floors of tower blocks in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency.","AnswerText":"The question S1W-23159 concerned allocation issues which are the responsibility of individual landlords. Whilst the Scottish Executive may issue general guidance on allocations, allocation policies and processes are monitored by Communities Scotland as part of their regulation of social landlords. Individual allocations are for local authorities to decide.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161379,"EventID":"S1W-24823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23160 by Iain Gray on 26 March 2002, why the information requested is not held centrally and what the benefits are of not holding s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23160 by Iain Gray on 26 March 2002, why the information requested is not held centrally and what the benefits are of not holding such information centrally.","AnswerText":"Responsibilities for assessing and meeting all housing needs at local level, including needs for sheltered housing, lie with local authorities.

The Executive does, however, collect information at local authority level on (a) the total number of sheltered houses in the social rented sector at 31 March each year, and (b) the total number of lettings of local authority owned special needs dwellings each quarter (which includes sheltered but does not separately identify them). The most recent information on (a) was published in the Scottish Executive Quarterly Housing Trends Bulletin HSG/2001/6, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (publication date 18 December 2001, Bib. number 18220). The latest figure on (b) for the period July-September 2001, for the council area of North Lanarkshire was 53.

In deciding on the regular statistical information to gather from councils and maintain centrally, the Executive aims to ensure that the need justifies the costs to councils of assembling and supplying the information.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161380,"EventID":"S1W-24824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what insurance cover exists for the prison estates owned and operated by the Scottish Prison Service and how much is paid for that cover under section 6 of the Minute of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what insurance cover exists for the prison estates owned and operated by the Scottish Prison Service and how much is paid for that cover under section 6 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

None.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161381,"EventID":"S1W-24825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contractor has provided evidence of having negotiated insurance for the private prison estate that it operates under section 6 of the Minute of Agreement betw","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contractor has provided evidence of having negotiated insurance for the private prison estate that it operates under section 6 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161382,"EventID":"S1W-24826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what area of land is leased to the contractor and what financial consideration forms part of the lease; on what date the land was purchased or acquired by the Secretary ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what area of land is leased to the contractor and what financial consideration forms part of the lease; on what date the land was purchased or acquired by the Secretary of State for Scotland or by any public body responsible to him or his successors; what the purchase price of the land was on that date and what the estimated value of the land is now or was most recently assessed under section 9 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Twenty-eight hectares are leased to the contractor for a peppercorn rent of £1 per annum. The land was purchased in early 1997 for £810,000. The value of the land has not been independently re-assessed since purchase.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161383,"EventID":"S1W-24827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rateable value is for calculating business rates for the prison and site under section 9.5 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rateable value is for calculating business rates for the prison and site under section 9.5 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The current rateable value is £410,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161384,"EventID":"S1W-24828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19194 by Iain Gray on 16 November 2001, whether the provision of compensation for the use of Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd staff w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19194 by Iain Gray on 16 November 2001, whether the provision of compensation for the use of Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd staff when deployed in other prisons and vice versa is compatible with the mutual aid arrangement section 5.5 and 5.6 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161385,"EventID":"S1W-24829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funds allocated to local authorities for the care and repair programme in privately-owned homes are ring-fenced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funds allocated to local authorities for the care and repair programme in privately-owned homes are ring-fenced.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides up to 50% of the revenue costs required to administer Care and Repair and these resources must be used for this purpose. The remaining costs in relation to Care and Repair are met by local authorities, these are not ring-fenced.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161386,"EventID":"S1W-24830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any local authorities that utilise elements of their care and repair programme budgets for aids and adaptations. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any local authorities that utilise elements of their care and repair programme budgets for aids and adaptations. ","AnswerText":"Work carried out by Care and Repair projects reflects locally identified needs. In many instances this will include equipment and adaptations. However, information on the number of equipment and adaptations carried out by Care and Repair projects is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161387,"EventID":"S1W-24831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether supply under care and repair programmes is meeting demand for (a) care and repair and (b) aids and adaptations and how it monitors supply and demand under such pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether supply under care and repair programmes is meeting demand for (a) care and repair and (b) aids and adaptations and how it monitors supply and demand under such programmes. ","AnswerText":"Work carried out by Care and Repair projects reflects locally identified needs. Care and Repair is one way in which local needs in respect of equipment and adaptations may be met. It is for local authorities to assess needs in their area and decide how demand should be met.

Communities Scotland publish 15 National Indicators in their annual report: Care and Repair in Scotland - National Indicators. The report presents information on the operation of the Care and Repair service in Scotland. Copies of the latest publication (2000-01) are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161388,"EventID":"S1W-24832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the progress of independent advocacy programmes in NHS boards. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the progress of independent advocacy programmes in NHS boards. ","AnswerText":"I announced funding for the establishment of an Advocacy Safeguards Agency when I attended the Advocacy 2000's conference in February. This new agency will have a key role in ensuring compliance with the commitment in Our National Health that integrated, independent advocacy is available to all who need it. The agency will advise the Executive on the adequacy and appropriateness of NHS boards' rolling three-year plans for the provision of these services. The agency's assessment of progress on NHS board's implementation will form part of the Performance Assessment Framework, which informs the annual accountability review process.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161389,"EventID":"S1W-24833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS boards have fro'en funds available for independent advocacy programmes in the current financial year and, if so, which NHS boards have taken such action. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS boards have fro'en funds available for independent advocacy programmes in the current financial year and, if so, which NHS boards have taken such action. ","AnswerText":"Based on the information contained within NHS boards' advocacy plans, investment in independent advocacy will have increased from £2,722,026 per annum in March 2001 to £4,327,212 per annum in March 2004. This is an increased investment of £1,605,186 per annum, and represents an increase from an average 53p per head of population to an average of 87p.

The following NHS boards have however not increased funding to independent advocacy for the financial year 2002-03:

Argyll and Clyde;

Ayrshire and Arran;

Borders;

Dumfries and Galloway;

Forth Valley;

Grampian;

Greater Glasgow, and

Tayside.

In Greater Glasgow there was a very significant increase in investment in 2001-02 and this level is to be maintained during 2002-03 and 2003-04. In Ayrshire and Arran, Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway there has been increased investment from the local authority partners.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161390,"EventID":"S1W-24834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to progress independent advocacy programmes in the current year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take to progress independent advocacy programmes in the current year.","AnswerText":"Our National Health required NHS boards, working with their planning partners, to prepare and implement plans for ensuring independent advocacy is available to all who need it. The Department's Advocacy Facilitator will continue to support boards and their planning partners, in developing and implementing these rolling three-year plans as part of the new Advocacy Safeguards Agency, as referred to in the answer given to question today.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161391,"EventID":"S1W-24835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development to the Parliament on 21 March 2002, Official Report, col. 10615, whether the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development to the Parliament on 21 March 2002, Official Report, col. 10615, whether the proposals for the Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive will be submitted in any form for independent assessment or audit and, if so, who will carry out this assessment or audit; with which \"major stakeholders\" the college will consult and whether it will ensure that this includes representatives from the college students, the local National Farmers Union Scotland and the campaign to retain the college; what it meant by the \"range of options that are open to the SAC\", and whether it will specify these options.","AnswerText":"The member is probably aware that the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) has agreed to conduct a review of its future functions and objectives, in consultation with its key stakeholders. I would expect representatives of the groups to which the member refers to be invited to participate in the consultation process.

Following this piece of work, the SAC will examine options - for all of its three campuses - about how it might restructure itself to be able to meet these objectives, prior to putting their conclusions to ministers for consideration. In advance of this work being taken forward, it is not possible to say at this stage what options will emerge for consideration or to comment on any individual one.

The SAC will be using external consultants to help it with these major initiatives. The consultants will bring an independent line of thought to bear.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161392,"EventID":"S1W-24836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a detailed breakdown of the estimated #20 million cost of a new campus for the Scottish Agricultural College in Paisley and a move to Aberdeen; wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a detailed breakdown of the estimated #20 million cost of a new campus for the Scottish Agricultural College in Paisley and a move to Aberdeen; whether it is satisfied that these costings are accurate; whether the costings have been submitted for analysis or assessment and, if so, to whom. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24835.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161393,"EventID":"S1W-24837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail each venture written off as a \"failed joint venture\" as referred to in the director's report on the Scottish Agriculture College (SAC), setting out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail each venture written off as a \"failed joint venture\" as referred to in the director's report on the Scottish Agriculture College (SAC), setting out the reason why each failed and the amount of money that was written off as a result.","AnswerText":"The director's report to the Scottish Agricultural Group Accounts, for the year to 31 March 2001, refers to joint ventures that were entered into by SAC Commercial Ltd - the commercial arm of the SAC group. This company is not grant aided by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department. In the circumstances, the member might wish to approach the SAC for the information he is seeking.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161394,"EventID":"S1W-24838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5621/2002 on 28 March 2002, what criteria it used to select the winners in its Digital Communities initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5621/2002 on 28 March 2002, what criteria it used to select the winners in its Digital Communities initiative.","AnswerText":"There was strong interest in the Digital Communities initiative with 29 local authorities submitting a bid by the closing date of 30 November 2001. Bids were assessed against a range of criteria - including compatibility with digital inclusion objectives; overall vision; levels of disadvantage in the community; confidence in ability to deliver; community involvement; long-term sustainability; scale of expected benefits to community and individuals; economic development potential; degree of partnership, and value for money.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161395,"EventID":"S1W-24839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to the branding and value exercise at Scottish Enterprise (SE), awarded to Corporate Edge as reported in The Drum on 15 February 2002, what brief was issued ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to the branding and value exercise at Scottish Enterprise (SE), awarded to Corporate Edge as reported in The Drum on 15 February 2002, what brief was issued to firms intending to enter the competitive pitch process; how much SE received to fund the exercise; what input it had to the final selections, and what advantage Corporate Edge, based in London, had over any Scottish firms that pitched for the exercise.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. This is an operational matter for the enterprise networks.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161396,"EventID":"S1W-24840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much revenue from the aggregates levy will be passed to it for spending; what this revenue will be used for; what mechanism will be used to distribute funds and if no","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much revenue from the aggregates levy will be passed to it for spending; what this revenue will be used for; what mechanism will be used to distribute funds and if no decisions on administration of the revenue have been made, when they will be.","AnswerText":"The Assigned Budget will receive approximately £3 million per year from 2002-03, as part of the allocation by the Treasury of the proceeds of the aggregates levy. Ministers have decided to allocate this to the environment portfolio and decisions on how to distribute the monies will be made soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161397,"EventID":"S1W-24841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a sustainability fund similar to that planned by Her Majesty's Government for England and Wales and (a) what type of projects will be funde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a sustainability fund similar to that planned by Her Majesty's Government for England and Wales and (a) what type of projects will be funded, (b) whether the fund will be public or private and (c) what the rules on match-funding under the fund and the eligibility criteria for funding will be.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24840.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161398,"EventID":"S1W-24842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the minutes of the quarterly meetings of Family Contact Development Officers in the Scottish Prison Service record any note of difficulties encountered by visito","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the minutes of the quarterly meetings of Family Contact Development Officers in the Scottish Prison Service record any note of difficulties encountered by visitors to sex offenders in non-specific sex offender jails.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The minutes of the quarterly meetings of the Family Contact Development Officers in the Scottish Prison Service do not record any note of difficulties encountered by visitors to sex offenders in any Scottish prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161399,"EventID":"S1W-24843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Family Contact Development Officers there are within the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Family Contact Development Officers there are within the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The number of officers designated as Family Contact Development Officers within the Scottish Prison Service is 86. This number includes 17 managers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161400,"EventID":"S1W-24844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions regarding the company limited by guarantee that will succeed Railtrack.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions regarding the company limited by guarantee that will succeed Railtrack.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions on a wide range of issues including the proposal for a company limited by guarantee to succeed Railtrack.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161401,"EventID":"S1W-24845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what shareholding it will have in the company limited by guarantee that will succeed Railtrack.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what shareholding it will have in the company limited by guarantee that will succeed Railtrack.","AnswerText":"If Network Rail succeeds Railtrack, it will be a company limited by Guarantee. There would be no shareholders and any operating surplus would be re-invested in the rail network.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161402,"EventID":"S1W-24846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requested that a separate company by guarantee be established to succeed Railtrack in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requested that a separate company by guarantee be established to succeed Railtrack in Scotland.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161403,"EventID":"S1W-24848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be able to give directions and guidance to the company limited by guarantee that will replace Railtrack and, if so, under what terms and circumstances; wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be able to give directions and guidance to the company limited by guarantee that will replace Railtrack and, if so, under what terms and circumstances; whether such directions and guidance will be subject to veto and, if so, by whom.","AnswerText":"The regulation of whatever company succeeds Railtrack will remain a reserved matter and as such will be the responsibility of the Office of the Rail Regulator.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161404,"EventID":"S1W-24850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23834 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 22 March 2002, what other resources and support have been allocated to audiology departments to enabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23834 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 22 March 2002, what other resources and support have been allocated to audiology departments to enable them to comply with The Good Practice Guidance for Adult Hearing Aid Fittings and Services. ","AnswerText":"I have today announced the allocation of an extra £750,000 to NHS boards across Scotland during 2002-03 to reduce excessively long waiting times within audiology services, assist compliance with certain aspects of the Good Practice Guidance and provide hearing aids.

The results of the national review of audiology services, which will report in the autumn, will be used to assess future needs and identify the resources needed to meet them.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161405,"EventID":"S1W-24851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all categories of NHS staff, including consultants, have to abide by the European Working Time Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all categories of NHS staff, including consultants, have to abide by the European Working Time Directive.","AnswerText":"The European Working Time Directive applies to all categories of NHS Scotland staff, with the exception of doctors in training. Application of the directive to this group of NHS staff will apply in full by 2009, with the option available to EC member states to extend the deadline by a further three years, if operational circumstances support a case for doing so.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161406,"EventID":"S1W-24852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any patient who meets the assessment criteria for free personal and nursing care will be cared for by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any patient who meets the assessment criteria for free personal and nursing care will be cared for by the NHS.","AnswerText":"The purpose of a needs assessment is to determine the requirement for social care for an individual. This is linked to the provision of services by, or for, local authorities under social work legislation, not to services provided by the NHS. The extension of free personal and nursing care only applies to those who currently pay for, or towards, such care in community settings (e.g. in a care home or in their own home). All NHS care is provided free at the point of delivery already and is not affected by the introduction of free personal and nursing care which only applies outside an NHS setting. There is therefore no requirement for additional funding for the NHS as a consequence of the introduction of this policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161407,"EventID":"S1W-24853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are currently set in the NHS for assessing entitlement and access to long-term care for elderly people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are currently set in the NHS for assessing entitlement and access to long-term care for elderly people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24852.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161408,"EventID":"S1W-24854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS will receive additional funding for free personal and nursing care for the elderly where a patient's assessment fits the prescribed criteria.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS will receive additional funding for free personal and nursing care for the elderly where a patient's assessment fits the prescribed criteria.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24852.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161409,"EventID":"S1W-24855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) males and (b) females regularly take anti-depressants and what the annual cost to the NHS has been in each of the past 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) males and (b) females regularly take anti-depressants and what the annual cost to the NHS has been in each of the past 10 years.","AnswerText":"Information about the number of patients for whom prescriptions are written is not collected.

The cost of anti-depressants* dispensed to patients in the community from 1992-2001# is set out in the following table. The amounts shown do not include dispensing fees paid to community pharmacists or medicines dispensed through the hospital service.

Ingredient Cost of Anti-Depressant Drugs Dispensed in the Community:

1992-93

(£ million)

1993-94

(£ million)

1994-95

(£ million)

1995-96

(£ million)

1996-97

(£ million)

1997-98

(£ million)

1998-99

(£ million)

1999-2000

(£ million)

2000-01

(£ million)

12.27

14.23

17.06

21.51

28.16

35.2

40.07

44.55

44.06

Notes:

*Drugs listed in Section 4.3 of the British National Formulary for the treatment of major depression.

#Data before 1992 is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161410,"EventID":"S1W-24856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been or will be taken to tackle depression in children aged 5-14.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been or will be taken to tackle depression in children aged 5-14.","AnswerText":"The Executive has already commissioned the Public Health Institute for Scotland to conduct a national review of child and adolescent mental health services. Their report is due later this year. In addition separate studies of adolescent psychiatry out-patient services, depression among adolescents and adolescent psychosis have been funded. Together, the findings will inform future decisions on the best organisation of services for this important care group.

A national programme is also being developed to promote mental health and well-being and prevent mental health problems and illnesses, for both children and adults.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161411,"EventID":"S1W-24857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any increase since 1997 in the number of anti-depressant prescriptions; if so, what this increase has been and whether it will detail what action h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any increase since 1997 in the number of anti-depressant prescriptions; if so, what this increase has been and whether it will detail what action has been or will be taken to tackle such an increase.","AnswerText":"Around 1.85 million prescriptions for anti-depressants* were dispensed in 1996-97, rising to just under 2.77 million in 2000-01.

Medical practitioners use their clinical judgement when prescribing for individual patients. They have access to comprehensive guidance on how to prescribe these drugs safely and effectively.

Note:

*Drugs listed in Section 4.3 of the British National Formulary for the treatment of major depression","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161412,"EventID":"S1W-24858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22374 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 February 2002, what research has been, is being or will be carried out into the number of males and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22374 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 February 2002, what research has been, is being or will be carried out into the number of males and females currently diagnosed as suffering from depression.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently funding a number of research projects on questions related to the genetics and treatment of depression. Over the past few years, the Executive has also funded the Scottish element of a range of surveys by the Office for National Statistics into depression and other aspects of psychiatric morbidity in both children and adults. The reports of these surveys can be found on the National Statistics website:

www.statistics.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161413,"EventID":"S1W-24859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people currently suffer from multiple sclerosis; whether all such patients will be given a neurological assessment to gauge their suitability for beta-interferon","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people currently suffer from multiple sclerosis; whether all such patients will be given a neurological assessment to gauge their suitability for beta-interferon, and whether there are sufficient neurologists and clinical personnel to carry out such assessments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) report on multiple sclerosis estimates that around 10,400 people suffer from multiple sclerosis in Scotland. A copy of the SNAP report has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 9354).

A UK-wide risk-sharing scheme for the treatment of eligible patients with multiple sclerosis begins on 6 May 2002. The scheme allows beta interferon and glatiramer acetate to be prescribed on the NHS to patients who meet criteria set out by the Association of British Neurologists. Patients' eligibility for treatment will depend on the clinical judgement of the specialist neurologists concerned.

The health departments do not underestimate the work required to set up and operate the scheme and will be holding regular meetings with professional and patient groups to assess progress. The scheme includes incentives for the pharmaceutical companies to increase their investment in generic specialist MS nursing services.

Full details of the scheme are explained in Health Department Letter (2002) 6, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20653).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161414,"EventID":"S1W-24860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all clinical procedures are rigorously tested before widespread application in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all clinical procedures are rigorously tested before widespread application in the NHS.","AnswerText":"As we made clear in our response to the final report of the Bristol Inquiry, patient safety and the quality of clinical care are paramount within NHSScotland.

To achieve that general aim, a variety of safeguards are in place. In relation to medicines, it is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency to ensure that all medicines on the UK market meet appropriate standards of safety, quality and efficacy. Clinical trials may also be used to assess the effectiveness of new treatments or technologies, such as new ways of carrying out operative procedures or new radiotherapy regimens. Prior to the start of NHS clinical trials, they should be appraised by the appropriate NHS research ethics committee.

In relation to new interventional procedures, such as surgery and interventional cardiological and radiological examinations and treatments, the former Safety and Efficacy Register for New Interventional Procedures was taken over by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence with effect from 1 April this year. This is a UK initiative which will continue to apply to the introduction of new interventional procedures in NHSScotland.

Highly specialised services are introduced only when the Executive has been assured by the National Services Advisory Group that this can be done without compromising patient safety.

The safety and effectiveness of medical devices is the responsibility of the Medical Devices Agency, which operates on a UK basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161415,"EventID":"S1W-24861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which group of cancer patients will benefit from the increased funding for clinical trials, given the number of colorectal, lung and prostate cancer patients who currentl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which group of cancer patients will benefit from the increased funding for clinical trials, given the number of colorectal, lung and prostate cancer patients who currently participate in clinical trials.","AnswerText":"This funding is not targeted at any particular group of patients, but at increasing recruitment to relevant clinical trials for all cancers. The availability of suitable trials, patient eligibility and consent to participate will determine appropriate action areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161416,"EventID":"S1W-24862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase its share of the funding for cancer research against the amount currently raised through charitable donations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase its share of the funding for cancer research against the amount currently raised through charitable donations.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises and supports the work of research charities with which we have a common purpose - to secure continuous improvements in outcomes, treatment, care and quality of life for NHS patients. Under a UK-wide agreement with the research charities, the Executive financially supports charity-funded research by meeting the costs to the NHS of hosting their research activities. These costs are met through the NHS R&D Support Fund which is managed by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO). It follows, therefore, that any increase in cancer research which charities fund within NHSScotland will be eligible for additional support funding from the NHS R&D Support Fund.

Furthermore, as I announced last month, £1 million is being made available to support additional clinical trials in cancer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161417,"EventID":"S1W-24863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to pilot managed care models of disease management.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to pilot managed care models of disease management.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department is funding the evaluation of two demonstration Managed Clinical Networks, one in vascular services in Lanarkshire, the other in neurology with particular reference to stroke which is being taken forward jointly between Wishaw Hospital and the Institute of Neurological Sciences at the Southern General Hospital, Glasgow. A wide range of other Managed Clinical Networks are being developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161418,"EventID":"S1W-24864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison places are currently available to prisoners who wish to have nothing to do with drugs and whether this meets any targets set by the Scottish Prison Servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prison places are currently available to prisoners who wish to have nothing to do with drugs and whether this meets any targets set by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

About 2,100 prisoner places are currently available to prisoners who wish to have nothing to do with drugs. This figure represents 36% of available capacity. The SPS Drug Strategy (Partnership and Co-ordination, published in March 2000) looked for around 40% of capacity to be available to such prisoners by April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161419,"EventID":"S1W-24865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently registered with general practitioners according to the community health index.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently registered with general practitioners according to the community health index.","AnswerText":"According to the community health index, 5,350,424 patients are currently registered with general practitioners in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161420,"EventID":"S1W-24866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all payments to general practitioners are accurate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all payments to general practitioners are accurate.","AnswerText":"All claims for payment from general practitioners are subject to pre-payment verification checks ranging from a scrutiny of claim forms to contacting the patient to confirm details. Guidance on pre- and post- payment verification procedures was issued to NHS Scotland on 28 March 2002. The guidance issued under cover of circular NHS HDL (2002) 20, a copy of which can be obtained from the Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW) website at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/publicationsindex.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161421,"EventID":"S1W-24867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it or the Common Services Agency ensures that no fraudulent items of service claims are made by general practitioners (GPs) and what process is there for GPs who are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it or the Common Services Agency ensures that no fraudulent items of service claims are made by general practitioners (GPs) and what process is there for GPs who are found to have made such claims.","AnswerText":"The Executive issued NHS HDL (Health Department Letter) (2002)20 to NHSScotland on 28 March 2002. This outlines guidance on payment verification arrangements for family health services. Chapter 4 of the payments verification procedures document at Annex B of the HDL lists the verification checks undertaken by the Common Services Agency on payments claimed by GPs under general medical services, including item of service fees. In addition, the Executive issued HDL(2002)23 on 5 April 2002 which provides guidance to NHSScotland on procedures to be followed where there is cause to suspect that a criminal offence, including fraud, has been committed involving public funds or property. There is a requirement to report the case to the Procurator Fiscal where there is prima facie evidence of fraud. The HDLs are available on the SHOW website at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/publications.asp

In addition to having their case referred to the Procurator Fiscal, GPs who are suspected of claiming payments falsely will be investigated by the Fraud Investigation Unit of the Common Services Agency and may be referred to one or more of the following bodies, depending on the gravity of the alleged offence - an NHS Discipline Committee, the NHS Tribunal, the General Medical Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161422,"EventID":"S1W-24868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to ensure that all students, the deceased and temporary residents are removed from general practitioners' lists at the appropriate time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place to ensure that all students, the deceased and temporary residents are removed from general practitioners' lists at the appropriate time.","AnswerText":"Under the National Health Service (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995, an Islands NHS Board or a Primary Care Trust is required to keep an up-to-date list of patients for each of its general practitioners. Where the board or trust is satisfied that a person no longer resides in the area where the general practitioner provides services or that the whereabouts of the person are no longer known to it, it should remove that person's name from the patient list.

Students are entitled to have their names included in the patient list of a general practitioner in the area where they reside during their course of study. Registration of students is subject to the same controls as other patients.

When a patient dies their name is to be deleted from the patient list as from the date on which notification of death is received by the board or trust. A general practitioner is obliged to send the medical records of a patient who has died to the board or trust in a case where he or she learned of the death other than by notification from that body.

Temporary residents are not included in a general practitioner's list. The board or trust for the area of their normal place of residence should remove them from the list of their own general practitioner once their stay in the place of temporary residence exceeds 90 days and they have not returned to their own area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161423,"EventID":"S1W-24870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the recycling of household waste is currently carried out by the community or voluntary sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the recycling of household waste is currently carried out by the community or voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, initial analysis of the results of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency survey of local authority waste arisings for 2000-01 indicates that approximately half of Scottish local authorities had formal arrangements with community or voluntary sector organisations to collect household waste for the purposes of recycling.

The Executive has also provided support from the Sustainable Action Fund to the Recycling Advisory Group Scotland to set up a formal network for community organisations involved in waste recycling, reuse and reduction. One of the aims of the network is to determine the number of groups of this type and their level of activity in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161424,"EventID":"S1W-24871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it is making available to the community or voluntary sector to allow its participation in the long-term planning and delivery of sustainable environmental ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it is making available to the community or voluntary sector to allow its participation in the long-term planning and delivery of sustainable environmental and economic development and specifically in the area of waste recycling.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides resources of this kind through core and grant funding from the Sustainable Action Fund. Grant of £149,094 has been offered in financial years 2001-02 and 2002-03 to community and voluntary projects involved with waste recycling and reuse.

The Scottish Executive has also established a Strategic Waste Fund of £50.4 million for local authorities to implement area waste plans under the National Waste Strategy. Community and voluntary sector organisations are being encouraged to take an active role in working with local authorities to implementing these plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161425,"EventID":"S1W-24872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce a decision on the current proposals by (a) North Lanarkshire Council and (b) South Lanarkshire Council for schools' reorganisation and closures in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce a decision on the current proposals by (a) North Lanarkshire Council and (b) South Lanarkshire Council for schools' reorganisation and closures in their respective areas.","AnswerText":"Neither council has submitted current applications for the consent of the Scottish ministers to the reorganisation or closure of schools in their areas. Decisions on school reorganisation or closure proposals are in the first instance the responsibility of the education authority concerned, following statutory consultation with parents, school boards and church bodies in the case of denominational schools. The consent of Scottish ministers to individual proposals is required only in certain circumstances prescribed in statute.

Both North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council have submitted bids for revenue support for potential school building Public/Private Partnership projects with the objective of contributing to the improvement of their school estates. These are under consideration with bids received from 12 other authorities and we shall announce decisions as soon as all relevant issues have been considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161426,"EventID":"S1W-24873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support and promote a pilot scheme for the introduction of road equivalent tariff on one of the ferry routes to the Western Isles.\t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support and promote a pilot scheme for the introduction of road equivalent tariff on one of the ferry routes to the Western Isles.\t","AnswerText":"We have no plans to support such a scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161427,"EventID":"S1W-24874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the case for road equivalent tariff to be applied to the costs of travel by ferry; whether it has considered the cost of implementing such a polic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the case for road equivalent tariff to be applied to the costs of travel by ferry; whether it has considered the cost of implementing such a policy and, if so, what the estimated cost would be, and whether it has estimated what the additional traffic would be through a reduction in the ferry fares by the application of a road equivalent tariff policy. ","AnswerText":"We have no plans to implement a road equivalent tariff (RET) approach to setting fares for ferry services which the Executive subsidises, nor do we intend to conduct research into the cost of implementing such a policy. As I have indicated in previous answers, it is clear that RET would require substantial alteration in the fares structure of Caledonian MacBrayne at a time when it and the people whom it serves most require stability and security of service. Our efforts must be focused on securing continuity of services and protection of fares through the future tendering exercise relating to the company's services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161428,"EventID":"S1W-24875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the consultants report commissioned by Caledonian MacBrayne as part of its fares review in w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the consultants report commissioned by Caledonian MacBrayne as part of its fares review in which it considered whether a road equivalent tariff fare structure should be implemented on the Clyde and Western Isles ferry services.","AnswerText":"I have asked Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd to place a copy of the report in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20611).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161429,"EventID":"S1W-24876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures it has taken or plans to take to promote the use of architects and what action it has taken to ensure that Communities Scotland works in partnershi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures it has taken or plans to take to promote the use of architects and what action it has taken to ensure that Communities Scotland works in partnership with architects.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to the promotion of good architecture by means of the objectives and commitments set out in A Policy on Architecture for Scotland. The Executive believes that good architecture is the product of the creative collaboration of many disciplines and that architects have a key role to play in this process. Communities Scotland meets quarterly with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland to facilitate joint working.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161430,"EventID":"S1W-24877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to include in its housing policy proposals similar to those operating in Norway, where the state provides a level of loan for housing based on meeting ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to include in its housing policy proposals similar to those operating in Norway, where the state provides a level of loan for housing based on meeting certain criteria for example in providing benefits to the environment.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans at present for the introduction of such loans.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161431,"EventID":"S1W-24878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Enterprise has ever helped or offered business advice to firms that pitched for its brand and values exercise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Enterprise has ever helped or offered business advice to firms that pitched for its brand and values exercise.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the enterprise networks. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161432,"EventID":"S1W-24879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether East of Scotland Water contravened drinking water guidelines in the EH9 postcode area in the last year and, if so, how many times any such contraventions occurred","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether East of Scotland Water contravened drinking water guidelines in the EH9 postcode area in the last year and, if so, how many times any such contraventions occurred and what the cause was of each such contravention.","AnswerText":"Data provided by Scottish Water concerning the drinking water quality results for the water supply zones covering postcode area EH9 during 2001 indicated that there were no breaches of the drinking water regulations for that postcode in 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161433,"EventID":"S1W-24880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7588 by Sarah Boyack on 22 June 2000, what the timetable is for the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-7588 by Sarah Boyack on 22 June 2000, what the timetable is for the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","AnswerText":"The timetable for the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise is as follows:

  • the Scottish Executive's Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will be issued this summer;
  • the SRA will subsequently invite bids later in 2002;
  • initial bids will then be evaluated and short-listed;
  • short listed bidders will be invited to submit a Best and Final Offer before a preferred bidder is selected, with whom to negotiate a new franchise agreement, and

the new franchise will begin on 1 April 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161434,"EventID":"S1W-24881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of its investigation into the removal of over 200 patients from the waiting list for plastic surgery treatment at St John's Hospital, Livingston, by the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of its investigation into the removal of over 200 patients from the waiting list for plastic surgery treatment at St John's Hospital, Livingston, by the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust will be announced.","AnswerText":"I understand that the Chief Executive of West Lothian NHS Trust asked the Information and Services Division (ISD) of the NHS Common Services Agency to review decisions taken by the trust on waiting list classifications, including those in the specialty of plastic surgery, and to advise on whether these decisions were in line with ISD's National Definitions. I further understand that ISD's report was submitted to the trust at the end of April.

The conclusions of the report will be published and its recommendations implemented. In particular, any patients identified as having been inappropriately removed from the waiting list will be immediately reinstated by the trust, and included in its waiting list figures for 31 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161435,"EventID":"S1W-24882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether investigations in regard to the reclassification of waiting lists are being carried out at NHS trusts other than the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether investigations in regard to the reclassification of waiting lists are being carried out at NHS trusts other than the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust.","AnswerText":"The review of the management of waiting lists in NHSScotland, which is currently being undertaken by Audit Scotland, includes all NHS trusts. Audit Scotland expects to publish its report by the end of June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161436,"EventID":"S1W-24883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is on target to meet its pledge to reduce NHS in-patient waiting lists to 75,000 by 31 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is on target to meet its pledge to reduce NHS in-patient waiting lists to 75,000 by 31 March 2002.","AnswerText":"Figures for the in-patient/day case waiting list on 31 March 2002, by NHS board and trust, will be published by ISD Scotland on its NHSScotland Acute Activity, Waiting Times And Waiting Lists website on 30 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161437,"EventID":"S1W-24884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each policy initiative it has implemented since May 1999 which has had a direct implication or bearing on the workload of local government; whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each policy initiative it has implemented since May 1999 which has had a direct implication or bearing on the workload of local government; whether funding was provided to local authorities for each such initiative and, if so, how much funding was provided in each case.","AnswerText":"The information requested is provided in the following table:

The table lists specific Scottish Executive initiatives since 1999-2000 and associated financial support, including addition funding for existing initiatives, included within general revenue grant (Aggregate External Finance), non-housing capital allocations, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) allocations and specific programme grants.

Scottish Executive support for Local Government

1999-2000

(£m)

2000-01

(£m)

2001-02

(£m)

2002-03

(£m)

2003-04

(£m)

Aggregate External Finance Including allocations for: Education and Young People

5,513.1

5,630.4

6,078.8

6,836.2

7,131.0

Sure Start

9.0

14.0

19.0

19.0

19.0

Childcare Strategy

5.8

13.8

13.8

16.8

16.8

Children's Ser. Development Fund/Youth Crime

9.2

12.5

20.0

20.0

25.0

Alternatives to Exclusion

5.0

8.0

11.0

11.0

TBC

Study Support

7.0

10.0

10.0

10.0

TBC

Early Intervention

13.0

13.0

13.0

13.0

TBC

Supporting Parents

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

TBC

Classroom Assistants

9.5

19.5

36.0

36.0

TBC

Reducing Class Sizes

Strategic Priorities for Scotland's Passenger Railway, in relation to the refranchising process. Free off-peak local bus travel for elderly and disabled people will be introduced on 1 October. Subsidies to contain the level of fares are also provided through the Rural Transport Fund, and our support for lifeline air and ferry services in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161439,"EventID":"S1W-24886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its options are in regard to ensuring greater consistency in public transport fares throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its options are in regard to ensuring greater consistency in public transport fares throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"Across all modes of public transport the underlying principle is that fares should reflect journey costs, be paid by those making the journeys and be determined by transport operators. However, the Scottish Executive's Rural Transport Fund provides support for certain scheduled bus and ferry services that would otherwise not operate or operate at considerably higher fares, while the Executive also provides subsidy support for lifeline air and ferry services in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161440,"EventID":"S1W-24887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the integration of public transport services between Edinburgh and Dunbartonshire. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the integration of public transport services between Edinburgh and Dunbartonshire. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is supporting improved public transport links between Dunbartonshire and Glasgow which is a major interchange for bus services from Buchanan Street Bus Station or regular rail services to other parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh from Queen Street or Central Station. The improvements to the Dunbartonshire to Glasgow links include the Baillieston to Faifley Quality Bus Corridor, and doubling the frequency of rail services between Milngavie and Glasgow as part of the Larkhall-Milngavie rail project.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161441,"EventID":"S1W-24888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy initiatives are being considered to reduce the costs to passengers of rail travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy initiatives are being considered to reduce the costs to passengers of rail travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"Where ticket prices are not regulated by the Strategic Rail Authority they are for the Train Operating Company to determine. However, the process for the letting of the next Scottish passenger rail franchise will give bidders the opportunity to come forward with ways of reducing the costs to passengers of all rail travel, including that between Glasgow and Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161442,"EventID":"S1W-24889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial incentives and penalties are being considered in the context of the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise to ensure that passengers receive bett","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial incentives and penalties are being considered in the context of the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise to ensure that passengers receive better value for money rail services.","AnswerText":"The next Scottish rail passenger franchise will be subject to the Strategic Rail Authority's performance regime.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161443,"EventID":"S1W-24890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts will be made to encourage tenderers for the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise to come forward with innovative schemes to improve the rapidity ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts will be made to encourage tenderers for the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise to come forward with innovative schemes to improve the rapidity and reliability of rail services, especially on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route.","AnswerText":"The refranchising process will provide an opportunity for all tenderers for the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise to come forward with innovative schemes in their bids to improve the rapidity and reliability of all rail services, including on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161444,"EventID":"S1W-24891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration has been given under the renewal of the Scottish passenger rail franchise to more than one provider delivering services throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration has been given under the renewal of the Scottish passenger rail franchise to more than one provider delivering services throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is considering a range of options for taking the Scottish passenger rail franchise forward after 2004 to ensure the best value for money. The Executive believes that what is needed is more rather than less integration of Scottish rail services, and that letting the next franchise to more than one operator could lead to fragmentation of services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161445,"EventID":"S1W-24892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the construction work on the bus station at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the construction work on the bus station at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, will be completed.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the City of Edinburgh Council. However, I understand that the new bus station should be open to the public in the autumn of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161446,"EventID":"S1W-24893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action would be required to extend the area covered by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority to (a) the central belt and (b) the whole of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action would be required to extend the area covered by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority to (a) the central belt and (b) the whole of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Any variations to the area covered by Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority would require an order by statutory instrument under section 40 the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1994. This would contain a list of the local government areas, or parts of such areas, to be covered by the new authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161447,"EventID":"S1W-24894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of its report Proposals for a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of its report Proposals for a Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's report demonstrated that in the short term the priority should be strengthening partnership working amongst the local authorities in the Highlands and Islands. Consequently, joint working between the partners in the region has been strengthened. This is illustrated by the move from a forum to a Strategic Partnership; the implementation of the partnership's successful bid to the Public Transport Fund in 2001; the creation of HITRANS and the recent formalisation of its constitution and funding arrangements. This has been aided by a commitment from the Scottish Executive to match fund HITRANS' constituent councils' contributions to the development of a Joint Transport Strategy for the area, on which work is substantially under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161448,"EventID":"S1W-24895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the affordability of fares will be a key determinant in the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the affordability of fares will be a key determinant in the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","AnswerText":"Bids for the next Scottish rail passenger franchise will be evaluated according to a variety of determinants, in order to decide which represents the best value for money.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161449,"EventID":"S1W-24896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been undertaken to study any link between the affordability of rail travel and passenger numbers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been undertaken to study any link between the affordability of rail travel and passenger numbers.","AnswerText":"A wide range of publicly available research into the determinants of rail demand has been undertaken by academic and other interests. In addition, the rail industry has undertaken a large amount of commercial-in-confidence research.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161450,"EventID":"S1W-24897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the access to the Glasgow Prestwick International Airport and the affordability of public transport to the airport from all areas of Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the access to the Glasgow Prestwick International Airport and the affordability of public transport to the airport from all areas of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Passengers to and from Glasgow Prestwick International Airport are able to benefit from lower cost rail and bus travel through the airport's partnership arrangements with Strathclyde Passenger Transport and Scotrail, and with Stagecoach and Scottish Citylink. The Scottish Executive has no plans to enhance those arrangements. Completion of the proposed M77 between Newton Mearns and Fenwick will benefit passengers travelling to and from the airport by road.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161451,"EventID":"S1W-24898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to the cross-ownership of public transport services by potential tenderers for the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to the cross-ownership of public transport services by potential tenderers for the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","AnswerText":"This is one of a wide range of issues that will be considered during the evaluation of bids received for the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161452,"EventID":"S1W-24899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how public transport links to the Rosyth ferry terminal will be improved from (a) the Lothians, (b) Strathclyde, (c) Fife and (d) elsewhere in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how public transport links to the Rosyth ferry terminal will be improved from (a) the Lothians, (b) Strathclyde, (c) Fife and (d) elsewhere in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Transport Challenge Funding and Public Transport Fund grants totalling £11.6 million have been made to Fife Council to support additional rail services between south Fife and Edinburgh, and to make improvements to rail services and stations at Rosyth and Inverkeithing. In addition, grants of £4.7 million have been made to Fife and City of Edinburgh Councils to develop park-and-ride and bus priority measures between Fife and Edinburgh.

There are currently no new public transport services to Strathclyde or other parts of Scotland. However, dedicated bus and taxi services at the ferry terminal will link to the wider Scottish bus and rail networks through Inverkeithing, Dunfermline and Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161453,"EventID":"S1W-24900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many surveyors are employed by Eaga Partnership (Scotland) to assess the work required prior to a grant being awarded under the central heating programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many surveyors are employed by Eaga Partnership (Scotland) to assess the work required prior to a grant being awarded under the central heating programme.","AnswerText":"Eaga currently have 85 surveyors working under the central heating programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161454,"EventID":"S1W-24901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what qualifications are held by surveyors employed by Eaga Partnership (Scotland) and what further training they are given following their appointment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what qualifications are held by surveyors employed by Eaga Partnership (Scotland) and what further training they are given following their appointment.","AnswerText":"The minimum qualifications for surveyors taken on by Eaga are City and Guilds Certificate 6176 \"Energy Awareness\" and/or NVQ Level 2 \"Domestic Energy\". Many surveyors have supplemented these qualifications with the NHER Site Assessor qualification. Prior to undertaking surveys for Eaga, surveyors must participate in a four-day training course which is specially designed by Eaga and leading experts in the field. Surveyors have to pass this course before they are approved to carry out surveys.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161455,"EventID":"S1W-24902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many installations of gas central heating systems Eaga Partnership (Scotland) has been responsible for under its central heating programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many installations of gas central heating systems Eaga Partnership (Scotland) has been responsible for under its central heating programme.","AnswerText":"Three thousand, two hundred and nineteen gas central heating systems have been installed by Eaga to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161456,"EventID":"S1W-24903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inspections of gas central heating systems installed by Eaga Partnership (Scotland) have been undertaken, what qualifications are held by inspectors carrying out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many inspections of gas central heating systems installed by Eaga Partnership (Scotland) have been undertaken, what qualifications are held by inspectors carrying out such inspections and what code of practice such inspections must comply with.","AnswerText":"A total of 2,763 inspections of gas central heating systems have been undertaken to date. All Eaga's engineers are CORGI registered and are trained to Approved Code of Practice (ACOPS) 1-15 standards. There are various codes of practice that they must comply with. These are: gas safety regulations, specific building regulations, electrical regulations, water byelaws, health and safety and the heating system's manufacturers guidelines. Eaga's has its own inspection guidelines which were put together by Eaga and leading industry experts in the field, including British Gas.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161457,"EventID":"S1W-24904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of any inspections of central heating systems installed by Eaga Partnership (Scotland) is paid for from the grant for the installation of the system rece","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of any inspections of central heating systems installed by Eaga Partnership (Scotland) is paid for from the grant for the installation of the system received by the client or from the management fee.","AnswerText":"The cost of each inspection is paid for out of Eaga's management fee.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161458,"EventID":"S1W-24905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the replanting of trees will begin at the foot-and-mouth disease burial site at Birkshaw Forest, Lockerbie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the replanting of trees will begin at the foot-and-mouth disease burial site at Birkshaw Forest, Lockerbie.","AnswerText":"Discussions are currently taking place with Castlemilk Estate about the possibility of some limited replanting of trees at Birkshaw Forest in the current planting season. This would be a welcome development in helping return the site to its former use less than a year since the site was operational during the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161459,"EventID":"S1W-24906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise invested in the Longannet coal mine and what the prospects are for the recovery of the money.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Enterprise invested in the Longannet coal mine and what the prospects are for the recovery of the money.","AnswerText":"In June 1999, Scottish Enterprise provided a guarantee to underwrite £5.4 million of bank borrowing by Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd in order to allow the company to continue trading. The level of this guarantee was varied on several occasions in line with the company's bank borrowing requirements.

Under the terms of the guarantee agreement, Scottish Enterprise has now paid out £4.514 million to the Royal Bank of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161460,"EventID":"S1W-24907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it approved the arrangement entered into by Scottish Enterprise to act as guarantor for Mining (Scotland) Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it approved the arrangement entered into by Scottish Enterprise to act as guarantor for Mining (Scotland) Ltd.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161461,"EventID":"S1W-24908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether discussions took place between it and Her Majesty's Government prior to 1 March 2002 in regard to the proposal to reclaim #4.5 million for the development of Long","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether discussions took place between it and Her Majesty's Government prior to 1 March 2002 in regard to the proposal to reclaim #4.5 million for the development of Longannet coal mine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including energy policy. All subsidies granted to the Scottish Coal Company over the last two years in respect of Longannet mine were paid by the Department of Trade and Industry under its UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161462,"EventID":"S1W-24909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Government about the future of Longannet coal mine since 29 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Government about the future of Longannet coal mine since 29 March 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the future of Longannet deep coal mine.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161463,"EventID":"S1W-24910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19339, S1W-19397, S1W-23505 and S1W-24227 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 26 November 2001, 11 January, 12 March and 2 April 2002 respec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-19339, S1W-19397, S1W-23505 and S1W-24227 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 26 November 2001, 11 January, 12 March and 2 April 2002 respectively, whether it is its policy not to assess any impact on the economy of decisions taken by Her Majesty's Government in relation to matters reserved to that government; if not, whether any such assessments have been undertaken and what the outcomes were since 1 November 2001.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive constantly monitors the impact upon the Scottish economy of major policy decisions made by both the UK Government and Scottish Parliament. It also takes account in a similar fashion of relevant European directives at an appropriate stage in their development.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161464,"EventID":"S1W-24911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to hold an inquiry into the environmental and economic impact of the flooding and subsequent closure of Longannet coal mine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to hold an inquiry into the environmental and economic impact of the flooding and subsequent closure of Longannet coal mine.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. Our current priority is to provide support and assistance for those facing redundancy.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161465,"EventID":"S1W-24912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government in regard to an inquiry into the flooding and subsequent closure of Longannet coal mine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government in regard to an inquiry into the flooding and subsequent closure of Longannet coal mine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including Longannet coal mine.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161466,"EventID":"S1W-24913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when bilingual road signs in Gaelic and English on trunk roads in the Highlands are to be erected in accordance with the undertakings made by Her Majesty's Government un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when bilingual road signs in Gaelic and English on trunk roads in the Highlands are to be erected in accordance with the undertakings made by Her Majesty's Government under Part III, Article 10, 2(g) of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive presently permits Highland Council to use bilingual signs on local roads. The erection of signs is a matter for the local roads authority. On trunk roads, Gaelic boundary signs and bilingual direction signs are already in place on the A87 in Skye and the A830. New bilingual signs will be provided on the section of the A830 between Arisaig and Kinsadel, now under construction. A report is being completed on further options for bilingual signs on the trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161467,"EventID":"S1W-24914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that BEAR Scotland Ltd and other contractors have bilingual Gaelic and English road signs on their routes in accordance with the Europe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that BEAR Scotland Ltd and other contractors have bilingual Gaelic and English road signs on their routes in accordance with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.","AnswerText":"Contractors employed to maintain or construct new trunk roads comply with the instructions of the Scottish Executive in regard to the signing that they provide. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24913 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161468,"EventID":"S1W-24915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown will continue to rely on the expert testimony of the four Scottish Criminal Record Office fingerprint experts directly involved in the McKie and Asbury ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown will continue to rely on the expert testimony of the four Scottish Criminal Record Office fingerprint experts directly involved in the McKie and Asbury cases or whether any conditions have been placed upon the evaluation of such testimony.","AnswerText":"The Crown's position in relation to this matter is still under consideration and the matter is being discussed with the Scottish Criminal Record Office.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161469,"EventID":"S1W-24916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed by it in each of the past three years and how many of these employees were participants in the modern apprenticeship scheme, broken down by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were employed by it in each of the past three years and how many of these employees were participants in the modern apprenticeship scheme, broken down by Modern Apprenticeship Framework.","AnswerText":"The number of staff employed in each of the last three years were as follows:

Count of Permanent Scottish Executive Staff, by Year 2000-02

Year

Staff

April 2000

15,122

April 2001

15,171

April 2002

16,404

The numbers of staff employed under the modern apprenticeship scheme were four in 1999-2000, five in 2000-01 and four in 2001-02 as stonemasons under the Construction framework. In 2001-02, 33 staff were employed under the Business Administration framework.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161470,"EventID":"S1W-24917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23115 and S1W-24243 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 March and 3 April 2002 respectively and given that the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 refe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23115 and S1W-24243 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 March and 3 April 2002 respectively and given that the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 referred to does not itself contain or repeat any definition of \"prescribes\", whether his use of the word \"prescribes\" complies with the definition contained in the Road Traffic Acts of 1972 and 1988 and the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984.","AnswerText":"The definitions of \"prescribes\" under the Road Traffic Acts 1972 and 1988 and the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 relate to secondary legislation made under those acts. They are not relevant to the Skye Bridge Special Road Scheme which was made under section 7 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161471,"EventID":"S1W-24918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the source is of the statutory definition of \"prescribe\" as relied upon by sections 7 and 8 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the source is of the statutory definition of \"prescribe\" as relied upon by sections 7 and 8 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.","AnswerText":"The word \"prescribe\" does not have a single statutory definition. Sections 7 and 8 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 are silent on a specific meaning of the term. It is therefore taken to have its meaning in common usage, which is \"to specify, state or set out\".","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161472,"EventID":"S1W-24919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23379 by Mr Andy Kerr on 22 March 2002, when it will publish the analysis being carried out into migration and demographic change i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23379 by Mr Andy Kerr on 22 March 2002, when it will publish the analysis being carried out into migration and demographic change in Scotland and how these will impact on the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"This work is at an early stage and no decisions have yet been taken on dissemination arrangements for any resulting analysis.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161473,"EventID":"S1W-24920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many men are employed in public libraries, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many men are employed in public libraries, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally. Statutory authority for local libraries in Scotland lies with local authorities. Each local authority is responsible for the employment of staff in the services they run.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161474,"EventID":"S1W-24921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures exist to prevent the over picking of cockles and shellfish from beaches and inshore waters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures exist to prevent the over picking of cockles and shellfish from beaches and inshore waters.","AnswerText":"In terms of fisheries management, ministers have powers under the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984 to prohibit fishing in any specified area of Scotland's inshore and intertidal waters. In the past, these powers have mainly been exercised to protect fish stocks or in the pursuit of resolving conflict between fishermen using different types of gear. Ministers also have powers under the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967 to provide local management organisations with powers to manage local shellfisheries sustainably under Regulating Orders.

Where an intertidal area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) may, at the time of notification of the SSSI, have specified cockle or other shellfish harvesting as an operation likely to damage the features of interest of the SSSI. If so, any owner or occupier proposing to carry out such an activity would have to consult SNH regarding the proposal and SNH may enter into a management agreement which would prevent the owner or occupier from carrying out the operation.

In cases where the person proposing or carrying out the cockle or other shellfish harvesting is not the owner or occupier of the SSSI, or where it does not prove possible for SNH to enter into a management agreement with the owner or occupier of the SSSI, Scottish ministers may, after consultation with SNH, make a Nature Conservation Order under section 29 of the 1981 act to restrict the operation, if that operation is likely to destroy or damage the feature of interest for which the SSSI has been designated. Nature Conservation Orders to control shellfish collecting are currently in place on a number of SSSIs around Scotland where this activity would cause damage to the features of interest of the sites.

Where an intertidal area is classified as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (the Birds Directive) or as a proposed Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EC Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Habitats Directive), Scottish ministers may, after consultation with SNH, make a Special Nature Conservation Order under Regulation 22 of the Habitats Regulations to restrict an activity, which could include harvesting of cockles or other shellfish, if that operation is likely to destroy or damage the feature of interest for which the SPA has been classified or the SAC proposed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161475,"EventID":"S1W-24922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it will provide to Scottish Natural Heritage about the stripping of cockles and shellfish from Burntisland Bay in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it will provide to Scottish Natural Heritage about the stripping of cockles and shellfish from Burntisland Bay in Fife.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has discussed this issue with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). SNH has a general function under section 2 (1)(a) of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 to provide advice to Scottish ministers or any other minister on the development and implementation of policies for or affecting the natural heritage of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161476,"EventID":"S1W-24923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have in regard to the protection of cockles and shellfish from over picking from beaches and inshore wat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers local authorities and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have in regard to the protection of cockles and shellfish from over picking from beaches and inshore waters.","AnswerText":"Where an intertidal area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, SNH may, at the time of notification of the SSSI, have specified cockle or other shellfish harvesting as an operation likely to damage the features of interest of the SSSI.

Local authorities may in certain circumstances have general legal powers to intervene in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161477,"EventID":"S1W-24924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it intends to develop in order to prevent over-picking of cockles from areas like Burntisland Bay in Fife.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it intends to develop in order to prevent over-picking of cockles from areas like Burntisland Bay in Fife.","AnswerText":"I understand that an interim interdict was recently served on cockle handgatherers preventing them from fishing in Burntisland Bay. The Scottish Executive will consider conducting an assessment of the effect of the handgatherers activities on the features of the Firth of Forth Special Protected Area and whether this is sustainable in the longer-term.

The Scottish Executive is also considering possible legislative reforms arising from its policy statement The Nature of Scotland. Future legislative proposals will address the protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and may, in particular, afford them increased protection from the actions of third parties.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161478,"EventID":"S1W-24925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been provided to Scottish Coal, or any of its subsidiaries, from Scottish Enterprise in the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been provided to Scottish Coal, or any of its subsidiaries, from Scottish Enterprise in the past three years.","AnswerText":"In the three years to 31 March 2002, the Scottish Enterprise network contributed a total of £81,591 in direct support to Scottish Coal Company Ltd and its subsidiaries. These contributions went towards a number of projects including studies on opencast mine reinstatement and the Modern Apprenticeships Scheme at Longannet and were in addition to the bank guarantee of £4.514 million provided by Scottish Enterprise to Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd and paid to the Royal Bank of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161479,"EventID":"S1W-24926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been provided to Scottish Coal, or any of its subsidiaries, from Scottish Enterprise in relation to the Longannet Deep Mine, what the support ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been provided to Scottish Coal, or any of its subsidiaries, from Scottish Enterprise in relation to the Longannet Deep Mine, what the support was intended for and how any such money has been used. ","AnswerText":"In June 1999, Scottish Enterprise provided a guarantee to underwrite £5.4 million of bank borrowing by Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd in order to allow the company to continue trading. The level of this guarantee was varied on several occasions in line with the company's bank borrowing requirements. Under the terms of the guarantee agreement, Scottish Enterprise has now paid out £4.514 million to the Royal Bank of Scotland.

In addition, over three years until 31 March 2002, £37,260 was provided from Scottish Enterprise for the Modern Apprenticeships Scheme at Longannet.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161480,"EventID":"S1W-24927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the findings of the review of the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland, publi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the findings of the review of the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland, published in February 2000.","AnswerText":"The review of implementation is now complete. This has indicated substantial progress towards the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on Infertility Services in Scotland (EAGISS). The following table shows the progress made on movement towards adoption of the recommended criteria for eligibility for NHS funded infertility treatment given in the EAGISS report.

The eligibility criteria, as recommended in the EAGISS report, are as follows:

  1. Infertility with an appropriate diagnosed cause of any duration, or

    2. Unexplained infertility of at least three years in duration, and

  2. Female partner aged less than 38 years at the time of treatment, and
  3. Neither partner previously sterilised, and
  4. No child living with the couple in their home, and
  5. Less than three previous embryo transfers funded from any source.

NHS Board 1

Diagnosed infertility of any duration

Unexplained infertility of minimum duration of 3 years

Female partner aged less than 38 years2

Neither partner sterilised

No child in couple's home

Less than 3 previous embryo transfers funded from any source

Argyll and Clyde

Yes

Yes

No -

WL 35 treatment 40

Yes

Yes

Yes

Ayrshire and Arran

Yes

No - 2 years

No -

WL 37

Treatment

39

Yes

No - neither partner to have children

Yes

Borders

Yes

No - 4 years

No -

40

Yes

No - neither partner to have children

Yes

Dumfries and Galloway

No - 18 months min

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Fife

Yes

No - 4 years

No -

39

Yes

No - neither partner to have children

Yes

Forth Valley

Yes

No - 4 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Grampian

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Greater Glasgow

No - 1 year

Yes

Yes

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/summaryjusticereview.

On the current timetable, the committee's report will be published in summer 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161483,"EventID":"S1W-24930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further planning guidance it intends to produce in regard to planning applications for wind farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further planning guidance it intends to produce in regard to planning applications for wind farms.","AnswerText":"Planning policy on such proposals is contained in National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 6: Renewable Energy Developments, which was published in November 2000.

In addition, we published the revised Planning Advice Note (PAN) 45: Renewable Energy Technologies in January 2002. PAN 45 supports the policy framework set out in NPPG 6 by providing advice on good practice and other relevant information.

We have no current plans to review NPPG 6 and PAN 45. Both documents are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 18113 and 18913 respectively).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161484,"EventID":"S1W-24931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether planning authorities are required to take cognisance of the National Playing Fields Association's Six Acre Standard and, if so, what status this standard has in i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether planning authorities are required to take cognisance of the National Playing Fields Association's Six Acre Standard and, if so, what status this standard has in influencing consideration of development applications on school playing fields.","AnswerText":"The standard is included in National Planning Policy Guideline 11: Sport; Physical Recreation and Open Space to illustrate how planning authorities can develop their own open space standards to take account of local circumstances. Councils are encouraged to develop their own standards, as part of an open space strategy, which should be reflected in development plans and taken into account when determining planning applications. A Planning Advice Note will be issued in the summer to assist authorities with preparing open space strategies and developing local standards.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161485,"EventID":"S1W-24932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership will be of the Audit Scotland inquiry team looking into waiting lists in the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership will be of the Audit Scotland inquiry team looking into waiting lists in the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25172.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161486,"EventID":"S1W-24933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health service posts in each health trust are currently funded by charities and how many were in each of the last three years, expressed also as a percentage of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health service posts in each health trust are currently funded by charities and how many were in each of the last three years, expressed also as a percentage of the overall number of posts in each trust.","AnswerText":"Information on positions funded by charities in each health trust is not held centrally but can be obtained by contacting local NHS management. Contact details for NHS management are available on:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161487,"EventID":"S1W-24934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has had on whether it is legally competent for local authorities to attach planning conditions to planning applications from supermarkets which requi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has had on whether it is legally competent for local authorities to attach planning conditions to planning applications from supermarkets which require the supermarket to source a certain amount of its supplies locally.","AnswerText":"The Executive's policy on the use of planning conditions is as set out in Circular 4/1998. This requires that conditions should be necessary, relevant to planning, enforceable, effective, precise and reasonable in all other respects. It is, of course, for individual local authorities to apply planning conditions in specific cases, however, National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 8: Town Centres and Retailing requires that conditions should not seek to control details of particular products but apply only to the main ranges of goods.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161488,"EventID":"S1W-24935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been, or are being, taken to rejuvenate town and village centres that have been adversely affected by out-of-town retail developments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been, or are being, taken to rejuvenate town and village centres that have been adversely affected by out-of-town retail developments.","AnswerText":"National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 8: Town Centres and Retailing, provides guidance to local authorities encouraging the retention and development of local facilities in town and village centres. The Executive has also issued a Planning Advice Note (PAN) 59 to authorities on improving town centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161489,"EventID":"S1W-24936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been, or are being, taken to rejuvenate village and town high streets in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been, or are being, taken to rejuvenate village and town high streets in rural areas.","AnswerText":"Land use planning contributes to sustainable rural development, which is a key priority for the Executive. The Executive has issued National Planning Policy Guidelines and Planning Advice Notes encouraging the retention of and development of local facilities in town and village centres. Local authorities are encouraged to adopt their own approaches to town and village rejuvenation, which reflect local circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161490,"EventID":"S1W-24937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any funding from biotechnology companies involved in genetic modification in each of the last three years and, if so, how much it has received an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any funding from biotechnology companies involved in genetic modification in each of the last three years and, if so, how much it has received and from which companies.","AnswerText":"The Executive has received no such funding in the last three years.

There are two statutory regulations which require companies, including some biotechnology companies, to pay money to the Executive or its agencies. The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA) provides statutory services for seed certification and seed testing on a fee paying basis and the pesticides industry, including many biotech companies, pays a compulsory levy under section 18(3) of the Food and Environment Protection Act (1985). The SASA undertakes Pesticides Usage Surveys, foodstuffs surveillance and investigations under the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS), all of which are funded from this levy.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161491,"EventID":"S1W-24938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Feasibility Group on Youth Crime Pilots will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Feasibility Group on Youth Crime Pilots will be published.","AnswerText":"This report was published today and is available on the Scottish Executive's website.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161492,"EventID":"S1W-24939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answers to questions S1W-19876, S1W-19886, S1W-20304 and S1W-21037 on 6 March 2002, whether the process of the evaluation of the Scottish Parliamentary Cor","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answers to questions S1W-19876, S1W-19886, S1W-20304 and S1W-21037 on 6 March 2002, whether the process of the evaluation of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's rights and entitlements has been completed, or when it is anticipated that the process will be completed; against whom any litigation may be raised, and whether any of the parties against whom any litigation may be raised have had sight of any of the documents mentioned in questions S1W-19876, S1W-19886, S1W-20304 and S1W-21037.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that the process is still under way and is being conducted in a manner consistent with achieving the key objective of the Holyrood construction programme. At this stage and subject to the evaluation of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's rights and entitlements, litigation may be raised against the parent company. Parties to the contractual arrangements should be aware of relevant documents.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161493,"EventID":"S1W-24940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-20304 on 6 March 2002, what trading was being carried out by the parent company of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited as a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-20304 on 6 March 2002, what trading was being carried out by the parent company of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited as at 1 March 2002; with whom the parent company was trading; from what source the information about the trading position of the parent company was obtained, and whether any documents relating to the conclusion that the parent company was still trading as at 1 March 2002 will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"As at 1 March 2002, the shares of Flour City International were listed for trading on the National Association of Security Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDQ.) The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has no further information about the scale and nature of the company's trading at that time.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161494,"EventID":"S1W-24941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether targets will be set for reducing average journey times between Glasgow and Edinburgh by (a) rail and (b) motor vehicles. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether targets will be set for reducing average journey times between Glasgow and Edinburgh by (a) rail and (b) motor vehicles. ","AnswerText":"We have no such targets.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161495,"EventID":"S1W-24942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts can be made to provide direct rail services between Dunbartonshire and Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts can be made to provide direct rail services between Dunbartonshire and Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"Dunbartonshire already has some links to Edinburgh by direct rail services, with several of the weekday Glasgow to Edinburgh Shuttle services stopping at Lenzie in both directions, and at least one train per day from Edinburgh calling at Bishopbriggs.

In addition, a number of major studies are currently looking at transport in the central belt, including options to increase capacity on the rail network and the feasibility of introducing entirely new services, along with their associated infrastructure requirements. Proposals for enhancements to the current level of services will also be considered as part of the process for reletting the Scottish passenger rail franchise.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161496,"EventID":"S1W-24943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that Scotrail meets the requirement in its franchise to maintain an additional ticket office at Edinburgh Waverley station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that Scotrail meets the requirement in its franchise to maintain an additional ticket office at Edinburgh Waverley station.","AnswerText":"The additional ticket office at Waverley Station is operated by ScotRail on a commercial basis. This is outwith the terms and conditions of the company's current franchise agreement.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161497,"EventID":"S1W-24944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase train capacity at Edinburgh Waverley station and what the timetable is for the completion of any such plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase train capacity at Edinburgh Waverley station and what the timetable is for the completion of any such plans.","AnswerText":"A steering group, which includes representatives from the Scottish Executive, Strategic Rail Authority, Railtrack and City of Edinburgh Council, has been established to take the re-development of Waverley Station forward. This will provide increased train capacity. It is too early to be certain about the timetable, but the steering group aims to begin construction after preparatory work and site investigations are completed in 2004, with a target date for full redevelopment of the station by 2008.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161498,"EventID":"S1W-24945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates would be the effect on (a) the number of cars using motorways and (b) greenhouse gas emissions of provision of a faster, more frequent and more reliable","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates would be the effect on (a) the number of cars using motorways and (b) greenhouse gas emissions of provision of a faster, more frequent and more reliable public transport service between Glasgow and Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The effects would result in a positive impact but the evidence suggests that this would not be to any significant or quantifiable extent. The existing rail service is already faster and more reliable than the car for journeys between the city centres. Further improvements in the service will benefit the existing public transport users but are unlikely to lead to a significant shift in the number of travellers from car to public transport.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161499,"EventID":"S1W-24946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports concerns raised by Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive about the importance of securing a Eurostar link from Scotland to the continent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports concerns raised by Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive about the importance of securing a Eurostar link from Scotland to the continent.","AnswerText":"European and international railway services are a reserved matter under the devolution settlement. Under the UK Transport Act 2000, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is required to prepare a strategy relating to services in various parts of Great Britain for facilitating the carriage of passengers or goods by rail via the Channel Tunnel. Publication of this strategy is scheduled for later this year.

The SRA has also indicated that it will be carrying out consultation as part of this work. This will allow further consideration of the issues concerning regional access to Channel Tunnel passenger services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161500,"EventID":"S1W-24947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult with (a) the Parliament and its Committees and (b) the general public in regard to the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult with (a) the Parliament and its Committees and (b) the general public in regard to the renewal of the Scottish rail passenger franchise.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will present to the Transport and Environment Committee of the Scottish Parliament its draft Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority in June 2002.

The Executive launched an extensive public consultation in November 2000 with its paper Strategic Priorities for Scotland's Passenger Railway. The Executive published a summary of responses received in June 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161501,"EventID":"S1W-24948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Scottish Water and the former North of Scotland Water Authority in connection with the provision of the public water supply for Glenbo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Scottish Water and the former North of Scotland Water Authority in connection with the provision of the public water supply for Glenborrodale.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had no contacts with Scottish Water or North of Scotland Water Authority on the specific issue of a public water supply for Glenborrodale.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161502,"EventID":"S1W-24949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it will have in respect of the appointment of members to the Independent Advisory Panel which will scrutinise the bids from the United Kingdom to be European ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it will have in respect of the appointment of members to the Independent Advisory Panel which will scrutinise the bids from the United Kingdom to be European Capital of Culture in 2008.","AnswerText":"The Independent Advisory Panel which will consider the UK's nomination for the European Capital of Culture 2008 competition is to be appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. At least one person from each of the four countries of the UK will be included on the panel. The Executive, like all of the devolved administrations, has been invited to make suggestions of possible panel members to the Secretary of State, and we have done so.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161503,"EventID":"S1W-24950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make infliximab available throughout Scotland to arthritis sufferers in line with the practice of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make infliximab available throughout Scotland to arthritis sufferers in line with the practice of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"Infliximab is available on NHS prescription and its use depends on the clinical judgement of specialists experienced in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Health Technology Board for Scotland will look at the NICE guidance on the use of the anti-TNF drugs, infliximab and etanercept, to see if there are any important differences that would impact on the implementation of the NICE guidance in Scotland.

In the meantime, Scottish clinicians should use all available evidence, including the NICE guidance, to guide their clinical decisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161504,"EventID":"S1W-24951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of Tartan Day on visitor numbers to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of Tartan Day on visitor numbers to Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have asked VisitScotland to undertake an analysis of the impact of Tartan Day on tourism to Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161505,"EventID":"S1W-24953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to act on the recommendations in the report Research and Knowledge Transfer in Scotland produced by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to act on the recommendations in the report Research and Knowledge Transfer in Scotland produced by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and Scottish Enterprise joint task group.","AnswerText":"The Executive is considering the issues raised by this report in the context of its current review of higher education, the second consultation paper on which was published on 26 April.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161506,"EventID":"S1W-24954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it requires experienced chiropodists who are not state registered to become state registered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it requires experienced chiropodists who are not state registered to become state registered.","AnswerText":"The Health Professions Council (HPC) is a new, UK wide, regulatory body which formally came into being on 1 April 2002 replacing the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM). The HPC is an independent body whose purpose is to promote and safeguard the health and well-being of people and patients using the services of a number of Allied Health Professionals, including chiropody.

All Allied Health Professionals must be registered with the HPC in order to practise. The HPC will maintain a register of properly qualified members of the Allied Health Professions and will have power to require registrants to demonstrate their continuing competence.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161507,"EventID":"S1W-24955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the provision of conversion courses to enable non-state registered chiropodists to become state registered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the provision of conversion courses to enable non-state registered chiropodists to become state registered.","AnswerText":"The Health Professions Council will put in place special transitional arrangements for those who have been practising as chiropodists but who have never been registered with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine. The transitional pathway to registration will be open to those who can demonstrate that they have been practising safely and effectively for a sustained period and that their qualifications and experience are comparable to the current requirements for registration.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161508,"EventID":"S1W-24956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it will give to non-state registered chiropodists to become state registered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it will give to non-state registered chiropodists to become state registered.","AnswerText":"Financial support is not available from the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161509,"EventID":"S1W-24957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recognition it will give to examinations already passed and to practice experience obtained by non-state registered chiropodists if they are required to become state","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recognition it will give to examinations already passed and to practice experience obtained by non-state registered chiropodists if they are required to become state registered in order to continue to practise.","AnswerText":"The Health Professions Council (HPC), will put in place transitional arrangements for those who have been practising as chiropodists but who have never been registered with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM). The transitional pathway to registration is open to those chiropodists who can demonstrate that they have been practising safely and effectively for a sustained period or that their qualifications and experience are comparable to the current requirements for registration. In either case the HPC may, but need not, require them to pass a test of competence.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161510,"EventID":"S1W-24958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-state registered chiropodists there are in Scotland and what percentage of all chiropodists are non-state registered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-state registered chiropodists there are in Scotland and what percentage of all chiropodists are non-state registered.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161511,"EventID":"S1W-24959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chiropodists there are in each NHS board area, both registered and non-state registered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chiropodists there are in each NHS board area, both registered and non-state registered.","AnswerText":"Information on the number and whole-time equivalent of chiropodists in each NHS board area is shown in the following table. Information on the number of chiropodists who are state registered and non-state registered is not held centrally.

Chiropodists1 Directly Employed by NHSScotland Headcount and WTE at 30 September 2000

 

Headcount

WTE

Scotland

741

634.7

Argyll and Clyde NHS Board

58

53

Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board

75

64.1

Borders NHS Board

17

15.7

Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board

25

20.9

Fife NHS Board

60

47.3

Forth Valley NHS Board

32

29.5

Grampian NHS Board

69

55.4

NHS Glasgow

126

107.4

Highland NHS Board

25

22.5

Lanarkshire NHS Board

77

69.5

Lothian NHS Board

105

88.4

Shetland NHS Board

4

4

Tayside NHS Board

61

50.4

Western Isles NHS Board

7

6.6

Source: National Manpower Statistics from Payroll, ISD Scotland.

Note:

1. Comprises qualified staff only.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161512,"EventID":"S1W-24960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultation meetings it has had with regard to the future structure and funding of area tourist boards, broken down by area tourist board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultation meetings it has had with regard to the future structure and funding of area tourist boards, broken down by area tourist board.","AnswerText":"None. But I have met with representatives of most of the boards to discuss matters of general interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161513,"EventID":"S1W-24961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to continue to provide core funding for area tourist boards through local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to continue to provide core funding for area tourist boards through local authorities.","AnswerText":"I will be announcing shortly how I intend to take forward the review of the area tourist boards network and the issues that will be considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161514,"EventID":"S1W-24962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding for special projects by area tourist boards has not been drawn down because of the inability of local authorities and VisitScotland to provide matched fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding for special projects by area tourist boards has not been drawn down because of the inability of local authorities and VisitScotland to provide matched funding.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161515,"EventID":"S1W-24963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail, in real terms, the core funding provided for each of the last five years for each area tourist board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail, in real terms, the core funding provided for each of the last five years for each area tourist board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not core fund area tourist boards. Details of VisitScotland grants to each area tourist board (excluding special funding for the JVP and foot-and-mouth disease) is provided in the following table:

VisitScotland Grants to Area Tourist Boards in 2001 Prices

1997-98 At 2001 Prices

1998-99 At 2001 Prices

1999-2000

At 2001 Prices

2000-01

At 2001 Prices

2001-02

At 2001 Prices

Aberdeen and Grampian

320,380

309,758

305,080

295,367

290,000

Angus and Dundee

146,933

142,061

139,916

135,462

133,000

Argyle, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs

591,047

571,450

562,820

544,902

535,000

Ayrshire and Arran

234,209

226,444

223,024

215,924

212,000

Dumfries and Galloway

164,609

159,151

156,748

151,178

149,000

Edinburgh and Lothians

424,228

410,162

403,968

391,107

384,000

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

323,695

312,962

308,236

298,423

293,000

Highlands

824,151

796,825

784,792

759,807

746,000

Kingdom of Fife

152,457

147,402

145,176

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161516,"EventID":"S1W-24964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to remove the discretionary local authority grant system for area tourist boards and either replace it with a statutory grant scheme or fund the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to remove the discretionary local authority grant system for area tourist boards and either replace it with a statutory grant scheme or fund the boards directly itself.","AnswerText":"I will be announcing shortly how I intend to take forward the review of the area tourist boards network and the issues that will be considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161517,"EventID":"S1W-24965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to my question S1W-24790 lodged on 5 April 2002 in regard to the establishment of a convention on the future of Europe similar to that established by Catalonia, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to my question S1W-24790 lodged on 5 April 2002 in regard to the establishment of a convention on the future of Europe similar to that established by Catalonia, whether it is aware of the announcement on 8 April 2002 by Ministers of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive of the intention to host a conference focusing on the debate on the future of Europe and whether it will therefore revisit its response to the European Committee's 9th Report 2001 Report on the Governance of the European Union and the Future of Europe: What Role for Scotland? which called for such a forum to be held in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24790 on 3 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161518,"EventID":"S1W-24966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why directions by the former Minister for Transport and Planning on 10 August 2001 that BEAR Scotland Ltd should meet my constituent, Mrs S Brown concerning a potentiall","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why directions by the former Minister for Transport and Planning on 10 August 2001 that BEAR Scotland Ltd should meet my constituent, Mrs S Brown concerning a potentially dangerous situation on the A90 trunk road have not been carried out and what steps the Executive will take to address my constituent's concerns without further delay","AnswerText":"Representatives of BEAR Scotland Ltd met with Mrs S Brown on 29 April 2002 and I understand an order has been placed for the manufacture of signs as a result of that meeting.

Executive officials have reprimanded BEAR over their very slow response.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161519,"EventID":"S1W-24967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the NHS's guidance on domestic abuse will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the NHS's guidance on domestic abuse will be published.","AnswerText":"A Short Life Working Group has prepared draft guidance for health care workers on responding to domestic abuse. This guidance will be published for wide consultation in June 2002 after submission to the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland at their next meeting on 14 May.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161520,"EventID":"S1W-24968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the implementation group on the report of the Lord Advocate's Working Group on Child Witness Support to publish its findings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the implementation group on the report of the Lord Advocate's Working Group on Child Witness Support to publish its findings.","AnswerText":"The group was set up to implement the recommendations in the Lord Advocate's working group's report. It has set up three sub-groups examining, respectively, support for child witnesses through the investigative and criminal justice processes, the pre-trial gathering of evidence from child witnesses, and the development of guidance on the questioning of child witnesses in court. Our recently published consultation paper on vulnerable witnesses will be very relevant to the work of the last of these sub-groups. Each sub-group is working to a particular timetable and will consult as required on its developing conclusions.

Overall, the work of the implementation group should be completed early in 2003 and we will provide a further report to the Parliament at that stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161521,"EventID":"S1W-24969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish its guidance on questioning children in court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish its guidance on questioning children in court.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24968 on 8 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161522,"EventID":"S1W-24970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24283 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 April 2002, whether it or the Scottish Prison Service (a) has approached or (b) will approach the pers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24283 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 April 2002, whether it or the Scottish Prison Service (a) has approached or (b) will approach the persons who made the offers for the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame to request the waiver of commercial confidentiality so that the information in the offers can be made available to the Parliament, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

(a) No.

(b) We do not propose to do so. My answer to question S1W-24283 on 4 April 2002 reflects the current position.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161523,"EventID":"S1W-24971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23458 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 April 2002, on what dates offers were received for the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame and how many","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23458 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 April 2002, on what dates offers were received for the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame and how many offers were received on each date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Two offers were received for the buildings at HM Prison, Penninghame on 3 May 2000. One further offer was received on 11 August 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161524,"EventID":"S1W-24972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters have been in each of the last five financial years and the present year to date, detailing each head of costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters have been in each of the last five financial years and the present year to date, detailing each head of costs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The costs of functional and support services at headquarters for the last four financial years is as follows. Data for 1997-98 has been archived and is not readily available.

Financial Year

£ million

2001-02

13

2000-01

11.9

1999-2000

12

1998-99

11.9

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161525,"EventID":"S1W-24973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of the Scottish Prison Service college have been in each of the last five financial years and the present year to date, detailing each head of costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of the Scottish Prison Service college have been in each of the last five financial years and the present year to date, detailing each head of costs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The readily available information on costs covering Training and Development, Management and Organisational Development and Customer Services is as follows:

£ million

1997-98

3.0

1998-99

3.3

1999-2000

3.3

2000-01

3.5

2001-02

3.5

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161526,"EventID":"S1W-24974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the costs of the Scottish Prison Service College per prisoner place included in the public sector comparator in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the costs of the Scottish Prison Service College per prisoner place included in the public sector comparator in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"The estimated total cost of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters and college, taken as a whole, per prisoner place for the public sector comparator, based on a new 700-place prison, is £1,252 in net present value terms. The cost of the college as a separate item has not been identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161527,"EventID":"S1W-24975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the costs of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters per prisoner place included in the public sector comparator in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Fin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the costs of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters per prisoner place included in the public sector comparator in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"The estimated total cost of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters and college, taken as a whole, per prisoner place for the public sector comparator, based on a new 700-place prison, is £1,252 in net present value terms. The cost of the headquarters as a separate item has not been identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161528,"EventID":"S1W-24976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what the estimated cost will be to the Executive of the entire process of tendering for three new private pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what the estimated cost will be to the Executive of the entire process of tendering for three new private prisons, detailing each head of costs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The tendering costs could not be reasonably estimated for any of the options until much further into the procurement timetable.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161529,"EventID":"S1W-24977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what the estimated cost will be to the Executive of ensuring contract compliance for each of the three propose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what the estimated cost will be to the Executive of ensuring contract compliance for each of the three proposed private prisons, detailing each head of costs.","AnswerText":"The costs of ensuring compliance have not been identified at this stage. While only private sector involvement would be regulated by a contract, similar performance measurement and compliance arrangements would be implemented as regards public sector involvement and so there would be no material cost differential under this heading among the three options. In doing so, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) have accepted the recommendation of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons that the performance management system at Kilmarnock should be adapted for use in other SPS prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161530,"EventID":"S1W-24978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the costs of tendering for the envisaged private build, private operate prisons have been included in the price per prisoner place shown in the PricewaterhouseCoo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the costs of tendering for the envisaged private build, private operate prisons have been included in the price per prisoner place shown in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The tendering costs cannot be reasonably estimated for any of the options until much further into the procurement timetable. It should, however, also be noted that design costs are not included in the PSC. The difference between tendering and design costs are not significant in a project of this scale.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161531,"EventID":"S1W-24979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the costs of ensuring contract compliance for the envisaged private build, private operate prisons have been included in the price per prisoner place shown in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the costs of ensuring contract compliance for the envisaged private build, private operate prisons have been included in the price per prisoner place shown in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24977.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161532,"EventID":"S1W-24980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what administration is required to be carried out by the Scottish Prison Service headquarters in relation to prisoners incarcerated in private prisons and what annual cos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what administration is required to be carried out by the Scottish Prison Service headquarters in relation to prisoners incarcerated in private prisons and what annual costs are incurred on such activity.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The administration carried out by the Scottish Prison Service headquarters in relation to prisoners is the same regardless of whether they are held in a public or a privately managed prison. The costs of such administration are not separately identifiable.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161533,"EventID":"S1W-24981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it will guarantee that a proportion of prison officers will be transferred from the prisons to be clos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it will guarantee that a proportion of prison officers will be transferred from the prisons to be closed under the estates review to the new private prisons and, if so, what proportion will be transferred, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No such transfers are proposed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161534,"EventID":"S1W-24982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether prison officers transferred from the prisons to be closed under the estates review to new private pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether prison officers transferred from the prisons to be closed under the estates review to new private prisons will retain their present status, salary and pension rights.","AnswerText":"No such transfers are proposed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161535,"EventID":"S1W-24983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no evaluation was made in the Scottish Prison Service estates review of market-testing of the management of prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no evaluation was made in the Scottish Prison Service estates review of market-testing of the management of prisons.","AnswerText":"Such an evaluation is irrelevant to the proposals. The Scottish Prison Service has at present no plans to market test the management of prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161536,"EventID":"S1W-24984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether, in agreeing the operation specification for a private prison, it would specify a minimum acceptable s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether, in agreeing the operation specification for a private prison, it would specify a minimum acceptable staffing level.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service see no need to do so but they would consider such matters during the procurement process.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161537,"EventID":"S1W-24985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it is satisfied that the Scottish Prison Service adopted an appropriate and reasonable methodology for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it is satisfied that the Scottish Prison Service adopted an appropriate and reasonable methodology for establishing costs and risk pricing in the public sector comparator model, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Yes. As I have made clear the costs of the PSC were a factor in my decision to have the costs and underlying assumptions verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers independently of the Scottish Prison Service. The resulting verification of the costs and methodology was published simultaneously with the Scottish Executive proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161538,"EventID":"S1W-24986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what its position is on the fact that PricewaterhouseCoopers did not audit the methodology of determining cost","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what its position is on the fact that PricewaterhouseCoopers did not audit the methodology of determining costs and risk pricing inputs for the public sector comparator in the Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and what the reasons are for this position.","AnswerText":"PricewaterhouseCoopers were not asked to do an audit. They were asked to undertake a financial review to support investment decisions that form part of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review. The Executive is content that this verification process carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers is robust.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161539,"EventID":"S1W-24987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state, for each new-build houseblock development by the Scottish Prison Service in the last twenty years, the number of prisoner places, the other facilit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state, for each new-build houseblock development by the Scottish Prison Service in the last twenty years, the number of prisoner places, the other facilities included, the length of time taken to complete the block, any delays in completion and the reason for them, and the cost at March 2001 prices.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The new-build houseblock accommodation constructed in existing prisons in the last 20 years has been at HM Prison Greenock and HM Prison Edinburgh, which were completed in 1995 and 1998 respectively.
 

HMP Greenock

HMP Edinburgh

No of prisoner places

60

125

Other facilities included

None

Fitness Rooms

Medical Consulting Rm., Kitchen/Serveries

Time taken to complete

12 months

12 months

Delays in completion

None

6 weeks

Reason for delays

None

Sub-contractor

Construction Cost at March 2001 prices

£3.2 million

£7.7 million

 ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161540,"EventID":"S1W-24988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what procedures will be used for vetting the operating track record of companies tendering to operate private ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what procedures will be used for vetting the operating track record of companies tendering to operate private prisons.","AnswerText":"Such matters would be considered by the Scottish Prison Service in the procurement process.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161541,"EventID":"S1W-24989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages ensuring by contract or otherwise that it has the power to veto the takeover of the opera","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages ensuring by contract or otherwise that it has the power to veto the takeover of the operator of one of the private prisons envisaged in the review and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Such matters would fall to be considered by the Scottish Prison Service in the procurement process.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161542,"EventID":"S1W-24990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what PricewaterhouseCoopers were paid for production of the Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, showing each head of costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what PricewaterhouseCoopers were paid for production of the Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, showing each head of costs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24578 on 26 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161543,"EventID":"S1W-24991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the work that PricewaterhouseCoopers and its predecessor firms have done for it in the last 10 years, specifying the work produced, the type of wor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the work that PricewaterhouseCoopers and its predecessor firms have done for it in the last 10 years, specifying the work produced, the type of work and the price paid in each case. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the answer given to question S1W-22582 on 14 February 2002 provided details of expenditure with PricewaterhouseCoopers since 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161544,"EventID":"S1W-24992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service estates review, in estimating the cost of private prisons, has included the cost of applying freedom of information provisions to the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service estates review, in estimating the cost of private prisons, has included the cost of applying freedom of information provisions to the private prison operators and, if so, what these costs were estimated as being and how they were arrived at.","AnswerText":"No, but the costs are likely to be minimal in relation to the total costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161545,"EventID":"S1W-24993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it will detail all types of information that will be regarded as commercially confidential in its deal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it will detail all types of information that will be regarded as commercially confidential in its dealings with private prison operators.","AnswerText":"Such details would be considered by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) in the procurement process. The intention would be to maximise the information availability subject to consideration of any potential impact on security and value for money as was done by SPS in the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161546,"EventID":"S1W-24994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether the private prisons envisaged will be allowed to take prisoners from other jurisdictions and, if so, f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether the private prisons envisaged will be allowed to take prisoners from other jurisdictions and, if so, from which jurisdictions and under what circumstances.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes. As is presently the case with HMP Kilmarnock, any new private prisons would be able to take prisoners from other jurisdictions in the same circumstances as publicly operated prisons. Those circumstances are as follows:

Under Schedule 1 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, prisoners may be received in any Scottish prison from another UK jurisdiction for the purposes of maintaining family contact or to enable the prisoner to attend criminal proceedings in Scotland.

Also, under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons or a bilateral agreement based on that Convention, prisoners may be received in any Scottish prison from a foreign jurisdiction because they have been repatriated to the UK to serve the remainder of their sentence. The aims of the Convention and the bilateral agreements are entirely humanitarian - to enable prisoners to transfer to their home country to serve the remainder of their sentence. At present 48 countries are signatories to the Convention and the UK has agreements with a further 12 countries.

Finally, prisoners may be received from other jurisdictions because they have been extradited either to stand trial or because they were unlawfully at large after conviction by a Scottish court. The United Kingdom has formal extradition relations with over 100 countries through two multilateral schemes - the European Convention on Extradition and the Commonwealth Scheme for the Rendition of Fugitive Offenders and a number of bilateral treaties.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161547,"EventID":"S1W-24995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it would envisage drawing staff from a private prison in the event of a contingency such as a riot at ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it would envisage drawing staff from a private prison in the event of a contingency such as a riot at another prison facility and, if so, whether any payment would be made, detailing the services that would be provided and the payment envisaged.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

At present all prisons participate in mutual aid arrangements without payment. We see no reason why this practice should not continue, but we would take a final view in the procurement process.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161548,"EventID":"S1W-24996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to compile figures to compare recidivism rates at public prisons and private prisons, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to compile figures to compare recidivism rates at public prisons and private prisons, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. Measuring recidivism is a complex issue, and recidivists may commit further crimes for which custodial sentences are not awarded by sentencers and the reason for recidivism are affected by many factors outwith prison. Furthermore, individual prisoners may well spend time in both private and public prisons during the course of the sentence. The Scottish Prison Service publishes information on "Return to Custody", the most recent being follow-up information on those prisoners released from prison during 1998.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161549,"EventID":"S1W-24997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will release figures comparing relative improvements in literacy, numeracy or other basic skills for prisoners serving terms of imprisonment at private prisons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will release figures comparing relative improvements in literacy, numeracy or other basic skills for prisoners serving terms of imprisonment at private prisons and at public prisons and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

No such data is currently available within SPS as a whole. Since prisoners move between prisons during their sentence it is difficult to make meaningful comparisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161550,"EventID":"S1W-24998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) estates review, what basic standards it envisages putting in place for improvements in literacy, numeracy and other basi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) estates review, what basic standards it envisages putting in place for improvements in literacy, numeracy and other basic skills among prisoners serving terms of imprisonment at private prisons, whether any key performance indicators will relate to these standards, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service's Vision is to improve its correctional services of which literacy, numeracy and basic skills are a part. There already are KPI's relating to education, prisoner programmes and approved prisoner activities covering all existing prisons including HM Prison Kilmarnock, and SPS is and will be able to establish suitable contractual arrangements to achieve this.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161551,"EventID":"S1W-24999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what guarantees it envisages putting in place to prevent a private prison operator withdrawing from operating ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what guarantees it envisages putting in place to prevent a private prison operator withdrawing from operating a prison in breach of its contract.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service would intend putting suitable contractual arrangements in place as in the past.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161552,"EventID":"S1W-25000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what basic standards it envisages for social work at private prisons, whether these will include involvement o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what basic standards it envisages for social work at private prisons, whether these will include involvement of social workers in induction, work with families, pre-release work with inmates, sentence planning and suicide risk management, and what key performance indicators will relate to these, giving the reasons for its position on these matters.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service's Vision is to improve its correctional services, of which these features are a part, in all present and future prisons, and is, and will be, able to establish suitable contractual arrangements to achieve this.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161553,"EventID":"S1W-25001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages setting in its contracts for private prisons a limit on waiting times to see a social wor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages setting in its contracts for private prisons a limit on waiting times to see a social worker and whether this will be a key performance indicator, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service's Vision is to improve its correctional services, of which prison social work is part, in all present and future prisons, and is, and will be, able to establish suitable contractual arrangements to achieve this.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161554,"EventID":"S1W-25002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages setting in its contracts for private prisons basic standards for drug detoxification faci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages setting in its contracts for private prisons basic standards for drug detoxification facilities and whether this will be a key performance indicator, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service's Vision is to improve its correctional services, of which drug regimes are a part, in all present and future prisons; and is, and will be, able to establish suitable contractual arrangements to achieve this.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161555,"EventID":"S1W-25003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what basic standards it envisages for medical services at private prisons, giving the reasons for its position","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what basic standards it envisages for medical services at private prisons, giving the reasons for its position on this matter","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. His response is as follows:

Health care services within prisons are provided in accordance with the Prison Rules and SPS' Health Care Standards. We have recently affirmed our commitment to continued improvement in the delivery of quality health care services through the publication of our Framework for Clinical Governance, which will apply in all our prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161556,"EventID":"S1W-25004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages in its contracts for private prisons setting basic standards for staff turnover and wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages in its contracts for private prisons setting basic standards for staff turnover and whether this will be a key performance indicator, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"It is not envisaged that basic standards for staff turnover will be set in any contracts for private prisons. At present staff turnover is not a key performance indicator for any existing prison in Scotland or for the Scottish Prison Service as a whole, and there are no plans to make it one for either existing or proposed prisons as it is not seen as being a key output.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161557,"EventID":"S1W-25005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages in its contracts for private prisons or otherwise setting basic standards for training of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether it envisages in its contracts for private prisons or otherwise setting basic standards for training of staff in private prisons, for qualification of staff trainers and for verification of such standards and whether there will be any related key performance indicators, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Suitable contractual arrangements already exist for HM Prison Kilmarnock in relation to these, and the Scottish Prison Service would expect to aim to put a similar arrangement in place in any future contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161558,"EventID":"S1W-25006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projection was on 1 December 2001 for the number of teacher training places to be made available for the year from August 2002, broken down by university and cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projection was on 1 December 2001 for the number of teacher training places to be made available for the year from August 2002, broken down by university and course.","AnswerText":"In December 2001 the Scottish Executive's projections for total student teacher output at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in session 2002-03 was 1,085 primary graduates and 1,152 secondary graduates; to be made up from holders of four year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees and one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

The Executive issued guidance to Scottish Higher Education Funding Council in February 2002 on initial teacher education that to meet this student output, intakes to PGCE courses should be 581 in primary and 1,000 in secondary. Subsequently, information became available from local authorities and others that caused this estimate to be reduced to 404 in primary and 805 in secondary. This revision was designed to meet the demand for teachers, without producing an excess of supply which would neither be in the interests of the individual students, nor the teaching profession as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161559,"EventID":"S1W-25007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projection was on 1 March 2002 for the number of teacher training places to be made available for the year from August 2002, broken down by university and course","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projection was on 1 March 2002 for the number of teacher training places to be made available for the year from August 2002, broken down by university and course.","AnswerText":"Advice offered to Scottish Higher Education Funding Council in March was that PGCE intake levels should be set at 404 in primary and 805 in secondary, and that this number would enable expected demand to be met, without producing an excess of supply which would be neither be in the interests of the individual students, nor the teaching profession as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161560,"EventID":"S1W-25008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reductions have been made since 1 December 2001 to the number of teacher training places to be made available from August 2002, broken down by university and course,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reductions have been made since 1 December 2001 to the number of teacher training places to be made available from August 2002, broken down by university and course, and what the reason is for any such changes.","AnswerText":"In March revised guidance was issued to Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) on PGCE intakes following:

  • local authorities reporting not finding suitable training posts for the new teacher induction scheme they had expected (and upon which teacher training numbers had been based).
  • the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) advising a large number of provisionally registered teachers experience difficulty in amassing the necessary number of days to apply for full registration.
  • early indications showing that fewer teachers are taking up offers of early retirement.
  • indications of higher conversion rates between those qualifying to those joining the profession as probationers.

Following receipt of the revised guidance SHEFC allocated the intake targets to institutions for courses of initial teacher education in 2002, as shown in the following table:

SHEFC Intakes Allocated to Initial Teacher Education 2002-03

Institution

PGCE Primary

PGCE Secondary

BEd Primary

BEd PE

BEd Technology

BEd Music

Combined Degree

Total

Aberdeen

44

140

102

-

-

25

15

326

Dundee

48

-

68

-

-

-

-

116

Edinburgh

76

144

139

100

11

-

-

470

Glasgow

82

137

141

-

25

29

32

446

Paisley

35

47

81

-

-

-

-

163

Stirling

-

-

A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century estimated that an additional 3,000 teachers will be required in order to implement all of its key elements by the target date of August 2006. Funding allocated to cover the provision of extra teachers necessary to meet the agreement, whether through the training of new teachers or by the recruitment of those teachers already qualified still seeking employment, will be made available as and when demand arises. There are therefore no expected financial savings from the decision to revise teacher training places.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161562,"EventID":"S1W-25010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants there were for each teacher training place for the academic session 2001-02, broken down by university and course.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants there were for each teacher training place for the academic session 2001-02, broken down by university and course.","AnswerText":"The following tables show information on the number applications for teacher education intake places allocated by Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to higher education institutions (HEIs) by course in 2001-2002:

Institution

BEd Primary

PGCE Primary

PGCE Secondary

 

Intake Allocated

Applications

Intake Allocated

Applications

Intake Allocated

Applications

Edinburgh University

139

1,262

143

937

189

776

Glasgow University

141

1,215

150

744

175

851

Northern College*

170

802

164

1023

183

426

Paisley University

82

711

67

521

61

246

Strathclyde University

169

1,409

183

1,014

436

1,350

Total

701

5,399

707

4,239

1,044

3,649

Institution

BEd Physical Education

BEd Technological Education

BEd Music

 

Intake Allocated

Applications

Intake Allocated

Applications

Intake Allocated

Applications

Edinburgh University

100

597

9

69

-

-

Glasgow University

-

-

23

54

20

129

Nort","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161563,"EventID":"S1W-25011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projections are for the number of (a) primary teachers and (b) secondary teachers in schools in (i) 2002-03, (ii) 2003-04, (iii) 2004-05, (iv) 2005-06, (v) 2006-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projections are for the number of (a) primary teachers and (b) secondary teachers in schools in (i) 2002-03, (ii) 2003-04, (iii) 2004-05, (iv) 2005-06, (v) 2006-07 and (vi) 2007-08, taking into account any reduction in teacher training places made in 2002 and what its projections were for those years prior to any such change.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the projected teacher deficit for the period 2002-03 to 2007-08:

Projected Teacher Deficit at Start of Session

2002-03

2003-04*

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

Total

Primary

1,083

981

934

977

998

1,093

6,066

Secondary

1,019

1,042

1,028

1,048

1,066

944

6,147

Total

2,102

2,023

1,962

2,025

2,064

2,037

12,213

Note:

* The revision to PGCE intake levels announced in March 2002 does not effect these projections. These changes were made to avoid a likely excess of the supply which would neither be in the interests of the individual students, nor the teaching profession as a whole.

The estimated 3,000 additional teachers required in order to implement the agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century are included within these projections.

The estimates of teacher deficit will vary from year to year as information varies on early retirements, resignations and the level at which qualified teachers return to the profession from career breaks.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161564,"EventID":"S1W-25012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projections are for teacher training places in universities for (a) primary teachers and (b) secondary teachers in (i) 2002-03, (ii) 2003-04, (iii) 2004-05, (iv)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projections are for teacher training places in universities for (a) primary teachers and (b) secondary teachers in (i) 2002-03, (ii) 2003-04, (iii) 2004-05, (iv) 2005-06, (v) 2006-07 and (vi) 2007-08.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the Scottish Executive's projections student output required from (a) primary and (b) secondary courses of initial teacher education to meet the deficit at the start of the following session:

Student output required to meet projected teacher deficit at the start of the following session

2002-03*

2003-04**

2004-05**

2005-06**

2006-07**

2007-08**

Primary

907

1,033

1,080

1,103

1,208

1,272

Secondary

957

1,136

1,158

1,178

1,043

1,042

Total

1,864

2,169

2,238

2,281

2,251

2,314

Notes:

* Reflects revision to previous estimates.

** The 2003-04 teacher workforce planning exercise will take place in the autumn of this year. As part of this exercise, the Teacher Supply and Recruitment Strategy Group, which brings together representatives from the higher education institutions, the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, the General Teaching Council for Scotland and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, will for the first time have available to it hard information on the number of probationer posts available in local authorities. This may to have an impact on demand for future years.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161565,"EventID":"S1W-25013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce its sustainable development indicators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce its sustainable development indicators.","AnswerText":"We will publish a Scottish Executive statement on sustainable development soon. This document will include a list of the indicators we will adopt to monitor progress towards sustainable development.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161566,"EventID":"S1W-25014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to provide annual Greening Government reports from each of its departments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to provide annual Greening Government reports from each of its departments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's first annual Greening Government report Our Impact on the Environment published in December 2001 summarised the environmental performance of the Executive as a whole. There are no plans to produce annual Greening Government reports from each of its departments.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161567,"EventID":"S1W-25015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to expand its Community Leadership and Climate Change in Scotland document by introducing the full Councils for Climate Protection programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to expand its Community Leadership and Climate Change in Scotland document by introducing the full Councils for Climate Protection programme.","AnswerText":"The Executive is awaiting the outcome of the Councils for Climate Protection pilot in England and Wales, due to be completed later this month. This will inform the on-going consideration the Executive is giving to ways in which it can further engage with Scottish local authorities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161568,"EventID":"S1W-25016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24021 by Malcolm Chisholm on 26 March 2002, which Local Health Care Co-operatives (LHCC) participate in the scheme to assess the ne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24021 by Malcolm Chisholm on 26 March 2002, which Local Health Care Co-operatives (LHCC) participate in the scheme to assess the needs of local people and provide appropriate services focusing on improving health and reducing inequalities and how many patients in each LHCC are benefiting from this new approach to community based services and initiatives.","AnswerText":"All LHCCs have an important role in developing population-wide approaches to health improvement and disease prevention, for all those in the communities they serve.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161569,"EventID":"S1W-25017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that structures are in place to ensure that any adverse drug reactions in patients are picked up at the earliest possible stage in situations wher","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that structures are in place to ensure that any adverse drug reactions in patients are picked up at the earliest possible stage in situations where there are concerns about the potential side effects of a drug.","AnswerText":"The safety of medicines is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM).

The MCA has advised that various data sources are used for monitoring drug safety. This includes the Yellow Card Scheme, where health professionals' report suspected adverse drug reactions to the MCA/CSM. The value of spontaneous reporting schemes such as the Yellow Card Scheme is in the early identification of possible drug hazards. The other data sources used regularly in the monitoring of drug safety in the UK include formal safety studies, published medical literature, information from pharmaceutical companies and other regulatory authorities throughout the world. When a new safety issue is confirmed, regulatory action is taken to minimise risk. This may include strengthened product warnings or restricting the terms of the marketing authorisation. Rarely, if there is evidence that the balance of risks and benefits is no longer favourable, it may be necessary to remove the medicine from the market.

The MCA/CSM monitor the safety of all new medicines under the "black triangle scheme" where any of the following circumstances apply: if the medicine contains a new active substance or a combination of active substances; if the medicine is administered via a new route or drug delivery system; if the medicine is going to be used in a new population of patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161570,"EventID":"S1W-25018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual quantity and cost is of unused drugs and medicines, given that 47,000 kg of medicines are returned to community pharmacies each year at a cost o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual quantity and cost is of unused drugs and medicines, given that 47,000 kg of medicines are returned to community pharmacies each year at a cost of #15 million, and what is being done to reduce wastage and expenditure in this area.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to estimate the quantity and cost of unused medicines which are not handed in to community pharmacies for safe disposal.

We set out in The Right Medicine - A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland (Bib. number 18835) the actions we will be taking to help patients understand how to use their medicines to best effect. This will help reduce wastage through non-compliance.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161571,"EventID":"S1W-25019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make (a) Nicotine Replacement Therapy and (b) Emergency Hormonal Contraception available free of charge on the NHS, through community pharmacies wher","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make (a) Nicotine Replacement Therapy and (b) Emergency Hormonal Contraception available free of charge on the NHS, through community pharmacies where appropriate.","AnswerText":"This is already happening. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is dispensed free to patients with an NHS prescription if they are personally exempt from payment of the NHS prescription charge. Emergency Hormonal Contraception is dispensed free to patients with an NHS prescription.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161572,"EventID":"S1W-25020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, what (a) the risk, (b) the base cost, (c) the impact or overrun thr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, what (a) the risk, (b) the base cost, (c) the impact or overrun threatened, (d) the probability of occurrence, (e) the financial impact calculated and (f) the net present value at 6% are for each risk mentioned in the public service comparator between pages 19 and 24 of that document.","AnswerText":"The Net Present Value (NPV) of each risk was not calculated in isolation in the PSC model. However, the NPV of each category of risk was calculated using a 6% discount rate and may be summarised as follows:

Risk Category

Total Cash Value Real (£000)

NPV (£000)

Site Planning and Construction Risk

19,294

17,802

Facility Risks

34,329

15,458

Strategic Risks

21,031

8,327

Total

74,654

41,587

The detailed information in respect of each risk identified in the document in cash value real terms is as follows:

PwC Report Reference

Base Cost (£000)

Impact

Probability

Cash Value Real Impact

(£000)

2.7.1.1

883

> 25%

80%

176

2.7.1.2

200

n/a

90%

180

2.7.1.3

100

n/a

100%

100

2.7.1.4

250

n/a

80%

200

2.7.1.5

6,935

3 month delay

90%

6,242

2.7.1.6

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.7.1.7

112,657

15% uplift in costs

30%

5,070

2.7.1.8

900

n/a

40%

360

2.7.1.9

1,067

2 week delay

60%

640

2.7.1.10

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.7.1.11

112,657

10% uplift in costs

30%

3,380

2.7.1.12

Future of the Scottish Prison Estate. The breakdown of the funding model is the same as that for the comparison model.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161574,"EventID":"S1W-25022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, what (a) the number of staff, (b) the grade of staff and (c) the wa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, what (a) the number of staff, (b) the grade of staff and (c) the wages and wage-related costs are for each year of operation in the prison model to which the public service comparator relates.","AnswerText":"(a) Five hundred and forty-five.

(b) The model does not separately identify grades.

(c) The labour and labour related costs in cash value real terms are as follows:

Year

PSC Comparison

(£000)

1

0

2

6,752

3

16,910

4

16,355

5

15,142

6

15,292

7

15,444

8

15,597

9

15,752

10

15,908

11

16,066

12

16,225

13

16,386

14

16,549

15

16,713

16

16,879

17

17,046

18

17,215

19

17,386

20

17,559

21

17,733

22

17,909

23

18,087

24

18,267

25

18,448

26

18,631

27

18,816

","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161575,"EventID":"S1W-25023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, what the breakdown is for capital and development costs in (a) the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, what the breakdown is for capital and development costs in (a) the comparison model and (b) the funding model in paragraphs 2.2.2 and 2.2.3 respectively in that document, showing heads of costs in each case.","AnswerText":"The breakdown for capital and development costs in the comparison model is shown in the table in paragraph 69 of the Scottish Executive's consultation paper on the Future of the Scottish Prison Estate. The breakdown of the funding model is the same as that for the comparison model.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161576,"EventID":"S1W-25024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether it will provide charts showing cashflow over the two years of c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether it will provide charts showing cashflow over the two years of construction and 25 years of operation for each model of the public sector comparator, for the Private Build Private Operate model and for each model of the Private Build Public Operate option.","AnswerText":"
Year

PSC Funding

(£000)

PSC Comparison

(£000)

PPP Private Build Private Operate

(£000)

1

95,785

82,530

2

60,452

53,026

3

28,871

28,052

18,128

4

25,370

25,107

18,128

5

23,677

23,396

18,128

6

23,902

23,603

18,128

7

27,718

26,975

18,128

8

24,811

24,469

18,128

9

24,753

24,411

18,128

10

24,947

24,604

18,128

11

25,403

25,060

18,128

12

30,939

30,152

18,128

13

25,539

25,195

18,128

14

27,168

26,823

18,128

15

25,944

25,599

18,128

16

26,150

25,804

18,128

17

36,401

The net present value calculation was made using the formula as follows:

Net present value of the stream of cashflows = CF1/(1+r)1 + CF2/(1+r)2 + CF3/(1+r)3.....CFN/(1+r)N

Where:

CF = Cashflow in the period

r = Discount Rate

N = Last period in the stream of cashflows

The stream of cashflows is expressed in cash value real terms, i.e. net of inflation. The net present value (NPV) calculation has been calculated on the basis of the cashflow occurring at the end of the time period in question. Discount rates of 6% and 5% were applied to the cashflows to derive the NPVs.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161580,"EventID":"S1W-25028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether any calculation has been made and added to the cost of priv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether any calculation has been made and added to the cost of private prisons of the cost to it of any additional risk that private sector prisons may fail in the rehabilitation of prisoners and, if so, what the method of calculation was and, if not, what the reasons were for not calculating any such risk. ","AnswerText":"No such cost has been included in any of the options outlined in the Estates Review. Since there is no additional risk any associated cost would be applicable equally to both public and private sector prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161581,"EventID":"S1W-25029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether any calculation has been made and added to the cost of priv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether any calculation has been made and added to the cost of private prisons of the cost to it of any additional risk of pursuing a private prison operator for non-compliance with the contract and, if so, what the method of calculation was and, if not, what the reasons were for not calculating any such risk.","AnswerText":"Non-compliance would not result in any additional cost or risk. There would be no need to pursue a private prison operator for non-compliance since the remedy for non-compliance would be to retain monies that would otherwise be payable under the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161582,"EventID":"S1W-25030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether it will provide a table equivalent to that in paragraph 3.5","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether it will provide a table equivalent to that in paragraph 3.5 of the report which includes the costs of HM Prison Altcourse and HM Prison Parc.","AnswerText":"No. Inclusion of HM Prison Altcourse and HM Prison Parc in the table would not be appropriate, for the reasons given in paragraph 3.3 of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161583,"EventID":"S1W-25031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23036 by Iain Gray on 7 March 2002, what progress was finally made on the target of Eaga Partnership (Scotland) to install 3,500 he","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23036 by Iain Gray on 7 March 2002, what progress was finally made on the target of Eaga Partnership (Scotland) to install 3,500 heating systems under the Central Heating Installation Programme by March 2002.","AnswerText":"Eaga met the target and installed 3,559 central heating systems in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161584,"EventID":"S1W-25032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23553 by Lewis Macdonald on 15 March 2002, in the light of Railtrack's announcement that it is completely pulling out of the Larkha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23553 by Lewis Macdonald on 15 March 2002, in the light of Railtrack's announcement that it is completely pulling out of the Larkhall to Milngavie project, what alternative options the Executive is investigating and whether these will require the amendment or repeal of the British Railways (No.3) Order Confirmation Act 1994.","AnswerText":"In a letter dated 4 December 2001, Railtrack advised that at that time the delivery of its core maintenance and renewal programme left no signalling or management resources available to support the Larkhall-Milngavie rail project. Since then, the Scottish Executive has been pressing the Strategic Rail Authority and Railtrack, to take this project forward. We have also continued to support Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPTE) to try and find practical ways to keep this scheme moving forward. These various discussions are ongoing.

As my reply made clear, the amendment or repeal of the British Railways (No. 3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 is not a matter for the Scottish Executive. It is both private legislation and a reserved matter. The provisions of the 1994 act, including the relevant parliamentary powers to make the railway, remain in force.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161585,"EventID":"S1W-25033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23427 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 March 2002, when the anti-stigma campaign will be launched and who will be involved in developing t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23427 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 March 2002, when the anti-stigma campaign will be launched and who will be involved in developing this campaign.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24587 on 22 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161586,"EventID":"S1W-25034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23200 by Hugh Henry on 15 March 2002, whether it plans to make any representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the level ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23200 by Hugh Henry on 15 March 2002, whether it plans to make any representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the level of benefit paid to patients in long-stay hospitals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to make representations to the UK Government regarding the level of benefit paid to patients in long-stay hospitals. Ian McCartney, Minister for Pensions announced on 25 February that the Department for Work and Pensions had decided to extend the period before benefits are downrated for long-stay hospital patients from six to 13 weeks. This change will be introduced to coincide with the introduction of Pension Credit in October 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161587,"EventID":"S1W-25035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will reply to my letter of 27 February 2002 regarding the Larkhall to Milngavie railway line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will reply to my letter of 27 February 2002 regarding the Larkhall to Milngavie railway line.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my letter of 29 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161588,"EventID":"S1W-25036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an appropriate level and range of drug addiction treatment facilities in the Inverclyde area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an appropriate level and range of drug addiction treatment facilities in the Inverclyde area.","AnswerText":"The level and range of drug addiction treatment facilities is a matter for the Argyll and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Action Team and its constituent agencies, including the NHS board and Inverclyde Council. The Executive monitors drug action team activities through the annual corporate accountability process. Drug action teams were due to report on current services and their plans by 30 April.

Executive funding for drug treatment services to the NHS board, from which Inverclyde will benefit, has increased by over £645,000 over the three years 2001-02 to 2003-04. Annual provision now stands at over £1.2 million. Executive funding for rehabilitation to Inverclyde over the same period has increased by £339,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161589,"EventID":"S1W-25037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the voluntary sector plays in treating drug addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the voluntary sector plays in treating drug addiction.","AnswerText":"Under the drugs strategy, treatment and care services, including information, advice, counselling and day and residential care, are delivered by a range of agencies, including NHS boards, local authorities and the voluntary sector. Voluntary sector organisations provide a broad range of services, usually commissioned and purchased by NHS boards and local authorities. There are voluntary sector providers in all drug action team (DAT) areas.

In addition, it is an integral part of the drugs strategy that community views should inform the work of DATs and their constituent agencies. This includes the views of voluntary organisations with an interest, whether or not they provide drug misuse services. Voluntary sector involvement in the work of DATs is monitored annually by the Executive.

Voluntary organisations also participate in policy development at national level.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161590,"EventID":"S1W-25038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for any further initiatives in response to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee's 9th Report 2000 Sport in Schools and whether it is satisfied tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for any further initiatives in response to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee's 9th Report 2000 Sport in Schools and whether it is satisfied that all the recommendations contained in that report have been responded to.","AnswerText":"We responded in full to the committee's report on 30 April and look forward to further discussions with the committee about plans and progress in this area once it has considered our response and the imminent report of the Physical Activity Task Force.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161591,"EventID":"S1W-25039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives directly and through sportscotland for the establishment and running of websites by sports governing bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives directly and through sportscotland for the establishment and running of websites by sports governing bodies.","AnswerText":"Sportscotland give advice to individual governing bodies on website and hosting issues and work with the Scottish Sports Association in considering proposals from companies who wish to provide websites to governing bodies. sportscotland are currently working with Young Scot to help provide content for the Sport Channel of their recently launched national youth information portal. In developing the sport-specific content, sportscotland will work with the governing bodies giving them the opportunity to provide information and contact details, including website addresses, for articles pertaining to their particular sport. This will present a new opportunity for these bodies to reach a broad youth audience. So far, sportscotland has received a positive response from governing bodies on this.

In addition, over the next few months and as part of an enlarged information team, sportscotland expect to appoint a new information manager, whose responsibilities will include considering the needs of governing bodies in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161592,"EventID":"S1W-25040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24478 by Elish Angiolini QC on 9 April 2002, whether the Road Safety Research Report No.26 published by the Department for Transpor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24478 by Elish Angiolini QC on 9 April 2002, whether the Road Safety Research Report No.26 published by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions is the \"review into the investigation of road traffic deaths\" mentioned in the answer to that question.","AnswerText":"The review referred to in the answer given to question S1W-24478 was the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's Quality and Practice Review Unit's Review of the Investigation of Road Deaths in Scotland. A summary of the review has been published and is posted on the website of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161593,"EventID":"S1W-25041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24478 by Elish Angiolini QC on 9 April 2002, whether it has consulted (a) the Police Federation and (b) the Association of Chief Po","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24478 by Elish Angiolini QC on 9 April 2002, whether it has consulted (a) the Police Federation and (b) the Association of Chief Police Officers during the production of the revised guidance for procurators fiscal into the investigation of road traffic deaths, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"The revised guidance for Procurators Fiscal, referred to in the answer given to question S1W-24478, is internal guidance on which it has not been necessary to consult the police but will be based largely on the recommendations made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's Quality and Practice Review Unit which have been published. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has been consulted on proposals to issue Lord Advocate's guidelines to the police on the reporting of road traffic deaths.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161594,"EventID":"S1W-25042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24478 by Elish Angiolini on 9 April 2002, what the process is for preparing the revised guidance for procurators fiscal in regard t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24478 by Elish Angiolini on 9 April 2002, what the process is for preparing the revised guidance for procurators fiscal in regard to the investigation of road traffic deaths and from what date the guidance will be applicable.","AnswerText":"The revised guidance for Procurators Fiscal, referred to in the answer given to question S1W-24478, will take the form of amendment to the Book of Regulations issued by Crown Office to Procurators Fiscal. It is anticipated that this guidance will be issued in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161595,"EventID":"S1W-25043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a duty of Best Value will be extended across the public sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a duty of Best Value will be extended across the public sector.","AnswerText":"The duty of Best Value has been extended across the public sector - placing a duty on all Accountable Officers to seek best value from resources. This is being implemented using powers under the Public Finance and Accountability Act 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161596,"EventID":"S1W-25044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning intends to reply to my letter of 8 February 2002 to BEAR Scotland Ltd concerning A90 roadworks which has","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning intends to reply to my letter of 8 February 2002 to BEAR Scotland Ltd concerning A90 roadworks which has been passed from BEAR to the Executive and within what timescale MSPs should expect to receive responses to such letters.","AnswerText":"The letter in question was passed to my officials on 27 March and I replied on 29 April. As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-24765 on 5 April 2002, future correspondence from MSPs on operational and factual matters will be answered directly by the operating companies

BEAR has been reprimanded over its failure to pass this correspondence timeously to the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161597,"EventID":"S1W-25045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Finance and Public Services will reply to my letter of 4 March 2002 regarding my constituent Ms M Macleod of Peterhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Finance and Public Services will reply to my letter of 4 March 2002 regarding my constituent Ms M Macleod of Peterhead.","AnswerText":"A reply has now been issued.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161598,"EventID":"S1W-25046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with Rangers and Celtic football clubs following the breakdown of the SPL-TV broadcasting talks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with Rangers and Celtic football clubs following the breakdown of the SPL-TV broadcasting talks.","AnswerText":"None on that issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161599,"EventID":"S1W-25047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the possible impact on Scotland's regional economies of Celtic and Rangers football clubs' attitude to Scottish football in the light of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the possible impact on Scotland's regional economies of Celtic and Rangers football clubs' attitude to Scottish football in the light of the breakdown of the SPL-TV broadcasting talks.","AnswerText":"None. Speculation about the attitudes of Rangers and Celtic football clubs to Scottish football is not a basis on which the Scottish Executive could undertake or commission regional economic impact assessments.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161600,"EventID":"S1W-25048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce legislation regarding the regulation of charities and when such legislation will be introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce legislation regarding the regulation of charities and when such legislation will be introduced.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21447 on 21 January 2002. More recent progress was reported in the answers given to questions S1W-24449 and S1W-24450, both on 24 April 2002; but this does not affect the timing of legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161601,"EventID":"S1W-25049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of one-stop cancer clinics dealing with cancer provide same day diagnosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of one-stop cancer clinics dealing with cancer provide same day diagnosis.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to identify all the one-stop clinics which provide cancer diagnosis, as many of them cover a wide range of conditions which are treated by general surgeons, dermatologists and urologists.

Information from NHSScotland indicates that it is currently operating 300 one-stop clinics, all of which provide a full diagnostic and, where appropriate, treatment service at a single visit. A patient referred to one of these one-stop clinics will typically receive a specialist consultation, undergo the appropriate diagnostic tests, receive results and undergo treatment where necessary. Where immediate treatment is not feasible, the patient should receive a date to attend for treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161602,"EventID":"S1W-25050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific plans it has to combat the shortage of breast cancer specialists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific plans it has to combat the shortage of breast cancer specialists.","AnswerText":"The diagnosis and treatment of patients with breast cancer involves a wide range of highly skilled staff from different medical specialties. We are already taking vigorous action to respond to specialist shortages in this field. In 2001 the numbers of higher specialist training posts available in Scotland were increased for cancer and cancer-related specialties by 29% in medical oncology, 26% in radiotherapy, 15% in histopathology and 16% in radiology. The specialities of general surgery and plastic surgery also saw increases of 9% and 25% respectively.

Cancer in Scotland: Action for change was launched last year with a new investment and planning process, to ensure that decisions for cancer services are taken locally, to meet the needs of the people served by healthcare services. Recruitment and retention of specialist staff is central to this strategy. First year Implementation/Investment Plans are available at:

www.scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161603,"EventID":"S1W-25051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pathologists who qualified in Scotland in each year from 1995 practise in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pathologists who qualified in Scotland in each year from 1995 practise in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.

ISD Scotland, however, does collect data on the total numbers of pathologists employed by NHSScotland and the country of qualification of their primary medical degree. This is contained in the following table:

Pathologists Employed by NHSScotland by Country of Qualification of Primary Medical Degree1

Headcount at 30 September

 

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Total

42

41

44

40

41

39

Primary Degree from Scotland

27

24

27

25

25

23

Note:

1. Includes honorary appointments.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161604,"EventID":"S1W-25052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop a training centre for breast physicians.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop a training centre for breast physicians.","AnswerText":"Women with breast problems are most often referred to specialist breast clinics, where they are normally seen by breast surgeons or general surgeons with a special interest in breast cancer. The term \"breast physician\" does not refer to any single recognised clinical specialty.

There are no specific plans to establish specialist training centres for breast surgery. Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change sets out the Scottish Executive's cancer strategy. Backed up by £60 million additional investment, implementation is progressing through annual investment plans prepared by the three Regional Cancer Advisory Groups and overseen by the Scottish Cancer Group. Cancer in Scotland and the 2001-02 investment plans are available at:

www.scotland.gov.uk and www.show.scot.nhs.uk.

Copies of the plans are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17445).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161605,"EventID":"S1W-25053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many radiographers are currently qualified with mammography accreditation and how many have qualified in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many radiographers are currently qualified with mammography accreditation and how many have qualified in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally, but could be obtained, by the member, from NHSScotland Screening Services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161606,"EventID":"S1W-25054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24513 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 April 2002, when guidelines were issued to make opportunistic screenings for oral cancer routine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24513 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 April 2002, when guidelines were issued to make opportunistic screenings for oral cancer routine.","AnswerText":"An examination for oral cancer during the routine dental examination is considered to be part of good practice. Such opportunistic screening has been recommended through reports, such as the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme Oral Cancer Report. There have been no guidelines issued in relation to this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161607,"EventID":"S1W-25055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new Category A fishing licences, excluding Category A (Pelagic Purser), Category A (Pelagic Free'er) and Category A (Pelagic Trawler), as referred to in paragrap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new Category A fishing licences, excluding Category A (Pelagic Purser), Category A (Pelagic Free'er) and Category A (Pelagic Trawler), as referred to in paragraph 3 of the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001, have been issued since the scheme began, regardless of whether the new licence holder had previously held such a licence or received any assistance under the scheme.","AnswerText":"As previously explained, the Fisheries Departments in the UK operate a restrictive licensing system, whereby anyone wishing to replace an existing vessel, or introduce a new vessel into the fleet, has to acquire an existing licence, or licences for aggregation, of an appropriate type and capacity to cover the incoming vessel. No new licences, other than to replace existing licences used in this way, have therefore been issued since the decommissioning scheme began. Indeed, as at 1 May, 46 licences have been surrendered and cancelled, as a result of operation of the scheme to date; and the number of licences within the system in the UK will have further reduced, as a result of transactions involving the aggregation of existing licences.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161608,"EventID":"S1W-25056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24417 by Ross Finnie on 9 April 2002, how many vessels which have had decommissioning plans accepted are being, or have been, scrap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24417 by Ross Finnie on 9 April 2002, how many vessels which have had decommissioning plans accepted are being, or have been, scrapped in each of the locations mentioned.","AnswerText":"As at 15 April, the number of vessels which are being, or have been scrapped at each of the locations listed in the answer provided to question S1W-24417, is as follows:

Location

Number of Vessels

Arbroath

2

Carradale

1

Dunbar

1

Esbjerg, Denmark

11

Grenaa, Denmark

36

Kilkeel

5

Macduff

6

Newcastle

5

Orkney

2

Port Bannatyne

1

Portavogie

3

Sandhaven

3

Stornoway

5

Stranraer

2

Vigo, Spain

1

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161609,"EventID":"S1W-25057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, why the chart in paragraph 1.4, page 6, shows net present values av","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, why the chart in paragraph 1.4, page 6, shows net present values averaged only over the 25 years of operation of the prison models and not over the 27 years of operation and construction, even though construction costs are included. ","AnswerText":"The chart does not show net present value averaged over 27 years because prisoner places are not available for use during the construction period.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161610,"EventID":"S1W-25058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and the table of private prison prices in paragraph 3.3, page 27, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and the table of private prison prices in paragraph 3.3, page 27, whether it will state the real cash value of each of the prisons mentioned, calculated in the same way as those shown for the public sector comparator in chapter 2. ","AnswerText":"
Prison

Cash Value Real

(£000)

Altcourse

504,824

Parc

543,657

Lowdham Grange

280,004

Kilmarnock

269,429

Ashfield

247,303

Forest Bank

402,633

Rye Hill

314,749

Dovegate

490,518

The cash value real figures have been calculated by determining the equivalent annual cash value real balance which, if discounted back to Cash Value Real would give a NPV equal to the figure provided by Her Majesty's Prison Service. This calculation assumes a 6% discount rate, a 25 year operating concession and a two-year construction period.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161611,"EventID":"S1W-25059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and the table of private prison prices in paragraph 3.3, page 27, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and the table of private prison prices in paragraph 3.3, page 27, whether it will detail for each prison the formula used to calculate net present value and the assumptions made in each calculation. ","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Prison Service provided the net present values (NPVs) as at the contract date for each prison in England and Wales. PricewaterhouseCoopers used the following methodology to calculate the NPV figures:

NPVa = [((NPVh/Lk) x (1 + (GWIn-GWIs)/GWIn)) + ((NPVh/NLk) x (1 + (TPIn-TPIs)/TPIn))]/(C x D)

Where:

NPVa = The net present value per prisoner place year

NPVh = The net present value of the specific PPP Private Build Private Operate prison as provided by Her Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS)

Lk = The labour element of the NPV, determined from the analysis of the labour/non-labour split per the HM Prison Kilmarnock PSC.

GWIn = The General Wage Inflation index at the PSC base date as provided by the National Statistics Office

GWIs = The General Wage Inflation index at the date of financial close for the specific PPP Private Build Private Operate prison as provided by the National Statistics Office

NLk = The non-labour element of the NPV, determined from the analysis of the labour/non-labour split per the HM Prison Kilmarnock PSC.

TPIn = The BCIS All-in TPI index at the PSC base date.

TPIs = The BCIS All-in TPI index at the date of financial close for the specific PPP Private Build Private Operate prison.

C = The number of years of the concession.

D = The number of prisoner places per HMPS figures.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161612,"EventID":"S1W-25060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are due to retire in each of the next five years, broken down by force, and how many people are expected to graduate from the Scottish Police Co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are due to retire in each of the next five years, broken down by force, and how many people are expected to graduate from the Scottish Police College in each of these years, giving their prospective force destination.","AnswerText":"Although the Scottish Executive receives estimates from forces relating to the costs associated with retirements in future years, no information is held centrally on the likely numbers of officers involved. Nor is detailed information held on the estimated number of police officers likely to complete their probationer training in future years.

The resources provided to the Scottish Police College are to enable it to provide on-going training and development for serving officers as well as probationer training for recruits. Around 1,600 probationers were trained at the college in 2001-02 and the current plans assume that demand will continue at around that level. However, the number who complete their probation training by force will depend on how many are recruited to each force in each future year and that is an operational matter for Chief Constables to determine within the budgets available to them.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161613,"EventID":"S1W-25061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24129 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, whether there have been any reports to the procurator fiscal of offences under paragraph 5","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24129 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, whether there have been any reports to the procurator fiscal of offences under paragraph 5 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and, if so, how many such reports there have been and how many have led to convictions.","AnswerText":"No such reports have been received.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161614,"EventID":"S1W-25062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24127 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, what the reasons were in each case for revoking certificates to perform custodial duties i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24127 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, what the reasons were in each case for revoking certificates to perform custodial duties in accordance with paragraph 4 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

It would be inappropriate to provide this information which could be linked with the individuals concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161615,"EventID":"S1W-25063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24126 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, what the reasons were in each case for suspending certificates to perform custodial duties","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24126 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, what the reasons were in each case for suspending certificates to perform custodial duties in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 6 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

It would be inappropriate to provide this information which could be linked with the individuals concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161616,"EventID":"S1W-25064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24285 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, on what date the sale of the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame was advertised in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24285 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, on what date the sale of the buildings of former HM Prison Penninghame was advertised in the Estates Ga'ette and for what reason.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

10 June 2000. The Estates Gazette was deemed to have the required breadth of circulation.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161617,"EventID":"S1W-25065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24286 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, whether any closing date for offers was intimated to persons expressing interest following","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24286 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, whether any closing date for offers was intimated to persons expressing interest following the advertising for sale of the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame on 24 February 2000 and, if so, what that date was.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Yes. A closing date of 3 May 2000 was set.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161618,"EventID":"S1W-25066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a clause preventing members of the senior management of the Scottish Prison Service involved in monitoring the performance of private prisons, or in ensuring con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a clause preventing members of the senior management of the Scottish Prison Service involved in monitoring the performance of private prisons, or in ensuring contract compliance of private prison operators, from taking work from a private prison operator for a specified period following the termination of their employment with the Scottish Prison Service is contained within their employment contracts and, if so, what the length of any such period is.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The Civil Service Business Appointment Rules provide for this, therefore no specific clause within such staff's contracts is deemed necessary. The period for which an individual must seek approval before taking any form of full, part-time or fee-paid employment with such an organisation is two years.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161619,"EventID":"S1W-25067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the employment contracts of persons in the senior management of the Scottish Prison Service involved in monitoring the performance of private pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the employment contracts of persons in the senior management of the Scottish Prison Service involved in monitoring the performance of private prisons, or in ensuring contract compliance of private prison operators, a clause preventing them from taking work from a private prison operator for a specified period following the termination of their employment with the Scottish Prison Service and, if so, what the length of any such period would be.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The Scottish Prison Service has no plans, at this time, to place such a clause in staff's Terms and Conditions of employment, as the current Civil Service Business Appointment Rules already cover this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161620,"EventID":"S1W-25068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16140 by Colin Boyd QC on 15 June 2001, how many cases were marked \"no proceedings\" under section 136 of the Criminal Procedure (Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16140 by Colin Boyd QC on 15 June 2001, how many cases were marked \"no proceedings\" under section 136 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"In the 11 months to the end of February 2002, there were 1,867 cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161621,"EventID":"S1W-25069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13449 by Colin Boyd QC on 1 March 2001, how many cases were marked \"no proceedings\" in respect of each category recognised by the C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13449 by Colin Boyd QC on 1 March 2001, how many cases were marked \"no proceedings\" in respect of each category recognised by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service computer in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The figures are shown in the following table. The figure for time barred cases in 2000-01 is slightly smaller than that given in answer to S1W-16140 on 15 June 2001 because that answer was given before the figures for that year had been finally reconciled.

No Proceedings

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

2001-02
(11 months)

Insufficient Admissible Evidence

12,305

12,786

12,257

9,932

Trivial

10,996

11,539

10,487

9,956

Civil Remedy More Appropriate

3,866

3,159

2,550

1,925

Mitigating Circumstances

3,119

2,383

2,266

1,765

Delay Police/ Reporting Agency

2,731

6,087

4,114

5,316

Delay by PF

205

92

368

451

Lack of Court Resources

3

3

3,770

7

PF Staff Shortage

99

3

1

3

Time-bar

1,278

1,533

1,976

1,867

Not a Crime

816

778

701

927

No Jurisdiction

106

103

151

100

Age of Offence

 

2000-01

2001-02

Cases referred to Procurator Fiscal Service

60

72

Cases proceeded court

46

20

Still on-going

3

45

(i) Number led to convictions

37

20

(ii) Percentage led to convictions

62%

28%

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161623,"EventID":"S1W-25071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether drugs such as Naltrexone that block the effects of opioids are currently available on the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether drugs such as Naltrexone that block the effects of opioids are currently available on the NHS.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161624,"EventID":"S1W-25072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current usage is of Naltrexone and other drugs that produce the same effect as Naltrexone, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current usage is of Naltrexone and other drugs that produce the same effect as Naltrexone, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Two drugs, naltrexone hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride are similar in action in that they block the effects of opioids.

Naloxone hydrochloride is used in overdosage with opioids. However, comprehensive figures for the number of patients who received this treatment are not available centrally. Data collected centrally relate to prescribed items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors.

Naltrexone hydrochloride is used in the treatment of formerly opioid-dependent patients. In 2001, there were 2,041 prescribed items for naltrexone hydrochloride dispensed in the community. This figure does not take into account drugs dispensed by hospitals or hospital-based clinics. The information is given on a national basis in order not to disclose information that may relate to an individual patient.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161625,"EventID":"S1W-25073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the possible use of pharmacological alternatives to methadone as a means of weaning drug addicts away from heroin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the possible use of pharmacological alternatives to methadone as a means of weaning drug addicts away from heroin.","AnswerText":"As part of a programme of research reviews on the effectiveness of drug treatment, the Executive's Effective Interventions Unit is drawing together existing evidence on the effectiveness of drug therapies (including methadone, buprenorphine, dihydrocodeine and others) from systematic reviews conducted internationally. The findings from this programme of work will be available in June 2002.

The Chief Scientist Office in the Executive has also commissioned a randomised trial of methadone versus dihydrocodeine to help in considering the effectiveness of substitute prescribing. The trial is due to be completed in September 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161626,"EventID":"S1W-25074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding for methadone treatments is allocated on an individual patient basis or whether each NHS board receives a block allocation of funding for such treatments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding for methadone treatments is allocated on an individual patient basis or whether each NHS board receives a block allocation of funding for such treatments.","AnswerText":"In addition to its general health allocations, each NHS board receives earmarked funding for drug treatment services in line with the Arbuthnott Substance Misuse Formula. This formula takes account of deprivation and need, including population, age sex structure and service delivery costs due to remoteness. It is for each NHS board, in partnership with the relevant drug action team(s) and their constituent agencies, to direct its spending of these resources in line with local needs and priorities, taking into account other local spending decisions on drug misuse issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161627,"EventID":"S1W-25075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with plans to review the location of sportscotland's headquarters as part of its general relocation policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with plans to review the location of sportscotland's headquarters as part of its general relocation policy.","AnswerText":"As recommended in last year's organisational review of sportscotland and following the development of a remit with the Executive, sportscotland has appointed PMP Consultancy to carry out a property review and facilities strategy study. A key part of that review will consider further the options for the future location of sportscotland's headquarters taking account of the Executive's policy on location and re-location of public sector jobs. A report on this is due at the end of July.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161628,"EventID":"S1W-25076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will release details of the action programme measures that must be followed by farmers in the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones as proposed in Protection of Scotland's Wat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will release details of the action programme measures that must be followed by farmers in the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones as proposed in Protection of Scotland's Water Environment - Consultation on Further Scottish Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.","AnswerText":"A consultation paper on proposals for action programmes will be released today. Arrangements have been made for copies to go directly to farmers in the proposed Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs).

Our rivers, lochs and coasts are, I think, one of our best national assets, if not the best. By and large they are of excellent or good quality. We all have a duty of care for this environment and we must address the problem of nitrate lost from agriculture, which can affect the quality of our drinking water supplies, and presents a risk to the ecological balance in our rivers and the sea.

It is in the common interest of farmers and the general public to find practical ways of tackling the problem. For example, losses of nitrate from agricultural land also represent an economic loss to farmers - controlled application and use of the nitrogen supplied in fertilisers and manures will reduce fertiliser costs and nitrate pollution. Good agricultural practice is good for the environment. Many farmers recognise this, but all farmers in areas vulnerable to nitrate pollution must take action to deal with this type of diffuse pollution.

When the NVZs have been agreed we will work closely with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed action programmes take farming industries needs into account whilst delivering the appropriate level of environmental protection.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161629,"EventID":"S1W-25077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill and whether the Scottish ministers intend to provide tenant farmers with a pre-emptive right to p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill and whether the Scottish ministers intend to provide tenant farmers with a pre-emptive right to purchase their holding from a selling landlord.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that I am launching the draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill for consultation later today. A 12-week consultation period will follow, with the closing date for responses being Friday 12 July 2002.

Copies of the consultation paper are being sent to the relevant parliamentary committees and to all MSPs. Further copies will be available from the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre and from our land reform website, at: www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations, following the launch.

After careful consideration, I have concluded that the bill should provide for the introduction of a pre-emptive right to buy for secure tenants. Within the draft bill document is a chapter which sets out details of my policy intentions. I would very much welcome views on these proposals from anyone with an interest in enhancing rural life. I will consider all responses carefully before provisions that would introduce a pre-emptive right to buy are added to the bill itself.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161630,"EventID":"S1W-25078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether teachers who retire now will receive a pension between 2% and 15% greater than teachers who retired previously with identical qualifications and length of service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether teachers who retire now will receive a pension between 2% and 15% greater than teachers who retired previously with identical qualifications and length of service and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The formula for calculating teachers' pensions has not changed recently. Teachers' pensions are calculated on the basis of length of service and salary in the period before retirement, usually the last year of service. Pensions awarded to teachers on their retirement will, therefore, always reflect movements in salary levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161631,"EventID":"S1W-25079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which safety reports under the Control of Major Accident Ha'ards Regulations 1999 are currently subject to restricted access following terrorist events on 11 September 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which safety reports under the Control of Major Accident Ha'ards Regulations 1999 are currently subject to restricted access following terrorist events on 11 September 2001 and which (a) individuals and (b) organisations are able to view such reports under the terms of restriction. ","AnswerText":"As I informed the Transport and Environment Committee on 28 January 2002, all COMAH safety reports are currently subject to access restrictions. National Security aspects of the COMAH regulations are reserved and it is for the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to direct the competent authority as to the nature of access restrictions imposed on national security grounds.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161632,"EventID":"S1W-25080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average cost to the Scottish Prison Service is per prisoner of receiving prisoners, broken down by category of cost. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average cost to the Scottish Prison Service is per prisoner of receiving prisoners, broken down by category of cost. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The costs of reception are not separately identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161633,"EventID":"S1W-25081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost to the Scottish Prison Service of receiving prisoners was in each of the last five financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost to the Scottish Prison Service of receiving prisoners was in each of the last five financial years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The costs of reception are not separately identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161634,"EventID":"S1W-25082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21028 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 January 2002, whether it will give its definition of \"led the UK delegation\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21028 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 January 2002, whether it will give its definition of \"led the UK delegation\".","AnswerText":"In this context, \"led the UK delegation\" means that the minister concerned was the primary spokesperson for the UK at the meeting in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161635,"EventID":"S1W-25083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to question S1W-21028 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 January 2002, who the members were of each delegation that was led by a Scottish Minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to question S1W-21028 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 January 2002, who the members were of each delegation that was led by a Scottish Minister.","AnswerText":"On all three occasions the Scottish minister formed the UK ministerial delegation and was supported by officials as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161636,"EventID":"S1W-25084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it has consulted the Civil Service Commissioners before making a particular appointment in each year since its inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it has consulted the Civil Service Commissioners before making a particular appointment in each year since its inception.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive makes appointments to all posts excluding the Senior Civil Service in accordance with the principles set out in the code and without further reference to the commissioners. The Scottish Executive has therefore not consulted the Civil Service Commissioners before making any particular appointments at this level.

Approval of individual appointments by the commissioners is required for appointments to the Senior Civil Service (apart from appointments of less than 12 months).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161637,"EventID":"S1W-25085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the Scottish Ambulance Service's proposals for modernising its operations (control) rooms functions and for implementing priority-based dispatch.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the Scottish Ambulance Service's proposals for modernising its operations (control) rooms functions and for implementing priority-based dispatch.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Executive supports these proposals and has today advised the Scottish Ambulance Service that it should proceed with the operations rooms changes and with the implementation of priority based dispatch. I, alongside the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, will be making a full statement later today.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161638,"EventID":"S1W-25086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to alter the current practice of local licensing boards in respect of street trader licences whereby a reason does not have to be given for re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to alter the current practice of local licensing boards in respect of street trader licences whereby a reason does not have to be given for refusing an application for such a licence.","AnswerText":"Paragraph 17 of Schedule 1 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 requires a licensing authority to provide reasons for refusing an application for a street trader's licence, if requested to do so by relevant parties within 28 days of the date of its decision. An independent task group is currently reviewing the licensing provisions of the 1982 act and I understand that consultation on their emerging findings will take place shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161639,"EventID":"S1W-25087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its response to the recommendations contained in the report of the UK Raptor Working Group will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its response to the recommendations contained in the report of the UK Raptor Working Group will be made available.","AnswerText":"The issues arising from the recovery of some bird of prey populations and their impact on game birds and moorland management, and on racing pigeons, were considered by the UK Raptor Working Group in a comprehensive report published in February 2000. In response to question S1W-4163 on 3 February 2000 Sarah Boyack welcomed publication of the report and confirmed that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) had been asked to provide formal advice to the Executive on the report's recommendations and their implications for Scotland.

The Executive has now considered the Raptor Working Group report and SNH advice and I have today written to the Chairman of SNH providing him with the Executive's response. Copies of both the letter and the response have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 20123 (letter) and 20122 (response)). The Executive accepts most of the recommendations in the report and is satisfied that the work already under way or planned by SNH, working with other key stakeholders, represents the best way forward for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161640,"EventID":"S1W-25088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will announce the key performance targets it has set for Fisheries Research Services for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will announce the key performance targets it has set for Fisheries Research Services for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have set the following targets for Fisheries Research Services for the financial year 2002-03.

Delivery of Service:

To achieve 93 per cent of the performance targets set in the Schedules to the Service Level Agreement.

To achieve 82 per cent of the milestones agreed for research and development projects.

To achieve an output of 0.7 publications per member of staff.

To produce 18 information leaflets and eight major articles in the industry press.

Quality of Service:

To submit the scientific work of the Freshwater Fisheries Programme to a peer review during 2002-03, and to put in place an agreed action plan to implement recommendations by the end of March 2003.

To achieve accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service of the monitoring programmes for three areas of work and complete the re-assessment inspection by March 2003.

Efficiency Targets:

90 per cent of costs to be recovered from external customers (other than those agreed to be undertaken at marginal or shared costs), with limit of £4 million.

To restrict administrative staff costs to a maximum of 17 per cent of the total staff costs.

To achieve a research vessel utilisation of 510 days per year, operating at a daily cost of £12,800 for Scotia and £2,800 for Clupea.

To produce accounts on target, enabling the 2001-02 FRS Report and Accounts to be published in July.

To achieve cash releasing efficiency gains to the value of 1 per cent of FRS' budget.

These targets will provide a sound basis for evaluating performance by establishing a time series for certain indicators and by requiring external scrutiny by accreditors and scientific peers. I am confident that the targets will lead to further improvement in the quality and timeliness of scientific advice provided by the agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161641,"EventID":"S1W-25089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings the Head of its EU Office in Scotland House has had in the last year with (a) the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union, (b) Directors Gene","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings the Head of its EU Office in Scotland House has had in the last year with (a) the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union, (b) Directors General of the European Commission and (c) the Director General of the General Secretariat of the European Council.","AnswerText":"Staff in the Scottish Executive EU Office have a wide range of meetings, formal and informal, with representatives of EU institutions and bodies, including UKRep, the Commission and the council. It is not our practice to disclose details of such official-level contacts. These contacts are numerous, take place at many different levels, are not all recorded, and can be in the context of confidential negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161642,"EventID":"S1W-25090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which working groups and parties of the European Council have been attended by Scottish Executive officials in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which working groups and parties of the European Council have been attended by Scottish Executive officials in the last year.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. No distinction is made in our records between \"working groups\" and \"working parties\": both are classed as working groups.

In the year to 28 February 2002 Executive officials attended the following working groups:

Date

Working Group

08/03/2001

Civil Law Committee

09/03/2001

Civil Law Committee

13/03/2001

Environment

14/03/2001

External Fisheries

16/03/2001

Agricultural Structures

21/03/2001

Simplification of CAP

21/03/2001

Internal Fisheries

29/03/2001

Civil Law Committee

29/03/2001

Internal Fisheries Group

05/04/2001

Civil Law Committee

09/04/2001

Civil Law Committee

17/04/2001

External Fisheries

20/04/2001

FEOGA Committee

23/04/2001

Fisheries Expert Working Group

25/04/2001

Education Committee

26/04/2001

Structural Actions

26/04/2001

Civil Law Committee

27/04/2001

Civil Law Committee

02/05/2001

External Fisheries

03/05/2001

Internal Fisheries

03/05/2001

Civil Law Committee

10/05/2001

Internal Fisheries

10/05/2001

Environment

14/05/2001

Civil Law Committee

17/05/2001

External Fisheries

22/05/2001

External Fisheries

22/05/2001

Internal Fisheries NHS Scotland employers operate under Family Friendly Policy guidance. These policies are designed to encourage recruitment and retention in the NHS, enabling men and women to combine work with home commitments and contribute to making NHS Scotland an attractive and exemplar employer. The Scottish Executive Health Department is also funding Return to Practice Schemes to help nurses and midwives return to work, as well as providing funds to support flexible training options for junior doctors.

In relation to education the recruitment and deployment of teachers is a matter for the local authority employers. However, under the agreement A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century, it has been agreed that the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers should give further consideration to family friendly policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161646,"EventID":"S1W-25094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to increase the number of women in public life.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to increase the number of women in public life.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to encouraging more women to apply to serve on the board of public bodies in order to reflect the social and cultural mix in the country. Our proposals for attracting a wider range of people to serve on Non-Departmental Public Bodies - including women - were published in Public Bodies: Proposals for Change on 21 June last year. Steps taken to encourage more women have included awareness-raising speeches, talks and presentations to women's interest groups. The new Scottish Commissioner for Public Appointments, once appointed, will have a specific remit to promote diversity in public appointments.

We acknowledge that it will take some time before measures designed to generate more applications from women and other currently under-represented groups begin to bear fruit.

The Scottish Executive is committed to encouraging more women into public life, not only through public appointments, but also through participation in all aspects of public life. For example, the Women in Scotland Consultative Forum meets as a national event at which representatives of women's organisations across Scotland meet to discuss policy concerns with ministers and policymakers. The forum encourages women to have a fuller more effective involvement in policy development and provides a valuable resource for the Scottish Executive on the policies affecting women and their communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161647,"EventID":"S1W-25095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to facilitate returning to work for mothers who wish to do so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to facilitate returning to work for mothers who wish to do so.","AnswerText":"There are a range of steps being taken at Scottish and UK levels.

The Scottish Executive's Childcare Strategy aims to provide affordable, accessible, good quality childcare to meet the needs of working parents. The Executive is providing £16.75 million of Childcare Strategy funding in 2002-03 and 2003-04 to local authorities which are responsible, with Childcare Partnerships, for its disbursement.

Also, the Executive's Training for Work programme aims to help mothers who wish to return to work through the provision of appropriate training and structured work activity.

At UK level, the New Deal for Lone Parents aims to provide lone parents, of whom over 90% are women, with the help they need to take up and remain in employment.

Additionally, the Employment Bill introduces improvements to existing maternity rights from April 2003 and the introduction of the new Working Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit from April 2003 will have a positive impact for many families and individuals across Scotland.

The Work-Life Balance campaign exists to raise awareness among employers of the benefits of implementing flexible working practices by establishing dialogue with businesses, trade unions and professional organisations to research and disseminate best practice examples in flexible working.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161648,"EventID":"S1W-25096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why monies are being collected under the Scottish Graduate Endowment Scheme, and whether such monies will be hypothecated and, if so, for what purpose.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why monies are being collected under the Scottish Graduate Endowment Scheme, and whether such monies will be hypothecated and, if so, for what purpose.","AnswerText":"Monies will be collected under the Scottish Graduate Endowment Scheme because it is fair that graduates, who are the people who principally benefit from their higher education, should make a contribution to ensure that others can gain similar benefits.

Section 2 of the Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support)(Scotland) Act 2001 provides that the income arising from the graduate endowment will be used for the purposes of student support.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161649,"EventID":"S1W-25097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24349 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 April 2002, how it judges best value in prison operation, given that it does not include the costs of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24349 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 April 2002, how it judges best value in prison operation, given that it does not include the costs of the prison controller and his staff when stating the cost of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The costs of the prison controller and staff are minimal in relation to the total costs and as such were considered by PricewaterhouseCoopers not to impact on the best value calculation. The PricewaterhouseCooper report, page 27, footnote 2, refers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161650,"EventID":"S1W-25098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will postpone signing the e-tourism contract until the tourism sector is assured that access to the site will be managed to ensure that no sector or business w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will postpone signing the e-tourism contract until the tourism sector is assured that access to the site will be managed to ensure that no sector or business will be disadvantaged and criteria to which businesses must adhere in order to advertise on the site are published.","AnswerText":"There is no reason for VisitScotland to postpone signing the e-tourism contract. It will be a key condition of the new company's business plan that all tourism businesses have equal access to the website. The criteria for advertising on the site will also be covered by the business plan. The plan will require the agreement of both VisitScotland and the area tourist boards and therefore they will be fully involved in both access and advertising issues. Tourism businesses will also be consulted as necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161651,"EventID":"S1W-25099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24469 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, why the answer did not provide the information requested nor address the substance of ques","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24469 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, why the answer did not provide the information requested nor address the substance of question S1W-24469 and whether any refugees or asylum seekers remain in prisons run by the Scottish Prison Service and, if so, how many and in which establishments they are being held at (a) 2 April 2002 and (b) the present date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The Home Office Immigration Service is responsible for refugees and asylum seekers and such matters are reserved. The answer to S1W-24469 therefore provided the information available to the SPS who, in the past, held persons awaiting deportation as a service on behalf of the Home Office. These individuals are now held in the Immigration Facility at Dungavel unless, in exceptional circumstances, Dungavel is considered unsuitable for the needs of a person awaiting deportation. Such circumstances might exist where, for example, the person is thought to pose a security risk that cannot be managed in Dungavel. In these circumstances, the person may be held by the SPS on behalf of the Immigration Service. As at 2 April no persons awaiting deportation were held in any Scottish prison and as at 16 April one person is being held at HM Prison Greenock on behalf of, and at the request of, the Immigration Service.

It is possible that a refugee or an asylum seeker could, coincidentally, be held on remand in respect of a criminal charge or convicted of a criminal offence. In these circumstances, the person would be held in a Scottish prison. However, the SPS would not necessarily be aware of whether such individuals are refugees or asylum seekers as they would be held in prison custody as either remand or convicted prisoners and not because they are refugees or asylum seekers.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161652,"EventID":"S1W-25100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to ascertain the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers before awarding it the contract to carry out the financial review of the Scottish Prison Servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to ascertain the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers before awarding it the contract to carry out the financial review of the Scottish Prison Service estates review and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) are a large independent company of accountants with a world-wide reputation. PwC were asked to conduct this review because of their acknowledged expertise in the field of Public/Private Partnerships. The Executive is satisfied that they have conducted a thorough and impartial review into the costs and underlying assumptions of the estates review.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161653,"EventID":"S1W-25101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what lessons it drew from the report of the United States General Accounting Office of August 1996, Public and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what lessons it drew from the report of the United States General Accounting Office of August 1996, Public and Private Prisons - Studies Comparing Operational Costs and/or Quality of Service.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161654,"EventID":"S1W-25102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what lessons it drew from the report PFI and Market Testing in the Prison Service by Patrick Carter in January","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, what lessons it drew from the report PFI and Market Testing in the Prison Service by Patrick Carter in January 2002.","AnswerText":"The Carter report is useful in pointing out the advantages in continuing with private sector provision of services and the potential stimulus it provides for public sector prison reform and achieving of best value; and is consistent with the estates review.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161655,"EventID":"S1W-25103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate for prisoners to be able to see from a prison wing what is happening in one or more other wings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate for prisoners to be able to see from a prison wing what is happening in one or more other wings.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

This is a feature in many prisons, is not considered to be a problematic issue and can be beneficial.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161656,"EventID":"S1W-25104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive . with regard to the Scottish Prison Services estate review, whether the prisons under the private build and operate model will be hub prisons for medical services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive . with regard to the Scottish Prison Services estate review, whether the prisons under the private build and operate model will be hub prisons for medical services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) would at present regard a 700 place as a hub prison for medical services. In relation to any new prisons, the SPS would decide whether the hub system remained the best system given a smaller number of larger sized prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161657,"EventID":"S1W-25105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the allowance for Technical Support Group facilities in the M&E services, referred to on page 18 of the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Es","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the allowance for Technical Support Group facilities in the M&E services, referred to on page 18 of the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers, what such allowance was made in the estates review public sector comparator.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25107 today. For similar reasons, it would require a disproportionate amount of time and expertise to disaggregate the specific figure for Technical Support Group facilities from the total costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161658,"EventID":"S1W-25106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital costs to the Scottish Prison Service have been of each prison industries project in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the capital costs to the Scottish Prison Service have been of each prison industries project in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The information requested is not available. The most recent major industries capital project was the building and equipping of the new timber workshop at Friarton (part of Perth Prison). The total capital cost was approximately £2 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161659,"EventID":"S1W-25107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the allowance for prison industries costs, referred to on page 18 of the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review by Pricewaterhouse","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the allowance for prison industries costs, referred to on page 18 of the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers, what such allowance was made in the estates review public sector comparator.","AnswerText":"Allowance was made in calculating the costs for the area and resources (including staff) required to deliver prisons industries. These were included in the calculation of total building and running costs; account was taken of risk factors before the NPV calculation was done. It would require a disproportionate amount of time and expertise to disaggregate the specific figure for industries from these costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161660,"EventID":"S1W-25108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the allowance for medical facilities costs, referred to on page 18 of the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review by Pricewaterhous","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the allowance for medical facilities costs, referred to on page 18 of the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers, what such allowance was made in the estates review public sector comparator.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25107 today. For similar reasons, it would require a disproportionate amount of time and expertise to disaggregate the specific figure for medical facilities from the total costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161661,"EventID":"S1W-25109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether the private build and operate model assumes that there will be a requirement for additional staff to b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Prison Service estates review, whether the private build and operate model assumes that there will be a requirement for additional staff to be employed in the first six months of operation; if so, what the details of such a requirement are and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Yes, and details would be subject to negotiation. The requirement is to provide operational security during the high risk opening period.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161662,"EventID":"S1W-25110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers, whether any sum has been calculated and added to the cost of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review by PricewaterhouseCoopers, whether any sum has been calculated and added to the cost of private prisons to the Executive for any additional risk that private sector prisons will misreport or not report failures in the prison that would otherwise incur a penalty; if so, what method of calculation was used, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"If based on the HM Prison Kilmarnock contract, such events would result in loss of revenue for the contractor rather than additional cost to Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161663,"EventID":"S1W-25111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to paragraph 77 of its Scottish Prison Service Estate: Consultation Paper, what steps the Scottish Prison Service took in order to evaluate the robustness of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to paragraph 77 of its Scottish Prison Service Estate: Consultation Paper, what steps the Scottish Prison Service took in order to evaluate the robustness of the operator's staffing proposals at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"All proposals received were fully evaluated by the operational team to ensure that the bids met the required specification. Thereafter, an evaluation panel consisting of senior Scottish Prison Service staff, including operational staff, and a representative from HM Prison Service interviewed representatives of the bidders to probe various aspects of their bid. The evaluation panel then recommended the most suitable overall bid.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161664,"EventID":"S1W-25112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to paragraph 75 of its Scottish Prison Service Estate: Consultation Paper, whether it will give (a) a breakdown of each main element of the running costs and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to paragraph 75 of its Scottish Prison Service Estate: Consultation Paper, whether it will give (a) a breakdown of each main element of the running costs and (b), in respect of each such cost, projected cash-flow charts for the 25 years of operation.","AnswerText":"The cash value real, broken down by each main element of running cost, for each of the construction and operating years is provided in the following table:
 

Recruitment and Start-Up Process

Staff Pay/NI/ Pension etc

Facility Related

Support Services

Prisoner Related

Other

Construction Year 1

-

-

-

-

-

-

Construction Year 2

6.8

-

-

-

-

-

Operating Year 1

2.2

12.9

1.8

1.8

3.1

0.7

Operating Year 2

1.5

13.1

1.8

1.8

3.2

0.7

Operating Year 3

0.1

13.2

1.8

1.9

3.2

0.7

Operating Year 4

0.1

13.3

1.8

1.9

3.2

0.7

Operating Year 5

0.1

13.5

1.8

1.9

3.2

0.7

Operating Year 6

0.1

13.6

1.8

1.9

3.2

0.7

Operating Year 7

0.1

13.7

1.8

1.9

3.2

0.7

Operating Year 8

0.1

13.9

1.8

1.9

3.3

0.7

Operating Year 9

0.1

14.0

1.8

1.9

3.3

0.7

Operating Year 10

0.1","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161665,"EventID":"S1W-25113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 has on the duties of any local authority that has any immigration removal centre in its area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 has on the duties of any local authority that has any immigration removal centre in its area.","AnswerText":"The Home Secretary has a duty to look after those applying for asylum under the Immigration Acts. The Home Office has taken responsibility for ensuring that the needs of the children are met and may work with local authorities to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161666,"EventID":"S1W-25114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provisions of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 are fully complied with at the Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the provisions of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 are fully complied with at the Dungavel House immigration removal centre.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25113.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161667,"EventID":"S1W-25115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are carrying out their duties under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 with respect to the children of asylum seekers held in immigration removal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are carrying out their duties under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 with respect to the children of asylum seekers held in immigration removal centres.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25113.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161668,"EventID":"S1W-25116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the duties of local authorities are in respect of children held in immigration removal centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the duties of local authorities are in respect of children held in immigration removal centres.","AnswerText":"The Home Office has responsibility for ensuring the needs of children in detention centres are met. The Home Office has the power to make arrangements with the local authorities. I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-24470 on 23 April 2002 and S1W-25113 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161669,"EventID":"S1W-25117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23798 by Mr Andy Kerr on 20 March 2002, in which department each qualified accountant is employed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23798 by Mr Andy Kerr on 20 March 2002, in which department each qualified accountant is employed.","AnswerText":"The breakdown of qualified accountants by department is as follows:

Education

3

Enterprise and Lifelong Learning

11

Development

4

Finance and Central Services

18

Health

9

Justice

11

Environment and Rural Affairs

2

Secondment

3

Total

61

","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161670,"EventID":"S1W-25118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many liquefied petroleum refuelling points there are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many liquefied petroleum refuelling points there are.","AnswerText":"Information on liquefied petroleum outlets across the UK can be accessed on the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association website:

www.lpga.co.uk.

The Scottish Executive does not maintain statistics on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161671,"EventID":"S1W-25119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to motion S1M-2703 as agreed by the Parliament on 7 February 2002, whether its assessment of the effect of the trunk road maintenance contracts on local roads ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to motion S1M-2703 as agreed by the Parliament on 7 February 2002, whether its assessment of the effect of the trunk road maintenance contracts on local roads maintenance has been completed.","AnswerText":"In order to establish a continuing process of assessment, my officials have established a standing quarterly meeting with representatives of SCOTS (Society of Chief Officers of Transportation Scotland). They have received information on initial impacts on local authority staffing and capabilities but will continue to review the situation over the next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161672,"EventID":"S1W-25120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about (a) why the owners of Sandside Beach in Reay have stopped allowing the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to access the beach in or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about (a) why the owners of Sandside Beach in Reay have stopped allowing the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to access the beach in order to undertake monitoring for radioactive particles and (b) the circumstances on any prior occasion in which the UKAEA was prevented from accessing the beach in order to undertake such monitoring.","AnswerText":"I understand that the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has not been prevented from gaining access to Sandside Beach in Reay to carry out monitoring for radioactive particles this year.

I believe that the most recent occasion on which UKAEA was prevented from undertaking monitoring on the beach was on 2 August 2001. Monitoring was resumed 21 days later on 23 August 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161673,"EventID":"S1W-25121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions it will give, or has given, to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in order to ensure public safety in the area of Sandside Beach in Reay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions it will give, or has given, to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in order to ensure public safety in the area of Sandside Beach in Reay.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not given instructions to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on this matter, and has no plans to do so.

SEPA is required to follow the terms of the Radioactive Substances (Basic Safety Standards) (Scotland) Direction 2000, which lays down safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation. SEPA is currently satisfied that the monitoring programme undertaken by the UK Atomic Energy Authority on Sandside Beach meets those requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161674,"EventID":"S1W-25122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a report will be made available on the incident at Sandside Beach in Reay in which the UK Atomic Energy Authority was prevented from monitoring radioactive particles","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a report will be made available on the incident at Sandside Beach in Reay in which the UK Atomic Energy Authority was prevented from monitoring radioactive particles on the beach.","AnswerText":"I understand that the most recent occasion on which access to Sandside Beach was prevented was between 2 August 2001 and 23 August 2001. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has confirmed that this did not affect the planned monitoring programme at that time.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161675,"EventID":"S1W-25123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to (a) graduate students and (b) school leavers who wish to take Gaelic Immersion courses before undergoing teacher training for Gaelic-medium","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to (a) graduate students and (b) school leavers who wish to take Gaelic Immersion courses before undergoing teacher training for Gaelic-medium education.","AnswerText":"Graduate students are not eligible for further support if they are improving an existing advanced level qualification or have previously received bursary or SAAS (Student Awards Agency for Scotland) support. The reason for this is that it has to be recognised that there is considerable competition for support and it would be unfair if those seeking their first award failed to secure support because other second-time students had been awarded support.

Students studying at further education colleges, including school leavers, who meet the means-test and residency regulations may be considered for bursary support from funds administered by individual colleges. Decisions, however, are entirely a matter for the college concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161676,"EventID":"S1W-25124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a grant with similar objectives to the Community Service Grant administered by the Countryside Agency as part of the Vital Villages ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a grant with similar objectives to the Community Service Grant administered by the Countryside Agency as part of the Vital Villages Programme in England.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not have any plans to introduce a similar scheme in Scotland as it has in place a range of existing measures and policies to improve quality of life in rural Scotland by enhancing access to services.

Voluntary and community groups providing key services in rural areas can already seek financial support from a range of grant schemes run by the Executive including the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund and, for transport projects, the Rural Transport Fund.

In addition, the Executive supports a number of core services in rural areas through rates relief measures: 50% mandatory relief from non-domestic rates is available for sole general stores and post offices with rateable value less than £6,000 in settlements of under 3,000 in designated rural areas. The Executive has recently announced that current mandatory rates relief measures will be extended to cover singly owned pubs and garages, sole village stores and post offices and cash-machines situated away from banks in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161677,"EventID":"S1W-25125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will work with relevant parties and provide assistance to ensure the continuation of carpet weaving in Scotland following the announcement of workforce reduct","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will work with relevant parties and provide assistance to ensure the continuation of carpet weaving in Scotland following the announcement of workforce reductions made by Stoddard International PLC on 16 April 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the Enterprise Network will continue to support the textiles industry in Scotland. The Scottish Textiles team within the Enterprise Network was set up in May 2001 to assist the industry to remain one of Scotland's key manufacturing sectors, driven by continual product and design innovation, new technology, highly skilled workers and successful marketing.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161678,"EventID":"S1W-25126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15517 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2001, how many local authorities have found illegal imports of meat as part of their routine in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15517 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2001, how many local authorities have found illegal imports of meat as part of their routine inspections of food premises.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that there have been no reports by local authorities in Scotland of illegal imports of meat found in food premises following routine inspection.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161679,"EventID":"S1W-25127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15517 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2001, what the Food Standards Agency has achieved or concluded as a result of its programme of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15517 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2001, what the Food Standards Agency has achieved or concluded as a result of its programme of audits of ports and seaports to examine the effectiveness of UK border inspection arrangements covering personal and commercial imports.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the programme of audits of ports in April 2001 was undertaken to help inform policy development on the issue of illegal importation of food products of animal origin. The board of the Food Standards Agency subsequently agreed, at its meeting in October 2001, that agency officials should explore a number of proposals to improve controls on imported food at ports. The agency has also been involved in the development of the Government Action Plan on illegal imports, published by Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at the end of March, as were devolved administrations. The information from the agency's audit programme will inform on-going work in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161680,"EventID":"S1W-25128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for meeting the financial costs of training police officers of Strathclyde Police Force to deal with disturbances at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for meeting the financial costs of training police officers of Strathclyde Police Force to deal with disturbances at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the force and information of this sort is not held centrally. Generally, however, the costs of training officers of Strathclyde Police would be met partly by the force from within the budget set for it by Strathclyde Joint Police Board and partly by the Scottish Police College.

Police forces have contingency plans, developed with partner organisations, to cover a variety of situations that may occur at key premises or installations, including each prison, within their areas. These set out individual organisational roles and responsibilities as well as the actions to be taken should a contingency response be required.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161681,"EventID":"S1W-25129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of training police officers of Strathclyde Police to deal with disturbances at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of training police officers of Strathclyde Police to deal with disturbances at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Strathclyde Police and the information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161682,"EventID":"S1W-25130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police officers of Strathclyde Police are being trained to manage disturbances at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police officers of Strathclyde Police are being trained to manage disturbances at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Strathclyde Police and the information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161683,"EventID":"S1W-25131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are being trained to deal with disturbances at HM Prison Kilmarnock and what the duties of such officers will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers are being trained to deal with disturbances at HM Prison Kilmarnock and what the duties of such officers will be.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Strathclyde Police and the information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161684,"EventID":"S1W-25132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24350 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 April 2002, what performance-related revenue deductions have been incurred under the contract to oper","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24350 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 April 2002, what performance-related revenue deductions have been incurred under the contract to operate HM Prison Kilmarnock by the prison's operators in each year since the prison opened.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

1999-2000

£455,757

2000-01

-

2001-02

£178,671

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161685,"EventID":"S1W-25133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many performance points have been accrued by the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock in each year since the prison opened, giving the reason for each accrual.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many performance points have been accrued by the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock in each year since the prison opened, giving the reason for each accrual.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The performance points accrued by the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock for years 1, 2 and 3 respectively were 3,843, 2,268 and 3,243. The reasons for these points being accrued are as detailed in the contract between Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited and the SPS, which is available on the SPS website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161686,"EventID":"S1W-25134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) men and (b) women have completed social work training courses in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) men and (b) women have completed social work training courses in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"The figures for the numbers of men and women gaining social work awards in the years 1997-98 to 2000-01 are:
 

2000-01

1999-2000

1998-99

1997-98

Female

328

305

273

280

Male

75

100

103

87

Total

403

405

376

367

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161687,"EventID":"S1W-25135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage people to apply for social work training courses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage people to apply for social work training courses.","AnswerText":"The Executive supports the work of the Scottish Social Services Council in promoting social work as a career and promoting social work training. As part of the action plan launched on 18 April, the Executive will establish an awareness and recruitment campaign which will include encouraging people to apply for social work training courses.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161688,"EventID":"S1W-25136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is being given to local authorities for the provision of vocational rehabilitation programmes for people with acquired brain injuries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is being given to local authorities for the provision of vocational rehabilitation programmes for people with acquired brain injuries.","AnswerText":"Services for people with brain injuries are provided by local authorities from their general social work allocations in accordance with locally assessed needs and priorities, and are often provided in partnership with the health board and local voluntary sector organisations. These are set out in each authorities' Community Care Plan.

Most local authorities provide services for the brain injured from their mental illness specific grant allocations, often in tandem with their health partners. Total local authority net budgeted expenditure on services for people with mental health problems, including acquired brain injury, was £47 million last year, including funding from general Scottish Executive revenue grant and £19 million through the Mental Illness Specific Grant (MISG). For 2002-03, MISG will support 22 projects offering services and support to those with brain injuries, many of which provide, or help facilitate access to, rehabilitation programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161689,"EventID":"S1W-25137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) appointments and (b) re-appointments to public bodies have been made since October 1998, broken down by gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) appointments and (b) re-appointments to public bodies have been made since October 1998, broken down by gender.","AnswerText":"From 1 October 1998 to 31 March 2001, a total of 588 new appointments were made of which 383 (65%) were male and 205 (35%) were female.

For the same period, a total of 255 re-appointments were made. We are unable to provide the gender breakdown of re-appointments for the period 1 October 1998 to 31 March 2000 because this information was not collated at that time. However, since April 2000 data on the gender breakdown of re-appointments has been collated. For the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, a total of 110 re-appointments were made of which 80 (73%) were male and 30 (27%) were female.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161690,"EventID":"S1W-25138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals are being considered in relation to increasing the number of apprenticeships in the (a) manufacturing and (b) service industries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals are being considered in relation to increasing the number of apprenticeships in the (a) manufacturing and (b) service industries.","AnswerText":"The Enterprise Network works with other key partners to increase the number of Modern Apprenticeships in manufacturing industries and in a broad range of service sector industries. The Make it in Scotland roadshow campaign aims to promote the image of the manufacturing sector to S2 pupils and to raise awareness of career opportunities, including Modern Apprenticeships. The roadshows will be rolled out nationally in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161691,"EventID":"S1W-25139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs were (a) created and (b) retained as a direct result of inward investment from (i) EU member-states and (ii) third countries in the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs were (a) created and (b) retained as a direct result of inward investment from (i) EU member-states and (ii) third countries in the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information is set out on the following table. The job figures refer to planned employment by companies at the time the decision to invest was made, and do not include investment from other parts of the UK.
 

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

New Jobs

Safeguarded Jobs

New Jobs

Safeguarded Jobs

New Jobs

Safeguarded Jobs

EU Countries

909

732

1,851

593

2,437

164

Third Countries

0

0

0

0

0

0

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161692,"EventID":"S1W-25140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time police officers there were in each year since 1997 and how many of these were women officers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time police officers there were in each year since 1997 and how many of these were women officers.","AnswerText":"The available information on police officer numbers in each year since 1997 is given in the following table:

Number of Police Officers

As at:

No. of Male Officers

No. of Female Officers

Total

31/3/97

12,752

2,037

14,789

31/3/98

12,753

2,227

14,980

 

Full-Time

Part-Time

Full-Time

Part-Time

 

31/3/99

12,540

5

2,128

137

14,810

31/3/00

12,363

11

2,150

175

14,699

31/3/01

12,531

16

2,372

230

15,149

31/3/02

12,490

23

2,451

287

15,251

Notes:

1. This information is taken from Quarterly Strength Returns from forces.

2. Although part-time working and job-sharing was introduced for police officers on 13 December 1995, detailed figures were not collected until 31 March 1999.

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161693,"EventID":"S1W-25141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Justices of the Peace were appointed in the last three years, broken down by (a) gender and (b) social class in terms of the classification used by the Register ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Justices of the Peace were appointed in the last three years, broken down by (a) gender and (b) social class in terms of the classification used by the Register General.","AnswerText":"A total of 343 justices of the peace have been appointed since 1 April 1999, of which 212 are male and 131 female. This total includes 117 justices appointed ex officio by local authorities, 80 of whom are male and 37 female.

Information on social class is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161694,"EventID":"S1W-25142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) individuals and (b) companies were convicted of offences relating to fly-tipping in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001 and what the range of penalties impose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) individuals and (b) companies were convicted of offences relating to fly-tipping in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001 and what the range of penalties imposed upon such offenders was.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Data for the year 2001 are not yet available.

Persons with a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts where the Main Offence was a Litter Offence1, 1999-2000
 

1999

2000

Companies:

Fine

-

1

Total

-

1

Average Fine (£)

-

7,500

Persons:

Fine

28

12

Admonished

3

1

Total

31

13

Average Fine (£)

56

116

Notes:

1. Includes general litter offences and offences under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161695,"EventID":"S1W-25143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) individuals and (b) companies were convicted of offences relating to the pollution of rivers and other waterways in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001 and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) individuals and (b) companies were convicted of offences relating to the pollution of rivers and other waterways in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001 and what the range of penalties imposed upon such offenders was.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Data for the year 2001 are not yet available.

Persons with a Charge Proved where the Main Offence Related to Pollution of Rivers and Other Waterways1
 

1999

2000

Companies:

  

Fine

17

21

Other2

2

2

Total

19

23

Average Fine (£)

3,706

3,090

Persons:

  

Fine

4

3

Other2

3

-

Total

7

3

Average Fine (£)

412

2,167

Notes:

1. Includes relevant offences under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

2. Includes absolute discharge, admonished and no order made.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161696,"EventID":"S1W-25144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the effects of hormone replacement therapy on women undergoing this treatment are monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the effects of hormone replacement therapy on women undergoing this treatment are monitored.","AnswerText":"Clinicians with responsibility for treating a patient are also responsible for monitoring their progress and the effects of that treatment, including ensuring that any appropriate follow-up action is taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161697,"EventID":"S1W-25145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are clinical standards relating to the monitoring of hormone replacement therapy on women undergoing this treatment and, if so, whether these standards are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are clinical standards relating to the monitoring of hormone replacement therapy on women undergoing this treatment and, if so, whether these standards are being applied vigorously and consistently.","AnswerText":"There are no clinical standards for the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The decision to prescribe a drug for a patient is a matter for the clinical judgement of the patient's doctor based on the patient need, and is informed by the advice and guidance about the drug contained in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and the Patient Information Leaflet. The SPC contains information on the safe and effective use of a product and provides the health professional with information that may help in determining a patient's possible susceptibility to the known side effects of HRT.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161698,"EventID":"S1W-25146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GPs in the NHS reported adverse symptoms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to the Medicines Control Agency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GPs in the NHS reported adverse symptoms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to the Medicines Control Agency in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","AnswerText":"The Medicines Control Agency received eight reports of suspected adverse drug reactions through the Yellow Card Scheme, in association with HRT use from GPs in Scotland in 1999 and 2000 and nine reports in 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161699,"EventID":"S1W-25147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the welfare of farm animals is adequately protected under current government guidelines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the welfare of farm animals is adequately protected under current government guidelines.","AnswerText":"Yes. There is extensive European and domestic legislation and comprehensive guidance in place setting out standards and conditions for the welfare of farmed animals.

All producers must meet these conditions. Regular inspections are undertaken and breaches of the legislation can result in prosecutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161700,"EventID":"S1W-25148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to introduce new guidelines that will lead to improved conditions and welfare of farm animals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to introduce new guidelines that will lead to improved conditions and welfare of farm animals.","AnswerText":"Comprehensive standards and conditions for the welfare of farm animals, reflecting European and domestic legislation, are in place, in the form of Welfare Codes and leaflets and these are reviewed regularly.

A new Welfare Code for sheep has recently been issued and, subject to parliamentary approval, it is proposed to issue new Welfare Codes for meat chickens and laying hens in the coming months. In addition, consultation exercises, seeking comments from all interested parties on proposed new Welfare Codes for cattle and pigs, will be undertaken in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161701,"EventID":"S1W-25149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the question S1O-4777 by Iain Gray on 7 March 2002, when the figures for anti-social behaviour orders for the period 1 December 2000 to 30 Novem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the question S1O-4777 by Iain Gray on 7 March 2002, when the figures for anti-social behaviour orders for the period 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2001 will become available; whether instructions to gather this information have been issued and, if not, when such instructions will be given.","AnswerText":"The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland is commissioned by the Scottish Executive to undertake an annual exercise to determine the use being made of evictions for anti-social behaviour and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. The 2000 survey was published in May 2001. The institute has been instructed, in line with the previous answer, to undertake the 2001 survey but changes in personnel have delayed progress and the survey will not now be published until August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161702,"EventID":"S1W-25150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training and support is given to teachers in schools with special educational needs units in connection with the integration of children with special educational nee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training and support is given to teachers in schools with special educational needs units in connection with the integration of children with special educational needs (SEN) into mainstream teaching.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing £20 million under the Inclusion Programme in both 2002-03 and 2003-04. These resources are to facilitate the inclusion of children with special educational needs in mainstream schools and to bring the length of the school week in special schools into line with mainstream provision. In addition, the Executive is providing £7.8 million to education authorities in both 2002-03 and 2003-04 (up from £5.4 million in 2001-02) for the development and training of teachers and school support staff working in SEN. These funds can be used to enable teachers to attend a range of in-service and post-graduate training courses offering both general SEN training and training in specific aspects of SEN.

The Executive is also funding an Inclusive Schools project, run by Aberdeen University and to be completed in autumn this year, which will provide schools with examples of good practice in inclusive schooling for children with special educational needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161703,"EventID":"S1W-25151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special educational needs units have been built in each of the last three years, and are currently being built, broken down by local authority and giving the cap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special educational needs units have been built in each of the last three years, and are currently being built, broken down by local authority and giving the capacity of each unit.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of special educational needs units built is not held centrally. However, within the last three years, 18 special educational needs units were opened. These figures include an existing special unit previously falling within the budgetary control of a mainstream school, but which has now been re-classified as an autonomous unit. Also included are special schools which have been re-classified as special units. Information on the capacity of these units is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161704,"EventID":"S1W-25152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant psychiatrists dealing with substance misuse are (a) currently employed and (b) were employed in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant psychiatrists dealing with substance misuse are (a) currently employed and (b) were employed in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area and expressed (i) per capita and (ii) as a ratio of the number of consultants to the number of registered drug misusers.","AnswerText":"Information held centrally on consultant psychiatrists does not specify the number that deal with substance misuse. The former index of registered drug addicts has been discontinued, so the term \"registered drug misuser\" is no longer used.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161705,"EventID":"S1W-25153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community psychiatric nurses dealing with the misuse of drugs are (a) currently employed and (b) were employed in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community psychiatric nurses dealing with the misuse of drugs are (a) currently employed and (b) were employed in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area and expressed (i) per capita and (ii) as a ratio of the number of posts to the number of registered drug misusers.","AnswerText":"Information held centrally on community psychiatric nurses does not specify the number dealing with the misuse of drugs. The former index of registered drug addicts has been discontinued, so the term \"registered drug misuser\" is no longer used.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161706,"EventID":"S1W-25154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding was awarded to each NHS board for tackling drug misuse in (a) the current year and (b) each of the last five years expressed (i) per capita and (ii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding was awarded to each NHS board for tackling drug misuse in (a) the current year and (b) each of the last five years expressed (i) per capita and (ii) per registered drug misuser.","AnswerText":"The following table 1 details the resources allocated to NHS boards for drug treatment services since 1998-99, broken down by NHS board area. Funding for drug services prior to 1998-99 was arranged by contract between the Common Services Agency and individual boards and the information is not available centrally.

The following table 2 details the allocated funding per capita, broken down by NHS board area. The term \"registered drug misuser\" no longer exists. However, the final column details the funding per problem drug user, as estimated in the recent national survey of problem drug misuse.

Table 1<","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161707,"EventID":"S1W-25155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding for general medical services for (a) cash limited and (b) non-cash limited expenditure was allocated to each NHS board in (i) the current year and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding for general medical services for (a) cash limited and (b) non-cash limited expenditure was allocated to each NHS board in (i) the current year and (ii) each of the last three years expressed per capita, giving any projected or actual overspends and underspends in each case.","AnswerText":"Details are as follows:

NHS Board

Allocation 1998-99

(£000)

Allocation 1999-2000

(£000)

Allocation 2000-01

(£000)

Allocation 2001-02

(£000)

Allocation 2002-03

(£000)

Argyll and Clyde

709

901

984

1,111

1,338

Ayrshire and Arran

403

535

609

737

987

Borders

68

96

118

160

162

Dumfries and Galloway

61

96

124

298

258

Fife

328

445

514

698

789

Forth Valley

103

172

226

462

557

Grampian

750

972

1,085

1,283

1,313

Greater Glasgow1

2,871

3,502

3,670

4,3871

4,4881

Highland

86

137

181

300

414

Lanarkshire

333

497

607

862

1,449

Lothian

2,263

2,776

2,922

3,214

3,539

<","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161708,"EventID":"S1W-25156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times were for (a) high-risk and (b) low-risk drug misusers who were referred to local NHS substance misuse services by (i) GPs and (ii) any othe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times were for (a) high-risk and (b) low-risk drug misusers who were referred to local NHS substance misuse services by (i) GPs and (ii) any other route in (1) the current year and (2) each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

Waiting time information for drug misuse treatment is not held consistently by drug services across Scotland. We do regard waiting times to treatment as important and so we are currently seeking from Drug Action Teams some local information on waiting times for drug services, as part of the annual corporate planning arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161709,"EventID":"S1W-25157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of GP referrals to local substance misuse services is in (a) the current year and (b) each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of GP referrals to local substance misuse services is in (a) the current year and (b) each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information on the average number of GP referrals to local substance misuse services is not held centrally. However, the following table provides information on the source of referral recorded by new individual patients attending specialist drug services and reported to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database during 1998-99 to 2000-01. Information for 2001-02 is not yet available.

Source of Referrals to Specialist Drug Services1,2,3.

Years Ending 31 March.

New Individual Patients/Clients Only.

NHS Board

1999-2000 GMS Cash Limited Allocation Per Capita

(£)

1999-2000 GMS Cash Limited Over/ Underspend

(£000)

1999-2000 GMS Non-cash

Limited Allocation Per Capita

(£)

2000-01 GMS Cash Limited Allocation Per Capita

(£)

2000-01 GMS Cash Limited Over/ Underspend

(£000)

2000-01 GMS Non-cash

Limited Allocation Per Capita

(£)

Argyll and Clyde

17

946

53

18

930

56

Ayrshire and Arran

18

1,139

50

18

2,344

53

Borders

16

577

55

17

611

62

Dumfries and Galloway

21

446

60

21

266

63

Fife

18

-123

49

18

267

52

Forth Valley

18

37

50

19

-42

58

Grampian

19

893

53

20

78

51

Greater Glasgow

20

5,288

51

21

6,409

57

Highland

23

737

76

23

1,154

81

Lanarkshire

14

352

46

14

774

49

Lothian

20

147

50

20

1,607

53

1998-99

1999-2000

2000-01

Number of Referrals

% of Referrals

Number of Referrals

% of Referrals

Number of Referrals

% of Referrals

Scotland

7,413

100

8,930

100

9,170

100

Self

2,514

34

2,844

32

2,944

32

GP

3,207

43

4,045

45

3,902

43

Other4

1,692

23

2,041

23

2,324

25

Notes:

1. Reports to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database, relating to new patients. \"New\" is defined as (a) the person is attending the particular service for the first time ever or (b) the person has attended before but not within the previous six months.

2. All figures in this table exclude penal establishment inmates and information received from needle exchanges.

3. Specialist Drug Services includes statutory and non-statutory services, specialist social work teams and residential rehabilitation services.

4. Other includes family, friends, specialist drug services and non-specialist services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161710,"EventID":"S1W-25158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24371 by Allan Wilson on 12 April 2002, what the amount is of each EU grant received by the Forestry Commission and what each grant","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24371 by Allan Wilson on 12 April 2002, what the amount is of each EU grant received by the Forestry Commission and what each grant has been spent on in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The amount of each EU grant received by the Forestry Commission in each of the last three years, for work in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, is shown in the following table, together with details of what each grant has been spent on.

Year

Grant Type

Total Grant

Work Carried Out

1999

Life 97

£36,275

Restoration of native broadleaf woodland on the eastern side of Loch Lomond

2000

Life 97

£8,631

As in 1999

ERDF Objective 2

£15,509

Improving forest environs at key visitor destinations

2001

Life 97

£42,844

As in 1999

ERDF Objective 2

£95,883

Construction and upgrade of 8.3 km of paths, new toilet block on Forest Drive and buildings work at QEFP Visitor Centre. Also environs work to create viewpoints or visually diverse forest structures along some 10.5 km of paths

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161711,"EventID":"S1W-25159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing its draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing its draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill cost £15,244 to publish, print, distribute and add to the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161712,"EventID":"S1W-25160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific instructions have been given to the enterprise network with respect to providing opportunities for the development of refrigerator decommissioning industrie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific instructions have been given to the enterprise network with respect to providing opportunities for the development of refrigerator decommissioning industries.","AnswerText":"No specific instructions have been given to the Enterprise Networks with respect to providing opportunities for the development of refrigerator decommissioning industries. Decommissioning firms will be attracted by the clear market opportunity and I would expect the Enterprise Networks to provide advice and guidance to any such companies as part of their strategic remit to develop business and in ways consistent with the principles of sustainable development.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161713,"EventID":"S1W-25161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce which local authority bids for revenue support for Public/Private Partnership in respect of school buildings projects have been successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce which local authority bids for revenue support for Public/Private Partnership in respect of school buildings projects have been successful.","AnswerText":"Nicol Stephen and Peter Peacock have recently met all the authorities who have submitted bids for support for school Public/Private Partnership projects to assist in informing decisions on the bids. They indicated to the authorities that further consideration would be necessary before decisions could be taken on individual bids. We expect to decide the way forward this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161714,"EventID":"S1W-25162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the age and stage guidelines and regulations in place in the Scottish Qualifications Authority in the light of matches in syllabus content for High","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the age and stage guidelines and regulations in place in the Scottish Qualifications Authority in the light of matches in syllabus content for Higher Still, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 examinations.","AnswerText":"While the number of requests for exemptions from the age and stage regulations being received by the Scottish Qualifications Authority has increased this year, the overall number of requests is still fairly low. However, I will now consider whether a further review of these regulations is necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161715,"EventID":"S1W-25163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) cannot retrospectively forbid classes from taking exams in circumstances where registration for t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) cannot retrospectively forbid classes from taking exams in circumstances where registration for those exams has been accepted by the SQA and where all course work conditions have been met.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of centres to ensure that candidates are correctly entered for qualifications, including where appropriate, to receive the necessary approval for exceptional entry under the age and stage regulations. However, for the current exams round (2002), I have asked SQA to exceptionally allow certification for those candidates who do not meet the age and stage regulations and for whom centres have not sought the appropriate approval.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161716,"EventID":"S1W-25164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Qualifications Authority's (SQA) age and stage regulations are incompatible with the philosophy of Higher Still and whether the SQA will take a more","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Qualifications Authority's (SQA) age and stage regulations are incompatible with the philosophy of Higher Still and whether the SQA will take a more flexible approach to these regulations.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-25162 on 1 May 2002, I will consider whether a review of the age and stage regulations is necessary. As part of that I will consider whether or not the age and stage regulations are compatible with the philosophy of National Qualifications.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161717,"EventID":"S1W-25165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained nurses were recruited to hospitals from (a) EU member states and (b) third countries in each of the last three years, broken down by country of origin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained nurses were recruited to hospitals from (a) EU member states and (b) third countries in each of the last three years, broken down by country of origin.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161718,"EventID":"S1W-25166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated revenues are from (a) council tax and (b) business rates in respect of (i) 2000-01, (ii) 2001-02 and (iii) 2002-03. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated revenues are from (a) council tax and (b) business rates in respect of (i) 2000-01, (ii) 2001-02 and (iii) 2002-03. ","AnswerText":"The estimated income from council tax is £1,553 million for 2000-01; £1,649 million for 2001-02, and £1,744 million for 2002-03.

For business rates, estimated income is £1,576 million for 2000-01 and £1,665 million for 2001-02. We have not yet had councils' formal estimates for the current year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161719,"EventID":"S1W-25167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report prepared by the Canadian seed authorities on the possible causes of GM contamination of hybrid oil seed rape exported to the UK in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the report prepared by the Canadian seed authorities on the possible causes of GM contamination of hybrid oil seed rape exported to the UK in the spring of 2000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received a copy of the report recently issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. I have made arrangements for copies to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20577). The report concludes that it was not possible to determine the source of the adventitious trait present in the seed lots exported to Europe. As a result, the Canadian Seed Growers' Association and the Canadian Seed Trade Association have undertaken a study to review seed industry practices.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161720,"EventID":"S1W-25168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the replacement of current arrangements under section 94 controls on local authority capital expenditure with a more flexible system, as outlined in its consu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the replacement of current arrangements under section 94 controls on local authority capital expenditure with a more flexible system, as outlined in its consultation document Local Government Bill - Outline of Proposals, will have on (a) local authorities, (b) the Scottish Consolidated Fund, (c) capital expenditure controlled by it and (d) Her Majesty's Treasury.","AnswerText":"Under the proposed new system, local authorities would determine their own capital spending with reference to locally-set prudential indicators. They will be allowed to borrow for capital spending without the consent of ministers, provided that they can afford to service the debt. Further details are contained in the recently published Local Government Consultative Document - Renewing Local Democracy (The Next Steps) - a copy of which is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.

The new arrangements will require changes to the treatment of local authority capital expenditure within the assigned budget. These are being discussed with the Treasury.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161721,"EventID":"S1W-25169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Pan Lothian Review Group's recommendation that consideration should be given to ensuring that there is a \"clear split between elective and eme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Pan Lothian Review Group's recommendation that consideration should be given to ensuring that there is a \"clear split between elective and emergency care on a Lothian wide basis\"; whether such a split could be achieved by operating one emergency and complex medicine centre supported by up to four diagnostic assessment centres, and whether the recommendation reflects national strategic guidance on the provision of emergency services.","AnswerText":"Decisions arising from the recommendations of the Pan Lothian Review Group's report are, in the first place, the responsibility of NHS Lothian, in discussion with its trusts. In making any decisions, I expect NHS Lothian to be guided by the latest available evidence, and by current good practice, to ensure the best possible service for patients in Lothian.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161722,"EventID":"S1W-25170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the maintenance of a fully-resourced, full-time accident and emergency facility within St. John's Hospital in Livingston.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the maintenance of a fully-resourced, full-time accident and emergency facility within St. John's Hospital in Livingston.","AnswerText":"A Criteria Submission for the refurbishment of the accident and emergency department at St John's Hospital was recently approved by the Scottish Executive Health Department's Capital Investment Group. We look forward to this major step forward in terms of service provision in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161723,"EventID":"S1W-25171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether national health priorities can be met, given that a 1% per annum strategic change deduction to be applied by Lothian NHS Board has been agreed by the board's Chie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether national health priorities can be met, given that a 1% per annum strategic change deduction to be applied by Lothian NHS Board has been agreed by the board's Chief Executive.","AnswerText":"It is good practice for boards and trusts to identify cash releasing efficiency savings, to enable local/national health priorities to be met.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161724,"EventID":"S1W-25172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of the Audit Scotland team members conducting the inquiry into deferred waiting lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of the Audit Scotland team members conducting the inquiry into deferred waiting lists.","AnswerText":"The audit is being undertaken by staff of Audit Scotland supported by two staff with a background in medical records seconded from North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust and Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161725,"EventID":"S1W-25173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of the Audit Scotland inquiry team into deferred waiting lists is based in an NHS Trust hospital with more than 25% of waiting lists operating on a de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of the Audit Scotland inquiry team into deferred waiting lists is based in an NHS Trust hospital with more than 25% of waiting lists operating on a deferred basis.","AnswerText":"The audit is being undertaken by staff of Audit Scotland, supported by two staff with a background in medical records seconded from North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust and Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trusts. On 31 December 2001, both trusts had deferred waiting lists which were more than 25% of their in-patient and day case waiting lists.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161726,"EventID":"S1W-25174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24629 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 April 2002, whether it will list each section in the published version of the contract for HM Prison ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24629 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 April 2002, whether it will list each section in the published version of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock from which omissions were made and, in each case, what the reasons for each omission were.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Contract Section

Reason for Omission

Security

Commercial in Confidence

Lengthy and/or Unnecessary Material

Minute of Agreement

 

3

 

Schedule A

  

3

Schedule B

  

3

Schedule C

   

Schedule D

3

3

 

Schedule E

 

3

 

Schedule F

   

Schedule G

   

Schedule H

 

3

 

Schedule I

   

Schedule J

 

3

 

Schedule K

  

3

Schedule L

   

Schedule M

  

3

Schedule N

 

3

 

Schedule O

   

Schedule P

 

3

 

Schedule Q

   

Direct Agreement

   

Price Variation Guidelines

 

3

 
","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161727,"EventID":"S1W-25175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost of the \"do a little - change a lot\" campaign was in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost of the \"do a little - change a lot\" campaign was in 2001.","AnswerText":"Accounts are currently being finalised, but the Scottish Executive has provisionally spent £1,015,000 on the \"do a little - change a lot\" environmental awareness campaign in financial year 2001-02. Many activities in this campaign are run with the help of corporate partners, whose contributions are not included in this figure.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161728,"EventID":"S1W-25176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made to the Sustainable Action Fund in 2001-02 and how many such applications were successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications were made to the Sustainable Action Fund in 2001-02 and how many such applications were successful.","AnswerText":"In 2001-02, 70 applications were made to the Sustainable Action Fund for grant funding, of which 23 were successful. Ninety-eight applications were received for grants to be paid in 2002-03. Of these, 11 were successful.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161729,"EventID":"S1W-25177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was informed that the facility at Dungavel House had been reclassified from being an asylum seeker detention centre to being an immigration removal centre and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was informed that the facility at Dungavel House had been reclassified from being an asylum seeker detention centre to being an immigration removal centre and what the implications of this change are for the Executive and for the local authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been informed that the facility at Dungavel House will become an immigration removal centre in November. This has no other implications for the Executive or local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161730,"EventID":"S1W-25178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money has been spent on research into the causes of ME in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money has been spent on research into the causes of ME in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, project information on non-commercial health related research carried out into ME in the last seven years is available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161731,"EventID":"S1W-25179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are employed in the allocation of funding to ME research.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are employed in the allocation of funding to ME research.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) is largely a response mode funder of research and this role is well known and advertised throughout the healthcare and academic community. Research proposals on ME or on any other health care issue are assessed on the basis of their scientific quality and potential relevance to the health of the Scottish people. Projects must be able to demonstrate \"health gain\" and potential to improve health care. Such assessments are made by expert peer group and committee review. Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their research idea with CSO at an early stage, so that they can develop their proposals in a way that most directly addresses Scotland's public health and health services research needs. Comprehensive information and guidance on how to apply for a CSO research grant is available on the CSO website at:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk/cso/.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161732,"EventID":"S1W-25180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what areas have been covered by current research into the causes of ME.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what areas have been covered by current research into the causes of ME.","AnswerText":"Current research on the causes of ME covers a wide range of possible risk factors, including genetic, viral, neurological, psychological, and environmental factors. Details of current publicly funded research into ME is available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre, (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161733,"EventID":"S1W-25181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to include studies into the potential physical and environmental causes of ME in future research projects into the disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to include studies into the potential physical and environmental causes of ME in future research projects into the disease.","AnswerText":"Following the English Chief Medical Officer's working group's report on CFS/ME, published on 11 January this year, the Department of Health in England asked the Medical Research Council (MRC) to draw up a research strategy, taking account of the working group's findings, other recent expert reviews and the views of patients and carers. Once the MRC's work is complete and the future strategic direction of research is clear, the Executive will seek to play a full part in the implementation of that strategy.

Until that strategy is available, it would not be a sensible use of limited research funds for the Executive to commission large-scale epidemiological studies. Good quality research proposals into other aspects of CFS/ME will, however, be considered by the Chief Scientist Office by the usual peer review process.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161734,"EventID":"S1W-25182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any smallpox vaccine will be stored in Scotland in order to respond to any cases or outbreaks as they arise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any smallpox vaccine will be stored in Scotland in order to respond to any cases or outbreaks as they arise.","AnswerText":"In the event of any cases or outbreaks of smallpox in Scotland, vaccination measures would be deployed as appropriate. For security reasons, it is not UK policy to disclose details of vaccine stock or its location.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161735,"EventID":"S1W-25183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the shelf-life is of the smallpox vaccine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the shelf-life is of the smallpox vaccine.","AnswerText":"The smallpox vaccine is regularly tested to ensure its potency. For security reasons, it is not UK policy to disclose details of vaccine stock.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161736,"EventID":"S1W-25184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to upgrade the Balfron ambulance station in West Stirlingshire so that it provides round the clock 24-hour cover, and if so, when any such plans w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are plans to upgrade the Balfron ambulance station in West Stirlingshire so that it provides round the clock 24-hour cover, and if so, when any such plans will be implemented.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service has made provision for the conversion of the ambulance station in Balfron from part-time to full-time working in the financial year 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161737,"EventID":"S1W-25185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to upgrade the ambulance stations in Callander and Killin in Perthshire so that they provide 24-hour cover, and if so, when any such plans wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to upgrade the ambulance stations in Callander and Killin in Perthshire so that they provide 24-hour cover, and if so, when any such plans will be implemented.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service has no plans at present to convert the ambulance stations in Callander and Killin from part-time to full-time working.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161738,"EventID":"S1W-25186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEHD012/2002 on 16 April 2002, how the priority based dispatch system will affect the Scottish Ambulance Service in the Forth Valley. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEHD012/2002 on 16 April 2002, how the priority based dispatch system will affect the Scottish Ambulance Service in the Forth Valley. ","AnswerText":"The Forth Valley area will become one of the first areas of Scotland to receive the benefits of priority based dispatch. The relevant call categorisation and call handling software is due to come online in the Scottish Ambulance Service's Edinburgh Control Room in the autumn. This will support the implementation of priority based dispatch into the Forth Valley area, as well as into Lothian, Borders, Tayside and Fife.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161739,"EventID":"S1W-25187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for (a) urgent and (b) non-urgent cases between being referred by a general practitioner to an opthamology clinic and the first consultat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for (a) urgent and (b) non-urgent cases between being referred by a general practitioner to an opthamology clinic and the first consultation at the clinic, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information in the specific form requested is not available.

The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in ophthalmology, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS board of residence, in the year ended 30 September 2001, is given in the following table.

NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-patient Appointment with a Consultant in Ophthalmology, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS Board of Residence. Year Ending 30 September 2001P.

NHS Board

Median Wait

Argyll and Clyde

53 days

Ayrshire and Arran

61 days

Borders

42 days

Dumfries and Galloway

72 days

Fife

63 days

Forth Valley

62 days

Grampian

83 days

Greater Glasgow

99 days

Highland

72 days

Lanarkshire

92 days

Lothian

44 days

Orkney

75 days

Shetland

65 days

Tayside

39 days

Western Isles

50 days

Scotland

64 days

Source ISD Scotland, SMR00.

PProvisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161740,"EventID":"S1W-25188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to raise the capital limit at which care home residents become liable to pay accommodation charges, currently set at #18,500, and what the reasons are f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to raise the capital limit at which care home residents become liable to pay accommodation charges, currently set at #18,500, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made unprecedented levels of funding available to support the cost of residential care as part of an overall package of over £1.3 billion for social services for 2002-03. There are no plans at present to raise the capital limits used in assessing a person's ability to contribute towards the cost of their residential care but these limits are reviewed on a regular basis.

Currently, care home residents with capital above the lower limit of £11,500 are required to contribute from their capital toward the cost of their care and those with capital above the upper limit of £18,500 are required to pay their fees in full. After 1 July those residents will still be required to pay accommodation charges but all in need of nursing care will be able to benefit by £65 per week and all older people will be able to benefit by up to £145 per week towards the cost of personal care.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161741,"EventID":"S1W-25189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is unnecessary for Stirling Council to maintain a marked register of all those who voted in the Teith Ward by-election held on 18 April 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is unnecessary for Stirling Council to maintain a marked register of all those who voted in the Teith Ward by-election held on 18 April 2002.","AnswerText":"A marked register is used to show that ballot papers have been issued to a voter in person at the polling station. The by-election in the Teith ward was conducted as an election pilot under section 5 of the Scottish Local Government (Elections) Act 2002, and was conducted by an all-postal ballot. All registered voters were issued with a ballot paper by post and therefore a marked register was not used. The pilot resulted in a 63.2% turnout, an increase of 20% over the previous by-election. Evaluation studies are being carried out by both Stirling Council and the Electoral Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161742,"EventID":"S1W-25190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there was any scientific evidence to fully justify the closure of the Sprat fisheries in the Firth of Forth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there was any scientific evidence to fully justify the closure of the Sprat fisheries in the Firth of Forth.","AnswerText":"The seasonal closure of the sprat fishery in the inner waters of the Firth of Forth is currently set out in Article 21 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms.

This closure was originally introduced in the 1970s. It was introduced specifically to protect herring. There was evidence that a very high proportion of juvenile herring were caught in the sprat fishery in that area.

Herring stocks collapsed during the 1970s and the herring fishery in the North Sea and to the west of Scotland was closed for a number of years.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161743,"EventID":"S1W-25191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the North Atlantic drift has had on cod stocks in the North Sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the North Atlantic drift has had on cod stocks in the North Sea.","AnswerText":"The North Atlantic drift is part of the oceanic current system that is responsible for the temperate climate of the UK, and northwestern Europe. It influences the temperature of the North Sea, and is also likely to have an influence on cod stocks in the North Sea. However, the precise mechanisms are not yet understood.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161744,"EventID":"S1W-25192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fires have occurred on vessels within 12 miles of the Scottish coastline in the last three years and whether any such incidents involved requests for assistance ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fires have occurred on vessels within 12 miles of the Scottish coastline in the last three years and whether any such incidents involved requests for assistance from coastal fire brigades.","AnswerText":"Fires at sea are a maritime safety issue, which is reserved. Commercially operating vessels are required to report accidents to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) if they are UK registered or carrying passengers to or from a UK port. The statistical information shown in the following table has been obtained from the MAIB and relates to a category of accident entitled "Fires/Explosions". The MAIB records indicate that there were no reports of assistance from coastal fire brigades in Scotland for any of the incidents recorded in the table. Information about recreational vessels e.g. yachts is being obtained from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and I will write to the member and place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

Year

Commercial Vessels

1999

9

2000

7

2001

6

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161745,"EventID":"S1W-25193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which coastal fire brigades have crews and resources trained to deal with vessels on fire at sea and other emergencies offshore.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which coastal fire brigades have crews and resources trained to deal with vessels on fire at sea and other emergencies offshore.","AnswerText":"The Maritime Coastguard Agency confirm that only one Scottish Fire Brigade - Highland and Islands - has a declared resource to firefight offshore. The agency would, however, ask each brigade if they could assist should an incident occur in their brigade area.

There are a range of complex issues surrounding the ability of fire brigades to fight fires at sea and these have been examined by HM Fire Service Inspectorate. The issues will also be considered as we take forward the recommendations contained in the Policy Paper The Scottish Fire Service of the Future, which was published on 29 April.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161746,"EventID":"S1W-25194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23859 by Dr Elaine Murray on 20 March 2002, whether the increase in funding to the Scottish Museums Council represents new monies o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23859 by Dr Elaine Murray on 20 March 2002, whether the increase in funding to the Scottish Museums Council represents new monies or monies from previously announced support for museums, such as those monies announced as part of the National Cultural Strategy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive awarded an increase in funding to the Scottish Museums Council in March 2001. Grant in aid to Scottish Museums Council has increased from £0.941 million in 2000-01 to £1.041 million in 2001-02, £1.191 million in 2002-03 and £1.441 million in 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161747,"EventID":"S1W-25195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of the care of children in cases where the parents are separated, whether there are any guidelines obliging NHS trusts to communicate with both parents; if th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in respect of the care of children in cases where the parents are separated, whether there are any guidelines obliging NHS trusts to communicate with both parents; if there are not, whether it will consider introducing such guidelines, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Where parents are separated their respective rights to information about their child's health or treatment depends on whether they have parental rights and responsibilities under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. It may also depend on the child's age, maturity and capacity to consent both to treatment and the disclosure of information about their care. In deciding whether or not to share information with a parent, the child's welfare should be the paramount consideration for NHS boards and trusts.

Guidelines for health professionals on children's capacity to consent and confidentiality are included in Protecting Children - A Shared Responsibility: guidance for health professionals, issued by the Health Department in 2000. The recently published final report of the Confidentiality and Security Advisory Group for Scotland provides further advice on access to medical and health-related information. The Executive has no current plans to issue guidance on access to information specifically for separated parents.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161748,"EventID":"S1W-25196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse practitioners currently practise in the NHS and in which areas they practise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse practitioners currently practise in the NHS and in which areas they practise.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161749,"EventID":"S1W-25197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse consultants currently practise in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse consultants currently practise in the NHS.","AnswerText":"There are 13 consultant nurses/midwives currently practising in NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161750,"EventID":"S1W-25198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clinical nurse specialists currently practise in the NHS and in which specialisms they practise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many clinical nurse specialists currently practise in the NHS and in which specialisms they practise.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161751,"EventID":"S1W-25199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to increase the number of (a) nurse practitioners, (b) nurse consultants and (c) clinical nurse specialists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to increase the number of (a) nurse practitioners, (b) nurse consultants and (c) clinical nurse specialists.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has supported NHS trusts by pump-priming the development of nurse consultant posts and in providing £6 million for a specialist nurse initiative to train an additional 210 specialist nurses.

I expect NHS trusts to address their current needs and to determine the staffing requirements to meet these.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161752,"EventID":"S1W-25200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS trust provides on-site childcare facilities for employees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS trust provides on-site childcare facilities for employees.","AnswerText":"Information on the provision of on-site childcare facilities by NHS trusts is not held centrally, but should be available from NHS trusts locally. The Scottish Executive is committed to family friendly policies and encourages all NHSScotland employers to adopt and support appropriate childcare policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161753,"EventID":"S1W-25201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether nurses working in the NHS receive payment, vouchers or any other financial support to pay for off-site childcare as part of their pay and conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether nurses working in the NHS receive payment, vouchers or any other financial support to pay for off-site childcare as part of their pay and conditions.","AnswerText":"The provision of financial support for off-site childcare is a matter for individual health boards and trusts to decide. The Scottish Executive is committed to family friendly policies and encourages all NHSScotland employers to adopt and support appropriate childcare policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161754,"EventID":"S1W-25202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24252 by Jim Wallace on 21 March 2002, which other recommendations from the Expert Panel on Sex Offending's report, Reducing the Ri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24252 by Jim Wallace on 21 March 2002, which other recommendations from the Expert Panel on Sex Offending's report, Reducing the Risk: Improving the response to sex offending, have been implemented and when it will implement any other of the committee's recommendations that have not been implemented. ","AnswerText":"I plan to publish the Executive's full response to the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending next month. In the meantime, we have included in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill provisions to implement the recommendations which will improve the information provided to Scottish courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161755,"EventID":"S1W-25203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop monitoring mechanisms for the tourism niche market of genealogy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to develop monitoring mechanisms for the tourism niche market of genealogy.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland. VisitScotland currently track the numbers of visitors to their genealogy website:

www.ancestralscotland.com.

They intend to further develop the interactive communication on the site as this will help to monitor consumer profiles and travel plans. VisitScotland will also shortly be recruiting a Genealogy Promotions Manager who will be responsible for developing and monitoring this niche market.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161756,"EventID":"S1W-25205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many audiology departments are complying with the Good Practice Guidance for Adult Hearing Aid Fittings and Services and what action is being taken to assist those de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many audiology departments are complying with the Good Practice Guidance for Adult Hearing Aid Fittings and Services and what action is being taken to assist those departments who are failing to comply with the guidance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-23845 20 March 2002 and S1W-24850 on 19 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161757,"EventID":"S1W-25206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Public Health Institute has a remit on tackling coronary heart disease and, if so, what programmes it has developed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Public Health Institute has a remit on tackling coronary heart disease and, if so, what programmes it has developed.","AnswerText":"The Public Health Institute for Scotland's remit extends to the creation of a Scotland wide learning network of practitioners, academics and decision makers around the topic of heart health. The functions of this network will be:

  • To sift, analyse and share the existing national and international evidence base.
  • To collate and analyse existing practice and share lessons.
  • To support local policy-makers and practitioners to translate policy priorities into strategic action.
  • To inform plans for dissemination and roll-out of lessons learned from the demonstration projects and identified areas of good practice.
  • To identify implications for future practice and put forward relevant strategies/plans.

A co-ordinator for the network has recently been appointed and will take up post on 1 May.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161758,"EventID":"S1W-25207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23297 by Malcolm Chisholm on 20 March 2002, what plans it has to collate information centrally on the use of statins, given that th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23297 by Malcolm Chisholm on 20 March 2002, what plans it has to collate information centrally on the use of statins, given that they are the drugs of first choice in the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Guideline 40 on Lipids and the Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease and that their prescription is one of the essential criteria in the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland's standards for secondary prevention following an acute myocardial infarction.","AnswerText":"Data on the prescribing of statins will be included in the National Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) database, as the data will be generated by routine patient management. Information about the database will be given in the CHD and Stroke Strategy for Scotland, which we expect to publish in the early summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161759,"EventID":"S1W-25208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23296 by Hugh Henry on 20 March 2002, whether there are adequate numbers of primary care nurses working in the field of coronary he","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23296 by Hugh Henry on 20 March 2002, whether there are adequate numbers of primary care nurses working in the field of coronary heart disease and, if not, what action is being taken to rectify this.","AnswerText":"As was made clear in my reply to the question S1W-23296, decisions regarding staffing levels for primary care nurses and the need for any specialist posts in the field of coronary heart disease are the responsibility for NHS boards. Information on the need for posts and how this is addressed is not held centrally. There is no specific guidance on appropriate staffing levels in relation to the provision of service in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161760,"EventID":"S1W-25209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it has given to the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it has given to the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine since 1999.","AnswerText":"Grants made by the Scottish Executive to the Scottish Maritime Museum since 1999 are set out as follows:

1999-2000

£15,000

2000-01

£20,000

£70,000

2001-02

£160,000

£110,000

2002-03

£160,000

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161761,"EventID":"S1W-25210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it has given to the Big Idea in Stevenston in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it has given to the Big Idea in Stevenston in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23995 on 3 April 2002. The Executive has provided no other funding. Enterprise Ayrshire did however contribute £500,000 towards the initial funding package.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161762,"EventID":"S1W-25211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to ensure that no existing industrial museum with a national designation from the Scottish Museums Council is allowed to either cease trading or she","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to ensure that no existing industrial museum with a national designation from the Scottish Museums Council is allowed to either cease trading or shed the majority of its staff.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has responsibility for the National Museums and Galleries of Scotland whereas the responsibility for the non-national museums, including industrial museums, lies with local agencies and those who set up and operate them.

The Scottish Executive is providing £420,000 per annum over three years to support three industrial museums: the Scottish Maritime Museum, the Scottish Mining Museum and the Scottish Fisheries Museum.

Matters affecting trading and staffing at industrial museums are the responsibility of the trusts which run the industrial museums.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161763,"EventID":"S1W-25212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requests for assistance it has received from industrial museums in the last 18 months and what its response has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requests for assistance it has received from industrial museums in the last 18 months and what its response has been.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received a number of requests for funding from industrial museums in the last 18 months.

In December 2000, the Executive announced a funding package of £1.26 million over three years towards the running costs of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, the Scottish Maritime Museum and the Scottish Mining Museum. In December 2001 the Executive awarded a further £110,000 to the Scottish Maritime Museum.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161764,"EventID":"S1W-25213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is undertaken of ambulance response times in Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is undertaken of ambulance response times in Angus.","AnswerText":"Demand levels and response times across the East Central Ambulance Division, which covers the Angus area, are reported twice daily. This in turn supports weekly monitoring information that is used for performance management purposes by officers from ambulance station level through to divisional managers, national headquarters and the health department.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161765,"EventID":"S1W-25214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ambulance response times have increased in Angus since the withdrawal of acute services from Stracathro Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ambulance response times have increased in Angus since the withdrawal of acute services from Stracathro Hospital.","AnswerText":"There has been a marginal increase in the average length of time the emergency service has been taking to respond to 999 emergency calls. But in the Angus area, the service is still exceeding the national target that is designed to provide for 50% of emergency calls receiving a response within eight minutes. The service is currently achieving 52.3% in Angus. This may be seen against the background of a 28% increase in the numbers of patients seen.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161766,"EventID":"S1W-25215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes there have been to the provision of ambulance services for Angus since the withdrawal of acute services from Stracathro Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes there have been to the provision of ambulance services for Angus since the withdrawal of acute services from Stracathro Hospital.","AnswerText":"An additional seven front line emergency ambulance staff are now operational in the Angus area and there are another two vacancies waiting to be filled. All the ambulance stations in the area are now operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A paramedic-led thrombolytic service has been introduced to reduce the "pain to needle" time for cardiac patients who require thrombolysis. There are also plans to introduce some dedicated "GPs' urgent" resources in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161767,"EventID":"S1W-25216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients in Angus requiring ambulance transfers within one or two hours are not transported within this timeframe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of patients in Angus requiring ambulance transfers within one or two hours are not transported within this timeframe.","AnswerText":"There has been an improvement in the performance in response to GPs' urgent calls. These calls mostly concern the admission of patients to hospital following a doctor's home visit. Here the service aim to transfer 95% of such requests to hospital within 15 minutes of the time agreed with the doctor, which might typically be two or three hours from the time the request is made. In Angus the service is currently transferring 90.7% of such cases to hospital within 15 minutes - an improvement of 2% on the previous reporting period.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161768,"EventID":"S1W-25217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the provision of ambulance services in Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the provision of ambulance services in Angus.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25215.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161769,"EventID":"S1W-25218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution women's golf events make to the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution women's golf events make to the economy.","AnswerText":"Golf tourism contributes in the region of £100 million each year to the economy. This is not, however, broken down into separate figures for men's and women's golf.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161770,"EventID":"S1W-25219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which major golfing events will be included in the major events strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which major golfing events will be included in the major events strategy.","AnswerText":"The events which may be included in the Major Events Strategy are being considered by Objective Performance Limited as part of the work they are carrying out on behalf of the Executive. This work should be completed by the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161771,"EventID":"S1W-25220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which major women's golfing events will be included in the major events strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which major women's golfing events will be included in the major events strategy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1W-25219.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161772,"EventID":"S1W-25221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a list of works of art from the national collections currently on loan both within and outwith Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a list of works of art from the national collections currently on loan both within and outwith Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161773,"EventID":"S1W-25222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the planned budget is for the arts strategy for the new Parliament buildings at Holyrood. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the planned budget is for the arts strategy for the new Parliament buildings at Holyrood. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has recently initiated the implementation of the first phase of an art programme for the Holyrood building based on the agreed overall Parliament Art Strategy. The SPCB has earmarked £250,000 for this first phase; this initial funding will form the basis for commissioning a number of significant new works of art to mark the opening of the new Parliament building in 2003. The Parliament will also seek to involve others in the first stage of the programme through sponsorship and loans of established work.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161774,"EventID":"S1W-25223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans to introduce national motorways, trunk and ring road tolls in England and Wales as published by the UK Minister for Transport, Local Government and the Regi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans to introduce national motorways, trunk and ring road tolls in England and Wales as published by the UK Minister for Transport, Local Government and the Regions will be extended to Scotland.","AnswerText":"No. The legislative framework which applies in Scotland is quite different from that in England and Wales.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161775,"EventID":"S1W-25224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the staff establishment has been in the Scottish Prison Service estates department in each of the last 20 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the staff establishment has been in the Scottish Prison Service estates department in each of the last 20 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Historical information is not available. Currently 34 staff are employed in Estates Development.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161776,"EventID":"S1W-25225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of staff employed in the Scottish Prison estates department has been in each of the last 20 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of staff employed in the Scottish Prison estates department has been in each of the last 20 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Historical information is not available. Currently 34 staff are employed in Estates Development.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161777,"EventID":"S1W-25226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff have been registered with the Architects Registration Board in each of the last 20 years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff have been registered with the Architects Registration Board in each of the last 20 years. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Historical information is not available. Currently four staff are registered with the Architects Registration Board.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161778,"EventID":"S1W-25227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff have been members of the Institution of Structural Engineers in each of the last 20 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff have been members of the Institution of Structural Engineers in each of the last 20 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Historical information is not available. Currently no staff are members of the Institute of Structural Engineers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161779,"EventID":"S1W-25228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff have been members of the Institution of Civil Engineers in each of the last 20 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff have been members of the Institution of Civil Engineers in each of the last 20 years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Historical information is not available. Currently one member of staff is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161780,"EventID":"S1W-25229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people completing modern apprenticeships in the last two years have obtained national qualifications.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people completing modern apprenticeships in the last two years have obtained national qualifications.","AnswerText":"All of the 8,245 modern apprenticeships who completed training in the last two years obtained a Scottish Vocational Qualification at level 3 or above.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161781,"EventID":"S1W-25230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments are made of those companies and organisations which provide modern apprenticeship schemes for young men and women and how often such assessments take pl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments are made of those companies and organisations which provide modern apprenticeship schemes for young men and women and how often such assessments take place.","AnswerText":"The enterprise network use the Scottish Quality Management System (SQMS) to assess training providers involved in modern apprenticeships. The SQMS ensures that training programmes and providers meet and maintain minimum quality criteria. Training providers are appraised under the SQMS at least once a year and the enterprise network monitor activity throughout the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161782,"EventID":"S1W-25231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is given to those organisations and companies which offer modern apprenticeship schemes to enable them to meet adequate skill and training standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is given to those organisations and companies which offer modern apprenticeship schemes to enable them to meet adequate skill and training standards.","AnswerText":"The enterprise network provide support to training providers and companies to help them achieve the standards defined in the Scottish Quality Management System (SQMS). This includes expert advice and guidance and financial contributions towards training.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161783,"EventID":"S1W-25232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what intimation it received, and when, of the e-mail message of 12.58 pm on 21 March 2002 to Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff by Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what intimation it received, and when, of the e-mail message of 12.58 pm on 21 March 2002 to Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff by Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the SPS, regarding the prison estate review.","AnswerText":"The e-mail referred to was part of a package of internal measures to inform Scottish Prison Service staff of how they could participate in the prison estate review consultation process. It was therefore not copied to other parts of the Scottish Executive at the time of issue.

The Scottish Prison Service have confirmed that all staff were briefed on the process of the Estates Review when the Executive's proposals were published. As part of the presentation they were told that they had the right to make personal representations to their local elected representatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161784,"EventID":"S1W-25233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports it has received or requested from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) on the e-mail message of 12.58 pm on 21 March 2002 to SPS staff by Mr Tony Cameron, Chie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reports it has received or requested from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) on the e-mail message of 12.58 pm on 21 March 2002 to SPS staff by Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the SPS, regarding the prison estate review.","AnswerText":"No reports have been requested. I have however seen a copy of the relevant e-mail and I am satisfied that Mr Cameron was properly advising staff about their duty of impartiality as civil servants and providing the means whereby staff could express their views through line management or trade union representatives. No instructions have been issued to SPS staff either in the e-mail from the Chief Executive or otherwise that would infringe their right to raise any matters of concern with their elected representatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161785,"EventID":"S1W-25234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the e-mail message of 12.58 pm on 21 March 2002 to Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff by Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the SPS, regarding the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the e-mail message of 12.58 pm on 21 March 2002 to Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff by Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the SPS, regarding the prison estate review, which of the proposals contained in its consultation on the review are elements of Executive policy or of SPS practices.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The options were prepared by SPS with the costs reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers at the request of the Scottish Executive. The Scottish Executive published its proposals for consultation. As the results of the consultation are currently being considered, these remain proposals unless and until they are adopted as Executive policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161786,"EventID":"S1W-25235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that key stakeholders and social partners are able fully to participate in discussions on its consultation on the prison estate review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that key stakeholders and social partners are able fully to participate in discussions on its consultation on the prison estate review.","AnswerText":"The review has been widely distributed including on the Scottish Executive website. A variety of response mechanisms are available and I encourage everyone to respond.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161787,"EventID":"S1W-25236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received from the Scottish Prison Service the report, Constructing the Future, prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received from the Scottish Prison Service the report, Constructing the Future, prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000 and, if so, when it received it.","AnswerText":"No. Mr Murch did not prepare such a report. Constructing the Future was one of several internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions which were subsequently taken into account in the SPS Estates Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161788,"EventID":"S1W-25237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made on its behalf of the report, Constructing the Future, prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made on its behalf of the report, Constructing the Future, prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25236.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161789,"EventID":"S1W-25238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial review, if any, has been made on its behalf of the investment decisions proposed in the report, Constructing the Future, prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial review, if any, has been made on its behalf of the investment decisions proposed in the report, Constructing the Future, prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25236.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161790,"EventID":"S1W-25239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the annual accident figures for roads where route accident reduction plans have been implemented within the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the annual accident figures for roads where route accident reduction plans have been implemented within the past three years.","AnswerText":"At least three year's accident figures are required in order to see how well a route accident reduction plan (RARP) is performing. An analysis of the accident figures for pre-1999 RARPs has been prepared to illustrate the reduction, or otherwise, of injury accidents along these lengths of road. The figures may be distorted by traffic growth, development in the vicinity, treatment of accident cluster sites and the carrying out of improvement schemes or major maintenance, but they do suggest that some RARPs have worked and some have not. They are attempting to deal with the most difficult type of accident to treat - the random occurrence of crashes along a length of road. The effectiveness of various types of treatment in different locations is being monitored, and should result in more effective investment in such schemes in the future.

Trunk Road Route Accident Reduction Plans (1996-98)

Route

Scheme Name

Completion

Date

Estimated

Cost

Before

ACCS

After

ACCS

A87

Invergarry to Kyle of Lochalsh

31/10/1997

£268,330

61

41

A9

Dornoch to Scrabster

31/07/1997

£320,000

104

57

A84

Stirling to Crianlarich

30/05/1997

£150,000

83

100

A83

Tarbet to Kennacraig

01/03/1998

£575,000

98

124

A85

Lochearnhead to Crianlarich

17/12/1997

£155,000

32

34

A887

Invermoriston to Bun Loyne

28/02/1998

£61,226

6

6

A737

Beith to Dalry

31/10/1997

£65,000

34

26

A737

Howwood to Renfrewshire

15/03/1999

£24,500

29

No. This is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161792,"EventID":"S1W-25241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication by Her Majesty's Government of the report Review of PFI and Market Testing in the Prison Service in regard to prisons in England and Wales, w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the publication by Her Majesty's Government of the report Review of PFI and Market Testing in the Prison Service in regard to prisons in England and Wales, what its policy is in regard to the publication of staff numbers in any private prison in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Decisions and disclosure of any inputs, including any staffing details, is a matter for the contractors.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161793,"EventID":"S1W-25242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what criteria the Rent Registration Service sets rent levels for housing benefit purposes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what criteria the Rent Registration Service sets rent levels for housing benefit purposes.","AnswerText":"The Rent Registration Service sets rent levels for housing benefit purposes in line with legislation drawn up by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and approved by the UK Parliament.

The legislation requires the Rent Officer to make a significantly high rent determination if he considers that the tenant's rent is significantly higher than that which the landlord might reasonably expect to obtain on the open market at that time.

If the dwelling exceeds the defined size criteria for the household, the Rent Officer must determine a rent for a similar tenancy of the appropriate size for that household in the vicinity.

If the rent officer considers that the rent for the dwelling is exceptionally high, he has to determine the highest rent (which is not exceptionally high) which the landlord might reasonably be expected to obtain for a similar tenancy in the same neighbourhood.

The Rent Officer makes his determination on the basis of his knowledge of the local market and, in doing so, looks at similar tenancies in the same vicinity. In particular, the Rent Officer will consider the proposed rent against his or her determination of the mid-point market rent for the appropriate size of dwelling in the locality. These \"Local Reference Rents\" (\"Single Room Rents\" for claimants under 25) are calculated by formulae defined in the legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161794,"EventID":"S1W-25243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines there are for the Rent Registration Service on reducing rent levels previously set for housing benefit purposes in respect of buildings that do not meet a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines there are for the Rent Registration Service on reducing rent levels previously set for housing benefit purposes in respect of buildings that do not meet acceptable standards.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25242.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161795,"EventID":"S1W-25244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities can reduce rent levels set for housing benefit purposes by the Rent Registration Service in respect of properties that do not meet acceptable st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities can reduce rent levels set for housing benefit purposes by the Rent Registration Service in respect of properties that do not meet acceptable standards.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25242.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161796,"EventID":"S1W-25245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts the number of 1,416 acute hospital beds occupied full-time by patients with hospital-acquired infection (HAI) as estimated by Dr Andrew Walker in his r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it accepts the number of 1,416 acute hospital beds occupied full-time by patients with hospital-acquired infection (HAI) as estimated by Dr Andrew Walker in his report into HAI and bed use in the NHS.","AnswerText":"There are no statistics on hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and bed use. Any figure can only be an estimate based on studies conducted in a few hospitals in England and elsewhere.

The new HAI surveillance system currently provides data on the incidence of blood-borne MRSA infections and will provide similar data on the incidence of infection for selected surgical site infections and neurosurgery.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161797,"EventID":"S1W-25246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account will be taken of Dr Andrew Walker's report into hospital-acquired infection and bed use in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account will be taken of Dr Andrew Walker's report into hospital-acquired infection and bed use in the NHS.","AnswerText":"Dr Walker's report will contribute along with other information and studies to the development of policy for dealing with health care associated infection.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161798,"EventID":"S1W-25247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact actions taken to tackle hospital-acquired infection are having.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact actions taken to tackle hospital-acquired infection are having.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has put in place a range of measures to tackle hospital acquired infection (HAI). These include the introduction of service standards by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) for infection control and cleaning services, a national mandatory system of surveillance of HAI, improved measures for the decontamination of re-usable medical devices, the antimicrobial resistance strategy and additional funding for the training of infection control nurses.

The CSBS interim report on performance against the infection control standard will be the first indication of how well the NHS in Scotland is responding to the new measures.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161799,"EventID":"S1W-25248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about introducing capital city policing in Edinburgh; from whom any such representations have been received; whether capital city pol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about introducing capital city policing in Edinburgh; from whom any such representations have been received; whether capital city policing will be introduced in Edinburgh and, if so, what funding will be made available.","AnswerText":"Representations have been received from the Lothian and Borders Joint Police Board and also from the Chief Constable.

Funding for the Scottish Police Service is currently at record levels. It is a matter for the Lothian and Borders Joint Police Board to set a budget for its area and, within that, for the Chief Constable to determine how best to use the resources available to him to meet local needs and circumstances. In addition, forces have also received extra funding to meet a number of special pressures. Among the extra amounts provided to Lothian and Borders Police in this way are: (i) £4.4 million over the past three years for new recruitment; (ii) £0.1 million in 2001-02 to meet the costs of the Scottish Parliament Police Unit when the Parliament is not sitting - the Parliament meets the rest of the costs of this unit, and (iii) £0.4 million in 2001-02 for additional policing costs incurred following the events of 11 September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161800,"EventID":"S1W-25249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote or fund further bus park-and-ride schemes similar to Ferry Toll in Fife; what sites have been selected under any such plans, and what (a) fun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote or fund further bus park-and-ride schemes similar to Ferry Toll in Fife; what sites have been selected under any such plans, and what (a) funds have provided and (b) steps have been taken to date.","AnswerText":"Promotion of park-and-ride schemes is a matter for individual local authorities.

The Scottish Executive supports the development of park-and-ride and other interchange schemes through the Public Transport Fund. To date over £20 million has been awarded towards 10 different park-and-ride schemes in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Angus, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Falkirk, Stirling, and Midlothian.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161801,"EventID":"S1W-25250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current position is on the financing of the M74 northern extension. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current position is on the financing of the M74 northern extension. ","AnswerText":"The position remains as stated in the answer given by Sarah Boyack to Robert Brown in question S1W-15440 11 May 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161802,"EventID":"S1W-25252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the private build, private operate option for prisons and, in particular, the projected more flexible use of staff and reduced labour costs under that option are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the private build, private operate option for prisons and, in particular, the projected more flexible use of staff and reduced labour costs under that option are consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Executive and the Scottish Trades Union Congress.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161803,"EventID":"S1W-25253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much PricewaterhouseCoopers was paid for its Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and whether this fee was included in the costings for the Publ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much PricewaterhouseCoopers was paid for its Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review and whether this fee was included in the costings for the Public/Private Partnership options in the prison estates review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24578 on 26 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161804,"EventID":"S1W-25254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has received for the support of post offices in deprived urban areas in 2002-03 and how such funding will be utilised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has received for the support of post offices in deprived urban areas in 2002-03 and how such funding will be utilised.","AnswerText":"Ministers are currently considering this and I hope to be able to advise you further in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161805,"EventID":"S1W-25255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (a) was invited to and (b) attended the recent tourism summit hosted by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport (a) was invited to and (b) attended the recent tourism summit hosted by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I was invited and decided against attending.

The meeting is for Whitehall Departments that have a tourism interest. The proposed agenda was almost exclusively related to England. While the work of the BTA was briefly touched on, I had met with the BTA Chair only a few weeks before, and fully discussed issues relating to the BTA's role in Scotland. Both my Deputy minister, Elaine Murray, and I are in regular contact with our counterparts both in the UK government and in other devolved regions.

I have been invited to attend a meeting of Tourism Ministers from the UK Government, and the devolved administrations, to discuss issues of common concern. At present a mutually convenient date is being sought.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161806,"EventID":"S1W-25256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the consultation paper on the review of the law of diligence will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the consultation paper on the review of the law of diligence will be published.","AnswerText":"I am publishing today a consultation paper which contains proposals for wide ranging reforms to the diligence system. The consultation period will run until 16 July 2002.

The paper is available on the Scottish Executive website at:

www.scotland.gsi.gov.uk/consultations/justice/CivOb-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161807,"EventID":"S1W-25257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring has taken place over the last three years of resources devoted by local authorities to the provision of an archaeological service in line with the Nationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring has taken place over the last three years of resources devoted by local authorities to the provision of an archaeological service in line with the National Planning Policy Guideline 5 and whether such resources are adequate, given the remit of local authorities in respect of archaeological issues raised on unscheduled monuments under both the local authority planning function and Executive initiatives on forestry and agri-environment schemes.","AnswerText":"No formal monitoring has taken place. However, the Scottish Executive, through Historic Scotland, is aware of the range of provision made for archaeological services by Scottish local authorities. It is for each local authority to allocate its resources across the range of services that it provides in the light of locally determined priorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161808,"EventID":"S1W-25258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken in each of the last three years in order to encourage any local authorities that do not have a professional archaeology service in line with Natio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken in each of the last three years in order to encourage any local authorities that do not have a professional archaeology service in line with National Planning Policy Guideline 5 to establish such a service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, through Historic Scotland (HS), takes every appropriate opportunity to encourage local authorities to provide a professional archaeology service.

Historic Scotland has given financial support to a number of councils over recent years. In all cases HS support has been directed towards the establishment of adequate Sites and Monuments Records (SMR) as described in National Planning Policy Guideline 5: Archaeology and Planning. In the last three years HS has provided SMR support grants in the order of £35-£40,000 per annum.

Within the last three years new archaeologist appointments have been made in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Perth and Kinross Council and East Lothian Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161809,"EventID":"S1W-25259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring has taken place of the effectiveness of National Planning Policy Guideline 5 and Planning Advice Note 42 and whether it will publish any statistics that i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring has taken place of the effectiveness of National Planning Policy Guideline 5 and Planning Advice Note 42 and whether it will publish any statistics that it has gathered in this respect over the last three years.","AnswerText":"No such monitoring has taken place.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161810,"EventID":"S1W-25260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Superfast Ferries about recruiting locally-based labour for the on-board ferry crew.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Superfast Ferries about recruiting locally-based labour for the on-board ferry crew.","AnswerText":"The recruitment of seagoing staff by Superfast Ferries for its new Rosyth to Zeebrugge service is a commercial matter for the company. I understand that the company recently advertised for seagoing staff in the Scottish press.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161811,"EventID":"S1W-25261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the freight facilities grant for the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry link, whether any conditions have been imposed on Superfast Ferries in respect of hiring (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the freight facilities grant for the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry link, whether any conditions have been imposed on Superfast Ferries in respect of hiring (a) UK or (b) other EU-based labour; whether it will give details of any such conditions, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The terms of the freight facilities grant payable to the Forth Ports plc in respect of the ferry facilities at Rosyth do not impose any conditions about the recruitment of seagoing staff by Superfast Ferries. As advised in my answer to question S1W-25260 on 7 May 2002, the recruitment of seagoing staff is a commercial matter for the company.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161812,"EventID":"S1W-25262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken with regard to upgrading access roads between the Rosyth ferry terminal and the M90; what (a) funding has been secured and (b) timetable exists ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken with regard to upgrading access roads between the Rosyth ferry terminal and the M90; what (a) funding has been secured and (b) timetable exists in respect of such upgrading, and what studies have been carried out into the (i) current and (ii) projected traffic flow volume through Rosyth and its effect on the community and residents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive held discussions earlier this year with Fife Council about the council's strategy for access to the Rosyth Ferry Terminal. These discussions were largely concerned with signage, particularly for heavy goods vehicles. However, the main access route to the terminal, the A823(N) is a local road and it is therefore a matter for the council to consider whether any upgrading of the road is likely to be required.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161813,"EventID":"S1W-25263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make arrangements for any of its functions in respect of the deliberate release of GM materials to be exercised on its behalf by a Minister of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make arrangements for any of its functions in respect of the deliberate release of GM materials to be exercised on its behalf by a Minister of the Crown.","AnswerText":"An order was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 28 March 2002 in exercise of powers conferred by sections 93(3) and 113 of the Scotland Act 1998. The instrument specifies certain functions for the purposes of section 93(1) of that act, which may be exercised by a Minister of the Crown on behalf of Scottish ministers. The relevant functions in relation to the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms are:

maintaining the public register;

determining those particulars which may be excluded from the public register for reasons of commercial confidentiality, and

receiving and examining applications for consent to release or market genetically modified organisms.

The order does not transfer ministerial responsibility for these functions but, in practice, provides for suitably qualified officials in a UK Government department to carry out certain functions in accordance with the terms of an agency arrangement. This clarifies an arrangement which has been in place since the mid-1990s and does not constitute any change in practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161814,"EventID":"S1W-25264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the European Union that the precautionary principle should apply when considering applications to allow the deliberate release of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the European Union that the precautionary principle should apply when considering applications to allow the deliberate release of GM materials into the environment.","AnswerText":"The precautionary principle is already fundamental to the European regulatory framework governing the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161815,"EventID":"S1W-25265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the prescribing of steroid creams on the NHS and, in particular, whether repeat prescriptions for children are common practice in any part of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the prescribing of steroid creams on the NHS and, in particular, whether repeat prescriptions for children are common practice in any part of the country, given medical advice that courses of steroid creams for children should be limited to five days.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to investigate the prescribing of steroid creams on the NHS.

It is not possible to monitor repeated use of steroid creams in children from data collected centrally. These data relate to prescribed items dispensed in the community and are not patient-specific.

Guidance on the use of these products is available to doctors from a number of sources. Importantly, the British National Formulary, issued free to doctors, provides prescribing advice, which includes advice on topical corticosteroid use in children.

The use of these treatments depends on the clinical judgement of the doctor concerned, informed by advice and evidence about their use.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161816,"EventID":"S1W-25266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been transferred from HM Prison Kilmarnock to other establishments operated by Premier Prison Services Ltd in (a) 1998-1999, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-0","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have been transferred from HM Prison Kilmarnock to other establishments operated by Premier Prison Services Ltd in (a) 1998-1999, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02 and 2002-03 to the present date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

This is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161817,"EventID":"S1W-25267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 95 of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether in estimating costs for a publicly built prison the review assumed the adoption of a p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 95 of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether in estimating costs for a publicly built prison the review assumed the adoption of a project management approach to add certainty to the delivery of the project to deadline, detailing the reasons for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The estimated costs assumed that an appropriate project management system would be in place. The Scottish Prison Service is already using a project management approach in its present houseblock building programme and would apply a similar approach in the construction of any new prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161818,"EventID":"S1W-25268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 95 of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether in estimating costs for a publicly built prison, the review assumed the adoption of a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 95 of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether in estimating costs for a publicly built prison, the review assumed the adoption of a fixed price construction contract, detailing the reasons for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

All construction costs were determined by professional advisers based on best estimates of industry costs, with appropriate risk analysis. Contract type is a matter for a later stage when it would be decided how best to manage all identified risks.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161819,"EventID":"S1W-25269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 95 of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether in estimating costs for a publicly built prison it assumed the minimisation of late de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 95 of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether in estimating costs for a publicly built prison it assumed the minimisation of late design changes during construction by introducing an independent design certifier, detailing the reasons for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The estimated costs assumed that an appropriate change control system would be in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161820,"EventID":"S1W-25270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 95 of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, what cost-saving measures it assumed the Scottish Prison Service could make in constructing a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 95 of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, what cost-saving measures it assumed the Scottish Prison Service could make in constructing a new publicly built prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

All construction costs were determined by professional advisers based on best estimates of industry costs to provide the specification set by SPS. No additional savings were assumed.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161821,"EventID":"S1W-25271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the costs of removing appliances which are old, broken or no longer required in properties which have had central heating systems replaced under the central heat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the costs of removing appliances which are old, broken or no longer required in properties which have had central heating systems replaced under the central heating programme in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency should be borne by the assigned contractor or the recipient of the newly supplied system.","AnswerText":"The central heating programme is aimed at those who have no central heating at all. The only circumstance in which existing systems will be replaced is where they are completely broken and beyond repair. In such cases the existing system will be taken out if it prevents installation of the new central heating. The heating company will remove the existing system but it will be for the householder to arrange for its disposal and bear the cost of doing so.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161822,"EventID":"S1W-25272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any instances in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency of contractors fitting systems under the central heating programme and not removing app","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any instances in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency of contractors fitting systems under the central heating programme and not removing appliances which were old, broken or no longer required, detailing the reasons behind any such instances.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161823,"EventID":"S1W-25273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions it provided to contractors fitting systems under its central heating programme in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency regarding the removal and di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions it provided to contractors fitting systems under its central heating programme in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency regarding the removal and disposal of appliances which are old, broken or no longer required, and when and how any such instructions were issued.","AnswerText":"Instructions to contractors working on the central heating programme are issued to them as they are appointed. The instructions provide that any existing heating system is to be taken out if it prevents the fitting of new central heating under the programme. There is no requirement on contractors to dispose of old appliances and fittings. It is for the householder to arrange disposal and bear the cost of doing so.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161824,"EventID":"S1W-25274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what definition of central heating system it uses under its central heating programme and what minimum type of system recipients could expect to receive in each of the fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what definition of central heating system it uses under its central heating programme and what minimum type of system recipients could expect to receive in each of the fuel categories covered by the programme.","AnswerText":"The definition of a central heating system is given in the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2001 No. 267. A gas, electric, oil or solid fuel central heating system is typically installed in the living room, the hall, the bathroom and the main bedroom or bedrooms, depending on the size of the household. All systems in the private sector must perform to the specifications set by the Scottish Executive and be capable of achieving a temperature of 23 deg C in the living room and 18 deg C in the other rooms. Local authorities and housing associations have been given these specifications also.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161825,"EventID":"S1W-25275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24336 by Iain Gray on 16 April 2002, how many (a) people and (b) agencies have been engaged in a consultative capacity by and on be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24336 by Iain Gray on 16 April 2002, how many (a) people and (b) agencies have been engaged in a consultative capacity by and on behalf of Scottish Homes in each of the last five years and at what cost.","AnswerText":"The details of individual consultancy assignments on behalf of Scottish Homes over the last five years are not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, I can confirm that Scottish Homes total expenditure on fees and consultancy in the last five years was as follows:
 

Expenditure on Fees and Consultancy

(£ million)

1997-98

1.820

1998-99

1.539

1999-2000

1.698

2000-01

1.789

2001-021

1.100

Note:

1. Estimate.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161826,"EventID":"S1W-25276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24494 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 April 2002, why the information requested by the second part of the question was not given and whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24494 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 April 2002, why the information requested by the second part of the question was not given and whether Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust has confirmed that the practices of refusing to accept a referral and closing waiting lists no longer exist.","AnswerText":"Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust has confirmed that it does not refuse referrals and has no closed waiting lists.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161827,"EventID":"S1W-25277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its strategy for housing includes a national percentage target for home ownership and, if so, what the target is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its strategy for housing includes a national percentage target for home ownership and, if so, what the target is.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not have a national percentage target for home ownership in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161828,"EventID":"S1W-25278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Communities Scotland operates a percentage target for home ownership when approving housing projects for grant funding; if so, whether this target is uniform acr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Communities Scotland operates a percentage target for home ownership when approving housing projects for grant funding; if so, whether this target is uniform across the country or varies geographically, and what any such national or local targets are.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

Communities Scotland does not operate a specific percentage target for home ownership. Local programmes are developed in close consultation with partners and reflect a broad range of existing partnership arrangements. Local programmes are based upon local housing market and needs analysis to identify, consistent with our strategy, the demands, needs and opportunities for housing investment. It is this local analysis that dictates the requirement for home ownership in an area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161829,"EventID":"S1W-25279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are of the increase in employer's National Insurance contributions for local authorities as employers and whether it will make any assistance avail","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are of the increase in employer's National Insurance contributions for local authorities as employers and whether it will make any assistance available to local authorities to meet additional expenditure on such contributions.","AnswerText":"The implications for local authorities of the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions will depend on a range of factors which relate to councils' staffing and pay levels. We are discussing the total future funding requirements for local government with COSLA as part of the spending review process.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161830,"EventID":"S1W-25280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to (a) the Ministry of Defence and (b) the British Army about withdrawal of guards from Edinburgh Castle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to (a) the Ministry of Defence and (b) the British Army about withdrawal of guards from Edinburgh Castle.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies engage in discussion with the Ministry of Defence and the Army on a wide range of issues, including the management of Edinburgh Castle.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161831,"EventID":"S1W-25281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it owns any part of Edinburgh Castle and what role it plays in the operation of the castle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it owns any part of Edinburgh Castle and what role it plays in the operation of the castle.","AnswerText":"Title to Edinburgh Castle is held by the Scottish ministers. Historic Scotland manages the whole castle site, including the esplanade, on their behalf.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161832,"EventID":"S1W-25282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what areas of Edinburgh Castle are occupied or used by (a) the Ministry of Defence and (b) the British Army and whether any rent is paid or payment made by each in respe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what areas of Edinburgh Castle are occupied or used by (a) the Ministry of Defence and (b) the British Army and whether any rent is paid or payment made by each in respect of such use.","AnswerText":"The army occupy the following areas:

the Barrack Block (offices and accommodation);

a large majority of the Governor's House with use of the Governor's Garden (Officer's Mess and Governor's official residence);

the Gatehouse south wing (Guard accommodation);

the Gunner's Hut, and

the new Piping School (administration and stores).

The Ministry of Defence provide supporting clerical and administrative staff to the army personnel based at Edinburgh Castle.

There are also two Regimental Museums which occupy part of the Barrack Block, the upper floor of the old Military Prison and the old Drill Hall.

No payment is made for use of the buildings.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161833,"EventID":"S1W-25283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers in Lothian and Borders Police Force claimed Criminal Injuries Compensation in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers in Lothian and Borders Police Force claimed Criminal Injuries Compensation in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161834,"EventID":"S1W-25284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers left Lothian and Borders Police Force as a result of work-related ill health in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers left Lothian and Borders Police Force as a result of work-related ill health in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of work-related ill-health retirements is not held centrally. It would be open to the member to approach Lothian and Borders Police to obtain these figures. The numbers of officers from Lothian and Borders Police who retired early on ill-health grounds in 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01 are 22, 32, 32 and 35 respectively. Better management of ill-health retirement is currently being considered by the Police Negotiating Board which advises Government on the pay and conditions of police officers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161835,"EventID":"S1W-25285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has allocated to the concessionary fares scheme in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority has allocated to the concessionary fares scheme in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Full information on councils' detailed budget plans for 2002-03 is not yet available. Councils will not set their final budgets for 2003-04 until later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161836,"EventID":"S1W-25286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents police officers from Lothian and Borders Police Force have been requested to attend by (a) the Vehicle Inspectorate, (b) the Immigration and Nationali","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents police officers from Lothian and Borders Police Force have been requested to attend by (a) the Vehicle Inspectorate, (b) the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, (c) HM Customs and Excise, (d) the Department for Work and Pensions and (e) local authority social work departments in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161837,"EventID":"S1W-25287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers in Lothian and Borders Police Force have been the subject of a complaint in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers in Lothian and Borders Police Force have been the subject of a complaint in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Information on the basis sought is not held centrally. The following table gives the number of complaint allegations made involving officers in Lothian and Borders Police and also the number of cases investigated:

Year

Complaint allegations made

No of cases investigated

1996-97

426

251

1997-98

385

210

1998-99

492

320

1999-2000

619

347

2000-01

625

340

Notes:

1. An allegation may involve a complaint against more than one officer. A case is defined as a single investigation undertaken by an investigating officer into one incident or a group of incidents following a complaint by one or more persons.

2. Neither of the columns in the table equate to the number of officers who have been the subject of a complaint because, for example, more than one person may make a complaint about a single officer, someone may make a complaint about a number of officers or an officer may be the subject over a period of more than one complaint.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161838,"EventID":"S1W-25288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on any plans of Strathclyde Passenger Transport in respect of constructing a rail link to Strathbungo and what consideration has been given to any im","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on any plans of Strathclyde Passenger Transport in respect of constructing a rail link to Strathbungo and what consideration has been given to any impact of such a link on the financing and delivery of the M74 northern extension.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had initial discussions about the Strathbungo Link with Strathclyde Passenger Transport. Those discussions include an assessment of the impact of the proposed link on the M74 northern extension. No decision has yet been reached on the Strathbungo Link or the final alignment of the M74 where it crosses the proposed link.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161839,"EventID":"S1W-25289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to set up community warden schemes in the Lothians and the Borders or whether it will rule out the use of such schemes in those areas. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to set up community warden schemes in the Lothians and the Borders or whether it will rule out the use of such schemes in those areas. ","AnswerText":"We have no plans for community support officers with police powers in Scotland to undertake neighbourhood patrols along the lines proposed south of the border. However, the Scottish Executive has provided funding under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF) for a pilot to explore the use of neighbourhood wardens in part of Paisley. Their principal function will be to observe and report incidents to local authority colleagues or the police, as appropriate, with the aim of reducing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161840,"EventID":"S1W-25290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24373 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002, what the total number of suicides among (a) men and (b) women prisoners was in each of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24373 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002, what the total number of suicides among (a) men and (b) women prisoners was in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

Year

(a)

(b)

1997-98

12

1

1998-99

13

1

1999-2000

17*

nil

2000-01

11*

nil

2001-02

9**

2

Notes:

*FAI determination awaited on one apparent suicide.

**FAI determination awaited on six apparent suicides.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161841,"EventID":"S1W-25291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual financial impact will be of the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions for (a) Scottish Enterprise, (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual financial impact will be of the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions for (a) Scottish Enterprise, (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (c) each local enterprise company in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"The overall annual financial impact of the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions for the public sector in Scotland as a whole is estimated to be no more than £80 million. For any individual organisation such as the enterprise bodies, the impact will be roughly equivalent to 1% of the pay bill. Details of how much individual public sector organisations spend on pay is already made available through a wide range of published documents, including for example bodies' annual reports and accounts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161842,"EventID":"S1W-25292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-18369 and S1W-20351 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 October 2001 and 7 December 2001, whether the Health Education Board for Scotland h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-18369 and S1W-20351 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 October 2001 and 7 December 2001, whether the Health Education Board for Scotland has completed its research for the purposes of informing the development of a sexual health strategy and when it expects to publish the strategy.","AnswerText":"The Health Education Board for Scotland has completed its research. The Executive is now carrying out additional work on preliminary data, informed by other on-going research. No date for the publication of the strategy has yet been set.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161843,"EventID":"S1W-25293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost will be to each local authority in 2003-04 of the changes to employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost will be to each local authority in 2003-04 of the changes to employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161844,"EventID":"S1W-25294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost will be to each NHS (a) board and (b) trust in 2003-04 of the changes to employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Bud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost will be to each NHS (a) board and (b) trust in 2003-04 of the changes to employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161845,"EventID":"S1W-25295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual financial impact will be of the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions for (a) VisitScotland, (b) each area tourist board, (c) the Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual financial impact will be of the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions for (a) VisitScotland, (b) each area tourist board, (c) the Scottish Prison Service and (d) Communities Scotland in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161846,"EventID":"S1W-25296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend its central heating installation programme to private sector houses occupied under rent deposit guarantee terms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend its central heating installation programme to private sector houses occupied under rent deposit guarantee terms.","AnswerText":"Tenants who have received assistance under rent guarantee/deposit schemes and meet all the eligibility criteria for the central heating programme are eligible for that programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161847,"EventID":"S1W-25297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the development of summer play schemes in the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the development of summer play schemes in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing £16.75 million of Childcare Strategy funding in the current year to local authorities to deliver affordable, accessible, good quality childcare, including summer play schemes, to meet the local childcare needs of working parents. This includes £3.7 million of funding for Glasgow, with the full breakdown by local authority shown in the following table:

Local Authority

£000

Aberdeen city

465.8

Aberdeenshire

788.4

Angus

312.0

Argyll and Bute

280.3

Clackmannanshire

123.8

Dumfries and Galloway

494.4

Dundee City

368.2

East Ayrshire

318.8

East Dunbartonshire

213.1

East Lothian

228.0

East Renfrewshire

187.0

Edinburgh City

1,306.5

Eilean Siar

134.6

Falkirk

343.9

Fife

1,109.0

Glasgow City

3,714.2

Highland

762.9

Inverclyde

201.9

Midlothian

195.4

Moray

247.8

North Ayrshire

379.5

North Lanarkshire

1,079.4

Orkney Islands

102.4

Perth and Kinross

384.4

Renfrewshire

460.4

Scottish Borders

322.0

Shetland Islands

122.1

South Ayrshire

272.2

South Lanarkshire

942.7

Stirling

228.2

West Dunbartonshire

244.8

West Lothian

415.9

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161848,"EventID":"S1W-25298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will begin on the construction of the Maryhill to Anniesland rail link and when the powers to provide this link expire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will begin on the construction of the Maryhill to Anniesland rail link and when the powers to provide this link expire.","AnswerText":"The British Railways Order Confirmation Act 1994 conferred powers on the British Railways Board in respect of a rail link between Anniesland and Maryhill. I understand that the parliamentary powers expire in March 2004.

There are a number of complex technical and legal matters to address before work can start on the rail link. We are continuing to press both the Strategic Rail Authority and Railtrack to take this project forward. The outcome of the various discussions will determine how the project will be managed and a possible timetable for delivering this rail link.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161849,"EventID":"S1W-25299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the route for the Glasgow to Edinburgh fast rail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the route for the Glasgow to Edinburgh fast rail link.","AnswerText":"Improvements to the Edinburgh to Glasgow service was one of the key strategic priorities in Scotland featured in the Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan, published in January 2002. These proposed improvements will be informed by a number of major studies that are currently looking at transport in the central belt, particularly capacity issues in terms of rail, and due to report by the summer.

In addition, services on this route will be considered as part of the Scottish Executive's Directions and Guidance for the new Scottish Passenger Rail Franchise, which will be issued to the Strategic Rail Authority by the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161850,"EventID":"S1W-25300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Changing Children's Services Fund will be allocated for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Changing Children's Services Fund will be allocated for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Indicative allocations for each local authority area were included in the guidance issued by the Scottish Executive Education Department on 30 October 2001. As indicated in that guidance, it is intended that feedback on proposals will be given in May/June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161851,"EventID":"S1W-25301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation will be made of how money from the Changing Children's Services Fund is allocated for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation will be made of how money from the Changing Children's Services Fund is allocated for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Indicative allocations for each local authority area were announced on 30 October 2001, based on a distribution formula weighted for relative population of children and young people, deprivation factors and rurality. An assessment panel will consider whether proposals adequately meet the criteria for the Changing Children's Services Fund before funding is released.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161852,"EventID":"S1W-25302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used for deciding which projects will receive funding from the Changing Children's Services Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are used for deciding which projects will receive funding from the Changing Children's Services Fund.","AnswerText":"The proposals will be considered by an assessment panel, including officials from the Scottish Executive Development, Education, and Health Departments and a voluntary sector representative, against the criteria set out in the guidance on the fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161853,"EventID":"S1W-25303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role smaller voluntary agencies have played, or will play, in allocating the funds from the Changing Children's Services Fund for 2002-03. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role smaller voluntary agencies have played, or will play, in allocating the funds from the Changing Children's Services Fund for 2002-03. ","AnswerText":"Guidance issued on the fund advised that proposals would need to show real evidence of participation by key voluntary organisations (both the larger national organisations and smaller community-based organisations) at each stage in the process. This will be one of the criteria considered in the assessment process.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161854,"EventID":"S1W-25304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to ensure that proposals for funding from the Changing Children's Services Fund (a) add value to existing services and (b) do not dupli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to ensure that proposals for funding from the Changing Children's Services Fund (a) add value to existing services and (b) do not duplicate or substitute work already being carried out.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25302 today, setting out arrangements for considering proposals against the criteria for the Changing Children's Services Fund, which include those referred to in the question.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161855,"EventID":"S1W-25305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take to ensure that the services provided by voluntary organisations, such as Angus Carers, are offered in appropriate cases by GPs and other NHS staf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take to ensure that the services provided by voluntary organisations, such as Angus Carers, are offered in appropriate cases by GPs and other NHS staff.","AnswerText":"GPs and NHS staff have an important role to play in offering advice and information to patients and carers, and many already do this routinely. The Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 will enable Scottish ministers to require NHS boards to prepare "carer information" strategies, to ensure that carers are informed that they may be entitled to an assessment by the local authority of their ability to care. Local authorities in turn can give carers and service users advice on local sources of support. We will be discussing with the NHS and carers' organisations how carer information strategies should work to support the partnership of care between carers, local authorities and the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161856,"EventID":"S1W-25306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the additional health funding announced in the First Minister's ministerial statement on the 2002 Budget will be made available in order to assist in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the additional health funding announced in the First Minister's ministerial statement on the 2002 Budget will be made available in order to assist in the provision of services by voluntary organisations such as Angus Carers.","AnswerText":"Details of the allocation of the additional resources for health announced in the First Minister's statement on the budget will be announced at the end of the Spending Review in September.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161857,"EventID":"S1W-25307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people the NHS employs (a) directly and (b) indirectly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people the NHS employs (a) directly and (b) indirectly.","AnswerText":"A total of 130,028 staff were directly employed in NHSScotland at 30 September 2000, the latest year for which figures are available. The number of all staff indirectly employed by NHSScotland is not available centrally.

More detailed information on staff employed by NHSScotland can be accessed via ISD Online's internet publication, Workforce Statistics, at:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161858,"EventID":"S1W-25308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost to the NHS will be of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost to the NHS will be of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161859,"EventID":"S1W-25309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost will be to local authorities in respect of directly employed staff of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost will be to local authorities in respect of directly employed staff of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161860,"EventID":"S1W-25310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost will be to local authorities in respect of indirectly employed staff of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost will be to local authorities in respect of indirectly employed staff of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161861,"EventID":"S1W-25311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost will be to police and fire services of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional cost will be to police and fire services of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK 2002 Budget.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161862,"EventID":"S1W-25312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to setting up a mental health task force and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to setting up a mental health task force and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"Following a ministerial led consultation summit in January 2000, involving planners, statutory and voluntary sector providers and users of mental health services, it was agreed to establish a support group to help advance change and improvement. The arrangements for the Mental Health and Well Being Support Group membership, remit and approach are kept under review for continued relevance and to ensure that their contribution to the investment and reform agenda for mental health in Scotland remains effective.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161863,"EventID":"S1W-25313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that NHS boards set their priorities in line with the national clinical priorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that NHS boards set their priorities in line with the national clinical priorities.","AnswerText":"The three national clinical priorities of Coronary Heart Disease/Stroke, Cancer and Mental Health are central to the local health plan produced by each NHS board area, in line with guidance issued by the health department. Additionally, on-going analysis of NHS board performance in each of these areas is undertaken through the year round performance monitoring between the NHS and health department.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161864,"EventID":"S1W-25314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what current targets it has set for mental health services; how such targets are evaluated, and what improvements in mental health services have been made since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what current targets it has set for mental health services; how such targets are evaluated, and what improvements in mental health services have been made since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland and more recently Our National Health set the agenda for change and improvement in mental health services in Scotland. Agencies are working toward the benchmarks provided in those documents and the new Performance Assessment Framework which will provide one of a range of evaluation measures on progress made across Scotland. As to progress made since 1997, this is summarised in the Annual Reports, individual area assessment reports and the six-month progress reports published by the visiting Mental Health and Well Being Support Group. These are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the support group website at:

www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161865,"EventID":"S1W-25315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it currently provides for counselling services and what projects receive such funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it currently provides for counselling services and what projects receive such funding.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161866,"EventID":"S1W-25316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the additional funding for health announced in the First Minister's ministerial statement on the UK 2002 budget will be spent on mental health projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the additional funding for health announced in the First Minister's ministerial statement on the UK 2002 budget will be spent on mental health projects.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the allocation of the additional funds will be announced following the outcome of the Spending Review in September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161867,"EventID":"S1W-25317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the job prospects of those with mental health problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the job prospects of those with mental health problems.","AnswerText":"Employment, including the employment of people with mental health problems, is a reserved issue. The responsibility for assisting disabled unemployed people into work rests with Jobcentre Plus.

The New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) is a Department for Work and Pensions-led voluntary programme to help people with disabilities or long-term illness move into, or remain in, work. NDDP has been extended nationally to all people claiming Incapacity Benefits and offers a work-focused interview which seeks to place people into work or direct them to the new national network of Job Broker services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161868,"EventID":"S1W-25318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3941 by Malcolm Chisholm on 25 October 2001, what actions the National Advisory Group has taken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3941 by Malcolm Chisholm on 25 October 2001, what actions the National Advisory Group has taken.","AnswerText":"The National Advisory Group has met twice, on 21 January and 29 April. Its initial focus is on overseeing the development of a national programme for improving mental health, which will have the two main components of information collection and a range of practical initiatives. Proposals for the former include a public attitudes survey, capacity building work for mental health improvement, and the establishment of a national resource to provide information to the field. Current practical initiatives include the continuing work on the National Framework for Reducing Suicide and Deliberate Self harm, the Breathing Space Phoneline for people with low mood or depression introduced on 8 April, the National Anti-Stigma Campaign, which is being led by People Too, and research work on mental health in the workplace, which is being led by HEBS.

A programme director is now in post to help drive forward the national programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161869,"EventID":"S1W-25319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to provide primary health care services with details of voluntary organisations in their areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to provide primary health care services with details of voluntary organisations in their areas.","AnswerText":"The arrangements for the provision of advice on voluntary organisations are a matter for local NHS organisations, in liaison with other agencies. Local Health Care Co-operatives and primary care teams have an important role in providing information regarding voluntary services to patients, carers and the public. General advice and information on voluntary organisations in Scotland can be accessed through the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. In addition, local information can be accessed through the national network of Councils for Voluntary Service and the local authority for each area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161870,"EventID":"S1W-25320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail each financial allocation it made to Argyll and Bute Council in 2001-02 and for what purpose the money was allocated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail each financial allocation it made to Argyll and Bute Council in 2001-02 and for what purpose the money was allocated.","AnswerText":"Details can be found in the document Allocations of Central Government Grant to Local Authorities 2001-02, a copy of which is held in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19464).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161871,"EventID":"S1W-25321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what restrictions or conditions it has placed on Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd on running ferry services from Gourock to Dunoon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what restrictions or conditions it has placed on Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd on running ferry services from Gourock to Dunoon.","AnswerText":"Restrictions on the number of scheduled sailings on the Caledonian MacBrayne, Gourock to Dunoon service, were first imposed in 1982, when Scottish Office ministers restricted the company to one sailing per hour to ensure that public subsidy was not used to undermine an unsubsidised operator on the route. In 1987 Scottish Office ministers acknowledged that the company had added four scheduled services to that hourly service pattern and that these were being operated on a commercial basis, consistent with an Out of Undertaking activity. The Scottish Executive has not placed any further restrictions on the company's operations of the Gourock to Dunoon service.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161872,"EventID":"S1W-25322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it has issued to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd regarding any reduction in the level of ferry services on the Gourock to Dunoon route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines it has issued to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd regarding any reduction in the level of ferry services on the Gourock to Dunoon route.","AnswerText":"None.

Only the passenger element of Caledonian MacBrayne's service on this route is within the Undertaking between the company and the Scottish ministers. Accordingly, the agreement of ministers is not required if the company wishes to change the level of vehicle service it provides.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161873,"EventID":"S1W-25323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist to extend the monitoring system of annual condition surveys on trunk roads to include non-trunk roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist to extend the monitoring system of annual condition surveys on trunk roads to include non-trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to extend the monitoring system of annual condition surveys on trunk roads to include non-trunk roads.

Responsibility for non-trunk roads, including carrying out surveys of non-trunk roads lies with each council as the local roads authority for its area. The Scottish Executive fully supports the Society of Chief Officers of Transport in Scotland's plans to carry out a condition survey of the local road network across Scotland, which is to be launched shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161874,"EventID":"S1W-25324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether he will make a statement on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body about the weekend reports of Red Oak trees being purchased from Germany at #6,000 e","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether he will make a statement on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body about the weekend reports of Red Oak trees being purchased from Germany at #6,000 each for the landscaping of the Holyrood Parliamentary Building.","AnswerText":"Not for the first time, widespread publicity has been given to an erroneous story about our new building. No trees have been chosen or purchased. The tender documents for this landscaping have not yet even been issued and they do not include a requirement for Red Oak - a native of North America. European procurement rules require open competition, and the contract will be awarded on the basis of quality and cost for the whole package. Market advice suggests that the required trees should be available at a fraction of the suggested cost and that Scottish companies should be well placed to compete to supply them.

Members should know that one of our press officers gave this correct information to a journalist from a Sunday title who obviously decided not to allow the facts to get in the way of a good story because that information was not included in the subsequent report. Unfortunately, three other newspapers on Monday repeated the story.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161875,"EventID":"S1W-25325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the issue of potholes in roads in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the issue of potholes in roads in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Trunk roads in Clydesdale are managed and maintained on behalf of the Scottish Executive by the Operating Companies, Amey Highways and Autolink Concessionaires. The trunk road maintenance contract requires the Operating Companies to carry out regular safety inspections on these roads. Annual road condition surveys are carried out on the trunk road network and from these the Operating Companies identify a programme of structural maintenance schemes to improve the condition of the network.

Local roads in Clydesdale are the responsibility of South Lanarkshire Council as the local roads authority for the area. It is entirely a matter for the council to decide what priority should be given to the maintenance and improvement of local roads. Additional capital allocations for local roads and bridges amounting to £70 million across Scotland were announced in Spending Review 2000. On 25 February 2002, I awarded a further £20 million in revenue funding to speed up maintenance activity on local roads: South Lanarkshire's share of this extra cash injection is £959,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161876,"EventID":"S1W-25326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the condition of roads in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency, other than the A72.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the condition of roads in the Clydesdale parliamentary constituency, other than the A72.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25325.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161877,"EventID":"S1W-25327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24664 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 April 2002, what systems and processes are operated by the Scottish Prison Service to ensure that all","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24664 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 April 2002, what systems and processes are operated by the Scottish Prison Service to ensure that all enforceable conditions of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock are actually met and when the last review was undertaken to ensure that Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited (KPSL) and all servants, agents and sub-contractors of KPSL (a) do not unlawfully discriminate within Scotland, (b) apply similar standards of operation elsewhere and (c) have codes of practice relating to the prevention of discrimination in line with section 56 of the agreement.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

The SPS controller monitors compliance with the contract on a day to day basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161878,"EventID":"S1W-25328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23810 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 March 2002, what budget has been set for catering services to the Scottish Prison Service in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23810 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 March 2002, what budget has been set for catering services to the Scottish Prison Service in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The budget for the provision of food to prisoners in 2002-03 is set at £3.3 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161879,"EventID":"S1W-25329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its civil servants work on rail matters exclusively and how many on road matters exclusively.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its civil servants work on rail matters exclusively and how many on road matters exclusively.","AnswerText":"Precise information on the numbers of staff working exclusively on road and rail matters is not available. The following table provides a general picture of the numbers of civil servants working in areas within the Development Department which have responsibility for road and rail matters.

In addition to staff working within these areas there will be staff working within other core departments and agencies with close links to road and rail matters, and also staff working in areas indirectly related to road and rail matters.

Count of Civil Servants by Area Related to Road and Rail Matters, April 2002

Division

Staff

Trunk Roads Design and Construction Division

47

Road Network Management and Maintenance Division

52

Transport Divisions

65

","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161880,"EventID":"S1W-25330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the study into the Glasgow and Edinburgh airport rail links will be completed given that Strathclyde Passenger Transport has announced it is beginning plans for the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the study into the Glasgow and Edinburgh airport rail links will be completed given that Strathclyde Passenger Transport has announced it is beginning plans for the introduction of a rail link between Glasgow city centre and Glasgow airport.","AnswerText":"The consultants' final report is expected in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161881,"EventID":"S1W-25331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23688 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 March 2002, what procedure is in place to deal with a situation where an E1 form, issued by a procu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23688 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 March 2002, what procedure is in place to deal with a situation where an E1 form, issued by a procurator fiscal in relation to the disposal of mortal remains by cremation and requiring a cause of death, contains no specific cause of death. ","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer given to question S1W-23688, Procurators Fiscal are aware that under the provisions of the Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 1935, cause of death should be detailed on Form E1. Final authorisation for cremation lies with the Medical Referee who will make any inquiries deemed necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161882,"EventID":"S1W-25332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were in publishing, printing and distributing Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland: A Consultation Document.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were in publishing, printing and distributing Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland: A Consultation Document.","AnswerText":"The estimated total costs to date are £6,560.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161883,"EventID":"S1W-25333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1878,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies are available to farmers who grow genetically modified crops, what levels of subsidy are payable; by whom and what conditions are attached to each subsidy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies are available to farmers who grow genetically modified crops, what levels of subsidy are payable; by whom and what conditions are attached to each subsidy.","AnswerText":"Farmers in Scotland are not entitled to any subsidies specifically for the purpose of growing a GM crop. Such farmers are, however, entitled to the same subsidies under the normal conditions as other arable farmers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161884,"EventID":"S1W-25334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the audit of chronic pain services will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the audit of chronic pain services will be published.","AnswerText":"The Executive will be looking at the provision of chronic pain services through NHS boards' health plans, but there are no plans to publish a formal audit.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161885,"EventID":"S1W-25335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been conducted into the services required to assist chronic pain sufferers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been conducted into the services required to assist chronic pain sufferers.","AnswerText":"It is for health boards and trusts to assess the health care needs of residents in their areas, and to arrange provision of the treatment indicated on the basis of clinical advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161886,"EventID":"S1W-25336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to undertake a needs analysis of chronic pain services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to undertake a needs analysis of chronic pain services.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to commission a formal needs assessment of chronic pain services. Any specific problem areas drawn to the Executive's attention will of course be followed up with the NHS board concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161887,"EventID":"S1W-25337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what range of services are currently available in each NHS board area to assist chronic pain sufferers and whether these services offer (a) multi-disciplinary and (b) in-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what range of services are currently available in each NHS board area to assist chronic pain sufferers and whether these services offer (a) multi-disciplinary and (b) in-patient services and (c) meet the needs of carers.","AnswerText":"I refer to the information sent to the Public Petitions Committee on 29 August 2001, which indicated, by health board area, the location of pain management clinics and the range of services provided. I am not aware of any significant change since this information was produced. No specific information is available on how services for chronic pain sufferers address the needs of carers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161888,"EventID":"S1W-25338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been conducted into the current provision of services for chronic pain sufferers outside hospital settings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been conducted into the current provision of services for chronic pain sufferers outside hospital settings.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25335.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161889,"EventID":"S1W-25339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the arrangements will be for HM Treasury writing off Glasgow City Council's Housing debt and when this debt would be written off.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the arrangements will be for HM Treasury writing off Glasgow City Council's Housing debt and when this debt would be written off.","AnswerText":"The arrangements for dealing with local authorities' residual housing debt following a whole stock transfer were set out in the answer given to question S1W-18180 on 28 September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161890,"EventID":"S1W-25340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) cases have been referred to procurator fiscal offices and (b) prosecutions have taken place under sections 51 and 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) cases have been referred to procurator fiscal offices and (b) prosecutions have taken place under sections 51 and 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 for the display of obscene material and indecent photographs etc. of children in each year since 1982.","AnswerText":"Figures dating from the introduction of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 are not available. The following table lists the number of cases received for each of sections 51, 52 and 52A of the 1982 Act in the years 1999-2001 and the number of cases which were marked to proceed in court. Due to a change in computer system, I am unable to confirm the number of cases which proceeded to trial or in which a plea was accepted.

Of the cases which were not marked to proceed in court a number were referred to the Children's Reporter, a number were associated with other cases against the same accused, and others were marked "no proceedings".
 

1999 Reports Received

1999

Court Proceedings

2000

Reports Received

2000

Court Proceedings

2001

Reports Received

2001

Court Proceedings

Section 51

6

3

5

4

7

6

Section 52

6

6

19

17

43

41

Section 52A

7

7

8

7

31

22

Grand Total

19

16

32

28

81

69

Notes:

1. Section 51 relates to the display and distribution of obscene material.

2. Section 52 relates to the taking, making, distribution and publication of indecent photographs of children.

3. Section 52A relates to the possession of indecent photographs of children.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161891,"EventID":"S1W-25341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the effectiveness and implementation of sections 51 and 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 on the display of obscene mater","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the effectiveness and implementation of sections 51 and 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 on the display of obscene material and indecent photographs etc. of children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to review sections 51 and 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. We have not received any indication from either the police or Crown Office that the current legislation is causing difficulties. However, the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill will increase the maximum penalties available to the courts to 10 years for taking and distributing indecent images of children and to five years for possession, which are both offences under the 1982 act.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161892,"EventID":"S1W-25342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of VAT (a) registrations and (b) de-registrations is an indicator of economic growth or downturn; if so, in what way and how the numbers of these in S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of VAT (a) registrations and (b) de-registrations is an indicator of economic growth or downturn; if so, in what way and how the numbers of these in Scotland and the Glasgow area related to economic performance in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"There is not a simple short-term association between the number of VAT registrations and economic performance. The table shows changes in the number of VAT registrations and de-registrations in Scotland and Glasgow alongside changes in employment. Movements in the number of de-registrations follow changes in the number of registrations with a lag of about two years.

Year

Glasgow

(change on preceding year )

Scotland

(change on preceding year)

 

VAT Registrations

VAT

De-registrations

Employment

VAT Registrations

VAT

De-registrations

Employment

1998

+0.7%

+13.4%

+2.2%

-3.7%

-5.3%

+3.1%

1999

+0.7%

-0.3%

-1.7%

-3.5%

+8.9%

-0.9%

2000

-2.7%

-1.1%

+6.9%

0

-4.3%

+5.0%

Sources: VAT statistics from DTI, Employee jobs from Annual Business Inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161893,"EventID":"S1W-25343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that the views of the young people of Scotland are represented on the European Youth Convention on the Future of Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to ensure that the views of the young people of Scotland are represented on the European Youth Convention on the Future of Europe.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24633 on 23 April 2002. I also wrote to the Minister for Europe, Peter Hain, on 23 April seeking close working arrangements between the UK government and the devolved administrations on the matter of representation. The Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service was also able to raise the matter with Mr Hain in London on 25 April.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161894,"EventID":"S1W-25344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with Her Majesty's Government regarding the nomination of a young Scot to the European Youth Convention on the Future of Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with Her Majesty's Government regarding the nomination of a young Scot to the European Youth Convention on the Future of Europe.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25343.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161895,"EventID":"S1W-25345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21188 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002, what outputs are required by the contracts for social work services at HM Young Offende","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21188 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002, what outputs are required by the contracts for social work services at HM Young Offenders Institution (a) Glenochil and (b) Polmont.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

The outputs required by the contract for social work services are as follows:

(a) Glenochil

Outputs

Reports

160

Cases

560

Pre-release Meetings

75

Induction/Duty Interviews

2,150

Contribution to Group Work Programmes

2,580 hours

Contribution to Support Services

368 hours

(b) Polmont

Outputs

Reports

55

Cases

435

Pre-release Meetings

60

Induction/Duty Interviews

840

Contribution to Group Work Programmes

1,272 hours

Contribution to Support Services

494 hours"

","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161896,"EventID":"S1W-25346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24643 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 April 2002, whether it will detail each of the 17 times it has used section 57(1) of the Scotland Act","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24643 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 April 2002, whether it will detail each of the 17 times it has used section 57(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 to implement EU Community obligations.","AnswerText":"The answer to S1W-24643 should in fact have read 15 times. The actual and planned uses of section 57(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 are contained in the following lists:

Section 57(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 has already been used in the following cases;

  1. The Sea Fishing (North-East Atlantic Control Measures) Order 2000 (SI 2000/1843) which implemented Council Regulation 2791/1999.
  2. The Feeding Stuffs (Enforcement) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/2325) which implemented Council Directive 95/53/EC, Commission Directive 98/68/EC and, in part, Council Directive 1999/20/EC.
  3. The Export Restrictions (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/498). These regulations implemented the European Union ban on exports immediately following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (initially Commission Decision 2001/145/EC).
  4. The Export Restrictions (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/627). These regulations simply extended by one day the above regulations without further amendment.
  5. The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (Export of Vehicles) (Disinfection of Tyres) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/887). These regulations implemented another part of the European Union export ban.
  6. The Biocidal Products Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/880). These regulations implemented Directive 1998/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the council concerning the placing of Biocidal Products on the market.
  7. The Environmental Protection (Controls on Injurious Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/3141). These regulations implemented, in part, Commission Directive 1999/51/EC adapting to technical progress for the fifth time Annex 1 to Council Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations, and administrative provisions of the member states relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (tin, PCP and cadmium.)
  8. Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/528). These regulations implemented Regulation 2037/2000 of the European Parliament and of the council of 29 June 2000 on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
  9. The Hemp (Third Country Imports) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/787) which implemented Regulation 245/2001.

It is planned to use section 57(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 to implement the following obligations:

  1. Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the council concerning the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations (Dangerous Preparations Directive).
  2. Commission Directive 2001/58/EC amending for the second time Directive 91/155/EEC defining and laying down the detailed arrangements for the system of specific information relating to dangerous preparations in implementation of Article 14 of European Parliament and Council Directive 1999/45/EC and relating to dangerous substances in implementation of Article 27 of Council Directive 67/548/EEC (safety data sheets).
  3. Commission Directive 2001/59/EC adapting to technical progress for the 28th time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances.
  4. Commission Directive 2001/60/EC adapting to technical progress Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the council concerning the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations.
  5. Commission Directive 2001/91/EC adapting to technical progress for the eighth time Annex 1 to Council Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations, and administrative provisions of the member states relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of cert","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161897,"EventID":"S1W-25347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources will be made available to enable local authorities to carry out their regulatory responsibilities under the statutory regime of contaminated lan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources will be made available to enable local authorities to carry out their regulatory responsibilities under the statutory regime of contaminated land.","AnswerText":"A great deal of polluted land has been inherited from past generations when little or no consideration was given to the impact of our actions on the environment. Today's announcement will help to address this legacy.

    We have allocated £4.5 million capital resources for 2002-03 to help local authorities carry out their statutory responsibilities under the contaminated land regime which came into force in July 2000.

    The regime provides the best solution to bringing polluted land back into productive use, especially in areas where commercial redevelopment is not likely to bring this about. Its main objective is to provide an improved system for the identification and remediation of contaminated land where the contamination is causing unacceptable risk to human health and the wider environment. By providing a vehicle for cleaning up contaminated land it will also facilitate the re-use of brownfield sites and promote the regeneration of urban areas.

    The funds will help local authorities to identify and investigate sites, take forward enforcement action and, in cases where they are unable to identify those responsible for the contamination, carry out remediation work at their own hand.

    Together with the resources we announced in February last year, over the three years 2000-01 to 2002-03 the Executive has made capital allocations totalling £9.7 million available to local authorities for work associated with addressing the problem of contaminated land.

    The distribution of capital allocations to local authorities is shown in the table.<","AnswerDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161898,"EventID":"S1W-25348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24351 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002, what the cost was to the Scottish Prison Service of (a) the Assisted Prison Visit Scheme,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24351 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002, what the cost was to the Scottish Prison Service of (a) the Assisted Prison Visit Scheme, (b) additional transitional care service and (c) prisoners' discharge grants at HM Prison Kilmarnock in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01 and (iii) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    The Assisted Prison Visit Scheme cost is charged to SPS by the Home Office without identification of the costs for individual prisons. Transitional care charges are based on the region into which the prisoner is released rather than the prison from which the prisoner has been released. The cost of discharge grants was as follows:

    Allocations for

    2002-03

    (£000)

    Aberdeen City

    65

    Aberdeenshire

    68

    Angus

    92

    Argyll and Bute

    72

    Clackmannanshire

    45

    Dumfries and Galloway

    155

    Dundee City

    142

    East Ayrshire

    181

    East Dunbartonshire

    45

    East Lothian

    57

    East Renfrewshire

    45

    Edinburgh (City of)

    181

    Eilean Siar

    72

    Falkirk

    114

    Fife

    266

    Glasgow City

    513

    Highland

    297

    Inverclyde

    56

    Midlothian

    125

    Moray

    45

    North Ayrshire

    181

    North Lanarkshire

    580

    Orkney Islands

    45

    1999-2000

    £25,865

    2000-01

    £42,716

    2001-02 (to date)

    £38,710

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161899,"EventID":"S1W-25349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24351 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002, what the cost was to the Scottish Prison Service of the controller's function at HM Priso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24351 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002, what the cost was to the Scottish Prison Service of the controller's function at HM Prison Kilmarnock in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The cost of the controller's function at HM Prison Kilmarnock in 2001-02 was £142,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161900,"EventID":"S1W-25350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients at Stirling Royal Infirmary, whose discharge had been delayed, were there on (a) 31 March to 1 April 2002 and (b) 4 to 5 April 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients at Stirling Royal Infirmary, whose discharge had been delayed, were there on (a) 31 March to 1 April 2002 and (b) 4 to 5 April 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161901,"EventID":"S1W-25351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions (a) Stirling Royal Infirmary, (b) Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary, (c) Perth Royal Infirmary and (d) Victoria Infirmary in Kirkcaldy have been","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions (a) Stirling Royal Infirmary, (b) Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary, (c) Perth Royal Infirmary and (d) Victoria Infirmary in Kirkcaldy have been unable to accept admissions in each of the past three years and what the reasons were on each occasion.","AnswerText":"Detailed information in the form requested has not been collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161902,"EventID":"S1W-25352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements (a) Stirling Royal Infirmary and (b) Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary have in place for occasions when they are unable to accept admissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements (a) Stirling Royal Infirmary and (b) Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary have in place for occasions when they are unable to accept admissions.","AnswerText":"When either hospital is unable to accept admissions, the first arrangement is to accommodate patients on the other's site.

    There is a reciprocal arrangement with other health board areas if, for any reason, this is not possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161903,"EventID":"S1W-25353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what counselling services are offered by the Breathing Space helpline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what counselling services are offered by the Breathing Space helpline.","AnswerText":"The Breathing Space helpline provides confidential advice and support, as well as suggestions of services which callers may find useful in their own locality. The helpline operators have access to an extensive database of statutory and voluntary services, which is updated regularly so that, where necessary, callers can be referred to agencies and organisations best suited to their particular needs. Breathing Space does not provide counselling services, but some of the wide range of bodies, to which callers can be referred, do provide counselling.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161904,"EventID":"S1W-25354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the Breathing Space helpline.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the Breathing Space helpline.","AnswerText":"Breathing Space is a free helpline service for people living with low mood or depression or who are unusually worried. Deputy Minister Mary Mulligan wrote to the member on 17 April, giving further information about the helpline.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161905,"EventID":"S1W-25355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for each (a) police and (b) fire board and what the esti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for each (a) police and (b) fire board and what the estimated annual amount of employers' National Insurance contributions will be in 2003-04 as a result of the changes announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (i) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (ii) a 2% increase for all employees, (iii) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (iv) a 4% pay increase for all employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161906,"EventID":"S1W-25356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for the Civil Service and what the estimated annual amou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for the Civil Service and what the estimated annual amount of employers' National Insurance contributions will be in 2003-04 as a result of the changes announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (i) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (ii) a 2% increase for all employees, (iii) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (iv) a 4% pay increase for all employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161907,"EventID":"S1W-25357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for each higher education institution and what the estim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for each higher education institution and what the estimated annual amount of employers National Insurance contributions will be for each institution in 2003-04 following the changes to National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (a) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (b) a 2% increase for all employees, (c) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (d) a 4% pay increase for all employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161908,"EventID":"S1W-25358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and annual amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for further education institutions and what the e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and annual amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for further education institutions and what the estimated annual amount of employers' National Insurance contributions will be for each institution in 2003-04 following the changes in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (a) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (b) a 2% pay increase for all employees, (c) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (d) a 4% pay increase for all employees. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161909,"EventID":"S1W-25359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for housing associations and what the estimated annual a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for housing associations and what the estimated annual amount of employers' National Insurance contributions will be for housing associations in 2003-04 following the changes in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (a) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (b) a 2% pay increase for all employees, (c) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (d) a 4% pay increase for all employees. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161910,"EventID":"S1W-25360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for Communities Scotland and what the estimated annual a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for Communities Scotland and what the estimated annual amount of employers' National Insurance contributions will be for Communities Scotland in 2003-04 following the changes in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (a) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (b) a 2% pay increase for all employees, (c) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (d) a 4% pay increase for all employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161911,"EventID":"S1W-25361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions will be for each local authority and what the estimated annu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions will be for each local authority and what the estimated annual amount of employers' National Insurance contributions will be for each local authority in 2003-04 following the changes in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (a) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (b) a 2% pay increase for all employees, (c) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (d) a 4% pay increase for all employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161912,"EventID":"S1W-25362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and what the estim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and what the estimated annual amount of employers' National Insurance contributions will be for the SPS in 2003-04 following the changes in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (a) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (b) a 2% pay increase for all employees, (c) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (d) a 4% pay increase for all employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161913,"EventID":"S1W-25363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for (a) VisitScotland, (b) Scottish Enterprise, (c) High","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance contributions are for (a) VisitScotland, (b) Scottish Enterprise, (c) Highlands and Islands Enterprise and (d) each area tourist board and what the estimated annual amount of employers' National Insurance contributions will be for each organisation in 2003-04 following the changes in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 assuming (i) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (ii) a 2% pay increase for all employees, (iii) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (iv) a 4% pay increase for all employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161914,"EventID":"S1W-25364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the consequences for postal services in Scotland as a result of the Postcomm proposals for market liberali","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government about the consequences for postal services in Scotland as a result of the Postcomm proposals for market liberalisation.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including Postcomm's consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161915,"EventID":"S1W-25365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on (a) rural and (b) urban areas of any reduction in the number of postbuses as a result of Consignia's restructuring proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on (a) rural and (b) urban areas of any reduction in the number of postbuses as a result of Consignia's restructuring proposals.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters. I understand Consignia is not able to say at the moment if its restructuring proposals will have an impact on postbus services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161916,"EventID":"S1W-25366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many post offices there were in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many post offices there were in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters. According to the Department of Trade and Industry the number of Scottish post offices were as follows:

    End of March 1998

    2,051

    End of March 1999

    2,026

    End of March 2000

    1,999

    End of March 2001

    1,933

    End of March 2002

    1,907

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161917,"EventID":"S1W-25367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the Freight Facilities Grant scheme to increase the volume of mail originating in Scotland which is currently carried by rail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the Freight Facilities Grant scheme to increase the volume of mail originating in Scotland which is currently carried by rail.","AnswerText":"The Freight Facilities Grant scheme aims to encourage the transfer of freight from road to rail and waterborne modes of transport by helping companies invest in the facilities needed to compete in financial terms with road transport. This scheme is an important part of the Scottish Executive's transport policy which involves a doubling of resources to £36 million in the three-year period up to 2003-04.

    The opportunity to take advantage of this grant scheme already exists for companies moving mail originating in Scotland. However, the decision about whether to transfer mail from road to rail is a commercial matter for individual companies to make.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161918,"EventID":"S1W-25368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what criteria were applied in the tendering process for the provision of mail services in the Scottish Parliament and when the contract is due for renewal. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what criteria were applied in the tendering process for the provision of mail services in the Scottish Parliament and when the contract is due for renewal. ","AnswerText":"The existing contract with the Royal Mail is due to terminate upon occupation of the new accommodation at Holyrood. The requirement for a mail screening and mail management/messenger service at Holyrood is currently being tendered and a contract is due to be awarded in November 2002.

    The following criteria were applied to the tendering process for the existing contract:

    1. Ability to meet the Service Requirements, including:

    Screening off-site

    Sorting

    Internal distribution and collection

    Sorting of collected mail and distribution

    Charging

    Mail Redirection Service

    Mail Room

    Added Value Services

    2. Provision of Management Information

    3. Management and Staffing proposals

    4. Security Arrangements

    5. Contract Management Arrangements

    6. Proposed Timescales

    7. Price.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161919,"EventID":"S1W-25369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with airline operators regarding the cost of flights to the Western Isles for tourists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with airline operators regarding the cost of flights to the Western Isles for tourists.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies meet airline operators on a regular basis to discuss a range of aviation matters including the encouragement of new services, the cost of flights and the relationship of air transport with tourism.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161920,"EventID":"S1W-25370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with airport operators regarding reducing aircraft landing fees to encourage inward tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with airport operators regarding reducing aircraft landing fees to encourage inward tourism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies meet airport operators on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of matters including the relationship of air transport with tourism.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161921,"EventID":"S1W-25371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost will be to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body of the increased level of employers' National Insurance contributions in 2003-04. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost will be to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body of the increased level of employers' National Insurance contributions in 2003-04. ","AnswerText":"The cost to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body of the increased level of employers' National Insurance contributions in 2003-04 is estimated to be around £230,000. This comprises the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions for Parliamentary staff, Members and their staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161922,"EventID":"S1W-25372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of what procedure it will follow, including what consultation procedure it will use, in its review of area tourist boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of what procedure it will follow, including what consultation procedure it will use, in its review of area tourist boards.","AnswerText":"I will be announcing shortly how I intend to take forward the review of the area tourist boards network.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161923,"EventID":"S1W-25373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to incorporate area tourist boards within VisitScotland or Scottish Enterprise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to incorporate area tourist boards within VisitScotland or Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerText":"I will be announcing shortly how I intend to take forward the review of the area tourist boards network and do not intend to pre-empt the outcome.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161924,"EventID":"S1W-25374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it gave area tourist boards only 10 days to consider and sign contracts for involvement in e-tourism ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it gave area tourist boards only 10 days to consider and sign contracts for involvement in e-tourism ltd.","AnswerText":"The detail of the negotiations is a matter for VisitScotland and the area tourist boards (ATB), who are partners in the Joint Venture. Three ATB Chief Executives are members of the project board.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161925,"EventID":"S1W-25375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a substantive answer to my question S1W-25098 lodged on 16 April 2002 in respect of the publication of access criteria for e-tourism ltd by 30 April ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a substantive answer to my question S1W-25098 lodged on 16 April 2002 in respect of the publication of access criteria for e-tourism ltd by 30 April 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25098, which made clear that the criteria for advertising on the site will be covered by the business plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161926,"EventID":"S1W-25376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of the research being carried out by Glasgow Caledonian University in regard to tourist information centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of the research being carried out by Glasgow Caledonian University in regard to tourist information centres.","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Executive nor VisitScotland have commissioned such research.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161927,"EventID":"S1W-25377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much European funding has been received for tourism purposes and to whom such funding was distributed in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much European funding has been received for tourism purposes and to whom such funding was distributed in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Under the current round of Structural Fund Programmes, allocations of funding are not specifically earmarked for tourism purposes, though eligible tourism-related projects are considered for funding where they meet an appropriate programme measure and the other established selection criteria of the programme.

    The total amount of European funding actually awarded to tourism projects for the calendar years 1999, 2000 and 2001 was as follows:

    • 1999 - £14,156,967

    • 2000 - £23,469,098
    • 2001 - £40,236,433

    The organisations to whom awards were made were as follows;

    1999

    Programme

    Name of Sponsor

    Amount Awarded

    Highlands and Islands Objective 1

    Kinlochleven Land Development Trust

    £116,423

    Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise

    £83,125

    Speyside Handicapped Holiday Trust

    £177,115

    Highlands and Islands Enterprise

    £960,000

    The Highland Council

    £20,004

    The Highland Council

    £144,287

    Argyll and Bute Council

    £31,000

    Western Isles Tourist Board

    £40,000

    Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board

    £69,625

    Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board

    £50,000

    Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise

    £31,250

    The Highland Council

    £60,000

    The Highland Council

    £90,315

    National Trust for Scotland

    £100,007

    Applecross Estate Trust

    £46,905

    Seaboard Community Development

    £89,791

    Abriachan Forest Trust

    £33,856

    North Argyll Development Association

    £51,588

    The Highland Council

    £210,525

    The Highland Council

    £10,000

    Southern Isles Amenity Trust

    £40,351

    Knoydart Foundation

    		Tourism Framework for Action. VisitScotland's performance indicators will be revised as part of that work.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161929,"EventID":"S1W-25379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the tenure of the present Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne expires; whether the post will be publicly advertised; whether there will be an opportunity for the users ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the tenure of the present Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne expires; whether the post will be publicly advertised; whether there will be an opportunity for the users of Caledonian MacBrayne services to participate in any selection process for the appointment of a new chairman; what selection process will be used to decide which candidates will be interviewed for the post of chairman; what criteria will be employed to ensure that the selection process for an appointment is fair and impartial, and whether the criticism expressed by Dame Rennie Fritchie, the Commissioner for Public Appointments, regarding the appointment process of the present chairman will be taken into account in any new selection process.","AnswerText":"The present Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne was appointed for a three-year term from 1 August 1999. An announcement relating to the future arrangements for this post will be made in due course. The processes and procedures for public appointments, including the involvement of independent advisers, are set out in the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) Code of Practice. These procedures are strictly followed for all appointments to Caledonian MacBrayne. They were introduced to ensure the selection process for public appointments is fair, impartial and transparent. The commissioner's comments in relation to the 1999 appointment process have been borne in mind in all subsequent appointment processes, including those relating to Caledonian MacBrayne. One of the main conclusions of the commissioner's report was that the present chairman was appointed on merit.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161930,"EventID":"S1W-25380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process it follows when considering funding bids and awarding funding to voluntary organisations and who is directly involved in making decisions regarding funding a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process it follows when considering funding bids and awarding funding to voluntary organisations and who is directly involved in making decisions regarding funding awards.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25381.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161931,"EventID":"S1W-25381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it follows in deciding whether and where funding should be awarded when it receives a recommendation that action should be taken in a certain area and wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it follows in deciding whether and where funding should be awarded when it receives a recommendation that action should be taken in a certain area and whether it is its practice that, when funding is made available, the funding opportunity is advertised so that relevant voluntary organisations can submit bids.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides a range of funding to the voluntary sector. Funding opportunities are advertised in the leaflet A Guide for the Voluntary Sector to Scottish Executive Grants. This guide is updated annually, is distributed widely throughout the voluntary sector, and is on our website.

    Our policies on funding the voluntary sector are set out in the Scottish Compact Good Practice Guide to Funding. Scottish Executive funding is available:

    • for activities that promote Scottish Executive objectives;

    • to support capacity building within organisations on the basis of agreed outputs;

    • to fund core management, administrative and relevant training costs where an organisation has a continuing role in the delivery of particular policy objectives;

    • for national generic infrastructure organisations and associated local networks to promote the growth and effectiveness of voluntary and community organisations, and

    • on a time-limited basis, for innovative projects where the Scottish Executive has a particular interest in taking forward an experimental approach.

    Applications for funding from voluntary organisations are assessed against Scottish Executive priorities and against each individual grant scheme's criteria, which are set by the Scottish Executive division responsible for each scheme.

    Final decisions on funding are made by ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161932,"EventID":"S1W-25382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation of proposals it carries out before making decisions to award funding to voluntary organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation of proposals it carries out before making decisions to award funding to voluntary organisations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25381.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161933,"EventID":"S1W-25383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the members of its Advisory Panel for the Review of Management and Decision-Making in NHSScotland were selected; why no patients' representative was included on the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the members of its Advisory Panel for the Review of Management and Decision-Making in NHSScotland were selected; why no patients' representative was included on the panel; how it will ensure that patients' interests are being addressed by the panel, and what budget has been set aside to cover the costs of the panel. ","AnswerText":"The Advisory Panel for the Review of Management and Decision-Making is intended to act as a high level reference group which will inform the overall strategic direction of the review. Its membership is not intended to be representative, and members have been invited to serve in a personal capacity for their individual expertise and particular experience, much of which brings a perspective from outside NHSScotland.

    Since the provisional announcement on 3 April, an additional member has accepted my invitation to participate. She is an experienced carer and user of health services.

    The review itself will be conducted throughout in an open and inclusive manner. A central objective will be to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including patients' groups.

    The only costs directly associated with the advisory panel will be reimbursement of reasonable travel and subsistence expenses incurred in connection with attendance at quarterly meetings.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161934,"EventID":"S1W-25384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions it has drawn so far from the New Community Schools Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions it has drawn so far from the New Community Schools Initiative.","AnswerText":"Early feedback from project reports, visits and the Ministerial Steering Group suggests that the New Community Schools Initiative is delivering significant benefits through new ways of working.

    The New Community Schools Initiative is bringing about better integrated service provision by schools and their partner agencies, making a real difference to the lives of children and their families, the development of closer relationships between schools and parents, and increasing engagement of pupils with their local communities.

    That is why we are placing the new community school approach at the heart of our education agenda, and have committed ourselves to supporting its roll out across all schools in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161935,"EventID":"S1W-25385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process was followed in choosing the evaluators of the New Community Schools Initiative; how much the evaluators are being remunerated, and when the evaluators are e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process was followed in choosing the evaluators of the New Community Schools Initiative; how much the evaluators are being remunerated, and when the evaluators are expected to report.","AnswerText":"The contract for the national evaluation of the New Community Schools pilot programme was awarded to the University of London by competitive tender in March 2000. The total cost of the three year exercise will be approximately £167,000. The evaluation team is expected to present its final report in the summer of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161936,"EventID":"S1W-25386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the New Community Schools Initiative has cost to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the New Community Schools Initiative has cost to date.","AnswerText":"Over the three years since its introduction in April 1999, the Scottish Executive has invested £26.6 million in the New Community Schools Initiative pilot programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161937,"EventID":"S1W-25387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review did not refer to the findings in respect of the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock in the Report for 2000-2001 by HM Chief I","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review did not refer to the findings in respect of the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock in the Report for 2000-2001 by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The Estates Review document did not refer to the 2000-01 report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP) because the purpose of the review was to identify the likely pressures on the Scottish Prison Service estate over the long term and to generate a series of options for meeting them, rather than to look back at specific aspects of the performance of existing prisons such as Kilmarnock.

    The review's conclusion that private build, private operate prisons have proved themselves capable of providing good, effective custodial services was based on experience of such prisons in a number of jurisdictions. In the case of Kilmarnock, account was taken of all the detailed information available in forming the view that it operates effectively. That information came from a range of sources, primarily the monitoring of the prison on a continuous basis by Scottish Prison Service staff and the results of prisoner surveys but also including HMCIP reports.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161938,"EventID":"S1W-25388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical facilities it provides to organisations in the Central Scotland parliamentary region which (a) support male victims of domestic abuse and (b) assist father","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical facilities it provides to organisations in the Central Scotland parliamentary region which (a) support male victims of domestic abuse and (b) assist fathers experiencing problems with hostile ex-partners in gaining appropriate contact with their children, broken down by organisation and constituency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not directly support any organisations which support male victims of domestic abuse. It does however provide £79,500 under Section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to Family Mediation Central Scotland. The aim of mediation is to enable divorced or separated parents to come to negotiated agreements about practical arrangements such as contact with children. The service also provides two contact centres, in Alloa and Falkirk, which can help parents maintain contact with their children after separation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161939,"EventID":"S1W-25389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for reducing discrimination against older people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for reducing discrimination against older people.","AnswerText":"There is no place for age discrimination in Scottish society. We are committed to putting equality at the heart of the work of the Executive. At the centre of our Equality Strategy is the integration of equality into policymaking, legislation, programmes, spending plans and service delivery. This mainstreaming approach demands that policymakers and those delivering services take account of, and reflect the diverse needs of, the population. We have not set specific targets for reducing discrimination against older people.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161940,"EventID":"S1W-25390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve work opportunities for carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve work opportunities for carers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no function in relation to unemployed people, including carers, seeking employment. The responsibility for assisting unemployed people into work rests with Jobcentre Plus.

    Carers are benefiting from changes to the earning limits for Invalid Care Allowance which mean that those who combine work with their caring responsibilities can keep more of their earnings.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161941,"EventID":"S1W-25391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will to reply to my letter of 19 March 2002 regarding Caledonian MacBrayne and Northern Isles fer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will to reply to my letter of 19 March 2002 regarding Caledonian MacBrayne and Northern Isles ferry services.","AnswerText":"I wrote to the member on 29 April in response to his letter.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161942,"EventID":"S1W-25392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the #300 million grant aid given to the Glasgow Housing Association complies with European Union exemption regulations and, if so, which regulation it complies wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the #300 million grant aid given to the Glasgow Housing Association complies with European Union exemption regulations and, if so, which regulation it complies with, and whether the grant has been notified to, and approved by, the European Commission and, if so, when such approval was obtained.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24436 on 16 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161943,"EventID":"S1W-25393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement its Environment and Rural Affairs Department will have in the introduction of the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive 99/74/EC and whether it intends to mak","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement its Environment and Rural Affairs Department will have in the introduction of the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive 99/74/EC and whether it intends to make proposals for the introduction of the Laying Hens Welfare Code which go beyond those stated in the 1999 Directive.","AnswerText":"Animal welfare is a devolved issue. Draft Scottish regulations to implement Directive 99/74/EC on the Welfare of Laying Hens will be laid before the Parliament in the next few days. Whilst we are obliged to implement EU Directives in full, the regulations do not go beyond the requirements of the directive.

    A revised Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Laying Hens will also be put before the Parliament. This advisory code is intended to encourage all these who care for laying hens to adopt the highest standards of husbandry.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161944,"EventID":"S1W-25394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the research commissioned into the effectiveness of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 public and what measures it intends to take in light of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the research commissioned into the effectiveness of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 public and what measures it intends to take in light of the research findings.","AnswerText":"The Executive has recently received the final report of the research on the Review of Old Mineral Permissions and is currently considering how to take the matter forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161945,"EventID":"S1W-25395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many cases in 2001-02 local authority property was recovered under section 49 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many cases in 2001-02 local authority property was recovered under section 49 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161946,"EventID":"S1W-25396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics it holds in regard to the number of retrospective planning applications that are (a) granted and (b) refused, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics it holds in regard to the number of retrospective planning applications that are (a) granted and (b) refused, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Planning application statistics held by the Executive do not distinguish between normal planning applications and those made retrospectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161947,"EventID":"S1W-25397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rapes were reported in 2000-01 and how many convictions were obtained in each police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rapes were reported in 2000-01 and how many convictions were obtained in each police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information on crimes of rape which were recorded by the police, and on persons with a charge proved in court, where the main offence was rape, is given in the following table:

    Crimes of Rape Recorded by the Police and Persons with Charge Proved in Court1, 2000

    Police Force Area

    Number of Offences Recorded by the Police

    Number of Persons with a Charge Proved2

    Scotland

    562

    27

    Central

    14

    1

    Dumfries and Galloway

    19

    2

    Fife

    54

    0

    Grampian

    60

    1

    Lothian and Borders

    119

    10

    Northern

    15

    2

    Strathclyde

    219

    10

    Tayside

    62

    1

    Notes:

    1. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, or a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Charges recorded by the police may also be altered as a result of the judicial process.

    2. Where rape was the main offence.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161948,"EventID":"S1W-25398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give examples of any information that it would not have told the Parliament previously but that it now would, following the passing of the Freedom of Info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give examples of any information that it would not have told the Parliament previously but that it now would, following the passing of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to predict what information will be made available after the passing of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill. Consideration of whether requested information will be disclosed will be on a case-by-case basis.

    Until the bill comes into force, the Executive will continue to disclose information in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161949,"EventID":"S1W-25399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEhd027/2002 of 25 April 2002, what the implications are for (a) general dental practitioners and (b) acute dental services in (i) Grampi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEhd027/2002 of 25 April 2002, what the implications are for (a) general dental practitioners and (b) acute dental services in (i) Grampian and (ii) Tayside and whether both regions will have full access to available funding.","AnswerText":"General dental practitioners in both areas will benefit from elements of the Executive's "Golden Hello" package directly and indirectly. Grampian is included in the designated areas targeted for additional resources as agreed with the British Dental Association Scotland. Consequently, dentists who have completed their vocational training and enter substantive general dental practice in Grampian will receive a £10,000 allowance over two years and dental graduates taking up their training year in this area will receive an allowance of £3,000. In Tayside, dentists who have completed their vocational training and enter substantive general dental practice will receive a £5,000 allowance over two years.

    The package is aimed at general dental practice and not at the acute sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161950,"EventID":"S1W-25400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be Scotland's full and substitute members to the Regional Chamber of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe for the two-year mandate that begi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be Scotland's full and substitute members to the Regional Chamber of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe for the two-year mandate that begins in May 2002.","AnswerText":"The names of Peter Peacock MSP as the full member, and Ben Wallace MSP as the substitute member, have been forwarded by the Scottish Executive to the UK Government for submission to the Council of Europe, under the procedure agreed by the government of the United Kingdom for appointing the UK delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161951,"EventID":"S1W-25401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the second stage public consultation paper on the Review of Higher Education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the second stage public consultation paper on the Review of Higher Education.","AnswerText":"I can today announce the publication of the second public consultation paper on the Review of Higher Education in Scotland. The first consultation paper was launched in October 2001 and focused mainly on the performance of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. We plan to publish a short report on the responses to that paper in June. The second consultation paper invites comment on the wider higher education context and proposes a set of underlying principles on which higher education should be developed over the next decade. Responses are requested by the end of July. I am placing copies of the consultation paper in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20840).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Wendy Alexander","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161952,"EventID":"S1W-25402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any alterations have been made to its contract with BEAR Scotland Ltd; whether any changes have been made in the service specification contained in that contract ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any alterations have been made to its contract with BEAR Scotland Ltd; whether any changes have been made in the service specification contained in that contract in relation to the length of maintenance routes, and, if so, whether any alterations are being made to the level of remuneration paid to BEAR Scotland Ltd in respect of its maintenance routes and what any such changes are.","AnswerText":"The Scottish ministers have entered into two contracts with BEAR Scotland Ltd, one in respect of the management and maintenance of the North West Unit and one for the North East Unit. There have been a limited number of minor alterations to these contracts since 1 April 2001. The construction of a new grade separated junction has also added to BEAR's management and maintenance responsibilities. The level of remuneration paid to BEAR will be increased to cover these additional responsibilities, in accordance with the rates specified in the trunk road contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161953,"EventID":"S1W-25403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance (NI) contributions is for each NHS board and what its estimate is of the total cost of e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current annual pay bill and amount paid in employers' National Insurance (NI) contributions is for each NHS board and what its estimate is of the total cost of employers' NI contributions to be paid by each such board in 2003-04, following the changes announced in the UK Budget 2002 and assuming (a) no change to the total pay bill from the current year, (b) a 2% pay increase for all employees, (c) a 3% pay increase for all employees and (d) a 4% pay increase for all employees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161954,"EventID":"S1W-25404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, in light of the passage of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will now disclose information which was classifie","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, in light of the passage of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will now disclose information which was classified as confidential in answers to previous written parliamentary questions on the Holyrood Project, detailing the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's position on the disclosure of commercially confidential information has not changed, and is set out in my answer of 19 September 2000 to question S1W-9469. When the provisions of the Freedom of Information Bill come into force, claiming commercially confidential material will require to be judged in the context of the act's provisions on a case by case basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161955,"EventID":"S1W-25405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will specify the precise provisions under which it was required to grant approval for the GM crop trials; whether it had any discretion to refuse such approval","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will specify the precise provisions under which it was required to grant approval for the GM crop trials; whether it had any discretion to refuse such approvals, and whether any such discretion could have been exercised, giving its position on these matters in respect of each trial.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is bound, by Article 6.1 and 6.2 of Directive 90/220/EEC, to consider whether an application to release a genetically modified organism into the environment does, or does not, comply with the terms set out elsewhere in the directive. Ministers are required to grant consent for a release, where they are satisfied that the application is in compliance with the directive and will not pose a threat to human health or environmental safety. A moratorium or refusal to grant approval would be illegal unless based on sound scientific evidence of potential harm.

    Scottish ministers discharge their responsibility to base their decisions on sound scientific evidence by referring applications to expert advisory bodies; principally the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). ACRE examines all relevant material in relation to a proposed release and advises ministers as to whether, in its opinion, the release will pose a threat to the environment.

    Scottish ministers have powers under Article 6.6 of Directive 90/220/EEC to modify the conditions of, suspend or terminate GM crop trials where, at any time, information becomes available which could have significant consequences for the risks posed by the release. No such sound scientific evidence has emerged which might call into question the safety of any of the Scottish trials.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161956,"EventID":"S1W-25406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the comment made by the First Minister that private airlines must recognise their \"social responsibility\" as reported in the press on 24 April 2002, what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the comment made by the First Minister that private airlines must recognise their \"social responsibility\" as reported in the press on 24 April 2002, what the precise meaning is of the First Minister's comment; what action it will take in respect of the First Minister's viewpoint, and whether the First Minister plans to meet British Airways to discuss the obligations which he believes are incumbent upon them to fulfil their social responsibility to the people of the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive meets airlines, including British Airways, on a regular basis to discuss a range of aviation matters, including the cost of flights and the encouragement of new services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161957,"EventID":"S1W-25407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet with, and make representations to, any interested parties, other than Her Majesty's Government and civil servants, in regard to the Public Service Ob","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet with, and make representations to, any interested parties, other than Her Majesty's Government and civil servants, in regard to the Public Service Obligation application for the Inverness to Gatwick air link and, if so, which organisations and individuals it intends to meet.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to meet with other interested parties at this time but will continue to liaise with local stakeholders on the securing of Inverness access to Gatwick Airport.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161958,"EventID":"S1W-25408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there are no procedural or technical impediments to the grant of the Public Service Obligation application submitted on behalf of Highland Counc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that there are no procedural or technical impediments to the grant of the Public Service Obligation application submitted on behalf of Highland Council in respect of the Inverness to Gatwick air links.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that the case submitted to the UK Government to secure Inverness' access to Gatwick Airport meets the required criteria set out in European Regulations.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161959,"EventID":"S1W-25409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet MSPs representing constituents served by the A82 in order to discuss the need for upgrading the road and whether the A82 will be included in the next","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet MSPs representing constituents served by the A82 in order to discuss the need for upgrading the road and whether the A82 will be included in the next round of trunk road improvements, detailing the reasons behind is position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Requests for meetings should be submitted directly for consideration by Ministers. The Executive will review the 1995 Route Accident Reduction Plan (RARP) for the A82 between Tyndrum and Inverness next year to identify priority schemes for inclusion in future motorway and trunk road programmes. Identified schemes will be considered against competing priorities across the Scottish trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161960,"EventID":"S1W-25410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what paediatric care exists for patients living in Caithness and Sutherland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what paediatric care exists for patients living in Caithness and Sutherland.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Highland. However, I understand that the Medical Paediatrics Department at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness provides a service for the whole of the Highland area, including patients in Caithness and Sutherland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161961,"EventID":"S1W-25411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill will allow it to make available all the correspondence between it and Her Majesty's Government in connection with chang","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill will allow it to make available all the correspondence between it and Her Majesty's Government in connection with changes to the Scotland/England fishing boundary made in April 1999.","AnswerText":"The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill is not yet in force. As all requests for information made under the bill would be considered on a case-by-case basis, with regard to the exemptions in the bill and the public interest, it is not possible to provide a definitive answer.

    However, under the current Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information (which will in due course be superseded by the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act), this correspondence is exempt from release as it is information whose disclosure would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion (Exemption 2 in Part II of the Code) and whose disclosure would be contrary to the public interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161962,"EventID":"S1W-25412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a detailed breakdown of all funding allocated in respect of the Beattie Committee report, stating which projects and organisations have benefited sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a detailed breakdown of all funding allocated in respect of the Beattie Committee report, stating which projects and organisations have benefited since its publication.","AnswerText":"£22.6 million has been allocated by the Scottish Executive over the period April 2001 to March 2004 to implement the recommendations contained in the Beattie Committee report. The funding has been allocated as follows:
     

    2001-02

    (£ million)

    2002-03

    (£ million)

    2003-04

    (£ million)

    Total

    (£ million)

    Careers Service Companies (Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise)

    3.5

    		  

    3.5

    Careers Scotland (Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise)

    		 

    5.8

    5.8

    11.6

    Scottish Further Education Funding Council

    1

    1.5

    2

    4.5

    Beattie National Action Group development Projects

    0.5

    1

    1.5

    3

    Total

    		   

    22.6

    Careers Scotland multi-agency inclusiveness projects and the further education sector are all benefiting from Beattie inclusiveness funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161963,"EventID":"S1W-25413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds any information on research carried out into autistic spectrum disorders that has not been supported by government funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds any information on research carried out into autistic spectrum disorders that has not been supported by government funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold a register of non-government funded research into autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161964,"EventID":"S1W-25414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the passing of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill, whether it will act as if the provisions of the bill were in force from 25 April 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the passing of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill, whether it will act as if the provisions of the bill were in force from 25 April 2002.","AnswerText":"It will not be possible for the Executive to operate as if the provisions of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill were in force from 25 April 2002 because many aspects of the Freedom of Information regime to be established by the bill are not yet in place. Most notably, the Scottish Information Commissioner is yet to be appointed and will need to be in place before certain preparations begin, for example, the development of publication schemes.

    In the meantime, the Executive will continue to consider the disclosure of information in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161965,"EventID":"S1W-25415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the passing of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill, whether it will urge non-departmental public bodies, including Scottish Natural Heritage and Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the passing of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill, whether it will urge non-departmental public bodies, including Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Enterprise, to respond to requests for information as if the bill was in force from 25 April 2002.","AnswerText":"It will not be possible for non-departmental public bodies, including those referred to, to operate as if the provisions of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill were in force from 25 April 2002 because many aspects of the Freedom of Information regime to be established by the bill are not yet in place. Most notably, the Scottish Information Commissioner is yet to be appointed and will need to be in place before certain preparations begin, for example, the development of publication schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161966,"EventID":"S1W-25416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what records are kept in relation to meetings between ministers and MSPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what records are kept in relation to meetings between ministers and MSPs.","AnswerText":"Ministers meet regularly with MSPs of all parties, both formally and informally. No central records are kept but, depending on the nature of the meeting, a record may be prepared by the Minister's Private Office or other Scottish Executive officials.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161967,"EventID":"S1W-25417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations will be invited to attend the summit on hospital-acquired infections; how much notice will be given to these organisations to enable them to prepare a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations will be invited to attend the summit on hospital-acquired infections; how much notice will be given to these organisations to enable them to prepare adequately, and how evidence will be taken from them.","AnswerText":"The convention offers an excellent opportunity to promote new ideas and gain consensus on practical measures that can encourage best practice in tackling health care associated infection. It will build on work already under way and help ensure a more prominent place for infection control on the NHS agenda.

    Planning for the convention is in hand and an announcement about arrangements will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161968,"EventID":"S1W-25418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date, and where, the summit on hospital-acquired infection will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date, and where, the summit on hospital-acquired infection will take place.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25417.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161969,"EventID":"S1W-25419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will chair the summit on hospital-acquired infection and what expertise the chairperson will hold.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will chair the summit on hospital-acquired infection and what expertise the chairperson will hold.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25417.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161970,"EventID":"S1W-25420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to allow the broadest range of organisations to take part in the summit on hospital-acquired infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to allow the broadest range of organisations to take part in the summit on hospital-acquired infection.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25417.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161971,"EventID":"S1W-25421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its plans for the summit on hospital-acquired infection will be announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its plans for the summit on hospital-acquired infection will be announced.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25417.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161972,"EventID":"S1W-25422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any economic assessments have been carried out into the viability of introducing half-hourly ferry services between Gourock and Dunoon operated by Caledonian Mac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any economic assessments have been carried out into the viability of introducing half-hourly ferry services between Gourock and Dunoon operated by Caledonian MacBrayne for (a) passengers only and (b) passengers and vehicles and whether any such assessments will be published.","AnswerText":"No such assessments have been made or are planned, but carrying statistics for the service operated by Caledonian MacBrayne do not suggest that there is any unmet demand that could sustain a more frequent service.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161973,"EventID":"S1W-25423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the delivery of replacement vessels for the ferry service operated by Caledonian MacBrayne between Gourock and Dunoon; what the proposed replac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timetable is for the delivery of replacement vessels for the ferry service operated by Caledonian MacBrayne between Gourock and Dunoon; what the proposed replacement vessel specification is, and how much each vessel will cost.","AnswerText":"Proposals for the future operation of the Gourock to Dunoon route will be set out in the draft service specification for the Clyde and Western Isles tendering exercise, which we expect to issue for consultation shortly.

    Decisions on the timing, specification and cost of replacement vessels for the fleet employed on Clyde and Western Isles ferry services will be taken as part of the present Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161974,"EventID":"S1W-25424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role alternative and complementary medicine have within the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role alternative and complementary medicine have within the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Executive believes that complementary or alternative therapies may offer relief to some people suffering from a wide variety of conditions. There is no legislative bar to prevent practitioners of such therapies from offering their services, subject only to some general restrictions, such as those on prescribing and supplying medicines and giving injections. A GP or hospital clinician may refer a patient for alternative treatment, but would require to be satisfied of the value of the treatment and the competence of the practitioner, and would remain responsible for the patient's medical care. It is also open to NHS boards to provide complementary or alternative therapies.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161975,"EventID":"S1W-25425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any letter of instruction from it to Caledonian MacBrayne in regard to the frequency of ferry services on the River Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any letter of instruction from it to Caledonian MacBrayne in regard to the frequency of ferry services on the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not issued any such letter.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161976,"EventID":"S1W-25426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Caledonian MacBrayne is under a continuing instruction to provide an hourly ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon and what the reason is for its position on t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Caledonian MacBrayne is under a continuing instruction to provide an hourly ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25321 on 7 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161977,"EventID":"S1W-25427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in relation to the crime statistics which show that the total crime rate in Inverclyde was higher than the rate for Scotland as a whole, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in relation to the crime statistics which show that the total crime rate in Inverclyde was higher than the rate for Scotland as a whole, as reported in its Statistical Bulletin, Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2001.","AnswerText":"Our Programme for Government set out the range of ways in which we are working to promote equality of opportunity, to eliminate deprivation and disadvantage and to make our country safer and our people feel safer.

    Funding for the police service is now at record levels, as are police numbers. The overall crime rate is at its second-lowest level in the past 20 years, police detection rate is at a post-war record and serious inroads are being made into tackling many different types of crime. Of course, there is more to be done. That is why we have set national targets. But, how those targets are achieved and how crime rates are tackled locally is primarily an operational matter for chief constables to decide in consultation with the local communities.

    In addition to the resources made available to the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, various other funding streams have been provided by the Executive. For example, we are investing £12 million over the next three years in a Community Safety Award Programme, to allow council-led Community Safety Partnerships to tackle local issues including crime reduction. For 2002-03, the Inverclyde Partnership has been allocated over £113,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161978,"EventID":"S1W-25428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in relation to the crime statistics which show that the total crime rate in West Dunbartonshire was higher than the rate for Scotland as ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in relation to the crime statistics which show that the total crime rate in West Dunbartonshire was higher than the rate for Scotland as a whole, as reported in its Statistical Bulletin, Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2001.","AnswerText":"Our Programme for Government set out the range of ways in which we are working to promote equality of opportunity, to eliminate deprivation and disadvantage and to make our country safer and our people feel safer.

    Funding for the police service is now at record levels, as are police numbers. The overall crime rate is at its second-lowest level in the past 20 years, police detection rate is at a post-war record, and serious inroads are being made into tackling many different types of crime. Of course there is more to be done. That is why we have set national targets. But, how those targets are achieved and how crime rates are tackled locally is primarily an operational matter for chief constables to decide in consultation with the local communities.

    In addition to the resources made available to the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, various other funding streams have been provided by the Executive. For example, we are investing £12 million over the next three years in a Community Safety Award Programme, to allow council-led Community Safety Partnerships to tackle local issues including crime reduction. For 2002-03, the West Dunbartonshire Partnership has been allocated over £118,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161979,"EventID":"S1W-25429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in relation to the crime statistics which show that the total crime rate in Renfrewshire was higher than the rate for Scotland on a whole","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in relation to the crime statistics which show that the total crime rate in Renfrewshire was higher than the rate for Scotland on a whole, as reported in its Statistical Bulletin, Recorded Crime in Scotland, 2001. ","AnswerText":"Our Programme for Government set out the range of ways in which we are working to promote equality of opportunity, to eliminate deprivation and disadvantage and to make our country safer and our people feel safer.

    Funding for the police service is now at record levels, as are police numbers. The overall crime rate is at its second-lowest level in the past 20 years, police detection rate is at a post-war record and serious in-roads are being made into tackling many different types of crime. Of course there is more to be done. That is why we have set national targets. But, how those targets are achieved and how crime rates are tackled locally is primarily an operational matter for chief constables to decide in consultation with the local communities.

    In addition to the resources made available to the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, various other funding streams have been provided by the Executive. For example, we are investing £12 million over the next three years in a Community Safety Award Programme, to allow council-led Community Safety Partnerships to tackle local issues including crime reduction. For 2002-03, the Renfrewshire Partnership has been allocated over £147,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161980,"EventID":"S1W-25430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to deliver high quality building design in Public/Private Partnership projects in line with the national policy on architecture.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to deliver high quality building design in Public/Private Partnership projects in line with the national policy on architecture.","AnswerText":"It is the Executive's aim to act as an exemplar client in its procurement of buildings, whether through Private Finance Initiative or traditional means, and we recognise that good building design is a key to obtaining value for money. The policy on architecture commits the Executive to ensuring that design quality is taken into account in the guidance, training and advice made available to Executive clients for construction projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161981,"EventID":"S1W-25431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to develop a national strategy for archives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to develop a national strategy for archives.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be developing a national strategy for public records by building on work conducted already by the Keeper of the Records of Scotland and the Scottish Records Advisory Council. The strategy will also be informed by the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill, passed by the Scottish Parliament on 24 April, which contains a number of provisions relating to public records and archives and a requirement for the Scottish to issue a code of practice as to the keeping, management and destruction of records.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161982,"EventID":"S1W-25432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it has had with COSLA to discuss the implementation of the National Cultural Strategy. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it has had with COSLA to discuss the implementation of the National Cultural Strategy. ","AnswerText":"A Joint Implementation Group, chaired by Mike Watson, has been set up with representatives from COSLA and other key agencies to review progress on the strategy and inform the development of policy in this area. This group meets on a six-monthly basis and has already met twice. In addition, a joint working group of the Executive and COSLA, which meets on a monthly basis, is developing best practice guidelines on the role of local authorities and their contribution to implementing the strategy. There have also been a variety of ad hoc contacts with COSLA on a range of matters covered by the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161983,"EventID":"S1W-25433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether heather moorland qualifies for support under agri-environment schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether heather moorland qualifies for support under agri-environment schemes.","AnswerText":"Yes. Support for heather moorland management is available through the Argyll Islands, Cairngorms Straths, Shetland Islands, Stewartry, Breadalbane, Loch Lomond, Central and Western Southern Uplands Environmentally Sensitive Area Schemes (ESAs), which were open to new entrants until 31 December 2000. Support is also available through the Countryside Premium Scheme (CPS), which covers all land outwith the ESAs and was open to new entrants until 31 July 2000, and the Rural Stewardship Scheme (which, for new entrants, has now replaced the ESAs and the CPS). Support was also available under the Heather Moorland Scheme which closed to new applications in 1996.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161984,"EventID":"S1W-25434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Audit of Collections will be complete.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Audit of Collections will be complete.","AnswerText":"The data collection for the National Audit has been completed and the Scottish Museums Council plan to launch the final report in July.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161985,"EventID":"S1W-25435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Audit of Collections will be completed in time to feed into the next spending review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Audit of Collections will be completed in time to feed into the next spending review.","AnswerText":"Yes, the National Audit will be completed in time to feed into the next spending review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161986,"EventID":"S1W-25436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cultural co-ordinators have been appointed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cultural co-ordinators have been appointed.","AnswerText":"The School Cultural Co-ordinators pilot programme was launched by Mike Watson on 2 May. All local authorities have been invited to apply for funding of £1.75 million available over this year and the next. The pilot will identify ways of maximising the potential contribution of culture to young people's education, developing their self-confidence, their skills and creativity, and exploring opportunities to widen the range of experiences available to children.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161987,"EventID":"S1W-25437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct BEAR Scotland Ltd to bring forward to May 2002 its proposed repair work to the A830, and whether it recognises the importance of the A830 to the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct BEAR Scotland Ltd to bring forward to May 2002 its proposed repair work to the A830, and whether it recognises the importance of the A830 to the communities of Mallaig, Arisaig and Morar and tourism in the area, in particular the need to keep the road open with minimal impediment and interference during summer months.","AnswerText":"In accordance with our contract with BEAR Scotland Ltd and to ensure value for money for the repairs to the section of the A830 between Borrodale and Arisaig, the work will be put out to tender. The design, preparation of tender documents, tender period and the appointment of contractors to carry out the work mean that it will be impossible to carry out the repairs before the tourist season. In recognition of the importance of this route, consultations will take place with interested parties on the optimum timing of the works and the traffic management regime to achieve the minimum disruption. In the interim the strategy to undertake urgent repairs and increase the frequency of safety inspections to ensure road safety is maintained will continue.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161988,"EventID":"S1W-25438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new homes for (a) sale and (b) rent have been built in Midlothian in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new homes for (a) sale and (b) rent have been built in Midlothian in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The numbers of new dwellings which were completed in Midlothian in the years 1997-2000 were published in the following Scottish Executive Quarterly Housing Trends Statistical Bulletins, which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre:

    HSG/1998/6 - Quarter Ending 31 December 1997

    (publication date October 1998, Bib. number 20888)

    HSG/1999/4 - Quarter Ending 31 December 1998

    (publication date September 1999, Bib. number 20889)

    HSG/2000/3 - Quarter Ending 31 December 1999

    (publication date June 2000, Bib. number 20890)

    HSG/2001/2 - Quarter Ending 31 December 2000

    (publication date June 2001, Bib. number 20891)

    Table 6 of each bulletin separately identifies the new dwellings that were built within each local authority area for (a) the local authority, (b) RSLs and (c) the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161989,"EventID":"S1W-25439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) owner-occupied, (b) public sector rented and (c) private sector rented houses have been demolished in Midlothian in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) owner-occupied, (b) public sector rented and (c) private sector rented houses have been demolished in Midlothian in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Midlothian Council has reported that they have demolished only one property in the four year period 1997 to 2000, and that the demolition took place in 1999. The dwelling demolished was outwith the local authority rented sector, though its exact tenure is not known.

    Figures for 2001 are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161990,"EventID":"S1W-25440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given to the level of fares in issuing guidelines and granting public service obligations in respect of lifeline air services in the Highlands and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given to the level of fares in issuing guidelines and granting public service obligations in respect of lifeline air services in the Highlands and Islands; whether the current levels of fares is appropriate, and, if not, what the level of fares for such services should be. ","AnswerText":"The criteria used for the assessment of the public service obligation routes include consideration of the level of air fares. The current levels are considered appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161991,"EventID":"S1W-25441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made regarding the level of fares on Highland and Island air services and (a) when and (b) to whom it made any such representations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made regarding the level of fares on Highland and Island air services and (a) when and (b) to whom it made any such representations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies are in regular contact with airlines to discuss a range of aviation matters including fare levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161992,"EventID":"S1W-25442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maintenance work has been undertaken on the Clyde Tunnel and access ramps since 1979 and what the cost of each maintenance project was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maintenance work has been undertaken on the Clyde Tunnel and access ramps since 1979 and what the cost of each maintenance project was.","AnswerText":"The Clyde Tunnel is a local road. As such it is the responsibility of Glasgow City Council as the local roads authority for the area. This is, therefore, a matter for the council to address.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161993,"EventID":"S1W-25443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what period of time the useful life of the Clyde Tunnel was designed to be and when significant repairs should be undertaken for that life to be achieved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what period of time the useful life of the Clyde Tunnel was designed to be and when significant repairs should be undertaken for that life to be achieved.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question on 17 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161994,"EventID":"S1W-25444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether initiatives such as widening or duplicating the Clyde Tunnel are being considered to improve the rapidity of traffic flows through the tunnel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether initiatives such as widening or duplicating the Clyde Tunnel are being considered to improve the rapidity of traffic flows through the tunnel.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25442 on 17 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161995,"EventID":"S1W-25445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the closure of the Clyde Tunnel would have on journey times within Glasgow and the surrounding area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the closure of the Clyde Tunnel would have on journey times within Glasgow and the surrounding area.","AnswerText":"The Clyde Tunnel is a local road. As such it is the responsibility of Glasgow City Council as the local roads authority for the area.

    Glasgow City Council has a detailed traffic model of the Glasgow Area that would be most suitable for the analysis of potential re-routing of traffic and associated delays on the Glasgow road network, should the tunnel be closed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161996,"EventID":"S1W-25446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the maintenance and upgrading work to the Clyde Tunnel is in its programme of transport improvement priorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where the maintenance and upgrading work to the Clyde Tunnel is in its programme of transport improvement priorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25442 on 17 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161997,"EventID":"S1W-25447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days the Clyde Tunnel was not operational with two lanes in both directions in the most recent year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days the Clyde Tunnel was not operational with two lanes in both directions in the most recent year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25442.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161998,"EventID":"S1W-25448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Clyde Tunnel has reached the end of its useful life (a) as envisaged at the time of its commissioning and (b) in terms of the projected costs of maintaining ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Clyde Tunnel has reached the end of its useful life (a) as envisaged at the time of its commissioning and (b) in terms of the projected costs of maintaining it at a high standard of repair and reliability.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25442.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":161999,"EventID":"S1W-25449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the central Scotland transport corridor studies will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the central Scotland transport corridor studies will be completed.","AnswerText":"The report for the 2005 and 2010 plans for the three corridors will be submitted to the Executive at the end of this month. Plans for 2020 will be submitted later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162000,"EventID":"S1W-25450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently employed by (a) it, (b) Executive agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently employed by (a) it, (b) Executive agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Executive Core departments currently employ 4,290 people; (b) Executive Agencies currently employ 9,432 people, and (c) The number of staff employed in non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162001,"EventID":"S1W-25451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to residents of West Dunbartonshire through its central heating installation programme and what projections it has for take-up rates i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to residents of West Dunbartonshire through its central heating installation programme and what projections it has for take-up rates in the area.","AnswerText":"Allocations for local authorities and housing associations have not yet been finalised for this year because they are still completing the programme for 2001-02. It is therefore not possible to provide the information requested for the West Dunbartonshire local authority area. Eaga administer the programme for the private sector but do not collect information by local authority area. However, Eaga's current budget will benefit some 4,600 owner-occupiers and private sector tenants across Scotland in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162002,"EventID":"S1W-25452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates any commercial agreements were signed between West of Scotland Water and Thames Water or its subsidiaries or consortia, including but not limited to agreeme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates any commercial agreements were signed between West of Scotland Water and Thames Water or its subsidiaries or consortia, including but not limited to agreements relating to the Loch Katrine water project.","AnswerText":"This is a question for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

    Three agreements were signed between the West of Scotland Water and Thames Water.

    On 3 August 2001 Stirling Water Ltd was appointed by West of Scotland Water as one of four Strategic Partners to help West of Scotland Water deliver its Capital Investment Programme in the period 2002-06. The constituent parties of Stirling Water are MJ Gleeson, Thames Water and Montgomery Watson. The Form of Agreement for this contract was signed on 20 March 2002 with full agreement by the prospective management of Scottish Water.

    As part of West of Scotland Water's drive to achieve efficiencies in its working practices, two consultancy agreements were entered into with Thames Water in April 2001. These agreements were in relation to the management services and technical services elements of our Capital Efficiency Project.

    The contract for the Katrine Water Project was signed between the West of Scotland Water and the MJ Gleeson Group Ltd, the lead member of the Stirling Water consortium, on 18 October 2000. No contract was signed with Thames Water or its subsidiaries. Thames Water are one of the subcontractors to MJ Gleeson.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162003,"EventID":"S1W-25453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to increase the levels of teleworking and what proportion of the Scottish workforce teleworks compared with the rest of the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to increase the levels of teleworking and what proportion of the Scottish workforce teleworks compared with the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"A competitive telecoms infrastructure is vital to Scotland's economic development, including the facilitation of teleworking. To this end, the Executive's broadband strategy, published last year, aims to promote affordable, pervasive broadband access across Scotland.

    The DTI's Labour Force Survey 2000 showed that there were approximately 119,000 teleworkers in Scotland at the time of the survey. This equated to approximately 5% of Scottish employees teleworking, compared with an average of approximately 6.4% of employees in the UK as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162004,"EventID":"S1W-25454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets for increasing research and development spending by business have been set, or are realistically achievable, for each of the next three years and how these f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets for increasing research and development spending by business have been set, or are realistically achievable, for each of the next three years and how these figures compare with the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"The Executive, in common with the UK Government, has not set targets for business spending on research and development over this period. The UK is signed up to the Lisbon Conference target of 3% of GDP to be spent on research and development by 2010. This target includes both Government and business spending.

    Business research and development spend is a matter for business but government can help to create a climate which encourages investment in research and development and innovation. The announcement in Budget 2002 of the extension to large firms of the existing research and development tax credit for SMEs will provide an estimated £400 million a year support for investment in new technology by UK industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162005,"EventID":"S1W-25455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to increase the number of business start-ups and retention rates in Scotland and what these rates were in the most recent available quarter compa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to increase the number of business start-ups and retention rates in Scotland and what these rates were in the most recent available quarter compared with the rest of the UK.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive is working directly with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to improve the quality and consistency of support for business start-ups and small businesses throughout Scotland. A number of measures have been introduced including the Small Business Gateway providing consistent support and advice to start-ups, existing, and growing businesses across the Scottish Enterprise Network.Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) provide similar access to information and advice to businesses in the HIE area through its Business Information Source. Further improvements will be introduced as a result of the recent review of Scottish Enterprise's Business Birth Rate Strategy.

    The most recent data on new businesses is the number of new VAT registrations in 2000. In Scotland the rate was 28 per 10,000 adults while for the rest of the UK the figure was 40 per 10,000 adults. The most recent information on survival rates show that 64.3% of businesses that registered in 1997 survived three years while the figures for the rest of the UK was 65.2%. Both of these are higher than for businesses that registered in 1996 but the increase was greater in Scotland.

    Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have a target of 70% survival after three years for start-up businesses assisted by the Enterprise Networks.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162006,"EventID":"S1W-25456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #20 million allocated from the Capital Modernisation Fund for new or refurbished community sports facilities in the UK 2002 Budget will be apportio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #20 million allocated from the Capital Modernisation Fund for new or refurbished community sports facilities in the UK 2002 Budget will be apportioned to Scotland.","AnswerText":"Consequentials from all relevant Capital Modernisation Fund allocations are calculated according to the Barnett formula and added to the Scottish Consolidated Fund. It is for Scottish ministers to determine how these funds are allocated.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162007,"EventID":"S1W-25457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will bring forward proposals to upgrade the A92 between Preston, Fife, and the Tay Bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will bring forward proposals to upgrade the A92 between Preston, Fife, and the Tay Bridge.","AnswerText":"A programme of junction improvements is currently underway covering the Balfarg Junction, the Preston Roundabout and construction of a new roundabout at the Markinch/Tullis Russell Junction. In addition the Executive intends to commission a Route Study Report during 2002 which will examine the section of the A92 between New Inn Roundabout and the Tay Bridge. This study will look at the operational characteristics of the route and recommend measures primarily aimed at improving road safety. Implementation will depend on the availability of funding in future spending programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162008,"EventID":"S1W-25458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Falkirk Council structural plan has not been approved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Falkirk Council structural plan has not been approved.","AnswerText":"It is expected that a final decision on the Falkirk Structure Plan will be announced by the Scottish ministers in the summer. The large number of representations made on this plan, together with other pressures of work, mean that the Scottish Executive has yet to complete its consideration of the plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162009,"EventID":"S1W-25459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23884 by Nicol Stephen on 21 March 2002, how many proposals which would involve the loss of a playing field have been referred to i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23884 by Nicol Stephen on 21 March 2002, how many proposals which would involve the loss of a playing field have been referred to it by planning authorities as a result of sportscotland advising against the proposal.","AnswerText":"Since December 1997, when the requirement to notify such applications to the Scottish ministers was introduced, seven cases involving the possible loss of playing fields have been referred to ministers for consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162010,"EventID":"S1W-25460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23884 by Nicol Stephen on 21 March 2002, what guidelines sportscotland follow when considering planning applications and developmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23884 by Nicol Stephen on 21 March 2002, what guidelines sportscotland follow when considering planning applications and developments likely to prejudice or lead to the loss of playing fields and what guidance it gives to sportscotland on this issue.","AnswerText":"National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 11: Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space provides guidance to planning authorities on the protection of playing fields. This confirms that playing fields should not be redeveloped except where:

    the retention or enhancement of the facilities can best be achieved by the redevelopment of part of the site without affecting its sporting potential and its amenity value; or

    there would be no loss of amenity, and alternative provision of equal community benefit and accessibility would be made available, and

    there is a clear long-term excess of pitches, playing fields and public open space in the wider area.

    Sportscotland take the guidance contained in NPPG 11 into account when considering development proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162011,"EventID":"S1W-25461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance, financial or otherwise, will be available to community sports clubs which are not registered charities following the restriction of water rates relief to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance, financial or otherwise, will be available to community sports clubs which are not registered charities following the restriction of water rates relief to charities under the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 contains no provisions whose effect is to restrict relief on water and sewerage charges to charities.

    Section 40 of the act enables Scottish ministers to make regulations reducing the water and sewerage charges, or exempting from these charges, those specified in the regulations. Using this power, Scottish ministers made the Water and Sewerage (Exemption) (Scotland) Regulations 2002 (SSI1358) on 27 March 2002.

    The regulations, which came into effect on 1 April, set out conditions to be satisfied if premises are to be exempted from water and sewerage charges in the period to 31 March 2006. The main conditions are that premises were not paying the full charge for water and sewerage services on 31 March 1999 and that those responsible for paying the charge have an annual income of £50,000. Sports clubs that satisfy these and the other conditions in the regulations will receive an exemption, regardless of whether or not they are registered charities.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162012,"EventID":"S1W-25462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to (a) the City of Edinburgh Council and (b) sportscotland in regard to the future of Scotland's only velodrome at Meadowbank Sports Cent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to (a) the City of Edinburgh Council and (b) sportscotland in regard to the future of Scotland's only velodrome at Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"No representations have been made. However, sportscotland is considering with relevant councils issues relating to the provision of national sports facilities including those at Meadowbank.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162013,"EventID":"S1W-25463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the First Minister's speech to the Committee of the Regions' Commission for Constitutional Affairs and European Governance on 26 April 2002, what \"greater role","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the First Minister's speech to the Committee of the Regions' Commission for Constitutional Affairs and European Governance on 26 April 2002, what \"greater role\" the First Minister envisages for the Parliament in Europe and when this greater role will be outlined to (a) the Convention on the Future of Europe and (b) the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The reference made by the First Minister in his recent speech to giving national and devolved parliaments in Europe a greater role in the EU decision-making process is fully consistent with previous interventions on this issue. The point was included in the Executive's formal response to the recommendation at paragraph 217 of the European Committee's Report on the Governance of the European Union and the Future of Europe: What Role for Scotland?. The Executive believes that both sub-member state administrations and parliaments have an important role to play in redressing the democratic deficit which currently exists within the EU and it will continue to press this proposal through the many channels available to it. The Executive has already suggested in its joint submission with COSLA in response to the Commission's Governance inquiry that the sub-member state level should be consulted on new Commission proposals at the pre-legislative stage, and might also be involved in the proposed subsidiary watchdog.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162014,"EventID":"S1W-25464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much earmarked funding has been received, or will be received, by each NHS board for drug treatment services under the Arbuthnott Substance Misuse Formula (a) since t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much earmarked funding has been received, or will be received, by each NHS board for drug treatment services under the Arbuthnott Substance Misuse Formula (a) since the formula came into use and (b) in future financial years for which budgets are available, expressed in cash terms and per capita.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25154 on 1 May 2002, which detailed allocated resources to each NHS board for drug treatment services for 1998-99 to 2002-03, in cash terms and per capita. The current position is that allocations for 2003-04 will remain the same as for 2002-03, and NHS boards have been notified accordingly. The Arbuthnott Substance Misuse Formula was used to determine allocations for 2001-02 to 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162015,"EventID":"S1W-25465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an itemised breakdown of the total transport subsidy to Shetland in each of the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an itemised breakdown of the total transport subsidy to Shetland in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"Shetland has received the following amounts in direct support for transport related purposes from the Scottish Executive over the last five years

    Rural Transport Fund (£)

    1997-98

    Nil

    1998-99

    143,000

    1999-2000

    164,000

    2000-01

    141,000

    2001-02

    169,000

    Piers and Harbour Grants (£)

    1997-98

    Nil

    1998-99

    Nil

    1999-2000

    Nil

    2000-01

    193,000

    2001-02

    239,000

    Tariff Rebate Subsidy (TRS) Livestock Transfer Payments (these figures are for complete contracts that benefit both Shetland and Orkney). The information necessary to break them down is not held centrally.

    1997-98

    £541,760.26

    1998-99

    £439,269.94

    1999-2000

    £695,627

    2000-01

    £516,463

    2001-02

    £674,244

    TRS Bulk Freight Payments (these figures are for complete contracts that benefit both Shetland and Orkney). The information necessary to break them down is not held centrally.

    1997-98

    £182,997.13

    1998-99

    £162,169.98

    1999-2000

    £173,911

    2000-01

    £183,000

    2001-02

    £191,320

    Details of support for air transport on Shetland is given in the Annual Reports for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Bib. numbers are as follows

    1997-98

    20023

    1998-99

    3976

    1999-2000

    7211

    2000-01

    15017

    Figures for 2001-02 have n","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162016,"EventID":"S1W-25466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS boards have placed restrictions on the prescribing of Glivec as a treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia, and, if so, which boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS boards have placed restrictions on the prescribing of Glivec as a treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia, and, if so, which boards.","AnswerText":"Information on drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally.

    The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has assessed Glivec and has recommended it for restricted use within NHSScotland. The Executive expects NHS boards to take account of advice and evidence from the SMC and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are available to meet clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162017,"EventID":"S1W-25467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) target and (b) actual current waiting times are for a neurological examination by a consultant neurologist in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) target and (b) actual current waiting times are for a neurological examination by a consultant neurologist in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in neurology, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS board of residence, in the year ended 31 December 2001, is given in the table.

    The target waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner or General Dental Practitioner, is nine weeks.

    NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-patient Appointment with a Consultant in Neurology, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS Board of Residence. Year Ended 31 December 2001P.

    NHS Board

    Median Wait

    Argyll and Clyde

    80 days

    Ayrshire and Arran

    97 days

    Borders

    78 days

    Dumfries and Galloway

    101 days*

    Fife

    67days

    Forth Valley

    70 days

    Grampian

    88 days

    Greater Glasgow

    95 days

    Highland

    59 days

    Lanarkshire

    106 days

    Lothian

    28 days

    Orkney

    120 days*

    Shetland

    97 days*

    Tayside

    70 days

    Western Isles

    56 days*

    Scotland

    70 days

    Source: ISD Scotland, SMR0.

    PProvisional.

    Note:

    *Represents less than 100 patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162018,"EventID":"S1W-25468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20118 by Mr Andy Kerr on 26 March 2002, what progress has been made in finalising the list of public appointees who declared politi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20118 by Mr Andy Kerr on 26 March 2002, what progress has been made in finalising the list of public appointees who declared political activity in the five-year period prior to their appointment.","AnswerText":"Political Activity Declaration forms have now been obtained for all 1,095 non-executive members of public bodies. The names of the 231 individuals who have declared political activity during the five-year period prior to their appointment is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20841).","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162019,"EventID":"S1W-25469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24633 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 April 2002 and following the meeting of Minecor on 25 April 2002, whether it is now able to give its ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24633 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 April 2002 and following the meeting of Minecor on 25 April 2002, whether it is now able to give its position on Scottish representation on the Youth Convention on the Future of Europe.","AnswerText":"A final decision about the composition of the UK delegation to the Youth Convention has not yet been taken. I shall write to the member when this information is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162020,"EventID":"S1W-25470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24633 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 April 2002, what further information it is awaiting in respect of the proposed Youth Convention and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24633 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 April 2002, what further information it is awaiting in respect of the proposed Youth Convention and what the relevance is of the European Youth Gathering in Murcia, Spain, to the proposed Youth Convention and to potential Scottish participation in the convention.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25469 today. Scottish participation in the Murcia Gathering shows collaborative working with all the devolved administrations and the UK departments in action.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162021,"EventID":"S1W-25471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the #4.5 million funding package for the wave test centre in Orkney will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the #4.5 million funding package for the wave test centre in Orkney will be made available.","AnswerText":"We are in close contact with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other stakeholders regarding the proposed centre in Orkney. We expect to be able to make a decision on further support in early summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162022,"EventID":"S1W-25472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1931,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":29,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the MMR expert group will be made public and when it will respond to the Public Health Institute of Scotland needs assessment report on autistic spectr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the MMR expert group will be made public and when it will respond to the Public Health Institute of Scotland needs assessment report on autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"The report of the MMR Expert Group has been published today. Copies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The report is also available on both the Scottish Executive and the expert group websites.

    The Executive is grateful to the chairman and members of the expert group, for producing an excellent report, which addresses its remit in full. The report confirms that there is no proven scientific link between the MMR vaccine and autism or Crohn's disease. The Executive has no plans to change the current immunisation programme.

    The report describes the consequences of pursuing an alternative vaccination policy to MMR. It is clear that none of the alternatives provides comparable protection - for the population or individual children - against measles, mumps and rubella.

    In principle, the Executive is happy to accept all the recommendations that fall to the Scottish Executive for action. A more detailed response will, however, be prepared, and published, in due course.

    The expert group report cogently focuses on the need for improvements in the range and quality of services for those affected by autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), endorsing the recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Scotland (PHIS) Needs Assessment Report on ASD. The Executive recognises the importance of appropriate services to support individuals affected by autistic spectrum disorder, and their families and carers, and has today announced its response to the Needs Assessment Report that the Executive commissioned from the PHIS.

    The Scottish Executive is committed to reform and to improving services. Much work is under way. Autistic spectrum disorders are already included in The same as you?, the Report of the Review of Services for People With Learning Disabilities published in May 2000. Its aim is the same as the PHIS report - to ensure that services are co-ordinated and seamless. Change Funds have been provided to local authorities - £36 million over the three years to 2003-04, and £16 million in each year thereafter. This is for learning disability, but individuals with autistic spectrum disorders benefit too. Similarly children with ASD will benefit from the changes resulting from the consultation on Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward, and the Changing Children's Services Fund - £27 million in 2002-03 - which is focussed on the delivery of integrated health, education and care services for vulnerable and deprived children. Also, under the Innovation Grants Programme, announced yesterday, £697,000 is being made available over two years to enable local authorities and voluntary agencies to work together to develop new services for children with ASD and their families.

    We will also work with researchers in Scotland to develop proposals for innovative, high quality research to underpin improvements in treatment and care for people with ASD.

    The Scottish Executive will continue to build on that foundation and work towards the ideal described by PHIS. The Executive is focussed on delivering sustainable, long-term improvements in the range and quality of services for those affected by autistic spectrum disorders across Scotland as a whole, in partnership with local service providers and users. Further steady and lasting progress will be based on mapping work currently being carried out by the Scottish Society for Autism and the National Autistic Society. The Executive's view, consistent with PHIS, is that early priorities must include involving individuals with ASD and their families or representatives, early assessment, integrated joint planning, and a coherent approach to training and workforce development.","AnswerDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162023,"EventID":"S1W-25473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an assessment of the two roll-on roll-off ferry services operating on a half-hourly basis between Gourock and Dunoon has been, or will be, carried out.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an assessment of the two roll-on roll-off ferry services operating on a half-hourly basis between Gourock and Dunoon has been, or will be, carried out.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25422.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162024,"EventID":"S1W-25474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to Caledonian MacBrayne's position that a reduced ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon provides best value for the people of that area and what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to Caledonian MacBrayne's position that a reduced ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon provides best value for the people of that area and what definition of \"best value\" was used.","AnswerText":"Only the passenger element of Caledonian MacBrayne's service on this route is within the undertaking between the company and the Scottish ministers. The provision of a vehicle ferry service is outwith the undertaking, and therefore the company's decision to introduce passenger-only sailings in a commercial matter for the company.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162025,"EventID":"S1W-25475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with (a) MSPs representing the parliamentary constituency of Argyll and Bute and the Highlands and Islands parliamentary region, (b) interes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with (a) MSPs representing the parliamentary constituency of Argyll and Bute and the Highlands and Islands parliamentary region, (b) interested community bodies in Dunoon and (c) the wider Dunoon community in regard to proposed restructuring of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon.","AnswerText":"None. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25474.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162026,"EventID":"S1W-25476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much per capita funding was allocated to each police force in (a) the current year and (b) each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much per capita funding was allocated to each police force in (a) the current year and (b) each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table.

    Funding Per Capita
     

    2002-03

    2001-02

    2000-01

    1999-2000

    Central

    £132.64

    £127.91

    £120.39

    £118,56

    Dumfries and Galloway

    £159.08

    £155.35

    £146.21

    £141.77

    Fife

    £126.63

    £125.60

    £118.87

    £111.56

    Grampian

    £138.34

    £130.82

    £120.24

    £116.29

    Lothian and Borders

    £167.47

    £158.22

    £150.20

    £146.33

    Northern

    £156.71

    £153.22

    £140.49

    £133.54

    Strathclyde

    £171.93

    £163.89

    £155.61

    £149.55

    Tayside

    £164.68

    £159.40

    £149.41

    £141.68

    The method by which funds are distributed between the forces is currently under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162027,"EventID":"S1W-25477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding for special responsibilities was allocated to each police force in (a) the current year and (b) each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional funding for special responsibilities was allocated to each police force in (a) the current year and (b) each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"For both 2001-02 and 2002-03, bids for general funding submitted by Scottish police forces have been met in full. In addition, the Executive has provided additional funding to meet certain new demands. These have included:

    £220,000 to Fife Constabulary in 2001-02 for the policing costs of the new European ferry at Rosyth;

    £117,000 to Lothian and Borders Police in 2001-02 to meet the costs of its Parliamentary Policing Unit when the Parliament is not sitting, and

    £1.4 million spread across all forces in 2001-02, including Grampian Police, to meet additional policing pressures following the events of 11 September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162028,"EventID":"S1W-25478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) children and (b) adults with alcohol-related problems were admitted to each (i) children's hospital and (ii) acute hospital in each of the last three years, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) children and (b) adults with alcohol-related problems were admitted to each (i) children's hospital and (ii) acute hospital in each of the last three years, broken down by age profile where appropriate.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of children and adults with an alcohol-related diagnosis who were discharged from children's hospitals and general acute hospitals in the last three years is given in the following table.

    Alcohol-related discharges from children's hospitals and general acute hospitals in 1999-2001
     

    Children's hospitals

    General acute hospitals

    1999

    Age 0-15

    78

    670

    Age 16-24

    -

    3,036

    Age 25-34

    -

    4,276

    Age 35-44

    -

    6,954

    Age 45-64

    -

    13,084

    Age 65+

    -

    5,380

    2000

    Age 0-15

    100

    775

    Age 16-24

    -

    2,990

    Age 25-34

    -

    4,146

    Age 35-44

    -

    6,977

    Age 45-64

    -

    13,591

    Age 65+

    -

    5,358

    2001

    Age 0-15

    94

    662

    Age 16-24

    -

    3,044

    Age 25-34

    -

    4,158

    Age 35-44

    -

    6,956

    Age 45-64

    -

    13,393

    Age 65+

    -

    5,088

    Source: Scottish Morbidity Record, SMR01.

    Notes:

    Alcohol-related conditions are defined using the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD10).

    Figures relate to discharges where an alcohol-related diagnosis is recorded as either the primary or secondary reason for admission to hospital.

    There are three children's hospitals in Scotland: Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Glasgow), Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital and Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Edinburgh). Children will also be routinely seen in general acute hospitals.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162029,"EventID":"S1W-25479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of violence and aggression were reported at each hospital in each of the last three years, showing the percentage increase year on year and expressed a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of violence and aggression were reported at each hospital in each of the last three years, showing the percentage increase year on year and expressed also as a percentage of overall admissions in each case.","AnswerText":"The first national collection of data from NHS boards and trusts on violent and aggressive incidents took place in 2001 for the financial year 2000-01. Collection of the 2001-02 data is currently on-going. Quality assurance of the 2000-01 data has started and once completed will be made available through the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency. The information will be at NHS board and trust level.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162030,"EventID":"S1W-25480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated by each NHS board for schemes to tackle (a) alcohol misuse and (b) drug misuse in (i) the current year and (ii) each of the last three year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated by each NHS board for schemes to tackle (a) alcohol misuse and (b) drug misuse in (i) the current year and (ii) each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not collect information on funding allocated by NHS boards for schemes to tackle alcohol problems. These are funded from within boards' general allocations and cannot be separately identified.

    Information on the expenditure reported by each NHS board to tackle drug misuse, submitted by NHS boards to the Executive with their annual accounts for the years 1998-99 to 1999-2000 is shown in the table. The returns may include expenditure from general health allocations. They may exclude some funding allocated for drug misuse which has been used to fund drug-related HIV/AIDs prevention work, for example the funding of needle exchanges. Similar information is not available for 2000-01.

    Financial returns for 2001-02, which will report expenditure on drug misuse services and HIV prevention, will be available later this year. Financial information for 2001-02 is also currently being sought through Drug Action Team Corporate Action Plans.

    1999-2000

    Drugs Misuse

    (£)

    1998-99

    Drug Abuse Projects

    (£)

    Argyll and Clyde

    952,674

    656,167

    Ayrshire and Arran

    641,901

    436,280

    Borders

    26,226

    21,558

    Dumfries and Galloway

    30,124

    115,223

    Fife

    481,258

    273,616

    Forth Valley

    241,066

    124,682

    Grampian

    972,395

    890,441

    Greater Glasgow

    2,328,903

    2,813,767

    Highland

    250,365

    139,059

    Lanarkshire

    875,747

    311,942

    Lothian

    1,024,538

    1,005,797

    Orkney

    43,551

    38,508

    Shetland

    0

    80,589

    Tayside

    1,358,450

    973,552

    Western Isles

    58,710

    41,947

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162031,"EventID":"S1W-25481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the figures relied upon by Caledonian MacBrayne to reach the conclusion that the proposed service configuration on the Dunoon to Gourock ferry ro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the figures relied upon by Caledonian MacBrayne to reach the conclusion that the proposed service configuration on the Dunoon to Gourock ferry route is the most cost-effective option.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25474.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162032,"EventID":"S1W-25482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to provide secure accommodation in the Scottish Borders for young offenders, given an estimated required provision of five to six places and a la","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to provide secure accommodation in the Scottish Borders for young offenders, given an estimated required provision of five to six places and a lack of currently available provision.","AnswerText":"The Secure Accommodation Advisory Group has provided a report on the availability and use of secure accommodation. I am considering the report's findings and will make an announcement on this shortly. However, in order to assist in the better strategic management of the secure estate, local authorities were asked in September 2001 to provide an estimate of their need for secure places. Borders Council indicated that their need for secure accommodation was steady annually, at one place and this need was being met.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162033,"EventID":"S1W-25483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the transfer of reserved powers from Her Majesty's Government to the Scottish Parliament, whether an Order in Council requires the approval of both the Ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the transfer of reserved powers from Her Majesty's Government to the Scottish Parliament, whether an Order in Council requires the approval of both the House of Commons and the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"Yes. Orders in Council under section 30 of the Scotland Act must be laid in draft before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament and each House of Parliament at Westminster before a recommendation to make the order can be made to Her Majesty in Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162034,"EventID":"S1W-25484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what parliamentary procedures are involved in the preparation and passage of an Order in Council to transfer reserved powers from Her Majesty's Government to the Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what parliamentary procedures are involved in the preparation and passage of an Order in Council to transfer reserved powers from Her Majesty's Government to the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25483.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162035,"EventID":"S1W-25485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24402 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 April 2002, what the expenditure on transport improvements will be to 31 March 2004, including schem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24402 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 April 2002, what the expenditure on transport improvements will be to 31 March 2004, including schemes that have already been delivered, or will be delivered, but also including additional spending commitments arising from decisions taken after November 2001, (i) expressed per capita and (ii) broken down by each geographical area.","AnswerText":"Additional spending commitments arising from decisions taken since November 2001, broken down by geographical area are presented in the following table. The table also includes revised total per capita spend on transport improvements to 31 March 2004.

    Geographical Area

    Commitments

    Additional Spend

    (£ million)

    Cost Per Capita

    (£)

    Highlands and Islands

    (including Northern Isles)

    Motorways and Trunk Roads

    Freight Facilities Grant

    Integrated Transport Fund

    Piers and Harbours Grant

    4.2

    0.289

    3.75

    4.943

    274.13

    North East Scotland

    Integrated Transport Fund

    1.185

    77.69

    Tay

    Freight Facilities Grant

    10.969

    111.55

    West of Scotland

    Freight Facilities Grant

    9.75

    125.34

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162036,"EventID":"S1W-25486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered, or will consider, the introduction of a sustainability fund for Scotland's share of the aggregates levy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered, or will consider, the introduction of a sustainability fund for Scotland's share of the aggregates levy.","AnswerText":"The assigned budget will receive approximately £3 million per year from 2002-03 as part of the allocation by the Treasury of the proceeds of the aggregates levy. Ministers have decided to allocate this to the Environment portfolio and decisions on how to distribute the monies will be made soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162037,"EventID":"S1W-25487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult on the possibility of establishing a sustainability fund for Scotland's share of the aggregates levy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult on the possibility of establishing a sustainability fund for Scotland's share of the aggregates levy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25486.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162038,"EventID":"S1W-25488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants for owner occupation (GRO grants) were made in Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02; what the value was of each grant; who ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants for owner occupation (GRO grants) were made in Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02; what the value was of each grant; who the recipient developer was in each case, and how many units were provided in each location .","AnswerText":"One grant for owner occupation (GRO Grants) was made in the time period. The recipient was Robison and Davidson Limited, 30 homes in Thornhill were provided and the grant value was £408,406. The project was approved in 1999-2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162039,"EventID":"S1W-25489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to award grants for owner occupation (GRO grants) in Dumfries and Galloway in 2002-03; what the value of each grant will be; who the recipient develo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to award grants for owner occupation (GRO grants) in Dumfries and Galloway in 2002-03; what the value of each grant will be; who the recipient developer will be in each case, and in which locations the units will be provided.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to award grants for owner-occupation (GRO Grants) in Dumfries and Galloway in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162040,"EventID":"S1W-25490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Rural Home Ownership Grants were made in Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02; what the value was of each grant; what the location","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Rural Home Ownership Grants were made in Dumfries and Galloway in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02; what the value was of each grant; what the location was of each development, and how many units were provided in each location.","AnswerText":"In each of the years no Rural Home Ownership Grants were approved in Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162041,"EventID":"S1W-25491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it anticipates for Rural Home Ownership Grants in Dumfries and Galloway and what anticipated levels of resources will be allocated to such grants for each of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it anticipates for Rural Home Ownership Grants in Dumfries and Galloway and what anticipated levels of resources will be allocated to such grants for each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"A Rural Enabler is currently working in a number of village settlements across Dumfries and Galloway to help determine further the housing circumstances and needs of those villages. Once the studies are concluded Communities Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council will review the findings and determine appropriate responses. This may include using the Rural Home Ownership Grant. The anticipated level of resources will depend on the outcome of the review of findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162042,"EventID":"S1W-25492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acceptances there were for degrees in (a) mechanical engineering, (b) civil engineering, (c) electrical engineering and (d) chemical engineering at higher educat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acceptances there were for degrees in (a) mechanical engineering, (b) civil engineering, (c) electrical engineering and (d) chemical engineering at higher education institutions in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of accepted applicants to specific engineering degree courses in Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs) for the last five years has been:

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    (a) Mechanical Engineering

    577

    669

    595

    568

    539

    (b) Civil Engineering

    494

    419

    409

    428

    411

    (c) Electrical and Electronic Eng.

    301

    223

    218

    238

    306

    Source: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

    Figures on chemical engineering will not be provided by UCAS for publication due to data protection reasons. UCAS will not report data at subject level if there are less than six institutions receiving applications or accepting applicants in a region. This is to maintain institutional confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162043,"EventID":"S1W-25493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were for degrees in (a) mechanical engineering, (b) civil engineering, (c) electrical engineering and (d) chemical engineering at higher educa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were for degrees in (a) mechanical engineering, (b) civil engineering, (c) electrical engineering and (d) chemical engineering at higher education institutions in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of applications to specific engineering degree courses in Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs) for the last five years has been:

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    (a) Mechanical Engineering

    3,499

    3,642

    3,262

    2,957

    2,988

    (b) Civil Engineering

    2,831

    2,485

    2,381

    2,338

    2,305

    (c) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

    1,331

    1,069

    1,122

    1,132

    1,205

    Source: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

    Figures on chemical engineering will not be provided by UCAS for publication due to data protection reasons. UCAS will not report data at subject level if there are less than six institutions receiving applications or accepting applicants in a region. This is to maintain institutional confidentiality.

    Latest figures from UCAS for 2002 show that applications to all engineering subjects in Scottish HEIs are up 7% on 2001. This includes a 12% rise for civil engineering, 7% increases for mechanical and chemical engineering and a 1% rise for electronic and electrical engineering.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162044,"EventID":"S1W-25494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into links between pornography and sexual violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into links between pornography and sexual violence.","AnswerText":"No specific research has been undertaken on this topic but the broader issue of sex offenders is an important part of our current research programme. We have also commissioned further research on the treatment of violent and sexual offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162045,"EventID":"S1W-25495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to councils regarding planning applications and all types of licence applications from businesses in the sex industry and how any such guidanc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has given to councils regarding planning applications and all types of licence applications from businesses in the sex industry and how any such guidance ties in with its strategy on preventing violence against women.","AnswerText":"The control of the use of local premises is a matter for local authorities through the planning and licensing systems and we have not issued guidance of the type mentioned. However, we deplore violence against women in any form and our strategies on equality and on domestic abuse are designed to reinforce this. The police are particularly alert to the vulnerability of workers in the sex industry and will seek to enforce the criminal law.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162046,"EventID":"S1W-25496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to strengthen awareness and action around linkages between domestic violence and other forms of male violence at a local level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to strengthen awareness and action around linkages between domestic violence and other forms of male violence at a local level.","AnswerText":"The National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland has a remit to oversee the implementation of the Action Plan in the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland. This includes the consideration of links between domestic abuse and the wider issues of violence against women. It is for the national group to prioritise its work over the three-year period of the action plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162047,"EventID":"S1W-25497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has provided for domestic abuse prevention projects in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has provided for domestic abuse prevention projects in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Since March 2000, the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund has supported or is still currently supporting, over 80 local multi-agency projects set up to tackle domestic abuse. A large number of these projects include preventative elements. However, funding for projects that could be described as primarily concerned with prevention is as follows:

    2000-01 financial year: eight projects at a total cost of £153,930

    2001-02 financial year: seven projects at a total cost of £109,545

    2002-03 financial year: seven projects at a total cost of £249,360

    In addition the Scottish Executive provided £56,552 in the financial year 2000-01 and £29,440 in the financial year 2001-02 to the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust, to fund the piloting of the respect package in schools and youth groups in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The aim of this package is to raise awareness amongst young people of the issues around domestic abuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162048,"EventID":"S1W-25498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a date has been set for the release of the evaluation of the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's \"Respect\" educational project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a date has been set for the release of the evaluation of the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's \"Respect\" educational project.","AnswerText":"I have approved the publication of the evaluation of the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust's "Respect" educational project and, whilst I cannot give a specific date at this stage, it is likely to be in early June.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162049,"EventID":"S1W-25499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Justice will reply to my letter of 22 February 2002 regarding Clive Fairweather's comments in the intermediate inspection report on HM Prison Edinb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Justice will reply to my letter of 22 February 2002 regarding Clive Fairweather's comments in the intermediate inspection report on HM Prison Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The letter was replied to on 2 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162050,"EventID":"S1W-25500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the building and landscaping work for the new Parliament building will be completed. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the building and landscaping work for the new Parliament building will be completed. ","AnswerText":"I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that all buildings will be completed by April 2003 provided that no unexpected problems arise during the remaining stages of construction It is estimated that hard landscaping will be complete in time for the opening of the new building and soft landscaping such as the planting of trees, bushes, shrubs etc will, in compliance with the planning permission granted by The City of Edinburgh Council, be completed six months after the building is occupied.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162051,"EventID":"S1W-25501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the new Parliament building will be (a) fitted out and (b) ready for use by members. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the new Parliament building will be (a) fitted out and (b) ready for use by members. ","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body's determined aim is for the building to be fit for occupation after the elections in May 2003 and this will be achieved provided no unexpected problems arise during the remaining stages of construction.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162052,"EventID":"S1W-25502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25189 by Peter Peacock on 29 April 2002, whether the issuing of ballot papers to postal voters in normal local authority elections ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25189 by Peter Peacock on 29 April 2002, whether the issuing of ballot papers to postal voters in normal local authority elections is entered on a marked register.","AnswerText":"In addition to the marked copy of the register showing the issue of ballot papers to voters at polling stations, marked copies are kept of the list of proxies, postal voters and postal proxies to whom ballot papers are issued.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162053,"EventID":"S1W-25503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21589 by Peter Peacock on 29 April 2002, whether a list of those who voted in the Teith ward by-election in April 2002 will be publ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21589 by Peter Peacock on 29 April 2002, whether a list of those who voted in the Teith ward by-election in April 2002 will be publicly available for inspection as occurs in normal local authority elections.","AnswerText":"No. Under the terms of the election pilot run at the Teith by-election, the poll was conducted by an all-postal ballot and every registered voter was issued with a ballot paper. Election rules prevent the use of completed ballot papers to mark a register.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162054,"EventID":"S1W-25504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance was given to the International Organisation for Migration to publicise the compensation scheme made available by Germany from 12 August 2000 to former sl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance was given to the International Organisation for Migration to publicise the compensation scheme made available by Germany from 12 August 2000 to former slave and forced labourers and other victims of Na'i injustice.","AnswerText":"The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) did not request assistance from the Scottish Executive. The IOM publicised the scheme throughout the UK without any assistance from government.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162055,"EventID":"S1W-25505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds information on the names and addresses of residents who were victims of the Na'i regime in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds information on the names and addresses of residents who were victims of the Na'i regime in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold this information.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162056,"EventID":"S1W-25506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to (a) review and (b) revise the planning criteria for crematoria by amending the Cremation Act 1902 or by any other means.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to (a) review and (b) revise the planning criteria for crematoria by amending the Cremation Act 1902 or by any other means.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no current plans for a review or revision in this regard.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162057,"EventID":"S1W-25507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under the age of 18 appeared before the courts in respect of more than three different matters in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people under the age of 18 appeared before the courts in respect of more than three different matters in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.","AnswerText":"The available information shows that 354 persons under the age of 18 were proceeded against on more than three occasions in 2000. The equivalent figure for 1999 was 460. These figures exclude proceedings where the main offence was a motoring or other minor offence. Information for 2001 is not expected to be available until around November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162058,"EventID":"S1W-25508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had about how the police can make an impact on street crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had about how the police can make an impact on street crime.","AnswerText":"The Executive has regular discussions with chief constables, police authority conveners and others on a range of policing matters. The most recent meeting with chief constables was on 1 May 2002.

    As our Programme for Government made clear, our policies are designed to promote equality of opportunity, eliminate deprivation and disadvantage and make our country safer and our people feel safer. So, for example, funding for the police service is now at record levels, as are police numbers. However, how various types of crime, including street crime, are tackled locally is primarily an operational matter for chief constables to decide in consultation with the local communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162059,"EventID":"S1W-25509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle disorder and anti-social behaviour in Inverclyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to tackle disorder and anti-social behaviour in Inverclyde.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing substantial funding in support of policing in Scotland and police numbers are now at record levels. Within these resources, tackling crime and disorder in particular areas is an operational matter for chief constables to decide in consultation with local communities. In addition to the funding provided to police authorities, the Executive is investing £12 million over the next three years in a Community Safety Award Programme to allow council-led Community Safety Partnerships to tackle local issues such as disorder and anti-social behaviour. For 2002-03, the Inverclyde Partnership has been allocated over £113,000. Measures to tackle anti-social behaviour within communities in a housing context include provisions in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and an Executive-funded sociable neighbourhood initiative. Interim Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are proposed in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill currently before the Parliament, to provide immediate protection pending the process of applying for a full Anti-Social Behaviour Order.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162060,"EventID":"S1W-25510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are being made available to the police in order to reduce levels of street robberies and violent crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are being made available to the police in order to reduce levels of street robberies and violent crime.","AnswerText":"Funding for the police service in Scotland is now at record levels, as are the number of police officers. Within the totals made available, an extra £24 million has been provided over the last three years by the Executive specifically to boost police recruitment. It is for police authorities to set budgets and for chief constables to make decisions about operational requirements within their force areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162061,"EventID":"S1W-25511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it collects on the proportion of police officers involved in patrolling public places (a) on foot and (b) in vehicles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it collects on the proportion of police officers involved in patrolling public places (a) on foot and (b) in vehicles.","AnswerText":"None. The deployment of police officers to particular tasks is an operational matter for Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162062,"EventID":"S1W-25512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects in (a) Stirling and (b) Clackmannanshire have benefited from funding from the Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects in (a) Stirling and (b) Clackmannanshire have benefited from funding from the Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative (RARARI) has invited bids for project support in two bidding rounds held in 2000 and 2001. No bids were received from Stirling or Clackmannanshire. Details of the projects for which it has agreed to provide funding are available direct from RARARI or from its website at:

    www.rarari.org.uk.

    One of RARARI's aims is to identify and support projects which are likely to be of benefit to all remote and rural areas in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162063,"EventID":"S1W-25514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) financial and (b) other support it has provided to the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC) in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) financial and (b) other support it has provided to the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC) in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided support in the form of grant-funding to the ASCC over the past three financial years as follows: £29,000 in 1999-2000, £30,000 in 2000-01 and £27,000 in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162064,"EventID":"S1W-25515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when training standards for fingerprint experts were last reviewed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when training standards for fingerprint experts were last reviewed.","AnswerText":"Training and development standards are constantly monitored within the fingerprint service and reviewed in light of emergent changes and practices. A strategic reassessment of how training is delivered was carried out in 2000 by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland) (ACPOS) Presidential Review Group, Change Management Review Team. Arising from their recommendations, which have now been implemented, all national training is now procured through national fingerprint courses at the National Training Centre for Scientific Support to Crime Investigation, Durham.

    The competency of all experts within the Scottish Fingerprint Service is assessed annually by the independent, external organisation, Collaborative Testing Services Inc.

    Under ACPOS direction, a training forum has been established to consider the development of common practices, procedures and standards relating to fingerprint training issues across Scotland. Issues such as continuous professional development, court presentation training and the re-assessment of training delivery are being currently examined.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162065,"EventID":"S1W-25516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people under the age of 17 appeared before the courts in respect of more than three different matters in each of the last three years for which figures are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people under the age of 17 appeared before the courts in respect of more than three different matters in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The available information shows that 66 persons under the age of 17 were proceeded against on more than three occasions in 2000. The equivalent figures for 1998 and 1999 were 152 and 117 respectively. These figures exclude proceedings where the main offence was a motoring or other minor offence.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162066,"EventID":"S1W-25517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the number of young offenders who offended while on bail in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the number of young offenders who offended while on bail in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information available centrally relates to offenders convicted with an aggravated sentence recorded in respect of their having committed an offence while on bail, or who had a charge proved under the Bail (Scotland) Act 1980 for re-offending while on bail. The number of such convictions recorded for offenders aged under 21 was 4,035 in 1998, 3,567 in 1999 and 2,973 in 2000. The completeness and quality of the data on bail aggravated sentences will be reviewed as part of on-going research into the bail reoffending provisions introduced by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162067,"EventID":"S1W-25518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-04-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the number of young offenders who committed offences during school hours in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the number of young offenders who committed offences during school hours in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. It is not always possible to establish precisely when an offence took place.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162068,"EventID":"S1W-25519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the oil and gas industry regarding the economic and other effects of the new 10% supplementary charge to the existing corporation tax on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the oil and gas industry regarding the economic and other effects of the new 10% supplementary charge to the existing corporation tax on oil and gas company profits announced in the UK Budget 2002 and whether it will detail any follow-up action it plans to take.","AnswerText":"We are in regular contact with the oil and gas industry on a wide range of matters affecting the industry. The main avenue for this contact is through PILOT, of which I am the Vice Chair.

    The Scottish Executive has no function in relation to UK fiscal policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162069,"EventID":"S1W-25520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted prior to the announcement in the UK Budget 2002 of those fiscal measures which impact on oil and gas company profits and, if so, what response i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted prior to the announcement in the UK Budget 2002 of those fiscal measures which impact on oil and gas company profits and, if so, what response it gave and, if not, when it was first informed.","AnswerText":"We are in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the oil and gas industry.

    The Scottish Executive has no function in relation to UK fiscal policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162070,"EventID":"S1W-25521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the new 10% supplementary charge to the existing corporation tax on oil and gas company profits announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on the Scottish eco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the new 10% supplementary charge to the existing corporation tax on oil and gas company profits announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25519.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162071,"EventID":"S1W-25522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in support of a postponement of the new 10% supplementary charge to the existing corporation tax on oil ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in support of a postponement of the new 10% supplementary charge to the existing corporation tax on oil and gas company profits announced in the UK Budget 2002 until a full economic impact assessment and consultation with the oil and gas industry has been carried out and whether it will seek any amendment to this scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25519 on 21 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162072,"EventID":"S1W-25523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the forthcoming report on marine stewardship will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the forthcoming report on marine stewardship will be published.","AnswerText":"The first Marine Stewardship Report - Safeguarding Our Seas: A Strategy for the Conversation and Sustainable Development of our Marine Environment was published today in London by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

    The Scottish Executive was closely involved in the preparation of the report, which sets out a joint vision for the marine environment - clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas with a commitment to an ecosystem-based management approach. This is underpinned by the principles of sustainable development, integrated management, the conservation of biological diversity, robust science and the precautionary principle. There is also a commitment on the greater involvement of stakeholders.

    An electronic version of the report can be found on the DEFRA website at:

    www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162073,"EventID":"S1W-25524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Report of the MMR Expert Group, whether any official guidance will be issued on the administering of single vaccines and on the length of time that sh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Report of the MMR Expert Group, whether any official guidance will be issued on the administering of single vaccines and on the length of time that should elapse between each vaccine, particularly in the case of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer given to question S1W-25472 on 30 April 2002, the Executive is grateful to the MMR Expert Group for producing an excellent report, which describes the consequences of pursuing an alternative vaccination policy to MMR. It is clear that none of the alternatives provides comparable protection - for the population or individual children - against measles, mumps and rubella. Expert medical advice confirms that MMR remains the safest and most effective way to protect children from these diseases.

    The Executive has no plans to change the current immunisation programme, and, therefore, no plans to revise the relevant guidance issued in December 2000 by the Scottish Executive Health Department's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162074,"EventID":"S1W-25525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether interim anti-social behaviour orders, proposed in section 38 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, will initiate the issue of a notice under section 35, subsec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether interim anti-social behaviour orders, proposed in section 38 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, will initiate the issue of a notice under section 35, subsections (1) to (3) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"Interim anti-social behaviour orders are intended to provide for more immediate protection than is possible under the full anti-social behaviour order application procedure. While anyone in breach of an interim order will face the sanctions of a full order, under section 22 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, interim orders are not intended to replace full anti-social behaviour orders. We do not, therefore, propose to link interim orders to security of tenure under section 35, subsections (1) to (3) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162075,"EventID":"S1W-25526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the consequences will be for tenants if interim anti-social behaviour orders are linked to security of tenure under section 35, subsections (1) to (3) of the Housing","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the consequences will be for tenants if interim anti-social behaviour orders are linked to security of tenure under section 35, subsections (1) to (3) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25525.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162076,"EventID":"S1W-25527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reintroduce the ring-fencing of local authority capital funds for non-housing revenue account spending on housing grants, in the light of the statem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reintroduce the ring-fencing of local authority capital funds for non-housing revenue account spending on housing grants, in the light of the statement in paragraph 69.5.1 of Issues in Improving Quality in Private Housing, the first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force, that \"expenditure on improvement and repair grants has fallen by 40% in the past five years\". ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to re-introduce a "ring-fence" for local authority non-housing revenue account expenditure on housing grants. We will, however, consider carefully any recommendations that the task force choose to make on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162077,"EventID":"S1W-25528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make any additional funds available to local authority non-housing revenue account housing expenditure in the light of Issues in Improving Quality i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make any additional funds available to local authority non-housing revenue account housing expenditure in the light of Issues in Improving Quality in Private Housing, the first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force.","AnswerText":"In announcing the publication of the Housing Improvement Task Force's first report, I also announced an additional £10 million as an initial allocation of resources for the implementation of its recommendations. We will make final decisions on the way these resources are used and any additional resources that may be needed in the light of the task force's recommendations and the outcome of the spending review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162078,"EventID":"S1W-25529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to encourage a growth in the private rented sector to create a wider availability of property in this sector and encourage market forces to ensure that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to encourage a growth in the private rented sector to create a wider availability of property in this sector and encourage market forces to ensure that rental price better reflects the quality, rather than simply the scarcity, of each property, in the light of Issues in Improving Quality in Private Housing, the first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Housing Improvement Task Force does not extend to issues of increasing supply; it is looking at the quality of the existing stock in the private rented sector. However, we are of the view that a strong private rented sector is important in providing choice and flexibility in the housing market and we will expect the task force to pay particular attention to the impact that any of its recommendations aimed at improving quality may have on the supply of privately rented housing.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162079,"EventID":"S1W-25530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to remove the remaining rent controls on private sector landlords, in the light of the conclusion in Issues in Improving Quality in Private Housing, th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to remove the remaining rent controls on private sector landlords, in the light of the conclusion in Issues in Improving Quality in Private Housing, the first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force, that \"the remaining rent controls in the regulated (private rented) sector may be acting as a significant disincentive to investment by landlords to improve conditions in the sector\". ","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present to remove remaining rent controls on houses let by private sector landlords. However, we will consider any recommendations that the task force may make on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162080,"EventID":"S1W-25531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the si'e threshold stipulated for the mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), in the light of Issues in Improving Qualit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the si'e threshold stipulated for the mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), in the light of Issues in Improving Quality in Private Housing, the first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force and any anecdotal evidence that the reclassification of smaller properties as HMOs is reducing the availability and number of bed spaces available in private rented property.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive gave a commitment at the time the licensing scheme for HMOs was introduced to conduct a review of implementation in the light of the first year of operation of the scheme. Research to support this review is currently in progress and we expect to publish the results later in the summer. We will be consulting shortly on the specific issue of exemptions from the requirement to be licensed, and whether the current range of exemptions should be extended. We will take a view on the merits of reviewing the size threshold for licensing in the light of the outcome of our review including the results of the research, the consultation and discussions with relevant organisations and individuals.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162081,"EventID":"S1W-25532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to tackle urban expansion at the east end of the Dundee City Council boundary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to tackle urban expansion at the east end of the Dundee City Council boundary.","AnswerText":"It is for the planning authority to formulate the development plan for its area within the context of national planning policy guidelines set down by the Scottish Executive. As an updated structure plan for Dundee and Angus has recently been submitted to the Scottish ministers for consideration, it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage on any proposals relating to urban expansion towards the east of Dundee. However, if the Scottish ministers consider that modifications should be made to the plan as submitted, they will advertise their proposed modifications and provide an opportunity for interested parties to make further representations.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162082,"EventID":"S1W-25533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking, or plans to take, against land speculators who submit planning applications for greenfield sites that are contrary to existing 'oned development","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking, or plans to take, against land speculators who submit planning applications for greenfield sites that are contrary to existing 'oned development plans.","AnswerText":"None. The determination of planning applications is a matter for the planning authorities in the first instance. Decisions on planning applications are required to be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162083,"EventID":"S1W-25534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national planning regulations there are for the provision of education in relation to new housing developments in urban areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national planning regulations there are for the provision of education in relation to new housing developments in urban areas.","AnswerText":"There are no legislative provisions which specifically require educational facilities to be included as part of new housing developments. However, National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 3: Land for Housing notes that when assessing the requirement for housing land, planning authorities will be guided by a number of considerations relevant to local circumstances such as the availability of community needs, including schools. NPPG 3 is currently being reviewed.

    Under section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 a developer may enter into an agreement with a planning authority to provide infrastructure necessitated by his proposed development. Such infrastructure may include educational facilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162084,"EventID":"S1W-25535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to maintain the integrity of local authority structure plans with regard to development in local authority areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to maintain the integrity of local authority structure plans with regard to development in local authority areas.","AnswerText":"Where a planning authority wishes to grant planning permission for a development which constitutes a significant departure from the structure plan, it must first notify the application to the Scottish ministers. This gives ministers an opportunity to consider whether there are issues involved which would merit call-in of the planning application for their determination.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162085,"EventID":"S1W-25536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the costs of buying the Skye Bridge; if so, how much the bridge would cost and whether this would represent best value for money.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the costs of buying the Skye Bridge; if so, how much the bridge would cost and whether this would represent best value for money.","AnswerText":"The Skye Bridge is already owned by the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162086,"EventID":"S1W-25537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nursery teachers are currently employed in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nursery teachers are currently employed in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number and full time equivalent of teachers employed in pre-school education centres as at September 1999.
     

    Number of Teachers

    Teachers Full Time Equivalent

    Scotland

    1,940

    1,566

    Aberdeen City

    136

    114.1

    Aberdeenshire

    95

    77.3

    Angus

    55

    34.7

    Argyll and Bute

    21

    8.4

    Clackmannanshire

    19

    18.0

    Dumfries and Galloway

    45

    35.5

    Dundee City

    62

    58.4

    East Ayrshire

    29

    27.5

    East Dunbartonshire

    29

    24.8

    East Lothian

    57

    44.7

    East Renfrewshire

    28

    23.9

    Edinburgh, City of

    228

    179.8

    Eilean Siar

    7

    3.8

    Falkirk

    47

    40.3

    Fife

    132

    110.3

    Glasgow City

    195

    178.4

    Highland

    94

    50.9

    Inverclyde

    20

    17.1

    Midlothian

    40

    34.1

    Moray

    34

    23.9

    North Ayrshire

    42

    36.3

    North Lanarkshire

    80

    72.7

    Orkney Islands

    18

    9.9

    Perth and Kinross

    64

    		Number and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) of Qualified Childcare and Early Education Workers in Pre-School Education Centres as at September 1999: Shown by Local Authority Area.

    Number of Qualified Childcare and Early Education Workers

    Qualified Childcare and Early Education Workers FTE

    Scotland

    5,128

    4,186

    Aberdeen City

    249

    188.7

    Aberdeenshire

    174

    127.9

    Angus

    92

    72.9

    Argyll and Bute

    84

    53.0

    Clackmannanshire

    60

    54.3

    Dumfries and Galloway

    94

    68.1

    Dundee City

    195

    167.5

    East Ayrshire

    87

    78.8

    East Dunbartonshire

    124

    89.1

    East Lothian

    66

    55.3

    East Renfrewshire

    100

    90.1

    Edinburgh, City of

    461

    380.3

    Eilean Siar

    37

    22.5

    Falkirk

    108

    94.9

    Fife

    286

    245.6

    Glasgow City

    731

    644.5

    Highland

    212

    135.6

    Inverclyde

    153

    		Scheme of Salaries and Conditions of Service for Nursery Staffs recommends a salary range of £10,679 to £13,664 for a nursery nurse class 1 (qualified) employed by a local authority. This salary range applies on entering the profession.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162091,"EventID":"S1W-25542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how salary increases are determined for nursery nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how salary increases are determined for nursery nurses.","AnswerText":"The pay and conditions of nursery nurses are the responsibility of their employers, whether these are local authorities or operators in the private and voluntary sectors.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162092,"EventID":"S1W-25543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the response to the nursery nurses' pay claim has reached.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the response to the nursery nurses' pay claim has reached.","AnswerText":"UNISON submitted a pay claim on behalf of nursery nurses to all local authorities in February 2002. This claim is now being considered by local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162093,"EventID":"S1W-25544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are planned to the Freight Facilities Grants scheme in the light of statements in the recent report by MDS Transmodal, which it commissioned, regarding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are planned to the Freight Facilities Grants scheme in the light of statements in the recent report by MDS Transmodal, which it commissioned, regarding taxpayers' value for money.","AnswerText":"We will carefully consider the recommendations within the report to ensure that an integrated and sustainable freight transport system continues to be developed for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162094,"EventID":"S1W-25545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24458 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 April 2002, how effective efforts have been to (a) raise awareness within the organisation, (b) diversi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24458 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 April 2002, how effective efforts have been to (a) raise awareness within the organisation, (b) diversity proof personnel processes and (c) undertake outreach work with under represented groups.","AnswerText":"The Executive appreciates that some aspects of effectiveness are difficult to evaluate. However:

    (a) its staff survey indicates that the percentage of staff who agreed that the Scottish Executive "values its staff" increased from 38% to 49% from 2000 to 2001. There was also a 2% reduction, over the same period, in the number of individuals who felt that they had been discriminated against (from 10% to 8% of staff);

    (b) an active programme of equality proofing is currently being pursued, and

    (c) the Executive's Outreach Project has participated in 11 career fairs and given presentations at six universities and 10 schools since December 2000. It has also held a week-long development programme for minority ethnic students and has in place a diversity placement scheme for summer 2002 which will provide six-week, paid work opportunities for around 20 minority ethnic graduates and undergraduates.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162095,"EventID":"S1W-25546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24458 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 April 2002, whether it will make annual reports to the Parliament about progress on the implementation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24458 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 April 2002, whether it will make annual reports to the Parliament about progress on the implementation of its Diversity Strategy.","AnswerText":"We report to the Parliament's Finance Committee on a wide range of organisational issues, including progress against our diversity strategy, on an annual basis, or more frequently at its request.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162096,"EventID":"S1W-25547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24458 by Andy Kerr on 23 April 2002, what role civil service trade unions have in implementing the Diversity Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24458 by Andy Kerr on 23 April 2002, what role civil service trade unions have in implementing the Diversity Strategy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Trade Union Side have and are continuing to play a full and active part in helping to implement the Diversity Strategy. Indeed, as the Executive's Partnership Agreement intended they are represented and engaged with management on a number of working groups charged with taking the strategy forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162097,"EventID":"S1W-25548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24446 by Wendy Alexander on 16 April 2002, what particular aspect of sex discrimination legislation would specifically be contraven","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24446 by Wendy Alexander on 16 April 2002, what particular aspect of sex discrimination legislation would specifically be contravened by targeting the microcredit programme exclusively at women.","AnswerText":"The original announcement was predicated on the programme being operated by Wellpark Enterprise Centre, in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise. Under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Wellpark Enterprise Centre would have been covered by an exception under section 34 of the act allowing the organisation to operate a scheme of this nature. Given the difficulties faced by Wellpark, the programme is now being operated directly by Scottish Enterprise. As a public body set up by enactment, Scottish Enterprise would not be able to deliver the programme exclusively targeted at women, as this would be unlawful under section 29 of the act.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162098,"EventID":"S1W-25549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24446 by Wendy Alexander on 16 April 2002 and with regard to its news release SE0645/2000 of 8 March 2000, why the microcredit prog","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24446 by Wendy Alexander on 16 April 2002 and with regard to its news release SE0645/2000 of 8 March 2000, why the microcredit programme is no longer targeted solely at women given that there have been no substantive changes to sex discrimination legislation in respect of this issue since the programme was announced.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25548.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162099,"EventID":"S1W-25550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority annual report and accounts for 2000-01 will be laid before the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority annual report and accounts for 2000-01 will be laid before the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority 2000-01 Annual Report was laid before the Parliament on 21 May.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162100,"EventID":"S1W-25551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on (a) the number of applications received by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority under the 1996 Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on (a) the number of applications received by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority under the 1996 Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme from victims of criminal injuries resident in Scotland and (b) the rate of processing of such applications.","AnswerText":"The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority classifies applications according to the location of the incident that gave rise to the claim. The following table shows the number of applications concerning incidents in Scotland received under the 1996 scheme since it began, and the number of cases resolved in the same years.

    Year

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02

    Applications

    9,091

    9,773

    9,050

    10,813

    9,458

    8,523

    Cases Resolved

    1,708

    7,283

    9,872

    9,848

    9,020

    9,228

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162101,"EventID":"S1W-25552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on (a) the number of outstanding applications submitted in each year to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority under the non-statutory Cri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on (a) the number of outstanding applications submitted in each year to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority under the non-statutory Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which came into operation on 1 February 1990, from victims of criminal injuries resident in Scotland and (b) the rate of processing of such applications by the authority.","AnswerText":"The Criminal injuries Compensation Authority classifies application according to the location of the incident that gave rise to the claim. The following table shows applications outstanding under the 1990 non-statutory scheme that concern incidents that occurred in Scotland.

    Year

    Cases Outstanding

    1990

    2

    1991

    4

    1992

    11

    1993

    11

    1994

    28

    1995

    44

    1996

    23

    1997

    0

    1998

    1

    1999

    5

    2000

    10

    2001

    11

    2002

    2

    Total

    152

    (a) Of the 152 cases outstanding, 123 are applications that were received on or before 31 March 1996 when the 1990 scheme closed to new applications. The 29 applications received since 1998 relate to cases that had been finalised previously but which are the subject of applications to re-open them because of subsequent deterioration in the medical condition caused by the criminal injury.

    Almost all of the cases outstanding are due to be finalised by oral hearing or related procedures. There are a further 13 cases outstanding from earlier non-statutory schemes.

    (b) The following table shows the annual rate at which non-statutory scheme cases were resolved by oral hearings and related procedures since 1996-97.

    Resolutions

    Year

    Total GB

    Scotland

    1996-97

    11,829

    1,301

    1997-98

    9,718

    1,282

    1998-99

    8,305

    1,236

    1999-2000

    6,352

    971

    2000-01

    2,812

    251

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02

    12

    9

    9

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162104,"EventID":"S1W-25555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of the leaflet promoting the completion of the M74.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of the leaflet promoting the completion of the M74.","AnswerText":"The cost of designing and printing the leaflet was £13,220.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162105,"EventID":"S1W-25556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides there were by (a) males and (b) females aged over 35 years in each year from 1991 to 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many suicides there were by (a) males and (b) females aged over 35 years in each year from 1991 to 2001.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table.

    Suicides, aged 35 and over, Scotland1

    1991

    1992

    1993

    1994

    1995

    1996

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    20012

    Male

    310

    325

    388

    356

    375

    364

    373

    382

    378

    395

    406

    Female

    126

    144

    154

    159

    151

    151

    144

    156

    141

    135

    165

    Notes:

    1. Includes deaths from an "injury undetermined whether accidentally or purposely inflicted".

    2. Provisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162106,"EventID":"S1W-25557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits would result from the construction and completion of a rail link to Glasgow Airport, with particular regard to the economy of (a) Glasgow and (b) the west o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits would result from the construction and completion of a rail link to Glasgow Airport, with particular regard to the economy of (a) Glasgow and (b) the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Our current study will include detailed assessments of the local and national economic benefits generated by the link to the airport. These assessments will be carried out once the consultants have identified the preferred route options, later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162107,"EventID":"S1W-25558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. ","AnswerText":"The remit of the task group is to re-examine the principles and mechanisms of licensing as they are set out in the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, and, having done so, review the existing provisions and any proposals for change submitted to the Scottish Executive. In doing so, the task group is required to ensure that the provisions are European Convention on Human Rights compliant and that they properly apply the principles of the Enforcement Concordat, which provides for fair, practical and consistent enforcement policy and practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162108,"EventID":"S1W-25559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who serves on the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who serves on the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","AnswerText":"The members of the independent task group reviewing the licensing provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 are:

    Ms Leslie Evans, Chair and Head of Local Government Constitution and Governance Division within the Scottish Executive;

    Chief Superintendent Ken Bellingham, Fife Constabulary, representing the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland) (ACPOS);

    Mr Stephano Boni, Federation of Small Businesses;

    Miss Ann Callaghan, Head of Branch 3 of the Local Government Constitution and Governance Division within the Scottish Executive;

    Mr Alex Gibson, Local Government Constitution and Governance Division within the Scottish Executive;

    Mr David Hume, Chief Executive, Scottish Borders Council, representing the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE);

    Mr Mitch Kerr, North Lanarkshire Council, representing the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA);

    Mr Jim Matthew, Angus Council, representing COSLA;

    Mr Robert Millar, City of Edinburgh Council, representing the Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland (SOLAR);

    Mr Alisdair Meldrum, Branch Head, Business Environment and Consumer Affairs Division within the Scottish Executive;

    Mr Alan Oliver, Head of Branch 3 of Criminal Justice Division with the Scottish Executive, and

    Mr John Sharatt, Scottish Borders Council, representing the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162109,"EventID":"S1W-25560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23745 by Peter Peacock on 17 April 2002, which groups and individuals the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23745 by Peter Peacock on 17 April 2002, which groups and individuals the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 has consulted.","AnswerText":"In reviewing the licensing provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 it is for the independent task group to determine what consultations are required in the context of their deliberations. However, by consulting on their emerging findings, the task group will provide an opportunity for all interested parties to comment before reporting back to ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162110,"EventID":"S1W-25561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what main areas are under consideration in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what main areas are under consideration in the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","AnswerText":"Firstly, the various licensing provisions are being reviewed by the independent task group who will be consulting on its emerging findings shortly with a view to reporting to ministers later this year with any recommendations for legislative change. Secondly, the adequacy of the non-licensing provisions are the subject of on-going review within the Executive in order to determine what, if any, changes should be introduced.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162111,"EventID":"S1W-25562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the review of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.","AnswerText":"I understand that the independent task group set up to review the licensing provisions contained in the 1982 act will shortly be consulting on its emerging findings prior to reporting to ministers with their recommendations later this year. Furthermore, the non-licensing provisions are subject to on-going review within the Executive with any proposals for change being taken forward as necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162112,"EventID":"S1W-25563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has spent its full allocation of EU structural funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has spent its full allocation of EU structural funding.","AnswerText":"Current estimates suggest that £18 million of funds from the 1994-99 European Structural Fund programmes were committed but were not claimed. This figure cannot be confirmed until these programmes are officially closed later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162113,"EventID":"S1W-25564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report by the Scottish Cross-Party group on Refugees and Asylum Seekers on the group's visit to Dungavel House Immigration Removal Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the report by the Scottish Cross-Party group on Refugees and Asylum Seekers on the group's visit to Dungavel House Immigration Removal Centre.","AnswerText":"The issues raised in the report relate mostly to reserved matters. Iain Gray wrote to Lord Rooker on 3 May seeking his comments and I will respond once I have received these.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162114,"EventID":"S1W-25565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what steps have been taken, or will be taken, to publish a daily document entitled \"What's On in the Scottish Parliament\" publicising parliamentary business, cross-party g","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what steps have been taken, or will be taken, to publish a daily document entitled \"What's On in the Scottish Parliament\" publicising parliamentary business, cross-party group meetings, visiting delegations, receptions and other related events within or around the vicinity of the parliamentary complex to ensure that the general public and the Parliament itself are aware of all events in advance in order to encourage maximum awareness and participation. ","AnswerText":"This information is not gathered together in one convenient place at the moment, and staff in the relevant offices are examining ways in which this might best be achieved without duplicating existing efforts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162115,"EventID":"S1W-25566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners currently held at HM Prison Cornton Vale are held because of their failure to pay fines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners currently held at HM Prison Cornton Vale are held because of their failure to pay fines.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    As at 7 May 2002, none.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162116,"EventID":"S1W-25567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to examine the Norwegian planning system of strategic co-ordination as part of its development of the Scottish fish farming industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to examine the Norwegian planning system of strategic co-ordination as part of its development of the Scottish fish farming industry.","AnswerText":"We sought views last year, when we reviewed the regulation of the aquaculture industry, on the proposition that a central regulatory authority might be created. This was not favoured by the majority of our consultees.

    The present statutory controls interface, but are distinct. Our judgement is that they are better discharged by the separate bodies currently involved (whose regulatory functions could in any case be changed only through amending statute). We are, however, working to improve co-ordination between them.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162117,"EventID":"S1W-25568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24629 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 May 2002, whether it will provide a table showing where omissions have been made in the Minute of Agre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24629 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 May 2002, whether it will provide a table showing where omissions have been made in the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock and in each schedule, showing in each case the paragraph and sub-paragraph numbers or specified section of the text as appropriate and what the reasons were for each omission.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    This information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

    Members of the Justice 1 Committee have now had the opportunity to view the contract in full.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162118,"EventID":"S1W-25569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25133 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 May 2002, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Ki","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25133 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 May 2002, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock broken down for each heading in Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock and for each year of operation of the contract. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The performance points are listed in the following table.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162119,"EventID":"S1W-25570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget it has set aside to cover the costs involved in holding direct elections to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget it has set aside to cover the costs involved in holding direct elections to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.","AnswerText":"We anticipate that the costs of directly electing members to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority will be in the region of £50,000. Article 4 of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Elections (Scotland) Order 2002 provides for this cost to be borne, in the case of the first election, by Scottish ministers and in the case of subsequent elections by the National Park Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162120,"EventID":"S1W-25571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it promotes best practice in town centre traffic management.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it promotes best practice in town centre traffic management.","AnswerText":"Guidance on best practice for traffic management, and other road-related issues, is contained within the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges published by HMSO. The guidance and advice contained within this series of documents has been agreed and published jointly by National Overseeing Departments, which includes the Scottish Executive, and is intended for use by local authorities.

    The Scottish Executive also hosts regular Traffic Signal User Group meetings for local council practitioners where advice on best practice is discussed and disseminated.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162121,"EventID":"S1W-25572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of how the #5 million allocated to extend the park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterpri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed breakdown of how the #5 million allocated to extend the park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002 will be spent and what agencies and organisations were involved in the assessment process which proposed this figure.","AnswerText":"These matters are the responsibility of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162122,"EventID":"S1W-25573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date work began on building the extended park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date work began on building the extended park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002.","AnswerText":"The preparatory work on the development of Croy Station began in March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162123,"EventID":"S1W-25574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of \"immediately\" was in regard to the extended park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station as announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Li","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of \"immediately\" was in regard to the extended park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station as announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-25573 and S1W-25575 on 16 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162124,"EventID":"S1W-25575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning was aware that planning permission for the extended park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station had not ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning was aware that planning permission for the extended park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station had not been granted when the announcement concerning these facilities was made on 21 March 2002, detailing the reasons behind the announcement in respect of the timescale for work.","AnswerText":"It is common practice to make announcement of awards before planning permission for individual schemes are obtained. Awards are made on the condition that sponsoring authorities are successful in obtaining the relevant permissions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162125,"EventID":"S1W-25576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect will be of any delay in obtaining planning permission on the timescale for the completion of the extended park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station which t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect will be of any delay in obtaining planning permission on the timescale for the completion of the extended park-and-ride facilities at Croy Station which the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning stated \"should be completed in twelve months\" in her announcement on 21 March 2002, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25575.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162126,"EventID":"S1W-25577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-23245 on 18 March 2002, whether no further amounts will be paid to Flour City Architectural Metals UK Limited and whether he will cl","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-23245 on 18 March 2002, whether no further amounts will be paid to Flour City Architectural Metals UK Limited and whether he will clarify what costs are \"yet to be agreed\", what work these costs relate to, whether these works are those referred to in the answers, namely those \"mainly comprised detailing of interfaces between complex cladding elements\", and who will be liable for these costs.","AnswerText":"No further amounts will be paid to Flour City Architectural Metals UK Limited. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that, with the exception of one, all trade packages to replace the work contracted to Flour City Architectural Metals UK Ltd have been let. The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will be liable for the cost of the works.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162127,"EventID":"S1W-25578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Argyll and Bute Council's grant aided expenditure (GAE) for Social Services (a) is in the current year and (b) was in each of the last four years, indicating whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Argyll and Bute Council's grant aided expenditure (GAE) for Social Services (a) is in the current year and (b) was in each of the last four years, indicating whether the council has spent above or below its GAE figure in each of these years.","AnswerText":"Details of the grant aided expenditure assessments for each local authority for the years 1998-99 to 2001-02 are set out in Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) (the Green Book) for each year, which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre with Bib. numbers as follows:

    1998-99: 8140

    1999-2000: 3274

    2000-01: 7912

    2001-02: 12261

    Allocations of grant aided expenditure for 2002-03 were based on those for 2001-02, adjusted to take account of projected changes to population data for that year. Details of these adjustments are contained in a supplement attached to the Green Book for 2001-02.

    Information on expenditure compared with GAE can be found in the CIPFA Rating Review Actuals of Income and Expenditure booklets with the following Bib. numbers:

    1998-99: 7548

    1999-2000: 14654

    2000-01: 19781

    2001-02 can be found in The CIPFA booklet Rating Review Estimates of Income and Expenditure (Bib. number 17055). Information for the current year is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162128,"EventID":"S1W-25579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Argyll and Bute Council's grant aided expenditure (GAE) for roads (a) is in the current financial year and (b) was in each of the last four financial years, indi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Argyll and Bute Council's grant aided expenditure (GAE) for roads (a) is in the current financial year and (b) was in each of the last four financial years, indicating whether the council has spent above or below its GAE figure in each of these years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25578.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162129,"EventID":"S1W-25580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport made a commitment at the \"It's Wild\" conference on green tourism on 1 May 2002 that the legislative proposals in its N","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport made a commitment at the \"It's Wild\" conference on green tourism on 1 May 2002 that the legislative proposals in its Nature of Scotland document will be implemented before the elections to the Scottish Parliament in 2003.","AnswerText":"Whilst I referred to the major significance of The Nature of Scotland in my speech, I did not give any specific commitments on the introduction or scheduling of legislation.

    It remains our firm intention to bring forward legislative proposals at an early opportunity. In particular, we will publish a draft nature conservation bill, based on the proposals contained in the policy statement The Nature of Scotland, as soon as is practicably possible. It will be for my ministerial colleagues, Allan Wilson and Ross Finnie, and for the First Minister, to make any public announcements on progress with the implementation of our proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162130,"EventID":"S1W-25581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the statutory definition of \"prescribe\" was in 1991 and 1992 as used in Scottish legislation on roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the statutory definition of \"prescribe\" was in 1991 and 1992 as used in Scottish legislation on roads.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24918 on 7 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162131,"EventID":"S1W-25582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a statutory defence available to persons being prosecuted for alleged non-compliance with legislation contained in unpublished statutory instruments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a statutory defence available to persons being prosecuted for alleged non-compliance with legislation contained in unpublished statutory instruments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-1350 on 17 September 1999. The statutory defence provided by section 3(2) of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 does not apply if the statutory instrument is exempt from publication in terms of Regulation 5 of the Statutory Instruments Regulations 1947.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162132,"EventID":"S1W-25583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the compulsory purchase order drafted in relation to the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme Order ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the compulsory purchase order drafted in relation to the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme Order 1992 (SI 1992/1499) was ever made.","AnswerText":"The Invergarry to Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Compulsory Purchase Order 1992 was made on 23 June 1992 and was recorded in the General Register of Sasines on 2 September 1992.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162133,"EventID":"S1W-25584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way (a) it, (b) Scottish Enterprise and (c) Highlands and Islands Enterprise have contributed to the UK-wide aviation review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way (a) it, (b) Scottish Enterprise and (c) Highlands and Islands Enterprise have contributed to the UK-wide aviation review.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has worked in partnership with the UK Government on the aviation policy review as it affects Scotland. The Executive has also ensured that Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have been involved at all stages of the policy development process and have been represented directly on associated working/steering groups.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162134,"EventID":"S1W-25585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to (a) Her Majesty's Government, (b) the Civil Aviation Authority and (c) BAA Scottish Airports to ensure that airport ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to (a) Her Majesty's Government, (b) the Civil Aviation Authority and (c) BAA Scottish Airports to ensure that airport tax levels at (i) Glasgow, (ii) Edinburgh and (iii) Aberdeen Airports are not set at a level which would put these airports and the airline operators who use them at any economic disadvantage or would act as a disincentive to tourists and visitors using these airports.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not plan to make any representations to the UK Government, Civil Aviation Authority or BAA Scottish Airports on airport tax/charges. BAA Scottish Airports has, and is continuing to have, considerable growth in passenger numbers. The taxation regime does not appear to provide either an economic disadvantage or a disincentive to tourists and other visitors.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162135,"EventID":"S1W-25586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to BAA Scottish Airports to ensure the economic competitiveness of (a) Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Aberdeen Airports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to BAA Scottish Airports to ensure the economic competitiveness of (a) Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Aberdeen Airports.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no representations to BAA Scottish Airports with regard to the economic competitiveness of its airports. The continuing growth at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen Airports directly supports the economic competitiveness of Scotland and local economies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162136,"EventID":"S1W-25587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy there were in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy there were in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table presents the information available on deaths involving epilepsy. It is not possible to say how many of these deaths were sudden and unexpected.

    Epilepsy deaths1 in Scotland

     

    Year 1

    Year 2

    Year 3

    2.1(c)

    0

    30

    30

    2.1(d)

    50

    0

    0

    2.1(e)

    135

    15

    0

    2.1(f)

    90

    0

    0

    2.1(g)

    150

    50

    100

    2.1(h)

    55

    55

    0

    2.1(i)

    185

    125

    260

    2.2(a)

    290

    230

    235

    2.2(b)

    225

    295

    645

    2.2(c)

    160

    20

    40

    2.2(d)

    0

    0

    10

    2.2(f)

    170

    65

    110

    2.2(g)

    580

    750

    1170

    2.2(h)

    285

    100

    185

    2.2(i)

    5

    0

    0

    2.2(k)

    0

    0

    10

    2.2(l)

    6

    2

    2

    2.2(m)

    12

    16

    4

    2.3(e)

    81

    0

    0

    2.3(g)

    45

    0

    0

    2.3(h)

    130

    0

    0

    2.3(i)

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    20012

    Epilepsy recorded as underlying cause of death

    99

    99

    115

    99

    113

    Epilepsy mentioned on death certificate, but not recorded as underlying cause of death

    190

    180

    183

    198

    179

    Notes:

    1. For years up to and including 1999, ICD9 codes 345.0 - 345.9; for years from 2000, ICD10 codes G40.0 - G41.9

    2. Data for 2001 are provisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162137,"EventID":"S1W-25588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22591 by Malcolm Chisholm on 14 February 2002, what plans it has for a managed clinical network for epilepsy in order to ensure tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22591 by Malcolm Chisholm on 14 February 2002, what plans it has for a managed clinical network for epilepsy in order to ensure that people throughout Scotland receive the diagnosis and treatment appropriate to their needs.","AnswerText":"It is the Executive's policy to encourage the development of managed clinical networks where patients and health professionals believe they would lead to improved services for patients. Proposals for pilot managed clinical networks for epilepsy are currently being developed in different parts of Scotland. The Executive has made it clear to Epilepsy Action Scotland, and the neurologists with whom they are working, that we would be willing to consider bids for pump-priming funds to help with the development of such managed clinical networks.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162138,"EventID":"S1W-25589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available for the construction of the Glasgow crossrail project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding available for the construction of the Glasgow crossrail project.","AnswerText":"Railway infrastructure projects may qualify for financial assistance from either the Scottish Executive's Public Transport Fund (PTF) or Integrated Transport Fund (ITF). Bids under the PTF would have to satisfy eligibility criteria and compete with other bids, and those under the ITF would have to be considered by the Scottish Executive as being of sufficient strategic importance.

    The Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive is looking at options for Glasgow Crossrail. However, the Scottish Executive has not been approached for funding a cross-city rail link.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162139,"EventID":"S1W-25591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached conclusions on the proposal to abolish the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board following the announcement on the outcome of the revie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached conclusions on the proposal to abolish the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board following the announcement on the outcome of the review of non-departmental public bodies on 21 June 2001.","AnswerText":"We have reviewed comments on this proposal, but conclude that these do not present persuasive arguments for retention of the board. Our assessment remains that the policy of introducing competition with solicitors in relation to executry and conveyancing services has had very limited success, that it is unlikely that the number of registrations will increase to the point where the board could become self-funding and that the status quo would result in a continuing burden on the taxpayer to provide an on-going subsidy.

    We have therefore decided to promote statutory provisions in the Public Appointments and Public Bodies (Scotland) Bill to abolish the board and transfer its responsibilities for qualified conveyancers and executry practitioners to the Law Society of Scotland. The society has had long experience of the supervision of solicitors and is well placed to assume responsibility for the regulation of those professions. We are very grateful to the society for its willingness to take on this responsibility.

    From the date of transfer of responsibility to the society, it will not be possible to register as an independent qualified conveyancer, though those already registered will be able to continue to practise in that capacity. Qualified conveyancers and executry practitioners will continue to be able to practise in an employed capacity under the society's supervision. Students on relevant law courses who wish to pursue a future career as a qualified conveyancer or executry practitioner will still be able to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162140,"EventID":"S1W-25592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the next electronic service delivery progress report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the next electronic service delivery progress report.","AnswerText":"We have today published the 2nd Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report. Over all, more than 67% of services are now available online. Copies of the report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, and it is also available on the 21st Century Government website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162141,"EventID":"S1W-25593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #5 million allocated to extend park-and-ride facilities at Croy railway station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Le","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the #5 million allocated to extend park-and-ride facilities at Croy railway station announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on 21 March 2002 is earmarked to cover consultancy fees and whether it will detail the process that is to be employed to appoint any consultant and the names of any consultants already engaged, the purpose they were engaged for and the date they were engaged.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25572.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162142,"EventID":"S1W-25594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom, or to what body, an NHS board must apply for consent to use covert surveillance activity against any member of staff under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom, or to what body, an NHS board must apply for consent to use covert surveillance activity against any member of staff under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"In the case of an NHS board, only the Board Chief Executive may grant authorisations under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000. The persons entitled to grant authorisations are specified in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Prescription of Offices, Ranks and Positions) (Scotland) Order 2000 (S.S.I. 2000 No.343).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162143,"EventID":"S1W-25595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how NHS staff and the public will be assured that any NHS board using covert surveillance is doing so in accordance with the law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how NHS staff and the public will be assured that any NHS board using covert surveillance is doing so in accordance with the law.","AnswerText":"The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 strengthens the rights of individuals by providing a statutory framework specifying the circumstances in which certain covert investigative techniques may be used, their authorisation, oversight and complaints procedures.

    The legislation requires the appointment of surveillance commissioners to keep under review the performance of functions under the act. The Chief Surveillance Commissioner is required to prepare an annual report and to lay it before the UK and Scottish Parliaments. The annual report for 2001-02 was laid before both Parliaments on 17 January 2002.

    In addition, the act makes provision for complaints by members of the public to be made to an independent tribunal.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162144,"EventID":"S1W-25596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which part of an NHS board or trust's budget the money to pay for any covert surveillance activity will be allocated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which part of an NHS board or trust's budget the money to pay for any covert surveillance activity will be allocated.","AnswerText":"The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 requires public authorities to have appropriate arrangements in place for authorising, renewing and cancelling authorisations for the use of covert surveillance or covert human intelligence sources granted under the act.

    We do not envisage any significant expenditure by NHS bodies arising from the legislation but any expenditure would be met from within their general allocation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162145,"EventID":"S1W-25597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23315 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 March 2002, what progress has been made by the Scottish Institute of Residential Childcare in relatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23315 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 March 2002, what progress has been made by the Scottish Institute of Residential Childcare in relation to improving progress towards achieving the targets set following the review Another Kind of Home and whether the percentages relating to such targets at the end of 1999 were different compared with 2001 and, if so, what any such difference was.","AnswerText":"The targets set in Another Kind of Home in 1992 proved difficult to meet and were re-established in 1999. This may be due to the fact that whilst the number of children and young people accommodated in residential schools and units has decreased, there has been a major increase in staffing.

    The increases in the percentage of local authority staff who hold a qualification are as follows:

    Course

    1999

    2002

    % Increase

    DipSW/CCS/CQSW

    11

    12.6

    1.6

    HNC and/or SVQ3/4

    26

    33

    7

    Total holding a currently recognised qualification

    37

    45.6

    8.6

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162146,"EventID":"S1W-25598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a bill on reforming poindings and warrant sales and whether its bill will introduce (a) a replacement or (b) an alternative for such sales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a bill on reforming poindings and warrant sales and whether its bill will introduce (a) a replacement or (b) an alternative for such sales.","AnswerText":"The Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 7 May 2002. The bill introduces a radical new approach to debt management which puts money advice and information at the forefront to enable debt problems to be tackled before court and enforcement action become a possibility. It implements the central recommendations of the independent Working Group's report Striking the Balance: a new approach to debt management, published on 6 July 2001, which were the subject of extensive public consultation and which received widespread support. In particular, it establishes the framework for a nation-wide debt arrangement scheme to allow managed repayment of multiple debt by negotiated instalment. In doing so, it fulfils the Executive's commitment to bring forward an humane and workable alternative to the existing system in response to the request of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee expressed in its Stage 1 Report on the Abolition of Poindings and Warrant Sales Bill (SP Paper 82, paragraph 48).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162147,"EventID":"S1W-25599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in reducing the number of adults lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in reducing the number of adults lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills.","AnswerText":"£22.5 million is available over three years from April 2001 to raise levels of adult literacy and numeracy. £18.5 million of this is being distributed through local authorities to Community Learning Strategy Partnerships (CLSPs) where all providers can access funding. Action plans submitted by the CLSPs indicate that over 80,000 adults will be helped over the three years.

    A national training team has been established to respond to the immediate training needs of practitioners and develop a fully accredited national training programme for tutors.

    A new national development unit on literacy and numeracy is being established within Communities Scotland. On 16 April four pathfinder projects were announced, three of which provide the first national support for raising awareness of the issue within the workplace. The development of a national curriculum for adult learners is also being progressed.

    It will take time for these initiatives to produce results, but a sound platform for reducing the number of adults with low literacy and numeracy skills is being established.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162148,"EventID":"S1W-25600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the Crown Office and procurator fiscal service give to the victims of, and witnesses to, domestic violence who are fearful of reprisals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the Crown Office and procurator fiscal service give to the victims of, and witnesses to, domestic violence who are fearful of reprisals.","AnswerText":"The Victim Liaison Office is an information service which provides case specific details and information about the criminal justice process in general to victims together with information about, and referrals to, voluntary organisations who can provide support and counselling. In those parts of the country where it is operational its services are available to victims of domestic abuse.

    Where Procurators Fiscal have been informed that victims are fearful of reprisals they can take steps either to oppose the accused's bail application or to have special conditions attached to the granting of bail, for example, conditions not to approach or contact the victim and to reside elsewhere. Procurators Fiscal are aware of the difficulties faced by victims of domestic abuse and seek to deal with each individual case in the most appropriate manner. Where allegations of intimidation are brought to the attention of the procurator fiscal, they will be investigated by the police on the instructions of the procurator fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162149,"EventID":"S1W-25601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the use of home produced food and drink to visitors and tourists to Scotland and to increase the economic value of such produce.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote the use of home produced food and drink to visitors and tourists to Scotland and to increase the economic value of such produce.","AnswerText":"The recently published Tourism Framework for Action 2002-2005 contains actions to promote the VisitScotland Food Quality Assurance scheme and encourage greater uptake of home produced food and drink within the service sector. We have also commissioned research to look at further opportunities to develop the links between the food and tourism industries.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162150,"EventID":"S1W-25602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24755 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, how many prison officers attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Fin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24755 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, how many prison officers attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers, broken down by rank.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162151,"EventID":"S1W-25603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24755 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, how many members of staff from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) who attended the risk wo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24755 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, how many members of staff from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) who attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers were attached to SPS headquarters.","AnswerText":"Six.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162152,"EventID":"S1W-25604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24755 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, whether anyone who attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Financial","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24755 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, whether anyone who attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), was attached to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) headquarters but was not employed either by the SPS or by PwC and, if so, what organisation they came from.","AnswerText":"All those who attended were employed by SPS or PwC.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162153,"EventID":"S1W-25605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24755 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, how many members of staff in total from the Scottish Prison Service attended the risk wor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24755 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, how many members of staff in total from the Scottish Prison Service attended the risk workshop referred to in section 2.7 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prisons Service Estates Review prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","AnswerText":"Six.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162154,"EventID":"S1W-25606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to remove the right to buy fishing rights from part three of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to remove the right to buy fishing rights from part three of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"No. I have no plans to introduce an amendment to the bill, which would have this effect.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162155,"EventID":"S1W-25607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-21658 lodged on 10 January 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-21658 lodged on 10 January 2002.","AnswerText":"I replied to the member on 21 May.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162156,"EventID":"S1W-25608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome in each of the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"Statistically reliable estimates cannot be obtained from the sample of GP consultations collected nationally, because of the low number of cases recorded.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162157,"EventID":"S1W-25609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to local authorities on the licensing of taxis and private hire cars with regard to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to local authorities on the licensing of taxis and private hire cars with regard to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. ","AnswerText":"Guidance will be issued to local authorities as and when the various taxi provisions relating to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 come into effect. However, my officials are in touch with local authorities to keep them informed of developments.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162158,"EventID":"S1W-25610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted the Scottish Taxi Federation about provisions relating to taxis in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has consulted the Scottish Taxi Federation about provisions relating to taxis in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Taxi Federation is automatically consulted on all matters relating to taxi licensing in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162159,"EventID":"S1W-25611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to standardising the fees for taxi and private hire car licenses under section 12 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to standardising the fees for taxi and private hire car licenses under section 12 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. ","AnswerText":"An independent task group is currently reviewing all the licensing provisions of the 1982 act, including those relating to taxis and private hire cars. I understand that the task group will be consulting shortly on their emerging findings with a view to reporting back to ministers with their recommendations later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162160,"EventID":"S1W-25612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to promote throughout Scotland the practice of Trinity Academy in Leith of capping class si'es at 20 and what the reasons are for the position on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to promote throughout Scotland the practice of Trinity Academy in Leith of capping class si'es at 20 and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I understand that City of Edinburgh Council has no such policy in Trinity Academy primary school. Similarly, there is no such policy in Trinity Academy secondary school, although practical classes will be limited to a maximum of 20 by national agreements on teachers' terms and conditions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162161,"EventID":"S1W-25613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of the people undertaking modern apprenticeships are (a) male and (b) female.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of the people undertaking modern apprenticeships are (a) male and (b) female.","AnswerText":"There are currently 23,281 modern apprentices in training of which 16,105 (69%) are male and 7,127 (31%) female.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162162,"EventID":"S1W-25614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) males and (b) females have gained permanent employment as a result of the modern apprenticeship scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) males and (b) females have gained permanent employment as a result of the modern apprenticeship scheme.","AnswerText":"All Modern Apprentices (MAs) must have employed status to participate in the MA programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162163,"EventID":"S1W-25615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism and procedure it has in place to target specific sectors of the population who may be especially at risk from fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism and procedure it has in place to target specific sectors of the population who may be especially at risk from fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"Fuel poverty is most prevalent among those on low incomes, particularly the elderly and those dependent on state benefit. The Executive is targeting fuel poverty among those groups through the central heating programme and the Warm Deal; stock transfer from local authorities to new community landlords, and capital allocations to local authorities. These programmes complement policies from Westminster to help low income households through the tax and benefit system, and to exert a downward pressure on fuel prices through competition and regulation.

    We have also issued a consultation paper on how the Executive might best meet the duty placed on it by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that persons do not live in fuel poverty. The responses to the paper will help us consider how measures might best be targeted in the longer term.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162164,"EventID":"S1W-25616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to promote the fuel poverty initiative amongst landlords.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to promote the fuel poverty initiative amongst landlords.","AnswerText":"The main programmes to tackle fuel poverty in Scotland, the central heating programme and the Warm Deal, have been widely publicised. All local authorities and housing associations know of them and are taking part, if eligible. Eaga manage the programmes for the private sector and they have been active in promoting them among homeowners, landlords and tenants. We will continue to promote the programmes, as will Eaga. There will be further promotion of ways to tackle fuel poverty when the Executive publishes its statement on how it intends to meet the duty placed on it by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that persons do not live in fuel poverty. We are currently consulting on the terms of the statement and there will be an announcement in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162165,"EventID":"S1W-25617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure any changes in the numbers of those suffering from fuel poverty from now until 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure any changes in the numbers of those suffering from fuel poverty from now until 2006.","AnswerText":"The current estimate of the number of fuel poor households across Scotland was made from data collected for the 1996 Scottish House Condition Survey. That estimate will be revised using data from the 2002 House Condition Survey and will be revised again following future surveys. We are currently considering, with local authorities, whether estimates might be made of the number of fuel poor households in each local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162166,"EventID":"S1W-25618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of fuel poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of fuel poverty.","AnswerText":"In March 2002 we published a consultation paper seeking views on how the Executive might best meet the duty placed on it by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that persons do not live in fuel poverty. The consultation paper asked for views on the definition of fuel poverty. Comments were required by 31 May and they will be considered carefully before a statement is published. Copies of the consultation paper, The Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement, Consultative Draft, are in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162167,"EventID":"S1W-25619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national guidelines exist on the installation of traffic lights in towns and, in particular, on the maximum number of sets of traffic lights practicable within a de","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national guidelines exist on the installation of traffic lights in towns and, in particular, on the maximum number of sets of traffic lights practicable within a defined area.","AnswerText":"General advice on traffic signalled junctions is contained in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, in Local Transport Notes and in Traffic Advisory Leaflets.

    For pedestrian crossings guidance suggests a minimum spacing of 100 metres to adjacent signals, depending on local circumstances.

    There is no specific guidance on the maximum number of sets of traffic signals in a defined area. This would be determined by the density and other characteristics of the road network being managed.

    Responsibility for traffic management on local roads is a matter for determination by the individual traffic authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162168,"EventID":"S1W-25620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has carried out or commissioned into the effectiveness of bus lanes in speeding up traffic flows in town centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has carried out or commissioned into the effectiveness of bus lanes in speeding up traffic flows in town centres.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive commissioned the study A Comparative Evaluation of Greenways and Conventional Bus Lanes in 1999 and the report was published in 2000. The report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 6476).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162169,"EventID":"S1W-25621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out or commissioned any independent audit of the effectiveness of town centre traffic management arrangements instigated by local authorities and, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out or commissioned any independent audit of the effectiveness of town centre traffic management arrangements instigated by local authorities and, if not, how it monitors such arrangements.","AnswerText":"No. It is the responsibility of local authorities to monitor and assess the effectiveness of their traffic management arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162170,"EventID":"S1W-25622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has evaluated the effectiveness of the SCOOT traffic management system deployed in Dumfries town centre; if so, what the results of this evaluation were and, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has evaluated the effectiveness of the SCOOT traffic management system deployed in Dumfries town centre; if so, what the results of this evaluation were and, if not, what plans it has to carry out or commission any such evaluation.","AnswerText":"No. The SCOOT traffic management system deployed in Dumfries town centre is not on the trunk road network and it is the responsibility of the local road authority to monitor and assess its effectiveness.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162171,"EventID":"S1W-25623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the recent letter from Mr Watrett of Dumfries to the First Minister in connection with the planning system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the recent letter from Mr Watrett of Dumfries to the First Minister in connection with the planning system.","AnswerText":"A reply issued from the Chief Inquiry Reporter on 10 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162172,"EventID":"S1W-25624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether risks of delays in the construction of the Loch Katrine Water Project are borne by (a) Scottish Water or (b) its contractors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether risks of delays in the construction of the Loch Katrine Water Project are borne by (a) Scottish Water or (b) its contractors.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. Its Chief Executive's response is as follows:

    Delays in construction resulting from planning are specifically excluded from the contract for the Katrine Water Project, with all consequential costs falling to Scottish Water.

    However, all other risks in delays in construction are the subject of a contractual agreement between Scottish Water and the contractor, Stirling Water, about which I am not permitted to comment.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162173,"EventID":"S1W-25625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether risks of potential fines for non-compliance with any relevant legislation and EU directives are borne by (a) it, (b) Scottish Water or (c) its contractors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether risks of potential fines for non-compliance with any relevant legislation and EU directives are borne by (a) it, (b) Scottish Water or (c) its contractors.","AnswerText":"Any fine imposed on the UK by the European Court of Justice resulting from a failure to meet an EC obligation would be borne by the UK Government as the member state. If the fine was a result of a breach of EC law on a devolved matter in Scotland, then paragraph B3.25 of the Concordat on Co-ordination of European Policy Issues would apply. Further liability for the breach would depend on the individual circumstances of the breach.

    In relation to domestic legislation, it is the general rule that Scottish Water is liable for any fine arising from the failure of its water supply and wastewater operations to meet legal requirements, subject to any defences available to it under the relevant legislation. With regard to wastewater discharges, however, there are circumstances where Scottish Water can reduce or transfer the risk associated with prosecution. These include the use of trade effluent consents or agreements and also within some Public/Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, whereby the discharge consent rests with the PPP concessionaire.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162174,"EventID":"S1W-25626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff at director level left West of Scotland Water Authority for roles at Thames Water in the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff at director level left West of Scotland Water Authority for roles at Thames Water in the last year.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. Their Chief Executive's response is as follows:

    Records inherited from West of Scotland Water show that one member of staff at director level or above left the organisation to join Thames Water in the past 12 months. This was the former Chief Executive of West of Scotland Water Authority, Charles Cornish.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162175,"EventID":"S1W-25627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any role or powers in respect of tidal information.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any role or powers in respect of tidal information.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no specific powers in respect of tidal information. However, we contribute towards the cost of operating the UK National Sea Level Network, a series of tide gauges at key positions around the coast of the British Isles, in support of Scottish flood prevention, environment and fisheries policy research interests.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162176,"EventID":"S1W-25628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by the UK Hydrographic Office on a licensing and fees regime for tidal information and what its response to any such consultation was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by the UK Hydrographic Office on a licensing and fees regime for tidal information and what its response to any such consultation was.","AnswerText":"The Executive was not consulted by the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence, on a licence and fee regime for tidal information. I understand the UKHO does not consult on charges for its services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162177,"EventID":"S1W-25629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make funding available in order to ensure that a Scottish ladies' open golf championship will take place in 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to make funding available in order to ensure that a Scottish ladies' open golf championship will take place in 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supported the Ladies' European Tour Matchplay event last year on a one-off basis in association with our bid to host the Ryder Cup in Scotland. It has no plans to support the event or any other golf event this year and presently has no plans to do so in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162178,"EventID":"S1W-25630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its review of fostering and adoption will be completed and when the findings will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its review of fostering and adoption will be completed and when the findings will be published.","AnswerText":"Phase one of the adoption policy review, on the service provided by adoption agencies, has been completed and is being considered by the Executive. One of its recommendations - that Scotland join the national adoption register being created in England and Wales - is already being implemented. We are also considering how to take forward phase two of the review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162179,"EventID":"S1W-25631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4432 by Cathy Jamieson on 17 January 2002, what aspects of fostering have been considered by the working group undertaking the revi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-4432 by Cathy Jamieson on 17 January 2002, what aspects of fostering have been considered by the working group undertaking the review of adoption and fostering; whether any further aspects of fostering will be considered by the group and, if so, when it will consider them. ","AnswerText":"Fostering was identified as an important option in the first phase of the adoption policy review, but was not considered in any detail. It will be considered in depth in phase two which will start later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162180,"EventID":"S1W-25632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received on whether a statutory instrument which is required to be made by the Scottish ministers is lawfully made in circumstances where it bear","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received on whether a statutory instrument which is required to be made by the Scottish ministers is lawfully made in circumstances where it bears no name or subscription.","AnswerText":"A statutory instrument which is required to be made by the Scottish ministers is lawfully made when it is signed by one of those ministers, or by a junior minister or an official on their behalf.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162181,"EventID":"S1W-25633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21837 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 January 2002, whether it has received any responses from NHS trusts, NHS boards and local authoriti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21837 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 January 2002, whether it has received any responses from NHS trusts, NHS boards and local authorities to its Scottish Needs Assessment Programme report on the needs of people with brain injuries; if so, from which organisations it has received them; whether it will make copies of any such responses available, and whether it plans to make an assessment of the impact of the report on the provision of services for people with acquired brain injury, Huntingdon's disease and early onset dementia.","AnswerText":"We did not invite, nor have we received, any responses to the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) report mentioned.

    The Executive funds SNAP as a co-operative programme of work undertaken by staff from Scotland's Public Health Departments under the auspices of the Public Health Institute. SNAP reports review practice and service provision across Scotland, identified gaps and local effective practice, and make recommendations on how local services can improve their response to a particular condition. SNAP reports are therefore developed by Scottish Public Health staff to support their local work and it is local Public Health Departments, working in co-operation with their local partners, who are responsible for their implementation.

    We also continue to support a wide range of voluntary organisations committed to raising awareness, and offering support, care and information, to the care groups mentioned in the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162182,"EventID":"S1W-25634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS trusts, NHS boards and local authorities are acting effectively on the findings and recommendations of the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme report and what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS trusts, NHS boards and local authorities are acting effectively on the findings and recommendations of the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme report and what specific improvements in services have resulted from such action.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) review offers a benchmark of expectations for a good, quality-based, service of care and attention for these important care groups. It is for the local statutory agencies to work together with the voluntary sector to respond to the standards set out and implied in the report, and I look for early change and improvement as a result.

    The performance of NHSScotland is effectively monitored by the health department on an on-going basis, and through escalating intervention to improve identified unacceptable performance.

    The information requested on the local implementation of the recommendations of the SNAP report will be available from local Public Health Departments, but is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162183,"EventID":"S1W-25635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to (a) the Home Office or (b) HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales that (i) the Social Work Services Inspectorate ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to (a) the Home Office or (b) HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales that (i) the Social Work Services Inspectorate and (ii) the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care be involved in the monitoring and inspection of Dungavel House Detention Centre.","AnswerText":"The Home Office is responsible for the Immigration Detention Centre at Dungavel House, Strathavon under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales is responsible for inspection. However, the Immigration Service have consulted with the host authority, South Lanarkshire Council and Social Work Services Inspectorate regarding the provision of services. It is anticipated that The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care will be consulted about arrangements for inspection.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162184,"EventID":"S1W-25636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prison sentences and (b) sentences involving an alternative to custody have been passed by district courts in each of the last three years for which figures ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prison sentences and (b) sentences involving an alternative to custody have been passed by district courts in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Figures are shown separately for lay district courts and for the stipendiary magistrates court in Glasgow.

    Persons with a charge proved in district courts, by type of sentence, 1998-2000:

    1998

    1999

    2000

    Custodial sentences

    Lay District Court

    466

    389

    346

    Stipendiary Magistrates Court

    1,366

    1,447

    928

    Total

    1,832

    1,836

    1,274

    Non-custodial sentences

    Lay District Court

    52,751

    45,501

    41,498

    Stipendiary Magistrates Court

    5,642

    4,516

    3,337

    Total

    58,393

    50,017

    44,835

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162185,"EventID":"S1W-25637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent additional resources have been allocated to local authorities for investment in local transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent additional resources have been allocated to local authorities for investment in local transport.","AnswerText":"The Executive is fully committed to developing a modern integrated transport system for Scotland. The Executive's record levels of investment are set out in the Transport Delivery Report, which highlights our key priorities for improving public transport, both urban and rural.

    The Executive has also recently awarded an additional £20 million in revenue funding to local authorities to tackle the backlog of repairs to local roads. This extra cash injection is in addition to an extra £70 million in capital allocations over the three years to March 2004 for local roads and bridges.

    Under the Public Transport Fund 79 projects are supported across Scotland with investment of £175 million. Through our rural funding schemes local authorities and Strathclyde Passenger Transport have received £15 million between 1998 and 2002. £4.7 million and £5.1 million has been allocated for 2002-03 and 2003-04 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162186,"EventID":"S1W-25638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to improve public transport in urban areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to improve public transport in urban areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25637.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162187,"EventID":"S1W-25639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many uniformed police patrol officers there were in each police force area in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and how many there are currently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many uniformed police patrol officers there were in each police force area in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and how many there are currently.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The deployment of police officers to particular tasks such as uniformed patrol is an operational matter for chief constables.

    The number of officers in each force in 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 are shown in the following table. The latest figures available are at 31 March 2002.
     

    No. of Officers at 31 March

    Force

    2000

    2001

    2002

    Central

    721

    733

    719

    Dumfries and Galloway

    451

    478

    482

    Fife

    837

    852

    912

    Grampian

    1,215

    1,273

    1,258

    Lothian and Borders

    2,584

    2,670

    2,700

    Northern

    653

    668

    683

    Strathclyde

    7,101

    7,318

    7,327

    Tayside

    1,137

    1,157

    1,170

    Total

    14,699

    15,149

    15,251

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162188,"EventID":"S1W-25640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many uniformed police patrol officers were recruited in each police force area in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many uniformed police patrol officers were recruited in each police force area in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"The recruitment and deployment of police officers to particular tasks such as uniformed patrol is an operational matter for chief constables.

    The number of police officers recruited in each police force area in 1999-2000 and 2000-01, the latest year for which figures are available, are shown in the following table:

    No. of Officers Recruited

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    Central

    26

    39

    Dumfries and Galloway

    11

    46

    Fife

    40

    50

    Grampian

    24

    115

    Lothian and Borders

    62

    189

    Northern

    23

    45

    Strathclyde

    250

    503

    Tayside

    38

    66

    Total

    474

    1,053

    Information on the numbers of officers recruited in a given year is included in HM Inspectorate's Annual Statistical Returns from forces. The returns for 2001-02 will not be available until the end of May.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162189,"EventID":"S1W-25641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost is of holding a person in prison for (a) a seven-day sentence, (b) a two-week sentence, (c) a one-month sentence, (d) a two-month sentence, (e) a t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost is of holding a person in prison for (a) a seven-day sentence, (b) a two-week sentence, (c) a one-month sentence, (d) a two-month sentence, (e) a three-month sentence, (f) a six-month sentence, (g) a one-year sentence, (h) a two-year sentence and (i) a four-year sentence, broken down by gender.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    The Key Performance Indicator (target) set for SPS for 2002-03 is to operate within an average annual cost per prisoner place of £33,800. Costs are not maintained separately by gender or sentence period.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162190,"EventID":"S1W-25642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued any internal guidance to civil servants on how to answer parliamentary questions additional to the civil service code and whether any such guidance ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued any internal guidance to civil servants on how to answer parliamentary questions additional to the civil service code and whether any such guidance will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25651 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162191,"EventID":"S1W-25643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any internal guidance to staff of the Scottish Prison Service on how to deal with parliamentary questions and whether any such guidance will be publishe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any internal guidance to staff of the Scottish Prison Service on how to deal with parliamentary questions and whether any such guidance will be published.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    The guidance to SPS staff is the same as that used in the Scottish Executive, the current version of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 21309).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162192,"EventID":"S1W-25644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether written parliamentary questions are ever referred to political advisers for input into the answer and, if so, what proportion, and what its reasons are for its po","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether written parliamentary questions are ever referred to political advisers for input into the answer and, if so, what proportion, and what its reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Advice is given and sought, appropriate to the question. No central record is held of referrals to special advisers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162193,"EventID":"S1W-25645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define and quantify the \"equitable contribution\" to the UK Kyoto target referred to in the indicator of sustainable development for Scotland on climate ch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define and quantify the \"equitable contribution\" to the UK Kyoto target referred to in the indicator of sustainable development for Scotland on climate change in its document Meeting the Needs... Priorities, Actions and Targets for Sustainable Development in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have agreed with the UK Government that emission reductions, required to meet the UK Kyoto commitment, can be delivered by working in partnership. The policy measures, through which we will deliver our contribution, are set out in the Scottish Climate Change Programme.

    Data published in Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: 1990-1999 (available on the Scottish Executive climate change website at: www.scotland.gov.uk/climatechange) shows the Scottish contribution amounts to a 5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162194,"EventID":"S1W-25646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions local authority social work departments have had to apply to Children's Panels for a change in a secure accommodation disposal due to a shortage of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions local authority social work departments have had to apply to Children's Panels for a change in a secure accommodation disposal due to a shortage of secure accommodation in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Although hearings make recommendations that a child goes to secure accommodation, the final decision on whether secure care is the best disposal for a child lies with the Director of Social Work and the head of the secure unit. Where the outcome is that a child is placed in a unit other than that specified, Social Work Departments ought to inform the Children's Reporter. The reporter has discretion either to convene another hearing to re-consider the earlier Supervision Requirement or to inform a review hearing about the change. Any action taken must be in the best interest of the child.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162195,"EventID":"S1W-25647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the EU Standing Veterinary Committee in respect of requests by Ireland and France that the committee re-examine its grading of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the EU Standing Veterinary Committee in respect of requests by Ireland and France that the committee re-examine its grading of countries as low or high risk for the purposes of BSE and what information it has on any representations to the committee made by Her Majesty's Government on this matter.","AnswerText":"As part of the classification process required under Council Regulation 999/2001, as amended, all member states including the UK were invited to make an application to determine their BSE status against agreed criterion.

    The UK application was subject to discussion with all the devolved administrations, before it was submitted to the Commission's Scientific Steering Committee for evaluation.

    Regulation 999/2001 allows for a member state to notify the Commission of any epidemiological evidence or other information which might lead to a change in BSE status. As far as the Executive is aware, neither France nor the Republic of Ireland have applied to have their original classification as \"low incidence\" re-examined.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162196,"EventID":"S1W-25648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to form a research and development partnership with the pharmaceutical industry in order to fund jointly clinical research for the faster develop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to form a research and development partnership with the pharmaceutical industry in order to fund jointly clinical research for the faster development of new drugs for patients.","AnswerText":"Following on from the answer given to question S1W-23850 on 20 March 2002, the Pharmaceutical Liaison Group continues to explore areas of shared interest and concern to the Health Department, NHSScotland and the pharmaceutical industry. The specific issue of a research and development partnership with the pharmaceutical industry is under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162197,"EventID":"S1W-25649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide (a) a detailed statement of the scientific basis for its proposals to designate approximately 18% of Scotland as nitrate vulnerable 'ones, (b) a d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide (a) a detailed statement of the scientific basis for its proposals to designate approximately 18% of Scotland as nitrate vulnerable 'ones, (b) a detailed explanation of why such 'ones are required and (c) details of the scientific or any other evidence upon which the conclusion was reached in respect of each proposed nitrate vulnerable 'one.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive methodology for identification of groundwater nitrate vulnerable zones is detailed at paragraphs 13 to 15 and Annex 3 of the consultation paper Protection of Scotland's Water Environment: Consultation on Further Scottish Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Parliament's Reference Centre Bib. number 18665).

    The issues and objectives of designation are summarised at paragraphs 2 to 18 of the draft Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment at Annex II of the consultation paper Water Quality: Action Programmes for Scottish Nitrate Vulnerable Zones: A Consultation (Bib. number 20823). The answer to question S1W-22488 on 12 February 2002, covers the requirements of the EC Nitrates Directive for designation of nitrate vulnerable zones. The supporting scientific evidence and monitoring data details for each of the proposed nitrate vulnerable zones are available from the British Geological Survey report Groundwater nitrate vulnerable zones for Scotland (Bib. number 18567).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162198,"EventID":"S1W-25651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available to members all guidance, guidelines, advice and codes of conduct issued in all departments to civil servants on answering (a) parliamentary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available to members all guidance, guidelines, advice and codes of conduct issued in all departments to civil servants on answering (a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters from members.","AnswerText":"Copies of the Executive's current guidance on parliamentary questions, ministerial correspondence and the Scottish Ministerial Code have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162199,"EventID":"S1W-25652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role angling tourism plays in the tourism strategy and whether there are any plans to enhance the role of angling tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role angling tourism plays in the tourism strategy and whether there are any plans to enhance the role of angling tourism.","AnswerText":"Angling tourism is recognised by VisitScotland as an important niche market and one with growth potential. They are developing a guide and a website, which will be launched soon. The site will provide visitors with up to date information on matters such as seasons, times, conditions and types of fishing.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162200,"EventID":"S1W-25653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to acquire advice from angling bodies and related businesses to help attract overseas visitors to Scotland for angling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to acquire advice from angling bodies and related businesses to help attract overseas visitors to Scotland for angling.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland sought advice from angling bodies last year and there is input from the sector in the development of the new brochure and website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162201,"EventID":"S1W-25654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drug-related deaths there were (a) so far this year and (b) in each of the last five years expressed per capita, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drug-related deaths there were (a) so far this year and (b) in each of the last five years expressed per capita, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"Data for this year to date and 2001 is not yet available. Data for 2001 will be available in July. The following table details the number of drug-related deaths in each NHS Board area for years 1996-2000 and the rate per 100,000 population.

    Health Board

    Number of Drug-related Deaths

    Rate per 100,00 Population

     

    1996

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    1996

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    Argyll and Clyde

    18

    16

    23

    30

    31

    4.2

    3.7

    5.4

    7.0

    7.3

    Ayrshire and Arran

    3

    6

    4

    15

    20

    0.8

    1.6

    1.1

    4.0

    5.4

    Borders

    2

    1

    1

    0

    1

    1.9

    0.9

    0.9

    0

    0.9

    Dumfries and Galloway

    4

    7

    4

    7

    7

    2.7

    4.8

    2.7

    4.8

    4.8

    Fife

    3

    8

    13

    9

    12

    0.9

    2.3

    3.7

    2.6

    3.4

    Forth Valley

    0

    4

    2

    8

    4

    0

    1.5

    0.7

    2.9

    1.4

    Grampian

    29

    22

    26

    38

    31

    5.5

    4.2

    5.0

    7.2

    		(a) The method used to distribute revenue grant to local authorities is set out in Grant Aided Expenditure (the Green Book) 2001-02, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 12261).

    An explanation of the formula used to determine the single capital allocation is given in the detailed response to question S1W-5685 on 30 June 2000. A copy is also available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 7751).

    Housing capital is not distributed by formula. Since 1997-98 the allocations have remained broadly unchanged, which has provided a measure of stability for councils

    (b) Funding for NHS boards is distributed on the basis of the Arbuthnott formula. Details of the formula are contained in Fair Shares for All which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 11762).

    (c) The allocation of resources to local enterprise companies is undertaken by Scottish Enterprise.

    (d) The allocation of development funding to Community Scotland's Area Teams uses a methodology based on a series of social exclusion indicators and guidance obtained from Scottish ministers on their investment priorities.

    There is no one formula applied to funding of social inclusion partnerships (SIPs), which are both area based and thematic in nature. The methodology lying behind the funding of area based SIPs for 2002-03 aims to move towards smoothing per capita spend rates across SIPs. Thematic SIPs, on the other hand were subject to an across the board funding increase of 2.5%.

    The Scottish Executive in conjunction with local partners (typically from local authorities, enterprise companies, higher and further education sectors, environmental agencies, the voluntary sector and, increasingly the private sector) - through a series of committees - recommend to Ministers allocations of funding to meet partnership and European Programme objectives.

    The allocation to area tourist boards is undertaken by VisitScotland.

    The allocations to higher educational institutions is undertaken by Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC).

    The allocations to further educational colleges is undertaken by Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC).

    Funding for local bodies is also available through a number of smaller programmes, but details of these could only be assembled at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162203,"EventID":"S1W-25656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has contributed either (a) directly or (b) indirectly through a third party to Care in Craigmillar; how much each individual contribution was, and on what da","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has contributed either (a) directly or (b) indirectly through a third party to Care in Craigmillar; how much each individual contribution was, and on what date each contribution was made in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no direct contributions to the project Caring in Craigmillar. I can confirm, however, that the Craigmillar Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) has agreed to contribute the sum of £64,000 to Caring in Craigmillar from its 2002-03 SIP Fund allocation.

    The City of Edinburgh Council has confirmed that Caring in Craigmillar will manage a service level agreement covering support to the elderly from April 2002. The service prior to that date was delivered by the project Phonelink.

    Craigmillar SIP has also supported Phonelink from its SIP fund allocation as follows:

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02

    £9,000

    £30,000

    £40,000

    £60,000

    £60,000

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162204,"EventID":"S1W-25657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has contributed either (a) directly or (b) indirectly through a third party to Edinburgh and Lothian Racial Equality Council in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has contributed either (a) directly or (b) indirectly through a third party to Edinburgh and Lothian Racial Equality Council in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not provide direct funding to Race Equality Councils. It is open to councils to apply to the Executive's Ethnic Minority Grant Scheme for funding for specific projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162205,"EventID":"S1W-25658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will either reimburse or make additional funds available to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd for the cost of security imposed on it by instructions issued by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will either reimburse or make additional funds available to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd for the cost of security imposed on it by instructions issued by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.","AnswerText":"The cost of additional security measures applied by the UK Government, following the events of 11 September, have, to date, been met by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd from its resources which included Scottish Executive support.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162206,"EventID":"S1W-25659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were incurred by each NHS board on air transport on behalf of patients in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were incurred by each NHS board on air transport on behalf of patients in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162207,"EventID":"S1W-25660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions regarding the provision and need for security at airports managed by th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions regarding the provision and need for security at airports managed by the Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) and what level of security it views as required at each airport operated by HIAL, detailing its reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has regular contact with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) about a range of issues including security. The Executive believes that the level of security at airports should be appropriate for the type and size of the operation at individual airports; ensuring at all times the safety and security of passengers and aircraft.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162208,"EventID":"S1W-25661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding insurance charges to be levied on air flights following 11 September 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding insurance charges to be levied on air flights following 11 September 2001.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162209,"EventID":"S1W-25662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average (a) term of a custodial sentence and (b) fine levied was for persons convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average (a) term of a custodial sentence and (b) fine levied was for persons convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The available information on persons given a custodial sentence is given in the following table.

    Between 1996 and 2000, only eight persons were fined on conviction of a main charge of causing death by dangerous driving. The average fine imposed in these cases was £1,944. Information for 2001 is not expected to be available until around November 2002.

    Persons with a Main Charge Proved in Scottish Courts Under Section 11 of The Road Traffic Act 1988 Who Were Given a Custodial Sentence, 1996-2000

    Main penalty

    1996

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    Average sentence (days)

    618

    693

    558

    498

    1,077

    Number of persons sentenced

    13

    14

    9

    11

    5

    Note:

    1. Causing death by dangerous driving.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162210,"EventID":"S1W-25663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in outstanding fines is due to Glasgow sheriff court in respect of each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in outstanding fines is due to Glasgow sheriff court in respect of each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Information is not readily available in the form requested. The amount of fines outstanding at Glasgow sheriff court or any sheriff court changes on a daily basis, as new fines are imposed and previously imposed fines are paid in whole or in part, or discharged by order of the court. Payments in one year can relate to fines imposed in previous years.

    At my request the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service has provided the information in the following table on the total level of fines outstanding at Glasgow sheriff court at the end of the last five financial years:

    Date

    Total Amount for Fines/Compensation Orders Outstanding

    31 March 1998

    £2,022,454

    31 March 1999

    £2,081,363

    31 March 2000

    £1,912,528

    31 March 2001

    £2,070,162

    31 March 2002

    £1,879,208

    The table includes compensation orders which remain outstanding at the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162211,"EventID":"S1W-25664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the collection rate of fines due to Glasgow Sheriff Court was in the last year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the collection rate of fines due to Glasgow Sheriff Court was in the last year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Information is not readily available in the form requested. In Glasgow Sheriff Court from 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 a total of £893,454 was remitted to the exchequer in payment of fines. This will in part relate to fines imposed in previous years.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162212,"EventID":"S1W-25665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to conduct research into the proportion of income used in households to make good \"critical disrepair\", as defined in Issues in Improving Quality in Pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to conduct research into the proportion of income used in households to make good \"critical disrepair\", as defined in Issues in Improving Quality in Private Housing: The first report of the Housing Improvement Task Force.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently carrying out the field work for the 2002 Scottish House Condition Survey. This survey will provide a comprehensive picture of the extent of disrepair in Scottish housing and an estimate of the cost of necessary repair and improvements. The survey will also provide data on the incomes of households including those whose homes are in need of repair and how much they spent on repair and maintenance in the previous year. The results from this survey are expected to be available from the middle of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162213,"EventID":"S1W-25666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to conduct research into the prevalence of low income or disadvantaged groups living in poor condition properties and to provide a breakdown of this dat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to conduct research into the prevalence of low income or disadvantaged groups living in poor condition properties and to provide a breakdown of this data by housing sector.","AnswerText":"The Executive has recently completed a review of existing data and research on owner-occupied households who have relatively low incomes including the implications for housing quality. This is available on the Housing Improvement Task Force website. In addition, the 2002 Scottish House Condition Survey will provide data on the condition of Scottish housing and the incomes and characteristics of the households within it including those whose homes are in need of repair and improvement.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162214,"EventID":"S1W-25667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5603/2002 of 27 March 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the #2.75 million investment in liquid-based cytology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5603/2002 of 27 March 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the #2.75 million investment in liquid-based cytology.","AnswerText":"The £2.75 million investment in liquid-based cytology will be used to meet either the capital or first year leasing costs for the processing machines, for the training costs of the laboratory and smear taking staff and proficiency testing costs. Exact figures will not be known until the machine tendering exercise and training has been completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162215,"EventID":"S1W-25668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24643 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 April 2002, in respect of which (a) EU directives and (b) subject matters section 57(1) of the Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24643 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 April 2002, in respect of which (a) EU directives and (b) subject matters section 57(1) of the Scotland Act 1998 was used in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25346.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162216,"EventID":"S1W-25669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many enquiries have been received by Enquire in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many enquiries have been received by Enquire in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date. ","AnswerText":"Enquire received (a) 360 enquiries from November 1999 to March 2000, (b) 840 enquiries in 2000-01, (c) 1,018 enquiries in 2001-02 and (d) 87 enquiries in April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162217,"EventID":"S1W-25670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding Enquire has received in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding Enquire has received in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"Enquire received (a) £213,937 in 1999-2000, (b) £207,239 in 2000-01 and (c) £220,541 in 2001-02. Enquire has not yet received any funding for 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162218,"EventID":"S1W-25671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis the application by Independent Special Education Advice (ISEA) for funding under the Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Programme was refused, give","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis the application by Independent Special Education Advice (ISEA) for funding under the Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Programme was refused, given that ISEA has a current caseload of 1,056 live cases and represents parents with children with special educational needs throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"There was strong competition for Special Educational Needs Innovation grant funding. The ISEA's application was considered alongside all others received and evaluated by a team of assessors, the majority of which were drawn from outside the Executive. ISEA's application was not considered to adequately meet all of the criteria.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162219,"EventID":"S1W-25672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were registered with the Scottish Committee on the Council of Tribunals in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints were registered with the Scottish Committee on the Council of Tribunals in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02. ","AnswerText":"None. The Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals, which operates under the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992, has no authority to investigate or adjudicate on complaints about the handling of individual cases by tribunals or inquiries under its supervision.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162220,"EventID":"S1W-25674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the availability of modern languages, such as Japanese and Russian, in secondar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the availability of modern languages, such as Japanese and Russian, in secondary schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not discussed these specific issues with either COSLA or the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Following the publication of the report of the Action Group on Languages, Citizens of a Multilingual World, the Scottish Executive Education Department provides funding to local authorities to support the learning and teaching of any language other than English. The SQA makes provision for a range of languages including Japanese and Russian.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162221,"EventID":"S1W-25675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities will be encouraged to ensure that owners of private hire cars display plates on the exterior of their vehicles which easily identify them as suc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities will be encouraged to ensure that owners of private hire cars display plates on the exterior of their vehicles which easily identify them as such and whether the display of such plates would be beneficial to public safety and the easy identification of such vehicles, detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Within the licensing framework of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, it is for individual local authorities to determine what plates should be issued for taxi and private hire car vehicles and how these should be displayed. While it is clearly in the public interest for such vehicles to be readily identifiable we believe that, because licensing requirements vary considerably between areas, local authorities are best placed to determine the precise arrangements for their area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162222,"EventID":"S1W-25676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23092, S1W-23093, S1W-23094, S1W-23095 and S1W-23096 by Mr Andy Kerr on 13 March 2002, why the Deputy Minister for Finance and Pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23092, S1W-23093, S1W-23094, S1W-23095 and S1W-23096 by Mr Andy Kerr on 13 March 2002, why the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services stated on 23 January 2002 that it already receives benefits from Her Majesty's Treasury because the rate of increase in council tax in Scotland is slower than the rate of increase in council tax in England and Wales and that it benefits directly \"as a consequence of that money flowing north of the border from south of the border\" (Official Report, 23 January 2002, col. 5646-47); whether this statement was inaccurate, and, if so, when the Deputy Minister first became aware of the inaccuracy.","AnswerText":"The statement was not inaccurate. The principle of adjustments is firmly embedded in the Statement of Funding Policy. At the time the Deputy Minister spoke, we had agreed the adjustment figure for 2000-01, and were in the process of agreeing the figure for 2001-02, as his words indicated.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162223,"EventID":"S1W-25677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance exists on the responsibilities and duties of its civil servants to (a) the Parliament, (b) the Executive and (c) the Crown.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance exists on the responsibilities and duties of its civil servants to (a) the Parliament, (b) the Executive and (c) the Crown.","AnswerText":"Civil servants are required to act in accordance with the terms of The Civil Service Code which sets out their responsibilities and duties.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162224,"EventID":"S1W-25678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25236 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether and when it received any submission from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) on the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25236 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether and when it received any submission from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) on the proposals of the internal SPS submission Constructing the Future prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000","AnswerText":"Ministers did not receive such a submission. In the first phase of the Estates Review submissions were sought by SPS of most of its establishments in relation to their development plans. Detailed submissions were made by those establishments which required major development as part of Constructing the Future. This phase of the estates review led to settled conclusions regarding the majority of establishments involving some local development work. Further work then took place to consider integrated national options rather than local options to move towards an ideal estate. It was the investment decisions involved in these overall options which were reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162225,"EventID":"S1W-25679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S1W-25237 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, what assessment has been made on its behalf or by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) of the internal S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to S1W-25237 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, what assessment has been made on its behalf or by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) of the internal SPS submission Constructing the Future prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    No assessment of Constructing the Future as a whole has been carried out. However, some of the information it contained was taken into account in development of the SPS Estates Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162226,"EventID":"S1W-25680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace of 3 May 2002, what financial review has been made on its behalf or by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace of 3 May 2002, what financial review has been made on its behalf or by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) of the investment decisions proposed in the internal SPS submission Constructing the Future prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25678.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162227,"EventID":"S1W-25681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many car parking spaces are planned for the new Environment and Rural Affairs Department office in Perth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many car parking spaces are planned for the new Environment and Rural Affairs Department office in Perth.","AnswerText":"A total of 83 car parking spaces are planned, as approved by the local planning authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162228,"EventID":"S1W-25682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21578 by Ross Finnie on 22 January 2002, when the Environment and Rural Affairs Department office in Perth will become operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21578 by Ross Finnie on 22 January 2002, when the Environment and Rural Affairs Department office in Perth will become operational.","AnswerText":"The completion date for the construction of the new office building is 16 December 2002. Thereafter internal furnishings and fittings will be installed and it is anticipated that the new office will become operational in February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162229,"EventID":"S1W-25683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any currently environmentally designated areas are affected by planning applications for wind farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any currently environmentally designated areas are affected by planning applications for wind farms.","AnswerText":"Planning applications for windfarms of 50MW and under, would fall to be considered by local authorities and information on such applications is not collated centrally. Any proposal for a wind powered electricity generating station with a capacity in excess of 50MW, would fall to be considered by the Scottish ministers, under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Officials are currently in receipt of four such applications which will be determined by ministers in due course.

    None of these four applications is sited in local, national or international designated areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162230,"EventID":"S1W-25684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether research shows that Scotland's wind energy potential can be developed without affecting environmentally designated areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether research shows that Scotland's wind energy potential can be developed without affecting environmentally designated areas.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Renewable Resource 2001, the study carried out for us last year by Garrad Hassan, identified a potential onshore wind resource of 11.5 gigawatts of capacity which could be developed at a relatively competitive cost, and all of which is available outwith existing environmentally designated areas. This is many times more than we need to meet our current targets for renewable generation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162231,"EventID":"S1W-25685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' 16th Annual Report 2000-2001, (a) how many local authorities are aware of the committee's Special Repo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' 16th Annual Report 2000-2001, (a) how many local authorities are aware of the committee's Special Report on Education Appeal Committees and (b) what action it is taking in order to ensure that the recommendations in the special report are followed universally.","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals has informed the Scottish Executive that it has sent a copy of its Special Report on Education Appeal Committees to each Director of Education and Head of Legal Services in Scotland.

    (b) The Scottish Executive has committed to undertaking a review of Education Appeal Committees which will consider the recommendations of the Committee of the Council on Tribunals' Special Report on Education Appeal Committees and identify an appropriate course of action.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162232,"EventID":"S1W-25686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' 16th Annual Report 2000-2001, (a) what its response is to this report and (b) when the wide-ranging co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' 16th Annual Report 2000-2001, (a) what its response is to this report and (b) when the wide-ranging consideration of appeal committees by its Education Department, which the council was informed was being undertaken, will be made public.","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Executive welcomes the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' (SCCT's) Special Report on Education Appeal Committees in Scotland, which it refers to in its 16th Annual Report 2000-2001. The Scottish Executive will consider the findings of the SCCT's work in a review of education appeal committees before formalising a response to the SCCT's recommendations.

    (b) The Scottish Executive is committed to undertaking a review of education appeal committees in light of the SCCT's report, but the timescale for that review has yet to be identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162233,"EventID":"S1W-25687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access blind postgraduate students not funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council have to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland disabled stude","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access blind postgraduate students not funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council have to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland disabled students allowance scheme.","AnswerText":"Blind postgraduate students whose courses come under the remit of any of the research councils, but who for whatever reason are not being funded by them, are not eligible for any allowances paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162234,"EventID":"S1W-25688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it or its agencies make available to blind postgraduate students in order to provide them with electronic equipment and personal readers to allow them to acc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it or its agencies make available to blind postgraduate students in order to provide them with electronic equipment and personal readers to allow them to access printed material in the course of their research.","AnswerText":"The Student Awards Agency for Scotland provides eligible postgraduate students with assistance under the Postgraduate Students' Allowances Scheme (PSAS). Disabled students being funded under PSAS who incur higher course costs because of their disabilities can apply for Disabled Students' Allowance. This can cover equipment and personal readers for blind students.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162235,"EventID":"S1W-25689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on roads in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2001-02 and whether the budget was underspent in either year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on roads in (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2001-02 and whether the budget was underspent in either year.","AnswerText":"Gross expenditure on the Motorway and Trunk Road Programme during 2000-01 was £202.73 million, which represented an underspend of £14.96 million. Details were set out in the Executive's Resource Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2001, which were laid before Parliament in December 2001. Figures for 2001-02 have not yet been finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162236,"EventID":"S1W-25690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications under the European Convention on Human Rights are for any local authority refusing to grant a hearing before a planning committee to any objectors ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications under the European Convention on Human Rights are for any local authority refusing to grant a hearing before a planning committee to any objectors to an application under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and whether it has been consulted by any local authority on any such implications.","AnswerText":"This is entirely a matter for the local authorities concerned. We have not been consulted by any local authority about this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162237,"EventID":"S1W-25691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any disadvantages for the generation of wind power will accrue as a result of the extension to Scotland of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements and what any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any disadvantages for the generation of wind power will accrue as a result of the extension to Scotland of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements and what any such disadvantages will be.","AnswerText":"Although this is a reserved matter, the Scottish Executive is working closely with DTI and the industry regulator, Ofgem, on the development of new electricity trading arrangements for Scotland from 2004. We will aim to ensure that these new arrangements will work for the benefit of Scottish electricity consumers and all other participants in the Scottish market, including renewables generators.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162238,"EventID":"S1W-25692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the electricity generated currently comes from wind power and what the wind power generating capacity is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the electricity generated currently comes from wind power and what the wind power generating capacity is.","AnswerText":"There is currently around 100 megawatts of onshore wind energy capacity installed across Scotland. This amounts to around 1% of Scotland's total installed generating capacity.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162239,"EventID":"S1W-25693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farms are currently (a) operational and (b) planned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farms are currently (a) operational and (b) planned.","AnswerText":"There are currently 12 wind farms in operation across Scotland. Four developers have submitted applications for the consent of Scottish ministers under section 36 of the 1989 Electricity Act for windfarms of over 50MW capacity. A further five applications are in the process of preparing formal applications under section 36.

    We do not possess figures for applications made to local planning authorities for windfarms under 50MW under the Town and Country Planning Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162240,"EventID":"S1W-25694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is in relation to off-shore wind farms and whether it has been consulted about any such farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is in relation to off-shore wind farms and whether it has been consulted about any such farms.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have powers to issue all relevant consents and licences for off-shore wind farms proposed in waters adjacent to Scotland. Officials have had discussions with Natural Power on the scope of an Environmental Impact Assessment for their proposal to build a 60MW wind farm in the Solway Firth at Robin Rigg.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162241,"EventID":"S1W-25695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role or powers it has in respect of the licensing of off-shore wind farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role or powers it has in respect of the licensing of off-shore wind farms.","AnswerText":"To construct or operate a generation station off-shore, a developer would require a licence under Part II of the Food and Environmental Protection Act 1985 and consent under section 34 of the Coastal Protection Act 1949. At present consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 is required if the capacity of the power station exceeds 50 MW. We are considering proposals to reduce this limit to 1 MW, in which case we will lay a draft order before Parliament to effect such a change. The Scottish ministers have responsibility for issuing these licences and consents on all developments in waters adjacent to Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162242,"EventID":"S1W-25696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental assessment is required before planning permission for a wind farm is granted and whether such assessment includes a flood risk assessment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental assessment is required before planning permission for a wind farm is granted and whether such assessment includes a flood risk assessment.","AnswerText":"Wind farms of over 50 mega watts capacity require consent from the Scottish ministers under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. In granting consent under this procedure planning permission is deemed to be granted. Wind farms of smaller capacity require planning permission from the relevant planning authority under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.

    The electricity consent procedures and the planning permission procedures have associated formal environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirements contained in the Electricity Works (Assessment of Environmental Effects) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 and the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 respectively.

    The information required to be included in the environmental statement associated with an EIA will depend on the particular circumstances of each case. Prior to seeking consent or planning permission, a developer may approach the competent authority (either the Scottish ministers or the planning authority) to seek an opinion on the scope of the environmental statement.

    Where an application for planning permission is involved, aside from the formal EIA procedures, planning authorities also have powers to require the submission of further information necessary to determine the application. This can include information on, for example, environmental issues, flood risk or traffic impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162243,"EventID":"S1W-25697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any concerns have been raised over the extraction of peat from the site of the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forest and, if so, what its response was to any suc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any concerns have been raised over the extraction of peat from the site of the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forest and, if so, what its response was to any such concerns.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any concerns over any potential extraction of peat from Whitelee Forest.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162244,"EventID":"S1W-25698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much energy from wind power is exported as Green Credits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much energy from wind power is exported as Green Credits.","AnswerText":"In 2000-01, Scotland exported around 19% of its generated electricity; a breakdown of exports by source is not available. The system of Renewable Obligation Certificates under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) is not yet in full operation, but will not require the export of electricity to accompany the sale outwith Scotland of any such certificates.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162245,"EventID":"S1W-25699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities may treat applications for wind farms under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 as if such applications were planning applications under the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities may treat applications for wind farms under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 as if such applications were planning applications under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Acts.","AnswerText":"A determination on an application made under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 (if the capacity of the power station exceeds 50 MW) would fall to the Scottish ministers. Under the terms of this act, the Scottish ministers are obliged to consult with the local authorities before arriving at a determination. The local authorities undertake their own consultation before making a recommendation to the Scottish ministers. This consultation process is entirely a matter for the local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162246,"EventID":"S1W-25700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in the combustion of fossil fuels has been effected by the advent of wind generated electricity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in the combustion of fossil fuels has been effected by the advent of wind generated electricity.","AnswerText":"Wind energy at present accounts for a very small fraction of Scottish electricity generation - around 1%. However, the introduction of the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) has created a huge demand for new sources of renewable energy, which onshore wind is very well placed to meet. As existing fossil fuel power stations are closed over the next two decades, it is expected that wind and other forms of renewable generation will increasingly fill the gap.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162247,"EventID":"S1W-25701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in the production of greenhouse gases has been effected by the advent of wind generated electricity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in the production of greenhouse gases has been effected by the advent of wind generated electricity.","AnswerText":"The most recently published data shows that wind generation in Scotland in 2000 accounted for 216.7GWh. Depending on the fuel that is displaced, this will reduce emissions by about 20,000 to 40,000 tonnes of carbon.

    Scottish wind generation has increased significantly since 2000 and, in tandem with other renewable technologies, will assist in filling the gap as existing generation retires over the coming decades, contributing further carbon savings.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162248,"EventID":"S1W-25702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any concerns have been raised about possible despoiling of an area of special scientific interest in regard to the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forest.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any concerns have been raised about possible despoiling of an area of special scientific interest in regard to the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forest.","AnswerText":"There are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or international nature conservation sites within the vicinity of the proposed wind turbine development at Whitelee Forest, and the Scottish Executive is not aware of any concerns about possible damage to SSSIs in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162249,"EventID":"S1W-25703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what flood risk assessment has been completed in connection with the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forest; whether any such assessment has been provided to (a) it, (b) t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what flood risk assessment has been completed in connection with the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forest; whether any such assessment has been provided to (a) it, (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and (c) the local authorities in the area, and whether any such assessment will be published. ","AnswerText":"The Environmental Statement prepared on behalf of the developer addressed the issue of flood risk assessment and will be addressed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the local authorities concerned as part of the consultation process.

    The application by Scottish Power for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct a wind farm in Whitelee Forest is currently under consideration by Scottish ministers. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further on this particular project.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162250,"EventID":"S1W-25704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25065 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, how many offers were received for the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame before 3 May 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25065 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, how many offers were received for the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame before 3 May 2000.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Two.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162251,"EventID":"S1W-25705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25064 and S1W-25065 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, why the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame were re-advertised on 10 June ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25064 and S1W-25065 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, why the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame were re-advertised on 10 June 2000 when the deadline for offers intimated to those who had expressed interest was 3 May 2000.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    As none of the offers received by 3 May 2000 were considered acceptable, the property was re-advertised.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162252,"EventID":"S1W-25706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25065 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, what closing date or dates for offers were intimated to those who expressed interest in p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25065 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, what closing date or dates for offers were intimated to those who expressed interest in purchasing the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame after 3 May 2000.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    11 August 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162253,"EventID":"S1W-25707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23459 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether any offer for the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame made before 3 May 2000 equal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23459 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 March 2002, whether any offer for the buildings of HM Prison Penninghame made before 3 May 2000 equalled or exceeded the value of #275,000.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162254,"EventID":"S1W-25708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been made of the impact of the foot-and-mouth disease burial site at Birkshaw on the local environment and specifically on the River Annan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been made of the impact of the foot-and-mouth disease burial site at Birkshaw on the local environment and specifically on the River Annan.","AnswerText":"The site used for burial of carcasses was the subject of risk assessment by all the relevant authorities before it was constructed to ensure that it was suitable in terms of its hydrology, geology and topography. Since the site was identified, the surrounding surface water environment, including the River Annan, has been subject to regular monitoring by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Within the boundaries of the site, groundwater monitoring is undertaken by independent environmental consultants in close co-operation and in full consultation with SEPA. SEPAs on-going monitoring of watercourses draining the site has at no time identified any pollution from the burial pits. Consequently, SEPA confirms that there have been no pollution incidents arising in the River Annan or its tributaries from the buried carcasses.

    Additional to SEPA's general statutory responsibility to monitor ground water quality, they will continue to carry out monitoring of surface waters around the site until they judge that they can return to a standard frequency of monitoring.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162255,"EventID":"S1W-25709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what permanent measures have been put in place to monitor the future impact of the foot-and-mouth disease burial site at Birkshaw on the local environment and specificall","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what permanent measures have been put in place to monitor the future impact of the foot-and-mouth disease burial site at Birkshaw on the local environment and specifically on the River Annan.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25708.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162256,"EventID":"S1W-25710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding similar to that used for the management buyout of Viasystems, North Tyneside was made available for the management buyout of Signum Circuits, Selkirk and,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding similar to that used for the management buyout of Viasystems, North Tyneside was made available for the management buyout of Signum Circuits, Selkirk and, if so, what (a) UK and (b) European sourced funding was provided in each case.","AnswerText":"No funding was provided by the Scottish Executive in support of the management buyout of Signum Circuits Ltd. However, £450,000 in Regional Selective Assistance was paid to Signum Circuits Ltd by the Scottish Executive, prior to the company's receivership.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162257,"EventID":"S1W-25711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' 16th Annual Report 2000-2001 and, in particular, to the committee's Special Report on Education Appeal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' 16th Annual Report 2000-2001 and, in particular, to the committee's Special Report on Education Appeal Committees of June 2000, what steps have been taken in order to ensure that its main recommendations in respect of (a) independence of the hearing venue, (b) difficulties for unrepresented appellants and (c) the need for committees' deliberations to be more structured with greater adherence to the provisions of the regulations are being implemented.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will conduct a review of education appeal committees, and in this context, it will consider the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' recommendations. Following that review, the Scottish Executive will consider implementation of these recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162258,"EventID":"S1W-25712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' 16th Annual Report 2000-2001, what its position is on establishing a separate Special Educational Need","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals' 16th Annual Report 2000-2001, what its position is on establishing a separate Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive consulted last year on Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward?. As a result, outline proposals for change were published on 19 February 2002. This document includes the Executive's proposals to establish an independent Tribunal in Scotland to hear appeals relating to children with additional support needs.

    Copies of the proposals are available in the Scottish Executive response to the consultation (Bib. number 19469).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162259,"EventID":"S1W-25713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to (a) introducing \"rucksack\" funding packages for children with special educational needs, which follow the child throughout his or her ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to (a) introducing \"rucksack\" funding packages for children with special educational needs, which follow the child throughout his or her education, and (b) funding such packages centrally.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to introduce such arrangements.

    The majority of funding for special educational needs provision is provided to local authorities through grant-aided expenditure and is so allocated to allow authorities to deliver effective provision, which takes account of local needs and circumstances and economies of scale. Within the funding available to them local authorities can implement integrated packages of education and care, including joint funding arrangements agreed with other agencies, for individual children with special educational needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162260,"EventID":"S1W-25714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any financial irregularities or budgetary losses were identified during the annual audit of departments and divisions in each of the last four years; if so, in wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any financial irregularities or budgetary losses were identified during the annual audit of departments and divisions in each of the last four years; if so, in which department or division each such loss or irregularity was identified, and what the amount involved was, also expressed as a percentage of the division or department's annual budget.","AnswerText":"The accounts of the Scottish Executive for 1999-2000 and 2000-01, together with the associated audit reports, have been laid before the Parliament and are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Prior to this, the Scottish Executive did not exist.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162261,"EventID":"S1W-25715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often front-line ambulance vehicles should be replaced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often front-line ambulance vehicles should be replaced.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service's vehicle procurement programme provides for 64 front-line emergency ambulances being commissioned into service each year. These will replace vehicles that are seven years old.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162262,"EventID":"S1W-25716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance paramedics there currently are; whether this is the optimum number required and, if not, what the required optimum number is, broken down by NHS board ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance paramedics there currently are; whether this is the optimum number required and, if not, what the required optimum number is, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the current numbers of paramedics in each Ambulance Service Division. Across Scotland, this represents an increase of nearly 180, or 30%, on the numbers in post in 1999. Over the next three years, the service plans to train around 250 more technicians to become paramedics in pursuance of its objective of providing a paramedic response to every emergency call by 2005.

    Division (Covering NHS Board Areas)

    Current Number of paramedics

    South West (Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Arran, Argyll and Clyde)

    149

    West Central (Lanarkshire and Greater Glasgow)

    143

    South East (Lothian and Borders)

    124

    East Central (Tayside, Fife and Forth Valley)

    147

    North East (Grampian, Orkney and Shetland)

    92

    North West (Highland and Western Isles)

    96

    Scotland

    751

     ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162263,"EventID":"S1W-25717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether money awarded to local authorities under the special islands needs allowance scheme should be used specifically to meet the special needs of islands and whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether money awarded to local authorities under the special islands needs allowance scheme should be used specifically to meet the special needs of islands and whether any monitoring is carried out to determine what use local authorities put such money to.","AnswerText":"No, special islands needs allowance, like the vast majority of grant provided to local authorities, is unhypothecated. It is up to each local authority how it allocates its resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162264,"EventID":"S1W-25718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional costs of the increased employers' National Insurance contribution announced in the UK Budget 2002 will be for each (a) local authority and (b) NHS boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the additional costs of the increased employers' National Insurance contribution announced in the UK Budget 2002 will be for each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board in (i) 2002-03 and (ii) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291 on 14 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162265,"EventID":"S1W-25719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of the pipe infrastructure within the water network was in each of the past five years, broken down by local authority area or as small an area as po","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of the pipe infrastructure within the water network was in each of the past five years, broken down by local authority area or as small an area as possible.","AnswerText":"Information on the age of the public water supply distribution network is not held centrally by the Executive. This information may be available from Scottish Water, 6 Castle Drive, Carnegie Campus, Dunfermline.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162266,"EventID":"S1W-25720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase funding to tackle alcohol problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase funding to tackle alcohol problems.","AnswerText":"The plan for action on alcohol problems, which was published on 18 January, sets out additional funding of £1.5 million for a national alcohol problems communications strategy and increased funding to Alcohol Actions Teams of £1 million. We will consider, over time, the need for additional resources for all types of action on alcohol problems including support and treatment services.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162267,"EventID":"S1W-25721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, which internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions were sub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, which internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions were subsequently taken into account in the SPS Estates Review, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to open government. Under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information, the assumption is that information will be released except where disclosure would not be in the public interest as specified in Part II of the code. In the case of the Prison Estates Review, all the relevant material from internal Scottish Prison Service submissions was included in the three volumes of material published as part of consultation on the Review. Material not included was either irrelevant or is covered by Exception 2 to the code, which covers internal discussion and advice. The purpose of this exception is to maintain the frankness and candour of internal discussion including internal opinion, advice, recommendation, consultation and deliberation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162268,"EventID":"S1W-25722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, which feasibility studies such as Constructing the Future were su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, which feasibility studies such as Constructing the Future were subsequently taken into account in the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162269,"EventID":"S1W-25723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, how many internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions were ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, how many internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions were subsequently taken into account in the SPS Estates Review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162270,"EventID":"S1W-25724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, how many feasibility studies such as Constructing the Future were","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, how many feasibility studies such as Constructing the Future were subsequently taken into account in the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162271,"EventID":"S1W-25725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether the internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether the internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions which were subsequently taken into account in the SPS Estates Review will be made publicly available, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162272,"EventID":"S1W-25726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether the internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether the internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) submissions which were subsequently taken into account in the SPS Estates Review will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162273,"EventID":"S1W-25727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether the feasibility studies such as Constructing the Future w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether the feasibility studies such as Constructing the Future which were subsequently taken into account in the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review will be made publicly available, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162274,"EventID":"S1W-25728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether the feasibility studies such as Constructing the Future w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25236, S1W-25237 and S1W-25238 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, whether the feasibility studies such as Constructing the Future which were subsequently taken into account in the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, detailing the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162275,"EventID":"S1W-25729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much is being spent on consultation fees in respect of the Inverness and the Highlands bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much is being spent on consultation fees in respect of the Inverness and the Highlands bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.","AnswerText":"The Executive has contributed £50,000 last year and this year towards the total cost of the bid. The question of expenditure on consultation fees should be addressed to the bid company, invernesshighland2008, as it is their responsibility.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162276,"EventID":"S1W-25730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since May 1999 it has used (a) hotels, (b) commercial conference centres and (c) any other non-Executive venues for policy launches, press conferenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since May 1999 it has used (a) hotels, (b) commercial conference centres and (c) any other non-Executive venues for policy launches, press conferences and business breakfasts and how much was paid to the venue in each case.","AnswerText":"Information in the form requested, regarding policy launches, press conferences and business breakfasts is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162277,"EventID":"S1W-25731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many functions, receptions, and conferences its representative in Washington DC has attended since appointment and (a) where and (b) when any such events took place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many functions, receptions, and conferences its representative in Washington DC has attended since appointment and (a) where and (b) when any such events took place.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive representative in Washington attends a wide range of meetings, formal and informal. It is not our practice to disclose details of such official-level contacts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162278,"EventID":"S1W-25732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average administration costs are for each scheme administered or run by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department, expressed as a percentage of total costs i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average administration costs are for each scheme administered or run by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department, expressed as a percentage of total costs in each case.","AnswerText":"My department has recently undertaken a review of its administration of the Common Agricultural Policy schemes in Scotland, which included an analysis of administration costs. The costs were presented as a cost per £ of subsidy paid, and the results are given in the table for the main Common Agricultural Policy schemes and the Agri-Environment schemes.

    Main CAP Schemes, 2000-01

    Cost Per £ of Subsidy Paid

    Area Aid Application/Arable Area Payments Scheme+

    £0.04

    Suckler Cow Premium Scheme

    £0.03

    Slaughter Premium Scheme

    £0.15

    Beef Special Premium Scheme

    £0.04

    Sheep Annual Premium Scheme

    £0.02

    Extensification Payment Scheme

    £0.03

    Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme

    £0.02

    Average for all the above schemes

    £0.03

    Note:

    Includes Area Aid Application base forms covering the livestock schemes.

    Agri-Environment Schemes, 2000-01

    Cost Per £ of Grant Paid

    Countryside Premium Scheme

    £0.21

    Habitats Scheme/Heather Moorland Scheme

    £0.37

    Organic Aid Scheme

    £0.07

    Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme

    £0.16

    Farm Woodland Premium Scheme

    £0.05

    Farm Woodland Scheme

    £0.05

    Average for all the above schemes

    £0.14

    Note:

    The figures shown in the table compare data on the costs to Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department of administering the schemes with the amount paid out to producers in subsidy or grant. The administrative costs relate to the 2000-01 financial year, while the subsidy figures relate to the 2000-01 scheme processing year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162279,"EventID":"S1W-25733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25166 by Peter Peacock on 1 May 2002, what the (a) actual and (b) estimated revenues were, or will be, from (i) council tax and (ii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25166 by Peter Peacock on 1 May 2002, what the (a) actual and (b) estimated revenues were, or will be, from (i) council tax and (ii) business rates for (1) Stirling and (2) Clackmannanshire in each year from 1996-97 to 2002-03. ","AnswerText":"Detailed in the following tables are the actual revenues from council tax and actual and estimated revenues from business rates for Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils. No estimates are received from councils for council tax.

    Net Income from Council Tax Payers1, 2

    Council (£ million)

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02

    2002-03

    Clackmannanshire

    10.599

    11.615

    12.957

    13.828

    14.637

    unavailable

    unavailable

    Stirling

    20.658

    23.928

    24.697

    26.050

    29.024

    unavailable

    unavailable

    Source: As reported by local authorities in form LFR 12, Community Charge and Council Tax Income.

    Notes:

    1. Accruals basis.

    2. Figures exclude water and sewerage charges, and include council tax benefit.

    Figures for years 2001-02 and 2002-03 are unavailable at this time.

    Income from Business Rates

    Council (£million)

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02

    2002-03

    Clackmannanshire

    estimate1

    10.513

    11.001

    11.219

    11.250

    12.808

    10.811

    11.657

    Clackmannanshire

    actual

    10.410

    10.665

    10.495

    11.540

    8.612

    unavailable

    unavailable

    Stirling

    estimate1

    23.480

    23.750

    25.028

    27.330

    30.183

    31.944

    34.042

    Stirling

    actual

    23.351

    23.436

    26.956

    26.968

    30.651

    unavailable

    unavailable

    Source: Local Government Finance returns.

    Note:

    1. These are early estimates of business rates.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162280,"EventID":"S1W-25734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on staff transfers from one establishment run by Premier Prison Services Ltd or any of its subsidiaries to another and what information it is (a) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on staff transfers from one establishment run by Premier Prison Services Ltd or any of its subsidiaries to another and what information it is (a) able and (b) willing to release.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Premier Prison Services are not required to provide the information on staff transfers. This is an internal matter for the company.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162281,"EventID":"S1W-25735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information or briefings Premier Prison Services Ltd or any of its subsidiary companies have voluntarily provided to it in each month in each of the past three years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information or briefings Premier Prison Services Ltd or any of its subsidiary companies have voluntarily provided to it in each month in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited has submitted an operational report to the Scottish Prison Service, via the SPS Controller on site, each month since the prison opened in March 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162282,"EventID":"S1W-25736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it ever has requested, or will request, information from Premier Prison Services Ltd or any of its subsidiary companies to enable it to answer a parliamentary qu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it ever has requested, or will request, information from Premier Prison Services Ltd or any of its subsidiary companies to enable it to answer a parliamentary question and, if so, what information it has requested or might request.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    In the process of monitoring performance against the contract, the SPS requires Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited (KPSL) to provide detailed information on a wide range of outputs. Where relevant, that information has helped inform answers to parliamentary questions. On occasion the SPS has sought and will seek information from the operator in relation to parliamentary questions consistent with the Scottish Executive published policies for dealing with parliamentary questions and the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.

    We are committed to being open and accountable and have published, with the agreement of KPSL, the Kilmarnock contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162283,"EventID":"S1W-25737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25266 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 May 2002, whether the answer is compatible with the remarks made by the Deputy Minister for Justice in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25266 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 May 2002, whether the answer is compatible with the remarks made by the Deputy Minister for Justice in the debate on the prison estates review on 18 April 2002 (Official Report, col. 10963) giving information on the number of staff transfers from one Premier Prisons Services Ltd establishment to another.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-25266 related to the number of staff transfers from HM Prison Kilmarnock and my remarks related to staff turnover. In that the latter included transfers, the two are compatible.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162284,"EventID":"S1W-25738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much grant funding has been made available in Scotland through the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and whether any such funding is likely to increase in real terms in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much grant funding has been made available in Scotland through the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and whether any such funding is likely to increase in real terms in the next round of grant allocations.","AnswerText":"The level of funding for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in Scotland over the three years between 1999-2000 and 2001-02 was £4.5 million. Funding levels for 2002-03 and 2003-04 have been slightly increased, in that the Executive has committed a further £1.554 million to the trust this year and an indicative budget of £1.554 million for the next financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162285,"EventID":"S1W-25739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects in (a) Ballingry, (b) Cardenden, (c) Lochgelly, (d) Kelty and (e) Cowdenbeath have received funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects in (a) Ballingry, (b) Cardenden, (c) Lochgelly, (d) Kelty and (e) Cowdenbeath have received funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.","AnswerText":"I understand that Ballingry, Cardenden, Lochgelly, Kelty, and Cowdenbeath are collectively known as the Benarty area locally. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has funded the following projects within the Benarty area:

    • Benarty Regeneration Action Group - BRAG Enterprises
    • Benarty Self-Build Housing Group
    • Lochgelly Brass Band

    Bowhill Bowling Club.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162286,"EventID":"S1W-25740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) elderly people, (b) visually impaired people and (c) children in Fife have been treated at hospital after being knocked over by a cyclist on a public footpat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) elderly people, (b) visually impaired people and (c) children in Fife have been treated at hospital after being knocked over by a cyclist on a public footpath.","AnswerText":"In the past four calendar years two cases have been recorded on national hospital discharge summaries of Fife residents requiring admission to a general acute hospital, as a result of a collision with a pedal cycle in a "non-traffic" accident. Both cases were children aged under 16 years. National data are insufficiently detailed to establish whether the accidents occurred on a public footpath.

    Other accidents may have occurred during this period, where the pedestrian was treated in a hospital accident and emergency department but not admitted to hospital. Central data cannot identify such cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162287,"EventID":"S1W-25741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million released to NHS boards for community care as announced on 22 February 2001 was allocated (a) to audiology services and (b) specifically for di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million released to NHS boards for community care as announced on 22 February 2001 was allocated (a) to audiology services and (b) specifically for digital hearing aids.","AnswerText":"The £10 million was primarily intended to reduce pressure on hospital beds and allow people to be discharged from hospital, directly into the community, and support them in maintaining their independence. No specific sum was designated for audiology services but it was one of the areas suggested where this allocation could be used.

    We are aware of four NHS boards which took advantage of this and allocated a total of £350,000 to audiology services. No information is held centrally on how much of this was used for digital hearing aids.

    I would also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24850 on 19 April 2002, which announced additional funds of £750,000 for audiology services during 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162288,"EventID":"S1W-25742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23835 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, what is offered to prisoners with drug and alcohol problems through needs-based individua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23835 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 April 2002, what is offered to prisoners with drug and alcohol problems through needs-based individualised care planning and how many prisoners are currently receiving such care planning.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The Scottish Prison Service offers addiction services to prisoners with the exception of sex offenders whose broader needs are dealt with in other ways. An assessment is completed for each prisoner. Clients can be referred at admission or at any time during their sentence. The covers health, finance, housing, education and employment. Following client assessment a multi-disciplinary case conference/care planning process evolves involving the client. Addiction teams are multi-disciplinary. The care plan is reviewed and monitored as the client progresses through their sentence. Prior to release transitional care for those serving less than four years becomes a priority. Transitional care action planning and case conferencing commences to establish an individual plan prior to the clients release back in to the community. Figures for March and April 2002 show that 1,524 prisoners have been offered an individual assessment with 1,224 prisoners taking up the service.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162289,"EventID":"S1W-25743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure the safety of (a) elderly, visually-impaired and disabled people and (b) children in relation to cyclists using public footpaths.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure the safety of (a) elderly, visually-impaired and disabled people and (b) children in relation to cyclists using public footpaths.","AnswerText":"In the absence of any indicators to suggest that there is a significant problem in this area, I consider that existing remedies are adequate to address such problems as we have.

    Section 129 (5) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 makes it an offence to cycle on a footway which has not been redetermined for use by both pedestrians and cyclists.

    It is of course a matter for the police and for Procurators Fiscal to proceed as they deem appropriate when any offence has been committed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162290,"EventID":"S1W-25744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it received to its consultation paper, Getting Involved in Planning, and how many such responses were in favour of third party rights of appeal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it received to its consultation paper, Getting Involved in Planning, and how many such responses were in favour of third party rights of appeal.","AnswerText":"As of 26 April, the Executive received 404 responses. These are currently being analysed independently and a report will be published in the summer. Copies of the responses are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162291,"EventID":"S1W-25745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints to the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland in each of the last three years were about third party rights of appeal in the planning syste","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints to the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland in each of the last three years were about third party rights of appeal in the planning system.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.

    Information on complaints to the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland is contained in the Commissioner's Annual Reports, which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Bib. numbers for the last three reports are 16262 (1998-99), 16263 (1999-2000) and 21048 (2000-01). These reports do not, however, provide a breakdown of the specific points raised (such as third-party rights of appeal) within each subject.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162292,"EventID":"S1W-25746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Inquiry Reporters Unit has overruled Fife Council in respect of west area planning department matters in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times the Inquiry Reporters Unit has overruled Fife Council in respect of west area planning department matters in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"During the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, where an appeal was received against the refusal of an application for planning permission, or against conditions imposed on a grant of permission, the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit allowed seven out of a total of 28 appeals received in respect of developments proposed in the west area of Fife Council.

    During the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002, where an appeal was received against the refusal of an application, the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit allowed four out of a total of 15 appeals within the same area. There were no appeals received against conditions during this period.

    These statistics demonstrate that decisions made by the west area of Fife Council were upheld in 75% and 73% of cases respectively in the two years concerned, against a national average of around 70%.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162293,"EventID":"S1W-25747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed European Commission directive on access to justice will have an impact on third-party rights of appeal in the planning system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed European Commission directive on access to justice will have an impact on third-party rights of appeal in the planning system.","AnswerText":"As the European Commission has not yet proposed such a directive, it is not possible to predict any potential implications at this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162294,"EventID":"S1W-25748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications of the United Nations Aarhus Convention are for third-party rights of appeal in the planning system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications of the United Nations Aarhus Convention are for third-party rights of appeal in the planning system.","AnswerText":"We have considered the implications of the Aarhus Convention and have concluded that the planning system complies with the terms of the convention. In relation to third party appeals, this view was supported in recent research* undertaken on behalf of a number of environmental organisations, which concluded that \"the Aarhus Convention does not directly further the case of third party rights of appeal\".

    Note:

    * Third Party Rights of Appeal in Planning by Green Balance, Leigh Day & Co, John Popham and Professor Michael Purdue - published January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162295,"EventID":"S1W-25749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on any cases that have been heard by the European Court of Human Rights that have given support to third-party rights of appeal in the planning ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on any cases that have been heard by the European Court of Human Rights that have given support to third-party rights of appeal in the planning system.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Judgements passed by the European Court of Human Rights can be viewed on the internet at:

    www.echr.coe.int.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162296,"EventID":"S1W-25750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it will employ in the selection of consultants for work on each of recommendations 17, 19, 20, 22, 25 and 26 contained in The Scottish Fire Service of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it will employ in the selection of consultants for work on each of recommendations 17, 19, 20, 22, 25 and 26 contained in The Scottish Fire Service of the Future.","AnswerText":"The appointment of external consultants will be carried out according to Scottish Executive procurement policy, which is published on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162297,"EventID":"S1W-25751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations of the joint Scottish Executive and Brigades Purchasing Arrangements Working Group on the review of procurement within the fire service are pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations of the joint Scottish Executive and Brigades Purchasing Arrangements Working Group on the review of procurement within the fire service are publicly available; if so, in what format and, if not, what the reasons are for withholding these recommendations.","AnswerText":"The document produced by the Purchasing Arrangements Working Group is available on the Scottish Executive website at the following address:

    www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/justice/sfsbpp-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162298,"EventID":"S1W-25752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules and regulations apply to the operation of Common Good Funds held by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules and regulations apply to the operation of Common Good Funds held by local authorities.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are bound by section 75, 93 and 94 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 in the operation of Common Good Funds. Particular funds may also have their own restrictions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162299,"EventID":"S1W-25753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available to the public about Common Good Funds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available to the public about Common Good Funds.","AnswerText":"Section 101 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 provides that, at certain advertised times, any member of the public may inspect and make copies of a local authorities accounts and related papers, including the Common Good Funds.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162300,"EventID":"S1W-25754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to monitor local authorities' transactions in respect of Common Good Funds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to monitor local authorities' transactions in respect of Common Good Funds.","AnswerText":"Common Good funds are administered by local authorities and therefore fall within the audit of local authority accounts. The body responsible for securing these audits is the Accounts Commission for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162301,"EventID":"S1W-25755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent figures are for Common Good Funds held by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent figures are for Common Good Funds held by local authorities.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162302,"EventID":"S1W-25756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Common Good Funds held by local authorities are subject to statutory audit procedures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Common Good Funds held by local authorities are subject to statutory audit procedures.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25754.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162303,"EventID":"S1W-25757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is accessible to the public in respect of the #122,132,000 held by local authorities in Common Good Funds at 31 March 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is accessible to the public in respect of the #122,132,000 held by local authorities in Common Good Funds at 31 March 2000.","AnswerText":"Information about the amount of monies held in Common Good Funds in Scotland is not held centrally. Any member of the public may, at certain advertised times, inspect a local authorities accounts and relating documentation including the Common Good Funds, under section 101 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162304,"EventID":"S1W-25758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that laws and regulations governing litter are enforced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that laws and regulations governing litter are enforced.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive commissioned, in February 2002, a review to consider whether the current legislation on litter and flytipping is effective and achieving its purpose, and whether it is being fully utilised by local authorities. The report of the review is due to be completed in late summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162305,"EventID":"S1W-25759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agency or agencies are responsible for the monitoring of pesticides in seeds imported for growing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agency or agencies are responsible for the monitoring of pesticides in seeds imported for growing.","AnswerText":"Seeds imported for growing are not monitored for pesticides.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162306,"EventID":"S1W-25760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pesticides that are licensed for use in other EU countries are prohibited for use in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pesticides that are licensed for use in other EU countries are prohibited for use in Scotland.","AnswerText":"This information is not readily accessible and would take a disproportionate time to establish.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162307,"EventID":"S1W-25761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for which pesticides seeds imported for growing are tested; by whom such testing is carried out, and whether it will provide a list of the maximum permitted residue level","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for which pesticides seeds imported for growing are tested; by whom such testing is carried out, and whether it will provide a list of the maximum permitted residue level in respect of each such pesticide.","AnswerText":"Seeds imported for growing are not tested for pesticides.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162308,"EventID":"S1W-25762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list for each of the last three years (a) any occasions on which pesticide residue in excess of maximum permitted levels has been found on seeds imported ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list for each of the last three years (a) any occasions on which pesticide residue in excess of maximum permitted levels has been found on seeds imported for growing and (b) the (i) level and (ii) type of pesticide in each case.","AnswerText":"Seeds imported for growing are not tested for pesticide residues.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162309,"EventID":"S1W-25763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support and funding it offers to local communities in order to help them purchase or acquire for community use any former local authority premises designated surplu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support and funding it offers to local communities in order to help them purchase or acquire for community use any former local authority premises designated surplus to the authority's requirements.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not make funds available to local communities for the specific purpose of purchasing local authority premises that are surplus to the authority's requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162310,"EventID":"S1W-25764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase facilities and opportunities for respite care for children and adults with disabilities and special needs, either directly or by supporting ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase facilities and opportunities for respite care for children and adults with disabilities and special needs, either directly or by supporting voluntary or statutory agencies.","AnswerText":"Under our Carers Strategy we have made £10 million a year available to local authorities from April 2000 for services to support carers, including respite. Authorities are also being given substantial new resources to provide an extra 22,000 weeks of short break services each year across Scotland by 2003-04. Authorities must decide how best to use all these resources in consultation with carers, service users and their representatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162311,"EventID":"S1W-25765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with BP plc about plans for the proposed redevelopment of Bo'ness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with BP plc about plans for the proposed redevelopment of Bo'ness.","AnswerText":"We have had no discussions with BP plc on this topic.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162312,"EventID":"S1W-25766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any submissions or correspondence it has received from BP plc about proposed redevelopment plans for Bo'ness publicly available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any submissions or correspondence it has received from BP plc about proposed redevelopment plans for Bo'ness publicly available.","AnswerText":"We have received no submissions from BP on this subject.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162313,"EventID":"S1W-25767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is aiding or intending to aid the redevelopment of Bo'ness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is aiding or intending to aid the redevelopment of Bo'ness.","AnswerText":"As part of the overall regeneration strategy for Bo'ness, developed with Falkirk Council, Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley is currently funding a feasibility study into the development potential of the Bo'ness foreshore to determine suitability for housing and other types of development.

    Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley may make further funding available in the light of the results of this study. Funding has already been provided for other projects in the Bo'ness area, including the new Scottish Railway Museum.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162314,"EventID":"S1W-25768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children died in each year from 1975 to 1985 in Simpson's Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh, or following transfer to another hospital, after receiving an intraute","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children died in each year from 1975 to 1985 in Simpson's Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh, or following transfer to another hospital, after receiving an intrauterine transfusion.","AnswerText":"There were no deaths at Simpson's Memorial Maternity Hospital during the years 1980 to 1985 following intrauterine transfusion. No intrauterine transfusions were recorded at the hospital during the period.

    Information on deaths following intrauterine transfusion for 1975 to 1979 is not available from centrally held data.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162315,"EventID":"S1W-25769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each record held in each hospital in respect of death, pathology and post-mortem of children following intrauterine transfusions in each year from 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each record held in each hospital in respect of death, pathology and post-mortem of children following intrauterine transfusions in each year from 1975 to 1985.","AnswerText":"Due to restrictions on the release of named patient data, it is not possible to provide details of the very small numbers of children who have had intrauterine transfusions. This information cannot be sufficiently anonymised in order to protect patient confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162316,"EventID":"S1W-25770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been paid in lump sum payments to former ministers and junior ministers since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been paid in lump sum payments to former ministers and junior ministers since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Since May 1999, £98,731.50 has been paid in lump sum payments to former ministers and junior ministers. A further £8,839.50 was paid at the end of May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162317,"EventID":"S1W-25771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a lump sum payment was paid to Mr Frank McAveety when he ceased to be a junior minister and, if so, how much the payment was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a lump sum payment was paid to Mr Frank McAveety when he ceased to be a junior minister and, if so, how much the payment was.","AnswerText":"Yes. A lump sum was paid to Mr Frank McAveety in accordance with Article 6 of The Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Grants to Members and Officeholders) Order 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162318,"EventID":"S1W-25772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new action it is taking to promote science in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new action it is taking to promote science in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is continuing to implement a range of measures as part of its commitment to school science within A Science Strategy for Scotland and supporting delivery of the National Priorities for Education. During May, £3 million is being distributed to education authorities in support of these initiatives. The funding will enable teachers to undertake high quality professional updating in science and provide additional resources for science education. This is in addition to the £5 million already announced on 22 January of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162319,"EventID":"S1W-25773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available (a) directly or (b) indirectly to the Craigmillar Partnership in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available (a) directly or (b) indirectly to the Craigmillar Partnership in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Craigmillar Partnership has received indirect funding from the Scottish Executive since 1997 from the Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) Fund. The City of Edinburgh Council as grant recipient, accepts the resources allocated on their behalf. Direct funding from the Scottish Executive since 1997 to the Craigmillar Partnership was made available for CCTV. The details of both indirect and direct funding are as follows:
     

    1997-98

    (£ million)

    1998-99

    (£ million)

    1999-2000

    (£ million)

    2000-01

    (£ million)

    2001-02

    (£ million)

    2002-03

    (£ million)

    SIP Fund Allocation

    2.337

    2.201

    1.723

    1.723

    1.916

    1.970

    CCTV

    -

    -

    -

    -

    0.096

    -

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162320,"EventID":"S1W-25774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to amend or replace relevant provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 in order to legislate for the licensing, regulation and monitoring ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to amend or replace relevant provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 in order to legislate for the licensing, regulation and monitoring of private vehicle hire companies and those involved in the ownership and operation of such companies.","AnswerText":"The Executive proposes to consult in the near future on the terms of regulations which will allow local authorities to license taxi and private hire car booking offices.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162321,"EventID":"S1W-25775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to make a decision on the planning application referred to it by Dumfries and Galloway Council for the conversion of the proposed Visitor Centre into reta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to make a decision on the planning application referred to it by Dumfries and Galloway Council for the conversion of the proposed Visitor Centre into retail space by Gretna Gateway Outlet Village.","AnswerText":"The planning application was received by the Scottish ministers on 2 May 2002 and is currently under consideration. The target for deciding whether a case should be called in for determination by the Scottish ministers is that 80% should be decided within 28 days and the remainder within two months.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162322,"EventID":"S1W-25776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were to higher education institutions for postgraduate certificate of education courses in (a) chemistry, (b) physics, (c) biology and (d) all","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were to higher education institutions for postgraduate certificate of education courses in (a) chemistry, (b) physics, (c) biology and (d) all other subjects in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows how many applications there were to higher education institutions (HEIs) for Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses in chemistry, physics, biology and all other subjects from 1997-98 to 2001-02:

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01*

    2001-02

    Chemistry

    115

    99

    123

    114

    161

    Physics

    89

    78

    74

    64

    44

    Biology

    222

    213

    260

    300

    424

    Other Secondary Subjects

    2,473

    2,033

    2,291

    2,441

    3,018

    Source: HEIs.

    Note:

    *From 2001-01 applicants have been able to apply to more than one HEI at a time therefore numbers may include duplicate applications.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162323,"EventID":"S1W-25777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acceptances there were for postgraduate certificate of education courses in (a) chemistry, (b) physics, (c) biology and (d) all other subjects at higher educatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acceptances there were for postgraduate certificate of education courses in (a) chemistry, (b) physics, (c) biology and (d) all other subjects at higher education institutions in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Figures on acceptances to Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses in each of the last five years are not available.

    The following table shows how many entrants there were to PGCE courses in chemistry, physics, biology and all other subjects at higher education institutions from 1996-97 to 2000-01:

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-97

    1998-2000

    2000-01

    Chemistry

    27

    34

    37

    58

    48

    Physics

    60

    44

    36

    36

    29

    Biology

    30

    31

    42

    76

    66

    Other Secondary Subjects

    774

    792

    748

    834

    865

    Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162324,"EventID":"S1W-25778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students graduated from higher education institutions with a postgraduate certificate of education qualification in (a) chemistry, (b) physics, (c) biology and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students graduated from higher education institutions with a postgraduate certificate of education qualification in (a) chemistry, (b) physics, (c) biology and (d) all other subjects in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows how many students graduated from higher education institutions with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) qualification in chemistry, physics, biology and all other subjects from 1996-97 to 2000-01:

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-97

    1998-2000

    2000-01

    Chemistry

    27

    33

    34

    53

    38

    Physics

    52

    37

    30

    27

    27

    Biology

    29

    29

    40

    74

    62

    Other Secondary Subjects

    708

    721

    664

    760

    771

    Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162325,"EventID":"S1W-25779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance shifts were not covered in Lanarkshire in each month since January 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance shifts were not covered in Lanarkshire in each month since January 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25782.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162326,"EventID":"S1W-25780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of ambulance cover is in Lanarkshire; what level of cover it considers appropriate, and whether it is acceptable for there to be periods when no am","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of ambulance cover is in Lanarkshire; what level of cover it considers appropriate, and whether it is acceptable for there to be periods when no ambulance cover is available in the area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25782.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162327,"EventID":"S1W-25781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance call-outs there have been in Lanarkshire in each month since January 2002 and what the (a) average and (b) target response times were in each of these ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance call-outs there have been in Lanarkshire in each month since January 2002 and what the (a) average and (b) target response times were in each of these months.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25782.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162328,"EventID":"S1W-25782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that there is adequate ambulance cover in Lanarkshire during periods when demand for the service is expected to increase.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that there is adequate ambulance cover in Lanarkshire during periods when demand for the service is expected to increase.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162329,"EventID":"S1W-25783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a School Sports Alliance similar to that set up by Her Majesty's Government.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a School Sports Alliance similar to that set up by Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"There are a number of developments which should be sufficient to obviate the demand for a School Sports Alliance.

    As part of the implementation of the organisational review which reported last year, sportscotland is setting up four advisory groups comprising board members and representatives from stakeholder organisations; these groups will have an important role to play in advising on policy development, implementation and monitoring. One of these groups will encompass school/youth sport in its remit.

    We expect that the Physical Activity Task Force will make specific recommendations in this area, which will encourage integrated approaches involving a range of organisations and programmes and to achieve a much stronger recognition in the education service and more widely, of the value of physical education, sport and physical activity. In the meantime we wish to see sportscotland continue to develop and deliver with partner organisations integrated programmes which will benefit children both within and outwith a school setting.

    In addition, sportscotland are about to review Sport 21, the national sport strategy, and in agreeing the approach to the review, ministers have made clear the priority to be given to addressing issues of participation by children and young people and the role of sport in raising levels of physical activity. Ministers expect that the issues relating to the identification of best practice and the materials available to schools, can be addressed as part of this review in close discussion with relevant stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162330,"EventID":"S1W-25784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the 1% increase in employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on each local authority and what additiona","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the 1% increase in employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on each local authority and what additional financial resources will be allocated to each local authority specifically to compensate for the increase.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291 on 14 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162331,"EventID":"S1W-25785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the 1% increase in employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on each NHS board and trust and what additi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the 1% increase in employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on each NHS board and trust and what additional financial resources will be allocated to each board and trust specifically to compensate for the increase. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291 ON 14 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162332,"EventID":"S1W-25786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the 1% increase in employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on non-departmental public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the 1% increase in employers' National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25291 on 14 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162333,"EventID":"S1W-25787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA following the announcement in the UK Budget 2002 of an increase in employers' National Insurance contributions by 1%.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA following the announcement in the UK Budget 2002 of an increase in employers' National Insurance contributions by 1%.","AnswerText":"This issue is being considered as part of our discussions with COSLA on the current Spending Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162334,"EventID":"S1W-25788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the increase in landfill tax announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on each local authority and what additional financial resources will be alloc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial impact the increase in landfill tax announced in the UK Budget 2002 will have on each local authority and what additional financial resources will be allocated to each local authority specifically to compensate for the increase.","AnswerText":"The intention to increase the rate of landfill tax for active waste from £12 to £13 per tonne in April 2002 had previously been announced in the Government's 1999 Budget. The tax is intended to be an incentive for all those disposing of waste, including local authorities, to deal with it in more sustainable ways. The financial impact of the tax will depend on decisions made by local authorities about the disposal of waste.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162335,"EventID":"S1W-25789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to encourage business to subscribe to the emerging Scottish tourism brand in order to improve the consistency of the national marketing message as referred","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to encourage business to subscribe to the emerging Scottish tourism brand in order to improve the consistency of the national marketing message as referred to in objective 1.1 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland will do this in a number of ways: by direct communication with businesses; through the area tourist boards and the tourism trade associations, and through other channels such as the dedicated trade website Scotexchange.net.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162336,"EventID":"S1W-25790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to inform tourists of their best direct access options when planning transport routes to Scotland as referred to in objective 3.2 of its Tourism Framework fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to inform tourists of their best direct access options when planning transport routes to Scotland as referred to in objective 3.2 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25789.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162337,"EventID":"S1W-25791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to enhance the status of tourism as referred to in its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05, specifically with regard to the construction indu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to enhance the status of tourism as referred to in its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05, specifically with regard to the construction industry.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland is developing a communication strategy, "Tourism is everyone's business". One of the purposes of this work will be to raise the awareness of the importance of tourism to Scotland among other industries whose work affects or contributes to the tourism sector.

    In addition, Historic Scotland have developed a comprehensive integrated strategy with the building industry to promote the conservation of the built heritage. Through their grants, they also encourage repair and conservation projects with a tourism benefit.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162338,"EventID":"S1W-25792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans local authorities have to make sign-posting in rural areas adequate in order to meet the needs of local residents and visitors as referred to in objective 2.1 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans local authorities have to make sign-posting in rural areas adequate in order to meet the needs of local residents and visitors as referred to in objective 2.1 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities, who are best placed to consider the needs of local residents and visitors.

    SODD Circular 27/1995 "Tourist Signposting", which is available on the Scottish Executive website, gives advice to local authorities when considering such issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162339,"EventID":"S1W-25793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which research programmes and best practice case studies it uses when analysing tourists and tourism activity as referred to in objective 1.3 of its Tourism Framework for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which research programmes and best practice case studies it uses when analysing tourists and tourism activity as referred to in objective 1.3 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162340,"EventID":"S1W-25794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of new tourism as referred to in objective 1.2 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of new tourism as referred to in objective 1.2 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"During 2000 and 2001, Scottish Enterprise worked with industry and public sector partners to apply the cluster approach to the development of tourism in Scotland. The key outcome of this work was an industry-led vision and strategy, under the title "New Tourism". This work was a major input to the subsequent development of the Executive's Tourism Framework for Action.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162341,"EventID":"S1W-25795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Highlands and Islands Enterprise plans to promote and provide opportunities for managers of tourism businesses to develop their business leadership skills as referred","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Highlands and Islands Enterprise plans to promote and provide opportunities for managers of tourism businesses to develop their business leadership skills as referred to in objective 1.1 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162342,"EventID":"S1W-25796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is carrying out to attract major cultural and sporting events to Scotland as referred to in objective 2.4 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is carrying out to attract major cultural and sporting events to Scotland as referred to in objective 2.4 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"The Executive has established a Major Events Steering Group to take forward this work. This includes VisitScotland, sportscotland, the Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Glasgow and Edinburgh cities and COSLA. We have appointed consultants, Objective Performance Limited, to help us develop a major events strategy for Scotland. Their team includes Craig McLatchey, former Head of the Australian Olympic Committee, responsible for delivering the highly successful Millennium Olympic Games in Sydney. Consultation is in progress and I expect a report in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162343,"EventID":"S1W-25797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage business to appropriately price and process bookings from tourists in euros as referred to in objective 2.3 of its Tourism Framewo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage business to appropriately price and process bookings from tourists in euros as referred to in objective 2.3 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25789 today. VisitScotland is a member of the Scottish Euro Forum.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162344,"EventID":"S1W-25798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is the responsibility of business to be aware of local public transport options and needs as referred to in objective 2.2 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is the responsibility of business to be aware of local public transport options and needs as referred to in objective 2.2 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"One of the key objectives of the framework document is to assist businesses to identify actions that they can take, in order to provide a better standard of service to their customers. An example of improved service is the readily available provision of information about matters such as local public transport options.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162345,"EventID":"S1W-25799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that the special needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are taken into consideration as part of the consultation process on Vital","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that the special needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are taken into consideration as part of the consultation process on Vital Voices - Helping Vulnerable Witnesses Give Evidence.","AnswerText":"The Justice Department officials involved in the consultation are in contact with organisations representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in order to arrange a meeting to discuss their particular issues and concerns. We are also keen to have written responses from all interested parties, and particularly welcome views from individuals who have been involved in cases as witnesses.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162346,"EventID":"S1W-25800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that locally accessible youth work and support provision is available to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that locally accessible youth work and support provision is available to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"YouthLink Scotland will be undertaking a mapping exercise in the coming year to establish what youth work provision exists for all young people across Scotland. The Executive and others will be able to use this information to inform future policy on youth work.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162347,"EventID":"S1W-25801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that YouthLink Scotland and other publicly-funded organisations will develop youth work provision targeted at, and accessible to, lesbian, gay, b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to ensure that YouthLink Scotland and other publicly-funded organisations will develop youth work provision targeted at, and accessible to, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25800.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162348,"EventID":"S1W-25802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies and plans it has to reduce the incidence of suicide and self-harm among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people who may be having difficulty com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies and plans it has to reduce the incidence of suicide and self-harm among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people who may be having difficulty coming to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity.","AnswerText":"In October 2001, I launched the Executive's consultation document, a National Framework for the Prevention of Suicide and Deliberate Self-Harm in Scotland. The framework aims to guide action to address suicide and deliberate self-harm. We received over 140 responses to the consultation document, including a number from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organisations. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed and will inform the development of the final version of the framework, which I hope to launch later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162349,"EventID":"S1W-25803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to tackle homophobic bullying of students or staff in (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) tertiary educational establishments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to tackle homophobic bullying of students or staff in (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) tertiary educational establishments.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive condemns bullying of any sort and in any sector of education.

    All schools should develop, in consultation with all members of the school community, a clear anti-bullying policy. As a matter of good practice we would expect schools to have developed specific guidelines about how homophobia should be tackled. Current Scottish Executive initiatives aimed at tackling bullying within Scotland's schools include the Scottish Anti-Bullying Network (ABN), the Scottish Schools Ethos Network (SSEN), the recommendations contained in the Discipline Task Group report Better Behaviour - Better Learning, and the underwriting of ChildLine's dedicated bullying helpline. The ABN has developed guidelines on homophobic bullying to help schools to develop good practice in this area.

    Higher education institutions and colleges of further education are autonomous organisations and are individually responsible for matters relating to the safety of both staff and students, including the application of relevant legal provisions relating to employment, the avoidance of discrimination, and health and safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162350,"EventID":"S1W-25804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recommends procedures to local authorities for monitoring homophobic bullying of pupils, students or staff in educational establishments; what any such recomme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it recommends procedures to local authorities for monitoring homophobic bullying of pupils, students or staff in educational establishments; what any such recommended procedures are, and which local authorities have anti-bullying polices and procedures in place that cover homophobic bullying.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not currently recommend procedures to local authorities for the monitoring of incidents of bullying which may be considered to be homophobic in nature.

    The Scottish Executive does recommend that all education authorities and schools in Scotland have effective anti-bullying polices in place. However, information on the content of these policies is not held centrally. HM Inspectorate inspections may include an examination of the existence and content of a suitable anti-bullying policy in Scotland's schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162351,"EventID":"S1W-25805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued any directions to Scottish Natural Heritage under the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991; if so, whether it will specify under what the circumstan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued any directions to Scottish Natural Heritage under the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991; if so, whether it will specify under what the circumstances each such direction was issued and provide a copy of the direction as issued in each case; if no such directions have been issued, what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and what its policy is on the use of such directions.","AnswerText":"Ministers have not issued any directions to Scottish Natural Heritage under the 1991 act. It is standard practice for executive non-departmental public bodies to be subject to directions given by the relevant minister, but this is regarded as a power of last resort. The Strategic Framework in place (Management Statement, Financial Memorandum and conditions attached to the annual Grant-In-Aid letters) has proved more than adequate for the effective discharge of SNH's statutory functions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162352,"EventID":"S1W-25806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) provided all relevant scientific evidence to the community of Barra in relation to the proposed designation of the Sound of Barra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) provided all relevant scientific evidence to the community of Barra in relation to the proposed designation of the Sound of Barra as a special area of conservation; whether, in determining whether SNH made full disclosure in such a case, it relies solely on information obtained from that body; whether it has established, or will establish, an inquiry into this matter involving the local community in Barra and elected representatives; if no such inquiry will be held, what action will be taken in order to address concerns expressed by the community to the Parliament's Public Petitions Committee on 26 February 2002, and what steps it will take in order to ensure that SNH fully discloses relevant evidence to communities in respect of any proposed designation of an area as being in any way of scientific or environmental interest.","AnswerText":"As is its standard practice, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) provided consultees, including community representatives, with all the scientific evidence relevant to the selection of the Sound of Barra as a possible Special Area of Conservation during it's consultation between September and December 2000.

    I have no evidence that SNH has withheld any of the relevant information. SNH has also firmly refuted the allegation in its submission to the Petitions Committee.

    Information in support of site designation was provided on request by the Sea Mammal Research Unit. Additional information on SMRU's 2000 seal count was made freely accessible by SNH to interested parties on request as it became available. I understand that there was one such request and that the information was provided by SNH in response to this request.

    The Scottish Executive has responded to the Public Petitions Committee's request for information, and has no plans to instigate an inquiry into this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162353,"EventID":"S1W-25807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) should be landowners; whether such ownership may create conflicts of interest in relation to the SNH's duti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) should be landowners; whether such ownership may create conflicts of interest in relation to the SNH's duties, and, if so, what steps it will take in respect of this matter, with particular regard to the ownership of the Island of Rum by SNH.","AnswerText":"In terms of section 2(1)(g) of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 Scottish Natural Heritage is empowered to acquire, hold and dispose of land or any interest in or right over land. Most land owned by SNH consists of areas designated as National Nature Reserves. In these cases, ownership of land can enhance SNH's ability to manage and protect important areas of high natural heritage value, taking into account, as required by section 3(1)(f) of the 1991 act, the interests of local communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162354,"EventID":"S1W-25808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEed005/2002 of 18 April 2002, what the remit is of the Joint Ministerial Meetings on social work and social services and who will attend","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEed005/2002 of 18 April 2002, what the remit is of the Joint Ministerial Meetings on social work and social services and who will attend the meetings.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Joint Ministerial Meetings on social work and social services is to ensure good co-ordination of social work and social care policy issues across the Executive.

    The meeting will be chaired by the Minister for Education and Young People. The Deputy Ministers for Health and Community Care, Justice and Education and Young People will attend, along with senior Scottish Executive officials.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162355,"EventID":"S1W-25809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any immunopathological studies have been carried out to establish whether a pathogenic factor can be identified in those children who react adversely to the tripl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any immunopathological studies have been carried out to establish whether a pathogenic factor can be identified in those children who react adversely to the triple MMR vaccine and, if not, whether it will fund such studies in order to assist in identifying a means of predicting which children are likely to react adversely to the vaccine.","AnswerText":"Adverse reactions known to be associated with combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and contraindications for MMR are listed in the product information for the MMR products. These are also described in the report of the MMR Expert Group as well as in Immunisation Against Infectious Disease, published by the health departments, and are detailed in materials for parents, such as The MMR discussion pack. In many cases, as with most medicines and vaccines, the risk factors for the development of adverse reactions to MMR vaccine are not known.

    The safety of MMR vaccines is kept under continuous review by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM). Any new research that may emerge in relation to possible immunopathological risk factors for adverse reactions to MMR vaccines would be carefully reviewed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, MCA, and CSM.

    The MMR Expert Group recently recommended that the Scottish Executive and the Medical Research Council (MRC) should work together to drive forward and fund, as appropriate, the full research agenda outlined in the final chapter of the MRC Review of Autism Research. My response to question S1W-25472 on 30 April 2002 made clear that the Executive accepts that recommendation and will also work with researchers in Scotland to develop proposals for innovative, high quality research to underpin improvements in treatment and care for people with autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162356,"EventID":"S1W-25810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the difference is between a hospital-acquired infection and a health care associated infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the difference is between a hospital-acquired infection and a health care associated infection.","AnswerText":"Health care associated infection is a more precise term than hospital-acquired infection. It recognises that many infections occur in health care settings other than hospitals. It also recognises that whilst many infections are acquired in hospital this is not always the case.

    The joint Health Department and NHS Scotland Working Group report on Managing the Risk of HAI (2001) used "health care associated infection" to reflect this assessment. The department along with the other UK Health Departments and public health agencies has also used this terminology because it reflects more accurately the scope of issues being addressed. The UK-wide use of the term facilitates the comparison of statistics related to these types of infection.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162357,"EventID":"S1W-25811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is taken when a hospital is found not to meet infection control standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is taken when a hospital is found not to meet infection control standards.","AnswerText":"A great deal of action is already being taken on infection control. When the Clinical Standards Boards for Scotland publishes reports on individual hospitals the Scottish Executive will ensure that appropriate action is taken by the NHS trusts concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162358,"EventID":"S1W-25812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that there is documentary evidence of a structured infection control programme in each hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that there is documentary evidence of a structured infection control programme in each hospital.","AnswerText":"Standard 5 of the Clinical Standards Boards for Scotland (CSBS) Infection Control Standards requires trusts to produce annual infection control programmes. Documentary evidence of this will be required by CSBS during their peer review visits to establish whether trusts are meeting the standard.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162359,"EventID":"S1W-25813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that all NHS trusts' infection control programmes include an audit of infection control policies, procedures and guidelines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that all NHS trusts' infection control programmes include an audit of infection control policies, procedures and guidelines.","AnswerText":"Standard 5 of the Infection Control Standard requires the Infection Control Programme to include reference to audit of the implementation of, and compliance with, selected infection control policies, procedures and guidelines. Documentary evidence of this will be required by Clinical Standards Boards for Scotland during their peer review visits to establish whether trusts are meeting the requirement.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162360,"EventID":"S1W-25814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland's report on health care associated infection peer review visits due in January 2003 will outline the extent of infection","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland's report on health care associated infection peer review visits due in January 2003 will outline the extent of infection in every NHS hospital.","AnswerText":"The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland report will detail for each NHS trust in Scotland whether their performance meets the infection control standards required. The incidence of selected health care associated infection is being measured through the new surveillance arrangements led by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162361,"EventID":"S1W-25815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental education programmes include infection control and anti-microbial prescribing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental education programmes include infection control and anti-microbial prescribing.","AnswerText":"The standards for medical and dental education are set by the General Medical Council and the General Dental Council respectively and are therefore reserved. However, I am aware that both these topics are covered in both undergraduate and postgraduate training in medicine and dentistry.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162362,"EventID":"S1W-25816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its salary scales for staff are equivalent to the salary scales of employees of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) in comparable grades; what the re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its salary scales for staff are equivalent to the salary scales of employees of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) in comparable grades; what the reasons are behind any difference in the salary scales, and what action it intends to take to redress any such difference.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body are separate and distinct bodies. There is therefore no requirement for them to have similar pay ranges for their staff. In the case of the Scottish Executive the values of pay ranges are set at a level which enables the Executive to recruit, retain and motivate staff to perform the duties required of them effectively and which is affordable. The pay arrangements in the SPCB are a matter for that body.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162363,"EventID":"S1W-25817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff it currently employs aged 60 years or over.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff it currently employs aged 60 years or over.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and its agencies currently employs 248 staff aged 60 or over.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162364,"EventID":"S1W-25818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees are currently employed on casual employment contracts and how many of these are employed on such contracts for one year or more, broken down by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees are currently employed on casual employment contracts and how many of these are employed on such contracts for one year or more, broken down by department and division.","AnswerText":"As at 1 April 2002, 291 staff were working on a casual basis in the Scottish Executive core departments. The total is broken down by department in the table. Information is not readily available at divisional level.

    Department

    Casual Staff

    Casual Staff in Post More Than a Year

    Core Departments

    Corporate Services

    43

    6

    Development

    21

    Education

    34

    Enterprise and Lifelong Learning

    26

    2

    Environment and Rural Affairs

    105

    16

    Finance and Central Services

    38

    Health

    17

    Justice

    7

    All

    291

    24

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162365,"EventID":"S1W-25819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proposed timescale is for implementing its Business Improvement Plan; whether any redundancies will arise, and whether any staff will experience restrictions on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the proposed timescale is for implementing its Business Improvement Plan; whether any redundancies will arise, and whether any staff will experience restrictions on individual career development as a result of this process.","AnswerText":"The Business Improvement Plan aims to improve facilities management services in the Executive and reduce costs by £2.1 million per annum. Over the period 2002-03 to 2004-05 a number of changes will be made to the organisation of facilities services within the Executive, to contracts which support this work and the way in which staff gain access to services. The Executive offers a wide range of interesting and challenging careers and aims to maintain continuity of employment and offer development opportunities to all its staff. Every effort will therefore be made to ensure that staff surpluses do not arise and redundancies are avoided through establishing staff preferences, re-skilling, retraining and redeployment.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162366,"EventID":"S1W-25820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it holds information on the (a) hours worked by and (b) allowances paid to employees and what action it would take to retrieve such information in circumstances","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it holds information on the (a) hours worked by and (b) allowances paid to employees and what action it would take to retrieve such information in circumstances (i) where the information has been misplaced or (ii) where any timescale for holding the information has been exceeded.","AnswerText":"Information about the hours staff in the Scottish Executive are contracted to work and any permanent allowances paid to them is held on the payroll system. This can hold pay history information for up to seven years but, if a record becomes too large, old data is removed. Overtime history is held until the record becomes too large or for 18 months, whichever is soonest. Records showing hours worked by staff under the flexible working hours scheme are held from January 2001 to date. Information about any temporary allowances paid to staff in the last three years can be provided.

    Depending on the circumstances for which it was required all reasonable means would be taken to retrieve such information where it had been misplaced or where the timescales for holding the information had been exceeded.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162367,"EventID":"S1W-25821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes it will make to its policies or programmes in the light of the article by Henry McLeish MSP in Business AM on 9 May 2002 and, in particular, whether it plans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes it will make to its policies or programmes in the light of the article by Henry McLeish MSP in Business AM on 9 May 2002 and, in particular, whether it plans to establish a \"super-ministry\" for enterprise.","AnswerText":"The Executive has set out a clear direction in A Smart, Successful Scotland and we will follow this. There are no plans for a super-ministry.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162368,"EventID":"S1W-25822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the cost of reducing the non-domestic rates poundage to 43.7p and how this estimate is computed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the cost of reducing the non-domestic rates poundage to 43.7p and how this estimate is computed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's current estimate, based on the first estimates of non-domestic rate revenue for 2002-03 received from local authorities, is £149 million. This figure represents the difference between the amount of non-domestic rates that local authorities estimate will be collected in 2002-03 at the poundage currently in force of 47.8p (£1,740 million) and the proportionately lower amount that would be collected if the poundage were reduced to 43.7p (£1,740 million x 43.7/47.8 = £1,591 million). The 2p poundage discount available for small properties and the various reliefs offered to ratepayers would also have some impact on the cost of reducing the poundage, but insufficient information is available to quantify these effects.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162369,"EventID":"S1W-25823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue a decision on listed building application South Ayrshire 01/00767/LBC (Frognal House, Troon) and whether the time taken to reach a decision accords wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue a decision on listed building application South Ayrshire 01/00767/LBC (Frognal House, Troon) and whether the time taken to reach a decision accords with Historic Scotland's targets for determining such applications.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland, to answer. His response is as follows:

    Historic Scotland continues to meet its Key Performance Target to resolve 97% of consent casework notified by planning authorities to it under the requirements of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 within a period of 28 days. However, some applications raise issues which require further consideration and consultation with those involved. This has been the case with the listed building consent application for works at Frognal House. I can confirm that we have now received all the further information requested and expect to conclude our consideration of this case very shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162370,"EventID":"S1W-25824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is held on the extent of diagnosed or suspected diseases arising in children as a direct result of malnutrition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is held on the extent of diagnosed or suspected diseases arising in children as a direct result of malnutrition.","AnswerText":"Acute illnesses, chronic or severe, can cause malnutrition. Information collected by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency through the Scottish Morbidity Record, the Continuous Morbidity Record and child health surveillance identifies a condition, although not the cause of a condition.

    The following table shows the number of discharges over the four years to December 2001 for conditions where malnutrition is either specifically mentioned or where it is highly likely, excluding codes where the deficiency is more likely to be secondary to another condition.

    General Acute Hospital Discharges Involving a Diagnosis of Malnutrition, Under 15 Year-Olds, Scotland

    Year End December

    Diagnosis (ICD10 code(s))

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001P

    Malnutrition Total*

    49

    55

    45

    31

    Malnutrition (ICD10 E40-E46)

    11

    23

    13

    4

    Effects of Hunger (ICD10 T73.0)

    2

    -

    1

    -

    Other Nutritional Deficiencies

    (ICD10 E50- E63)

    21

    20

    20

    18

    Sequelae of Vitamin/Mineral/Other Deficiencies

    (ICD10 E64.1-E64.9)

    -

    3

    3

    1

    Other Iron Deficiency Anaemia (ICD10 D50.8)

    15

    11

    8

    8

    Source: ISD Scotland, SMR01.

    PProvisional.

    Notes:

    *The same patient may be counted in more than one disease category. The sum of the groups may exceed the total displayed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162371,"EventID":"S1W-25825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients can claim compensation for problems arising from hospital-acquired infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether patients can claim compensation for problems arising from hospital-acquired infection.","AnswerText":"It is open to any patient to claim compensation where they consider that they have suffered in some way as a result of their NHS treatment. However, compensation is payable only where the health care provider accepts that the injury arose following an act of negligence on their part.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162372,"EventID":"S1W-25826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all GPs and consultants in the NHS have access to the National Waiting Times database and whether all patients waiting for surgery are given the option to choose ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all GPs and consultants in the NHS have access to the National Waiting Times database and whether all patients waiting for surgery are given the option to choose a hospital with the shortest waiting times.","AnswerText":"The National Waiting Times database currently being developed is to provide general practitioners, consultants, patients and the public with readily accessible, accurate and up-to-date information on hospital waiting times throughout Scotland. We intend that patients will be able to choose to be treated at a hospital where they will have a shorter wait.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162373,"EventID":"S1W-25827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients accessed private health care facilities in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients accessed private health care facilities in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162374,"EventID":"S1W-25828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has allocated to each local authority to tackle anti-social behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has allocated to each local authority to tackle anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not make specific budget allocations to local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour. Relevant costs might be allocated to local authority general expenditure and attract revenue support grant or, in the case of local authority tenants, to the Housing Revenue Account.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162375,"EventID":"S1W-25829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police authorities have approached it for additional funding for uniformed or support personnel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police authorities have approached it for additional funding for uniformed or support personnel.","AnswerText":"All police authorities have indicated at some point, either formally or informally, that additional funding for extra officers would be beneficial to their communities.

    Since April 2000, additional special grant of £8.1 million per year has been allocated to forces to provide for the recruitment of extra officers. Funding for the police service in Scotland is at an all time high, as are police numbers. There are now 15,251 officers (as at 31 March 2002). There are in addition 5,535 whole time equivalent civilian support staff.

    To arrive at the distribution of Grant Aided Expenditure for 2002-03, forces were invited to submit detailed estimates of their needs for the current year assuming no change in the levels of service provided by the police. Budgets were submitted via the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and the funding settlement for 2002-03 enabled the bids to be met in full.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162376,"EventID":"S1W-25830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in sei'ing the assets of major drug dealers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in sei'ing the assets of major drug dealers.","AnswerText":"In 2001-02, 36 confiscation orders totalling almost £800,000, were made by the courts, mainly against persons convicted of drug offences, a marked increase over previous years. The Proceeds of Crime Bill, currently before the Westminster Parliament, will provide wide-ranging new powers to investigate, recover and confiscate the proceeds of crime. The Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency has also recently established a money laundering unit, with partners from other enforcement agencies including the National Criminal Intelligence Service, actively to target criminals and criminal organisations who engage in drug trafficking and other serious crime in Scotland, identify the assets gained illegally and, where appropriate, make these available to the courts for confiscation or civil forfeiture.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162377,"EventID":"S1W-25831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the success of anti-drugs campaigns in schools by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the success of anti-drugs campaigns in schools by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive ministers have regular discussions with their counterparts from the other UK administrations and the Republic of Ireland through the British-Irish Council (BIC).

    While there have been no direct discussions between the Scottish and Northern Ireland Executives about anti-drugs campaigns in schools, drug misuse policy has been a priority issue for BIC and a programme of action across the member countries is currently under way on a range of fronts to take the anti-drugs agenda forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162378,"EventID":"S1W-25832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what age its staff must take compulsory retirement, detailing any provisions available which would allow staff to be retained after that point.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what age its staff must take compulsory retirement, detailing any provisions available which would allow staff to be retained after that point.","AnswerText":"The expected retirement age for all Scottish Executive staff below the Senior Civil Service is 60 years. Beyond this, staff can be retained on a year-by-year basis if they meet certain criteria. This policy is currently under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162379,"EventID":"S1W-25833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute a public inquiry to examine issues surrounding the planning application for the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute a public inquiry to examine issues surrounding the planning application for the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","AnswerText":"This application for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 is currently the subject of consultation. Responses from the three local authorities concerned are still outstanding. It would be inappropriate to take any decision on a public inquiry before we have received and considered these and the other responses to the consultation process.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162380,"EventID":"S1W-25834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the student recruitment budget for the Scottish Agricultural College for the academic year 2002-03 has been reduced by 20%, given that student applications to the col","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the student recruitment budget for the Scottish Agricultural College for the academic year 2002-03 has been reduced by 20%, given that student applications to the college fell by almost one third in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Agricultural College.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162381,"EventID":"S1W-25835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the reversal by the Inquiry Reporters Unit of a planning authority decision on car access to the high street in Aberdour, given road s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following the reversal by the Inquiry Reporters Unit of a planning authority decision on car access to the high street in Aberdour, given road safety advice to the contrary from Fife Council's transportation services and planning departments, Aberdour Community Council and the MSP for the local area.","AnswerText":"None. This case relates to a planning application for a private dwellinghouse which was granted permission in March 1999 and for which Fife Council subsequently submitted a Modification Order to have the vehicular access discontinued due to concerns about road safety. As the owner of the property objected to the order, the case was heard at a public local inquiry by a reporter of the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit.

    The reporter concluded that there were no clear-cut and compelling road safety grounds for confirming the Modification Order and that the householder should have the right to maintain vehicular access onto Aberdour High Street. The Scottish ministers accepted the reporter's recommendation and therefore refused to confirm the Modification Order seeking the discontinuance of vehicular access. None of the parties involved chose to exercise their right of appeal to the Court of Session to have the decision quashed and therefore the matter is now closed.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162382,"EventID":"S1W-25836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5139 by Hugh Henry on 9 May 2002, whether it will give details of the six replies received, including from what individual or organ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5139 by Hugh Henry on 9 May 2002, whether it will give details of the six replies received, including from what individual or organisation each such reply was received.","AnswerText":"Replies were received from South Ayrshire Council, Heritage Scotland Ltd (the applicant), Robert Drysdale Planning Consultancy (on behalf of the applicant), United for Heathfield (Ayr United supporters), Burness (representing AXA Real Estate Investment Managers UK Ltd, (the owners of an existing retail park) and you. As these views were requested in terms of rule 21(4) of The Town and Country Planning (Inquiries Procedure) (Scotland) Rules 1997 and the Scottish ministers have not completed their consideration of this matter, I am unable to divulge the contents of the submissions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162383,"EventID":"S1W-25837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19667 by Sarah Boyack on 16 November 2001, when it expects the discussion paper on the review of the European Blue Badge Scheme of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19667 by Sarah Boyack on 16 November 2001, when it expects the discussion paper on the review of the European Blue Badge Scheme of parking concessions for disabled people to be published.","AnswerText":"The discussion paper was published on 14 December 2001 and responses had to be submitted to the Disabled Persons' Transport Advisory Committee Secretariat by 15 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162384,"EventID":"S1W-25838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24821 by Colin Boyd QC on 3 May 2002, when the evaluation of the operation of the pilot victim liaison offices in Aberdeen and Hami","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24821 by Colin Boyd QC on 3 May 2002, when the evaluation of the operation of the pilot victim liaison offices in Aberdeen and Hamilton will be completed and when the implementation of the management review of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will be concluded.","AnswerText":"The evaluation of the operation of the pilot projects of the Victim Liaison Offices in Aberdeen and Hamilton is planned to proceed in the period from June to December 2002. An interim report is expected in September 2002.

    The management review of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service was completed in February 2002. Implementation of the recommendations of the review is now in progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162385,"EventID":"S1W-25839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24819 by Colin Boyd QC on 3 May 2002, whether the Victim Liaison Office in Glasgow provides a service to individuals covered by Dum","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24819 by Colin Boyd QC on 3 May 2002, whether the Victim Liaison Office in Glasgow provides a service to individuals covered by Dumbarton Sheriff Court in respect of each category of service.","AnswerText":"The Victim Liaison Office based at the Procurator Fiscal's Office in Glasgow deals only with cases which occur in the Glasgow area and which fall within the categories dealt with by the Victim Liaison Office, as referred to in the answer to question S1W-24819 on 3 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162386,"EventID":"S1W-25840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to record the (a) level of evictions for all types of tenure and (b) grounds for each eviction in order to facilitate policy analysis and whether any i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to record the (a) level of evictions for all types of tenure and (b) grounds for each eviction in order to facilitate policy analysis and whether any information so recorded will be published on an annual basis.","AnswerText":"The following information is collected about evictions in each of the two main social rented tenures:

    Tenure

    Information Collected

    Frequency of Collection

    Data Collected Since:

    Latest Available

    Rented from Council

    Total number of evictions

    Number of evictions on the grounds of anti-social behaviour

    Quarterly

    Both from the quarter April-June 2001

    July-September 2001

    Rented from Registered Social Landlords

    Total number of evictions

    Number of evictions on the grounds of anti-social behaviour

    Number of evictions for non-payment of rent

    Annually

    The first since year to March 1999

    The others will be collected from 2001-02

    For total evictions:

    Year to 31 March 2001

    Information on evictions of private sector tenants is not collected centrally and we have no plans do to so.

    The latest available information on evictions in the local authority sector was published in the Scottish Executive Quarterly Housing Trends Bulletin HSG/2002/1, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (publication date 26 March 2002, Bib. number 20348). Information on evictions by Registered Social Landlords is held by Communities Scotland.

    In deciding on the regular statistical information to gather, maintain and publish centrally, the Executive consults regularly with suppliers and users of our statistics through established statistical liaison arrangements, and consultation on the annual Scottish Executive Statistics Plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162387,"EventID":"S1W-25841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to assist local authorities in improving the processing of housing benefit claims.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to assist local authorities in improving the processing of housing benefit claims.","AnswerText":"Housing benefit administration is a matter for the UK Government. Local authorities in Scotland have a statutory duty to administer housing benefit and council tax benefit under social security legislation and are funded by the UK Government for doing this.

    All authorities are expected to secure Best Value by the pursuit of continuous improvement across the full range of their activities. The Local Government in Scotland Bill, introduced on 16 May, will give statutory backing to the duty of Best Value and the audit regime which supports it.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162388,"EventID":"S1W-25842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average time was taken to process housing benefit claims by each local authority in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average time was taken to process housing benefit claims by each local authority in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The first full year in which data was collected on the performance of local authorities against each relevant performance indicator was 2000-01. The average times were as follows:

    average time for processing new claims - 48 days

    average time for processing notifications for changes of circumstance - 22 days

    percentage of renewal claims processed in time (before the end of the benefit period) - 75%

    Data for 2001-02 is not yet available.

    Source: Audit Scotland Performance Indicators 2000-01 - Benefits, Finance and Corporate Issues.

    Note: Three of the 32 local authorities in Scotland failed to provide the data requested and, in some cases, the appointed auditors expressed doubt as to the reliability of the data collected. The figures given are an average of the performance of the local authorities which responded.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162389,"EventID":"S1W-25843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies it has sanctioned public borrowing for under the terms of section 6.1 of Her Majesty's Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public bodies it has sanctioned public borrowing for under the terms of section 6.1 of Her Majesty's Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: A Statement of Funding Policy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25844.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162390,"EventID":"S1W-25844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public borrowing it has sanctioned, or proposes to sanction, under the terms of section 6.1 of Her Majesty's Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public borrowing it has sanctioned, or proposes to sanction, under the terms of section 6.1 of Her Majesty's Treasury's Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: A Statement of Funding Policy in (a) 1999-00, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02, (d) 2002-03 and (e) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Public borrowing for 2000-01 to 2002-03 by certain statutory bodies is sanctioned in Schedule 5 of the annual Budget (Scotland) Act. There will be two further opportunities in the current financial year to amend the 2002-03 act.

    Borrowing for 2003-04 will be set out in the Budget Scotland Bill 2003 to be published early next year.

    1999-2000 was a transitional year and borrowing was sanctioned prior to devolution.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162391,"EventID":"S1W-25845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23526 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 12 March 2002, whether there has been any progress towards launching a replacement for individual le","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23526 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 12 March 2002, whether there has been any progress towards launching a replacement for individual learning accounts.","AnswerText":"I expect to make an announcement later in the year. I want to understand fully the lessons from the first Individual Learning Account (ILA) programme and ensure that its successor builds on and improves on that scheme. It is still too early to say when a successor to ILAs will be introduced.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162392,"EventID":"S1W-25846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24572 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 April 2002, whether he has received any letter from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24572 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 April 2002, whether he has received any letter from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland making representations that the alleged rule of law stating that boundary divisions are held ad medium filum is unmanageable in practice, that on a day-to-day basis current practice in allocating rights and responsibilities uses the principle of common property pro indiviso and that the position resulting from this is such that this aspect of the law should be subject to a most serious and considered review.","AnswerText":"I am aware that the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland wrote to the Public Petitions Committee on 28 February 2000 on this subject, but have had no correspondence from that body.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162393,"EventID":"S1W-25847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met the recovery and recycling targets for 2001 set by the EC Packaging Waste Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met the recovery and recycling targets for 2001 set by the EC Packaging Waste Directive.","AnswerText":"There is no separate target for Scotland under the EC Packaging Waste Directive. However, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced today that the UK has narrowly failed to meet the 50% overall recovery target for 2001 set by the EC Packaging Waste Directive.

    The full text of his reply is:

    The UK narrowly failed to meet the overall packaging waste recovery target in 2001, but met the overall recycling target and the material-specific recycling targets for all materials.

    The recovery and recycling of packaging waste carried out in 2001 are as follows:

    Recovery and Recycling Carried Out in 2001 (UK)

    (1) UK

    re-processing

    (2) Exported for re-processing

    (3) Re-processing for which no PRN/PERN issued (incl. in (1))

    (4)PRN & PERN carried forward to 2002

    (5)Tonnes accepted for recovery and recycling, UK

    Paper

    1,851,505

    179,439

    25,895

    83,064

    2,030,944

    Glass

    696,578

    39,016

    17,036

    29,273

    735,594

    Aluminium

    25,869

    3,161

    1

    821

    29,030

    Steel

    141,343

    136,736

    3,051

    8,365

    278,079

    Plastic

    203,149

    66,813

    6,077

    10,506

    269,962

    Wood

    573,951

    4,985

    23,742

    573,951

    Alt.evidence

    30,741

    30,741

    Total recycling

    3,523,136

    425,165

    57,045

    155,771

    3,948,3 01

    Efw

    513,939

    		Following a meeting with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in autumn 2001 the, then, Minister for Health asked officials to convene a discussion forum to ensure that the particular health needs of these communities were identified and addressed. The group has met on three occasions and an agreed programme of work is now under way.

    For young people, personal and social education offers opportunities to explore issues surrounding gender stereotypes, equal opportunities and discrimination, respect and caring both for self and others, and respect for individual differences.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162397,"EventID":"S1W-25851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to question S1O-5128 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 May 2002, whether the audited accounts of the trustees of the Scottish T","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to question S1O-5128 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 May 2002, whether the audited accounts of the trustees of the Scottish Transport Group will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre; whether it is obliged to lay the accounts before the Parliament, and what period of time will elapse before any such statutory duty is complied with.","AnswerText":"No, the Scottish Transport Group is not obliged to lay the report and accounts of the individual pension schemes before Parliament. There is, however, a statutory requirement to present the Scottish Transport Group annual report and accounts to Parliament. The report and accounts for the final period, covering 1 April 2001 to the date of dissolution, is scheduled to be presented to Parliament in July, following completion of the audit process.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162398,"EventID":"S1W-25852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to question S1O-5128 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 May 2002, whether the whole net surplus of #174 million from the Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the supplementary question to question S1O-5128 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 May 2002, whether the whole net surplus of #174 million from the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes will be paid out to pensioners, and, if not, what sum will be withheld from pensioners and to whom that sum will be paid.","AnswerText":"As at 22 March 2002, the Report and Accounts of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes showed the total value of the surplus as £174 million net of tax. HM Treasury will retain £50 million, and have agreed following representations from Scottish ministers to provide £118 million for the Scottish Executive to disperse to pensioners. Scottish ministers will make further representations to HM Treasury to retain the additional surplus (£6 million at 22 March) for disbursement to the former Scottish Transport Group pension scheme members.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162399,"EventID":"S1W-25853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what enquiries it has made and what information it has received on the tax liability of the recipients of payments under the distribution of the National Bus Company pen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what enquiries it has made and what information it has received on the tax liability of the recipients of payments under the distribution of the National Bus Company pension scheme; whether these payments were free of tax; whether copies of all relevant correspondence will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, and whether it will meet the members of the Scottish Bus Group Pensioners Action Committee who submitted petition PE500 and who appeared before the Public Petitions Committee on 7 May 2002 to discuss points of concern raised at that meeting.","AnswerText":"The tax liability of individuals under the National Bus Company (NBC) distribution will depend on the method of distribution determined by the trustees of the NBC pension schemes in individual circumstances. Some pension scheme members will receive an element of their share of the distribution in tax-free payments as well as increased pension benefits. This is allowable in the NBC case because payments are being made directly from a pension scheme. This is a matter for the trustees of the NBC pension schemes and the Inland Revenue.

    I will respond to the Petitions Committee on matters they have raised with me following the meeting in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162400,"EventID":"S1W-25854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has on whether any legal challenge in regard to the proposed distribution and mode of distribution of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has on whether any legal challenge in regard to the proposed distribution and mode of distribution of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes surplus would delay interim payments; whether it is aware of any legal action which postponed interim payments to persons entitled to pensions from the National Bus Company pension scheme, and whether all relevant correspondence relating to any such action will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"No legal entitlement to the surplus funds on the part of the former Scottish Transport Group pension schemes members has been established.

    It would be inappropriate for the Executive to provide information which would harm the frankness and candour of discussion and advice, including between the Scottish Executive and legal advisers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162401,"EventID":"S1W-25855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aim is of the Better Government for Older People and Older People Advisory Group event at Victoria Quay on 28 and 29 May 2002; how the outcomes of the event will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the aim is of the Better Government for Older People and Older People Advisory Group event at Victoria Quay on 28 and 29 May 2002; how the outcomes of the event will influence its policy, and what action will be taken in respect of such outcomes. ","AnswerText":"The aim of the event, which is being organised by the Better Government for Older People Network and the Scottish Older People's Advisory Group, is to work towards a Scottish Better Government for Older People Network. The Scottish Executive is providing facilities at Victoria Quay for the event and will be looking at the outcome with interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162402,"EventID":"S1W-25856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Better Government for Older People and Older People Advisory Group event at Victoria Quay on 28 and 29 May 2002 will cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Better Government for Older People and Older People Advisory Group event at Victoria Quay on 28 and 29 May 2002 will cost.","AnswerText":"The cost to the Scottish Executive of providing buffet lunches and coffee for local authority and older people's representatives attending the event at Victoria Quay is being met from within existing running costs. Other costs are a matter for the Better Government for Older People Network.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162403,"EventID":"S1W-25857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many people were employed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in each of the last three years and, of these, how many were participants in the Modern Apprenti","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many people were employed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in each of the last three years and, of these, how many were participants in the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, broken down by framework.","AnswerText":"The number of staff in post in each of the last three years is as follows:

    Year ending 31 March 2000 - 346 staff in post

    Year ending 31 March 2001 - 424 staff in post

    Year ending 31 March 2002 - 454 staff in post

    No member of staff employed by the SPCB has been employed through or was a participant in the Modern Apprenticeship scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162404,"EventID":"S1W-25858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5174 by Cathy Jamieson on 9 May 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of each targeted resource for children and young people with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5174 by Cathy Jamieson on 9 May 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of each targeted resource for children and young people with special educational needs by local authority area in (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The breakdown of the proposed National Priorities Action Fund Inclusion Programme and special educational needs (SEN) Specific Grant for in-service training by local authority area, in both 2002-03 and 2003-04, is provided in the following table:

    Inclusion Funding

    In-Service Training Funding

    Education Authority

    Each year in

    2002-03 and 2003-04

    Each year in 2002-3 and 2003-04

    Scotland

    £20,000,000

    £6,743,551

    Aberdeen City

    £789,565

    £243,860.00

    Aberdeenshire

    £940,276

    £314,316.00

    Angus

    £423,887

    £133,425.00

    Argyll and Bute

    £325,925

    £120,118.00

    Clackmannanshire

    £195,108

    £87,574.00

    Dumfries and Galloway

    £553,058

    £204,150

    Dundee City

    £558,378

    £175,170

    East Ayrshire

    £481,870

    £171,107

    East Dunbartonshire

    £423,835

    £150,958

    East Lothian

    £347,795

    £94,421

    East Renfrewshire

    £355,731

    £119,384

    Edinburgh, City of

    £1,556,880

    £421,294

    Eilean Siar

    £108,255

    £79,029

    Falkirk

    £554,271

    £239,294.00

    Fife

    £1,395,147

    £460,982.00

    Glasgow City

    £2,376,008

    £810,632.00

    Highland

    £830,808

    £263,421.00

    In addition, £5 million central government grant has been allocated through the SEN Innovation Grants Programme over 2002-03 and 2003-04, for the specific purpose of funding voluntary and non-statutory organisations across Scotland to carry out projects in the field of special educational needs.

    A further £8.8 million central government grant is allocated to the seven grant-aided special schools for 2002-03, for the specific purpose of supporting these schools, and is provided under the Special Schools (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1990.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162406,"EventID":"S1W-25860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why a 70 year old person in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area who is practically housebound owing to swollen nerves in the foot has been informed that, even w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why a 70 year old person in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area who is practically housebound owing to swollen nerves in the foot has been informed that, even with an urgent referral, there will be a wait of at least four to five months prior to receiving treatment and what action it will take in order to resolve this and any similar situations.","AnswerText":"Tackling waiting at all stages of the patient's journey is a key priority for the Scottish Executive. That is why extra resources have been made available to help NHSScotland to reduce waiting times. The National Waiting Times Unit is currently undertaking a programme of visits to all mainland boards and trusts to review their plans for ensuring delivery of national waiting times targets and the development of local waiting time standards. These local standards will reflect local priorities and focus on tackling the longest waits for outpatients clinics and diagnostic tests.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162407,"EventID":"S1W-25861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for medical treatment in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area has been in each of the last 12 months and what timescale would be an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for medical treatment in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area has been in each of the last 12 months and what timescale would be an unacceptable waiting period.","AnswerText":"Information on waiting times within the NHS in respect of individual NHS board and NHS trust areas is published quarterly by ISD Scotland and is available in the Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW) website at:

    http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/acute_activity/index.htm.

    Waiting for diagnosis and treatment may occur at several points in a patient's journey. Acceptable limits of waiting will vary depending on the circumstances. Tackling waiting is a key priority. The Executive has set waiting times targets for the NHS and information about performance against these targets will be published. Extra resources have been made available to NHSScotland to help reduce waiting times.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162408,"EventID":"S1W-25862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the supervision costs associated with the cross-border transfer of registered sex offenders were in each of the past five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the supervision costs associated with the cross-border transfer of registered sex offenders were in each of the past five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The exercise of this supervision is a matter for local authorities in the first instance. Only in a small number of cases, where very high expenditure is being incurred because of the intensity of the supervision being provided or the nature of the residential placement, do authorities approach the Executive for supplementary funding to cover the additional costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162409,"EventID":"S1W-25863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide financial support for advice and information services provided by the voluntary sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide financial support for advice and information services provided by the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"We currently provide support for different forms of advice and information either to support national organisations to improve the infrastructure for advice, or targeted locally at primary provision. For example, we recently allocated £3 million per annum in additional resources to local authorities to secure the expansion of local money advice services, including provision by the voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162410,"EventID":"S1W-25864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it envisages for public sector partners in providing financial support for advice and information services provided by the voluntary sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it envisages for public sector partners in providing financial support for advice and information services provided by the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently provides financial support for advice and information either to support national organisations to improve the infrastructure for advice, or targeted locally at primary provision.

    Local authorities and other public bodies take on a major role in supporting local advice provision, in accordance with local need or the particular remit and responsibility of the public body.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162411,"EventID":"S1W-25865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how voluntary sector organisations meet their central overhead costs and whether it envisages any role for public sector partners in meeting these costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how voluntary sector organisations meet their central overhead costs and whether it envisages any role for public sector partners in meeting these costs.","AnswerText":"Voluntary organisations meet their central overhead costs through a range of funding mechanisms, including grant funding, and income from donations and trading, rents and investments. The Scottish Executive itself provides core funding for a range of organisations including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)_ and Volunteer Development Scotland.

    Following on from its review of direct funding, the Executive is committed to conducting a strategic review of funding for the voluntary sector that will look at how public funding meets the needs of the sector. This review will consider whether it is possible for all funders of the sector to work together to ensure that they are operating in a way that meets their own needs and those of the sector. The review is due to commence in the summer, and discussions on how best to take work forward are taking place with SCVO and COSLA.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162412,"EventID":"S1W-25866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given that there is no definition of the term \"order\" in the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 nor in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, that the New Roads and Street Work","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, given that there is no definition of the term \"order\" in the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 nor in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, that the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 amends the definition contained in section 2 of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 and that all three acts apply to the Skye Bridge crossing, whether the amended definition whereby \"a traffic regulation order may make any provision prohibiting, restricting or regulating the use of a road\" indicates regulation of the A87 trunk road by the three traffic regulation orders issued in relation to the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye bridge Crossing) Special Road Scheme Order 1992 (SI 1992/1499). ","AnswerText":"The three main orders issued in relation to the Skye Bridge crossing are The Invergarry - Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) (Detrunking) Order 1992, The Invergarry - Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road (Side Roads) Order 1992 and The Invergarry - Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992. These were made under powers in the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. They are not traffic regulation orders.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162413,"EventID":"S1W-25867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a traffic regulation order authorising the charging of tolls on a trunk road regulates in any sense the use of that road.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a traffic regulation order authorising the charging of tolls on a trunk road regulates in any sense the use of that road.","AnswerText":"Tolls are charged on trunk roads at the Erskine and Skye Bridges. The power to levy tolls is set out in primary legislation - the Erskine Bridge Tolls Act 2001 and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 respectively - not in traffic regulation orders.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162414,"EventID":"S1W-25868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the contemporary music industry will play in its recently announced cultural co-ordinators programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the contemporary music industry will play in its recently announced cultural co-ordinators programme.","AnswerText":"The schools cultural co-ordinators pilot programme will seek to maximise the contribution to children and young people's education of the full range of arts and cultural activities. The pilot programme will allow the local authorities participating to determine the ways in which this is done, reflecting local circumstance. Contemporary music has a special ability to engage and enthuse the young and I expect it to play an important part in the pilot activities.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162415,"EventID":"S1W-25871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering the possibility of operating a pet passport scheme on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering the possibility of operating a pet passport scheme on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route.","AnswerText":"My officials have been in contact with representatives of Superfirst Ferries about this issue. We are waiting for Superfirst Ferries to come back to us to fully discuss how they plan to operate the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162416,"EventID":"S1W-25872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for completion of the Rural Community Gateway website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for completion of the Rural Community Gateway website.","AnswerText":"Work is under way on the development of the Rural Community Gateway website, and we hope to be able to launch it early in 2003. The website will be evaluated following its first year of operation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162417,"EventID":"S1W-25873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland has met the 50% target for the recovery and recycling of waste under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland has met the 50% target for the recovery and recycling of waste under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25847 on 14 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162418,"EventID":"S1W-25874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to consider what steps security guards and their employers, contracted to it or any other public body, might take to increase their protection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to consider what steps security guards and their employers, contracted to it or any other public body, might take to increase their protection.","AnswerText":"A wide range of security measures is already in place throughout the Executive. These are kept under review and additional measures put in place as appropriate. It would be inappropriate to detail the measures deployed.

    Responsibility for security in other public bodies rests with the relevant management boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162419,"EventID":"S1W-25875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) ad hoc legal staff and (b) casual contract administrative staff, below senior civil service grade, were employed in the Crown Office and the Procurator Fisca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) ad hoc legal staff and (b) casual contract administrative staff, below senior civil service grade, were employed in the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service in (i) 2001 and (ii) the first four months of 2002 to cover (1) court work and precognition work and (2) administration and precognition work, broken down by procurator fiscal region.","AnswerText":"The information requested is detailed as follows:

    Ad Hoc Legal Staff

    Region

    No. Ad Hoc's Used^

    No. Days 2001

    No. Days Jan to April 2002

    No. Days Court Work

    No. Days PO Work

    Tayside

    28

    344

    140

    Court work only

    		 

    North Strathclyde

    8

    330

    90

    2001- 312 2002 - 87

    2001 - 18 2002 - 3

    South Strathclyde

    30

    754

    330

    Court work only

    		 

    Glasgow

    20

    1,329.5

    474

    Court work only

    		 

    Grampian

    2

    161

    31

    Court work only

    		 

    Lothian

    14

    692

    126

    Court work only

    		 

    Total

    102

    3,610.5

    1,191

    3592.5 - 2001 1188 - 2002

    18 - 2001 3 - 2002

    Note:

    ^ Covers the period 1.1.01 - 30.4.02.

    Casual Administrative Staff

    Precognition

    Administrative

    2001

    Jan to April 2002

    2001

    Jan to April 2002

    Crown Office

    		  

    8

    4 (includes 1 continuing in employment from 2001)

    Tayside

    		  

    26

    11 (includes 9 continuing in employment from 2001)

    North Strathclyde

    		  

    23

    14 (includes 8 continuing in employment from 2001)

    South Strathclyde

    		  

    18

    11 (includes 9 continuing in employment from 2001)

    Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information, Scottish ministers emphasise the importance we attach to making factual information as widely available as possible. To that end, copies of key Scottish Executive publications such as consultation papers, White Papers, annual reports and departmental circulars are made available to the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162421,"EventID":"S1W-25877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will agree to the request by the leaders of Glasgow City Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Dundee City Council, Inverclyde Council, Midlothian Council and Wes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will agree to the request by the leaders of Glasgow City Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Dundee City Council, Inverclyde Council, Midlothian Council and West Dunbartonshire Council for a meeting to discuss restoring any money that the councils lost following the reorganisation of local government in 1996.","AnswerText":"Peter Peacock and I have already met a number of the councils involved. I am currently evaluating Professor Midwinter's report. I will meet with COSLA next month to talk about the spending review and the distribution of resources for all local authorities and the report will be considered in that context. Any other meetings will be considered after my discussions with COSLA.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162422,"EventID":"S1W-25878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the findings of Professor Arthur Midwinter in his report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils sinc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the findings of Professor Arthur Midwinter in his report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils since Reorganisation that there is \"clear evidence of the erosion of grant income\" to the six local authorities covered by the report, that government grants to these authorities between 1996-97 and 2001-02 fell in real terms by 4.8% compared with an average fall of 1.2% across al authorities and that, in the same period, council tax charges in these authority areas rose by 20% in real terms compared with an average rise of 16%.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25877.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162423,"EventID":"S1W-25879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the conclusions of Professor Arthur Midwinter in his report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the conclusions of Professor Arthur Midwinter in his report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils Since Reorganisation that there is a \"pressing need\" to address difficulties faced by the local authorities covered by the report owing to an historical mismatch of funding and, in particular, that it should make available supplementary grants of (a) #32 million to Glasgow City Council, (b) #5 million to Dundee City Council, (c) #3.4 million each to Midlothian Council and Argyll and Bute Council and (d) #2.5 million each to West Dunbartonshire Council and Inverclyde Council, such funding arising from a more equitable distribution of grant increases in the future. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25877.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162424,"EventID":"S1W-25880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many linear accelerators (a) are needed to meet patient demands and (b) exist currently (i) in total and (ii) in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many linear accelerators (a) are needed to meet patient demands and (b) exist currently (i) in total and (ii) in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Radiotherapy is a highly specialised form of cancer treatment which is available only in cancer centres. Linear accelerators are the equipment through which radiotherapy is delivered. These are sited in each of Scotland's five cancer centres in Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow (NHS boards Highland, Grampian, Tayside, Lothian and Glasgow respectively). There are currently 18 linear accelerators, as follows:

    Inverness

    1

    Aberdeen

    2

    Dundee

    2

    Edinburgh

    5

    Glasgow

    8

    Total

    18

    Two additional linear accelerators are being installed in the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow during the course of this year, bringing the total there to 10 and the national total to 20.

    The Royal College of Radiologists recommends that there should be five linear accelerators per million population. Scotland's current total is equivalent to 3.5 per million population. With the additional two machines in Glasgow this will rise to 3.9 per million population by the end of 2002.

    A further wave of central purchasing (Wave 4) is currently being planned that, subject to the required investment appraisal process by NHS boards, will see a further six machines being commissioned. Two of these would be replacements but the other four are additional to current numbers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162425,"EventID":"S1W-25881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Argyll and Bute Council's grant aided expenditure (GAE) for education (a) was in each of the past five years and (b) is in the current year; whether the council","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Argyll and Bute Council's grant aided expenditure (GAE) for education (a) was in each of the past five years and (b) is in the current year; whether the council spent above or below the GAE figure in each of the last five years, and what the total GAE for Argyll and Bute Council has been in each of the last six years.","AnswerText":"Details of the grant aided expenditure assessments for each local authority for the years 1997-98 to 2001-02 are set out in Grant Aided Expenditure (the "Green Book") for each year, which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre with Bib. numbers as follows:

    1997-98

    8455

    1998-99

    8140

    1999-2000

    3274

    2000-01

    7912

    2001-02

    12261

    Allocations of grant aided expenditure for 2002-03 were based on those for 2001-02, adjusted to take account of projected changes to population data for that year. Details of these adjustments are contained in a supplement attached to the "Green Book" for 2001-02.

    Information on expenditure compared with GAE can be found in the CIPFA Rating Review Actuals of Income and Expenditure booklets with the following Bib. numbers:

    1997-98

    7545

    1998-99

    7548

    1999-2000

    14654

    2000-01

    19781

    2001-02 can be found in The CIPFA booklet "Rating Review Estimates of Income and Expenditure" (Bib. number 17055). Information for the current year is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162426,"EventID":"S1W-25882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or instructions it has given, to whom and when regarding any shortage of chiropodists in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made or instructions it has given, to whom and when regarding any shortage of chiropodists in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency area.","AnswerText":"None. It is for NHS boards and trusts to assess the need for local services and to meet that need through the delivery of individual services by appropriately trained staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162427,"EventID":"S1W-25883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the A830 trunk road is in a safe condition; what response it has made, or plans to make, to the claim by Mallaig Community Council that the road is not in a safe ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the A830 trunk road is in a safe condition; what response it has made, or plans to make, to the claim by Mallaig Community Council that the road is not in a safe condition and the request made by the council to BEAR Scotland Ltd in a letter of 12 May 2002 to bring the road up to a safe condition; whether BEAR believes that the road is in a safe condition; if not, what action BEAR plans to take and, should any proposals which BEAR make not be accepted by the community council, what action it will take and, in particular, whether it will direct BEAR to take all necessary action to put the road into an acceptable and safe condition.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive and BEAR Scotland Ltd are aware of the condition of the A830 which has been caused mainly by the wet weather and the freeze/thaw conditions over last winter. The action to repair potholes and undertake patching on the route has ensured it has remained safe.

    Mallaig Community Council wrote to the Scottish Executive on 12 May 2002 expressing concerns about the A830 and a reply confirmed that a structural maintenance scheme was programmed to be implemented in the autumn. Meantime, an interim strategy to undertake urgent repairs and increase the frequency of safety inspections has been formulated to ensure road safety is maintained.

    In addition to the repairs already carried out, further extensive patching works have been identified and will be implemented shortly.

    In recognition of the importance of this route, consultations have started with some of the interested parties on the optimum timing of the proposed works.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162428,"EventID":"S1W-25884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25402 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 May 2002, whether it will place copies of the two contracts, including the alterations referred to, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25402 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 May 2002, whether it will place copies of the two contracts, including the alterations referred to, with BEAR Scotland Ltd for the management and maintenance of the north west and north east units in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre; whether it will give a detailed breakdown of the additional costs to be paid to BEAR for the additional responsibilities as a result of these contract alterations, and what these costs will cover, how they will be calculated and why they are required.","AnswerText":"A generic copy of the contract document applicable to all four management and maintenance contracts is already available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 16573). The minor alterations to the two contracts with BEAR Scotland Ltd came into effect when the Executive wrote formally to BEAR. The majority of these alterations have not as yet been recorded in the individual contract documents. When they are, arrangements will be made for the generic copy to be amended.

    The minor alterations include improved communications with the National Driver Information and Control System (NADICS), new provision for direct communications between BEAR and the press and MSPs/MPs, and increased safety inspections on some routes.

    It would not be appropriate to publish details of the additional costs to be paid to BEAR as a result of these minor alterations because of commercial and contractual considerations. However, the costs are not significant in comparison with the existing contract costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162429,"EventID":"S1W-25885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of officers in (a) Grampian, (b) Tayside police forces and (c) all police forces were (i) recruited and (ii) on long-term sick leave in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of officers in (a) Grampian, (b) Tayside police forces and (c) all police forces were (i) recruited and (ii) on long-term sick leave in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The number and percentage of officers recruited in Grampian, Tayside and all forces is shown in the following tables.
     

    Number of officers recruited

     

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    Grampian

    64

    85

    99

    24

    115

    Tayside

    41

    74

    42

    38

    66

    Scotland

    828

    762

    367

    484

    1,053

     

    Officers recruited as a percentage of strength in March of each year

     

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    Grampian

    5.5%

    7.1%

    7.9%

    2.0%

    9.0%

    Tayside

    3.7%

    6.5%

    3.7%

    3.3%

    5.7%

    Scotland

    5.6%

    5.1%

    2.5%

    3.3%

    7.0%

    The number of officers recruited in each financial year is collected in HM Inspectorate of Constabulary's Annual Statistical Return. The figures for 2001-02 will be available very shortly.

    Information on the numbers of officers on long-term sick leave in each year since 1997 is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162430,"EventID":"S1W-25886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of officers left (a) Grampian, (b) Tayside police forces and (c) all police forces owing to work-related ill health in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of officers left (a) Grampian, (b) Tayside police forces and (c) all police forces owing to work-related ill health in each year since 1997. ","AnswerText":"Information at this level of detail is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162431,"EventID":"S1W-25887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number and geographical location of those nurses who have (a) undertaken, (b) completed and (c) re-registered on completion of, a return ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number and geographical location of those nurses who have (a) undertaken, (b) completed and (c) re-registered on completion of, a return to practice course, in each year since 1999, broken down by training provider.","AnswerText":"Prior to 2000, Return to Practice Courses were not mandatory and comprehensive details of those undertaking the courses was not recorded by the former National Board for Scotland. Information about those re-registering following completion is also not held centrally. The information available is shown in the table.

    Institution

    Completions

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    LUHNT

    9

    22

    University of Stirling

    7

    10

    Napier University

    0

    0

    Royal College of Nursing

    13

    26

    Total

    29

    58

    Institution

    2000-01

    2001-02*

    Indexed

    Completed

    Indexed

    Completed

    Bell College

    8

    8

    0

    0

    Glasgow Caledonian University

    8

    0

    26

    26

    Napier University

    19

    12

    1

    1

    Scot Nursing

    24

    18

    22

    19

    LUHNT

    25

    25

    25

    24

    Royal College of Nursing

    18

    23

    17

    40

    University of Dundee

    11

    4

    10

    25

    University of Paisley

    10

    18

    19

    18

    University of Stirling

    16

    8

    11

    19

    Total

    139

    116

    131

    172

    Source: NHS Education for Scotland.

    Note:

    *These numbers for 2001-02 have been counted manually a","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162432,"EventID":"S1W-25888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering providing additional funding for local authorities to establish, and assist in the operation of, local land fora.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering providing additional funding for local authorities to establish, and assist in the operation of, local land fora.","AnswerText":"The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill places a number of new duties on local authorities in respect of access, including the establishment of local access forums. The financial implications of these new duties are being considered as part of the current spending review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162433,"EventID":"S1W-25889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it forsees for local land fora if the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is enacted. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it forsees for local land fora if the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is enacted. ","AnswerText":"Section 24 (1) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill requires each local authority to establish at least one local access forum in its area. Section 24 (2) sets down the functions of these forums as being \"to advise the local authority and any other person or body consulting the forum on matters having to do with the exercise of access rights or the drawing up and adoption of a plan for a system of core paths\". It is also intended that forums may assist in the resolution of disputes about the exercise of access rights, the drawing up and adoption of core path plans or the use of core paths.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162434,"EventID":"S1W-25890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the last structural survey of the buildings at HM Prison Peterhead was commissioned given the statement in the Scottish Prison Services Estates Review that \"the bui","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the last structural survey of the buildings at HM Prison Peterhead was commissioned given the statement in the Scottish Prison Services Estates Review that \"the buildings are exhausted\".","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    Full structural surveys, which are expensive, are not normally commissioned unless indications from visual inspections, settlement or other problems indicate that they are necessary. A visual survey was carried out in August 1994 to ascertain the extent of the problem of rain penetration through the numerous cracks in the mass concrete walls. This survey also included investigation of external wall foundations at four locations. We do not believe a full structural survey now is necessary or would be good value for taxpayers money, as we already know that the cells are too small for integral sanitation; there is no access to night sanitation; there is no electrical power in cells or in cell fire detection system; the windows are below SPS security standards and non-compliant with the current building regulations in terms of daylight factor and natural ventilation, and site services for electricity, gas, water and drainage are at full capacity, indeed at times overloaded, or in need of replacement. The term "state of exhaustion" is a brief summary of the factors which make the current accommodation not in our view fit for purpose.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162435,"EventID":"S1W-25891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many companies Scottish Enterprise has provided a guarantee to underwrite bank borrowing, how many such companies have gone into liquidation and what the cost to Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many companies Scottish Enterprise has provided a guarantee to underwrite bank borrowing, how many such companies have gone into liquidation and what the cost to Scottish Enterprise has been of repayments to financial institutions in respect of such liquidations, all in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table. In these three years none of the companies whose bank borrowings had been guaranteed by Scottish Enterprise were placed in receivership.
     

    As at 31 March

    Scottish Enterprise

    Guaranteed Bank Borrowings

    2002

    2001

    2000

    No. of Companies

    Value

    (£000)

    No. of Companies

    Value

    (£000)

    No. of Companies

    Value

    (£000)

    Guaranteed Loan and Bank Overdrafts

    2

    4,539

    2

    4,539

    4

    4,689

    Bank Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

    8

    1,891

    11

    2,188

    16

    2,574

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162436,"EventID":"S1W-25892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what conditions Scottish Enterprise agreed to act as guarantor for Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what conditions Scottish Enterprise agreed to act as guarantor for Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd.","AnswerText":"The conditions that were attached by Scottish Enterprise to the offer of a bank guarantee to underwrite Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd's borrowing are a commercially confidential matter between Scottish Enterprise, the company and the Royal Bank of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162437,"EventID":"S1W-25893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the directors of Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd were required to give a personal guarantee to financial institutions to underwrite borrowing as a condition of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the directors of Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd were required to give a personal guarantee to financial institutions to underwrite borrowing as a condition of the guarantee from Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162438,"EventID":"S1W-25894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25459 by Ms Margaret Curran on 13 May 2002, what the outcomes were of the seven cases referred to it involving the possible loss of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25459 by Ms Margaret Curran on 13 May 2002, what the outcomes were of the seven cases referred to it involving the possible loss of playing fields.","AnswerText":"Of the seven cases notified to the Scottish ministers since December 1997, two were cleared back to the local authority and approval was granted (Glasgow, Edinburgh); one was called in and subsequently refused (Aberdeen); another case was later withdrawn (Edinburgh), and three are currently under consideration by the Scottish ministers (all Grangemouth).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162439,"EventID":"S1W-25895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25456 by Mr Andy Kerr on 10 May 2002 what the total amount is, in accordance with the Barnett formula, of the allocations from the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25456 by Mr Andy Kerr on 10 May 2002 what the total amount is, in accordance with the Barnett formula, of the allocations from the Capital Modernisation Fund for new or refurbished community sports facilities and how these funds will be allocated.","AnswerText":"The consequentials for Scotland calculated in accordance with the Barnett formula from the round four Capital Modernisation Fund allocation for community amateur sports clubs is £1.95 million. We were already aware that we would receive consequentials from the Capital Modernisation Fund generally and this had already been taken into account in planning our expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162440,"EventID":"S1W-25896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what use it and the Crown Office have made of the opinion of 16 December 1999 given by Lord Sutherland in Smith and others when considering issues relating to the Skye Br","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what use it and the Crown Office have made of the opinion of 16 December 1999 given by Lord Sutherland in Smith and others when considering issues relating to the Skye Bridge crossing; whether this opinion has been reported and, if so, when and, if not, what the reasons were for this position.","AnswerText":"Both the Scottish Executive and the Crown Office have made reference to the Opinion of Lord Sutherland and other relevant case law in responding to parliamentary questions and correspondence on the subject of the Skye Bridge, and in preparing for subsequent court proceedings. Reporting of individual cases is a matter for the editor of the Scots Law Times and other reporting agencies. However, I understand that a copy of the Opinion is available on the Scottish Courts website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162441,"EventID":"S1W-25897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 extends to Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 extends to Scotland.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162442,"EventID":"S1W-25898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24918 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 May 2002, whether Scottish ministers are \"prescribing\" when fulfilling any statutory obligation to \"s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24918 by Lewis Macdonald on 7 May 2002, whether Scottish ministers are \"prescribing\" when fulfilling any statutory obligation to \"specify\" a maximum toll given that \"to prescribe\" can be interpreted as meaning \"to specify\".","AnswerText":"Article 4 of The Invergarry - Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (Variation) Order 1999 states that the maximum toll for each description of traffic is the figure \"specified\" in the schedule to the order. Any further interpretation of the word \"specified\" is a matter for the Scottish courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162443,"EventID":"S1W-25899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific definition is of \"order\" describing a statutory instrument, as used in the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and, in particular, in sections 5 and 9.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific definition is of \"order\" describing a statutory instrument, as used in the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and, in particular, in sections 5 and 9.","AnswerText":"There is no specific definition of the word \"order\" as applied in sections 5 and 9 of the act. Any interpretation of the term is a matter for the Scottish courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162444,"EventID":"S1W-25900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many existing temporary staff contracts for teachers in each education authority will be ended by August 2002 in order to make teaching places available for those ent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many existing temporary staff contracts for teachers in each education authority will be ended by August 2002 in order to make teaching places available for those entering their induction year.","AnswerText":"Deployment of staff is a matter for local authorities and information on the use of temporary contracts is not held centrally.

    It is clear from our general discussions with local authorities that a large number of temporary contracts have always come to an end, for a variety of reasons, at the end of the school session. It is also clear that many of these teachers secure work early in the new session as vacancies arise and supply cover needs emerge. We have no reason to expect any change to this pattern.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162445,"EventID":"S1W-25901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it will make available to education authorities to ensure that no teacher undergoing a probationary period of training will have his or her tem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it will make available to education authorities to ensure that no teacher undergoing a probationary period of training will have his or her temporary contract ended in order to create a place for a student undertaking the new induction year.","AnswerText":"Deployment of staff is a matter for local authorities and information on the use of temporary contracts is not held centrally.

    It is clear from our general discussions with local authorities that a large number of temporary contracts have always come to an end, for a variety of reasons, at the end of the school session. It is also clear that many of these teachers secure work early in the new session as vacancies arise and supply cover needs emerge. We have no reason to expect any change to this pattern and will be monitoring the impact of the Teacher Induction Scheme on existing probationers closely.

    Funding has already been agreed to assist in the implementation of the Teacher Induction Scheme and there are no plans to make any additional distribution to local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162446,"EventID":"S1W-25902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support it has provided in total to date for the funding of the Motorola Task Force; whether it will give details of any further funding proposed, and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support it has provided in total to date for the funding of the Motorola Task Force; whether it will give details of any further funding proposed, and over what timescale any such funding will be provided.","AnswerText":"On 25 April 2001, Wendy Alexander announced in the Parliament that the Scottish Executive was setting aside up to £10 million to help fund the Motorola Task force's action plan. On 20 December 2001, Wendy Alexander further announced that the Scottish Executive would provide £6 million (from the £10 million which had been set aside) to the West Lothian Strategic Action Plan, a three-year programme for the economic development of the area.

    Expenditure reports from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothians (SEEL) for the financial year 2001-02 show costs of £3.3 million. SEEL's projected costs for the financial year 2002-03 are £150,000. The total costs from both the financial years amount to £3.45 million.

    For 2001-02: Business Start-up training costs were £119,800; employee wages were £728,174; expenses were just under £5,000; advertising costs were £27,455, and training costs just over £2 million.

    There has been no subsidised employment. The task force has directly assisted 1,646 people through a variety of training initiatives in the period up to 28 February 2002. All training programmes and strategies formulated as part of the Motorola Action Plan gave consideration to individuals' benefit entitlement.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162447,"EventID":"S1W-25903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been received by the Motorola Task Force in each year that the task force has been operating, in total and broken down by (a) start-up costs, (b) task f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been received by the Motorola Task Force in each year that the task force has been operating, in total and broken down by (a) start-up costs, (b) task force employee wages, (c) expenses, (d) advertising costs and (e) costs of providing subsidised employment or training.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25902.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162448,"EventID":"S1W-25904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons have been given positions through subsidised employment or training schemes under the Motorola Task Force in each year that the task force has been oper","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons have been given positions through subsidised employment or training schemes under the Motorola Task Force in each year that the task force has been operating.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1W-25902.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162449,"EventID":"S1W-25905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25514 by Peter Peacock on 14 May 2002, what grant funding was given to the Association of Scottish Community Councils in 1997-98 an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25514 by Peter Peacock on 14 May 2002, what grant funding was given to the Association of Scottish Community Councils in 1997-98 and 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provided grant funding of £37,000 in 1997-98 and £29,000 in 1998-99 to the Association of Scottish Community Councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162450,"EventID":"S1W-25906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any public loans and grants awarded to Mining (Scotland) Ltd; when they were awarded, and by which public authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any public loans and grants awarded to Mining (Scotland) Ltd; when they were awarded, and by which public authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25913.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162451,"EventID":"S1W-25907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24906 and S1W-24907 by Iain Gray on 13 May 2002, whether the original agreement to act as guarantor was between Scottish Enterpri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24906 and S1W-24907 by Iain Gray on 13 May 2002, whether the original agreement to act as guarantor was between Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Coal and not with the subsidiary company Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd.","AnswerText":"The guarantee referred to was given to the Royal Bank of Scotland by Scottish Enterprise in respect of bank borrowing by Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd. The guarantee documentation was agreed by Scottish Enterprise and the Royal Bank of Scotland. The agreement relating to the provision of a guarantee for Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd was between Scottish Enterprise, Mining (Scotland) Ltd, and Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162452,"EventID":"S1W-25908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish Enterprise entered into an agreement with Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd to provide a guarantee to underwrite bank borrowings and whether this agreement was ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish Enterprise entered into an agreement with Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd to provide a guarantee to underwrite bank borrowings and whether this agreement was approved by ministers.","AnswerText":"In June 1999, Scottish Enterprise provided a guarantee to underwrite £5.4 million of bank borrowing by Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd in order to allow the company to continue trading. The provision of the guarantee was approved by Scottish Office ministers. Subsequent adjustments in the amount of the guarantee were approved by Scottish Executive ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162453,"EventID":"S1W-25909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the incidence of macular degeneration, broken down by age and geographic location.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the incidence of macular degeneration, broken down by age and geographic location.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162454,"EventID":"S1W-25910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of cases of blindness by macular degeneration in adults over the age of 50 in each of the last three years for which figures are a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of cases of blindness by macular degeneration in adults over the age of 50 in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162455,"EventID":"S1W-25911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it received in regard to the provisions of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage and what representations it has made ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it received in regard to the provisions of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government in regard to implementation of the Convention. ","AnswerText":"We have received submissions from two MSPs and one MP, the Institute of Field Archaeologists, the Council for Scottish Archaeology and from one local museum trust about the provisions of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, generally known as the Valletta Convention. My staff in Historic Scotland have been involved in discussions with colleagues in England, Wales and Northern Ireland about the implementation of the Convention.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162456,"EventID":"S1W-25912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Coal, the parent company, were required to act as guarantor for Scottish Coal (Deep Mining) Ltd as part of the agreement which Scottish Enterprise entere","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Coal, the parent company, were required to act as guarantor for Scottish Coal (Deep Mining) Ltd as part of the agreement which Scottish Enterprise entered into to underwrite bank borrowings.","AnswerText":"Mining (Scotland) Limited, the parent company of Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd, did contribute to the refinancing package agreed for Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Ltd in April 1999, and, prior to that, had invested substantially in the development of the company's Longannet and Kincardine mining operations, but were not asked to act as guarantor for the additional bank borrowing identified as necessary to meet the company's cash flow requirements in April 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162457,"EventID":"S1W-25913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any public loans and grants awarded to (a) Mining (Scotland) Ltd, (b) Scottish Coal Company Ltd, (c) Castlebridge Plant Ltd, (d) Game Fisheries Lt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any public loans and grants awarded to (a) Mining (Scotland) Ltd, (b) Scottish Coal Company Ltd, (c) Castlebridge Plant Ltd, (d) Game Fisheries Ltd, (e) Scottish Coal Contracts Ltd and (f) Alba Regeneration and Power; when each such loan and grant was awarded and by which public authority.","AnswerText":"Details of loans and grants provided by the Scottish Executive and the Enterprise Network are as follows:

    (a) Mining (Scotland) Ltd - None

    (b) Scottish Coal Company Ltd

    Date

    Granting Authority

    Grant or Loan

    Amount

    2000-01

    Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley

    Grant towards studies

    £2,500

    Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire

    Grant towards studies

    £6,953

    2001-02

    Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley

    Grant towards studies

    £6,300

    Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire

    Grant towards studies

    £3,578

    Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian

    Grant towards study on Blindwells site

    £25,000

    Scottish Executive

    Freight Facilities Grant

    £9,750,000

    2002-03

    Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian

    Grant towards study on Blindwells site

    £3,299

    Total

    		  

    £9,797,630

    (c) Castlebridge Plant Ltd - None

    (d) Game Fisheries Ltd - None

    (e) Scottish Coal Contracts Ltd - None

    (f) Alba Regeneration Ltd -None

    In the financial year 2001-02 Scottish Coal (Deep Mine) Co Ltd received from Scottish Enterprise Fife payments of £37,260 in respect of the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme.

    Information on other possible sources of public sector support to these companies is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162458,"EventID":"S1W-25914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to expand the role of private medicine within the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to expand the role of private medicine within the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Executive is supporting NHSScotland through investment and reform to ensure that the service is able to deliver services of the quality the public expects. NHSScotland is making use of spare capacity in private hospitals in order to reduce waiting. The National Waiting Times Unit is currently working with NHSScotland to ensure better and more efficient use of existing capacity in NHSScotland and the limited spare capacity in the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162459,"EventID":"S1W-25915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there has been a decline in the numbers of women being recalled early for breast screening from 1993 to 2001 according to Information and Statistics Division KC62 ret","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there has been a decline in the numbers of women being recalled early for breast screening from 1993 to 2001 according to Information and Statistics Division KC62 return.","AnswerText":"The breast screening early recall rate has reduced from 1.2% in 1993 to 0.2% in 2001. This has been achieved by investments in improved technology and in the expertise of screening staff. Image Guided Biopsy, for example, has allowed staff to make definitive diagnosis in a larger number of cases, reducing the number of women required to be placed on early recall. Scotland's recall rate is substantially better than the target rate of less than 1%.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162460,"EventID":"S1W-25916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times since 1999 mobile screening units for breast cancer have visited (a) Dumfries and Galloway, (b) Highland, (c) Lanarkshire, (d) Shetland and (e) Western Is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times since 1999 mobile screening units for breast cancer have visited (a) Dumfries and Galloway, (b) Highland, (c) Lanarkshire, (d) Shetland and (e) Western Isles NHS Board areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Breast Screening Programme invites eligible women for breast screening every three years. Breast screening is provided at either mobile units or static screening centres.

    Mobile Screening Units have visited a number of locations in the following areas since 1999.

    Dumfries and Galloway

    Lockerbie June to August 2000

    Newton Stewart and Stranraer September to October 2000

    Dumfries July to September 2001

    Castle Douglas April to June 2002

    Highland - has a dedicated mobile all year round with the exception of five months every three years when it is used in Western Isles by the same screening centre.

    Lanarkshire - all eligible women are screened on mobiles in Lanarkshire. There is always at least one mobile screening unit operational in Lanarkshire but normally two simultaneously in different localities.

    Shetland - 12 weeks 2001 (all eligible women invited for screening during this period).

    Western Isles - five months every three years. Beginning of May to end August 1999 and mid April to mid August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162461,"EventID":"S1W-25917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many attendance orders under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 were served in each of the past three years, broken down by education authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many attendance orders under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 were served in each of the past three years, broken down by education authority.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for education authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162462,"EventID":"S1W-25918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what the reason is for the rise in the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what the reason is for the rise in the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay by the police and other reporting agencies since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, we are addressing the timeliness of reporting with the police and other reporting agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162463,"EventID":"S1W-25919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what steps it is taking to reduce the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what steps it is taking to reduce the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay by the police and other reporting agencies.","AnswerText":"We are addressing the timeliness of reporting with the police and other reporting agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162464,"EventID":"S1W-25920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what the reason is for the rise in the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what the reason is for the rise in the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay by the procurator fiscal since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"The proportion of these cases is very small, having risen from 205 to 451. There are likely to be a number of factors leading to this, including the need to devote resources to serious cases and other competing pressures on the time of Procurators Fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162465,"EventID":"S1W-25921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what steps it is taking to reduce the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what steps it is taking to reduce the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay by the procurator fiscal.","AnswerText":"We are implementing the recommendations of the recent management review. Additional prosecutors have been recruited and structural changes are being made to improve the management support given to prosecutors.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162466,"EventID":"S1W-25922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what the reason is for the rise in the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" due to a time-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what the reason is for the rise in the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" due to a time-bar under section 136 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, we are addressing the timeliness of reporting with the police and other reporting agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162467,"EventID":"S1W-25923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what steps it is taking to reduce the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, what steps it is taking to reduce the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of a time-bar under section 136 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerText":"We are addressing the timeliness of reporting with the police and other reporting agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162468,"EventID":"S1W-25924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, whether it will list for each agency which sends reports to the procurator fiscal (a) the tot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25069 by Colin Boyd on 29 April 2002, whether it will list for each agency which sends reports to the procurator fiscal (a) the total number of reports sent, (b) the number of cases marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay, (c) the number of cases proceeding to trial and (d) the number of convictions secured in (i) 1998-99, (ii) 1999-00, (iii) 2000-01 and (iv) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162469,"EventID":"S1W-25925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service prioritise cases; whether there is any guidance to staff of these offices on how to prioritise cases, and whether any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service prioritise cases; whether there is any guidance to staff of these offices on how to prioritise cases, and whether any such guidance will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The training received and written guidance held by procurators fiscal identifies particular classes of case as generally requiring priority. These include, for example, cases involving children, cases in which the accused is in custody and cases in which a time bar is approaching. The allocation of priorities as between the several cases which a given member of staff or a given office requires to deal with at a particular time is a matter for professional judgement in light of training and experience and depends on consideration of all of the circumstances of each case.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162470,"EventID":"S1W-25926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service set criteria to indicate which cases should be sent to the district court and which are eligible for an alternativ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service set criteria to indicate which cases should be sent to the district court and which are eligible for an alternative to prosecution and whether any such criteria will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Procurators Fiscal are instructed that cases which may be competently taken in the district court should be taken there unless there is some good reason for prosecuting in the sheriff court or the Lord Advocate directs otherwise. The Lord Advocate has directed that: (a) proceedings should not be taken in the district court for a breach of a Sex Offenders Order, or any offence aggravated by a breach of a Sex Offender Order; (b) proceedings should not be taken in the district court where the prosecutor considers a Non-Harassment Order to be appropriate, and (c) proceeding should not be taken in the district court where the offence is racially aggravated or contrary to section 50A of the Criminal Law (Consolidated) (Scotland) Act 1995. The criteria for the use of alternatives to prosecution are set out in the Prosecution Code which has been published and made available on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service website.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162471,"EventID":"S1W-25927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reason is for the decline in the number and proportion of cases reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service being sent to the district court sinc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reason is for the decline in the number and proportion of cases reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service being sent to the district court since 1997-98.","AnswerText":"The reduction in business in the district court is a consequence of the reduction in the overall number of cases reported to the procurator fiscal, the availability of fiscal fines and other alternatives to prosecution and the shift in the balance of business towards more serious crime.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162472,"EventID":"S1W-25928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the types of costs the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service incur in the event of the adjournment of a trial (a) in advance and (b) on the dat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the types of costs the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service incur in the event of the adjournment of a trial (a) in advance and (b) on the date of the trial.","AnswerText":"The adjournment of a trial on the date of the trial usually involves the payment of expenses to witnesses who have been inconvenienced. The adjournment of a trial at any time means that staff time in preparing for the trial (including administrative staff time in citing witnesses, arranging for productions to be in court and paper handling) has been wasted. The extent of that wasted expense depends on how long before the trial date it is known that there is to be an adjournment.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162473,"EventID":"S1W-25929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22603 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 February 2002, how many adjournments of a criminal trial on the date of trial were granted on the mot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22603 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 February 2002, how many adjournments of a criminal trial on the date of trial were granted on the motion of the procurator fiscal or advocate depute in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162474,"EventID":"S1W-25930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the costs to it and local government of adjournments of a criminal trial on the date of the trial, including the costs associated with the abstra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the costs to it and local government of adjournments of a criminal trial on the date of the trial, including the costs associated with the abstraction from their duties of social workers, fire officers, NHS employees, police officers and civilians.","AnswerText":"We have not attempted to quantify the costs in this manner, as appropriate data is not centrally available. However, we are aware of the disruption and inconvenience caused by adjournments to criminal trials and are keen to see them reduced. We did in fact commission research into the causes of adjournments in sheriff court summary criminal cases in 1999 and the research report was published on 19 July 2001. A summary of the main findings of the research can be found on the Scottish Executive website and the full report on the Scottish Executive Central Research Unit website.

    The reviews being carried out by Lord Bonomy and Sheriff Principal McInnes, of the High Court and summary justice respectively, are focusing on how the criminal justice process might be made more efficient and effective. Both reviews will be making recommendations to reduce the frequency of unnecessary adjournments.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162475,"EventID":"S1W-25931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the number of police abstractions from duty for court appearances.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the number of police abstractions from duty for court appearances.","AnswerText":"Legislation (for example, the Criminal Procedure (Intermediate Diets) (Scotland) Act 1998) to enhance the use and effectiveness of intermediate diets and to reduce the need to lead oral evidence at trial have led to a reduction in such abstractions. A study in 1998, for example, showed that the number of police officers attending court in Scotland on any given day had reduced by more than 41% since 1991. The current reviews of the court system being taken forward under the direction of Lord Bonomy and Sheriff Principal McInnes should also have an impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162476,"EventID":"S1W-25932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have any policy in regard to the citing of police officers to give evidence at trials, and, if so, whether any suc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have any policy in regard to the citing of police officers to give evidence at trials, and, if so, whether any such policy will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"It is, by statute, one of the duties of a police officer to attend any court of law for the purpose of giving evidence. Procurators Fiscal have been instructed in the following terms: "Procurators Fiscal should take steps to ensure that no more witnesses are cited than are necessary to prove a particular case. Procurators Fiscal are therefore urged to examine carefully the question of who should be cited to attend in a particular case, with the aim of ensuring that unnecessary witnesses are not cited. Police witnesses speaking only to a non-reply to caution and charge or to forms raised by the police in terms of the detention provisions of section 14 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 are unlikely to be necessary witnesses. In summary cases Procurators Fiscal should therefore rely where appropriate on the presumption offered by section 280(A) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and should take steps to ensure that such witnesses are not normally cited (or, where they have been cited, countermand them once the position becomes clear). Where there is ample other evidence consideration should also be given to the need to cite both police witnesses speaking to an incriminating reply by an accused. For the avoidance of doubt two police witnesses will of course be required to speak to 'special knowledge' replies".","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162477,"EventID":"S1W-25933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the number of summary criminal trials adjourned in advance of the trial date due to the unavailability of police officers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the number of summary criminal trials adjourned in advance of the trial date due to the unavailability of police officers.","AnswerText":"Police officers inform the procurator fiscal, in the report which they submit, of any dates on which they will not be available. Procurators Fiscal take that information into account in accepting suggested trial diets. Lothian and Borders Police are, with the co-operation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Court Service piloting arrangements for police rostering, leave and availability to be checked immediately before trials are fixed. Early indications are that significant reductions in adjournments are being achieved as a result. Grampian Police are also, with the co-operation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Court Service, piloting a similar process but one based on direct computer access in court. Such measures are designed to ensure that, so far as possible, trial dates are fixed when police officers will be available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162478,"EventID":"S1W-25934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance targets it has set for the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance targets it has set for the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"For the financial year 2002-03 I have set the following targets:

    Aerial Surveillance

    - per cent of hours flown on task

    86%

    - cost per hour flown on task

    £1,320

    Marine surveillance

    - cost per effective patrol day

    £4,233

    - utilisation of available patrol days

    97%

    Sea Fisheries Inspectorate

    - landing declarations by over 10 metre vessels

    checked against actual catches

    47%

    - cost per catch inspection

    £102

    Cases for Prosecution

    -cases for prosecution to be reported within six weeks of offences being detected

    95%

    -cases for prosecution to be reported within eight weeks

    of offences being detected

    98%

    Number of cases where court proceedings were taken or

    a fiscal fine was imposed as a percentage of the cases

    considered by the PFS

    88%

    Efficiency

    - cash-releasing efficiency gain

    1.50%

    These targets take account of expected further improvements in the agency's effectiveness across the range of its activities.

    The Chief Executive will be accountable to me for the agency's achievement against these targets, which will be reported in the agency's annual report.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162479,"EventID":"S1W-25935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 2.3.2 of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, why the site cost is included in the capital and developme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to paragraph 2.3.2 of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, why the site cost is included in the capital and development costs for the public sector comparator.","AnswerText":"The cost of acquiring a site is not included in any option as is made clear in Paragraph 1.3. Actual design and subsequent costs are dependent on the shape and size of site. For the purposes of the Public Sector Comparator, the locationally dependent costs were based on those of the HM Prison Kilmarnock site as a typical brownfield site.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162480,"EventID":"S1W-25936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24826 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 May 2002, in relation to paragraph 2.3.2 of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Review of Scottish Prison Serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24826 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 May 2002, in relation to paragraph 2.3.2 of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, why it considers the annual cost per prisoner place for the public sector comparator comparable with the annual cost per prisoner place shown for HM Prison Kilmarnock, given that the latter does not include the costs of the site.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25935.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162481,"EventID":"S1W-25937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Physical Activity Taskforce has examined the health and physical activity of older women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Physical Activity Taskforce has examined the health and physical activity of older women.","AnswerText":"The Physical Activity Task Force has produced a draft strategy that will be issued for consultation in June 2002. Included within the report are recommendations dealing specifically with the physical activity needs of older adults.

    NHS Board Health Promotion Departments and local authorities are also involved at local level in promoting the specific physical activity needs of older adults.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162482,"EventID":"S1W-25938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many former coal-mining areas are covered by Social Inclusion Partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many former coal-mining areas are covered by Social Inclusion Partnerships.","AnswerText":"The Coalfield Regeneration Trust has defined four coalfield sub regions, namely Fife/Central, Ayrshire, Lothians, and Clydesdale and Strathkelvin.

    There are eight Social Inclusion Partnerships within these sub-regions, these being; (1) Alloa South and East, (2) Falkirk, (3) Fife, (4) Frae Fife, (5) East Ayrshire, (6) Tranent, (7) North Lanarkshire and (8) West Lothian.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162483,"EventID":"S1W-25939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision to employ probationer teachers will affect the employment of current supply teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision to employ probationer teachers will affect the employment of current supply teachers.","AnswerText":"Deployment of staff is a matter for local authorities and information on the use of temporary contracts is not held centrally.

    It is clear from our general discussions with local authorities that a large number of temporary contracts have always come to an end, for a variety of reasons, at the end of the school session. It is also clear that many of these teachers secure work early in the new session as vacancies arise and supply cover needs emerge. We have no reason to expect any change to this pattern.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162484,"EventID":"S1W-25940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of supply teachers are women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of supply teachers are women.","AnswerText":"The last information gathered from the Teacher Census in 1998 recorded that approximately 86% of supply teachers were women.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162485,"EventID":"S1W-25941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking and what funding is provided for raising the awareness of breast cancer and education regarding it in order to promote its early detection amon","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking and what funding is provided for raising the awareness of breast cancer and education regarding it in order to promote its early detection among (a) men and (b) women.","AnswerText":"Health promotion is the responsibility of NHS boards who would be happy to provide information about local activities and campaigns targeted at breast cancer awareness. Contact information for NHS Board Chief Executives is available from Scottish Health on the Web:

    www.show.scot.nhs.uk.

    Similarly, the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) is responsible for matters relating to health education. Contact details for the Chief Executive and wider information on the board's activities is available from the HEBS website:

    www.show.scot.nhs.uk/hebs.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162486,"EventID":"S1W-25942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to reduce the stigma attached to male breast cancer and what counselling services are provided to male sufferers of the disease in the NHS for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to reduce the stigma attached to male breast cancer and what counselling services are provided to male sufferers of the disease in the NHS for this purpose.","AnswerText":"Breast cancer in men is relatively rare, occurring most often in individuals with a family history of female breast cancer. Genetic counselling and advice is available through cancer genetics services provided through Regional Genetics Centres. Referral is normally arranged either through an individual's general practitioner or specialist consultant responsible for treatment and care following diagnosis.

    Similarly to women with breast or other types of cancer, the support of the multi-disciplinary team involved in their treatment and care is available to men with breast cancer. Counselling services for people with cancer offer advice and support individualised to meet the particular needs of the patients referred to them.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162487,"EventID":"S1W-25943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations provide cancer screening services and how many provide such services to (a) women and (b) men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations provide cancer screening services and how many provide such services to (a) women and (b) men.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland provides National Screening Programmes for Breast and Cervical Cancer. The Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50 to 64 for breast screening every three years. Women over 64 can self-refer. The Cervical Screening Programme invites women aged between 20 and 60 for a cervical smear at least once every five years. Details of other organisations which provide cancer screening services are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162488,"EventID":"S1W-25944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities contribute to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority and how much each local authority contributed in the most recent year for which figur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities contribute to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority and how much each local authority contributed in the most recent year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The 12 local authorities that contribute to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority, and the sums contributed in 2001-02 are listed in the following table:

    Constituent Local Authority

    Sum contributed

    2001-02 (£)*

    Argyll and Bute

    353,216

    East Ayrshire

    1,476,863

    East Dunbartonshire

    1,500,863

    East Renfrewshire

    1,210,562

    Glasgow

    8,290,611

    Inverclyde

    1,155,105

    North Ayrshire

    1,823,571

    North Lanarkshire

    4,446,590

    Renfrewshire

    2,403,089

    South Ayrshire

    1,247,442

    South Lanarkshire

    4,141,238

    West Dunbartonshire

    1,287,849

    Total

    29,337,000

    Note:

    * Data supplied by SPT.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162489,"EventID":"S1W-25945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-24585, lodged on 27 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-24585, lodged on 27 March 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24436 on 16 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162490,"EventID":"S1W-25946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-24436, lodged on 25 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-24436, lodged on 25 March 2002.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-24436 was answered on 16 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162491,"EventID":"S1W-25947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-24584, lodged on 27 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-24584, lodged on 27 March 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24436 on 16 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162492,"EventID":"S1W-25948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rent protection will be in place for voluntary organisations leasing commercial properties at a discounted price from Glasgow City Council if these properties transf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rent protection will be in place for voluntary organisations leasing commercial properties at a discounted price from Glasgow City Council if these properties transfer to the Glasgow Housing Association and whether such protection will be legally binding.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-24649 on 13 May 2002, the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) will take over the existing leases of all the commercial properties transferring as part of the housing transfer. The terms of future leases will be a matter for discussion between the GHA and the lessee.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162493,"EventID":"S1W-25949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of compliance with community service orders social work departments consider acceptable before reporting a breach of such an order.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of compliance with community service orders social work departments consider acceptable before reporting a breach of such an order.","AnswerText":"The compliance standards expected are set out in the National Objectives and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System, part 2, Service Standards, Community Service, paragraphs 75 to 100. These standards set out disciplinary procedures in the event of the following specific grounds for non-compliance comprise:

    failure to attend for work;

    lack of punctuality;

    failure to report as required by the Community Service Officer;

    failure to notify a change of address without delay;

    failure to notify a change in employment circumstances without delay, and

    failure to perform work to a satisfactory standard.

    Disciplinary procedures will normally involve giving the offender a chance to explain or rectify the failure and may lead to a formal warning. After a second failure, breach proceedings will normally follow, although a measure of flexibility has been built to allow the development of effective local practice and to reflect the individual circumstances of cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162494,"EventID":"S1W-25950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what business targets it has set for the Scottish Prison Service for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what business targets it has set for the Scottish Prison Service for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have taken the opportunity to review the targets that I set for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) for 2001-02. Many of the targets remain relevant to the business of the service. I have, however, decided to make minor adjustments to some of the targets to better reflect the range of work undertaken by the service on behalf of the public and to ensure that the targets continue to provide detail on the service's performance while driving continual improvement in critical areas of delivery. I have also extended the targets, where applicable, to cover a three-year period to 2005. This will provide a real measure of improved performance over that period.

    In previous years, the service has continued to deliver improved performance in the face of progressively more demanding targets across a range of key indicators. I have therefore continued to tighten a number of targets in order to ensure that the public can remain confident that the SPS remains focused on the maintenance of secure custody and good order while providing proper standards of care and real opportunities for prisoners to address their offending behaviour making a real contribution to a safer Scotland.

    The service has an excellent custodial record which I expect it to continue to deliver on, with the introduction of a new Prisoner Supervision System in April 2002. This has required a change to a more generic security measure, however the new targets set continue to demand improved performance. In terms of good order the service has made excellent progress over the last few years in significantly reducing the number of serious assaults on staff and prisoners. The targets for both will continue to be demanding. However, I have noted the increase in prisoner assaults this year against a particularly difficult target set last year and have therefore adjusted the target with a clear view to the service decreasing the number of assaults progressively over the next three years.

    In line with the SPS commitment to Correctional Excellence, I have set an increasing target for the delivery of both prisoner education and offending behaviour interventions over the next three years. In order to reflect the work carried out in addressing the offending behaviour of shorter term prisoners I have included the completion of SPS Approved Activities within the targets for programmes completed. I have, however, required that increasing proportions of programmes delivered are accredited and that the service continues to deliver a minimum of 700 programmes.

    Misuse of drugs remains a major issue within the community and within prisons and therefore remains a priority for the SPS. Last year I set a target for the number of prisoners clear of in-prison drug use and I have retained that target at 85%. This is a demanding target that needs to balance increased security measures with providing real opportunities for prisoners to change their behaviour and to live in drug-free environments. The target set represents a challenging reduction in detected drug use within prison. We shall initiate a review of MDT and how it is carried out to judge its effectiveness and suitability in light of experience in new technology.

    I have also set efficiency targets for the Scottish Prison Service, measured in terms of the Cost per Prisoner Place. The targets set include a supplementary investment target to make savings of up to £12.5 million in current expenditure to invest in capital in order to fund the building of new houseblocks and to make much needed improvements around the SPS estate.

    The new targets will be challenging for the SPS and the setting of targets for three years will help to drive real improvement in service delivery. Reducing reoffending must be a key aim for any prison service. The targets I have set will contribute to that. I will also be requiring the SPS to publish alongside its targets, the "return to custody" rates for prisoners. Understanding the impact of prison","AnswerDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162495,"EventID":"S1W-25951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its conclusions on the review of the Schools (Scotland) Code.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its conclusions on the review of the Schools (Scotland) Code.","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162496,"EventID":"S1W-25952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been made available to local authorities for the continuing professional development of teachers as part of the implementation of A Teaching Ag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been made available to local authorities for the continuing professional development of teachers as part of the implementation of A Teaching Agreement for the 21st Century.","AnswerText":"The recognition that teachers, like other professionals, need to have access to high quality, relevant continuing professional development (CPD) that allows them to continue to develop and refresh their skills throughout their careers is a cornerstone of the national agreement reached last year between teachers, local authorities and the Scottish Executive.

    Many local authorities are currently developing and providing valuable CPD for teachers. To support this process, the Ministerial Strategy Committee for Continuing Professional Development is developing a set of guiding principles for a number of the key areas in the CPD Framework.

    As part of the continuing implementation of A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century, Scottish ministers are making available an initial tranche of £8 million to local authorities for the development, delivery and support of CPD for teachers.

    If we want the best education for our children then we need to ensure that our teachers are highly skilled and motivated and have the best opportunities to realise their full potential.

    Distribution of £8 Million for Continuing Professional Development 2002-03

    £000

    Aberdeen City

    273

    Aberdeenshire

    388

    Angus

    177

    Argyll and Bute

    140

    Clackmannanshire

    77

    Dumfries and Galloway

    243

    Dundee City

    218

    East Ayrshire

    196

    East Dunbartonshire

    197

    East Lothian

    139

    East Renfrewshire

    165

    Edinburgh, City of

    545

    Eilean Siar

    55

    Falkirk

    216

    Fife

    553

    Glasgow City

    898

    Highland

    366

    Inverclyde

    138

    Midlothian

    134

    Moray

    142

    North Ayrshire

    225

    North Lanarkshire

    541

    Orkney Islands

    		Women Admitted to Mental Illness Hospitals and Psychiatric Units with Alcohol-Related Problems During 2000-01 by Diagnosis.

    Diagnosis

    Number

    Main Diagnosis

    Alcohol dependence

    705

    Alcohol non-dependence

    213

    Alcoholic psychosis

    117

    Secondary Diagnosis

    Alcohol dependence

    104

    Alcohol non-dependence

    128

    Alcoholic psychosis

    16

    Source: Scottish Morbidity Record, SMR04Text of answer.

    Note:

    Alcohol-related conditions are defined using the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD10).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162498,"EventID":"S1W-25954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related deaths there have been in each of the last three years, broken down by gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related deaths there have been in each of the last three years, broken down by gender.","AnswerText":"There is no universally accepted definition of an alcohol-related death. The information given in the following table relates to deaths certified as due to alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic cardiomyopathy and mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol.

    Deaths due to Alcoholic Liver Disease, Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy and Mental and Behavioural Disorders due to Alcohol in 1999-2001 by Gender.
     

    Males

    Females

    Total

    1999

    711

    302

    1,013

    2000

    791

    338

    1,129

    2001

    862

    358

    1,220

    Source: General Register Office for Scotland.

    Notes:

    Alcohol-related conditions are defined using the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 9th and 10th Revisions (ICD9 and ICD10).

    Figures for 2001 are provisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162499,"EventID":"S1W-25955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the development of alcohol services in rural and semi-rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the development of alcohol services in rural and semi-rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems, which was published on 18 January, acknowledges that there are gaps in current alcohol support and treatment services across Scotland. It requires Alcohol Action Teams to assess local needs and develop local strategies by April 2003, ensuring that account is taken of the particular difficulties in providing confidential and accessible services in rural areas. The Executive is developing a framework for alcohol problems services which will assist local areas to assess needs, identify gaps and develop strategies for services accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162500,"EventID":"S1W-25956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to voluntary groups who provide support and treatment to people with alcohol problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to voluntary groups who provide support and treatment to people with alcohol problems.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides core funding of £175,000 for Alcohol Focus Scotland, Scotland's national voluntary organisation on alcohol. Funding for local groups who provide support and treatment services for people with alcohol problems is provided by local authorities and NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162501,"EventID":"S1W-25957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing gender-sensitive approaches to the needs of women with alcohol problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing gender-sensitive approaches to the needs of women with alcohol problems.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems which was published on 18 January 2002, sets out that alcohol problems services should be sensitive to the needs of particular groups, including women. The Executive has recently consulted on a framework for alcohol problems support and treatment services and has consulted with groups who have a specific interest in women with alcohol problems.

    The Health Education Board for Scotland, Alcohol Focus Scotland and the National Association of Alcohol Action Teams held a seminar on women and alcohol in April at which I spoke. One outcome from the seminar was a commitment to establishing a women and alcohol network. The network will provide a vehicle for the development and dissemination of good practice in working with women, including the development of gender-sensitive approaches.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162502,"EventID":"S1W-25958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to provide training for health care staff working in the health service to enable them to identify alcohol-related problems in women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to provide training for health care staff working in the health service to enable them to identify alcohol-related problems in women.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22209 on 6 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162503,"EventID":"S1W-25959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage sustainable public sector funding practices in relation to the voluntary sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to encourage sustainable public sector funding practices in relation to the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the need for long term, sustainable funding for voluntary organisations. To assist in this the Executive, as part of its review of its own direct funding of the voluntary sector, has committed itself to the provision of three-year funding packages where appropriate and three-year finance to local authorities, which should in turn enable them to offer three-year funding to voluntary organisations.

    The Executive has also recognised the need to develop new types of funding and has established Social Investment Scotland. In September 2001, the Executive, in partnership with Scotland's four clearing banks, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Homes, launched the £5 million investment fund to support the development of the social economy. The fund will provide development advice and loan funding for social enterprises unable to access loan finance from traditional sources.

    Following on from its review of direct funding, the Executive is committed to conducting a strategic review of funding for the voluntary sector that will look at how public funding meets the needs of the sector. This review will consider whether it is possible for all funders of the sector to work together to ensure that they are operating in a way that meets their own needs and those of the sector. This review is due to commence in the summer, and discussions on how best to take work forward are taking place with SCVO and COSLA.

    In addition, the Executive is continuing to implement the Scottish Compact and Good Practice Guides, which include advice on best practice in funding of voluntary organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162504,"EventID":"S1W-25960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of Transport Direct is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of Transport Direct is.","AnswerText":"Transport Direct is envisaged as a comprehensive national public transport information service available on the internet, digital TV and public access terminals. It will allow people to plan their journeys and compare routes and prices. It will ultimately cover travel by all modes - air, car, train, taxi, tram, underground, bus, coach, ferry, cycle, walk - and, most importantly, a mixture of these modes.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162505,"EventID":"S1W-25961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the travel line providing integrated travel information will be operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the travel line providing integrated travel information will be operational.","AnswerText":"The basic journey planning information service provided by Traveline Scotland became operational on 3 January 2001. It currently handles in the region of 5,000 calls per week and a series of improvements to the service are planned over the next 10 months to give more pertinent and accurate information to travellers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162506,"EventID":"S1W-25962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector bodies have developed policy statements on volunteering and supporting community action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector bodies have developed policy statements on volunteering and supporting community action.","AnswerText":"Information on how many public agencies have volunteering policy statements is not collected centrally. However, guidance on volunteering policies was issued to the health service in 1998 and 2000 requesting that a policy statement on volunteering in their area be submitted to the Scottish Executive Health Department. Policies have been submitted from all NHS boards and nearly all NHS trusts. Similarly, guidance in volunteering policies for local authorities was issued in 2000 jointly by COSLA and Volunteer Development Scotland and we understand that around two thirds of local authorities currently have specific volunteering policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162507,"EventID":"S1W-25963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it demonstrates support for volunteering and community action in the development of new policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it demonstrates support for volunteering and community action in the development of new policies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Compact commits the Scottish Executive to ensuring that, in the process of policy-making, the impact of changes in policy and procedure on voluntary organisations, volunteering and community groups is considered and taken fully into account. This commitment is supported by a Good Practice Guide, published in June 2000. Implementation of the compact is monitored jointly with the voluntary sector on an annual basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162508,"EventID":"S1W-25964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Active Communities Media Strategy Group last met and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Active Communities Media Strategy Group last met and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Media Strategy Action Group last met on 10 May 2002, when it discussed how to take forward publicity campaigns for the Active Communities Initiative, the themes and messages for these campaigns and how to extend the capacity for volunteering through publicity.

    In addition to the work of the group, the Scottish Executive is promoting the Active Communities Initiative through the publication of a newsletter. The next edition is due to be published in early June, to coincide with Volunteers Week 2002. The newsletter, which like Volunteers Week will focus on volunteering in the arts, will be sent to public, private and voluntary agencies across Scotland. Around 16,000 copies of the newsletter will be distributed.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162509,"EventID":"S1W-25965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote Volunteers' Week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote Volunteers' Week.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has supported Volunteers' Week for a number of years. This year the week will be launched by the First Minister in Glasgow on 7 June. The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport will give the keynote address at the Volunteering in the Arts conference on 8 June and the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning will speak at the "Getting Connected" conference on employer supported volunteering on 13 June. A number of ministers, including Mr Henry and myself, have agreed to participate in volunteering opportunities across Scotland throughout the week.

    In addition, the Executive is providing funding of £10,000 to Volunteer Development Scotland to support the week.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162510,"EventID":"S1W-25966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address any skills shortage currently facing Glasgow's construction industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address any skills shortage currently facing Glasgow's construction industry.","AnswerText":"Research, carried out by the Training and Employment Research Unit at Glasgow University, has identified an emerging skills gap in construction.

    The Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force has established a group to develop a New Deal construction sector pathway in Scotland. Working with the industry this group is focusing on disadvantaged groups and long-term unemployed, and is working to develop short, modular courses which could lead to a full Modern Apprenticeship. The Executive will also work through Future Skills Scotland and Careers Scotland to promote employment and training opportunities in construction.

    The Glasgow Construction Forum was launched on 1 May by Glasgow City Council. The forum will be working with Scottish construction firms primarily on skills issues arising from the housing stock transfer.

    The Housing and Employment Working Group has examined key issues affecting the industry by involving individuals from the construction sector, employment initiatives, the voluntary sector, public sector and trade unions.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162511,"EventID":"S1W-25967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23753 by Iain Gray on 19 March 2002, when the social economy review report will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23753 by Iain Gray on 19 March 2002, when the social economy review report will be published.","AnswerText":"I am in the process of considering the draft of the social economy review and will arrange for publication of the report for consultation in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162512,"EventID":"S1W-25968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to increase the targeting of volunteering initiatives in deprived communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to increase the targeting of volunteering initiatives in deprived communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the national network of Volunteer Centres. Volunteer Centres are one-stop shops where information, advice and support on volunteering opportunities can be obtained by people, irrespective of their background or circumstances. We have increased our investment in the network to £2 million in 2002-03. This is double the funding made available in 2001-02. The additional resources are being distributed to the volunteer centres on the basis of the same formula that applies to our support to local authorities i.e. it takes account of various factors including levels of deprivation.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162513,"EventID":"S1W-25969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the procedures for voluntary organisations when applying to it for funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to reduce bureaucracy and streamline the procedures for voluntary organisations when applying to it for funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive published on 9 May its response to its consultation on the review of direct funding for the voluntary sector. This response details the Executive's plans to reform the arrangements for direct funding of the voluntary sector in Scotland. A number of principles and processes aimed at making it easier for voluntary organisations to apply to the Executive for funding will be adopted. These include:

    • Making available on the Scottish Executive website information on the funding opportunities available and producing a published version annually.
    • Introducing a single core application form for all Scottish Executive funding for the voluntary sector.
    • Introducing standard packages of funding conditions, appropriate to the differing levels of funding.
    • Discussing with the sector the formats in which the funding process may be delivered, seeking to move to electronic delivery for those organisations that want it.

    A copy of the Executive's response to the consultation on the review of direct funding for the voluntary sector is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162514,"EventID":"S1W-25970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what ages drug awareness classes are being held for schoolchildren.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what ages drug awareness classes are being held for schoolchildren.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for development and management of the curriculum, including timing of delivery, rests with education authorities. To assist with this, 5-14 National Guidelines are available which offer a framework setting out attainment targets throughout primary and secondary school.

    The framework for drug education is contained within the Health Education 5-14 National Guidelines. The suggested attainment targets, appropriate to drug awareness, begin in early primary school with simple ways of keeping safe, e.g. safe use of medicines and build through primary and secondary school to looking at harmful substances, their effects on the body and strategies to help decision making on healthy choices surrounding substance misuse. At all points education authorities and schools consider the age, understanding and maturity of the pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162515,"EventID":"S1W-25971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to establishing \"Job-Ready Centres\" for secondary school pupils and further education students providing career and vocational education ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to establishing \"Job-Ready Centres\" for secondary school pupils and further education students providing career and vocational education programmes tailored to local workforce needs and supplementing the existing curriculum.","AnswerText":"Vocational education programmes are already available through further education colleges and Local Enterprise Companies. Additionally, the recently established Careers Scotland provides a one-stop shop for careers advice and guidance to all ages. Careers Scotland is aligned within the two Enterprise Networks alongside Future Skills Scotland and is therefore well placed to understand employment issues at both national and local level. However, our approach to this area will be considered again in the context of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee's forthcoming report on lifelong learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162516,"EventID":"S1W-25972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17791 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 September 2001, whether the elements of restorative justice which appear in various current initiativ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17791 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 September 2001, whether the elements of restorative justice which appear in various current initiatives include restorative cautioning and, if not, whether it is being considered as a future initiative.","AnswerText":"Cautioning is not used as an alternative to prosecution in Scotland. However, a number of mediation and reparation schemes are operating locally as part of the Executive funded national roll out of diversion from prosecution schemes.

    £2 million has been made available to expand mediation and reparation schemes for under 16s across Scotland as part of the Scottish Executive's Action Plan on Youth Crime.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162517,"EventID":"S1W-25973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the costs of buying out the concession to collect tolls on the Skye Bridge; if so, how much such a buyout would cost, and whether a buyout wou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the costs of buying out the concession to collect tolls on the Skye Bridge; if so, how much such a buyout would cost, and whether a buyout would represent best value for money.","AnswerText":"No. It is not the Executive's policy to buy out the concession contract, nor do we have the information necessary to calculate the full costs of so doing.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162518,"EventID":"S1W-25974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Motorola Task Force took into account any impact on benefit entitlement for the users of the task force when formulating action plans, strategies, programmes","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Motorola Task Force took into account any impact on benefit entitlement for the users of the task force when formulating action plans, strategies, programmes and advice.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25902.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162519,"EventID":"S1W-25975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce smoking amongst students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to reduce smoking amongst students.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive regards action to tackle smoking among young people, including students, as a key priority. A range of smoking prevention and cessation measures targeted at young people is being pursued by NHS boards and the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS). HEBS has also been specifically provided with £3.4 million over four years from the Health Improvement Fund to target young people. Activity includes setting up, in association with ASH Scotland, eight pilot smoking cessation schemes for young people. One of the pilots is based in a further education setting.

    To further improve our knowledge of what works in relation to young people, the Scottish Executive's Chief Scientist Office is funding an 18-month research project entitled An Exploration of Smoking Behaviour, Dependence and Attitudes Towards Cessation in the Mid to Late Teens. The study is based at the University of Edinburgh and will begin reporting towards the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162520,"EventID":"S1W-25976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent combating tobacco addiction by each NHS board in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent combating tobacco addiction by each NHS board in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Comprehensive information for each NHS board is not held centrally. Following the launch of Smoking Kills in December 1998, £1million a year for three years (1999-2000 to 2001-02) was allocated to NHS boards for smoking cessation services and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This was in addition to the estimated £1 million a year already being spent by boards.

    Smoking cessation has also been identified as a priority for investment from the £26 million Health Improvement Fund (HIF). Information supplied by NHS boards about HIF expenditure indicates that over £750,000 was allocated in 2000-01 to smoking cessation initiatives.

    Figures are not available centrally for the work by NHS Board Health Promotion Departments to reduce the incidence of smoking through the promotion of healthier lifestyles. Initiatives include: taking part in national and local awareness campaigns; smoking cessation support groups, and mobile units which take the message about healthy lifestyles to the communities that will benefit most.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162521,"EventID":"S1W-25977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) incidence and (b) mortality rate was for male breast cancer both (i) nationally and (ii) in each NHS trust in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) incidence and (b) mortality rate was for male breast cancer both (i) nationally and (ii) in each NHS trust in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The undernoted table sets out (a) the incidence of male breast cancer for the years 1994-98, which is the most recent year for which completed cancer registry data are available, and (b) deaths from male breast cancer in the years 1994-2000, the most recent year for which completed mortality data are available.

    Incidence of and Mortality from Breast Cancer in Scotland in Males, 1994-2000
     

    1994

    1995

    1996

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    Cases

    15

    18

    8

    17

    15

    n/a

    n/a

    Deaths

    3

    5

    10

    7

    5

    7

    6

    Sources: incidence data provided by ISD Scotland; mortality data provided by General Register Office Scotland (GROS).

    Notes:

    1. Breast cancer in males is rare in Scotland with an average of around 15 cases diagnosed per year. Incidence has remained fairly constant over the last 20 years.

    2. The estimates are not broken down to NHS health board level because of the very small numbers. To minimise the risk of any inadvertent breach of confidentiality, it is the policy of ISD to avoid publishing tables with small numbers of cases in any cell which might conceivably be used, along with other information, to identify an individual.

    3. Rates are not presented, again because small numbers of cases are subject to random fluctuation from year to year giving rise to very unstable estimates of risk.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162522,"EventID":"S1W-25978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether many voluntary organisations in Glasgow may face financial ruin if required to pay commercial rents for properties let from Glasgow City Council and whether it ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether many voluntary organisations in Glasgow may face financial ruin if required to pay commercial rents for properties let from Glasgow City Council and whether it can provide any guarantees that voluntary organisations will not be adversely affected following the Glasgow housing stock transfer.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25948.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162523,"EventID":"S1W-25979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund will benefit the people of Midlothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund will benefit the people of Midlothian.","AnswerText":"Midlothian is not part of the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund. Although the Executive recognised that all authorities have disadvantaged communities, in order to maximise the impact of the fund, resources were distributed amongst local authorities with above average proportions of income support recipients and, in the case of rural authorities, those with the highest proportion of income support recipients together with a high level of population dispersal.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162524,"EventID":"S1W-25980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address any increase in the number of deliberate vehicle fires.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to address any increase in the number of deliberate vehicle fires.","AnswerText":"A recent Joint Thematic Inspection carried out by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland and HM Fire Service Inspectorate for Scotland - Fire: Raising the Standard - recommends that forces, brigades and local authorities work together to address the issue of abandoned and stolen motor vehicles, which is the main cause of deliberate vehicle fires. The Scottish Executive intends to seek the views of the Scottish Committee of the Fire Brigades Advisory Council on the establishment of a working group to prepare guidance on this subject.

    A copy of the thematic report is available on the Scottish Executive website at:

    www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/justice/frts-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162525,"EventID":"S1W-25981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will cost each local authority to remove abandoned vehicles in the current year and how much it cost in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will cost each local authority to remove abandoned vehicles in the current year and how much it cost in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162526,"EventID":"S1W-25982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the prisoner involved in the assault of a prison warder at HM Prison Kilmarnock, reported on 15 May 2002, has since been moved to another prison establishment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the prisoner involved in the assault of a prison warder at HM Prison Kilmarnock, reported on 15 May 2002, has since been moved to another prison establishment.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The incident has been referred to the police for investigation. We do not comment on the location of any prisoner, not least when he or she may be the subject of a police investigation.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162527,"EventID":"S1W-25983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the incident at HM Prison Kilmarnock, reported on 15 May 2002, when a prison warder was stabbed in the neck by a prisoner was classed under the key performance in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the incident at HM Prison Kilmarnock, reported on 15 May 2002, when a prison warder was stabbed in the neck by a prisoner was classed under the key performance indicators as a serious assault and, if not, what it was classified as.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    This incident was classed as a serious assault.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162528,"EventID":"S1W-25984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many claims there were against each NHS trust, broken down by NHS board area, for (a) clinical mishaps or accidents, (b) non-clinical mishaps or accidents in each yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many claims there were against each NHS trust, broken down by NHS board area, for (a) clinical mishaps or accidents, (b) non-clinical mishaps or accidents in each year since 1999-2000 and what the total cost of these types of claims was in terms of (i) compensation paid out and (ii) investigating and defending claims.","AnswerText":"This information is in the process of being collated and I will write to the member once it is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162529,"EventID":"S1W-25985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of child poverty is; how many and what percentage of children have officially met this definition in each of the last five years, and how many childre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition of child poverty is; how many and what percentage of children have officially met this definition in each of the last five years, and how many children of school age are currently estimated to be living in poor households, based on the same definition.","AnswerText":"There is no single definition of child poverty.

    Household income is one way of measuring child poverty, but we also understand child poverty in a wider sense focusing on giving all children the best start in life, and, providing appropriate and integrated services for children, in health and education and housing. The Social Justice Annual Report contains six milestones relating to children which describe different aspects of poverty and social exclusion and 20 measures of child income. These are the measures on which we judge our success in tackling child poverty in Scotland.

    Table 1 details the proportion of children below our range of low income household thresholds and cover the latest five years for which data are available. Table 2 provides the same information but includes school age children only. Tables 3 and 4 provide this information in terms of our absolute measurement, 60% of median GB income (after housing costs) taken from our base year of 1996-97.

    Table 1 - Proportion of Children in Low Income Households in Scotland (Relative Measure)1

    50% Mean

    60% Mean

    50% Median

    60% Median

    70% Median

    BHC2

    AHC3

    BHC

    AHC

    BHC

    AHC

    BHC

    AHC

    BHC

    AHC

    1996-97

    29

    34

    41

    43

    15

    21

    29

    34

    39

    42

    1997-98

    29

    32

    40

    41

    14

    21

    28

    30

    38

    40

    1998-99

    28

    31

    39

    41

    14

    23

    26

    30

    35

    37

    1999-2000

    26

    31

    39

    41

    		 Household income is one way of measuring child poverty, but we also understand child poverty in a wider sense focusing on giving all children the best start in life, and providing appropriate and integrated services for children in health, education and housing. In order to have a detailed understanding of children in low-income families we track a number of measurements, as outlined in our Social Justice Annual Report and listed in the answer given to question S1W-25985 today.

    We are committed to improving the school meals service across Scotland by improving nutritional standards, making school meals more attractive to all children and ending stigma attached to receiving free school meals. We are taking steps to ensure that the poorest families are getting maximum benefit from free school meals, from both a health and income perspective.

    The current system of qualification for free school meals is well targeted. In terms of our 60% median absolute measure (after housing costs), 22% of school-age children are in low-income households. Approximately 20% of school-age children in Scotland qualify for a free school meal.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162531,"EventID":"S1W-25987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24073 by Mr Andy Kerr on 7 May 2002, whether it will estimate or give details of the underspend or end-year flexibility related to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24073 by Mr Andy Kerr on 7 May 2002, whether it will estimate or give details of the underspend or end-year flexibility related to its 2001-02 budget.","AnswerText":"We are preparing the Executive's draft accounts and will make an announcement on end-year flexibility before the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162532,"EventID":"S1W-25988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been received by (a) the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland and (b) the Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner and Health Service Omb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been received by (a) the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland and (b) the Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner and Health Service Ombudsman, broken down by (i) parliamentary constituency and (ii) local authority area, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information about the number of complaints that are received, or how many reports have been finalised, by (a) the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland, (b) the Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and (c) the Health Service Commissioner for Scotland, is not held centrally.

    Details of complaints made during the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01 are contained in each office-holder's relevant annual reports, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Equivalent details for the year 2001-02 would be held by each of the relevant offices.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162533,"EventID":"S1W-25989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports have been finalised by (a) the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland and (b) the Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner and Health Service Ombud","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports have been finalised by (a) the Commissioner for Local Administration in Scotland and (b) the Scottish Parliamentary Commissioner and Health Service Ombudsman, broken down by (i) parliamentary constituency and (ii) local authority area, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25988.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162534,"EventID":"S1W-25990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to promote the competition launched by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in conjunction with The Independent, to select three young people between the ag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to promote the competition launched by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in conjunction with The Independent, to select three young people between the ages of 18 and 25 to take part in the European Youth Convention on the Future of Europe in Brussels from 9 to 14 July 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has asked YouthLink to publicise this competition and they have already done so through an electronic mailshot to their members and the Community Education Managers of all local authorities.

    Details of the competition have been placed on the Youth Portal. The portal is Scotland's first national interactive youth website designed by young people for young people, which was launched by the First Minister on 16 May 2002. It is supported by the Executive as part of the OpenScotland.gov initiative.

    We have also encouraged the Scottish Youth Parliament to promote the competition and they have done so through their website and an electronic mail shot to all their members.

    In addition, the competition has been publicised by a press release from the Scotland Office, through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website and the Independent newspaper and website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162535,"EventID":"S1W-25991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ministerial visits there have been to each constituency in the last (a) three, (b) six, (c) nine and (d) 12 months. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ministerial visits there have been to each constituency in the last (a) three, (b) six, (c) nine and (d) 12 months. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. It is Executive practice to write to MSPs to tell them about forthcoming ministerial visits in their constituency and list area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162536,"EventID":"S1W-25992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue any guidelines to ensure that all epilepsy-related deaths are investigated and recorded in line with best practice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue any guidelines to ensure that all epilepsy-related deaths are investigated and recorded in line with best practice.","AnswerText":"The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) is developing clinical standards for post-mortem and organ retention. These standards cover the whole hospital post-mortem process and will therefore apply to any hospital post-mortem examination carried out following an epilepsy-related death.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162537,"EventID":"S1W-25993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had to the response by Her Majesty's Government to the EU Commission's proposed directive on the recognition of professional qualifications (COM(2002) 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had to the response by Her Majesty's Government to the EU Commission's proposed directive on the recognition of professional qualifications (COM(2002) 119 final).","AnswerText":"The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) had the lead role in contributing to the proposed directive from a UK perspective. In fulfilling this role the DfES consulted the devolved administrations.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162538,"EventID":"S1W-25994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many miles of (a) motorway, (b) trunk road and (c) non-trunk road dual carriageway there are in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many miles of (a) motorway, (b) trunk road and (c) non-trunk road dual carriageway there are in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in Tables 5.1 and 5.2 of Scottish Transport Statistics, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 15770).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162539,"EventID":"S1W-25995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish in full a scheme in Scotland similar to the Phoenix Fund which operates in England to encourage entrepreneurship in disadvantaged areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish in full a scheme in Scotland similar to the Phoenix Fund which operates in England to encourage entrepreneurship in disadvantaged areas.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so. The Enterprise Networks already target entrepreneurship in disadvantaged areas through a range of measures - including the holding of Personal Enterprise Shows in such areas. We have also introduced recently a specific Scottish Enterprise Network annual target for the number of business start-up assists from residents in disadvantaged areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162540,"EventID":"S1W-25996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define and give examples of what is meant by \"developments compatible with the petro-chemical industry\" in respect of the current proposed plans for the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define and give examples of what is meant by \"developments compatible with the petro-chemical industry\" in respect of the current proposed plans for the redevelopment of Bo'ness.","AnswerText":"Any decisions on whether or not new development in Bo'ness is compatible with the petro-chemical industry should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the advice of the Health and Safety Executive regarding potential hazards.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162541,"EventID":"S1W-25997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it expects the Registers of Scotland Executive Agency to achieve in the financial year 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it expects the Registers of Scotland Executive Agency to achieve in the financial year 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have set the Registers of Scotland the following key targets for 2002-03 :

    • For the Trading Fund to achieve a return of 6% on net capital employed over the three-year period ending 31 March 2003.
    • To reduce the standard production cost index by 3% by 31 March 2003 from its base at 31 March 2002.
    • To continue the Land Register extension programme, by extending the operation of the Land Register to the counties of Inverness and Nairn as operational areas, and by preparing for the transfer of the Counties of Banff, Moray, Ross and Cromarty, Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney and Zetland on 1 April 2003.
    • To maintain and enhance customer service through retention of the Charter Mark; by increasing customer satisfaction by 10% as regards the accuracy, speed of response and the value for money represented in the delivery of the agency's services, and by processing 96% of all other enquiries in compliance with the Registers of Scotland Customer Service Policy.
    • To achieve recording and registration turnaround times:

    - averaging 15, but not exceeding 25 working days for Sasine Writs;

    - averaging 25, but not exceeding 30 working days for Dealings with Whole, and

    - averaging 105, but not exceeding 125 working days for Domestic First Registrations, 70% of all applications to be completed within 125 working days.

    • To achieve 20,000 chargeable accesses per week to the Registers Direct website by 31 March 2003.
    • To achieve a registration accuracy of at least 98% during 2002-03.

    Achievement of these targets will ensure that homebuyers receive an improved and more efficient service over the coming year. The transfer to the Land Register of Banff, Moray, Ross and Cromarty, Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney and Zetland in April 2003 will complete the transfer of counties from the Register of Sasines to the Land Register.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162542,"EventID":"S1W-25998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been developed within current tourism training strategies to service the genealogy tourism market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives have been developed within current tourism training strategies to service the genealogy tourism market.","AnswerText":"Tourism People is the lead organisation for developing tourism skills. Its national strategy will shortly be circulated to MSPs.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162543,"EventID":"S1W-25999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategies are in place to provide the training requirements to service the genealogy tourism market in the long-term.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategies are in place to provide the training requirements to service the genealogy tourism market in the long-term.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to question S1W-25998.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162544,"EventID":"S1W-26000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to submit a response to Her Majesty's Government's consultation paper, Energy Policy - Key Issues for Consultation, in respect of the impact of future e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to submit a response to Her Majesty's Government's consultation paper, Energy Policy - Key Issues for Consultation, in respect of the impact of future energy policy on enterprise.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to submit a formal response to this paper. The Executive is, however, fully engaged with the inter-departmental process which is taking forward the UK Energy Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162545,"EventID":"S1W-26001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the statistics from the Child Poverty Action Group showing that approximately 80,000 children from low income families are not eligible for free school meals","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the statistics from the Child Poverty Action Group showing that approximately 80,000 children from low income families are not eligible for free school meals, whether the current eligibility criteria for free school meals should be widened and, if so, what specific action it is taking or plans to take in order to increase eligibility across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The current entitlement to free school meals ensures that help is targeted at children from the poorest families under clearly defined and understood criteria. Any extension of eligibility would have significant cost implications.

    We recently established an Expert Panel on School Meals with the remit to provide costed recommendations and a fully developed implementation strategy to establish standards for school meals; to improve the presentation of school meals; to improve general take-up, and to help eliminate any stigma attached to taking free school meals. We have welcomed the panel's recently submitted interim report and authorised the panel to proceed to full consultation on its findings. All issues relating to school meals will be considered by ministers when the expert panel's final report is received.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162546,"EventID":"S1W-26002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used to inform local authorities of new burdens and responsibilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used to inform local authorities of new burdens and responsibilities.","AnswerText":"All local authorities are advised of new policy initiatives and funding allocations through circulars and guidance. Ministers consult COSLA before making any local government finance order.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162547,"EventID":"S1W-26003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used to inform local authorities when new funding is made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used to inform local authorities when new funding is made available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162548,"EventID":"S1W-26004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus Mackay on 11 April 2001, how it defines matters of \"collective importance\" and \"local significance\" an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus Mackay on 11 April 2001, how it defines matters of \"collective importance\" and \"local significance\" and what the reasons are for its position on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive consults COSLA and local authorities on a wide range of issues. Proposals which affect the broad structure, role functions and financing of local authorities generally are more likely to be dealt with, initially, through COSLA whereas a proposal which directly affects some but not all councils will be more specifically targeted. We believe that it is in the interests of a strong partnership between central and local government that local government should speak with one voice and that we should consult through COSLA on matters of collective significance to local government. All local authorities can make representations to the Scottish Executive at any time.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162549,"EventID":"S1W-26005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus MacKay on 11 April 2001, whether it plans to alter its consultation procedures for those local authorities that are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus MacKay on 11 April 2001, whether it plans to alter its consultation procedures for those local authorities that are not members of COSLA and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Ministers are content with the current arrangements whereby consultation on matters of collective local authority interest is carried out through COSLA and with individual councils on matters of local significance, as it has done in the past.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162550,"EventID":"S1W-26006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus MacKay on 11 April 2001, what matters of \"collective importance\" have been communicated directly to those local auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14355 by Angus MacKay on 11 April 2001, what matters of \"collective importance\" have been communicated directly to those local authorities that are not members of COSLA since 1 January 2001.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive communicates with councils on a regular basis, both directly and through COSLA, but the detail of this information is not held centrally and could only be collated at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162551,"EventID":"S1W-26007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used when it is required by statute to consult local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are used when it is required by statute to consult local authorities.","AnswerText":"Where we have a statutory duty to consult, including with local government, appropriate procedures are followed in each case.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162552,"EventID":"S1W-26008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to relocate the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to relocate the headquarters of Scottish Natural Heritage.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22875 on 22 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162553,"EventID":"S1W-26009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the boundaries of Dundee City Council, and, if so, when it plans to announce any such review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the boundaries of Dundee City Council, and, if so, when it plans to announce any such review.","AnswerText":"Dundee City Council has raised the issue of their boundary in the context of the Cities Review. The Cities Review is examining the economic, social and environmental well-being of Scotland's cities. It is not a boundary review. The report of the Cities Review will be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162554,"EventID":"S1W-26010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the outcome of the Cities Review will be presented to the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the outcome of the Cities Review will be presented to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"Later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162555,"EventID":"S1W-26011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the Cities Review team.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the Cities Review team.","AnswerText":"The draft Cities Review Report will be presented to Cabinet before the summer recess.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162556,"EventID":"S1W-26012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cities Review team has considered possible changes to the boundaries of Dundee City Council and, if so, what these changes are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Cities Review team has considered possible changes to the boundaries of Dundee City Council and, if so, what these changes are.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26009.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162557,"EventID":"S1W-26013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Department of Trade and Industry on its recent consultation paper Energy Policy: Key Issues for Consultation relating to (a) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Department of Trade and Industry on its recent consultation paper Energy Policy: Key Issues for Consultation relating to (a) energy efficiency, (b) renewable energy and (c) energy in transport.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1W-26000 on 29 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162558,"EventID":"S1W-26014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a national framework for epilepsy in the light of the recent revised guidelines on information by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Networ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a national framework for epilepsy in the light of the recent revised guidelines on information by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no current plans to introduce a national framework specifically for epilepsy but is working towards the development of managed clinical networks which will help improve services for this condition. The SIGN guidelines, currently being revised, will further inform the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with epilepsy.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162559,"EventID":"S1W-26015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why staff from its Environment and Rural Affairs Department in Inverurie have not yet met my constituent Mr J Hardie as advised in the letter of 27 February 2002 to me fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why staff from its Environment and Rural Affairs Department in Inverurie have not yet met my constituent Mr J Hardie as advised in the letter of 27 February 2002 to me from the Minister for Environment and Rural Development and what actions it will take to address my constituent's concerns without any further delay.","AnswerText":"The issues raised concern the deterioration in vegetation cover on environmentally sensitive land but the cause was not immediately obvious. Detailed investigations were, therefore, required. Officials undertook a site visit on 5 - 6 February and have made other inquiries since then. Their investigations have been completed only recently and a report is being prepared for the responsible Assistant Chief Agricultural Officer. That outcome, and any ensuing action, is a matter between the department and the managers of the land in question. There are issues of confidentiality to consider. Nevertheless, I have asked officials to acknowledge Mr Hardie's contribution to this matter and to let him know as much of the outcome as the limits of confidentiality will allow.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162560,"EventID":"S1W-26016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of its Pathfinders to the Parliament Progress Report have been published and circulated, and how much it cost to publish, print and circulate the document","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of its Pathfinders to the Parliament Progress Report have been published and circulated, and how much it cost to publish, print and circulate the document.","AnswerText":"The total publication costs (including circulation) of the Pathfinders to the Parliament Progress Report were just under £3,000. This figure is based on 1,000 copies of the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162561,"EventID":"S1W-26017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the current level of vacancies for retained fire fighters compares with the figures for 2001, broken down by brigade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the current level of vacancies for retained fire fighters compares with the figures for 2001, broken down by brigade.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:

    Brigade

    2001

    2002 (Current)

    Central Scotland

    21

    18

    Dumfries and Galloway

    21

    4

    Fife

    10

    8

    Grampian

    65

    82

    Highland and Islands

    52

    89

    Lothian and Borders

    10

    5

    Strathclyde

    36

    45

    Tayside

    30

    40

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162562,"EventID":"S1W-26018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Natural Cooking of Scotland initiative is as referred to in objective 3.1 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Natural Cooking of Scotland initiative is as referred to in objective 3.1 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"Natural Cooking of Scotland is an initiative that has been developed in conjunction with food and tourism leaders to raise awareness of the quality and range of Scotland's natural food products and cooking skills. Co-ordinated by Taste of Scotland, Natural Cooking aims to get across to businesses through training and information the important role that fresh local produce and straightforward quality cooking play in developing business and increasing income.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162563,"EventID":"S1W-26019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the private business/public agency group as referred to in objective 1.1 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05 will be established and start meeting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the private business/public agency group as referred to in objective 1.1 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05 will be established and start meeting.","AnswerText":"The group will meet for the first time in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162564,"EventID":"S1W-26020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of \"tourism-related sectors\" as referred to in objective 1.3 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of \"tourism-related sectors\" as referred to in objective 1.3 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"By working together with "tourism-related sectors", such as retail, food and drink, and transport, the Scottish Executive aims to develop a closer relationship between related sectors of the economy to benefit the tourism industry as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162565,"EventID":"S1W-26021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of \"sustainable development strategy for Scotland's product portfolio\", as referred to in objective 2.5 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of \"sustainable development strategy for Scotland's product portfolio\", as referred to in objective 2.5 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05, with specific reference to the business conference centre.","AnswerText":"Scotland's "products portfolio" refers to the products which are key to the overall tourism marketing strategy - including golf, culture, and genealogy. The business conference sector is also one of these priority areas. By anticipating consumer needs and trends, "Sustainable development strategies" enhance these products, ensuring they not only reach the marketplace, but also sustain their presence there in the long term.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162566,"EventID":"S1W-26022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when tourists and visitors to Scotland will be able to access the national transport timetable through VisitScotland's website as referred to in action point 14 of its To","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when tourists and visitors to Scotland will be able to access the national transport timetable through VisitScotland's website as referred to in action point 14 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"The Traveline (National Transport Timetable) website is due to be launched in summer 2002. After the launch, eTourism will look at how best to integrate it into the VisitScotland.com website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162567,"EventID":"S1W-26023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the VisitScotland ambassadors for sport are as referred to in action point 11 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the VisitScotland ambassadors for sport are as referred to in action point 11 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162568,"EventID":"S1W-26024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have utilised VisitScotland's forty Quality Advisors as referred to in action point 12 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have utilised VisitScotland's forty Quality Advisors as referred to in action point 12 of its Tourism Framework for Action 2002-05.","AnswerText":"All businesses registered in the VisitScotland Quality Assurance schemes (approximately 10,000 in total) have had at least one visit from VisitScotland's Quality Advisors.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162569,"EventID":"S1W-26025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether instructions issued to procurators fiscal from the Lord Advocate are binding and whether procurators fiscal can exercise any form of discretion in regard to such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether instructions issued to procurators fiscal from the Lord Advocate are binding and whether procurators fiscal can exercise any form of discretion in regard to such instructions.","AnswerText":"Instructions issued to procurators fiscal by the Lord Advocate are binding, but may allow for the exercise of discretion.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162570,"EventID":"S1W-26026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the Lord Advocate has to instruct that all cases of causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 be taken before the high c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the Lord Advocate has to instruct that all cases of causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 be taken before the high court, detailing the reasons behind its response on the matter.","AnswerText":"Cases involving contraventions of section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (causing death by dangerous driving) must be prosecuted on indictment but the Lord Advocate's power to decide whether proceedings should be in the sheriff court or in the High Court is not restricted.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162571,"EventID":"S1W-26027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to ensure that all cases of causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1973 are taken before the high court, detailing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to ensure that all cases of causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1973 are taken before the high court, detailing the reasons behind its response on the matter.","AnswerText":"Proceedings in respect of cases involving contraventions of section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (causing death by dangerous driving) may be taken on indictment in the sheriff court or the High Court. The selection of the appropriate forum is a matter for the Lord Advocate. Any such decision is taken by the Lord Advocate independently of any other person, including other members of the Scottish Executive, in terms of section 48(5) of the Scotland Act 1998. Such decisions are made having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case under consideration.

    The legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament is set out in the Scotland Act 1998; certain matters relating to road transport, including amendment of the statutory provisions relating to contraventions of section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, are reserved to the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162572,"EventID":"S1W-26028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 were prosecuted in each of the last 12 months, broken down by cases hear","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 were prosecuted in each of the last 12 months, broken down by cases heard in the (a) sheriff court and (b) high court.","AnswerText":"Figures for prosecutions for causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 in 2001 are not yet available. I will write with details once the figures have been collated.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162573,"EventID":"S1W-26029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances a trial for causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1973 would be heard in a court other than the High Court; ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances a trial for causing death by dangerous driving under section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1973 would be heard in a court other than the High Court; whether not hearing such a case in the high court is acceptable, and whether it has any proposals in regard to this matter.","AnswerText":"The decision as to the court in which to prosecute a case involving a contravention of section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (causing death by dangerous driving) is made according to the individual facts and circumstances of the particular case. The general approach to such decision making is set out in the Prosecution Code which is available in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service website:

    www.crownoffice.gov.uk.

    Where solemn proceedings for such an offence are taken in the sheriff court it is competent for a sheriff to remit a conviction to the High Court for sentence.

    The Scottish Executive has no current proposals to legislate in respect of this matter. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26027 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162574,"EventID":"S1W-26030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made, or will make, a sensitivity analysis of any or all PFI/PPP projects in order to examine whether different assumptions on risk allocation would lead t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made, or will make, a sensitivity analysis of any or all PFI/PPP projects in order to examine whether different assumptions on risk allocation would lead to different value for money conclusions.","AnswerText":"Sensitivity testing is a key element of the current methodology for assessing value for money. Detail is given in Treasury Taskforce Technical Note No.5 How to Construct a Public Sector Comparator a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162575,"EventID":"S1W-26031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been (a) invested in and (b) set aside for the central heating installation programme; what cost-benefit analysis was made of this investment package; who co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been (a) invested in and (b) set aside for the central heating installation programme; what cost-benefit analysis was made of this investment package; who conducted any such analysis, and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"£21 million was spent on the programme in 2001-02. The budgets for 2002-03 and 2003-04 are £30 million and £40 million respectively. The budget for the two years 2004-05 and 2005-06 will be announced later in the summer when the Executive publishes its spending plans for that period. Additional resources, which cannot be quantified at present, will come from fuel companies.

    The benefits of installing central heating in dwellings which lack it have long been established. They accrue to the household which receives central heating and to the taxpayer. Warm homes can lead to better health. In particular they can reduce the likelihood of cold and dampness related illnesses and the incidence of excess winter deaths. This in turn reduces demands on the health service. Warm homes are less likely to suffer from condensation dampness and so central heating helps maintain the condition of the housing stock. When central heating is coupled with insulation it can lead to lower energy consumption, hence lower fuel bills. Central heating therefore tackles fuel poverty. Lower energy consumption reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, principally CO2, and so helps combat the threat of climate change.

    Before the central heating programme was introduced our research showed that the households to benefit were mainly on low incomes and so would not have been able to install central heating themselves. The precise benefits, and their extent, will differ between households and cannot easily be quantified on an individual basis. But, taken as a whole, the benefits of the central heating programme are likely to far outweigh the cost.

    We have commissioned research linked to the central heating programme. One project will determine the extent to which beneficiaries of the programme have been taken out of fuel poverty. Another will examine health impacts. Reports on both projects will be published. We will also be publishing an annual report.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162576,"EventID":"S1W-26032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is being provided to support breakfast club initiatives; what cost-benefit analysis has been made of the initiatives; who carried out any such analysis, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is being provided to support breakfast club initiatives; what cost-benefit analysis has been made of the initiatives; who carried out any such analysis, and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"We launched a breakfast services grant of £250,000 in November 2001. However, before issuing funding guidelines, we are conducting a review of breakfast services to establish details on numbers of places and providers, where appropriate demand lies and best use of the funds to support the service. The review is being led by Health Education Board for Scotland and will aim to complete during summer 2002.

    In her answer to S1O-4973 on 28 March 2002, Cathy Jamieson indicated other ways that the Executive is supporting the development of breakfast clubs.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162577,"EventID":"S1W-26033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which PFI/PPP projects it has supported since 1999; what financial assessment was made before agreeing to support each such project, and, specifically, whether it applie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which PFI/PPP projects it has supported since 1999; what financial assessment was made before agreeing to support each such project, and, specifically, whether it applied a discounting rate of 6% against future cash flows when assessing such projects against the cost of traditional procurement.","AnswerText":"The following table details PFI/PPP projects awarded Level Playing Field Support, including the date from which support was or will be provided. Each project was assessed according to the guidance set out by HM Treasury and, where appropriate, a discount rate of 6% as specified by HM Treasury was used.

    Authority

    Project

    Start Date

    Aberdeenshire

    Schools

    Jan-02

    Argyll and Bute

    Waste management

    Apr-01

    Dumfries and Galloway

    Waste management

    Jul-01

    Dundee City

    Baldovie

    Dec-99

    East Renfrewshire

    Schools

    Aug-01

    Edinburgh

    Schools

    Aug-03

    Falkirk

    Schools

    Aug-00

    Fife

    Schools

    Aug-02

    Glasgow

    Schools

    Apr-01

    Highland

    IT

    Apr-99

    Highland

    Schools

    Aug-02

    Moray

    Education IT

    Apr-99

    Perth and Kinross

    Office Accommodation

    Jan-01

    Stirling

    Schools

    Aug-01

    Strathclyde Police

    Training College

    Oct-01

    West Lothian

    Schools

    Oct-02

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162578,"EventID":"S1W-26034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to fund and encourage improvements in the diagnosis and assessment of autistic spectrum disorders, in particular focusing on a multi-agency assess","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to fund and encourage improvements in the diagnosis and assessment of autistic spectrum disorders, in particular focusing on a multi-agency assessment which addresses the holistic needs of every child and adult.","AnswerText":"The importance of multi-agency assessment for pupils with special educational needs is encouraged and promoted in Circular ED 4/96 Children and Young Persons with Special Educational Needs - Assessment and Recording and in the Manual of Good Practice in Special Educational Needs, both of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 4386 and 3984). The Scottish Executive is currently reviewing the assessment and recording process and consultation events are being held to further develop the outline proposals for change, published in February.

    Further improvements in the diagnosis and assessment of autistic spectrum disorders may be proposed by the National Initiative for Autism Screening and Assessment, whose findings will be considered by the Scottish Executive later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162579,"EventID":"S1W-26035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to undertake or commission research into establishing minimum standards for the education of children with autistic spectrum disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to undertake or commission research into establishing minimum standards for the education of children with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to commission research on minimum standards for education of children with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162580,"EventID":"S1W-26036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems are currently in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of a school's work with pupils on the autistic spectrum and whether it will place a copy of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems are currently in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of a school's work with pupils on the autistic spectrum and whether it will place a copy of any monitoring and evaluation information in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of a school's work with children with special educational needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, as part of the cycle of school inspections.

    Inspection reports are published and copies are held in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162581,"EventID":"S1W-26037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the retention of ring-fenced special educational needs budgets to allow funding to be directed at the appropriate provision for children with aut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the retention of ring-fenced special educational needs budgets to allow funding to be directed at the appropriate provision for children with autism. ","AnswerText":"Provision for the education of children with special educational needs, including autism, is currently supported by the Scottish Executive through grant aided expenditure to local authorities. In addition, specific grant allocations are made and I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25859 today, where these specific grant programmes are detailed.

    The Scottish Executive's programme expenditure is being reviewed across the board in the context of 2002 Spending Review but there are no plans at present to end the above specific grants.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162582,"EventID":"S1W-26038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit, train and retain professionals such as speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and occupational therapists in autistic spe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to recruit, train and retain professionals such as speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and occupational therapists in autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of each trust, as the employer, to recruit appropriately and to ensure that individuals have the training required to provide effective patient care.

    Core clinical training for professionals such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists encompasses autistic spectrum disorder. Continuing Professional Development provided locally by trusts for the treatment of specific conditions will differ according to local needs.

    NHS Education for Scotland will bring a strategic multidisciplinary approach to education and training for staff in NHSScotland providing a useful overview in many contexts including autistic spectrum disorders.

    Guidance on family friendly policies including flexible working, childcare, breast-feeding and career breaks has been issued to NHSScotland as part of the new Staff Governance Standard.

    In addition, the Scottish Executive will shortly be issuing a Strategy for the Allied Health Professions which will address recruitment and retention at a strategic level and play into the proposals already announced earlier this year for workforce development.

    With regard to Educational Psychologists the Scottish Executive is increasing both the level of support available to each trainee educational psychologist, and the number of training places available. Scottish Executive support in this area will total over £1 million each year. Trainee educational psychologists cover autism in their training and once in post have opportunities to update their knowledge through Continuing Professional Development.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162583,"EventID":"S1W-26039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement a national training strategy for teachers, classroom assistants and specialist professionals in the awareness and understanding of autism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement a national training strategy for teachers, classroom assistants and specialist professionals in the awareness and understanding of autism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned a Review of Initial Teacher Education and this will report later in the year. The review includes consideration of training matters relating to special educational needs, incorporating autistic spectrum disorder.

    In addition, the Executive is developing a new framework for teachers' Continuous Professional Development which will include specific reference to special educational needs and will reflect the presumption of mainstreaming.

    There is already a wide range of training available specifically on autistic spectrum disorder for all staff and the Executive's Innovation Grants Programme also supports initiatives on raising awareness of the disorder.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162584,"EventID":"S1W-26040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24558 by Mike Watson on 23 April 2002, what action it is taking to enhance the cultural role of cities by ensuring that the nationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24558 by Mike Watson on 23 April 2002, what action it is taking to enhance the cultural role of cities by ensuring that the national art collection is available to all.","AnswerText":"Responding to the need to make the national collections more widely accessible and visible to the public, the National Galleries of Scotland are participating in the development of a scheme to increase lending to smaller museums and galleries around Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162585,"EventID":"S1W-26041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24558 by Mike Watson on 23 April 2002, whether persons bequesting works of art in lieu of inheritance tax may make any recommendati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24558 by Mike Watson on 23 April 2002, whether persons bequesting works of art in lieu of inheritance tax may make any recommendation in respect of where the work will be allocated.","AnswerText":"Yes, an offerer has three choices when bequesting works of art in lieu of inheritance tax.

    Firstly, they may make allocation to a specific institution a condition of the offer. This would be binding on the minister at the time of acceptance of the offer.

    Secondly, the offer can be made with a wish that an item go to a specific institution. While indicating where the offerer would like to see the object go this is not binding on the minister and alternative premises may be chosen if a strong case is made.

    Thirdly, an offer may be made without wish or condition. In such a case the minister is free to choose the most suitable location for the object, based on the expert advice of the Acceptance in Lieu of Tax Panel.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162586,"EventID":"S1W-26042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24558 by Mike Watson on 23 April 2002, whether it will list the members of the panel of expert advisers; how these members were app","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24558 by Mike Watson on 23 April 2002, whether it will list the members of the panel of expert advisers; how these members were appointed, and whether the composition of the panel is intended to be geographically representative of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The members of the Acceptance in Lieu of Tax Panel are appointed on UK-wide basis by Resource, the Government's advisors on museums and galleries. Every effort is made to ensure the panel represents all regions of the UK and currently there is one Scottish representative on the panel, Andrew McIntosh Patrick. The panel is composed as follows:

    Jonathan Scott (Chairman)

    David Barrie

    Mark Fisher MP

    Alistair Lang

    Dr Lindsay Stainton

    Hon. Georgina Stonor

    Andrew McIntosh Patrick

    The Countess of Verulam

    Mrs Angela Weight

    Ms Lucy Wood.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162587,"EventID":"S1W-26043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24558 by Mike Watson on 23 April 2002, what steps are being taken to ensure that the various national art collections are truly nat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24558 by Mike Watson on 23 April 2002, what steps are being taken to ensure that the various national art collections are truly national and accessible to the public.","AnswerText":"The National Galleries of Scotland has a statutory duty to care for, preserve and add to the objects in their collections and to secure that the objects are exhibited to the public.

    Free entry to the National Galleries ensures that the national collection is accessible to all.

    In addition to the main galleries in Edinburgh, the National Galleries also have out-stations around Scotland - Duff House in Banff and Paxton House in the Borders - both of which hold significant works from the national collection.

    Responding to the need to make the national collections more widely accessible and visible to the public, the National Galleries of Scotland are participating in the development of a scheme to increase lending to smaller museums and galleries around Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162588,"EventID":"S1W-26044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call in the planning application for a crematorium to be developed at Greenhall Park, High Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call in the planning application for a crematorium to be developed at Greenhall Park, High Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The planning application for this proposed development has been notified to the Executive and is currently being considered. It would be inappropriate, at this stage, to comment on whether it will be called in for the Scottish ministers' determination.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162589,"EventID":"S1W-26045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or anybody on its behalf has met (a) representatives of the proposed developer or its subsidiary company or companies or (b) any objector to the proposed Whit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or anybody on its behalf has met (a) representatives of the proposed developer or its subsidiary company or companies or (b) any objector to the proposed Whitelees Wind Farm and, if so, when any such meetings took place and who (i) was invited and (ii) attended.","AnswerText":"Officials from Energy Division met with representatives from Scottish Power to discuss the Whitelee proposal on three occasions between November 2001 and May 2002.

    In addition, during this period, Executive officials have attended a public meeting organised by Eaglesham Community Council and met members of the local community.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162590,"EventID":"S1W-26046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22671 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 7 May 2002, what the average time taken to bring a case to trial was in (a) sheriff courts and (b) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22671 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 7 May 2002, what the average time taken to bring a case to trial was in (a) sheriff courts and (b) high courts in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Figures are not available beyond those given in reply to question S1W-22671 and, as regards proceedings on indictment, question S1W-22672 on 15 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162591,"EventID":"S1W-26047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the Joint Ministerial Committee on poverty; when the committee has met, and when its next meeting will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the Joint Ministerial Committee on poverty; when the committee has met, and when its next meeting will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is represented on the Joint Ministerial Committee on poverty by the First Minister and the Minister for Social Justice. The committee has met twice as detailed in the answer given to question S1W-22478 on 12 February 2002. We are not aware of any plans to hold a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on poverty in the immediate future.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162592,"EventID":"S1W-26048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the article in The Sunday Herald of 5 May 2002, when the first \"berry tsar\" will be appointed, what input it will have into the appointment of this person","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the article in The Sunday Herald of 5 May 2002, when the first \"berry tsar\" will be appointed, what input it will have into the appointment of this person and what the exact remit of the post will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has recently agreed to fund the Berry Scotland Project for two years to cover the appointment of a Scientific Co-ordinator. The post will be filled by open competition and has been advertised. Scottish Executive officials participated in drawing up the job description and person specification and, at the invitation of the Berry Team, a representative from the Scottish Executive will sit on the interview panel. The duties of the post-holder will be to:

    • conduct a consultation exercise to review current research and research capacity in relation to berries and key aspects of the food chain (e.g. production, processing, consumption, health) in the UK and review the place of berry production and manufacture in the economy;

    • identify research (and development) capacity within Scotland and help to facilitate funded opportunities for research collaborations with academic and industrial partners;

    • facilitate applications for competitive funding schemes, and

    seek to secure further funding support for Berry Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162593,"EventID":"S1W-26049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS board areas have dedicated stress centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS board areas have dedicated stress centres.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162594,"EventID":"S1W-26050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken on its National Cultural Strategy commitment to work with Glasgow City Council to examine the circumstances of museums and galleries in the city.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken on its National Cultural Strategy commitment to work with Glasgow City Council to examine the circumstances of museums and galleries in the city.","AnswerText":"The National Cultural Strategy recognised the particular position of Glasgow and committed the Executive to work with Glasgow City Council to examine the circumstances of the museums and galleries in the city. Ministers have had a series of meetings with Glasgow City Council to hear their plans for development of the city's museums and galleries and I am pleased to say that the Executive has now awarded one-off funding of £1 million to the Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal Trust and £2 million towards Glasgow's Museums and Galleries Service towards realising its full educational and tourism potential.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162595,"EventID":"S1W-26051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the first phase of the national evaluation of Sure Start Scotland indicates that it is on track to meet its commitments with regard to vulnerable children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the first phase of the national evaluation of Sure Start Scotland indicates that it is on track to meet its commitments with regard to vulnerable children.","AnswerText":"We made a Programme for Government commitment to expand support for families and very young children through family centres and mobile and outreach services, for at least 5,000 additional children by 2002. The findings of the first phase of the Sure Start Scotland evaluation confirm that we have already exceeded this target. Over 9,000 additional children received support in the first year of implementation of Sure Start Scotland (1999-2000). This increased to over 15,000 additional children in the second year (2000-01). During this period over 6,000 additional parents were supported. The figures cover a wide range of provision which vary in intensity, from one-off interventions to sustained support over a long period.

    We are today publishing the summary report of the evaluation, Mapping Sure Start Scotland, and I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20952).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162596,"EventID":"S1W-26052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25090 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 April 2002, what percentage of the total number of European Council working group meetings its offici","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25090 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 April 2002, what percentage of the total number of European Council working group meetings its officials attended in the year to 28 February 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162597,"EventID":"S1W-26053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25090 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 April 2002, in respect of each working group attended by its officials in the year to 28 February 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25090 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 April 2002, in respect of each working group attended by its officials in the year to 28 February 2002, what percentage of that group's meetings they attended.","AnswerText":"We have tried to calculate the percentage of each type of meeting that has been attended by our officials, but this has not been possible due to discrepancies between the information sought and the way in which the EU Council Secretariat calculates the periods covered and defines working groups.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162598,"EventID":"S1W-26054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25090 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 April 2002, whether meetings of one working group held on consecutive days are counted as continued m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25090 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 April 2002, whether meetings of one working group held on consecutive days are counted as continued meetings or as separate meetings.","AnswerText":"Whether the Council working group meetings are determined as continued meetings or separate meetings depends upon the meeting in question. If a meeting runs over two days and deals with the same topic on both days it would be considered to be the same meeting. However, in other cases different meetings on consecutive days come under the same generic topic but could actually be different working groups on each day (or indeed on the same day). These would be considered to be separate meetings.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162599,"EventID":"S1W-26055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for the accreditation of counselling programmes at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for the accreditation of counselling programmes at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    Counselling is a day-to-day function in all Scottish prisons for which there is no programme accreditation. Offending behaviour programmes at HMP Kilmarnock are accredited through the same processes and to the same standards as in any other Scottish prison, viz by the Scottish Prison Service Programme Accreditation Panel, the majority of whom are external to SPS. The Kilmarnock Anger Management Programme received accreditation in 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162600,"EventID":"S1W-26056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock make any payment to the Scottish Prison Service for the accreditation of the counselling programmes they are required to dev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock make any payment to the Scottish Prison Service for the accreditation of the counselling programmes they are required to develop as referred to in Schedule D sections 12.4.1 and 12.4.2 of their contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    No payment is made for accreditation of the offending behaviour programmes described in Schedule D. Counselling is a day-to-day function in all Scottish prisons for which there is no programme accreditation.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162601,"EventID":"S1W-26057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock have carried out so far, as referred to in Schedule D sections 12.4.1 and 12.4.2 of their contract with the Scottish P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock have carried out so far, as referred to in Schedule D sections 12.4.1 and 12.4.2 of their contract with the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    Sections 12.4.1 and 12.4.2 of Schedule D requires the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock to provide offending behaviour programmes based on induction and assessment processes aligned to those employed by SPS. That is being done.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162602,"EventID":"S1W-26058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25236 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, how it reconciles the answer with the evidence given by Michael Crossan, former deputy gover","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25236 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002, how it reconciles the answer with the evidence given by Michael Crossan, former deputy governor of Low Moss to the Justice 1 Committee on 14 May 2002 (Official Report col. 3544), that Eric Murch had prepared the report Constructing the Future.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The Constructing the Future report bore the name of Eric Murch as he was governor of Low Moss at the time, but as stated by Mike Crossan it was prepared in conjunction with the management team at Low Moss.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162603,"EventID":"S1W-26059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the reports prepared for HM Prisons Barlinnie and Peterhead as part of the estates review and submitted to the Scottish Prison Service at the same time as the re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the reports prepared for HM Prisons Barlinnie and Peterhead as part of the estates review and submitted to the Scottish Prison Service at the same time as the report Constructing the Future was submitted will be placed in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre, detailing the reasons behind its response on this matter. ","AnswerText":"refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162604,"EventID":"S1W-26060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under section 2.1(i) for each security category of prisoner for each year of operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    All of the performance points identified in the answer to question S1W-25569 as having related to measure 2.1 (i) were applied on the basis that the breaches occurred in areas to which Category B prisoners had access.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162605,"EventID":"S1W-26061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under section 2.2(a) for each category of assault for each year of operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The answer to question S1W-25569 was based on performance measure points having been applied on the following "level of injury sustained" incidents:

    Year 1: one serious, four minor, 32 no injury.

    Year 2: none serious, five minor, 26 no injury.

    Year 3: one serious, four minor, 30 no injury.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162606,"EventID":"S1W-26062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under section 2.2(b) for each category of assault for each year of operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The answer to question S1W-25569 was based on performance measure points having been applied on the following "level of injury sustained" incidents*:

    Year 1: none serious, six minor, 21 no injury.

    Year 2: none serious, five minor, 39 no injury.

    Year 3: two serious, eleven minor, 65 no injury.

    Note:

    *Points were awarded on the number of assailants and/or prisoners injured in a proven assault.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162607,"EventID":"S1W-26063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under section 2.4(a) showing the number and degree of instances of failure to deliver the required regime activity hours for sentenced prisoners for each year of operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The answer to question S1W-25569 was based on the requirements of performance measure 2.4 (a), as defined in the contract, not having been met on five occasions in the first year of operation but having been met since.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162608,"EventID":"S1W-26064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under section 2.4(b) showing the number and degree of instances of failure to deliver the required sentenced prisoner work hours for each year of operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The answer to question S1W-25569 was based on the requirements of measure 2.4 (b) not having been met on 13 occasions in Year 1; 73 occasions in Year 2, and 35 occasions in Year 3.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162609,"EventID":"S1W-26065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under section 2.4(c) showing the number and degree of instances of failure to deliver the required education hours for each year of operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The answer to question S1W-25569 was based on the requirements of measure 2.4 (c) not having been met on four occasions in Year 1 but having been met since then.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162610,"EventID":"S1W-26066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under section 2.4(d) showing the number and degree of instances of failure to deliver the required structured activity hours for sentenced prisoners for each year of operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The answer given to question S1W-25569 was based on the requirements of measure 2.4 (d) not having been met on nine occasions in Year 1; 25 occasions in Year 2, and 46 occasions in Year 3.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162611,"EventID":"S1W-26067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will provide a breakdown of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under section 2.4(e) showing the number and degree of instances of failure to deliver the required regime activity hours for remand prisoners for each year of operation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The answer to question S1W-25569 was based on the requirements of measure 2.4(e) not having been met on 14 occasions in Year 1 but having been met since then.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162612,"EventID":"S1W-26068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why no breakdown was provided of the performance points accrued by the operating company of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why no breakdown was provided of the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock under sections 2.1(i), 2.2(a), 2.2(b), 2.4(a), 2.4(b), 2.4(c), 2.4(d) and 2.4(e), and whether the answer provided is in accordance with section 1.1(d) of the Scottish Ministerial Code which requires ministers to be as open as possible with the Parliament, detailing the reasons behind its response on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Question S1W-25569 asked for the performance points to be broken down for each heading. The question did not refer to sub-sections and was answered in accordance with section 1.1(d) of the Scottish Ministerial Code.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162613,"EventID":"S1W-26069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what the nature was of the incident of failure to comply with agreed reporting procedures i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what the nature was of the incident of failure to comply with agreed reporting procedures in year three of the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock which resulted in the accrual of performance points to the operator of the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    The answer to question S1W-25569 was based on the requirements of measure 2.2(k) and were applied on the basis that the SPS Controller at HM Prison Kilmarnock was not informed, within the prescribed timescale, about the mislocation of a prisoner within the prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162614,"EventID":"S1W-26070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, how many prisoners were released in error from prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, how many prisoners were released in error from prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last five years, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The information requested is given in the following table:
     

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02

    Aberdeen

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Barlinnie

    3

    2

    2

    0

    1

    Castle Huntly

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Cornton Vale

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    Dumfries

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Edinburgh

    0

    0

    3

    1

    1

    Glenochil

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Greenock

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    Inverness

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Low Moss

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    Noranside

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Perth

    1

    1

    0

    0

    1

    Peterhead

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Polmont

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Shotts

    		","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162615,"EventID":"S1W-26071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-18865 on 12 October 2001, which companies on the short leet (a) did not submit a tender bid and (b) submitted a bid that did not com","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-18865 on 12 October 2001, which companies on the short leet (a) did not submit a tender bid and (b) submitted a bid that did not comply with the tender documentation \tand why each such bid was not compliant.","AnswerText":"Three contractors from the short list of five invited to tender for the MSP block cladding package did not submit bids. Details of non-compliant bids are considered commercially confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162616,"EventID":"S1W-26072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there was an analysis of and report on the tender submitted by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd for work on the MSPs' block by architects and quantity surv","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there was an analysis of and report on the tender submitted by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd for work on the MSPs' block by architects and quantity surveyors on the Holyrood Project Team and whether a copy of any such analysis and/or report will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"All tender bids received for Trade Packages are analysed by the Construction Managers, Design Team and Quantity Surveyors. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that following recommendation by the Construction Manager, the tender bid from Flour City was endorsed by the Design Team and approved by the Holyrood Project Team. The Parliament has received legal advice that documents should not be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre while the SPCB's rights and entitlements are still being evaluated, as they may form part of the productions in any litigation which may follow.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162617,"EventID":"S1W-26073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24972 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether the archiving system of the Scottish Prison Service is adequate if records that hav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24972 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether the archiving system of the Scottish Prison Service is adequate if records that have been archived are not readily available, detailing the reasons behind its response on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    SPS has no formal archive system. We keep such information as is necessary to run the business economically, efficiently and effectively and for audit purposes.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162618,"EventID":"S1W-26074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24974 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, how much the operational costs are of the shared cost of Scottish Prison Service Headquarte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24974 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, how much the operational costs are of the shared cost of Scottish Prison Service Headquarters and the Scottish Prison Service College, showing (a) the total in real cash terms and (b) cashflow over the period of the public sector comparator.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:

    (a)

    (£000)

    		 

    Total

    48,900

    (b)

    Year

    PSC

    Comparison

    (£000)

    1

    0

    2

    0

    3

    1,835

    4

    1,844

    5

    1,853

    6

    1,863

    7

    1,873

    8

    1,882

    9

    1,892

    10

    1,902

    11

    1,912

    12

    1,922

    13

    1,933

    14

    1,943

    15

    1,953

    16

    1,964

    17

    1,975

    18

    1,985

    19

    1,996

    20

    2,007

    21

    2,018

    22

    2,029

    23

    2,041

    24

    2,052

    25

    2,064

    26

    2,075

    27

    2,087

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162619,"EventID":"S1W-26075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24972 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why sensitivity analysis for a real discount rate of 5% for the public sector comparator wa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24972 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why sensitivity analysis for a real discount rate of 5% for the public sector comparator was supplied by PricewaterhouseCoopers in paragraph 2.2.4 of its Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Esates Review, but no equivalent sensitivity analysis was provided for a privately built and operated prison.","AnswerText":"The information is published in the table in paragraph 1.5.3 on page 8 of the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162620,"EventID":"S1W-26076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what the estimated cost of answering the question is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what the estimated cost of answering the question is.","AnswerText":"The Pricewaterhouse Coopers report explains why the information is not available:

    Para 4.2:

    It is clear that it is not possible to construct a detailed financial model of the PPP Private Build Public Operate model with the same degree of confidence in cost estimates as it is for the PPP Private Build Private Operate and PSC options because of the absence of any benchmark data. To have an equivalent level of certainty in such a model, there would need to be a fully worked up definition of how the model would be implemented, stating where the boundaries of risk transfer would lie, with assumptions regarding the private sector's response to the brief.

    Consequently, for the purpose of this initial assessment of the PPP Private Build Public Operate Option, PwC's approach has been:

    (a) to consider in conjunction with SPS the key issues of risk transfer and operational interface involved in implementing a PPP Private Build Public Operate Option and the implications of these for the definition of the PPP Private Build Public Operate Option and for its deliverability;

    (b) to undertake an outline financial assessment of the PPP Private Build Public Operate Option based upon scenario analysis of possible financial outturns relative to the PPP Private Build Private Operate and PSC options.

    Para 4.6.5:

    Unless the PPP Private Build Public Operate option is more fully specified it is not practicable to develop cost estimates which provide significantly more accuracy than the scenarios outlined above.'

    Accordingly, the requested calculation could not be meaningfully undertaken and would involve disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162621,"EventID":"S1W-26077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what the necessary procedure would be in order to make the calculation requested.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what the necessary procedure would be in order to make the calculation requested.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26076 on 10 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162622,"EventID":"S1W-26078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why the cost of answering the question is considered disproportionate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why the cost of answering the question is considered disproportionate.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26076 on 10 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162623,"EventID":"S1W-26079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, how the obligation to secure best value can be fulfilled when it cannot compare the sensiti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, how the obligation to secure best value can be fulfilled when it cannot compare the sensitivity analysis of the public sector comparator detailed in paragraph 2.2.4 of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review with an equivalent model for a privately operated prison. ","AnswerText":"The Pricewaterhouse Coopers report explains why the information is not available:

    Para 4.2:

    It is clear that it is not possible to construct a detailed financial model of the PPP Private Build Public Operate model with the same degree of confidence in cost estimates as it is for the PPP Private Build Private Operate and PSC options because of the absence of any benchmark data. To have an equivalent level of certainty in such a model, there would need to be a fully worked up definition of how the model would be implemented, stating where the boundaries of risk transfer would lie, with assumptions regarding the private sector's response to the brief.

    Consequently, for the purpose of this initial assessment of the PPP Private Build Public Operate Option, PwC's approach has been:

    (a) to consider in conjunction with SPS the key issues of risk transfer and operational interface involved in implementing a PPP Private Build Public Operate Option and the implications of these for the definition of the PPP Private Build Public Operate Option and for its deliverability;

    (b) to undertake an outline financial assessment of the PPP Private Build Public Operate Option based upon scenario analysis of possible financial outturns relative to the PPP Private Build Private Operate and PSC options.

    Para 4.6.5:

    Unless the PPP Private Build Public Operate option is more fully specified it is not practicable to develop cost estimates which provide significantly more accuracy than the scenarios outlined above.

    In addition, the report also concludes in para 4.6.5:

    However, the above analysis demonstrates that any PPP Private Build Public Operate model has a very substantial value for money gap to bridge compared with the PPP Private Build Private Operate option and also a requirement for major changes in the approach to prison operation and staff terms and conditions within SPS to reduce its costs significantly below the PSC. The lowest cost option, Scenario 4, which assumes the possibility of replacing completely the SPS requirements for a prison design together with a 20% reduction in operating costs, will still be significantly more expensive than a PPP Private Build Private Operate option.

    On that basis, the work carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers fulfils the obligation to secure best value.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162624,"EventID":"S1W-26080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24974 and S1W-24975 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why the shared costs of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters and the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24974 and S1W-24975 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why the shared costs of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters and the Scottish Prison Service college added to the operating costs of the public sector comparator in the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review cannot be separated.","AnswerText":"The costs are aggregated in the model used by PricewaterhouseCoopers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162625,"EventID":"S1W-26081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24974 and S1W-24975 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, how the shared costs of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters and the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24974 and S1W-24975 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, how the shared costs of the Scottish Prison Service headquarters and the Scottish Prison Service college which were added to the operating costs of the public sector comparator in the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review were calculated. ","AnswerText":"The costs were calculated by reference to the relevant headquarters and college costs and allocated on the basis of estimated usage of the various support services.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162626,"EventID":"S1W-26082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24980 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why the shared costs of Scottish Prison Service headquarters and the Scottish Prison Servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24980 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, why the shared costs of Scottish Prison Service headquarters and the Scottish Prison Service college have not been added to the cost of a privately built and operated prison.","AnswerText":"The privately built and operated prison would not utilise the headquarters and college support services included in the cost of the public sector prison models.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162627,"EventID":"S1W-26083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25025 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it is under an obligation to follow HM Treasury guidance in the calculation of a pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25025 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it is under an obligation to follow HM Treasury guidance in the calculation of a public sector comparator for a Private Finance Initiative or Public Private Partnership project.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162628,"EventID":"S1W-26084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25029 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what remedy it would employ if the cost to it of a private prison operator failing to compl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25029 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what remedy it would employ if the cost to it of a private prison operator failing to comply with its contract was greater than the price of the contract. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The contract would include a requirement for any such costs to be paid within a defined time period.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162629,"EventID":"S1W-26085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that all parliamentary questions on the Scottish prison Services Estates Review presently outstanding are answered before the end of the consultat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that all parliamentary questions on the Scottish prison Services Estates Review presently outstanding are answered before the end of the consultation period.","AnswerText":"Over 230 parliamentary questions about the Prison Estates Review were received in the period from 21 March 2002 to 24 May 2002. Every effort has been made to answer all these before the end of the consultation period but given the large number this could not be guaranteed. The normal protocols about answering parliamentary questions will apply.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162630,"EventID":"S1W-26086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants have been awarded under its Alternatives to Exclusion Grant Scheme in each year since 1999 and, in respect of each such grant, (a) how much was awarded, (b) t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants have been awarded under its Alternatives to Exclusion Grant Scheme in each year since 1999 and, in respect of each such grant, (a) how much was awarded, (b) to which specific projects the awards was made and (c) what the duration is of the grant assistance.","AnswerText":"Alternatives to exclusion funding since 1999 is as follows:

    Authority

    1999-2000

    (£)

    2000-01

    (£)

    2001-02

    (£)

    Aberdeen City

    175,032

    277,553

    350,065

    Aberdeenshire

    251,052

    401,924

    502,104

    Angus

    113,126

    183,006

    226,250

    Argyll and Bute

    93,133

    149,666

    186,266

    Clackmannanshire

    48,331

    77,638

    96,663

    Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

    38,354

    61,357

    76,709

    Dumfries and Galloway

    156,778

    252,193

    313,557

    Dundee City

    137,800

    218,133

    275,600

    East Ayrshire

    126,487

    200,437

    252,974

    East Dunbartonshire

    128,262

    206,015

    256,523

    East Lothian

    84,089

    137,321

    168,179

    East Renfrewshire

    104,126

    168,714

    208,252

    Edinburgh, City of

    319,854

    515,407

    639,709

    Falkirk

    136,925

    220,012

    273,851

    Fife

    352,406

    565,108

    704,812

    Glasgow City

    487,950

    777,872

    		www.show.scot.nhs.uk/phis.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162632,"EventID":"S1W-26088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19860 by Nicol Stephen on 5 December 2001, whether the update of Circular 2/98 Guidance on Issues Concerning Exclusion from School ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19860 by Nicol Stephen on 5 December 2001, whether the update of Circular 2/98 Guidance on Issues Concerning Exclusion from School has been completed and, if so, whether it will place a copy in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The revision of Circular 2/98 Guidance On Issues Concerning Exclusion From School has been through an initial consultation process. Following further consultation, the final version will be issued at the beginning of the new academic year 2002-03. A copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162633,"EventID":"S1W-26089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19860 by Nicol Stephen on 5 December 2001, which recommendations of the Discipline Task Group have been implemented to date; which ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19860 by Nicol Stephen on 5 December 2001, which recommendations of the Discipline Task Group have been implemented to date; which recommendations have been rejected, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"All of the recommendations of the Discipline Task Group Report were accepted. A timetable for implementation was published in December 2001 in the Joint Action Plan agreed with the COSLA, the Association of Directors of Education and the Association of Directors of Social Work. Recommendations 1, 5, 35 and 36 have been implemented in full by the Scottish Executive. Implementation of the remaining recommendations is in hand.

    The Executive will be contacting local authorities in June 2002 to request information on the progress of those recommendations to be implemented by local authorities and schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162634,"EventID":"S1W-26090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no specific task force has been established for mental health, in line with the other national clinical priority areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no specific task force has been established for mental health, in line with the other national clinical priority areas.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25312 on 7 May 2002. My view remains that the remit, membership and approach of the Mental Health and Well Being Support Group is fit for purpose. However, as part of our commitment to on-going review a Short Life Working Group has been established with representative interests including users of services, support group members, the Mental Welfare Commission, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and the agencies. The group is to review current and alternative approaches for delivering improved and extended mental health care, services and support. The group expects to conclude their considerations this autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162635,"EventID":"S1W-26091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22746 by Nicol Stephen on 19 February 2002, what the outcome was of its enquiries into the progress made by the NHS boards and educ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22746 by Nicol Stephen on 19 February 2002, what the outcome was of its enquiries into the progress made by the NHS boards and education authorities in respect of the guidance on the administration of medicines in schools.","AnswerText":"My officials wrote to Directors of Education on 14 March asking them to complete and return a questionnaire indicating the progress which has been made within their respective areas on the implementation of the guidance on the administration of medicines in schools. The responses are currently being evaluated and a summary will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162636,"EventID":"S1W-26092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date Chessington Computer Centre's contract covering the payment of Executive staff wages and allowances began; on what date the contract was reviewed or re-award","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date Chessington Computer Centre's contract covering the payment of Executive staff wages and allowances began; on what date the contract was reviewed or re-awarded, and whether any date has been set to review these contractual arrangements in the future.","AnswerText":"The current payroll contract between the Scottish Executive and ADP Chessington commenced in April 1998. As with all contracts awarded by the Scottish Executive, they are subject to regular review to ensure best value is achieved. The present payroll contract runs until March 2003 with an option to extend for a further two years up until March 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162637,"EventID":"S1W-26093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who provided administrative support for staff wages and allowances prior to the contract being awarded to Chessington Computer Centre and where information on these wages","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who provided administrative support for staff wages and allowances prior to the contract being awarded to Chessington Computer Centre and where information on these wages and allowances is currently being held.","AnswerText":"Prior to the current payroll contract being awarded to Chessington, administrative support for staff wages and allowances was provided by Scottish Office staff using Chessington's payroll system.

    Where still available, information about wages and allowances from that time is held on the payroll system.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162638,"EventID":"S1W-26094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the provision of a local CCTV system in Grantown-on-Spey and, if so, how such a scheme can be funded; what budget lines are available for the funding ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the provision of a local CCTV system in Grantown-on-Spey and, if so, how such a scheme can be funded; what budget lines are available for the funding of such schemes, and whether its policy on this matter will be reviewed in order to ensure that CCTV schemes are available to towns such as Grantown-on-Spey.","AnswerText":"On 31 October 2001 we announced details of a new community safety award programme to supersede both the CCTV and Community Safety Challenge Competitions. The new scheme gives all local authority-led Community Safety Partnerships a share of £12 million over the next three years for local community safety initiatives. The funding available for 2002-03 is £4 million - £1 million more than the combined annual Challenge Competition awards for previous years. The same sum will also be available to Community Safety Partnerships in 2003-04 and 2004-05. For 2002-03 the Highland Wellbeing Alliance Community Safety Partnership has been allocated a total community safety award of £139,501. A similar sum will be awarded to the partnership in both 2003-04 and 2004-05.

    The programme allows Community Safety Partnerships to secure, for the first time, sustained mainstream funding to be used solely for the purposes of taking forward local priorities identified within their community safety strategies and action plans. Funding can be utilised for both capital and revenue funding including CCTV. Decisions on local community safety priorities are therefore a matter for the local Community Safety Partnership.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162639,"EventID":"S1W-26095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it has and what research it is undertaking in respect of reducing visual pollution from street lighting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it has and what research it is undertaking in respect of reducing visual pollution from street lighting.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is responsible for lighting on motorways and trunk roads whilst the responsibility for lighting on local roads rests with the appropriate local authority.

    Both the Executive and local authorities work to the relevant British Standards for road lighting installation and employ technologies which take full account of advances in efficiency and design. All trunk road lighting schemes are also designed in accordance with the best practice guidance set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. The objective is to provide lighting which achieves night-time road safety objectives whilst minimising adverse environmental impacts and intrusion. All new and replacement trunk road lighting is of a less polluting type which offers superior control of the emitted light, giving a reduction in the amount of light spillage into the night sky.

    The Executive is not currently undertaking any research in respect of reducing visual pollution from street lighting","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162640,"EventID":"S1W-26096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual energy cost is of street lighting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual energy cost is of street lighting.","AnswerText":"The estimated annual energy cost of street lighting on trunk roads is £1.7 million. Lighting costs for local roads are a matter for local roads authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162641,"EventID":"S1W-26097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill will be introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill will be introduced.","AnswerText":"The Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill will be introduced to Parliament tomorrow (6 June). The bill will mark the second stage in the Property Law Reform Programme commenced by the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. It will reform and clarify the law relating to non-feudal conditions and burdens on land which remain following the abolition of the feudal system. The bill, which was originally drafted by the Scottish Law Commission, has been amended in the light of the consultation exercise conducted last summer, and I would like to express my thanks both to the commission and to all who offered an opinion.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162642,"EventID":"S1W-26098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with the European Commission regarding the European Year of Education through Sport 2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with the European Commission regarding the European Year of Education through Sport 2004.","AnswerText":"The proposal for a European Year of Education through Sport has been developed during the Spanish Presidency by the EU Council's Education Committee, which is attended by the European Commission. The Scottish Executive's interests are represented at all meetings of the Education Committee by the UK delegation, which has included an official from the Scottish Executive Education Department on five of the seven meetings of the committee held during the Spanish Presidency. A Proposed Decision will be discussed at the Council of EU Education Ministers on 30 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162643,"EventID":"S1W-26099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is assisting in the establishment of a European area of lifelong learning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is assisting in the establishment of a European area of lifelong learning.","AnswerText":"The establishment of a European area of Lifelong Learning, as the main recommendation in the EU Memorandum on Lifelong Learning, is being driven forward here with a wide-ranging policy programme aimed at creating a culture of Lifelong Learning in Scotland.

    Ground breaking initiatives such as learndirect scotland, Careers Scotland, adult literacy and numeracy and individual learning accounts, have put Scotland ahead of many of our European counterparts.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162644,"EventID":"S1W-26100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that its website is designed to be accessible to disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that its website is designed to be accessible to disabled people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to achieving full compliance with the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Accessibility Initiative standards to ensure that its website is accessible to those with disabilities and a programme of enhancement work is already under way. The Scottish Executive also intends to seek "Bobby" approval - a self-certifying system which provides an indicative assessment of the site's accessibility for users with disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162645,"EventID":"S1W-26101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek to have an assault upon a public transport official during the course of his or her employment viewed as an aggravation of the crime, detailing the r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek to have an assault upon a public transport official during the course of his or her employment viewed as an aggravation of the crime, detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"Individuals who are assaulted in the course of their duties are already treated as the victims of an aggravated assault. Procurators Fiscal treat such assaults as being more serious due to the employment status of the victim. The punishment for assault is not fixed in statute. The penalty imposed will depend on the circumstances of each case including the status of the victim.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162646,"EventID":"S1W-26102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to protect public transport workers from assault and abuse during the course of their employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take to protect public transport workers from assault and abuse during the course of their employment.","AnswerText":"We are awaiting a report from the Scottish Business Crime Centre about crime on buses, which will make recommendations on the way forward, and we will continue to encourage bus operators and the police to deal with incidents of vandalism and assault with the utmost seriousness.

    Additional resources of £25.5 million will also be provided over the next four years to support the development of a national network of effective community-based programmes for persistent offenders and we have recently launched an action programme that identifies measures to reduce youth offending and build a safer Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162647,"EventID":"S1W-26103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether further education in Midlothian and East Lothian is adequately provided for in view of anticipated population growth, detailing the reasons behind its position on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether further education in Midlothian and East Lothian is adequately provided for in view of anticipated population growth, detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Since 1 April 1999, the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) has had responsibility for securing the adequate and efficient provision of further education in Scotland, primarily through the distribution of grant-in-aid funds to colleges in accordance with ministerial policy guidance.

    SFEFC recently completed a supply and demand mapping exercise, which will help the funding council make future strategic decisions on the provision of further education throughout the country.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162648,"EventID":"S1W-26104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people over the age of 75 had to be re-admitted to hospital within 28 days of being discharged (a) nationally and (b) in each NHS Trust, in each of the last fiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people over the age of 75 had to be re-admitted to hospital within 28 days of being discharged (a) nationally and (b) in each NHS Trust, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on and methods of calculating emergency readmission rates has been under consideration by a sub-group of the NHSScotland Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG). A report containing data on emergency re-admissions at all ages will be provided as part of the next Clinical Outcome Indicators Report, scheduled for publication on 16 July 2002. I will write to you thereafter with an age-related analysis of the data.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162649,"EventID":"S1W-26105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken any steps to quantify the impact on jobs of proposed increases in National Insurance contributions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken any steps to quantify the impact on jobs of proposed increases in National Insurance contributions.","AnswerText":"No. The Executive does, however, look at the overall prospects for the Scottish economy, including the labour market, on an on-going basis.

    We are aware of the concerns of some companies regarding the National Insurance changes, but there were an array of measures to encourage enterprise in the budget, including reforms to reduce corporation tax and to reduce the burden of VAT for small businesses. We are confident that the overall impact of the budget is strongly supportive of Scottish enterprises.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162650,"EventID":"S1W-26106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to encourage communities to facilitate the maintenance of law and order by installing CCTV systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to encourage communities to facilitate the maintenance of law and order by installing CCTV systems.","AnswerText":"Over the six years of the CCTV Challenge Competition, 161 CCTV projects have been awarded in excess of £10 million which will result in the installation of over 2,000 cameras.

    On 31 October 2001 we announced details of a new community safety award programme to supersede both the CCTV and Community Safety Challenge Competitions. The new scheme will give all local authority-led Community Safety Partnerships a share of £12 million over the next three years for local community safety initiatives. The funding available for 2002-03 is £4 million - £1 million more than the combined annual Challenge Competition awards for previous years. The same sum will also be available to Community Safety Partnerships in 2003-04 and 2004-05.

    The programme will allow Community Safety Partnerships to secure, for the first time, sustained mainstream funding to be used solely for the purposes of taking forward their community safety agendas. It will allow Community Safety Partnerships to identify local priorities and can be utilised for both capital and revenue funding including CCTV.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162651,"EventID":"S1W-26107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the maritime development potential of the River Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the maritime development potential of the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises that the Scottish economy needs a thriving ports industry. It is keen to work with the industry, on the Clyde and elsewhere, to achieve this within the framework set out in the policy paper Modern Ports: A UK Policy (Bib. number 9874), which was published by the UK Government, the Scottish Executive and the other devolved administrations in November 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162652,"EventID":"S1W-26108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24187 by Ross Finnie on 2 April 2002, what the names are of the other two biomass schemes awarded contracts under the Scottish Rene","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24187 by Ross Finnie on 2 April 2002, what the names are of the other two biomass schemes awarded contracts under the Scottish Renewables Obligation.","AnswerText":"Contracts to develop biomass schemes under the Scottish Renewables Obligation were also awarded to projects in Arran (Borders Biofuels) and Morayhill (Deeside Woodland Products).","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162653,"EventID":"S1W-26109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role and powers it has under section 26 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role and powers it has under section 26 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988.","AnswerText":"The Merchant Shipping Act 1988 was repealed by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The Scottish Executive has no powers under the 1995 Act, which is reserved and the responsibility of the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162654,"EventID":"S1W-26110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a list of days on which the Union flag must be flown was issued to Historic Scotland and other public bodies and what days were on that list.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a list of days on which the Union flag must be flown was issued to Historic Scotland and other public bodies and what days were on that list.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Flag Flying Guidelines were first issued in June 2001, following consultations with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (who were responsible, pre-devolution, for guidance on flags). The Executive's guidelines are revised from time to time to reflect changed circumstances, such as the recent sad deaths of members of the royal family. These guidelines cover all properties under the full control of the Scottish Executive and its agencies. They are freely available to managers of other public buildings, such as local government offices: they reach their own decisions on flag flying on special days.

    Historic Scotland apply the Executive guidelines with some minor modifications to reflect the use of their house flag for marketing and branding purposes and also the presence on certain sites of British Army flag stations. Of the agency's 330 properties, 46 are equipped with flagpoles.

    Since their inception the guidelines have provided for the flying of the Saltire alongside the Union flag on all main Executive buildings and agency sites equipped with two or more flagpoles. The recent change means that Historic Scotland sites with only one pole will also fly the Saltire on St Andrew's Day.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162655,"EventID":"S1W-26111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Government regarding the days on which the Union flag must be flown from public buildings, including those in the car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with Her Majesty's Government regarding the days on which the Union flag must be flown from public buildings, including those in the care of Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26110.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162656,"EventID":"S1W-26112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the Saltire is flown from public buildings on St Andrew's Day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the Saltire is flown from public buildings on St Andrew's Day.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26110.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162657,"EventID":"S1W-26113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle any problems highlighted by the recently published national overview on schi'ophrenia by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to tackle any problems highlighted by the recently published national overview on schi'ophrenia by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Clinical Standards Board overview and published audit tool provide a national framework for service improvement in this very important area of care. The responsibility for improving current provision rests primarily with NHSScotland, supported as necessary by national action on training, information and other organisational and quality compliance issues. The in-year Health Department Performance Assessment arrangements and the on-going reviews by the visiting Mental Health and Well Being Support Group will play their part.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162658,"EventID":"S1W-26114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement a national training programme for multidisciplinary teams in order to ensure that people with schi'ophrenia have access to evidence-based socia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement a national training programme for multidisciplinary teams in order to ensure that people with schi'ophrenia have access to evidence-based social and psychological approaches to care. ","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans for a national training programme for multi-disciplinary teams. Reliance is placed upon the agencies to work together to ensure that the training required and given reflects care and quality of need and the multi-agency and professional dimensions.

    In respect of psychological interventions, the best practice guidance published in October 2001 also placed proper emphasis on the need for joint agencies to set in place recruitment, retention and training policies as part of the local joint commissioning process.

    Further, NHS Education for Scotland will promote a multi-disciplinary approach to the training and education of healthcare staff and co-ordinate and oversee educational support. The aim is to deliver a more strategic approach to the development of multidisciplinary skills by making the necessary links between different professional groups and help underpin new models of working which are crucial to the modernisation of NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162659,"EventID":"S1W-26115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to audit treatment outcomes for schi'ophrenia and, if so, whether the methods employed will include a user perspective.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to audit treatment outcomes for schi'ophrenia and, if so, whether the methods employed will include a user perspective.","AnswerText":"The published Clinical Standards Board for Scotland audit tool includes provisions to cover the very important user dimension. Further, £196,000 has been invested in the Scottish Schizophrenia Outcomes Study by the Clinical Resource and Audit Group. That study, involving all NHS Primary Care Trusts, will run until 2004 and includes the collection of user centred data for people with schizophrenia.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162660,"EventID":"S1W-26116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to initiate a national strategy for the treatment of schi'ophrenia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to initiate a national strategy for the treatment of schi'ophrenia.","AnswerText":"The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland has published their review of schizophrenia services and associated audit tool. Combined they provide an effective national framework for service improvement in this very important area of care. The response by NHSScotland will be set against these benchmark documents and the high standards they promote. The self assessment component for the service providers, the Health Department Performance Assessment arrangements and the on-going reviews by the visiting Mental Health and Well Being Support Group will all play their part in delivering change and improvement in line with the published standards.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162661,"EventID":"S1W-26117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will implement in order to ensure NHS trusts are using standardised guidelines when prescribing anti-psychotic drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will implement in order to ensure NHS trusts are using standardised guidelines when prescribing anti-psychotic drugs.","AnswerText":"The prime responsibility for ensuring that guidelines are implemented and complied with rests with NHSScotland.

    The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) has developed a set of standards for schizophrenia, which includes two relating to the prescription of anti-psychotic medications. The board consulted users of the service, considered all relevant guidance and conducted an extensive review of the research literature when developing these standards. Subsequently, checks for compliance are made by the CSBS during its programme of visits.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162662,"EventID":"S1W-26118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the pay and conditions of university research staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve the pay and conditions of university research staff.","AnswerText":"Pay and conditions for research staff is a matter for institutions to decide in conjunction with employees and their representatives.

    An 8% increase in the funding allocated by the Executive for 2001-02 allowed the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) to increase the unit of core funding by 4%, the first real terms increase in core funding in almost two decades, providing more resources to help address such issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162663,"EventID":"S1W-26119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average time is from GP referral to the first consultation with a neurologist in respect of a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average time is from GP referral to the first consultation with a neurologist in respect of a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Data on waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant is collected at speciality level only.

    The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in Neurology, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, in the year ending 31 December 2001, by NHS board of residence, is given in the table.

    NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-patient Appointment with a Consultant in Neurology, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS Board of Residence. Year Ending 31 December 2001P

    NHS Board

    Median Wait

    Argyll and Clyde

    80 days

    Ayrshire and Arran

    97 days

    Borders

    78 days

    Dumfries and Galloway

    101 days

    Fife

    66 days

    Forth Valley

    70 days

    Grampian

    88 days

    Greater Glasgow

    95 days

    Highland

    59 days

    Lanark

    106 days

    Lothian

    28 days

    Orkney

    120 days

    Shetland

    97 days

    Tayside

    66 days

    Western Isles

    56 days

    Scotland

    69 days

    pProvisional.

    Source: ISD Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162664,"EventID":"S1W-26120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speech therapists there have been in each NHS board area in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speech therapists there have been in each NHS board area in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the latest centrally available data for headcount and whole-time equivalent of speech therapists by NHS board in Scotland:

    Speech Therapists in Scotland by NHS Board at 30 September

    Headcount

    WTE

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001P

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001P

    Scotland

    824

    844

    887

    882

    686.4

    708.1

    744.4

    739.6

    Argyll and Clyde

    62

    62

    62

    66

    52.4

    52.9

    53.7

    56.2

    Ayrshire and Arran

    41

    46

    49

    54

    36.2

    40.2

    41.7

    45.8

    Borders

    18

    18

    19

    20

    15.5

    16.0

    16.7

    17.2

    Dumfries and Galloway

    25

    28

    26

    29

    22.3

    25.5

    22.2

    23.8

    Fife

    63

    46

    67

    50

    49.4

    37.9

    51.6

    40.1

    Forth Valley

    42

    46","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162665,"EventID":"S1W-26121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25552 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 May 2002, on what date each application was lodged in each year from 1990 to date; how many hearings ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25552 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 May 2002, on what date each application was lodged in each year from 1990 to date; how many hearings were held in each year for each such application; how many such hearings were adjourned in each year, and what the reasons were for each such adjournment.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162666,"EventID":"S1W-26122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25553 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 May 2002, what the reasons were for each adjournment of a hearing under the (a) non-statutory Crimina","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25553 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 May 2002, what the reasons were for each adjournment of a hearing under the (a) non-statutory Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and (b) 1996 Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and Appeals Panel. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162667,"EventID":"S1W-26123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered, or will consider, making business advisers available to sub-postmasters in rural and deprived urban areas, on a similar basis to the use of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered, or will consider, making business advisers available to sub-postmasters in rural and deprived urban areas, on a similar basis to the use of the #700,000 spent under the Phoenix Fund for such a scheme in England.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for business support services in Scotland rests largely with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) networks. Access to business advisers for small businesses in Scotland, including sub-postmasters, is already available. It is accessible in the Scottish Enterprise area through the Small Business Gateway and in the HIE area by contacting the Local Enterprise Company (LEC) direct. Dedicated training for subpostmasters on business planning and diversification has been offered in a number of Scottish Enterprise LEC areas, and more is planned in the HIE area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162668,"EventID":"S1W-26124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to develop and the role and functions of sub-post offices in rural and deprived urban areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to develop and the role and functions of sub-post offices in rural and deprived urban areas.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters. The Executive can only assist post offices to achieve devolved purposes.

    The Scottish National Rural Partnership's Report Services in Rural Scotland identified innovative approaches to service provision in rural areas and offered recommendations on how providers, including Consignia, might work with rural communities to identify and achieve their realistic service needs. In response to a recommendation, the Executive is facilitating meetings exploring the possibility of a joint pilot project involving Consignia and other service providers to test the "Community Mall" concept, which, it is envisaged, would improve the economic viability of core services.

    As part of a broad strategy aimed at providing support for communities in deprived urban areas, ministers are currently considering ways in which post offices located in these areas might be assisted. I will provide further details of this initiative shortly.

    The pilot of "Your Guide", a project which may have an impact on post offices including those in rural and deprived urban areas, was undertaken in Leicestershire and Rutland. Its purpose is to provide on a one stop shop basis, access to customers for a range of official transactions, information and advice. This is largely delivered through kiosk based applications supplemented by leaflets, telephone helplines and face to face contact. An interim report has been published and this is being evaluated by Scottish Executive officials. A final report is expected in the near future. The Scottish Executive is continuing to work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry and Consignia in relation to the possibility of a national roll out of the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162669,"EventID":"S1W-26125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that there is a secure environment for sub-postmasters in deprived urban areas where they are liable to threats and assault.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that there is a secure environment for sub-postmasters in deprived urban areas where they are liable to threats and assault.","AnswerText":"Post offices are a reserved issue. However, as part of a broad strategy aimed at providing support for communities in deprived urban areas Scottish ministers are currently considering ways in which post offices located in these areas might be assisted. If financial assistance is offered we will consider whether it could be used to fund improvements to deter violent and other crime. I hope to be able to advise you further on this in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162670,"EventID":"S1W-26126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what figures are available regarding the number of threats, assaults and other criminal activity involving sub-postmasters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what figures are available regarding the number of threats, assaults and other criminal activity involving sub-postmasters.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162671,"EventID":"S1W-26127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend the 50% rates relief scheme available to post offices in rural areas to those in deprived urban areas and which local authorities curr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to extend the 50% rates relief scheme available to post offices in rural areas to those in deprived urban areas and which local authorities currently operate an additional 50% relief scheme for post offices in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to extend the scope of the existing rural (village shop) rate relief scheme to post offices in deprived urban areas. Post offices in deprived urban areas may be eligible for rate relief under the small business rate relief scheme announced by Andy Kerr on 11 December 2001.

    The level of discretionary rate relief granted by local authorities under the rural (village shop) scheme is entirely a matter for each local authority. Information on the level of discretionary rate relief granted specifically to post offices by each local authority is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162672,"EventID":"S1W-26128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to (a) ensure that the rules and applications for 50% rates relief for rural post offices are uniformly applied across Scotland and (b) establish a uni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to (a) ensure that the rules and applications for 50% rates relief for rural post offices are uniformly applied across Scotland and (b) establish a uniform definition of what constitutes a rural post office for the purposes of the scheme.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for interpreting the legislative framework within which local authorities are required to operate rests with the individual authority and subsequently, where a ratepayer disagrees with that interpretation, the Courts.

    The Non Domestic Rating (Rural Areas and Rateable Values Limits) (Scotland) Order 1997 designates rural areas for the purposes of the rural (village shop) rate relief scheme. The method used is based on the General Register Office for Scotland post code method of urban/rural classification.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162673,"EventID":"S1W-26129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the revised guidance issued to Historic Scotland on the flying of the Saltire on St. Andrew's Day will include the flying of the Saltire from Edinburgh Castle in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the revised guidance issued to Historic Scotland on the flying of the Saltire on St. Andrew's Day will include the flying of the Saltire from Edinburgh Castle in substitution for the Union flag, given that the castle is run by Historic Scotland on its behalf.","AnswerText":"No revision is required for flag flying at Edinburgh Castle. The Saltire is flown every day at the Half Moon Battery within Edinburgh Castle by Historic Scotland. The Union flag is flown every day at the Clock Tower by the army. Historic Scotland's house flag is flown daily at the gatehouse. The Saltire is not substituted by the Union flag at any time throughout the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162674,"EventID":"S1W-26130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any steps can be taken to ensure that judgements are based on the evidence available to the court in light of the case at Haddington Sheriff Court involving Mr W","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any steps can be taken to ensure that judgements are based on the evidence available to the court in light of the case at Haddington Sheriff Court involving Mr William Bayley.","AnswerText":"The Judiciary are independent of Ministers and it is not open to the Scottish Executive to intervene in the conduct of cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162675,"EventID":"S1W-26131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to waive prescription charges for people with chronic disabling illnesses such as Parkinson's disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to waive prescription charges for people with chronic disabling illnesses such as Parkinson's disease.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162676,"EventID":"S1W-26132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Report of the Legal Advice and Information Provision in Scotland Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Report of the Legal Advice and Information Provision in Scotland Working Group.","AnswerText":"I am announcing today the Executive's initial response to the Report of the Legal Advice and Information Provision in Scotland Working Group. I very much value the work carried out by the working group and broadly agree with the key issues and their proposals for the immediate way forward. I am therefore launching a practical programme of development work which picks up on many of the recommendations made by the group. This should provide the information which the Executive requires to take strategic decisions on the provision of legal advice services with the ultimate aim of improving access to justice, by creating a more joined-up, quality-assured network of advice, information and help for the people of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162677,"EventID":"S1W-26133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what upper limit it places on the waiting time for a first assessment at consultant level for patients with an eating disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what upper limit it places on the waiting time for a first assessment at consultant level for patients with an eating disorder.","AnswerText":"No upper limit has been set but our work on waiting is founded on bringing down the longest waits.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162678,"EventID":"S1W-26134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided for eating disorder services and what specific sums have been allocated to each NHS board in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided for eating disorder services and what specific sums have been allocated to each NHS board in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"No separate financial allocations are made for eating disorder services within the funds allocated each year to NHSScotland. It is for each NHS board to agree the level of investment to make in consideration of assessed local needs and following the guidance which was issued in October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162679,"EventID":"S1W-26135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will facilitate the establishment of a dedicated eating disorder centre in every NHS board area which will provide residential as well as out-patient services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will facilitate the establishment of a dedicated eating disorder centre in every NHS board area which will provide residential as well as out-patient services.","AnswerText":"The health department published guidance in October 2001 on the provision of eating disorder services. At that time, NHS boards were asked to assess the needs of their local population for all aspects of eating disorder services, including in-patient care. It is for NHS boards to consider what provision best suits the assessed needs of their area, in collaboration with neighbouring boards where appropriate. A number of NHS boards are currently reviewing their services in this regard.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162680,"EventID":"S1W-26136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether eating disorders are a major and growing condition and what level of priority it gives to such disorders in the planning of resource allocation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether eating disorders are a major and growing condition and what level of priority it gives to such disorders in the planning of resource allocation.","AnswerText":"Nationally there is evidence of an increased incidence and prevalence of eating disorders. However, this may, in part, result from greater awareness of the condition.

    In terms of resource allocation, it is for each NHS board to consider the most appropriate response in terms of investment, following the guidance which was issued in October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162681,"EventID":"S1W-26137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to eliminate any growing financial deficits in universities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to eliminate any growing financial deficits in universities.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the financial health of higher education Institutions lies primarily with the management of those institutions. Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) is responsible for monitoring and funding them.

    Funding for the SHEFC in 2002-03 is £699 million, consolidating the 8% (5.6% in real terms) increase which SHEFC received in 2001-02. An additional £108 million is being invested in the sector between 2001-02 and 2003-04.

    Over the life of the Parliament this represents a real terms increase of 6% in the funds made available to the sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162682,"EventID":"S1W-26138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund employers who provide approved apprenticeships at the same level as funding that follows students to further education colleges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund employers who provide approved apprenticeships at the same level as funding that follows students to further education colleges.","AnswerText":"The funding generally reflects the differences between work-based and college-based training. Detailed funding is an operational matter for the enterprise networks and for the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162683,"EventID":"S1W-26139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address any lack of qualified central heating technicians in order to complete the central heating initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address any lack of qualified central heating technicians in order to complete the central heating initiative.","AnswerText":"Eaga currently have a sufficient number of sub-contractors working under the central heating programme which enabled them to meet their target of installing 3,550 central heating systems in 2001-02. The nature of the programme is itself encouraging new entrants to take up jobs in the industry but Eaga will, if necessary, participate in recognised training and apprenticeship schemes to attract new trainees and encourage those who left the industry to come back.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162684,"EventID":"S1W-26140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in the development of sector training councils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in the development of sector training councils.","AnswerText":"Sector Skills Councils are being developed by employers as UK-wide organisations, with support from a new UK-wide Sector Skills Development Agency. They will replace the former National Training Organisations and will be licensed jointly by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and the Lifelong Learning Ministers in the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive will be fully involved in the licensing process to ensure that the interests of Scottish employment sectors are covered.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162685,"EventID":"S1W-26141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alleviate any potential increase in council tax charges to make up for the rise in National Insurance contributions by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alleviate any potential increase in council tax charges to make up for the rise in National Insurance contributions by local authorities.","AnswerText":"As part of the Spending Review 2002, we are looking with COSLA at the future funding requirements for local government, taking into account all relevant cost pressures. We will announce the outcome of the Spending Review, including local government allocations for the next three years, later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162686,"EventID":"S1W-26142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11266 by Nicol Stephen on 11 December 2000, whether, in the context of the on-going review of adoption and fostering, any considera","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11266 by Nicol Stephen on 11 December 2000, whether, in the context of the on-going review of adoption and fostering, any consideration is being given to amending regulation 12 of the Children (Scotland) Regulations 1996.","AnswerText":"As indicated in answer to question S1W-25630 on 20 May 2002, the precise remit of phase two of the review has yet to be decided, but it is intended that it will cover a range of legal and policy issues in relation to fostering.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162687,"EventID":"S1W-26143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school days were lost by pupils absent due to (a) sickness and (b) respiratory illness in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school days were lost by pupils absent due to (a) sickness and (b) respiratory illness in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive collects statistical returns on levels of authorised and unauthorised absence in Scotland's schools from local authorities. However, the more specific information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162688,"EventID":"S1W-26144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24801 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 May 2002, what the nature is of the contamination causing the suspension of the further development o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24801 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 May 2002, what the nature is of the contamination causing the suspension of the further development of the A75 Chapelton to Bush o' Bield scheme.","AnswerText":"I shall reply to the member as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162689,"EventID":"S1W-26145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24436 by Ms Margaret Curran on 16 May 2002, what issues in respect of Glasgow City Council's housing stock transfer in relation to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24436 by Ms Margaret Curran on 16 May 2002, what issues in respect of Glasgow City Council's housing stock transfer in relation to compliance with EU laws are under investigation and what the nature of the investigation is.","AnswerText":"A number of implied challenges have been made suggesting that the Glasgow housing transfer will not comply with competition or procurement law. The investigation involves ascertaining all of the potentially relevant facts and relevant law and consideration of whether these may have any substance.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162690,"EventID":"S1W-26146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24436 by Ms Margaret Curran on 16 May 2002, when the investigation into the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock transf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24436 by Ms Margaret Curran on 16 May 2002, when the investigation into the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock transfer in relation to compliance with EU laws will be completed; whether this investigation will affect the timescale for the transfer, and what impact the investigation will have generally.","AnswerText":"It is not possible at this stage to give a specific indication, either when the investigation will be complete or what the possible consequences might be.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162691,"EventID":"S1W-26147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its staff will receive any additional payments, allowances or time off in lieu for any hours worked on 31 May, 3 June and 4 June 2002, detailing any enhanced paym","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its staff will receive any additional payments, allowances or time off in lieu for any hours worked on 31 May, 3 June and 4 June 2002, detailing any enhanced payments, allowances or time off arrangements and the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The holiday on 31 May is in recognition of the Queen's Official Birthday. The holidays on 3 and 4 June are bank holidays - the former is to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee, and the latter is the spring bank holiday which, this year has been moved from 27 May. Taken with the intervening weekend they will allow Scottish Executive staff a five-day celebration for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

    Traditionally the Scottish Executive has regarded the holiday to mark the Queen's Official Birthday as a privilege holiday, and the spring bank holiday as a public holiday. In accordance with the discretion available to employers, the Scottish Executive has decided that the new holiday on 3 June should be regarded as a privilege holiday.

    In accordance with long standing arrangements, staff who are required to work on a public holiday will, in addition to their basic salary, receive a payment at plain time rate for their hours of attendance. Whenever possible, time off in lieu will also be granted equal to the hours worked on the holiday. When time off in lieu cannot be granted, an additional payment for the hours worked will be made at plain time rate.

    Staff required to work on a privilege holiday may be allowed an alternative holiday. If an alternative holiday cannot be granted, payment at plain time can be made at management discretion.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162692,"EventID":"S1W-26148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24525 by Allan Wilson on 18 April 2002, what it means by \"as soon as possible\" in respect of publishing a draft Nature Conservation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24525 by Allan Wilson on 18 April 2002, what it means by \"as soon as possible\" in respect of publishing a draft Nature Conservation Bill.","AnswerText":"As the First Minister announced on 30 May, we intend to publish a draft Nature Conservation Bill by March 2003. We will also bring forward amendments to the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, in order to implement our proposals on custodial sentences and enhanced powers of arrest ahead of the main bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162693,"EventID":"S1W-26149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the basic public services listed in the annex to the European Commission communication, e-Europe 2002: Impact and Priorities, fall within its responsibilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the basic public services listed in the annex to the European Commission communication, e-Europe 2002: Impact and Priorities, fall within its responsibilities.","AnswerText":"The public services listed in the annex to the European Commission communication, e-Europe 2002: Impact and Priorities which fall within the Scottish Executive's responsibilities are as follows:

    Application for building permissions (planning and building control)

    Declaration to the police (e.g. in case of theft)

    Certificates (birth, marriage): request and delivery

    Health related services (e.g. interactive advice on the availability of services in different hospitals; appointments for hospitals)

    Submission of data to statistical offices

    Environment-related permits (incl. reporting)

    Public procurement

    Local authorities have statutory responsibility for public libraries. Enrolment in higher education/university is, in Scotland, the responsibility of the universities and colleges themselves. There is no compulsory requirement in the UK to notify central government of a change of address, and the UK is not therefore measured against this target. These services therefore do not feature in the above list.

    All other services on the list are reserved with the exception of \"Job search services by labour offices\" which is reserved, subject to some exceptions. The exceptions are specified in section H3 of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162694,"EventID":"S1W-26150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the next annual progress report on the Scottish National Grid for Learning strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the next annual progress report on the Scottish National Grid for Learning strategy.","AnswerText":"We plan to publish the next progress report by autumn 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162695,"EventID":"S1W-26151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Schools Digital Network will be up and running.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Schools Digital Network will be up and running.","AnswerText":"The Executive aims to conclude the process of consultation with local authorities and other stakeholders during the summer 2002 and intends to place an OJEC advert for the Scottish Schools Digital Network during the second half of 2002. We aim to have a point of presence for the national schools interconnect and initial Intranet services available in every education authority by the end of 2004, with further development of the intranet services continuing beyond that point.

    Connections to individual schools from the interconnect will be taken forward as part of the overall Executive broadband strategy, informed by the pathfinder projects currently being developed in Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162696,"EventID":"S1W-26152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is taken by Scottish Enterprise to attract talented individuals from abroad; how it ascertains whether such individuals stay in Scotland, and how it measures ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is taken by Scottish Enterprise to attract talented individuals from abroad; how it ascertains whether such individuals stay in Scotland, and how it measures any impact on the economy of their retention.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. Information on action being taken is contained in its operating plan for 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162697,"EventID":"S1W-26153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives in its education budget to providing sprung flooring for school halls and gymnasiums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives in its education budget to providing sprung flooring for school halls and gymnasiums.","AnswerText":"The annual allocation to local authorities of consent to incur capital expenditure is a general consent for expenditure on their non-housing capital programmes, including education. The consent is distributed amongst authorities on the basis of a formula agreed with COSLA, and is neither programme nor project specific. Within that framework, it is for the authorities to specify the materials to be used for particular school building projects and purposes.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162698,"EventID":"S1W-26154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in replacing old linear accelerators and when it expects to see a reduction in the waiting times for radiotherapy treatment of cancer as a res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in replacing old linear accelerators and when it expects to see a reduction in the waiting times for radiotherapy treatment of cancer as a result.","AnswerText":"The radiotherapy equipment modernisation programme has been agreed through a steering group, comprising NHSScotland physicists and oncologists who deliver the services, to determine immediate and longer-term equipment requirements. The programme has maintained steady progress over the last three years in replacing old, out of date linear accelerators and related equipment in all five of Scotland's cancer centres. The table sets out the current position:

    Centre

    No. of Linear Accelerators

    Replaced/Being Replaced/Being Commissioned

    Glasgow

    8

    1 replacement

    4 additional

    Edinburgh

    5

    4 replacement

    Dundee

    2

    2 replacement

    Aberdeen

    2

    2 replacement

    Inverness

    1

    1 replacement

    Long lead times are experienced in the planning, building works (if necessary) installation and commissioning of linear accelerators and associated equipment.

    A further wave of central purchasing (Wave 4) is currently being planned that, subject to the required investment appraisal process by NHS boards, will see a further six machines being commissioned. Two of these would be replacements and four additional to current numbers.

    Waiting times for radiotherapy treatment in Glasgow have fallen from eight weeks to approximately four weeks. In other centres the position is currently fluctuating as replacement equipment installation and commissioning can mean longer waiting times over a period of months. Waiting times in other centres are currently four to six weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162699,"EventID":"S1W-26155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21235 by Nicol Stephen on 16 January 2002, whether the meeting with senior BBC representatives has now taken place and, if so, what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21235 by Nicol Stephen on 16 January 2002, whether the meeting with senior BBC representatives has now taken place and, if so, what the outcomes of the meeting were.","AnswerText":"Nicol Stephen met representatives of the BBC on 6 June 2002. BBC representatives outlined its proposal to develop and roll out the Digital Curriculum and indicated to the minister that the proposal was currently the subject of a consultation by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It was agreed that there would be further discussion once a decision had been reached by DCMS.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162700,"EventID":"S1W-26156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring arrangements are in place in order to determine how successful the creation of Careers Scotland will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring arrangements are in place in order to determine how successful the creation of Careers Scotland will be.","AnswerText":"The Executive has set a series of targets for the new body and a timetable for their achievement. My officials will be meeting Careers Scotland directors regularly to discuss progress towards delivery, and the Joint Supervisory Group that oversees Careers Scotland will also consider reports on performance.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162701,"EventID":"S1W-26157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21239 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 January 2002, whether the Memorandum of Understanding between Scottish UfI Ltd and the National G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21239 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 16 January 2002, whether the Memorandum of Understanding between Scottish UfI Ltd and the National Grid for Learning has now been finalised.","AnswerText":"The National Grid for Learning and Scottish UfI Ltd are in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162702,"EventID":"S1W-26158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to safeguard clients of home care services in relation to health and safety issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to safeguard clients of home care services in relation to health and safety issues.","AnswerText":"The intention is that care at home services will be regulated by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care from next year; and inspected against regulations and the National Care Standards developed and published by the Scottish ministers.

    Health and safety is a reserved matter. However, the commission will expect care service providers to demonstrate that they are complying with all appropriate legislation, including health and safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162703,"EventID":"S1W-26159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional funding available to tackle wildlife crime in remote areas given the logistical difficulties in policing such areas. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make additional funding available to tackle wildlife crime in remote areas given the logistical difficulties in policing such areas. ","AnswerText":"Budget proposals submitted via the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland for 2002-03 were met in full in the funding settlement. As a result, the level of funding provided to forces is now at record levels. It is an operational matter for chief constables to determine how they use the funding at their disposal to meet local needs and priorities within their areas. In April 2002, the National Criminal Intelligence Service established a national wildlife crime intelligence unit to work with forces in Scotland as well as elsewhere in the UK specifically to target those whose business is organised wildlife crime.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162704,"EventID":"S1W-26160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25832 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 May 2002, whether staff requiring to make mortgage repayments after the age of 60, where it or the form","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25832 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 May 2002, whether staff requiring to make mortgage repayments after the age of 60, where it or the former Scottish Office provided financial information and employment status to the lender, will meet the criteria for retention on a year-on-year basis, detailing the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Yes, provided their performance, conduct and attendance has been satisfactory and there is a post available. This is applicable to all staff for whom the Executive has delegated authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162705,"EventID":"S1W-26161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25832 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 May 2002, how many staff over the age of 60 have been employed on a year-by-year basis in each of the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25832 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 May 2002, how many staff over the age of 60 have been employed on a year-by-year basis in each of the past five years, broken down by department or division.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive policy on extending the employment of staff who are aged 60 or over commenced on 1 August 2000. The information contained in the following table relates to staff who were employed under this policy. The policy is currently under review.

    Scottish Executive Staff Aged 60 or Over Retained on a Year-by-Year Basis, by Department

    Department

    Aug - Dec 2000

    Jan - Dec 2001

    Jan - Apr 2002

    Total

    10

    32

    8

    Corporate Services

    5

    16

    4

    Development

    3

    Education

    1

    1

    Enterprise and Lifelong Learning

    1

    Finance and Central Services

    2

    3

    Health

    2

    1

    Justice

    1

    Rural Affairs

    1

    7

    2

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162706,"EventID":"S1W-26162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an up-to-date list of the public sector capital projects involving private finance which have (a) been completed and are (b) planned and (c) under","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an up-to-date list of the public sector capital projects involving private finance which have (a) been completed and are (b) planned and (c) under way, giving both the start and estimated completion dates; what the estimated capital investment is for each project; what the annual public expenditure to service each project is in both cash and real terms for each year of the life of each project, and what the total lifetime cost of each project is both individually and by sector, in both cash and real terms.","AnswerText":"An up-to-date list of all currently active projects known to the Executive showing, amongst other things: operational, on-going and potential projects; the estimated capital value, and estimated annual expenditure aggregated by sector is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162707,"EventID":"S1W-26163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding sport will receive as a result of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding sport will receive as a result of the increase in National Insurance contributions announced in the UK Budget 2002.","AnswerText":"We will take the impact of recent employer National Insurance contributions changes into account in making allocations in the current spending review, the results of which will be announced in September.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162708,"EventID":"S1W-26164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to limit the number of consecutive night shifts worked by police officers to ensure their health and safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to limit the number of consecutive night shifts worked by police officers to ensure their health and safety.","AnswerText":"In deploying their officers, chief constables are bound by regulations governing employment within the police service as well as generally. There are no current plans to amend these regulations as regards the number of consecutive night shifts worked by police officers. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is currently conducting a review of the shift systems used by the Scottish Police Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162709,"EventID":"S1W-26165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it did not make any minister available to participate in \"Newsnight Scotland\" on 14 May 2002 to discuss the Members' Business debate in the Parliament on the Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it did not make any minister available to participate in \"Newsnight Scotland\" on 14 May 2002 to discuss the Members' Business debate in the Parliament on the Scottish Criminal Record Office (S1M-3076) which was due to be held on 15 May 2002. ","AnswerText":"As Scottish ministers are amongst the parties involved in the action brought by Ms McKie it would have been inappropriate for them to participate in the programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162710,"EventID":"S1W-26166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify under what circumstances it considers it justified not to make a minister available to participate in a Members' Business debate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify under what circumstances it considers it justified not to make a minister available to participate in a Members' Business debate.","AnswerText":"Ministers make every effort to participate in Members' Business debates on subjects for which the Executive is responsible. The Executive may exceptionally conclude that it would not be appropriate in the particular circumstances for a minister to participate. In those cases, ministers would explain clearly why such a decision had been taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162711,"EventID":"S1W-26167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25671 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, what the criteria were for accessing the Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Progra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25671 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, what the criteria were for accessing the Special Educational Needs Innovation Grants Programme funding and in what ways Independent Special Education Advice failed to meet those criteria.","AnswerText":"The following criteria and priorities were set out in the grant application pack:

    • promoting inclusive policies in mainstream and special schools
    • approaches to improving links, and sharing skills/expertise between special and mainstream schools
    • empowering parents to enable them to participate fully in their children's education
    • improving children's participation in decisions which affect them
    • promoting integrated and co-ordinated approaches to service delivery (e.g. key worker role)
    • offering new approaches to advice and resolution of disagreements between professionals and families

    We are writing to those unsuccessful applicants who have requested feedback on their bids. This includes Independent Special Education Advice and a letter outlining the reasons for refusing funding was issued to them on Thursday 30 May.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162712,"EventID":"S1W-26168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many post-registration specialist nursing cancer courses are currently available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many post-registration specialist nursing cancer courses are currently available.","AnswerText":"Specialist practitioner courses are currently available at Robert Gordon University, Dundee University and Glasgow University.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162713,"EventID":"S1W-26169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses have qualified in each post-registration specialist nursing cancer course in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses have qualified in each post-registration specialist nursing cancer course in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table.

    Institutions

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02*

    Robert Gordon University

    2

    2

    3

    2

    0

    University of Dundee

    0

    0

    0

    10

    12

    University of Glasgow

    0

    0

    0

    13

    16

    Total

    2

    2

    3

    25

    28

    Note:

    *The numbers for 2001-02 have been counted manually and may not correspond exactly with the statistics to be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162714,"EventID":"S1W-26170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist cancer nurses there currently are, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) specialist cancer unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist cancer nurses there currently are, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) specialist cancer unit.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162715,"EventID":"S1W-26171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to monitoring the incidence and nature of offending by young offenders during school hours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to monitoring the incidence and nature of offending by young offenders during school hours.","AnswerText":"All local authorities have been asked to submit youth justice action plans to the Scottish Executive outlining the nature of offending in the area and what measures are being put in place to address this.

    The timing and circumstances of offending is an important factor to be taken account of in putting programs in place at local level.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162716,"EventID":"S1W-26172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest projections are of the prison population.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest projections are of the prison population.","AnswerText":"The latest projections of the prison population, which were prepared in April 2002, are given in the following table. The projections are almost identical to those prepared in September 2001 and published in Appendix F of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review (March 2002). These latest projections were published in an Scottish Prison Service News Release on 1 May 2002.

    The underlying trend for the majority of categories of sentenced receptions follows that displayed for the past 10 to 18 years. The average daily prison population continues to rise and has recently reached an all-time high on 30 April of 6,610. The trend analysis suggests an increase in some short-term prisoner population categories and an upturn in the remand population. There has also been a marginal increase in the long-term prisoner population. These trends have been extrapolated into the projections provided.

    The current projections do not include the impact of Scottish Executive policy as it is difficult to factor in the possible results of extending non-custodial alternatives. Whilst these are expected to reduce the numbers given custodial sentences, they will mainly provide alternatives to short-term prison sentences and therefore have a much greater impact upon reception numbers than on the average daily prison population.

    Prison population projections prepared in April 2002 and September 2001
     

    April 2002

    September 2001

    Difference

    2001-02

    6,200

    6,200

    0

    2002-03

    6,300

    6,400

    -100

    2003-04

    6,500

    6,500

    0

    2004-05

    6,700

    6,700

    0

    2005-06

    6,800

    6,900

    -100

    2006-07

    7,000

    7,000

    0

    2007-08

    7,200

    7,200

    0

    2008-09

    7,300

    7,400

    -100

    2009-10

    7,500

    7,500

    0

    2010-11

    7,700

    7,700

    0

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162717,"EventID":"S1W-26173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached any agreement with regard to a loan to Scottish Borders Council and, if so, whether it will detail the amount of the loan and any conditions attac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has reached any agreement with regard to a loan to Scottish Borders Council and, if so, whether it will detail the amount of the loan and any conditions attached to it.","AnswerText":"No request for a loan has been received from Scottish Borders Council, and no loan has been agreed.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162718,"EventID":"S1W-26174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the inaccuracies in the figures on abuse against women used in its recent campaign have resulted in any videos sent to schools being withdrawn and whether it will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the inaccuracies in the figures on abuse against women used in its recent campaign have resulted in any videos sent to schools being withdrawn and whether it will give an assurance that no videos using this information will be shown in any school.","AnswerText":"There is no inaccuracy that we are aware of in the estimate that one in five women experience threats or force from a partner during their lifetime, which was used in the recent campaign. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) did, however, rule that this statistic did not justify the inference that one in five women lived with a "constant threat" which was made in some of the campaign material. All local multi-agency partnerships on domestic abuse have been informed of this ruling. They have been requested to ensure that the new wording approved by the ASA, which is "A recent survey suggests that one in five women in Scotland will experience domestic abuse within their lives", is provided in any situations in which the Executive's domestic abuse advert is used.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162719,"EventID":"S1W-26175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the report into the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the report into the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court.","AnswerText":"The report into the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court will be available to interested parties once a conclusion on this matter has been reached.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162720,"EventID":"S1W-26176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of repair and refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court is in the order of #1 million and, if not, what the figure is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of repair and refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court is in the order of #1 million and, if not, what the figure is.","AnswerText":"Yes, the cost of repair and refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court is estimated to be in the order of £1 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162721,"EventID":"S1W-26177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who prepared the report on the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who prepared the report on the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court.","AnswerText":"The report on the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court was prepared for the Scottish Court Service by Keppie Design, Architects, in partnership with Currie & Brown, Quantity Surveyors, White Young Green Consulting Engineers and Melville Dundas, Contractor.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162722,"EventID":"S1W-26178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to implement guidelines on autistic spectrum disorders by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and, if so, when these guidelines wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to implement guidelines on autistic spectrum disorders by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and, if so, when these guidelines will be made available.","AnswerText":"Work on this will be taken forward in the context of the Public Health Institute for Scotland's Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162723,"EventID":"S1W-26179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to implement a national training strategy for all professionals and carers working with those diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to implement a national training strategy for all professionals and carers working with those diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland will bring a strategic, multi-disciplinary approach to education and training for staff in NHSScotland. Similar work will be carried out by the Scottish Social Services Council in relation to social work. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26039 on 30 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162724,"EventID":"S1W-26180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a report will be made available to the Parliament on the mapping exercise carried out by the Scottish Society for Autism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a report will be made available to the Parliament on the mapping exercise carried out by the Scottish Society for Autism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to issue a report on the mapping exercise carried out by the Scottish Society for Autism. Information from the exercise will be distributed widely as part of the national service network recommended by The same as you?","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162725,"EventID":"S1W-26181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link.","AnswerText":"A joint funding package totalling £23 million was agreed last year between the Scottish Executive and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE). However, Railtrack's announcement in December 2001 to withdraw its support from the Larkhall to Milngavie project has meant that progress has been more difficult.

    Since then, the Scottish Executive has been supporting SPTE, as the lead authority and funding partner for the project, to keep the project moving forward. There are a number of complex technical, legal and performance issues that are currently being considered. Discussions on these issues have involved all the key stakeholders, including the Strategic Rail Authority and the Office of the Rail Regulator. This dialogue is on-going and the outcome will determine a possible timetable for work on the rail link.

    The powers to construct the railway remain in force. In terms of their transfer, the amendment or repeal of the British Railways Order Confirmation Act 1994 and the British Railways (No.3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 involves private legislation. As such, it would be a matter for the promoter to initiate and not for the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162726,"EventID":"S1W-26182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no work has begun on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link and when work will begin on this line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no work has begun on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link and when work will begin on this line.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26181.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162727,"EventID":"S1W-26183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give the power to Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) to head up the Larkhall to Milngavie project in the light of the comments by Councillor David McLach","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give the power to Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) to head up the Larkhall to Milngavie project in the light of the comments by Councillor David McLachan, Vice-Convener of SPT as reported in the Hamilton Advertiser of 16 May 2002, and how such transfer of power would be put into effect.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26181.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162728,"EventID":"S1W-26184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1778,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":40,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the National Health Demonstration Project Programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the National Health Demonstration Project Programme.","AnswerText":"The National Health Demonstration Project Programme's first Annual Report, entitled Learning to Make a Difference, has been produced. I am placing copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

    The report summarises the demonstration projects' early achievements and their future potential. It highlights that the projects are already generating useful, practical lessons and policy pointers.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162729,"EventID":"S1W-26185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what interoperability standards it has set out for the public sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what interoperability standards it has set out for the public sector.","AnswerText":"We have today published the revised Information Age Government Framework. The framework covers a number of areas including technical and data standards, access, authentication, data protection and data sharing, electronic record management and skills. It contains details of an approach including a set of common standards which we expect to see adopted for information and communications technology applications in the public sector in Scotland. Common standards are vital if we are to achieve interoperability and ensure that new technologies are harnessed to maximum effect to deliver more convenient, joined-up, responsive and efficient public services in Scotland.

    We also intend to establish a standards supervisory group to ensure new standards are brought into the framework and that changes and additions to the framework are suitably publicised.

    Copies of the framework have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, and it is also available on the 21st Century Government website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162730,"EventID":"S1W-26186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has defined the expression \"public interest\" in section 71(2) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to include any sector of the public, however small.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has defined the expression \"public interest\" in section 71(2) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to include any sector of the public, however small.","AnswerText":"This provision is to protect the interests of small groups of people whose activities and property would be affected by an application but who are not necessarily a party to the application. For example, it would protect the interests of an individual crofting township where an application is made in respect of a wider area of croft land which includes their land. Conversely it could also protect interests outwith the area of land covered by the application where a change in the ownership of the land covered by the application would have an adverse impact on them.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162731,"EventID":"S1W-26187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which salmon fishings in Scotland are \"eligible croft land\" within the meaning of the expression in section 67(4)(b) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which salmon fishings in Scotland are \"eligible croft land\" within the meaning of the expression in section 67(4)(b) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"Salmon fishings which are "eligible croft land" for the purposes of section 67(4)(b) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill are those defined as such by section 65(2)(d) of that bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162732,"EventID":"S1W-26188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the word \"contiguous\" in section 65(2)(d) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is to be construed where part of the length of a salmon river abuts croft land at one of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the word \"contiguous\" in section 65(2)(d) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is to be construed where part of the length of a salmon river abuts croft land at one of its banks.","AnswerText":"The meaning of "contiguous" is clear and unambiguous. It means "touching" or "sharing a border with". In the context of the bill contiguous salmon fishings must abut the croft land and they will only be eligible croft land insofar as they do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162733,"EventID":"S1W-26189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken or commissioned any research into which salmon fishings in inland waters within or contiguous to croft land are being managed in a manner which ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken or commissioned any research into which salmon fishings in inland waters within or contiguous to croft land are being managed in a manner which is incompatible with sustainable rural development.","AnswerText":"There has been no such research undertaken or commissioned by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162734,"EventID":"S1W-26190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive approximately how often it anticipates the provisions of compulsory purchase contained in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will be exercised in relation to salmo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive approximately how often it anticipates the provisions of compulsory purchase contained in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will be exercised in relation to salmon fishings within the first ten years of enactment of the bill.","AnswerText":"This is not a right which we would expect crofting communities to attempt to exercise frequently, but it will be there if they want it. It will also help to ensure that in future all landowners in the Highlands and Islands have a proper regard for the interests, needs and sustainable development of the fragile crofting communities in which their properties are located.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162735,"EventID":"S1W-26191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken or commissioned any research into the likely effect on salmon fishings of the existence of the provisions to acquire salmon fishings compulsori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken or commissioned any research into the likely effect on salmon fishings of the existence of the provisions to acquire salmon fishings compulsorily in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and, if so, whether it will publish this research.","AnswerText":"No such research has been undertaken or commissioned by the Scottish Executive nor do we believe such research is needed. We are satisfied that any temporary uncertainties created by those who oppose the legislation will be resolved once the legislation is enacted. Once the minimal risks to owners are properly understood, the market will ensure that there is no long-term impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162736,"EventID":"S1W-26192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure investor confidence in salmon fishings in the light of any concerns expressed in response to the proposals for the compulsory purchase of salmon fishin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure investor confidence in salmon fishings in the light of any concerns expressed in response to the proposals for the compulsory purchase of salmon fishings contained in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"If there has been any damage done to the confidence of prospective investors in salmon fishings it has been done by those people who have, in contesting our proposals, sought to suggest that there will be massive adverse effects on the quality of the fishing that will be available in the future as a result of this legislation. Any problems which exist will be resolved when opponents stop talking up the problems and start making realistic and sober assessments of the effects of these proposals. From that perspective the most useful way in which the Executive can ensure investor confidence would be to make sure that this bill is enacted as quickly as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162737,"EventID":"S1W-26193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a crofting community will be required to show how it will fund its management, as well as its purchase, of a salmon fishing before it is permitted to acquire comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a crofting community will be required to show how it will fund its management, as well as its purchase, of a salmon fishing before it is permitted to acquire compulsorily a salmon fishing under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"As with any other crofting community right to buy application, an application for a right to buy salmon fishings would be required to include the information specified in section 70(5)(e), (f) and (g) of the bill and to succeed such an application must also meet criteria specified in section 71(1)(j), (k), (l) and (o). I am sure these requirements could not be successfully met without demonstrating how the on-going management of the salmon fishings is to be funded.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162738,"EventID":"S1W-26194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which provision in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill leaves tenancies, time shares and syndication arrangements of salmon fishings unaffected by the exercise of the provisi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which provision in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill leaves tenancies, time shares and syndication arrangements of salmon fishings unaffected by the exercise of the provisions to acquire salmon fishings compulsorily in Part 3 of the Bill.","AnswerText":"The right to buy extends only to land which consists of salmon fishings as defined in section 65(2)(d). Where existing arrangements such as leases, timeshare or syndications are binding on the present owner, these arrangements will be binding on the new owner. Timeshare or syndication arrangements which constitute joint or common ownership would in theory be susceptible to purchase through the provisions of section 70(4). However, it may prove difficult to demonstrate that the purchase of fishings held under such arrangements would lead to sustainable development or be in the public interest. Furthermore, in many cases affordability is likely to be an issue for crofting community bodies. There is also a specific protection for tenancies in section 67(5).","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162739,"EventID":"S1W-26195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to prevent owners of salmon fishings from avoiding compulsory purchase of their salmon fishings under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to prevent owners of salmon fishings from avoiding compulsory purchase of their salmon fishings under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill by the creation of tenancies, time shares or syndication arrangements.","AnswerText":"None. Such arrangements may enable those who currently control and manage the fishings to continue to do so. The crofting community may still be able to purchase the salmon fishings and if they do so may benefit as owners from any revenues to be derived in the form of rent etc. from such arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162740,"EventID":"S1W-26196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why communities should be given the opportunity by Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to purchase land compulsorily in order to utilise it in a holistic fashion if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why communities should be given the opportunity by Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to purchase land compulsorily in order to utilise it in a holistic fashion if this were to cause land severance and deny the present owner the ability to manage his land in a holistic fashion.","AnswerText":"The objective of land reform is to remove land-based barriers to the sustainable development of rural communities. It is not expected that crofting communities will wish to exercise the crofting community right to buy unless the current ownership has proved to be just such a land based barrier.

    An application by a crofting community body to exercise the right to buy land will not succeed unless the proposed acquisition will deliver sustainable development and be in the public interest. Each application will be considered on its merits and with reference to the criteria which ministers must take into account in reaching a decision. An application would not be considered to be in the public interest if granting that application would result in severe detriment to the sustainable development of other land.

    It is, of course, open to any landowner to seek to avoid problems of severance by either utilising the provisions of section 76 of the bill or negotiating a sale of his/her property to the crofting community. In addition, if a successful application results in severance and depreciation of other property, section 85(6)(a)(ii) of the bill provides that the price paid should take account of this.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162741,"EventID":"S1W-26197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why communities should be given the opportunity under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to purchase part of a salmon fishing compulsorily so that it may be utilis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why communities should be given the opportunity under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to purchase part of a salmon fishing compulsorily so that it may be utilised in a holistic fashion with croft land if this were to cause severance of the ownership and management of the salmon fishing and deny the present owners the ability to manage the salmon fishing in a holistic fashion.","AnswerText":"The crofting community right to buy is intended to support the sustainable development of fragile crofting communities and has been created because we believe this is the only way to ensure the future of some communities. It is a means of removing a land based barrier to rural development.

    An application by a crofting community body to exercise the right to buy salmon fishings will not succeed unless the proposed acquisition will deliver sustainable development and be in the public interest. Each application will be considered on its merits and with reference to the criteria which ministers must take into account in reaching a decision. An application would not be considered to be in the public interest if granting that application would result in severe detriment to the sustainable development of other land. However, if a successful application results in severance and depreciation of other property section 85(6)(a)(ii) of the bill provides that the price paid should take account of this.

    It is, of course, also open to any owner of salmon fishings to seek to avoid problems of severance by negotiating a sale of all of his/her property to the crofting community.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162742,"EventID":"S1W-26198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Minister for Justice considered that the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill was within the legislative competence of the Parliament, and therefore compatible with Europe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Minister for Justice considered that the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill was within the legislative competence of the Parliament, and therefore compatible with European convention on human rights (ECHR), given that part 3 of the bill includes provisions to expropriate compulsorily salmon fishings. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been aware from the outset that many of the provisions in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill would require to be carefully formulated to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights. Ministers consider that the provisions in the bill, including those relating to the acquisition of salmon fishings, achieve that outcome, and there are no grounds on which it could successfully be argued that there is incompatibility with the convention.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162743,"EventID":"S1W-26199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it considers it necessary to include salmon fishings within the provisions of compulsory purchase in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill when it believes that t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it considers it necessary to include salmon fishings within the provisions of compulsory purchase in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill when it believes that the provisions will rarely be exercised in relation to salmon fishings.","AnswerText":"We believe that there are advantages to be derived from being able to manage all land-based activities on a property in a holistic fashion. We consider that crofting communities should have that opportunity if they want it. The very existence of this right to buy is also a significant factor in altering the balance of power between the crofting community and landowners, including proprietors of salmon fishings.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162744,"EventID":"S1W-26200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expression \"inland waters\" is to have the same meaning in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill as it does in part 1 of the bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expression \"inland waters\" is to have the same meaning in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill as it does in part 1 of the bill.","AnswerText":"The definition of "inland waters" in part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill does not apply to part 3.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162745,"EventID":"S1W-26201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses to its consultation paper, Draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill expressed (a) support for, and (b) opposition to, the provisions in Part 3 of the Land Ref","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses to its consultation paper, Draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill expressed (a) support for, and (b) opposition to, the provisions in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill for the compulsory purchase of salmon fishings, and which bodies expressed such support or opposition.","AnswerText":"All the non-confidential responses to the consultation on the draft Land Reform (Scotland) Bill are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The consultation was not a referendum on any particular bill provision but rather sought views on the bill as a whole. Most considered responses were qualitative in nature and did not express outright support or opposition to any particular proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162746,"EventID":"S1W-26202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is in Scotland of Lord Birt's report to the Prime Minister on transport issues.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the status is in Scotland of Lord Birt's report to the Prime Minister on transport issues.","AnswerText":"Lord Birt's work is internal advice to the UK Government. As such, it fully respects the devolution settlement and the UK Government has assured us that his work will not make recommendations affecting Scotland on devolved matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162747,"EventID":"S1W-26203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1.5 million Strategic Change Fund for museums has been allocated to assist Glasgow museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1.5 million Strategic Change Fund for museums has been allocated to assist Glasgow museums.","AnswerText":"The Executive has awarded one-off funding of £1 million to the Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal Trust and £2 million towards Glasgow's Museums and Galleries Service. This funding has not been taken from the Strategic Change Fund.

    Applications have now been invited by Scottish Museums Council for the £1.5 million Strategic Change Fund, with decisions on the first round of funding to be announced in October.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162748,"EventID":"S1W-26204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further targets have been set in respect of reducing waiting times at North Glasgow and Yorkhill NHS Trusts. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further targets have been set in respect of reducing waiting times at North Glasgow and Yorkhill NHS Trusts. ","AnswerText":"The national waiting time standards for NHSScotland are set out in Our National Health which was published in December 2000. It includes a commitment to reduce the national maximum waiting time for in-patient/day case treatment to nine months, from the current 12 months by 2003, as well as a number of specific waiting times standards for coronary heart disease and cancer.

    The National Waiting Times Unit is currently undertaking a programme of visits to all mainland NHS boards and trusts for discussions with senior management about their plans for ensuring delivery of national waiting times standards, and on the development of local standards which will tackle the longest waits for out-patient appointments and diagnostic tests.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162749,"EventID":"S1W-26205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) Botox injections have a proven long-term safety record, (b) hairdressing salons currently administering such injections are doing so safely whilst giving cust","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) Botox injections have a proven long-term safety record, (b) hairdressing salons currently administering such injections are doing so safely whilst giving customers appropriate medical advice and (c) this form of cosmetic treatment should be subject to regulation under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter. The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is the executive arm of the UK Government, which regulates medicines for human use. The MCA in conjunction with the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) is responsible for monitoring the safety of all marketed medicines to ensure that medicines meet acceptable standards of safety and efficacy.

    Botox is a prescription only medicine (POM) which was granted a marketing authorisation in the UK in 1994 and is indicated for the symptomatic relief of blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, idiopathic cervical dystonia, severe hyperhidrosis of the axillae and dynamic equinus foot deformity. As for all medicines, the safety of Botox is continuously monitored.

    Botox is not licensed for use as a cosmetic aid in the UK. A doctor may prescribe the drug for this purpose, but the legal responsibility for the decision rests with the doctor. The prescriber should be aware of potential adverse reactions and should inform the patient of these. As such, the decision to prescribe Botox depends on the clinical judgement of the doctor concerned, bearing in mind the risks and benefits of its use.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162750,"EventID":"S1W-26206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of doctors registered in the last year have trained outwith the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of doctors registered in the last year have trained outwith the UK.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. All doctors practising in the UK are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), which is a reserved body, independent of government. Contact details for the GMC are available on:

    http://www.gmc-uk.org/index.htm.

    ISD Scotland collects information on doctors directly employed by NHSScotland at the annual census point, including country of initial qualification.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162751,"EventID":"S1W-26207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make supplementary grants to the six local authorities identified in Professor Arthur Midwinter's report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make supplementary grants to the six local authorities identified in Professor Arthur Midwinter's report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils since Reorganisation in 2003-04 and in future financial years.","AnswerText":"I am due to meet with COSLA again in the next month to talk about the spending review and the distribution of resources for all local authorities. This will be the forum to discuss such matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162752,"EventID":"S1W-26208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to discuss Professor Arthur Midwinter's report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils since Reorgani","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to discuss Professor Arthur Midwinter's report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils since Reorganisation with COSLA as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.","AnswerText":"I am due to meet with COSLA again in the next month to talk about the spending review and the distribution of resources for all local authorities. This will be the forum to discuss such matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162753,"EventID":"S1W-26209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed Professor Arthur Midwinter's report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils since Reorganisation with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has discussed Professor Arthur Midwinter's report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils since Reorganisation with COSLA and what the outcome of any such decision was.","AnswerText":"I am due to meet with COSLA again in the next month to talk about the spending review and the distribution of resources for all local authorities. This will be the forum to discuss such matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162754,"EventID":"S1W-26210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of rheumatologists per head of population is at the level recommended by the British Society for Rheumatology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of rheumatologists per head of population is at the level recommended by the British Society for Rheumatology.","AnswerText":"The number of rheumatologists per head of the population is less than the level recommended by the British Society for Rheumatology. The staffing establishment in NHSScotland is decided by the local NHS board, in consultation with the trusts in its area, in order to provide a modern, flexible service matched to local needs. Criteria produced by external organisations do not govern the staffing establishment, although we would expect NHS boards to consider such recommendations in their future planning.

    The new workforce development arrangements that we are establishing will seek to bring a more co-ordinated approach to assessing the workforce needs of NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162755,"EventID":"S1W-26211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to meet the target level of rheumatologists per head of the population recommended by the British Society for Rheumatology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to meet the target level of rheumatologists per head of the population recommended by the British Society for Rheumatology.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26210.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162756,"EventID":"S1W-26212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support NHS boards in prescribing anti-TNF (tumour necrosis factor) for children and adults, following the National Institute for Clinical Excellence reco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support NHS boards in prescribing anti-TNF (tumour necrosis factor) for children and adults, following the National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommendations, prior to the Health Technology Board for Scotland issuing its own guidance.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland's Comment on the anti-TNF drugs etanercept and infliximab issued on 17 May. The comment can be accessed on the board's website:

    www.htbs.co.uk

    NHSScotland should take account of advice and evidence from the board and ensure that recommended drugs and treatments are made available to meet clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162757,"EventID":"S1W-26213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports NHS boards in prescribing Cox-2 in accordance with existing guidelines from the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports NHS boards in prescribing Cox-2 in accordance with existing guidelines from the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive welcomes the Health Technology Board for Scotland's Comment on the use of Cox II selective inhibitors. NHSScotland should take account of this advice and ensure that these treatments are made available to meet clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162758,"EventID":"S1W-26214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its departments and divisions have been identified as having a financial loss of #5,000 or more in any of the last 18 months. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its departments and divisions have been identified as having a financial loss of #5,000 or more in any of the last 18 months. ","AnswerText":"The published accounts for 2000-01 show losses by department. Losses of less than £100,000 are shown in aggregate, losses over £100,000 are separately noted. The same information will be published in the 2001-02 accounts. Most losses are outwith the direct control of the Executive, for example, damage to Crown Property as the result of road traffic accidents; the inability to reclaim grants to businesses through bankruptcy, liquidation or similar, and the payment of Public Divided Capital to NHS Trust Hospitals.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162759,"EventID":"S1W-26215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement made by the Minister for Health and Community Care at the Diet and Cancer Conference in Glasgow on 14 May 2002, what (a) advice is given to the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement made by the Minister for Health and Community Care at the Diet and Cancer Conference in Glasgow on 14 May 2002, what (a) advice is given to the public on improving diet, (b) overall funding is allocated to improving the Scottish diet, (c) proportion of overall funding to improve the Scottish diet is allocated to improving children's diets, (d) dietary action is recommended to reduce the occurrence of cancer in poorer communities, (e) dietary action is recommended to reduce the occurrence of heart disease in poorer communities, (f) proportion of the #1 million per year allocated to the implementation of the Scottish Diet Action Plan is spent on initiatives to improve children's diets, (g) funding is allocated to the Scottish Community Diet project, (h) community food initiatives are being undertaken to improve children's diets, (i) funding per child has been allocated to support school breakfast clubs in social inclusion partnership areas and (j) measures have been taken to improve the Scottish diet since the 1993 Scottish Diet Report was published.","AnswerText":"Eating for Health, the Scottish Diet Action Plan, set out dietary targets and recommended that accurate consistent healthy eating messages should be based on these. The dietary action recommended in Eating for Health is aimed at improving overall health and reducing the incidence of preventable dietary-related illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. The recommendations in Eating for Health apply to all sections of the community.

    Healthy eating in line with Eating for Health is promoted as part of health improvement by a range of organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors. A National Food and Health Co-ordinator was appointed in 2001 to give further impetus to implementation of Eating for Health.

    Information on the total resources involved in this work, which includes support for breakfast clubs from a number of sources, is not held centrally, nor is it possible to break down expenditure to identify work with adults and children separately. The Scottish Executive allocates £1 million each year to implementing Eating for Health and has prioritised diet within the £26 million Health Improvement Fund. Diet forms an important part of the £6 million National Health Demonstration Project "Have a Heart Paisley". The Executive has also created a £250,000 Breakfast Service Challenge Fund to expand services targeting vulnerable children and is reviewing current provision, and is also taking steps to improve the quality of school meals. The Scottish Community Diet Project has a specific remit to work with low-income communities and will receive funding of £1.2 million between 2002 and 2005. It supports a range of community food initiatives including breakfast clubs, community garden and allotment schemes, healthy food tasting sessions and local healthy food stores.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162760,"EventID":"S1W-26216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it makes available to provide English language classes to overseas students other than those students who are asylum seekers and refugees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it makes available to provide English language classes to overseas students other than those students who are asylum seekers and refugees.","AnswerText":"Further education students must meet the residency criteria set out in the Further Education Bursaries (Scotland) Direction 1997 before further education colleges can consider them for course support. This support consists of maintenance and travel and study allowances along with the further education additional funds i.e. young students retention fund, hardship funds and childcare. All funding is allocated on a discretionary basis and is means tested. The student can undertake any course which is eligible for recurrent funding from the Scottish Further Education Funding Council and is for non-advanced education leading to a qualification.

    In terms of funding support to colleges, changes introduced by the Scottish Executive last autumn further strengthened ministerial commitment to provision of English language classes for new members of the community from overseas.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162761,"EventID":"S1W-26217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, how many overseas students, other than asylum seekers and refugees, undertake English language courses and what further information is available on such students in rega","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, how many overseas students, other than asylum seekers and refugees, undertake English language courses and what further information is available on such students in regard to (a) how many studied (i) part-time and (ii) full-time, (b) their country of origin, (c) their length of stay, (d) how many progressed to further education and higher education courses, (e) how many are also in part-time employment and what the nature of that employment is and (f) an estimate of their contribution to the economy through course fees, accommodation costs, living expenses and leisure pursuits, in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162762,"EventID":"S1W-26218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken following the publication of Task Force on E.coli O157: Final Report in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken following the publication of Task Force on E.coli O157: Final Report in 2001.","AnswerText":"The Task Force on E.coli O157 was intended to address many diverse issues underpinning the history of E.coli O157 infection in Scotland in an open, innovative and holistic way. The substantive report which emerged from that process in 2001 was cogent and compelling. It provides a fine example of the value which can emerge from the inclusive, cross-cutting and action oriented ethos which is the foundation for all the work of the Scottish Executive. The Executive and the Food Standards Agency (Scotland) are grateful to the chairman and members of the task force, for producing an excellent report and a comprehensive range of related recommendations.

    Since July 2001, the Scottish Executive and the Food Standards Agency (Scotland) have been working, with others, including UK Government Departments and NHSScotland, to consider, cost and implement the detailed recommendations made by the task force. We have already achieved a great deal, for example:

    • the Food Standards Agency has initiated a £20 million "Food Hygiene" awareness and publicity campaign which will incorporate food safety advice on E.coli O157;
    • the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) has been provided with appropriate additional funding from 2001-02, in order to initiate an enhanced programme of infection and disease surveillance;
    • formal guidance has been issued to the National Reference Laboratory (SERL) restating protocols consistent with task force recommendations;
    • guidance has been issued to water authorities on the need to give particular attention to testing water from high-risk catchment areas for coliforms and E.coli O157;

    • Private Water Supply Regulation: a consultation was issued in November 2001;

    • Guidance on Recreational Use of Animal Pasture, was distributed to relevant organisations in March 2002, and

    • the Cairns Smith Group has taken account of task force recommendations relevant to outbreak management and published revised guidance in April 2002.

    The Scottish Executive and the Food Standards Agency(Scotland) will build on those achievements, given the continuing threat posed by E.coli O157 and the many diverse actions proposed by the task force.

    The Scottish Executive and the Food Standards Agency (Scotland) have today published a joint response to the report of the Task Force on E.coli O157. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The report is also available on both the Scottish Executive and Food Standards Agency (Scotland) website.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162763,"EventID":"S1W-26219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to remake the Direction to Scottish Water on action to be taken in the interests of national security or in a civil emergency. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to remake the Direction to Scottish Water on action to be taken in the interests of national security or in a civil emergency. ","AnswerText":"The Secretary of State for Scotland laid the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (Directions in the Interests of National Security) Order 2002 on 8 May 2002. This order will come into force on 31 May 2002 and following the consultation set out in the order, I expect to make a Security and Emergency Measures Direction to Scottish Water in June 2002. Copies of the draft Order (SI 1264 (S4)) have been lodged in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 21338).","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162764,"EventID":"S1W-26220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many red kites have been killed illegally in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many red kites have been killed illegally in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"There are difficulties in identifying with certainty where illegal poisoning has taken place. The RSPB has, however, supplied the following statistics, based on information collated by them.

    1997

    4 (poisoned)

    1998

    4 (poisoned)

    1999

    1 (poisoned)

    2000

    4 (poisoned)

    2001

    10 (poisoned)

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162765,"EventID":"S1W-26221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the red kite population has been killed illegally in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the red kite population has been killed illegally in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"There are difficulties in identifying the scale of illegal killing. Data published by the RSPB suggests that about 36% of red kites may have been killed illegally since their re-introduction to Scotland in 1989.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162766,"EventID":"S1W-26222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been sought for the illegal killing of red kites in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been sought for the illegal killing of red kites in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162767,"EventID":"S1W-26223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been secured from non-Executive sources for participants in the Microcredit scheme since the programme was launched.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been secured from non-Executive sources for participants in the Microcredit scheme since the programme was launched.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Enterprise. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162768,"EventID":"S1W-26224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for grants under the central heating installation programme have been rejected on the basis that (a) failed heating systems required to be replaced","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for grants under the central heating installation programme have been rejected on the basis that (a) failed heating systems required to be replaced immediately before any grant could be approved and (b) applicants had not been aware of their eligibility for the central heating installation programme when installing systems, expressed also as a percentage of the total number of rejected applications.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162769,"EventID":"S1W-26225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had to the report of the Commission on the Private Rented Sector Private Renting: A New Settlement and whether it will consider any of the report's reco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had to the report of the Commission on the Private Rented Sector Private Renting: A New Settlement and whether it will consider any of the report's recommendations for private rented sector accommodation in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The Commission on the Private Rented Sector was set up by Shelter and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation as an independent body to look at issues in respect of the private rented sector. The commission's remit did not extend to Scotland and the Scottish Executive did not provide any evidence to it. However, the Housing Improvement Task Force is currently looking at some of the issues that the commission has made recommendations on and the commissions report has been made available to the members of the task force sub-group working on the private rented sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162770,"EventID":"S1W-26226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of housing tenancy a security-tagged offender would be entitled to.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of housing tenancy a security-tagged offender would be entitled to.","AnswerText":"Electronic monitoring does not have a direct effect on an offender's housing entitlement. The court is required to request a social work assessment of the suitability of the place of restriction and information as to the attitude of persons likely to be affected by the enforced presence of the offender. If the social work assessment shows that the offender does not have accommodation, it is likely that the court will consider imposing a different sentence.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162771,"EventID":"S1W-26227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are in place to allow security-tagged offenders to move home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are in place to allow security-tagged offenders to move home.","AnswerText":"Section 245E of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 allows for an offender to apply to the court for a review of a Restriction of Liberty Order. In considering an application for review the court will take into account any information about the proposed new address, including the views of those affected by the enforced presence of the offender.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162772,"EventID":"S1W-26228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in regard to any undersupply of affordable houses for rent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in regard to any undersupply of affordable houses for rent.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

    Consistent with the priority to be given to the provision of affordable rented housing, planned expenditure by Communities Scotland in 2002-03 on new and improved housing will increase year on year by £4.231 million to £183.575 million in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162773,"EventID":"S1W-26229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on its guidance on pressurised market status in relation to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on its guidance on pressurised market status in relation to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"Draft guidance dealing with the right to buy changes contained in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 - including the provisions pertaining to pressured areas - was issued for consultation in December 2001. Twenty-six responses from interested bodies were received by the end of the consultation period in March. These have been considered and we hope to issue the final guidance in July.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162774,"EventID":"S1W-26230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reduction in anti-social behaviour would be a consequence of the withdrawal of state benefits from an individual.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reduction in anti-social behaviour would be a consequence of the withdrawal of state benefits from an individual.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's view is that this would depend on the particular circumstances involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162775,"EventID":"S1W-26231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill would be on (a) homelessness and (b) rent arrears.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill would be on (a) homelessness and (b) rent arrears.","AnswerText":"Our understanding is that the UK Government has given a commitment to work with Frank Field to improve the drafting of this bill and we are liasing closely with the UK Government. When a revised version of the bill is available, we will consider its implications for the Scottish Executive's devolved responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162776,"EventID":"S1W-26232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most effective tools and sanctions currently available are to tackle anti-social behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most effective tools and sanctions currently available are to tackle anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"There are a range of tools and sanctions available to tackle anti-social behaviour ranging from mediation to the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and eviction. It is relevant bodies such as landlords, local authorities and the police, to determine, in the light of the nature of the problem and the particular circumstances of the case, the most effective response.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162777,"EventID":"S1W-26233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs to the NHS for the treatment of schi'ophrenia have been in each year from 1999 to date, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs to the NHS for the treatment of schi'ophrenia have been in each year from 1999 to date, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information held centrally is not detailed enough to identify all the costs in the treatment of schizophrenia.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162778,"EventID":"S1W-26234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost to the NHS has been for each of the most common diagnostic groups in each year from 1996 to date, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost to the NHS has been for each of the most common diagnostic groups in each year from 1996 to date, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information regarding activity and costs is not currently collated across sectors in a disease programme manner. Existing acute activity can be translated into Healthcare Resource Groups by the Information and Statistics Division, which allows activity groupings into main disease groups such as cancer and coronary heart disease. However, nothing similar can currently be done with information relating to services carried out in the community or primary care settings. A National Steering Group is currently being established which will look at developing a whole system approach to this, with a view of identifying activity, and costs, in recognised disease profiles.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162779,"EventID":"S1W-26235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25060 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what estimates it has received from police forces of the costs associated with retirements ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25060 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what estimates it has received from police forces of the costs associated with retirements in future years, broken down by year and force. ","AnswerText":"Police forces, via the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, have indicated that they expect total pension costs to increase by an estimated £8 million in 2003-2004, a further £15 million in 2004-05 and a further £28 million in 2005-06. These estimates will be reviewed as further information becomes available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162780,"EventID":"S1W-26236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism it has in place to prevent solicitors employed by the civil service who advise it on transactions with Her Majesty's Government from breaching rule 4 of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism it has in place to prevent solicitors employed by the civil service who advise it on transactions with Her Majesty's Government from breaching rule 4 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Practice Rules 1986.","AnswerText":"As civil servants, solicitors employed in the civil service owe their loyalty to the particular administration which they serve and are accountable to the minister in charge of their department. No conflict of interest therefore arises for the purposes of rule 4 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Practice Rules 1986 or otherwise.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162781,"EventID":"S1W-26237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact of the new British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements on entrepreneurs launching sustainable energy technologi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact of the new British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements on entrepreneurs launching sustainable energy technologies and ventures.","AnswerText":"We are in regular contact with colleagues in the Department of Trade and Industry and with the industry regulator Ofgem concerning plans for the introduction of new electricity market trading arrangements across Great Britain.

    The regulation of the electricity market is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162782,"EventID":"S1W-26238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant nursing posts there currently are, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant nursing posts there currently are, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table, broken down by qualified and unqualified nursing vacancies by NHS board.

    Nursing vacancies1,2 by NHS Board Whole-Time Equivalent: at 31 March 2001

    Total Vacancies

    Became vacant in:

    Vacancies as a percentage of establishment

    Less than 3 Months

    3 Months or more

    Unknown

    Total

    3 months or more

    Qualified

    Scotland

    1,253.1

    717.6

    192.8

    342.8

    3.7%

    0.6%

    Argyll and Clyde2

    146.8

    60.6

    75.1

    11.1

    6.2%

    3.2%

    Ayrshire and Arran

    52.3

    48.1

    4.2

    0.0

    2.2%

    0.2%

    Borders

    19.0

    15.0

    4.0

    0.0

    4.2%

    0.9%

    Dumfries and Galloway

    2.6

    2.6

    0.0

    0.0

    0.2%

    0.0%

    Fife

    57.0

    48.8

    2.2

    6.0

    2.8%

    0.1%

    Forth Valley

    40.1

    34.6

    5.5

    0.0

    2.5%

    0.3%

    Grampian

    156.3

    122.0

    34.3

    0.0

    4.6%

    1.0%

    Greate","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162783,"EventID":"S1W-26239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant medical consultant posts there currently are, broken down by speciality and NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant medical consultant posts there currently are, broken down by speciality and NHS board.","AnswerText":"A detailed breakdown of the latest available information on the number of vacant medical consultant posts is shown in the following table. The table should be read in conjunction with the following notes.

    The number of higher specialist training posts available in Scotland is regularly adjusted to meet the projected number of new consultants needed to meet known and anticipated turnover and local service developments. The total Specialist Registrar (SpR) establishment was increased by 100 in 2001, a rise of 9%, with many of the increases being in the specialties with the highest levels of vacancies. Additional funding for a further targeted increase of 375 junior doctors was announced on 2 April 2001, for the period to 2004. Targeting will take account of vacancy levels and also of the review of medical workforce planning which is due to report shortly.

    Medical Consultant Vacancies by Specialty and NHS Board Number at 30 September 2000

    Argyll & Clyde

    Ayrshire & Arran

    Borders

    Dumfries & Galloway

    Fife

    Forth Valley

    Grampian

    Greater Glasgow

    Highland

    Lanarkshire

    Lothian

    Shetland

    Tayside

    Western Isles

    Common Services Agency

    Total Consultant Vacancies

    12

    11

    3

    6

    11

    12

    9

    26

    7

    24

    12

    2

    11

    2

    4

    Accident & Emergency Medicine

    -

    -

    -

    -

    -

    1

    -

    -

     

    2001-02

    No. of Calls

    Performance

    All Requests

    4,161

    90.7%

    1 hour request

    426

    88.3%

    2 hour request

    2,438

    91.7%

    3 hour request

    1,104

    90.2%

    4+ hour request

    193

    86.5%

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162786,"EventID":"S1W-26242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedure is used by the Scottish Ambulance Service in circumstances when it cannot meet time requests for ambulances made by GPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedure is used by the Scottish Ambulance Service in circumstances when it cannot meet time requests for ambulances made by GPs.","AnswerText":"Where it becomes clear that the timeframe requested is unlikely to be achieved, then the service will contact the GP to check on the continued well-being of the patient. If the GP feels that the patient's condition has changed and requires an immediate response, then the call will be upgraded to an emergency call with the first available ambulance being dispatched.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162787,"EventID":"S1W-26243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to the prevention of hepatitis B.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to the prevention of hepatitis B.","AnswerText":"Immunisation against hepatitis B has been recommended for people at increased risk of infection since 1988. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which provides expert advice on issues relating to vaccination and immunisation to all UK health departments, is currently reviewing hepatitis B immunisation strategies. This work will take account of a recent pilot study in Glasgow which examined the feasibility and effectiveness of immunising adolescents against hepatitis B.

    The Executive has also developed a range of policies and measures to reduce transmission, including, for example, guidance and protocols for health care workers and students, advice on immunisation for drug misusers and their partners, and antenatal screening for pregnant women.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162788,"EventID":"S1W-26244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Justice intends to reply to the letter dated 11 April 2002 from the Rev David Pitkeathley of Peterhead regarding HM Prison Peterhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Justice intends to reply to the letter dated 11 April 2002 from the Rev David Pitkeathley of Peterhead regarding HM Prison Peterhead.","AnswerText":"The letter has been treated as a response to the consultation and has been formally acknowledged as such.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162789,"EventID":"S1W-26245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce any legislation on planning matters that would require the organisation of outdoor sporting pursuits to apply for planning permissi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce any legislation on planning matters that would require the organisation of outdoor sporting pursuits to apply for planning permission to stage a meeting or event.","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to alter the existing planning arrangements in this regard.

    A meeting or event may require planning permission, depending on the circumstances, in particular if a change in the use of land is involved. However, permitted development rights exist which grant a general planning permission across Scotland for, among other things, the temporary use of land (up to 28 days in total in any calendar year) for any purpose except caravan sites or open air markets.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162790,"EventID":"S1W-26246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how prevalent the theft of road signs is and what steps are being taken to tackle it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how prevalent the theft of road signs is and what steps are being taken to tackle it.","AnswerText":"The information requested on prevalence of theft of road signs is not held centrally. There is no national campaign to tackle this issue. Local crime prevention initiatives are a matter for the relevant Chief Constable.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162791,"EventID":"S1W-26247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how value for money for the NHS from the introduction of nurse consultant posts is determined.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how value for money for the NHS from the introduction of nurse consultant posts is determined.","AnswerText":"All consultant nurse/midwife submissions are vetted by a central evaluation panel co-ordinated by the Scottish Executive Health Department. Prior to doing so each proposal must be supported by the local Unified Health Board. In their submission each trust/NHS board must demonstrate the local need for the post, explaining how this fits with the rest of the organisation and the key policy documents influencing the development of this proposal. Each submission must also include the arrangements for audit and the outcome measures that will be used to evaluate the impact of the post.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162792,"EventID":"S1W-26248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the difference is between the educational and clinical preparation required for each post of nurse consultant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the difference is between the educational and clinical preparation required for each post of nurse consultant.","AnswerText":"Consultant nurse/midwives undertake a combination of educational and clinical preparation.

    The nature of a consultant nurse/midwife post will demand a portfolio of career-long learning, experience and formal education; the postholder will have been working towards a master's degree; research experience, and a record of scholarship and publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162793,"EventID":"S1W-26249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the value for money for the NHS of investment in continuing professional development for nurses and professions allied to medicine will be evaluated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the value for money for the NHS of investment in continuing professional development for nurses and professions allied to medicine will be evaluated.","AnswerText":"Generally continuing professional development (CPD) is the responsibility of the trusts to support and evaluate, based on service and staff needs, for all staff including nurses and professions allied to medicine (PAMs).

    However, on occasion the Scottish Executive Health Department provides targeted funding for specific initiatives e.g. the £1.75 million announced for CPD as part of Facing the Future. Decisions have still to be made about how this money will be distributed and evaluated.

    Other targeted funding such as the Specialists Nursing Initiative, or Clinical Effectiveness funding for PAMs have been monitored to ensure effective use of resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162794,"EventID":"S1W-26250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the letter from the Minister for Social Justice dated 22 February 2002 regarding Mrs Richardson of Bavelaw, Galashiels, whether it will reconsider its dec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the letter from the Minister for Social Justice dated 22 February 2002 regarding Mrs Richardson of Bavelaw, Galashiels, whether it will reconsider its decision and award a retrospective grant under its central heating programme on the basis of the following exceptional circumstances: Mrs Richardson's boiler was condemned in October 2001, requiring immediate replacement; she was not informed of her eligibility under the central heating programme; she did not become aware of the availability of 100% grants for central heating installation until two weeks after her heating had been installed, and any delay in installing the heating in order for the grant to be approved would have prevented Eaga Partnership (Scotland) from carrying out the work until March 2002 leaving her without heating from October 2001 to March 2002.","AnswerText":"The central heating programme has been widely publicised. That is why more than 12,000 applications have been received over the last year from households in the private sector.

    The programme is targeted at households most at risk from the effects of cold and damp homes: those who lack any form of central heating. If the programme were to be extended to include those who have already installed central heating this would divert funds away from the most vulnerable. There are therefore no plans to offer retrospective grant and there are no plans to reconsider this position, either generally or in individual cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162795,"EventID":"S1W-26251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all Justices of the Peace, including any declared party political affiliations, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all Justices of the Peace, including any declared party political affiliations, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"There are over 3,800 Justices of the Peace in Scotland. The pro forma used to recommend someone for appointment as a justice asks for a statement of that individual's political views, if known, so that the local Justice of the Peace Advisory Committee may avoid making recommendations for appointment to ministers that would result in a disproportionate number of justices of any one party in that commission. It would not be appropriate to publish the information provided in response to this question since the individuals concerned have not been asked for permission to do so.

    Some justices are members of local Justice of the Peace Advisory Committees and, since these are non-departmental public bodies, the appointment procedures must comply with the UK Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice. The code requires that all non-executive appointees to public bodies must be asked to declare whether they have been politically active in the five years prior to their appointment. Details of those members who have declared political activity are included in the list published recently in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20841).

    Some justices are local authority councillors appointed ex officio by their council. However, an effect of the Bail, Judicial Appointments etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 is that councillors may be appointed only as signing justices, that is, they may not sit on the bench of the district court.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162796,"EventID":"S1W-26252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it has provided to promote or support tourism in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it has provided to promote or support tourism in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"None. The promotion of Lanarkshire as a tourism destination is a matter for Greater Glasgow Clyde Valley Tourist Board.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162797,"EventID":"S1W-26253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce civilian support officers to assist in a front-line capacity the crime detection and prevention duties of serving police officers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce civilian support officers to assist in a front-line capacity the crime detection and prevention duties of serving police officers.","AnswerText":"We have no plans for community support officers with police powers to undertake neighbourhood patrols along the lines recently proposed south of the Border. However, the Executive has provided funding under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund for a pilot to explore the use of neighbourhood wardens in part of Paisley. The role of these wardens, who will be employed by Renfrewshire Council and work closely with Strathclyde Police, will be to observe and report incidents with the aim of reducing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162798,"EventID":"S1W-26254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of acute services paediatric doctors and specialists in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to increase the number of acute services paediatric doctors and specialists in the NHS.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for individual NHS boards and trusts to determine staffing levels on the basis of local need. Trusts must be able to adapt staffing arrangements to suit the changing pattern of local circumstances, and be judged by outcomes rather than inputs.

    A review of the Scottish medical workforce has been commissioned and is expected to report shortly. This report will help inform the future planning of the medical workforce across Scotland, and will be a key element of the workforce development arrangements which we are establishing to support boards and trusts in assessing and providing for their workforce needs.

    I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22202 on 6 February 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162799,"EventID":"S1W-26255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the fee rates for optometrists working for the NHS to take account of any differing time taken for patient examination, and what the reasons ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the fee rates for optometrists working for the NHS to take account of any differing time taken for patient examination, and what the reasons are for its policy on this matter.","AnswerText":"NHS sight test fees are negotiated on a UK basis by the health departments. Differing times for eye examinations is an element that the profession has raised in its negotiations with the health departments on the annual increase in the NHS sight test fee.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162800,"EventID":"S1W-26256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific evidence, and from which sources, would be required for it to bring a halt to current field trials of genetically modified crops in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific evidence, and from which sources, would be required for it to bring a halt to current field trials of genetically modified crops in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scientific evidence that might lead to the withdrawal of a consent and thereby the termination of a current farm scale evaluation of genetically modified crops may be presented to the Scottish Executive from any source. The Scottish Executive would take expert advice on the credibility and relevance of any such evidence which would have to demonstrate that the release of these crops on their respective sites would represent a threat to the safety of human health or the environment. Scottish ministers have consistently stated that if they were satisfied that scientific evidence demonstrated such a threat to either human health or the environment they would withdraw consent.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162801,"EventID":"S1W-26257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to ensure that all empty photocopier, ink jet and laser jet cartridges used in its offices are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally safe way.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to ensure that all empty photocopier, ink jet and laser jet cartridges used in its offices are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally safe way.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the Executive's Greening Government policy, staff are encouraged to reduce, reuse, repair and recycle waste. In addition, the Executive's contract for IT consumables, which includes ink jet and laser jet cartridges, obliges the contractor to recycle used cartridges. Where re-use is not possible, the waste is disposed of in a manner that does not harm the environment.

    In respect of photocopier cartridges, the Executive is currently considering the options for recycling and expects, when it enters into a new photocopier contract later this year, to have a similar obligation on the contractor as is the case for IT consumables.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162802,"EventID":"S1W-26258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what steps the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body takes to ensure that all empty photocopier, ink jet and laser jet cartridges used in the Parliament offices are recyc","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what steps the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body takes to ensure that all empty photocopier, ink jet and laser jet cartridges used in the Parliament offices are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally safe way.","AnswerText":"The Facilities Management (FM) Office replaces printer, fax machine and photocopier cartridges. Spent cartridges are stored on-site and uplifted periodically by the supplier for recycling.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162803,"EventID":"S1W-26259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support small businesses in central Scotland during current market conditions for UK manufacturing industries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support small businesses in central Scotland during current market conditions for UK manufacturing industries.","AnswerText":"The manufacturing sector has experienced falling output in recent times, due to the global slowdown and re-structuring in key industries such as electronics. Scotland cannot be immune from global developments. All major industrialised economies have recently experienced a fall in industrial output.

    Although the Executive recognises that trading conditions remain difficult, there is some evidence that situation is improving for the manufacturing sector. Business survey evidence regarding optimism and demand does show an expected improvement in the latter part of 2002.

    A framework for support for manufacturing across Scotland was set out in Created in Scotland, in March 2000. It includes 52 initiatives which are being progressed at the Scottish and UK levels; 38 of these are being implemented by the Executive and its agencies. Good progress has already been made on almost all of these initiatives and a number of them can provide support to small businesses. One example is the Small Business Gateway which provides access to advice and information on business support available both locally and nationally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162804,"EventID":"S1W-26260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the bids for financial assistance for the building of a community hall and ancillary facilities by the community of Castlecary in North Lanarkshir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the bids for financial assistance for the building of a community hall and ancillary facilities by the community of Castlecary in North Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"I am unaware of any such bids for financial assistance to build a community hall and ancillary facilities. However, if a formal approach were to be made to Communities Scotland this would be considered and assessed against the other demands in the North Lanarkshire Council area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162805,"EventID":"S1W-26261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the second report of the Housing Improvement Task Force to be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the second report of the Housing Improvement Task Force to be published.","AnswerText":"The intention is that the second report of the Housing Improvement Task Force should be published by spring 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162806,"EventID":"S1W-26262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many student midwives will graduate by October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many student midwives will graduate by October 2002.","AnswerText":"One hundred and eleven student midwives will graduate by October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162807,"EventID":"S1W-26263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to establish the short-term task group, as proposed in section 5 of Planning Together - Final Report of the Scottish Integrated Workforce Planning Group, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to establish the short-term task group, as proposed in section 5 of Planning Together - Final Report of the Scottish Integrated Workforce Planning Group, to support the implementation of the principles for integrated workforce planning and the principles contained in A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Planning Together, was published alongside our proposals for establishing a comprehensive workforce development infrastructure for NHSScotland at local, regional and national level. This whole systems approach to integrated workforce planning will provide coherent and structured arrangements for addressing the workforce aspects of all services, including the maternity services framework.

    An action plan will be issued to reflect the feedback gained from the Workforce Development Action Day held on 15 April and to set out a critical path for creating a robust workforce development function, which integrates workforce planning with service planning across all services in NHSScotland.

    In the meantime, a short-life expert group on maternity services has been convened to determine a model specification for the provision of acute maternity services. As part of its work, this group is examining the workforce needs which arise from the modernisation of maternity services, in line with the principles enshrined in A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162808,"EventID":"S1W-26264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution and when it next plans to meet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members are of the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution and when it next plans to meet.","AnswerText":"The Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution consists of a number of officials from across the Executive and representatives from: Barnardo's Scotland; Aberlour Child Care Trust; ChildLine Scotland; the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland; Children's Panel Chairs' Group; Community Education Managers Scotland; Crown Office; Scottish Children's Reporter Administration; Child Protection Committees; The Big Step Social Inclusion Partnership, and the Association of Directors of Social Work.

    The initial work is being carried out in correspondence and meetings will be convened as required.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162809,"EventID":"S1W-26265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to issue guidance on the protection of children and young people abused through prostitution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to issue guidance on the protection of children and young people abused through prostitution.","AnswerText":"The working group hopes to reach initial conclusions by the autumn with a view to consulting on proposals by the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162810,"EventID":"S1W-26266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop refuge provision for young people at risk of harm in accordance with section 38 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop refuge provision for young people at risk of harm in accordance with section 38 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerText":"Local authorities already have powers under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 to provide short-term refuges for children. The need for flexible forms of refuge provision is one issue which will be considered by the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162811,"EventID":"S1W-26267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations in Consultation on Young Runaways: Background Paper by the Social Exclusion Unit, published by the Cabinet Office it is considering for implementati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations in Consultation on Young Runaways: Background Paper by the Social Exclusion Unit, published by the Cabinet Office it is considering for implementation with reference to running away.","AnswerText":"The recommendations are helping to inform the work of the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused Through Prostitution. We are keeping in close contact with progress on the Social Exclusion Unit project and will consider which of the emerging conclusions are appropriate in the Scottish context.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162812,"EventID":"S1W-26268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated (a) nationally and (b) to each local authority in the current year and the next three financial years to tackle running away.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated (a) nationally and (b) to each local authority in the current year and the next three financial years to tackle running away.","AnswerText":"Funding specific to tackling running away and children abused through prostitution is not separately identified or monitored, but the Executive is providing resources for a wide range of initiatives focused on the overall development and well-being of children, to help address many of the underlying causes. These include the Changing Children's Services Fund, Sure Start Scotland and New Community Schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162813,"EventID":"S1W-26269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to individual charities in the current and next three financial years to tackle running away.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to individual charities in the current and next three financial years to tackle running away.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has awarded funding of just under £100,000 over three years to Aberlour Childcare Trust for their Running Other Choices project. This project aims to help young people to find solutions to the circumstances which have caused them to run away from home and to find alternatives to running. In addition, the Scottish Executive provides funding to a range of charities providing services for vulnerable children and young people including runaways.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162814,"EventID":"S1W-26270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated (a) nationally and (b) to each local authority to tackle children abused through prostitution in the current and next three financial ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated (a) nationally and (b) to each local authority to tackle children abused through prostitution in the current and next three financial years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26268.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162815,"EventID":"S1W-26271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to individual charities to tackle children abused through prostitution in the current year and next three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to individual charities to tackle children abused through prostitution in the current year and next three financial years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds a wide range of charities providing services for vulnerable children and young people including those abused through prostitution. These include ChildLine Scotland, Children First and Who Cares Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162816,"EventID":"S1W-26272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the frequency limitation order in regard to the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service from Gourock to Dunoon specifies the type of service to be provided.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the frequency limitation order in regard to the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service from Gourock to Dunoon specifies the type of service to be provided.","AnswerText":"When scheduled sailings on the Gourock to Dunoon route were restricted to one per hour in 1982, Scottish Office ministers announced that Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd would continue to provide a passenger and vehicle service.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162817,"EventID":"S1W-26273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the implementation of the recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Scotland's report on autistic spectrum disorders, Needs Assessm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the implementation of the recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Scotland's report on autistic spectrum disorders, Needs Assessment Report.","AnswerText":"We are in the early stages of considering implementation of the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162818,"EventID":"S1W-26274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made since 1999 to date in funding and encouraging improvements in the diagnosis and assessment of autistic spectrum disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made since 1999 to date in funding and encouraging improvements in the diagnosis and assessment of autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26034.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162819,"EventID":"S1W-26275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the National Initiative for Autism Screening and Assessment model will be implemented nationally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the National Initiative for Autism Screening and Assessment model will be implemented nationally.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will give careful consideration to the findings of the National Initiative for Autism Screening and Assessment when they are published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162820,"EventID":"S1W-26276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund independent advice and advisory services for parents and carers of those diagnosed with (a) autism and (b) Asperger's Syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to fund independent advice and advisory services for parents and carers of those diagnosed with (a) autism and (b) Asperger's Syndrome.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the importance of advocacy in enabling people to access information they need and to make informed choices about their care.

    We announced in February further support for developing independent advocacy by establishing the Advocacy Safeguards Agency and the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162821,"EventID":"S1W-26277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat vegetation such as giant hogweed and whether there is a national strategy on this issue and a website giving details on these matters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat vegetation such as giant hogweed and whether there is a national strategy on this issue and a website giving details on these matters.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to take action where the amenity of a particular area is threatened by invasive plant species such as giant hogweed.

    Information on control methods for giant hogweed is widely available from a large number of internet websites.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162822,"EventID":"S1W-26278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with local authorities and others on combating vegetation such as giant hogweed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with local authorities and others on combating vegetation such as giant hogweed.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not discussed invasive plant species with local authorities. Local authorities are already well aware of their powers to act to minimise the impact of invasive plants in circumstances where the plants' presence is threatening the amenity of a particular area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162823,"EventID":"S1W-26279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any legislative changes to combat vegetation such as giant hogweed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any legislative changes to combat vegetation such as giant hogweed.","AnswerText":"In reply to question S1W-21820 on 28 January 2002, I indicated that the Executive was participating in a GB-wide review of the current and potential threats posed by invasive non-native species, including giant hogweed. The Executive's future policy on this issue, including the possible need for legislative action, will be informed by the report of the review group which will be submitted to Scottish ministers later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162824,"EventID":"S1W-26280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what injuries and damage to health can occur from coming into contact with vegetation such as giant hogweed and how many incidences of such have occurred in each of the l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what injuries and damage to health can occur from coming into contact with vegetation such as giant hogweed and how many incidences of such have occurred in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"The sap of the Giant Hogweed plant (Heracleum Mantegazzianum) is mildly toxic by ingestion, and may cause irritation of the mouth, hypersalivation and mild gastrointestinal upset.

    Skin contact can cause severe dermatitis and photosensitisation. Redness and irritation usually develop within 24 hours with formation of painful blisters.

    Information about how many such incidents have occurred in each of the last three years is not recorded centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162825,"EventID":"S1W-26281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Department of Trade and Industry to extend the EU Working Time Directive to protect public sector workers in Scotland from wor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Department of Trade and Industry to extend the EU Working Time Directive to protect public sector workers in Scotland from working more than seven consecutive days.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to employment issues.

    The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of employment matters, including the Working Time Directive.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162826,"EventID":"S1W-26282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing its Report by the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic: A Fresh Start for Gaelic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing and distributing its Report by the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic: A Fresh Start for Gaelic.","AnswerText":"The cost of the graphic design and printing of the group's report was £16,133. The distribution cost to date is £500.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162827,"EventID":"S1W-26283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of foot-and-mouth disease surveillance provision announced by the Minister for Rural Development last year has taken place and, if so, when the finding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of foot-and-mouth disease surveillance provision announced by the Minister for Rural Development last year has taken place and, if so, when the findings will be published.","AnswerText":"A strategy for enhancing disease surveillance in the United Kingdom is being developed and will provide a framework for veterinary surveillance as a whole, not just foot-and-mouth disease. The finalised strategy will be published after stakeholder consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162828,"EventID":"S1W-26284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what medical treatment is available to treat sufferers of organophosphate poisoning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what medical treatment is available to treat sufferers of organophosphate poisoning.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Poisons Information Bureau is the main source of advice to the NHS on treatment of poisoning for a wide variety of toxic substances including organophosphates. Their TOXBASE database gives details of treatment options for organophosphate poisoning that include decontamination of exposed skin, gastric lavage, protection of the airway and administration of oxygen, atropine, pralidoxime mesylate and diazepam. Selection of the appropriate combination of these treatments depends on the nature and severity of exposure.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162829,"EventID":"S1W-26285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6545 by Susan Deacon on 26 June 2000, what progress has been made by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in addressing the effects","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-6545 by Susan Deacon on 26 June 2000, what progress has been made by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in addressing the effects of exposure to organophosphate poisoning.","AnswerText":"In December 1999 the UK Government announced its four-point plan on organophosphates (OPs). This included funding a comprehensive series of research studies into areas of uncertainty that had been identified in the 1999 report from the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment. The first of these studies - commissioned by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - is due to report its findings later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162830,"EventID":"S1W-26286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the exact wording of the frequency limitation order placed on the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service from Gourock to Dunoon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the exact wording of the frequency limitation order placed on the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service from Gourock to Dunoon.","AnswerText":"The restriction of Gourock to Dunoon services to one an hour was made by the Secretary of State for Scotland in a House of Commons Parliamentary Question on 12 February 1982, reference Volume 17/56, Column 480. The answer stated that -

    I announced on 12 October 1981 that a passenger service would continue to be provided by Caledonian MacBrayne between Gourock and Dunoon piers. I asked Caledonian MacBrayne to consider how best to provide such a service. In the light of its examination and following discussions with those concerned I now propose that Caledonian MacBrayne should continue to operate an hourly passenger and vehicle service between Gourock and Dunoon. Future subsidy for this service is now intended to be in respect only of carrying foot passengers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162831,"EventID":"S1W-26287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of methadone prescriptions are exempt from NHS charges in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of methadone prescriptions are exempt from NHS charges in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number and percentage of items dispensed free of charge in each NHS board area in 2000-01, the most recent complete year for which information is available.

    Methadone - Items Dispensed Free of Charge in 2000-01

    Health Board

    Number of items dispensed free of charge

    Percentage of items dispensed free of charge

    Argyll and Clyde

    23,676

    97.36

    Ayrshire and Arran

    25,860

    97.31

    Borders

    468

    89.83

    Dumfries and Galloway

    6,903

    95.37

    Fife

    10,847

    95.17

    Forth Valley

    2,925

    94.54

    Grampian

    24,970

    92.72

    Greater Glasgow

    96,268

    97.34

    Highland

    2,321

    97.19

    Lanarkshire

    27,972

    96.66

    Lothian

    25,518

    96.98

    Orkney

    9

    100.00

    Shetland

    631

    96.78

    Tayside

    16,563

    96.45

    Western Isles

    3

    100.00

    Total

    264,934

    96.25

    These data include instalment dispensings, where patients are given one prescription, for which a single charge is payable, but receive their medication in instalments.

    These data refer to prescriptions dispensed in the community and do not take into account medicines dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162832,"EventID":"S1W-26288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age is of fire stations in each fire brigade area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age is of fire stations in each fire brigade area","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:

    Central Scotland

    29 years

    Dumfries and Galloway

    24 years

    Fife

    32 years

    Highland and Islands

    20 years

    Grampian

    35 years

    Lothian and Borders

    29 years

    Strathclyde

    32 years

    Tayside

    34 years

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162833,"EventID":"S1W-26289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the capital grants made to each fire brigade in each of the past 10 years also expressed as per capita sums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the capital grants made to each fire brigade in each of the past 10 years also expressed as per capita sums.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to detail the capital made available to each fire brigade in each of the past 10 years as, prior to 1997, most Fire Boards were funded through the general capital consents for regional authorities.

    The following table shows the capital allocations made between the financial years 1996-97 and 2002-03.

    Fire Authority

    1996-97

    (£000)

    1997-98

    (£000)

    1998-99

    (£000)

    1999-2000

    (£000)

    2000-01

    (£000)

    2001-02

    (£000)

    2002-03

    (£000)

    Central

    785

    1,358

    1,875

    880

    673

    884

    1,590

    Grampian

    1,790

    1,457

    1,361

    1,658

    2,276

    2,200

    1,616

    Highland and Islands

    1,467

    1,485

    1,576

    2,162

    2,325

    2,980

    2,740

    Lothian and Borders

    1,682

    2,343

    2,234

    1,989

    1,848

    3,363

    4,050

    Strathclyde

    4,600

    6,025

    5,789

    5,768

    5,781

    7,460

    8,451

    Tayside

    1,429

    1,123

    1,041

    1,215

    1,270

    1,328

    2,012

    Fife

    852

    826

    777

    972

    869

    952

    906

    Dumfries and Galloway

    585

    515

    479

    488

    475

    583

    555

    A breakdown of population by fire authority area is not available for the past 10 years. HMCIFS does publish an estimated population figure as part of his annual report and where this is available a "per capita" figure has been produced and is detailed as follows.Information on the reporting of violent incidents to the procurator fiscal, the number of criminal prosecutions, and number of convictions in NHS board areas is not held centrally. The board in question may however have this information locally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162837,"EventID":"S1W-26293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects will benefit from the second round of the Modernising Government Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects will benefit from the second round of the Modernising Government Fund.","AnswerText":"The second round of the Modernising Government Fund has up to £30 million at its disposal, an increase on the first-round fund and double the amount that was originally announced. It is committed to promoting a citizen-focused approach to modernising the delivery of public services in Scotland across several key areas.

    I am pleased to announce today that I have been able to provide funding of more than £16 million to support seven key public sector partnership projects, including £5.4 million to develop services to young people and a young persons smartcard, £4.7 million to support local authorities in the development of citizen-focused information systems, £1.4 million to support the NHS and local authorities to develop common social work data standards and single shared assessments and £4.9 million to help establish a national land and property database for Scotland.

    Many other individual bids to the fund pursue common themes, including education services, transport services and electronic health care services. I propose to use the balance of the £30 million fund to encourage a number of these bidders to form further partnerships to pursue these themes and promote them through strategic public sector projects across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162838,"EventID":"S1W-26294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the Scottish Road Safety Campaign has any plans for a publicity campaign on the use of mobile telephones by drivers whilst driving and whether it will make","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or the Scottish Road Safety Campaign has any plans for a publicity campaign on the use of mobile telephones by drivers whilst driving and whether it will make representations to the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions in support of change in the law on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including mobile phones and driving.

    The Scottish Executive shares with the UK Government responsibility for road safety publicity campaigns in Scotland. The Executive provides funds to the Scottish Road Safety Campaign for the production of key road safety education resources and publicity messages. The campaign has no current plans for a publicity campaign on the use of mobile phones by drivers whilst driving.

    The UK Government's "Think!" campaign includes publicity aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of using mobile phones while driving.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162839,"EventID":"S1W-26295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with, and representations it has had from, Glasgow Airport and the appropriate air traffic control authority in regard to the proposed wind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with, and representations it has had from, Glasgow Airport and the appropriate air traffic control authority in regard to the proposed wind farm at Whitelees and what the outcome was of any such consultations and representations.","AnswerText":"Details of ScottishPower's proposal to construct a 240 megawatt windfarm at Whitelee Forrest were issued on 24 January to a wide range of consultees, including the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

    We received a response from Scottish Airports Ltd on 7 May expressing concerns about the potential impact of the proposed windfarm on the operations of Glasgow Airport.

    Officials met representatives of NATS, the Civil Aviation Authority and Scottish Airports Limited on 24 June 2002 to discuss these concerns.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162840,"EventID":"S1W-26296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cost-benefit work has been carried out in relation to mortgage rescue schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cost-benefit work has been carried out in relation to mortgage rescue schemes.","AnswerText":"Work already undertaken suggests that a mortgage to rent scheme could have a number of benefits which would justify the cost of operating the scheme. A successful application under the scheme will avoid the possession by the lender of the applicant's home, and this will in many cases reduce the financial burden experienced by the lender in taking possession of the property. It will also avoid costs to the public purse, such as court costs and legal aid costs when the lender seeks an order for possession and the cost to the local authority of dealing with a homelessness application, an application to be re-housed and the possible need to transfer any children to a new school. It would also avoid the indirect costs of providing further replacement accommodation in the social rented sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162841,"EventID":"S1W-26297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what internal appeals procedure, in the event of a disputed assessment by a lender, exists under the mortgage to rent scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what internal appeals procedure, in the event of a disputed assessment by a lender, exists under the mortgage to rent scheme.","AnswerText":"The co-ordinator plans to give further consideration, in consultation, with the proposed working group, to the establishment of an internal appeals procedure relating to decisions made by her on eligibility for the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162842,"EventID":"S1W-26298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidance from sheriffs was sought when formulating the policy for its mortgage to rent scheme and, if so, what this guidance was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidance from sheriffs was sought when formulating the policy for its mortgage to rent scheme and, if so, what this guidance was.","AnswerText":"It is not normal practice to ask sheriffs for guidance on an administrative scheme such as the mortgage to rent scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162843,"EventID":"S1W-26299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mortgage rescue schemes are currently in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mortgage rescue schemes are currently in place.","AnswerText":"We are aware of the existence of a small number of mortgage rescue schemes currently run by social landlords and local authorities, although the precise number is not known.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162844,"EventID":"S1W-26300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether compliance with the mortgage to rent scheme is compulsory for lenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether compliance with the mortgage to rent scheme is compulsory for lenders.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to make the mortgage to rent scheme compulsory for lenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162845,"EventID":"S1W-26301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the mortgage to rent scheme interacts with sheriff courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the mortgage to rent scheme interacts with sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"The mortgage to rent scheme is an administrative rather than a legal scheme. It is not intended that there should be any formal link between this scheme and the involvement of sheriff courts in repossession actions.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162846,"EventID":"S1W-26302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently assisted by mortgage rescue schemes and how many it is anticipated will be under the mortgage to rent scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently assisted by mortgage rescue schemes and how many it is anticipated will be under the mortgage to rent scheme.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of people currently assisted by mortgage rescue schemes run by other agencies is not known. It is too early to say how many people might be helped under the Executive-sponsored mortgage to rent scheme since this will depend on the number of applications and the precise details of each case. We will, however, be seeking to ensure that the scheme, when it becomes operational, assists as many people as possible within the limits of the available funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162847,"EventID":"S1W-26303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the mortgage to rent scheme will deal with a defaulting debtor who is party to a shared ownership scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the mortgage to rent scheme will deal with a defaulting debtor who is party to a shared ownership scheme.","AnswerText":"There was no provision for defaulting debtors in shared ownership housing in the draft scheme which was issued for consultation last year. We may wish to review this, in due course, in the light of experience of the initial operation of the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162848,"EventID":"S1W-26304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will meet the costs of any independent repairs assessment and legal fees incurred by the borrower in relation to the mortgage to rent scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will meet the costs of any independent repairs assessment and legal fees incurred by the borrower in relation to the mortgage to rent scheme.","AnswerText":"This is one of the issues which will be considered by the recently appointed co-ordinator in consultation with a working group to be established to advise on the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162849,"EventID":"S1W-26305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect peatlands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect peatlands.","AnswerText":"A number of statutory mechanisms are in place to protect peatlands in Scotland. Raised bog and blanket bog habitats are both protected under the EU Habitats Directive through the designation of sites as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). There are 27 proposed and candidate raised bog SACs in Scotland, and together these support some 68% of Scotland's "active" raised bog, and some 32% of the area of raised bog which has been assessed as degraded but capable of restoration. There are also 45 blanket bog candidate SACs covering a total area of over quarter of a million hectares.

    In addition, a further 42 raised bogs and around 100 sites with blanket bog interests are afforded domestic UK protection through designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Scotland.

    Bogs outwith the statutory nature conservation designation are subject to the safeguards provided through the planning system when being considered for new peat extraction applications. Those bogs which are subject to existing planning consent are protected through the on-going Review of Mineral Permissions (ROMPs) process.

    The UK Biodiversity Action Plan identifies both raised and blanket bog as priority habitats, and a number of initiatives are under way to achieve targets that have been set out in this plan. Both raised bog and blanket bog have specific habitat action plans developed to deal with issues affecting these sites.

    There is no commercial peat extraction from any of Scotland's national or internationally protected peatland sites.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162850,"EventID":"S1W-26306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of peatlands is used for commercial peat extraction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of peatlands is used for commercial peat extraction.","AnswerText":"Scotland supports substantial areas of both raised bogs and blanket bogs, with an estimated total resource of 27,884 ha and 1,060,000 ha respectively. Peat extraction occurs from both habitat types.

    The proportion of peatland currently subject to planning permission for commercial peat extraction is calculated as 4% of raised bog and 0.002% of blanket bog habitat; overall this equates to 0.3% of the total Scottish peatland resource.

    There is no commercial peat extraction from any of Scotland's national or internationally protected sites.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162851,"EventID":"S1W-26307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage the production and use of alternatives to peat.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage the production and use of alternatives to peat.","AnswerText":"The UK Lowland Raised Bog and Blanket Bog Habitat Action Plans encourage the use and production of alternatives to peat, and the Scottish Executive is jointly responsible for the objectives of the plans, in partnership with other agencies. The action plans aim to:

    1. Review and where necessary amend or develop policies on the consumption of peat by 2002, with the aim of achieving a reduction in peat consumption in all sectors and for all purposes. A minimum of 40% of total market requirements to be based on non-peat materials by 2005.

    2. Encourage and provide advice on the development and marketing of peat alternatives to reduce amateur and professional demand for peat-based horticultural products, to achieve the long-term safeguard of peatlands. It is recognised that approximately 75% of extracted peat is used by amateur gardeners in the UK, and one of the key themes of the Scottish Biodiversity Forum is addressing this audience through the Garden for Life initiative. Useable alternatives to peat based garden composts are now easily available.

    In addition, the Scottish Executive provided an additional £3 million to local authorities in 2001 to enable them to increase recycling and composting. A further £50.4 million is also now available for local authorities to begin implementing area waste plans, and this should enable a significant increase in the production of compost in Scotland. The Scottish Executive supports two market development programmes (ReMaDe and WRAP) which aim to promote the use of recycled products, including compost.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162852,"EventID":"S1W-26308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in investigating potential fraud in the Individual Learning Accounts scheme. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in investigating potential fraud in the Individual Learning Accounts scheme. ","AnswerText":"Officials are continuing to liase closely with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise on the validation of outstanding claims and, in particular, any civil or criminal action to recover payments made. We will involve the police in cases where we believe that fraud or other criminal activity may have taken place. There have been initial discussions with Strathclyde Police Fraud Squad and our solicitors are also involved in offering advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162853,"EventID":"S1W-26309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to pensioners living in fuel poverty who are permanently resident in a mobile home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to pensioners living in fuel poverty who are permanently resident in a mobile home.","AnswerText":"Fuel poverty is caused by a combination of low incomes, fuel prices and poor home energy efficiency. Those on low incomes are being helped by the Chancellor of the Exchequer's reforms of the tax and benefit systems, particularly the Working Families Tax Credit and the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners. Competition in the provision of domestic fuel, and the activities of the Regulator, exert a downward pressure on fuel prices. In addition, some fuel companies offer fixed rate packages of gas or electricity for low-income households. Poor home energy efficiency is tackled through the Executive's Warm Deal programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162854,"EventID":"S1W-26310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a centre for the care of young chronically sick people in the Lothians.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish a centre for the care of young chronically sick people in the Lothians.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to establish a centre for the care of the young chronically sick people in the Lothians. Any such plans would be for NHS Lothian in partnership with local authorities and the voluntary sector, and I am aware that there have been discussions between these bodies on the shape of a future service for people with high dependency. These discussions are in the early stages.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162855,"EventID":"S1W-26311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the circumstances when the advice of a special adviser would be sought.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the circumstances when the advice of a special adviser would be sought.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25644 on 20 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162856,"EventID":"S1W-26312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether special advisors are able to delay the issuing of answers to parliamentary questions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether special advisors are able to delay the issuing of answers to parliamentary questions.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for answering a parliamentary question lies with the appropriate minister.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162857,"EventID":"S1W-26313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidance has been issued to special advisers on providing advice on answers to parliamentary questions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidance has been issued to special advisers on providing advice on answers to parliamentary questions.","AnswerText":"The Executive's guidance on parliamentary questions is available to all Executive staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162858,"EventID":"S1W-26314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the basis upon which metered water charges are calculated was formulated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the basis upon which metered water charges are calculated was formulated.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

    Charges for metered customers have always been based on a combination of fixed and volumetric elements. The proportion of the charge represented by the fixed element is being increased to make charges more reflective of the costs of providing the service, and so fairer to all categories of customer. This is in line with the advice of the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland in his Strategic Review of Charges 2002-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162859,"EventID":"S1W-26315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the basis upon which metered water charges are calculated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the basis upon which metered water charges are calculated.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

    Scottish Water is currently undertaking a review of tariff structures for all the services it provides to its customers. The review will seek to establish:

    the most appropriate tariff structures for all customers, including those with metered supplies;

    the most appropriate tariff structures for surface water drainage charges for all customers, including commercial customers supplied through a water meter, and

    a consistent approach to charging domestic, commercial and industrial customers for all services, whether metered or not, including surface water drainage charges.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162860,"EventID":"S1W-26316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the surface water drainage charges made to commercial premises with metered water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the surface water drainage charges made to commercial premises with metered water.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26315.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162861,"EventID":"S1W-26317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to harmonise the basis upon which domestic and commercial surface water drainage charges are calculated for metered users.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to harmonise the basis upon which domestic and commercial surface water drainage charges are calculated for metered users.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26315.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162862,"EventID":"S1W-26318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether groundwater contamination could occur as a result of genetically modified crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether groundwater contamination could occur as a result of genetically modified crop trials.","AnswerText":"The herbicide which is used in association with the GM herbicide-tolerant oilseed rape growing in Scottish farm scale evaluations has been approved for use by the pesticide regulatory authorities. The potential impact on water resources (both surface and groundwater) was a key consideration of the approval process which led me to conclude that there is unlikely to be an impact upon groundwater.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162863,"EventID":"S1W-26319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adolescents and (b) adults diagnosed with autism or Asperger's syndrome have also been diagnosed with depression in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) adolescents and (b) adults diagnosed with autism or Asperger's syndrome have also been diagnosed with depression in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162864,"EventID":"S1W-26320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has funded in each of the last five years into depression and whether it will place a copy of any such research in the Scottish Parliament Information C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has funded in each of the last five years into depression and whether it will place a copy of any such research in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The following list indicates the number of research projects on depression which the Chief Scientist Office commenced funding during each of the last five financial years. The projects vary in length from five months to three years and three are on-going.

    Financial Year

    No. of Projects Started

    1997-98

    1

    1998-99

    3

    1999-2000

    4

    2000-01

    2

    2001-02

    6

    All these projects are recorded on a UK-wide research database called the National Research Register which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162865,"EventID":"S1W-26321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will offer assistance to the parents and carers of those diagnosed with autism or Asperger's syndrome towards the costs of training packages offered by the Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will offer assistance to the parents and carers of those diagnosed with autism or Asperger's syndrome towards the costs of training packages offered by the Scottish Society for Autism.","AnswerText":"In recognition of the importance of supporting carers we have made £10 million a year available to local authorities under the Strategy for Carers in Scotland. This is double the resources previously available. These resources are being used to support carers in a variety of ways and can be used for the training of carers in functions related to their supporting role.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162866,"EventID":"S1W-26322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place regarding supported further education places for adolescents and adults diagnosed with autism or Asperger's syndrome, broken down by local a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place regarding supported further education places for adolescents and adults diagnosed with autism or Asperger's syndrome, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Executive allocated £22.6 million to implement the recommendations of the Beattie Committee which examined the needs of young people who require additional support to make the transition to post-school education and training or employment. £4.5 million of this funding was committed to improving support for students in further education.

    Further education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for the provision of appropriate learning opportunities for students with special needs. Students with autism or Asperger's syndrome may be enrolled on either mainstream courses or special programmes in further education colleges and colleges can claim additional funding in respect of these students.

    It is not possible to provide this information by local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162867,"EventID":"S1W-26323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce the risk of mental health illness in adolescents diagnosed with autism and Asperger's syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to reduce the risk of mental health illness in adolescents diagnosed with autism and Asperger's syndrome.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is conscious that the greatest contribution to the reduction of risk, and best intervention, is the earliest possible detection of a disorder, with continuing effective co-ordinated interventions by all relevant agencies.

    With this in mind we have commissioned the Public Health Institute for Scotland to conduct a review of child and adolescent mental health provision. This report, which will be available later this year, and the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report published in February, will better inform planning and provision decisions in this area of care.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162868,"EventID":"S1W-26324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations regarding eating disorders from the Framework for Mental Health Services have been implemented in each NHS board area since the framework's publicati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations regarding eating disorders from the Framework for Mental Health Services have been implemented in each NHS board area since the framework's publication.","AnswerText":"No specific recommendations are made in the published guidance. The aim is to provide agencies with a workable planning and audit tool to use in assessing the level and type of provision appropriate for their area.

    A view on local progress made with eating disorder services and support is offered in the published overall assessments provided with each Mental Health and Well Being Support Group area reports.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162869,"EventID":"S1W-26325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died as a result of anorexia nervosa in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people died as a result of anorexia nervosa in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is presented in the following table.

    Deaths from Anorexia Nervosa1, Scotland

    1991

    1992

    1993

    1994

    1995

    1996

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001 2

    2

    2

    4

    5

    1

    2

    5

    0

    3

    2

    1

    Notes:

    1. 1991-99, ICD9 code 307.1; 2000-01, ICD10 code F50.0.

    2. Provisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162870,"EventID":"S1W-26326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are being implemented nationally to address the number of people suffering from anorexia nervosa.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are being implemented nationally to address the number of people suffering from anorexia nervosa.","AnswerText":"In terms of national initiatives, we have published guidance on the best organisation of eating disorder services, including specifically services and support for those with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

    Wider national initiatives on mental health will also have an impact on awareness and investment in services, including not least the current and promised £4 million to promote positive mental health and well-being.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162871,"EventID":"S1W-26327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which psychiatric illness currently has the highest death rate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which psychiatric illness currently has the highest death rate.","AnswerText":"Deaths in Scotland are coded using the Tenth Revision of the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD10). In 2000, some 2,300 deaths were coded to the "Mental and Behavioural Disorders" chapter of ICD10. The largest category, almost 1,400 deaths, was "Unspecified dementia".","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162872,"EventID":"S1W-26328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed with an eating disorder in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) NHS board area, (b) age and (c) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed with an eating disorder in each year since 1999, broken down by (a) NHS board area, (b) age and (c) gender.","AnswerText":"Information from a sample of general practices, selected as representative of Scotland as a whole, provides national estimates of patients seen by GPs. Using information from this national sample, the following table shows the estimated number of patients seen by a GP and recorded with an eating disorder diagnosis during the year specified, for Scotland. A health board breakdown is not available. Note that, in some cases, the same patient may be recorded in more than one year. Also note that, because the information is derived from a sample, caution is advised in interpreting trends across years.

    Estimated Number of Patients, with an Eating Disorder Diagnosis, seen by GPs in Scotland, 1999-20011, by Age Group and by Gender

    1999 2

    2000 3

    2001 4

    Total

    3,400

    3,850

    3,750

    by Age Group

    0-14 years

    775

    725

    525

    15-24 years

    1,025

    1,200

    1,150

    25-44 years

    1,300

    1,575

    1,450

    45-64 years

    175

    175

    275

    65 and over

    125

    175

    350

    by Gender

    Males

    650

    450

    450

    Females

    2,750

    3,400

    3,300

    Source: Continuous Morbidity Recording (CMR), ISD Scotland.

    Notes:

    1. Patients seen more than once in the same year will only be counted once for that year. Patients could be counted once in each different year.

    2. Based on 51 practices, population 288,433, January 1999 to December 1999.

    3. Based on 55 practices, population 348,257, January 2000 to December 2000.

    4. Based on 60 practices, population 370,605, January 2001 to December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162873,"EventID":"S1W-26329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many in-patient beds are available in each NHS board area for the treatment of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many in-patient beds are available in each NHS board area for the treatment of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. ","AnswerText":"National information on NHS beds is primarily held at Consultant Specialty level, and does not provide the detail requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162874,"EventID":"S1W-26330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community support facilities are available in each NHS board area for those discharged from hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community support facilities are available in each NHS board area for those discharged from hospital.","AnswerText":"Each person has their needs assessed prior to discharge. The single shared assessment process, which will be in place for all care groups by April 2003, enhances the joint approach to providing support in the community, with appropriate health and/or social care put in place to meet individual needs and provided by members of the relevant Primary Health Care Team or local authority social work department.

    A key recommendation of the Joint Future Group was that joint discharge/rapid response teams should be put in place in each local authority area. These teams consist of both health and social care professionals and enhance the care available to those discharged from hospital.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162875,"EventID":"S1W-26331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist eating disorder units have closed in each year since 1999 and for what reason.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist eating disorder units have closed in each year since 1999 and for what reason.","AnswerText":"There is no definition of \"specialist eating disorder units\" within the NHS. Information is not held centrally on services provided outside the NHS. An eating disorder service was provided by a consultant psychiatrist based at the Murray Royal Hospital in Perth. The service was discontinued in December 2001.

    We understand that Tayside NHS Board is discussing with neighbouring boards what future services might be provided for those with eating disorders. At present, such patients continue to be seen by general psychiatrists.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162876,"EventID":"S1W-26332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist training is in place for (a) general practitioners, (b) community nurses, (c) teachers, (d) social workers and (e) psychiatrists in identifying, diagnosin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist training is in place for (a) general practitioners, (b) community nurses, (c) teachers, (d) social workers and (e) psychiatrists in identifying, diagnosing and treating anorexia nervosa.","AnswerText":"Each of the professions listed will have varying degrees of contact with those who suffer from anorexia nervosa and therefore varying needs in the area of specialist training.

    General Practitioners (GPs)

    GPs are encouraged to look at their own personal learning needs (based on the principles of adult learning) and the needs of their patients. Each GP receives an annual Postgraduate Education Allowance to support an agreed amount of training in areas approved by the Deaneries. In the future, the appraisal process will assist GPs to identify their learning needs with the help of trained appraisers.

    Community Nurses

    There is no discrete specialist training in this area for community nursing. The specialist practitioner programmes for community nursing (community psychiatric nursing, public health nursing and district nursing) touch on the subject and students sometimes use the subject for a project and thereby study it in more depth, but this is at their own discretion. Nurses working in this highly specialised area would attend ad hoc specialist short courses, study days, modules etc, at their own or their trust's discretion.

    Teachers

    It is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that a wide range of continuing professional development opportunities is available for qualified teachers. Training aimed at equipping teachers to deal with issues relating to anorexia nervosa could be recognised as one such appropriate opportunity.

    Social Workers

    There are no set requirements for the inclusion of specific training in relation to anorexia nervosa as part of the Diploma in Social Work. Most courses, however, will have specific input on mental illness, and in many cases eating disorders will be covered to some degree. Practising social workers, especially those in adult community care teams and those working in psychiatric hospitals or community mental health teams, will be involved in working with persons with anorexia nervosa as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Specialist information and training will be available to those working in such settings.

    Social workers who have been practising for two years and have relevant experience are eligible for additional specialist training as Mental Health Officers to carry out specific functions under the Mental Health Act. This entails additional training of at least 60 days and will have a taught component of between three and four weeks. As part of the latter there will invariably be input in respect of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, especially as they may present complex ethical and legal issues in respect of treatment.

    Psychiatrists

    As part of the theoretical training involved in the three years' experience required of junior psychiatrists before they sit the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination, there will be extensive didactic teaching in eating disorders. In addition, especially in the area of general psychiatry, junior psychiatrists will have the opportunity to see, assess, and treat patients with eating disorders, under consultant supervision. This clinical experience will be expanded in the three years that general psychiatrists spend as Specialist Registrars (SpRs).

    Alongside this, SpRs will have the opportunity to develop a special interest in eating disorders - there is protected time in the SpR contract to allow such a special interest - and SpRs also have the opportunity to acquire skills in particular psychological interventions such as cognitive behaviour therapy. About 50% of SpRs are involved in some form of psychological intervention training.

    The training in the specific area of anorexia nervosa can be accessed through postgraduate deaneries as part of NHS Education for Scotland, The Royal Colleges of Psychiatry and General Practitioners and other providers such as voluntary agencies.

    A template for eating disorders was widely distributed to all board areas in October 2001. It offered a service p","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162877,"EventID":"S1W-26333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what differences in the way that Scotland implemented last year's Programme for International Student Assessment caused the Office for National Statistics to advise that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what differences in the way that Scotland implemented last year's Programme for International Student Assessment caused the Office for National Statistics to advise that \"any comparisons with Scotland should be made with caution\".","AnswerText":"Minor changes to OECD procedures for student sampling and test administration were made to enable the 2000 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to be run in Scotland. These changes would not have had any effect on the validity of the PISA results for Scotland nor on the appropriate use of the figures for comparative purposes. We are agreeing with the OECD the procedures that should apply for PISA 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162878,"EventID":"S1W-26334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what schools participated in last year's Programme for International Student Assessment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what schools participated in last year's Programme for International Student Assessment.","AnswerText":"We do not make public the identity of subjects and organisations that take part in Scottish Executive commissioned research without first obtaining their consent. We do not have this consent from the schools that took part in the Programme for International Student Assessment. Assurance about anonymity is normally important in securing continued co-operation for research projects. The random stratified sampling procedure used by the contractors who carried out this study for the Scottish Executive ensured that the sample was representative and that it contained schools of varying sizes.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162879,"EventID":"S1W-26335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with relevant organisations to take forward the Larkhall to Milngavie rail extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings it has had with relevant organisations to take forward the Larkhall to Milngavie rail extension.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Railtrack, the Strategic Rail Authority and the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive on a wide range of rail issues, including the Larkhall to Milngavie link.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162880,"EventID":"S1W-26336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link.","AnswerText":"A joint funding package totalling £23 million was agreed last year between the Scottish Executive and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE). However, Railtrack's announcement in December 2001 to withdraw its support from the Larkhall to Milngavie project has meant that progress has been more difficult.

    Since then, the Scottish Executive has been supporting SPTE, as the lead authority and funding partner for the project, to keep the project moving forward. There are a number of complex technical, legal and performance issues that are currently being considered. Discussions on these issues have involved all the key stakeholders, including the Strategic Rail Authority and the Office of the Rail Regulator. This dialogue is on-going and the outcome will determine a possible timetable for work on the rail link.

    The powers to construct the railway remain in force. In terms of their transfer, the amendment or repeal of the British Railways Order Confirmation Act 1994 and the British Railways (No.3) Order Confirmation Act 1994 involves private legislation. As such, it would be a matter for the promoter to initiate and not for the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162881,"EventID":"S1W-26337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to begin on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to begin on the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26336.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162882,"EventID":"S1W-26338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a routine ophthalmology appointment (a) nationally and (b) in the Lanarkshire NHS Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a routine ophthalmology appointment (a) nationally and (b) in the Lanarkshire NHS Board area.","AnswerText":"Provisional figures for the year ended 31 December 2001 show that the median waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in ophthalmology, following referral by a general medical practitioner, was 90 days in the Lanarkshire NHS Board area and 66 days in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162883,"EventID":"S1W-26339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce youth crime in Clydesdale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce youth crime in Clydesdale.","AnswerText":"Our action programme to reduce youth crime, launched on 28 January, identifies the measures we will take this year to build a safer Scotland and reduce youth offending. All authorities have received funding to support multi-agency youth crime teams and to put in place effective programmes which will reduce youth crime. South Lanarkshire has received £552,000 in the last two years and will receive £552,000 next year. The Executive is completing a mapping exercise of all local authorities to measure their progress with developing these services and programmes. The results will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre when available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162884,"EventID":"S1W-26340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve consultation in the planning process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve consultation in the planning process.","AnswerText":"In November 2001 we published the consultation paper Getting Involved in Planning. This sought comments on a range of proposals to improve the effectiveness of existing arrangements for involving the public in the planning process. An independent analysis of the responses will be published in the summer.

    In his speech to Parliament on 30 May, outlining our legislative programme to April 2003, the First Minister indicated that we would be working to develop proposals for a White Paper on Planning to make public involvement more meaningful.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162885,"EventID":"S1W-26341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in (a) Clydesdale and (b) South Lanarkshire have benefited from the Sure Start programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in (a) Clydesdale and (b) South Lanarkshire have benefited from the Sure Start programme.","AnswerText":"Data on the Sure Start Scotland programme from the recent mapping exercise is only available at a Scotland level. Raw data available at local authority level would not be of sufficient quality and completeness to support analysis or to allow conclusions to be drawn or comparisons with other data to be made. The mapping exercise found that over 9,000 additional children received support in the first year of implementation of Sure Start Scotland (1999-2000). This increased to over 15,000 additional children in 2000-01. The figures cover a wide range of provision which vary in intensity from one-off interventions to sustained support over a long period.

    South Lanarkshire reports that Sure Start Scotland funding has been used mainly to improve childcare provision across the council, particularly in social inclusion partnership areas, and to enhance integrated working practices and a more holistic approach to work with very young children. The main form of service delivery is through centres offering group provision, such as daycare, parenting programmes, and support groups, while some intensive one-to-one provision is also offered by centres as drop-in sessions or as outreach home visiting.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162886,"EventID":"S1W-26342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support the development of new racecourses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support the development of new racecourses.","AnswerText":"The growth potential of horse racing in Scotland was highlighted earlier this year in a study commissioned by Scottish Racing. The Executive, through its various agencies, stands ready to assist where it can the development of any business including the development of new racecourses with or without all weather facilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162887,"EventID":"S1W-26343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support the development of all weather racecourses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support the development of all weather racecourses.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26342.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162888,"EventID":"S1W-26344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the current procedures to require appointees to public bodies to declare any party political membership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the current procedures to require appointees to public bodies to declare any party political membership.","AnswerText":"No, the Executive has no plans to do so since the current arrangements are satisfactory and comply with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice.

    A standard question on political activity, as set out in the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code, is asked of all applicants for appointments to public bodies. The question only asks for information which is already in the public domain and does not ask for private or personal information such as membership of a political party or voting preferences.

    We will be publishing political activity information on public appointees in future editions of the annual report on public appointments. Legislation to establish a separate Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland will be introduced in the Parliament shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162889,"EventID":"S1W-26345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weighting is given to poverty and health factors when calculating local authority central funding allocations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what weighting is given to poverty and health factors when calculating local authority central funding allocations.","AnswerText":"Details of weightings are set out in Grant Aided Expenditure (the "Green Book") 2001-02, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 12261). The weightings also apply to 2002-03 and 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162890,"EventID":"S1W-26346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to regenerate deprived areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to regenerate deprived areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive supports a wide range of activities across Scotland in pursuit of our social justice and regeneration objectives. Some examples include:

    • The Better Neighbourhood Services Fund, providing £90 million over three years to improve the delivery of public services in Scotland's deprived areas and amongst deprived groups.
    • Under the New Housing Partnership Programme, £200 million has been committed to development and regeneration programmes.
    • £118 million has been made available through the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund over the two years ending in March 2004.

    In relation to future policy, the Community Regeneration Statement, launched on 25 June, sets out the Executive's strategy for tackling deprivation in Scotland's disadvantaged areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162891,"EventID":"S1W-26347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of affordable homes built in the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of affordable homes built in the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive holds information on the number of new dwellings which are completed each quarter for local authority, housing association and private sector landlords. The information is available for each local authority area.

    Information is currently available up to the end of September 2001. Figures for the latest quarter July-September 2001 were published in Table 8 of the Scottish Executive Quarterly Housing Trends Bulletin HSG/2002/1. Figures for the first two quarters of 2001, and for the full 12 months of 2000 were set out in Table 8 of earlier bulletins. All bulletins are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

    Period

    Bulletin Number

    Publication Date

    Bib. Number

    July-Sep 2001

    HSG/2002/1

    26 March 2002

    20348

    Apr-June 2001

    HSG/2001/6

    18 December 2001

    18220

    Jan-Mar 2001

    HSG/2001/4

    27September 2001

    16396

    Jan-Dec 2000

    HSG/2001/2

    26 June 2001

    20891

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162892,"EventID":"S1W-26348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the regional planning of services will impact on neurosciences in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the regional planning of services will impact on neurosciences in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area.","AnswerText":"The West of Scotland Chief Executives Group is currently considering a proposal for the regional planning and funding of neurosciences.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162893,"EventID":"S1W-26349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients from outside the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area are treated within the board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients from outside the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area are treated within the board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown for financial years April 1997 to March 2001.

    Number of Patients Resident Outside the Greater Glasgow NHS Board Area Treated as an In-Patient or Daycase within the Board Area, April 1997 to March 2001.

     

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    Number of patients1,2,3

    38,439

    38,862

    37,534

    37,576

    Notes:

    1. These statistics are derived from data collected on discharges from non-obstetric and non-psychiatric hospitals (SMR01) in Scotland.

    2. Probability matching methods have been used to link together individual SMR01 hospital discharges for each patient, thereby creating "linked" patient histories. Hence, if a patient has multiple hospital discharges in a year, they are counted once in the figure for that year.

    3. Figures exclude health board of residence "Unknown" or "No Fixed Abode".","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162894,"EventID":"S1W-26350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what neurosurgical services are currently available in the (a) west and (b) east of Scotland and (c) nationally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what neurosurgical services are currently available in the (a) west and (b) east of Scotland and (c) nationally.","AnswerText":"Adult neurosurgical services are currently provided at four centres in Scotland: Grampian University Hospital NHS Trust, Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust, Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust and the Institute of Neurological Sciences, South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust. Paediatric neurosurgery is provided at these four centres and at Yorkhill NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162895,"EventID":"S1W-26351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the development of a plan for the funding of neurosciences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the development of a plan for the funding of neurosciences.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26348.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162896,"EventID":"S1W-26352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding is available to conduct nerve conduction tests in the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding is available to conduct nerve conduction tests in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26348.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162897,"EventID":"S1W-26353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the area tourist board network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the area tourist board network.","AnswerText":"I am issuing a consultation letter today which begins an open three-month consultation on the future arrangements for the area tourist board network. The letter will be sent to all interested parties inviting them to contribute to the review. It will also be posted on the Scottish Executive and VisitScotland websites.

    http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/tourism/areatourist.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162898,"EventID":"S1W-26354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its news release SEet037/2002 on 23 May 2002 on using public transport, which Ministers routinely travel to work by (a) public transport, (b) private car and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its news release SEet037/2002 on 23 May 2002 on using public transport, which Ministers routinely travel to work by (a) public transport, (b) private car and (c) ministerial car.","AnswerText":"Ministerial travel patterns vary according to the timing and location of engagements. Arrangements for travel to work are made to support the efficient conduct of Government business and the security of official documents, involving the use of the Government Car Service as appropriate. The Executive does not hold central records of ministerial travel by public transport or private car.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162899,"EventID":"S1W-26355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much compensation it has paid in cash and real terms in each of the last five years in response to claims made in respect of deficient road maintenance, broken down ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much compensation it has paid in cash and real terms in each of the last five years in response to claims made in respect of deficient road maintenance, broken down by individual trunk road.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available on an individual route basis. The compensation paid in each of the last five years for which final outturn figures are available is shown on the table.

    Year

    Actual

    (£000)

    Real Terms*

    (£000)

    1996-97

    257

    284

    1997-98

    227

    243

    1998-99

    200

    209

    1999-2000

    939

    956

    2000-01

    104

    104

    Note:

    *At 2000-01 prices.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162900,"EventID":"S1W-26356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines exist on the number of public toilets to be provided adjacent to trunk road routes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines exist on the number of public toilets to be provided adjacent to trunk road routes.","AnswerText":"No guidelines exist on the number of public toilets to be provided adjacent to trunk road routes.

    National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 9: The Provision of Roadside Facilities on Motorways and Trunk Roads in Scotland provides planning guidance on the siting and design of such facilities. It does, however, not offer guidance on the number of facilities to be provided. A copy of NPPG 9 is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 1082).","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162901,"EventID":"S1W-26357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requires Dumfries and Galloway Council to provide public toilet facilities in Langholm for users of the A7.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it requires Dumfries and Galloway Council to provide public toilet facilities in Langholm for users of the A7.","AnswerText":"No, section 26 of the Local Government and Planning (Scotland) Act 1982 states that local authorities may provide and maintain public toilets but lays no statutory obligation upon them to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162902,"EventID":"S1W-26358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its Statistics Plan for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its Statistics Plan for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that we are publishing the third Scottish Executive Statistics Plan, for 2002-03, for consultation today. We received a number of useful comments on the first two plans, which have influenced the development of our proposals for 2002-03. Executive staff have also contributed fully to the development of the second UK National Statistics Work Programme. This includes significant proposals for the development of the Scottish Executive Statistics, while our own plan gives more details.

    We remain committed to making available high quality statistics which meet the needs of users and support informed decision making.

    I am placing a copy of the Scottish Executive Statistics Plan in the Parliament's Reference Centre and additional copies are available in the Document Supply Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162903,"EventID":"S1W-26359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the terms of reference will be of the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the terms of reference will be of the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to ensuring that each public body is subject to a regular policy and financial management review. A review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will start in June 2002. The terms of reference for the review will be:

    To examine the role and functions of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the effectiveness and efficiency with which these functions are carried out. The review will:

    consider how effectively SEPA has performed since it was established and seek the views of a range of stakeholders on its performance;

    consider how well SEPA responds to the policies and priorities of the Scottish ministers and if the level of delegation to SEPA from the Scottish Executive is sufficient and appropriate;

    examine the role of SEPA in relation to other bodies with responsibilities for environmental protection and regulation;

    identify ways of improving the service that SEPA provides to local communities and regulated organisations;

    examine the policies and practices of SEPA in relation to the charges it levies for its regulatory service;

    look at ways of improving the system of environmental permits and emissions monitoring, and

    identify the key issues that need to be addressed to allow SEPA to meet the challenges posed by the shifting focus of environmental legislation.

    The review will be expected to make recommendations to the Scottish ministers in all of the key areas outlined above.

    The review will be informed by other relevant reviews, in particular the recent quinquennial review of the Environment Agency in England and Wales and the December 2000 Audit Scotland report A Measure of Protection.

    These terms of reference take account of the outcome of the 2001 Public Bodies Review, which concluded that there was no fundamental change needed to the functions and structure of SEPA. The Public Bodies Review made cross-cutting recommendations relevant to all public bodies; the implementation of these recommendations in relation to SEPA will be considered as part of the review.

    As an essential part of the review process, officials will be consulting widely with interested parties. It is intended to hold a stakeholder event early in the review to help define the detailed scope and identify the key questions to be answered in the review, within the broad terms of reference.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162904,"EventID":"S1W-26360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the fire and safety regulations for youth hostels and similar temporary accommodation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the fire and safety regulations for youth hostels and similar temporary accommodation.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Policy Paper, The Scottish Fire Service of the Future was launched by the Deputy First Minister on 29 April. It contains some 28 recommendations including a number relating to the importance of fire safety and enforcement. At the end of the consultation period on 30 July we will be considering how to take the recommendations forward including the need for new legislation on fire safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162905,"EventID":"S1W-26361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget provision is for housing repair and improvement grants in the current and future financial years and how much has been spent in the current year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget provision is for housing repair and improvement grants in the current and future financial years and how much has been spent in the current year.","AnswerText":"Since April 1996 the amount set aside for improvement and repair grants has been for each local authority to determine. No expenditure figures are yet available for the current year, 2002-03. The latest confirmed figure available for expenditure on statutory and discretionary grants for housing across the whole of Scotland is £38.944 million for 2000-01. Most of this expenditure is on improvement and repair grants, although some other grants are included in the category.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162906,"EventID":"S1W-26362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government concerning the take-up of EU agrimonetary compensation for Scottish farmers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government concerning the take-up of EU agrimonetary compensation for Scottish farmers.","AnswerText":"As agrimoney payments must be made on a UK-wide basis, I have raised the matter with my counterparts in the other UK administrations. I strongly supported the case for payment both in principle and on practical grounds. However, the decision to pay or not is a reserved matter and can only be made by the UK Government who took the view that further agrimoney expenditure could not be justified, bearing in mind the many competing demands on the public purse.

    Since 1997 Scottish farmers have received agrimoney compensation worth some £140 million, including £30 million in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162907,"EventID":"S1W-26363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the statement made by a Parliament spokesman on 10 September 2001 that \"we have been aware for a number of weeks through our construction managers (Bovis Lend ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the statement made by a Parliament spokesman on 10 September 2001 that \"we have been aware for a number of weeks through our construction managers (Bovis Lend Lease) of some difficulties within Flour City relating to worldwide financial and management restructuring\", on what date the construction managers first provided information of such difficulties; to whom this information was given; what information was provided, and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will arrange for any relevant details to be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"In late July 2001, Bovis Lend Lease advised the Project Team, of financial difficulties emanating from Flour City projects within the far east, and consequential management restructuring to manage the financial situation. The latest position was discussed at the Holyrood Progress Group at their next meeting at the beginning of August, and formally reported to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) at their meeting at the end of that month. The Parliament has received legal advice that documents should not mean time be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre for reasons I have repeatedly given.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162908,"EventID":"S1W-26364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will list all those present at the meeting on 4 September 2001 at which John Tang of Flour City International and his sen","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will list all those present at the meeting on 4 September 2001 at which John Tang of Flour City International and his senior officials were present and whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of any memorandum, notes or other documents relating to this meeting.","AnswerText":"I am informed by the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that in attendance on 4 September 2001 were John Tang, Chairman of Flour City International; senior site based representatives of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd; the Managing Partner of Flour City International's investment banker; Bovis Lend Lease Project Director; representatives of the Bovis Lend Lease Commercial team, and members of the Holyrood Project Team. The Parliament has received legal advice that documents should not be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre while the SPCB's rights and entitlements are still being evaluated, as they may form part of the productions in any litigation which may follow.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162909,"EventID":"S1W-26365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-18874 on 1 November 2001, whether the design and specialist cladding services work provided by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-18874 on 1 November 2001, whether the design and specialist cladding services work provided by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited is being used in the final cladding contract or contracts and whether it will detail the amount or value of these services provided by Flour City which is not being used.","AnswerText":"I understand that all the design work done by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd has been used.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162910,"EventID":"S1W-26366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to questions S1W-19252 and S1W-20308 on 16 November and 7 December 2001 respectively, on what date the technical information from Flour City Archite","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to questions S1W-19252 and S1W-20308 on 16 November and 7 December 2001 respectively, on what date the technical information from Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited should have been provided; what the information was which was \"considerably overdue\"; to whom the concerns by EMBT/RMJM were expressed; whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the whole document or documents in which such concerns were expressed; in the event that any of this information is deemed to be commercially confidential, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will state on what basis and why and whose interest would be damaged by its disclosure, and whether the losses emanating from the insolvency of Flour City are deemed to fall within the category of force majeure on the risk register.","AnswerText":"Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd were due to produce control samples for the oak windows in June 2001. I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that concerns arose during a routine project meeting between the Design Team and project personnel in May 2001 when it became clear that there might be a delay. However, assurances were given that recovery measures were in place. The Parliament's position on the disclosure of commercially confidential material has not changed and is set out in my answer of 19 September 2000 to question S1W-9469. It remains the case that documents should not be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre while the SPCB's rights and entitlements are still being evaluated, as they may form part of the productions in any litigation which may follow. Costs emanating from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd fall within the category of force majeure on the risk register.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162911,"EventID":"S1W-26367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, what specialist cladding services were carried out by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited and how much they were paid for these.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, what specialist cladding services were carried out by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited and how much they were paid for these.","AnswerText":"Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd undertook design works in association with stone, precast concrete and stainless steel cladding, glazing and blast resistant secondary support structures to the various cladding components on the MSP block. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress has confirmed that the company was paid £854,067 for these services.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162912,"EventID":"S1W-26368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much of the #854,067 fee paid to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited was paid to (a) Flour City and (b) contractors on behalf of Flour City.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much of the #854,067 fee paid to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited was paid to (a) Flour City and (b) contractors on behalf of Flour City.","AnswerText":"All of the £854,067 was paid directly to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162913,"EventID":"S1W-26369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the statement in the Holyrood Progress Group Newsletter No.7 that \"factory inspections have already taken place in Thailand\", who from Bovis Lend Lease carried","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the statement in the Holyrood Progress Group Newsletter No.7 that \"factory inspections have already taken place in Thailand\", who from Bovis Lend Lease carried out these inspections; when they took place, and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a copy of the inspection findings.","AnswerText":"Bovis Lend Lease did not carry out inspections of Flour City's window supplier's manufacturing facility in Thailand. I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that representatives from RMJM's local offices in Bangkok undertook inspections, initially in February 2001, and later in June 2001. The Parliament has received legal advice that documents should not be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre while the SPCB's right and entitlements are still being evaluated as they may form part of the productions in any litigation which may follow.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162914,"EventID":"S1W-26370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter of 8 May 2002 from the convener of the Public Petitions Committee to the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning about ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the letter of 8 May 2002 from the convener of the Public Petitions Committee to the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning about public petition PE500 on behalf of the Scottish Bus Group Pensioners Action Committee, whether it will make a written reply to the letter; when any such reply will be made, and whether the minister will meet the petitioners before appearing before the committee.","AnswerText":"A reply to the letter of 8 May will be issued in advance of the Public Petitions Committee meeting on 18 June 2002. I will respond to the Petitions Committee on matters they have raised with me following the meeting of 7 May 2002.

    The member will be interested to know that The Scottish Transport Group (Dissolution) Order 2002 has been made today and will come into force on Friday 7 June 2002. Copies of the Order have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162915,"EventID":"S1W-26371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date (a) Bovis Lend Lease, (b) EMBT/RMJM and (c) any member of the Holyrood Project Team expressed any doubts to the Holyrood Progress Group, the Scottish Parliame","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date (a) Bovis Lend Lease, (b) EMBT/RMJM and (c) any member of the Holyrood Project Team expressed any doubts to the Holyrood Progress Group, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body or any other person about the financial viability of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd or its parent company and whether any documents regarding this matter will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Certain concerns about Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd's finances were reported to the HPG at a meeting on 12 July 2001. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that representatives of Bovis Lend Lease, EMBT/RMJM and the Holyrood Project Team were all present at that meeting. These concerns and subsequent developments were reported to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) in August 2001. The Parliament has received legal advice that documents should not be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre while the SPCB's rights and entitlements are still being evaluated, as they may form part of the productions in any litigation which may follow.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162916,"EventID":"S1W-26372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the establishment of the Cairngorms National Park will be taken forward following the earlier consultation by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the establishment of the Cairngorms National Park will be taken forward following the earlier consultation by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).","AnswerText":"The report by SNH, as the reporting body under section 3 of the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000, was submitted to Scottish ministers on 21 August, 2001. We have considered this report very carefully.

    We are satisfied that the Cairngorms area meets the criteria for designation as a National Park. We are, therefore, publishing today a draft Designation Order for consultation, as required under section 6 of the National Parks (Scotland) Act. This consultation document will be widely distributed and copies have been made available to the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Executive's consultation closes on 22 August 2002, after which the draft Order will be amended as required in light of comments received, before being submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162917,"EventID":"S1W-26373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discovering the causes of amnesic shellfish poisoning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discovering the causes of amnesic shellfish poisoning.","AnswerText":"Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) is caused by domoic acid, a water-soluble, amino acid which is produced by species of Pseudonitzschia phytoplankton, and accumulated in shellfish. Poisoning by ASP can cause severe and potentially fatal irreversible neurotoxic effects in humans. Toxic Pseudonitzschia species are regularly found in Scottish coastal waters throughout the year and are monitored regularly by the Food Standards Agency phytoplankton and algal toxin monitoring programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162918,"EventID":"S1W-26374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25554 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, what information it holds on the number of members of the Law Society of Scotland likely to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25554 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, what information it holds on the number of members of the Law Society of Scotland likely to be employed for the determination of applications for compensation by victims of criminal injuries to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority by the end of 2002-03 in light of the reduced volume of outstanding non-statutory scheme cases in respect of which they are mainly employed.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162919,"EventID":"S1W-26375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25554 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, how many hearings of the Criminal Compensation Authority were conducted for the authority i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25554 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, how many hearings of the Criminal Compensation Authority were conducted for the authority in Scotland by persons other than members of the Law Society of Scotland in each of the last three years for which figures are available. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162920,"EventID":"S1W-26376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25554 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, which of its officials, of what grades and on what dates, have received any memoranda, draf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25554 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, which of its officials, of what grades and on what dates, have received any memoranda, drafts, notes, submissions or reports regarding any assessment made by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) of the internal SPS submission Constructing the Future prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162921,"EventID":"S1W-26377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25679 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, what portions of the internal Scottish Prison Service submission Constructing the Future pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25679 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, what portions of the internal Scottish Prison Service submission Constructing the Future prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss on or about 21 April 2000 were taken into account and by whom, and between what dates, any such portions were taken into account in the development of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162922,"EventID":"S1W-26378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received in relation to the creation of a parallel link road for local traffic between Middlebank and Inchture to connect with the flyover un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received in relation to the creation of a parallel link road for local traffic between Middlebank and Inchture to connect with the flyover under construction at the Inchture Junction on the A90.","AnswerText":"Six expressions of support for the link road have been received.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162923,"EventID":"S1W-26379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it took of the views expressed by its public inquiry reporter on the creation of a parallel link road for local traffic between Middlebank and Inchture to c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account it took of the views expressed by its public inquiry reporter on the creation of a parallel link road for local traffic between Middlebank and Inchture to connect with the flyover at the Inchture Junction on the A90 when it took the decision not to proceed with the construction of the link road at the same time as the flyover is constructed.","AnswerText":"In their decision letter following the Public Inquiry, Scottish ministers accepted the reporter's recommendation to give early consideration to funding the option of extending the link road through to Inchture Interchange. Due to higher priorities on the A90 and elsewhere on the trunk road network it has, to date, not proved possible to accommodate the link road in the current programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162924,"EventID":"S1W-26380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of constructing a parallel link road between Middlebank and Inchture with the flyover under construction at the Inchture Junction of the A90 will be and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of constructing a parallel link road between Middlebank and Inchture with the flyover under construction at the Inchture Junction of the A90 will be and whether the cost will be higher than the cost would be if the link road were constructed at the same time as the flyover is constructed.","AnswerText":"This situation did not arise as the additional statutory road and compulsory purchase orders required for a link road to Inchture are not in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162925,"EventID":"S1W-26381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) safety and (b) security regulations cover youth hostels and what inspection regimes are in place in relation to each.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) safety and (b) security regulations cover youth hostels and what inspection regimes are in place in relation to each.","AnswerText":"When youth hostels are constructed or created by conversion of an existing building, they must comply with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations. There is no requirement under these regulations for inspection after a completion certificate has been granted. Health and safety more generally is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive. Security is a matter for the owners of the premises.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162926,"EventID":"S1W-26382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to examine ways in which the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service can become more effective in prosecuting those charged with anti-social beha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to examine ways in which the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service can become more effective in prosecuting those charged with anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"The Review of the Planning, Allocation and Management of Resources in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, published on 4 March, made recommendations which are intended to improve the quality of the service delivered to the public across the board. Implementation of these recommendations has begun under the direction of the recently appointed Chief Executive and Crown Agent Designate and has reached the stage at which appointments to the new post of Area Procurator Fiscal are presently being made. Additional prosecutors and administrative staff are being recruited and technology which will permit more effective management of work is being introduced.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162927,"EventID":"S1W-26383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effect which community wardens or special constables would have on anti-social behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effect which community wardens or special constables would have on anti-social behaviour.","AnswerText":"It is too early to assess the effectiveness of the Neighbourhood Warden pilot project in Paisley, because the project has only just started. Renfrewshire Council is putting in place systems for monitoring and evaluation which should allow assessments of the effectiveness of the project to be made in due course.

    HM Inspectors of Constabulary assess the effectiveness of special constables within their regular inspections of all Scottish police forces; but there has been no specific assessment of their effect on anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162928,"EventID":"S1W-26384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24700 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 May 2002, what assessment has been undertaken of the effectiveness of the Neighbourhood Warden pilot p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24700 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 May 2002, what assessment has been undertaken of the effectiveness of the Neighbourhood Warden pilot project in Paisley in reducing anti-social behaviour. ","AnswerText":"It is too early to assess the effectiveness of the Neighbourhood Warden pilot project because the project has only just started. The council is putting in place systems for monitoring and evaluation which should allow assessments of the effectiveness of the project to be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162929,"EventID":"S1W-26385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many personal injury accidents have occurred on the Milngavie to Strathblane stretch of the A81, detailing whether the accidents were slight, serious or fatal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many personal injury accidents have occurred on the Milngavie to Strathblane stretch of the A81, detailing whether the accidents were slight, serious or fatal.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover damage only accidents.

    The table gives the numbers of road accidents which were identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring on the stretch of the A81 between Milngavie (at its junction with the B8030 at Station Road) and Strathblane (at its junction with the A891), in the four years 1997 to 2000 inclusive. Each accident has been classified according to the severity of the most seriously injured casualty who was involved in it.

    It should be noted that the statistics given in the table are based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. They may differ from any figures which the local authority would provide now, because they do not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authority may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon its knowledge of the road and area concerned.

    Number of Injury Road Accidents that Occurred on the A81 Between Milngavie (at its Junction with the B8030 at Station Road) and Strathblane (at its Junction with the A891) - by Severity of Accident

    Year

    Fatal

    Serious

    Slight

    Total

    1997

    0

    1

    1

    2

    1998

    0

    4

    8

    12

    1999

    0

    4

    4

    8

    2000

    0

    2

    1

    3

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162930,"EventID":"S1W-26386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to deliver the trunk road improvements identified in NESTRANS' integrated transport strategy for north east Scotland, the Modern Transport System","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to deliver the trunk road improvements identified in NESTRANS' integrated transport strategy for north east Scotland, the Modern Transport System.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking action to progress two of the top priority trunk road projects contained within NESTRANS' transport strategy, the Modern Transport System (MTS).

    1. A multi-modal STAG assessment of the Balmedie to Tipperty stretch of the A90 north of Aberdeen is to be undertaken. This will explore the impact of city and inter-urban park and ride sites in order to assess the case for the propsed scheme. The Report is due before the end of 2002.

    2. In partnership with NESTRANS a feasibility study on the provision of stacking lanes on the A90 Scotstown Road to Ellon Road will be undertaken. As well as having safety benefits through assisting vehicles with right turns, the proposal will assist in mitigating the congestion that may arise from the closure of Grandholm Bridge in July.

    3. An invitation has been extended to NESTRANS officials to meet with Scottish Executive officials to discuss the Partnership's remaining MTS trunk road priorities for the A90 and A96 corridors. This meeting will take place in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162931,"EventID":"S1W-26387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how the Parliament will develop its commitment to Gaelic and what support the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will give to the Parliament's Gaelic Officer to ensure ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how the Parliament will develop its commitment to Gaelic and what support the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will give to the Parliament's Gaelic Officer to ensure that this commitment is fulfilled.","AnswerText":"The Parliament's Gaelic Service will be discussed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body shortly, in the context of the Parliament's policy on languages generally. I will write to let you know the outcome after that meeting.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162932,"EventID":"S1W-26388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any civil servant or member of staff of the Scottish Prison Service has ever provided any advice or assistance to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock on the an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any civil servant or member of staff of the Scottish Prison Service has ever provided any advice or assistance to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock on the answering of any communications from (a) MSPs and (b) members of the public and, if so what advice or assistance was provided.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    The monitoring process of the contract at Kilmarnock involves daily interaction between the Prison Director and his staff and the Controller and his staff in the course of which a wide range of topics are covered as necessary.

    These discussions will include, as necessary, how appropriately to respond to any communications from third parties but SPS has provided no formal advice or assistance to the operators.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162933,"EventID":"S1W-26389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to The Future for Scotland's Waters - Proposals for Legislation, whether it will give a breakdown of the (a) #1.5 billion of possible benefits and (b) #840 m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to The Future for Scotland's Waters - Proposals for Legislation, whether it will give a breakdown of the (a) #1.5 billion of possible benefits and (b) #840 million of estimated costs. ","AnswerText":"As we said in The Future of Scotland's Waters - Proposals for Legislation, it is difficult to predict the costs and benefits of our proposals because these will be determined by the outcome of the river basin management planning process that the Water Environment and Water Services Bill will establish. The figures in the consultation paper are therefore only indicative estimates. They represent total costs and benefits, estimated over a 40-year time horizon, discounted to current prices.

    The figure of £1.5 billion of possible benefits was based on research into individuals' willingness to pay for the water environment improvements that may flow from our proposals. It therefore represents the general benefits to society rather than the benefits that might accrue to particular groups or sectors. The researchers calculated that the annual benefits from these improvements could be valued at between £141 million and £324 million per year. The average of these adds up to some £1.5 billion over 40 years.

    We provided a breakdown of the total £840 million figure for the estimated costs of our proposals in the consultation paper. Our research indicates that the public sector may bear around half of these costs - some £400 million over 40 years. We estimate that the remainder of the costs may fall on a range of sectors including agricultural and other enterprises because of the need to tackle diffuse pollution and on other major water users such as distillers, textile and paper and pulp manufacturers and hydro-electricity generators.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162934,"EventID":"S1W-26390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is expected to be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is expected to be published.","AnswerText":"The review will be published as soon as practicable after its completion. Completion is expected by summer 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162935,"EventID":"S1W-26391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities there will be for local authorities, interested parties and the general public to contribute to the review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what opportunities there will be for local authorities, interested parties and the general public to contribute to the review of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency announced on 28 May 2002 and when the review is expected to be completed.","AnswerText":"A series of seminars for SEPA's stakeholders are being held as part of the review. The first of these took place on 17 June. Others are planned for September. A consultation document, which takes account of comments made by those present at the 17 June seminar, will be published soon. It will provide stakeholders with another means of contributing to the review. Completion of the review is expected by summer 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162936,"EventID":"S1W-26392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of its energy efficiency policy, it will review the rules regarding listed building grants which do not enable applicants to receive financial assistanc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of its energy efficiency policy, it will review the rules regarding listed building grants which do not enable applicants to receive financial assistance with installation of double gla'ing.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows:

    These grants from public funds are intended to help meet the additional repair costs normally associated with the use of traditional and appropriate materials, craft skills and the conservation of original features. It would not be appropriate, therefore, for funding to be extended to include alterations to historic buildings, such as the introduction of double glazing. Draught proofing, or secondary glazing, are considered to be a more cost-effective and energy-efficient means of improving the thermal performance of windows in traditional buildings.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162937,"EventID":"S1W-26393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, how many recommendations children's hearings have made for the child who is the subject of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, how many recommendations children's hearings have made for the child who is the subject of the hearing to be sent to secure accommodation in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of secure accommodation orders made by Children's Hearings over the last five years are as follows:
     

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    Boys

    70

    125

    132

    91

    146

    Girls

    40

    52

    57

    46

    48

    Total

    110

    177

    189

    137

    194

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162938,"EventID":"S1W-26394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the last five years the Children's Reporter has been infor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the last five years the Children's Reporter has been informed by a social work department that a child has been placed in a unit other than that specified by a children's hearing. ","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162939,"EventID":"S1W-26395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the last five years the Children's Reporter has been infor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the last five years the Children's Reporter has been informed by a social work department that a child had been placed in a unit other than a secure unit, where placement in the secure unit was recommended by a children's hearing.","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162940,"EventID":"S1W-26396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the past five years the Children's Reporter has convened a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the past five years the Children's Reporter has convened a children's hearing to re-consider an earlier supervision requirement. ","AnswerText":"Review of Supervision Requirements is an integral part of the Children's Hearing System. Every Review Hearing will consider whether the existing supervision requirement should be continued, varied or terminated, according to the needs of the child. The number of Review Hearings called specifically to "re-consider" an earlier supervision requirement is not separated from the overall figures.

    The following table provides the number of Review Hearings over the past five years:
     

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    Annual Review

    6,903

    7,117

    5,835

    4,432

    5,999

    Requested by LA

    5,720

    5,144

    4,608

    3,300

    3,895

    Request by Child/Relevant Person

    379

    542

    563

    437

    561

    Directed by Hearing

    n/k

    1565

    3,021

    2,342

    3,336

    Transferred Case

    419

    8

    18

    212

    209

    New Grounds

    n/k

    545

    462

    359

    397

    Emergency Transfer

    n/k

    351

    345

    285

    304

    Three-month Secure Accommodation

    n/k

    166

    194

    138

    223

    Adoption

    n/k

    53

    49

    64

    52

    Other

    92

    275

    344

    60

    40

    Total

    13,513

    15,766

    15,439

    11,629

    15,016

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162941,"EventID":"S1W-26397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the last five years the Children's Reporter has informed a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25646 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the last five years the Children's Reporter has informed a review hearing of a change in a recommendation of a previous children's hearing that a child be sent to secure accommodation.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162942,"EventID":"S1W-26398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its consultation paper The right place, The right time - improving the patient journey for those who nee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its consultation paper The right place, The right time - improving the patient journey for those who need secure mental health care.","AnswerText":"The cost of designing and printing the consultation paper and its web conversion was £1,300. The distribution costs were met from within the department's existing running costs budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162943,"EventID":"S1W-26399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24559 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 April 2001, what audits have been carried out into orthopaedic services at Stracathro Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24559 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 April 2001, what audits have been carried out into orthopaedic services at Stracathro Hospital.","AnswerText":"Audit of particular services within individual hospitals is the responsibility of the Trust Management Team with responsibility for that hospital. No central audit data is captured for orthopaedic services at Stracathro Hospital. The member's inquiries should be directed to the Chief Executive of Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162944,"EventID":"S1W-26400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the needs of blind and partially sighted people in public libraries by increasing the availability of alternative format books and by putting","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the needs of blind and partially sighted people in public libraries by increasing the availability of alternative format books and by putting in place a policy to ensure that libraries address the specific needs of blind and partially sighted people.","AnswerText":"Statutory responsibility for local libraries lies with local authorities. Each local authority is responsible for determining the level of resources allocated for the library service which they provide for the residents of their area. This includes the purchase of materials to address the needs of blind and partially sighted people.

    I understand that annual expenditure by local authorities on audio-visual material, such as talking books, has increased from £1 million to £1.6 million over the last 10 years.

    The Scottish Library and Information Council, which receives core funding from the Scottish Executive, issued guidance to local authorities on book selection policies two years ago and over 30% of local authorities now have a policy in place with all the other local authorities working to develop their policies. A book selection policy aims to deliver user-led services to meet the needs of communities. The policy should be based on a profile of the needs of the community, including the needs of blind and partially sighted people, and could allow for the provision of a wide range of book and non-book materials.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162945,"EventID":"S1W-26401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the Royal National Institute of the Blind campaign to set up a #20 million Right to Read fund to address the specific needs of blind and partially","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the Royal National Institute of the Blind campaign to set up a #20 million Right to Read fund to address the specific needs of blind and partially sighted people by increasing the availability of alternative format books.","AnswerText":"Policy on equality and disability are reserved matters. I understand that the Royal National Institute of the Blind have written to Ministers at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to seek a £20 million UK-wide initiative aimed at increasing transcription services.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162946,"EventID":"S1W-26402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on Tartan Day celebrations in the United States of America in each of the last two years, broken down by department and agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spent on Tartan Day celebrations in the United States of America in each of the last two years, broken down by department and agency.","AnswerText":"It has not proved possible to collate all the relevant information in the time available for answering this question. I will write to the member once the full information is to hand and will place a copy of the letter in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162947,"EventID":"S1W-26403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body spent on Tartan Day celebrations in the United States of America in each of the last two years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body spent on Tartan Day celebrations in the United States of America in each of the last two years. ","AnswerText":"Actual expenditure arising from a Deputy Presiding Officer, a cross party delegation, and one support officer, undertaking an agreed one week programme during Tartan Day 2001, was £40,409.

    The estimated expenditure arising from the Presiding Officer, a cross party delegation, and two support officers, undertaking an agreed one week programme, during Tartan Day 2002, is £45,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162948,"EventID":"S1W-26404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what due diligence was carried out on Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd prior to it being given a contract for the Scottish Parliament and what indemnity arrangemen","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what due diligence was carried out on Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd prior to it being given a contract for the Scottish Parliament and what indemnity arrangements were put in place. ","AnswerText":"Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) was subject to the same due diligence procedures as other successful tenderers. Their ability to perform the contract was based on the professional and financial standing of the parent company, Flour City International, and, for this reason, a Parent Company Guarantee was sought and obtained.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162949,"EventID":"S1W-26405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on tourism (a) in each of the last two years, (b) in the current year and (c) has been allocated for next year, broken down by department and agenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on tourism (a) in each of the last two years, (b) in the current year and (c) has been allocated for next year, broken down by department and agency. ","AnswerText":"The Information requested is as follows:

    Organisation

    Year

    VisitScotland (£ million)

    Highlands and Islands Enterprise

    (£ million )

    Scottish Enterprise

    (£ million)

    Scottish Natural Heritage

    (£ million)

    Historic Scotland

    (£ million)

    Local Authorities (£ million)

    Total

    (£ million)

    2000-01

    25.9

    5.3

    27.9

    4.6

    10.2

    7.9

    81.8

    2001-02

    40.6

    6.2

    19.57

    5.4

    10.6

    7.8

    90.1

    2002-03

    28

    n/a1

    n/a3

    3.9

    7.4

    n/a4

    n/a

    2003-04

    28

    n/a2

    n/a5

    2.86

    7.7

    n/a4

    n/a

    Notes:

    1 Local spend unavailable before July 2002.

    2 No planned allocation at this time.

    3 Local spend by LECs unavailable before July 2002.

    4 Figures unavailable before summer 2002.

    5 No planned allocation at this time.

    6 Committed to date.

    7 Estimate.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162950,"EventID":"S1W-26406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will start on the upgrading of the A77 between Kilmarnock and Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when work will start on the upgrading of the A77 between Kilmarnock and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Work is expected to start in early 2003, subject to the tender for the PPP contract demonstrating value for money.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162951,"EventID":"S1W-26407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it was discovered that there was an issue with mice in the Parliament Headquarters building; what action has been taken to deal with the issue; when staff were, or wi","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when it was discovered that there was an issue with mice in the Parliament Headquarters building; what action has been taken to deal with the issue; when staff were, or will be, informed of the situation, and whether other parliamentary accommodation is also experiencing difficulties with mice and, if so, which accommodation.","AnswerText":"A pest control contract has been in place since the Parliament moved into the Parliament Headquarters building (PHQ). This was necessary, as part of planned preventative maintenance, due to the number of restaurants in the surrounding area and the mouse problem in Edinburgh itself. Bait boxes are placed in the most appropriate areas and the contractor visits regularly to check and replenish as necessary.

    There have been few reports of mice within PHQ, the most recent being on the 28 May on the second floor. The contractor attended the following day and installed bait boxes to the affected area. Steps are also being taken to ensure that all waste kept in the garage until uplift is appropriately stored to prevent any encouragement to mice.

    No information has been sent to staff specifically on the subject of mice, but notices have been sent regarding the cleanliness of tea point areas and fridges.

    The FM Helpdesk received a report of a possible sighting of a mouse in Cannonball House on 6 June. This is the first incident reported within this building and the pest control contractor has been asked to investigate and install bait boxes as required.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162952,"EventID":"S1W-26408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23646 by Allan Wilson on 15 March 2002, why the ministerial appointees to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23646 by Allan Wilson on 15 March 2002, why the ministerial appointees to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority will only be announced once the results of the elections to the park have been declared.","AnswerText":"The appointments cannot be finalised before the results of the elections are known because a number of candidates for appointment have also put themselves forward for election.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162953,"EventID":"S1W-26409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether congestion charging will or will not be in the interests of the retail sector and other businesses in Edinburgh, detailing the reasons for its position on the ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether congestion charging will or will not be in the interests of the retail sector and other businesses in Edinburgh, detailing the reasons for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"Congestion charging schemes will be introduced only where there are firm proposals to reduce local congestion and improve public transport. We believe that schemes which meet these requirements will be in the interests of business, especially in the longer term.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162954,"EventID":"S1W-26410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any information on the effect of congestion charging on (a) the retail sector and (b) other types of business in Edinburgh and, if not, whether it will un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any information on the effect of congestion charging on (a) the retail sector and (b) other types of business in Edinburgh and, if not, whether it will undertake a study on this issue, detailing the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The City of Edinburgh Council commissioned a consultant's report as part of the development of its New Transport Initiative, to look at the potential impacts of congestion charging schemes. This report is in the public domain.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162955,"EventID":"S1W-26411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether a breakdown of foreign trips which the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has funded in each of the last two years can be provided, detailing the cost of each t","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether a breakdown of foreign trips which the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has funded in each of the last two years can be provided, detailing the cost of each trip, its purpose and whether reports on the outcome of each trip have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. ","AnswerText":"Details are set out in the attached table of visits in 2000, 2001 and 2002, funded by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), outwith the United Kingdom by:

    • the Presiding Officer, the Deputy Presiding Officers;
    • cross-party delegations of Members of the Parliament ;
    • members travelling abroad on Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) business;
    • members nominated to the Council of Europe, the Committee of the Regions and the British Irish Interparliamentary Body, and
    • members of committees of the Parliament.

    Travel outwith Scotland by members in an individual capacity is funded through either the Members' Support Allowance or the Members' Travel Allowance, depending on the destination. Information about expenditure under the Allowances scheme is published in the SPCB's Annual Report. Travel by parliamentary staff, other than when accompanying delegations noted in the attached table, is funded from individual directorate staffing budgets. Details are available of the total costs incurred by parliament staff in respect of such travel.

    The External Liaison Unit, in partnership with the Research and Information Group, is continuing to develop the information and communication aspects of the Parliament's external links. Ensuring that reports of parliamentary engagement abroad are as widely available as possible is a key objective.

    Reports of many visits are already available, as marked with an asterisk on the attached table. It has become normal practice for a report to be posted on SPEIR (at Programs/The Intranet/Services/External Liaison Unit/Events Reports) after external visits by the Presiding Officer, by Deputy Presiding Officers, by cross-party delegations of members and after British-Irish Interparliamentary Body Plenary meetings. The aim is that reports on all such forthcoming visits will be posted on SPEIR.

    Reports are made available via SPEIR following most visits involving the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association too. In all cases details are summarised in the CPA branch Annual Report which is circulated to all MSPs.

    Consideration is being given to how information about work done by MSPs nominated to the Committee of the Regions and the Council of Europe can be disseminated more widely in the Parliament.

    There is no practice of providing reports of visits by committees or their members. Such visits, both within and outwith Scotland, are generally related to inquiry work and the results feed into committee reports or discussions.

    The Senior Management Team has recently agreed that reports of external visits or activity by staff should be made widely available and this information will now also be posted on SPEIR.

    Dates

    Description

    Participants

    Approx. Costs to SPCB

    05 to 09.04.00

    Tartan Day Celebrations, Washington, USA

    Patricia Ferguson MSP and George Reid MSP

    £9,000

    03 to 05.07.00

    Millennium celebrations and presentation to Icelandic Parliament, Iceland

    Presiding Officer + 1 Staff

    £1,450

    10 to 17.07.00

    European Committee visit to Brussels, Tallinn, Budapest, Warsaw and Maastricht

    Ben Wallace MSP, Margo Macdonald MSP and Elaine Thomson MSP

    £","AnswerDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162956,"EventID":"S1W-26412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the yellow card reporting system for adverse reactions to the MMR vaccination has highlighted any evidence of a pathogenic factor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the yellow card reporting system for adverse reactions to the MMR vaccination has highlighted any evidence of a pathogenic factor.","AnswerText":"The Yellow Card Scheme has a proven track record in identifying new drug safety hazards, and in identifying possible risk factors for some reactions. Adverse reactions known to be associated with combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and contraindications for MMR are listed in the product information for the MMR products. These are also described in Immunisation Against Infectious Disease and are detailed in materials for parents, such as "The MMR discussion pack". However, in many cases, as with most medicines and vaccines, the risk factors for the development of adverse reactions to MMR vaccine are not known.

    The safety of MMR vaccines is kept under continuous review by the UK Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM). Any new research that may emerge in relation to possible pathogenic risk factors for adverse reactions to MMR vaccines would be carefully reviewed by the MCA and CSM.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162957,"EventID":"S1W-26413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25826 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2002, when the National Waiting Times database giving GPs, consultants, patients and the public","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25826 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2002, when the National Waiting Times database giving GPs, consultants, patients and the public access to accurate and up-to-date information on hospital waiting times will be available and accessible throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The National Waiting Times Unit expects that the database will be available by the end of this year. Trials of the database, using information from selected geographical areas, will begin shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162958,"EventID":"S1W-26414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25814 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2002, whether patients will have access to information relating to the extent of hospital-acqui","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25814 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2002, whether patients will have access to information relating to the extent of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in each hospital following the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland's report on HAI peer review visits due in January 2003.","AnswerText":"The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland's report on individual trust's performance against the infection control standard will be published and widely accessible to the public.

    The data collected through the national framework for surveillance is also published, through the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health. This again provides information for individual trusts.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162959,"EventID":"S1W-26415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25811 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2002, what the forms of \"appropriate action\" are which it may take when NHS trusts fail to meet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25811 by Malcolm Chisholm on 23 May 2002, what the forms of \"appropriate action\" are which it may take when NHS trusts fail to meet infection control standards following the Clinical Standards Board For Scotland's reports on individual hospitals.","AnswerText":"My previous answer referred to the NHS taking the "appropriate action" required to meet the infection control standard. I have already made sure that the NHS is well aware of the need to meet the standard and to take any action required towards achieving that end. The action required will vary from area to area depending on the individual feedback received from the Clinical Standards Board For Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162960,"EventID":"S1W-26416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ministerial visits took place during the Parliament's visit to Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ministerial visits took place during the Parliament's visit to Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"Ministers participated in 51 separate engagements, including events attended by two or more ministers, in the Aberdeen area during the Parliament's visit to Aberdeen.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162961,"EventID":"S1W-26417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been submitted under the complaints procedure of the Scottish Ambulance Service in each of the last three years and what the outcomes were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been submitted under the complaints procedure of the Scottish Ambulance Service in each of the last three years and what the outcomes were.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of complaints submitted to the Scottish Ambulance Service under the NHS Complaints Procedure in the last three years, and the outcomes of these complaints:

    Number Total Received

    Received, Total Responded to

    Outcome of Upheld

    Complaints Upheld in part

    (%)

    Not Upheld

    1998-99

    580

    573

    43%

    24%

    33%

    1999-2000

    585

    572

    37%

    29%

    34%

    2000-01

    460

    460

    40%

    23%

    37%

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162962,"EventID":"S1W-26418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the complaints and appeals procedures of the Scottish Ambulance Service will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the complaints and appeals procedures of the Scottish Ambulance Service will be completed.","AnswerText":"A working group of NHS staff, professional and patient representatives are developing proposals for revision of the NHS complaints procedure to meet the commitment in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change. The objective is to produce a procedure which is "credible, easy to use, demonstrably independent and effective". The proposals will be made public in a consultation paper at the end of June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162963,"EventID":"S1W-26419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out an investigation into road and pathway maintenance similar to that recently instigated by the House of Commons Transport Sub-Committee, detailin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out an investigation into road and pathway maintenance similar to that recently instigated by the House of Commons Transport Sub-Committee, detailing the reasons behind its position on the matter. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to carry out a comparable examination. However, officials liaise closely with colleagues in other departments on the development of UK technical standards for roads and we will look with interest to the results of the committee's investigation.

    Separately, the Executive is supporting the decision of the Society of Chief Officers of Transport in Scotland to take forward a long-term national condition survey of the local road network. This survey will inform future decisions by local authorities on the funding required to tackle maintenance and improvements of local roads.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162964,"EventID":"S1W-26420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance funding for the Scottish fishing sector has been drawn down from the EU in each year since the beginning of the progr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance funding for the Scottish fishing sector has been drawn down from the EU in each year since the beginning of the programme and how much is forecast to be drawn down in the next three years, expressed in euros.","AnswerText":"In 2001, the Executive received initial advances of 1.9 million euros for the Highlands and Islands transitional Objective 1 programme for 2000-06, and 4.45 million euros for the programme covering the rest of Scotland. By the end of 2004 a further 13 and 26 million euros respectively should be drawn down for these programmes. This depends, however, on sufficient demand from the industry for grant and valid claims subsequently being made in respect of projects awarded financial aid.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162965,"EventID":"S1W-26421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance funding it intends to draw down for the Scottish fishing sector in the current programme year, expressed in euros.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance funding it intends to draw down for the Scottish fishing sector in the current programme year, expressed in euros.","AnswerText":"In the current programme year the Executive plans to seek reimbursement (draw down) of around 13 million euros - 3 million euros for the Highlands and Islands Transitional Objective 1 programme and 10 million euros for the programme covering the rest of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162966,"EventID":"S1W-26422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25429 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, what resources it has allocated to community safety (a) in each of the last three years, (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25429 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 May 2002, what resources it has allocated to community safety (a) in each of the last three years, (b) in the present year and (c) for the next three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The Community Safety Partnership Award Programme referred to in the previous answer was introduced on 1 April 2002. Prior to the introduction of this programme funding for CCTV and other community safety initiatives was awarded to specific projects through challenge funding competitions, rather than directly to local authorities. Since 1996, £10.3 million has been awarded to 161 CCTV projects across Scotland. From 2000 community safety projects have also received funding. The following tables show funding awarded to community safety initiatives by local authority area from 2000-01 onwards:

    Community Safety - Make Our Communities Safer Challenge Competition

    Local Authority Area

    2000-01

    2001-02

    Aberdeen City

    8,135

    		 

    Aberdeenshire

    		 

    41,000

    Angus

    49,620

    		 

    Argyll and Bute

    		 

    8,100

    Borders

    		  

    Clackmannan

    9,600

    		 

    Dundee

    90,000

    		 

    Dumfries and Galloway

    		  

    East Ayrshire

    		 

    25,000

    East Dunbartonshire

    		  

    East Lothian

    192,000

    384,000

    East Renfrewshire

    23,150

    		 

    Edinburgh

    72,890

    776,500

    Falkirk

    23,832

    15,000

    Fife

    86,010

    85,000

    Glasgow

    412,028

    162,190

    Highland

    30,750

    81,500

    Inverclyde

    		  

    Midlothian

    48,000

    90,000

    Moray

    		  

    North Ayrshire

    		  

    North Lanarkshire

    42,250

    30,000

    Ork","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162967,"EventID":"S1W-26423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25829 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 May 2002, which police authorities have indicated formally, since 1999, that additional funding for e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25829 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 May 2002, which police authorities have indicated formally, since 1999, that additional funding for extra officers would be beneficial to their communities.","AnswerText":"Issues linked to funding are on the agendas of most of the formal meetings that take place involving the Scottish Executive and Police Authority Conveners. The most recent written representation in connection with additional funding from an individual authority that we have identified from our records was received from the Clerk to the Grampian Joint Police Board in February 2002. In addition, representations relating to additional funding for specific purposes have been received from time to time from individual chief constables and also from the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland on behalf of all forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162968,"EventID":"S1W-26424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Improving Regulations in Scotland Unit in (a) reducing the burden of regulation, (b) making the implementa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Improving Regulations in Scotland Unit in (a) reducing the burden of regulation, (b) making the implementation of regulations easier and (c) ensuring that the way in which regulations apply to businesses is fair.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive keeps the allocation of all its resources under scrutiny to ensure their use remains justified. The Improving Regulation in Scotland Unit continues to have an important contribution to make, to secure delivery of the Executive's commitment to simplicity and fairness in policy and regulations impacting on business.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162969,"EventID":"S1W-26425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further action it is taking to address the mismatch effect as identified by Professor Arthur Midwinter in his report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further action it is taking to address the mismatch effect as identified by Professor Arthur Midwinter in his report Grant Distribution and the Mismatch Effect: An Assessment of its Impact on Councils since Reorganisation.","AnswerText":"I am due to meet with COSLA again next month to talk about the Spending Review and the distribution of resources for all local authorities. This will be the forum to discuss such matters. Any other meetings will be considered after my discussions with COSLA.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162970,"EventID":"S1W-26426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any input into the Scottish Affairs Committee inquiry into employment in shipbuilding on the Clyde.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any input into the Scottish Affairs Committee inquiry into employment in shipbuilding on the Clyde.","AnswerText":"My predecessor, Ms Wendy Alexander, was unable to give evidence at the committee due to Cabinet business. However, she provided the committee with comprehensive and relevant evidence in the form of the recently published report of the Clyde Shipyards Task Force. This has provided the basis for evidence by other witnesses, a significant number of whom were members of the task force.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162971,"EventID":"S1W-26427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effect on the shipbuilding industry on the River Clyde of either continuing to support the securing of government defence contracts or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effect on the shipbuilding industry on the River Clyde of either continuing to support the securing of government defence contracts or increasing the number of commercial contracts secured.","AnswerText":"The issue of the balance between naval and commercial contracts was considered by the Clyde Shipyards Task Force which my predecessor, Ms Wendy Alexander, chaired.

    The task force recognises, in its report published in February 2002, that "BAE SYSTEMS Marine is predominantly a warship builder ... the Govan, Scotstoun and Barrow yards employ approximately 80% of the UK's warship design, build and integration skills base. However, given BAE SYSTEMS Marine's current business strategy, the success of this nationally important business is almost completely dependent upon continued success in winning warship design and build contracts."

    The task force's report also includes a recommendation that "BAE SYSTEMS Marine should continue to pursue commercial work where this is compatible with warship capacity demands and a sound business case can be made."

    The Govan and Scotstoun yards now have a healthy order book for naval orders and are well placed to win a significant proportion of the work on the MoD's two future aircraft carriers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162972,"EventID":"S1W-26428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to tackle the issue of inadequate sound insulation in buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to tackle the issue of inadequate sound insulation in buildings.","AnswerText":"Noise problems in buildings are dealt with by a variety of measures, including building standards regulations and environmental health provisions. Recent research supports the current Scottish building standards relating to the transmission of sound and no review is planned until after the introduction of a new building standards system.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162973,"EventID":"S1W-26429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give the police new powers to deal with the playing of loud music, including consideration of the use of fixed penalty notices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to give the police new powers to deal with the playing of loud music, including consideration of the use of fixed penalty notices.","AnswerText":"The police already have powers to deal with the playing of loud music, including the power to confiscate sound equipment for up to 28 days if a person fails to stop the noise on being asked to do so by a police officer. We have a range of other measures in place to address the problem of anti-social behaviour more generally. New legislation should not be considered unless there is evidence that existing provision is inadequate.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162974,"EventID":"S1W-26430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether existing NHS budgets will be required to accommodate any financial implications arising from the introduction of the proposed new mental health legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether existing NHS budgets will be required to accommodate any financial implications arising from the introduction of the proposed new mental health legislation.","AnswerText":"The Executive's assessment of the financial implications of the proposed new mental health legislation will be set out in the Financial Memorandum, which will accompany the bill, and is being taken into account in the current Spending Review, which will determine NHS budgets for 2003-04 to 2005-06. The outcome of the Spending Review will be announced in September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162975,"EventID":"S1W-26431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training provision will be made available to staff employed within the field of mental health as a result of the proposed new legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training provision will be made available to staff employed within the field of mental health as a result of the proposed new legislation.","AnswerText":"As our policy statement Renewing Mental Health Law recognised, comprehensive training for all professions who operate mental health law will be a crucial part of the preparation for the introduction of the proposed new legislation. We are currently initiating discussions with services and professional bodies regarding the development of an appropriate training programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162976,"EventID":"S1W-26432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a code of practice will be compiled in conjunction with the proposed new mental health legislation and what protection any such code will give both to patients an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a code of practice will be compiled in conjunction with the proposed new mental health legislation and what protection any such code will give both to patients and staff.","AnswerText":"As our policy statement Renewing Mental Health Law made clear, we will produce a Code of Practice for the proposed new legislation. Its purpose will be to promote the effective operation of all parts of the legislation, including those which provide rights and protections to service users, carers and staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162977,"EventID":"S1W-26433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community psychiatric nurses are currently in place, broken down by health board area and the amount of hours worked per week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community psychiatric nurses are currently in place, broken down by health board area and the amount of hours worked per week.","AnswerText":"The latest available information on the number of Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) can be found on ISD's online publication Workforce Statistics, which can be accessed from the following link:

    http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.

    The whole time equivalent and headcount of CPNs by NHS board can be found in Tables E3 and E4 respectively.

    The number of hours worked per week is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162978,"EventID":"S1W-26434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place to recruit and train mental health officers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place to recruit and train mental health officers.","AnswerText":"There are over 900 mental health officers working in Scottish local authorities, an increase of 300 since 1997. In addition, approximately 75 social workers are presently undertaking training to become mental health officers.

    The Adult with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the forthcoming mental health legislation introduce a number of new statutory duties for mental health officers. In anticipation of this, the Social Work Services Inspectorate is undertaking a survey of local authority mental health officer service structures and activities to assess how best to meet these new demands.

    Existing training takes different forms. Basic mental health officer training courses are approved by the Scottish Social Services Council and are run by five local authority fora on a yearly basis. To assist local authorities in carrying out their duties under the Adults with Incapacity Act, the Social Work Services Inspectorate recently produced 1,800 training packs of specific relevance to mental health officers and backed this up with four national seminars for those who will be delivering the training locally to become familiar with the material.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162979,"EventID":"S1W-26435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that housing associations will be able to recover rent arrears from tenants once tenants have signed the new Scottish Secure Tenancy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that housing associations will be able to recover rent arrears from tenants once tenants have signed the new Scottish Secure Tenancy.","AnswerText":"Rent arrears management is a matter for individual housing associations and the question of recoverability of rent arrears in any case will depend very much on the facts and circumstances of that case.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162980,"EventID":"S1W-26436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether housing association tenants will still be liable for any rent arrears incurred during existing tenancy agreements when the new Scottish Secure Tenancy is implemen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether housing association tenants will still be liable for any rent arrears incurred during existing tenancy agreements when the new Scottish Secure Tenancy is implemented.","AnswerText":"The interpretation of statute is a legal matter which is ultimately for the courts. However, it is the Executive's view that the implementation of the Scottish secure tenancy (converting existing tenancies to Scottish secure tenancies) will not of itself affect any existing rent arrears.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162981,"EventID":"S1W-26437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-05-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage an increase in the number of alternative format books available in public libraries for people with a visual impairment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage an increase in the number of alternative format books available in public libraries for people with a visual impairment.","AnswerText":"Statutory responsibility for local libraries lies with local authorities. Each local authority is responsible for determining the level of resources allocated for the library service which they provide for the residents of their area. This includes the purchase of materials to address the needs of blind and partially sighted people.

    I understand that annual expenditure by local authorities on audio-visual material, such as talking books, has increased from £1.0 million to £1.6 million over the last 10 years.

    The Scottish Library and Information Council, which receives core funding from the Scottish Executive, issued guidance to local authorities on book selection policies two years ago and over 30% of local authorities now have a policy in place with all the other local authorities working to develop their policies. A book selection policy aims to deliver user-led services to meet the needs of communities. The policy should be based on a profile of the needs of the community, including the needs of blind and partially sighted people, and could allow for the provision of a wide range of book and non-book materials.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162982,"EventID":"S1W-26438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consultation has taken place between Caledonian MacBrayne and those responsible for drawing up the draft specifications for the Islay route prior to competiti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consultation has taken place between Caledonian MacBrayne and those responsible for drawing up the draft specifications for the Islay route prior to competitive tendering and whether new Caledonian MacBrayne plans for the Islay route will be incorporated into those draft specifications.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials have consulted Caledonian MacBrayne on a broad range of operational issues in preparation for the consultation exercise on the future tendering of Clyde and Hebridean Isles ferry services. We plan to issue that consultation paper as soon as possible. The Caledonian MacBrayne review of the Islay route has only just been initiated and its conclusions will be considered by ministers once it has been completed.

    Decisions on the timing, specification and cost of replacement vessels for the fleet serving Clyde and Hebrides ferry services and on investment at piers and harbours currently owned by Caledonian MacBrayne, including decisions on any investment affecting the Islay route, will be taken as part of the present spending review.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162983,"EventID":"S1W-26439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is in respect of the disposal of each dwelling acquired by it during the construction of the M74 from Douglas to Gretna.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is in respect of the disposal of each dwelling acquired by it during the construction of the M74 from Douglas to Gretna.","AnswerText":"Twelve dwellings acquired for the construction of the M74 continue to be held by the Scottish Executive. Two have been sold, subject to conclusion of missives (Upper Howcleugh and Broomlands House). Two are on the market (Fairfield and Glenevan). One is to be demolished for safety reasons (Jocksthorn). Of the remaining seven dwellings, plans are being prepared to effect disposal either through offer-back to previous owners or by open market sale (Longbedholm Cottage, Longbedholm Farmhouse, Middlegill, Milagro, Nether Howcleugh, and Raecleugh Farm). The twelfth property, Cauldwellknowe, is tenanted and will be sold once shared access arrangements have been resolved.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162984,"EventID":"S1W-26440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to phase in policies over the next six to eight years for French to be the only language taught in primary schools and S1 and S2 and for primary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to phase in policies over the next six to eight years for French to be the only language taught in primary schools and S1 and S2 and for primary teacher trainees only to be taught the French language in colleges.","AnswerText":"No. Teacher education institutions must ensure that student primary teachers with the interest and aptitude are trained to teach modern languages in the primary school. The number and variety of languages offered is dependent on the resources available to the institution.

    All institutions provide French either as a core module of the course or as an elective. The Universities of Dundee and Aberdeen also provide German tuition. The University of Aberdeen hopes to offer Spanish this year as does the University of Glasgow, however the uptake of Spanish at Glasgow has been too low for it to be viable in recent years.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162985,"EventID":"S1W-26441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to downgrade and phase out the teaching of the German language in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to downgrade and phase out the teaching of the German language in schools.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26442.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162986,"EventID":"S1W-26442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the recommendation of the Ministerial Action Group on Languages which called for the consolidation and extension of language learning in primary scho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the recommendation of the Ministerial Action Group on Languages which called for the consolidation and extension of language learning in primary schools and the further diversification of languages at all levels of secondary education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive response to the report, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. 16335), accepts the recommendations made by the action group.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162987,"EventID":"S1W-26443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff in each local authority area were employed in youth work in each of the last ten years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff in each local authority area were employed in youth work in each of the last ten years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162988,"EventID":"S1W-26444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of each local authority's budget was allocated to youth work in each of the last ten years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of each local authority's budget was allocated to youth work in each of the last ten years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162989,"EventID":"S1W-26445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will develop a national youth strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will develop a national youth strategy.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to raising the profile of youth issues and increasing the involvement of young people in policy issues that affect them. We are working with YouthLink Scotland to map youth provision throughout the country. We will also be seeking views soon on priority areas for development of youth work in Scotland and will use this information to inform future policy on youth work.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162990,"EventID":"S1W-26446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation will be paid to the owners of salmon fishings, sporting rights and mineral rights for any immediate losses in the market value of their holdings as a co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation will be paid to the owners of salmon fishings, sporting rights and mineral rights for any immediate losses in the market value of their holdings as a consequence of the absolute right to buy under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not accept that the implementation of legislative provisions for a crofting community right to buy as proposed in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will have an adverse impact on the market value of salmon fishings, sporting rights and mineral rights. Consequently we have no plans to pay compensation to owners of such holdings.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162991,"EventID":"S1W-26447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to introduce new measures to protect vulnerable pre-school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to introduce new measures to protect vulnerable pre-school children.","AnswerText":"We are continually looking at ways to protect vulnerable children and young people.

    The current review of child protection is due to report in the summer and is expected to make recommendations to assist in reducing abuse and neglect, as well as improving services for abused children. Legislation will be introduced in the autumn, to establish an Index of Adults Unsuitable to Work with Children.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162992,"EventID":"S1W-26448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to support vulnerable pre-school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to support vulnerable pre-school children.","AnswerText":"We want to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. Through programmes such as Sure Start Scotland and Starting Well we are providing a wide range of support to vulnerable and deprived families with pre-school children. This includes parental support, outreach services, childcare and specialist projects for families affected by drugs misuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162993,"EventID":"S1W-26449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the role of classroom assistants in schools and how their role is defined in any such guidance. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the role of classroom assistants in schools and how their role is defined in any such guidance. ","AnswerText":"Implementation guidance on the classroom assistants programme was issued in April 1999. The guidance indicates that assistants are expected to work under the direction of teachers in a variety of roles to reduce administrative workloads and, after appropriate training, to provide support to learning. A copy of the guidance is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162994,"EventID":"S1W-26450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it publishes on the number of pupils excluded from schools and whether it will give a breakdown by education authority area of the number of such exclusi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it publishes on the number of pupils excluded from schools and whether it will give a breakdown by education authority area of the number of such exclusions in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Since 1998 the Scottish Executive has produced an annual survey on the number of temporary and permanent exclusions from schools in Scotland. The figures are broken down between education authorities and between primary, secondary and special schools. A copy of each survey is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre and can be accessed under the following reference numbers:

    1998-99

    21835

    1999-2000

    11531

    2000-01

    21836

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162995,"EventID":"S1W-26451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle truancy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle truancy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds a number of initiatives aimed at, or impacting on, truancy including the Scottish Schools Ethos Network, the Anti Bullying Network, the Alternatives to Exclusion Programme, Support for Parents, Study Support and New Community Schools.

    In addition the Scottish Executive, local authorities and individual schools are currently implementing the 36 recommendations made in the recent Discipline Task Group (DTG) report, Better Behaviour - Better Learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162996,"EventID":"S1W-26452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further plans it has to improve discipline in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further plans it has to improve discipline in schools.","AnswerText":"The recent Discipline Task Group report, Better Behaviour - Better Learning made 36 recommendations aimed at improving discipline in schools. These recommendations are currently being implemented by the Scottish Executive, local authorities and individual schools following the Joint Action Plan published in December 2001. During 2001-02, the Scottish Executive made available initial funding of £13 million to local authorities to assist with this implementation.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162997,"EventID":"S1W-26453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the value of breakfast clubs in improving school pupils' attendance and achievement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the value of breakfast clubs in improving school pupils' attendance and achievement.","AnswerText":"A summary of the interim findings of the National Evaluation of New Community Schools, including breakfast clubs, will be published by the Scottish Executive in the summer. The Evaluation will use quantitative data to examine the relationship between New Community School status and pupil performance, and will explore the views of pupils, teachers and parents on the value of initiatives supported by New Community Schools. While it will not be possible to isolate quantitative data on the specific benefits of breakfast clubs from that of other initiatives, there is a clearly established link between health, nutrition and educational achievement and there is evidence to suggest that breakfast clubs are helpful in this respect.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162998,"EventID":"S1W-26454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support uptake of food Quality Assurance schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support uptake of food Quality Assurance schemes.","AnswerText":"Scotland has a range of highly reputable quality assurance schemes covering most agri-food and fisheries products but these are all industry led and industry controlled. They are also voluntary schemes. It is up to individual producers to determine the marketing advantages of membership of such schemes.

    The Executive does, however, recognise the importance of quality assurance and this is emphasised in the Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture. It has moreover provided significant financial support to the establishment and development of these schemes and to the independent certification processes which are required to underpin them.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":162999,"EventID":"S1W-26455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Scottish Enterprise is taking to create stronger links with companies and institutions in order to internationalise their activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Scottish Enterprise is taking to create stronger links with companies and institutions in order to internationalise their activities.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. Information on action being taken is contained in it'sUnder A Smart Successful Scotland one of the three main priorities for Scottish Enterprise is ensuring that Scotland is a globally connected nation. In September last year we published the joint Global Connections Strategy which lays out in more detail how the enterprise networks will deliver this priority.

    As an example of initiatives under this heading, Scottish Enterprise has recently set up the Globalscot Network, involving 250 influential Scots and Scottish champions around the world. [The First Minister will be attending its first formal event in Edinburgh next Monday]

    Other examples of Scottish Enterprise's plans for the current financial year can be found in their operating plan, available on theiit's websiter website at:

    www.scottish-enterprise.com/about/what/operating.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163000,"EventID":"S1W-26456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when web-based visitor information on the sustainable use of natural heritage sites will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when web-based visitor information on the sustainable use of natural heritage sites will be made available.","AnswerText":"This action under the Tourism Framework for Action is the responsibility of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). I understand that SNH have completed the first phase of a study of sustainable management of natural heritage sites around the world, and are now piloting the results at 10 sites in Scotland, in conjunction with a range of other organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163001,"EventID":"S1W-26457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current incidence of road rage is and how it compares with levels in the 1970s.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current incidence of road rage is and how it compares with levels in the 1970s.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. As there are no specific crimes associated with "road rage", the available recorded crime statistics cannot distinguish incidents of road rage.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163002,"EventID":"S1W-26458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26044 by Hugh Henry on 30 May 2002, when a decision will be made on whether to call in the planning application for a crematorium t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26044 by Hugh Henry on 30 May 2002, when a decision will be made on whether to call in the planning application for a crematorium to be developed at Greenhall Park, High Blantyre, South Lanarkshire. ","AnswerText":"It is not possible to say at this stage when a decision will be made. Every effort will, however, be made to reach an early decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163003,"EventID":"S1W-26459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities fund independent living services or jointly fund care packages under the Independent Living Fund and how many such packages have been funded in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities fund independent living services or jointly fund care packages under the Independent Living Fund and how many such packages have been funded in each local authority area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information on independent living services and which local authorities fund them, is not held centrally.

    The Independent Living Fund is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and data relating to the fund is not held by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163004,"EventID":"S1W-26460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24726 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 May 2002, how many projects were included in the proposals from each local authority in respect of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24726 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 May 2002, how many projects were included in the proposals from each local authority in respect of the Changing Children's Services Fund and how many such projects relate (a) exclusively to statutory sector provision, (b) exclusively to voluntary sector provision and (c) to partnership projects.","AnswerText":"The overall aim of the Changing Children's Services Fund is to encourage better integration of all resources available for Children's Services across the statutory and voluntary sectors. Proposals are therefore expected to demonstrate evidence of genuine partnership working across these sectors.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163005,"EventID":"S1W-26461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24726 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 May 2002, what the total percentage share of funding is in each local authority proposal to the Changi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24726 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 May 2002, what the total percentage share of funding is in each local authority proposal to the Changing Children's Services Fund for (a) statutory, (b) voluntary and (c) partnership projects. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26460.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163006,"EventID":"S1W-26462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24726 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 May 2002, how each bid to the Changing Children's Services Fund will be monitored for adherence to set","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24726 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 May 2002, how each bid to the Changing Children's Services Fund will be monitored for adherence to set criteria.","AnswerText":"Monitoring reports on use of Changing Children's Services Fund resources will form an integral part of annual updates on Children's Services Plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163007,"EventID":"S1W-26463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24726 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 May 2002, whether it is intended that projects within the Changing Children's Services programme will ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24726 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 May 2002, whether it is intended that projects within the Changing Children's Services programme will be (a) linked to or (b) part of Children's Services Plans.","AnswerText":"Proposals funded through the Changing Children's Services Fund are intended to help local authorities and their partners reshape children's services to provide better integrated support and to meet the needs identified in Children's Services Plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163008,"EventID":"S1W-26464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21284 by Iain Gray on 16 January 2002, how many local champions are now operating.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21284 by Iain Gray on 16 January 2002, how many local champions are now operating.","AnswerText":"There are currently nine digital champions financed by the Scottish Executive working in social inclusion partnership areas to share good practice and facilitate local digital inclusion projects.

    In addition, the Executive's National Grid for Learning programme is currently funding a training initiative called Connecting Communities. Running from 2002 to 2004, this programme aims to train 2,500 community learning practitioners in how to use ICT to build community potential.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163009,"EventID":"S1W-26465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21273 by Iain Gray on 16 January 2002, whether the study into how ICT and web access can be improved for disabled people has been c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21273 by Iain Gray on 16 January 2002, whether the study into how ICT and web access can be improved for disabled people has been completed.","AnswerText":"We expect to complete a study into how ICT and web access can be improved for disabled people later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163010,"EventID":"S1W-26466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the 65 notified cases affecting trunk roads and special roads, as listed in Table 6 of the 2001 Fourth Annual Report of the Planning Audit Unit, were called in b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the 65 notified cases affecting trunk roads and special roads, as listed in Table 6 of the 2001 Fourth Annual Report of the Planning Audit Unit, were called in by ministers for determination; what the outcome was in each case, and what steps it takes in cases cleared back to local authorities for determination to ensure that consents are refused or conditioned in order to reflect the consultation responses given by it on matters affecting trunk roads and special trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The 65 notified cases listed in Table 6 of the Fourth Annual Report of the Planning Audit Unit were not all correctly attributed to the appropriate local authorities as a result of a printing error. The table in the report has now been corrected in line with the undernoted, which also provides the additional information requested.

    When a planning application is cleared back to a planning authority for determination it is for the authority to have regard to any consultation responses received. Once an application has been cleared back in this manner, statute does not provide the Scottish ministers with any further powers to intervene.

    Notified Planning Applications Affecting Trunk and Special Roads April 1996 to March 2001","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163011,"EventID":"S1W-26467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12749 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 21 February 2001, whether it has completed its consideration of how best to make information available","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12749 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 21 February 2001, whether it has completed its consideration of how best to make information available as referred to in respect of paragraph 75 of National Planning Policy Guidelines No.1 (revised 2000) and, if so, how the information will be made available. ","AnswerText":"Since Mr Galbraith's reply, the Planning home page has been launched on the internet:

    www.scottish-enterprise.com/about/what/operating.

    This provides access to an array of planning information including links to legislation, circulars, National Planning Policy Guidelines, Planning Advice Notes, research documents and consultation papers. It also provides information on planning applications which come before the Scottish ministers showing, on a weekly update basis, the current status of each case.

    In addition, as indicated in Ms Margaret Curran's letter of 5 June to all MSPs, the Executive's Inquiry Reporter's Unit launched their own website on 5 June:

    www.scotland.gov.uk/planning_appeals/seiru.

    This site provides ready access to information about the unit, the various types of planning and other appeals and their respective procedures. Within the site, links are provided to appeal forms, relevant legislation, circulars, national policy and advice. Work has already started on an enhancement of the site to provide a search of delegated planning appeals and to view progress on these. It will also be possible to view and retrieve appeal decision letters online and without charge. It is expected that this additional facility will become available in the autumn although the timing is dependent on data protection issues being resolved.

    The use of ICT to provide and receive planning related information is constantly under review and further refinements will be introduced as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163012,"EventID":"S1W-26468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to question S1W-26446 lodged on 5 June 2002, whether any public benefit may be obtained from any value accrued to the owners of salmon fishings, sporting rights ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to question S1W-26446 lodged on 5 June 2002, whether any public benefit may be obtained from any value accrued to the owners of salmon fishings, sporting rights and mineral rights as a result of any increase in the market value of their holdings arising as a consequence of the wider market in such assets following the introduction of a right to buy under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The introduction of the right to buy under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will not widen the market for salmon fishings, sporting rights and mineral rights. There is nothing at present to prevent crofting communities from purchasing such holdings when they are placed on the market. As the market is not widened by the bill proposals there can be no expectation that competition for these assets will increase and thus push up the value as a result of implementation of the legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163013,"EventID":"S1W-26469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary question to S1O-5268 by Nicol Stephen on 30 May 2002, what discussions it has had with local authorities over additional","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary question to S1O-5268 by Nicol Stephen on 30 May 2002, what discussions it has had with local authorities over additional intake into the teacher induction scheme and which local authorities have indicated a willingness to take on student teachers as probationers earlier in the year.","AnswerText":"The Induction Implementation Group, established to develop the detail of the Teacher Induction Scheme, have been exploring the option of a second intake to the scheme. We have sought initial views from all councils and have discussed the matter at a meeting of the Association of Directors of Personnel.

    A final conclusion will be reached as soon as possible, however, it is clear a number of significant obstacles remain to creating a second intake point. Officials are therefore also examining whether alternative means exist of addressing the concerns of these graduates.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163014,"EventID":"S1W-26470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any instances where information which would not normally be published for reasons of confidentiality under the Code of Practice on Access to Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there have been any instances where information which would not normally be published for reasons of confidentiality under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information has been published on the grounds that the public interest outweighed the harm or prejudice, or risk or reasonable expectation of harm or prejudice, as specified in Part II thereof and, if so, whether it will detail such instances.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not hold information in the form requested.

    Information on the operation of the Code of Practice is published annually, and the report for 2001 is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the Executive's website.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163015,"EventID":"S1W-26471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is bound by any code of practice on access to information and whether it voluntarily follows any policy similar to","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is bound by any code of practice on access to information and whether it voluntarily follows any policy similar to that set out in Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information where information which would not normally be published may be published in view of the public interest. ","AnswerText":"The SPCB is not at present bound by any code of practice on access to information but it will be subject, in the same way as any public authority, to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163016,"EventID":"S1W-26472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received, or assessment has been made by it or on its behalf, of the environmental benefits of the introduction of \"plastax\" for certain types of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received, or assessment has been made by it or on its behalf, of the environmental benefits of the introduction of \"plastax\" for certain types of plastic bags following the introduction of such a scheme in the Republic of Ireland in March 2002 and, in the light of such information or assessments regarding any environmental benefits, what support it has given to encourage and promote the provision of paper bags by supermarkets and their use by consumers. ","AnswerText":"No formal assessment has been made by the Executive on the introduction of the plastic bag levy in the Republic of Ireland, but we will continue to watch the effects of the implementation of this scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163017,"EventID":"S1W-26473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the overtime budget for each police force was in each of the last three years and this year to date (a) in total and (b) as a percentage of the overall wage budget f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the overtime budget for each police force was in each of the last three years and this year to date (a) in total and (b) as a percentage of the overall wage budget for each force.","AnswerText":"Information on overtime budgets for each police force in each of the last three years and this year to date is not held centrally. Actual expenditure on overtime for the latest three years available is shown in the first table below. The second table shows overtime as a percentage of expenditure on pay including overtime but excluding national insurance and allowances.

    Council

    Notified

    Called-In

    Call-In Revoked

    Application Withdrawn

    Granted

    Refused

    Aberdeen City

    1

    1

    		 

    1

    		  

    Aberdeenshire

    4

    2

    		  

    2

    		 

    Argyll and Bute

    3

    1

    		   

    1

    Dumfries and Galloway

    7

    3

    		  

    1

    2

    Dundee

    1

    1

    		  

    1

    		 

    Edinburgh

    1

    1

    		  

    1

    		 

    Highland

    29

    22

    		 

    2

    11

    9

    Midlothian

    2

    1

    		   

    1

    Moray

    2

    2

    		  

    1

    1

    North Ayrshire

    1

    1

    1

    		  

    Actual Expenditure on Overtime (£000)

     

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    Central

    1,299

    2,129

    2,547

    Dumfries and Galloway

    879

    981

    1,005

    Fife

    1,266

    1,908

    1,690

    Grampian

    2,925

    3,347

    2,543

    Lothian and Borders

    3,199

    4,788

    4,295

    Northern

    1,221

    1,945

    1,877

    Strathclyde

    14,163

    20,022

    18,512

    Tayside

    1,508

    2,346

    1,986

    Total

    26,460

    37,466

    34,455

    Overtime as a Percentage of Actual Expenditure on Police Pay

     

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    Central

    7.1%

    10.7%

    12.1%

    Dumfries and Galloway

    8.2%

    9.2%

    8.9%

    Fife

    5.9%

    8.4%

    7.3%

    Grampian

    9.1%

    10.0%

    7.5%

    Lothian and Borders

    4.9%

    7.0%

    6.1%

    Northern

    7.1%

    10.5%

    9.9%

    Strathclyde

    7.7%

    10.2%

    9.3%

    Tayside

    		The recording of alcohol/drug misuse may vary from hospital to hospital. Where suspected, but unconfirmed, it may not be recorded by the hospital.

    The number of discharges for children aged under 16 with an alcohol related or drug misuse diagnosis from acute hospitals, mental illness hospitals and psychiatric units is presented for financial years 1996-97 to 2000-01. Provisional information for 2001-02 is also shown.

    1996-97 to 2001-02 Scottish Hospital1 Discharges1,2,3 For Children Aged Under 16 With Any Mention of Alcohol Related Conditions and Drug Misuse by Area of Residence

    Area of Residence

    Diagnosis5

    Discharge Period

    		    
     

    Alcohol Related Conditions1

    		    
     

    1996-97

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02

    Total

    847

    863

    754

    836

    841

    711

    Argyll and Clyde

    62

    64

    60

    86

    84

    53

    Ayrshire and Arran

    117

    109

    99

    99

    84

    93

    Borders

    20

    20

    24

    23

    24

    28

    Dumfries and Galloway

    21

    33

    31

    26

    29

    18

    Fife

    49

    40

    42

    49

    47

    41

    Forth Valley

    33

    21

    35

    34

    35

    26

    Grampian

    116

    152The First Minister and I visited a local drugs project on the same day, the arrangements for which were made the previous day. I also formally opened the Drug Treatment and Testing Order Office in the Gallowgate, Aberdeen on Wednesday 29 May. This was arranged in mid-May.

    I unfortunately had to cancel, at short notice, two visits in my programme to Turning Point, Peterhead and the Kenmay Drug Project. This was due to my being called away on business related to the parliamentary debate on drug misuse in North East Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163023,"EventID":"S1W-26479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings, and on what dates, the Minister for Rural Development has had with European Commissioner Fran' Fischler to discuss the Common Fisheries Policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings, and on what dates, the Minister for Rural Development has had with European Commissioner Fran' Fischler to discuss the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"I met Commissioner Franz Fischler on 10 June 2002 to discuss the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). I have also had informal conversations on the CFP in the margins of various Fisheries Councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163024,"EventID":"S1W-26480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all specific correspondence it has had with Her Majesty's Government in connection with the new 10% supplementary charge to the existing corporatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all specific correspondence it has had with Her Majesty's Government in connection with the new 10% supplementary charge to the existing corporation tax on oil and gas company profits announced in the UK Budget 2002 and its impact on the Scottish economy.","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including taxation matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163025,"EventID":"S1W-26481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what lessons the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) can best learn from the Parliament's recent visit to Aberdeen and whether it will detail any consultation whi","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what lessons the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) can best learn from the Parliament's recent visit to Aberdeen and whether it will detail any consultation which will be held on this matter. ","AnswerText":"The Corporate Body was responsible for the resources used by the Parliament in supporting the visit to Aberdeen and it will wish to review how the exercise was managed and financed. I anticipate that this will be discussed by the SPCB in September of this year, thus any lessons learned will be considered at that time.

    Consultations on this matter will involve various officials of Aberdeen University, Aberdeen City Council and the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163026,"EventID":"S1W-26482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done to examine the effects on human health from genetically modified crops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been done to examine the effects on human health from genetically modified crops.","AnswerText":"Genetically modified crops should not be seen as homogenous in their potential to impact upon human health. Each application to release or market a GM crop is considered individually and each must be supported by information to satisfy the regulatory authorities that it does not pose a threat to human health. Applications will frequently cite published research relevant to the particular health issues raised by a particular genetically modified organism (GMO) or a particular trait. The Health and Safety Executive, the Food Standards Agency and the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment are well placed to take a view on whether a release can take place in safety. Only applications that satisfy these bodies as to their safety are considered for release.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163027,"EventID":"S1W-26483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to form managed clinical networks to link patient care for people with epilepsy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to form managed clinical networks to link patient care for people with epilepsy.","AnswerText":"The Executive is encouraging health professionals, NHS boards and those representing the interests of patients to work up proposals for Managed Clinical Networks for epilepsy services. We have made it clear that we stand ready to help with funding for the administrative and IT underpinning of these networks.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163028,"EventID":"S1W-26484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the managed clinical networks for epilepsy services will be available to all.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the managed clinical networks for epilepsy services will be available to all.","AnswerText":"The Executive is keen to promote the development of these networks and would wish them to be operational as soon as is feasible. Managed Clinical Networks for epilepsy services are now being developed in the following NHS board areas: Ayrshire and Arran; Greater Glasgow; Highland; Lothian, and Tayside. We shall encourage other NHS boards to follow suit.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163029,"EventID":"S1W-26485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on advertising by media type in each department of (a) the Scottish Office in each year from 1991-92 to 1999-2000 and (b) the Scottish Executive in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on advertising by media type in each department of (a) the Scottish Office in each year from 1991-92 to 1999-2000 and (b) the Scottish Executive in each year from 1999-2000 to 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:Justice Department

    1991-92

    Department

    Campaign (£)

    Press (£)

    TV (£)

    Radio (£)

    Poster (£)

    Cinema (£)

    Total (£)

    Home and Health

    Fire Prevention

    		 

    55,308

    21,606

    		   
     

    Crime Prevention

    		 

    112,716

    39,694

    		   
     

    Childrens Panels

    65,783

    		     
     

    Electoral Registration

    79,214

    		     
     

    Duty of Care

    9,007

    		     
     

    Dangerous Dogs

    8,085

    		     
     

    Organ Donors

    17,640

    		     
     

    Solvent Abuse and Drugs

    31,674

    		 

    2,239

    		   

    Total

    		 

    211,403

    168,024

    61,300

    		  

    440,727

    Education

    School Boards

    179,772

    42,090

    		    

    £

    April

    May

    June

    July

    August

    Sept

    TV

    58,801

    		 

    11,220

    		 

    28,090

    		 

    Radio

    		      

    Press

    22,972

    3,580

    		    

    Outdoor/Ambient

    		      

    Cinema

    		      

    Health Department

    £

    April

    May

    June

    July

    August

    Sept

    TV

    90,684

    201,022

    		  

    226,560

    		 

    Radio

    72,205

    36,361

    		  

    24,238

    8080

    Press

    119,218

    151,596

    104,888

    14,855

    14,855

    23,186

    Outdoor/Ambient

    118,899

    74,933

    		  

    59,000

    		 

    Cinema

    32,417

    		 

    10,735

    17,843

    21,240

    7080

     

    Oct

    Nov

    		1. The change in the population share by health board.

    2. The change in the age/sex structure of the health board's population.

    3. The change in morbidity and life circumstance (MLC) i.e. deprivation.

    There has been no update of the remoteness adjustment in 2001.

    GP Prescribing (table 2) has been separated from HCHS (table 1) because GP Prescribing uses a different population base. The population base for HCHS is the mid-year estimate (MYE) by Health Board of Residence. For GP Prescribing, the relevant population base is the Community Health Index (CHI) "deflated" for GP list size inflation. GP Prescribing is also based on the Health Board of Management, not the Health Board of Residence (background note - point 3).

    Table 1. Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS)
     

    1

    2

    3

    =1+2+3

    Health Board

    Change in MYE Pop. Share

    Change in age/sex adjustment

    Change in deprivation adjustment

    Change in overall Arbuthnott HCHS share

    Argyll and Clyde

    -0.7%

    0.3%

    1.1%

    0.7%

    Ayrshire and Arran

    -0.4%

    0.5%

    0.9%

    1.0%

    Borders

    0.7%

    0.7%

    1.3%

    2.8%

    Dumfries and Galloway

    -0.9%

    1.4%

    0.4%

    0.9%

    Fife

    0.5%

    0.4%

    -0.1%

    0.8%

    Forth Valley

    0.9%

    0.0%

    0.5%

    1.5%

    Grampian

    -0.2%

    0.8%

    0.9%

    1.4%

    Greater Glasgow

    -0.6%

    -1.5%

    -0.7%

    -2.9%

    Highland

    0.2%

    0.7%

    -0.4%

    0.6%

    Lanarkshire

    0.3%

    0.6%

    -0.3%

    0.6%

    Lothian

    1.4","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163032,"EventID":"S1W-26488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the advertisement for an agri-environment officer funded in part by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, whether it will identify all posts in its e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the advertisement for an agri-environment officer funded in part by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, whether it will identify all posts in its establishment which are part-funded by non-Executive bodies and whether it will publish its guidelines for the creation and filling of posts which are jointly funded with lobbying groups, pressure groups and other external bodies.","AnswerText":"Currently there are three posts in the Scottish Executive where a contribution towards funding is made by other bodies. These are:

    Post

    Contribution From

    Senior Policy Officer, Community Planning Taskforce

    Strathclyde Police

    Team Head, 21st Century Government Unit

    Audit Scotland

    Review Team Member, Environment Protection Unit

    SEPA

    The Civil Service Management Code governs all appointments to the civil service. The code is publicly available.

    All individuals working within the civil service operate within the framework of conduct, propriety and impartiality provided by the Civil Service Management Code and the Civil Service Code.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163033,"EventID":"S1W-26489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses were started and completed in each of the last 10 years and what the estimated starts and completions will be in the current year, broken down into houses","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses were started and completed in each of the last 10 years and what the estimated starts and completions will be in the current year, broken down into houses for rent, shared ownership or other forms of low cost home ownership, and where grant funding was provided by Scottish Homes or Communities Scotland or directly by it through new housing partnerships or any other initiatives.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following tables:

    Approvals

    Year

    HA Rent

    LCHO

    GRO OO

    GRO Rent

    RHOG

    I&R

    Total

    NHP

    Grand

    Total

    1992-93

    5,307

    1,249

    1,617

    309

    34

    -

    8,516

    -

    8,516

    1993-94

    5,179

    1,390

    1,534

    586

    63

    -

    8,752

    -

    8,752

    1994-95

    5,182

    1,178

    2,149

    586

    72

    -

    9,167

    -

    9,167

    1995-96

    5,164

    1,561

    1,768

    547

    67

    -

    9,107

    -

    9,107

    1996-97

    3,661

    920

    2,117

    251

    66

    -

    7,015

    -

    7,015

    1997-98

    3,084

    668

    1,391

    133

    45

    -

    5,321

    -

    5,321

    1998-99

    3,518

    549

    1,558

    135

    44

    -

    5,804

    -

    5,804

    1999-2000

    4,381

    301

    1,817

    138

    50

    -

    6,687

    834

    7,521

    2000-01

    4,751

    		A Smart, Successful Scotland. Digital connectivity is an important element within this.

    The Executive's report, Measuring Scotland's progress towards a Smart, Successful Scotland identified the criteria used to assess progress in Scotland's digital connectivity as cost and geographic coverage of broadband.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163038,"EventID":"S1W-26494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25569 and S1W-26060 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 and 30 May 2002 respectively, why the performance points accrued under measure 2.1(i)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25569 and S1W-26060 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 and 30 May 2002 respectively, why the performance points accrued under measure 2.1(i) of Schedule F of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock are not a multiple of 10 in the first two years, if all security breaches relate to areas to which Category B prisoners had access and therefore every breach incurred 10 performance points.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    A single breach, in each of the two years, took place in areas to which only Category C or D prisoners had access.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163039,"EventID":"S1W-26495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25569 and S1W-26061 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 and 30 May 2002 respectively, why the performance points accrued for year three under","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25569 and S1W-26061 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 and 30 May 2002 respectively, why the performance points accrued for year three under measure 2.2(a) of Schedule F of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock are shown as 235, when the sum of performance points for one serious injury assault at 50 points, four minor injury assaults at 20 points each (80 points total) and 30 no injury assaults at 5 points each (150 points total) is 280. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The 30 "no injury" assaults reported in the answer to question S1W-26061 for year three was an error. The correct figure should have been 21.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163040,"EventID":"S1W-26496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid in non-domestic rates for each prison in each of the last four years and how much it will pay in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid in non-domestic rates for each prison in each of the last four years and how much it will pay in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The information requested is provided in the following table.

    Information regarding non-domestic rates dates back to April 2000 when this rating system was introduced. Payments previous to this are based on "Contributions in Lieu of Rates" (CILOR).

    Establishment

    CILOR

    1998-99

    £

    CILOR

    1999-00

    £

    Non Domestic Rates 2000-01

    £

    Non Domestic Rates 2001-02

    £

    Anticipated Non Domestic Rates 2002-03

    £

    Aberdeen

    59,587.31

    61,125.00

    66,442.88

    81,669.41

    96,800.27

    Barlinnie

    265,348.07

    281,175.00

    305,637.23

    383,775.76

    461,765.07

    Castle Huntly

    25,228.80

    48,900.00

    53,154.30

    56,183.01

    58,806.28

    Cornton Vale

    8,845.78

    97,800.00

    106,308.60

    110,019.22

    112,834.63

    Dumfries

    61,536.86

    82,641.00

    89,310.00

    91,650.00

    93,210.00

    Dungavel

    75,712.60

    70,918.66

    31,986.04

    5,458.28

    -

    Edinburgh

    305,751.30

    331,248.60

    360,067.23

    388,724.77

    414,928.40

    Friarton

    5,199.55

    13,447.50

    16,094.01

    23,881.28

    26,389.27

    Glenochil

    245,118.67

    321,762.00

    328,630.68

    343,100.00

    348,940.00

    Greenock

    64,695.29

    97,800.00

    100,760.00

    103,400.00

    105,160.00

    Inverness

    31,845.53

    39,609.00

    43,054.98

    48,875.90

    54,489.42

    Ki","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163041,"EventID":"S1W-26497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of non-domestic rates was included in the costing of the public sector comparator by PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Financial Review of the Scottish Pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of non-domestic rates was included in the costing of the public sector comparator by PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review. ","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163042,"EventID":"S1W-26498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost at March 2001 prices to obtain the outline planning approval for the construction of the prison referred to in section 1.1.73 of the Minute of Agreement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost at March 2001 prices to obtain the outline planning approval for the construction of the prison referred to in section 1.1.73 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The actual cost is not separately identifiable. The best estimate is approximately £32,000 including planning fees.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163043,"EventID":"S1W-26499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to it at March 2001 prices was of the independent engineer engaged to monitor the progress of work on HM Prison Kilmarnock in accordance with section 11.4 o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to it at March 2001 prices was of the independent engineer engaged to monitor the progress of work on HM Prison Kilmarnock in accordance with section 11.4 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    £194,226, excluding VAT.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163044,"EventID":"S1W-26500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been in each of the last five years under each of sections 47, 48(2), 49, 49A and 50(4) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been in each of the last five years under each of sections 47, 48(2), 49, 49A and 50(4) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables. When interpreting individual figures at this level of detail it should be borne in mind that their accuracy is subject to the limitations inherent in any large scale statistical database. Information for 2001 is not expected to be available until around November 2002.

    Persons with a charge proved in Scottish courts where the main offence was under section 47 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Act 1995

    1996

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    All courts1

    227

    901

    1,051

    1,065

    1,137

    Sheriff courts:

    Aberdeen

    8

    14

    20

    26

    26

    Airdrie

    9

    19

    20

    16

    22

    Alloa

    3

    3

    -

    -

    2

    Arbroath

    5

    11

    13

    8

    10

    Ayr

    8

    26

    20

    16

    17

    Banff

    -

    -

    1

    -

    -

    Campbeltown

    -

    4

    2

    		Persons with a charge proved in Scottish courts where the main offence was under Section 9 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    All courts

    -

    1

    3

    12

    Dumbarton

    -

    -

    -

    1

    Dunfermline

    -

    -

    -

    3

    Edinburgh

    -

    -

    -

    2

    Glasgow

    -

    1

    3

    4

    Kirkcaldy

    -

    -

    -

    1

    Linlithgow

    -

    -

    -

    1

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163047,"EventID":"S1W-26503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been in each of the last five years under section 50A of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, broken down by sheriff cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been in each of the last five years under section 50A of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. When interpreting individual figures at this level of detail it should be borne in mind that their accuracy is subject to the limitations inherent in any large scale statistical database. Information for 2001 is not expected to be available until around November 2002.

    Persons with a charge proved in Scottish courts where the main charge was under Section 50(A) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Act 1995

    1996

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    All Courts

    -

    -

    1

    56

    170

    Sheriff Courts:

    Aberdeen

    -

    -

    -

    -

    2

    Airdrie

    -

    -

    -

    2

    3

    Arbroath

    -

    -

    -

    -

    3

    Ayr

    -

    -

    -

    2

    6

    Banff

    -

    -

    -

    2

    -

    Dumfries

    -

    -

    -

    -

    1

    Dundee

    -

    -

    -

    		Percentage of Female Strength by Rank at 31 March 2002

    Force

    Assistant Chief Constable

    Superintendent

    Chief Inspector

    Inspector

    Central

    -

    -

    6.7%

    4.8%

    Dumfries and Galloway

    -

    -

    -

    8.7%

    Fife

    -

    -

    7.1%

    2.7%

    Grampian

    -

    5.6%

    -

    3.4%

    Lothian and Borders

    -

    9.4%

    6.8%

    6.3%

    Northern

    -

    -

    -

    3.1%

    Strathclyde

    16.7%

    4.9%

    8.5%

    5.7%

    Tayside

    -

    8.3%

    11.8%

    3.8%

    Total

    5.3%

    5.2%

    7.2%

    5.5%

    Secondment to SDEA

    -

    -

    -

    -

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163049,"EventID":"S1W-26505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of officers at each rank within (a) each police force and (b) the Scottish Crime Squad at 31 March 2002 was from ethnic minority groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of officers at each rank within (a) each police force and (b) the Scottish Crime Squad at 31 March 2002 was from ethnic minority groups.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table. There were no officers from ethnic minority groups above Chief Inspector. The Scottish Crime Squad was replaced by the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) on 1 April 2001.

    Percentage of Officers from Ethnic Minority Groups by Rank

    Force

    Sergeant

    Constable

    Central

    7.8%

    17.1%

    Dumfries and Galloway

    6.8%

    23.7%

    Fife

    3.3%

    21.2%

    Grampian

    10.9%

    22.1%

    Lothian and Borders

    8.4%

    20.1%

    Northern

    6.6%

    20.6%

    Strathclyde

    8.2%

    17.8%

    Tayside

    23.9%

     

    Chief Inspector

    Inspector

    Sergeant

    Constable

    Central

    -

    -

    0.9%

    0.2%

    Dumfries and Galloway

    -

    -

    -

    0.3%

    Fife

    -

    -

    -

    0.4%

    Grampian

    -

    -

    -

    0.5%

    Lothian and Borders

    2.3%

    0.7%

    0.3%

    0.9%

    Northern

    -

    -

    -

    0.4%

    Strathclyde

    -

    -

    0.2%

    0.9%

    Tayside

    -

    -

    -

    0.4%

    Total

    0.4%

    0.1%

    0.2%

    0.7%

    Secondment to SDEA

    -

    -

    -

    1.0%

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163050,"EventID":"S1W-26506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers recruited into each rank within (a) each police force and (b) the Scottish Crime Squad from April 2001 to March 2002 were female.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers recruited into each rank within (a) each police force and (b) the Scottish Crime Squad from April 2001 to March 2002 were female.","AnswerText":"The number of female officers recruited to each police force from April 2001 to March 2002 is shown in the following table. Information by rank is not held centrally.

    Force

    Number of Female Officers Recruited

    Central

    3

    Dumfries and Galloway

    3

    Fife

    24

    Grampian

    12

    Lothian and Borders

    42

    Northern

    8

    Strathclyde

    95

    Tayside

    25

    Total

    212

    The Scottish Crime Squad was replaced by the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) on 1 April 2001. Officers are not recruited directly to the SDEA but are seconded from forces. Between April 2001 to March 2002, nine secondments of female officers took place - one sergeant from Grampian, four constables from Strathclyde, two constables from Grampian and one constable each from Fife and Lothian and Borders.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163051,"EventID":"S1W-26507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers recruited into each rank within (a) each police force and (b) the Scottish Crime Squad from April 2001 to March 2002 were from ethnic minority groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers recruited into each rank within (a) each police force and (b) the Scottish Crime Squad from April 2001 to March 2002 were from ethnic minority groups.","AnswerText":"From April 2001 to March 2002 there were nine officers in total from ethnic minority groups recruited to Scottish police forces - three to Lothian and Borders and six to Strathclyde. Information by rank is not held centrally.

    The Scottish Crime Squad was replaced by the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) on 1 April 2001. Officers are not recruited directly to the SDEA but are seconded from forces. No secondments of officers from ethnic minority groups took place between April 2001 and March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163052,"EventID":"S1W-26508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26264 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 June 2002, whether it will name each member of the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26264 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 June 2002, whether it will name each member of the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution.","AnswerText":"The Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution consists of a number of officials from across the Executive and the experts listed in the table:

    Daljeet Dagon

    Barnardo's Scotland

    Stella Everingham

    Aberlour Child Care Trust

    Kathleen Harper

    Crown Office

    Martin Henry

    Edinburgh and Lothians Child Protection Committee

    John Hosie

    Community Education Managers Scotland

    Anne Houston

    ChildLine Scotland

    Inspector Gordon Hunter

    Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland

    Donald MacKenzie

    Association of Directors of Social Work

    Moira McKinnon

    Glasgow City Child Protection Committee

    Stephen McLeod

    The Big Step, Social Inclusion Partnership

    Ian Mitchell

    Scottish Children's Reporter Administration

    Marion Pagani

    Children's Panel Chair's Group

    The membership of the group is not fixed and as work progresses other individuals, including those with direct experience of the key issues, will be included where appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163053,"EventID":"S1W-26509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific issues are being considered by the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific issues are being considered by the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution.","AnswerText":"The Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution is considering a wide range of issues including preventative strategies; guidance to professionals and promotion of good practice. This work is being taken forward within the context of the Executive's commitment to improve the quality of life for Scotland's children and deliver better outcomes for the most vulnerable and deprived children through more effective and integrated delivery of children's services.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163054,"EventID":"S1W-26510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26266 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 June 2002, which local authorities have taken steps to provide short-term refuges for children and whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26266 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 June 2002, which local authorities have taken steps to provide short-term refuges for children and whether it plans to issue guidance to local authorities on this matter.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have powers under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 to provide short-term refuges for children. This could involve provision in a residential establishment or in the household of a foster carer or other approved carer.

    The need for guidance on refuge provision is one issue which will be considered by the Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163055,"EventID":"S1W-26511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any cetacean bycatch problems associated with Scottish pelagic trawlers fishing outside Scottish waters, including the English Channel and western appro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any cetacean bycatch problems associated with Scottish pelagic trawlers fishing outside Scottish waters, including the English Channel and western approaches, and what the extent of any such problems is.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of cetacean bycatch in the offshore sea bass fishery off South West England and has been working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to mitigate this.

    In 2000, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) recorded a bycatch of 15 dolphins over nine days at sea. The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) of St Andrews University was engaged to monitor the spring 2001 fishery, specifically in relation to cetacean bycatch, to check the CEFAS findings and, if necessary, develop effective mitigation measures. On that occasion monitoring a different Scottish pair trawl recorded the bycatch of 52 dolphins in 12 hauls out of a total of 116 hauls over 71 days at sea. It had been agreed with the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association and the skippers that, if dolphins were encountered, acoustic deterrents called "pingers" would be fitted to the mouth of the nets. This was done, but without any noticeable reduction in bycatch.

    Last spring SMRU was engaged to trial new mitigation measures involving the use of separator grids and an escape hatch for cetaceans. The new gear was tested on a Scottish pair trawl, again with the active participation of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's association and the skippers, but no cases of dolphin bycatch were recorded. The trial is to resume during the next fishery season, in spring 2003.

    SMRU has also monitored other pelagic fisheries in this area, but has recorded no cases of dolphin bycatch.

    If the new mitigation measures prove successful, we and DEFRA will consider their wider introduction, as part of a joint UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Reduction Strategy to address bycatch issues across all UK fisheries. The majority of vessels involved in this particular fishery, however, are French. It is therefore important that any mitigation measures are implemented at EU level also and to this end the UK Government has already made contact with the European Commissioner.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163056,"EventID":"S1W-26512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever received any reports of any Scottish fishing vessels catching dolphins in the western approaches sea bass fishery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever received any reports of any Scottish fishing vessels catching dolphins in the western approaches sea bass fishery.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26511.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163057,"EventID":"S1W-26513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any video footage taken by observers of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science of dolphins in nets on board Scottish pair tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any video footage taken by observers of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science of dolphins in nets on board Scottish pair trawlers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26511.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163058,"EventID":"S1W-26514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, during a recent Sea Mammal Research Unit monitoring of cetacean bycatch by Scottish pair trawlers fishing for sea bass in the western approaches, 53 dolphins wer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, during a recent Sea Mammal Research Unit monitoring of cetacean bycatch by Scottish pair trawlers fishing for sea bass in the western approaches, 53 dolphins were taken in 12 hauls.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26511.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163059,"EventID":"S1W-26515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that Scottish fishing vessels adopt cetacean bycatch mitigation measures and what its timetable for such action is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to ensure that Scottish fishing vessels adopt cetacean bycatch mitigation measures and what its timetable for such action is.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26511.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163060,"EventID":"S1W-26517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5003/2001 of 10 December 2002, what difference the guidance to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council on contract research staff","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5003/2001 of 10 December 2002, what difference the guidance to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council on contract research staff and the #500,000 funding for human resource management have made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) has allocated the £500,000 funding to assist with the implementation of the new condition of grant on human resource policies and management. This condition of grant covers the management of all staff, including contact research staff, and came into effect on 1 April 2002.

    The majority of the additional resources have been allocated to institutions to assist in their preparations for the introduction of the condition. Institutions can use these resources in any way to assist, develop and implement strategies and policies to bring about improvements in relation to the management of all staff, including contract research staff. The remaining funds are being used by the council to assist its own preparation for the introduction of the condition.

    In responding to the guidance received from the minister on 10 December 2002, SHEFC will work with Universities Scotland to report annually on the distribution of contract research staff in Scottish higher education institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163061,"EventID":"S1W-26518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a report from the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council on contract research staff and, if so, what the key findings of the report are; what f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a report from the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council on contract research staff and, if so, what the key findings of the report are; what follow-up action is planned, and whether the report will be published.","AnswerText":"In the ministerial guidance to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) in December 2001, which applies to the year 2002-03, the council was asked to supply an annual report on the position with regard to information on contract research staff within higher education institutions in Scotland. The timing of that report is a matter to be agreed with SHEFC in the light of its advice on the best means of collecting this information.

    SHEFC is currently developing options for collecting this information and for monitoring progress which it intends to discuss with Universities Scotland. In doing so, it will draw on the report by the Institute for Employment Research on the career destinations of contract research staff in Scotland. This report was commissioned jointly with the ESRC, the Wellcome Trust, the Carnegie Trust and the Scottish Executive and was published in December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163062,"EventID":"S1W-26519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities enforce penalties on improper use of parking bays for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities enforce penalties on improper use of parking bays for disabled people.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163063,"EventID":"S1W-26520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any duty on local authorities to enforce correct use of parking bays for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any duty on local authorities to enforce correct use of parking bays for disabled people.","AnswerText":"Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, roads authorities have a general duty to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic. This general duty is met by the local authority making Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) which can be introduced for a variety of reasons including the provision of parking bays for disabled people.

    It is a matter for individual authorities to decide how they enforce the correct use of parking bays for disabled people.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163064,"EventID":"S1W-26521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to amend legislation in order to provide a simpler mechanism to allow enforcement of correct use of parking bays for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to amend legislation in order to provide a simpler mechanism to allow enforcement of correct use of parking bays for disabled people.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is participating in the review of the Blue Badge Scheme being conducted on behalf of all four UK administrations by the Department for Transport.

    This review covers all aspects of the scheme including enforcement.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163065,"EventID":"S1W-26522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it classified the holiday on 3 June 2002 as a privilege holiday for its employees in respect of pay and allowances and what the financial savings as a result of this","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it classified the holiday on 3 June 2002 as a privilege holiday for its employees in respect of pay and allowances and what the financial savings as a result of this classification were.","AnswerText":"The decision to classify the Queen's Golden Jubilee as a privilege holiday was in line with precedent e.g. the Millennium holiday.

    To identify the precise financial savings due to this decision cannot be done without incurring disproportionate costs. However, in general terms the cost to the Scottish Executive for staff required to work on a public holiday is, in addition to their basic pay, at the rate of plain time plus time off in lieu. When time off in lieu cannot be granted, an additional payment for the hours worked will be made at plain time rate. For the hours worked on a privilege holiday payment is made at plain time rate.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163066,"EventID":"S1W-26523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the designation of new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones following the recent consultation with stakeholders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made on the designation of new Nitrate Vulnerable Zones following the recent consultation with stakeholders.","AnswerText":"Regulations have been laid today which designate the following areas as groundwater Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs):

    • Moray, Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan;
    • Strathmore and Fife, and
    • Lothian and the Borders.

    Copies of the detailed maps of the NVZs which accompany the regulations will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, at local Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department area offices and in the Executives' offices at Pentland House and Victoria Quay in Edinburgh. A tabulated summary of the monitoring evidence will accompany the map copies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163067,"EventID":"S1W-26524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the results of the current drug driving campaign will be assessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the results of the current drug driving campaign will be assessed.","AnswerText":"A drug drive television advert, produced by the Scottish Road Safety Campaign with funding from the Scottish Executive, was launched on 20 May. The advert, which demonstrates techniques used by the police to detect drug drivers, is intended to raise awareness of the dangers of drug driving and to convey the message that not only is drug driving illegal, but also that drivers under the influence of drugs run the very real risk of being caught.

    The Executive has commissioned an evaluation of the effectiveness of the advert, particularly in relation to the target group of young drivers. The evaluation is due for completion in the autumn. A report will be published, and copies placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, as soon as possible thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163068,"EventID":"S1W-26525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of on-site health services for asylum seekers at any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of on-site health services for asylum seekers at any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse and whether any such discussions have considered any continuing need for such services for those granted asylum after they have left the centre.","AnswerText":"No decision about whether an accommodation centre should be located at the site of the former RAF Turnhouse has yet been taken. Discussions are continuing with the Home Office about arrangements for the provision of on-site services at any accommodation centres that may in future be established in Scotland as well as the continuing need for services for those granted asylum after they have left any such centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163069,"EventID":"S1W-26526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of on-site education services for asylum seekers at any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhous","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of on-site education services for asylum seekers at any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse and whether any such discussions have considered any continuing need for such services for children granted asylum after they have left the centre.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1W-26525.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163070,"EventID":"S1W-26527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of on-site social work services for asylum seekers at any accommodation centre at RAF Turnho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of on-site social work services for asylum seekers at any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse and whether any such discussions have considered any continuing need for such services for those granted asylum after they have left the centre.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26525.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163071,"EventID":"S1W-26528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of transportation services for asylum seekers at any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of transportation services for asylum seekers at any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26525.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163072,"EventID":"S1W-26529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of housing services for asylum seekers once they have left any accommodation centre at RAF T","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of housing services for asylum seekers once they have left any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26525.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163073,"EventID":"S1W-26530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of employment services for asylum seekers once they have left any accommodation centre at RA","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Home Office with regard to the provision of employment services for asylum seekers once they have left any accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26525.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163074,"EventID":"S1W-26531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22628 by Mr Andy Kerr on 15 February 2002, when it, local authorities, the Electoral Commission and any other relevant parties will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22628 by Mr Andy Kerr on 15 February 2002, when it, local authorities, the Electoral Commission and any other relevant parties will agree on the final proposals for e-voting.","AnswerText":"We have received no formal proposals to date from councils to run an e-voting pilot at a local government election.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163075,"EventID":"S1W-26532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21259 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 January 2002, what the key modernising priorities for the public sector are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21259 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 January 2002, what the key modernising priorities for the public sector are.","AnswerText":"The Executive's ultimate objective is to provide people with better services, including easy access to information. In pursuit of that, we are committed to joining up delivery across the public sector in Scotland according to citizens' needs. Our key modernising priorities are therefore those activities which support the provision of better public services and offer real benefits to citizens, such as the projects which meet the criteria for our Modernising Government Fund. The four priority areas identified for the second round of the fund are the development of a citizen account/citizen smartcard, datasharing, data standards and e-procurement as set out in the bidding guidance, issued on 19 December 2001 and available at:

    http://www.scotland.gov.uk/government/c21g/round2_bid.pdf.

    We are considering supporting a number of projects in other areas, but which we believe will also support the provision of better public services.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163076,"EventID":"S1W-26533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics are available on the incidence of foetal alcohol syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics are available on the incidence of foetal alcohol syndrome.","AnswerText":"Continuous Morbidity Records (CMR), Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR), Pre-school and Child Health Surveillance systems and the Special Needs system allow recording of diagnosis or other concerns, including Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). However, it is recognised that, at present, prevalence of FAS is probably under-recorded in national data.

    Information from Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR) indicated the following numbers of babies born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome over the past four years.

    1998

    3

    1999

    2

    2000

    6

    2001

    3

    Information from the Child Health Surveillance systems indicated that only two children born in 2001 were diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. The other recording systems are at earlier stages of development and thus any data on FAS is unreliable at the present time.

    Notes:

    1. Information is available centrally only for those patients seen in General Practice or in NHS hospitals.

    2. Information on patients discharged from acute non-obstetric, non-psychiatric hospitals is available from SMR 01 and on patients discharged from neonatal units from SMR 11.

    3. Information about GP consultations is gathered centrally as part of CMR in General Practice (CMR). Currently 81 GP practices contribute to CMR in Scotland out of a total of 1,058. CMR practices cover 8% of the Scottish population and are considered to be broadly representative of age, sex, and deprivation category and rural/urban mix. However, the number of FAS cases recorded is very low and is unlikely to reflect the true prevalence across Scotland.

    4. Ten NHS boards currently participate in the Pre-school Child Health Surveillance system accounting for some 80% of the pre-school population. The School Child Health surveillance system is relatively new with only three NHS boards and one NHS trust having implemented the system. Because of the variation both in national coverage and in recording practices, it is not possible, at present, to regard them as present as sound sources of data on FAS .

    5. The Special Needs System is another potential new source of information on FAS but not all NHS boards currently contribute data.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163077,"EventID":"S1W-26534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to record the incidence of foetal alcohol syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to record the incidence of foetal alcohol syndrome.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26533.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163078,"EventID":"S1W-26535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to raise awareness of foetal alcohol syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to raise awareness of foetal alcohol syndrome.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive ensures that information about foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is included, as appropriate, in relevant publications. The risk of FAS is highlighted in the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) booklet Alcofacts. A guide to sensible drinking which is distributed widely across Scotland. Moreover, a specific reference to FAS will be included in the HEBS booklet given to all new mothers Ready, Steady, Baby a guide to pregnancy, birth and early parenthood which is currently being revised. The risks of FAS are also highlighted in the Framework for Maternity Services published by the Executive in February 2001 and in Getting our Priorities Right offering guidance to agencies on working with families affected by problem drug use, which was published in September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163079,"EventID":"S1W-26536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safe alcohol levels it recommends for pregnant women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safe alcohol levels it recommends for pregnant women.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive endorses the recommendations of the Sensible Drinking report which suggests that women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant should drink no more than one or two units of alcohol, once or twice a week.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163080,"EventID":"S1W-26537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that every woman is made aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol whilst pregnant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that every woman is made aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol whilst pregnant.","AnswerText":"A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland, published Feb 2001, recognised that all women of reproductive age should be empowered and encouraged to be as healthy as possible. NHS boards were given clear action points and recommendations to address the health promotion needs of school age children and women of reproductive age.

    NHS board strategies have been audited against the principles laid out in A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland. As part of this audit, NHS boards were asked to provide information about how health promotion and education are being taken forward locally with particular reference to alcohol and pregnancy. The results show that all NHS boards are taking measures to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. These measures include issuing to all first-time mothers the HEBS booklet Ready Steady Baby, which contains a section on alcohol.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163081,"EventID":"S1W-26538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs have been of publishing, printing and distributing each edition to date of its Active Communities newsletter and how many copies of each edition have ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs have been of publishing, printing and distributing each edition to date of its Active Communities newsletter and how many copies of each edition have been printed.","AnswerText":"The cost of publishing, printing and distributing each edition of the Active Communities newsletter is as follows. However, only estimated costs can be provided on the latest newsletter, as final invoices are yet to be received. Moreover, over 16,000 copies of the latest newsletter have been distributed, 4,000 more than the earlier editions.

    Edition

    Cost

    Newsletter 1

    £10,273

    Newsletter 2

    £9,792

    Newsletter 3

    £18,183 (estimated figure)

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163082,"EventID":"S1W-26539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) has had any discussions with Omniport plc about appointing that company to manage any of the airports operated by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) has had any discussions with Omniport plc about appointing that company to manage any of the airports operated by HIAL and what the outcome was of any such discussions.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials met representatives of Omniport in July 2001, at their request, when Omniport raised the issue of private sector involvement in the management of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL). No further meeting has been held and the Executive has no plans to transfer HIAL airports from public ownership. Representatives of HIAL meet other airport operators, including the operators of Prestwick Airport, on a regular basis to discuss matters of mutual interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163083,"EventID":"S1W-26540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered any proposals to contract out the management of all or any of the airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and, if so, what propo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered any proposals to contract out the management of all or any of the airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and, if so, what proposals have been considered.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers considered but were not persuaded by the business case submitted by Shetland Islands Council for taking over responsibility for Sumburgh Airport. No other proposals have been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163084,"EventID":"S1W-26541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would consider offering a local authority the opportunity to take over the management of airports owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd sited in the auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would consider offering a local authority the opportunity to take over the management of airports owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd sited in the authority's area.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have already considered but were not persuaded by the business case submitted by Shetland Islands Council for taking over responsibility of Sumburgh Airport. The Scottish Executive has no plans to seek such business cases from other authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163085,"EventID":"S1W-26542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its long-term plans are for the management of airports owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its long-term plans are for the management of airports owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd will continue to operate within the public sector and the Scottish Executive will continue to ensure the efficient and effective use of public funds.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163086,"EventID":"S1W-26543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25928 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 5 June 2002, what expenses have been paid to witnesses inconvenienced by an adjournment of trial in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25928 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 5 June 2002, what expenses have been paid to witnesses inconvenienced by an adjournment of trial in (a) the High Court of Justiciary, (b) the sheriff court in each sheriff court district and (c) each district court in each of the last five years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163087,"EventID":"S1W-26544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25928 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 5 June 2002, what estimate it has made of wasted expenditure in respect of staff time in the Crown ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25928 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 5 June 2002, what estimate it has made of wasted expenditure in respect of staff time in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service owing to adjournment of trials on the date of trial in each of the last five years for which information is available.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163088,"EventID":"S1W-26545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25923 and S1W-25919 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 5 June 2002, what specific steps the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25923 and S1W-25919 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 5 June 2002, what specific steps the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is taking to address timeliness of reporting with (a) the police and (b) other agencies.","AnswerText":"We are at the early stages of discussion of service level agreements or protocols with the police, which will build upon less formal discussions which have taken place over many years. Timeliness of reporting is discussed where appropriate with other reporting agencies as part of the normal liaison process.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163089,"EventID":"S1W-26546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Benefits Agency, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Benefits Agency, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the agency and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163090,"EventID":"S1W-26547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the British Standards Institute (BSI), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many case","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the British Standards Institute (BSI), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the BSI and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163091,"EventID":"S1W-26548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Child Support Agency (CSA), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Child Support Agency (CSA), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the CSA and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163092,"EventID":"S1W-26549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Civil Aviation Authority, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Civil Aviation Authority, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the authority and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163093,"EventID":"S1W-26550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Data Protection Registrar, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Data Protection Registrar, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the registrar and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available. The Data Protection Registrar is now the Information Commissioner.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163094,"EventID":"S1W-26551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has rece","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the department and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163095,"EventID":"S1W-26552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Department of Trade and Industry's Companies Investigation Branch, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Department of Trade and Industry's Companies Investigation Branch, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the branch and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163096,"EventID":"S1W-26553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the DVLA and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163097,"EventID":"S1W-26554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the FSA and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163098,"EventID":"S1W-26555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many case","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the HSE and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163099,"EventID":"S1W-26556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by HM Customs and Excise, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by HM Customs and Excise, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of HM Customs and Excise and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163100,"EventID":"S1W-26557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by HM Industrial Pollution Inspectorate, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by HM Industrial Pollution Inspectorate, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the inspectorate and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163101,"EventID":"S1W-26558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Inland Revenue, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been mar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Inland Revenue, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the Inland Revenue and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163102,"EventID":"S1W-26559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Law Society of Scotland, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Law Society of Scotland, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the society and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163103,"EventID":"S1W-26560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by local authorities, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been mark","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by local authorities, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the authority and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163104,"EventID":"S1W-26561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Vehicle Inspectorate, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by the Vehicle Inspectorate, (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of the inspectorate and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163105,"EventID":"S1W-26562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to reports to the Procurator Fiscal by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), (a) how many such reports the Procurator Fiscal has received, (b) how many cases have (i) been marked \"no proceedings\" as a result of delay on the part of SNH and (ii) proceeded to trial and (c) how many convictions were secured in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163106,"EventID":"S1W-26563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26058 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 June 2002, why the question was referred to the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service for ans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26058 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 June 2002, why the question was referred to the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service for answer, given that it related to the factual basis of the answer to question S1W-25236 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 May 2002.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-26058 related to an internal Scottish Prison Service (SPS) management matter, namely who within SPS had prepared the report referred to. Question S1W-25236 asked when the Executive had received that report from SPS and was therefore answered by me.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163107,"EventID":"S1W-26564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the post of Agri-Environment Officer advertised in The Sunday Herald on 19 May 2002, whether the postholder will be a civil servant; who will employ the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the post of Agri-Environment Officer advertised in The Sunday Herald on 19 May 2002, whether the postholder will be a civil servant; who will employ the postholder and who the postholder's line manager will be.","AnswerText":"The post of Agri-Environment Officer will be a civil service post within the Scottish Executive's Environment and Rural Affairs Department. The post is jointly funded by the Scottish Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The postholder will be employed by the Scottish Executive and subject to the Scottish Executive's terms and conditions, including the framework of conduct and propriety as set out in the Civil Service Code. The postholder's line manager will be a civil servant within the Scottish Executive's Environment and Rural Affairs Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163108,"EventID":"S1W-26565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to introducing business improvement districts in its review of Scotland's cities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to introducing business improvement districts in its review of Scotland's cities.","AnswerText":"Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) was one of a number of issues raised during the course of the Cities Review. The review's recommendations and report will be published in the autumn.

    We indicated, in our response to the Local Government Committee's Report of its Inquiry into Local Government Finance on 13 June, our intention to explore the potential for BIDs across the whole of Scotland. We propose to consult with business representatives, local authorities and others on the committee's recommendations for BIDs.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163109,"EventID":"S1W-26566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Ambulance Service's joint working party will announce its plans regarding changing ambulance stations from part-time to full-time on-call working. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Ambulance Service's joint working party will announce its plans regarding changing ambulance stations from part-time to full-time on-call working. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service announced its current plans for the conversion of some on-call stations to full-time working earlier this year. In coming to its decision, the service took the joint working party's views into account. Ambulance stations at Fraserburgh, Dunoon and Stranraer will be converted from part-time to full-time working in 2002-03 and at Balfron, Annan and Peterhead in 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163110,"EventID":"S1W-26567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what grounds it concluded that East Lothian did not need to submit a formal planning application for consideration by the Scottish ministers for the extension to Aberl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what grounds it concluded that East Lothian did not need to submit a formal planning application for consideration by the Scottish ministers for the extension to Aberlady Primary School to be funded by a section 75 agreement with Cala homes and whether such grounds took account of public opposition to the style and nature of the proposed extension.","AnswerText":"As planning authorities are not allowed to grant themselves planning permission, they are required to submit details of the proposed development to the Scottish ministers for consideration as a Notice of Intention to Develop (NID).

    The Scottish ministers will normally make a presumption against calling for a formal application from a local authority where the proposed development either accords with the approved local plan for the area or has not attracted a significant body of objections. In the case of the extension to Aberlady Primary School, the proposal was considered to be in accord with the local plan and only six letters of representation were received. The detailed design matters relating to the extension of Aberlady Primary School are essentially for the planning authority, taking into account local circumstances and any relevant guidance. The Scottish ministers therefore did not consider that there was sufficient justification for intervention in this case.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163111,"EventID":"S1W-26568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the planned extension to Aberlady Primary School enhances the school building or the overall appearance of the conservation village of Aberlady.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the planned extension to Aberlady Primary School enhances the school building or the overall appearance of the conservation village of Aberlady.","AnswerText":"It is for the planning authority to assess the suitability of building design, having regard to the provisions of the development plan and other material considerations.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163112,"EventID":"S1W-26569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is in regard to public opposition to the style and nature of the extension to Aberlady Primary School to be funded by a section 75 agreement with Cala H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is in regard to public opposition to the style and nature of the extension to Aberlady Primary School to be funded by a section 75 agreement with Cala Homes.","AnswerText":"The design of the extension to Aberlady Primary School was a matter for East Lothian Council to consider, having regard to the provisions of the development plan and other material considerations including public representations on the proposal. The Scottish ministers did not consider that there was sufficient justification for them to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163113,"EventID":"S1W-26570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it has waived the need for local authorities to submit a formal planning application for development of an authority's own buildings since 1 July 1999 and what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it has waived the need for local authorities to submit a formal planning application for development of an authority's own buildings since 1 July 1999 and what criteria it uses in order to reach such a decision.","AnswerText":"The Notice of Intention to Develop (NID) procedure applies where a local authority requires planning permission for a development which it proposes to carry out. Where an objection is received, the authority is required to submit details of the proposal for consideration by the Scottish ministers. There is a presumption against requiring a local authority to submit a formal planning application unless the proposal is contrary to the local plan or has attracted a substantial body of objections.

    However, the NID submissions can cover a wide range of local authority developments, including many that do not involve buildings (for example, car parks, roads and sewers). Details of NID submissions that relate only to buildings are not held separately and could therefore only be provided at disproportionate cost.

    Furthermore, not all local authority developments are notified through the NID procedure. In cases where developments are to benefit from an element of private funding, the applicant may not be the local authority and therefore the NID procedure is not appropriate. These developments are subject to normal planning application procedures. It would be difficult to identify specifically which of these applications involved local authority buildings and again this information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163114,"EventID":"S1W-26571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what examples there are of posts where the postholder works jointly for it, voluntary organisations and/or non-departmental public bodies or is jointly funded by them, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what examples there are of posts where the postholder works jointly for it, voluntary organisations and/or non-departmental public bodies or is jointly funded by them, as distinct from positions in voluntary organisations, part of whose funding comes from the Executive or non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26488.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163115,"EventID":"S1W-26572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a derogation from any proposed ban by the European Union on the transportation of livestock by sea when wind speeds are Force 5 or over.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek a derogation from any proposed ban by the European Union on the transportation of livestock by sea when wind speeds are Force 5 or over.","AnswerText":"The EU has not, as yet, put forward any new welfare proposals involving the welfare of animals during transport. When the EU does proceed, all aspects will be considered carefully from a Scottish perspective.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163116,"EventID":"S1W-26573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information collection procedures are being replaced by the ScotXed initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information collection procedures are being replaced by the ScotXed initiative.","AnswerText":"The ScotXed (Scottish Exchange of Educational Data) project envisages that, by 2005, all major exchanges of data between ScotXed partners should be electronic. As well as transfers of data to the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED), this will include data transfers between schools, local authorities, colleges, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education.

    It is planned that most of SEED's school education statistical surveys will be carried out by ScotXed by 2005, starting with the Scottish School Census this autumn. Further details are on the ScotXed website at: http://www.svtc.org.uk/scotxed/.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163117,"EventID":"S1W-26574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations were consulted before the ScotXed questionnaire was distributed and whether the Catholic Church was included in those organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations were consulted before the ScotXed questionnaire was distributed and whether the Catholic Church was included in those organisations.","AnswerText":"The information required by the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) to be collected through the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) for the September 2002 School Census is detailed on the ScotXed website:

    http://www.svtc.org.uk/scotxed/.

    Most of this information is already routinely collected by schools and local authorities and held on existing management information systems.

    As a result, there is no "ScotXed questionnaire" as such, although, at the request of local authorities, SEED produced a template to assist schools and local authorities with the collection of information on the ethnic background and national identity of pupils. A number of local authorities have decided to adapt this template to collect additional information for their own internal use on main home language and religious affiliation.

    SEED does not collect this additional information, which is purely a matter for the local authority concerned. Accordingly, we have not included the Catholic Church or other religious institutions in consultations on ScotXed.

    The strategic planning for the ScotXed project is undertaken by the School Education Information Advisory Group (SEIAG), which has endorsed plans for the 2002 Scottish School Census and beyond. The SEIAG membership includes representatives of: the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, the COSLA, the Headteacher's Association of Scotland, the Association of Head Teachers in Scotland, the Educational Institute of Scotland, the Scottish Secondary Teacher's Association, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Learning and Teaching Scotland, and HM Inspectorate of Education.

    Consultations have also taken place with the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, the Scottish Parent Teacher Council and with the Scottish School Board Association who have publicly welcomed the project. Regular consultations take place with each local authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163118,"EventID":"S1W-26575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether meeting the ScotXed requirements will assist in diminishing the burden of administration on teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether meeting the ScotXed requirements will assist in diminishing the burden of administration on teachers.","AnswerText":"The ScotXed (Scottish Exchange of Educational Data) project is a partnership of the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) with local authorities, schools, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, HM Inspectorate of Education and Learning and Teaching Scotland to promote the electronic exchange of educational information to common standards. The project will provide better quality information and link-ups between education partners in Scotland and will encourage the good use of management information by schools and education authorities.

    Most of the information needed by different ScotXed partners already exists on school Management Information Systems. Adopting a common approach to the format in which this information is held and the way it can be transmitted will reduce the bureaucratic burden on teachers, administrative staff and school managers. Data will only have to be entered once and then can be used to meet the information needs of all ScotXed partners. This will be much more straightforward for teachers, administrative staff and school managers to provide information to those who need it.

    The introduction of automatic quality assurance procedures on school Management Information Systems will make the administrative burden lighter, since less time will have to be spent checking data to make sure they are accurate. ScotXed will also make possible a much wider range of benchmarking information, which will enable schools and authorities to produce analyses of data that are tailored to their particular needs, and assist with targeting resources where they are needed most.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163119,"EventID":"S1W-26576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agencies are involved when a child has been found to have been abused through participation in the sex industry; what actions are taken by these agencies to return ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agencies are involved when a child has been found to have been abused through participation in the sex industry; what actions are taken by these agencies to return such a child to a safe environment and to assess the effects on a child of such participation, and what resources are in place to deal with these issues.","AnswerText":"Agencies including social work, police, education, health, the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration and the voluntary sector, work together to protect children considered to be at risk of harm through participation in the sex industry. Action taken would depend on the circumstances of the individual child. If necessary the child can be removed to a place of immediate safety. A range of resources is available to support vulnerable young people.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163120,"EventID":"S1W-26577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with EU Commissioners concerning the compliance of the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposals with EU law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with EU Commissioners concerning the compliance of the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposals with EU law.","AnswerText":"The Commission has written to the Executive for further information so that an evaluation can be made into the allegation that financial assistance to the Glasgow Housing Association failed to comply with EU legislation. The UK Government has responded indicating that it is their view that no state aid is involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163121,"EventID":"S1W-26578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital beds were available for dermatological conditions in each NHS board in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hospital beds were available for dermatological conditions in each NHS board in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of average available staffed dermatology beds for the years ending 31 March 1998 to 2002 for each of the health board areas is shown in the following table.

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    2002P

    Scotland

    174

    161

    153

    127

    123

    Argyll and Clyde

    16

    15

    12

    12

    12

    Ayrshire and Arran

    15

    15

    15

    15

    15

    Borders

    -

    -

    -

    -

    -

    Dumfries and Galloway

    2

    1

    1

    1

    1

    Fife

    9

    7

    6

    6

    5

    Forth Valley

    -

    -

    -

    -

    -

    Grampian

    21

    19

    16

    14

    13

    Greater Glasgow

    37

    36

    36

    34

    31

    Highland

    8

    8

    9

    8

    8

    Lanarkshire

    30

    26

    26

    15

    15

    It should be noted that the figures do not reflect directly the availability of dermatology services, because in many instances doctors employed in one health board area also provide service in another. It should also be noted that in 2001 the number of posts for Specialist Registrars currently training for a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) in dermatology was increased from 14 to 17.

    Table 1

    Dermatologists Directly Employed by NHSScotland by NHS Board1 Whole-Time Equivalent (WTE) at 30 September 1996

    All Grades

    Consultants

    Non-Consultant Career Grades2

    Training Grades3

    Other4

    Scotland

    87

    36.9

    6.1

    36.8

    7.3

    Argyll and Clyde

    7.7

    3

    2

    2

    0.8

    Ayrshire and Arran

    4.6

    3

    -

    1

    0.7

    Borders

    0.4

    0.4

    -

    -

    -

    Dumfries and Galloway

    1.2

    1

    -

    -

    0.2

    Fife

    2.3

    1.7

    -

    -

    0.6

    Forth Valley

    0.8

    0.6

    -

    -

    0.2

    Grampian

    5.1

    3

    -

    2

    0.1

    Greater Glasgow

    28.6

    10.5

    -

    14.6

    3.5

    Highland","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163123,"EventID":"S1W-26580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times to be seen by a dermatologist have been in each NHS board in each year from 1997 to the present. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting times to be seen by a dermatologist have been in each NHS board in each year from 1997 to the present. ","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a Consultant in Dermatology, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS board of residence, for the years ended 31 March 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, and the nine months to 31 December 2001, are given in the following table.

    NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-patient Appointment with a Consultant in Dermatology, Following a General Medical Practitioner Referral, by NHS Board of Residence. Years Ended 31 March 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 and 9 Months to 31 December 2001P.
     

    Year Ended

    9 Months To

    NHS Board

    31 March 1998

    31 March 1999

    31 March 2000

    31 March 2001

    31 December 2001P

    Argyll and Clyde

    56 days

    63 days

    56 days

    60 days

    65 days

    Ayrshire and Arran

    43 days

    43 days

    56 days

    77 days

    102 days

    Borders

    46 days

    57 days

    56 days

    64 days

    74 days

    Dumfries and Galloway

    35 days

    42 days

    28 days

    24 days

    54 days

    Fife

    62 days

    66 days

    66 days

    57 days

    65 days

    Forth Valley

    70 days

    93 days

    112 days

    104 days

    104 days

    Grampian

    62 days

    81 days

    105 days

    117 days

    124 days

    Greater Glasgow

    60 days

    49 days

    62 days

    55 days

    60 days

    Highland

    60 days

    66 days

    71 days

    48 days

    31 days

    Lanarkshire

    67 days

    43 days

    52 days

    56 days

    78 days

    Lothian

    51 days

    		How to run Safer Routes to School was published by the Scottish Executive in December 1999. There are no plans to amend it.

    Local authorities receive funding from the Executive through the Rural Public Passenger Transport Grant to subsidise non-commercial rural public passenger transport services.

    Under section 51 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 education authorities have a duty to make such arrangements as they consider necessary for the provision of free transport or for the provision of other transport facilities for the conveyance of pupils between their homes and their designated schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163125,"EventID":"S1W-26582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give the same guarantees in respect of its future funding of housing following stock transfer in Dumfries and Galloway as it gave in respect of the transf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give the same guarantees in respect of its future funding of housing following stock transfer in Dumfries and Galloway as it gave in respect of the transfer of housing stock in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The issue of resources for housing regeneration in Dumfries and Galloway will be considered when the council has prepared a comprehensive housing strategy in consultation with Communities Scotland and the Registered Social Landlords operating in its area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163126,"EventID":"S1W-26583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether treatment technology similar to that selected for the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie has been used elsewhere in the United Kingdom and, if so, what t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether treatment technology similar to that selected for the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie has been used elsewhere in the United Kingdom and, if so, what the track record of any such plants has been. ","AnswerText":"The treatment technology selected for the proposed Milngavie water treatment works is widely used across the industry. The effectiveness of the process, like all treatment processes, is dependent on the monitoring and control regimes put in place. Scottish Water plans to operate the new works in accordance with industry best practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163127,"EventID":"S1W-26584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the selected treatment technology for the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie has been assessed by any United Kingdom standards agency or received certifi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the selected treatment technology for the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie has been assessed by any United Kingdom standards agency or received certification from any United States state or federal agency.","AnswerText":"There are no certification schemes covering the efficiency of water treatment processes. The highly variable nature of raw water means that the treatment technology appropriate for a particular treatment works has to be selected by carrying out trials on the raw water being used for that supply. The efficiency of any processes is also dependent on the operating regime put in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163128,"EventID":"S1W-26585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans Scottish Water has in place to rectify any failures of the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie to meet specified removal efficiency criteria. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans Scottish Water has in place to rectify any failures of the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie to meet specified removal efficiency criteria. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Water has carried out extensive trials on pilot plant to check the performance of the water treatment process proposed for Milngavie. However, should the full scale plant fail to meet all the necessary regulatory standards, then the Drinking Water Quality Regulator will require remedial measures to be put in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163129,"EventID":"S1W-26586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimal level of cryptosporidium removal is required under relevant legislation and European directives for water treatment plants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what minimal level of cryptosporidium removal is required under relevant legislation and European directives for water treatment plants.","AnswerText":"Neither the European Drinking Water Directive nor The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations set performance criteria for cryptosporidium removal at water treatment works. Where there is an identified risk of cryptosporidium entering a water supply, The Cryptosporidum (Scottish Water) Directions 2002 require that a treatment process and operating protocols, appropriate for the identified risk, are put in place to minimise that risk.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163130,"EventID":"S1W-26587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum level of cryptosporidium is allowable in drinking water supplies under relevant Scottish guidelines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what maximum level of cryptosporidium is allowable in drinking water supplies under relevant Scottish guidelines.","AnswerText":"There is no maximum level set for cryptosporidium in The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations. The regulations require that water does not contain any micro-organism or parasite at a concentration which would constitute a potential danger to human health.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163131,"EventID":"S1W-26588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties may be levied against Scottish Water if specified cryptosporidium removal rates are not met at the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties may be levied against Scottish Water if specified cryptosporidium removal rates are not met at the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26586 today. However, if Scottish Water supply water unfit for human consumption, they shall be guilty of an offence unless they can demonstrate that they had exercised all due diligence for securing that the water was fit for human consumption. Any decision on whether or not an offence had been committed and any penalties levied against Scottish Water would be a matter for the procurator fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163132,"EventID":"S1W-26589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties may be charged by Scottish Water against its contractors if cryptosporidium is found in the treated water after filtration by the proposed water treatment ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties may be charged by Scottish Water against its contractors if cryptosporidium is found in the treated water after filtration by the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie.","AnswerText":"This is a contractural matter between Scottish Water and its contractors.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163133,"EventID":"S1W-26590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agency is responsible for ensuring that cryptosporidium is eliminated from drinking water supplies and does not reach customers' taps.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agency is responsible for ensuring that cryptosporidium is eliminated from drinking water supplies and does not reach customers' taps.","AnswerText":"The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland is responsible for ensuring that public drinking water supplies are wholesome and meet the requirements of The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163134,"EventID":"S1W-26591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methodology has been selected by Scottish Water to monitor cryptosporidium in water supplies before and after treatment at the proposed water treatment plant at Miln","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methodology has been selected by Scottish Water to monitor cryptosporidium in water supplies before and after treatment at the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie; whether the chosen methodology meets relevant British and international standards, and whether the chosen methodology is used elsewhere in the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"The Cryptosporidium (Scottish Water) Directions 2002 and the associated guidance issued by Scottish ministers in April 2002, specifies the necessary requirements for sampling and analysis for cryptosporidium in public water supplies. The method specified is used throughout the UK.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163135,"EventID":"S1W-26592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the selected monitoring methodology at the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie meets the world's best practice and reflects an accurate assessment of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the selected monitoring methodology at the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie meets the world's best practice and reflects an accurate assessment of the prevalence of water-borne cryptosporidium.","AnswerText":"The recovery rate for cryptosporidium oocysts using the monitoring methodology proposed for Milngavie is around 50%. However, the methodology proposed is the best currently available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163136,"EventID":"S1W-26593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regime will be operated at the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie with respect to maintaining the optimal level of filtration, appropriate monitoring of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regime will be operated at the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie with respect to maintaining the optimal level of filtration, appropriate monitoring of the filter media and regularity of backwashing.","AnswerText":"The operating regime at the proposed Milngavie water treatment works will be in accordance with industry best practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163137,"EventID":"S1W-26594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will set Scottish targets on climate change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will set Scottish targets on climate change.","AnswerText":"Measures in place through the Scottish Climate Change Programme are helping to deliver greenhouse gas emission savings in line with our commitment to make an equitable contribution to the UK Kyoto target. Scottish climate change targets are not considered necessary at this time but we will keep this position under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163138,"EventID":"S1W-26595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what energy efficiency targets have been set for HM Prison Kilmarnock in each year since the prison was established and whether these targets were achieved in each year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what energy efficiency targets have been set for HM Prison Kilmarnock in each year since the prison was established and whether these targets were achieved in each year.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    HM Prison Kilmarnock was designed in accordance with the energy saving measures outlined in the Energy Efficiency Office Guide to Best Practice in Prisons, Emergency Buildings and Court, including 95.1 kWh/sq m/annum for electrical consumption and 183.5 kWh/sq m/annum for fossil fuels. Annual targets were not set.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163139,"EventID":"S1W-26596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what energy efficiency targets will be set for any new private prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what energy efficiency targets will be set for any new private prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Any such targets would be set consistent with the Executive's wider energy efficiency policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163140,"EventID":"S1W-26597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been set to improve energy efficiency in the public sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets have been set to improve energy efficiency in the public sector.","AnswerText":"Under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995, local authorities are working towards making substantial improvements in home energy efficiency over 10 to 15 years beginning in 1997. In their original strategy reports, setting out how they would improve home energy efficiency, most local authorities identified scope for improvements of between 20% and 30%.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163141,"EventID":"S1W-26598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental protocol or compliance regime is attached to the expenditure of public money on a national basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental protocol or compliance regime is attached to the expenditure of public money on a national basis.","AnswerText":"Sustainable development is an integral part of the current spending review. Spending departments within the Executive and those partners and agencies we fund, will need to demonstrate what contribution their proposals will make towards the achievement of sustainable development objectives and in particular how they would:

    • lead to reductions in resource use and assist in efforts to protect Scotland from the overuse of resources;

    • reduce the amount of waste and increase recycling;

    • reduce demands on energy from non-renewable sources, and

    reduce the need for travel.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163142,"EventID":"S1W-26599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland (MoSS) met as planned on 5 February and 26 March 2002 and, if so, when the minutes will be posted on the MoSS websit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland (MoSS) met as planned on 5 February and 26 March 2002 and, if so, when the minutes will be posted on the MoSS website.","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Group on Sustainable Scotland (MoSS) has been replaced by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland (CSCSS) which is chaired by the First Minister. CSCSS met on 5 February and 26 March and reports of these meetings have been posted under \"publications\" on the Sustainable Scotland website at:

    www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163143,"EventID":"S1W-26600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to revise A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture to reflect any changes in direction in the Common Agricultural Policy from farm production to envir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to revise A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture to reflect any changes in direction in the Common Agricultural Policy from farm production to environmental protection and the EU Waste Framework and Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control directives.","AnswerText":"A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture anticipates changes in the Common Agricultural Policy, including increased emphasis on environmental protection, and so its key messages remain valid. A cross-sectoral group, similar in composition to the group that drew up the strategy, has been created which, amongst other tasks, will help ensure that the strategy remains relevant by advising me on any revisions required in the light of experience.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163144,"EventID":"S1W-26601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nursing students will complete their studies in the year to October 2002 in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nursing students will complete their studies in the year to October 2002 in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"An estimated 2,095 nursing students in Scotland are expected to complete their studies in the year to October 2002.

    The information is not available in the form requested. Nursing education is delivered by 11 higher education institutions in Scotland. On completion of their studies, students may take up a post in any NHS board area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163145,"EventID":"S1W-26602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been sent to the procurator fiscal and (b) convictions obtained under sections 68(1), 68(2), 68(3), 68(5), 69(1), 69(2) and 70(1) of the Licens","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been sent to the procurator fiscal and (b) convictions obtained under sections 68(1), 68(2), 68(3), 68(5), 69(1), 69(2) and 70(1) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 in each of the last five years in each sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The data is only available for the previous three years. Records indicate that no reports were sent to the Procurator Fiscal in respect of section 70(1) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976.

    The number of cases containing a charge under sections 68 and 69 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 reported to the Procurator Fiscal in the previous three financial years are 1999-2000: 249; 2000-01: 243; 2001-02: 298.

    A break down of cases reported in each sheriff court district is shown in Table 1.

    A break down of convictions for charges under Section 67(1), 68(1), 68(2) and 68(3) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 in the previous three financial years in each sheriff court district is shown in Tables 2 to 4.

    Table 1 - Cases Reported to PFs containing a charge under Sections 68 and 69

    PF

    FY 1999-2000

    FY 2000-01

    FY 2001-02

    Grand Total

    Aberdeen

    6

    10

    9

    25

    Airdrie

    4

    2

    4

    10

    Alloa

    3

    4

    8

    15

    Arbroath

    1

    8

    5

    14

    Ayr

    4

    10

    12

    26

    Banff

    7

    4

    2

    13

    Campbeltown

    9

    3

    5

    17

    Cupar

    2

    2

    4

    Dingwall

    2

    4

    6

    12

    Dornoch

    1

    2

    1

    4

    Dumbarton

    6

    Oct (£)

    Nov (£)

    Dec (£)

    Jan (£)

    Feb (£)

    Mar (£)

    Apr (£)

    May (£)

    Total (£)

    Barra

    8,295

    9,926

    1,596

    8,695

    2,509

    2,976

    2,369

    2,797

    39,163

    Benbecula

    1,241

    5,856

    2,355

    1,605

    1,862

    1,792

    1,901

    3,188

    19,800

    Campbeltown

    5,754

    10,532

    2,457

    7,342

    1,875

    2,075

    2,044

    2,950

    35,029

    Islay

    9,901

    12,834

    6,978

    8,680

    5,654

    4,070

    3,128

    3,647

    54,892

    Kirkwall

    412

    1,009

    1,009

    1,009

    1,009

    1,009

    1,679

    1,679

    8,815

    Stornoway

    3,029

    2,716

    2,716

    2,716

    2,716

    2,716

    1,326

    1,326

    19,261

    Tiree

    2,183

    		I am aware that representatives of the local community presented a petition on this issue to the Public Petitions Committee on Thursday 6 June. I await an approach from the committee seeking my comments on its contents.

    I understand that Scottish Water is putting pressure on Stirling Water to resolve the odour problems as a matter of extreme urgency.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163152,"EventID":"S1W-26609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to postpone the repayment of student loans and payment of the graduate contribution and not to charge interest in the meantime to those students who go ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to postpone the repayment of student loans and payment of the graduate contribution and not to charge interest in the meantime to those students who go on to study for a post-graduate research degree.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to change the procedures for repaying student loans or for the payment of the graduate endowment. All liable graduates can choose to meet their graduate endowment liability by taking out a student loan or adding to their existing loan. Student loans are repayable, at a fixed rate, only when the student's annual earnings exceed the income threshold, currently set at £10,000. Those who remain in full-time education are, therefore, unlikely to have to make loan repayments. The interest charged on student loans is linked to the rate of inflation and is applied merely to maintain the value of the amount borrowed in real terms.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163153,"EventID":"S1W-26610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent Comment delivered by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) on the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance for restricting the use ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent Comment delivered by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) on the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance for restricting the use of irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed in the treatment of colorectal cancer is a valid judgement given that the remit of HTBS is to consider how the guidance should be applied in Scotland compared to England and Wales, that there is a higher level of colorectal cancer and poorer survival rate in Scotland and that patients in Scotland may be less likely to be fit for second-line therapy.","AnswerText":"The HTBS Comment on irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer considers all relevant differences between Scotland and England and Wales including the important issue of co-morbidity in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163154,"EventID":"S1W-26611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10684 on 9 November 2000, how the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and the Holyrood Progress Group will ensure that, following ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10684 on 9 November 2000, how the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body and the Holyrood Progress Group will ensure that, following the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, new contractual arrangements for the supply of granite for the new Parliament building will ensure that the granite is neither quarried by children nor produced under conditions at variance with the Ethical Trading Initiative and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the appointed Trade Contractors to provide proof that all materials being used in the project are obtained from responsible and ethical sources, in accordance with the contract documentation. The insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd does not affect that principle and the Holyrood Progress Group is satisfied that suitable checks on the sources of granite being procured for the project are being made. The vast majority of the granite to be used at Holyrood is being obtained from Kemnay Quarry in Aberdeenshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163155,"EventID":"S1W-26612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding mechanism is in place to ensure that carers' services, including respite services, developed and funded through the carers' strategy allocation in 2000, will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding mechanism is in place to ensure that carers' services, including respite services, developed and funded through the carers' strategy allocation in 2000, will be able to continue beyond April 2003.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the future allocation of resources for all Executive priorities, including health and social care services, are currently the subject of a comprehensive spending review. No decisions have been made as yet but the Scottish Executive has made clear that it remains fully committed to supporting Scotland's carers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163156,"EventID":"S1W-26613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the amount of respite care available in each local authority area is measured, assessed and monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the amount of respite care available in each local authority area is measured, assessed and monitored.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for planning and delivering local services, including the provision of respite care or short breaks, based on available resources and local needs and priorities. Authorities report on their delivery of services in annual Community Care Plans, which are publicly available. In recognition of the importance of short breaks we are providing local authorities with substantial new resources to provide an additional 22,000 weeks of breaks each year across Scotland by 2003-04. We are monitoring the effective use of these resources through local outcome agreements with individual councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163157,"EventID":"S1W-26614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are required to be accountable for their use of funding allocated to new services and support for carers; if so, in what way and, if not, what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities are required to be accountable for their use of funding allocated to new services and support for carers; if so, in what way and, if not, what the reason is for this position.","AnswerText":"The Executive allocates resources to local authorities to provide a full spectrum of community care services, including support for carers and the people they look after. Additional resources were allocated to local authorities from 2000-01 onwards to implement the Carers Strategy, and the Executive has made it clear to authorities that it expects these additional resources to be used to benefit carers. Detailed decisions about the use of resources are for local authorities, taking account of local needs and priorities, and authorities are answerable to their local communities for these decisions. Authorities report on their use of these resources in annual Community Care Plans, which are publicly available. We are also allocating local authorities further new resources to develop an additional 22,000 weeks of respite services across Scotland by 2003-04 each year and we will be monitoring the outcomes achieved through local outcome agreements with individual councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163158,"EventID":"S1W-26615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms have been put in place since the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force to ensure that information on services and support is made ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms have been put in place since the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force to ensure that information on services and support is made available to carers.","AnswerText":"The measures in the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 to support carers come into force in September. The Executive will issue detailed guidance to the statutory and voluntary sectors on the implementation of the act, which will address issues such as the provision of information to carers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163159,"EventID":"S1W-26616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many carers have received an independent assessment of their needs since the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many carers have received an independent assessment of their needs since the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force.","AnswerText":"The measures in the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 to support carers come into force in September. The Executive will issue detailed guidance to the statutory and voluntary sectors on the implementation of the act, which will cover independent assessments for carers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163160,"EventID":"S1W-26617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process is in place to record unmet needs identified during carers' assessments since the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process is in place to record unmet needs identified during carers' assessments since the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26616.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163161,"EventID":"S1W-26618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend the terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 so that children accessing residential respite care for longer than 24 hours do not have to be categor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend the terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 so that children accessing residential respite care for longer than 24 hours do not have to be categorised as looked after children.","AnswerText":"Where a child stays away from home for purposes of respite, he or she is being provided with accommodation and the local authority has additional duties towards him or her as a child being looked after by them. This is designed to protect children who might otherwise be vulnerable and we have no current plans to amend the legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163162,"EventID":"S1W-26619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the lack of budgetary provision for the acquisition of sites for new schools referred to in the bid from Dumfries and Galloway Council to it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made to the lack of budgetary provision for the acquisition of sites for new schools referred to in the bid from Dumfries and Galloway Council to it for funding for school improvements and what effect this omission will have on its consideration of the council's bid.","AnswerText":"We shall be responding to all the bids for revenue support for school PPP projects which we have received from local authorities, including Dumfries and Galloway Council, soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163163,"EventID":"S1W-26620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all Transport Challenge Fund money awarded to Midlothian Council to carry out a study of improvements to the A701 has been spent, giving the date when it was las","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all Transport Challenge Fund money awarded to Midlothian Council to carry out a study of improvements to the A701 has been spent, giving the date when it was last notified of expenditure on this project.","AnswerText":"Midlothian Council has not yet spent all the Challenge Fund money awarded for the A701 improvement project.

    The Scottish Executive received their latest update about this in April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163164,"EventID":"S1W-26621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has evaluated the outcome of Transport Challenge Fund money awarded to Midlothian Council to carry out a study of improvements to the A701 and, if so, what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has evaluated the outcome of Transport Challenge Fund money awarded to Midlothian Council to carry out a study of improvements to the A701 and, if so, what the results were of this evaluation.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for evaluating the outcome of the study into improvements to the A701, and for deciding what further action to take, rests with Midlothian Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163165,"EventID":"S1W-26622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received a final report or funding bid from Midlothian Council in relation to the money awarded under the Transport Challenge Fund for a study of improvements ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received a final report or funding bid from Midlothian Council in relation to the money awarded under the Transport Challenge Fund for a study of improvements to the A701.","AnswerText":"The A701 improvement project is not yet complete. It has therefore not been possible for Midlothian Council to submit a final report about this project to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163166,"EventID":"S1W-26623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what significance it attaches to the improvement of the A701 between Straiton and Milton Bridge in terms of national and regional economic development policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what significance it attaches to the improvement of the A701 between Straiton and Milton Bridge in terms of national and regional economic development policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive considers that the upgrading of the A701, a local road, is a matter for Midlothian Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163167,"EventID":"S1W-26624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave to the A701 upgrading policies when awarding public transport fund support for the study of a rail line on the same corridor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave to the A701 upgrading policies when awarding public transport fund support for the study of a rail line on the same corridor.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive gave due consideration to all existing projects in progress before making a public transport fund award for a Multi-Modal Public Transport Study to Midlothian Council in October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163168,"EventID":"S1W-26625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was notified that work would be commencing on a roundabout on the intersection between Bush Loan and the A701 and, if so, on what date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was notified that work would be commencing on a roundabout on the intersection between Bush Loan and the A701 and, if so, on what date.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was notified about the construction of the new roundabout on the Bush Loan A701 intersection on 6 October 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163169,"EventID":"S1W-26626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what experience of running airports each member of the management of Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd (HIAL) had prior to appointment at HIAL and, in particular, how man","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what experience of running airports each member of the management of Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd (HIAL) had prior to appointment at HIAL and, in particular, how many management posts each held, for how long each such post was held and what specific experience each gained in the commercial airport sector, including the airports at which each worked.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in the personnel records of the individuals concerned and which are retained by HIAL. Under Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information, information contained in personnel records (relating to public appointments as well as employees of public authorities) are exempt from disclosure.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163170,"EventID":"S1W-26627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist units and local authority support services there were for the care and treatment of (a) anorexia nervosa and (b) bulimia in 1997 and are in the current y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist units and local authority support services there were for the care and treatment of (a) anorexia nervosa and (b) bulimia in 1997 and are in the current year, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163171,"EventID":"S1W-26628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what in-patient facilities there were for the care and treatment of people suffering from (a) anorexia nervosa and (b) bulimia in 1997 and are in the current year broken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what in-patient facilities there were for the care and treatment of people suffering from (a) anorexia nervosa and (b) bulimia in 1997 and are in the current year broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"NHS boards provide in-patient care and treatment for patients suffering from anorexia nervosa or bulimia through their mainstream acute or mental health services depending on the nature of the care and treatment required. No NHS board in Scotland provides dedicated in-patient facilities for the treatment of people suffering from these conditions. The position has not changed since 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163172,"EventID":"S1W-26629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many school trips overseas are made by bus or coach and (b) via which ports such trips were made in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many school trips overseas are made by bus or coach and (b) via which ports such trips were made in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not collect the detailed information requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163173,"EventID":"S1W-26630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will advise directors of education to consider using the ferry from the Port of Rosyth when embarking on school trips to Europe; whether it has already given a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will advise directors of education to consider using the ferry from the Port of Rosyth when embarking on school trips to Europe; whether it has already given any such advice, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The routes and mode of travel for school trips abroad will depend on a range of factors, including the operational requirements of the tour operating companies or other organisations which individual schools and education authorities may deal with in organising such trips. It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Executive to offer advice to Directors of Education on the detailed matter of the means of travel in these circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163174,"EventID":"S1W-26631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what appeal procedures are in place in regard to the Health Technology Board for Scotland delivering its Comment to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidanc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what appeal procedures are in place in regard to the Health Technology Board for Scotland delivering its Comment to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance on Health Technology Assessments.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to bring in an appeals procedure in relation to Comments delivered by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) on National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance on Health Technology Assessments. However, the HTBS will review a Comment in the light of new evidence on its interpretation of the contextual differences it has identified between Scotland and England and Wales.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163175,"EventID":"S1W-26632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures the Health Technology Board for Scotland has put in place in regard to its own Health Technology Assessments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures the Health Technology Board for Scotland has put in place in regard to its own Health Technology Assessments.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland's process for Health Technology Assessment is published on the HTBS website, www.htbs.co.uk, and is placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163176,"EventID":"S1W-26633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Comment delivered by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) on National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance is valid given that the HTBS is not a c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Comment delivered by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) on National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance is valid given that the HTBS is not a consultee in the appraisal process and does not have access to the evidence upon which the guidance is based.","AnswerText":"HTBS Comments provide advice to NHSScotland on the applicability of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Technology Appraisal Guidance in the light of the contextual differences between Scotland and England and Wales in terms of epidemiology, that is the frequency, distribution and stage at presentation of a disease, the structure and provision of services in Scotland and any other appropriate issue such as rurality issues and predicted uptake.

    To fulfil this role, HTBS seeks evidence from Scottish experts about these contextual differences and the information in the NICE Assessment Report, and consults with NICE for clarification as necessary.

    The role of HTBS is neither to reassess the evidence used by NICE in forming its advice nor to approve the NICE Guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163177,"EventID":"S1W-26634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why full funding for the long term care of the elderly was not brought forward from April 2003 to April 2002 to address the issue of bed blocking in hospital wards for t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why full funding for the long term care of the elderly was not brought forward from April 2003 to April 2002 to address the issue of bed blocking in hospital wards for the elderly.","AnswerText":"Our Delayed Discharge Action Plan puts a requirement upon local authority and NHS board partnerships to put in place a wide range of measures to allow for the transfer of people from hospital into more appropriate care settings. We are clear that care homes are not always the most appropriate care settings for people being discharged from hospital and that partnerships have to take a flexible approach to developing provision to meet a variety of needs. Increases in fees for care homes are being phased over two years for reasons of affordability.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163178,"EventID":"S1W-26635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to reduce the number of accidents on the A77 prior to the completion of the scheduled upgrade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to reduce the number of accidents on the A77 prior to the completion of the scheduled upgrade.","AnswerText":"Extensive Route Accident Reduction Plans have been implemented on the A77 over a number of years. Recent measures to improve safety on the route between Kilmarnock and Malletsheugh have included the introduction of additional signing, road markings, safety fencing and skid-resistant surfacing.

    All these measures contribute to the general safety of the road although the situation will continue to be reviewed pending the completion of the proposed upgrade.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163179,"EventID":"S1W-26636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the construction time taken to upgrade the Fenwick to Malletsheugh section of the A77 is reduced to the minimum amount necessary to secure the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the construction time taken to upgrade the Fenwick to Malletsheugh section of the A77 is reduced to the minimum amount necessary to secure the effective upgrading of that section of the road.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is tendering for the proposed upgrade as part of a joint PPP scheme with the Glasgow Southern Orbital. The construction programme for the joint project is demanding and includes proposed incentives to encourage the contractor to complete the M77 section of the joint scheme in its entirety, as early as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163180,"EventID":"S1W-26637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been invested by Scottish Enterprise through its business start-up programme in Dunbartonshire and how successful the programme has been at providing a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been invested by Scottish Enterprise through its business start-up programme in Dunbartonshire and how successful the programme has been at providing assistance to individuals and teams planning to create businesses.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. With regard to wider evaluation matters, Scottish Enterprise launched their New Approach to Entrepreneurship in January 2002. This addresses a range of issues relevant to Scotland's business start-up rate, and was developed following a review of Scottish Enterprise's Business Birth Rate Strategy by the Fraser of Allander Institute, completed in June 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163181,"EventID":"S1W-26638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful the Dunbartonshire Export Partnership has been in developing overseas business for companies in Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful the Dunbartonshire Export Partnership has been in developing overseas business for companies in Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"Dunbartonshire Export Partnership is one of the 13 local export partnerships that cover the whole of Scotland, each of which plays an important role in focussing the trade development activities of the local enterprise company, local authority and Chamber of Commerce. They are responsible for enabling companies to reach a stage where they are ready to compete overseas and in financial year 2001-02 Dunbartonshire Export Partnership assisted six companies to trade overseas for the first time and 35 existing exporters to enter new markets.

    The assistance provided by Dunbartonshire Export Partnership is further augmented by Scottish Development International which leads the network of export partnerships and is able to offer additional support and services to companies including assistance through its network of overseas offices.

    One of a range of initiatives undertaken by Dunbartonshire Export Partnership is the establishment of an International Trade Forum in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire to make companies aware of the opportunities available in overseas markets. Meetings are held at six-weekly intervals alternately in Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire. Each event provides an overview of market conditions and business practices they are likely to encounter in particular geographic areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163182,"EventID":"S1W-26639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful Scottish Enterprise has been in attracting inward investment and new international companies to Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful Scottish Enterprise has been in attracting inward investment and new international companies to Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"In the five years to March 2001, Scottish Development International and its partners helped attract 15 projects to Dunbartonshire involving planned investment of over £51 million and the planned creation or safeguarding of almost 1,500 jobs.

    Scottish Development International continues to work closely with Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire to develop appropriate inward investment opportunities for the area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163183,"EventID":"S1W-26640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance can be given to companies in Dunbartonshire to boost their businesses through the worldwide web.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance can be given to companies in Dunbartonshire to boost their businesses through the worldwide web.","AnswerText":"Free or subsidised assistance is available to businesses throughout Scotland on all aspects and levels of ICT adoption, mostly through the enterprise networks. The e-business advisers based in Scottish Enterprise Dumbartonshire, funded by the UK online for business initiative and Scottish Enterprise, provide a range of services that help local businesses to maximise their use of the internet. This includes website audits, advice on skills development for e-business and signposting to other sources of assistance.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163184,"EventID":"S1W-26641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions are being taken to encourage greater innovation within businesses and companies so that they are better placed to compete in international markets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions are being taken to encourage greater innovation within businesses and companies so that they are better placed to compete in international markets.","AnswerText":"The publications A Smart, Successful Scotland and A Science Strategy for Scotland set out the Executive's programme for competitiveness and growth. Innovation within companies is a key component in this strategy and the Executive and UK Government provide a wide range of initiatives in this area.

    The Global Connections Strategy, launched in October 2001, set out the Executive's aims for future international economic development activity. The strategy led to the creation of Scottish Development International and one of its key aims is to ensure that companies are able to realise the full benefits of trading in international markets. It provides generic and custom market research and knowledge to Scottish companies and delivers customised strategic market entry support. This covers a wide range of activities including the delivery of all government trade services in Scotland, tailored Market Assistance Programmes and assistance for companies on outward missions and attendance at exhibitions. In addition, Scottish Enterprise's Global Companies Development Programme addresses innovation as part of its aim to support the deeper internationalisation of potential Scottish global organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163185,"EventID":"S1W-26642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many more operations could be done each year by the NHS, (b) how many people could be taken off NHS waiting lists, (c) how many local jobs would be generated and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many more operations could be done each year by the NHS, (b) how many people could be taken off NHS waiting lists, (c) how many local jobs would be generated and (d) what the scope would be for bringing preventative services for cancer and heart disease to Clydebank if the Health Care International complex in Clydebank were absorbed into the NHS. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the statement I made to Parliament on Thursday 20 June.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163186,"EventID":"S1W-26643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set to improve literacy and numeracy levels in the west of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set to improve literacy and numeracy levels in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"National targets for literacy and numeracy are included in the Social Justice Milestones and in Working Together for Scotland. These are: to increase the proportion of children attaining appropriate levels in reading, writing and maths by the end of primary two and primary seven, and to ensure that all our young people leaving local authority care will have achieved at least English and Maths Standard Grades. There is a national target set out in the Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland report of helping 80,000 adults throughout Scotland over the three-year period to March 2004.

    In line with the National Priorities for Education, local authorities and their schools are required to establish local targets for literacy and numeracy for school pupils. The targets for the period up to 2005 are currently being considered. The targets should be stretching, but realistic. We are also in the process of finalising outcome agreements which set agreed targets for each local authority area aimed at raising levels of adult literacy and numeracy.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163187,"EventID":"S1W-26644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the participation rate of young people in West Dunbartonshire has been in taking up new apprenticeships in each of the past three years and what actions will be take","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the participation rate of young people in West Dunbartonshire has been in taking up new apprenticeships in each of the past three years and what actions will be taken to deliver more places and encourage more young people to take on apprenticeships.","AnswerText":"One hundred and forty-eight young people took up a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in West Dunbartonshire in 1999-2000; 241 in 2000-01, and 261 in 2001-02.

    The Scottish Executive has been working with the enterprise network on a national publicity campaign to raise awareness of MAs generally. Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire is working with West Dunbartonshire Council, Careers Scotland and employers to increase apprenticeship opportunities in a wide range of sectors.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163188,"EventID":"S1W-26645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist long-term unemployed people in West Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist long-term unemployed people in West Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government. Jobcentre Plus offers long-term unemployed people in West Dunbartonshire a range of services including access to New Deal programmes and an Action Team for Jobs to assist them into work. Scottish Executive initiatives, such as Training for Work and the New Futures Fund, are also available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163189,"EventID":"S1W-26646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the causes of homelessness and reduce the prevalence of homeless households in Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the causes of homelessness and reduce the prevalence of homeless households in Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"The primary statutory responsibility for dealing with homelessness rests with local authorities. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, which increased local authority duties and homeless people's rights, also requires all authorities to develop, by March 2003, strategies for the prevention and alleviation of homelessness. The table details funding which the Scottish Executive has allocated to East and West Dunbartonshire Councils to the assist them in discharging their responsibilities.

    Funding Allocated in the Years from 1997 to 2004

    East Dunbartonshire

    West Dunbartonshire

    RSI funding challenge fund 1997-2002

    45,500*

    190,357#

    RSI funding in 2002-04, (included in authorities' RSG)

    59,300

    203,282

    Reducing the use of inappropriate temporary accommodation

    220,000

    -

    Implementing the duties imposed by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001

    476,300

    732,600

    Total funding

    801,100

    1,126,239

    Notes:

    *The two authorities made a joint bid on the first round of the RSI.

    # This includes a joint project with Argyll and Bute.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163190,"EventID":"S1W-26647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or other assistance has been given to local authorities such as West Dunbartonshire to (a) improve the efficacy of housing repairs and other maintenance, (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or other assistance has been given to local authorities such as West Dunbartonshire to (a) improve the efficacy of housing repairs and other maintenance, (b) reduce the amount of time taken to re-let council houses, (c) reduce the amount of rent lost due to voids and (d) reduce tenants' rent arrears. ","AnswerText":"The Secure Tenants Right to Repair (Scotland) Regulations 1994 require local authorities to carry out urgent repairs within a specified time, however, the administration of the housing service is a matter for individual councils. In June 2000 the Accounts Commission and Scottish Homes (now Communities Scotland) published a report Managing Rent Arrears which contained recommendations on how councils could improve their management of rent arrears.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163191,"EventID":"S1W-26649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the cost per mile of travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow by rail compares to similar journeys south of the border.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the cost per mile of travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow by rail compares to similar journeys south of the border.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163192,"EventID":"S1W-26650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist small businesses in Dunbartonshire to take on more staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist small businesses in Dunbartonshire to take on more staff.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working directly with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to improve the quality and consistency of support for business start-ups and small businesses throughout Scotland. A number of measures have been introduced including the Small Business Gateway (SBG) which covers the Dunbartonshire area. The SBG provides consistent support and advice on all aspects of running a business, including on taking on more staff.

    Although employment is a reserved matter, the Executive also works with Jobcentre Plus at a national level to encourage employers throughout Scotland to participate in the range of New Deal programmes available locally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163193,"EventID":"S1W-26651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its policy paper The Scottish Fire Service of The Future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its policy paper The Scottish Fire Service of The Future.","AnswerText":"The full costs of producing the policy paper The Scottish Fire Service of the Future, including graphic design, print buying and web conversion, was £6,672.95 inclusive of VAT.

    The main distribution was carried out at the launch. In addition, however, approximately 150 further copies of the paper have been sent out to date by post, which, at a cost of 15p per copy, totals £22.50.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163194,"EventID":"S1W-26652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expert group on financial and other support arrangements for people who have been harmed by health service treatment is examining the approach to medical comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the expert group on financial and other support arrangements for people who have been harmed by health service treatment is examining the approach to medical compensation adopted in the Republic of Ireland as stipulated in the group's remit; from whom the expert group has taken evidence, and whether the group expects to publish its interim report by the end of July 2002.","AnswerText":"The Expert Group on Financial and Other Support has considered evidence from wide ranging sources including information on the approach to medical compensation in the Republic of Ireland for patients who contracted hepatitis C from contaminated blood supplies.

    The group will submit their preliminary report to me by the end of July 2002 and it will be made public following discussion with the Health and Community Care Committee. A list of the evidence considered by the group will be included in the preliminary report.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163195,"EventID":"S1W-26653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have been held with Her Majesty's Government, representatives of fishermen's organisations and other interested parties concerning the adoption of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have been held with Her Majesty's Government, representatives of fishermen's organisations and other interested parties concerning the adoption of net-based devices aimed at reducing the inadvertent killing of dolphins during commercial fishing activities.","AnswerText":"The UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response Strategy Working Group was set up last July to estimate levels of bycatch and identify practical, cost-effective ways of reducing them. The Scottish Executive, other government departments, conservation agencies and the Association of Sea Fisheries Committees are all represented.

    A range of mitigation measures aimed at reducing the levels of dolphin and porpoise bycatch is under consideration. The group plans to produce a UK Bycatch Response Strategy later this year. It is also reviewing a number of gear mitigation measures which, if successful, will be considered in the context of reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and, in consultation with stakeholders, for subsequent introduction in the fisheries concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163196,"EventID":"S1W-26654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultative draft Midlothian Local Plan was a material consideration in the decision not to call in proposals by Midlothian Council for the improvements to t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultative draft Midlothian Local Plan was a material consideration in the decision not to call in proposals by Midlothian Council for the improvements to the A701 and whether any other plans were taken into consideration, detailing the reasons behind its response on this matter.","AnswerText":"The consultative draft Midlothian Local Plan was one of a number of material considerations in the decision not to call in proposals by Midlothian Council for transport improvements to the A701. The statutory development plan in this case consisted of the Lothian Structure Plan (approved 1997), the Bonnyrigg and Loanhead Local Plan (adopted 1992) and the Midlothian Villages and Rural Areas Local Plan (adopted 1995).

    The A701 proposal was found to be in accordance with the statutory development plan and, having taken into account all relevant material considerations, the Scottish ministers concluded that there was no justification for them to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163197,"EventID":"S1W-26655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the finalised Midlothian Local Plan will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the finalised Midlothian Local Plan will be published.","AnswerText":"The finalised Midlothian Local Plan was published in February 2000 and the public inquiry to hear objections to the plan is due to conclude shortly. The reporter's recommendations to Midlothian Council are expected in autumn 2002 and further modifications may be required. The subsequent timescale for adoption of the local plan is a matter for Midlothian Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163198,"EventID":"S1W-26656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes it proposes following its review of the provisions of the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 1985.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes it proposes following its review of the provisions of the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 1985.","AnswerText":"We have made a commitment to undertake such a review after work preparing the Local Government in Scotland Bill has been completed. It is therefore too soon to say what changes to the regulations might be proposed.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163199,"EventID":"S1W-26657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to ensure that Glasgow City Council has complied fully with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 1985 which inter alia requir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to ensure that Glasgow City Council has complied fully with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 1985 which inter alia require audited accounts to be laid before a meeting of the authority within two months of their receipt from the auditor, given that the council's accounts for the year ended 31 March 2001 were signed by the auditor on 5 October 2001 and considered by the council on 31 January 2002.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that they comply with their statutory responsibilities and are expected to do so. In this instance I understand Glasgow City Council regret the delay and its consequences. Audit Scotland has been discussing the causes of the delay with the council and we will be monitoring the council's performance in relation to the 2002 accounts.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163200,"EventID":"S1W-26658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made, or action it has taken, over the delay in making publicly available the audited accounts for Glasgow City Council for the year ended 31 March 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made, or action it has taken, over the delay in making publicly available the audited accounts for Glasgow City Council for the year ended 31 March 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26657.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163201,"EventID":"S1W-26659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many small business start-ups there were in west Dunbartonshire over the last three years and how this number and the rate of business start-ups in the area compares ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many small business start-ups there were in west Dunbartonshire over the last three years and how this number and the rate of business start-ups in the area compares to the average throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of businesses registering for VAT in the period 1998 to 2000 in West Dunbarton and Scotland. This is the measure most commonly used to measure business births. It is not a complete picture as not all businesses register and not all registrations are start-ups, but it is a consistent series based on administrative data that provides a comparison over time and place.
     

    Number of registrations

    Rate per 10,000 adults

     

    West Dunbartonshire

    Scotland

    West Dunbartonshire

    Scotland

    1998

    130

    11,825

    17

    29

    1999

    145

    11,410

    19

    28

    2000

    130

    11,410

    17

    28

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163202,"EventID":"S1W-26660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the one-stop health clinics initiative in Glasgow and whether there are any plans to introduce such clinics in the Clydebank and Milngavi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the one-stop health clinics initiative in Glasgow and whether there are any plans to introduce such clinics in the Clydebank and Milngavie parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The following table lists the one-stop clinics that are currently in place across NHS Greater Glasgow.

    It is for local NHS systems to plan, implement and manage services that best meet the needs of their local populations. I therefore suggest that North Glasgow University Hospital NHS Trust would be best placed to advise the member of any plans it has to introduce further one-stop clinics in the member's constituency.<","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163203,"EventID":"S1W-26661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an update on the central heating installation programme in West Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an update on the central heating installation programme in West Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"West Dunbartonshire Council installed 72 central heating systems in their stock in 2001-02. Information on the number of installations in the private sector is not collected by local authority area. No housing associations in West Dunbartonshire are eligible for the programme because all stock in the area has central heating.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163204,"EventID":"S1W-26662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any proposals to repair or rebuild old schools in the Clydebank and Milngavie parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any proposals to repair or rebuild old schools in the Clydebank and Milngavie parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Proposals to repair or rebuild schools are the responsibility of the education authorities and do not, as a matter of course, have to be referred to the Scottish Executive. The authorities have substantial resources available to them through capital allocations and the School Buildings Improvement Fund for building work in schools according to the priorities they identify.

    Additionally, education authorities were invited in September 2001 to consider whether they wished to submit bids to the Scottish Executive for financial support for Public Private Partnership projects involving work on school buildings. There was an opportunity to submit bids in December 2001 and there is a further opportunity to do so by the end of September 2002. To date, no bid has been received relating to schools in the Clydebank and Milngavie constituency.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163205,"EventID":"S1W-26663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve street safety throughout Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve street safety throughout Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"The level of funding provided to police forces is now at record levels as are police numbers.

    It is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police to determine how to use the funding at his disposal to meet local needs and priorities within the Strathclyde area. I understand that initiatives are planned in both East and West Dunbartonshire during the summer months to provide an enhanced visible police presence in order to deter youth disorder and other aspects of criminal behaviour.

    In addition, under the previous challenge funding arrangements for CCTV and community safety we have partially funded CCTV projects in Clydebank Town Centre, Dumbarton Town Centre, New Bonhill, Bishopbriggs and a system covering Bearsden, Kirkintilloch, Lenzie and Milngavie, as well as youth shelters in West Dunbartonshire.

    On 31 October 2001 we announced details of a new Community Safety Partnership Award programme to supersede both the CCTV and Community Safety Challenge Competitions. The Programme will allow Community Safety Partnerships to secure, for the first time, sustained mainstream funding to be used solely for the purposes of taking forward their community safety agendas and to identify and address local priorities. For 2002-03 West Dunbartonshire Community Safety Partnership has been allocated a total community safety award of £118,491.54 and East Dunbartonshire Community Safety Partnership have been allocated £94,530.47.

    Substantial additional resources have also been allocated to the Dunbartonshire area to tackle drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163206,"EventID":"S1W-26664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many three-year-olds are expected to benefit from the implementation of the provisions in the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 on universal nursery educa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many three-year-olds are expected to benefit from the implementation of the provisions in the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 on universal nursery education.","AnswerText":"Under the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act, 2000, local authorities have a duty to secure pre-school education provision for all three- and four-year-old children whose parents wish it.

    Information relating to participation rates for the spring term 2001-02 is currently being collected and we expect to announce the final figures next month. Indications are that the rate for three-year-olds will be around 85% of the eligible population or 51,368 children. It is envisaged that the participation rate for three-year-olds will level off at this rate.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163207,"EventID":"S1W-26665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to transferring responsibility for the maintenance and upgrading of the A898 Clyde Tunnel from the local authority to it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to transferring responsibility for the maintenance and upgrading of the A898 Clyde Tunnel from the local authority to it.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the A739 Clyde Tunnel rests with Glasgow City Council, while Scottish ministers are responsible for motorways and trunk roads. There are no plans to extend the trunk road network to include the tunnel.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163208,"EventID":"S1W-26666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to assisting Glasgow City Council in the funding of the maintenance and upgrade works being undertaken on the Clyde Tunnel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to assisting Glasgow City Council in the funding of the maintenance and upgrade works being undertaken on the Clyde Tunnel.","AnswerText":"The A739 Clyde Tunnel is a local road and is therefore the responsibility of Glasgow City Council. It is entirely a matter for the council to decide what priority should be given to the maintenance and upgrade works on the Clyde Tunnel.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163209,"EventID":"S1W-26667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26523 by Ross Finnie on 7 June 2002, on what evidence the designation of each of the nitrate vulnerable 'ones was based and whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26523 by Ross Finnie on 7 June 2002, on what evidence the designation of each of the nitrate vulnerable 'ones was based and whether it will publish such evidence in full.","AnswerText":"The monitoring data and scientific evidence on which the nitrate vulnerable zone designations are based can be found in the British Geological Survey Report (BGS) Groundwater nitrate vulnerable zones for Scotland which is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. Number 18567). It is also available from the BGS website (http://www.bgs.ac.uk/scottishexec) along with a Geographical Information System (GIS) containing individual monitoring site data. A further BGS report on collection of additional monitoring data, Additional groundwater nitrate monitoring sites for Scotland, is also available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 21922).","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163210,"EventID":"S1W-26668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about any proposed meeting between representatives of Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) and Ryanair on 19 June 2002; what assi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about any proposed meeting between representatives of Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) and Ryanair on 19 June 2002; what assistance it will provide to HIAL in order to ensure that there is a successful outcome to any such negotiations on the establishment of new routes from Highlands and Islands airports; in particular, whether it will provide any assistance in respect of landing charges, and what steps it will take to see the growth of air routes and passenger numbers within areas served by HIAL.","AnswerText":"The meeting between Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) and Ryanair on 19 June follows on from a meeting on 25 April about the possibility of the Irish carrier operating from HIAL airports. Meetings between HIAL and its users and potential users are a commercial matter for the airport operator.

    The Scottish Executive is providing record levels of support to HIAL to maintain the airport infrastructure for essential air services in the Highlands and Islands. This support also allows HIAL to offer substantial discounts on landing charges for new services or increased frequencies which would lead to increased passenger numbers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163211,"EventID":"S1W-26669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding funding for the Glasgow Western Infirmary Allergy Clinic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding funding for the Glasgow Western Infirmary Allergy Clinic.","AnswerText":"It is for local NHS systems to plan, implement and manage NHS services that best meet the needs of their local populations.

    I understand that discussions are on-going between the NHS boards in the west of Scotland about the provision of a jointly funded regional severe allergy service based at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163212,"EventID":"S1W-26670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken in order to implement proposals made by the Scottish Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee in September 2000 regarding immunology and aller","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken in order to implement proposals made by the Scottish Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee in September 2000 regarding immunology and allergy services.","AnswerText":"The implementation of this report is primarily a matter for NHS boards, but the Executive is supporting boards in this task by offering funding for the recruitment of two new consultants in immunology.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163213,"EventID":"S1W-26671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for extending allergy services across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for extending allergy services across Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are expected to meet the health needs of people with allergies in their areas, as is the case with most other conditions. The Scottish Executive is providing funding towards the recruitment of two new consultants in immunology, which should lead to improved services for people with allergies.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163214,"EventID":"S1W-26672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to prevent any geographical disparity of medical service availability should any NHS board in the west of Scotland not assign adequa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to prevent any geographical disparity of medical service availability should any NHS board in the west of Scotland not assign adequate revenue to the Glasgow Western Infirmary Allergy Clinic and ensure allergy services for patients in their area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26669.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163215,"EventID":"S1W-26673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are under way in order to ensure the right of the public to clean air that is free of contaminants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are under way in order to ensure the right of the public to clean air that is free of contaminants.","AnswerText":"A number of initiatives are under way, or proposed, that are designed to eliminate or minimise atmospheric pollution. The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 impose new, more stringent air pollution controls over a wide range of industrial sectors, phased in on a sector by sector basis between 2001 and 2007. In addition to imposing tighter controls over emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere, the regulations also introduce tighter controls over noise, vibration and odour emissions.

    Stricter controls on emissions from waste incinerators are currently being developed in line with the Waste Incineration Directive. The Executive aims to consult on this during the summer. Tighter controls covering industrial solvent emissions were introduced by directions given to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in March 2002. It is proposed to extend these controls to cover additional industrial sectors following a public consultation later this year.

    In addition, the Environment Act 1995 requires local authorities to carry out a review and assessment of air quality within their areas, and take action where air quality objectives are unlikely to be met within a set timescale. These requirements are set out in The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163216,"EventID":"S1W-26674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to ensure availability of day care beds and full ranges of antibiotics for all allergy clinics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to ensure availability of day care beds and full ranges of antibiotics for all allergy clinics.","AnswerText":"It is for local NHS systems to plan, implement and manage allergy services that best meet the needs of their local populations. In doing so they should take account of the recommendations contained in the report on Immunology and Allergy Services in Scotland, prepared by the Scottish Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (SMASAC) and published by Scottish Executive Health Department in September 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163217,"EventID":"S1W-26675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra provision will be made available for dermatological teaching in the light of evidence from the British Association of Dermatologists that 15% of all GP consult","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra provision will be made available for dermatological teaching in the light of evidence from the British Association of Dermatologists that 15% of all GP consultations involve problems of the skin and yet only 20% of practitioners receive lessons in this field.","AnswerText":"During their training, GP Registrars (GPR) have regular case review within general practice and are supported by experienced trainers. This ensures that all patient encounters are learning experiences for the GPR.

    GPs, like other professionals, are expected to look at their own personal learning needs and the health needs of their patients and to seek training in specific areas accordingly. Guidance and assistance is available from NHS Education for Scotland (NES) via the postgraduate Directors of General Practice Education. Each GP already receives an annual Postgraduate Education Allowance to support an agreed amount of training. The appraisal process for GPs will, in the future, play a significant part in the needs assessment and satisfactory continuous professional development based on the needs of individuals and the service.

    There are numerous opportunities for GPs who identify dermatological conditions as one of their personal learning needs to access further training. In addition the recent establishment of NES will allow a co-ordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to training in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163218,"EventID":"S1W-26676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for a Scottish equivalent of the Action On Dermatology programme in order to address any under-investment in dermatological services and wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for a Scottish equivalent of the Action On Dermatology programme in order to address any under-investment in dermatological services and whether support will be given to achieving a unified core specialist centre, as proposed by NHS Greater Glasgow.","AnswerText":"There are no plans for a Scottish equivalent of the Department of Health's Action On Dermatology initiative. The Designed Healthcare Initiative is currently the main centrally driven mechanism for supporting service redesign in NHSScotland. This has led to the development of areas of expertise and experience throughout NHSScotland to support local service redesign activity in dermatology services, including the integrated rapid referral for skin cancer service in Lanarkshire and the redesign of dermatology out-patient services in Grampian.

    While I welcome any proposals that will benefit patients, NHS Greater Glasgow's plans to centralise dermatology services are at present the subject of public consultation. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to comment on the proposals at this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163219,"EventID":"S1W-26677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26283 by Ross Finnie on 5 June 2002, when the stakeholder consultation into a strategy for enhancing disease surveillance is expect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26283 by Ross Finnie on 5 June 2002, when the stakeholder consultation into a strategy for enhancing disease surveillance is expected to be completed, and how long after completion of the consultation the report will be published.","AnswerText":"We plan to issue the consultation in the autumn. The document will be revised in the light of consultation responses and will be finalised as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163220,"EventID":"S1W-26679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage safer driving and improve road safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage safer driving and improve road safety.","AnswerText":"Through the Scottish Road Safety Campaign, the Scottish Executive targets road safety messages at drivers and other road users.

    The campaign's Driver Behaviour Strategy, which addresses the issues of speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt use and young driver safety, aims to modify unsafe and undesirable driver behaviours.

    Campaign initiatives include "Foolsspeed", a long term campaign which aims to change driver attitudes to speed and speed choice, while "Don't Risk It" addresses drink driving. On 20 May the campaign launched a new television advert focussing on drug driving. The campaign has also produced adverts on the issues of seat belt use and young driver safety. It has made arrangements for publicity campaigns on all these issues in the current financial year.

    Road safety publicity undertaken by the campaign is evaluated to determine its effectiveness.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163221,"EventID":"S1W-26680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of accidents on roads involved drivers between 17 and 25 in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of accidents on roads involved drivers between 17 and 25 in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents is collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report format. These returns cover only accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover \"damage only\" accidents.

    The following figures indicate the percentages, of all injury road accidents which involved one or more cars or powered two-wheeled motor vehicles, for which one or more of the drivers or riders involved in each accident was aged between 17 and 25 years inclusive:

    Service

    Location

    Anaphylaxis Service

    Glasgow Western Infirmary

    Breast Clinic

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Breast Clinic

    Stobhill Hospital

    Breast Clinic

    Western Infirmary

    Cardiovascular Risk

    Gartnavel Hospital

    Chest Pain

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Chest Pain

    Stobhill Hospital

    Chest Pain

    Glasgow Western Infirmary

    Colorectal Cancer

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Colposcopy

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Counselling Advice

    Gartnavel Hospital

    Dermatology

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Diabetes

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Diabetes

    Stobhill Hospital

    Diabetes

    Gartnavel General Hospital

    Endoscopy

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    ENT - Head & Neck

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    ENT - tonsils

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Genito Urinary Medicine

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Gynaecology

    Western Infirmary

    Gynaecology, Herald Foundation

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Ophthalmology - cataract pre-assess

    Stobhill Hospital

    Ophthalmology - cataract pre-assess

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    Prostate Assessment

    Glasgow Royal Infirmary

    1999

    33%

    2000

    31%

    2001

    31%

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163222,"EventID":"S1W-26681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Pass Plus schemes contribute to preventing accidents and improving road safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Pass Plus schemes contribute to preventing accidents and improving road safety.","AnswerText":"The Executive welcomes Pass Plus as a scheme which enables new drivers to gain additional experience and positive driving skills that would otherwise take a long time to acquire. The scheme has been developed by the Driving Standards Agency, which chairs a board that promotes the scheme throughout the UK.

    The Executive understands that there are currently no statistics to show the success of the scheme, but it continues to have the support of participating insurance companies, who offer substantial discounts on premiums to those who complete the course.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163223,"EventID":"S1W-26682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to local authorities for the promotion of road safety and accident prevention schemes, including Pass Plus schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to local authorities for the promotion of road safety and accident prevention schemes, including Pass Plus schemes.","AnswerText":"Recently qualified drivers who participate in the Pass Plus scheme pay a fee to driving instructors for an additional course of instruction designed to equip them with additional experience and driving skills in areas such as driving at night and in all weathers.

    Local authorities receive a block allocation for a range of services, including transport. It is for each local authority to decide spending priorities on road safety, including the promotion of Pass Plus, based on local needs.

    The Scottish Executive has provided additional resources to local authorities for Safer Routes To School and for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets projects. These total over £21 million over the period 2000-01 to 2003-04.

    In September 2001 the Executive announced funding of £810,000 over six years for pilot child pedestrian training schemes. Funding is being provided to selected local authorities to enable them to run pilot training schemes for five- to seven-year-old children, with priority being given to schemes in disadvantaged areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163224,"EventID":"S1W-26683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all persons aged over 60 will benefit from free off-peak bus travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all persons aged over 60 will benefit from free off-peak bus travel.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to the equalisation of age eligibility for concessionary travel at age 60 for men and women. Provisions to enable this are included in the Local Government Bill currently before Parliament, and the intention is to implement this policy from 1 April 2003.

    The Executive has reached agreement with COSLA and the local authorities to introduce free local off-peak bus travel within existing scheme areas for elderly and disabled people from October 2002. Assuming that the legislative provisions noted above are approved by the Parliament, persons aged over 60 will automatically become eligible to this entitlement.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163225,"EventID":"S1W-26684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve public transport in isolated rural communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to improve public transport in isolated rural communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports public transport improvements in rural areas through the Rural Public Passenger Transport Grant. To date £15 million has been awarded to local authorities for new rural public transport services. So far over 400 new or enhanced services, mainly bus but also ferry, have been introduced.

    Further support is provided through the Rural Community Transport Initiative. To date £4.4 million has been awarded to 108 rural community transport (RCT) projects. The latest round announced £683,000 to 20 projects on 31 January 2002.

    In addition the Public Transport Fund has funded a number of capital projects in rural areas that have a direct impact upon public transport provision in these areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163226,"EventID":"S1W-26685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the present regulation of horseshoeing in the Highlands, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland is adequate and, if not, what action it intends to take to address","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the present regulation of horseshoeing in the Highlands, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland is adequate and, if not, what action it intends to take to address this matter.","AnswerText":"We have no reason to believe that the derogation from the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975 for the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Area is having any adverse affect on the welfare of horses.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163227,"EventID":"S1W-26686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Rural Development last met the Scottish Fish Merchants' Association and when the next scheduled meeting will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Rural Development last met the Scottish Fish Merchants' Association and when the next scheduled meeting will be.","AnswerText":"I last met the Chief Executive of the Scottish Fish Merchants' Federation on 18 April 2002. The Chief Executive wrote to me on 5 June 2002 requesting a further meeting and my office is in the process of setting this up.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163228,"EventID":"S1W-26687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many compulsory purchase orders were instigated and successfully completed by each local authority in each of the last five years, broken down by categories where app","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many compulsory purchase orders were instigated and successfully completed by each local authority in each of the last five years, broken down by categories where appropriate. ","AnswerText":"The information held by the Executive is to be found in the table.

    The Executive holds information only on those compulsory purchase orders submitted to the Scottish ministers as confirming authority. We do not hold information on those orders instigated by a local authority but not submitted for confirmation or on the outcome of the order following confirmation by ministers.

    The table shows compulsory purchase orders submitted by local authorities to the Scottish ministers (or prior to July 1999 the Secretary of State for Scotland) and those confirmed by them. The table also shows the purposes for which the orders were made.

    Number of Local Authority Compulsory Purchase Orders Received and Confirmed in the Last Five Years

    Council

    Purpose

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

      

    Rec'd

    Conf'd

    Rec'd

    Conf'd

    Rec'd

    Conf'd

    Rec'd

    Conf'd

    Rec'd

    Conf'd

    Aberdeen

    Roads

    0

    0

    2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

     

    Planning

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    1

    1

    0

    1

    0

    Angus

    Roads

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

     

    Planning

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    Clackmannan-shire

    Housing

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    1

    Overall, funding for local authorities is provided as unhypothecated revenue grant. It is entirely a matter for Glasgow City Council to determine the priority to be given to maintenance and safety improvements on the Clyde Tunnel route.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163230,"EventID":"S1W-26689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reclassification should be undertaken of major trunk roads throughout urban areas of Scotland to ensure that routes such as the A898 Clyde Tunnel can cope with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reclassification should be undertaken of major trunk roads throughout urban areas of Scotland to ensure that routes such as the A898 Clyde Tunnel can cope with increasing traffic flows.","AnswerText":"The structure and extent of the strategic road network was last reviewed in 1994-96, as part of the reorganisation of local government. There are no plans to extend the trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163231,"EventID":"S1W-26690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lottery funding was received by (a) Glasgow City, (b) Renfrewshire, (c) North Lanarkshire, (d) South Lanarkshire, (e) South Ayrshire, (f) Dundee City, (g) East Dunba","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lottery funding was received by (a) Glasgow City, (b) Renfrewshire, (c) North Lanarkshire, (d) South Lanarkshire, (e) South Ayrshire, (f) Dundee City, (g) East Dunbartonshire and (h) West Dunbartonshire councils in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table provides the detail requested for complete years 1999, 2000 and 2001 and to date for 2002:
     

    1999 (£)

    2000 (£)

    2001 (£)

    2002 (£)

    Glasgow City

    19,399,236

    17,194,480

    17,840,244

    19,785,798

    Renfrewshire

    4,500,779

    909,280

    1,210,302

    630,575

    North Lanarkshire

    4,614,528

    2,589,247

    2,448,522

    1,665,383

    South Lanarkshire

    5,928,908

    2,303,383

    1,893,071

    576,041

    South Ayrshire

    1,192,659

    1,409,531

    976,007

    187,290

    Dundee City

    1,866,273

    1,837,720

    6,033,514

    1,643,568

    East Dunbartonshire

    1,053,565

    916,671

    1,438,012

    171,118

    West Dunbartonshire

    1,115,963

    750,811

    1,522,760

    1,073,549

    The above information has been collated from data received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Information on lottery awards may be obtained directly from the department's website at:

    www.culture.org.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163232,"EventID":"S1W-26691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requests it has made for European funding relating to the creation of a global container port and what European money may be available for such a port.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requests it has made for European funding relating to the creation of a global container port and what European money may be available for such a port.","AnswerText":"There are currently no applications for funding from European funds for a global container port in Scotland. Any application for such a project would receive due consideration, in line with any other application, to assess compatibility with the relevant programme criteria and taking into account the availability of funds. An application would also have to be submitted within the lifetime of the current programmes which are due to end in 2006. Financial assistance more generally would depend on the circumstances involved, though the policy set out in Modern Ports: A UK Policy is that port developments and port operations should not in general need public subsidy.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163233,"EventID":"S1W-26692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26404 on 12 June 2002, what the Parent Company Guarantee entailed and whether it included the reparation of any money lost on the co","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26404 on 12 June 2002, what the Parent Company Guarantee entailed and whether it included the reparation of any money lost on the contract.","AnswerText":"Under the Parent Company Guarantee, the SPCB can claim from the guarantor, Flour City International, all its losses, damages, costs and expenses arising out of the failure of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd to perform its obligations provided that such losses etc would otherwise be recoverable under the Trade Contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163234,"EventID":"S1W-26693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the development of modern light rail systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the development of modern light rail systems.","AnswerText":"The provision of urban light rail schemes is considered a local transport issue and as such is the responsibility of local authorities or, in the case of the Strathclyde area, Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority.

    To date, the City of Edinburgh Council is the only authority to have expressed strong interest in developing a light rail network for the city. As part of the Executive's capital investment support for major public transport projects, we have made awards to the council from the Public Transport Fund and Integrated Transport Fund. This amounts to £6.5 million to advance the proposed development of a tram scheme for North Edinburgh and £6 million for a preparatory study into the proposed light rail system for West Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163235,"EventID":"S1W-26694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the arrangements for chronic disease management payments to GPs are working successfully.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the arrangements for chronic disease management payments to GPs are working successfully.","AnswerText":"GPs receive payments for chronic disease management of asthma and diabetes. A very high percentage of GPs provide Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programmes for patients suffering from these conditions. The latest figures available show a high success rate of 95.3% of GPs in Scotland providing both CDM programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163236,"EventID":"S1W-26695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to require GPs to provide practice nurses with additional training in asthma.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to require GPs to provide practice nurses with additional training in asthma.","AnswerText":"The GP Statement of Fees and Allowances for providing Chronic Disease Management for asthma patients requires that \"any health professional involved in the care of patients in the programme should be appropriately trained in the management of asthma\". Ninety-five point eight per cent of GP principals qualify for chronic disease management payments for asthma. GP terms of service require that they ensure that any other health professional to whom they refer or delegate the care of a patient is appropriately trained to provide the treatment.

    There are no plans to require GPs to provide practice nurses with additional asthma training.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163237,"EventID":"S1W-26696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26404 on 12 June 2002, what indemnity arrangements were put in place in regard to the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26404 on 12 June 2002, what indemnity arrangements were put in place in regard to the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","AnswerText":"The only form of indemnity put in place in regard to the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd was the Parent Company Guarantee.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163238,"EventID":"S1W-26697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions are being taken and what funding has been allocated to prevent flooding along the River Clyde and, in particular, in the section between the Broomielaw and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions are being taken and what funding has been allocated to prevent flooding along the River Clyde and, in particular, in the section between the Broomielaw and the Erskine Bridge.","AnswerText":"It is important to emphasise that the primary responsibility for the prevention of flooding lies with the land and property owners concerned. In addition long standing planning advice, as incorporated in National Planning Policy Guideline 7, advises against new developments in flood risk areas.

    Glasgow City Council has recently updated its flood risk assessment for areas alongside the River Clyde, which indicates an increase in the risk of flooding. The council is now considering how best to address this flood risk and, in doing so, has consulted with the Executive.

    It is for councils to bring forward proposals to reduce flood risk before funding can be considered. Grants are available to councils, under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 for confirmed flood prevention schemes, at a rate of 50% subject to satisfying design, environmental, sustainable development and cost benefit criteria. However, Glasgow City Council's consideration of the flood risk issue is at an early stage and no specific flood prevention proposals have yet been brought forward. We will maintain close contact with the council as it develops its thinking and consider requests for funding as and when these are made.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163239,"EventID":"S1W-26698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it can give to expediting the regeneration of the Clyde corridor.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it can give to expediting the regeneration of the Clyde corridor.","AnswerText":"In November 2001, my predecessor established the River Clyde Working Group (RCWG) to progress an ambitious strategy to maximise economic development along the River Clyde (from Glasgow Green to the Erskine Bridge) and to bring together, and add value to, the many development and regeneration initiatives currently under way.

    Ms Margaret Curran, Minister for Social Justice, and I hosted a Working Summit on 24 June which provided a useful forum for discussion of the key issues involved. It was recognised that this is a major opportunity for the Greater Glasgow area, with the potential for significant economic and social gain. It was agreed that the River Clyde Working Group would continue to work together to identify a vision for the river and a development framework to make this vision a reality.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163240,"EventID":"S1W-26699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether environmental statements could be improved through a requirement that the statement reflects the broad social impact of development proposals and the cumulative i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether environmental statements could be improved through a requirement that the statement reflects the broad social impact of development proposals and the cumulative impact of the proposals rather than solely environmental and other aspects.","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate to require developers to address all material considerations in environmental statements.

    The minimum information requirements of environmental statements, are specified in regulations. The regulations also specify a wider range of information that must be included in environmental statements where reasonable in the circumstances of the case. This includes information on the proposal's cumulative effects and its effects on the population insofar as these are related to the environment. The regulations represent precisely the requirements of the European Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment.

    It is for the planning authority to ensure that all other material considerations, including social impact where appropriate, are taken into consideration along with the environmental statement in determining the application. Planning authorities have general powers to require applicants to submit further information which the authority requires to determine a planning application.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163241,"EventID":"S1W-26700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the consultation on the review of strategic planning and when it expects to release its response to the consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the consultation on the review of strategic planning and when it expects to release its response to the consultation.","AnswerText":"We have given very careful consideration to the responses to the consultation paper on the Review of Strategic Planning and we will be publishing our conclusions and the next steps tomorrow. Our conclusions on the main proposals are:

    • that a national planning framework (referred to in the consultation paper as a national overview document) will be prepared;
    • that the requirement for blanket two tier development plans be removed;
    • that strategic development plans be prepared by joint committees for the four largest cities (i.e. Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee) and their hinterlands, and
    • that there will be a re-branding and sharper focus of the National Planning Policy Guidelines series. The current thinking is that they should be called Scottish Planning Policies.

    There remains a great deal of detailed work to be done and we will be taking this forward with key stakeholders in the same open and inclusive manner in which we have carried out the earlier stages of the review. Copies of the Review of Strategic Planning: Conclusions and Next Steps will be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre tomorrow.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163242,"EventID":"S1W-26701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much expenditure has been invested in new or refurbished homes in Clydebank by Scottish Homes and Communities Scotland since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much expenditure has been invested in new or refurbished homes in Clydebank by Scottish Homes and Communities Scotland since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table:
     

    CS Grant

    (£ million)

    Private Finance

    (£ million)

    Total

    (£ million)

    Actual expenditure 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2002

    14.617

    6.260

    20.877

    Planned expenditure 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003

    4.488

    1.920

    6.408

    Total

    19.105

    8.180

    27.285

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163243,"EventID":"S1W-26702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any pilot employment schemes trialled under the New Deal will be extended to West Dunbartonshire to tackle employment levels in the area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any pilot employment schemes trialled under the New Deal will be extended to West Dunbartonshire to tackle employment levels in the area.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.

    A number of changes are being piloted under the New Deal Next Phase. No decisions have been taken about extending these but experience gained will inform any future development of New Deal.

    Progress2work is part of the New Deal Next Phase development and is already operating in West Dunbartonshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163244,"EventID":"S1W-26703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to work with ScotRail and the Strategic Rail Authority to improve the affordability of rail travel on the main Edinburgh to Glasgow route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to work with ScotRail and the Strategic Rail Authority to improve the affordability of rail travel on the main Edinburgh to Glasgow route.","AnswerText":"Railway fares are either regulated by the Strategic Rail Authority or set on a commercial basis by the train operating companies. The Scottish Executive has no direct locus or powers to intervene in either.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163245,"EventID":"S1W-26704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to work with ScotRail and the Strategic Rail Authority to reduce journey times on the main Edinburgh and Glasgow route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to work with ScotRail and the Strategic Rail Authority to reduce journey times on the main Edinburgh and Glasgow route.","AnswerText":"The current draft directions and guidance for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise direct the Strategic Rail Authority to develop a franchise which, subject to the requirement to provide value for money, will improve intercity links throughout Scotland through reduced journey times.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163246,"EventID":"S1W-26705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been invested in the bioAdventures biotechnology business incubator at Clydebank and how many new local jobs have been created to date as a result.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been invested in the bioAdventures biotechnology business incubator at Clydebank and how many new local jobs have been created to date as a result.","AnswerText":"The total spend on the bioAdventures business incubator in Clydebank from April 1997 to June 2002 by Scottish Enterprise has been £1,631,884, with an additional £218,851 from the European Regional Development Fund. The number of jobs created currently stands at 38 and is expected to rise to 106 over the next two years.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163247,"EventID":"S1W-26706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26204 by Malcolm Chisholm on 5 June 2002, when representatives of the National Waiting Times Unit will meet senior management of NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26204 by Malcolm Chisholm on 5 June 2002, when representatives of the National Waiting Times Unit will meet senior management of NHS boards and trusts in (a) Forth Valley and (b) Fife.","AnswerText":"The Director of the National Waiting Times Unit met with senior management of NHS Forth Valley and NHS Fife on 1 May 2002 and 9 May 2002 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163248,"EventID":"S1W-26707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to publish information on the new policy arrangements in respect of young people leaving care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to publish information on the new policy arrangements in respect of young people leaving care.","AnswerText":"On 18 June we published research on the current services available to young people leaving care in Scotland. This research shows these services are currently variable across the country. As a result we are focusing on improving existing services before introducing fully the new arrangements. The related measures to withdraw Department of Work and Pensions benefits for some young people leaving care have been delayed until April 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163249,"EventID":"S1W-26708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in regard to the possible creation of a global container hub at Flotta or Hunterston; whether any financial assistance has been or would b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take in regard to the possible creation of a global container hub at Flotta or Hunterston; whether any financial assistance has been or would be given to any such proposal, and whether any Executive department or non-departmental public body would be designated to support any such proposal.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is liaising closely with the promoters of the possible container transhipment terminal at these sites, and will continue to do so. Highlands and Islands Enterprise has provided financial assistance for the marketing of the Flotta proposal, and Scottish Enterprise has agreed a financial contribution with Clydeport towards the further development of the Hunterston proposal. Any further financial assistance for these projects would depend on the circumstances involved, though the policy set out in Modern Ports: A UK Policy is that port developments and port operations should not in general need public subsidy. In implementing the Executive's policies for ports, as set out in Modern Ports: A UK Policy, a range of complementary interests within the Executive and amongst non-departmental bodies is involved, with the overall policy lead taken within the Scottish Executive Development Department Transport Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163250,"EventID":"S1W-26709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any study has been undertaken into ferry links between Ardrossan and Tarbert and, if not, what action it plans to take on this matter. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any study has been undertaken into ferry links between Ardrossan and Tarbert and, if not, what action it plans to take on this matter. ","AnswerText":"I understand that a study to investigate the potential to introduce new fast ferry services from Ardrossan was commissioned by Clydeport plc and North Ayrshire Council, and that a ferry link between Ardrossan and Tarbert was an option explored by the researchers.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163251,"EventID":"S1W-26710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider designating a public service order for a ferry link between Ardrossan and Tarbert or any other appropriate port.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider designating a public service order for a ferry link between Ardrossan and Tarbert or any other appropriate port.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to offer a public service obligation for a ferry link between Ardrossan and Tarbert. I have however undertaken to protect all lifeline ferry services currently provided by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd., including the existing Ardrossan to Brodick service, in the forthcoming Clyde and Hebridean Isles ferry services tendering exercise.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163252,"EventID":"S1W-26711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received a copy of The Direct Air Services Action Plan Final Report dated February 2000 from Scottish Enterprise National; if so, on what date it received the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it received a copy of The Direct Air Services Action Plan Final Report dated February 2000 from Scottish Enterprise National; if so, on what date it received the document; what action it took upon receiving it, and whether any budget was allocated to implement any of the report's recommendations, detailing the reasons behind its response on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Enterprise Report Direct Air Services Action Plan was commissioned as part of that agency's continuing work to promote new air services to and from Scotland, and to identify and evaluate those routes which are best for the Scottish economy and business. The report did not recommend any action or expenditure by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163253,"EventID":"S1W-26712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role and powers it would have in regard to the re-let of the rail network franchise should the ScotRail franchise come to an end with no successor in place, detaili","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role and powers it would have in regard to the re-let of the rail network franchise should the ScotRail franchise come to an end with no successor in place, detailing the reasons behind its response on this matter.","AnswerText":"Should the ScotRail franchise come to an end with no successor in place the Scottish Executive would continue to have the same role and powers as it does at present with regard to the re-let of the rail network franchise.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163254,"EventID":"S1W-26713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) target and (b) actual median current waiting times are for an opthamological examination by a consultant opthamologist in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) target and (b) actual median current waiting times are for an opthamological examination by a consultant opthamologist in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in ophthalmology, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS board of residence, in the year ended 31 December 2001, is given in the following table.

    The target waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a Consultant, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner or General Dental Practitioner, is nine weeks.

    NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-patient Appointment with a Consultant in Ophthalmology, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS Board of Residence. Year Ending 31 December 2001P.

    NHS Board

    Median WaitP

    Argyll and Clyde

    55 days

    Ayrshire and Arran

    58 days

    Borders

    45 days

    Dumfries and Galloway

    71 days

    Fife

    67 days

    Forth Valley

    62 days

    Grampian

    89 days

    Greater Glasgow

    102 days

    Highland

    77 days

    Lanarkshire

    87 days

    Lothian

    47 days

    Orkney

    86 days

    Shetland

    22 days

    Tayside

    39 days

    Western Isles

    95 days

    Scotland

    66 days

    Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00.

    PProvisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163255,"EventID":"S1W-26714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when there will be an increase in the level of rail services between Paisley and Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when there will be an increase in the level of rail services between Paisley and Glasgow.","AnswerText":"ScotRail restored its full weekday service between Paisley and Glasgow on 2 June, following the end of industrial action by drivers. Further enhancements, above the minimum level set out in the Passenger Service Requirement of the current franchise agreement, would be a matter for the train operator and Strathclyde Passenger Transport, which specifies rail passenger services in its area.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163256,"EventID":"S1W-26715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the resignalling on the Forth Bridge will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the resignalling on the Forth Bridge will be completed.","AnswerText":"The resignalling of the Forth Bridge is included within the Strategic Rail Authority's Incremental Output Statements programme for infrastructure. Although this is a matter for the Strategic Rail Authority, I understand that the expected date of completion is 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163257,"EventID":"S1W-26716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing and distributing its consultation document Implementing the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Act 1999 draft regulations and guidance f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing and distributing its consultation document Implementing the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Act 1999 draft regulations and guidance for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The publication and printing of the consultation document Implementing the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Act 1999 draft regulations and guidance for Scotland has to date cost a total of £857. The breakdown is as follows:

    Print Costs

    £417

    Distribution

    £24

    Website Conversion

    £416

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163258,"EventID":"S1W-26717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the recent Fisheries Council in Luxembourg.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the recent Fisheries Council in Luxembourg.","AnswerText":"discussion of proposals for the introduction of TACs and a licensing scheme to regulate deep-water fisheries; a policy debate on the Commission's cod and hake recovery proposals, and a presentation of the Commission's proposals for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.

    Agreement was reached by qualified majority on proposals for the regulation of deep-water species involving the establishment of a licensing scheme, and of TACs for a number of stocks. The UK opposed the proposals on the grounds that the measures were not likely to prove effective in conserving these endangered stocks.

    The debate on the Commission's proposals for recovery plans for cod stocks in the North Sea, to the west of Scotland and in the Irish Sea was constructive, recognising the parlous state of these stocks and the need for effective responses and for full examination of the options and of the scientific and socio-economic issues. The UK acknowledged the urgency of the situation and called for serious and informed debate on the proposals.

    The Commission gave a presentation of its proposals for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy issued on 28 May and member states offered initial reactions. As expected there were divergent opinions on some aspects of the proposals. The UK welcomed the broad thrust of the proposals and the need for further consultation and discussion. The Commission aims to secure agreement on the reforms by the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163259,"EventID":"S1W-26718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make available the reports on the central Scotland transport corridor studies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make available the reports on the central Scotland transport corridor studies.","AnswerText":"I received the consultants' reports yesterday. I have asked the consultants to make their report available today on their website at:

    www.cstcs.co.uk.

    I have also arranged for copies of the Executive Summary to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

    A series of public exhibitions is planned in August and September to allow the consultants to present their recommendations to the public within each of the corridors.

    The Executive will consider the recommendations carefully. I expect to be able to announce decisions on the way forward later this year, taking account of the consultants' recommendations and any subsequent comments we receive.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163260,"EventID":"S1W-26719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the Local Government Committee's 6th Report 2002, Inquiry into Local Government Finance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the Local Government Committee's 6th Report 2002, Inquiry into Local Government Finance.","AnswerText":"Our response to the committee's inquiry has issued today (Reference SE/2002/104).

    Copies are available from the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163261,"EventID":"S1W-26720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the lack of a permanent presence of HM Customs and Excise staff on Orkney on the Executive's ability to police the misuse of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the lack of a permanent presence of HM Customs and Excise staff on Orkney on the Executive's ability to police the misuse of drugs on the island.","AnswerText":"HM Customs and Excise work with Scottish police forces, the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Criminal Intelligence Service to provide a co-ordinated partnership approach to tackling drug trafficking in Scotland.

    HM Customs' presence on Orkney is entirely an operational matter for that organisation. I understand that Northern Constabulary does not consider that HM Customs' arrangements adversely affect its ability to combat actual drug misuse on Orkney itself. It believes it has an excellent working relationship with the organisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163262,"EventID":"S1W-26721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of HM Customs and Excise staffing levels at small ports and airports on the Executive's ability to police misuse of drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of HM Customs and Excise staffing levels at small ports and airports on the Executive's ability to police misuse of drugs.","AnswerText":"HM Customs and Excise work with Scottish police forces, the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Criminal Intelligence Service to provide a co-ordinated partnership approach to tackling drug trafficking in Scotland.

    HM Customs' staffing levels at small ports and airports are entirely an operational matter for that organisation. I understand that the police do not consider that these staffing levels adversely affect their ability to combat drug misuse across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163263,"EventID":"S1W-26722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the current powers of customs officers in respect of inspection of meat consignments and the resources allocated to such insp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of the current powers of customs officers in respect of inspection of meat consignments and the resources allocated to such inspections on the prevention or control of any future outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"All meat consignments imported into Scotland from non European Union countries must enter the country through Border Inspection Posts and must be accompanied by a general or specific licence. All consignments are inspected by a Local Veterinary Inspector on behalf of the local authority who are the enforcing authority. All documentation is checked and a percentage of each consignment is examined. There are very few meat consignments imported into Scotland and recent talks with local authorities confirmed that they have no difficulties meeting these inspection obligations.

    Customs officers are not involved in the inspection of meat consignments.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163264,"EventID":"S1W-26723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of ancillary staff to general practitioners is in Scotland compared with England and Wales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of ancillary staff to general practitioners is in Scotland compared with England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163265,"EventID":"S1W-26724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which diseases require to be registered on the disease register.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which diseases require to be registered on the disease register.","AnswerText":"There are no disease registers in Scotland, described as such. NHSScotland and the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health maintain a number of databases which record the incidence and prevalence of a range of diseases and other conditions.

    This surveillance information can be vital for maintaining and improving safety of patient care as well as allowing rapid investigation of outbreaks of serious infection or clusters of unusual illness. Surveillance information also underpins research, policy development, and service planning. As such, it is an important element of the Scottish Executive's plans to continue to improve treatment and care in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163266,"EventID":"S1W-26725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether regional disease registers are anonymised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether regional disease registers are anonymised.","AnswerText":"There are no regional disease registers in Scotland, described as such. NHSScotland and the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health maintain a number of databases which record the incidence and prevalence of a range of diseases and other conditions.

    This surveillance information can be vital for maintaining and improving safety of patient care as well as allowing rapid investigation of outbreaks of serious infection or clusters of unusual illness. Complete anonymisation of these datasets could therefore compromise safety. Surveillance information also underpins research, policy development, and service planning. As such, it is an important element of the Scottish Executive's plans to continue to improve treatment and care in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163267,"EventID":"S1W-26726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local health care co-ordinators should have a direct role in commissioning hospital services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local health care co-ordinators should have a direct role in commissioning hospital services.","AnswerText":"No, if this means creating unnecessary bureaucracy for Local Health Care Co-operatives to hold funds for commissioning secondary care. Local primary care teams already have a leading role in driving forward the development of care and the redesign of services around the needs of patients. In order to support and empower primary care teams to lead change across the local health system it is important that consideration is given to the future role of Local Health Care Co-operatives. It is for this reason that a major part of the review of The strategic development of management and decision-making in NHSScotland will focus on the developing role of Local Health Care Co-operatives in the planning and delivery of patient care.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163268,"EventID":"S1W-26727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Sewel motions it has lodged with the Parliament in each year since 1999 and how many of these were passed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Sewel motions it has lodged with the Parliament in each year since 1999 and how many of these were passed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive lodged five Sewel motions in 1999, 11 in 2000, 13 in 2001 and four to date this year. All of these motions were approved by the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163269,"EventID":"S1W-26728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions received in respect of the consultation on the Scottish Prison Service estates review (a) supported and (b) opposed proposals to build new private p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions received in respect of the consultation on the Scottish Prison Service estates review (a) supported and (b) opposed proposals to build new private prisons.","AnswerText":"The consultation period ended on 12 June. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. Once the analysis has been completed, a report of that analysis will be published. In accordance with normal procedures, the responses themselves will also be made available for public scrutiny.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163270,"EventID":"S1W-26729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Fife Structure Plan will be approved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Fife Structure Plan will be approved.","AnswerText":"The assessment of the Fife Structure Plan is nearing completion and we hope to announce a decision shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163271,"EventID":"S1W-26730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25917 by Cathy Jamieson on 29 May 2002, what action will be taken to evaluate the compliance with, and implementation of, attendanc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25917 by Cathy Jamieson on 29 May 2002, what action will be taken to evaluate the compliance with, and implementation of, attendance orders made under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to evaluate compliance with, and implementation of, attendance orders made under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.

    The implementation of the 36 recommendations of the Discipline Task Group Report Better Behaviour - Better Learning, along with other Scottish Executive initiatives, including the Scottish Schools Ethos Network, the Anti-Bullying Network, the Alternatives to Exclusion Programme, Support for Parents, Study Support and New Community Schools, will help ensure an effective learning environment for all pupils and impact positively on non-attendance at school.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163272,"EventID":"S1W-26731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first advertised the board vacancies on the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority; on which occasions and in which publications the advertisement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it first advertised the board vacancies on the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority; on which occasions and in which publications the advertisements appeared, and how much it will cost to recruit and select the 10 ministerial appointees, including any fees paid to consultants.","AnswerText":"Advertisements inviting applications for direct appointment to the Board of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority appeared in The Scotsman, The Herald and The Press and Journal on 9 November 2001. Advertising costs amounted to some £13,500 with a further cost of £1,740 in consultancy fees incurred in respect of the involvement of a member of the Independent Assessors' Panel. Internal staff costs have not been separately identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163273,"EventID":"S1W-26732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage it has reached in its roll-out of Victim Liaison Offices across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage it has reached in its roll-out of Victim Liaison Offices across Scotland.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to say that today I am officially opening the first major operational Victim Information and Advice (VIA) Office in Glasgow. We are taking this opportunity to re-launch the Victim Liaison Office with a name which more accurately reflects the aims and objectives of the service. I should add that I will also formally welcome Ms Sue Moody as the first Director of VIA. Ms Moody will take forward VIA's focus on providing information to victims promptly and effectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163274,"EventID":"S1W-26733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Expert Working Group on Nutritional Standards will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Expert Working Group on Nutritional Standards will be published.","AnswerText":"Subject to approval by the Scottish Cabinet, the Scottish Executive's Expert Panel on school meals will publish recommendations for consultation over the summer months.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163275,"EventID":"S1W-26734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25969 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2002, when it will put into effect the principles and processes aimed at making it easier for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25969 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2002, when it will put into effect the principles and processes aimed at making it easier for voluntary organisations to apply to it for funding and when any new procedures will be fully in place.","AnswerText":"Our timetable for the introduction of the new principles and processes is that we expect to pilot some of them in 2002-03, rolling out their introduction across the Executive in 2003-04. The timetable for the introduction of a generic funding power will be dependent on the Scottish Parliamentary timetable, but is not likely to be introduced in the current term.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163276,"EventID":"S1W-26735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs involved in setting up the MMR Expert Group were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs involved in setting up the MMR Expert Group were.","AnswerText":"Information about costs arising from the substantive work of the MMR Expert Group (as at 31 March 2002) was set out in Annex 3 of the report published on 30 April 2002. Costs associated with the setting up of the group, including the preparation and issue of letters of invitation to prospective members, were minimal.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163277,"EventID":"S1W-26736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs were of staging the recent The Same As You conference at Heriot Watt University in conjunction with the National Autistic Society and Scottish Societ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total costs were of staging the recent The Same As You conference at Heriot Watt University in conjunction with the National Autistic Society and Scottish Society for Autism.","AnswerText":"The total cost of staging The Same As You? - The next Step for Autistic Spectrum Disorders conference on 21 May was £26,421.82. The Scottish Executive is meeting the net costs of £4,124.93, after deduction of income from delegates.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163278,"EventID":"S1W-26737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of (a) entertaining, (b) transporting and (c) accommodating all the members of the MMR Expert Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of (a) entertaining, (b) transporting and (c) accommodating all the members of the MMR Expert Group.","AnswerText":"Accommodation and subsistence costs arising from the work of the MMR Expert Group were £8,090 in total. Members' travel costs totalled £4,440. Information about such expenses (as at 31 March 2002) was set out in Annex 3 of the report published on 30 April 2002.

    Members of the expert group were not entertained in the course of preparing their report. However, they were invited by the Scottish Executive to a reception at Bute House on 12 June 2002, to acknowledge their personal contribution to that task. The cost of that reception was £320.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163279,"EventID":"S1W-26738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it agreed to or required the replacement of exemptions from water and waste water charges under SI 1992/1331 and SI 1992/2955 by the former water authorities wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it agreed to or required the replacement of exemptions from water and waste water charges under SI 1992/1331 and SI 1992/2955 by the former water authorities with a discretionary concession; if so, when it did so, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Statutory Instruments (SIs) referred to relate to council tax. Council tax is payable on all \"dwellings\" within the meaning of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (section 72(2)). SI 1992/2955 varies the definition of dwelling for the purposes of that Act and SI 1992/1331 prescribes classes of dwelling in respect of which special provision as to liability for council tax is made.

    An appeal case, due to be heard by the Court of Session, will consider the proper interpretation of statutory provisions relating to the definition of a dwelling for council tax purposes and how those provisions relate to the liability of an occupier of premises to pay water and sewerage charges.

    In these circumstances, it would be entirely inappropriate for the Scottish Executive to comment.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163280,"EventID":"S1W-26739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of the provisions of SI 1992/1331 and SI 1992/2955, the recovery of non-domestic water charges in respect of registered care homes by Scottish Wate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of the provisions of SI 1992/1331 and SI 1992/2955, the recovery of non-domestic water charges in respect of registered care homes by Scottish Water is appropriate and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26738.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163281,"EventID":"S1W-26740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has formally responded to the Sheriff Principal's report on the review of the provision of sheriff courts in East Lothian and the Borders as referred to in it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has formally responded to the Sheriff Principal's report on the review of the provision of sheriff courts in East Lothian and the Borders as referred to in its news release SE0042/2000.","AnswerText":"There has been no formal response to the Sheriff Principal's report beyond the statement made by the Deputy Minister for Justice at the conclusion of the Member's Debate on court provision which took place on 12 January 2000. Ministers accepted the recommendations of the Sheriff Principal in their entirety and there were no further matters to report to the Parliament at that time.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163282,"EventID":"S1W-26741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26177 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002, what costs were incurred by (a) Keppie Design (b) Currie & Brown, (c) White Young Green an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26177 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002, what costs were incurred by (a) Keppie Design (b) Currie & Brown, (c) White Young Green and (d) Melville Dundas on the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service that the individual fees paid to the consultants who provided the feasibility report on Peebles Sheriff Court are subject to commercial confidentiality. However, I can advise that the total fees paid to date to the consultants are £17,480.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163283,"EventID":"S1W-26742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it carried out any performance assessment process prior to the reappointment of the Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne; who was consulted in connection with the per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it carried out any performance assessment process prior to the reappointment of the Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne; who was consulted in connection with the performance of the current Chairman; whether users of Caledonian MacBrayne or workers of the company were consulted in any way and, if so, whether it will provide details, and whether it will place a copy of any performance assessment record in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that the Scottish Executive carried out a performance assessment of the Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne before the recent announcement of his reappointment. This was based on significant contact between ministers and the chairman and very frequent contact between senior officials of the Development Department and the chairman over almost three years. A senior Executive official attends every Caledonian MacBrayne Board meeting and, in addition to this, there are further contacts through regular dialogue, meetings and correspondence. The Executive did not consult users or the company's staff prior to re-appointing the chairman nor is that a statutory requirement or a requirement of the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice. As with other similar papers associated with any public appointment, details of the performance assessment are confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163284,"EventID":"S1W-26743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any evidence that wind turbines pose any threat to birds and what research it has commissioned into this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any evidence that wind turbines pose any threat to birds and what research it has commissioned into this matter.","AnswerText":"We have no such evidence. Under existing legislation, it is mandatory for developers to detail the environmental impact of their proposals, especially for environmentally significant sites, and propose mitigation measures as part of their accompanying environmental statement. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is of the opinion that studies are helpful at a local level, but it is difficult to apply their conclusions more generally. However, one local five-year study on the Novar windfarm at Inverness registered no significant impact on the bird population.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163285,"EventID":"S1W-26744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many test sites of genetically modified crops there are and where each such site is situated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many test sites of genetically modified crops there are and where each such site is situated.","AnswerText":"Detailed information about releases into the environment of GM crops is placed on a public register, a copy of which is held by the Scottish Executive. Site information is also routinely placed on the Internet on the Executive's GM website.

    There are 11 sites, including farm scale evaluations, where GM crops are currently being grown in Scotland. The release sites are in Aberdeenshire, Ross-shire, Fife, and Tayside.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163286,"EventID":"S1W-26746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17343 by Angus MacKay on 29 August 2001, how many websites offering devolved government services online, other than those provided ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17343 by Angus MacKay on 29 August 2001, how many websites offering devolved government services online, other than those provided by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, now use customer relationship management systems.","AnswerText":"The Student Awards Agency for Scotland remains the only body within the Scottish Administration that currently utilises a customer relationship management system in delivering its online services.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163287,"EventID":"S1W-26747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26283 by Ross Finnie on 5 June 2002, on what date the finalised strategy for enhancing disease surveillance is expected to be (a) p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26283 by Ross Finnie on 5 June 2002, on what date the finalised strategy for enhancing disease surveillance is expected to be (a) put forward for stakeholder consultation and (b) published following the consultation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26677 on 25 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163288,"EventID":"S1W-26748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26283 by Ross Finnie on 5 June 2002, what stakeholders will be consulted on the finalised strategy for enhancing disease surveillan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26283 by Ross Finnie on 5 June 2002, what stakeholders will be consulted on the finalised strategy for enhancing disease surveillance.","AnswerText":"Stakeholders with an interest in animal health and welfare will be consulted. The consultation document will also be made publicly available.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163289,"EventID":"S1W-26749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on air travel for (a) staff and (b) patients by each NHS board in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on air travel for (a) staff and (b) patients by each NHS board in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163290,"EventID":"S1W-26750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26164 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 June 2002, whether the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is consulting health and safet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26164 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 June 2002, whether the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is consulting health and safety specialists outwith the Scottish Police Service in order to determine whether current shift patterns are affecting the health and performance of its officers.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, who are currently conducting a review of the shift systems used by the Scottish Police Service. The Scottish Executive is not a member of the review team.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163291,"EventID":"S1W-26751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in each police force are currently absent from work on a long-term basis, broken down by grade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in each police force are currently absent from work on a long-term basis, broken down by grade.","AnswerText":"Only civilian support staff within police forces are formally employees. (Police officers are appointed by chief constables.) Information on the number of employed staff currently absent from work on a long-term basis is not held centrally. The only information available is on the number of absences lasting longer than 28 days. The latest information is given in the table.

    Force

    Number of absences amongst police officers in 2001-02 where absence is over 28 days

    Number of absences amongst civilian support staff in 2001-02 where absence is over 28 days

    Central

    66

    18

    Dumfries and Galloway

    34

    21

    Fife

    57

    15

    Grampian

    55

    25

    Lothian and Borders

    338

    128

    Northern

    49

    24

    Strathclyde

    812

    270

    Tayside

    140

    68

    Total

    1,551

    569

    Source: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary Annual Statistical Return for 2001-02.

    Note:

    Absences do not necessarily equate to individuals in that one individual may have two or more such absences.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163292,"EventID":"S1W-26752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in police forces are currently absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from (a) stress, (b) work-related stress or (c) a stress-r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in police forces are currently absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from (a) stress, (b) work-related stress or (c) a stress-related condition.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163293,"EventID":"S1W-26753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in the Scottish Prison Service are currently absent from work on a long-term basis, broken down by grade and region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in the Scottish Prison Service are currently absent from work on a long-term basis, broken down by grade and region.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The figures are as follows:

    Pay Bands

    Region

    A

    B

    C

    C+

    D

    D+

    E

    E+

    F

    F+

    G

    H

    I

    Total

    North and East

    0

    1

    2

    8

    3

    18

    0

    4

    0

    1

    2

    0

    0

    39

    South and West

    0

    3

    4

    25

    4

    60

    2

    14

    2

    4

    0

    0

    0

    118

    Total

    0

    4

    6

    33

    7

    78

    2

    18

    2

    5

    2

    0

    0

    157

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163294,"EventID":"S1W-26754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in the Scottish Prison Service are currently absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from (a) stress, (b) work-related stress or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in the Scottish Prison Service are currently absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from (a) stress, (b) work-related stress or (c) a stress-related condition.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    There are currently 118 employees of the Scottish Prison Service absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from a mental health problem. This includes stress, work-related stress or a stress-related problem.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163295,"EventID":"S1W-26756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees are currently absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from (a) stress, (b) work-related stress or (c) a stress-related con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees are currently absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from (a) stress, (b) work-related stress or (c) a stress-related condition.","AnswerText":"Due to the time-lag in recording, sickness reasons are not available for current sickness periods.

    In financial year 2001-02, in the core departments 57 officers took medically certified sick leave with reason recorded as stress. This resulted in 3,051.5 working days being lost.

    Work-related stress is not recorded separately from stress and no information is held centrally on whether stress is the underlying cause of other certified periods of sick leave.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163296,"EventID":"S1W-26757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are currently absent from work on a long-term basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are currently absent from work on a long-term basis.","AnswerText":"As at 19 June 2002 out of a total staffing figure of 1,256, 33 employees are absent from work on a long-term basis, i.e. an absence of four weeks or more.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163297,"EventID":"S1W-26758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are currently absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from (a) stress, (b) wor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many employees in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are currently absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from (a) stress, (b) work-related stress or (c) a stress-related condition.","AnswerText":"As at 19 June 2002 out of a total of 1,256, there are no members of staff absent having been medically diagnosed as suffering from stress. Three members of staff are absent from work having been medically diagnosed as suffering from a stress related condition. The medical diagnosis does not disclose whether or not these three illnesses are work related.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163298,"EventID":"S1W-26759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has funded on stress and, in particular, work-related stress in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has funded on stress and, in particular, work-related stress in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has funded three pieces of research on stress in the last three years.

    The Scottish Executive staff survey has run for three years and is issued to all staff within the Scottish Executive, its agencies and associated departments. Some of the questions in the staff survey ask about work-related stress.

    In December 2001 there was an additional staff survey focusing on work-related stress. This was issued to all staff within the Scottish Executive, its agencies and associated departments. The results of the survey will inform and shape additional action and support for staff in tackling work-related stress.

    Also in December 2001 Teacher's Division of the Scottish Executive Education Department commissioned a literature review on teacher stress from the Scottish Council for Research in Education (SCRE). A draft report was received in February and will be published as part of SCRE's own report series.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163299,"EventID":"S1W-26760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are being treated under the NHS for stress or stress-related conditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are being treated under the NHS for stress or stress-related conditions.","AnswerText":"It is difficult to estimate the number of people being treated for stress or stress-related conditions because stress is the mechanism that causes people to become ill from a variety of different conditions, and because treatment may be provided by a variety of NHS and other sources, including psychological interventions on which the Executive published guidance in October last year.

    First contact on stress related conditions will normally be with GP. Information about face-to-face consultations between GP's and patients is gathered centrally from a representative sample of 60 Scottish General Practices. For the illnesses most commonly caused by stress - mood/affective disorders and neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders - it is estimated that approximately 552,200 individuals were seen by GPs in Scotland in the year ending December 2001. However, we cannot quantify exactly how many of these were caused by stress.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163300,"EventID":"S1W-26761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for dealing with its employees who suffer from stress, work-related stress or a stress-related condition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for dealing with its employees who suffer from stress, work-related stress or a stress-related condition.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive takes staff welfare seriously. The Executive recently asked an independent organisation to conduct a survey of staff to examine work-related stress in detail. The Executive's Management Group committed themselves to giving the issues raised close attention.

    In addition to this work, there are a number of strategies already in place to help staff who experience stress both in and out of work. These include the Executive's Counselling and Welfare Service and an independent Employee Assistance Programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163301,"EventID":"S1W-26762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to public bodies on the management of stress at work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to public bodies on the management of stress at work.","AnswerText":"Public bodies are responsible for the operation of their own personnel management and health and safety arrangements.

    The provision of guidance on the management of stress at work is a matter for individual non-deparmental public bodies to consider.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163302,"EventID":"S1W-26763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring Learning Disability Services Change Fund monies in order to ensure that such monies are used to improve services to people with learning disabili","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring Learning Disability Services Change Fund monies in order to ensure that such monies are used to improve services to people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is monitoring the development of services and the use of resources through the monitoring of Partnership in Practice agreements.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163303,"EventID":"S1W-26764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18362 by Nicol Stephen on 22 November 2001, what the (a) average number of children held in secure accommodation and (b) total numb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18362 by Nicol Stephen on 22 November 2001, what the (a) average number of children held in secure accommodation and (b) total number of children sent to secure accommodation was in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99, (iii) 1999-2000, (iv) 2000-01 and (v) 2001-02, broken down by (1) gender, (2) probable period of detention and (3) reason for detention.","AnswerText":"It is important to recognise that young people in secure accommodation includes young people at risk as well as those who have committed offences.

    The following tables outline the available information for 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000. Information for 2000-01 will be available by late summer and early next year for 2001-02.

    Table 1
     

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    Average Number of children in secure units

    86

    83

    89

    Table 2: Number of Children Admitted to Secure Units for Children
     

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    Number of admissions

    264

    265

    264

    Table 3: Children Resident in Secure Units at 31 March: by Gender
     

    1998

    1999

    2000

    Male

    59

    65

    71

    Female

    24

    18

    16

    Total

    83

    83

    87

    Table 4: Children Admitted to Secure Units: by Gender
     

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    Male

    179

    195

    182

    Female

    85

    70

    82

    Total

    264

    265

    264

    Figures on the length of stay of children in secure units are not held centrally.

    Table 5: Length of Stay of Residents in Children's Secure Units at 31 March
     

    1998

    1999

    2000

    Less than 1 month

    16

    23

    17

    1 month to under 2 months

    13

    14

    13

    2 months to under 3 months

    5

    8

    12

    3 months to under 6 months

    24

    19

    		The Bayer company has, however, confirmed that eight adult volunteers were exposed to the pesticide azinphos methyl in a laboratory study designed to determine the \"no adverse effects level\" for this material by looking for short-term changes in cholinesterase activity. The study was carried out in Scotland by a contract research organisation and was overseen by an independent ethics committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163312,"EventID":"S1W-26773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of unemployment in (a) Edinburgh South and (b) Scotland has been in each year from 1992 to 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of unemployment in (a) Edinburgh South and (b) Scotland has been in each year from 1992 to 2002.","AnswerText":"The claimant count levels are published on a monthly basis. The latest available data is May 2002, so May of each year has been used. Rates are not available for parliamentary constituency areas prior to 1996.

    May

    Ediburgh South

    Scotland

    Level

    Percent

    Level

    Per cent

    1992

    2,900

    N/A

    233,100

    8.8

    1993

    3,200

    N/A

    243,700

    9.7

    1994

    2,900

    N/A

    231,100

    8.9

    1995

    2,600

    N/A

    199,000

    7.5

    1996

    2,400

    7.7

    194,700

    7.5

    1997

    2,000

    6.8

    160,300

    6.4

    1998

    1,500

    5.4

    139,700

    5.6

    1999

    1,400

    5.1

    134,700

    5.3

    2000

    1,100

    4.3

    120,600

    4.8

    2001

    900

    3.6

    106,700

    4.3

    2002

    800

    3.1

    104,700

    4.2

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163313,"EventID":"S1W-26774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners have benefited from its central heating installation programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners have benefited from its central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"Three thousand, five hundred and fifty-nine over 60's households in the private sector and 4,906 households in the social rented sector who were without central heating benefited from the central heating programme in 2001-02. We cannot specify how many of those in the social rented sector were aged 60 or over because the programme in that sector is not confined to that age group.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163314,"EventID":"S1W-26775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the appointment of the new Chair of the Scottish Law Commission to be announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the appointment of the new Chair of the Scottish Law Commission to be announced.","AnswerText":"It is expected that the announcement of the appointment of the new Chair of the Scottish Law Commission will be made in the next four weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163315,"EventID":"S1W-26776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25425 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 May 2002, whether Caledonian MacBrayne has been guided by either the Executive or Her Majesty's Gove","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25425 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 May 2002, whether Caledonian MacBrayne has been guided by either the Executive or Her Majesty's Government in any way and at any time as to the service it could or could not provide on the Gourock to Dunoon route.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25321 on 7 May 2002, which recorded all of the instructions and guidance issued by the Scottish Office or the Scottish Executive to Caledonian MacBrayne on the operation of the Gourock to Dunoon route, dating back to 1982.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163316,"EventID":"S1W-26777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal remedies are available to organic farmers whose crop cannot be sold as organic due to contamination by a genetically modified organism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal remedies are available to organic farmers whose crop cannot be sold as organic due to contamination by a genetically modified organism.","AnswerText":"There are no statutory provisions allowing claims for compensation for contamination specifically by a genetically modified organism (GMO). Therefore, organic farmers would have the same remedies available to them under general law if a crop were contaminated by a genetically modified organism as they would if the crop were contaminated by any other substance which prevented the crop being sold as organic.

    If the presence of GM material arose through a breach in the terms of a consent to release GMOs, there are powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for the consent holder to be prosecuted.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163317,"EventID":"S1W-26778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has sought as to whether section 20(6) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 contravenes Article 8 or any other Article of the European Convention on H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has sought as to whether section 20(6) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 contravenes Article 8 or any other Article of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as implemented by the Human Rights Act 1998 and, if it has not sought any such advice, whether it will now do so.","AnswerText":"Following devolution, the Scottish Executive undertook a review of existing housing legislation from the ECHR perspective. We concluded that the current legislation is compatible with the Convention without further amendment. However, we keep under review the need to amend existing law and procedures (whether in the housing field or elsewhere) to comply with the Convention. We shall continue to do so, particularly in the context of new cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163318,"EventID":"S1W-26779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what obligation there is on the Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership to provide it with performance monitoring data; if such data is being received by it timeously, when ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what obligation there is on the Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership to provide it with performance monitoring data; if such data is being received by it timeously, when the last data was received and, if it has not received any such data, what action it has taken, or plans to take, to acquire the data and to oversee the work and performance of the partnership.","AnswerText":"As with all social inclusion partnerships (SIPs), appraisal of the work and performance of Inverclyde SIP is carried out as per the SIP Monitoring Framework issued by the Scottish Executive in 1999.

    All SIPs are required as part of their terms and conditions of grant to submit an annual report to Communities Scotland by 30 June each year. In these reports SIPs provide the Executive with:

    • information on their activities in the previous year
    • a forward look to their plans for the future
    • financial information in relation to how they have used their grant allocation
    • monitoring information in relation to thirty-nine compulsory core indicators (where available locally) aimed at measuring the effectiveness of SIPs in their area of activity.

    On Inverclyde specifically, the last annual report was due on 30 June 2001 and was received by the Executive shortly after this deadline. This report was used to appraise Inverclyde SIP's performance in 2000-01. As with all SIPs, Inverclyde are due to submit their next annual report on 30 June 2002.

    As well as the annual report Communities Scotland officials do maintain contact with SIPs throughout the year, attend board meetings, visit SIP projects, and meet with both the SIP support team and community representatives associated with the SIP.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163319,"EventID":"S1W-26780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have left the Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership since January 2002 and what proportion of the total staff this represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff have left the Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership since January 2002 and what proportion of the total staff this represents.","AnswerText":"Four members of the Inverclyde support team staff have resigned since January 2002. The total agreed staff establishment for Inverclyde Social Inclusion Partnership is 10.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163320,"EventID":"S1W-26781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the work and performance of the Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the work and performance of the Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership.","AnswerText":"As with all Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs), appraisal of the work and performance of Inverclyde SIP is carried out as per the SIP Monitoring Framework issued by the Scottish Executive in 1999.

    All SIPs are required as part of their terms and conditions of grant to submit an annual report to Communities Scotland by 30 June each year. In these reports SIPs provide the Executive with:

    • information on their activities in the previous year
    • a forward look to their plans for the future
    • financial information in relation to how they have used their grant allocation
    • monitoring information in relation to 39 compulsory core indicators (where available locally) aimed at measuring the effectiveness of SIPs in their area of activity

    In relation to the last point, Communities Scotland is presently working with representatives from the SIP network to review the monitoring framework for SIPs with a view to improving its effectiveness.

    As well as the annual report Communities Scotland officials do maintain contact with SIPs throughout the year, attend board meetings, visit SIP projects, and meet with both the SIP Support Team and community representatives associated with the SIP.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163321,"EventID":"S1W-26782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under which subject headings or names pathology information or information on death is stored in each hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under which subject headings or names pathology information or information on death is stored in each hospital.","AnswerText":"All trusts have in place rigorous systems for identifying retained organs, reports, associated tissue blocks and slides. Record-keeping is the subject of one of the hospital post-mortem examination standards being developed by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland. These measures are intended to ensure that requests for information about a post-mortem examination are handled as quickly and accurately as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163322,"EventID":"S1W-26783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been offered to district court officers on legal issues arising from the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into Scots law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been offered to district court officers on legal issues arising from the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into Scots law.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5354 on 20 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163323,"EventID":"S1W-26784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been offered to justices of the peace on legal issues arising from the integration of the European Convention on Human Rights into Scots law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training has been offered to justices of the peace on legal issues arising from the integration of the European Convention on Human Rights into Scots law.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5354 on 20 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163324,"EventID":"S1W-26785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many magistrates have received training in European Convention on Human Rights issues since January 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many magistrates have received training in European Convention on Human Rights issues since January 2000.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163325,"EventID":"S1W-26786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many district courts have legal libraries within the court complex.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many district courts have legal libraries within the court complex.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163326,"EventID":"S1W-26787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Accounts Commission's report, Fife Council: The Third Age Group Findings, what steps are being taken to hold a national review of the involvement of l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Accounts Commission's report, Fife Council: The Third Age Group Findings, what steps are being taken to hold a national review of the involvement of local authorities with arm's length bodies; what the scope of any such review will be, and when it will report.","AnswerText":"The Accounts Commission announced in April that Audit Scotland will conduct a national review of councils' involvement with arms-length organisations. As an independent body it will be for them to decide the details of the review.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163327,"EventID":"S1W-26788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether access to homeopathy referral through the NHS is available to all.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether access to homeopathy referral through the NHS is available to all.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the value of homeopathic treatment. A number of GPs hold qualifications in homeopathy and there are several NHS clinics as well as the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital. Referral for homeopathic treatment in any given case is, however, a matter for clinical judgement, in consultation with the patient.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163328,"EventID":"S1W-26789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for homeopathy treatment in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for homeopathy treatment in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Homeopathy treatment is provided in out-patient clinics or in general practice. Information on waiting times for homeopathy is available centrally only for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant following referral by a General Medical Practitioner.

    The median waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in homeopathy, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, in the year ending 31 December 2001, by NHS board of residence, is given in the table.

    NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-patient Appointment with a Consultant in Homeopathy, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS Board of Residence. Year Ended 31 December 2001P.

    NHS Board

    Median Wait

    Argyll and Clyde

    350 days

    Ayrshire and Arran

    362 days

    Borders

    138 days

    Dumfries and Galloway

    337 days

    Fife

    154 days

    Forth Valley

    344 days

    Grampian

    111 days

    Greater Glasgow

    369 days

    Highland

    55 days

    Lanarkshire

    330 days

    Lothian

    103 days

    Orkney

    452 days

    Shetland

    384 days

    Tayside

    155 days

    Western Isles

    314 days

    SCOTLAND

    244 days

    Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00.

    Notes:

    PProvisional","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163329,"EventID":"S1W-26790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS trusts are complying with the new deal on junior doctors' hours and what action is being taken to address any non-compliance with the deal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS trusts are complying with the new deal on junior doctors' hours and what action is being taken to address any non-compliance with the deal.","AnswerText":"The New Contract for Doctors in Training introduced a contractual requirement for all Pre-Registration House Officer (PRHO) posts to comply with the New Deal by 1 August 2001 and for Senior House Officer (SHO) and Specialist Register (SpR) posts by 1 August 2003.

    The Scottish Executive Health Department monitors compliance on a six monthly basis. Latest figures for compliance (February 2002) are as follows:
     

    PRHOs

    SHOs

    SpRs

    Compliance:

    92%

    41%

    46%

    The New Deal Implementation Support Group, set up by ministers in 1999 to help trusts to achieve compliance, is continuing to work closely with trusts to help them overcome obstacles to full compliance by identifying and promoting best practice and assisting in work pattern redesign.

    The Chief Executive of NHSScotland wrote to NHSS trusts in November 2001 to inform them that, where PRHO posts are found to drift from compliance on an on-going basis, postgraduate Deans would be required to take action to ensure offending posts were permanently withdrawn from the process used to allocate medical students to their hospital placements.

    Trusts are not yet required to achieve compliance for SHOs and SpRs.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163330,"EventID":"S1W-26791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled vacancies there are for dermatologists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled vacancies there are for dermatologists.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the latest available data on the number of vacancies in dermatology.

    It should also be noted that the number of posts for Specialist Registrars training for a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) in dermatology was increased from 14 to 17 in 2001.

    Dermatology Vacancies Headcount at 30 September

    As at 30

    Consultant

    September 2000

    Staff Grade

    As at 30

    Consultant

    September 2001

    Staff Grade

    Total Vacancies

    3

    1

    1

    -

    Of which the posts were vacant for:

    		    

    Less than 6 months

    1

    -

    1

    -

    6 months or more

    2

    1

    -

    -

    Vacancies as a % of establishment

    5.9%

    11.1%

    n/a

    n/a

    Of which the posts were vacant for:

    		    

    Less than 6 months

    2.0%

    -

    n/a

    n/a

    6 months or more

    3.9%

    11.1%

    n/a

    n/a

    Note:

    1. These data are released under National Statistics.

    2. Data are from ISD(M)4, an annual collection by ISD of consultant and staff grade medical and dental vacancies.

    3. Vacancies are those posts vacant at 30 September irrespective of when the vacancy arose.

    4. Establishment is defined as staff in post + total vacancies. Vacancy rates are calculated by dividing the number of vacancies by the establishment and multiplying by 100.

    5. Establishment data necessary for the computation of vacancy rates for 2001 will be available from 17 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163331,"EventID":"S1W-26792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for appointments with dermatologists in each NHS trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for appointments with dermatologists in each NHS trust.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with a Consultant in Dermatology, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS trust of treatment, in the year ending 31 December 2001, are given in the table.

    NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Out-patient Appointment with a Consultant in Dermatology, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS Trust of Treatment. Year Ended 31 December 2001P

    NHS Trust

    Median Wait

    Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals

    70 days

    Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals

    103 days

    Borders Acute Hospital

    74 days

    Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals

    44 days

    Fife Acute Hospitals

    67 days

    Fife Primary Care

    70 days

    Forth Valley Acute Hospitals

    119 days

    Grampian Primary Care

    38 days

    Grampian University Hospitals

    132 days

    Highland Acute Hospitals

    34 days

    Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals

    73 days

    Lothian Primary Care

    57 days

    Lothian University Hospitals

    65 days

    North Glasgow University Hospitals

    53 days

    Orkney Health Board

    31days

    South Glasgow University Hospitals

    59 days

    Shetland Hospitals and Community Care Services Unit

    50 days

    Tayside Primary Care

    40 days

    Tayside University Hospitals

    30 days

    West Lothian Healthcare

    110 days

    Western Isles Health Unit

    23 days

    Yorkhill

    103 days

    Scotland

    62 days

    Source: ISD Scotland, SMR00.

    PProvisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163332,"EventID":"S1W-26793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken in respect of the recommendations contained in the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme report, Huntingdon's Disease, Acquired Brain Injury and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken in respect of the recommendations contained in the Scottish Needs Assessment Programme report, Huntingdon's Disease, Acquired Brain Injury and Early Onset Dementia.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Scottish Needs Assessment Programmes provide NHS boards with good practice recommendations for the planning of services, but are not mandatory.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163333,"EventID":"S1W-26794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26241 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 June 2002, what the average percentage of patients in Angus requiring ambulance transfer within one ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26241 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 June 2002, what the average percentage of patients in Angus requiring ambulance transfer within one or two hours who were not transported within this timeframe was in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000 and (e) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The average percentage of patients in Angus requiring ambulance transfer within one or two hours, who were transported within this timeframe in 2000-01, was 83.4% for those within one hour and 91.3% for those within two hours.

    In the years prior to 2000-01, the information was gathered on an overall basis and a breakdown of the percentage of patients transferred within one or two hours is not available. The table therefore shows the average percentage of patients in Angus requiring ambulance transfer, who were transported to hospital within 15 minutes of the time agreed between ambulance control room staff and the GPs requesting the transfer.
     

    No. of calls

    Average transferred within agreed timescale

    1996-97

    4,549

    89.3%

    1997-98

    4,594

    90.9%

    1998-99

    4,814

    92.2%

    1999-2000

    4,601

    85.4%

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163334,"EventID":"S1W-26795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulances operated in Angus and where they were stationed in each year since 1996-97.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulances operated in Angus and where they were stationed in each year since 1996-97.","AnswerText":"The table shows the number of ambulances - both accident and emergency and patient transport vehicles - operating in the Angus area since 1996-97 and where they were stationed (there were no changes to the figures in 1999-2000 or 2000-01).

    1996

    A&E

    1997

    PTV

    1997

    A&E

    1998

    PTV

    2001

    A&E

    2002

    PTV

    Arbroath

    3

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    Brechin

    2

    2

    2

    3

    3

    3

    Forar

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    3

    Montrose

    2

    1

    2

    1

    2

    1

    Total in Angus

    9

    7

    8

    8

    9

    9

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163335,"EventID":"S1W-26796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Health Technology Board for Scotland will comment on the recommendations to the NHS in England and Wales from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence rega","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Health Technology Board for Scotland will comment on the recommendations to the NHS in England and Wales from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence regarding atypical antipsychotics and whether or not these should be considered as well as the existing traditional medicines as a first choice option to treat people with newly diagnosed schi'ophrenia.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) will Comment on any implications for NHSScotland arising from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidance by late July 2002. Until the HTBS Comment is issued, clinicians should use all the available evidence, including the NICE Guidance, to guide their decisions about the use of treatments.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163336,"EventID":"S1W-26797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the establishment of the Quality and Standards Board for Scotland will affect the timescale within which the Health Technology Board for Scotland gives advice or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the establishment of the Quality and Standards Board for Scotland will affect the timescale within which the Health Technology Board for Scotland gives advice or comments on recommendations by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland proactively seeks to ensures that its comments are timeous, factually accurate and useful to NHSScotland. It seeks the views of Scottish "experts", including patient representatives, on the applicability of the NICE Guidance in the light of contextual differences between Scotland and England and Wales, including epidemiology and the structure and provision of services. Draft comments are also published on its website and feedback encouraged which is taken account of in framing its final advice.

    The establishment of a Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will simplify some elements of this process.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163337,"EventID":"S1W-26798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21338 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 March 2002, when it will publish details of NHS boards' adherence to advice issued by the Health Te","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21338 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 March 2002, when it will publish details of NHS boards' adherence to advice issued by the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"There are no proposals to publish details of NHSBoards adherence to advice issued by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS). NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from the HTBS and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. Any evidence that emerged either from complaints or through monitoring which suggested that this was not happening would be followed up proactively.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163338,"EventID":"S1W-26799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21338 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 March 2002, what measures it will take in following up any non-adherence by NHS boards to advice is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21338 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 March 2002, what measures it will take in following up any non-adherence by NHS boards to advice issued by the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHSBoards should ensure that drugs or treatments recommended by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) are made available to meet clinical need. Any non-adherence to this advice would be dealt with through normal performance management arrangements.

    In addition, the advice of the clinical effectiveness organisations, like the HTBS and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network are, wherever appropriate, included within the standards developed by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS). Reports of visits carried out by the CSBS to assess compliance with its standards are published and inform the Performance Assessment Framework and the national accountability review process.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163339,"EventID":"S1W-26800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing people there currently are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trained interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing people there currently are.","AnswerText":"There are 40 fully trained interpreters in Scotland and a further 13 trainees who are associate members of the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163340,"EventID":"S1W-26801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what institutions offer training in sign language and interpreting for deaf and hard of hearing people; how many training places are currently available, and what the tot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what institutions offer training in sign language and interpreting for deaf and hard of hearing people; how many training places are currently available, and what the total cost is of training an interpreter.","AnswerText":"Heriot Watt University offers training in interpretation between British Sign Language (BSL) and English. Eight places are available annually at a cost of £1,600 per place.

    Further education colleges also offer a number of BSL courses at levels 1 and 2. Information on the number of places available and cost of training is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163341,"EventID":"S1W-26802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place to encourage sign language training and interpreting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are in place to encourage sign language training and interpreting.","AnswerText":"Good practice guidelines for public authorities were published by the Scottish Translation Interpreting and Communication Forum in March 2002. The guidelines consider BSL as well as other community language issues. The Scottish Executive is funding a development worker, managed by the forum, to take this work forward. The worker is based in the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters.

    The Scottish Executive are also encouraging sign language training and interpreting through funding of voluntary organisations under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163342,"EventID":"S1W-26803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are (a) planned and (b) in place regarding advocacy for deaf and hard of hearing people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives are (a) planned and (b) in place regarding advocacy for deaf and hard of hearing people.","AnswerText":"Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change requires NHS boards, working with their planning partners, to prepare and implement plans for ensuring independent advocacy is available to all who need it, from 1 January this year. This generic requirement would cover advocacy for deaf and hard of hearing people where these are required locally.

    The Partners in Change support team has also been asked to work with deaf and hard of hearing people to establish how we can overcome any barriers to their accessing mainstream NHS services.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163343,"EventID":"S1W-26804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues on the prescribing of drugs to treat sufferers of dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues on the prescribing of drugs to treat sufferers of dyslexia.","AnswerText":"The Medicines Control Agency, the UK medicines regulatory authority, has confirmed that there are no medicines licensed in the UK for the treatment of dyslexia.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163344,"EventID":"S1W-26805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has budgeted for any increase in compensation payments to victims of crime as a result of the increased referrals to Victim Support Scotland since 1 April 2002","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has budgeted for any increase in compensation payments to victims of crime as a result of the increased referrals to Victim Support Scotland since 1 April 2002.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any significant increase in applications for compensation payments as a result of an increase in referrals to Victim Support Scotland. The overall budget for the demand-led Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is set by the Home office and the Scottish Executive. The Executive's contribution is calculated through a Service Level Agreement that reflects the amount of compensation paid to those living in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163345,"EventID":"S1W-26806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of any need for harmonisation of compensation payments to victims of crime across Europe and what plans it has to initiate or participat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of any need for harmonisation of compensation payments to victims of crime across Europe and what plans it has to initiate or participate in any exercise designed to achieve that objective.","AnswerText":"The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a UK-wide tariff based scheme. In January, the Westminster Government (in consultation with the Executive, the Northern Ireland Office and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) responded to a consultation paper issued by the European Union about compensation for victims of violent crime. The main aim of this EU initiative is to improve access to state compensation by victims within the European Union by agreeing common minimum standards. The UK scheme is the most generous of its kind in Europe and we will play an active role in future discussion of these issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163346,"EventID":"S1W-26807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why its announcement on the Judicial Appointments Board on 12 June 2002 has been placed in the news archive section of its website for 31 May 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why its announcement on the Judicial Appointments Board on 12 June 2002 has been placed in the news archive section of its website for 31 May 2002.","AnswerText":"The press release announcing the appointment of the new Judicial Appointments Board was not issued until Wednesday 12 June following a transmission error on May 30. The news release was placed in the news archive on the Scottish Executive website dated May 31 as this was the date the news release had been intended for release. This was made clear in the news release which issued on June 12.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163347,"EventID":"S1W-26808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why a press release advising of the transmission error that occurred on 31 May 2002 in relation to the Judicial Appointments Board was not issued until the afternoon of 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why a press release advising of the transmission error that occurred on 31 May 2002 in relation to the Judicial Appointments Board was not issued until the afternoon of 12 June 2002.","AnswerText":"A press release announcing the appointment of the new Judicial Appointments Board was issued on 12 June. This advised the media of a transmission error which had occurred on May 30 which was intended to automatically defer release to May 31. The error was not noted until a call from a journalist alerted the press office to the error. Steps were immediately taken to rectify the situation by issuing the news release with an explanation of the delay. The transmission error is being investigated to ensure any technical problems are not repeated.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163348,"EventID":"S1W-26809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many news releases were in the archive section of its website on 31 May 2002; whether any of these were removed; if so, which ones and whether these were removed or a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many news releases were in the archive section of its website on 31 May 2002; whether any of these were removed; if so, which ones and whether these were removed or amended to allow for the entry of the announcement on the Judicial Appointments Board made on 12 June 2002, and whether an announcement on Scotsheep 2002 was removed from the archives section of the website for 31 May 2002.","AnswerText":"There were three items in the archive section of the news website on 31 May 2002. The announcement on Scotsheep 2002 was one of them but was accidentally over-written by another item - £2 million boost for pig industry - which was posted the same day. When this error was discovered at a later date the Scotsheep 2002 item was deleted. It has now been restored.

    The item on the Judicial Appointments Board was meant to be posted on 31 May but a transmission error meant it was never received for posting on the website. When this omission was noted the release was issued on June 12, a note explained it should have been made public on May 31. The news website then placed the item under the original date, May 31. The presence of the Judicial Appointments Board release in the archive has no bearing on what happened to the Scotsheep item.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163349,"EventID":"S1W-26810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since May 1999 archive news releases on its website have been changed by predating announcements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions since May 1999 archive news releases on its website have been changed by predating announcements.","AnswerText":"Website policy is to post news items timeously in conjunction with their release date.

    On the few occasions when this is not possible, due to error or omission, items are pre-dated and added to the archive. In future, such items will carry a note explaining why the date of posting did not coincide with the archive date.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163350,"EventID":"S1W-26811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an out of hours emergency service for dentistry exists in all NHS board areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an out of hours emergency service for dentistry exists in all NHS board areas.","AnswerText":"There are currently out of hours emergency dental service arrangements in every NHS board area except Argyll and Clyde and Lanarkshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163351,"EventID":"S1W-26812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to gauge the clinical efficiency of drugs which have been in use for many years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to gauge the clinical efficiency of drugs which have been in use for many years.","AnswerText":"Review of medicines available on the UK market is an on-going process. Medicines are granted a marketing authorisation (previously product license) if they meet the Medicines Control Agency's (MCA) standards of safety, quality and efficacy. Marketing authorisations are usually granted for periods of up to five years and have to be renewed at the end of that time. On renewal each marketing authorisation must reflect current knowledge about the product.

    Information about the work of the MCA can be found on their website:

    www.mca.gov.uk.

    Additionally, in Scotland, the Health Technology Board for Scotland will consider any proposal to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of specific medicines that have been in use for many years.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163352,"EventID":"S1W-26813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues on the treatment of sufferers of dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues on the treatment of sufferers of dyslexia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued guidance on educational provision and support for pupils with special educational needs, including dyslexia. The guidance, Circular ED 4/96 Children and Young Persons with Special Educational Needs - Assessment and Recording and the Manual of Good Practice in Special Educational Needs, has been disseminated widely, including to all local authorities and schools. Both documents are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 4386 and 3984). In addition, a number of local authorities issue guidance specifically on dyslexia.

    Guidance has also been issued by the Executive in relation to students at further education colleges with disabilities or learning difficulties. Circular FE 13/95 is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22033).","AnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163353,"EventID":"S1W-26814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of special constables was female in each police force at 31 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of special constables was female in each police force at 31 March 2002.","AnswerText":"The percentages of female special constables in each police force at 31 March 2002 are shown in the following table.

     

    Force

    Percentage of Female Special Constables

    Central

    29%

    Dumfries & Galloway

    39%

    Fife

    28%

    Grampian

    21%

    Lothian & Borders

    27%

    Northern

    30%

    Strathclyde

    25%

    Tayside

    25%

    Total

    27%

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163354,"EventID":"S1W-26815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of special constables was from ethnic minority groups in each police force at 31 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of special constables was from ethnic minority groups in each police force at 31 March 2002.","AnswerText":"The percentages of special constables from ethnic minority groups in each police force at 31 March 2002 are shown in the following table.

    Force

    Percentage of Special Constables from Ethnic Minority Groups

    Central

    0%

    Dumfries & Galloway

    2%

    Fife

    2%

    Grampian

    1%

    Lothian & Borders

    2%

    Northern

    0%

    Strathclyde

    3%

    Tayside

    0%

    Total

    1.3%

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163355,"EventID":"S1W-26816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables were recruited in each police force in each year since the establishment of the Parliament; how many such constables were female, and how many","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables were recruited in each police force in each year since the establishment of the Parliament; how many such constables were female, and how many were from ethnic minority groups.","AnswerText":"The information, relating to financial years, is shown in the following tables.

    Recruitment of Special Constables

    1999-2000

    Force

    Total

    Female

    Ethnic Minority

    Central

    8

    3

    0

    Dumfries & Galloway

    12

    6

    1

    Fife

    11

    5

    0

    Grampian

    19

    7

    0

    Lothian & Borders

    23

    8

    1

    Northern

    24

    13

    1

    Strathclyde

    89

    27

    3

    Tayside

    10

    4

    0

    Total

    196

    73

    6

    2000-01

    Force

    Total

    Female

    Ethnic Minority

    Central

    7

    1

    0

    Dumfries & Galloway

    10

    5

    0

    Fife

    20

    7

    1

    Grampian

    12

    6

    0

    Lothian & Borders

    19

    5

    3<","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163356,"EventID":"S1W-26817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what long-term health monitoring is being undertaken on the people who took part in the pesticide testing carried out on behalf of Bayer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what long-term health monitoring is being undertaken on the people who took part in the pesticide testing carried out on behalf of Bayer.","AnswerText":"I understand that this question relates to a study carried out by a contract research organisation in Scotland in which eight healthy adult volunteers were exposed to the organophosphate pesticide azinphos methyl. The study was based on an \"ascending-dose protocol\" wherein the dose to volunteers was increased from very low levels to those at which the first signs of changes in acetylcholinesterase were observable. It was overseen by an independent ethics committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163357,"EventID":"S1W-26819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be put in place to ensure that dental practices remain in locations which are convenient to patients whilst meeting health and safety and disability ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures will be put in place to ensure that dental practices remain in locations which are convenient to patients whilst meeting health and safety and disability access requirements.","AnswerText":"On 3 June I announced a £3 milion investment to fund improvements to dental practice premises and facilities which will improve patient safety and access and address the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. This is additional to the £4.3 million the Executive made available for practice improvements during the previous two financial years.

    The new "Golden Hello" package which will be introduced on 1 August includes grants of up to £10,000, based on the amount of NHS work they undertake, to dentists establishing new vocational training practices and offering a training place. Vocational training surgeries must be built and equipped to high standards and must comply with all health and safety requirements.

    Grants are available under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative to dentists wishing to locate new practices or expand existing practices in areas of unmet patient demand and high oral health need.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163358,"EventID":"S1W-26820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to enable dental practices to introduce fully computerised records systems in their premises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to enable dental practices to introduce fully computerised records systems in their premises.","AnswerText":"There is no direct financial assistance for general dental practices to install computerised records systems. Dentists who wish to transmit their dental claims to the Common Services Agency for the NHS in Scotland via electronic data interchange can receive a grant of £700.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163359,"EventID":"S1W-26821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of dental practices in each NHS board area no longer take NHS patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of dental practices in each NHS board area no longer take NHS patients.","AnswerText":"Information on private dental practices which take no NHS patients is not available. We are aware that there are problems with access to NHS dentistry in some parts of Scotland. That is why I announced a £1 million "Golden Hello" package on 25 April to assist with access problems and with recruitment and retention of NHS dentists.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163360,"EventID":"S1W-26822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to dental practices to enable them to meet infection control and new regulatory standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available to dental practices to enable them to meet infection control and new regulatory standards.","AnswerText":"Funding of infection control procedures are incorporated in the fee scale system where dentists receive payments for each item of service given on each patient. The British Dental Association Advice Sheet \"Infection Control in Dentistry\" is used as the model of good practice in primary care dental practices.

    Over the last three years the Executive has given improvement grants to general dental practices. These are for purposes of patient safety and access and to address the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. The sums involved are:

    2000-01

    £0.5 million

    2001-02

    £3.8 million

    2002-03

    £3 million

    This has enabled practitioners to make improvements to dental practices and ensure they are fit for purpose.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163361,"EventID":"S1W-26823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to assist people with mental health problems to stop smoking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being given to assist people with mental health problems to stop smoking.","AnswerText":"People with mental health problems may be referred to local smoking cessation services which should provide motivational support. Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Zyban are also available on prescription. In addition a smoking cessation "pathway" for patients has recently been established in the State Hospital at Carstairs.

    The Executive is aware that people with mental health problems may need additional help to enable them to stop smoking. ASH (Scotland) and HEBS are presently working up proposals to pilot smoking cessation services specifically for people with mental health problems who wish to quit.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163362,"EventID":"S1W-26824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency have made to it on the issuing of advice and guidance to people with mental illness and their fitness to drive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency have made to it on the issuing of advice and guidance to people with mental illness and their fitness to drive.","AnswerText":"The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has made no such representations. The agency's publication At a Glance Guide to the Current Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive is issued to all General Practitioners and provides advice about the relevance of certain medical conditions, including mental illness, to driving. It is also available on the agency's website at www.dvla.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163363,"EventID":"S1W-26825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients at the State Hospital, Carstairs, have been assessed as \"ready to leave\" but are unable to do so due to a lack of medium secure units.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients at the State Hospital, Carstairs, have been assessed as \"ready to leave\" but are unable to do so due to a lack of medium secure units.","AnswerText":"As at 31 May 2002, there were 38 patients approved for transfer to alternative care. 31 had waited more than three months since clinical agreement had been reached. Given that individual recommendations must be considered in each case, information on average length of wait for a transfer is not routinely collected.

    The policy on the care and treatment of mentally disordered offenders remains as set out in Management Executive Letter 1999(5), the key objective of which is that patients receive care and treatment appropriate to their needs, taking into account the safety consideration.

    A range of provision is proposed including the State Hospital and the existing and planned local forensic psychiatric accommodation and services. NHS Boards are at different implementation stages with a local forensic unit already established in Edinburgh and a planning application lodged in Glasgow. Plans are also being developed for other units and services in line with the published policy.

    State Hospital patients are entitled to access the full range of services provided by the Hospital according to their clinical needs, which are assessed on a regular basis. Movement of patients between care settings is a matter for clinical decision involving the referring and receiving clinical teams. Once agreed, individual transfers can take time depending on the arrangement to be put in place at the receiving facility or service. Patients who are the subject of an agreed transfer but for whom a place cannot immediately be arranged will of course continue to receive care within the State Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163364,"EventID":"S1W-26826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to enable patients at the State Hospital, Carstairs, to move to an appropriate care and treatment regime in a medium secure unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to enable patients at the State Hospital, Carstairs, to move to an appropriate care and treatment regime in a medium secure unit.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26825.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163365,"EventID":"S1W-26827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights patients at the State Hospital, Carstairs, have to receive the appropriate care according to assessments done in the hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights patients at the State Hospital, Carstairs, have to receive the appropriate care according to assessments done in the hospital.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26825.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163366,"EventID":"S1W-26828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average length of time is that a patient at the State Hospital, Carstairs, needs to wait for a placement in a medium secure unit in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average length of time is that a patient at the State Hospital, Carstairs, needs to wait for a placement in a medium secure unit in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26825.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163367,"EventID":"S1W-26829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has been invited to the question and answer event with the First Minister in Dumfries on 17 June 2002; what organisation each represents, and how each was selected.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has been invited to the question and answer event with the First Minister in Dumfries on 17 June 2002; what organisation each represents, and how each was selected.","AnswerText":"The event was organised by the Scottish Executive in co-operation with Dumfries and Galloway Council. The council proposed to us a list of some 50 representatives of local groups and invitations were sent to them, as well as to a group of senior schoolchildren. I will send the list of those invited and the organisation they represent to the member and make it available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163368,"EventID":"S1W-26830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information was provided to the Lord Advocate about the cause of the crash of a Chinook helicopter in Wilmington, USA, and related litigation, given his responsibil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information was provided to the Lord Advocate about the cause of the crash of a Chinook helicopter in Wilmington, USA, and related litigation, given his responsibility for the fatal accident inquiry into the crash of the Chinook ZD576 in the Mull of Kintyre in June 1994.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26831.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163369,"EventID":"S1W-26831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the (a) Procurator Fiscal who conducted the fatal accident inquiry into the crash of the Chinook ZD576 on the Mull of Kintyre in June 1994, (b) Crown Office and (c)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the (a) Procurator Fiscal who conducted the fatal accident inquiry into the crash of the Chinook ZD576 on the Mull of Kintyre in June 1994, (b) Crown Office and (c) Lord Advocate were advised of (i) the hellicopter crash of a Chinook helicopter in Wilmington, USA, (ii) litigation by the Ministry of Defence relating to this crash and (iii) the apparent cause of the crash. ","AnswerText":"Neither the Lord Advocate nor the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is aware of a crash of a Chinook helicopter in Wilmington USA. The Lord Advocate and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are aware of damage to the engine and transmission/rotor system of a Chinook helicopter during a static test, on the ground, at the Boeing test facility at Wilmington during 1989 and of litigation arising from that. As to that incident, reference is made to the answer to questions S1W-2120 and S1W-2585.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163370,"EventID":"S1W-26832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made concerning legislation on radio base licensing for taxi and private hire radio bases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made concerning legislation on radio base licensing for taxi and private hire radio bases.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25774 on 24 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163371,"EventID":"S1W-26834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill would be on the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill would be on the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill proposes that, in certain circumstances, there should be a change in entitlement to housing benefit, which is a reserved matter. The Department for Work and Pensions is currently considering the amendments it wishes to propose to the bill and I and my officials are in active discussion with the department with the aim of ensuring that the bill in its final form will be consistent with the approach in Scotland on any devolved matters which may be affected by the implementation of the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163372,"EventID":"S1W-26835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes to Scots law would be required if the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill becomes law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes to Scots law would be required if the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill becomes law.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163373,"EventID":"S1W-26836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the compatability of the terms of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill with its aims to eradicate poverty and promote social i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the compatability of the terms of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill with its aims to eradicate poverty and promote social inclusion.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163374,"EventID":"S1W-26837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour of residents who are not tenants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour of residents who are not tenants.","AnswerText":"The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 introduced a new civil order - the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) - to tackle anti-social behaviour. Local authorities, in consultation with the police, can apply to a sheriff for an ASBO to prohibit an individual over 16 from further anti-social behaviour that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress. ASBOs can be taken out against any resident regardless of whether he or she is a tenant.

    The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill makes provision for an interim ASBO to take effect pending the outcome of the substantive application for an order. The interim order will provide more immediate protection from anti-social behaviour from tenants and non-tenants alike.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163375,"EventID":"S1W-26838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road traffic accidents there were on (a) the A725 and (b) the A71 in (i) 2000 and (ii) 2001 in each local authority area and how many fatalities and serious inju","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road traffic accidents there were on (a) the A725 and (b) the A71 in (i) 2000 and (ii) 2001 in each local authority area and how many fatalities and serious injuries there were in each case.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover damage only accidents.

    The table gives the numbers of road accidents which were identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring on (a) the A725 and (b) the A71 in the specified years, and the associated fatalities and serious casualties. The information is broken down by local authority area.

    It should be noted that the statistics given in the table are based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. They may differ from any figures which the local authorities would provide now, because they do not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that local authorities may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon their knowledge of the roads and areas concerned.

    (a) Injury road accidents occurring on the A725, and the associated numbers of fatalities and seriously-injured casualties, as reported in the \"STATS 19\" statistical returns.

    Local Authority

    Year

    Injury road accidents

    Fatalities

    Seriously-injured casualties

    North Lanarkshire

    2000

    41

    0

    15

    2001

    43

    1

    6

    South Lanarkshire

    2000

    58

    0

    17

    2001

    44

    0

    5

    of which:

    on that part of the A725 which is a trunk road -

    North Lanarkshire

    2000

    8

    0

    8

    2001

    2

    1

    1

    South Lanarkshire

    2000

    58

    0

    17

    2001

    44

    0

    5

    (b) Injury road accidents occurring on the A71, and the associated numbers of fatalities and seriously-injured casualties, as reported in the STATS 19 statistical returns.

    Local Authority

    Year

    Injury road accidents

    Fatalities

    Seriously-injured casualties

    Edinburgh

    2000

    62

    		In 2000-01 the Executive provided capital grant of £462,500 to improve disabled access to 18 Women's Aid refuges and/or offices.

    The Executive funds the Domestic Abuse Helpline and in June 2002 provided £2,850 to install a text phone service for hearing impaired people.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163382,"EventID":"S1W-26845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into the prevalence of domestic abuse amongst people with disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into the prevalence of domestic abuse amongst people with disabilities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned a number of domestic abuse related research projects but none specifically into the prevalence of domestic abuse amongst people with disabilities.

    The Scottish Executive's National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse and its associated Action Plan, which were published in November 2000, provide a comprehensive and wide-ranging strategy that involves a number of policy areas. The strategy is an inclusive one and embraces and recognises the specific needs of different categories of victims including people with disabilities. A budget of £4.5 million was allocated over three years to assist in the implementation of the Action Plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163383,"EventID":"S1W-26846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into the prevalence of domestic abuse amongst pregnant women.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into the prevalence of domestic abuse amongst pregnant women.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Needs Assessment Programme (SNAP) report on Domestic Violence (1997) gave an overview of research, which shows that women are more likely to report domestic abuse during pregnancy and that the majority experience repeated acts of violence. The research also indicates that domestic abuse increases in severity and frequency during pregnancy and is directed both at the mother and at the foetus.

    The Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK (2001) report Why Mothers Die 1997-1999 was jointly commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer of the Scottish Executive Health Department, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland. The report indicates that about 30% of domestic violence starts during pregnancy. It states that of the 378 women whose deaths were reported between 1997-99, 45 (12%) voluntarily reported violence during pregnancy to a health care professional.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163384,"EventID":"S1W-26847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to midwives in relation to domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to midwives in relation to domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"National guidelines for all health care workers on responding to domestic abuse were issued for public consultation on 28 June 2002. These guidelines will help midwives and other health care professionals recognise when women are experiencing domestic abuse and respond appropriately by offering sensitive support and advice.

    The guidance makes reference to the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK (2001) report, which estimates that over a third of domestic abuse incidences start in pregnancy.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163385,"EventID":"S1W-26848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is received by midwives in relation to domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is received by midwives in relation to domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"Audit of NHS Board strategies for maternity services indicates that 11 NHS boards provide post qualifying training on domestic abuse, one was considering developing a training programme and in another analysis of midwives' training needs was under way. Of the remaining NHS boards, one has a domestic abuse strategy in place and one has not as yet indicated their position on domestic abuse training. Several NHS Boards refer to multi-agency working to tackle domestic abuse.

    National guidelines for health care workers on responding to domestic abuse, shortly to be issued for public consultation, recommend that education and training on domestic abuse be available to all health service staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163386,"EventID":"S1W-26849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the police in regard to abuse of children through prostitution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the police in regard to abuse of children through prostitution.","AnswerText":"It is for Chief Constables to decide how best to tackle operational issues taking account of local guidance and also local needs and circumstances. Forces know the importance of using experienced interviewing officers and of developing in-force training, with the purpose of providing an atmosphere of care and concern, and will seek to ensure that victims of child prostitution are treated with tact and sympathy. While the Executive has not issued specific guidance to the police in this area, a working group chaired by the Scottish Executive is currently considering issues relating to young runaways and children abused through prostitution.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163387,"EventID":"S1W-26850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prosecuted for offences involving child prostitution in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been prosecuted for offences involving child prostitution in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Data is only available for the last three years.

    Records indicate that there have been no reports of offences involving child prostitution in that period.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163388,"EventID":"S1W-26851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures should be followed by the police when they are informed that there may be children working as prostitutes in their area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures should be followed by the police when they are informed that there may be children working as prostitutes in their area.","AnswerText":"Children should not be involved in prostitution and it is important that proper prevention, protection and re-integration strategies are in place to deal with this where it occurs. Children do not enter prostitution willingly. Their involvement is usually the result of coercion or deception. The police fully recognise that those who are responsible for the abuse and coercion of children in this way should be rigorously investigated and prosecuted. It is for individual Chief Constables to decide how best to tackle any operational issues, taking account of local needs and circumstances. A working group chaired by the Scottish Executive is currently considering issues relating to young runaways and children abused through prostitution.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163389,"EventID":"S1W-26852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the board members are of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency; what the background is of each member, and what attributes led to their appointment to the boa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the board members are of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency; what the background is of each member, and what attributes led to their appointment to the board.","AnswerText":"Members of the board of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are appointed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 4 of schedule 6 to the Environment Act 1995. This states that "in making appointments, Scottish Ministers shall have regard to the desirability of appointing persons who have knowledge or experience in some matter relevant to the functions of SEPA." It is also important to have representation from local government and the business sector as stakeholders in SEPA.

    The information requested on individual board members is contained in the following table.

    Scottish Environment Protection Agency

    Board Member

    Residence

    Background

    Attributes/Skills

    Mr Kenneth Collins (Chairman)

    East Kilbride

    Former MEP for Strathclyde East; former Chairman of the European Parliament's Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection Committee.

    Commitment to environmental issues; committee skills.

    Mrs Deirdre Hutton CBE (Deputy Chairman)

    Kelso

    Chairman, Scottish Consumer Council

    Extensive committee experience; wide knowledge of NGOs

    Mr David Hughes Hallett

    Edinburgh

    Member NGO; Chartered Surveyor

    Knowledge of a broad range of environmental issues; professional expertise.

    Cllr Cormick McChord

    Stirling

    Councillor

    Committee and management experience; local government experience.

    Mr Frederick Edwards LVO RD

    Penicuik

    Voluntary Worker

    Knowledge of the voluntary sector; links with a wide range of NGOs; awareness of SEPA's role.

    Cllr William Howatson

    Montrose

    Journalist; Councillor

    Knowledge of agricultural issues.

    Cllr Susan Clark

    Cupar

    Councillor

    Committee experience; knowledge of local environmental health issues.

    Professor Stanley Dagg

    Bridge of Weir

    Visiting Professor, Glasgow Caledonian University

    Experience in waste management; understanding of the role of SEPA.

    Professor Brian Clark

    Aberdeen

    Professor, Aberdeen University

    Expertise in research and academic issues.

    Mr William Furness

    Edinburgh

    Chief Executive, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise

    Corporate management experience; business sector perspective.

    Mr","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163390,"EventID":"S1W-26853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26250 by Hugh Henry on 17 June 2002, whether there is an accelerated procedure for accessing the central heating installation progr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26250 by Hugh Henry on 17 June 2002, whether there is an accelerated procedure for accessing the central heating installation programme in cases of emergency and, if so, how such a procedure is publicised and in what circumstances it can be accessed successfully.","AnswerText":"To be eligible for the central heating programme in the private sector all applicants or their partner must be aged 60 or over. Applications to date show that a very large number are in their 70s. All applicants would naturally like central heating as quickly as possible. The programme generally delivers central heating on a first come first served basis to avoid having to determine the relative needs of thousands of applicants, but exceptional cases will be considered on an individual basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163391,"EventID":"S1W-26854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8553 by Sarah Boyack on 19 July 2000, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre copies of the latest Rout","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-8553 by Sarah Boyack on 19 July 2000, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre copies of the latest Route Accident Reduction Plan studies carried out on the A725 trunk road between Whirlies Roundabout, East Kilbride and Whistleberry Toll, Bothwell and between Raith Interchange and the Shawhead Junction with the A8.","AnswerText":"The A725 Whirlies Roundabout to Whistleberry Toll Route Accident Reduction Plan (RARP) study report was submitted to the Scottish Executive in February 2000 and its recommendations have in the main been addressed. No further RARPs have been carried out on this section of trunk road.

    A further RARP study is currently being carried out on the A725 between Raith Interchange and Shawhead Junction, known as the Bellshill Bypass. A copy of the study report will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre when completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163392,"EventID":"S1W-26855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, how the figure of 545 staff for the public sector comparator was arrived at.","AnswerText":"By reference to the latest staffing practice at comparable Scottish Prison Service establishments.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163393,"EventID":"S1W-26856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether any specific measures were considered to achieve the use of fewer staff. ","AnswerText":"Staffing levels were calculated by reference to the latest staffing practice at comparable Scottish Prison Service establishments. This included the anticipated staffing reductions associated with full implementation of the new staff attendance system and the additional cost associated with the two hour reduction in the working week of operational staff which was agreed in negotiation with the staff union.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163394,"EventID":"S1W-26857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether any specific measures were considered to achieve a more economical use of staff. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26856.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163395,"EventID":"S1W-26858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether it will separately identify (a) pension costs and (b) other wage-related costs, specifying how they are composed and included in the figures for labour and labour-related costs in the public sector comparator, showing cashflow over the 27 years of the model.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

    The cash flow model does not separately identify these costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163396,"EventID":"S1W-26859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002 in relation to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, how labour and labour-related costs were calculated in the public sector comparator without separately identifying the grades of staff to be employed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26856.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163397,"EventID":"S1W-26860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult the Parliament before reaching a position on the impact in Scotland of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult the Parliament before reaching a position on the impact in Scotland of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163398,"EventID":"S1W-26861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the impact in Scotland of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the impact in Scotland of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163399,"EventID":"S1W-26862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of proposals to remove housing benefit from any individual not subject to any court order, but living with a tenant who meets the criteria proposed in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact of proposals to remove housing benefit from any individual not subject to any court order, but living with a tenant who meets the criteria proposed in the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill, would be on social justice in the context of the European Convention on Human Rights and whether such proposals are compatible with its policies in this area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163400,"EventID":"S1W-26863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26232 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2002 giving its position that it is for landlords, local authorities and the police to determ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26232 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2002 giving its position that it is for landlords, local authorities and the police to determine the most effective response to anti-social behaviour, whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government that the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill does not apply to Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163401,"EventID":"S1W-26864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the impact in Scotland of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the impact in Scotland of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163402,"EventID":"S1W-26865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any Ministers have been involved in making representations to Her Majesty's Government about amendments to the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill and, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any Ministers have been involved in making representations to Her Majesty's Government about amendments to the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill and, if so, which ones.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163403,"EventID":"S1W-26866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill in its current form would have on social justice in the context of the European Convention on Human Rights a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill in its current form would have on social justice in the context of the European Convention on Human Rights and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163404,"EventID":"S1W-26867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to support the national pay campaign by the Fire Brigades Union and what assessment it has made of poverty levels amongst firefighters and other","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to support the national pay campaign by the Fire Brigades Union and what assessment it has made of poverty levels amongst firefighters and other fire brigade personnel and their families. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has no role in determining fire service pay. Responsibility for firefighter's pay and conditions of service rests with the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades (NJC) which comprises the fire service employers and the Fire Brigades Union. The Executive is, however, watching developments with interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163405,"EventID":"S1W-26868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22468 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 February 2002, what efforts have been made towards the creation of a combined community and hospita","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22468 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 February 2002, what efforts have been made towards the creation of a combined community and hospital medicines utilisation database of drugs dispensed in hospitals and what role the Commons Services Agency and the public have played in this process.","AnswerText":"The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland commits the Scottish Executive Health Department to explore the creation of a combined community and hospital medicines utilisation database by July 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163406,"EventID":"S1W-26869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it distributes news releases to opposition parties and other interested groups at the same time as to the media.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it distributes news releases to opposition parties and other interested groups at the same time as to the media.","AnswerText":"The main audience for news releases lies in media organisations, but the Press Office also sends by email copies of press releases to a small number of MSPs, researchers and others in Parliament who have requested copies. In practice the best vehicle to keep in touch with Executive news releases is the Executive news website which carries all news releases shortly after they have been issued to the media: (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/today.aspx).","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163407,"EventID":"S1W-26870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the publication of figures on its website and on the websites of non-departmental public bodies coincides with announcements in its news releases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the publication of figures on its website and on the websites of non-departmental public bodies coincides with announcements in its news releases.","AnswerText":"Yes, in respect of the Scottish Executive website. Release of information and statistics via press release and news content appearing on the Scottish Executive's news website are two separate systems which run concurrently.

    We aim to ensure the same occurs in respect of the websites of non-departmental public bodies, although the running of their websites is a matter for them.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163408,"EventID":"S1W-26871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all its press releases are available on its website and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all its press releases are available on its website and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"All press releases are contained in the news archive and can be accessed by date or ministerial department search.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163409,"EventID":"S1W-26872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill will have on the provision of social rented housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill will have on the provision of social rented housing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26834 on 1 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163410,"EventID":"S1W-26873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for an appointment to see an orthopaedic surgeon in each NHS board area (a) is currently and (b) was in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for an appointment to see an orthopaedic surgeon in each NHS board area (a) is currently and (b) was in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for a first out-patient appointment with an orthopaedic consultant, following referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS board of residence, for the years ending 31 March 1999, 2000 and 2001, and the nine months to 31 December 2001, are given in the table.

    NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for a First Outpatient Appointment with an Orthopaedic Consultant, Following a General Medical Practitioner Referral, by NHS Board of Residence. Years Ended 31 March 1999, 2000, and 2001 and 9 Months To 31 December 2001P.
     

    Year Ended

    Year Ended

    Year Ended

    9 Months To

    NHS BOARD

    31 March 1999

    31 March 2000

    31 March 2001

    31 December 2001p

    Argyll and Clyde

    84 days

    78 days

    73 days

    84 days

    Ayrshire and Arran

    50 days

    71 days

    79 days

    80 days

    Borders

    55 days

    71 days

    70 days

    70 days

    Dumfries and Galloway

    81 days

    69 days

    91 days

    80 days

    Fife

    81 days

    72 days

    76 days

    79 days

    Forth Valley

    89 days

    125 days

    160 days

    147 days

    Grampian

    61 days

    58 days

    75 days

    91 days

    Greater Glasgow

    101 days

    98 days

    104 days

    118 days

    Highland

    119 days

    138 days

    87 days

    93 days

    Lanarkshire

    103 days

    130 days

    115 days

    115 days

    Lothian

    82 days

    85 days

    88 days

    97 days

    Orkney

    28 days

    42 days

    42 days

    36 days

    Shetland

    		Consultations have also taken place with the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, the Scottish Parent Teacher Council and with the Scottish School Board Association who have publicly welcomed the project.

    Regular consultations take place with each local authority. SEED hosted two rounds of ScotXed Forum Meetings in January and March 2002. Each local authority and their corresponding school management information system software supplier attended these meetings.

    Additional information about the ScotXed project has been made available on the ScotXed website at: http://www.svtc.org.uk/scotxed/.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163412,"EventID":"S1W-26875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data requires the inclusion of individual pupils' names and addresses and, if so, what the reason is for this position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data requires the inclusion of individual pupils' names and addresses and, if so, what the reason is for this position.","AnswerText":"The ScotXed (Scottish Exchange of Educational Data) project is a partnership of the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) with local authorities, schools, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), HM Inspectorate of Education and Learning and Teaching Scotland to promote the electronic exchange of educational information to common standards. The project will provide better quality information and link-ups between education partners in Scotland and will encourage the good use of management information by schools and education authorities.

    Each partner has differing information needs which will be collected through ScotXed. Schools, local authorities and the SQA require individual pupils' name and address for administrative purposes. The information required by SEED, to be collected through ScotXed for the September 2002 School Census, is detailed on the ScotXed website http://www.svtc.org.uk/scotxed/. This includes individual pupils' name and postcode but not address.

    SEED will be collecting the names of individual pupils to assist in technical and administrative checks to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data. SEED will be collecting the postcode of pupils in order to analyse educational data by local geographical areas. The Scottish Executive, under the Neighbourhood Statistics initiative, is committed to producing local area statistics across a range of public services including education. All ScotXed information collected by SEED will be transferred, processed and stored to comply with the Data Protection Act and the National Statistics Code of Practice, to safeguard confidentiality of individuals.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163413,"EventID":"S1W-26876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what specific purposes the personalised information collected in the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data will be used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what specific purposes the personalised information collected in the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data will be used.","AnswerText":"Partners of the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) project, will use information held on individuals for purposes of administration, self-evaluation and, in the case of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, the processing of examination data.

    The Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) will use data collected through ScotXed for statistical and research purposes, to inform the development, implementation and monitoring of policy.

    SEED will fully comply with the Data Protection Act in the collection, processing and storing of information relating to individuals. SEED will also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice, in the use of ScotXed information, to safeguard confidentiality of individuals. SEED will not publish information on individuals, nor shall we make any use of names or other personal details beyond technical and administrative checks to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163414,"EventID":"S1W-26877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been received about the introduction of the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data and whether any pupils and parents have refused to provide the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been received about the introduction of the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data and whether any pupils and parents have refused to provide the requested information.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) has received a small number of representations regarding the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) project. Most of these representations have been queries from parents asking for clarification on issues of data confidentiality and the collection of information on ethnic background and national identity of pupils, in the 2002 Scottish School Census.

    SEED has provided explanations on the importance of collecting accurate information on the ethnic background and national identity of all pupils in order to meet the requirements of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. Although SEED encourages all pupils and parents to provide this information, SEED also appreciates the sensitivity of collecting this information and has provided an option for pupils and parents to state that they do not wish to disclose this information.

    SEED is not aware of how many parents or pupils may decline to disclose this information, which will be collected through ScotXed in September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163415,"EventID":"S1W-26878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all agencies that may be authorised to access the personalised information about individual pupils that has been collected in the Scottish Exchange o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all agencies that may be authorised to access the personalised information about individual pupils that has been collected in the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data.","AnswerText":"The ScotXed (Scottish Exchange of Educational Data) project is a partnership of the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) with local authorities, schools, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), HM Inspectorate of Education and Learning and Teaching Scotland to promote the electronic exchange of educational information to common standards. The project will provide better quality information and link-ups between education partners in Scotland and will encourage the good use of management information by schools and education authorities.

    Each ScotXed partner will have access to different levels of information. Schools and the local authority will have access to all information which they require to carry out their administrative and management functions. The SQA will have access to limited personalised information required to carry out the functions associated with administering the examination process. SEED will have access to the information collected through ScotXed for its statistical surveys.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163416,"EventID":"S1W-26879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how pupils, or their parents, may prohibit (a) the collection of personal information for any purpose other than internal school administration and (b) the subsequent dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how pupils, or their parents, may prohibit (a) the collection of personal information for any purpose other than internal school administration and (b) the subsequent disclosure of such information to any other party.","AnswerText":"All partners within the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) project are clear about the need ensure full compliance with the Data Protection Act when dealing with information relating to individuals, including the disclosure to third parties.

    Under section 82 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, local authorities are required to provide information for the series of statistical surveys carried out by the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED).

    For the first time this year, the 2002 Scottish School Census in September will be conducted electronically as part of the ScotXed project. In order to maintain high levels of data quality and to minimise the administrative burden on schools in providing the required information, it is important that the response is as complete as possible.

    SEED will fully comply with the Data Protection Act in the collection, processing and storing of information relating to individuals. SEED will also comply with the National Statistics Code of Practice, in the use of ScotXed information, to safeguard confidentiality of individuals. SEED will not publish information on individuals, nor will it make any use of names or other personal details beyond technical and administrative checks to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163417,"EventID":"S1W-26880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what means pupils, or their parents, will be (a) able to scrutinise all information collected about them in the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data and (b) notified ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what means pupils, or their parents, will be (a) able to scrutinise all information collected about them in the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data and (b) notified of any disclosure of such information by their school to any other party.","AnswerText":"All Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) partners are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act when dealing with information relating to individuals. Schools and local authorities are the principal collectors of information relating to individual pupils, which they already hold and use for their own administrative, educational and managerial purposes. As such, schools and local authorities are responsible for the accuracy of the information they hold and can, on request, give appropriate access to pupils and their parents. Schools and local authorities are also responsible for informing pupils and parents of any disclosure of personal information by their school to any other party.

    The Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) will use data collected through the ScotXed project from schools and local authorities for statistical and research purposes. Under section 33 of the Data Protection Act, SEED is exempt, in relation to ScotXed data, from the obligation to provide access to information on individuals that it may hold. No disclosure of ScotXed information relating to any particular individual will occur.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163418,"EventID":"S1W-26881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether personal information collected on pupils in the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data will be automatically deleted; if so, when it will be deleted and, if no suc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether personal information collected on pupils in the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data will be automatically deleted; if so, when it will be deleted and, if no such action is planned, how individual data subjects may effect such deletion.","AnswerText":"Within the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) project, schools and local authorities are the principal collectors of information relating to individual pupils. Much of this information is held on management information systems within schools and local authorities, and local policies and procedures will apply for retaining or deleting this data.

    Information transferred through ScotXed to the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) will be accumulated over time. This will enhance the long-term statistical and research capability, especially in relation to monitoring the impact over time of education policies.

    Within SEED, access to the complete ScotXed data will be subject to strict data security procedures.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163419,"EventID":"S1W-26883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Glasgow Underground is monitored to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Glasgow Underground is monitored to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently.","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive has primary responsibility for monitoring the safety and efficiency of Glasgow Underground. On safety, which is a reserved matter, they are accountable to Her Majesty's Inspector of Railways.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163420,"EventID":"S1W-26884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to intervene in circumstances where public transport services, such as the Glasgow Underground, are found not to be operating to the optimum levels of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to intervene in circumstances where public transport services, such as the Glasgow Underground, are found not to be operating to the optimum levels of safety and efficiency.","AnswerText":"Rail safety is a reserved matter and the efficiency of Glasgow Underground is the responsibility of Strathclyde Passenger Transport.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163421,"EventID":"S1W-26885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on animal disease surveillance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on animal disease surveillance.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-26283, 26677 and 26748 which outline the work being taken forward to develop an animal health surveillance strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163422,"EventID":"S1W-26886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion it has had recently with Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority concerning the safe and efficient running of the Glasgow Underground.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion it has had recently with Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority concerning the safe and efficient running of the Glasgow Underground.","AnswerText":"No meetings dealing specifically with these issues have taken place recently.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163423,"EventID":"S1W-26887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on animal disease surveillance facilities by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department in each of the last three years and what the projected budget","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on animal disease surveillance facilities by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department in each of the last three years and what the projected budget is for the next three years.","AnswerText":"For financial years 2001-02, 2000-01 and 1999-2000 the figures are respectively £2.0787 million, £1.775 million and £1.2977 million. The projected budget for 2002-03 is £2.107 million.

    Budget allocations for 2003-04 and 2004-05 have not yet been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163424,"EventID":"S1W-26888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department to increase the level of animal disease surveillance facilities in the past year and what plans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department to increase the level of animal disease surveillance facilities in the past year and what plans there are to increase the level further.","AnswerText":"An animal disease surveillance strategy is currently being developed and will be put to stakeholder consultation later this year. Before that strategy has been produced it would be premature to consider any changes to the current level of surveillance facilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163425,"EventID":"S1W-26889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary headteachers have had a grievance made against them by a member of staff, and how many of these grievances (i) failed, (ii) were up","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) primary and (b) secondary headteachers have had a grievance made against them by a member of staff, and how many of these grievances (i) failed, (ii) were upheld, (iii) led to disciplinary proceedings, detailing the outcome of these proceedings, and (iv) resulted in headteachers losing their job in each of the past three years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163426,"EventID":"S1W-26890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any black granite being supplied for the new Parliament building at Holyrood is sourced from Zimbabwe and, if so, why Scottish granite was not sourced instead.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any black granite being supplied for the new Parliament building at Holyrood is sourced from Zimbabwe and, if so, why Scottish granite was not sourced instead.","AnswerText":"No black granite is being sourced from Zimbabwe for the Scottish Parliament. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that some black granite is required for cladding purposes, to provide a contrast with the other cladding, and supplies of Belfast Black granite are being obtained from a quarry in South Africa. Black granite is not available in Scotland, but the vast majority of all granite supplies being procured for the Parliament building project is being sourced from Kemnay Quarry in Aberdeenshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163427,"EventID":"S1W-26891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assessments on free personal care for elderly people are still outstanding in (a) Argyll and Bute NHS Board area and (b) the Highlands and Islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assessments on free personal care for elderly people are still outstanding in (a) Argyll and Bute NHS Board area and (b) the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"All local authorities have indicated they will meet the regulatory and legislative requirements to implement free personal care for people currently in receipt of care in their area.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163428,"EventID":"S1W-26892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra funding it has made available to Argyll and Bute Council to implement in full the requirements of the McCrone settlement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra funding it has made available to Argyll and Bute Council to implement in full the requirements of the McCrone settlement.","AnswerText":"From the total provision agreed with COSLA, Argyll and Bute Council received £3.1 million during 2001-02, £4.6 million in the current year and will receive a further £6.7 million next year. These allocations include adjustments of £0.3 million, £0.5 million and £0.7 million for the additional costs of small schools. Argyll and Bute is also receiving £1.3 million, £1.4 million and £1.4 million of Special Islands Needs Allowance over the three years towards its specific islands costs, including education. In addition, the council has received £140,000 this year for Continuing Professional Development costs for teachers and will receive additional allocations for these costs this and next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163429,"EventID":"S1W-26893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assessments for free personal care for elderly people still require to be processed in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assessments for free personal care for elderly people still require to be processed in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26894.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163430,"EventID":"S1W-26894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any elderly people will have to wait until after 1 July 2002 to learn what level of assistance they qualify for under its free personal care policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any elderly people will have to wait until after 1 July 2002 to learn what level of assistance they qualify for under its free personal care policy.","AnswerText":"All local authorities have indicated they will meet the regulatory and legislative requirements to implement free personal care for people currently in receipt of care in their area.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163431,"EventID":"S1W-26895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the relaunch of the Freight Facilities Grant Scheme has now been completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the relaunch of the Freight Facilities Grant Scheme has now been completed.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Rail Authority is currently reviewing the scheme particularly with regard to the Sensitive Lorry Mile criteria which apply in assessing the environmental benefits of a project. The Scottish Executive is being fully consulted as part of this process and any revised scheme will be widely publicised within the freight industry in Scotland.

    In the meantime Scottish Ministers will take into account the recently published report Opportunities for developing sustainable freight facilities in Scotland, which was commissioned by the Executive, in reaching decisions about Freight Facilities Grant applications currently being considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163432,"EventID":"S1W-26896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods for the monitoring and auditing of targets set by the Scottish Prison Service exist in relation to the report Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods for the monitoring and auditing of targets set by the Scottish Prison Service exist in relation to the report Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

    I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26897.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163433,"EventID":"S1W-26897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which targets the Scottish Prison Service failed to meet in each of the last three years in relation to the report Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which targets the Scottish Prison Service failed to meet in each of the last three years in relation to the report Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    The results of an audit of Health Care Standards carried out in 1999 are shown in the following table.

    Following on from this piece of work, an external adviser was engaged by the Scottish Prison Service to consider how development of SPS' Health Care Standards might best be taken forward. It was agreed that by way of improving auditability, it was appropriate to revise our Health Care Standards. This work is now to hand.
     

    No of Prisons

    Standard

    Achieved

    Partially Achieved

    Not Achieved

    Not Applicable

    1. 100% of prisoners will have their weight recorded on each admission to prison and their height recorded on their initial admission to prison.

    12

    (63%)

    4

    (21%)

    1

    (5%)

    2

    (11%)

    2. Basic equipment to be provided within each consulting room, minimum size of 10.8m2, in the health centre shall include an examination couch, a mercury sphygmomanometer, scales, desk, three chairs, examination/treatment lamp, stethoscope, eye charts, ophthalmoscope, auroscope and a copy of BNF in 100% of cases.

     

     

     

     

    16

    (84%)

     

     

     

     

    2

    (11%)

     

     

     

     

    1

    (5%)

     

     

     

     

     

    -

    3. Provision of a telephone on a direct line in 100% of cases.

    18

    (95%)

    -

    1

    (5%)

    -

    4. 90% of appointments at outside hospitals will be kept.

    19

    (100%)

    -

    -

    -

    5. The maximum waiting time for a prisoner to be seen by a Visiting Specialist from date of referral to be urgent cases - 4 weeks and routine cases - 12 weeks in 80% of cases.

     

    18

    (95%)

     

     

    -

     

     

    -

     

    1

    (5%)

    6. Adequate facilities must be provided for Visiting Psychiatrists in 100% of cases.

    14

    (74%)

    2

    (11%)

    -

    3

    (16%)

    7. Routine cases referred to the Psychiatrist to be seen within four weeks in 100% of cases.

    18

    (95%)

    1

    (5%)

    -

    -

    8. Urgent cases referred to the Psychiatrist to be seen within seven days in 100% of cases.

    17

    (89%)

    2 requires boards serving rural areas to draw up plans for rolling out good practice from RARARI projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163436,"EventID":"S1W-26900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to introduce to increase recruitment and improve the retention of doctors in practice in remote areas as suggested in the \"Recruitment\" and \"Retent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to introduce to increase recruitment and improve the retention of doctors in practice in remote areas as suggested in the \"Recruitment\" and \"Retention\" chapters of the report by the Solutions Group of the Scottish Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative, Solutions for the Provision of Health Care in the Remote and Rural Areas of Scotland in the 21st Century.","AnswerText":"An additional investment package of £2 million per year was announced in November 2001 to improve the recruitment and retention of general practitioners, particularly in remote and rural areas. We are also establishing new workforce development arrangements, which will support boards and trusts in assessing and providing for their workforce needs and will bring a more co-ordinated approach to issues of recruitment and retention. We have also commissioned a Review of the Scottish Medical Workforce, which will report in July. This report will help inform the future planning of the medical workforce across Scotland, and will be a key element of the new arrangements.

    I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26899.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163437,"EventID":"S1W-26901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the expansion of local community hospitals to act as out-of-hours bases as suggested in the \"Retention\" chapter of the report by the Solutions Gr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the expansion of local community hospitals to act as out-of-hours bases as suggested in the \"Retention\" chapter of the report by the Solutions Group of the Scottish Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative, Solutions for the Provision of Health Care in the Remote and Rural Areas of Scotland in the 21st Century.","AnswerText":"The Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative's (RARARI) Solutions Group report recognises that community hospitals can contribute in a number of ways to the delivery of health care services in remote and rural parts of Scotland. The report was intended to stimulate interest within NHS boards in piloting a range of work aimed at improving remote and rural services. RARARI has received a number of responses and will be taking these forward in due course. The Scottish Health Plan requires boards serving rural areas to draw up plans for rolling out good practice from RARARI projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163438,"EventID":"S1W-26902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the development of a fast inshore marine ambulance as suggested in the \"Transport\" chapter of the report by the Solutions Group of the Scottish Remo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the development of a fast inshore marine ambulance as suggested in the \"Transport\" chapter of the report by the Solutions Group of the Scottish Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative, Solutions for the Provision of Health Care in the Remote and Rural Areas of Scotland in the 21st Century.","AnswerText":"The Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative's (RARARI) Solutions Group report was intended to stimulate interest within NHS boards in piloting a range of work aimed at improving remote and rural services.

    The development of a fast inshore marine ambulance is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service. The Service has appointed a Project Officer who, over the next few months and with the assistance of a local GP, will produce a feasibility study on the introduction of marine ambulances. The Project Officer is based in South West Ambulance Division, which covers Ayrshire and Arran, Argyll and Clyde and Dumfries and Galloway.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163439,"EventID":"S1W-26903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure the highest standards of chronic disease management in light of the report by the Primary Care Modernisation Group, Making the Connec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure the highest standards of chronic disease management in light of the report by the Primary Care Modernisation Group, Making the Connections: Developing Best Practice into Common Practice.","AnswerText":"The Primary Care Modernisation Group's report identified chronic disease management as a priority in improving and developing primary care services. NHS boards have responsibility for ensuring the actions identified in the report are implemented locally. There is already a programme of investment and reform in primary care, to improve access to a broader range of services and reduce inequalities. The additional £30 million of funding for primary care announced in August 2001 is being invested through Local Health Care Co-operatives to develop and improve chronic disease management in primary care.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163440,"EventID":"S1W-26904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve access to primary care services in light of the report by the Primary Care Modernisation Group, Making the Connections: Developing Best","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve access to primary care services in light of the report by the Primary Care Modernisation Group, Making the Connections: Developing Best Practice into Common Practice.","AnswerText":"The report of the Primary Care Modernisation Group which was issued to NHSScotland on 22 March 2002 identified access to services as a priority in improving and developing primary care. The Chief Executive of NHSScotland has informed NHS boards that they have responsibility for leading the implementation of the actions identified in the report in their local areas.

    There is already a programme of investment and reform underway in primary care. This includes the £30 million announced last year to increase capacity in primary care and to improve access to a broader range of services. An announcement was made in April this year of an initial package of £1million to encourage more dentists to work within the NHS and to improve patients' access to NHS dental treatment in remote and rural Scotland. By October this year there will be an action plan and timetable in every NHS board area for the delivery of 48-hour maximum waits to see the right member of the primary care team. Together, these measures demonstrate that concerted action is being taken to improve access to primary care services.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163441,"EventID":"S1W-26905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to improve the management of mental health problems in light of the report by the Primary Care Modernisation Group, Making the Connections: Developing Best","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to improve the management of mental health problems in light of the report by the Primary Care Modernisation Group, Making the Connections: Developing Best Practice into Common Practice.","AnswerText":"The Primary Care Modernisation Group's report identified mild to moderate mental health problems as a priority in improving and developing primary care services. NHS boards have responsibility for ensuring the actions identified in the report are implemented locally. There is already a programme of investment and reform, including the £30 million investment announced last year, which is ensuring that primary care can drive change, working with patients and frontline staff to redesign services to provide more comprehensive and better co-ordinated care to individuals. As part of the formal accountability review arrangements in NHSScotland, the Mental Health and Well Being Support Group is working with NHS boards to ensure consistency in the planning and delivery of mental health services in primary care.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163442,"EventID":"S1W-26906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to develop volunteering in the public sector in light of the report by Community Service Volunteers, The State of the Volunteering Nation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to develop volunteering in the public sector in light of the report by Community Service Volunteers, The State of the Volunteering Nation.","AnswerText":"Volunteering in the public sector is being driven forward by the Active Communities Initiative, which is designed to bring about more positive attitudes towards volunteering, locate volunteering at the heart of policy and to broaden the range and numbers of people involved. The Community Service Volunteers report State of the Volunteering Nation will help inform the initiative. In addition, many of the projects assisted through the Active Communities Initiative, for example Community Service Volunteers' Retired and Senior Volunteering Programme, include volunteering opportunities in the public sector.

    Other steps taken to promote volunteering in the public sector include:

    Supporting the Active Communities Development Unit at Volunteer Development Scotland. The unit offers assistance in shaping policy and practice in the public sector and local authorities, and is working on new guidance, which should be published later this year;

    Publication of new guidance on volunteering in health; and

    Supporting Volunteer Development Scotland who, with COSLA, issued joint guidance to local authorities on how to prepare and implement volunteering policy statements.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163443,"EventID":"S1W-26907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25820 by Mr Andy Kerr on 18 June 2002, whether the retrieval of information to rectify an underpayment of wages and allowances to i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25820 by Mr Andy Kerr on 18 June 2002, whether the retrieval of information to rectify an underpayment of wages and allowances to its staff would qualify as a circumstance where all possible means would be taken to retrieve such information where it had been misplaced or where the timescales for holding the information had been exceeded.","AnswerText":"The retrieval of information to rectify an underpayment of wages and allowances is a circumstance where all reasonable means would be taken to retrieve such information where it had been misplaced or where the timescales for holding the information had been exceeded.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163444,"EventID":"S1W-26908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to address any serious management or human resource issues at Motherwell College, detailing any representations it has received on this matter an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to address any serious management or human resource issues at Motherwell College, detailing any representations it has received on this matter and the reasoning behind its position.","AnswerText":"Further education colleges are autonomous bodies under the terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992. Local management and human resource issues at further education colleges are for colleges themselves to address.

    The Scottish Executive has received no recent representations on management or human resource issues at Motherwell College.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163445,"EventID":"S1W-26909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that no serious management or human resource issues exist at Motherwell College, detailing the reasons why it considers the information upon which","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that no serious management or human resource issues exist at Motherwell College, detailing the reasons why it considers the information upon which it made this judgement to be correct.","AnswerText":"Further education colleges are autonomous bodies under the terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 and are themselves responsible for addressing local management and human resource issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163446,"EventID":"S1W-26910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners categorised as sex offenders were held in each quarter of each year since 1 January 1999, broken down by prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners categorised as sex offenders were held in each quarter of each year since 1 January 1999, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    The information is not available in the form requested. Prisoners may, for a variety of reasons, be treated as sex offenders in prison though their crime may not formally be one which would meet the criteria for inclusion on the sex offender register which in any case has existed only since 1997.

    Apart from Low Moss and Castle Huntly, all Scottish prisons contain prisoners whom SPS treats as sex offenders but central records are not kept on the numbers.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163447,"EventID":"S1W-26911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which prisons currently hold prisoners categorised as sex offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which prisons currently hold prisoners categorised as sex offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Except for Low Moss and Castle Huntly, all our prisons currently hold prisoners whom we categorise as sex offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163448,"EventID":"S1W-26912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders can be placed in each prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sex offenders can be placed in each prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Sex offenders are located within the prison estate according to operational needs. There is no limit as to how many can be placed in each prison. Sex offenders are not held at Low Moss.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163449,"EventID":"S1W-26913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is available on the re-offending rates of sex offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is available on the re-offending rates of sex offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    There is no reliable data available on the re-offending rates of sex offenders in Scotland. However, in terms of re-incarceration, information previously collected for management purposes in one location (Peterhead) indicated that 13 persons who had completed a sex offender programme have been reconvicted or recalled in the period from 1993 to 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163450,"EventID":"S1W-26914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes are currently being run in each prison for prisoners categorised as sex offenders. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes are currently being run in each prison for prisoners categorised as sex offenders. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Currently, two programmes designed to tackle sex offending are being delivered. These are the core programme, STOP 2000, and the Adapted programme. Peterhead delivers STOP 2000 and Adapted STOP; Polmont delivers Adapted STOP; and Barlinnie delivers STOP 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163451,"EventID":"S1W-26915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16713 by Susan Deacon on 9 August 2001, what the per capita level of funding for each health board was in 2001-02 and is in 2002-03","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16713 by Susan Deacon on 9 August 2001, what the per capita level of funding for each health board was in 2001-02 and is in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Details are as follows:

    Health Board

    2001-02

    Per Capita Funding

    (£)

    2002-03

    Per Capita Funding

    (£)

    Argyll and Clyde

    1,079

    1,124

    Ayrshire and Arran

    1,049

    1,121

    Borders

    1,058

    1,120

    Dumfries and Galloway

    1,126

    1,183

    Fife

    960

    1,014

    Forth Valley

    995

    1,033

    Grampian

    975

    1,026

    Greater Glasgow

    1,167

    1,248

    Highland

    1,102

    1,185

    Lanarkshire

    1,007

    1,013

    Lothian

    1,015

    1,048

    Orkney

    1,281

    1,253

    Shetland

    1,393

    1,367

    Tayside

    1,205

    1,233

    Western Isles

    1,715

    1,715

    Note:

    The level of per capita funding for 2001-02 has been calculated using the mid-year estimate of population at 30 June 2000, final cash limited/unified budget, capital allocations, including, where appropriate, any non-recurring allocations, and indicative allocations for demand-led Family Health Services.

    The level of per capita funding for 2002-03 has been calculated using the mid-year estimate of population at 30 June 2000, unified budget and capital allocations to date, including, where appropriate, any non-recurring allocations and the indicative allocations for demand-led Family Health Services. Further allocations will be made throughout the year. The figures are therefore not directly comparable.

    All capital funding has been allocated to NHS Boards in 2002-03 whereas in previous years the majority was allocated to the NHS Trusts through their External Financing Limits.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163452,"EventID":"S1W-26916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25154 by Dr Richard Simpson on 1 May 2002, whether it has any plans to ensure that the funding per capita for NHS funded drug treat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25154 by Dr Richard Simpson on 1 May 2002, whether it has any plans to ensure that the funding per capita for NHS funded drug treatment services in Dumfries and Galloway more closely approaches the Scottish average.","AnswerText":"The Standing Committee on Resource Allocation has been asked to review alternative methods of distributing the funding for drug treatment services between NHS boards. We expect to receive the advice of this committee in the autumn.

    The standing committee is chaired by Sir John Arbuthnott and includes representatives from the Scottish Executive Health Department, from the NHS, and academic experts. The committee was set up following the publication of the final report from the earlier Arbuthnott Committee and its role is to keep the formula that was adopted under review, and to address new issues that arise.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163453,"EventID":"S1W-26917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to license taxi and private hire radio bases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to license taxi and private hire radio bases.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25774 on 24 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163454,"EventID":"S1W-26918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) primary and (b) secondary schools have disabled access and which do not, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which (a) primary and (b) secondary schools have disabled access and which do not, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

    The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring that all children in Scotland can achieve their full educational potential. The Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Educational Records) (Scotland) Act 2002 will require education authorities, grant-aided, self-governing and independent schools to prepare and implement accessibility strategies to improve over time access to education for pupils and prospective pupils with disabilities. The accessibility strategy must cover increasing the extent to which pupils with disabilities can participate in the curriculum, improving the physical environment of the school to make it more accessible, and improving communication with pupils with disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163455,"EventID":"S1W-26919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into any links between child abuse and prostitution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into any links between child abuse and prostitution.","AnswerText":"The reasons why young people become involved in prostitution are many and complex. Some surveys have shown linkages between child abuse and prostitution. In one reported survey by the Children's Society 50 young adults who were, or had been, involved in prostitution were interviewed. 50% said that their first sexual experience had been of abuse and a quarter had been abused before they reached the age of 10.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163456,"EventID":"S1W-26920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations regarding the licensing of lap dancing clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations regarding the licensing of lap dancing clubs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received three representations regarding the licensing of lap dancing clubs.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163457,"EventID":"S1W-26921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Group on Domestic Abuse will publish its report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the National Group on Domestic Abuse will publish its report.","AnswerText":"The National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland has been established to oversee the implementation of the three-year Action Plan in the National Strategy. The Executive plans to publish a progress report in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163458,"EventID":"S1W-26922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to extend the one-stop health clinics initiative in Glasgow and introduce such clinics in the Hamilton South parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to extend the one-stop health clinics initiative in Glasgow and introduce such clinics in the Hamilton South parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The following table provides details of the one-stop clinics that Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust already has in place. I would suggest that the Acute Trust would be best able to appraise you of any plans it has to enhance its present complement of such clinics in your constituency.

    Date

    Established

    Service

    Location

    1996

    Anti-coagulant Clinic (Nurse led)

    Monklands General Hospital

    1997

    Anti-coagulant Clinic (Nurse led)

    Hairmyres Hospital

    1999

    Anti-coagulant Clinic (Nurse led)

    Stonehouse Hospital

    1996

    Breast Clinic

    Monklands General Hospital

    2001

    Breast Clinic

    Wishaw General Hospital

    1999

    Chest Pain

    Monklands General Hospital

    1998

    Chest Pain Assessment

    Hairmyres Hospital

    1997

    Colposcopy Clinics

    Monklands General Hospital

    1999

    Colposcopy Clinics

    Hairmyres Hospital

    1999

    Diabetic Annual Review Clinic

    Monklands General Hospital

    1998

    Diabetic Problem

    Monklands General Hospital

    1998

    Diabetic Screening

    Hairmyres Hospital

    1998

    Diabetic/Obstetric

    Wishaw General Hospital

    1997

    Early Pregnancy Assessment Service

    Hairmyres Hospital

    1999

    Foot Clinic

    Wishaw General Hospital

    1998

    Haematuria

    Monklands General Hospital

    1999

    Haematuria

    Hairmyres Hospital

    1999

    Haematuria

    Wishaw General Hospital

    1999

    Hysterectomy Clinic

    Hairmyres Hospital

    1999

    Prostate Assessment

    Hairmyres Hospital

    2001

    Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic

    Monklands Hospital

    It is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police to determine how to use the funding at his disposal to meet local needs and priorities within the Strathclyde area. I understand that police in North Lanarkshire, in partnership with the local authority, are undertaking an initiative to tackle drinking in public. Whilst no such specific initiative is planned for South Lanarkshire, at this stage, police in the area tackle hotspots in regard to disorder, drinking in public and underage drinking throughout the year and will continue this over the summer and beyond.

    Under the previous challenge funding arrangements for CCTV and community safety, we have partially funded 13 CCTV projects in: Airdrie Town Centre; Motherwell Town Centre; Belshill; Wishaw Town Centre; Belshill Town Centre; Greenend and Coatbridge; Craigneuk Housing Estate; Cumbernauld Town Centre; Forgewood Estate; Hamilton Town Centre; East Kilbride; Rutherglen, Burnside and Cambuslang, and Westwood Square East Kilbride, as well as four community safety projects.

    On 31 October 2001, we announced details of a new Community Safety Partnership Award programme to supersede both the CCTV and Community Safety Challenge Competitions. The programme will allow Community Safety Partnerships to secure, for the first time, sustained mainstream funding to be used solely for the purposes of taking forward their community safety agendas and to identify and address local priorities. For 2002-03 North Lanarkshire Community Safety Partnership has been allocated a total community safety award of £183,102.40 and South Lanarkshire Community Safety Partnership have been allocated £178,841.42.

    Under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund, North Lanarkshire Council and its community planning partners have developed a pathfinder focusing on improving community safety in a number of deprived neighbourhoods in South Wishaw and North Airdrie. One of the key aims of this pathfinder is to reduce the fear of crime in disadvantaged communities and a number of initiatives are being put in place which will improve street safety. These are improved street lighting, the development of Neighbourhood Warden and inter-agency detached streetworker schemes and the funding of 10 additional police officers.

    Substantial resources have also been allocated to the Lanarkshire area to tackle drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163460,"EventID":"S1W-26924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has made for publication of the report of the Agriculture and Environment Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has made for publication of the report of the Agriculture and Environment Working Group.","AnswerText":"The report will be published today at my morning press briefing at the Royal Highland Show. Copies have been sent to the Rural Development Committee of the Parliament and are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22035) The report has also been placed on the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Development website","AnswerDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163461,"EventID":"S1W-26925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the spreading of abattoir waste on agricultural land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the spreading of abattoir waste on agricultural land.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the benefits of spreading certain types of wastes on agricultural land where the nutritional benefits reduce the need for expensive fertilisers. Blood and gut content from abattoirs may be spread on land which is used for agriculture where this activity is authorised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency as an exemption under the Waste Management Licensing Regime. Those spreading this product should ensure that it is done without endangering human health and the environment, without risk to water, air, soil, plants or animals and without causing nuisance through noise or odours or adversely affecting the countryside or places of special interest.

    The Executive plans a number of changes to legislation to tighten up the controls on this practice. These changes include amending the Waste Management Licensing Regime to ensure that recycling provides benefits to the land, does not lead to pollution or health impacts and is monitored effectively. Changes are also planned to implement the requirements to prevent the spreading of untreated blood on land in the forthcoming EU Animal By-Products Regulation, expected early next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163462,"EventID":"S1W-26926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans in place to deal with any effort displacement resulting from former deepwater vessels returning to traditional demersal fishing following the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans in place to deal with any effort displacement resulting from former deepwater vessels returning to traditional demersal fishing following the adoption of a management regime for the fishing of deep water species by Scottish vessels.","AnswerText":"The detailed management arrangements in the UK for deep water species remain to be decided following the finalisation of technical detail of the management regime at EC level. However, we do not envisage any specific plans to deal with any effort displacement from deep-water vessels. Demersal fisheries are generally managed through Total Allowable Catches and quota controls.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163463,"EventID":"S1W-26927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the management regime for deep water species agreed by the European Commission Fisheries Council had scientific support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the management regime for deep water species agreed by the European Commission Fisheries Council had scientific support.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26928.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163464,"EventID":"S1W-26928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific advice it received in connection with the management regime agreed by the European Commission Fisheries Council for the fishing of deep water species by S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific advice it received in connection with the management regime agreed by the European Commission Fisheries Council for the fishing of deep water species by Scottish vessels.","AnswerText":"Scientific advice issued by International Council for the Exploration for the Sea in 2000 and revised in early June of this year indicated that many deep-water species were at risk of depletion and made a strong case for substantial reductions in fishing effort. The advice received is expressed in terms of reductions in overall fishing mortality and is not specific to Scottish fishing vessels. UK scientists concurred with this advice, emphasising the importance of early regulation to protect stocks. In our view the regime now adopted by the Council of Ministers is not in accordance with the scientific advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163465,"EventID":"S1W-26929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any proposal for the management of deep water species was tabled by it at the recent meeting of the European Commission Fisheries Council and, if so, whether it w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any proposal for the management of deep water species was tabled by it at the recent meeting of the European Commission Fisheries Council and, if so, whether it will give details.","AnswerText":"Only the Commission and Presidency have the right to table proposals for consideration by the Council of Ministers.

    The UK offered comments on the draft proposals throughout the negotiating process which has extended over many months. These comments took full account of the Executive's views on the management arrangements for deep water species formulated on the basis of regular consultation with the Scottish fishing industry, and included pressing for the introduction of effort controls in preference to Total Allowable Catches, as a more appropriate management regime for the stocks.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163466,"EventID":"S1W-26930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of how the management regime for the fishing of deep water species by Scottish vessels adopted by the European Commission Fisheries Counci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of how the management regime for the fishing of deep water species by Scottish vessels adopted by the European Commission Fisheries Council will work and whether there will be any opportunity to amend or replace that proposed regime.","AnswerText":"The management regime agreed for deep water species is set out, in detail, in Council Document SN 2746/02 (PECHE) which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22207).

    It introduces a system of Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for certain species (black scabbardfish, blue ling, greater silver smelt, ling, orange roughy, red seabream, roundnose grenadier and tusk) in certain areas. It also introduces a licensing scheme for vessels landing further types of deep water species. However, not all the species covered by the TACs and quotas regulation are also covered by the licensing regulation (for example, ling and tusk are not included). Vessels which retain, tranship or land 100kg or more of the designated species in any one sea trip must hold a license, fulfil reporting requirements and land at designated ports.

    The details of how quota and licences will be allocated within the UK remain to be discussed and decided once the remaining technical details have been finalised by the Council Management Committee.

    The EC management regime will be reviewed in 2005. Levels of TAC (set initially for two years) may be reviewed annually in the light of new scientific advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163467,"EventID":"S1W-26931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available for the treatment of diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available for the treatment of diabetes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to making substantial increases in the resources available to the NHS. From these, NHS boards will be able to bring about improvements in services for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes. It is estimated that diabetes accounts for about 5% of NHS expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163468,"EventID":"S1W-26932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed ministerial review of physical education will specifically include school sport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed ministerial review of physical education will specifically include school sport.","AnswerText":"While the remit of the Physical Education Review Group has not yet been finalised, as sport is an element of physical education in schools, I would expect it to be included in the issues to be considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163469,"EventID":"S1W-26933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to tackle the high incidence of dental caries among children throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to tackle the high incidence of dental caries among children throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland was launched in August 2000, with the aim of improving dental health of children and increasing access to dental services.

    A number of measures have been implemented nationally which target oral health and hygiene in children.

    free distribution of a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to all children at the age of eight months.

    targeted distribution of toothbrush and toothpaste to all one-to three-year olds in deprived areas.

    enhanced monthly capitation payments to dentists.

    (a) for the delivery of oral hygiene instruction and preventive advice to young children up to the age of five who are registered with them on the NHS.

    (b) a new caries prevention scheme for six- and seven-year-olds, where dentists are paid a monthly fee for providing oral hygiene advice and for fissure sealing the first permanent molar teeth to help prevent decay.

    In addition each Health Board/Trust support local initiatives on prevention of oral disease. These include for example:

    nursery toothbrushing schemes in all health board areas, partially supported through Health Improvement Fund (HIF), and

    local community prevention schemes and/or schemes through the HIF for dietary change, for example, free distribution of fresh fruit.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163470,"EventID":"S1W-26934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will cost annually to provide free milk for children aged (a) three to five years old, (b) five to seven years old and (c) all primary school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it will cost annually to provide free milk for children aged (a) three to five years old, (b) five to seven years old and (c) all primary school children.","AnswerText":"Data related to the age groups requested is not available centrally. We can, however, make estimates based on what would be approximately the same groups using numbers of (a) nursery children, (b) pupils in stages P1 to P3 in publicly funded primary schools and (c) pupils in stages P1 to P7 in publicly funded primary schools. We estimate, from the limited information at present available to us on this subject that the minimum annual cost of providing a serving of milk in school to every child in these categories would be £1.1 million, £2.7 million and £6.4 million respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163471,"EventID":"S1W-26935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25868 by Dr Elaine Murray on 28 May 2002, what specific roles have been identified for the contemporary music industry to play in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25868 by Dr Elaine Murray on 28 May 2002, what specific roles have been identified for the contemporary music industry to play in the schools cultural co-ordinators pilot programme.","AnswerText":"As I indicated in the answer given to question S1W-25868, the schools cultural co-ordinators pilot programme will seek to maximise the contribution to children and young people's education of the full range of arts and cultural activities; and contemporary music has a special capacity to contribute to the pilot activities. I am delighted to report that my colleague, Mike Watson, has recently convened a group whereby representatives of the music industry can explore issues such as this with the Executive and the Scottish Arts Council. The group will look at ways in which the industry can develop in terms of adding to its considerable achievements and in its contribution to promoting the objectives of the National Cultural Strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163472,"EventID":"S1W-26936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its intention is in regard to the continued use of HM Prison Kilmarnock when the 25-year contract with Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd ends and what arrangements it p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its intention is in regard to the continued use of HM Prison Kilmarnock when the 25-year contract with Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd ends and what arrangements it proposes for the management of the prison at that time.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    No decisions have been taken. Options will be evaluated near the end of the contract period which ends in 2024.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163473,"EventID":"S1W-26937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Public Private Partnership is to be announced involving South Lanarkshire Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a Public Private Partnership is to be announced involving South Lanarkshire Council.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27026 on 25 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163474,"EventID":"S1W-26938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the scale of any Public Private Partnership in South Lanarkshire would be; when monies would become available, and what the timescale and conditions would be for any","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the scale of any Public Private Partnership in South Lanarkshire would be; when monies would become available, and what the timescale and conditions would be for any such project.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-27026, the Scottish Executive will provide revenue support towards a schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) project in South Lanarkshire involving capital investment of up to £150 million. The Executive will keep in touch with the council as it develops the project in detail. It will now be for the council to consider the components of such a project and its timescale. Financial support is required when the facilities to be provided through the PPP are available for use. Standard conditions will apply to the offer of revenue support.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163475,"EventID":"S1W-26939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Audit Scotland's recent report on the effectiveness of Public Private Partnerships as compared to other public sector funding options.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Audit Scotland's recent report on the effectiveness of Public Private Partnerships as compared to other public sector funding options.","AnswerText":"As I stated in a press release on 12 June, I welcome the Accounts Commission examination of the evolving Public Private Partnership (PPP) landscape. The report is very positive about the difference which PPP projects have made to schools in Scotland. It is clear that conventional funding could not have produced the same step change in the schools estate. It is clear too that PPP has delivered real benefits in terms of project management, risk transfer and financial control and that PPP providers are delivering the schools rapidly, on schedule and with good control of construction costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163476,"EventID":"S1W-26940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current rates of remuneration are for foster carers, broken down by the age of the child and by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current rates of remuneration are for foster carers, broken down by the age of the child and by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The Fostering of Children (Scotland) Regulations 1996 and the accompanying guidance make clear that it is for local authorities to decide their own types and scales of payment to foster carers, depending on local childcare needs and circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163477,"EventID":"S1W-26941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mileage rates are paid to foster carers, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mileage rates are paid to foster carers, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26940.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163478,"EventID":"S1W-26942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the current limit of #750 in respect of small claims court actions in the light of inflation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the current limit of #750 in respect of small claims court actions in the light of inflation.","AnswerText":"The Executive has reviewed the small claims limit and has twice laid orders before the Scottish Parliament to increase it to £1,500. On both occasions the orders have been withdrawn following representations to the Justice Committees. The issue remains under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163479,"EventID":"S1W-26943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set up an advisory panel in relation to its forthcoming survey of public attitudes to food and farming and, if so, how the members of the panel were chose","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set up an advisory panel in relation to its forthcoming survey of public attitudes to food and farming and, if so, how the members of the panel were chosen and who will represent the interests of organic food and farming.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has recently set up an advisory panel in relation to its forthcoming survey of public attitudes to food and farming. The organisations represented on the advisory panel are the Food Standards Agency Scotland, the National Farmers Union of Scotland, Quality Meat Scotland, the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, the Scottish Consumer Council, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Environment LINK and the Scottish Food Qualifications and Certification board. The organisations were chosen following internal discussion and consultation with various external stakeholders. The organisations were chosen to represent a broad range of producer and consumer interests rather than to represent particular modes of production. The Executive recognises the importance of organic food and organic food production and the advisory panel will cover these interests. Organic food and farming will be one aspect of food production addressed in the survey.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163480,"EventID":"S1W-26944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to conduct a consultation equivalent to consultations carried out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Implementation of Directiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to conduct a consultation equivalent to consultations carried out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Implementation of Directive 2001/18/EC on the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Organisms into the Environment. ","AnswerText":"Yes. The Executive expects to begin consultation on draft Scottish regulations in July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163481,"EventID":"S1W-26945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the School Sport Alliance project will not take place and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the School Sport Alliance project will not take place and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25783. In addition, following the report of the Physical Activity Task Force on 6 June, the Review of Physical Education chaired by the Deputy Minister for Education and Young people will consider all aspects of PE in schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163482,"EventID":"S1W-26946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether widows and widowers of former Scottish Transport Group (STG) staff will be eligible for payment from the STG pension fund under the arrangements made for the disb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether widows and widowers of former Scottish Transport Group (STG) staff will be eligible for payment from the STG pension fund under the arrangements made for the disbursement of the pension fund surplus.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's eligibility criteria includes any widow, widower or child of a deceased former member of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes who is currently receiving a pension.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163483,"EventID":"S1W-26947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Borders railway line is not included in the list of \"Up-front\" transport improvements to be put in place before congestion charges are introduced referred to in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Borders railway line is not included in the list of \"Up-front\" transport improvements to be put in place before congestion charges are introduced referred to in the Have Your Say leaflet issued by the City of Edinburgh Council. ","AnswerText":"The wording and distribution of the Have Your Say consultation leaflet is a matter for City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163484,"EventID":"S1W-26948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultation documents on Edinburgh's new transport initiative and copies of the Have Your Say leaflet have made available to the public in the Scottish Borde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultation documents on Edinburgh's new transport initiative and copies of the Have Your Say leaflet have made available to the public in the Scottish Borders area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26947.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163485,"EventID":"S1W-26949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding for a feasibility study into the possibility of re-opening Reston railway station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide funding for a feasibility study into the possibility of re-opening Reston railway station.","AnswerText":"The reopening of a railway passenger station at Reston is a local transport issue. As such we would expect the relevant local authority to take such a project forward.

    Local authorities may apply for funding of feasibility studies for public transport improvements from the Public Transport Fund (PTF). Studies or projects supported by the PTF would have to satisfy eligibility criteria and compete with other bids. Applications for the current round must be submitted by 12 August.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163486,"EventID":"S1W-26950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Beatson Oncology Centre should operate outwith the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust on a permanent basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Beatson Oncology Centre should operate outwith the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust on a permanent basis.","AnswerText":"It is of paramount importance that the momentum in appointing sufficient, appropriately trained, professional and support staff at the Beatson Oncology Centre is sustained, and that the second phase in taking forward the plans to relocate the centre at Gartnavel General Hospital are developed and implemented by a strong management team.

    Decisions have yet to be taken on the future reporting structure at the Beatson. I am determined to ensure that whatever future management arrangements are in place, by working in partnership with staff, the Beatson will now continue to go from strength to strength in delivering excellent services, covering the full range of cancer specialties, for the people of Glasgow and the West of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163487,"EventID":"S1W-26951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage an adequate number of students to study therapy radiography.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage an adequate number of students to study therapy radiography.","AnswerText":"I recently announced that the Scottish Executive Health Department will fund additional student places in 2002-03 for the Allied Health Professions (AHPs). This will include additional therapeutic radiography student places. These places are in addition to the 30 additional student places for the AHPs being funded by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council in 2002-03.

    Arrangements for a Careers Convention in the autumn to promote the AHPs and assist in recruitment and retention are currently under consideration. This will be targeted at schoolchildren and those who might want to return to their profession.

    A new Professional Officer for the AHPs will be appointed later in the summer. He/she will work with the professional bodies to develop career information for the Allied Health Professions, particularly for those areas experiencing significant recruitment difficulties.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163488,"EventID":"S1W-26952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that there is a sufficient level of strategic workforce planning with respect to professions allied to the health service, particularly in re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that there is a sufficient level of strategic workforce planning with respect to professions allied to the health service, particularly in regard to therapy radiographers.","AnswerText":"Planning Together, the final report of the Scottish Integrated Workforce Planning Group, was published in January 2002 alongside the Scottish Executive Health Department's proposals for establishing a comprehensive workforce development infrastructure for NHSScotland at local, regional and national level. This whole systems approach to integrated workforce planning will provide coherent and structured arrangements for addressing the workforce aspects of all services including those provided by the Allied Health Professions. An action plan will be issued to reflect the feedback gained from the Workforce Development Action Day held on 15 April and to set a critical path for creating a robust workforce development function, which integrates workforce planning with service planning across all services in NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163489,"EventID":"S1W-26953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it makes available to support initiatives that translate research work on cancer into new diagnoses or treatments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it makes available to support initiatives that translate research work on cancer into new diagnoses or treatments.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland.

    At present CSO is directly funding 58 research projects on cancer with a total value of £5.9 million. If translational research is defined as integrated clinical-laboratory investigations designed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and/or treatment of cancer, then 51% of this funding (£3 million) supports translational research. Three projects (with a total value of £0.3 million) are directly concerned with Phase I trials ie the first stage of testing newly researched treatments, including drugs, on patients.

    The Executive's recent contribution of £1 million per annum to support the clinical trial infrastructure required to facilitate patient entry into clinical trials in Scotland, regarded translational research as an integral part of clinical trials activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163490,"EventID":"S1W-26955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been received by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for chemistry degree courses at higher education institutions for (a) 2002-03","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been received by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for chemistry degree courses at higher education institutions for (a) 2002-03 and (b) each of the last 15 years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23795 which provides the number of applications to chemistry degree courses at Scottish higher education institutions between 1997 and 2001.

    Limited data from prior to this date can be obtained by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) but will take some time to collate. I will write to the member with this information once it has been supplied.

    Comparable figures for 2002 entry are not yet available as the closing date for applications through UCAS is 30 June 2002.

    The latest figures we have on this, for applications to 16 May 2002, indicate that there have been 2,045 applications to chemistry degree courses at Scottish higher education institutions. This is an increase of over 10% on the same time in the process last year.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163491,"EventID":"S1W-26956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether research has been carried out into the use of Mecli'ine for the treatment of sufferers of dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether research has been carried out into the use of Mecli'ine for the treatment of sufferers of dyslexia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any research into the use of Meclozine for the treatment of sufferers of dyslexia.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163492,"EventID":"S1W-26957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the use of Mecli'ine for the treatment of sufferers of dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the use of Mecli'ine for the treatment of sufferers of dyslexia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not issued any guidance on the use of meclozine for the treatment of sufferers of dyslexia.

    The Medicines Control Agency, the UK medicines regulatory authority, has advised that meclozine does not have a marketing authorisation in the UK for the treatment of dyslexia.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163493,"EventID":"S1W-26958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Careers Scotland having given no indication to career advisers who are currently on temporary contracts as to whether their contracts will be exte","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on Careers Scotland having given no indication to career advisers who are currently on temporary contracts as to whether their contracts will be extended when these contracts expire on 30 June 2002.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. However, I understand that the position of all staff on temporary contracts was clarified in the week commencing 24 June.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163494,"EventID":"S1W-26959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-11005 on 20 November 2000, what the breakdown now is of the gradings and level of seniority of the staff on secondment from the Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-11005 on 20 November 2000, what the breakdown now is of the gradings and level of seniority of the staff on secondment from the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"Sir David Steel: The figures requested as at 24 June 2002 are set out in the table below:

    Grade

    Number Of Employees

    8

    2

    7

    2

    6

    9

    5

    8

    4

    7

    3

    10

    2

    5

    1

    0

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163495,"EventID":"S1W-26960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10467 on 6 November 2000, how many of the Parliament's staff are now seconded from (a) the United Kingdom civil service, (b) other p","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-10467 on 6 November 2000, how many of the Parliament's staff are now seconded from (a) the United Kingdom civil service, (b) other public sector bodies and (c) the private sector.","AnswerText":"The information sought as at 24 June 2002 is as follows:

    1. the United Kingdom Civil Service - 44 secondees, including 14 members of the Holyrood Project Team
    2. other public sector bodies - two secondees

    the private sector - 0 secondees","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163496,"EventID":"S1W-26961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long health boards are required to store patients' medical records.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long health boards are required to store patients' medical records.","AnswerText":"For General Hospital and Community Health Service Health Records, health boards are required to store patient's medical records for six years following the date of the last recorded entry or three years after death.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163497,"EventID":"S1W-26962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place to ensure that patients can gain access to their medical records.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place to ensure that patients can gain access to their medical records.","AnswerText":"The Data Protection Act 1998 allows patients to gain access to their medical records. The Data Protection (Subject Access) (Fees and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2000 set out how much, up to a maximum of £50 a patient may be charged for access to their records.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163498,"EventID":"S1W-26963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees have been absent from work owing to sickness for (a) less than one month, (b) between one and two months, (c) between two and three months, (d) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its employees have been absent from work owing to sickness for (a) less than one month, (b) between one and two months, (c) between two and three months, (d) between three and six months, (e) between six and 12 months and (f) longer than a year. ","AnswerText":"Information is given for sickness absence recorded during the year 2001-02. Due to the lag in recording sickness information some recent periods of sickness will not have been counted.

    Figures given are for the total sickness absence accumulated by currently serving officers in the Scottish Executive core departments, in each of the categories requested. All figures are based on working days lost.

    (a)

    2,341

    of which 1,590 had a total of less than 5 working days lost.

    (b)

    139

    		 

    (c)

    42

    		 

    (d)

    70

    		 

    (e)

    39

    		 

    (f)

    40

    		 
    ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163499,"EventID":"S1W-26964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all universities that provide undergraduate nurse education were asked to bid for the recently announced increase in intakes for student nursing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all universities that provide undergraduate nurse education were asked to bid for the recently announced increase in intakes for student nursing.","AnswerText":"The increase in intakes for student nursing arose from the recommendation of the Student Nurse Intake Planning process. This informs assessment of the numbers of higher education places needed each year for pre-registration nursing and midwifery students. Pre-registration training is provided through nurse education contracts directly funded by the Scottish Executive Health Department. The seven higher education institutions which operate these contracts were asked to bid for an additional 250 student places in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163500,"EventID":"S1W-26965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the range in costs of nurse training provided by each contracted nurse education provider has been per trainee nurse in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the range in costs of nurse training provided by each contracted nurse education provider has been per trainee nurse in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on the seven pre-registration nursing education contracts in the last five years and the number of students in training is as follows.
     

    1997-98

    1998-99

    1999-2000

    2000-01

    2001-02

    Contracts

    (£ million)

    31.3

    33.5

    34.2

    35.8

    40.2

    Students in training

    6,369

    6,568

    6,849

    7,633

    8,083

    Under the terms of the contract between the Scottish Executive Health Department and the individual higher education institutions (HEIs) that provide nurse education in Scotland, details of the range of costs of nurse training per trainee nurse are a matter between the department and the individual HEI.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163501,"EventID":"S1W-26966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all student nurses have to pay for (a) uniforms and (b) occupational health assessments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all student nurses have to pay for (a) uniforms and (b) occupational health assessments.","AnswerText":"All student nurses are provided with free uniforms.

    Occupational health assessments are carried out free of charge by the seven higher education institutions contracted to the Scottish Executive Health Department to provide pre-registration nursing education. However, the four non-contracted higher education institutions who provide nurse education have varying arrangements in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163502,"EventID":"S1W-26967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in reducing the number of composite classes in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in reducing the number of composite classes in schools.","AnswerText":"Composite classes are a traditional feature of Scottish schools. Local authorities and head teachers are responsible for determining a class organisation which best suits the circumstances of individual schools, including the formation of composite classes where this is considered necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163503,"EventID":"S1W-26968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many composite classes there currently are in primary schools, broken down by local authority area and primary level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many composite classes there currently are in primary schools, broken down by local authority area and primary level.","AnswerText":"Composite classes are classes with more than one primary stage. The information listed in the following table shows the number of composite classes recorded in the September 2001 School Census, broken down by sequential year group and by education authority. Composite classes of more than two stages are also shown on the same basis.

    All

    P1-P2

    P2-P3

    P3-P4

    P4-P5

    P5-P6

    P6-P7

    Multi

    Scotland

    4,630

    669

    570

    570

    581

    525

    691

    1,024

    Aberdeen City

    97

    11

    14

    15

    15

    22

    19

    1

    Aberdeenshire

    365

    46

    31

    34

    41

    34

    47

    132

    Angus

    123

    18

    11

    9

    12

    7

    19

    47

    Argyll and Bute

    193

    24

    9

    23

    16

    18

    26

    77

    Clackmannanshire

    35

    5

    4

    4

    5

    6

    9

    2

    Dumfries and Galloway

    262

    34

    17

    23

    23

    19

    31As far as occupational therapists and physiotherapists are concerned, the Scottish Executive submits evidence to the review bodies annually. Copies of the evidence submitted for 2001-02 can be found on the following website:

    http://www.doh.gov.uk/reviewbodies/.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163508,"EventID":"S1W-26973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agreements have been reached with respect to funding packages for the upgrading of the A77 between Malletsheugh and Fenwick.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agreements have been reached with respect to funding packages for the upgrading of the A77 between Malletsheugh and Fenwick.","AnswerText":"It is proposed to award the upgrading of the A77 as a Public Private Partnership contract, jointly with the Glasgow Southern Orbital subject to tenders demonstrating value for money. Funding will be provided by the Scottish Executive, RET, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire Councils in relation to those sections of road for which each is roads authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163509,"EventID":"S1W-26974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when construction on the A77 upgrade between Malletsheugh and Fenwick will now begin and what the target date is for completion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when construction on the A77 upgrade between Malletsheugh and Fenwick will now begin and what the target date is for completion.","AnswerText":"Work is expected to start in early 2003, subject to the tender for the Public Private Partnership contract demonstrating value for money, with completion in 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163510,"EventID":"S1W-26975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many older people are involved in Better Government for Older People, broken down by region.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many older people are involved in Better Government for Older People, broken down by region.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Better Government for Older People (BGOP) Network. The information requested is not held centrally. I have asked the Network Director to write directly to the member. For information a copy of the latest edition of the network's journal Stratagem (Bib. number 22432) and a briefing note prepared by BGOP (Bib. number 22433) have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163511,"EventID":"S1W-26976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for electing people to the Older People's Advisory Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for electing people to the Older People's Advisory Group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26975.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163512,"EventID":"S1W-26977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people took part in the most recent election to the Older People's Advisory Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people took part in the most recent election to the Older People's Advisory Group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26975 on 4 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163513,"EventID":"S1W-26978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seats pensioners' voluntary groups have on the Older People's Consultative Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seats pensioners' voluntary groups have on the Older People's Consultative Forum.","AnswerText":"The following organisations are represented on the Older People's Consultative Forum:

    Scottish Older People's Advisory Group (3)

    Scottish Pensioners' Forum (1)

    Confederation of Scotland's Elderly (1)

    Scottish Pensions Association (1)

    West of Scotland Seniors Forum (1)

    Black and Minority Ethnic Elders Group (1)

    Help the Aged (1)

    Age Concern Scotland (1)

    STUC (1)

    The number of representatives from each organisation is indicated in brackets. Other organisations and individuals are invited to attend the forum on an ad-hoc basis as necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163514,"EventID":"S1W-26979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the relationship is between Better Government for Older People and the Older People's Advisory Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the relationship is between Better Government for Older People and the Older People's Advisory Group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26975.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163515,"EventID":"S1W-26980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seats the Older People's Advisory Group have on the Older People's Consultative Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seats the Older People's Advisory Group have on the Older People's Consultative Forum.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Older People's Advisory Group has three representatives on the Older People's Consultative Forum.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163516,"EventID":"S1W-26981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the relationship is between Better Government for Older People and the National Pensioners Convention.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the relationship is between Better Government for Older People and the National Pensioners Convention.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26975.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163517,"EventID":"S1W-26982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider assessing all children at pre-school or primary school age for dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider assessing all children at pre-school or primary school age for dyslexia.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not plan to assess all children specifically for dyslexia. However, early assessment of children should ensure that all schools identify the learning support needs of individuals at an early stage. The fact that nearly all three- and four-year-olds now have a nursery place, along with the Early Intervention Programme and greater awareness amongst teachers about dyslexia, means that teachers and other professionals are picking up signs of dyslexia in children at an early stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163518,"EventID":"S1W-26983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to advise students and parents about resources available to those with dyslexia such as scan and read software and software that utilises voice","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to advise students and parents about resources available to those with dyslexia such as scan and read software and software that utilises voice recognition technology.","AnswerText":"Schools and education authorities advise pupils with dyslexia and their parents about resources available to support them and should ensure that this support is put in place. In further education colleges, a student's needs will be assessed by a qualified member of staff or through an ACCESS Centre.

    Organisations such as Enquire and Dyslexia in Scotland also provide advice to pupils with dyslexia and their parents. In addition to this, Dyslexia Scotwest and the Scottish Dyslexia Trust have recently been awarded funding for 2002-03 and 2003-04 through the Scottish Executive Innovation Grants Programme for projects which should assist in ensuring that pupils with dyslexia receive information and support.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163519,"EventID":"S1W-26984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make learning institutions more accountable for not having identified a student as dyslexic when such students are so diagnosed in later life.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make learning institutions more accountable for not having identified a student as dyslexic when such students are so diagnosed in later life.","AnswerText":"There is now greater awareness amongst teachers and lecturers about dyslexia, which means that teachers and other professionals are picking up signs of dyslexia in children and students and providing learning support for them at an earlier stage than was the case a decade ago. Therefore, young people and adults with dyslexia should no longer leave education without having had their learning difficulties identified and supported. Against this background, failure to diagnose dyslexia should be rare and the Scottish Executive has no plans at present to make learning institutions more accountable.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163520,"EventID":"S1W-26985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider administering an independent appeals procedure for complaints about provision made for teaching students with dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider administering an independent appeals procedure for complaints about provision made for teaching students with dyslexia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not have any plans to administer a separate independent appeals procedure for complaints about provision made for teaching pupils with dyslexia.

    Rights of appeal for all pupils with additional support needs, including those with dyslexia, and their parents, are being considered as part of the development of the proposals outlined in the Scottish Executive response to Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward? Copies of the response are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19469).","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163521,"EventID":"S1W-26986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in Scottish Prison Service institutions have learning difficulties such as dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in Scottish Prison Service institutions have learning difficulties such as dyslexia.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    In 2001-02, 4,500 prisoners were screened for reading and numeracy skills. About a third lacked functional literacy and a half numeracy. There are various reasons for this, the main one being a lack of sustained initial schooling. We organise learning for prisoners through tailored individual learning plans. We give priority to those with the poorest basic skills and, in conjunction with Dyslexia in Scotland and our college learning providers, aim to provide specific learning support to meet these needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163522,"EventID":"S1W-26987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation of the upgrade of the A77 will be conducted in such a way so as to allow one carriageway of the new section of road to be brought in to use at ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation of the upgrade of the A77 will be conducted in such a way so as to allow one carriageway of the new section of road to be brought in to use at as early a date as possible so that traffic separation on the existing road can be advanced, in view of the accident statistics on the A77 between Malletsheugh and the Monkton roundabout.","AnswerText":"No. The optimum solution is to build the motorway in its entirety as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163523,"EventID":"S1W-26988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider giving the Disabled Student Allowance to all dyslexic students irrespective of the course of study and the age of diagnosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider giving the Disabled Student Allowance to all dyslexic students irrespective of the course of study and the age of diagnosis.","AnswerText":"Both the Beattie and Cubie Committees drew a distinction between the way disabled students should be supported in further and higher education. They favoured channelling additional funding to colleges to support the particular needs of disabled students on further education courses. The Executive agreed and has made available an additional £4.5 million over three years towards college costs of meeting additional study requirements such as specialist equipment.

    In relation to travel costs a Special Educational Needs Allowance was introduced in academic year 2001-02 by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council as a result of a request made by Scottish ministers to look into this. This allowance allows colleges to assist with disabled students additional travel costs.

    In higher education the Disabled Students Allowance is available to all eligible full-time, part-time and distance learning higher education students who have a disability and who by reason of their disability incur additional expenditure arising from their attendance on their course.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163524,"EventID":"S1W-26989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect will be on the leadership of the Beatson Oncology Centre when the current secondment of Dr Bryson comes to a close at the end of September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect will be on the leadership of the Beatson Oncology Centre when the current secondment of Dr Bryson comes to a close at the end of September 2002.","AnswerText":"The recruitment process for the post of Medical Director has commenced.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163525,"EventID":"S1W-26990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sei'ures of each illegal drug category there were in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99, (c) 1999-2000 and (d) 2000-01, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sei'ures of each illegal drug category there were in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99, (c) 1999-2000 and (d) 2000-01, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables.

    Number of Seizures of Controlled Drugs by Police Force and Drug Type, 1997-20001

    1997

    Police force2, 3

    All4

    seizures

    Cocaine

    Heroin

    Ecstasy

    Amphet-amines

    Cannabis

    Other

    drugs

    Central

    599

    5

    56

    13

    77

    480

    39

    Dumfries and Galloway

    444

    1

    92

    18

    61

    325

    16

    Fife

    658

    9

    26

    29

    103

    567

    42

    Grampian

    1,518

    29

    216

    59

    178

    1,184

    142

    Lothian and Borders

    2,262

    25

    36

    109

    398

    1,860

    258

    Northern

    552

    6

    6

    8

    93

    492

    14

    Strathclyde

    9,295

    107

    1,323

    226

    1,030

    7,077

    849

    Tayside

    1,049

    9

    15

    61

    133

    857

    104

    Other authorities

    16

    1

    1

    0

    2

    12

    0

    Scotland

    16,393

    192

    1,771

    523

    2,075

    12,854

    1,464

    199","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163526,"EventID":"S1W-26991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial assistance was allocated for the rehabilitation of drugs misusers in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99, (c) 1999-2000 and (d) 2000-01, broken down by local auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial assistance was allocated for the rehabilitation of drugs misusers in (a) 1997-98, (b) 1998-99, (c) 1999-2000 and (d) 2000-01, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Resources for drug rehabilitation were first provided to local authorities in 2001-02, as part of the £100 million drugs package we announced in September 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163527,"EventID":"S1W-26992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent resignation of the board of Border Biofuels Ltd will have any impact on the contract awarded to the company under the Scottish Renewables Obligation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent resignation of the board of Border Biofuels Ltd will have any impact on the contract awarded to the company under the Scottish Renewables Obligation.","AnswerText":"No. The contract will stay in force for as long as the company remains a going concern.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163528,"EventID":"S1W-26994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current cost per page is of distributing its press releases; how many press releases, including corrections, recall notices, re-issued releases and invitations f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current cost per page is of distributing its press releases; how many press releases, including corrections, recall notices, re-issued releases and invitations for media representatives to interview ministers, it has distributed since July 1999; what the total cost has been the cost of distributing these from July 1999 to the present date, and how many of them received any form of media coverage.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued 9,319 press releases and media invitations since July 1999. The cost of distributing these releases to up to 100 media outlets was £276,034. All individual press releases are available on the Scottish Executive website. We do not hold central records on the level of media coverage received, which can vary from significant national coverage in print and broadcast media to coverage in local and specialist media.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163529,"EventID":"S1W-26995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in respect of smoking in enclosed public places that are not covered by the Scottish Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in respect of smoking in enclosed public places that are not covered by the Scottish Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recently made additional funding available to widen the scope of Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places. The aim is to increase the stakeholder group to include restaurant associations, coffee chain outlets, fast food outlets, clubs and discos, bingo halls, ice-rinks, shopping centres and local authority premises.

    In addition, through, for example, the activities of the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS), ASH Scotland and Scottish Health At Work (SHAW), we are keen to encourage employers to provide a health-promoting environment in the workplace. At present 726 workplaces are affiliated to SHAW accounting for 21% of workplaces in Scotland. These include diverse work areas such as airports, shopping centres, universities, schools and local authorities, many of which are open to the public. Criteria for attaining the SHAW Bronze award includes the implementation of smoking policies and promotion of smoke-free environments where non-smoking should be the norm.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163530,"EventID":"S1W-26996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take if the Scottish Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places target of 49% of licensed premises having non-smoking provision is not met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take if the Scottish Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places target of 49% of licensed premises having non-smoking provision is not met.","AnswerText":"Signatories to the Voluntary Charter include the licensed, tourism and hospitality sectors. They agreed a target that 49% of their premises would offer non-smoking provision by the end of 2002. It is too early to say whether this target will be met although interim results are encouraging. The Scottish Executive has contributed £56,000 towards the cost of rolling-out the charter this year and monitoring take-up and implementation.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163531,"EventID":"S1W-26997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any ministers attended the recent European summit in Seville.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any ministers attended the recent European summit in Seville.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163532,"EventID":"S1W-26998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any analysis has been made of the potential impact on Scottish culture and identity of the Communications Bill and, if so, what conclusions have been drawn.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any analysis has been made of the potential impact on Scottish culture and identity of the Communications Bill and, if so, what conclusions have been drawn.","AnswerText":"The Communications Bill is being introduced to provide a new regulatory framework for broadcasting and telecommunications in the UK. It is not designed to have any particular effect on the culture and identity of Scotland, and no such analysis has been carried out.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163533,"EventID":"S1W-26999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service intends to follow the good practice guidelines on working with perpetrators of violence against women developed by RESPECT in April 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service intends to follow the good practice guidelines on working with perpetrators of violence against women developed by RESPECT in April 2001 when developing custodial programmes for men convicted of violence against their partners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    We are currently investigating the acquisition of programmes for men convicted of violence. Our wish to follow good practice as set out in the "What Works" literature are similar to the guidelines developed by RESPECT, so far as these are relevant to the custodial setting. We will also take advice from the Scottish Executive Partnership Group on the implementation of domestic abuse programmes in order to liaise with the complementary work required in the community in regard of Women's Services and Child Protection issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163534,"EventID":"S1W-27000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any research has been carried out to evaluate the usefulness of hair analysis in detecting drugs in a person's system in order to provide corroborating evidence w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any research has been carried out to evaluate the usefulness of hair analysis in detecting drugs in a person's system in order to provide corroborating evidence when a drug-assisted sexual assault has been alleged.","AnswerText":"Research is being carried out in Scotland by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Science at Glasgow University in relation to the detection of benzodiazepines, in particular flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), in hair.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163535,"EventID":"S1W-27001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it takes voluntary organisations to enrol with the Central Registered Body Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it takes voluntary organisations to enrol with the Central Registered Body Scotland.","AnswerText":"Voluntary organisations will normally be enrolled within three weeks of receipt of the completed enrolment form. This is the case as long as the appropriate documentary evidence, such as confirmation of the lead signatory's identity and relevant policy statements (covering child, or vulnerable adult protection, rehabilitation of offenders details and secure handling and storage of information and details of the organisation's structure, management and funding), are provided at the time of application.

    Delays can occur where any of these items are incomplete or unavailable.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163536,"EventID":"S1W-27002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it takes for checks on volunteers in the voluntary sector working with children, young people and vulnerable adults to be processed by Disclosure Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it takes for checks on volunteers in the voluntary sector working with children, young people and vulnerable adults to be processed by Disclosure Scotland.","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland has a working agreement to process and return 90% of applications for a disclosure within 10 working days.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163537,"EventID":"S1W-27003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how information regarding the establishment of the Central Registered Body Scotland was transmitted to voluntary organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how information regarding the establishment of the Central Registered Body Scotland was transmitted to voluntary organisations.","AnswerText":"Following the appointment of the Head of the Central Registered Body Scotland (CRBS) and the Information and Training Officer on 3 January 2002, a number of measures were taken to transmit information to the sector about the work of the unit. This included:

    1. Leaflets were produced and disseminated to Volunteer Centres throughout Scotland during the first weeks of January 2002 advising interested parties of the contact details of the unit and giving a brief outline of the purpose and function of the unit.
    2. A register of interested organisations was opened on 3 January 2002 and a substantial number of organisations have since registered.
    3. Staff of the CRBS participated in a series of 11 seminars arranged by Disclosure Scotland, which were held throughout the country during February and early March 2002.
    4. In addition CRBS also held 55 seminars and briefings for organisations throughout the country up to the end of May 2002.

    During this time CRBS has also had to address the needs and requirements of national UK organisations by holding briefings and training sessions. CRBS has its own web page within that of Volunteer Development Scotland. Articles have also been prepared and have appeared in Keeping You Posted, the newsletter of Volunteer Development Scotland, and in various other newsletters.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163538,"EventID":"S1W-27004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce legislation affecting any aspect of employee transfers under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations or the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce legislation affecting any aspect of employee transfers under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations or the provision and application of the Statement of Practice covering these, and under what section of the Scotland Act 1998 any such powers are conferred.","AnswerText":"Where the right of an employee to transfer is provided by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981, it would be outwith the competence of the Scottish Parliament (by virtue of section H1 of part II of schedule 5 to the Scotland Act) to legislate so as to take away any rights to which the employee is entitled under those regulations. In general, it would be within the competence of the Parliament to legislate as to the terms of transfer of particular employees where the transfer is not one to which the 1981 regulations or any other employment legislation covered by section H1 applies.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163539,"EventID":"S1W-27005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of funding under the Young Student Bursary Scheme is lower for Scottish-domiciled students studying outwith Scotland than for those studying in Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of funding under the Young Student Bursary Scheme is lower for Scottish-domiciled students studying outwith Scotland than for those studying in Scotland and, if so, by how much and why there is any such difference.","AnswerText":"The overall level of assistance with living costs available to Scottish domiciled students is the same whether they study in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK.

    Under the student support arrangements introduced in 2001-02, young Scottish domiciled students from low income backgrounds studying in Scotland can receive up to £2,050 of their student loan entitlement in the form of a bursary and additional loan support of up to £510. Students eligible to receive support under the new arrangements may also be liable to pay the new Graduate Endowment when they complete their studies. Income from the endowment is intended to help provide similar support for future generations of students.

    Because students who are not studying at a Scottish institution would not be liable to pay the Graduate Endowment, it was decided that they should not be entitled to the other elements of the new support package, including the Young Students' Bursary. It was, however, subsequently decided that such students should be entitled to the same level of spending power as their counterparts in Scotland. They will, therefore, from 2002-03 onwards, be entitled to bursaries of up to £510 in addition to their student loan entitlement.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163540,"EventID":"S1W-27006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any companies who have provided training under the Individual Learning Account scheme are still awaiting payment and, if so, how many companies, what total amount","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any companies who have provided training under the Individual Learning Account scheme are still awaiting payment and, if so, how many companies, what total amount is still to be paid and when these final payments will be made.","AnswerText":"Claims to the total value of £3,834,575, from 121 learning providers, have not yet been paid. Until each claim has been validated it is not possible to say how much of that total will be paid, or when it will be paid.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163541,"EventID":"S1W-27007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last made direct contact with the Individual Learning Account centre in Durham. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last made direct contact with the Individual Learning Account centre in Durham. ","AnswerText":"The Individual Learning Account Centre is located in Darlington, Co. Durham and officials are in contact with it on a daily basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163542,"EventID":"S1W-27008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether spending on the Individual Learning Account programme ever exceeded its allocated budget in 2000-01 and, if so, by how much.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether spending on the Individual Learning Account programme ever exceeded its allocated budget in 2000-01 and, if so, by how much.","AnswerText":"Spending on the Individual Learning Account programme did not exceed its allocated budget in 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163543,"EventID":"S1W-27009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost so far has been of the investigation into fraudulent activity in connection with the Individual Learning Account scheme; how many cases have been checked, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost so far has been of the investigation into fraudulent activity in connection with the Individual Learning Account scheme; how many cases have been checked, and how much money has so far been identified as having been received fraudulently. ","AnswerText":"Over 800 learning providers have been included in the exercise to validate claims submitted for payment. Until investigations are concluded into suspected fraudulent activity, the cost of the investigations and the amount of monies involved cannot be established.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163544,"EventID":"S1W-27010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the top 40 categories of offence referred to children's reporters it classifies as serious.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the top 40 categories of offence referred to children's reporters it classifies as serious.","AnswerText":"All offending behaviour is treated seriously by the Executive and by the agencies concerned in youth justice. The Procurator Fiscal decides whether certain offences merit prosecution in court or whether use of alternatives to prosecution or referral to the Reporter may be more appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163545,"EventID":"S1W-27011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual number and nature was of the serious crimes referred to by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in his evidence to the Justice 2 Committee o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the actual number and nature was of the serious crimes referred to by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice in his evidence to the Justice 2 Committee on 18 June 2002 as having been referred to the children's hearing system last year.","AnswerText":"The number of offences registered per child in the 40 offence classifications has not been collected previously. SCRA's new information technology system, which is currently being rolled out, is now collecting this data. Relevant material will be developed and published in due course.

    As the Deputy First Minister made clear in his evidence, the decision on which cases to refer to the children's hearings system is a matter for the Lord Advocate, who exercises his discretion independently of ministers. The Lord Advocate's guidelines list the offences to be reported to the prosecutor fiscal for consideration of prosecution in either the High Court of Justiciary or the sheriff court. These include murder, attempted murder, rape, firearm offences, assault to sever injury amongst many others and any other offence which in the opinion of the Chief Constable is so serious to warrant the instruction of solemn proceedings by the Lord Advocate in the public interest. These guidelines apply to children as defined in the Children (Scotland ) Act 1995.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163546,"EventID":"S1W-27012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2106,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical facilities it provides to organisations in the Mid Scotland and Fife parliamentary region which (a) support male victims of domestic abuse and (b) assist f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical facilities it provides to organisations in the Mid Scotland and Fife parliamentary region which (a) support male victims of domestic abuse and (b) assist fathers experiencing problems with hostile ex-partners in gaining appropriate contact with their children, broken down by organisation and parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not directly support any organisations, which support male victims of domestic abuse. It does, however, provide core funding under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to Family Mediation Scotland and 10 of its local services. NCH Family Mediation Fife, Family Mediation Central Scotland and Family Mediation Tayside, which operate, though not exclusively, within the Mid Scotland and Fife parliamentary region, receive over £178,000 between them. The aim of mediation is to enable divorced or separated parents to come to negotiated agreements about practical arrangements such as contact with children.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163547,"EventID":"S1W-27013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002 and S1W-26494 and S1W-26495 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 June 2002, what the reason was for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002 and S1W-26494 and S1W-26495 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 June 2002, what the reason was for the errors in answers S1W-26060 and S1W-26061 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 May 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Arithmetic errors occurred in converting the numbers of performance measure points previously awarded to summarise the numbers of incidents. The errors were noticed and corrected as soon as possible but, regrettably, not before the answers to S1W-26060 and S1W-26061 were given.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163548,"EventID":"S1W-27014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that the Glasgow Housing Association devolves the control of the houses being transferred from Glasgow City Council to smaller local ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that the Glasgow Housing Association devolves the control of the houses being transferred from Glasgow City Council to smaller local housing associations.","AnswerText":"The Framework Document "Better Homes Stronger Communities" made it clear that a shared aim of the housing transfer was to promote local community empowerment, control and ownership. This was reinforced in both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 consultation documents. A network of local housing associations has been established across the city to be responsible for the day to day management of their housing.

    In addition, the Glasgow Housing Association will work with local housing organisations who wish to take on the ownership of their own homes if the majority of tenants in the area support this. A draft outline paper on the development of second stage transfers is currently out for consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163549,"EventID":"S1W-27015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for tackling deprivation in Scotland's deprived communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for tackling deprivation in Scotland's deprived communities.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce the publication today of the Executive's Community Regeneration Statement, Better Communities in Scotland: Closing the Gap, which sets out how we intend to turn around deprived communities and create a better life for those living in them. While there have been many successful programmes in Scotland, the statement signals a number of important shifts in our approach to regeneration. Firstly, we intend moving away from funding isolated, project-based regeneration initiatives, which have limited impact. We will in future place regeneration within a wider strategic framework, which the community planning process provides. This will result in more cohesion between national, regional and local priorities, better targeting of resources, better quality of services in deprived areas, and more effective community involvement. Secondly, as a consequence of our new policy approach, we intend migrating social inclusion partnerships to community planning partnership funding and management over the next three to four years. Thirdly, we will place a higher priority on providing individuals and communities with the skills and confidence necessary to take advantage of opportunities and to play a full part in the life of their communities. Fourthly, we will put in place a more robust monitoring and evaluation framework that will allow us to measure progress much more effectively than we have done in the past. Together these proposals will make a significant contribution to closing the gap between deprived communities and the rest of Scotland. Copies of the Community Regeneration Statement are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163550,"EventID":"S1W-27016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase funding for the procurator fiscal service to meet the demands being placed on the service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase funding for the procurator fiscal service to meet the demands being placed on the service.","AnswerText":"I have made an additional £16.5 million available to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in 2002-03, to take forward their modernisation plans. As part of the current spending review, I will be setting budgets for 2003-04 to 2005-06. The results of the spending review will be announced in September.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163551,"EventID":"S1W-27017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the National Galleries of Scotland in regard to the present dispute over staff salaries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the National Galleries of Scotland in regard to the present dispute over staff salaries.","AnswerText":"The Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland are responsible for developing pay proposals that meet guidance on public sector pay and are affordable. National Galleries of Scotland has reviewed its pay systems, a Pay Remit for the organisation has been agreed by Scottish Ministers and, following negotiation between National Galleries of Scotland and the trade unions, a three-year pay offer has been accepted by staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163552,"EventID":"S1W-27018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a strike by staff of the National Galleries of Scotland will have on tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a strike by staff of the National Galleries of Scotland will have on tourism.","AnswerText":"Following negotiation between National Galleries of Scotland and the trade unions, a three-year pay offer has been accepted by staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163553,"EventID":"S1W-27019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the terms and conditions of employment for staff of the National Galleries of Scotland adequately reflect their roles and responsibilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the terms and conditions of employment for staff of the National Galleries of Scotland adequately reflect their roles and responsibilities.","AnswerText":"The trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland are responsible for ensuring that the terms and conditions of their staff are consistent with their roles and responsibilities. The trustees are responsible for developing pay proposals that meet guidance on public sector pay and are affordable. National Galleries of Scotland has reviewed its pay systems, a pay remit for the organisation has been agreed by Scottish ministers and, following negotiation between National Galleries of Scotland and the trade unions, a three-year pay offer has been accepted by staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163554,"EventID":"S1W-27020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Committee of the Council of Tribunals has any powers to investigate allegations of fraud in respect of tribunals and, in particular, employment tribu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Committee of the Council of Tribunals has any powers to investigate allegations of fraud in respect of tribunals and, in particular, employment tribunals and whether it will detail such powers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals has no powers to investigate allegations of fraud in respect of tribunals. The committee's statutory role is to keep under review and to report on the constitution and working of tribunals and on matters such as the rules of procedure under which they operate. Fraud is a criminal matter which is for the police and Crown Office to investigate.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163555,"EventID":"S1W-27021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it has given to broadband development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it has given to broadband development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive set out its broadband strategy last year in the document, Connecting Scotland: Our Broadband Future. Our vision behind the strategy was to make broadband connections more affordable and pervasive across the country. We are pursuing this in three ways:

    Firstly, the Executive has developed the Pathfinder Initiatives to aggregate public sector demand for broadband in the Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland. It is hoped that this major investment on the part of the public sector will help to stimulate both demand for and supply of broadband within these areas which might not be immediately covered by the commercial market. Secondly, the strategy undertook to identify where there was a need for direct support measures; our programme under the UK Broadband Fund is developing this element through awareness raising measures and technology trials. Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise will be managing the projects under the Broadband Fund over 2002-03 and 2003-04. The last element of the strategy is ongoing regulatory liaison at UK level and we continue to work closely on this with our counterparts at UK level.

    Scottish Enterprise is spending £6 million on the first phase of its ATLAS project. The project will set up a Telecoms Trading Exchange and aims to substantially cut high bandwidth telecoms costs for Scottish businesses and encourage the use of broadband services. The first phase of ATLAS is planned to be operational by the end of this year.

    In addition, the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme (HIPP) also has funding to stimulate demand and to enhance infrastructure in remoter areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163556,"EventID":"S1W-27022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has undertaken of the benefits of broadband for business.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis it has undertaken of the benefits of broadband for business.","AnswerText":"The benefits to businesses of broadband connectivity are well established. Broadband gives fast access to global markets, enhances the efficiency of existing structures and supply chains while providing a means of enhancing customer service through effective online trading. In short, broadband has the capacity to enhance the competitiveness of businesses.

    The UK Government and other organisations have conducted studies which support these benefits. For example, the Federation of Small Businesses 2001 survey, \"Small Businesses in an Electronic Age II\" indicated that more than three-quarters of businesses surveyed and using broadband had enjoyed improved productivity as a result of broadband connectivity. The survey also showed that more than half of businesses with broadband had experienced reductions in their business cost base.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163557,"EventID":"S1W-27023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has identified target timescales for broadband development in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and whether any such timescales are being met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has identified target timescales for broadband development in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and whether any such timescales are being met.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27021.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163558,"EventID":"S1W-27024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the dispersal of civil service jobs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the dispersal of civil service jobs.","AnswerText":"We have made good progress. Around 650 posts have been located or are currently planned to be located outwith Edinburgh as a direct result of this policy. Including the new reviews announced in November last year, around 3,000 further posts will be covered by formal relocation reviews.

    The Education and Lifelong Learning Department is now wholly located in Glasgow; the Foods Standards Agency Scotland has been set up in Aberdeen and the Public Guardian's Office has been set up in Falkirk. The offices of the Scottish Social Services Council and the National Office of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care have been set up in Dundee. The commission's regional office for the area will also be located in the Dundee HQ, with a further five regional offices located in Aberdeen, Musselburgh, Paisley, Hamilton and Inverness. The Scottish Public Pensions Agency will be located in Galashiels, and Scottish Water will set up its HQ in Dunfermline.

    Decisions are expected on the location of the Health Education Board for Scotland, sportscotland, the Common Services Agency of the National Health Service in Scotland, and Scottish Natural Heritage in the course of this year. Decisions are expected on the location of the Scottish Arts Council by the end of 2002, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education by mid 2003 and on Registers of Scotland in 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163559,"EventID":"S1W-27025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed timetable for relocating the Common Services Agency is still on target.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed timetable for relocating the Common Services Agency is still on target.","AnswerText":"The Common Services Agency was asked to undertake a review of property options in Edinburgh and around Scotland. Ministers expect to consider these options shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163560,"EventID":"S1W-27026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome is of its consideration of the bids for financial support for school Public Private Partnership projects which were submitted by local authorities in Dec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome is of its consideration of the bids for financial support for school Public Private Partnership projects which were submitted by local authorities in December 2001.","AnswerText":"Today we are announcing our response to schools modernisation proposals that we have received from 15 councils. We are also setting out how work will be taken forward on modernising the whole school estate across Scotland.

    This announcement builds on the joint statement agreed with COSLA at Balfron High School last October, and marks the beginning of the biggest ever school building programme in Scotland with a step change in the level of investment that will deliver an ultra-modern learning environment for the future:

    • We will support PPP projects across 15 bidding authorities which will see the replacement or substantial refurbishment of around 300 schools. Details are set out in Table 1.
    • We are supporting investment of £1.15 billion to deliver this programme.

    • We have invited further PPP bids later in the year and will make up to £150,000 funding available to councils to assist them in preparing their Outline Business Case.
    • We have established a joint School Estate Strategy Group with COSLA to progress work on local authorities' school estate plans, a survey of the condition of the school estate, and the development of a national strategy for improvement beyond that announced today.

    • £26.7 million will be allocated through the School Buildings Improvement Fund to fund immediate improvement and maintenance work in 2002-03; details are set out in Table 2, in addition to authorities' own spending on school buildings of around £120 million.

    Table 1 shows the indicative level of PPP investment for which the Executive will provide revenue support in each council area:

    Table 1

    Council

    PPP Capital Investment (£ million)

    Aberdeenshire

    45

    Argyll and Bute

    80

    Dumfries and Galloway

    100

    Dundee

    80

    East Ayrshire

    60

    East Lothian

    37

    East Renfrewshire

    50

    Fife

    53

    Highland

    100

    Inverclyde

    60

    North Lanarkshire

    125

    Renfrewshire

    100

    South Ayrshire

    60

    South Lanarkshire

    150

    West Lothian

    50

    Total

    1,150

    Table 2 shows the allocation to local authorities of £26.7 million through the School Buildings Improvement Fund which is a grant for general capital expenditure on school buildings.

    Table 2

    Aberdeen City

    £828,000

    Aberdeenshire

    £1,175,000

    AngusIt is possible, to varying degrees, to see from one (although not necessarily all) wings to another in the following prisons:

    Edinburgh

    Glenochil

    Perth

    Polmont

    Shotts.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163563,"EventID":"S1W-27029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25103 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, what the benefits are of it being possible to see from one prison wing to another.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25103 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, what the benefits are of it being possible to see from one prison wing to another.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The main benefit is that staff are able to monitor what is happening in other wings.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163564,"EventID":"S1W-27030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25103 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, whether it intends to (a) commission new private prisons or young offenders institutions o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25103 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, whether it intends to (a) commission new private prisons or young offenders institutions or (b) commission services from private prisons or young offenders institutions where it is possible to see from one wing to another, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    As stated in the answer given to question S1W-25103, being able to see from one wing of a prison to the other is not considered to be a problematic issue. It is therefore possible that in the event of any new private prison or young offenders institution being commissioned, it might incorporate this feature.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163565,"EventID":"S1W-27031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it and the First Minister have in the process for appointing its permanent secretary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it and the First Minister have in the process for appointing its permanent secretary.","AnswerText":"The Head of the Home Civil Service, acting on the advice of the Senior Appointments Selection Committee, is responsible for the process of appointments to Permanent Secretary. The Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code makes explicit provision for consultation with the relevant minister, in this case the First Minister, whose agreement is required to any proposed appointment. Formal responsibility for making Permanent Secretary appointments lies with the Prime Minister.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163566,"EventID":"S1W-27032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the First Minister has to recruit and appoint civil servants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the First Minister has to recruit and appoint civil servants.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27034.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163567,"EventID":"S1W-27033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it presented, or specific representations it made, to the National Audit Office during the compilation of their report, Dealing With Pollution From Ships, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it presented, or specific representations it made, to the National Audit Office during the compilation of their report, Dealing With Pollution From Ships, and what subsequent representations it has made to the Department of Transport to ensure the protection of the inshore waters from Cape Wrath to the Mull of Kintyre, certain areas of Orkney and Shetland and the Inner Moray Firth and the Firth of Forth given that these areas are not protected by the Merchant Shipping Prevention of Oil Pollution Regulations 1996.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no locus in the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General to the UK Parliament on the pollution contingency planning and response responsibilities of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which is an executive agency of the Department for Transport.

    However, the Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including marine pollution affecting waters adjacent to Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163568,"EventID":"S1W-27034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the First Minister has to discipline and terminate the employment of civil servants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the First Minister has to discipline and terminate the employment of civil servants.","AnswerText":"Powers in relation to personnel issues such as the recruitment and appointment of staff outside the Senior Civil Service, discipline and the termination of employment of civil servants are delegated to the First Minister under the Civil Service (Management Functions) Act 1992. These powers are exercised on the First Minister's behalf by civil servants in accordance with the rules and principles set out in the Civil Service Management Code and in the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163569,"EventID":"S1W-27035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister decides how many civil servants there should be in the Scottish Executive, associated departments, executive agencies and non-departmental pub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister decides how many civil servants there should be in the Scottish Executive, associated departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies.","AnswerText":"Ministers exercise overall control of administration expenditure by the Scottish Executive, associated departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies through the budget approval process. In practice, within these approved budgets managers determine their staffing requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163570,"EventID":"S1W-27036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a policy adviser is classed as a civil servant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a policy adviser is classed as a civil servant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27046.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163571,"EventID":"S1W-27037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process and codes were followed and which individuals were involved in the re-appointment of Harold Mills as Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process and codes were followed and which individuals were involved in the re-appointment of Harold Mills as Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne. ","AnswerText":"The reappointment was carried out in line with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice. It was made by ministers on the basis of a performance assessment prepared by officials in the Scottish Executive Development Department, the department sponsoring Caledonian MacBrayne Limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163572,"EventID":"S1W-27038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process was followed to appoint the First Minister's principal special adviser.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process was followed to appoint the First Minister's principal special adviser.","AnswerText":"Provision for the appointment of special advisers is made in article 3 (4) of the Civil Service Order in Council 1995 as amended by the Civil Service (Amendment) Order in Council 1999. These provisions give the First Minister delegated authority from the Prime Minister to appoint up to 12 special advisers without further recourse to him. Nine special advisers are currently in post. They were selected by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister respectively, without advertisement.

    Special advisers are temporary civil servants. They are appointed to advise Ministers within the terms of the Model Contract for Special Advisers, which includes a special adviser code of conduct. The Model Contract, which sets out the sorts of work a special adviser may do as well as arrangements for pension and explanation of duration of contract, is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22440). Special adviser's salaries are not revealed in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned. However, the special advisers' salary ranges for 2002-03 are shown in the following table:

    Pay Bands

    Range From 1 April 2002

    1

    £34,850 to £45,100

    2

    £45,101 to £57,400

    3

    £57,401 to £73,800

    3 (premium)

    £73,801 to £89,175

    4

    £76,876 to £92,250

    There are currently two special advisers in Pay Band 1, five in Pay Band 2 and two in Pay Band 3.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163573,"EventID":"S1W-27039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process was followed to appoint the First Minister's six special advisers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process was followed to appoint the First Minister's six special advisers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27038.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163574,"EventID":"S1W-27040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to advertise and appoint each of the First Minister's current seven special and principal special advisers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to advertise and appoint each of the First Minister's current seven special and principal special advisers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27038.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163575,"EventID":"S1W-27041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of each of the First Minister's special advisers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of each of the First Minister's special advisers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27038.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163576,"EventID":"S1W-27042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the salary is of the First Minister's principal special adviser and each of the special advisers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the salary is of the First Minister's principal special adviser and each of the special advisers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27038.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163577,"EventID":"S1W-27043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the pension rights and duration of contract are of the First Minister's principal special adviser and each of the special advisers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the pension rights and duration of contract are of the First Minister's principal special adviser and each of the special advisers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27038.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163578,"EventID":"S1W-27044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister's special advisers are classed as civil servants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister's special advisers are classed as civil servants.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27038.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163579,"EventID":"S1W-27045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of all foreign trips it has funded in each of the last two years, detailing the cost of each trip, its purpose and whether reports on th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of all foreign trips it has funded in each of the last two years, detailing the cost of each trip, its purpose and whether reports on the outcome of each trip have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Information on the cost of each journey to attend meetings and engagements overseas, and its purpose, could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Reports on the outcome of each such journey are not placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163580,"EventID":"S1W-27046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides whether a policy adviser should be appointed; what the criteria are for such appointments; what the function of a policy adviser is and why such posts have be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides whether a policy adviser should be appointed; what the criteria are for such appointments; what the function of a policy adviser is and why such posts have been created. ","AnswerText":"There are a number of posts that carry the title of policy adviser in the Policy Unit and elsewhere. This role is not confined to a single band and the occupants are, in almost all cases career civil servants. They cover a wide range of duties within divisions and heads of division will determine job descriptions and job titles according to management needs.

    From time to time ministers and senior civil service colleagues require particular expertise and advice and in these exceptional circumstances the Executive may appoint specialist policy advisers. Specialist advisers may be appointed on secondment or hold temporary appointment as civil servants.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163581,"EventID":"S1W-27047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will reply to the letter of 18 March 2002 from the Member of Parliament for Banff and Buchan, referred to him by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will reply to the letter of 18 March 2002 from the Member of Parliament for Banff and Buchan, referred to him by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and acknowledged by the Executive's Correspondence Unit on 25 March 2002.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the issues raised by the Member of Parliament for Banff and Buchanan in his letter of 18 March rests with the Food Standards Agency, which is in turn within my portfolio. A response was issued on 1 August.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163582,"EventID":"S1W-27048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what space standards are currently being applied in the designs of new schools; how these have been updated from those used in the 1970s and amended for metrication in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what space standards are currently being applied in the designs of new schools; how these have been updated from those used in the 1970s and amended for metrication in the 1980s, and whether it has any plans to publish standards for excellence in space and quality in school buildings.","AnswerText":"The School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967, as amended for metrication, set out broad minimum standards in relation to certain aspects of school accommodation, including areas for school sites and overall minimum educational areas.

    They do not prescribe detailed space requirements such as individual classroom areas. These detailed matters are for those commissioning the design of new schools in the light of experience of the delivery of the education service, and may vary according to local requirements.

    We are working with local authorities to develop a national strategy for the school estate. This will provide an appropriate context in which to consider school building standards further.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163583,"EventID":"S1W-27049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being put in place to undertake post-occupancy evaluations of the new school buildings being procured by local authorities, including qualitative as well ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being put in place to undertake post-occupancy evaluations of the new school buildings being procured by local authorities, including qualitative as well as quantitative appraisals.","AnswerText":"The procurement of school buildings is a matter within the responsibility of local authorities. It is for individual authorities to decide whether to undertake evaluation of new school buildings following occupancy and how to take account of those findings in considering their future school developments. Carrying out an evaluation offers an opportunity to learn lessons and identify good practice and I am anxious that all authorities should benefit from this. Evaluation and sharing good practice will therefore be issues addressed in the development of the national strategy for the school estate.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163584,"EventID":"S1W-27050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is making any progress towards simplifying the examination and pupil assessment systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is making any progress towards simplifying the examination and pupil assessment systems.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with key stakeholders in education, business and the wider community to develop a simple, effective and easily understood examination and pupil assessment system for children of all ages.

    In relation to younger children aged three to 14, the Scottish Executive has established an Assessment Action Group to develop a single, clearly understood national system of assessment, record-keeping and reporting. The initiative aims to provide better feedback for pupils leading to improved achievement; a simplified system and support for teachers thereby reducing their workload and clearer information for parents.

    For examination and assessment post-14, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has reviewed assessment arrangements for all new National Qualifications courses. Significant changes have been made to reduce unnecessary demands on teachers and students. The National Qualifications Task and Steering Groups and Scottish Executive ministers have endorsed these changes. This process will continue and the SQA has identified 18 subjects for a more fundamental review of assessment arrangements. Furthermore, the National Qualifications Task and Steering Groups are overseeing the development of clear guidance and support materials to help teachers reduce and simplify the work associated with assessment.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163585,"EventID":"S1W-27051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its plan for reform of crofting legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its plan for reform of crofting legislation.","AnswerText":"I shall be publishing a white paper setting out our proposals for reform of crofting legislation on 4 July. Copies of the white paper will be made available in the Parliament's Information Centre, (Bib. number 22193) and published on the Scottish Executive website on the morning of 4 July. Copies of the white paper will be issued for consultation on that day to a range of interested parties and will be available on demand thereafter to anyone who wishes to see the proposals and respond to the consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163586,"EventID":"S1W-27052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the review of the Common Agricultural Policy Scheme Administration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the review of the Common Agricultural Policy Scheme Administration.","AnswerText":"The review has now been completed and copies of the final report are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The report is also available on the Scottish Executive website.

    The remit for the work was to review the management and administration in Scotland of payments made under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), consider options for change and improvement in processes and structures within the EU regimes, and to make recommendations.

    The key drivers were improved customer care, responding to rapidly changing developments in electronic systems, improved accountability including, as appropriate, organisational change, improved management accountability, better measurement and control of costs, and better audit and financial control.

    The final report includes a section on stakeholder analysis and specifies an overall vision for the work as follows:

    "To implement the CAP subsidy schemes in Scotland economically, efficiently and effectively, in line with EU requirements and providing a fair and first class service to farmer customers, ensuring that the public funds disbursed are subject to proper financial control."

    The report includes 37 recommendations covering communications (internal and external), the role of information and communications technology in service delivery, organisation and accountability and management information.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163587,"EventID":"S1W-27053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are on the NHS Organ Donor Register in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are on the NHS Organ Donor Register in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table.

    NHS Board

    Number of People Registered

    Argyll and Clyde

    71,616

    Ayrshire and Arran

    55,724

    Borders

    23,774

    Dumfries and Galloway

    22,038

    Forth Valley

    49,489

    Fife

    64,102

    Greater Glasgow

    193,486

    Grampian

    110,367

    Highland

    34,528

    Lanarkshire

    67,331

    Lothian

    174,436

    Orkney

    3,127

    Shetland

    3,797

    Tayside

    92,578

    Western Isles

    342

    Total

    966,735

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163588,"EventID":"S1W-27054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients did not attend their allocated hospital out-patient appointments in the past year and what the financial cost was of such non-attendance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients did not attend their allocated hospital out-patient appointments in the past year and what the financial cost was of such non-attendance","AnswerText":"Provisional data from ISD Scotland shows that during the year ending 31 December 2001 the number of patients who did not attend their first out-patient appointment was 160,112. A service-led group has recently been set up to work with the service to identify and share good practice and to develop a target for all NHS trusts to demonstrate year on year improvement in the number of did not attends. The group will report in the autumn.

    Information on the cost of NHS of patients failing to keep appointments is not available centrally. Many out-patient clinics schedule additional appointments to compensate for non-attendance. Information on the average cost of a consultant out-patient attendance is available on the Information and Statistics Division website at:

    http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/Scottish_Health_Statistics/subject/Costs/2001/index.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163589,"EventID":"S1W-27055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what percentage reported crime on the rail network rose in the past year, detailing what (a) practical and (b) financial support it provided to the rail industry to ad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what percentage reported crime on the rail network rose in the past year, detailing what (a) practical and (b) financial support it provided to the rail industry to address this issue.","AnswerText":"The number of crimes recorded by the British Transport Police (BTP), as provided by them to the Scottish Executive, is shown in the following table.
     

    2000

    2001

    Percentage Change

    Total recorded crimes in Scotland

    3,381

    4,014

    19

    Funding for the BTP is a matter for the British Transport Police Committee and Scottish ministers have no direct locus. A primary inspection by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, published in March 2001, found evidence of strong relationships, good liaison and effective working between BTP Scottish Area and Scottish Police Forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163590,"EventID":"S1W-27056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) practical and (b) financial support it proposes to provide to take forward the rail industry's recent \"railway crime week\" campaign, broken down to show the tim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) practical and (b) financial support it proposes to provide to take forward the rail industry's recent \"railway crime week\" campaign, broken down to show the timescale and targeted area of such support.","AnswerText":"Rail safety and security are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive has no direct locus to intervene. However, the rail industry in Scotland has invited Scottish Ministers to show support by launching a number of campaigns, including the Railway Crime Week (17-23 June), in an effort to raise public awareness of railway crime. The Executive will respond positively to similar approaches from the industry in the future. Funding for these campaigns and for the British Transport Police is provided by the UK rail industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163591,"EventID":"S1W-27057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) practical and (b) financial aspects of its youth crime policy will be targeted to take forward the railway industry's recent \"railway crime week\" campaign, show","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) practical and (b) financial aspects of its youth crime policy will be targeted to take forward the railway industry's recent \"railway crime week\" campaign, showing any timescales, targeted areas and any amounts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27056. Our youth crime policy distributes funding to local authorities which are responsible for its allocation to appropriate youth justice initiatives. Rail crime campaigns are funded and implemented by the rail industry and the British Transport Police.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163592,"EventID":"S1W-27058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce legislation affecting or protecting the pension rights of employees transferred under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce legislation affecting or protecting the pension rights of employees transferred under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations or the provision of the Statement of Practice covering these, and under what section of the Scotland Act 1998 any such powers are conferred. ","AnswerText":"The matter of pensions is in general reserved by virtue of section F3 of part II of schedule 5 to the Scotland Act. However, an exception is made in respect of employees of a Scottish public authority with mixed functions or no reserved functions and the Parliament may therefore legislate as to the pensions payable to such persons.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163593,"EventID":"S1W-27059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to progress the recommendations made by the Transport and the Environment Committee in its 4th Report 2002, Report on Petition PE327 by the Blairingone","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to progress the recommendations made by the Transport and the Environment Committee in its 4th Report 2002, Report on Petition PE327 by the Blairingone and Saline Action Group on Organic Waste Spread on Land.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's response to the recommendations made by the Transport and the Environment Committee in its 4th Report 2002 on Organic Waste to Land can be found at:

    http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/official_report/cttee/trans-02/trp02-22.pdf.

    The committee made further representation to the Executive in its letter of 3 July calling for an immediate ban on the spreading of untreated blood and gut content on land. The Executive is currently considering its response to this.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163594,"EventID":"S1W-27060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often in the last year representatives of Scottish Natural Heritage have met representatives of the Quarry Products Association.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often in the last year representatives of Scottish Natural Heritage have met representatives of the Quarry Products Association.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Natural Heritage. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163595,"EventID":"S1W-27061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients in the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust area on the true waiting list for a hip replacement operation (a) waited more than the target 10 months and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS patients in the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust area on the true waiting list for a hip replacement operation (a) waited more than the target 10 months and (b) were seen within that timescale since the target was set and how many patients are currently on the list.","AnswerText":"The information requested on performance against local waiting time targets is not collected since it is a matter for local NHS boards and Trusts. Information on performance against the national waiting time target is published quarterly and is available on the Scottish Health on the Web (SHOW) website at http://show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/acute_activity/index.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163596,"EventID":"S1W-27062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current financial deficit of the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current financial deficit of the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust is.","AnswerText":"At the end of May, West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust was forecasting a year-end overspend of £561,000. The trust is in on-going discussions with NHS Lothian about achieving financial breakeven.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163597,"EventID":"S1W-27063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any plans by West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust to address the trusts's financial deficit and whether it intends to assist the trust in addressing t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any plans by West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust to address the trusts's financial deficit and whether it intends to assist the trust in addressing this deficit.","AnswerText":"West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust is currently working to a financial recovery plan approved by the Trust Management Board in May 2002. The Trust's financial position remains in line with the recovery plan.

    The Scottish Executive Health Department has been assisting the Trust in monitoring and reviewing the recovery plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163598,"EventID":"S1W-27064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected shortfall in NHS funding for Lothian NHS Board is, broken down by NHS trust and hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected shortfall in NHS funding for Lothian NHS Board is, broken down by NHS trust and hospital.","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian has received its fair share of funding. In 2002-03 NHS Lothian will receive record funding of over £754 million, a 6.8% increase on 2001-02.

    Distribution of this allocation is a matter of local negotiation.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163599,"EventID":"S1W-27065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charging structure will be in place for car parking at the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and whether staff and medical students will be exempted from charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what charging structure will be in place for car parking at the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and whether staff and medical students will be exempted from charges.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust but any charges in place should be in accordance with national guidance. The department has begun a review of current car parking charge practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163600,"EventID":"S1W-27066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average hours worked by junior doctors in the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust area are and what support it intends to provide to reduce the number of h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average hours worked by junior doctors in the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust area are and what support it intends to provide to reduce the number of hours worked by junior doctors in the area.","AnswerText":"Information is not held centrally on the average number of hours worked by junior doctors. However, data is available on whether junior doctors meet the limit of 56 hours of work a week, set down in the New Deal for junior doctors. The most recent monitoring data held for West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust shows:

     

    PRHOs

    SHOs

    SpRs

    Compliance with New Deal

    100%

    14%

    23%

    Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) were required to be compliant with the New Deal from August 2001.

    Senior House Officers (SHOs) and Specialist Registrars (SpRs) are not required to achieve compliance until August 2003.

    The New Deal Implementation Support Group, set up by ministers in 1999 to help trusts to achieve compliance, offers support to all trusts, including West Lothian Healthcare Trust, to help them overcome obstacles to full compliance by identifying and promoting best practice and assisting in work pattern redesign.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163601,"EventID":"S1W-27067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies for consultants in the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust area there are, broken down by speciality and whether it expects this number to reduce and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies for consultants in the West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust area there are, broken down by speciality and whether it expects this number to reduce and, if so, how, when and by how much.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for employing consultants and filling vacant posts rests with the individual Trust. Information on when these posts are likely to be filled is not held centrally but may be held by local NHS management. Contact details for NHS management personnel are available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk.

    The Information and Statistics Division (ISD) of the Common Services Agency (CSA) conducts an annual collection of consultant and staff grade medical and dental vacancies. Consultant vacancies in West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust by speciality as at 30 September, 2001 were:

    Speciality1

    2001 Vacancies

    All Specialities

    6

    Anaesthetics2

    1

    Clinical radiology

    2

    Nuclear medicine

    0

    General surgery

    1

    Plastic surgery

    1

    Oral surgery

    1

    Source: ISD(M) 4 Medical and Dental Census

    Notes:

    1. Includes honorary appointments.

    2. Includes pain management.

    These data are released under National Statistics.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163602,"EventID":"S1W-27068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its school estate strategy will identify the number of (a) schools and (b) the number of pupils served by schools that have sub-standard heating, ventilation, plumbi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its school estate strategy will identify the number of (a) schools and (b) the number of pupils served by schools that have sub-standard heating, ventilation, plumbing and roofs.","AnswerText":"We are working with local authorities to develop a national strategy for the school estate. This will be complemented by local authorities' school estate management plans. The detailed assessment and management of school buildings are matters for the local authorities and we would expect their management plans to take account of such issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163603,"EventID":"S1W-27069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its school estate strategy will identify comparative standards of educational achievements of pupils served by schools of poor, fair or excellent repair.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its school estate strategy will identify comparative standards of educational achievements of pupils served by schools of poor, fair or excellent repair.","AnswerText":"Information on educational attainment is published by the Scottish Executive as follows:

    School by school Scottish Qualifications Authority examination results are published in Examination Results in Scottish Schools. Copies of this report are held in the Parliament's Reference Centre and it can also be accessed at:

    http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/education/erss01-00.asp

    An analysis of 5-14 attainment results (by stage and local authority) was published on 24 January 2002 in a Statistical News Release. Copies of the release are held in the Parliament's Reference Centre and it can also be accessed at:

    http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00138-00.asp

    These publications do not contain information about the condition of school buildings.

    We are working with local authorities to develop a national strategy for the school estate. This work supports our objectives of raising standards of education for all in our schools, and enhancing school environments so they are conducive to teaching and learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163604,"EventID":"S1W-27070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which bodies it consulted with in April 2002 on civil court fees in the Court of Session and the sheriff courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which bodies it consulted with in April 2002 on civil court fees in the Court of Session and the sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"The Executive's consultation exercise was based on a paper issued in September 2001. The names of the bodies to whom the consultation paper were sent are given in the following list:

    Action of Churches Together in Scotland

    Catholic Church in Scotland

    Evangelical Alliance (Scotland)

    Faculty of Advocates

    The General Assembly

    The Law Society of Scotland

    Part-time Sheriffs' Association

    Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Scotland

    Scottish Consumer Council

    Scottish Inter Faith Council

    Scottish Legal Aid Board

    Scottish Parliament Justice Committee

    Scottish Sheriff Court Users Group

    The Sheriffs' Association

    St Columbas Episcopal Church

    The consultation paper was also placed on the Scottish Executive Website inviting responses. The following organisations and individuals responded to this general invitation to give comments:

    Scottish Council for the Single Homeless

    Campbell Smith WS

    The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

    Scottish Legal Action Group

    Simpson and Marwick WS

    Scottish Liberal Democrats

    Professor Alan Paterson, Strathclyde University.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163605,"EventID":"S1W-27071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list those court dues exigible in the Court of Session from 1987 to date in monetary terms and showing any percentage and Retail Price Index increases fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list those court dues exigible in the Court of Session from 1987 to date in monetary terms and showing any percentage and Retail Price Index increases from year to year for (a) lodgment of a summons/petition, (b) a jury precept (c) lodging records, (d) a reclaiming motion, (e) fixing a proof, (g) a proof/debate hearing (each 30 minutes), (h) a summar roll hearing (30 minutes), (i) a jury trial (30 minutes), (j) a motion roll or other Outer House hearing, (k) out of hours hearings, (l) lodging an account of expenses, (m) an Inner House hearing, (n) a single bill, and (o) enrolment of a motion.","AnswerText":"The information requested has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22511).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163606,"EventID":"S1W-27072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Report on Care Home Costs for Older People in Scotland, whether it has made any financial provision for water charges in respect of older people in ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Report on Care Home Costs for Older People in Scotland, whether it has made any financial provision for water charges in respect of older people in care homes.","AnswerText":"The National Review Group considered various ways of anticipating increases in care home costs. Rather than suggest any specific formula they concluded that an increase in real terms should be applied annually to take account of various pressures, including water rates. We will, in consultation with local authorities and the independent sector, determine the most appropriate means of uplifting care home fees shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163607,"EventID":"S1W-27073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rural Development has met; whether its membership has changed and, if so, when and how; whether it produces minutes of its mee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rural Development has met; whether its membership has changed and, if so, when and how; whether it produces minutes of its meetings, and, if so, whether these are made public.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rural Development, which I Chair, (formerly the Ministerial Committee on Rural Development), was established in 1999, when it met three times. Since then, it has met five times in 2000 and five times in 2001 and has so far met twice this year, on 5 February and 15 May. The membership has changed once, following a review of ministerial committees and working groups in January this year, when some rationalisation was agreed. The sub-committee currently has the following members: the Minister for Social Justice, the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, the Minister for Finance and Public Services, the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development and the Deputy Minister for Tourism Culture and Sport. Details of the remit and membership of all Cabinet sub-committees are available on the Scottish Executive website.

    As indicated in the Guide to Collective Decision Making, a copy of which is available on the Scottish Executive website, the Executive operates on the basis of collective responsibility and does not disclose details of the internal processes through which decisions have been made. For that reason, the Executive does not normally publish minutes of Cabinet sub-committee meetings.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163608,"EventID":"S1W-27074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the Scottish National Rural Partnership are, what its remit is and on what dates it has met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the Scottish National Rural Partnership are, what its remit is and on what dates it has met.","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Rural Partnership is an advisory body to ministers on rural policy, and exists to promote effective liaison between public, private and voluntary sector interests on rural matters.

    The partnership, which currently has 17 members, is chaired by a Scottish Executive official. Members, appointed for their own expertise and knowledge of rural issues, are nominated by the following organisations:

    Confederation of British Industry Scotland

    Communities Scotland

    Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

    Federation of Small Businesses

    Forestry Commission

    Highlands & Islands Enterprise

    National Farmers Union Scotland

    Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations

    Scottish Crofting Foundation

    Scottish Enterprise

    Scottish Environment LINK

    Scottish Landowners Federation

    Scottish Natural Heritage

    Scottish Trades Union Congress

    The Scottish Agricultural College

    VisitScotland

    The partnership has met a total of 29 times since 1996. In 2002, it has met twice, on 29 January and 3 May, and a third meeting will take place in early September.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163609,"EventID":"S1W-27075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support Argyll and Bute Council in its efforts to provide a regular and sustainable ferry service between Islay and Jura.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support Argyll and Bute Council in its efforts to provide a regular and sustainable ferry service between Islay and Jura.","AnswerText":"This service is the responsibility of Argyll and Bute Council. However, Scottish Executive officials have met their counterparts at the council to discuss possible ways in which the service might be improved. I understand that these discussions will be reflected in a bid that the council plans to submit for support under the Executive's Public Transport Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163610,"EventID":"S1W-27076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever instructed or directed the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to seek any derogation in respect of the implementation of the European Waste Water ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever instructed or directed the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to seek any derogation in respect of the implementation of the European Waste Water Directive.","AnswerText":"Last year, the Scottish Executive submitted two applications through the UK Government to the European Commission to permit a less stringent standard of treatment than the norm for the urban waste water discharges at Lerwick and Stornoway.

    The Commission is currently in the process of reviewing the applications, but in the meantime, following a review of treatment in these areas, it has been decided to enhance the sewerage treatment facilities. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27812 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163611,"EventID":"S1W-27077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it intends to reply to the application by Argyll and Bute Council to the Public Transport Fund for money to upgrade the Islay - Jura ferry service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it intends to reply to the application by Argyll and Bute Council to the Public Transport Fund for money to upgrade the Islay - Jura ferry service.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not yet received an application from Argyll and Bute Council for this project. Bids for this year's Public Transport Fund round are due in by 12 August 2002 and I expect to announce successful bids by the end of October.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163612,"EventID":"S1W-27078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will ensure that Scots, English and Gaelic appear on all signage in the new Parliament buildings with equal prominence.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will ensure that Scots, English and Gaelic appear on all signage in the new Parliament buildings with equal prominence.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body discussed signage at its meeting on 1 July, and decided that signage in the public areas in the new parliamentary buildings will be in English, Gaelic and Braille, and will also include symbols where appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163613,"EventID":"S1W-27079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of delayed discharge patients remain in hospital for longer than six weeks, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of delayed discharge patients remain in hospital for longer than six weeks, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table.

    NHS - Patients Ready for Discharge Number and Percentage of Patients with a Length of Delay over Six Weeks1 by NHS Board Area of Treatment - as at 15 April 2002

    NHS Board area of Treatment

    Number outwith the six week discharge planning period1

    Total2

    Percentage outwith the six week discharge planning period

    Argyll and Clyde

    334

    389

    86

    Ayrshire and Arran

    139

    235

    59

    Scottish Borders

    36

    51

    71

    Dumfries and Galloway

    25

    58

    43

    Fife

    130

    175

    74

    Forth Valley

    114

    164

    70

    Grampian

    229

    334

    69

    Greater Glasgow

    290

    431

    67

    Highland

    69

    86

    80

    Lanarkshire

    129

    186

    69

    Lothian

    296

    541

    55

    Orkney

    8

    12

    67

    Shetland

    -

    -

    -

    Tayside

    135

    259

    52

    Western Isles

    23

    30

    77

    Scotland

    1,957

    2,951

    66

    Notes:

    1. Number of patients ready for discharge with a duration of over six weeks (43 days or more), i.e. the common period for discharge planning agreement timescales across Scotland.

    2. Total number of patients ready for discharge in all specialties, reported as at 15 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163614,"EventID":"S1W-27080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of delayed discharge, and whether this definition has changed in recent years and, if so, in what way.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of delayed discharge, and whether this definition has changed in recent years and, if so, in what way.","AnswerText":"Individuals who have been assessed as being clinically ready for discharge from hospital but who thereafter experience a delay in moving into the next stage of their care are classified as "delayed discharges" from the moment their discharge is delayed. Information and Statistics Division of the NHS's Common Services Agency has used this definition in its Patients Ready for Discharge census since the first quarterly census of September 2000. This census also collects information on those who have been delayed for longer than the accepted discharge planning period of six weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163615,"EventID":"S1W-27081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to place a time limit on delayed discharge patients remaining in hospital which, if breached, would then result in responsibility for the patient","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to place a time limit on delayed discharge patients remaining in hospital which, if breached, would then result in responsibility for the patient solely resting with either the local authority, the NHS board or some other agency.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. We are looking to local authority and NHS partnerships to make specific, targeted reductions in the number of long-term delays with the additional £20 million we have provided this year. Our emphasis is on joint responsibility and partnership working between local authorities and the NHS. Where it is clear that a local partnership is not working jointly to deliver on these and other targets, we will send a specialist Support Team into the area to resolve difficulties.

    Also as part of our Delayed Discharge Action Plan commitment, we have appointed a secondee team to develop joint discharge protocols for national application; these protocols will include a benchmarking component and set out minimum requirements for local authorities and the NHS to meet in the discharge process.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163616,"EventID":"S1W-27082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance on consultation and public involvement is currently available to NHS boards when considering changes in a board's service provision and whether any changes ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance on consultation and public involvement is currently available to NHS boards when considering changes in a board's service provision and whether any changes to such guidance are planned.","AnswerText":"Patient Focus and Public Involvement, which was published in December of last year, set out a framework for changing the way in which the NHS interacts with the people it serves. It also contained a commitment to revise the current guidance on closure and change of use of health service premises and in May of this year draft interim guidance was issued widely to the NHS and other interested parties. Copies of the guidance are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib Number 21063).","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163617,"EventID":"S1W-27083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat unemployment levels in North Ayrshire, given that they are significantly higher than the national average.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to combat unemployment levels in North Ayrshire, given that they are significantly higher than the national average.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is very conscious of the particular problems of areas such as North Ayrshire. We are working closely with the Ayrshire Economic Forum to ensure that through investing in jobs and skills and encouraging the growth of new businesses that we create sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities for all members of the community.

    The key economic development agency for the area is Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire (SEA), which is committed to developing proposals to further economic development and generate job opportunities across Ayrshire. The resource allocation system operated by Scottish Enterprise already takes account of both opportunity and need in local enterprise company areas and a central budget allows for response to unexpected opportunities and needs in particular areas. SEA received £1 million in additional funding for its local action plan for 2002-03 to address identified needs in the local economy.

    There are already in existence a number of initiatives and strategies across the Ayrshire area designed to assist wider social and economic regeneration. The Ayrshire Strategy for Jobs is a five-year strategy designed to create a more diverse economic base; to facilitate the acquisition of new skills; to enhance Ayrshire's competitiveness as a business location, and to address problems of economic exclusion. The New Deal has helped over 5,000 people across Ayrshire enter employment and there are special initiatives for those clients who face particular difficulties. The Executive's Training for Work programme is available to unemployed adults on a voluntary basis and, in 2002-03, aims to offer 500 work-related training opportunities to clients in Ayrshire. SEA also provides training via programmes such as Skillseekers, the Individual Employment Fund and the Employment Initiative for Social Inclusion Partnership areas.

    North Ayrshire has benefited directly from over £3 million from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund from the Western Scotland Objective 2 Programme 2000-06. Projects approved will promote the regeneration of disadvantaged areas, support vocational training and enhance economic development opportunities. Additionally, a further £8.5 million has been awarded to projects which will impact directly on North Ayrshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163618,"EventID":"S1W-27084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, Reducing the Risk: Improving the response to sex offending.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, Reducing the Risk: Improving the response to sex offending.","AnswerText":"Ministers' response to the report, along with an analysis of the external consultation exercise carried out on the report, has been published today and copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22120).","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163619,"EventID":"S1W-27085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its proposals to tender the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to take forward its proposals to tender the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.","AnswerText":"I have today published, for consultation, the draft Invitation to Tender (ITT), which includes the service specification, for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. This sets out our proposals for tendering. I have also published an accompanying consultation document Proposals for Tendering Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services which explains the principles adopted in the service specification and seeks views on options. At the heart of these proposals is our commitment to protecting existing levels of fares and the level of services and ensuring that safety is a priority at all times. I believe that the service specification achieves this. The key elements are:

    The network will be tendered as a whole. The European Commission took account of the case we made for this and the way is now clear for the Executive to proceed on this basis. Overwhelming support was expressed for this option in response to the previous consultation Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services. This will maximise service reliability for the communities served, simplify the process for management of vessels and provide economies of scale in company management, safety and quality systems. It also avoids cherry picking of routes and facilitates integrated transport through co-ordinated timetabling of services.

    Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services explained that the EC rules ruled out the possibility of subsidy for mainland-to-mainland routes. Through our representations, we have been able make inroads to secure these routes. I am delighted to confirm that both of the mainland-to-mainland routes in the current Undertaking (Gourock to Dunoon and Tarbert to Portavadie) will be included in the single bundle. This is based on the European Commission's assessment that the land-based routes do not provide viable alternatives. This is welcome news and will mean that subsidy for these services can continue.

    We also explained that Public Service Obligations (PSOs) can be imposed for scheduled services to ports serving peripheral areas or thinly served routes considered vital only where the operation of market forces would not ensure a sufficient service level. Nevertheless, we decided to make strong representations for the continuation of the approved Gourock to Dunoon passenger service. This is consistent with our integrated transport policies. However, following discussions with the Commission we have concluded that the service for Gourock to Dunoon should be restricted to a passenger only service to comply with EC rules for PSOs). This is because the case for a vehicle service is undermined by the existence of an unsubsidised private sector competitor nearby. We are pleased that the Commission accepted the arguments for a continued passenger only service which will carry passengers between the railhead at Gourock and Dunoon.

    New services - We undertook to review the Out of Undertaking services and I am pleased to announce that we will expand the services to include two services that are currently outwith the Undertaking. These are:

    Mallaig to Armadale winter vehicle service, and

    Tarbert to Portavadie winter service.

    I also propose further new services as follows:

    Sound of Barra and Sound of Harris - The Executive recently announced funding for a new CalMac ferry for the Sound of Harris route. This will allow a vessel to be deployed to provide a new service for the Sound of Barra and also enhanced services for the Sound of Harris.

    Kilchoan to Tobermory winter passenger service - This service is currently provided by the local community with financial support from various sponsors including the local authorities. The current winter service is a passenger only service and it is proposed that it will remain so with a vehicle service provided during the summer (as now). This will ensure vital links between Tobermory and Kilchoan are secured.

    Enhanced Oban services - a new vessel is being built to ","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163620,"EventID":"S1W-27086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it (a) has implemented and (b) is planning to implement in order to tackle youth crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it (a) has implemented and (b) is planning to implement in order to tackle youth crime.","AnswerText":"In January of this year we launched Scotland's Action Programme to reduce youth crime. This has already delivered multi-disciplinary youth justice teams in each area which have been supported by £25.5 million to identify offending young people in their areas and roll-out effective programmes to address their behaviour. On 27 June, we announced a 10-point action plan which sets out the Executive's action to tackle the problem of persistent offending, enhancing community safety and improve the effectiveness of Scotland's youth justice system.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163621,"EventID":"S1W-27087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list by title each document that it has sent to each police force in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list by title each document that it has sent to each police force in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with police forces and there is a regular flow of material, in both directions, across a range of subjects. This flow includes e-mails and letters, in addition to circulars and other papers. There is no central monitoring of this exchange and to put such a process in place would be unduly bureaucratic and costly.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163622,"EventID":"S1W-27088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list by title each document that it has sent to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list by title each document that it has sent to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-24233 and S1W-24781.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163623,"EventID":"S1W-27089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to produce and circulate documents that it sent to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each of the last three years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to produce and circulate documents that it sent to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each of the last three years. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-24233 on 3 April 2002 and S1W-24781 on 29 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163624,"EventID":"S1W-27090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to produce and circulate documents that it sent to each police force in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to produce and circulate documents that it sent to each police force in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with police forces and there is a regular flow of material, in both directions, across a range of subjects. This flow includes e-mails and letters, in addition to circulars and other papers. There is no central monitoring of this exchange and no estimates have been made of the costs of producing and circulating these documents. To put such a process in place would be unduly bureaucratic and costly.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163625,"EventID":"S1W-27091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each guideline document that it has issued to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each guideline document that it has issued to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Written material issued by the Scottish Executive can take a number of forms and is issued from a number of areas within the Executive. Central logging of this written material is not undertaken and a comprehensive answer cannot, therefore, be provided to question S1W-24233 on 3 April 2002. However, internal monitoring indicates that relatively little of the material issued by the Scottish Executive is either sent directly to schools or is intended for distribution to them.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163626,"EventID":"S1W-27092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to address the \"significant variation in throughcare and aftercare arrangements across Scotland\" as highlighted in its Central Research Unit repo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps will be taken to address the \"significant variation in throughcare and aftercare arrangements across Scotland\" as highlighted in its Central Research Unit report, Scotland's Children: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 Research Findings No.3 - A Study of Throughcare and Aftercare Services in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"As a result of the findings of that report the expert Throughcare and Aftercare Working Group is focussing on how to improve current services across Scotland. They will report to me in August with their recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163627,"EventID":"S1W-27093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to produce more specific aims, objectives and timescales for throughcare and aftercare services in order to provide greater standardisation in provision","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to produce more specific aims, objectives and timescales for throughcare and aftercare services in order to provide greater standardisation in provision across all local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27092.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163628,"EventID":"S1W-27094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the \"lack of adequate\" data collection and processing systems for monitoring and evaluating the number of young people eligible for care services, as highlighted ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the \"lack of adequate\" data collection and processing systems for monitoring and evaluating the number of young people eligible for care services, as highlighted in its Central Research Unit report, Scotland's Children: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 Research Findings No.3 - A Study of Throughcare and Aftercare Services in Scotland, will be addressed. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27092","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163629,"EventID":"S1W-27095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the resources available to local authorities to assist them in improving the current situation in which 39% of young people in care receive ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the resources available to local authorities to assist them in improving the current situation in which 39% of young people in care receive a planned throughcare programme and, of those who have left care, 40% have had a formal leaving care review, as highlighted in its Central Research Unit report, Scotland's Children: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 Research Findings No.3 - A Study of Throughcare and Aftercare Services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Children's Services Development Fund in 2000-01 and 2001-02 made up to £1 million available each year to local authorities to help develop throughcare and aftercare services. In addition, local authorities were invited to bid for money from the Changing Children's Services Fund to help young people with the transition to independent living.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163630,"EventID":"S1W-27096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 organised the recruitment of modern studies teachers as markers at standard grade. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 organised the recruitment of modern studies teachers as markers at standard grade. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Qualifications Authority recruited all required markers for modern studies standard grade, as well as for all subjects and levels, in both 2001 and 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163631,"EventID":"S1W-27097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern studies markers were recruited in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 and how many of them were (i) qualified to teach the subject, (ii) teachers of modern studies wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern studies markers were recruited in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 and how many of them were (i) qualified to teach the subject, (ii) teachers of modern studies with more than three years' classroom experience, (iii) retired teachers and (iv) retired teachers not qualified in modern studies.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I will ask the chairman to write with the details requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163632,"EventID":"S1W-27098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was in charge of the modern studies markers' meetings in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 and how many markers attended these meetings. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was in charge of the modern studies markers' meetings in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 and how many markers attended these meetings. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I will ask the Chairman to write with the details requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163633,"EventID":"S1W-27099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any records kept of contentious questions and of the advice given to modern studies markers on questions which gave them most concern and, if so, which","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any records kept of contentious questions and of the advice given to modern studies markers on questions which gave them most concern and, if so, which credit questions presented the 2001 markers with the most difficulty.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I will ask the Chairman to write with the details requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163634,"EventID":"S1W-27100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which individuals set the (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 credit papers in modern studies. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which individuals set the (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 credit papers in modern studies. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I will ask the chairman to write to you with the details requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163635,"EventID":"S1W-27101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed review of fostering will begin; who the members of the review group will be, and what the remit of the group will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed review of fostering will begin; who the members of the review group will be, and what the remit of the group will be.","AnswerText":"Fostering will be considered as part of Phase II of the Adoption Policy Review. I am currently considering the precise remit of the review and the membership of the review group. I expect Phase II of the review to begin later this year and will announce the membership and remit before Phase II gets under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163636,"EventID":"S1W-27102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the role of pre-school staff to be. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers the role of pre-school staff to be. ","AnswerText":"The role of pre-school staff is to help children to get the best possible start in life by promoting their all-round development during their crucial formative years.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163637,"EventID":"S1W-27103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers pre-schools centres as being primarily concerned with education or childcare.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers pre-schools centres as being primarily concerned with education or childcare.","AnswerText":"Pre-school centres are considered to be primarily concerned with providing an integrated service of education and childcare. These two important services are considered to be interdependent and mutually supportive.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163638,"EventID":"S1W-27104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what direction it plans to move pre-school education and what work is being undertaken to shape the future of pre-school education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what direction it plans to move pre-school education and what work is being undertaken to shape the future of pre-school education.","AnswerText":"The Executive plans to continue to work with the local authority, private and voluntary sectors to improve the quality of pre-school education. The new arrangements for integrated inspection by the Commission for the Regulation of Care and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education will be an important part of this.

    The Executive has been working to improve the quality of all parts of the early years workforce, and recently allocated an additional £7.2 million for the financial years 2002-04, to support workforce expansion and development in the sector.

    The Executive will continue to promote better links between pre-school education and other agencies, so as to provide better integrated services for children, and will look at better programmes and facilities for supporting children's physical development and movement.

    The Executive is also working with Learning and Teaching Scotland and others to improve children's transition from pre-school education to primary school, and to review the use of ICT in pre-school education.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163639,"EventID":"S1W-27105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pre-school providers are currently fulfilling their aims and delivering a good service; if so, why it is removing the requirement for the inclusion of nursery tea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pre-school providers are currently fulfilling their aims and delivering a good service; if so, why it is removing the requirement for the inclusion of nursery teachers as addressed in its Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education and, if not, in what way it is moving pre-school provision in a new direction and what any new targets and aims are.","AnswerText":"Pre-school providers are delivering a good service but, as in most services, there remains room for improvement. The Guidance on the Involvement of Teachers in Pre-School Education offers advice on the provision of a more flexible and user focussed service which makes best use of the skills of all staff to meet the diverse needs of children and their parents.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163640,"EventID":"S1W-27106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what evidence or research it based its proposal to remove the requirement for the inclusion of nursery teachers in pre-school provision as addressed in its Guidance on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what evidence or research it based its proposal to remove the requirement for the inclusion of nursery teachers in pre-school provision as addressed in its Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education. ","AnswerText":"The Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education was drawn up with the help of a working group of practitioners in the field. The working group considered the published research database, individual case studies, research carried out in America and evidence from inspections carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Education. They also considered initial results from other research such as the Effective Provision of Pre-school Education project.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163641,"EventID":"S1W-27107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors contributed to the differential in quality identified in the recent HM Inspectorate of Education report, Standards and Quality in Scottish Pre-school Educati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what factors contributed to the differential in quality identified in the recent HM Inspectorate of Education report, Standards and Quality in Scottish Pre-school Education 1997-2001 and in Early Education and Childcare Workforce Survey Final Report which highlighted that local authority nursery schools performed consistently and substantially better in the quality of learning experiences and that 13% of their staff have a teaching degree compared with 6% in the private and 5% in the voluntary centres and how it will ensure that quality will not be diminished under the new staffing guidelines. ","AnswerText":"Local authorities have had a long history in the provision of pre-school education through nursery schools and classes. By contrast, most private and voluntary providers have only recently begun providing funded pre-school education. The report found that overall standards in the private and voluntary sectors have improved during the last four years. This is encouraging for new players in provision. The report did not define the percentages of staff in sectors who had teaching qualifications and no causal link could be drawn from the qualifications of staff in the different sectors.

    The new staffing guidelines should allow all providers - whether in the private, voluntary or local authority sectors - to deploy teams of staff in a way which uses their individual expertise and enhances the quality of children's experience. All pre-school education providers will be inspected annually under the New National Care Standards by the Commission for the Regulation of Care. The Commission for the Regulation of Care will also be undertaking joint inspections with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, in order to assess the quality of pre-school education. These inspections should ensure that quality is not diminished under the new staffing guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163642,"EventID":"S1W-27108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the recent report by HM Inspectorate of Education, Standards and Quality in Scottish Pre-school Education 1997-2001, only evaluated children's progress in development","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the recent report by HM Inspectorate of Education, Standards and Quality in Scottish Pre-school Education 1997-2001, only evaluated children's progress in development and learning in local authority and independent nurseries and not those in the private and voluntary sectors. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Douglas Osler, Chief Executive of HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), to respond. His response is as follows:

    The inspection evidence to inform the report on Standards and Quality in Scottish Pre-school Education 1997-2001 was drawn from two different types of inspection. HMIE used all the performance indicators in their regular inspections of established nursery schools and classes. This included local authority nursery schools and classes and nursery classes attached to independent schools.

    Evidence about provision in the private and voluntary sectors was drawn from registration inspections. Registration inspections were designed to make an initial assessment of quality using a limited set of indicators, which did not include those on children's progress in development and learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163643,"EventID":"S1W-27109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it defines as a recognised childcare qualification. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it defines as a recognised childcare qualification. ","AnswerText":"Annex A of the National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare up to the Age of 16 recognises somebody as being qualified in childcare if they hold any one of the qualifications mentioned in the booklet Working With Children- A Guide to Qualifications and Careers in Early Education, Childcare & Playwork.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163644,"EventID":"S1W-27110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is making the changes set out in its Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education on staffing requirements for pre-school provision and what the ef","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is making the changes set out in its Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education on staffing requirements for pre-school provision and what the effect on the provision and delivery of the 3-5 curriculum will be as a result of these changes.","AnswerText":"The Guidance on the Involvement of Teachers in Pre-School Education, which I launched in January this year, does not make any changes to staffing requirements. The guidance discusses how teachers and all staff involved in pre-school provision can contribute to the quality of children's experience by working as a team. The key message of the guidance is that local authorities now have the flexibility to decide how best to involve teachers in the delivery of pre-school education.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163645,"EventID":"S1W-27111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle the level of alcohol-related emergency hospital admissions in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle the level of alcohol-related emergency hospital admissions in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of emergency admissions to Glasgow acute hospitals with an alcohol-related diagnosis from 1997 to 2001 is given in the table. Local action to tackle alcohol problems is a matter for local agencies to address.

    Emergency admissions to acute hospitals in Glasgow from 1997 to 2001

    Year

    Number

    1997-98

    7,766

    1998-99

    7,521

    1999-2000

    7,787

    2000-01

    7,748

    Source: Scottish Morbidity Record, SMR01.

    Notes:

    Alcohol-related conditions are defined using the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD10).

    The recording of alcohol problems may vary from hospital to hospital. Where an alcohol problems is suspected but unconfirmed it may not be recorded.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163646,"EventID":"S1W-27112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about when the Scientific Steering Committee will meet to decide the locations of autumn plantings of GM crops and when it expects to be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about when the Scientific Steering Committee will meet to decide the locations of autumn plantings of GM crops and when it expects to be notified of any decision on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scientific Steering Committee reached a decision by correspondence on which sites were to be proposed for the autumn plantings in the final round of the GM farm scale evaluation programme. The Scottish Executive announced the proposed sites on 8 July as soon as they were notified of their locations. Ministers will decide on whether planting may proceed at these sites.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163647,"EventID":"S1W-27113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to recruit more speech therapists into the National Health Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to recruit more speech therapists into the National Health Service.","AnswerText":"Action is being taken on a number of fronts:

    We recently announced that the Scottish Executive Health Department would fund additional student places in 2002-03 available to Allied Health Professions (AHPs) including speech and language Therapists. This is in addition to the 30 additional student places being funded by SHEFC in 2002-03.

    We will be hosting a careers convention in the autumn to promote the AHPs and assist in recruitment and retention. This will be targeted at schoolchildren and those who might want to return to their profession.

    In addition a new Professional Officer for the AHPs will be appointed to take forward Building on Success - Future Directions for the Allied Health Professions, the first ever action plan for the Allied Health Professions in Scotland which sets out a programme of work to address recruitment and retention issues for this group.

    The Executive will also be issuing an action plan for workforce development which will set a critical path for creating a robust workforce development function which integrates workforce planning with service planning across all services in NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163648,"EventID":"S1W-27114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support training of primary health care workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support training of primary health care workers.","AnswerText":"NHS Education for Scotland (NES), a new Special Health Board, was set up by the Scottish Executive on 1 April 2002 to promote multi-disciplinary training and education for all healthcare professions. This new organisation incorporates the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (SCPMDE), the Post Qualification Education Board for Pharmacists (PQEB) and the National Board for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland (NBS), but will also extend its remit to cover those staff groups who do not currently have specific, structured educational support.

    NES supports the training of primary health care workers and, in particular, will be:

    Supporting Continuing Professional Development of all staff; to include-

    Identification of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs of primary care workers caring for people with mild to moderate mental illness.

    Identification of CPD needs of health visitors and school nurses to strengthen their contribution to public health.

    Development of a strategy for CPD in Scottish General Practice.

    Development of an occupational health toolkit for primary care workers.

    Extension of nurse prescribing.

    Introduction of a national recruitment process for GPR and GP VT schemes in Scotland.

    Development of a strategy for GP training in Scotland for the next five to 10 years.

    Supporting development and maintenance of skills of primary care workers in remote and rural areas.

    Supporting access and operation of the Scottish School of Primary Care.

    Research and development activity to support educational provision for primary care.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163649,"EventID":"S1W-27115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is provided for the training of primary health care workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is provided for the training of primary health care workers.","AnswerText":"Health boards and NHS trusts are responsible for the training and continuing development of their staff. The policy framework for learning in NHSScotland is provided by Learning Together, the Education, Training and Lifelong Learning Strategy.

    Additional funding for certain primary health care workers is available from a variety of sources, funded both directly and indirectly by the Scottish Executive. The information for 2001-02 is shown in the following tables.

    Source

    2001-02

    Via the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (SCPMDE)

    		 

    Doctors

    £15,994,000

    Dentists

    £3,871,000

    Via Post Qualification Education Board for National Health Service Pharmacists in Scotland (PQEB)

    		 

    Pharmacists

    £247,000

    Total

    £20,112,000

    Scottish Executive

    Programme

    2001-02

    Doctors

    Post Graduate Education Allowance (PGEA)

    £9,800,000

     

    Reimbursement of Expenses for Principals on Study Leave

    £209,000

     

    Locum allowances for single handed GPs in remote and rural areas attending educational courses

    £11,000

    Dentists

    Continual professional development allowances (CPDA)* for registered dental practitioners

    £192,473

    Professions complementary to Dentistry (PCD)

    Additional training and education

    £1.6 million over three years

    Nurses

    Training to support recommendations of Nursing for Health

    £2,900,000

    Practice Managers

    Competency Framework (Phoenix agenda)

    £40,000

    Total

    		 

    £14,752,473

    Note:

    *Enhanced allowances are available to those dentists operating from remote areas

    SCPMDE and PQEB, along with the National Board for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland (NBS), became part of NHS Education for Scotland (NES) on 1 April. NES will promote a multi-disciplinary approach to training and education of healthcare staff and co-ordinate and oversee educational support.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163650,"EventID":"S1W-27116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will present the directions and guidance for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise to the Parliament before it sends them to the Strategic Rail Authority ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will present the directions and guidance for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise to the Parliament before it sends them to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA).","AnswerText":"I am happy to be able to make the Directions and Guidance for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise available to the Scottish Parliament today, in advance of delivering them to the SRA. A copy of my Directions and Guidance to the SRA for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise has today been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Scotland deserves a railway that is fit for the 21st century and we should not settle for anything less. The directions and guidance clearly set out the Executive's broad objectives for railways in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163651,"EventID":"S1W-27117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the expert group on local service reconfiguration, referred to on page 26 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, will be appointed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the expert group on local service reconfiguration, referred to on page 26 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, will be appointed.","AnswerText":"Since the publication of Our National Health there has been a significant shift in the focus on developing a range of initiatives to support Patient Focus and Public Involvement. These policies are being developed to ensure that there is full and meaningful engagement of the public in service reconfiguration. Monitoring mechanisms for public involvement are being included in generic standards of the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland and more specifically Audit Scotland has been asked to provide external monitoring of the implementation of the Greater Glasgow Acute Services Review and that could be replicated in other areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163652,"EventID":"S1W-27118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will be taking to tackle youth crime and disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will be taking to tackle youth crime and disorder.","AnswerText":"On 26 June, Cabinet agreed a 10 point action plan to tackle the problem of persistent offending, to enhance community safety and to improve the effectiveness of Scotland's youth justice systems.

    The review recommends a tiered approach in tackling youth crime:

    To tackle persistent offending: A small number of persistent offenders are responsible for a disproportionate amount of youth crime. Action will be targeted at this group, including:

    1. A pilot of Specialist Children's Hearings to fast-track persistent offenders under 16.

    2. A Youth Courts feasibility project for persistent offenders aged 16 and 17, with flexibility to deal with 15-year-olds.

    3. Reviewing the scope for using Restriction of Liberty Orders, Anti Social Behaviour Orders and Community Service Orders for persistent offenders;

    To promote community safety and order: youth disorder blights our communities. We need a range of ways to deal with disorder and offending in the community. This will include:

    4. A Safer Scotland police campaign on high visibility policing, covering Youth Disorder, to increase visibility and provide community re-assurance.

    5. Spread best practice, and establish firm standards, for community based projects funded through the Action Programme, Better Neighbourhood Services Fund programmes and Making Communities Safer programmes.

    6. Consideration of a Scottish wide application of a system of police warnings, and a detailed exploration of restorative cautions approach, perhaps through piloting.

    7. Re-configuring the secure accommodation available nationally to provide groups of girl-only accommodation, further consideration of additional places and improving the range and provision of programmes in secure units.

    To promote the effectiveness of the system: While many aspects of the youth justice system are working well, there are some key pressures which must be addressed:

    8. A set of national standards to operate between local authorities, the criminal justice system and Children's Hearings, covering reporting, timescales and follow up.

    9. Promote parental responsibility, through voluntary measures and in the longer term to consider the feasibility of introducing further statutory obligations on parents.

    10. Measures to increase the speed of referral to the courts will be considered, and introduction of specific targets discussed with the judiciary.

    The report and statement has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163653,"EventID":"S1W-27119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to deliver on the commitment made in the UK Parliament in 1998 to extend the provisions of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 in order to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to deliver on the commitment made in the UK Parliament in 1998 to extend the provisions of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 in order to ensure that police officers who wish to disclose wrongdoing receive the same protection given to other workers under that act.","AnswerText":"Amendments have been tabled to the Police Reform Bill, currently before the UK Parliament, to fulfil this commitment by amending the Employment Rights Act 1996 so that police officers in England, Wales and Scotland are covered by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. These are due to be considered by the Standing Committee on the Bill on 27 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163654,"EventID":"S1W-27120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the recent meeting of the British-Irish Council in Jersey.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the recent meeting of the British-Irish Council in Jersey.","AnswerText":"The British-Irish Council (BIC) held its third summit meeting, in Jersey, on 14 June. The main focus of the meeting was the knowledge economy, on which Jersey takes the lead. The meeting was a useful and constructive one. Besides agreeing an approach to closer working on measures to tackle the "digital divide", it enabled members to exchange information and views on the wide variety of policies, methods of working and projects under way. I also emphasised scope for council members to work together on the development of enterprise skills in young people.

    The meeting also received progress reports on BIC co-operation on drugs, environment, social inclusion, transport, health: the application of telemedicine, and tourism.

    I am pleased to confirm that Scotland will host the next BIC Summit in November, where the focus of the meeting will be on the issue of social inclusion.

    I am placing a copy of the Communiqué issued by the British-Irish Council after the summit meeting in Jersey in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22056).","AnswerDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163655,"EventID":"S1W-27121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Pupil Support and Inclusion Division of its Education Department consulted with its Equality Unit, the Commission for Racial Equality, the Centre for Educati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Pupil Support and Inclusion Division of its Education Department consulted with its Equality Unit, the Commission for Racial Equality, the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland and the General Register Office for Scotland on the framework of, and questions to be used in, the School Census September 2002 and, if so, what the outcome of that consultation was.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has consulted widely with both internal and external colleagues on the framework and classifications to be used in the school census.

    The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) and the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) were not formally consulted over the proposed ethnic background and national identity categories, but the Scottish Executive did take into consideration the classifications used in the 2001 Census of Population, conducted by the GROS. The recommendations of the CRE in their consultation document Ethnic Monitoring - a guide for public authorities were also taken into account in compiling the categories.

    Comments on the categories were also sought from the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland (CERES). However, not all of CERES' suggestions could be taken on board given the need to ensure that the categories used in the September 2002 School Census matched closely with those in the 2001 Census of Population to ensure comparability and consistency across different data sources.

    The national identity and ethnic background categories used in the school census are subject to review to ensure that they remain relevant and well understood. This will ensure that ongoing work at a national level on equality and inclusion issues is reflected in future censuses.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163656,"EventID":"S1W-27122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate to mix ethnic origin and nationality classifications in the School Census September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate to mix ethnic origin and nationality classifications in the School Census September 2002.","AnswerText":"The categories to be used for the collection of ethnicity information in the September 2002 School Census were selected to match closely those used in the 2001 Census of Population, to ensure consistency and comparability across different data sources.

    A question on national identity was also included to give respondents the opportunity to express their national identity as well as their ethnic background.

    The national identity and ethnic background categories used in the School Census are subject to review to ensure that they remain relevant and well understood. This will ensure that on-going work at a national level on equality and inclusion issues is reflected in future censuses.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163657,"EventID":"S1W-27123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate to include a category for asylum seekers and refugees in the nationality classification in the School Census September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate to include a category for asylum seekers and refugees in the nationality classification in the School Census September 2002.","AnswerText":"Information on national identity and ethnic background is being collected in the School Census through the ScotXed project for the first time in September 2002.

    As part of this exercise, it is important to collect information on asylum seekers and refugee children in education in Scotland. This information is required to enable effective policy development and improved planning and delivery of education services for these children and young people.

    The national identity and ethnic background categories used in the School Census are subject to review to ensure that they remain relevant and well understood. This will ensure that on-going work at a national level on equality and inclusion issues is reflected in future censuses.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163658,"EventID":"S1W-27124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate to mix colour and ethnic origin in the ethnic background classification in the School Census September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate to mix colour and ethnic origin in the ethnic background classification in the School Census September 2002.","AnswerText":"The categories to be used for the collection of ethnicity information in the September 2002 School Census were selected to match closely those used in the 2001 Census of Population, to ensure consistency and comparability across different data sources.

    The national identity and ethnic background categories used in the School Census are subject to review to ensure that they remain relevant and well understood. This will ensure that on-going work at a national level on equality and inclusion issues is reflected in future censuses.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163659,"EventID":"S1W-27125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responded to any concerns of parents expressed in May 2002 on the framework of, and questions to be used in, the School Census September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has responded to any concerns of parents expressed in May 2002 on the framework of, and questions to be used in, the School Census September 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) has received a number of representations regarding the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) project. Most of these representations have been queries from parents asking for clarification on issues of data confidentiality and the collection of information on ethnic background and national identity of pupils, in the 2002 Scottish School Census.

    SEED has provided explanations on the importance of collecting accurate information on the ethnic background and national identity of all pupils in order to meet the requirements of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. Although SEED encourages all pupils and parents to provide this information, SEED also appreciates the sensitivity of collecting this information and has provided an option for pupils and parents to state that they do not wish to disclose this information.

    SEED has given assurances that pupil level information to be transferred through ScotXed as part of the September 2002 School Census will be dealt with in strict accordance with the Data Protection Act and with the National Statistics Code of Practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163660,"EventID":"S1W-27126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the Race Equality Advisory Forum report, Making it Real: A Race Equality Strategy for Scotland, and, in particular, the section on ethnic origin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered the Race Equality Advisory Forum report, Making it Real: A Race Equality Strategy for Scotland, and, in particular, the section on ethnic origin classification and what action has been taken to ensure that the report's recommendations are reflected in every area of its work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive published Committing to Race Equality, a response from the Scottish Executive to the report from the Race Equality Advisory Forum (REAF) on 12 March this year.

    Chapter one, \"Building a Solid Statistical Base\" discusses the issues raised in REAF on ethnic classifications, and highlights the need for a partnership approach to taking this work forward. The chapter sets this work in the context of fulfilling two key objectives: first, the need for service users and others to be able to define their own ethnicity; and second, a meaningful and consistent approach for those who need to use the data.

    More generally, the REAF report will be used to help develop the Executive's Race Equality Scheme as required by the amended Race Relations Act","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163661,"EventID":"S1W-27127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to withdraw the School Census September 2002 in its current form and replace it with a revised framework in line with the principles of a modern ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to withdraw the School Census September 2002 in its current form and replace it with a revised framework in line with the principles of a modern and inclusive Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) has no plans to withdraw the September 2002 School Census in its current form. The format of the School Census is reviewed each year to ensure it remains relevant to the priorities of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163662,"EventID":"S1W-27128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has over the reported effects of Parental Alienation Syndrome.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what concerns it has over the reported effects of Parental Alienation Syndrome.","AnswerText":"The Executive is concerned about the effects on children of acrimonious separations, and provides financial support to various voluntary organisations offering mediation or other help to families in transition. The Executive accepts that children can suffer harmful effects where one or both parents deliberately set out to use the children as a weapon. However, it does not believe that Parental Alienation Syndrome is a sufficiently well defined medical term to make its diagnosis certain or its use appropriate in legislation. The existing law of Scotland can already deal with such behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163663,"EventID":"S1W-27129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its response to the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"The period for public consultation on the Executive's proposals for the future of the prison estate ended on 12 June. The proposals focused on three main challenges: to provide enough places for the prisoner population; to end the practice of slopping out in our prisons as quickly as possible, and to find the option which represents the best value for money to the taxpayer. The Executive remains committed to meeting those challenges. We will study carefully all the responses to our proposals before taking any decisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163664,"EventID":"S1W-27130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to announce the appointment of a new Chief Inspector of Prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to announce the appointment of a new Chief Inspector of Prisons.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint Very Rev Dr Andrew McLellan as HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, in succession to Mr Clive Fairweather.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163665,"EventID":"S1W-27131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why people with gluten intolerance, other than those diagnosed as having celiac disease, cannot obtain gluten-free products on an NHS prescription.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why people with gluten intolerance, other than those diagnosed as having celiac disease, cannot obtain gluten-free products on an NHS prescription.","AnswerText":"Prescriptions for gluten-free products are not restricted to patients with coeliac disease. These items may be prescribed for any patients who have been diagnosed as suffering from established gluten enteropathies.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163666,"EventID":"S1W-27132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why all people diagnosed as gluten intolerant do not qualify for exemption from prescription charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why all people diagnosed as gluten intolerant do not qualify for exemption from prescription charges.","AnswerText":"Exemption from prescription charges on medical grounds is restricted to patients who suffer from one of the qualifying conditions listed in NHS Regulations. The Executive's priority is to focus assistance on those who are least able to pay, so that no-one need be deterred from obtaining prescribed medication on financial grounds.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163667,"EventID":"S1W-27133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to identify solutions to any gap in energy generation if nuclear generation ceases in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to identify solutions to any gap in energy generation if nuclear generation ceases in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The issues of energy generation and security of supply are reserved, and were addressed in the recent Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) report on energy policy to the UK Government. The PIU's recommendations now form the basis of a UK-wide consultation exercise. The views expressed will be taken into account in a White Paper which the UK Government intends to issue around the turn of the year setting out its approach to future energy policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163668,"EventID":"S1W-27134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies are given to renewable energy generating schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies are given to renewable energy generating schemes.","AnswerText":"As a demonstration of our strong support for the development of renewable energy, the Executive introduced on 1 April this year the Renewables Obligation (Scotland), which provides a strong market incentive for investment in renewable energy generating schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163669,"EventID":"S1W-27135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public expenditure there has been on renewable energy research and commercialisation in the last three years and how much is planned over the next two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public expenditure there has been on renewable energy research and commercialisation in the last three years and how much is planned over the next two years.","AnswerText":"Funding for research and development of renewable energy is a reserved matter, and is the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry. The research funds available through the DTI's Sustainable Energy Programme for projects across the UK in each of the last three years was as follows:

    1999-2000 - £12.5 million

    2000-01 - £13.1 million

    2001-02 - £13.5 million

    Provision for research and development through this programme is planned to increase to £19 million in 2002-03. Information in respect of 2003-04 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163670,"EventID":"S1W-27136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which universities and colleges are active in alternative energy research, broken down by field of research and institution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which universities and colleges are active in alternative energy research, broken down by field of research and institution.","AnswerText":"Details of research projects in Higher Education Institutions and Further Education Colleges are not collected centrally by the Scottish Executive. However, the Executive has encouraged the development of the Scottish Research Information System, by Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, Universities Scotland and Scottish Enterprise. This provides a searchable database of research in Scotland at Higher Education Institutions and can be accessed at:

    http://www.scottishresearch.com/.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163671,"EventID":"S1W-27137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, when the transfer of Scottish Homes housing stock in the Central Scotland parliamentary ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, when the transfer of Scottish Homes housing stock in the Central Scotland parliamentary region to other social landlords will take place. ","AnswerText":"Proposals from Clyde Valley Housing Association for stock in Hamilton are currently with Scottish Homes Board for consideration and, subject to ministerial approval, should proceed to ballot in August. Subject to a successful ballot of tenants, it is proposed that they will transfer later this year.

    There are currently no transfer proposals for the remaining two small parcels of Scottish Homes' stock within Central Scotland parliamentary region.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163672,"EventID":"S1W-27138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, what plans it has to ensure the provision of independent professional advice to tenants ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, what plans it has to ensure the provision of independent professional advice to tenants in the Central Scotland parliamentary region as to their rights in relation to the transfer of Scottish Homes housing stock to other social landlords.","AnswerText":"Scottish Homes, in line with its published procedures, will ensure that an independent adviser is made available to advise all tenants on all facets of the potential landlord(s) proposals for the houses.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163673,"EventID":"S1W-27139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, what plans it has to publicise its Code of Practice for Tenant Participation in Stock Tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, what plans it has to publicise its Code of Practice for Tenant Participation in Stock Transfers during any transfer of Scottish Homes properties to other social landlords in the Central Scotland parliamentary region.","AnswerText":"The Code of Practice for Tenant Consultation in Stock Transfers will be re-issued by the Scottish Executive in August 2002 to local authorities, Registered Social Landlords and other interested parties as part of the guidance for the implementation of the tenant participation provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163674,"EventID":"S1W-27140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, what steps it will take to ensure that Communities Scotland complies fully with its Code","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, what steps it will take to ensure that Communities Scotland complies fully with its Code of Practice for Tenant Participation in Stock Transfers in relation to any transfer of Scottish Homes properties to other social landlords in the Central Scotland parliamentary region.","AnswerText":"Communities Scotland does not have a landlord role, therefore there is no obligation to comply with the Code of Practice for Tenant Participation in Stock Transfers. Scottish Homes does encourage tenant participation in the transfer process; methods of consultation are put in place to satisfy tenants' local preferences.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163675,"EventID":"S1W-27141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, what independent monitoring will be put in place to ensure that any transfer of Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, what independent monitoring will be put in place to ensure that any transfer of Scottish Homes properties in the Central Scotland parliamentary region fully complies with its Code of Practice for Tenant Participation in Stock Transfers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to put in place any independent monitoring to ensure compliance with this voluntary Code of Practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163676,"EventID":"S1W-27142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, whether the outcome of any ballot undertaken prior to any transfer of Scottish Homes pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, whether the outcome of any ballot undertaken prior to any transfer of Scottish Homes properties to other social landlords in the Central Scotland parliamentary region will have any legal standing or impose any binding obligations on any organisation involved in the process.","AnswerText":"Ballots held by Scottish Homes are not required by statute, but are held as a matter of good practice. Although not binding, transfers will not proceed unless the majority of tenants vote in favour.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163677,"EventID":"S1W-27143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give a decision on the independent tenanted market valuation submitted by Fife Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give a decision on the independent tenanted market valuation submitted by Fife Council.","AnswerText":"Fife Council and the Executive are currently considering a number of issues with the independent valuer, relating to the initial valuation of the council's housing stock in Abbeyview, Lochgelly, Dysart, and Buckhaven and Methil. It is hoped that valuation might be finalised by end August.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163678,"EventID":"S1W-27144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Fife Housing Regeneration Initiative has achieved since its formation in 1997 and how much it has spent in each financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Fife Housing Regeneration Initiative has achieved since its formation in 1997 and how much it has spent in each financial year.","AnswerText":"Six million pounds of New Housing Partnership (NHP) funding was earmarked in 1999 for Fife Council's housing regeneration projects in Abbeyview, Lochgelly, Dysart and Buckhaven and Methil. £104,580 NHP grant was paid in 1999-2000 and £433,331 in 2001-02. These resources have allowed the council to undertake a number of activities associated with the transfer process. These include extensive tenant consultation and the provision of independent advice to tenants; the production of a stock condition survey and other technical reports; commissioning an independent valuation and providing project management costs for the development consortia. We are currently discussing with the council the level of resources required to progress the projects in the current financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163679,"EventID":"S1W-27145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any financial resources allocated to the Fife Housing Regeneration Initiative that were unspent on 31 March 2002 have been allowed to be carried forward into the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any financial resources allocated to the Fife Housing Regeneration Initiative that were unspent on 31 March 2002 have been allowed to be carried forward into the current financial year.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27144.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163680,"EventID":"S1W-27146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Communities Scotland's regional and area committees determine allocations and how much each local authority area has received from them in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Communities Scotland's regional and area committees determine allocations and how much each local authority area has received from them in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

    Communities Scotland's programme allocations reflect ministerial priorities and link the national distribution of resources to area teams, based upon the measurement of social exclusion. The area programme allocation is then developed in close consultation with partners, reflecting a broad range of existing partnership arrangements and leading to locally devised programmes and decision making. Programmes are based upon local housing market and needs analysis to identify, consistent with our strategy, the demands, needs and opportunities for housing investment.

    Communities Scotland's allocation by local authority area since 1999 is as follows:","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163681,"EventID":"S1W-27147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, whether it has any plans to issue guidelines to NHS boards to put an end to the pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, whether it has any plans to issue guidelines to NHS boards to put an end to the practice of two waiting list systems and introduce unified waiting lists systems.","AnswerText":"We have accepted all of the recommendations in Audit Scotland's report on its review of the management of NHS waiting lists in Scotland. My department is working with NHS Scotland and ISD Scotland to ensure that work on taking forward the recommendations is progressed rapidly.

    That includes a review by ISD of the rationale for deferred waiting lists, as specifically recommended by the Audit Scotland report.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163682,"EventID":"S1W-27148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, what steps it is taking to ensure clear levels of security access to waiting lists","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, what steps it is taking to ensure clear levels of security access to waiting lists.","AnswerText":"We have accepted all of the recommendations in Audit Scotland's report on its review of the management of NHS waiting lists in Scotland. My department is working with NHS Scotland and ISD Scotland to ensure that work on taking forward the recommendations is progressed rapidly.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163683,"EventID":"S1W-27149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, what steps it is taking to reduce any possibility of perverse incentives in nation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, what steps it is taking to reduce any possibility of perverse incentives in national targets.","AnswerText":"We have accepted all the recommendations in Audit Scotland's report on its review of the management of NHS waiting lists in Scotland. ISD Scotland are currently reviewing national definitions to reflect changes in medical practice and to eliminate any perverse incentives. The outcome of the review will be completed by the end of September.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163684,"EventID":"S1W-27150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, whether it has any plans to issue guidance to NHS boards on referral protocols for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, whether it has any plans to issue guidance to NHS boards on referral protocols for low clinical priority cases.","AnswerText":"We have accepted all the recommendations in Audit Scotland's report on the review of the management of NHS waiting lists in Scotland. Referral protocols are an important tool particularly when assessing the need for treatment of so called "low" clinical priority patients. The department constantly monitors the way in which NHS management, working with their clinicians, the Medical Royal Colleges and other professional bodies reviews and provides guidance on these matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163685,"EventID":"S1W-27151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, what steps it is taking to improve the provision of information to patients on wai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to Audit Scotland's Review of the management of waiting lists in Scotland, what steps it is taking to improve the provision of information to patients on waiting lists.","AnswerText":"We have accepted all the recommendations in Audit Scotland's report on its review of the management of NHS waiting lists in Scotland. My department is working with NHSScotland and ISD Scotland to ensure that work on taking forward the recommendations is progressed rapidly.

    The National Waiting Times database currently being developed is to provide general practitioners, consultants, patients and the public with readily accessible, accurate and up-to-date information on hospital waiting times throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163686,"EventID":"S1W-27152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the Music Industry Forum are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the Music Industry Forum are.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question .","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163687,"EventID":"S1W-27153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Music Industry Forum will meet and whether copies of its minutes will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Music Industry Forum will meet and whether copies of its minutes will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question .","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163688,"EventID":"S1W-27154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process was used to determine which sections of the music industry would be approached to participate in the Music Industry Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what process was used to determine which sections of the music industry would be approached to participate in the Music Industry Forum.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question on 22 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163689,"EventID":"S1W-27155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precise role the Music Industry Forum will play in its future strategies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what precise role the Music Industry Forum will play in its future strategies.","AnswerText":"I was pleased to meet last month with representatives of Scotland's music industry. Representation at that exploratory meeting covered a wide cross-section of interests. The meeting heard strong support for the convening of a forum, which I shall chair, whereby key representatives from across the sector can explore issues affecting the industry and its response to the National Cultural Strategy within the framework of the Scottish Arts Council's Music Strategy, and contribute to future policy development.

    One of the first tasks will be to determine the core membership of the forum. Those invited to the exploratory meeting, including representative bodies, are being asked to comment on this; I shall write to the member again when it is established. The forum will meet at about six-monthly intervals and will have an advisory role in the implementation of the National Cultural Strategy. No final minutes will be published, but notes of meetings will be available to members; the policy regarding its minutes will be a matter for the members.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163690,"EventID":"S1W-27156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to attract more people to become foster parents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to attract more people to become foster parents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive values the role played by foster carers. However, it is for local authorities to consider whether there are sufficient foster carers in their area to provide the type of care required. I met recently with members of the Fostering Network to discuss a range of issues concerning foster care.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163691,"EventID":"S1W-27157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to ensure the provision of broadband technology to those areas not covered by the commercial market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts it is making to ensure the provision of broadband technology to those areas not covered by the commercial market.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27021 on 22 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163692,"EventID":"S1W-27158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made, or plans to make, to the approach from Argyll and Bute Council seeking compensation for the claim made against the council by Kyndal Spirits on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it has made, or plans to make, to the approach from Argyll and Bute Council seeking compensation for the claim made against the council by Kyndal Spirits on Jura for #225,000 as a result of a disruption of local ferry services.","AnswerText":"Any such claim for compensation is entirely a matter for the council.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163693,"EventID":"S1W-27159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on 26 June 2002 by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on budget revision, Official Report, col. 13041, which road schemes ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on 26 June 2002 by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on budget revision, Official Report, col. 13041, which road schemes in 2001-02 were delayed by the impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak; by how long, and with what resultant budget carry forward in each case.","AnswerText":"The following table shows which road schemes were delayed by the impact of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, by how long and the resultant budget carry forward in each case:

    Communities Scotland Expenditure by Local Authority

    1999-2000 to 2001-02 (Capital Programme only)

    Unitary Authority

    1999-2000

    (£ million)

    2000-01

    (£ million)

    2001-021

    (£ million)

    Aberdeenshire

    4.7

    5.6

    6.1

    Angus

    3.6

    3.1

    2.8

    Argyll and Bute

    5.7

    4.5

    5.8

    City of Aberdeen

    5.8

    6.4

    5.1

    City of Dundee

    7.2

    8.1

    6.6

    City of Edinburgh

    18.2

    17.5

    13.1

    City of Glasgow

    61.0

    63.2

    63.7

    Clackmannanshire

    1.5

    0.9

    2.2

    Dumfries and Galloway

    3.0

    4.9

    4.1

    East Ayrshire

    0.9

    2.7

    1.7

    East Dunbartonshire

    1.8

    2.1

    0.5

    East Lothian

    1.6

    1.0

    Name of scheme

    The length of delay (approx.)

    Budget carry forward

    £ million (approx.)

    A1 Bowerhouse-Spott

    3 months

    0.050

    A1 Haddington-Dunbar

    3 months

    3.000

    A1 Howburn-Houndwood

    6 months

    3.120

    A75 Cairntop-Barlae

    3 months

    0.028

    A8 Baillieston-Newhouse

    3 months

    0.225

    M77 Fenwick-Malletsheugh

    3 months

    0.550

    A90 Glendoick

    2 months

    0.033

    A90 Inchmichael

    3 months

    0.156

    A90 Inchture

    3 months

    0.320

    A90 Kinfauns

    2 months

    0.043

    Total

    		 

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163694,"EventID":"S1W-27160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms it can employ to ensure that a larger proportion of skilled jobs which are created through job creation initiatives in the City of Glasgow are taken up by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms it can employ to ensure that a larger proportion of skilled jobs which are created through job creation initiatives in the City of Glasgow are taken up by people resident within the city.","AnswerText":"Employment is a reserved issue. The primary responsibility for assisting unemployed people into work rests with Jobcentre Plus.

    Notwithstanding these points, a sub-group of the Scottish Welfare to Work Advisory Task Force has recently been considering how to enhance the active management of the network of relevant agencies and intermediaries in Glasgow, with a view to improving the effectiveness of welfare-to-work programmes in the city. The group considers that the issue is one of co-ordination of delivery and plans to set up a Glasgow Welfare to Work Network/Forum in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163695,"EventID":"S1W-27161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be represented at the Family Law Reform Congress to be held in London from 10 to 12 September 2002 at which the problems of children of separated parents ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be represented at the Family Law Reform Congress to be held in London from 10 to 12 September 2002 at which the problems of children of separated parents will come under scrutiny. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive understands that the Family Law Congress will concentrate, in the main, on aspects of family law as it pertains to England and Wales. Family law is a devolved matter. The Executive is considering the relevance of the topics under discussion before deciding whether to send an official.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163696,"EventID":"S1W-27162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the ECOFIN Council on 12 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the ECOFIN Council on 12 July 2002.","AnswerText":"The Seville European Council on 21 and 22 June 2002 agreed to reduce the number of Council formations from 16 to 9. The Danish Presidency has indicated it will apply these new Council formations with immediate effect, and is working on a wholesale revision of its presidency programme. This means that the dates and Council meetings referred to may no longer exist. Decisions on Scottish Executive attendance at Council meetings will be made when this situation becomes clearer and the agendas for the meetings are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163697,"EventID":"S1W-27163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the ASEM Ministers of Finance meeting in Copenhagen on 5 and 6 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the ASEM Ministers of Finance meeting in Copenhagen on 5 and 6 July 2002.","AnswerText":"The ASEM summit will deal with the European Union's relationship with Asia. Foreign Policy is a reserved matter and therefore there will be no Scottish Executive representation at this meeting.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163698,"EventID":"S1W-27164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the informal ECOFIN meeting in Copenhagen on 7 and 8 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the informal ECOFIN meeting in Copenhagen on 7 and 8 September 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163699,"EventID":"S1W-27165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the ECOFIN Council on 8 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the ECOFIN Council on 8 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163700,"EventID":"S1W-27166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Environment Council on 17 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Environment Council on 17 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163701,"EventID":"S1W-27167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the Justice and Home Affairs and Civil Protection Council on 14 and 15 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the Justice and Home Affairs and Civil Protection Council on 14 and 15 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163702,"EventID":"S1W-27168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Fisheries Council on 14 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Fisheries Council on 14 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163703,"EventID":"S1W-27169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Employment and Social Policy Council on 8 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Employment and Social Policy Council on 8 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163704,"EventID":"S1W-27170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Transport and Telecommunications Council on 3 and 4 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Transport and Telecommunications Council on 3 and 4 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163705,"EventID":"S1W-27171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the Informal Environment Council in Sonderborg on 19 to 21 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the Informal Environment Council in Sonderborg on 19 to 21 July 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163706,"EventID":"S1W-27172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Budget Council on 19 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Budget Council on 19 July 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163707,"EventID":"S1W-27173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Agriculture Council on 15 and 16 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Agriculture Council on 15 and 16 July 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163708,"EventID":"S1W-27174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU General Affairs Council on 30 September and 1 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU General Affairs Council on 30 September and 1 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163709,"EventID":"S1W-27175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Research Council on 30 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Research Council on 30 September 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163710,"EventID":"S1W-27176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at (a) the EU Internal Market Council and (b) the EU Consumer Affairs and Tourism Council on 26 Septemb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at (a) the EU Internal Market Council and (b) the EU Consumer Affairs and Tourism Council on 26 September 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163711,"EventID":"S1W-27177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Agriculture Council meeting on 23 and 24 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Agriculture Council meeting on 23 and 24 September 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163712,"EventID":"S1W-27178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Informal Justice and Home Affairs Council in Copenhagen on 12 and 13 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Informal Justice and Home Affairs Council in Copenhagen on 12 and 13 September 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163713,"EventID":"S1W-27179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Informal Agriculture Council meeting in Nyborg from 8 to 10 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Informal Agriculture Council meeting in Nyborg from 8 to 10 September 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163714,"EventID":"S1W-27180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU General Affairs Council on 22 and 23 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU General Affairs Council on 22 and 23 July 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163715,"EventID":"S1W-27181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial level and official level at the Informal Employment and Social Policy Council in Kolding on 12 and 13 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial level and official level at the Informal Employment and Social Policy Council in Kolding on 12 and 13 July 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163716,"EventID":"S1W-27182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Agriculture Council on 15 and 16 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Agriculture Council on 15 and 16 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163717,"EventID":"S1W-27183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Industry Council in Alborg on 18 and 19 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Industry Council in Alborg on 18 and 19 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163718,"EventID":"S1W-27184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU General Affairs Council on 21 and 22 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the EU General Affairs Council on 21 and 22 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163719,"EventID":"S1W-27185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the European Council in Brussels on 24 and 25 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it will have at ministerial and official level at the European Council in Brussels on 24 and 25 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27162.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163720,"EventID":"S1W-27186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26404 on 11 June 2002, who was responsible for commissioning the due diligence procedures on Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Lt","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26404 on 11 June 2002, who was responsible for commissioning the due diligence procedures on Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and whether the procedures were completed prior to the issuing of the contract. ","AnswerText":"The Construction Manager, Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Limited, was responsible for conducting due diligence procedures, which were completed before the contract was awarded.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163721,"EventID":"S1W-27187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit and current membership is of the sustainable development forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit and current membership is of the sustainable development forum.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Sustainable Development Forum for Scotland is to provide a focus for Scottish thinking and action on sustainable development.

    Adverts in the national press on 7 June invited nominations and requests to attend. Information was also available at: www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk. The adverts indicated that we want to ensure that the forum has a wide range of participants from all sectors. The first 75 applicants were invited to the first meeting of the forum, which was held in Dundee on 24 July. No selection criteria have been applied, other than that where there were two or more applicants from the same organisation they have been invited to nominate one person to attend. We do not envisage the forum having a fixed or exclusive membership. Applicants who were unsuccessful, or who are unable to attend the first meeting, will be given priority for subsequent meetings. All applicants are being encouraged to keep in touch with the forum via our website at:

    www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163722,"EventID":"S1W-27188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was made available to local authorities prior to April 2002 to prepare for the regulatory inspections by Communities Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was made available to local authorities prior to April 2002 to prepare for the regulatory inspections by Communities Scotland.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163723,"EventID":"S1W-27189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allow the sale of the non-genetically modified oil seed rape crop being grown 50 metres from the GM field scale trial at Munlochy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will allow the sale of the non-genetically modified oil seed rape crop being grown 50 metres from the GM field scale trial at Munlochy.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the consent to release this variety of genetically modified oilseed rape, the consent holder must ensure that no harvested rapeseed from oilseed rape grown within 50 metres of the GM plants will be put into the human food or animal feed chains. The farmer is at liberty to market any conventional oilseed rape growing beyond this 50 metre separation distance. Our advisers are confident that such a crop poses absolutely no threat to human or animal health.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163724,"EventID":"S1W-27190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24454 by Allan Wilson on 22 April 2002, what matters were discussed at the meeting with members of the Consignia Advisory Board for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24454 by Allan Wilson on 22 April 2002, what matters were discussed at the meeting with members of the Consignia Advisory Board for Scotland on 2 May 2002 and when the next such meeting is planned.","AnswerText":"I met Dr Lesley Sawers, Chairman of the Consignia Advisory Board for Scotland, on 2 May. The discussion covered the full range of Consignia current and future operations in Scotland. No further meetings with the Consignia Board are planned at present.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163725,"EventID":"S1W-27191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24454 by Allan Wilson on 22 April 2002, what plans it has to meet trade union representatives to discuss how the recent Consignia r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24454 by Allan Wilson on 22 April 2002, what plans it has to meet trade union representatives to discuss how the recent Consignia restructuring proposals will affect services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have received invitations to meet representatives of the Communication Workers Union and these are being considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163726,"EventID":"S1W-27192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether arrangements have been put in place with Stirling Royal Infirmary should its services be required following the temporary closure of the Special Care Baby Unit at","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether arrangements have been put in place with Stirling Royal Infirmary should its services be required following the temporary closure of the Special Care Baby Unit at Perth Royal Infirmary.","AnswerText":"There is on-going contact between Forth Valley Acute Hospitals Trust and Tayside University Hospitals Trust to ensure a safe service for patients during this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163727,"EventID":"S1W-27193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, on what date the adjustment figure to the Scottish Assigned Budget for 2000-01 was agreed; wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, on what date the adjustment figure to the Scottish Assigned Budget for 2000-01 was agreed; what the figure is, and when the monies will be received.","AnswerText":"A further adjusted figure in respect of 2000-01 for council tax rebate was agreed in February 2002. An addition to the Scotland DEL for 2002-03 of £2.006 million in respect of the adjustment for 2000-01 will be picked up in the Autumn Budget Revision in December.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163728,"EventID":"S1W-27194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, when the adjustment figure to the Scottish Assigned Budget for 2001-02 will be finalised; wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, when the adjustment figure to the Scottish Assigned Budget for 2001-02 will be finalised; what it expects the figure to be, and when the monies will be paid.","AnswerText":"A figure of £3.066 million has been agreed for 2001-02 in respect of council tax benefit. It will be picked up in the Autumn Budget Revision in December. It will be subject to revision in light of outturn for 2001-02, when known, and will not therefore be finalised until February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163729,"EventID":"S1W-27195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether an adjustment figure to the Scottish Assigned Budget has been agreed for housing bene","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether an adjustment figure to the Scottish Assigned Budget has been agreed for housing benefit for 2000-01; if so, when that agreement was reached; what the figure is, and when the monies will be received.","AnswerText":"An adjusted figure of £0.329 million was agreed in February 2002 for 2000-01 in respect of rent rebate. It will be picked up in the Autumn Budget Revision in December.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163730,"EventID":"S1W-27196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, when the adjustment figure to the Scottish Assigned Budget for housing benefit for 2001-02 wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, when the adjustment figure to the Scottish Assigned Budget for housing benefit for 2001-02 will be finalised; what it expects the figure to be, and when the monies will be paid.","AnswerText":"A figure of £8.218 million has been agreed for 2001-2002 in respect of rent rebate. It will be picked up in the Autumn Budget Revision in December. It will be subject to revision in light of outturn for 2001-02, when known, and will not therefore be finalised until early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163731,"EventID":"S1W-27197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether any monies were paid to the Scottish Consolidated Fund as a result of adjustments pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether any monies were paid to the Scottish Consolidated Fund as a result of adjustments prior to the statement by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services on 23 January 2002 and, if so, whether the Deputy Minister was aware of the position when he made that statement.","AnswerText":"No monies were paid to the Scottish Consolidated Fund prior to the Statement.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163732,"EventID":"S1W-27198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monies spent by the Motorola Task Force have been used to pay for staff from the Inland Revenue, the Benefits Agency and other United Kingdom government departments","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monies spent by the Motorola Task Force have been used to pay for staff from the Inland Revenue, the Benefits Agency and other United Kingdom government departments and why it was necessary to pay for these services from the funds available to the task force.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163733,"EventID":"S1W-27199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many former staff of the Motorola plant at Easter Inch are (a) in full-time employment on a pay scale equal to or greater than that which they enjoyed at Motorola, (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many former staff of the Motorola plant at Easter Inch are (a) in full-time employment on a pay scale equal to or greater than that which they enjoyed at Motorola, (b) in full-time employment on a pay scale lower than that which they enjoyed at Motorola, (c) in full-time education funded by Motorola, (d) in full-time education funded by central government, (e) self-employed, (f) unemployed and (g) in other circumstances.","AnswerText":"The Motorola Taskforce (MTF) was able to make contact with 2,631 redundant employees of the Motorola plant at Easter Inch. Of these there are 2,099 in employment (this figure excludes self-employed and details as to part-/full-time are not available). Of this number, only 1,506 chose to answer the question relating to pay scales and 806 claimed to have attained a similar or higher salary level.

    One hundred and forty-four former staff are in full time education. A recent survey of those in further and higher education showed that 48 had been funded by Motorola (the company itself).

    Fifty-five former staff are self-employed; 124 are actively seeking work; 169 are in other circumstances (retired, sick, taking a break, emigrated); 40 chose not to avail themselves of MTF services, and 448 have been uncontactable by the MTF.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163734,"EventID":"S1W-27200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million set aside for use by the Motorola Task Force (a) has been spent by the Task Force, (b) is projected to be spent, (c) has been re-allocated to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #10 million set aside for use by the Motorola Task Force (a) has been spent by the Task Force, (b) is projected to be spent, (c) has been re-allocated to other priorities and (d) will still be made available to support the West Lothian economy.","AnswerText":"On 25 April 2001, Wendy Alexander announced in Parliament that the Scottish Executive was setting aside up to £10 million to help fund the Motorola Taskforce's action plan. On 19 December 2001, Wendy Alexander further announced that the Scottish Executive would provide £6 million (from the up to £10 million which had been set aside) to the West Lothian Strategic Action Plan. The aim of the plan is to provide a three-year programme of specific actions to help get the West Lothian economy back on the growth track, and will commence imminently.

    Expenditure reports from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothians (SEEL) for the financial year 2001-02 show costs of £3.3 million. SEEL's projected costs for the financial year 2002-03 are £150,000. The total costs from both the financial years amount to £3.45 million.

    No other monies will be provided to support the West Lothian economy from this budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163735,"EventID":"S1W-27201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it allocated the #16.75 million in Regional Selective Assistance recovered from Motorola at the time of the closure of the Easter Inch plant and how much of that mone","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it allocated the #16.75 million in Regional Selective Assistance recovered from Motorola at the time of the closure of the Easter Inch plant and how much of that money has been spent in generating new centres of employment in West Lothian or in supporting and improving the transport and communications infrastructure of the area.","AnswerText":"On 25 April 2001, Wendy Alexander announced in the Parliament that the Scottish Executive was setting aside up to £10 million to help fund the Motorola Taskforce's action plan. Expenditure reports from Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian (SEEL) for the financial year 2001-02 show costs to date of £3.3 million for the activity of the Motorola Taskforce (MTF). SEEL's projected costs for the financial year 2002-03 are £150,000. The total costs from both financial years amount to £3.45 million.

    On 19 December 2001 Wendy Alexander further announced in the Parliament that the Scottish Executive will provide £6 million (of the up to £10 million which had been set aside) to the West Lothian Strategic Action Plan for economic development for the area. The aim of the Plan is to provide a three-year programme of specific actions to help get the West Lothian economy back on the growth track, and this work is currently under way.

    All recoveries of Regional Selective Assistance are returned to the Executive's budget, in line with normal procedure.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163736,"EventID":"S1W-27202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status of the Motorola Task Force is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status of the Motorola Task Force is.","AnswerText":"From 1 July 2002, the activities of the Motorola Taskforce were dispersed although a range of support and advice for former employees is still available from all the public agencies involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163737,"EventID":"S1W-27203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21786 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 25 January 2002, whether the #6 million set aside for the West Lothian Strategic Action Plan for eco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21786 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 25 January 2002, whether the #6 million set aside for the West Lothian Strategic Action Plan for economic development for the area has been made available and, if so, when the funds were made available and to whom.","AnswerText":"The funding for the West Lothian Strategic Action Plan is spread over three years and is available as from this financial year. Scottish Enterprise is administering the funds on behalf of the West Lothian Economic Partnership.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163738,"EventID":"S1W-27204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether training opportunities through the Institute for System Level Integration were provided for former employees of Motorola's Easter Inch plant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether training opportunities through the Institute for System Level Integration were provided for former employees of Motorola's Easter Inch plant.","AnswerText":"I understand that a number of the former employees of the Motorola Easter Inch plant have been taken on by the Institute for System Level Integration (ISLI) via the normal MSc recruitment channels, with individuals accessing existing support mechanisms.

    No training opportunities for ISLI were specifically provided by the Motorola Taskforce.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163739,"EventID":"S1W-27205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it evaluates task forces like the one set up for former Motorola employees at Easter Inch; what criteria it uses in such evaluations, and whether such an evaluation h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it evaluates task forces like the one set up for former Motorola employees at Easter Inch; what criteria it uses in such evaluations, and whether such an evaluation has been carried out on the Motorola Task Force and, if so, whether it will publish any findings.","AnswerText":"An evaluation of Motorola Taskforce (MTF) activity has been commissioned by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian on behalf of the Taskforce and is currently in the final stages of preparation. The final report is due at the end of July at which time decisions will be taken as to publication and distribution of the findings.

    The MTF action plan set targets at the outset to evaluate the effectiveness of the response and to identify learning points and best practice. The objectives of the evaluation include:

    • Mapping the process (including influencing factors; organisations involved; actions taken; and identification and analysis of outputs);
    • Impact assessment (impact of intervention and other measure of effectiveness), and

    Recommendations (identification of learning points/good practice; recommendations for future redundancy responses).","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163740,"EventID":"S1W-27206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26635 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 June 2002, whether it will further improve safety measures to take account of recent accidents and t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26635 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 June 2002, whether it will further improve safety measures to take account of recent accidents and the latest figures on traffic use of the Fenwick to Malletsheugh stretch prior to the completion of the scheduled upgrade of the A77.","AnswerText":"Further to my previous answer, it has been agreed to take further action to highlight to drivers the dangers of excessive speed. Additional repeater speed restriction signs will be put in place, national speed limit signs will be replaced with 60 mph signs and mobile speed activated signs will be put in place at varying locations. Missing and damaged verge marker posts will be replaced. The police intend to increase enforcement activity including increased police patrols and the use of mobile speed cameras. "Police Speed Check" signs will also be erected advising drivers of the increased activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163741,"EventID":"S1W-27207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public transport options it anticipates will serve the new Scottish Parliament and whether a new railway station at Abbeyhill will be one option under consideration","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public transport options it anticipates will serve the new Scottish Parliament and whether a new railway station at Abbeyhill will be one option under consideration.","AnswerText":"Local transport projects within Edinburgh are a matter for the City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163742,"EventID":"S1W-27208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the misuse of disabled persons' parking badges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the misuse of disabled persons' parking badges.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities, which are responsible for the administrative aspects of the Blue Badge scheme of parking concessions for disabled people, to monitor the levels of misuse of badges, within their areas.

    Given strong anecdotal evidence of misuse of badges, the Executive is promoting powers to give police officers, traffic wardens and local authority parking attendants the power to inspect badges and create an offence of refusing to produce a badge when requested to do so by these authorised persons. Guidance will be issued to local authorities and police, and all badge holders will be informed of the change in the system before the implementation of these powers later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163743,"EventID":"S1W-27209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities collect data on the number of charges made and convictions secured for the misuse of disabled person's parking badges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities collect data on the number of charges made and convictions secured for the misuse of disabled person's parking badges.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27208 on 5 August 2002. This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163744,"EventID":"S1W-27210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it made to the Disabled Person's Transport Advisory Committee as part of the study into the operation of the blue badge scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it made to the Disabled Person's Transport Advisory Committee as part of the study into the operation of the blue badge scheme.","AnswerText":"The UK-wide review of the Blue Badge Scheme is being taken forward by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) on behalf of the Department for Transport, the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and the Department for Regional Development (Northern Ireland).

    The scheme, however, is a devolved matter and the Executive will therefore be considering whether any changes to the scheme recommended on an UK-wide basis by DPTAC should be addressed in a distinctly Scottish way.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163745,"EventID":"S1W-27211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26355 by Lewis Macdonald on 17 June 2002, what level of claims was made in cash terms in each of the last five years in respect of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26355 by Lewis Macdonald on 17 June 2002, what level of claims was made in cash terms in each of the last five years in respect of deficient road maintenance on trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The level of claims made in cash terms in each year is as follows:

    Year

    Level of Claims

    (£000)

    1996-97

    92

    1997-98

    236

    1998-99

    93

    1999-2000

    136

    2000-01

    93

    It should be noted that some claimants did not indicate the level of claim in cash terms and some compensation payments included in my answer to question S1W-26355 related to claims made prior to the year in which payment was made.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163746,"EventID":"S1W-27212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of claims was made and how much was paid out in compensation payments in cash terms in each of the last five years in respect of deficient road maintenance on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of claims was made and how much was paid out in compensation payments in cash terms in each of the last five years in respect of deficient road maintenance on roads maintained by local authorities.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163747,"EventID":"S1W-27213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the article by Douglas Friedli in Business AM on 26 June 2002, whether its strategy on the creation of a knowledge economy will be changed following resea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the article by Douglas Friedli in Business AM on 26 June 2002, whether its strategy on the creation of a knowledge economy will be changed following research by Strathclyde University suggesting a divergence between the industries on which the strategy focuses and those that use skilled staff and technology most.","AnswerText":"The Executive's economic policies focus on quality, high-value added activity and high skilled jobs, wherever these are found in the economy. They are not wedded to any particular industry-based definition of knowledge economy activity. The Executive encourages enterprises to move up the value chain in any industry.

    Internationally accepted definitions such as the OECD definition of the \"knowledge economy\" are helpful and relevant in that they give a broad picture of Scotland's performance in those industries producing knowledge-based products. However, as with any industry-based definition of knowledge economy activity, there are limitations to the OECD definition. Such limitations are considered in the interpretation and use of such statistical sources.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163748,"EventID":"S1W-27214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21063 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 January 2002, what the estimated annual cost is of providing night-time sanitation to those 1,905 pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21063 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 January 2002, what the estimated annual cost is of providing night-time sanitation to those 1,905 prisoners.","AnswerText":"The cost of providing night-time sanitation is not separately identifiable from the other necessary improvements in living conditions in the prison service. The independently verified costs of improving the estate were set out in the Executive's consultation paper of the future of the Scottish Prison Service estate, which show that the public sector whole life costs would be about double those of the private sector for the same quality of output.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163749,"EventID":"S1W-27215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much state aid has been given to Fullerton Computer Industries in Ayrshire in each of the last five years and whether any such aid has been repaid.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much state aid has been given to Fullerton Computer Industries in Ayrshire in each of the last five years and whether any such aid has been repaid.","AnswerText":"There are no central records of state aid payments to individual companies. However we have been able to establish that in July 1997 Fullarton Computer Industries Limited's operation in Kilwinning was offered Regional Selective Assistance amounting to £600,000. The company did not meet the conditions necessary for full payment of grant but was paid £350,000 based on what was achieved.

    Support was also granted by Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire of £30,000 in July 1999, £3,361 in November 2001 and £22,110 in June 2002.

    No aid has been repaid, nor is there any remaining contractual obligations requiring repayment.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163750,"EventID":"S1W-27216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enhance the capability of Reporters to Children's Panels to research trends in juvenile crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enhance the capability of Reporters to Children's Panels to research trends in juvenile crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA) currently monitors and reports on statistics and trends in offending by children and young people. The new Referrals Administration Database system will enhance SCRA's ability to investigate these trends.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163751,"EventID":"S1W-27217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when records held by Reporters to Children's Panels will be fully computerised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when records held by Reporters to Children's Panels will be fully computerised.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA) will have introduced, by December 2002, an electronic case-processing system (The Referral Administration Database - RAD) for all referrals to the reporter. At present the RAD is rolled out to 85% of SCRA's offices.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163752,"EventID":"S1W-27218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a proposal to build an experimental biomass power plant close to the village of Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran, which would rely on the pyrolysis process and t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a proposal to build an experimental biomass power plant close to the village of Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran, which would rely on the pyrolysis process and the burning of diesel, would be compatible with current environmental legislation.","AnswerText":"This was a matter for the local planning authority, North Ayrshire Council, to consider as part of the outline planning consent process.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163753,"EventID":"S1W-27219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the building of an experimental biomass power plant close to the village of Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran would have any effect on the tourist industry on the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the building of an experimental biomass power plant close to the village of Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran would have any effect on the tourist industry on the island and what the basis is of its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Any matters relating to the proposed biomass plant on Arran are for the local planning authority, North Ayrshire Council, to consider.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163754,"EventID":"S1W-27220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pyrolysis liquid (Bio-Oil) is a ha'ardous substance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pyrolysis liquid (Bio-Oil) is a ha'ardous substance.","AnswerText":"The terms pyrolysis liquid and bio-oil are used to refer to a number of different substances. While these generally will not be hazardous, the precise answer in individual cases will be for the relevant firm to consider with the relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163755,"EventID":"S1W-27221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether outline planning permission, subject to conditions, should be granted by a local authority in a situation where the permission being granted relates to an experi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether outline planning permission, subject to conditions, should be granted by a local authority in a situation where the permission being granted relates to an experimental facility and where the local authority may not have the expertise to monitor that the conditions applied will be adhered to.","AnswerText":"It is for each individual planning authority to consider whether planning permission should be granted and the means of monitoring any conditions which they may attach.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163756,"EventID":"S1W-27222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would call in the application by Border Biofuels Limited to build an experimental biomass power plant close to the village of Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would call in the application by Border Biofuels Limited to build an experimental biomass power plant close to the village of Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran, currently lodged with North Ayrshire Council.","AnswerText":"North Ayrshire Council do not currently have such a planning application before them.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163757,"EventID":"S1W-27223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether North Ayshire Council should reconsider the outline planning permission granted to Border Biofuels Limited in relation to the building of an experimental biomass ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether North Ayshire Council should reconsider the outline planning permission granted to Border Biofuels Limited in relation to the building of an experimental biomass power plant close to the village of Whiting Bay on the Isle of Arran given that, since permission was granted to Border Biofuels Limited, the company has declared all existing staff redundant and recorded the resignation of all existing directors.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for North Ayrshire Council, as planning authority, to consider.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163758,"EventID":"S1W-27224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to present its proposals on prisons in the light of responses to the Scottish Prison Services Estates Review and whether it will consult further with the P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to present its proposals on prisons in the light of responses to the Scottish Prison Services Estates Review and whether it will consult further with the Parliament and bodies concerned before finalising its proposals.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's proposals for the future of the Scottish prison estate were published on 21 March 2002 for public consultation. The proposals focused on three main challenges: to provide enough places for the prisoner population; to end the practice of slopping out in our prisons as quickly as possible, and to find the option which represents the best value for money to the taxpayer. The Executive remains committed to meeting those challenges.

    By 28 June, 129 responses to the proposals had been received. This figure includes a small number of responses received after the formal deadline of 12 June and which the Executive has agreed will still be taken into account. A summary of the responses is being prepared and will be published during the recess. Copies will be sent to all those who responded.

    The Executive will study the responses to the proposals along with the reports of the Justice 1 Committee and of the group reviewing the future management of sex offenders whose establishment was announced on 18 April. I understand the strength of the concerns expressed by some in their responses, and I wish to build a better shared understanding of the challenges addressed by the Estates Review and the concerns raised by respondents. That process may include further dialogue with interested parties, but in the first instance I will be carefully considering all the comments made before announcing the next steps we propose to take. I emphasise that no final decisions have been taken on the proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163759,"EventID":"S1W-27225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether National Planning Policy Guideline 11 will be applied to any redevelopment of Croy Station and to the provision of temporary parking facilities during any such re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether National Planning Policy Guideline 11 will be applied to any redevelopment of Croy Station and to the provision of temporary parking facilities during any such redevelopment and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"National Planning Policy Guidelines (NPPGs) provide statements of Scottish Executive policy on nationally important land use and other planning matters. It is for the decision-maker (normally the planning authority) to assess the weight to be afforded to NPPGs and other relevant issues when reaching a decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163760,"EventID":"S1W-27226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it will provide to North Lanarkshire Council to replace any sports or recreational facilities lost as a result of any redevelopment at Croy Station","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it will provide to North Lanarkshire Council to replace any sports or recreational facilities lost as a result of any redevelopment at Croy Station.","AnswerText":"Any application received by sportscotland from North Lanarkshire Council for financial assistance to replace any sports or recreational facilities lost as a result of any redevelopment at Croy Station will be considered in line with the criteria for the relevant funding programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163761,"EventID":"S1W-27227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5388 by Mr Andy Kerr on 20 June 2002 that \"common practice in Scotland is to provide protection for pensions\", Official Report, Col","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5388 by Mr Andy Kerr on 20 June 2002 that \"common practice in Scotland is to provide protection for pensions\", Official Report, Col. 12966, why it did not comply with this practice in respect of its trunk roads maintenance contracts and what its position now is on not having provided full pension protection in these contracts, detailing the reasons behind its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The Statement of Practice published in 2000 by the Cabinet Office provides guidance on staff transfers and advises that broadly comparable pensions should be provided when organisations contract out public services. Staff transfers are covered by the TUPE Regulations and are a matter of law. After careful examination of the Statement of Practice, the Scottish Executive concluded that the circumstances of the trunk road maintenance contracts fell outwith the document. The Scottish Executive was not the employer of the public sector workers involved, nor did the Scottish Executive or its predecessors ever employ them.

    Investigations are on-going into whether there might be other ways to provide compensation for the loss of future pension rights for the transferred staff affected. This is a complex area and there is no guarantee of a favourable outcome.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163762,"EventID":"S1W-27228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5388 by Mr Andy Kerr on 20 June 2002, whether it intends to introduce legislation during the remainder of the Parliament's first se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5388 by Mr Andy Kerr on 20 June 2002, whether it intends to introduce legislation during the remainder of the Parliament's first session to protect fully the pension rights of transferred employees, detailing under which section of the Scotland Act 1998 its power to do so is conferred.","AnswerText":"Existing guidance issued by the Government in 2000 - Staff Transfers in the Public Sector - already covers such situations.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163763,"EventID":"S1W-27229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-06-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 26 June 2002, on what environmental initiatives it will spend the extra #5 million and, in pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 26 June 2002, on what environmental initiatives it will spend the extra #5 million and, in particular, what recycling initiatives will be included.","AnswerText":"The £5 million for environment initiatives announced by my colleague Andy Kerr, on 26 June has to be seen in the wider context of the total end year flexibility allocation of £76 million for the Environment and Rural Development portfolio, which includes £30.2 million for environment programmes. Full details of how this funding will be allocated are provided in the answer given to question S1W-27441 today.

    Specifically on recycling, Andy Kerr also announced that an additional £95 million was being allocated to local authorities this year for supporting children and young people and improving the local environment. Although it will be for local authorities to propose exactly how this allocation is to be spent, the Executive has asked that they give consideration to certain issues, one of which is the provision of recycling banks. It is clear that providing easy access to facilities such as bottle and can banks or separate household collections of recyclable materials are the best ways to encourage more recycling of waste.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163764,"EventID":"S1W-27230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding the removal of the maxiofacial surgery unit from St. John's Hospital in West Lothian.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding the removal of the maxiofacial surgery unit from St. John's Hospital in West Lothian.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of NHS boards and trusts to address issues relating to the provision of services in their areas.

    The maxillofacial surgery service at St John's Hospital has not been removed.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163765,"EventID":"S1W-27231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities currently exist in (a) Scotland and (b) the former Grampian Region Council area for the training of speech and language therapists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities currently exist in (a) Scotland and (b) the former Grampian Region Council area for the training of speech and language therapists.","AnswerText":"In Scotland there are two higher education institutions providing pre-registration training which leads to professional qualification with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and state registration with the Health Professions Council. These are Strathclyde University and Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh. The courses include an academic component and clinical placements. The clinical placement component is arranged by NHS trusts throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163766,"EventID":"S1W-27232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speech and language therapists currently operate in the former Grampian Region Council area; what therapist/client ratio this number equates to, and whether the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many speech and language therapists currently operate in the former Grampian Region Council area; what therapist/client ratio this number equates to, and whether the current provision of speech and language therapists in the area is adequate.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Speech and language therapists are employed by NHSScotland and it is the responsibility of NHS boards to assess the needs of their population and to determine the staffing levels appropriate to meet this need.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163767,"EventID":"S1W-27233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget is available specifically for feasibility studies into the possibility of re-opening local railway stations or stretches of closed railway routes and which b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget is available specifically for feasibility studies into the possibility of re-opening local railway stations or stretches of closed railway routes and which bodies can access such funding.","AnswerText":"Local authorities, and in the case of the Strathclyde area, Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive, may apply for funding of feasibility studies for public transport improvements from the Public Transport Fund (PTF). Studies or projects supported by the PTF would have to satisfy eligibility criteria and compete with other bids. Details of the rules and guidelines can be found on the websites of both the Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163768,"EventID":"S1W-27234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds police forces are able to access for specific alcohol and drug awareness campaigns.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds police forces are able to access for specific alcohol and drug awareness campaigns.","AnswerText":"Police authorities and joint police boards, in consultation with chief constables, set budgets for individual forces. It is then a matter for chief constables to determine how they use the funds made available to them in this way to meet local needs and circumstances.

    In addition, Drug and Alcohol Action Teams, of which police forces are members, may bid for resources from national communications budgets to support local campaigns. For example, a total of £1.5 million is available for the Executive's anti-binge drinking campaign "How much is too much?" and £6.3 million, in total over three years, for the Executive's drugs communications strategy "Know the Score". In 2001, the Executive provided £150,000 to support communications aspects of the police Safer Scotland drugs campaign, also called "Know the Score".","AnswerDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163769,"EventID":"S1W-27235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research into the causes of autism it is currently undertaking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research into the causes of autism it is currently undertaking.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not currently undertaking any research into the causes of autism.

    The Medical Research Council, which has a UK-wide remit, has committed £7.5 million to research into autism. The research findings, when available, will inform the policies and clinical practices of NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163770,"EventID":"S1W-27236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students who attended college prior to university have incurred default notice debts for loans provided during their college study as a result of the Student Loa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students who attended college prior to university have incurred default notice debts for loans provided during their college study as a result of the Student Loans Company computer systems not being able to rationalise and merge personal data.","AnswerText":"The Student Loans Company advises that this information could only be obtained by examining each student loan account which has been subject to a default notice. Such an exercise could only be undertaken at disproportionate cost.

    Of the approximately 2.7 million loan accounts held by the Student Loans Company, only 5,700 (0.2%) are currently administered individually because of difficulties in matching or merging personal data. The accounts of students who progress from higher education courses at college to higher level courses at university are merged successfully in almost all cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163771,"EventID":"S1W-27237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a stated policy on equal pay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a stated policy on equal pay.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's policy on equal pay is currently covered by its general policy on equal opportunities which provides that staff should be treated equally in respect of all matters. This policy is set out in the Staff Handbook which is available to staff and recognised Trade Unions. In addition, a review of the Scottish Executive's pay system will be undertaken in the autumn with a view to identifying whether there are any gender pay gaps or other inequalities. Following the review, which is expected to be completed by April 2003, the Scottish Executive will publish a specific policy on equal pay.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163772,"EventID":"S1W-27238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has communicated its equal pay policy to employees and recognised trade unions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has communicated its equal pay policy to employees and recognised trade unions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163773,"EventID":"S1W-27239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which department has responsibility for the implementation of its equal pay policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which department has responsibility for the implementation of its equal pay policy.","AnswerText":"Equal pay policy in the Scottish Executive is the responsibility of the Directorate of Personnel and Pay within Corporate Services department.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163774,"EventID":"S1W-27240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out a pay systems review to establish whether there is any gender pay gap in line with the Equal Opportunities Commission's Code of Practice on Eq","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out a pay systems review to establish whether there is any gender pay gap in line with the Equal Opportunities Commission's Code of Practice on Equal Pay.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27237 on 29 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163775,"EventID":"S1W-27241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a single job evaluation system covering all employees to determine who is performing equal work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a single job evaluation system covering all employees to determine who is performing equal work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has two job evaluation systems. Senior Civil Service posts are evaluated using Job Evaluation for Senior Posts (JESP) while Job Evaluation and Grading Support (JEGS) is used for all other posts. The purpose of both systems is to establish job weight of posts on a consistent basis. This ensures that all posts of comparable weight are placed in the same pay range. More detailed information about the two systems can be found on the Cabinet Office website at:

    http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/civilservice.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163776,"EventID":"S1W-27242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies have an equal pay policy and which Executive department has responsibility for monitoring and encouragi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies have an equal pay policy and which Executive department has responsibility for monitoring and encouraging compliance with good practice on equal pay.","AnswerText":"Currently, 62% of executive agencies and 35% of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) have a stated policy on equal pay. Not all of the remaining bodies/agencies actually employ staff, but all of those that do have an equal opportunities policy, which provides that staff should be treated equally in respect of all matters. For NDPBs, monitoring and compliance with good practice are monitored centrally within the Scottish Executive. Executive agencies have responsibility for monitoring and encouraging compliance with good practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163777,"EventID":"S1W-27243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies have carried out a pay systems review to establish whether there is any gender pay gap in line with the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies have carried out a pay systems review to establish whether there is any gender pay gap in line with the Equal Opportunities Commission's Code of Practice on Equal Pay.","AnswerText":"In line with the UK Government, all Scottish non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies have been requested to conduct an equal pay review by April 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163778,"EventID":"S1W-27244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances the Scottish Qualifications Authority is permitted to use students to mark examination scripts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances the Scottish Qualifications Authority is permitted to use students to mark examination scripts.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I will ask the chairman to write with the details requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163779,"EventID":"S1W-27245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students have been employed as markers by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in each of the past three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students have been employed as markers by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in each of the past three years.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I will ask the chairman to write with the details requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163780,"EventID":"S1W-27246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake of European structural funds has been in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the uptake of European structural funds has been in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The commitment of European structural funds in Scotland was £92.154 million in 2000 and £181.649 million in 2001. The following table breaks this down by fund. There was no commitment of structural funds in the three Objective 2 Programmes in 2000 as the programmes were not approved until 2001.

    Fund

    2000

    2001

    Western Scotland Objective 2 Programme

    0

    £21,099,000

    East of Scotland Objective 2 Programme

    0

    £42,342,153

    South of Scotland Objective 2 Programme

    0

    £19,380,444

    Objective 3 (Scotland) Programme

    £46,487,869

    £57,905,848

    Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme

    £45,666,000

    £40,921,285

    Total

    £92,153,869

    £181,648,730

    ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163781,"EventID":"S1W-27247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure increased uptake of European structural funds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure increased uptake of European structural funds.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has encouraged the five Programme Management Executives to pursue actively a range of activities to raise awareness of the availability of the funds, including:

    The provision on websites and the circulation to all partner organisations of programme bulletins providing up to date information on funds available and forthcoming application rounds;

    • Facilitation of fast-track applications, rolling programmes and additional application rounds where appropriate;
    • Delivery of regular application advice surgeries and workshops across the country;
    • Engaging with target communities to stimulate applications for community economic development support;
    • Analysis of underlying reasons for slow uptake in particular measures or areas, and

    Efforts to promote private sector interest in the funds.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163782,"EventID":"S1W-27248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-22110 on 4 February 2002, whether a decision has been made yet on whether to take legal action against Flour City International Inc.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-22110 on 4 February 2002, whether a decision has been made yet on whether to take legal action against Flour City International Inc. and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide an up-to-date estimate of the losses resulting from the Flour City situation. ","AnswerText":"No decision has yet been made on whether to take legal action against Flour City International. The costs to the project arising from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd are currently estimated as £3.85 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163783,"EventID":"S1W-27249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it took three months and three weeks to provide substantive answers to questions S1W-23860, S1W-23861 and S1W-23862 on the English Quality Teacher Status qualificatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it took three months and three weeks to provide substantive answers to questions S1W-23860, S1W-23861 and S1W-23862 on the English Quality Teacher Status qualification.","AnswerText":"Unfortunately this was due to an administrative error.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163784,"EventID":"S1W-27250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is acceptable to have a period of three months and one week between the issuing of a holding answer and the provision of the substantive answer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is acceptable to have a period of three months and one week between the issuing of a holding answer and the provision of the substantive answer.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive aims to provide substantive answers to questions as soon as practicable.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163785,"EventID":"S1W-27251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time was under its central heating installation programme (a) between an application qualifying and being passed to the surveyor; (b) for an application","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average time was under its central heating installation programme (a) between an application qualifying and being passed to the surveyor; (b) for an application being passed from the surveyor to the heating company and (c) from an application reaching the heating company to completion of work in the period from January to June 2002 inclusive, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The terms of the question do not reflect the procedures under the central heating programme, as administered by Eaga. An application does not qualify until after a surveyor has visited the home to verify that the terms and conditions of the programme are met.

    When eligibility is confirmed, Eaga pass the applicant's details to a heating company. Details are generally passed on in the order in which applicants are confirmed as eligible. The period between determining eligibility and giving the applicant's name to a heating company will vary between parts of Scotland and over the duration of the programme. There are no figures by local authority area. When the heating company is authorised to proceed, the central heating is normally installed within three months.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163786,"EventID":"S1W-27252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what percentage of, applications which have qualified under its central heating installation programme have not yet had central heating installed, categori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many, and what percentage of, applications which have qualified under its central heating installation programme have not yet had central heating installed, categorised by the month in which the application qualified in each of the last six months and broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"In the period 1 January to 1 July 2002 there were a total of 5,301 applications for the central heating programme, as administered by Eaga. Four thousand, six hundred and fifty-nine of those applicants, or 88% of the total, are eligible for the programme. In the same period Eaga completed 3,651 central heating installations, of which 400 related to applications submitted after 1 January 2002. The remaining 3,251 installations related to applications submitted in 2001. Eaga do not collect figures on a local authority basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163787,"EventID":"S1W-27253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed performance measures for 2002 for the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed performance measures for 2002 for the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"I have today written to the Acting Convenor of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee informing her that performance measures have been agreed for this year and enclosed these for the committee's interest. I have placed copies of my letter, and its enclosure, in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163788,"EventID":"S1W-27254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what degree of overcrowding there was in Scottish prisons in total and broken down by prison, also expressed as a percentage of the capacity of prisons, on 31 January, 31","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what degree of overcrowding there was in Scottish prisons in total and broken down by prison, also expressed as a percentage of the capacity of prisons, on 31 January, 31 March and 30 June 2002. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The available information is in the following tables:

    Position at Friday 1 February 2002
     

    Available capacity

    Total

    % of available capacity

    South and West

    		 

    Barlinnie

    825

    1,064

    129.0%

    Cornton Vale

    230

    232

    100.9%

    Dumfries

    162

    111

    68.5%

    Greenock

    254

    313

    123.2%

    Kilmarnock

    548

    541

    98.7%

    Low Moss

    375

    237

    63.2%

    Polmont

    422

    389

    92.2%

    Shotts

    516

    513

    99.4%

    Area Total

    3,332

    3,400

    102.0%

    North and East

    		 

    Aberdeen

    155

    193

    124.5%

    Castle Huntly

    151

    132

    87.4%

    Edinburgh

    578

    658

    113.8%

    Glenochil

    489

    487

    99.6%

    Glenochil YOI

    58

    56

    96.6%

    Inverness

    108

    129

    119.4%

    Noranside

    121

    100

    82.6%

    Perth

    582

    527

    90.5%

    Peterhead

    296

    293

    99.0%

    Area Total

    2,538

    		Table 1 - Numbers of FBDS Projects Approved in Rounds 1 to 3
     

    East

    (South)

    East

    (North)

    West

    Dumfries and Galloway

    Scottish Borders

    Total

    Alternative Agriculture

    17

    15

    1

    9

    2

    44

    Non-Agricultural Diversification

    33

    69

    25

    63

    23

    213

    Overall Total

    50

    84

    26

    72

    25

    257

    The answers to your questions are:

    (a) There is no set approval rate for types of FBDS projects. Grant rates are set individually by area based Project Assessment Committees up to a maximum of £25,000 or, if less, 50% of eligible expenditure.

    (b) to (c) Details of FBDS claims paid are, as follows:

    Table 2 - FBDS Claims Paid (as at 19 July 2002)

    Measure

    East (South)

    (£)

    East (North)

    (£)

    West

    (£)

    Dumfries and Galloway

    (£)

    Scottish

    Borders

    (£)

    Total PaymentsClaimed

    (£)

    Approval by Category

    (%)

    Alternative Agriculture

    28,315

    32,340

    14,994

    30,991

    18,156

    20

    Non-Agricultural

    Diversification

    138,607

    61,162

    64,967

    103,327

    123,080

    491,143

    80

    Total

    93,502

    79,961

    141,236

    615,939

    100%

    (d) Information in relation to completed projects is not available at this time. Successful applicants have two years from the date of approval in which to complete their project and submit their final claims for financial assistance. No approvals were issued prior to November 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163791,"EventID":"S1W-27257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the introduction of the European Convention on Human Rights has had on the way cases of domestic abuse are dealt with by all organisations who have contact w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the introduction of the European Convention on Human Rights has had on the way cases of domestic abuse are dealt with by all organisations who have contact with victims of domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive takes a positive and proactive approach to human rights. Public bodies in Scotland also have a duty to comply with their obligations under the Human Rights Act. Whilst the primary responsibility remains with public bodies themselves, we are taking steps to support them in understanding and implementing those duties.

    We have already provided general guidance to Scottish public bodies. We intend to issue additional guidance during the course of the next year and are also seeking to re-establish and further develop the human rights forum for public bodies which was previously run by COSLA.

    Information on the specific issue raised is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163792,"EventID":"S1W-27258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any consideration of introducing third party reporting sites for hate crimes and domestic violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any consideration of introducing third party reporting sites for hate crimes and domestic violence.","AnswerText":"Recommendation 16 of the Macpherson Report into the Murder of Stephen Lawrence stated: "That all possible steps should be taken by police services at local level in consultation with local government and other agencies and local communities to encourage the reporting of racist incidents and crimes. This should include: the ability to report at locations other than police stations". This recommendation has been accepted by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and local arrangements are now being developed. These or other facilities could in principle be extended to include other types of crime but that would be a matter for the police, in consultation with the relevant agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163793,"EventID":"S1W-27259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the steering group to take forward the recommendations in the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, Reducing the Risk: Improving the Response to Sex Offending","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the steering group to take forward the recommendations in the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, Reducing the Risk: Improving the Response to Sex Offending, will be set up and who will be part of this group. ","AnswerText":"It is intended that the steering group will meet for the first time in the autumn. It will be chaired by the head of the Criminal Justice Group in the Justice Department and will involve representatives from the Crown Office, local authorities, the police, the health service, the Scottish Prison Service, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Scottish Courts Service and the voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163794,"EventID":"S1W-27260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the teaching of issues surrounding child sexual abuse and domestic violence will be made mandatory in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the teaching of issues surrounding child sexual abuse and domestic violence will be made mandatory in schools.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, the curriculum is not prescribed by statute and delivery is a matter for local authorities and schools. The Scottish Executive's policy is to ensure that guidance to education authorities and schools and the framework of national qualifications provide opportunities for raising awareness of child sexual abuse and domestic violence at every level of the school curriculum.

    All education authorities in Scotland have guidelines and procedures for child protection to ensure the safety and well being of children and young people and to protect those adults working with them.

    There are no plans to change current policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163795,"EventID":"S1W-27261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will evaluate the Safe from Harm initiative in Fife with a view to extending it throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will evaluate the Safe from Harm initiative in Fife with a view to extending it throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Safe from Harm initiative is part of a wider child safety awareness raising campaign being run by Fife Child Protection Committee. The Executive is part funding the campaign with Fife Council and the committee was awarded £20,000 in February 2001 under the "Make Our Communities Safer" Challenge Competition. The competition requires applicants to conduct an evaluation of the project within 18 months of its completion. The campaign is still on-going and Safe from Harm was only launched in June so it is too early to gauge its impact. It would be for other councils to decide whether they wished to introduce the initiative within their own areas. Once the evaluation is available it may be possible to determine whether it would be suitable for wider application.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163796,"EventID":"S1W-27262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale has been set for the production of the material recommended in the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, Reducing the Risk: Improving the Response t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale has been set for the production of the material recommended in the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, Reducing the Risk: Improving the Response to Sex Offending.","AnswerText":"Many of the materials will be produced as part of on-going initiatives and some have been produced already, for instance:

    The Scottish Executive has produced a leaflet that provides parents with information on which to base decisions about child safety in groups. It will be widely circulated to parents and carers in the school year 02-03 (recommendation 8).

    Disclosure Scotland has produced detailed guidance and advice in the form of a Guide to the Code of Practice, and in the Disclosure Scotland Website. Information will be issued in due course on the links between the Index of adults unsuitable to work with children and the Scottish Criminal Records Office (recommendation 11).

    Other materials are still being developed:

    A review of guidance issued to local authorities regarding child protection in schools is about to commence and will result in updated guidance being produced during 2003. Resources currently exist in schools regarding child protection and personal safety, however, following the updated guidance, the Scottish Executive will consider whether there are any significant gaps in provision which need to be addressed (recommendation 2).

    The Association of Directors of Social Work and the Scottish Institute for Residential Childcare will jointly develop supporting materials on safe and healthy relationships and assertiveness skills for children and young people looked after by local authorities, those with special educational needs or in special schools, and those identified as living with or affected by domestic violence. They will also provide information and about sexual health for vulnerable young people in care. This will be done by autumn 2003 (recommendations 4-6).

    The Risk Management Authority, which will be established by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, will be responsible for issuing guidance about assessing and minimising risk (recommendation 19).

    "Information for Sentencers" will be developed to provide information on the available provision of community based programmes, including those for sex offenders. It will be piloted in Edinburgh and the Lothians in autumn 2002. This could also be made available to the Parole Board (recommendation 25).

    The Justice Department steering group, announced along with the response to the expert panel, will produce protocols to provide a framework for information sharing and joint working (recommendation 64).

    The Judicial Studies Committee will decide on the timing and content of advice to the Judiciary to increase understanding of the nature and special features of sex offending and its prosecution. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will develop their training to include this information (recommendation 71). The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service already provide good practice guidance to prosecutors, as this is the responsibility of the Lord Advocate (recommendation 73).","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163797,"EventID":"S1W-27263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources will be provided to ensure that the recommendations made in the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, Reducing the Risk: Improving the Response to S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources will be provided to ensure that the recommendations made in the report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending, Reducing the Risk: Improving the Response to Sex Offending, are implemented.","AnswerText":"The main thrust of the recommendations is to build on existing best practice. Many of them can be taken forward as part of the existing or planned initiatives of the key agencies which are involved. There are no major changes envisaged, rather a series of smaller changes which together can have a significant impact on practice.

    The following costs have been identified for taking forward the recommendations that are included in the Criminal Justice Bill:

    There will be minor annual costs from additional requirements for social enquiry reports and psychological assessments of £50,000. The Scottish Executive will meet these costs. There will also be an annual cost of £270,000 for transcribing the Crown's narrative of the facts following a guilty plea, and an additional one off cost of £50,000 for the installation of recording equipment. These costs will be met from the Scottish Court Service budget. There will also be additional costs in judicial time for the preparation of notes by trial judges, which can be met from planned resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163798,"EventID":"S1W-27264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is meant by high, medium and low risk as detailed in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is meant by high, medium and low risk as detailed in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"This is the measure against which an assessment can be made of the level of risk an offender being at large presents to the public. Under the arrangements proposed in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, if an offender is convicted of a relevant offence and is assessed as high risk against the prescribed risk criteria then the court must impose the new sentence of an order for lifelong restriction. The bill also provides for the new Risk Management Authority to produce standards and guidelines to support the risk assessment process.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163799,"EventID":"S1W-27265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Sexual Offender Strategy and Implementation Group will report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Sexual Offender Strategy and Implementation Group will report.","AnswerText":"The report of the Review Group on the Future Management of Sex Offenders (the Spencer Report) was received at the end of June 2002. I will wish to take the opportunity to read the fairly substantial report and consider its conclusions. It is my intention to make the report available for wider circulation in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163800,"EventID":"S1W-27266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amounts and percentage of the changing children's services fund have been allocated in the current financial year to (a) statutory, (b) voluntary and (c) partnership","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what amounts and percentage of the changing children's services fund have been allocated in the current financial year to (a) statutory, (b) voluntary and (c) partnership projects, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Allocations for each local authority area (2002-03) are noted in the table. Proposals have been received against all 32 allocations. The overall aim of the Changing Children's Service Fund is to encourage better integration of all resources available for children's services across the statutory and voluntary sectors. Proposals are therefore expected to demonstrate evidence of genuine partnership working across these sectors.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163801,"EventID":"S1W-27267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will involve the Rape Crisis Network or other organisations involved in working with victims of sexual assault in providing information, guidance and training","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will involve the Rape Crisis Network or other organisations involved in working with victims of sexual assault in providing information, guidance and training to prosecutors and the judiciary.","AnswerText":"Judicial education is a matter for the independent Judicial Studies Committee who propose to run courses and provide material on sexual crimes and procedure to coincide with the Sexual Offences (Procedure and Evidence) (Scotland) Act. I have drawn the terms of your question to the attention of the Director of Judicial Studies. From time to time visiting speakers make contributions to training sessions but it is for the committee to decide when this should happen. The Rape Crisis Network (RCN) and Scottish Women's Aid (SWA) together with other victims organisations are involved in on-going Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service training. The RCN and SWA, in particular, give training and valuable insight into numerous aspects of sexual assaults and domestic abuse. Their input has also informed the guidance in relation to domestic abuse and dealing with victims of sexual offences, including rape, that is circulated and available to all prosecutors.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163802,"EventID":"S1W-27268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to vary the selected list or prevent a medicine or class of medicines from being provided on the NHS and whether it has used such powers and, if so, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to vary the selected list or prevent a medicine or class of medicines from being provided on the NHS and whether it has used such powers and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Schedule 10 to the National Health Service (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995 lists those drugs and other substances which general practitioners may not prescribe on the NHS. Schedule 10 is known as The Selected List.

    Amendments to Schedule 10 are made by Statutory Instrument.

    The selected list was introduced in 1985 and extended in 1992 and it has been amended on a number of occasions. There have been two amendments since July 1999. NHS (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Amendment (No 2) Regulations 2000 added Propecia to the list. The NHS (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2001 removed nicotine replacement therapies from the list. Corresponding amendments were made to Schedule 10 to the National Health Service (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992 in England.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163803,"EventID":"S1W-27269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to allow or disallow any medicines or classes of drugs to be included on the prescribing list in Scotland in variance to the selected list in Eng","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to allow or disallow any medicines or classes of drugs to be included on the prescribing list in Scotland in variance to the selected list in England.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27268.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163804,"EventID":"S1W-27270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Scottish School of Primary Care plays in supporting nurses and doctors in promoting coronary heart disease awareness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Scottish School of Primary Care plays in supporting nurses and doctors in promoting coronary heart disease awareness.","AnswerText":"The Scottish School of Primary Care (SSPC) is concerned with developing research that can be used to support patients, clinicians and managers when they make decisions about health and health care. Much of the school's work in relation to coronary heart disease (CHD) is focused on tackling health inequalities and the effects of deprivation. This supports the Executive's social justice agenda, and will be reflected in our national strategy for CHD and stroke.

    The school is undertaking the evaluation of the cardiac services Managed Clinical Network (MCNs) in Dumfries and Galloway, and this will help to roll out these local MCNs across Scotland as a whole.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163805,"EventID":"S1W-27271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25345 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, within what periods of time the outputs required by the contracts for social work services","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25345 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, within what periods of time the outputs required by the contracts for social work services for HM Young Offenders Institution (a) Glenochil and (b) Polmont are to be provided.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    The outputs contained in the answer to question S1W-25345 in relation to both Glenochil and Polmont are based on a twelve month period.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163806,"EventID":"S1W-27272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25345 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, what periods of time the contracts for social work services for HM Young Offenders Institu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25345 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, what periods of time the contracts for social work services for HM Young Offenders Institution (a) Glenochil and (b) Polmont have been agreed to cover.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    (a) An initial period of two years 11 months.

    (b) An initial period of two years five months.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163807,"EventID":"S1W-27273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25345 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, why it did not provide in the answer details of the periods of time within which the outpu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25345 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, why it did not provide in the answer details of the periods of time within which the outputs are required and whether this answer complies with Part I of its Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Question S1W-25345 did not request the periods of time within which the outputs were required. The answer to question S1W-25345 assumed that it was annual outputs that were required.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163808,"EventID":"S1W-27274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 61(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 61(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland are aware of no charges having so far been brought under this legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163809,"EventID":"S1W-27275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 61(4) of the Criminal Justice and Public Ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 61(4) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"Since 2001 there has been one case involving seven accused, reported to a Procurator Fiscal for a contravention of section 61(4) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. No proceedings were taken in this case. Information is not available for earlier years.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163810,"EventID":"S1W-27276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sei'ures of property there have been under section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sei'ures of property there have been under section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27274.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163811,"EventID":"S1W-27277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 63(2) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 63(2) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27274.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163812,"EventID":"S1W-27278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 63(6) of the Criminal Justice and Public Ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 63(6) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"No cases under this section have been reported to Procurators Fiscal since this section came into force.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163813,"EventID":"S1W-27279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sei'ures of property there have been under section 64 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sei'ures of property there have been under section 64 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27274.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163814,"EventID":"S1W-27280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 65(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 65(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27274.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163815,"EventID":"S1W-27281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 65(4) of the Criminal Justice and Public Ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 65(4) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"No cases under this section have been reported to Procurators Fiscal since this section came into force.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163816,"EventID":"S1W-27282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many forfeitures of sound equipment there have been and how much money has been raised by sale of such equipment under section 66 of the Criminal Justice and Public ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many forfeitures of sound equipment there have been and how much money has been raised by sale of such equipment under section 66 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is not aware of any cases in Scotland where action has been taken under this legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163817,"EventID":"S1W-27283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 68(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 68(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"Since 2001 there have been two cases reported to a Procurator Fiscal for contraventions under Section 68(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. One case involves six accused and the other five accused. Trials have been fixed for August and September respectively. Information is not available for earlier years.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163818,"EventID":"S1W-27284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 69(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 69(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27274.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163819,"EventID":"S1W-27285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 69(3) of the Criminal Justice and Public Ord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 69(3) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"No cases under this section have been reported to Procurators Fiscal since this section came into force.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163820,"EventID":"S1W-27286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orders have been (a) applied for and (b) granted to local authorities under section 14A of the Public Order Act 1986 in each year since the section came into for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orders have been (a) applied for and (b) granted to local authorities under section 14A of the Public Order Act 1986 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland are aware of no charges having so far been brought under this legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163821,"EventID":"S1W-27287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 14B(1) of the Public Order Act 1986 in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 14B(1) of the Public Order Act 1986 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"No cases under this section have been reported to Procurators Fiscal since this section came into force.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163822,"EventID":"S1W-27288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 14C(1) of the Public Order Act 1986 in each year since the section came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions police have used their powers under section 14C(1) of the Public Order Act 1986 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27286.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163823,"EventID":"S1W-27289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 14C(3) of the Public Order Act 1986 in each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports of offences to the procurator fiscal, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions there have been under section 14C(3) of the Public Order Act 1986 in each year since the section came into force.","AnswerText":"No cases under this section have been reported to Procurators Fiscal since this section came into force.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163824,"EventID":"S1W-27290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any national workforce planning in relation to the requirements of social work services across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any national workforce planning in relation to the requirements of social work services across Scotland.","AnswerText":"Workforce planning has been the responsibility of the employer led UK Training Organisation for the Social Services. Following the establishment of the Scottish Social Services Council the Executive is working with that organisation, employers and other relevant bodies to establish a more effective approach.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163825,"EventID":"S1W-27291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any national workforce planning in relation to the future staff resources required to deliver free personal care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any national workforce planning in relation to the future staff resources required to deliver free personal care.","AnswerText":"The Executive accepted the advice of the Care Development Group who took workforce planning into account in making their recommendations. Resources have been provided to local authorities within their free personal care allocation to build up infrastructure, increased assessments and increased administration.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163826,"EventID":"S1W-27292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into re-offending rates in respect of different types of social work provision for young offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into re-offending rates in respect of different types of social work provision for young offenders.","AnswerText":"No specific research has been carried out in Scotland into re-offending rates in respect of different types of social work provision for young offenders. The Scottish Executive has commissioned a number of evaluations of the effectiveness of certain disposals and programmes for young offenders where reconviction has been examined as an indication of their effectiveness in reducing offending. These studies suggest that the frequency and seriousness of the offending of young people completing programmes based on evidence of 'what works' may be reduced in comparison with those who do not complete and comparison groups however effectiveness is critically affected by the young people's lifestyles. Small sample sizes and the limited time period for follow up mean these findings are inconclusive. A primary aim of the Scottish Executive's Youth Crime Strategy and the Ministerial Action Plan on youth crime is to reduce offending by young people and research to support their implementation will examine the impact of social work and other provision on offending.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163827,"EventID":"S1W-27293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve social work training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve social work training.","AnswerText":"The Executive's plans are set out in the Action Plan for the Social Services Workforce, which was published on 18 April 2002.

    Since then significant progress has been made towards introducing the new honours degree course by 2004. We have set up two project groups whose membership is drawn from the Scottish Social Services Council, institutes of higher education, employers, the independent sector, user interests and professional associations to consider the structure and viability of the new degree and the role of practice learning. Both groups will regularly report on progress to ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163828,"EventID":"S1W-27294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide additional guidance to local authorities to reinforce the importance of carer consultation and encourage best practice in this area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide additional guidance to local authorities to reinforce the importance of carer consultation and encourage best practice in this area.","AnswerText":"Consultation with carers about service planning and delivery is expected of all local authorities. The Carers Strategy made clear the importance which the Executive places on the inclusion of carers' views and expertise in the development of community care plans and services. Each local authority will wish to develop its own links with carers in its area. We plan to issue wide-ranging good practice guidance on supporting carers to local authorities and NHS bodies, which will remind local authorities and the NHS of the importance of involving carers in planning services. Carers' organisations and statutory agencies will have a lead role in developing this guidance, which we propose should include some monitoring component.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163829,"EventID":"S1W-27295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor local authority community care planning structures to ensure that they are made more open, accessible and carer friendly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor local authority community care planning structures to ensure that they are made more open, accessible and carer friendly.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27294.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163830,"EventID":"S1W-27296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering providing guidelines on carer consultation for NHS staff to ensure carers are fully involved in service planning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering providing guidelines on carer consultation for NHS staff to ensure carers are fully involved in service planning.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27294.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163831,"EventID":"S1W-27297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for distributing the environmental allocation being made available to local authorities under the end-year flexibility arrangements announced in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for distributing the environmental allocation being made available to local authorities under the end-year flexibility arrangements announced in the ministerial statement by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 26 June 2002.","AnswerText":"Provisional allocations for the additional £95 million of end-year flexibility (EYF) were distributed on the basis of each council's general Grant Aided Expenditure allowances for the current year. It will be up to each local authority how it allocates its allowance in support of the two policy themes of "children and young people" and "our local environment".

    Additionally, I announced on 26 June EYF of £76 million for the Environment and Rural Development portfolio, which includes £30.2 million for environment programmes. Full details of how this funding will be allocated are provided in the answer to S1W-27441 on 10 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163832,"EventID":"S1W-27298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23320 by Nicol Stephen on 19 March 2002, whether energy efficiency targets will be built into future evaluation criteria under the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23320 by Nicol Stephen on 19 March 2002, whether energy efficiency targets will be built into future evaluation criteria under the Public/Private Partnership programme for school modernisation.","AnswerText":"The assessment criteria for the current round of local authority bids for revenue support for outline school Public/Private Partnership projects were set out in Scottish Executive Education Department circular 8/2001. We have also announced our intention to put in place by the end of the year a school estate strategy for Scotland. That will be the most appropriate context in which to address issues of sustainable development in school buildings, including energy efficiency.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163833,"EventID":"S1W-27299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken any measures to promote current Energy Saving Trust grants for the installation of solar/photovoltaic units in (a) public sector housing, (b) privat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken any measures to promote current Energy Saving Trust grants for the installation of solar/photovoltaic units in (a) public sector housing, (b) private sector housing, (c) businesses, (d) schools and (e) hospitals. ","AnswerText":"The Energy Saving Trust (EST) secured the Department of Trade and Industry contract for this UK initiative in May and the Scottish Executive is currently in discussion with the EST about how best to promote the programme in Scotland. We anticipate a marketing campaign in the autumn, linked to our recently announced Scottish Community Renewables Initiative, which aims to encourage small community renewables projects using a range of technologies, including photovoltaic units.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163834,"EventID":"S1W-27300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish an organic food and farming action plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish an organic food and farming action plan.","AnswerText":"The Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture, developed by the Executive in partnership with stakeholders from the food and farming industries and the environmental sector, sets out an action plan which is relevant to the organic sector as well as to other forms of environmentally sustainable farming. Specific to the organic sector, it challenges the sector to:

    (i) identify and tailor production to consumer demand and market outlets;

    (ii) develop the supply chain so that organic producers are matched by sufficient processing capacity;

    (iii) in the livestock sector, identify finishers to whom store producers can sell their produce;

    (iv) ensure the right business and technical advice is available on how to convert to, and, as importantly, maintain organic farming in Scottish conditions, and

    (v) ensure that Scottish farmers are able to use organic standards which avoid gold plating and reflect Scottish conditions.

    The Executive encourages the development of the organic sector in Scotland in a number of ways. These include the Organic Aid Scheme (OAS), which provides annual payments for five years for farmers converting their land, assistance under the Processing and Marketing Grants Scheme and the Marketing Development Scheme for projects that strengthen the organic food chain, the funding of an organic helpline operated by the Scottish Agricultural College, and the recently published Guide to Organic Marketing funded by the Executive.

    The Executive has recently completed a consultation exercise on measures to improve the operation of agri-environment schemes, including the OAS, in the short term. The Executive is considering responses to that consultation paper, and also possible longer-term changes to agri-environmental measures to enable them more effectively to support a range of environmentally sustainable forms of farming.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163835,"EventID":"S1W-27301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in boosting genealogical and family history tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in boosting genealogical and family history tourism.","AnswerText":"On 24 January I launched the genealogy tourism website www.ancestralscotland.com and took the opportunity during the Tartan Week celebrations to promote the website to potential visitors from America. This website assists users from around the world to research their ancestry and also encourage them to visit those parts of Scotland where their ancestors lived. VisitScotland will continue to develop and market genealogy tourism and are currently researching the product/service expectations of actual and prospective genealogy tourists.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163836,"EventID":"S1W-27302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is working with local family history societies to boost family tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is working with local family history societies to boost family tourism.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland and the Area Tourist Boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163837,"EventID":"S1W-27303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to VisitScotland to discuss adding links to local family history societies' websites to the ancestralscotland.com website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to VisitScotland to discuss adding links to local family history societies' websites to the ancestralscotland.com website.","AnswerText":"I understand that family history society links were added to ancestralscotland.com as part of its most recent update.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163838,"EventID":"S1W-27304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to require local authority councillors to declare all outside earnings and interests and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to require local authority councillors to declare all outside earnings and interests and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"A statutory Code of Conduct for Councillors will come into effect later this year. The code sets out the financial and non-financial interests which must be registered and declared by councillors. The code was prepared by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, at the request of Scottish ministers, as part of the framework introduced by the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000 and was approved by the Scottish Parliament in December last year together with a model Code of Conduct for members of devolved public bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163839,"EventID":"S1W-27305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to empower local authorities to address environmental concerns relating to private property and, in particular, unoccupied derelict buildings and areas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to empower local authorities to address environmental concerns relating to private property and, in particular, unoccupied derelict buildings and areas of derelict land within local communities.","AnswerText":"Powers already exist in the Building (Scotland) Act 1959, the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. The power to advance well-being proposed in the Local Government in Scotland Bill may also be helpful to local authorities in this regard.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163840,"EventID":"S1W-27306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the power to advance well-being under Part 4 of the Local Government in Scotland Bill will allow local authorities to encourage general building maintenance and i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the power to advance well-being under Part 4 of the Local Government in Scotland Bill will allow local authorities to encourage general building maintenance and improve litter control and what specific powers will be conferred on local authorities to assist in this.","AnswerText":"The power to advance well-being will enable a local authority to do anything it considers is likely to promote or improve the well-being of their area or persons in it, subject to certain safeguards. In respect of general building maintenance or litter control, a local authority may use the power if it considers that the proposed action is likely to promote or improve well-being.

    Local authorities already have powers in respect of building maintenance and litter. In respect of litter, the Scottish Executive has commissioned a review to consider whether the current legislation on litter and flytipping is effective and achieving its purpose, and whether it is being fully utilised by local authorities. The report of the review is due to be completed in late summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163841,"EventID":"S1W-27307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-25239 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 May 2002, when interim information on the effectiveness of the A82 Route Accident Reduction Plan wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-25239 by Lewis Macdonald on 21 May 2002, when interim information on the effectiveness of the A82 Route Accident Reduction Plan will be available.","AnswerText":"The A82 Balloch to Tarbet Route Accident Reduction Plan was completed in 2001. At least three years' accident figures are required in order to see how well a route accident reduction plan is performing and it will be towards the end of 2004 before an assessment can be made.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163842,"EventID":"S1W-27308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether wildlife crime is recorded as a crime for the purpose of national statistics and, if not, whether there are any plans for this to be done.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether wildlife crime is recorded as a crime for the purpose of national statistics and, if not, whether there are any plans for this to be done.","AnswerText":"All offences involving wildlife, including offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are included in the recorded crime statistics. However, they cannot be separately distinguished from other offences recorded within the category of Offences involving Animals/Plants.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163843,"EventID":"S1W-27309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26220 by Allan Wilson on 6 June 2006, what information it receives in respect of illegal poisoning of wild birds from the chemistry","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26220 by Allan Wilson on 6 June 2006, what information it receives in respect of illegal poisoning of wild birds from the chemistry section of the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency and whether such information could be used to identify where illegal poisoning has taken place. ","AnswerText":"Information on individual instances of illegal poisoning details the notifier, the location, a description of the incident, the results of port mortem and pesticide residue analyses, and a conclusion. Where pesticide abuse is suspected, Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department Area Office staff are asked to pursue enforcement action.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163844,"EventID":"S1W-27310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the police regarding the investigation of alleged sexual assaults.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to the police regarding the investigation of alleged sexual assaults.","AnswerText":"Departmental guidance has been issued to Chief Constables on the Investigation of Complaints of Sexual Assault and covers related matters such as medical examinations, the importance of using experienced female interviewing officers, and developing in-force training, with the purpose of producing an atmosphere of care and concern. The importance and sensitivity of violence against woman has long been recognised by the police and the Scottish Executive but it is for individual Chief Constables to make local arrangements for dealing with victims. Chief Constables are expected to do their utmost to ensure that victims of rape and sexual assault are treated with tact and sympathy. Local procedures, which have been put in place by Chief Constables, will have regard to this guidance and other relevant guidance and reports, for example on domestic violence and vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163845,"EventID":"S1W-27311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is collected centrally regarding sexual assaults.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is collected centrally regarding sexual assaults.","AnswerText":"Information is collected centrally on sexual assaults in the recorded crime statistics, which are collected as an aggregate quarterly return from the eight police forces in Scotland. The returns give the total number of crimes recorded and cleared up by the police within each council area and police force area in Scotland.

    Information is not collected centrally on the circumstances of the crime or on the victims of crime.

    The crime group of sexual assault is formed from the crime categories of rape, assault with intent to rape and indecent assault.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163846,"EventID":"S1W-27312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of reported rapes occurred (a) at the victim's home, (b) at a friend's, neighbour's, or relative's home, (c) on a street away from the victim's home, (d) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of reported rapes occurred (a) at the victim's home, (b) at a friend's, neighbour's, or relative's home, (c) on a street away from the victim's home, (d) at a parking lot or garages and (e) in all other locations, in each of the last five years. ","AnswerText":"Information at the level of detail requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163847,"EventID":"S1W-27313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of rapes involved a weapon being used in the commission of the crime in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of rapes involved a weapon being used in the commission of the crime in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information at the level of detail requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163848,"EventID":"S1W-27314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rapes took place between (a) 6am and 6pm, (b) 6pm and midnight and (c) midnight and 6am in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rapes took place between (a) 6am and 6pm, (b) 6pm and midnight and (c) midnight and 6am in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information at the level of detail requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163849,"EventID":"S1W-27315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rapes took place where there was a prior relationship between victim and offender in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rapes took place where there was a prior relationship between victim and offender in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information at the level of detail requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163850,"EventID":"S1W-27316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many rape cases drugs were found to be involved in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in how many rape cases drugs were found to be involved in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information at the level of detail requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163851,"EventID":"S1W-27317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people convicted for rape in each of the last five years had previous convictions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people convicted for rape in each of the last five years had previous convictions.","AnswerText":"The information available is shown in the following table.

    Local Authority

    Allocation 2002-03

    (£000's)

    Aberdeen City

    871

    Aberdeenshire

    1,123

    Angus

    539

    Argyll and Bute

    463

    Clackmannanshire

    258

    Dumfries and Galloway

    814

    Dundee City

    910

    East Ayrshire

    675

    East Dunbartonshire

    343

    East Lothian

    408

    East Renfrewshire

    300

    Edinburgh, City of

    1,966

    Eilean Siar

    173

    Falkirk

    688

    Fife

    1,712

    Glasgow City

    4,488

    Highland

    1222

    Inverclyde

    483

    Midlothian

    380

    Moray

    406

    North Ayrshire

    823

    North Lanarkshire

    1,747

    Orkney Islands

    116

    Perth and Kinross

    638

    Renfrewshire

    928

    Scottish Borders

    515

    Shetland Islands

    148

    South Ayrshire

    514

    Persons With a Charge Proved Where Main Crime Was Rape, 1996 to 2000

    Year

    Total number

    Number with 1 or more previous convictions1

    % with 1 or more previous convictions

    1996

    33

    22

    67

    1997

    29

    16

    48

    1998

    37

    25

    76

    1999

    27

    14

    42

    2000

    27

    18

    55

    Notes:

    1. Convictions in Scottish Courts since 1989 for all crimes within groups 1-5 of the Scottish Executive Justice Department's classification of crimes and offences and the common law offences of simple assault and breach of the peace.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163852,"EventID":"S1W-27318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the number of registered blind persons living in the islands who would benefit from the extension of the national free concessionar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the number of registered blind persons living in the islands who would benefit from the extension of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people to cover air travel between the islands and the mainland.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163853,"EventID":"S1W-27319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the cost of an extension of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people to cover air travel between the islands ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the cost of an extension of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people to cover air travel between the islands and the mainland.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163854,"EventID":"S1W-27320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to include air travel between the islands and mainland in any extended or new national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to include air travel between the islands and mainland in any extended or new national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people.","AnswerText":"The national free concessionary travel scheme for the blind is a voluntary partnership agreement between the Scottish Executive, local authorities, Strathclyde Passenger Transport and rail, bus and ferry operators. It is open to island councils to seek to enhance, with the agreement of air operators, their local concessionary travel schemes to provide air travel for local residents.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163855,"EventID":"S1W-27321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has excluded air travel between the islands and mainland from the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people when the alternative transport servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has excluded air travel between the islands and mainland from the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people when the alternative transport service can be ferry trips of a much longer duration.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27320.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163856,"EventID":"S1W-27322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys were made by registered blind people under the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people in each year for which figures are available,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys were made by registered blind people under the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people in each year for which figures are available, broken down by rail, bus, ferry and underground train services.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163857,"EventID":"S1W-27323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost has been of its support for the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people in each year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost has been of its support for the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people in each year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The cost of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people is met from the Grant Aided Expenditure block allocation to local authorities. Local authority data returns on concessionary travel schemes do not separately identify these costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163858,"EventID":"S1W-27324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12351 by Iain Gray on 23 January 2001, how many closed circuit television (CCTV) schemes are currently operating; how many of these","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12351 by Iain Gray on 23 January 2001, how many closed circuit television (CCTV) schemes are currently operating; how many of these have been evaluated, and how many of these evaluations show (a) an increase and (b) a decrease in crime in the area covered and nearby areas.","AnswerText":"Figures are held only for the public space closed circuit television (CCTV) projects funded through the 'Make Our Communities Safer' Challenge Competition. Grant is conditional on the submission of a report of the effectiveness of the system not later than 18 months after it becomes operational. Of the 161 projects part-funded through the competition, 127 have submitted completion certificates. To date, 60 of these have provided independent evaluation reports, with 40 recording a decrease in crime in the CCTV area and two showing an increase. The remaining 18 do not include crime statistics but all report that CCTV has made a positive contribution to the well-being and safety of the areas in which it is deployed. It is proposed to evaluate the new arrangements for funding community safety partnerships introduced on 1 April, which supersedes challenge competition funding, and to include a review of the effectiveness of CCTV and other community safety initiatives funded by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163859,"EventID":"S1W-27325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which official in its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has prime responsibility for the implementation of animal health policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which official in its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has prime responsibility for the implementation of animal health policy.","AnswerText":"The head of Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department's Food and Agriculture Group has overall responsibility for animal health policy and its implementation in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163860,"EventID":"S1W-27326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has in the formulation of animal health policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role its Environment and Rural Affairs Department has in the formulation of animal health policy.","AnswerText":"Animal health and welfare are devolved matters so the Scottish Executive has the lead role in the formulation of policy which is applied in Scotland. In doing so it must comply with European Union legislation on animal health issues and needs to take account of animal health position in other parts of Great Britain.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163861,"EventID":"S1W-27327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Environment and Rural Affairs Department last held discussions with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding animal health policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its Environment and Rural Affairs Department last held discussions with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding animal health policy.","AnswerText":"The respective Agriculture Ministers discuss animal health issues on a regular basis. In addition, discussions between officials of the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are held frequently. Senior officials from SEERAD, DEFRA and the other UK Agriculture Departments meet monthly, when animal health and welfare issues are on the agenda.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163862,"EventID":"S1W-27328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials within its Environment and Rural Affairs Department are responsible for the implementation of animal health policy on a day to day basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials within its Environment and Rural Affairs Department are responsible for the implementation of animal health policy on a day to day basis.","AnswerText":"There are a total of 31 officials within the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department with responsibility for devising and implementing animal health policy. There are additionally 79 staff from the State Veterinary Service (SVS) based in Scotland, including six senior veterinary advisers in the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department head office. A total of 66 staff funded by the Scottish Executive provide administration support for the SVS veterinary staff and animal health officers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163863,"EventID":"S1W-27329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the statement by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry at Westminster on 28 November 2001, when the White Paper on arrangements for managing public sec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the statement by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry at Westminster on 28 November 2001, when the White Paper on arrangements for managing public sector civil nuclear liabilities will be published.","AnswerText":"The White Paper Managing the Nuclear Legacy - A Strategy for Action is being published on 4 July 2002 by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Copies will be available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.

    The White Paper sets out plans for radical changes to current arrangements for the clean up of the UK civil nuclear legacy. Plans include the creation of a new body - the Liabilities Management Authority - responsible to government and with a specific remit to ensure that clean up is carried out safely, securely, cost effectively and in ways which protect the environment for the benefit of current and future generations.

    The Scottish Executive has been involved in the preparation of the White Paper which recognises the responsibility of devolved administrations for radioactive waste policy and its importance in the management of the nuclear legacy. The Executive endorses the open, transparent approach, which is essential to command public confidence in driving forward the systematic clean up of the nuclear legacy.

    The Executive is committed to public involvement and is publishing today the findings of research undertaken in relation to the joint consultation document Managing Radioactive Waste Safely published by the UK Government and the devolved administrations in September 2001. Copies of the report - Managing Radioactive Waste Safely: Engaging Scotland - and the findings of a research survey - Managing Radioactive Waste Safely: Awareness and attitudes of the Scottish public will be available from the Parliament's Reference Centre.

    DTI has consulted widely with stakeholders in the preparation of the White Paper and would welcome views on the proposed new arrangements, and how they should be implemented. Views should be submitted to DTI by 18 October 2002. Contact details are provided in the White Paper.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163864,"EventID":"S1W-27330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26361 by Ms Margaret Curran on 10 June 2002, how much was set aside by each local authority for improvement and repair grants in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26361 by Ms Margaret Curran on 10 June 2002, how much was set aside by each local authority for improvement and repair grants in each financial year since April 1996 in (a) cash and (b) real terms.","AnswerText":"The information requested for the years 1996-97 to 2000-01 has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22487). Figures are not yet available for financial year 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163865,"EventID":"S1W-27331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how maximising the extraction of oil and gas reserves is compatible with sustainable development as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Life","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how maximising the extraction of oil and gas reserves is compatible with sustainable development as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning in his announcement on 28 June 2002 on sustainable development.","AnswerText":"Our commitment to sustainable development, set out in Meeting the Needs...Priorities, Actions and Targets for Sustainable Development in Scotland, acknowledges that the pursuit of economic growth has to be done in such a way that it does not harm the environment or squander the natural resources on which we depend. A sensible approach to the use of natural resources such as oil and gas dictates that we use them efficiently whilst developing alternatives to replace them in due course.

    Our approach to the extraction of oil and gas needs to be viewed along with other policies, such as our commitment to increase significantly Scotland's renewable electricity generation to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163866,"EventID":"S1W-27332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take in the light of the report by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage, which stated that pollution ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take in the light of the report by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage, which stated that pollution from urban traffic and factories is breaching safety limits and damaging wild flowers, crops and probably wildlife across large areas, particularly in the Highlands. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the report by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. It builds on the findings of earlier reports on the environmental effects of air pollutants and provides a valuable update on the position in Scotland

    Earlier studies in this area identified the adverse environmental impacts of air pollutants and the transboundary nature of these, leading to action, nationally and internationally, to reduce emissions of the relevant pollutants - sulphur and nitrogen compounds and ozone. Internationally, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe set up the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution in 1979 to tackle air pollution on a broad international scale. Subsequently, a number of international protocols have been agreed to cut emissions, the most recent being the 1999 UNECE Gothenburg Protocol. These protocols have formed the basis for EU action in this area. The EC National Emission Ceilings Directive for example reflects and in places reduces the emission ceilings included in the Gothenburg Protocol for the four major pollutants causing acidification, eutrophication and ozone damage - these requiring to be achieved by 2010. National legislation such as the Prevention and Pollution Control Regulations will continue to be used to ensure that emissions in Scotland are reduced in line with international requirements. In addition, the Air Quality Strategy for Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland includes objectives for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides specifically for the protection of vegetation and ecosystems.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163867,"EventID":"S1W-27333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance has been in the first quarter of 2002 in answering ministerial correspondence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance has been in the first quarter of 2002 in answering ministerial correspondence.","AnswerText":"In the answer given to question S1W-24583, I undertook to continue to report quarterly on the numbers of letters received by ministers and our performance in answering them.

    In the quarter January to March 2002, 4,511 letters were received for ministerial reply of which 72% received a reply within 17 working days; and 88% received a reply within 25 working days. This is an improved performance on the fourth quarter when 69% of letters received a reply within 17 working days and 86% received a reply within 25 working days. The performance should be viewed against a 27% increase in the volume of correspondence compared to the last quarter.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163868,"EventID":"S1W-27334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its agencies were asked by the Essentia Group whether the group should continue recruiting staff in any of the last 12 months, detailing (a) the date","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its agencies were asked by the Essentia Group whether the group should continue recruiting staff in any of the last 12 months, detailing (a) the date any such request was made, (b) the date of response, (c) any advice given and (d) the reasons behind any such advice on each occasion advice was given.","AnswerText":"Essentia Group did not ask learndirect scotland whether it should continue recruiting staff in the any of the last 12 months.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163869,"EventID":"S1W-27335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its agencies informed the Essentia Group that the Individual Learning Account Scheme would be re-introduced or replaced in any of the last eight mont","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its agencies informed the Essentia Group that the Individual Learning Account Scheme would be re-introduced or replaced in any of the last eight months, detailing (a) the date any information was forwarded to the group, (b) whether any such information was forwarded as a result of a request from the group, (c) the information or advice provided and (d) the reasons behind any such advice or information on each occasion it was given.","AnswerText":"No request for information relating to the re-introduction or replacement of the Individual Learning Account scheme has been received from the Essentia Group. Nor has any such information been volunteered to the Essentia Group by the Scottish Executive or any of its agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163870,"EventID":"S1W-27336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to provide staff employed by the Essentia Group with compensation as a result of any advice or information it gave to the group in regard to recruitme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to provide staff employed by the Essentia Group with compensation as a result of any advice or information it gave to the group in regard to recruitment, detailing the reasons behind its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27334.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163871,"EventID":"S1W-27337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its agencies informed organisations or groups involved with the Individual Learning Account scheme that the scheme had been closed and would not be r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its agencies informed organisations or groups involved with the Individual Learning Account scheme that the scheme had been closed and would not be re-introduced, detailing (a) who informed them and (b) the date on which the information was provided, broken down by organisation or group.","AnswerText":"No. The Executive and its agencies have consistently averred ministers' commitment to encouraging participation in lifelong learning and have maintained the line that arrangements for doing so are under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163872,"EventID":"S1W-27338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which social inclusion partnerships (a) underspent and (b) overspent their budgets in 2001-02 and by how much.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which social inclusion partnerships (a) underspent and (b) overspent their budgets in 2001-02 and by how much.","AnswerText":"Out-turn information in respect of 2001- 02 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163873,"EventID":"S1W-27339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, what the administrative costs were of each of the social inclusion partnerships listed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, what the administrative costs were of each of the social inclusion partnerships listed for 1999-2000 and 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Details of the administrative costs of the Social Inclusion Partnerships for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 are shown in the following table:

    SIP

    Administration Costs

    1999-2000

    (£)

    Administration Costs

    2000-01

    (£)

    Great Northern

    nil1

    20,000

    Arbroath

    nil1

    N/A2

    Argyle & Bute

    nil1

    nil2

    Edinburgh North

    53,888

    51,575

    Edinburgh South

    nil1

    17,889

    Edinburgh Strategic Programme

    26,172

    12,450

    Edinburgh Youth SIP

    3,959

    13,512

    Edinburgh Craigmillar

    40,717

    40,185

    Alloa South & East

    2,022

    7,616

    Dundee Young Carers

    1,122

    2,500

    Dundee SIP1

    57,000

    50,100

    Dundee SIP2

    19,317

    10,950

    Dundee Xplore

    5,488

    10,250

    East Ayr Coalfields

    nil1

    nil1

    Tranent

    nil1

    nil1

    Levern Valley

    nil1

    nil1

    Falkirk

    nil1

    1,171

    Fife

    18,775

    819

    Fife Frae

    2,344

    Project (year) (£ million)

    2000-01

    2001-02

    2002-03

    2003-04

    2004-05

    Stirling Bus Priority (1999)

    0.150

    0.297

    		   

    Stirling, Bridge of Allan and Dunblane railway stations infrastructure (2001)

    		  

    2.538

    0.900

    0.303

    In the initial 1998 round of the Public Transport Fund, Stirling Council was unsuccessful in its £2.090 million bid for "Change Points 2 - Park and Ride and New Gas Powered Buses" and no bid was submitted under the 2000 third round of the fund. I expect to announce successful bids for this year's fifth and final round by the end of October.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163875,"EventID":"S1W-27341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether joint applications are still permitted under the Farm Business Development (Scotland) Scheme and what the reasons are for the position on this matter. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether joint applications are still permitted under the Farm Business Development (Scotland) Scheme and what the reasons are for the position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Statutory Instrument (Scotland) number (2001 No. 259), which sets the statutory rules for the Farm Business Development Scheme (FBDS), legislates for the submission of single project applications attracting a maximum grant of £25,000, or for collaborative ventures. A collaborative venture is defined in the legislation as \"a project which is jointly submitted by three or more eligible persons in relation to three or more eligible businesses". The grant ceiling for a collaborative project is £30,000 per eligible business.

    The SSI came into force on 2 July 2001 and has not been amended. There was, however, an anomaly in the scheme literature which was amended in April 2002. Unfortunately, the literature which accompanied the scheme indicated that joint applications (i.e. applications from two agricultural businesses) were eligible under the scheme. This statement was incorrect, since an FBDS application coming from two agricultural businesses does not fulfil the legal definitions of eligibility as set out at section 2(1) of the covering legal instrument.

    There has been no change in the legislation as described above. A wide ranging review of the scheme is to be undertaken with a view to reporting to Scottish ministers later this year, and the issue of joint applications will be considered as part of the review. One of the aims of the scheme remains to encourage collaboration within the farming sector and this is reflected in the higher level of grant ceiling available to collaborative ventures.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163876,"EventID":"S1W-27342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on private sector housing grants in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on private sector housing grants in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The figures for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 are shown in the table. Figures are not yet available for financial year 2001-02.

    (a) Local Authority Gross Capital Expenditure 1999-2000 (£000)

    Statutory Grants1

    Discretionary Grants1

    Care and Repair1

    Total

    Scotland

    13,902

    22,618

    4,657

    41,177

    Aberdeen City

    1,712

    135

    60

    1,907

    Aberdeenshire

    288

    100

    0

    388

    Angus

    0

    436

    70

    506

    Argyll and Bute

    0

    1,766

    13

    1,779

    Clackmannanshire

    0

    246

    21

    267

    Dumfries and Galloway

    77

    221

    323

    621

    Dundee City

    972

    648

    26

    1,646

    East Ayrshire

    235

    0

    0

    235

    East Dunbartonshire

    1

    149

    0

    150

    East Lothian

    319

    209

    76

    604

    East Renfrewshire

    0

    113

    38

    151

    Edinburgh, City of

    168

    2,334

    346

    2,848","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163877,"EventID":"S1W-27343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next recommendations of the Housing Improvement Task Force will be made to it and when these recommendations will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next recommendations of the Housing Improvement Task Force will be made to it and when these recommendations will be published.","AnswerText":"The task force will make its recommendations to the Executive in its final report to be published early in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163878,"EventID":"S1W-27344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to submit the next recommendations of the Housing Improvement Task Force to any other body prior to publication.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to submit the next recommendations of the Housing Improvement Task Force to any other body prior to publication.","AnswerText":"It is for the task force itself to decide whether to propose that its recommendations should be the subject of further consultation, but there are no plans at present for this in advance of submitting its views to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163879,"EventID":"S1W-27345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to implement the recommendations of the working party into immunology and allergy services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to implement the recommendations of the working party into immunology and allergy services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26670 on 25 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163880,"EventID":"S1W-27346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any managed clinical networks have been set up to support anaphylaxis and allergy services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any managed clinical networks have been set up to support anaphylaxis and allergy services.","AnswerText":"The report by the Scottish Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee Immunology and Allergy Services in Scotland, published in September 2000, recommended the establishment of Managed Clinical Networks for those with immunological and allergic conditions. The Executive would encourage relevant health professionals, patients' organisations and NHS boards to work together to take this recommendation forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163881,"EventID":"S1W-27347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialists in anaphylaxis and allergies are in post and where are they located","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialists in anaphylaxis and allergies are in post and where are they located","AnswerText":"Allergy was recognised by the Specialist Training Authority as constituting a related but distinct specialty as recently as June 1999. Accordingly, the effects of specialist training in that discipline will take time to be fully reflected in NHS provision, and there were therefore no training grade or consultant staff recorded in the specialty as at 30 September 2001.

    Training in the assessment and treatment of allergic reactions is a facet within a number of general medical specialties and also forms part of general undergraduate medical education. All doctors in NHSScotland will therefore have received a certain level of training in this area, though it is not possible to identify those who have a specific interest in the treatment of anaphylaxis.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163882,"EventID":"S1W-27348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trainee specialists in anaphylaxis and allergy services there are and where they are located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many trainee specialists in anaphylaxis and allergy services there are and where they are located.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27347.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163883,"EventID":"S1W-27349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to increase the number of training posts for medical staff and other staff wishing to specialise in anaphylaxis and allergy services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to increase the number of training posts for medical staff and other staff wishing to specialise in anaphylaxis and allergy services.","AnswerText":"Two higher specialist training posts in the specialty of allergy have been established in the west of Scotland. These posts are open to doctors who are eligible to apply.

    It is the responsibility of each trust, as the employer, to ensure that all health care staff have the training required to provide effective patient care. The amount of additional training provided locally by trusts for the treatment of specific conditions, such as anaphylaxis, will differ according to local needs.

    I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27347 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163884,"EventID":"S1W-27350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GPs in each health board area had received training on the assessment of patients prior to the issue of a certificate of incapacity as at 1 July 2002, expressed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GPs in each health board area had received training on the assessment of patients prior to the issue of a certificate of incapacity as at 1 July 2002, expressed also as a proportion of the total number of GPs in each area.","AnswerText":"A full programme of training in what the act involves has been offered to GPs over the past 18 months. This included:

    • four seminars on the act which were funded by the Scottish Executive;
    • multidisciplinary training events;
    • a training video which was circulated widely;
    • leaflets and aides memoire for doctors, and
    • guidance produced in consultation with the British Medical Association.

    Information on training on assessment of patients is not collected centrally. The assessment of whether a patient lacks the capacity to make decisions about medical treatment is a matter for the clinical judgement of the individual doctor. If a doctor considers that he or she requires additional training to be able to conduct assessments then it is for the GP as an independent practitioner to seek the training as necessary. Guidance and assistance on training needs for GPs is available from NHS Education for Scotland via the postgraduate Directors of General Practice Education. Under the Statement of Fees and Allowances for GPs, each GP principal is eligible to receive an annual Postgraduate Education Allowance to support an agreed amount of training.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163885,"EventID":"S1W-27351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allocations have been made within Forth Valley, Fife and Tayside NHS Board areas under the Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what allocations have been made within Forth Valley, Fife and Tayside NHS Board areas under the Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative.","AnswerText":"The main objective of Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative (RARARI) is not direct support for particular remote and rural areas but the testing of proposals which might be generalised throughout remote and rural Scotland.

    The RARARI invited bids for project support in two bidding rounds held in 2000 and 2001. Details of the projects for which it has agreed to provide funding are available direct from RARARI or from its website at:

    www.rarari.org.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163886,"EventID":"S1W-27352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to produce, publish and print the NHS publication Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative Mid-term Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to produce, publish and print the NHS publication Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative Mid-term Report.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative. The chairman Mr Stewart Whiteford will be happy to provide the information requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163887,"EventID":"S1W-27353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22050 by Dr Richard Simpson on 1 February 2002, when it expects the working group carrying out the strategic assessment on the wide","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22050 by Dr Richard Simpson on 1 February 2002, when it expects the working group carrying out the strategic assessment on the wider issue of drug-related sexual assault to report.","AnswerText":"The working group, led by the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, has produced its strategic assessment and guidance document for investigators on drug-assisted sexual assault. The document is being issued to all Scottish police forces to assist with their investigations.

    Information from the strategic assessment will be utilised in a forthcoming guidance leaflet for young people on the issue, produced within the context of the Executive's Know the Score communications strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163888,"EventID":"S1W-27354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what publications it has produced aimed at helping the public reduce the risk of suffering a sexual assault in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what publications it has produced aimed at helping the public reduce the risk of suffering a sexual assault in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Guidance on women's safety continues to be provided through \"Talking Sense\", which offers a range of strategies and advice to women at home, at work, in the street and travelling. By providing ideas on forward planning it aims to make those at risk feel more confident, more in control, and safer. This consists of a booklet and video provided to police forces for local distribution. The guidance is currently being updated and the revised version will focus on personal safety for all.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163889,"EventID":"S1W-27355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to the public on reducing the risk of suffering sexual assaults and where any such advice is available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it provides to the public on reducing the risk of suffering sexual assaults and where any such advice is available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27354.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163890,"EventID":"S1W-27356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop a public education campaign which alerts the public to the danger of sexual assaults from acquaintances as distinct from strangers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to develop a public education campaign which alerts the public to the danger of sexual assaults from acquaintances as distinct from strangers.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to develop such a campaign. However, the guidance "Talking Sense", referred to in the answer given to question S1W-27354 today, contains a section on violence within the family which provides advice to women who are in danger of being, or are being, abused, physically, emotionally or sexually by someone they love or trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163891,"EventID":"S1W-27357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial savings would result from the abolition of the Historic Buildings Council for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial savings would result from the abolition of the Historic Buildings Council for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Abolition of the Historic Buildings Council for Scotland will provide a saving to the Scottish Executive of about £20,000 per annum.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163892,"EventID":"S1W-27358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance has been provided to the north and north east by Communities Scotland for the purpose of providing housing accommodation for those with special needs; wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance has been provided to the north and north east by Communities Scotland for the purpose of providing housing accommodation for those with special needs; what the annual budget of Communities Scotland is for such housing; how this budget has been allocated in the current financial year, and whether it will provide a breakdown of such funding by geographical area for each year since Community Scotland's inception.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

    Communities Scotland's programme allocations reflect ministerial priorities and link the national distribution of resources to Area Teams, based upon the measurement of social exclusion. The area programme allocation is then developed in close consultation with partners, reflecting a broad range of existing partnership arrangements and leading to locally devised programmes and decision-making. Programmes are based upon local housing market and needs analysis to identify, consistent with our strategy, the demands, needs and opportunities for housing investment.

    Communities Scotland's allocation to North and North East Scotland on Housing Accommodation for Particular Needs is as follows:

    Communities Scotland - Expenditure in North and North East Scotland on Housing Accommodation for Particular Needs (2001-02 to 2002-03)

    2001-02 Approved Programme1

    (£ million)

    2002-03 Approved Programme2

    (£ million)

    Grampian, Tayside and Fife

    13.038

    12.731

    Highlands and Islands

    2.838

    2.358

    Communities Scotland - Total

    47.456

    42.630

    Notes:

    1. Approved Programme figure is used as 2001-02 accounts yet to be finalised - therefore these figures are subject to change.

    2. Estimates.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163893,"EventID":"S1W-27359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any incidents recorded by Central Scotland Police as \"suspicious circumstances\" should instead have been included in crime figures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any incidents recorded by Central Scotland Police as \"suspicious circumstances\" should instead have been included in crime figures.","AnswerText":"I have been informed by Central Scotland Police that in instances where a report of a suspicious incident is made to officers of this force, and there is evidence of a crime being committed, such acts will be recorded in the crime statistics in accordance with current ACPOS guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163894,"EventID":"S1W-27360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what part further electrification of the Scottish rail network will play in its proposals to the Strategic Rail Authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what part further electrification of the Scottish rail network will play in its proposals to the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerText":"The Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority relate to the next Scottish passenger rail franchise. The franchise will be for the provision of services only and will not include the provision of new infrastructure. Where new infrastructure is required, this will be provided outwith the scope of the franchise.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163895,"EventID":"S1W-27361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will follow the practice in England and Wales of publishing individual local authority figures under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will follow the practice in England and Wales of publishing individual local authority figures under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995.","AnswerText":"The second Home Energy Conservation progress reports for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2001 are currently being considered. I will write to Mr Brown on the issue he raises once the work is completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163896,"EventID":"S1W-27362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the average annual requirement of 4,600 construction industry staff identified in the Construction Industry Training Board's Skills","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the average annual requirement of 4,600 construction industry staff identified in the Construction Industry Training Board's Skills Foresight Report 2002-2006 are recruited across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was well aware of the issues relating to employment within the construction industry before the publication of the Construction Industry Training Board's report in February 2002. In January 2001, we commissioned research to establish where construction skills gaps existed and what might be done to address them.

    In response to the research findings published earlier this year, the Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force established a construction sub-group to develop an appropriate construction industry training course for New Deal clients in Scotland. Working with employers, the sub-group focuses on establishing local partnerships to enable the disadvantaged and long-term unemployed to move into suitable construction jobs.

    In addition, Future Skills Scotland and Careers Scotland have agreed to identify opportunities for careers and training in areas where skills are in demand. We are working with Careers Scotland and the Construction Industry Training Board to promote awareness of opportunities in the construction industry, in line with the promotion of the Modern Apprenticeships programme. Almost 5,000 Modern Apprentices are now in construction-related training.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163897,"EventID":"S1W-27363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated administration costs are of the proposed congestion charging scheme in Edinburgh expressed as a percentage of the estimated amount of revenue to be rai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated administration costs are of the proposed congestion charging scheme in Edinburgh expressed as a percentage of the estimated amount of revenue to be raised by the scheme.","AnswerText":"This is a matter currently being explored by the City of Edinburgh Council and Transport Initiatives Edinburgh as part of the development of their charging proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163898,"EventID":"S1W-27364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on the proposed congestion charging scheme for Edinburgh of drivers who are classified as untraceable as a result of variation in the records main","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on the proposed congestion charging scheme for Edinburgh of drivers who are classified as untraceable as a result of variation in the records maintained by the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority and what percentage of drivers it estimates will be affected.","AnswerText":"This is a matter currently being explored by the City of Edinburgh Council and Transport Initiatives Edinburgh as part of the development of their charging proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163899,"EventID":"S1W-27365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been carried out into the issue of abandoned vehicles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been carried out into the issue of abandoned vehicles.","AnswerText":"No studies on the issue of abandoned vehicles have been published by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163900,"EventID":"S1W-27366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26712 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 July 2002, who the operator would be in the event of the franchise not being let or re-let.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26712 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 July 2002, who the operator would be in the event of the franchise not being let or re-let.","AnswerText":"Under the Railways Act 1993, as amended by the Transport Act 2000, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) becomes the operator (known as the "operator of last resort") when a franchise agreement comes to an end, but no further franchise agreement has been entered into.

    The SRA ceases to become the operator as soon as services begin to be provided under a franchise agreement.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163901,"EventID":"S1W-27367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26712 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 July 2002, who the operator of last resort would be in the event of the franchise not being let or re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26712 by Lewis Macdonald on 3 July 2002, who the operator of last resort would be in the event of the franchise not being let or re-let.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27366.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163902,"EventID":"S1W-27368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the powers to direct the Strategic Rail Authority to create a public not-for-profit trust company to take over the Scottish passenger rail franchise should","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the powers to direct the Strategic Rail Authority to create a public not-for-profit trust company to take over the Scottish passenger rail franchise should such an action be deemed desirable at the end of the current ScotRail franchise.","AnswerText":"Under The Railways Act 1993, as amended by The Transport Act 2000, public sector operators are not permitted to become franchisees.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163903,"EventID":"S1W-27369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it interprets and applies the statements made in The Civil Service Code that \"civil servants owe their loyalty to the administrations in which they serve\" and \"the t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it interprets and applies the statements made in The Civil Service Code that \"civil servants owe their loyalty to the administrations in which they serve\" and \"the term administration to mean.... the Scottish Executive\".","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive civil servants work for and are accountable to the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163904,"EventID":"S1W-27370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what duty civil servants have to the Scottish Parliament other than \"They should not deceive or knowingly mislead.... Parliament\" as stated in The Civil Service Code.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what duty civil servants have to the Scottish Parliament other than \"They should not deceive or knowingly mislead.... Parliament\" as stated in The Civil Service Code.","AnswerText":"The Civil Service Code makes it clear that civil servants owe their loyalty to the administrations in which they serve and are accountable to ministers, who are in turn accountable to the Parliament. Guidance has been issued to Scottish Executive staff on information and accountability, including Evidence and Responses to Committees of the Scottish Parliament, Guidance on Contacts with MSPs/SPICe and the Protocol between Committee Clerks and the Scottish Executive, all of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163905,"EventID":"S1W-27371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what duties of disclosure of information civil servants have to the Parliament or to individual MSPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what duties of disclosure of information civil servants have to the Parliament or to individual MSPs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27370.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163906,"EventID":"S1W-27372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether The Civil Service Code applies to employees of executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and health boards and trusts and, if not, what rules of account","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether The Civil Service Code applies to employees of executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and health boards and trusts and, if not, what rules of accountability apply to these bodies and what plans it has to make any changes to the position.","AnswerText":"The Civil Service Code applies to all civil servants, which includes the staff of Scottish Executive agencies. As non-civil servants, the staff of non-departmental public bodies, health boards and trusts are not subject to the code.

    Non-departmental public bodies have a model code of conduct for staff which they adopt to suit their individual circumstances. Staff are accountable to the board of the body in which they serve. Boards are accountable to their minister and the minister responsible for the body is ultimately accountable to Parliament. Similar arrangements apply to health boards and trusts. There are no plans to make changes to this position.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163907,"EventID":"S1W-27373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the towns which have a town crier and whether Kilwinning and Linlithgow both have town criers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the towns which have a town crier and whether Kilwinning and Linlithgow both have town criers.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163908,"EventID":"S1W-27374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the number of dental graduates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the number of dental graduates.","AnswerText":"The number of dentists working in Scotland has increased constantly over the last 30 years and by 300 in the last eight years. We are committed to increasing numbers further. The Scottish Advisory Committee for the Dental Workforce (SACDW) advises on the most effective way to achieve this, and increasing the student intake is only one of the various options that the committee considers.

    SACDW increased dental student numbers in 2000, to set a target graduate output of 120 per annum. There are currently no plans for a further increase, though SACDW will consider issues of recruitment, retention and supply when it next meets on 23 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163909,"EventID":"S1W-27375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to review the funding for and provision of dentists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to review the funding for and provision of dentists.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to review the funding for dentists. Increases in the level of fees paid to dentists for undertaking NHS general dental services are recommended annually by the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body (DDRB), which is independent of government. The DDRB's recommendations are based on all the evidence laid before it by the Health Departments and by representatives of the profession, including both the British Dental Association and the General Dental Practitioners' Association.

    The Executive monitors the provision of dentists and I recently announced a package of measures aimed at recruiting and retaining dentists within the general dental services. Further measures are being discussed with the dental professions' representatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163910,"EventID":"S1W-27376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards it expects to be applied in teacher training colleges' recruitment processes that would encourage those with special needs and, in particular, deaf people ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standards it expects to be applied in teacher training colleges' recruitment processes that would encourage those with special needs and, in particular, deaf people to apply for places on teacher training courses.","AnswerText":"Recruitment processes are a matter for higher education institutions (HEIs) themselves. In deciding on individual recruitment strategies, HEIs are able to work with local authorities to identify any localised skills shortages which may exist, and to seek to recruit students to meet this demand.

    From September 2002, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001) will make it unlawful for HEIs to discriminate against a student on grounds of their disability. This new duty will apply in relation to admissions, as well as education and associated services, and exclusions. Therefore, HEIs should take account of the Disability Rights Commission Code of Practice (Post 16), which will be published shortly, in considering their recruitment and admission policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163911,"EventID":"S1W-27377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date figures are regarding the number of specialist teachers of deaf children currently employed in each education authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date figures are regarding the number of specialist teachers of deaf children currently employed in each education authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21809 on 28 January 2002, which provides the most up-to-date information.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163912,"EventID":"S1W-27378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders have been granted in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many anti-social behaviour orders have been granted in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"The Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland has been commissioned by the Executive to undertake an annual exercise to determine the use being made of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), which came into force on 1 April 1999.

    The first two reports, covering 1 April to 30 November 1999 and 1 December 1999 to 30 November 2000, did not break the figures down by local authority area. Additional investigation has shown that for the period 1 December 1999 to 30 November 2000 no ASBOs were granted in Stirling or Clackmannanshire; seven were granted in Fife. The latest report, covering the period 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2001, is expected to be published by the Chartered Institute later in the summer. Copies of the report will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163913,"EventID":"S1W-27379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for the provision of facilities for skateboarders and BMX riders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available for the provision of facilities for skateboarders and BMX riders.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the provision of recreational and leisure services is primarily a matter for local authorities.

    However, applications for the provision of such facilities can be made to sportscotland under the Lottery Sports Fund's Sports Facilities Programme and the recently launched Social Inclusion Partnership Programme. Another possible funding route is the PE and Sport in Schools strand of the New Opportunities Fund also launched earlier this year. Funding may also be available from the Awards for All programme though the maximum level of award is £5,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163914,"EventID":"S1W-27380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider giving local authorities the right to decide whether council by-elections should be held by postal ballot only.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider giving local authorities the right to decide whether council by-elections should be held by postal ballot only.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to give local authorities the right to decide whether council by-elections should be held by postal ballot only. The Scottish Local Government (Elections) Act 2002 allows ministers to extend successful pilots throughout Scotland by order but it is unlikely that they would do so on the basis of a single pilot.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163915,"EventID":"S1W-27381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received, or discussions it has held, concerning the decision by the Church of Scotland to close its care home at Leslie House in Fife. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received, or discussions it has held, concerning the decision by the Church of Scotland to close its care home at Leslie House in Fife. ","AnswerText":"We have received six such representations. We held no discussions with the Church of Scotland regarding the future of Leslie House; this is a local matter, to be resolved between the church and the relevant commissioners of care and with the future well-being of residents in mind.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163916,"EventID":"S1W-27382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any problems arising from the Data Protection Acts with regard to providing papers to approved youth workers and criminal justice social workers in res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any problems arising from the Data Protection Acts with regard to providing papers to approved youth workers and criminal justice social workers in respect of young offenders referred to them by the diversion from prosecution programmes.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not been made aware of any such problems.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163917,"EventID":"S1W-27383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has convened the meeting between the forestry industry and COSLA representatives to discuss timber transport and rural roads issues as agreed by the Deputy Min","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has convened the meeting between the forestry industry and COSLA representatives to discuss timber transport and rural roads issues as agreed by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development on 30 May 2002 (Official Report c 12540) and whether increased investment in rural roads is in the interests of the forestry industry.","AnswerText":"I understand that the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development has written to COSLA regarding a meeting, but no date has been arranged as yet.

    On investment, the Executive's Scottish Forestry Strategy identifies the development of timber transport infrastructure as a priority for action. However, it remains a matter for councils to determine their priorities on the maintenance of local roads used by timber transport, in terms of all the resources for which they are responsible, and to allocate resources to individual projects accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163918,"EventID":"S1W-27384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the exercise of powers by local authorities to impose weight restrictions on roads may lead to areas of forest becoming isolated and whether any such action shoul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the exercise of powers by local authorities to impose weight restrictions on roads may lead to areas of forest becoming isolated and whether any such action should be the subject of consultation with the Executive before it is taken.","AnswerText":"Decisions on the management of local roads, including the imposition of weight restrictions, are a matter for local authorities. Consultation with the Executive on individual cases would not be appropriate. Wider issues concerning transport infrastructure and access to forest areas are being taken forward by the Timber Transport Forum.

    The Executive is aware of difficulties which can arise where areas of forest can become isolated or landlocked. In such circumstances, local authorities work closely with the forestry industry to identify alternative haulage routes, wherever possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163919,"EventID":"S1W-27385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met The Highland Council in connection with a proposal for a feasibility study in respect of a Stromeferry bypass. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met The Highland Council in connection with a proposal for a feasibility study in respect of a Stromeferry bypass. ","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163920,"EventID":"S1W-27386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Sustainable Development Forum is due to meet. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Sustainable Development Forum is due to meet. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27187 on 1 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163921,"EventID":"S1W-27387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it announced the formation of the Sustainable Development Forum to the Parliament and the public and what form the announcement took.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it announced the formation of the Sustainable Development Forum to the Parliament and the public and what form the announcement took.","AnswerText":"The Executive's intention to set up a Sustainable Development Forum was announced in the answer to question S1W-18932 on 9 October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163922,"EventID":"S1W-27388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people it expects to take part in the Sustainable Development Forum and what the remit of the forum is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people it expects to take part in the Sustainable Development Forum and what the remit of the forum is.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27187 on 1 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163923,"EventID":"S1W-27389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it expects the Sustainable Development Forum to meet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it expects the Sustainable Development Forum to meet.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-18932, the Sustainable Development Forum will, in the first instance, operate until May 2003. The first meeting was held in Dundee on 24 July. We anticipate that the forum will meet again later in 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163924,"EventID":"S1W-27390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many organisations across civic society and involved in sustainable development work were invited in writing to participate in the Sustainable Development Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many organisations across civic society and involved in sustainable development work were invited in writing to participate in the Sustainable Development Forum.","AnswerText":"No organisation has been directly invited to participate in the Sustainable Development Forum. Instead, advertisements were placed in the national press on 7 June and expressions of interest have been received from a wide range of sectors including civic society.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163925,"EventID":"S1W-27391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms it has put in place to report the deliberations and conclusions of the Sustainable Development Forum and to take these conclusions into account.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms it has put in place to report the deliberations and conclusions of the Sustainable Development Forum and to take these conclusions into account.","AnswerText":"We intend to place further information about the Sustainable Development Forum on our website at: www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk. We envisage that this will include a note of the main points raised at the forum. We will ensure that points raised are drawn to the attention of relevant ministers and officials.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163926,"EventID":"S1W-27392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials and what budget have been made available to support the work of the Sustainable Development Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials and what budget have been made available to support the work of the Sustainable Development Forum.","AnswerText":"The Forum will be supported and funded by the Executive's Sustainable Development Team as part of their normal business.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163927,"EventID":"S1W-27393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where it advertised for interested persons to take part in the Sustainable Development Forum and what the normal process is for canvassing interest for such bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where it advertised for interested persons to take part in the Sustainable Development Forum and what the normal process is for canvassing interest for such bodies.","AnswerText":"Adverts in the national press on 7 June invited nominations and requests to attend the Sustainable Development Forum. Information was also available at: www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk. The adverts indicated that we want to ensure that the forum has a wide range of participants from all sectors.

    There is no set procedure for canvassing interest in bodies such as the forum. We considered the approach taken to be an appropriate mechanism in this case, and have been impressed by the number and quality of responses.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163928,"EventID":"S1W-27394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues will be on the agenda for the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what issues will be on the agenda for the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum.","AnswerText":"The agenda for the first meeting of the forum will include presentations on the Executive's strategy for sustainable development as set out in "Meeting the Needs...", on the "Do a Little, Change a Lot" campaign and on the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The Scottish members of the Sustainable Development Commission will give a presentation on their work. There will be an opportunity for group discussions and for participants to consider the future work of the forum.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163929,"EventID":"S1W-27395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will chair the first and subsequent meetings of the Sustainable Development Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will chair the first and subsequent meetings of the Sustainable Development Forum.","AnswerText":"In my unavoidable absence because of illness, the forum was chaired by Mr John Graham, Head of the Scottish Executive, Environment and Rural Affairs Department. The arrangements for the next meeting will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163930,"EventID":"S1W-27396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members it expects to attend the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members it expects to attend the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27187.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163931,"EventID":"S1W-27397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to select and appoint members to the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum and whether these criteria will be used to select and a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to select and appoint members to the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum and whether these criteria will be used to select and appoint members to any subsequent meeting.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27187.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163932,"EventID":"S1W-27398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects participants at the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum to remain members throughout the life of the forum and if not, what procedures h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects participants at the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum to remain members throughout the life of the forum and if not, what procedures have been put in place to replace any member or to add to the membership of the forum.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27187.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163933,"EventID":"S1W-27399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider fully funding the Scottish European Resource Centre, which it currently match funds, in light of the proposed cessation of funding by the Europea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider fully funding the Scottish European Resource Centre, which it currently match funds, in light of the proposed cessation of funding by the European Commission office in London in December 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in the process of establishing the reasons for this proposed withdrawal of funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163934,"EventID":"S1W-27400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has given to the Scottish European Resource Centre in match funding in each of the last three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has given to the Scottish European Resource Centre in match funding in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not contribute directly to the Scottish European Resource Centre's funding. It was, however, content that Community Learning Scotland and currently YouthLink Scotland use some of the Executive's grant for match funding of the centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163935,"EventID":"S1W-27401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statutory obligations there are for businesses to provide disability access when renovating and extending premises where disability access did not previously exist.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statutory obligations there are for businesses to provide disability access when renovating and extending premises where disability access did not previously exist.","AnswerText":"All new building work, including alterations and extensions, which is covered by the building regulations must comply with the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (as amended). The issue of access to buildings for disabled people is covered by Part S of the Technical Standards (Access to and movement within buildings, and protective barriers). Repair work is not covered, and parts of buildings unaffected by an extension may not be covered.

    From 1 October 1999, a service provider, under Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, has had to take reasonable steps to remove barriers to services and by 1 October 2004 these barriers should have been removed.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163936,"EventID":"S1W-27402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is available to businesses wanting to provide disability access when renovating and extending existing premises.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance is available to businesses wanting to provide disability access when renovating and extending existing premises.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not provide financial assistance to businesses wanting to provide disability access when renovating and extending existing premises.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163937,"EventID":"S1W-27403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever received any notice under paragraph 6.8 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever received any notice under paragraph 6.8 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163938,"EventID":"S1W-27404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever given any notice under paragraph 7.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ever given any notice under paragraph 7.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

    No.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163939,"EventID":"S1W-27405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual costs to local authorities are of dealing with abandoned vehicles. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual costs to local authorities are of dealing with abandoned vehicles. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163940,"EventID":"S1W-27406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be made available to local authorities or any other relevant body to deal with abandoned vehicles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be made available to local authorities or any other relevant body to deal with abandoned vehicles.","AnswerText":"Collection and disposal of abandoned vehicles is an established responsibility of local authorities, the cost of which is covered by the GAE. It is not yet clear what effect the new regulations will have on levels of abandonment or costs of disposal of abandoned vehicles. In these circumstances, the Executive has not yet determined whether additional funding should be made available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163941,"EventID":"S1W-27407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the reduction in the share price of Omne Communications Ltd will have on the roll-out of the broadband strategy; whether any changes to the strategy are plann","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the reduction in the share price of Omne Communications Ltd will have on the roll-out of the broadband strategy; whether any changes to the strategy are planned, and whether there will be any variation to the timescale and delivery of the strategy.","AnswerText":"Omne Communications Ltd's share price has no impact on the Executive's broadband strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163942,"EventID":"S1W-27408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national strategy it or anybody accountable to it or acting on its behalf has for rolling out broadband over the next (a) two, (b) five and (c) 10 years, other than ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national strategy it or anybody accountable to it or acting on its behalf has for rolling out broadband over the next (a) two, (b) five and (c) 10 years, other than project ATLAS.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27021 on 22 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163943,"EventID":"S1W-27409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is towards local loop unbundling (LLU) and what information it has on the number of telephone exchanges where LLU has taken place up to the present date","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is towards local loop unbundling (LLU) and what information it has on the number of telephone exchanges where LLU has taken place up to the present date and the number of exchanges where it expects LLU to take place over the next two years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to Telecoms regulation. OFTEL monitors the delivery of unbundling facilities throughout the UK on an on-going basis and information on LLU can be accessed on their website.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163944,"EventID":"S1W-27410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made in respect of the proposed EU Directive 2002/C 48/27 relating to port ownership and operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made in respect of the proposed EU Directive 2002/C 48/27 relating to port ownership and operation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK government on a wide range of issues, including the proposed EU Directive on Market Access to Port Services. Since the proposal was published in February 2001, the Executive has considered the implications closely with the Department for Transport in consultation with the ports sector throughout the UK. A number of significant UK amendments reflecting concerns raised have been successfully negotiated and included in the latest draft text agreed as a common position at the Transport Council of Ministers of 17 June 2002. These amendments cover specific Scottish interests, in particular for arrangements to ensure that the directive does not prejudice the management of services at ports serving lifeline ferry routes throughout the Highlands and Islands. The Executive will continue to liaise with the UK government on the draft directive as it passes to the European Parliament for second reading, and throughout its subsequent stages.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163945,"EventID":"S1W-27411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations and propose any amendments to the proposed EU Directive 2002/C 48/27 and, if so, what the nature of any such amendments will be,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations and propose any amendments to the proposed EU Directive 2002/C 48/27 and, if so, what the nature of any such amendments will be, detailing the reasons behind its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27410.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163946,"EventID":"S1W-27412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will propose amendments to the proposed EU Directive 2002/C 48/27 to allow ships of a lower tonnage than that currently in the proposed directive or regional ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will propose amendments to the proposed EU Directive 2002/C 48/27 to allow ships of a lower tonnage than that currently in the proposed directive or regional ports to be exempted from the directive's provisions in view of the different nature of port operation in Scotland and the importance of ports to Scotland as an island community.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27410.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163947,"EventID":"S1W-27413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26388 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 July 2002, whether it provided any advice to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock on drafting (a) the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26388 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 July 2002, whether it provided any advice to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock on drafting (a) the submission by Premier Custodial Group to the Justice 1 Committee of 26 October 2001, (b) the letter sent by Elaine Bailey to the Justice 1 Committee on 20 December 2001, (c) the letter sent by Elaine Bailey to the Justice 1 Committee on 7 May 2002 and (d) the letter sent by Elaine Bailey to the Justice 1 Committee on 17 May 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

    SPS gave advice in respect of (a) and (d). No advice was given in respect of the letters referred to in (b) and (c).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163948,"EventID":"S1W-27414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive ","AnswerText":"There are no plans to reconsider the Kelvin Valley route for any upgrading of the A80 due to the serious detrimental environmental impacts.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163949,"EventID":"S1W-27415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation it proposes to provide to residents affected by the upgrading of the A80 and what consultation exercises it has held, or proposes to hold, on the matter","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what compensation it proposes to provide to residents affected by the upgrading of the A80 and what consultation exercises it has held, or proposes to hold, on the matter with affected parties.","AnswerText":"Compensation is available under the relevant statutes for qualifying interests in respect of loss of land, depreciation in the value of property and noise insulation. Discussions with affected parties can only commence once a preferred line for a road scheme has been determined.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163950,"EventID":"S1W-27416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what appeals process will be made available to individuals or groups who may be opposed to the finalised route for the upgrading of the A80.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what appeals process will be made available to individuals or groups who may be opposed to the finalised route for the upgrading of the A80.","AnswerText":"The appeals procedure is set out in Schedule 1 to the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and the First Schedule to the Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947. These cover the publication of draft compulsory purchase and line orders, the statutory periods for comment and objection, and the criteria applicable to the holding of a Public Local Inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163951,"EventID":"S1W-27417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mean waiting time is for anaphylaxis and allergy services, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mean waiting time is for anaphylaxis and allergy services, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Anaphylaxis is primarily treated as an emergency. Most treatments for allergies will take place in an out-patient clinic. Centrally available information does not identify cases where treatment starts in an out-patient setting.

    Information on the time between a patient being placed on the waiting list for in-patient or day case treatment for anaphylaxis or allergies and their admission to hospital is available. The mean waiting time for anaphylaxis or allergy in-patient and day case treatment by NHS board of residence in the year ending 31 December 2001 is provided in the following table:

    NHSSCotland: Mean Waiting Times for Hospital Admission from the In-patient and Day Case Waiting List for Anaphylaxis and Allergy in Year Ending 31 December 2001P: by NHS Board of Residence

    NHS Board

    Mean Wait

    Argyll and Clyde

    30 days

    Ayrshire and Arran

    28 days

    Borders1

    -

    Dumfries and Galloway

    62 days

    Fife

    29 days

    Forth Valley

    30 days

    Grampian

    49 days

    Greater Glasgow

    28 days

    Highland

    24 days

    Lanarkshire

    21 days

    Lothian

    17 days

    Orkney

    -

    Shetland1

    -

    Tayside

    113 days

    Western Isles1

    -

    Scotland

    32 days

    Source: SMR01 ISD, Scotland.

    PProvisional.

    Notes:

    1. Not shown due to small numbers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163952,"EventID":"S1W-27418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any anaphylaxis and allergy services have closed or deferred waiting lists and, if so, which services are affected.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any anaphylaxis and allergy services have closed or deferred waiting lists and, if so, which services are affected.","AnswerText":"There are no closed waiting lists. Only patients awaiting in-patient/day case treatment can be placed on a deferred waiting list. Anaphylaxis is primarily treated as an emergency, and allergy services are mostly provided on an out-patient basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163953,"EventID":"S1W-27419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any estimate has been made of the number of homeowners who have responsibility for common footpaths and ground associated with their properties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any estimate has been made of the number of homeowners who have responsibility for common footpaths and ground associated with their properties.","AnswerText":"No information on the number of homeowners in Scotland with the responsibilities described is held centrally. We are not aware of an estimate of that number having been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163954,"EventID":"S1W-27420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Housing Improvement Taskforce is considering the issues associated with the maintenance and upkeep of paths, roads and associated ground held in common with p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Housing Improvement Taskforce is considering the issues associated with the maintenance and upkeep of paths, roads and associated ground held in common with private owners, such as that associated with the Heatheryfold West owners in homes formerly owned by Scottish Homes.","AnswerText":"The task force is considering all aspects of common and shared maintenance obligations for homeowners, with the primary concern of ensuring that home buyers are properly informed of their obligations when they purchase and that effective common management arrangements are in place to ensure that necessary work is carried out.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163955,"EventID":"S1W-27421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering introducing legislation to facilitate the maintenance of common paths and ground which local authorities have not adopted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering introducing legislation to facilitate the maintenance of common paths and ground which local authorities have not adopted.","AnswerText":"The Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced on 6 June, will facilitate the maintenance of facilities such as amenity ground and paths within private housing estates where these have not been adopted by local authorities. Section 28 of the bill provides that where conditions in title deeds impose an obligation on owners within a community to maintain, or contribute towards the cost of maintaining, common property, then the owners of a majority of the properties will be able to decide that maintenance should be carried out, in circumstances where the title deeds of the properties do not provide a means for such decision making. Owners will also be able to instruct or carry out such maintenance. Each owner may be required to deposit a sum of money which is that owner's apportioned share of a reasonable estimate of the cost of maintenance. For the purposes of the bill, a "community" is the collective term for those properties which are all subject to the same obligation imposed in their respective title deeds and which can also enforce it: this is sometimes known as a "common scheme".

    This is an important reform which will allow a great deal of essential maintenance work to be carried out. At present if title deeds do not specify any mechanism for decision making on having work carried out, then the common law demands that all owners should consent and unanimity is very often impossible to achieve.

    The Housing Improvement Task Force is also considering all aspects of common and shared maintenance, with a view to making property owners aware of their obligations and ensuring that effective arrangements for necessary work are in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163956,"EventID":"S1W-27422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is planning to initiate any discussions with local authorities about promoting the adoption of grounds and paths which are currently maintained by private own","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is planning to initiate any discussions with local authorities about promoting the adoption of grounds and paths which are currently maintained by private owners where there are difficulties in ensuring adequate maintenance.","AnswerText":"There are no such plans at present and the Housing Improvement Task Force is currently considering all aspects of common and shared maintenance with a view to making property owners aware of their obligations and ensuring that effective arrangements for necessary work are in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163957,"EventID":"S1W-27423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its staff are involved in planning for possible future constitutional changes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its staff are involved in planning for possible future constitutional changes.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Constitutional Policy Unit works on a range of subjects, including issues relating to the operation of the Scotland Act and the devolution settlement.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163958,"EventID":"S1W-27424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff currently work in its Constitutional Policy Unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff currently work in its Constitutional Policy Unit.","AnswerText":"Seven members of staff currently work in the Executive's Constitutional Policy Unit.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163959,"EventID":"S1W-27425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it (a) can take and (b) will take in situations where a local authority does not provide appropriate and adequate care and support as recommended in an indivi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it (a) can take and (b) will take in situations where a local authority does not provide appropriate and adequate care and support as recommended in an individual's care plan.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a statutory obligation to provide community care services to those people in their areas who appear to need them. Should local authorities fail to provide such services, they will ultimately be accountable to the courts.

    We are continuing to provide authorities with the resources, direction and support to meet their statutory obligations with regard to community care.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163960,"EventID":"S1W-27426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action carers can take in situations were councils do not provide the care, treatment and support recommended in care plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action carers can take in situations were councils do not provide the care, treatment and support recommended in care plans.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27425. I would add that service-users, or carers acting on their behalf, can challenge service provision decisions taken by a local authority using the authority's complaints procedure. This could involve taking the complaint to the council's Complaints Review Committee, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman or ultimately through the courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163961,"EventID":"S1W-27427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is in regard to self-funding clients in care homes paying higher fees than local authority funded clients for the same level of care","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is in regard to self-funding clients in care homes paying higher fees than local authority funded clients for the same level of care","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Executive nor the Care Commission can intervene in a private contractual arrangement between a self-funding client and a care home provider.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163962,"EventID":"S1W-27428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether it will publish the response it received from Scottish Airports Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether it will publish the response it received from Scottish Airports Ltd.","AnswerText":"As this proposal is still being considered by Scottish ministers, it would not be appropriate to publish any consultation response at this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163963,"EventID":"S1W-27429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, what the outcome was of the meeting between its officials, National Air Traffic Services, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, what the outcome was of the meeting between its officials, National Air Traffic Services, the Civil Aviation Authority and Scottish Airports Ltd.","AnswerText":"Following this meeting, it was agreed to explore further technical options for resolving concerns related to air safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163964,"EventID":"S1W-27430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether, in light of the concerns expressed, it considers the proposed wind farm at Whitel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether, in light of the concerns expressed, it considers the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forest to be a potential danger to aviation.","AnswerText":"No consent will be issued unless I am convinced that the issue of air safety has been completely resolved, nor would the civil aviation authority permit an airport to operate if it did not continue to meet the most stringent safety standards.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163965,"EventID":"S1W-27431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, which consultees, other than the National Air Traffic Services, the Civil Aviation Authori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, which consultees, other than the National Air Traffic Services, the Civil Aviation Authority and Scottish Airports Ltd, it has met.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has also met Scottish Natural Heritage and the Meteorological Office to discuss the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forrest.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163966,"EventID":"S1W-27432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether it intends to meet with consultees other than the National Air Traffic Services, t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether it intends to meet with consultees other than the National Air Traffic Services, the Civil Aviation Authority and Scottish Airports Ltd.","AnswerText":"There are no further meetings with consultees planned at present.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163967,"EventID":"S1W-27433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether it will publish a full list of consultees to whom the plans to construct a wind fa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether it will publish a full list of consultees to whom the plans to construct a wind farm at Whitelee Forest were issued.","AnswerText":"The following bodies were consulted on the proposal to build a wind farm at Whitelee Forrest:

    External

    British Telecom

    CAA Directorate of Airspace Policy

    CAA Safety Regulation Group

    Crown Estate

    Defence Communications Services Agency (RAF)

    Defence Estates (MoD)

    Department of Trade and Industry

    Health and Safety Executive

    National Air Traffic Services

    OFGEM

    Royal Fine Arts Commission for Scotland

    Scottish Environmental Protection Agency

    Scottish Natural Heritage

    Prestwick Airport

    East Ayrshire Council

    East Renfrewshire Council

    South Lanarkshire Council

    Within the Scottish Executive

    Climate Change Team

    Historic Scotland

    SEPA Team

    Waste Team

    Water Team

    Planning and Building Standards

    Road Network Management and Maintenance","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163968,"EventID":"S1W-27434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether it will publish the responses it received from its consultation process on the pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26295 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, whether it will publish the responses it received from its consultation process on the proposed wind farm at Whitelee Forest.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to publish the responses we have received.

    When Scottish ministers have arrived at a determination, we will ensure that the decision letter is placed on the Planning Register at the relevant local authorities. The letter itself will contain the main reasons and considerations on which the decision was based. Where consent has been granted, the letter will outline the measures to avoid, reduce and, where possible, offset the major adverse effects of the development.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163969,"EventID":"S1W-27435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Health Education Board for Scotland located the production of its health awareness advertisement \"Club Smoking\" in Eastern Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Health Education Board for Scotland located the production of its health awareness advertisement \"Club Smoking\" in Eastern Europe.","AnswerText":"The Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) must ensure value for money when delivering health awareness campaigns. HEBS use The Bridge advertising agency which always seeks tenders from Scottish production companies and directors. The recent "Club Smoking" advertisement was subject to open tender. The successful tender, which based production of the advertisement in Eastern Europe, led to substantial savings over the other bids received.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163970,"EventID":"S1W-27436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision by the Health Board for Scotland to locate the production of its most recent health awareness advertisement in Eastern Europe was based on consultati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision by the Health Board for Scotland to locate the production of its most recent health awareness advertisement in Eastern Europe was based on consultations with Scottish Screen.","AnswerText":"Scottish Screen was not consulted on this matter. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27435 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163971,"EventID":"S1W-27437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to offer production incentives in the form of tax based funding, such as equity investment or production credit grants, to Scottish and intern","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to offer production incentives in the form of tax based funding, such as equity investment or production credit grants, to Scottish and international film and TV producers in order to encourage a sustainable production industry in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to do so. Tax is a reserved matter. Tax reliefs are available on the production of British films made in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163972,"EventID":"S1W-27438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether hostel accommodation for backpackers in Scotland should meet essential minimum standards and, if so, what standards should be met giving full details, and whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether hostel accommodation for backpackers in Scotland should meet essential minimum standards and, if so, what standards should be met giving full details, and whether the assessment of hostel accommodation in Scotland should be based on premises meeting such essential standards rather than in accordance with a grading scheme allocating them a number of stars from one to five.","AnswerText":"Standards for Hostel Accommodation for backpackers in Scotland are a matter for local authorities. VisitScotland runs a voluntary Quality Assurance scheme for hostel accommodation for backpackers, under which such establishments can choose whether or not to participate.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163973,"EventID":"S1W-27439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24605 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 23 April 2002, what progress is being made on the study which is being undertaken to identify the imp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24605 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 23 April 2002, what progress is being made on the study which is being undertaken to identify the impact and resource implications of the Working Time Regulations as they apply to NHSScotland staff; when it expects the report of the study to be published, and what role NHS boards and staff will play in the study.","AnswerText":"Two separate working groups have been set up to look at the implications and implementation of the Working Time Regulations (WTRs) for NHSScotland. Both are making progress.

    The first group is a partnership working group established by the Scottish Partnership Forum. It is preparing joint guidance (including best practice) for NHSScotland to ensure compliance with the WTRs. It is currently gathering intelligence on the human resource implications, to create an action plan, which could serve as a national framework for implementation of the regulations across the Service.

    The Solutions Group - a Trust Chief Executive led group - is taking forward a national co-ordinated approach to the wider service implications of the regulations. It is identifying practical responses to the working time requirements to help implement projects of potential value as soon as possible. It is also promoting the up-take of good practice and raising awareness of the significance and requirements of the WTRs. The group have recently conducted a survey of trusts to obtain information on the impact of the regulations and the results of this are currently being analysed.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163974,"EventID":"S1W-27440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to employers such as Argos plc to encourage them to protect the equal opportunities of employees and to ensure that there is no adverse i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to employers such as Argos plc to encourage them to protect the equal opportunities of employees and to ensure that there is no adverse impact on its social justice policies through an employer's requirement that staff work on Sundays.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for employment and industrial relations, including employment rights, is reserved to the UK Government.

    The Department of Trade and Industry advises that whether an employee in Scotland is required to work on Sundays is a contractual matter for negotiation and agreement between the employer and employee, or the employee's representatives.

    If employees in Scotland are required to work on Sundays against their will, or are dismissed for refusing, they may be able to seek redress under common law or unfair dismissal legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163975,"EventID":"S1W-27441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to distribute the end year flexibility funding allocated to environment and rural development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to distribute the end year flexibility funding allocated to environment and rural development.","AnswerText":"The end-year flexibility funding allocated to the environment and rural development portfolio totals some £76 million, including a planned carry forward of £21.3 million for the Fisheries Decommissioning Scheme. The additional funding will allow us to deliver a number of important policy outcomes, focused on improving environmental standards, reducing the impact of environmental issues on local communities, investing in the research base and working towards efficient and sustainable farming and fisheries.

    • £8.000 million will be used to fund the Water and Sewerage Charges Reduction Scheme.

    • £4.000 million will cover the transition and dissolution costs associated with the creation of Scottish Water and the winding up of the three former water authorities.

    • £0.850 million will deliver improved public health through better management of private water supplies.

    • £3.000 million will be used to deliver a grant scheme to facilitate improvements in bathing water standards where agricultural practices are major contributors to pollution.

    • £2.750 million will go to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to allow it to replace its ageing west coast survey vessel and allow more effective monitoring of coastal water quality. This sum also covers SEPA's increased workload in implementing environmental legislation.
    • £3.000 million will go to local authorities and SEPA to clean up derelict and contaminated land that is creating health risks or causing blight on local communities.

    • £0.950 million will be used for a diverse range of initiatives to improve the local environment. This will complement the £95 million the Minister for Finance and Public Services announced for local government on 26 June, and will focus on areas where the Executive can add value by setting a national framework.

    • £1.000 million will go to delivering a high profile public awareness campaign on the key issues where changing individual behaviour can make a difference to the quality of our environment.

    • £0.550 million will go towards litter initiatives to deal with a problem that many people say affects their quality of life. The initiatives will be delivered through Keep Scotland Beautiful.

    • £3.380 million will be used to implement and enforce improved controls on ozone depleting substances, in line with a new EC regulation, and to drive forward the Executive's climate change policies.
    • £1.500 million will be used to provide testing equipment to identify the reasons for poor air quality and to take action to reduce emissions from transport-related sources. Action will be targeted on the air quality management areas in the centres of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
    • £0.690 million will be used to fund research and projects to help build an evidence base for policy decisions needed in the coming years and facilitate uptake of policies based on voluntary approaches. Research will cover a diverse range of issues from studies on goose populations to consulting on management of radioactive waste.
    • £0.430 million will go towards smoothing the establishment of our new National Parks, including funding of elections to the park authority.
    • £0.100 million will go to the Central Scotland Countryside Trust to help them with accommodation costs.
    • £21.3 million is existing budgetary provision carried forward to complete the Fisheries Decommissioning Scheme.
    • £3.7 million will provide the initial budget for the construction of a new fisheries protection vessel.
    • £3 million will allow, exceptionally, for a total provision of £63 million for the 2003 less favoured areas support scheme which is paid early in the calendar year.

    • £1 million will go towards expanding the use of electronic reporting of cattle movements and to develop systems for electronic identification of ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163976,"EventID":"S1W-27442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what arrangements the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has made in order to protect members and staff from any potential anthrax or other biological attack. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what arrangements the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has made in order to protect members and staff from any potential anthrax or other biological attack. ","AnswerText":"It would not be appropriate to set out the arrangements. However, guidance issued by the Cabinet Office and the national security authorities covering the threat from chemical and biological agents has been taken on board together with advice received from the Lothian NHS Public Health Department and customised to suit the Parliament's circumstances. The Parliament's Police Unit, experts from Lothian and Borders Police HQ and other emergency services personnel would of course be involved in dealing with any incident.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163977,"EventID":"S1W-27443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26693 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 June 2002, whether it will give details of the study into the proposed light rail system for west Ed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26693 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 June 2002, whether it will give details of the study into the proposed light rail system for west Edinburgh and, in particular, (a) who any consultants to the study are, (b) when the study will be published, (c) what sums have so far been expended on the study, (d) on what basis the allocation of #6 million to the study was made, (e) over what timescale the allocation will be spent and (f) what current information is available on the proposed system. ","AnswerText":"As Iain Gray announced on 29 July, City of Edinburgh Council has been awarded £5 million from the Integrated Transport Fund for a STAG stage 2 appraisal of the West Edinburgh Light Rail scheme, promotion of a parliamentary order or orders allowing the construction and operation of the scheme, and associated staff costs. This supersedes the figures quoted in the answer given to question S1W-26693.

      The study is being funded over three financial years, beginning in 2002-03.

      The other issues raised are a matter for City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163978,"EventID":"S1W-27444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the announcement of the outcome of Argyll and Bute Council's application for revenue funding for schools, initially anticipated in April 2002, will be made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the announcement of the outcome of Argyll and Bute Council's application for revenue funding for schools, initially anticipated in April 2002, will be made.","AnswerText":"We announced our decisions on local authority bids for revenue support for school Public Private Partnership projects on 25 June 2002. I refer the member to the answer given on that day to question S1W-27026.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163979,"EventID":"S1W-27445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26711 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, what the cost of commissioning and obtaining the Direct Air Services Action Plan was; who ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26711 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 July 2002, what the cost of commissioning and obtaining the Direct Air Services Action Plan was; who commissioned the report, and how any routes proposed in the report would be funded.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise commissioned the Direct Air Services Action Plan at a cost of £50,000. The plan, which was completed in January 2000, was developed to analyse the viability of, and identify opportunities for, new routes to/from Scotland. The information was made available to airlines and airport operators. It is for the Executive's agencies (Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland) to decide how best any available funding can be deployed for the greatest benefit of the Scottish economy and tourism.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163980,"EventID":"S1W-27446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26764 by Cathy Jamieson on 27 June 2002, how many secure accommodation places for (a) boys and (b) girls with (i) a physical disabi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26764 by Cathy Jamieson on 27 June 2002, how many secure accommodation places for (a) boys and (b) girls with (i) a physical disability and (ii) mental health problems there have been in (1) 1997-98, (2) 1998-99, (3) 1999-2000, (4) 2000-01 and (5) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"There are no secure places designed specifically for young people with a physical disability or who are have a clinical diagnosis of a mental health disorder. As part of the Executive's implementation of the 10-point youth crime action plan, I am currently examining options for the re-configuration of the secure estate.

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26764, Table 3 of which gives the number of male and female residents on 31 March in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Places are currently not segregated with the exception of the six bed unit for girls only which has operated in Kerelaw since 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163981,"EventID":"S1W-27447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any policy within the children's hearings system in respect of cases not being brought to a panel hearing because the means of disposal, such as secure a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any policy within the children's hearings system in respect of cases not being brought to a panel hearing because the means of disposal, such as secure accommodation or fostering provision, is not available.","AnswerText":"The Principal Reporter will refer to a children's hearing any child considered to be in need of compulsory measures of care. The decision is not influenced by availability of resources available to local authorities to implement disposals from a hearing. Children's hearings make decisions based on the best interests of the child.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163982,"EventID":"S1W-27448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the position of suicide as the leading cause of death of young men in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the position of suicide as the leading cause of death of young men in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are currently developing a National Framework for Prevention of Suicide and Self-Harm in Scotland. I published a consultation draft of the Framework in October 2001. A report analysing consultation responses, together with supporting materials, was published on 31 July 2002. We are now developing a final version of the framework, with a view to publishing later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163983,"EventID":"S1W-27449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the suicide rates in the Western Isles and the Highlands given that they are the highest in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the suicide rates in the Western Isles and the Highlands given that they are the highest in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Detailed action to prevent suicide in specific parts of Scotland is a matter for the relevant NHS board. The Executive is also currently developing a National Framework for Prevention of Suicide and Self-Harm, which I plan to launch later this year. All NHS boards and local authorities will require to take account of the broad parameters of the framework, although the detailed approach for each area of the country will remain a matter for individual authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163984,"EventID":"S1W-27450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to support GPs in caring for the over 30% of patient contacts with mental health problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to support GPs in caring for the over 30% of patient contacts with mental health problems.","AnswerText":"Primary care teams and local health care co-operatives have an important role in developing systems to deliver national and local standards in mental health in primary care. A number of measures are in place to support the provision of services in primary care for patients who experience mental health problems. For example, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Group was established in March 2000 to offer advice locally and to the Scottish Executive on solutions and best practice in the implementation of the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland and the priorities in the health plan - Our National Health. Developing capacity and improving access and the range of services available to patients are major components of investment and reform in primary care, including £12 million in 2002-03 as part of a £30 million package over three years. The Primary Care Modernisation Group has recently made a number of recommendations in its report Making the Connections - Developing Best Practice into Common Practice, in relation to the management of mild to moderate mental health in primary care, which NHS boards are expected to address.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163985,"EventID":"S1W-27451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the doubling of the incidence of testicular cancer in the last 20 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address the doubling of the incidence of testicular cancer in the last 20 years.","AnswerText":"Testicular cancer is one of the most curable of cancers, even if it is at an advanced stage at diagnosis, and effective platinum-based chemotherapy has been widely available for nearly 20 years. Although cancer of the testis was one of the most common forms of malignancy in men aged 15-34 between 1989 and 1998, it accounted for less than 2% of all male cancers.

      Due to improvements in treatment, with dose intensification and the development of new drugs, the outlook should improve for the small proportion of patients with poor prognostic disease, although this will not have a huge effect overall on this disease as the results are already very good.

      Therefore, although the incidence is rising in most countries in the western world (there are many theories - trauma, vasectomy, infective causes such as mumps, more fat in diet, more oestrogens in agricultural residues) the death rate is low and falling.

      The projected trends for testicular cancer suggest a continued increase in incidence to a level over 10 per 100,000 by 2010, with a small decrease in mortality.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163986,"EventID":"S1W-27452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Food Standard Agency is doing to ensure that consumers and stakeholders are fully informed on all matters associated with GM crop trials and GM food.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Food Standard Agency is doing to ensure that consumers and stakeholders are fully informed on all matters associated with GM crop trials and GM food.","AnswerText":"I am advised that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is active in communicating with consumers and stakeholders on matters concerning GM foods. The FSA website contains detailed information about GM foods, including how GM foods are assessed for safety and explaining the current labelling rules for GM foods. A factsheet has also been produced to provide comprehensive background information on GM foods.

      The FSA is also exploring ways of further involving the public in issues relating to GM foods. It has held two meetings, including one in Scotland, with interested parties to discuss European Commission proposals concerning the traceability and labelling of GMOs and GM food and animal feed. Interested parties will be updated as negotiations progress.

      I am also advised that, as the FSA does not regulate GM crop trials and that material from these trials is not harvested for use in the food or feed chain, the FSA does not have a role in informing consumers or stakeholders about these matters. This would be a matter for SEERAD.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163987,"EventID":"S1W-27453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many summary complaints have been dealt with at Peebles Sheriff Court , whether proceeding to trial or otherwise, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many summary complaints have been dealt with at Peebles Sheriff Court , whether proceeding to trial or otherwise, in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002 -2003.","AnswerText":"The information provided by the Scottish Court Service for the number of summary complaints dealt with at Peebles Sheriff Court is set out in the following table. The table includes those summary complaints registered under the jurisdiction of Peebles Sheriff Court. Since December 2001, any court appearances have been held at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

      Sheriff Court - Summary Criminal
       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      April-June 2002

      Complaints Registered

      142

      190

      241

      45

      Complaints Concluded

      176

      203

      220

      61

      Trials Evidence Led

      14

      10

      7

      3

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163988,"EventID":"S1W-27454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many summary complaints have been dealt with at (a) Lochmaddy, (b) Tain, (c) Dingwall, and (d) Portree sheriff courts, whether proceeding to trial or otherwise, in (i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many summary complaints have been dealt with at (a) Lochmaddy, (b) Tain, (c) Dingwall, and (d) Portree sheriff courts, whether proceeding to trial or otherwise, in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The information provided by the Scottish Court Service for the number of summary complaints dealt with at each of the courts requested is set out in the following table:

      Sheriff Court - Summary Criminal
       

      1990-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      April-June

      2002

      Summary Complaints Registered

      		    

      Lochmaddy

      89

      99

      87

      17

      Tain

      557

      497

      618

      157

      Dingwall

      513

      435

      471

      129

      Portree

      50

      90

      77

      18

      Summary Complaints Concluded

      		    

      Lochmaddy

      98

      90

      84

      15

      Tain

      542

      485

      585

      151

      Dingwall

      441

      464

      462

      113

      Portree

      58

      73

      83

      18

      Summary Trials Evidence Led

      		    

      Lochmaddy

      4

      4

      8

      5

      Tain

      41

      31

      26

      7

      Dingwall

      27

      17

      28

      12

      Portree

      7

      8

      6

      2

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163989,"EventID":"S1W-27455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil cases have been initiated at (a) Lochmaddy, (b) Tain, (c) Dingwall, (d) Portree and (e) Peebles sheriff courts in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-0","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil cases have been initiated at (a) Lochmaddy, (b) Tain, (c) Dingwall, (d) Portree and (e) Peebles sheriff courts in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03, broken down by type of case.","AnswerText":"The information provided by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service for each of the courts is set out in the following table:

      Sheriff Court Civil
       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      April-June

      2002

      Ordinary Actions

      Lochmaddy

      37

      43

      30

      6

      Tain

      119

      150

      148

      36

      Dingwall

      243

      229

      214

      51

      Portree

      89

      86

      70

      19

      Peebles

      115

      118

      111

      34

      Summary Cause

      Lochmaddy

      10

      14

      11

      2

      Tain

      175

      188

      126

      8

      Dingwall

      109

      99

      119

      22

      Portree

      45

      39

      43

      3

      Peebles

      58

      109

      84

      18

      Small Claims

      Lochmadday

      47

      23

      26

      1

      Tain

      283

      148

      120

      17

      Dingwall

      258

      171

      163

      30

      Portree

      100

      59

      45

      14

      Peebles

      109

      93

      86

      23

      Total

      		  

      Court

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

       

      Running Costs

      Maint-enance

      Total

      Running Costs

      Maint-enance

      Total

      RunningCosts

      Maint-enance

      Total

      Lochmaddy

      £50,100

      £4,800

      £54,900

      £53,500

      £6,300

      £59,800

      £48,300

      £1,300

      £49,600

      Tain

      £60,000

      £36,800

      £96,800

      £59,300

      £54,300

      £113,600

      £61,000

      £8,700

      £69,700

      Dingwall

      £66,900

      £3,600

      £70,500

      £72,800

      £2,500

      £75,300

      £63,400

      £35,100

      £98,500

      Portree

      £45,500

      £16,000

      £61,500

      £44,800

      £6,200

      £51,000

      £46,100

      £1,000

      £47,100

      Peebles

      £50,700

      £1,500

      £52,200

      £53,100

      £3,400

      £56,500

      £53,100

      £1,800*

      £54,900

      *In addition, SCS spent £35,500 in respect of stabilisation work at Peebles.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163991,"EventID":"S1W-27457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the refurbishment of Jedburgh Sheriff Court in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on the refurbishment of Jedburgh Sheriff Court in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service that it is not possible to provide a separate figure for refurbishment since some of the general maintenance expenditure on the court can include an element of refurbishment. The total spent on the maintenance and refurbishment of Jedburgh Sheriff Court in each of the last five years is set out in the following table. The expenditure in 2001-02 included a general redecoration of the court and provision of a new fire detection system.

      Jedburgh Sheriff Court

      Maintenance and Refurbishment Expenditure

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

       

      £3,800

      £28,700

      £18,739

      £14,600

      £161,985

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163992,"EventID":"S1W-27458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the council offices at Rosetta Road, Peebles, would provide suitable alternative accommodation for a sheriff courthouse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the council offices at Rosetta Road, Peebles, would provide suitable alternative accommodation for a sheriff courthouse.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service that the council offices at Rosetta Road do not at present have sufficient available ancillary accommodation suitable for the sheriff, procurator fiscal, solicitors, witnesses and to hold prisoners in custody for it to be used as a sheriff courthouse.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163993,"EventID":"S1W-27459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected population is of the Peebles area for each of the next 10 years and whether such projections were taken into account when considering renovation or new","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected population is of the Peebles area for each of the next 10 years and whether such projections were taken into account when considering renovation or new build of the Peebles courthouse.","AnswerText":"Population projections for areas smaller than council areas are not available. The latest, 2000 based, population projections up to the year 2016 for council areas within Scotland is published by the Registrar General in Table 1 of the booklet Population Projections, Scotland (2000 based). A copy of the booklet is available in the Parliament's Information Centre. This publication predicts a consistently decreasing population size for the Borders after 2003.

      Information on population trends was considered by the Scottish Court Service when examining the case for renovating Peebles Courthouse, but it was concluded did not materially affect the viability of Peebles Sheriff Courthouse.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163994,"EventID":"S1W-27460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what figures it holds on additional costs to the public purse of implementing each of its proposals for court business in Peebles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what figures it holds on additional costs to the public purse of implementing each of its proposals for court business in Peebles.","AnswerText":"The consultation exercise by the Scottish Court Service on the alternative proposals for the delivery of court business in Peebles will provide an opportunity for any additional costs or savings to be identified. At present, while it is recognised that there may be a small increase in some costs due to the increased travel, for example for witness expenses, it is not anticipated that there will be significant additional costs to the public purse given the low level of business currently undertaken at Peebles.

      Should any additional costs be identified these would have to be weighed against the potential savings to the Scottish Court Service and the substantial cost required to upgrade the court.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163995,"EventID":"S1W-27461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has identified any issues in respect of there being no practitioner of civil legal aid in Peebles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has identified any issues in respect of there being no practitioner of civil legal aid in Peebles.","AnswerText":"Ministers have no powers to direct that private solicitors undertake legal aid work; this is a commercial decision by solicitors. I understand that a legal aid practitioner in Peebles, which undertook 15 cases in 2000-01, has decided not to undertake new civil legal aid cases. There are, however, two firms of solicitors who provide civil legal aid in Galashiels and a further two firms in Selkirk.

      The provision of legal advice and representation in rural areas is a priority area for pilot work as part of the Review of Legal Information and Advice Provision in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163996,"EventID":"S1W-27462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which sheriff courthouses have had renovation work carried out on them since May 1999 and what the cost has been of such works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which sheriff courthouses have had renovation work carried out on them since May 1999 and what the cost has been of such works.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service that the sheriff courthouses which have been the subject of substantial renovation works since May 1999 and the cost spent on each is as follows:

      Arbroath

      £1.7 million

      Ayr

      £10.7 million

      Peterhead

      £2.7 million

      Stirling

      £1.6 million

      Work is currently under way or about to commence at Dumbarton and Lanark Sheriff Courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163997,"EventID":"S1W-27463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any sheriff courthouses have been built since May 1999 and what the cost of any such developments has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any sheriff courthouses have been built since May 1999 and what the cost of any such developments has been.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service that no new sheriff courthouses have been built since May 1999, but a number have been extensively refurbished.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163998,"EventID":"S1W-27464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address any gap between the funding it provides to local authorities to deal with their new responsibilities for homelessness under the Housing (Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address any gap between the funding it provides to local authorities to deal with their new responsibilities for homelessness under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and the actual funding which local authorities may require in order to implement these new responsibilities.","AnswerText":"We have made £11 million available over the next two financial years to support recommendations of the Homelessness Task Force - this is in addition to the £27 million provided specifically to contribute to the cost of implementing the homelessness provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. Local authorities' homelessness strategies will provide the framework for ensuring that these resources are used in the most effective manner.

      The case for further resources is being considered as part of the current spending review. In addition, in delivering the recommendations of the report, local authorities and others will be expected to deploy existing resources more efficiently and effectively.

      A monitoring group has been established to oversee the implementation of all of the recommendations of the task force, including those effected by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":163999,"EventID":"S1W-27465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a new code of guidance dealing with homelessness will be published in respect of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and, if so, when any such guidance will be publis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a new code of guidance dealing with homelessness will be published in respect of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and, if so, when any such guidance will be published.","AnswerText":"An updated Code of Guidance on Homelessness was published in 1998. It now requires further updating to reflect various changes both in legislation and good practice, including changes arising from the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. Work to produce a fully updated code will begin later this year and will be completed following the passage of the forthcoming Homelessness Bill. Publication, following consultation, is expected by the end of 2003. If there is a need for any interim guidance to be issued on an earlier timescale then this will be prepared in consultation with the Homelessness Monitoring Group which has been established to oversee implementation of the recommendations of the Homelessness Task Force.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164000,"EventID":"S1W-27466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25808 by Cathy Jamieson on 28 June 2002, how many Joint Ministerial Meetings on social work and social services there have been and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25808 by Cathy Jamieson on 28 June 2002, how many Joint Ministerial Meetings on social work and social services there have been and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"There has been one Joint Ministerial Meeting. At that meeting Ministers agreed the content of the Action Plan and the priorities for the new Director for Co-ordinating Social Services Policy. The next meeting will be held later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164001,"EventID":"S1W-27467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25808 by Cathy Jamieson on 28 June 2002, why the membership of the Joint Ministerial Meetings on social work and social services do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25808 by Cathy Jamieson on 28 June 2002, why the membership of the Joint Ministerial Meetings on social work and social services does not include some advisers working in the field.","AnswerText":"The Joint Ministerial Meetings are meetings of ministers, with Scottish Executive officials in attendance. Ministers also regularly meet with advisers and organisations in the field.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164002,"EventID":"S1W-27468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what progress has been made under each of the 12 identified items.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what progress has been made under each of the 12 identified items.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-27467 and S1W-27469 to S1W-27487, all of which describe the progress made against specific items in the Action Plan. Work is progressing as quickly as possibly and I am confident that there will be continuing progress on all aspects of the Action Plan before the end of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164003,"EventID":"S1W-27469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 1 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what the details are of the initial plans for the awareness and career recruitment campaign, and whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 1 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what the details are of the initial plans for the awareness and career recruitment campaign, and whether these were approved by a Joint Ministerial Meeting within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The national campaign aims to raise the profile and the value of the social care field, to address immediate issues of staff recruitment and retention and to make a career in social care more attractive. A campaign steering group with representation from local authorities, voluntary and private employers, professional associations, trainers, Careers Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council is established. The group has advised the Executive on the shape and design of the campaign and will help determine how best to implement the campaign across Scotland taking account of local needs. The details of the campaign are now being determined. It is planned the campaign will launch in October with a possible reprise early in the New Year.

      The initial plans have been approved by ministers within the nine-week timescale.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164004,"EventID":"S1W-27470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 2 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will outline details of the progress report on the workforce action plan, and whether the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 2 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will outline details of the progress report on the workforce action plan, and whether the next steps were approved by a Joint Ministerial Meeting within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have had oral reports from officials and have approved the current course of action. The next joint meeting of ministers will take place later this year. I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-27467 to S1W-27469 and S1W-27471 to S1W-27487, which contain my detailed comments on progress to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164005,"EventID":"S1W-27471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 3 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will outline details of the membership and workplan on workforce and recruitment, and whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 3 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will outline details of the membership and workplan on workforce and recruitment, and whether these were agreed by a Joint Ministerial Meeting within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Ministers have instructed the Social Work Services Inspectorate to consult with the sector to determine the way forward in the context of the development of Sector Skills Councils. Consultations with the Scottish Social Services Council are currently on-going. A seminar to consider the boundaries of a Sector Skills Council that covers social care activity in Scotland is to be held later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164006,"EventID":"S1W-27472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 3 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will outline details of the membership of the project group on professional and vocational","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 3 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will outline details of the membership of the project group on professional and vocational education reforms and the workplan, and whether the workplan was agreed by a Joint Ministerial Meeting within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The membership of the project group on professional and vocational education reforms is as follows:

      Sandy Cameron

      Association of Directors of Social Work

      Bryan Healy

      Attain

      Christine Humphries

      Scottish Consumer Council

      Gordon Jeyes

      Association of Directors of Education Scotland

      Pauline Miller

      Scottish Executive, Secretariat

      Robert McClure

      Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

      Colin Mackenzie

      Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

      Kirstie Maclean

      Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care

      Angela O'Hagan

      Carers Scotland

      Gillian Ottley

      Scottish Executive, Chair

      Chris Robinson

      The Open University in Scotland

      Ruth Stark

      British Association of Social Workers

      Carol Watson

      NHS Education for Scotland

      Carole Wilkinson

      Scottish Social Services Council

      Bryan Williams

      Joint Universities Council/Social Work Education Committee (Scotland) and Association of Professors of Social Work (Scotland)

      Ministers will review progress against the Action Plan at the next joint ministerial meeting later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164007,"EventID":"S1W-27473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 3 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether the Joint Ministerial Meetings are considering a social work qualification without a practice","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 3 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether the Joint Ministerial Meetings are considering a social work qualification without a practice placement as an integral part of the training.","AnswerText":"The role of practice placements within the new degree course is currently being considered by the project groups who are examining the detailed elements of the degree course. Both groups are of the view that supervised practice placements are an essential element of the new degree, but they are also examining the additional contribution that might be played by other types of practice learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164008,"EventID":"S1W-27474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 3 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what the timescale is for agreeing the content and arrangements for the proposed new social work qual","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 3 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what the timescale is for agreeing the content and arrangements for the proposed new social work qualifications in order to ensure introduction of the new degree in 2004.","AnswerText":"I have asked the project groups to report to me by December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164009,"EventID":"S1W-27475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 4 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what the priorities are for attention by the new Director for Co-ordinating Social Services Policy an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 4 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what the priorities are for attention by the new Director for Co-ordinating Social Services Policy and Performance, and whether these were agreed by a Joint Ministerial Meeting within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The priorities for the new Director, agreed by the Joint Ministerial Meeting, are:

      a. future workforce planning and staff recruitment and training, and

      b. performance reporting on social work services.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164010,"EventID":"S1W-27476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 5 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, how local authorities are utilising the #3.5 million additional funding for local authority social se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 5 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, how local authorities are utilising the #3.5 million additional funding for local authority social services staff training, and whether the decisions on this were made within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons were for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Local authorities were asked to advise the Executive of their plans for the additional £3.5 million by 26 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164011,"EventID":"S1W-27477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 5 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it is intended that the voluntary sector should benefit from the #3.5 million additional fund","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 5 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it is intended that the voluntary sector should benefit from the #3.5 million additional funding for social services staff training.","AnswerText":"It is intended that the voluntary sector should benefit from the additional £3.5 million. Local authorities were asked to advise the Executive by 26 July of their plans for expenditure. They were asked to set out in their responses how they will involve independent providers (voluntary and private).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164012,"EventID":"S1W-27478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 6 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide the Association of Directors of Social Work's action plan for promoting emplo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 6 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide the Association of Directors of Social Work's action plan for promoting employer investment in better support for front-line staff, and whether this plan was prepared within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position this matter.","AnswerText":"I await proposals from the Association of Directors of Social Work which will enable me to release the funds set aside for this work.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164013,"EventID":"S1W-27479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 7 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what the membership and remit of the Scottish Leadership Foundation are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 7 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, what the membership and remit of the Scottish Leadership Foundation are.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Scottish Leadership Foundation is to raise the quality of public service leadership. The current membership is:

      Aberdeen City Council

      ACOSVO

      Angus College

      Arts and Business

      Association of Scottish Colleges

      Audit Scotland

      Communities Scotland

      Crofters Commission

      Cumbernauld Housing

      Clackmannanshire Council

      Elearning alliance

      Employers Voluntary Housing

      Food Standards Agency

      Gorbals Initiative

      Grampian Fire Brigade

      Highlands and Islands Enterprise

      Langside College

      Marie Curie Cancer Care

      NHS Scotland

      Registers of Scotland

      Scottish Children's Reporter

      Scottish Council Foundation

      Scottish Court Service

      SCONTO

      Scottish Enterprise Network

      Scottish Executive

      Scottish Further Education Unit

      Scottish Natural Heritage

      Scottish Parliament

      Scottish Police Service

      Scottish Prison Service

      Scottish Qualifications Authority

      South Lanarkshire Council

      Strathclyde Fire Brigade

      Volunteer Development Scotland

      West Lothian Council.

      There are also a number of people who have joined the foundation as individual members.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164014,"EventID":"S1W-27480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 7 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the analysis of future needs for training in leadership and manage","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 7 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the analysis of future needs for training in leadership and management, and whether the first report will be published in July as specified and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that my officials have met with the Scottish Leadership Foundation and are currently considering a proposal from them to take this work forward. The Action Plan did not stipulate a date for publication of the analysis of future needs for training in leadership and management and no decision has yet been made about this.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164015,"EventID":"S1W-27481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to item 8 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, who is conducting the economic study of the labour market of children's services in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to item 8 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, who is conducting the economic study of the labour market of children's services in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Following a formal tendering process, the contract was awarded to DTZ Pieda Consulting.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164016,"EventID":"S1W-27482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 8 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the scoping study of the labour market of children's services in S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 8 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the scoping study of the labour market of children's services in Scotland, and whether the first report will be published in July as specified and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive received the draft report from DTZ Pieda Consulting on 12 July 2002 and this is currently being considered by the steering group. Further work is required by the contractors. The Action Plan did not stipulate a date for publication and no decision has yet been made about this.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164017,"EventID":"S1W-27483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 9 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the Integrated Human Resources working group report, and whether t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 9 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the Integrated Human Resources working group report, and whether this was published within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Integrated Human Resources Working Group Report was published on 24 May 2002, well within the specified timescale. The report is available on the Scottish Executive Website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2002/05/SEhd063.aspx. The report was also placed on the COSLA, CCPS and RCN websites.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164018,"EventID":"S1W-27484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 10 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether meeting and planning got underway with the WEA programme co-ordinator on Return to Learn cou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 10 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether meeting and planning got underway with the WEA programme co-ordinator on Return to Learn courses for social care workers in local authorities and whether this work was undertaken within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that three meetings have taken place between Unison, WEA and my officials, most recently on 18 June and that the first Return to Learn programme will have started by October. I will formally launch this initiative on 12 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164019,"EventID":"S1W-27485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 11 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the survey of improving access arrangements to professional train","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 11 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the survey of improving access arrangements to professional training and whether the survey commenced within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"As a first step we have provided an additional £400,000 for bursaries for postgraduate students. This was achieved within the nine-week timescale. We are currently considering what further steps might be taken to improve access arrangements to professional training. We will expect to announce further measures within the next nine months.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164020,"EventID":"S1W-27486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 12 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the statements provided by all centres on their best role in 2005","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 12 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether it will provide details of the statements provided by all centres on their best role in 2005 and how they are preparing for that, and whether this work was undertaken within the specified timescale of nine weeks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive has met regularly with the centres and discussed their contribution to the Action Plan. The centres have been asked to provide a statement describing how they see the role of their individual initiative developing over the next three years and how the centres might work together to ensure they are co-ordinated, integrate with the requirements for SVQ, Continuous Professional Development and other frameworks, ensuring that the overall strategic objectives of the Action Plan are met.

      Responses are due by 16 August 2002. These responses will form the basis for a wider consultation on an integrated development programme for the specific centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164021,"EventID":"S1W-27487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 12 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether Joint Ministerial Meetings will recommend a generic or specialist training for social worker","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to Item 12 of the Action Plan for Social Services Workforce, whether Joint Ministerial Meetings will recommend a generic or specialist training for social workers.","AnswerText":"In introducing the Action Plan to Parliament on 18 April, I made clear that there would be a generic core to the new honours degree for social workers. The project group are currently considering the balance between generic and care group specific competences in the degree and proposals will be put to ministers in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164022,"EventID":"S1W-27488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have suffered (a) fatal and (b) non-fatal overdoses from illegal opiates whilst receiving legal opiates in prison in each year from 1997-98 to the pres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have suffered (a) fatal and (b) non-fatal overdoses from illegal opiates whilst receiving legal opiates in prison in each year from 1997-98 to the present date, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      (a) None.

      (b) The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164023,"EventID":"S1W-27489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Prison Service spent on (a) heroin substitutes and (b) heroin blockers in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99, (iii) 1999-2000, (iv) 2000-01 and (v) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Prison Service spent on (a) heroin substitutes and (b) heroin blockers in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99, (iii) 1999-2000, (iv) 2000-01 and (v) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Figures are available only for 2000-01 and 2001-02. These are shown in the table:

       

      2000-01

      2001-02

      (a)

      £13,324

      £49,009

      (b)

      £3,955

      £3,567

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164024,"EventID":"S1W-27490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) cost and (b) benefits are, in terms of potential mortality and morbidity, of treating drug-using prisoners in accordance with published European recommendat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) cost and (b) benefits are, in terms of potential mortality and morbidity, of treating drug-using prisoners in accordance with published European recommendations.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service provides a range of services and treatments to drug-using prisoners. We have not undertaken a cost-benefit analysis of this provision in relation to potential mortality or morbidity.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164025,"EventID":"S1W-27491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the children to be used in the pilot scheme to catch shopkeepers who sell cigarettes to under age children are being recruited.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the children to be used in the pilot scheme to catch shopkeepers who sell cigarettes to under age children are being recruited.","AnswerText":"Children will be recruited from local high schools nominated by Directors of Education of participating local authorities. Parental consent will be required for all children who participate in the pilot scheme. Detailed protocols are being drawn up to ensure the safety of the children and help ensure that evidence is gathered in such a way as to avoid the necessity of children giving evidence in court.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164026,"EventID":"S1W-27492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make the provision of an archaeological sites and monuments record service a statutory requirement for local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make the provision of an archaeological sites and monuments record service a statutory requirement for local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to bring forward proposals to make the provision of an archaeological sites and monuments record a statutory requirement for local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164027,"EventID":"S1W-27493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have entered further education since 1999, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) further education establishm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have entered further education since 1999, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) further education establishment.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164028,"EventID":"S1W-27494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder have entered further education since 1999, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) further education est","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder have entered further education since 1999, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) further education establishment.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164029,"EventID":"S1W-27495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects specifically designed for those diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have been set up to ensure a smooth transition from school to further education in li","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many projects specifically designed for those diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome have been set up to ensure a smooth transition from school to further education in light of the Beattie Committee report, Implementing Inclusiveness Realising Potential, broken down by (a) local authority and (b) duration of funding and giving the names of any such projects.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-21819 on 28 January 2002 and S1W-21136 on 10 January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164030,"EventID":"S1W-27496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its proposals following its consultation paper Parents and Children - The Scottish Executive's proposals for improving Scottish Family Law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to publish its proposals following its consultation paper Parents and Children - The Scottish Executive's proposals for improving Scottish Family Law.","AnswerText":"As the First Minister said in his statement of 30 May on the Executive's programme, we intend to publish our draft Family Law Bill when the policy and legislative implications of the current adoption review have become clear and our approach to these areas is fully co-ordinated.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164031,"EventID":"S1W-27497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available from (a) its Justice Department and (b) other public funding sources to maintain the work of Family Mediation Grampian in Peterhead, Fraserburgh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available from (a) its Justice Department and (b) other public funding sources to maintain the work of Family Mediation Grampian in Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Banff and to expand this service elsewhere in the north of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, my department is providing in the current year a revenue grant of £45,778 to support the work of Family Mediation Grampian, as part of our total package of support for mediation services across Scotland. Local authorities may also provide funding for local services, as may private funders. It is for the organisation to set its business targets in light of available resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164032,"EventID":"S1W-27498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to initiatives to reduce drug taking and alcohol abuse in the Forth Valley NHS Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to initiatives to reduce drug taking and alcohol abuse in the Forth Valley NHS Board area.","AnswerText":"Funding support for local initiatives to reduce alcohol problems cannot be identified separately. NHS boards and local authorities fund such work from within their general health allocations and Grant Aided Expenditure respectively.

      The Forth Valley NHS Board area has benefited significantly from additional resources allocated by the Scottish Executive to tackle drug misuse for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04. This includes an additional £0.89 million in drug treatment funding to the NHS board, over £1.1 million to the three local authorities (Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire) for drugs rehabilitation and over £0.83 million to the three local authorities through the Changing Children's Services Fund for work with young people and families. Funding is used not only for drugs specific work, but also for prevention, treatment and care services covering all forms of substance misuse.

      The Executive provides the multi-agency Forth Valley Substance Action Team with over £161,000 support funding. This supports the strategic and co-ordinating function of the team on all substance misuse issues. In particular it includes assessment of local needs and drawing up a local strategy to address alcohol problems, in response to the national Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems, launched earlier this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164033,"EventID":"S1W-27499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether farms in Clackmannanshire, Fife or Stirling are being considered for GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether farms in Clackmannanshire, Fife or Stirling are being considered for GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"On 8 July 2002 the Scottish Executive announced that it had been notified of two proposed sites which will be considered for inclusion in the forthcoming final round of the GM farm scale evaluations. One proposed site is in Fife, the other is in Aberdeenshire. There are no proposed sites in Stirling or Clackmannanshire. Ministers will take advice before deciding on whether planting may proceed at the proposed sites.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164034,"EventID":"S1W-27500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it offers (a) police forces and (b) local authorities any guidance on the administration and implementation of traffic orders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it offers (a) police forces and (b) local authorities any guidance on the administration and implementation of traffic orders.","AnswerText":"Guidance on the procedures for making Traffic Regulation Orders was issued to local authorities and police forces on 4 March 1999. This guidance supplements the Local Authorities' Traffic Order (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, which came into force on 1 April 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164035,"EventID":"S1W-27501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers Strathclyde police force employs specifically to deal with traffic issues, broken down by division.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers Strathclyde police force employs specifically to deal with traffic issues, broken down by division.","AnswerText":"Information of this nature is an operational matter for the Chief Constable and not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164036,"EventID":"S1W-27502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has evaluated the effectiveness of traffic orders and whether it has any plans to review the current position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has evaluated the effectiveness of traffic orders and whether it has any plans to review the current position.","AnswerText":"The making and subsequent evaluation of the effectiveness of Traffic Regulation Orders is a matter for the roads authority which promoted them. There are no plans at present to carry out any review.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164037,"EventID":"S1W-27503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents have occurred in Hamilton in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents have occurred in Hamilton in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. The Executive's statistical database can provide figures on the number of injury accidents by police force area, by local authority area and for specified lengths of individual roads but is not designed to provide statistics for particular towns or villages.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164038,"EventID":"S1W-27504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will report to (a) the Parliament and (b) the public on the First Minister's visit to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will report to (a) the Parliament and (b) the public on the First Minister's visit to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"The Executive is considering possible options for reporting on the First Minister's attendance at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development, and will ensure that both the Parliament and the public are informed in the most appropriate way.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164039,"EventID":"S1W-27505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the First Minister will report on Scotland's progress on sustainable development since the Earth Summit in 1992 to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Deve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the First Minister will report on Scotland's progress on sustainable development since the Earth Summit in 1992 to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive makes representations to the United Nations through the UK Government. The Executive has prepared a report describing the work in Scotland on sustainable development since the Rio Summit in 1992 and the main points made in the stakeholder consultation undertaken last year. I have sent this to the UK Government to feed into reports they may make to the United Nations. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22146) and on the Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164040,"EventID":"S1W-27506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any delegation representing civic society in Scotland will attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any delegation representing civic society in Scotland will attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that civic society has an important role to play in furthering sustainable development in Scotland. A delegation representing civic society in Scotland will attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development, and will consist of:

      Name

      Organisation

      Sector

      Kevin Dunion

      Friends of the Earth Scotland

      Environmental NGOs

      Belinda Miller

      Aberdeen City Council

      Local Authorities

      Ian Russell

      Scottish Power

      Business

      Stephanie Wiseman

      Lunnasting Primary School, Shetland

      Young people

      Damien Killeen

      The Poverty Alliance

      Social justice NGOs

      Donald Bruce

      Action of Churches Together in Scotland

      Bodies involved in overseas development work

      Delegates were chosen in a variety of ways to achieve a balance of established leaders and fresh faces with particular commitment and dynamism. The civic delegation will make their own arrangements regarding travel, accommodation and programme for the Summit. The Executive has offered to pay the travel, accommodation and subsistence costs of four of the members of the civic delegation, and it is estimated that this will cost £7,000 in total.

      Each member will arrange their own programme to gain the greatest benefit possible from the Summit for their sector. Therefore the role of individual members will vary, but in general the delegation will raise awareness in their sector about the Summit and the issues it seeks to address, attend the events at the Summit most relevant to their particular sector, and be available to advise the First Minister and the Executive at the Summit. Most importantly these civic delegates will act as catalysts for concrete action to further sustainable development in their sector on their return.

      By supporting the civic delegation in this way, we believe that the Executive can help civic society in Scotland play their full part in building a Sustainable Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164041,"EventID":"S1W-27507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what report the First Minister will make to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development on Scotland's progress in respect of (a) the International Climate ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what report the First Minister will make to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development on Scotland's progress in respect of (a) the International Climate Change Convention, (b) the Convention on Biological Diversity, (c) the Statement of Forest Principles and (d) Local Agenda 21.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27505.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164042,"EventID":"S1W-27508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to ensure that Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines are adhered to in all NHS trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken in order to ensure that Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines are adhered to in all NHS trusts.","AnswerText":"Under clinical governance NHSScotland is expected to implement evidence-based guidance from bodies such as Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). SIGN Guidelines are an integral part of the development of condition-specific standards by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland. The board's assessment visits to check compliance with these standards and its clinical governance or "generic" standards will ensure that procedures are in place to implement SIGN and other relevant evidence-based guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164043,"EventID":"S1W-27509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the lack of plans designed in most trusts to address the full implications of healthcare associated infections (HAI) as referred to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the lack of plans designed in most trusts to address the full implications of healthcare associated infections (HAI) as referred to in the interim report of the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland on HAI and infection control standards.","AnswerText":"I have made clear to NHS Chairs that action must be taken to address this issue. NHS Chief Executives have received the same message from the Head of the Health Department. The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) is currently visiting individual NHS trusts to confirm its assessment of performance against the standard, including planning arrangements.

      Following up the CSBS interim report was discussed at the recent HAI convention. A detailed action plan based on that discussion will be issued later this year. When the CSBS has completed its detailed assessment of individual trust's performance further action appropriate to local circumstances will be agreed.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164044,"EventID":"S1W-27510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what different currencies Historic Scotland's visitor attractions accept from paying customers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what different currencies Historic Scotland's visitor attractions accept from paying customers.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to answer. His response is as follows:

      Historic Scotland accepts Sterling and the Euro (notes only) at the properties where it charges for admission.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164045,"EventID":"S1W-27511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary question to S1O-5607 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 June 2002, when the surveys of the condition of non-trunk roads will begin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the first supplementary question to S1O-5607 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 June 2002, when the surveys of the condition of non-trunk roads will begin; whether all local authority areas will be covered; which organisations will carry out such surveys; when the results will be published, and what steps it will consider taking following publication of the results.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for non-trunk roads, including the carrying out of a survey of the non-trunk road network, lies with each council as the local roads authority for its area. The Scottish Executive fully supports the Society of Chief Officers of Transport in Scotland's (SCOTS) condition survey of the local road network across Scotland. The management of the survey is a matter for SCOTS, but I understand that it is now under way and that it will cover all local authorities in Scotland. The Scottish Executive will keep closely in touch with the process and will, of course, consider the results once they are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164046,"EventID":"S1W-27512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers and obligations local authorities have under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 in respect of buses and relations with bus operators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers and obligations local authorities have under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 in respect of buses and relations with bus operators.","AnswerText":"The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 provides enabling powers for local transport authorities to make Quality Partnership schemes and, with the approval of Scottish ministers, Quality Contract schemes. The 2001 act also places a duty on local transport authorities to determine from time to time what ticketing arrangements and information on bus services should be made available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164047,"EventID":"S1W-27513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by local authorities in establishing quality partnership and quality contract schemes with bus operators under the Transport (Scotland) Act 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by local authorities in establishing quality partnership and quality contract schemes with bus operators under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The development of Quality Partnership schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 is a matter for individual local transport authorities. The Executive is not aware of any such schemes being introduced to date, nor has the necessary approval been sought from ministers for the making of any Quality Contract Schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164048,"EventID":"S1W-27514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have established quality partnership schemes with bus operators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have established quality partnership schemes with bus operators.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27513.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164049,"EventID":"S1W-27515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a regime to re-regulate the bus industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a regime to re-regulate the bus industry.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27512.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164050,"EventID":"S1W-27516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations this year from local authorities regarding the re-regulation of the bus industry and, if so, from which local authorities suc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations this year from local authorities regarding the re-regulation of the bus industry and, if so, from which local authorities such representations were received. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not received any formal representations from local authorities about the re-regulation of the bus industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164051,"EventID":"S1W-27518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on advertising by each ministerial department in each year since May 1999 and how it measures the effectiveness of such advertising.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on advertising by each ministerial department in each year since May 1999 and how it measures the effectiveness of such advertising.","AnswerText":"The advertising spend by each ministerial department since May 1999 is listed in the following tables. The methods used to measure the effectiveness of advertising are:

      • Qualitative research pre-campaign to test the effectiveness of the advertising

      • Qualitative research post-campaign to test awareness, recall and reaction

      • Response mechanism e.g. websites, telephone helplines, call centres
      • Attitudinal tracking through quantitative research

      • Feedback via third parties
      • Statistical take-up response

      Additionally, to ensure that the advertising reaches the target audiences, the selection of media is influenced by independently audited data.

      1999-2000

       

      Media Spend

      (£)

      		 

      Media Spend

      (£)

      Justice Dept

      Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries

      Domestic Abuse

      180,293

      Food Safety

      109,675

      Electoral Registration

      25,036

      Total

      109,675

      European Elections

      30,217

      		  

      Children's Hearings

      85,609

      Education and Industry

      Fire Prevention

      136,313

      Teacher Recruitment

      83,763

      Total

      457,468

      Road Safety

      663,538

        

      Child Care

      63,844

        

      Total

      811,145

          
        

      Overall Total

      1,378,288

       

      2000-01

       

      Media Spend

      (£)

      		 

      Media Spend

      (£)

      Health

      Environment and Transport

      Alcohol Abuse

      220,900

      Road Safety

      1,060,366

      Food Safety

      25,658

      Travel Awareness (Learn to let go)

      175,000

      Lead in Water

      61,752The Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992 (Statutory Instrument 1501 of 1992) is not such an order. As Lord Sutherland held in the Opinion referred to it is classified as a local order in terms of regulation 4(1) of the Statutory Instruments Regulations 1947, and is, by virtue of the provisions of regulation 5 of the regulations and section 8(1)(c) of the Act, exempt from the requirements of printing and sale.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164054,"EventID":"S1W-27521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24579 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 April 2002, whether myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is included in the psychiatr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24579 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 April 2002, whether myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is included in the psychiatric research studies into \"medically unexplained symptoms\" and whether it will list all named medical conditions that are included in the research.","AnswerText":"The criteria for inclusion in the research are: unexplained motor symptoms, medically unexplained neurological symptoms, and frequent referral from primary to secondary care for medically unexplained symptoms. They are based on the absence of conventionally defined organic disease and on the way patients are managed in the health service. Patients with ME/CFS may be among those recruited into the study, but the presence or absence of this condition is not a criterion for either inclusion or exclusion.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164055,"EventID":"S1W-27522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-11358 by Susan Deacon on 11 December 2000 and S1W-24580 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 April 2002, why #135,000 was allocated to the e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-11358 by Susan Deacon on 11 December 2000 and S1W-24580 by Malcolm Chisholm on 22 April 2002, why #135,000 was allocated to the epidemiological study of unexplained motor symptoms, given the Executive's position on the value of epidemiological studies where there is no independently validated diagnostic test.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-11358 was specifically about ME/CFS, for which there is at present no independently validated diagnostic test. The epidemiological study will determine the annual incidence of patients with unexplained motor symptoms presenting to a neurological service in a defined geographical area. The criteria for inclusion in the study are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) criteria for "conversion disorder" and were determined by means of a structured clinical interview conducted by a neurologist. The grant was awarded on the grounds that a better understanding of the factors associated with the development of unexplained motor symptoms would contribute to improved treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164056,"EventID":"S1W-27523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25608 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 May 2002, how many children have been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue synd","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25608 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 May 2002, how many children have been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in hospitals in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows numbers of people under 18 seen as in-patients and day patients and discharged with a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. Figures for those seen as out-patients are not available.<Needs Assessment Report on Child and Adolescent Mental Health - An Interim Briefing setting out the emerging findings from the national review and what further work is being undertaken. That report is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22592). The final report will be published later in the year and a copy placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164061,"EventID":"S1W-27529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26322 by Iain Gray on 7 June 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the #22.6 million allocated to implementing the recommendati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26322 by Iain Gray on 7 June 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the #22.6 million allocated to implementing the recommendations of the Beattie Committee and whether it has identified any specific projects for people diagnosed with (a) autistic spectrum disorders and (b) Asperger's Syndrome.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-21136 (10 January 2002), S1W-21818 and S1W-21819 (28 January 2002), and S1W-25412 (20 May 2002).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164062,"EventID":"S1W-27530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26322 by Iain Gray on 7 June 2002, how much additional funding per student has been made available to further education colleges fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26322 by Iain Gray on 7 June 2002, how much additional funding per student has been made available to further education colleges for students with special needs in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This particular information is not held centrally. Future Information

      The Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) has recently commissioned a short research study to review the two funding regimes, SFEFC recurrent funding and SFEFC bursary support, which offer assistance for students with additional needs attending further education (FE) colleges in Scotland. Once this has been carried out more detailed information on uptake and payment to students with special educational needs should be available. The final report is due by February 2003.

      Special Educational Needs Allowance

      Students can also apply for student support through the Special Educational Needs Allowance as part of a wider means tested discretionary bursary for FE students. SFEFC do not have information on how many students received the special educational needs allowance element of the bursary award for the years up until 2000-01. However, this information should be available for the year 2001-02, once data on bursary funding is available. This will be in April 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164063,"EventID":"S1W-27531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26276 by Mr Frank McAveety on 10 June 2002, what role the Advocacy Safeguards Agency and the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26276 by Mr Frank McAveety on 10 June 2002, what role the Advocacy Safeguards Agency and the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance will play in advancing the establishment of independent advice and advisory services for parents and carers of those diagnosed with (a) autistic spectrum disorders and (b) Asperger's Syndrome.","AnswerText":"The Advocacy Safeguards Agency will provide key elements of the necessary infrastructure for an effective national approach to independent advocacy of all types in Scotland. The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance will promote, support and defend independent advocacy in Scotland. Both organisations will support the Executive's commitment to making high quality independent advocacy available to people, including the parents and carers of those diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders and Asperger's Syndrome, who need such support.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164064,"EventID":"S1W-27532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26276 by Mr Frank McAveety on 10 June 2002, what the total cost was of setting up (a) the Advocacy Safeguards Agency and (b) the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26276 by Mr Frank McAveety on 10 June 2002, what the total cost was of setting up (a) the Advocacy Safeguards Agency and (b) the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance. ","AnswerText":"The set up and running costs of the Advocacy Safeguards Agency during 2002-03 are £358,700. The Scottish Executive Health Department has grant funded the agency by this amount. The set up and running costs of the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance for 2002-03 is £124,600. A grant of 85% of these costs (£114,100) has been made available to the alliance by the Scottish Executive Health Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164065,"EventID":"S1W-27533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25867 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 May 2002, whether the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh A87 Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25867 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 May 2002, whether the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh A87 Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (SI 1992/1501) specifically does not itself contain the power to (a) charge tolls and (b) assign toll-charging powers to a concessionaire on the A87.","AnswerText":"The power to charge tolls at the Skye Bridge is set out in section 27 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, and is implemented in The Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992. The power to assign the charging and collection of tolls is set out in section 28 of the 1991 Act and given effect by the 1992 Toll Order and the related Assignation Statement.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164066,"EventID":"S1W-27534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25867 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 May 2002, whether the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh A87 Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25867 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 May 2002, whether the Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh A87 Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (SI 1992/1501) in any legal sense regulates the use of the A87.","AnswerText":"The Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992 authorises Scottish Ministers to charge tolls in respect of the Skye Bridge and to assign their rights to charge and collect tolls to a concessionaire. The order, as varied by The Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order (Variation Order) 1999, further specifies the maximum tolls chargeable for vehicles using the crossing. Any further interpretation of the effect of the orders is a matter for the Scottish courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164067,"EventID":"S1W-27535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has in respect of the Stone of Scone and to whom issues concerning its proprietorship should now be addressed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has in respect of the Stone of Scone and to whom issues concerning its proprietorship should now be addressed.","AnswerText":"The Stone of Scone is the property of the Crown. By Royal Warrant dated 12 November 1996 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second appointed commissioners in Scotland and their successors in Office to guard the Stone. Those commissioners are the Keeper of the Great Seal or Seal used in place of the Great Seal of Scotland (currently the First Minister), the Clerk of Her Majesty's Archives and Registers, the Lord Advocate in Scotland and the Lord Justice Clerk. Any issues concerning proprietorship of the Stone should be addressed to the commissioners. The Scottish ministers do not collectively have any powers in respect of the Stone.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164068,"EventID":"S1W-27536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive what action it is taking to require local authorities to recycle higher volumes of paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive what action it is taking to require local authorities to recycle higher volumes of paper.","AnswerText":"Local authorities, in collaboration with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and others, have prepared 11 draft Area Waste Plans (AWPs) which outline how municipal waste will be dealt with in each area over the next 20 years. The AWPs indicate the level of recycling which will be carried out to meet the objectives of the National Waste Strategy. The Executive has consulted on their intention to amend the forthcoming local government bill to include a requirement for local authorities to prepare Integrated Waste Management Plans. These plans will have to demonstrate effective steps to meet targets for recycling which will be set by the Executive. In addition, the Executive distributed £3 million in March 2001 to allow local authorities to establish or expand recycling schemes including the collection of paper. A further £50.4 million has been identified in the Strategic Waste Fund for local authorities to implement the Area Waste Plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164069,"EventID":"S1W-27537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for any delay in providing funding to Communities Scotland for the construction of new Women's Aid accommodation for disabled women in Dumfries and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for any delay in providing funding to Communities Scotland for the construction of new Women's Aid accommodation for disabled women in Dumfries and when the funding will be made available.","AnswerText":"Dumfries and Galloway Council have been awarded £34,400 in the current financial year to aid in the construction of the accommodation for disabled women in Dumfries. Further funding of £71,582.98 is also now available, following the conclusion of End Year Flexibility discussions regarding resources which were unspent on the project in financial year 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164070,"EventID":"S1W-27538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to investigate the circumstances surrounding delay to the installation of the hospital information computer system at the new Royal Infirmary of Edinbur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to investigate the circumstances surrounding delay to the installation of the hospital information computer system at the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been kept informed of developments in this case. I see no need at this point to undertake further investigation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164071,"EventID":"S1W-27539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to ensure that McKesson Corporation will be pursued for payment of any fines incurred in respect of work for the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to ensure that McKesson Corporation will be pursued for payment of any fines incurred in respect of work for the NHS.","AnswerText":"Because contracts of this nature are between trusts and the company, the Executive has no power to seek compensation directly. However, I expect that any compensation properly due from McKesson Corporation to be pursued.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164072,"EventID":"S1W-27540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the hospital information computer system at the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the hospital information computer system at the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children will be operational.","AnswerText":"I understand that the current timetable is for the new system to be phased in across the hospitals in Lothian, starting this autumn in Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh followed by the Western General Hospital and concluding with the Royal Hospital for Sick Children from 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164073,"EventID":"S1W-27541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the awarding of a contract by Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust to McKesson Corporation after the company had announced that an audit fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate the awarding of a contract by Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust to McKesson Corporation after the company had announced that an audit found #27million of sales recorded improperly. ","AnswerText":"I understand that the trust has already investigated this matter thoroughly. I am aware of the outcome and see no basis to take further action.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164074,"EventID":"S1W-27542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been given to voluntary and other organisations to support and advise people with drug and alcohol problems in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been given to voluntary and other organisations to support and advise people with drug and alcohol problems in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Details of the core funding provided by the Executive in each of the last five years to voluntary and other organisations to support and advise people with drug and alcohol problems are as follows:

      Year ended 31 December

      Patients aged under 18

      1997

      12

      1998

      10

      1999

      8

      2000

      8

      2001

      13

       

      1998-99

      (£ million)

      1999-2000

      (£ million)

      2000-01

      (£ million)

      2001-02

      (£ million)

      2002-03

      (£ million)

      Scotland Against Drugs

      0.97

      1

      1

      1.5

      1.5

      Scottish Drugs Forum

      0.153

      0.156

      0.164

      0.187

      0.290

      Alcohol Focus Scotland

      0.155

      0.161

      0.165

      0.165

      0.175

      Crew 2000

      0.025

      0.026

      0.026

      0.027

      0.027

      Local agencies supporting people with drug and alcohol problems receive funding from a variety of sources, details of which are not held centrally. These include NHS boards, local authorities, Social Inclusion Partnerships, the Changing Children's Services Fund, the Rural Challenge Fund and the New Futures Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164075,"EventID":"S1W-27543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been given to (a) Alcoholics Anonymous and (b) Narcotics Anonymous in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been given to (a) Alcoholics Anonymous and (b) Narcotics Anonymous in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Executive has provided no funding to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous in the last five years.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164076,"EventID":"S1W-27544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for appointments in respect of (a) drug and (b) alcohol addiction in each NHS trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for appointments in respect of (a) drug and (b) alcohol addiction in each NHS trust.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Waiting time information for treatment for drug and alcohol problems is not held consistently by NHS Trusts. The Executive has, however, obtained information from Drug Action Team Corporate Action Plans which indicates that there are wide variations in waiting times for clients seeking help with drug problems, from a matter of days to several months. Waiting times also vary according to the type of treatment and care required and on the system of prioritisation operating locally. The Effective Interventions Unit's work on integrated care, which will be published in the autumn, will include material about good practice in managing drug treatment services to avoid lengthy waiting times. ISD Scotland and the National Waiting Times Unit are currently involved in identifying how waiting time information in this area might be improved and monitored in the future.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164077,"EventID":"S1W-27545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for detox and other rehabilitation services in each NHS board for (a) drugs and (b) alcohol addiction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting times are for detox and other rehabilitation services in each NHS board for (a) drugs and (b) alcohol addiction.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27544.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164078,"EventID":"S1W-27546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18321 by Susan Deacon on 22 November 2001, what proposals there are for the delivery of orthodontics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18321 by Susan Deacon on 22 November 2001, what proposals there are for the delivery of orthodontics.","AnswerText":"As part of the Scottish Executive's review of orthodontic services, a new grade of Specialist Salaried General Dental Practitioner and associated feescale were introduced on 9 April 2002 for the salaried general dental service. Such specialist practitioners include orthodontists, with a view to increasing availability of NHS orthodontic treatment. The Executive has already approved, to date, two specialist orthodontist salaried general dental practitioner posts.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164079,"EventID":"S1W-27547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children aged 6 to 8 years in deprivation categories 5, 6 and 7 are on the enhanced registration scheme for dentistry in each health trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children aged 6 to 8 years in deprivation categories 5, 6 and 7 are on the enhanced registration scheme for dentistry in each health trust.","AnswerText":"A caries prevention scheme, which provides the dentist with additional capitation fees, was introduced in October 2001. The scheme is open to all six- and seven-year-olds in Scotland and provides the dentist with an enhanced monthly fee according to the Deprivation Category of the practice postcode. The number of six- and seven-year-olds registered in Deprivation Categories 5, 6 and 7 is set out in the following table:

      NHS Board

      Deprivation Category

      Number of Children Aged 6 and 7 Years

      Argyll and Clyde

      5

      6

      4,279

      2,694

      Ayrshire and Arran

      5

      6

      3,764

      446

      Borders

      Nil

      Nil

      Dumfries and Galloway

      5

      667

      Fife

      5

      1,860

      Forth Valley

      5

      6

      762

      1,929

      Grampian

      5

      1,786

      Greater Glasgow

      5

      6

      7

      4,970

      9,007

      12,403

      Highland

      5

      497

      Lanarkshire

      5

      6

      7

      5,799

      3,890

      616

      Lothian

      5

      6

      7

      5,441

      74

      872

      Orkney

      Nil

      Nil

      Tayside

      5

      6

      2,955

      1,762

      Shetland

      Nil

      Nil

      Western Isles

      6

      8

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164080,"EventID":"S1W-27548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18320 by Susan Deacon on 22 November 2001, whether a dental therapist course has now been established and, if so, how many places a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18320 by Susan Deacon on 22 November 2001, whether a dental therapist course has now been established and, if so, how many places are available this year.","AnswerText":"The feasibility study referred to in the answer to question S1W-18320 has concurred that therapist training is feasible within Scotland and has identified the resources required. Potential numbers, location and timing are still being discussed, but it is expected that plans will allow therapist training to start in 2003. The Scottish Advisory Committee for the Dental Workforce (SACDW) will be discussing this issue at their next meeting, prior to making recommendations on the best balance of numbers in training between hygienists and therapists for Scotland. In order to encourage these professional groups to work in all areas of Scotland, we are also reviewing how, in the longer term, educational provision can be supplied in partnership with remote and rural areas of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164081,"EventID":"S1W-27549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18323 by Susan Deacon on 22 November 2001, how many dental hygienists and dental therapists are currently undergoing training at ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18323 by Susan Deacon on 22 November 2001, how many dental hygienists and dental therapists are currently undergoing training at each centre.","AnswerText":"The number of dental hygienists training in Scotland is as follows:

      Centre

      In Training

      To Note

      Dundee

      10

      10 additional starts in September 2002

      Edinburgh

      8

      10 additional starts in September 2002

      Glasgow

      19

      10 replacement course starts in January 2003

      I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27548 today, which outlines the current position on training of dental therapists.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164082,"EventID":"S1W-27550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18321 by Susan Deacon on 22 November 2001, when it will make any recommendations relating to the review of the fee structure for or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18321 by Susan Deacon on 22 November 2001, when it will make any recommendations relating to the review of the fee structure for orthodontics and sedation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27546 today for an update on the Executive's progress on the delivery of orthodontic treatment. No imminent changes to orthodontic fees are planned. The Executive has already reviewed the narrative and fees for sedation, contained in the Statement of Dental Remuneration, to increase patient safety, and is considering what further changes may be required to the overall framework for the delivery of sedation services in Scotland, following the recent publication of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network's guideline on the Safe Sedation of Children Undergoing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures. A working group, which includes representation from the profession, has been set up by the Executive to examine this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164083,"EventID":"S1W-27551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authority environmental services departments have sufficient powers to address any nuisance caused to residents by neighbours running a business from home.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authority environmental services departments have sufficient powers to address any nuisance caused to residents by neighbours running a business from home.","AnswerText":"Generally, local authorities have a wide range of powers to deal with nuisance. Individuals and businesses are required to comply with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which prohibits statutory nuisances that are prejudicial to health or a nuisance. Where a local authority becomes aware of a statutory nuisance, it can serve a notice on the relevant individual or business, requiring them to abate or cease the nuisance. The powers contained within the act apply to statutory nuisances from fixed premises, including land; the powers apply equally to dwellings used as homes, and dwellings used for both home and business purposes.

      Also, under section 19 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, local authorities, in consultation with the police, can apply to a sheriff for an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) to prohibit an individual over 16 from further anti-social behaviour that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress. There may be circumstances where nuisance caused to residents by neighbours running a business from home would justify applying for an ASBO. In most cases, ASBOs should only be considered when all other preventative measures such as warnings and mediation have been tried.

      Further, the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill makes provision for an interim ASBO to take effect pending the outcome of the substantive application for an order. It is intended that the interim order will provide more immediate protection from anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164084,"EventID":"S1W-27552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the powers available to local authority environmental services departments to address any nuisance caused to residents by neighbours","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the powers available to local authority environmental services departments to address any nuisance caused to residents by neighbours running a business from home.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27551 today. The Executive currently has no such plans and believes that existing powers, combined with the proposals included in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, described in my previous answer, are sufficient to address the issue to which he refers and will monitor the effectiveness of these powers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164085,"EventID":"S1W-27553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the report from the expert group established in December 2001 to examine the merits or otherwise of a system of financial and other support for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to receive the report from the expert group established in December 2001 to examine the merits or otherwise of a system of financial and other support for people who have been harmed by health service treatment where the NHS was not at fault.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26652 on 25 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164086,"EventID":"S1W-27554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of ambulances responding to emergency calls do not have a trained paramedic on board, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of ambulances responding to emergency calls do not have a trained paramedic on board, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The table shows, for each Ambulance Service Division, the number of emergency responses made and the percentage of those where a trained paramedic was on board. Across Scotland this represents a 54% paramedic response rate. The service aim to achieve a 100% paramedic response rate to emergency calls by 2005. The allocation which the service has received for 2002-03, along with the indicative uplifts for 2003-04 and 2004-05, have enabled it to plan to increase the overall complement of front-line emergency staff and to train 250 more technicians to become paramedics.

      Division

      (Covering NHS Board Areas)

      Emergency Responses

      April - June 2002

      Number

      Percentage Paramedic Response

      South West (Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Arran, Argyll and Clyde)

      15,224

      54.6

      West Central (Lanarkshire and Greater Glasgow)

      27,110

      42.6

      South East (Lothian and Borders)

      14,491

      62.0

      East Central (Tayside, Fife and Forth Valley)

      15,784

      63.0

      North East (Grampian, Orkney and Shetland)

      6,196

      61.3

      North West (Highland and Western Isles)

      3,110

      53.1

      Scotland Average (weighted)

      -

      54.0

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164087,"EventID":"S1W-27555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has asked the European Union for the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposals to be exempted from EU laws on competition, public procurement, monopolies and s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has asked the European Union for the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposals to be exempted from EU laws on competition, public procurement, monopolies and state aid.","AnswerText":"As the result of a complaint contained in a Petition to the EU Parliament, the Scottish Executive and the Department of Trade and Industry provided a joint response to the European Commission as to why the transfer of certain assets to the Glasgow Housing Association did not constitute state aid. We have now been advised that the Commission has rejected the state aid complaint.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164088,"EventID":"S1W-27556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26146 by Ms Margaret Curran on 10 June 2002, when it expects to be in a position to respond fully.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26146 by Ms Margaret Curran on 10 June 2002, when it expects to be in a position to respond fully.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27555.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164089,"EventID":"S1W-27557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to make up any shortfall in investment in the event that there is insufficient funding from private sources to fund Glasgow Housing Association's i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has to make up any shortfall in investment in the event that there is insufficient funding from private sources to fund Glasgow Housing Association's investment programme. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has already given a commitment to provide a repayable grant to support the Glasgow Housing Association's investment programme in the early years.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164090,"EventID":"S1W-27558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparation it has made in the event that a re-ballot of tenants on the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposal is required.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparation it has made in the event that a re-ballot of tenants on the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposal is required.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not made any preparations for a re-ballot of tenants in respect of the Glasgow housing transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164091,"EventID":"S1W-27559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the Sustainable Development Forum have taken place to the present date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the Sustainable Development Forum have taken place to the present date.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27187 on 1 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164092,"EventID":"S1W-27560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers and responsibilities local authorities and other agencies have in respect of commercial cockle harvesting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers and responsibilities local authorities and other agencies have in respect of commercial cockle harvesting.","AnswerText":"Local authorities do not have any powers specifically to regulate cockle fishing. They do, however, have various specific powers on related matters such as food hygiene, as well as general powers, which may be appropriate depending on the circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164093,"EventID":"S1W-27561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how legislation and regulations on commercial and cockle harvesting differ from equivalent legislation and regulations in England.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how legislation and regulations on commercial and cockle harvesting differ from equivalent legislation and regulations in England.","AnswerText":"There are a number of legislative provisions directly and indirectly related to the harvesting of cockles (including fishing, food and environmental legislation). In terms of fisheries legislation:

      • In Scotland, orders may be made under the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984 to prohibit fishing for sea fish (including shellfish) in a particular area;

      • In England, Sea Fisheries Committees are empowered to make byelaws for the management and conservation of their district's fisheries;

      • In Scotland and in England, Regulating Orders may be granted under the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967 to provide for the maintenance and regulation of a fishery for shellfish.

      The damaging exploitation of a cockle bed also falls within the scope of nature conservation legislation on both sides of the border, where the cockle bed is situated within the boundaries of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164094,"EventID":"S1W-27562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to alter legislation and regulations on commercial cockle harvesting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to alter legislation and regulations on commercial cockle harvesting.","AnswerText":"I have no plans to amend any of the legislative provisions relating to the harvesting of cockles.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164095,"EventID":"S1W-27563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the possibility of using needle fasciotomy as a treatment for Dupuytren's Contracture.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated the possibility of using needle fasciotomy as a treatment for Dupuytren's Contracture.","AnswerText":"The Executive is aware of this treatment. We do not, however, direct surgeons on whether or not to adopt this or any other specific technique. That is and must be a matter for clinical judgement depending on the circumstances of each individual case.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164096,"EventID":"S1W-27564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to section 50, paragraphs 5 (a) and (b) of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill, what impact the threshold of ownership of at least three quarters of units i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to section 50, paragraphs 5 (a) and (b) of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill, what impact the threshold of ownership of at least three quarters of units in the development in respect of sections 27 and 32 of the bill will have on those resident in a shared equity complex.","AnswerText":"The effect of section 27 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Bill will be that a simple majority will be able to appoint a manager for the complex if the title deeds do not provide for an alternative decision-making process. Section 32 will allow the owners of a simple majority of the units to vary or discharge burdens affecting a housing complex. Section 50 of the bill provides for a special majority in relation to "core burdens" in a sheltered or retirement housing scheme. These are burdens which regulate facilities or services that make a development particularly suitable for occupation by the elderly or infirm. Attempts to use section 32 to vary these core burdens will require the consent of the owners of 75% of the units. Discharge will not be possible. A simple majority will still be able to appoint a manager in a sheltered complex using section 27, but a 75% majority will be required to confer certain powers on the manager. These special majorities have been introduced as a result of the Executive's consultation exercise for the bill.

      The provisions of the bill allow the person(s) who hold the majority share in an individual unit to exercise the vote for that unit in respect of decisions under sections 27 and 32. As a result, if an occupier owned 80% of the property and the developer 20%, the occupier would control that property's vote in decisions made under sections 27 and 32.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164097,"EventID":"S1W-27565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce any additional charges for the collection of domestic waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce any additional charges for the collection of domestic waste.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to introduce a separate charge for the collection of domestic waste. To achieve the objectives of the National Waste Strategy for sustainable waste management there will be a need for significant changes in householders' attitude to the waste that they produce. We need to encourage people to separate out waste that can be reused or recycled, and to try to reduce the amount of rubbish that they produce. We are considering how we can best encourage this change of behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164098,"EventID":"S1W-27566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rapes were reported in each of the last five years and how many such cases resulted in prosecution broken down by (a) police force and (b) procurator fiscal area","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many rapes were reported in each of the last five years and how many such cases resulted in prosecution broken down by (a) police force and (b) procurator fiscal area.","AnswerText":"The available information on crimes of rape, which were recorded by the police, and on persons proceeded against in court where rape was the main offence, is given in the following tables. Data by procurator fiscal area are not available.

      Crimes recorded by the police, by Police Force Area, 1997-2001

      Police force area

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Scotland

      570

      613

      591

      562

      589

      Central

      12

      19

      5

      14

      33

      Dumfries and Galloway

      14

      25

      40

      19

      16

      Fife

      25

      35

      32

      54

      42

      Grampian

      54

      76

      82

      60

      55

      Lothian and Borders

      144

      151

      111

      119

      130

      Northern

      24

      26

      36

      15

      21

      Strathclyde

      217

      215

      218

      219

      240

      Tayside

      80

      66

      67

      62

      52

      Persons proceeded against for rape (where main offence) in Scottish Courts, by Police Force Area, 1997-2001

      Police force area

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      20011The report of the full three-stage assessment of the incidence of rough sleeping in Scotland in 2001-02 is now available. I am placing copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22633).

      In summary, the report indicates that during the October 2001 study period of 14 days 471 people reported sleeping rough at least once. This compares to 500 people in the May 2001 study period. Whilst the report shows an overall reduction in the number of people sleeping rough it also shows an increase in the average number per night (from 64 to 87) indicating that this fewer number of individuals are sleeping out more frequently.

      An assessment of available accommodation showed that on a targetted night during the October study period, when 117 people reported they had slept rough, 181 bed spaces were available across Scotland. Analysis at local authority level shows that in all but five authorities, available accommodation was sufficient to meet, or exceeded demand.

      I welcome this report which provides invaluable detailed information about the issues and problems facing the reducing number of people who find themselves sleeping rough. The Executive will use this report in its continuing work with local authorities to improve the connection between people sleeping rough and the services and accommodation which have been funded through the Rough Sleepers Initiative. This work will be supported by the strengthened duties set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (to be commenced in September) which will ensure, at a minimum, the right to temporary accommodation for anyone assessed as homeless.

      Detailed progress on the delivery of the social justice target will be reported in the 2002 social justice report.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164105,"EventID":"S1W-27573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26873 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 July 2002, what action it will take to address the increases in median waiting times for an appointm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26873 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 July 2002, what action it will take to address the increases in median waiting times for an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made tackling the longest waits for out-patient appointments a key priority for the National Waiting Times Unit. The unit has made £1.2 million available to NHS boards to fund projects specifically to address long waits for orthopaedic services. A number of these projects are aimed at substantially reducing the maximum wait for an orthopaedic out-patient consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164106,"EventID":"S1W-27574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out any research into (a) the level of malnutrition amongst patients admitted to hospital and (b) whether such patients receive proper nutritional ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out any research into (a) the level of malnutrition amongst patients admitted to hospital and (b) whether such patients receive proper nutritional care following admission.","AnswerText":"A Clinical Resource and Audit Group funded report, on the care of the elderly in long-term care (published in August 2000) examined this issue. The NHS was asked to implement the recommendations flowing from this work in a joint letter from the Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Medical Officer (18 December 2000). The Scottish Health Plan reminded the service of the need to implement these recommendations. Audit Scotland has initiated a study of hospital catering which reviews the best value of catering services in the NHS in Scotland; this work will also monitor implementation of the CRAG audit and Scottish Diet Action Plan recommendations. The Information Statistics Division of NHS Scotland has developed a system for annual collection of data on nutritional status and longer term monitoring arrangements based on this are under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164107,"EventID":"S1W-27575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialists work in nutrition in each hospital in Lanarkshire and how long each has been in post.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialists work in nutrition in each hospital in Lanarkshire and how long each has been in post.","AnswerText":"DietiCians are nutrition specialists who translate the science of nutrition into practical information about food. They work with people to promote nutritional well-being, prevent food-related problems and treat disease.

      Information on length of service and the number of dieticians employed by each hospital in Lanarkshire is not available centrally.

      The following table shows the headcount and whole-time equivalent of dieticians working in Lanarkshire Acute NHS Trust and Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust at

      30 September 2001.
       

      Headcount

      WTE

      Lanarkshire Acute NHS Trust

      25

      20.3

      Lanarkshire Primary Care NHS Trust

      13

      10.6

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164108,"EventID":"S1W-27576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines and legislation are in place in order to ensure that every hospital has a specialist working in nutrition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines and legislation are in place in order to ensure that every hospital has a specialist working in nutrition.","AnswerText":"A number of documents, including the Scottish Diet Action Plan and the CRAG-funded audit into the nutrition of elderly people in long-term care, make recommendations relating to the employment of suitably trained staff. Departmental guidance on nutritional care reflects these recommendations. But the main way in which nutritional care will be improved is through the Clinical Standards Board's development of a standard for food and nutritional care. The NHS in Scotland will be expected to meet this standard when published next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164109,"EventID":"S1W-27577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Royal Society Inquiry into Infectious Diseases in Livestock will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the Royal Society Inquiry into Infectious Diseases in Livestock will be published.","AnswerText":"This report has been published today and copies have been made available to the convener and members of the Rural Development Committee. A copy has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. Number 22294) and the report can be viewed on the website of the Royal Society.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164110,"EventID":"S1W-27578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current arrangements are for monitoring wastewater treatment plants and whether there are any plans to review these arrangements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current arrangements are for monitoring wastewater treatment plants and whether there are any plans to review these arrangements.","AnswerText":"Monitoring wastewater treatment is carried out by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, in accordance with the requirements of Article 15 of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC). There are currently no plans to review these arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164111,"EventID":"S1W-27579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is currently being considered to address the recurring odour problems relating to Seafield wastewater treatment works. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is currently being considered to address the recurring odour problems relating to Seafield wastewater treatment works. ","AnswerText":"In my written reply of 27 June to your letter of 4 June, I explained that Scottish Water was putting pressure on the operators to resolve the odour problems as a matter of extreme urgency.

      Since, however, this is an operational matter for Scottish Water, I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves to respond. His response is as follows:

      Seafield WwTW is part of the Almond Valley, Seafield and Esk PFI project. The contractor is Stirling Water. Scottish Water is pursuing action with Stirling Water, and the operators Thames Water, and have a detailed action plan in place to address this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164112,"EventID":"S1W-27580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems are in place to ensure the involvement of local communities in the monitoring of wastewater treatment plants on a regular basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what systems are in place to ensure the involvement of local communities in the monitoring of wastewater treatment plants on a regular basis.","AnswerText":"None.

      In my reply dated 27 June to your letter of 4 June specifically about the Seafield Waste Water Treatment Plant, I explained that the monitoring of aqueous effluent from waste water treatment plants is the responsibility of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. That letter also explained that the local authority concerned has legal powers relating to monitoring.

      Scottish Water arrange regular community liaison meetings during periods when its operations may impact on the community or when particular communities experience an on-going inconvenience or disruption as a result of the activities of Scottish Water or their contractors. An example is the Seafield Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) Community Liaison Group that meets bi-monthly to address local concerns regarding odour.

      Community Liaison groups have also been established for Shieldhall, Daldowie and Dalmuir WWTW (Glasgow) and another is about to be set up for Ardoch WWTW (Dumbarton). Liaison groups include local community councillors, politicians, business representatives and affected residents.

      Scottish Water is also invited to attend regular public meetings organised by the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland. These meetings address both water and waste water issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164113,"EventID":"S1W-27581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place regarding odour problems and associated health risks through the spread of airborne particles from wastewater treatment plants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring systems are in place regarding odour problems and associated health risks through the spread of airborne particles from wastewater treatment plants.","AnswerText":"I understand that monitoring systems for odour from treatment plants vary according to location and particular circumstances and are largely dictated by local planning conditions.

      Turning to health risks from airborne particles, available evidence suggests that the risk to public health from airborne particles emanating from waste water treatment plants is very remote.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164114,"EventID":"S1W-27582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local communities are involved in decisions relating to the development of wastewater treatment plants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local communities are involved in decisions relating to the development of wastewater treatment plants.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive to respond. His response is as follows:

      Local communities are normally involved in the development of waste water treatment plants through the statutory planning process. In addition Scottish Water hold community meetings to discuss proposals and often set up community liaison groups which meet regularly to discuss and influence local developments.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164115,"EventID":"S1W-27583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle the backlog of outstanding asbestos compensation claims and to reduce any further delays for victims and their families.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to tackle the backlog of outstanding asbestos compensation claims and to reduce any further delays for victims and their families.","AnswerText":"There are currently 592 asbestos related claims before the Court of Session. The cases are procedurally at different stages. In December 2001, Lord Mackay of Drumadoon was appointed by the Lord President of the Court of Session to oversee cases where it appeared their progress had been affected by external factors. Since that date 254 cases have called by order of the court to ensure compliance with the Rules of the Court of Session and to facilitate settlement where this is possible. The court has been advised that 60 of these cases have now settled. Further hearings continue to be scheduled. Procedural reforms for personal injury actions generally have been recommended by a working group chaired by Lord Coulsfield. These reforms have the support of the Executive. On 11 June 2002, the Lord President wrote to Justice 2 Committee outlining progress with the work preparatory to the introduction of a revised procedure early in 2003. The Lord President's letter is one of the papers for the committee's 24th meeting on 18 June 2002, and is available through the Parliament's website.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164116,"EventID":"S1W-27584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that people with schi'ophrenia in (a) Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross and (b) the Western Isles have access to new and more effective d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to ensure that people with schi'ophrenia in (a) Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross and (b) the Western Isles have access to new and more effective drugs, given that these areas have among the lowest percentage shares of atypical antipsychotic prescriptions.","AnswerText":"On 25 July 2002, the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) issued a comment on the NICE Guidance on the use of atypical antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia, advising that the NICE Guidance is as valid for Scotland as for England and Wales. The guidance recommends that the newer (atypical) antipsychotics should be considered alongside the older, existing medicines as one of the options of first choice to treat people with newly diagnosed schizophrenia. NHS Scotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from the HTBS and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164117,"EventID":"S1W-27585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive of whom the Scottish delegation to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development will be composed; on what criteria the delegates were chosen, and, for any c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive of whom the Scottish delegation to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development will be composed; on what criteria the delegates were chosen, and, for any civil servants involved, what the grade and department is of each delegate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive delegation will consist of the First Minister and three officials. The First Minister chose to attend personally to represent Scotland at the highest possible level and to show the importance that the Executive places on sustainable development. The officials chosen to support the First Minister are the Principal Private Secretary to the First Minister, a Special Adviser and the Head of Environment Group.

      A Scottish civic delegation will also attend the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development. Details of this civic delegation are given in the answer to question S1W-27506.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164118,"EventID":"S1W-27586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory work it has carried out or commissioned in respect of the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory work it has carried out or commissioned in respect of the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"Much of the preparatory work, which included two comprehensive public consultations, is described in a report which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22146).

      In addition to the work summarised in that report, we have outlined our vision for a Sustainable Scotland and indicators to measure progress towards that vision in Meeting the Needs... which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20879).

      In preparation for the Summit we are sharing our work with others - the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development spoke to the Stakeholder Forum conference on the World Summit on Sustainable Development on 16 July, 2002 in Birmingham. We have also brought together business, unions, public sector, voluntary organisations and interested members of the public for the first Scottish Sustainable Development Forum to discuss how we can take sustainable development forward in Scotland.

      We are also helping the young people's civic delegate, Stephanie Wiseman, to collect views about the Summit and sustainable development in preparation for the Summit.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164119,"EventID":"S1W-27587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its objectives are with regard to its attendance at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its objectives are with regard to its attendance at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's objectives in attending the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development are:

      • to show that Scotland takes sustainable development seriously. Whilst the focus of the summit is the sustainable development of poorer countries, this means that developed countries must set their house in order too. Sustainable development is a devolved issue and we shall not shirk from our responsibility to the planet;
      • to show that sustainable development matters to the people of Scotland. We have listened to what ordinary Scots have to say and will represent these views in Johannesburg, and

      to inform our actions. The Scottish Executive and civic Scotland will act to ensure that sustainable development here reflects the decisions and discussions in Johannesburg.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164120,"EventID":"S1W-27588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any formal submission to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development and, if so, when such a submission will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any formal submission to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development and, if so, when such a submission will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27505.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164121,"EventID":"S1W-27589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to (a) Her Majesty's Government and (b) EU bodies regarding its objectives for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to (a) Her Majesty's Government and (b) EU bodies regarding its objectives for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive makes representations to EU bodies through the UK government, ensuring that the UK line takes full account of the Scottish position. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164122,"EventID":"S1W-27590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish delegation to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development will be (a) travelling to and (b) accommodated in Johannesburg.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish delegation to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development will be (a) travelling to and (b) accommodated in Johannesburg.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive delegation will take a scheduled flight to Johannesburg for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.

      The Scottish Executive delegation will stay in hotel rooms allocated to the UK delegation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164123,"EventID":"S1W-27591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish delegation at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development will pursue its own objectives separately or act as part of the UK delegatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish delegation at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development will pursue its own objectives separately or act as part of the UK delegation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive delegation is part of the official UK delegation and the Scottish Executive will fully support the work of the UK delegation. However, the programme for the Scottish delegation will be based on the objectives outlined in the response to question S1W-27587, and the principles and priorities set out in our vision of a sustainable Scotland, Meeting the Needs..., which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20879).

      The response to question S1W-27506 explains that members of the civic delegation will pursue independent programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164124,"EventID":"S1W-27592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total estimated cost will be of the attendance of the Scottish delegation at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development and, in particular, wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total estimated cost will be of the attendance of the Scottish delegation at the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development and, in particular, whether it will give the costs of (a) accommodation, (b) travel from accommodation to the summit, (c) travel to South Africa, (d) accreditation, (e) subsistence, (f) entertainment and (g) other items.","AnswerText":"The answer to question S1W-27593 explains that the programme for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development has not yet been finalised. Therefore we cannot estimate costs for some of the categories requested. The costs we can estimate at present for the Scottish Executive delegation total is £10,420. This comprises:

      1. accommodation per delegate: 10,550 Rand (approximately £675)

        2. total accommodation costs: 42,200 Rand (approximately £2,700)

        All hotel rooms must be booked through the Johannesburg World Summit Company (JOWSCO), a non-profit company wholly owned by the South African government. JOWSCO have imposed a 10-day minimum charge for each room for the duration of the Summit, so the high charge is unavoidable.

      2. JOWSCO will charge approximately £40 per person to provide shuttles for travel from accommodation to summit venues for delegates.

      total cost: £160

      1. return flights to Johannesburg per delegate including tax: £1,890

        2. total cost: £7,560

      2. Accreditation to the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development is free.

      The cost of supporting the Scottish civic delegation is outlined in the answer to

      question S1W-27506.

      A Scottish Executive official was part of the UK preparatory visit at the end of July in order to organise the programme for the Scottish delegation. This is estimated to have cost £2,100.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164125,"EventID":"S1W-27593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have been arranged for the Scottish delegation and individual members of the delegation during its stay in South Africa for the United Nations World Summit ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have been arranged for the Scottish delegation and individual members of the delegation during its stay in South Africa for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"The programme for the Scottish Executive delegation is not yet finalised as the full programme for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development has not been announced.

      The response to question S1W-27506 explains that the civic delegates will organise their own programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164126,"EventID":"S1W-27594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory meetings for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development it has attended; on what dates it attended any such meetings; of whom its delegat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparatory meetings for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development it has attended; on what dates it attended any such meetings; of whom its delegation to such meetings was composed; on what criteria delegates were chosen, and, for any civil servants involved, what each delegate's grade and department was.","AnswerText":"No Minister or official has attended a preparatory committee meeting for the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.

      Kevin Dunion of Friends of the Earth Scotland attended the third preparatory committee in New York as a representative of the Scottish Executive from 28 March to 3 April. He is an external member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland and a member of the civic delegation for the Summit. Mr Dunion had already arranged to attend as an NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) and by attending as the Scottish Executive representative on the UK delegation he was able to report the proceedings to the Executive. The Scottish Executive did not bear any costs of Mr Dunion's attendance.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164127,"EventID":"S1W-27595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the United Nations' initiatives (a) 101 ways to sustainable development, (b) sustainable development visions for the 21st century, (c)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the United Nations' initiatives (a) 101 ways to sustainable development, (b) sustainable development visions for the 21st century, (c) children's Agenda 21 posters and (d) national progression targets.","AnswerText":"In common with most other countries, the United Kingdom is not participating in these initiatives and at the formation of the Scottish Executive was not advised of these initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164128,"EventID":"S1W-27596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to modify its sustainable development policies in the light of the conclusions of the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to modify its sustainable development policies in the light of the conclusions of the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development.","AnswerText":"We are attending the World Summit on Sustainable Development to share experience and expertise on sustainable development, and intend to learn from the experience of others across the globe.

      We will consider any implications of the outcomes of the Summit for our sustainable development policies, as stated in paragraph 43 of Meeting the Needs..., which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20879).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164129,"EventID":"S1W-27597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages teaching about sustainable development in the school curriculum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it encourages teaching about sustainable development in the school curriculum.","AnswerText":"Guidance to education authorities and schools and the framework of national qualifications provide ample opportunities for teaching Sustainable Development at every level of the school curriculum. Under the School Improvement Framework, which monitors the delivery of the National Priorities in Education, a performance measure has been included for education authorities on the percentage of schools participating in the Eco-Schools Award or similar accredited environmental award. A number of initiatives have also been undertaken in conjunction with Learning and Teaching Scotland to assist education authorities and schools to promote environmental and sustainable development education. These include the learning support pack - Our World, Our Future and Living and Learning in a Time of Change - Starting Points for Teachers and School Management Teams. The new National Qualifications introduce a set of courses from Access to Advanced Higher within the subject area of Managing Environmental Resources. Learning and Teaching Scotland is involved in a partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage, World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Scotland, Eco-Schools, Scotland, Equal Schools Scotland, International Development Education Association of Scotland, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland, Scottish Civic Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Scotland in the sustainable secondary schools project to take forward a four-year initiative on education for sustainable development in secondary schools. Education for Sustainable Development is of course an important element of education for citizenship and officials are currently in discussion with Learning and Teaching Scotland about developing support for schools following the publication of Education for Citizenship in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164130,"EventID":"S1W-27598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce legislation to protect biodiversity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce legislation to protect biodiversity.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive plans to publish a draft Nature Conservation Bill by Easter 2003. The Executive is currently considering the detailed aspects of the bill in line with the proposals set out in the Nature of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164131,"EventID":"S1W-27599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve wetland conservation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve wetland conservation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue to improve wetland conservation, including the protection of Scotland's network of nationally and internationally important sites. There are some 1,447 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Scotland, many of which offer protection to areas of wetland. Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation designated under the EU Wild Birds and Habitats Directives and Ramsar sites listed under the International Convention on Wetlands contribute to the fulfilment of the United Kingdom's international obligations. On many of these sites, Scottish Natural Heritage provides support to owners and occupiers for continued protection and enhancement through its "Natural Care" programme, management agreements and various associated initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164132,"EventID":"S1W-27600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve flood management.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve flood management.","AnswerText":"The term flood management covers a broad range of activities, involving private and public interests. For the Executive's part, increased investment in measures to reduce flood risk in flood prone areas and commissioning of flood-related research continues. The Executive is also considering the need for further enhancement of the arrangements for disseminating flood risk and flood warning information following the successful introduction of Floodline last November.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164133,"EventID":"S1W-27601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has in the event that the current investigations find that the Glasgow housing stock transfer is in breach of EU law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans it has in the event that the current investigations find that the Glasgow housing stock transfer is in breach of EU law.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27555 on 13 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164134,"EventID":"S1W-27602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had about the Partners Against Railway Crime initiative and what resources are being made available to promote awareness of the dangers of railwa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had about the Partners Against Railway Crime initiative and what resources are being made available to promote awareness of the dangers of railway crime.","AnswerText":"Railway crime is a reserved matter. The Partners against Railway Crime campaign is funded by the UK rail industry. Whilst the Scottish Executive has no locus or powers to intervene, it has been invited by the rail industry to attend a number of railway crime events to raise public awareness of railway crime in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164135,"EventID":"S1W-27603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Strategic Rail Authority and what issues were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met the Strategic Rail Authority and what issues were discussed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Strategic Rail Authority on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164136,"EventID":"S1W-27604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to addressing the issue of railway crime within the school curriculum at both primary and secondary school level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to addressing the issue of railway crime within the school curriculum at both primary and secondary school level.","AnswerText":"There is scope for teachers to address the issue of crime, and where appropriate, railway crime, through a range of curriculum guidelines at both primary and secondary level. These are principally within the context of Personal and Social Development, and through specific programmes in Personal and Social Education. The Health Education guidelines also encourage awareness in relevant areas including personal and community safety as does the discussion paper Education for citizenship in Scotland.

      The British Transport Police make visits to schools to talk about railway safety issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164137,"EventID":"S1W-27605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to work in partnership with Her Majesty's Government, local authorities and other relevant bodies to promote safety across the rail network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to work in partnership with Her Majesty's Government, local authorities and other relevant bodies to promote safety across the rail network.","AnswerText":"Safety on the rail network is a reserved matter. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government, local authorities and other relevant bodies about a wide range of issues, including safety.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164138,"EventID":"S1W-27606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any disclosures made by Mr Peter McMahon to media in respect of the former First Minister constitute breaches of confidentiality; if so, which specific disclosure","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any disclosures made by Mr Peter McMahon to media in respect of the former First Minister constitute breaches of confidentiality; if so, which specific disclosures so constitute breaches of confidentiality; what the reasons are for not taking action against any such breaches; whether, had any such breaches been made by a former civil servant rather than by a former special adviser, it would have treated them differently, and, in particular, whether action would have been taken in such a case.","AnswerText":"The articles written by Peter McMahon commenting on events when he was a special adviser did not contain anything which involved a significant breach of his duties in respect of confidential government information. On that basis legal action could not be justified. Civil servants, including special advisers, are bound by a duty of confidentiality and legal action would be considered against any existing or former civil servant, including special advisers, where there was a significant breach of that duty.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164139,"EventID":"S1W-27607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether parent seagulls that make swooping attacks on people in order to protect their young constitute a danger to human safety; whether it will give advice to local au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether parent seagulls that make swooping attacks on people in order to protect their young constitute a danger to human safety; whether it will give advice to local authorities that action should be taken under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in order to reduce and seek to eliminate any such danger, and, in the light of the death of Mr Wilfred Roby reported in The Times on 6 July 2002, whether it will now take action in relation to any potential risk to human life.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage and other agencies already offer advice to local authorities on a variety of control measures which can be taken against seagulls, including measures under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

      In a situation where it is considered that attacks from seagulls pose a threat to human life, it is the responsibility of individual local authorities to decide upon the most appropriate course of action. Adequate powers to take the necessary steps are already available to local authorities as part of their environmental health responsibilities and this may include lethal control of seagulls.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164140,"EventID":"S1W-27608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmers have received an estimated total subsidy payment for food produce in excess of ?300,000 at current exchange rates in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmers have received an estimated total subsidy payment for food produce in excess of ?300,000 at current exchange rates in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"Available and comparable data indicate that the total number of farm businesses receiving over €300,000 in direct CAP subsidies for commodity food production in each year was as follows:

      Year

      Number of Farms

        

      1995 32

      32

      1996 32

      32

      1997 42

      42

      1998 59

      59

      1999 33

      33

      2000 34

      34

      2001 49

      49

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164141,"EventID":"S1W-27609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the circumstances under which primary schools should lose a teacher following a decrease in the school roll; whether such reductions in teacher comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the circumstances under which primary schools should lose a teacher following a decrease in the school roll; whether such reductions in teacher complement should not take effect over a period of one year but over a longer period, and what guidance it will give to local authorities on this matter.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the management of publicly funded schools, including the recruitment and deployment of teachers rests with individual local authorities. Within that responsibility it is a matter for local authorities to determine the most appropriate rate of change in staffing levels when a school roll declines. The Scottish Executive does not intend to issue guidance on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164142,"EventID":"S1W-27610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual budget will be for the first three years of operation of (a) the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and (b) the Cairngorms National Park.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual budget will be for the first three years of operation of (a) the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and (b) the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"The funding allocation for the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for the period 2002-03 is £4.8 million. The level of funding to be allocated in future years for National Parks in Scotland will be determined by the Executive as part of its future budgets review. The period covered in the forthcoming review runs from 2003-04 until 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164143,"EventID":"S1W-27611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by Her Majesty's Government about any impact of reclassifying cannabis on (a) education, (b) health, (c) social work, (d) police work and (e) the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was consulted by Her Majesty's Government about any impact of reclassifying cannabis on (a) education, (b) health, (c) social work, (d) police work and (e) the criminal prosecution system.","AnswerText":"The classification of drugs is a reserved matter. The Scottish Executive was informed by Her Majesty's Government of the proposal to reclassify cannabis and the consequences highlighted were fully considered. The Home Secretary's decision was based, in part, on a recommendation by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, on which Scottish interests are well represented. The Executive has issued a guide, which is also on the Know the Score website at: www.knowthescore.info, setting out the legal position in Scotland, the effects of cannabis and the health risks associated with its use.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164144,"EventID":"S1W-27612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it envisages will be released as a result of the reclassification of cannabis in respect of (a) the police, (b) the procurator fiscal service, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it envisages will be released as a result of the reclassification of cannabis in respect of (a) the police, (b) the procurator fiscal service, (c) the courts, (d) the Scottish Prison Service and (e) criminal justice social work services.","AnswerText":"While it is possible that the reclassification of cannabis will result in some redirection of resources, no estimates have been made of the impact on the different elements in the criminal justice system. The Executive and the criminal justice agencies in Scotland will continue to devote substantial effort and resources to tackling all aspects of drug misuse which cause harm to individuals and communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164145,"EventID":"S1W-27613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in drug treatment policy it plans in the light of the reclassification of cannabis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in drug treatment policy it plans in the light of the reclassification of cannabis.","AnswerText":"The Executive monitors drug use patterns and trends as part of its information strategy. A range of approaches to treatment is available and is kept constantly under review in the light of any new and relevant information. The Executive's recently-published Cannabis: Know the Score Guide, which can be accessed at www.knowthescore.info, emphasises that the drug can affect mental, as well as physical health and that people should be aware of the dangers, particularly anyone who has a mental illness.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164146,"EventID":"S1W-27614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to redirect any resources of the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency following the reclassification of cannabis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to redirect any resources of the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency following the reclassification of cannabis.","AnswerText":"No. The SDEA was established to drive and co-ordinate an enhanced multi-agency response to the threat from drug trafficking and other forms of serious and organised crime in Scotland. That threat still exists, particularly from Class A drugs, and for so long as it does the SDEA will continue to have a vital role.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164147,"EventID":"S1W-27615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its advice is to police forces on enforcing the law in respect of possession of cannabis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its advice is to police forces on enforcing the law in respect of possession of cannabis.","AnswerText":"In my statement accompanying the Home Secretary's announcement on 10 July 2002 that cannabis is to be reclassified from Class B to Class C in terms of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, I made clear that those who traffic in cannabis in Scotland should be in no doubt that they still run the risks of heavy fines or imprisonment. Those who are found in possession of cannabis will continue to be treated in the same way.

      All prosecutions in Scotland are of course at the instance of the Procurator Fiscal.

      The Scottish Police Service will continue to report alleged offences in respect of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to the Procurator Fiscal. However, Procurators Fiscal are not obliged to prosecute such cases and a variety of disposals is available.

      On the basis that procedures in Scotland will continue to operate largely as at present, no new guidance to the police is currently planned.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164148,"EventID":"S1W-27616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any new advice to judges on sentencing in the light of the reclassification of cannabis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any new advice to judges on sentencing in the light of the reclassification of cannabis.","AnswerText":"The Home Secretary proposed on 10 July that cannabis should be reclassified from a Class B to a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. If approved by the Westminster Parliament, this will reduce the maximum penalty for possession of cannabis from five years to two years imprisonment. The Home Secretary also proposed a 14-year maximum prison sentence for drug traffickers who deal in Class B or Class C drugs. The current maximum penalty for possession with intent to supply Class C drugs is five years in prison, compared with 14 years for Class B drugs. The Scottish Executive does not provide advice to judges on sentencing as the independence of the judiciary is a fundamental principle of the Scottish legal system. The role of the Scottish Executive is to ensure that the courts have an adequate range of penalties available to them.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164149,"EventID":"S1W-27617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is given to procurators fiscal with regard to the prosecution of those accused of possession of cannabis and whether any new advice on this matter will be gi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice is given to procurators fiscal with regard to the prosecution of those accused of possession of cannabis and whether any new advice on this matter will be given in the light of the reclassification of cannabis.","AnswerText":"The specific advice given to procurators fiscal with regard to the prosecution of such persons is confidential. The disclosure of such detailed guidance would be of assistance to those contemplating or involved in criminal actions.

      Cases involving the possession of cannabis will continue to be reported to procurators fiscal by the police. Procurators fiscal are not obliged to prosecute such persons and a variety of disposals are available.

      The relevant guidance has not been changed but will be kept under continuous review.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164150,"EventID":"S1W-27618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will change its drug strategy in the light of findings by the Effective Interventions Unit that school-based programmes are \"generally ineffective in reducing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will change its drug strategy in the light of findings by the Effective Interventions Unit that school-based programmes are \"generally ineffective in reducing drug use\".","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to change its drugs strategy. The research referred to was about young people who already have drug problems. As part of the research, an international literature review examined a range of school-based programmes that sought to reduce drug use in this group. There was some evidence that such programmes did reduce drug use but that certain approaches, e.g. skills development, building self-esteem and confidence, were more beneficial than others. Education, as part of a programme of treatment and care, can have successful results but the use of a purely educational approach was found to be generally ineffective in reducing drug use. The Effective Intervention Unit's (EIU) review did not examine drug education programmes in Scotland, nor did it examine the effectiveness of drug education generally. To follow up the research, the EIU will be working with the Lloyds TSB Foundation Partnership Drugs Initiative to develop a practical guide to the planning, designing and delivery of services for young people with drug problems.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164151,"EventID":"S1W-27619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve drug treatment services for young people in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve drug treatment services for young people in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has already taken a number of actions to improve drug treatment services for young people in rural areas. All areas are benefiting from increased drug treatment resources of £13.3 million for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04. In addition, funding of £18 million has been made available over the same period through the Changing Children's Services Fund for work with young people and families affected by drug misuse. Applications have now been approved and grants issued to all local authorities, both urban and rural. These include prevention and treatment facilities for the under 16s. The Executive has set a national standard for all Drug Action Teams (DATs) to ensure that drug users aged under 16 have access to drug treatment and care services which are in line with national guidance, by 2004. Achievement of the standard is being monitored through DAT annual Corporate Action Plans. Plans received to date demonstrate a wide range of new and expanded services for young people in rural areas, covering education, prevention and treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164152,"EventID":"S1W-27620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive how many police officers below the rank of inspector retired in each of the last three years and how many such officers (a) had completed 30 years or m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive how many police officers below the rank of inspector retired in each of the last three years and how many such officers (a) had completed 30 years or more service and (b) retired on grounds of ill health.","AnswerText":"Information on retirements by rank is not held centrally. The available information is shown in the following table:

      Year

      Total

      Retirements

      No. of Retirements with

      30 Years or More Service

      No. of Retirements on

      Ill Health Grounds

      1999-2000

      464

      130

      187

      2000-01

      461

      109

      198

      2001-02

      490

      105

      197

      Source: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's Annual Statistical Returns from forces for 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164153,"EventID":"S1W-27621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers who have retired in each of the last three years on grounds of ill health suffered from (a) stress or mental illness","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive Scottish Executive what percentage of police officers who have retired in each of the last three years on grounds of ill health suffered from (a) stress or mental illness, (b) injuries incurred while on duty and (c) physical injuries not caused as a result of assault or accident at work.","AnswerText":"Information on the reason for ill health retirements is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164154,"EventID":"S1W-27622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fines were recovered by civil diligence following the procedure under section 221 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995; what proportion this represents ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fines were recovered by civil diligence following the procedure under section 221 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995; what proportion this represents of the total number of all fines imposed; what the average value of fine recovered by civil diligence was following the procedure under section 221 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995; what the total value was of fines recovered under section 221 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, and what proportion this represents of the total value of all fines imposed, all in total and broken down by sheriff court in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information available is shown in the table. Information on the average and total value of fines recovered by civil diligence, and the proportion this represents of the total value of fines imposed, is not available.

      Number of Sheriff Court Fines Ordered for Recovery by Civil Diligence and Proportion This Represents of Total Fines Imposed1, 1999-2001

      Sheriff Court

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Number of Fines

      % of Total Fines Imposed

      Number of Fines

      % of Total Fines Imposed

      Number of Fines

      % of Total Fines Imposed

      Aberdeen

      3

      0.1

      2

      0.1

      0

      0

      Airdrie

      1

      0.1

      2

      0.2

      1

      0.1

      Alloa

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Arbroath

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Ayr

      1

      0.1

      1

      0.1

      0

      0

      Banff

      1

      0.3

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Campbeltown

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Cupar

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Dingwall

      		Meeting the Needs and Scotland's Renewable Energy Potential-Beyond 2010 and through the establishment of the Scottish Sustainable Development Forum, which had its first meeting in Dundee on 24 July.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164156,"EventID":"S1W-27624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it plans to set in respect of the reduction, composting and reuse of waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it plans to set in respect of the reduction, composting and reuse of waste.","AnswerText":"The Executive intends to set overall targets for waste reduction, recycling etc. as part of the National Waste Plan later this year. The levels of the targets will be informed by integration of the 11 draft Area Waste Plans that have been developed as part of the National Waste Strategy. This will ensure that the Best Practicable Environmental Option for dealing with waste in each area has been taken into account before targets are established.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164157,"EventID":"S1W-27625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the National Waste Strategy, whether waste may be moved from an area of poor recycling to an area of high recycling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the National Waste Strategy, whether waste may be moved from an area of poor recycling to an area of high recycling.","AnswerText":"There is no restriction on movement of waste from one area to another within the UK although the National Waste Strategy aims to establish the overall Best Practicable Environmental Option for dealing with waste.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164158,"EventID":"S1W-27626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the National Waste Strategy, what plans there are for best practice in waste management to be adopted nationwide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the National Waste Strategy, what plans there are for best practice in waste management to be adopted nationwide.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated £50.4 million, over three years, to the Strategic Waste Fund to assist local authorities in implementing the National Waste Strategy and ensuring that the Best Practicable Environmental Option is used for waste in Scotland. The Executive also intends, as part of the forthcoming Local Government Bill, to place duty on local authorities to prepare Integrated Waste Management Plans incorporating statutory targets set by the Executive. This will ensure standards are achieved.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164159,"EventID":"S1W-27627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the National Waste Strategy, whether local authorities will be allowed to take waste from outside Scotland and how the costs of dealing with any such impo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the National Waste Strategy, whether local authorities will be allowed to take waste from outside Scotland and how the costs of dealing with any such imported waste will be funded.","AnswerText":"It is generally illegal to import waste, for disposal, from outside the UK. However, waste operators, including local authorities which operate waste facilities, may accept waste from anywhere within the UK if they choose to do so, provided they remain within the terms of their licences. They will normally recover the treatment or disposal costs from the waste producer by making a charge for accepting the waste.

      Resources will be provided by the Executive to local authorities from the Strategic Waste Fund (SWF) to assist them in dealing more sustainably with the waste that they collect in their area. Funding from the SWF will only be granted to schemes that follow the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) as outlined in Area Waste Plans. The BPEO is arrived at through consideration of a number of factors including the principles of proximity and self-sufficiency.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164160,"EventID":"S1W-27628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the National Waste Strategy, what the deadline is for production of local area plans on waste development and what penalties will be imposed if such plans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the National Waste Strategy, what the deadline is for production of local area plans on waste development and what penalties will be imposed if such plans are not produced on time.","AnswerText":"Eleven draft Area Waste Plans have now been prepared and are publicly available on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website:

      (http://www.sepa.org.uk/nws/guidance/dawp.htm).

      These draft plans are currently being integrated to produce a National Waste Plan for Scotland. This should be available later in 2002. There are no specific deadlines or penalties for production of the Area Waste Plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164161,"EventID":"S1W-27629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the local area plans on waste development have reached.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what stage the local area plans on waste development have reached.","AnswerText":"Eleven draft Area Waste Plans have now been prepared and are publicly available on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website:

      (http://www.sepa.org.uk/nws/guidance/dawp.htm).

      The next stage is the integration of the 11 plans into a National Waste Plan (which should be available by the end of 2002) and finalising the Area Plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164162,"EventID":"S1W-27630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the Government's working group on non-gas areas in order to raise the issue of fuel poverty in Scotland's rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has had in the Government's working group on non-gas areas in order to raise the issue of fuel poverty in Scotland's rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was represented on the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Extending the Gas Network. The group's work was taken into account in the preparation of the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy, which was published last November, and will be considered further in the implementation of the Scottish Executive Fuel Poverty Statement which will be published shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164163,"EventID":"S1W-27631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority will have responsibility over car parks, public toilets, roadside viewing points and lay-bys and signag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority will have responsibility over car parks, public toilets, roadside viewing points and lay-bys and signage within the park boundaries.","AnswerText":"Discussions are presently taking place between the National Park Authority and the relevant local authorities to establish the allocation of responsibilities for these issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164164,"EventID":"S1W-27632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value of fiscal fines accepted as an alternative to prosecution under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 is presently outstanding, in total an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value of fiscal fines accepted as an alternative to prosecution under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 is presently outstanding, in total and broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The value of fiscal fines currently outstanding is not held centrally. Information on the value of fiscal fines outstanding is collected from district courts on an annual basis as at the end of the financial year. Data for the most recent year available (to March 2001) are included in the answer to question S1W-27633.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164165,"EventID":"S1W-27633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value of fiscal fines accepted as an alternative to prosecution under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 was outstanding on 31 March 1998, 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value of fiscal fines accepted as an alternative to prosecution under section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 was outstanding on 31 March 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, in total and broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"Fiscal fines are generally collected by the district courts and, as such, the information collated centrally and given in the following tables is by district court, rather than sheriff court. Information on the value of fiscal fines outstanding in Orkney and Shetland, where payment is made to the sheriff court, is not readily available from the information held centrally. Data for the year ending March 2002 are not yet available. Yearly totals for Scotland are not comparable due to data being unavailable for different courts in different years.

      Value (£) of Fiscal Fines Outstanding at Financial Year End

      District Court

      1997-98

      1998-991

      1999-20002

      2000-013

      Aberdeen City

      1,470

      7,238

      13,042

      5,562

      Aberdeenshire

      1,759

      4,230

      2,409

      2,682

      Angus

      2,142

      3,028

      3,120

      3,915

      Argyll and Bute

      N/A

      611

      635

      243

      Clackmannanshire

      2,370

      3,326

      2,374

      2,246

      Dumfries and Galloway

      4,875

      5,399

      10,109

      5,225

      Dundee City

      3,492

      3,532

      7,316

      4,106

      East Ayrshire

      1,475

      1,870

      2,047

      3,680

      East Dunbartonshire

      2,139

      3,571

      2,698

      11,514

      East Lothian

      631

      486

      247

      195

      East Renfrewshire

      		Value (£) of Fines Imposed by District Court Outstanding at Financial Year End

      District Court

      1997-981, 2

      1998-991, 3

      1999-20001, 4

      2000-015

      Aberdeen City

      172,968

      170,154

      146,067

      174,041

      Aberdeenshire

      111,548

      105,219

      88,310

      57,110

      Angus

      N/A

      61,063

      66,454

      78,960

      Argyll and Bute

      13,928

      18,591

      10,622

      15,440

      Clackmannanshire

      27,442

      24,969

      36,557

      25,060

      Dumfries and Galloway

      128,215

      91,070

      93,166

      73,779

      Dundee City

      108,800

      107,749

      141,223

      117,039

      East Ayrshire

      N/A

      N/A

      N/A

      26,698

      East Dunbartonshire

      23,055

      19,308

      17,353

      10,955

      East Lothian

      18,136

      23,076

      17,437

      20,690

      East Renfrewshire

      24,020

      9,688

      11,039

      689

      Edinburgh, City of

      176,926

      Outstanding Balance of Sheriff Court Fines as at 30 June 2002 (£)

      Sheriff Court

      Value

      Aberdeen

      468,396

      Airdrie

      384,830

      Alloa

      149,863

      Ayr

      261,201

      Arbroath

      101,428

      Banff

      58,199

      Campbeltown

      34,887

      Cupar

      45,121

      Dingwall

      60,718

      Dornoch

      30,231

      Dumbarton

      215,343

      Dumfries

      204,962

      Dundee

      367,576

      Dunfermline

      293,219

      Dunoon

      40,671

      Duns

      31,963

      Edinburgh

      1,576,620

      Elgin

      231,562

      Falkirk

      426,205

      Forfar

      63,843

      Fort William

      44,772

      Glasgow

      1,902,524

      Greenock

      228,094

      Haddington

      108,883

      Hamilton

      657,684

      Inverness

      203,717

      Jedburgh

      83,715

      Kilmarnock

      525,015

      Kirkcaldy

      311,172

      Kirkcudbright

      61,847

      Outstanding Balance of Sheriff Court Fines as at 31 March, 1998-2002 (£s)

      Sheriff Court

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002

      Aberdeen

      715,614

      534,258

      457,679

      431,656

      524,565

      Airdrie

      334,915

      314,660

      323,260

      340,399

      384,256

      Alloa

      83,285

      89,978

      79,996

      87,803

      97,113

      Arbroath

      132,193

      139,521

      120,398

      115,798

      112,063

      Ayr

      292,726

      249,424

      238,330

      254,193

      269,330

      Banff

      50,604

      57,301

      45,188

      77,973

      64,709

      Campbeltown

      49,700

      50,645

      44,944

      48,201

      30,907

      Cupar

      49,649

      40,063

      32,478

      45,203

      42,832

      Dingwall

      50,205

      67,616

      60,254

      55,253

      52,019

      Dornoch

      24,586

      20,671

      29,155

      27,508

      31,985

      Dumbarton

      241,210

      184,739

      216,123

      201,231

      212,324

      Dumfries

      229,539

      244,059

      213,127

      227,680

      200,722

      <","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164170,"EventID":"S1W-27638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the remarks made in the Sunday Times on 5 May 2002 attributed to Susan Stewart, First Secretary for Scottish Affairs in the British Embassy in Washington DC, refl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the remarks made in the Sunday Times on 5 May 2002 attributed to Susan Stewart, First Secretary for Scottish Affairs in the British Embassy in Washington DC, reflect its official policy pertaining to the Gaelic language.","AnswerText":"The newspaper article referred to does not comment on the Executive's policy on Gaelic.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164171,"EventID":"S1W-27639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Prime Minister's statement at Prime Minister's Questions, in respect of the abolition of tuition fees, that \"under the Scottish experiment, p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the Prime Minister's statement at Prime Minister's Questions, in respect of the abolition of tuition fees, that \"under the Scottish experiment, people do pay in the end - indeed, everyone pays.\" (Official Report, House of Commons, 10 July 2002; Vol 388, c 877) and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Tuition fees have been abolished for all eligible Scottish domiciled and EU students undertaking a full-time course of higher education in Scotland. These arrangements were introduced in academic year 2000-01.

      The Graduate Endowment scheme was introduced as part of the new student support arrangements from academic year 2001-02. Under this scheme, graduates will make a payment in recognition of the higher education benefits they received while they were students. These benefits include the financial support paid to the student towards his/her living costs and the public funding paid by the Executive to higher education institutions.

      The Graduate Endowment arrangements are distinct from the free tuition which has been available to eligible students in Scotland since academic year 2000-01. Unlike tuition fees, the endowment does not involve any payment during the course in exchange for access to provision and is set at a flat rate for all liable graduates regardless of the duration of their course of study. If the Graduate Endowment had simply replaced tuition fees, all students eligible for free tuition would also be liable for the Endowment. Around 50% of students will, in fact, be exempt from liability.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164172,"EventID":"S1W-27640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5139 by Hugh Henry on 9 May 2002, whether the Deputy Minister for Social Justice was able to assess outstanding planning applicatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5139 by Hugh Henry on 9 May 2002, whether the Deputy Minister for Social Justice was able to assess outstanding planning applications in Ayrshire within the timescale of 11 to 12 May given in the answer.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1O-5139 indicated that I would consider various planning applications throughout Ayrshire. I should make it clear these were not outstanding applications. Rather they were permissions for previous retail planning applications, many of which were granted prior to the issue of National Planning Policy Guidelines relating to retailing developments. Whilst that information has been assessed, other matters require to be given further consideration before a final decision can be made.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164173,"EventID":"S1W-27641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion there has been with Public Private Partnership bidders for the A77 upgrade with respect to the provision of a business retail park in north Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussion there has been with Public Private Partnership bidders for the A77 upgrade with respect to the provision of a business retail park in north Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any discussions with the Public Private Partnership bidders for the A77 upgrade with respect to any development in north Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164174,"EventID":"S1W-27642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will now confirm to Ayr United Football Club its consent for a new stadium at Heathfield as recommended by the public inquiry reporters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will now confirm to Ayr United Football Club its consent for a new stadium at Heathfield as recommended by the public inquiry reporters.","AnswerText":"The matter is still being considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164175,"EventID":"S1W-27643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the economic impact of any delay to the new air traffic control centre at Prestwick and, in par","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding the economic impact of any delay to the new air traffic control centre at Prestwick and, in particular, to seek an assurance that any discussions Her Majesty's Government has with European bodies on the Single European Sky Project will not result in any delay or jeopardy to the new air traffic control centre at Prestwick.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government about a wide range of matters including the issue of the New Scottish Centre (NSC) at Prestwick. The Executive supports the UK Government's commitment to the NSC and is keen for the project to be delivered as soon as it is feasible. The timetable will not be affected by the current negotiations on the Single Sky proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164176,"EventID":"S1W-27644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26614 by Mr Frank McAveety on 2 July 2002, whether guidance issued to local authorities on 8 December 1999, in addition to confirmi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26614 by Mr Frank McAveety on 2 July 2002, whether guidance issued to local authorities on 8 December 1999, in addition to confirming that community care plans should be used to report on the use of resources, also requires local authorities to consult local carers' organisations on the use of these resources and how this aspect of the Carers' Strategy is being monitored.","AnswerText":"The requirement that local authorities consult local carers' organisations on the use of the resources ear-marked under the Carers Strategy is set out in the strategy itself. This requirement was re-conveyed to local authorities in guidance issued by the Scottish Executive on 8 December 1999 and 27 April 2000. Community Care plans submitted to the Executive by local authorities should be accompanied by a letter from local carers' groups to indicate whether effective and meaningful consultation has taken place on spending proposals under the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164177,"EventID":"S1W-27645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26613 by Mr Frank McAveety on 2 July 2002, whether local outcome agreements with individual councils are already in place, giving t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26613 by Mr Frank McAveety on 2 July 2002, whether local outcome agreements with individual councils are already in place, giving the position for each local authority.","AnswerText":"We are progressing towards having agreements in place by 30 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164178,"EventID":"S1W-27646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, whether any monies indicated as underspends have been (a) reallocated to other projects","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, whether any monies indicated as underspends have been (a) reallocated to other projects or priorities or (b) re-absorbed into central funds.","AnswerText":"The underspends within the Social Inclusion Partnerships programme of £2.2 million in 1999-2000 and £2.6 million in 2000-01 were subject to the End Year Flexibility arrangements, resulting in a carry forward within the partnerships programme of £1.5 million and £2.1 million respectively. Information on underspends in 2001-02 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164179,"EventID":"S1W-27647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, how the spending of social inclusion partnerships is monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, how the spending of social inclusion partnerships is monitored.","AnswerText":"The spending of Social Inclusion Partnerships is monitored by Communities Scotland, based upon quarterly financial returns submitted by grant recipients (usually local authorities) and annual reports made by each Social Inclusion Partnership.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164180,"EventID":"S1W-27648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, what auditing procedures it has put in place in respect of social inclusion partnership","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, what auditing procedures it has put in place in respect of social inclusion partnership accounts.","AnswerText":"Social Inclusion Partnership Fund grant expenditure is audited at a number of levels. At project level the accounts are subject to an annual audit by a qualified accountant. Where the council is the nominated partner, the council's management is responsible for ensuring that its systems for handling grant and accounting for it are sound. These systems may be subject to scrutiny by the council's internal auditors. Non-local authority nominated partners are responsible for ensuring that their systems for handling grant and accounting for it are sound and for ensuring that their final grant claim is audited by professionally qualified external auditors. At the partnership level, partnerships' final claims are periodically certified by auditors appointed by Audit Scotland. The role of these external auditors is to ensure that expenditure is properly accounted for and used for the intended purposes.

      Communities Scotland is currently undertaking a review of financial procedures and practices in relation to the social inclusion partnership programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164181,"EventID":"S1W-27649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, what auditing system it used to gather the information for that answer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, what auditing system it used to gather the information for that answer.","AnswerText":"The information provided in the answer given to question S1W-24724 was derived from a dedicated database of Social Inclusion Partnership budget allocations and expenditure. Subsequently, Finance staff in Communities Scotland discovered through routine checks as part of an overall review of procedures that there were a number of administrative errors in the database. The corrected figures have been advised to the member, the Parliament's Reference Centre and the Official Report.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164182,"EventID":"S1W-27650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, how the underspend or overspend was calculated in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, how the underspend or overspend was calculated in each case.","AnswerText":"The underspend or the overspend reported in the answer given to question S1W-24724 was calculated by comparing the budget allocation with the outcome expenditure recorded for each Social Inclusion Partnership in a dedicated database of budget allocations and expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164183,"EventID":"S1W-27651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any estimate of the increase in visitors' spending which may result should the Inverness Highland bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any estimate of the increase in visitors' spending which may result should the Inverness Highland bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2008 be successful.","AnswerText":"The assessment of economic implications associated with the bid by Inverness Highland to become European Capital of Culture 2008 was obtained by the team developing the bid, and is reproduced in their application document. It estimates that, should the bid be successful, this may result in additional visitor spend for 2008 of over £230 million (at 2000 prices).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164184,"EventID":"S1W-27652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a new Children's Science Centre should be established within the Highlands and, if so, what work requires to be done in order to investigate the feasibility of su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a new Children's Science Centre should be established within the Highlands and, if so, what work requires to be done in order to investigate the feasibility of such an initiative; whether there will be a feasibility plan and, if so, whether the Highland Council will be responsible for arranging the plan, and what the cost would be and whether the Scottish Executive would fund the cost.","AnswerText":"Questions relating to any proposed new science centre would be an issue for those making the proposal. The Executive has no plans to provide funding for any new science centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164185,"EventID":"S1W-27653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of each prison's performance in relation to each of the ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of each prison's performance in relation to each of the targets referred to.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23085).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164186,"EventID":"S1W-27654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, what is meant in each case where the standard set is said to have been partially achieved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, what is meant in each case where the standard set is said to have been partially achieved.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      That, while progress has been made in working to achieve all aspects of the standard, the requirements of the standard have not been fully met.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164187,"EventID":"S1W-27655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial or other penalties have been incurred by Medacs under its contract to supply general practitioners to the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last thre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial or other penalties have been incurred by Medacs under its contract to supply general practitioners to the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      November 2000 to March 2001

      £2,400

      April 2001 to March 2002

      £17,550

      April 2002 to September 2002

      £1,700

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164188,"EventID":"S1W-27656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which targets in the report Standards of Health Care of Prisoners were not met by health care providers in each of the last three years, broken down by provider and pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which targets in the report Standards of Health Care of Prisoners were not met by health care providers in each of the last three years, broken down by provider and prison, where such data is available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164189,"EventID":"S1W-27657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the increase in the prescription of Ritalin to children in the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to address the increase in the prescription of Ritalin to children in the last five years.","AnswerText":"The decision on whether or not to prescribe a drug for a patient is always a matter for the clinical judgement of the patient's doctor, informed by advice and guidance about the drug. In the case of methylphenidate hydrochloride for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), this would include the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Guideline 52 on ADHD and the advice issued by the National institute for Clinical Excellence in October 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164190,"EventID":"S1W-27658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate research carried out in the United States of America concerning the drug Mecli'ine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate research carried out in the United States of America concerning the drug Mecli'ine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to investigate research carried out in the United States of America concerning the drug Meclozine.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164191,"EventID":"S1W-27659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out any medical trials involving the use of the drug Mecli'ine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out any medical trials involving the use of the drug Mecli'ine.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to carry out any medical trials involving the use of the drug Meclozine.

      Information on conducting clinical trials can be found on the Medicines Control Agency website www.mca.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164192,"EventID":"S1W-27660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the original answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, why the information given in that answer was incorrect.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the original answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, why the information given in that answer was incorrect.","AnswerText":"The information given was incorrect as it was drawn from a dedicated database which was subsequently discovered to contain a number of administrative errors. The errors were identified by finance staff in Communities Scotland through routine checks as part of an overall review of financial procedures and practices in relation to the Social Inclusion Partnership Programme. The errors were in relation to the recording and interpretation of data.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164193,"EventID":"S1W-27661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to address the finding in Epilepsy - death in the shadows - National Sentinel Clinical Audit of Epilepsy-Related Death that 91% of the post-mortem invest","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to address the finding in Epilepsy - death in the shadows - National Sentinel Clinical Audit of Epilepsy-Related Death that 91% of the post-mortem investigations surveyed in Scotland were inadequate.","AnswerText":"The audit identified deficiencies in the recording of causes of death. There was no criticism of the actual examination process in Scotland, which with Northern Ireland was compared favourably to England and Wales. The Scottish Executive Health Department's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Aileen Keel, has written to the Scottish Council of the Royal College of Pathologists about the findings of the audit and will be meeting them in September to discuss the matter further.

      The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland is developing clinical standards for post-mortem and organ retention. Though these standards were not prompted by the audit they will cover the whole hospital post-mortem process and will apply to any hospital post-mortem examination carried out following an epilepsy-related death.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164194,"EventID":"S1W-27662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, whether the monies indicated as underspends remain available for each social inclusion ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24724 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 May 2002, whether the monies indicated as underspends remain available for each social inclusion partnership to spend and, if so, whether it expects the monies in each case to be spent in the financial year 2002-03 in addition to the monies allocated to each partnership for that year.","AnswerText":"The underspends in the social inclusion partnership programme are subject to the End Year Flexibility arrangements. Within these constraints and subject to confirmation that the carry forward of expenditure is required, the underspends remain available for each social inclusion partnership to spend in the following year as an increment to its budget. Underspend information for 2001-02 is not yet available pending the finalisation of grant claims.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164195,"EventID":"S1W-27663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses are currently employed by the NHS in Scotland, broken down by gender and SRN, SEN, RMN or other qualification.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses are currently employed by the NHS in Scotland, broken down by gender and SRN, SEN, RMN or other qualification.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of nurses currently employed by the NHS in Scotland, broken down by gender, level of qualification (and specialty) is available in table E7 on the ISD website:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164196,"EventID":"S1W-27664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses were in training in the NHS in Scotland in each of the years from 1997 to 2002 for SRN, SEN, RMN or other qualifications, broken down by gender and year o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses were in training in the NHS in Scotland in each of the years from 1997 to 2002 for SRN, SEN, RMN or other qualifications, broken down by gender and year of study.","AnswerText":"The available information is set out in the following tables. The information requested is not available by year of study and is not yet published for 2001-02. Nurse education now leads to registration and there are no courses for training to enrolled nurse level.

      Pre-registration training

      Year (to 31 March)

      Male

      Female

      Total

      1996-97

      934

      5,813

      6,747

      1997-98

      916

      6,143

      7,059

      1998-99

      930

      6,453

      7,383

      1999-2000

      908

      6,692

      7,600

      2000-01

      983

      7,045

      8,028

      Midwifery

      Year (to 31 March)

      Male

      Female

      Total

      1996-97

      1

      594

      595

      1997-98

      3

      581

      584

      1998-99

      1

      599

      600

      1999-2000

      2

      607

      609

      2000-01

      2

      604

      606

      Post-registration training

      Year (to 31 March)

      Male

      Female

      Total

      1996-97

      55

      571

      626

      1997-98

      69

      674

      743

      1998-99

      107

      1,301

      1,408

      1999-2000

      137

      1,604

      1,741

      2000-01

      167

      1,601

      1,768

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164197,"EventID":"S1W-27665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses currently employed by the NHS in Scotland will reach their normal retirement age in each year from 2003 to 2012, broken down by gender and SRN, SEN, RMN ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses currently employed by the NHS in Scotland will reach their normal retirement age in each year from 2003 to 2012, broken down by gender and SRN, SEN, RMN or other qualification.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of nurses currently employed by the NHS in Scotland, broken down by level of qualification and gender due to reach their normal retirement age from 2003 to 2012, assuming that the normal retirement age is 60 for females and 65 for males.
       

      All Nursing and Midwifery Staff 1,2

      Senior Nurse Managers 3

      Qualified 4

      Unqualified 4

      Year

      Females due to be 60

      Males due to be 65

      Females due to be 60

      Males due to be 65

      Females due to be 60

      Males due to be 65

      Females due to be 60

      Males due to be 65

      2002

      699

      13

      1

      -

      318

      3

      380

      10

      2003

      773

      18

      1

      -

      376

      4

      396

      14

      2004

      916

      15

      2

      -

      430

      6

      484

      9

      2005

      890

      19

      1

      -

      447

      9

      442

      10

      2006

      1,063

      26

      1

      -

      543

      13

      519

      13

      2007

      1,506

      42

      4

      -

      781

      17

      721

      25

      2008

      1308

      41

      4

      2

      726

      17

      578

      22

      2009

      1,344

      46

      1

      -

      		http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm

      Table A7 shows the breakdown of all staff by staff group and gender.

      Table G1 shows the breakdown of medical and dental staff by grade and ethnic origin.

      Table G4 shows the breakdown of non-medical and dental staff by ethnic origin and staff group.

      Information on staff currently employed by the NHS in Scotland broken down by disability is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164199,"EventID":"S1W-27667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the staff currently employed by the Forestry Commission by gender, ethnic origin, disability and grade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the staff currently employed by the Forestry Commission by gender, ethnic origin, disability and grade.","AnswerText":"The breakdown is given in the following table.

      Grade

      Gender

      Ethnic Origin

      Disabled

       

      Male

      Female

      White

      Chinese

      Other

      Male

      Female

      Senior Staff Group 3

      1

      -

      1

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Senior Staff Group 2

      2

      -

      2

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Senior Staff Group 1a

      2

      -

      2

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Senior Staff Group 1

      10

      1

      11

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Payband 1

      7

      -

      7

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Payband 2

      46

      6

      52

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Payband 3

      48

      17

      65

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Payband 3 Operational

      25

      4

      29

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Payband 4

      64

      40

      104

      -

      -

      1

      -

      Payband 4 Operational

      47

      4

      51

      -

      -

      1

      -

      Payband ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164200,"EventID":"S1W-27668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the staff it currently employs by gender, ethnic origin, disability and grade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the staff it currently employs by gender, ethnic origin, disability and grade.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive Core Departments Staffing Information (headcounts) as at 1 July 2002 by gender, ethnic origin, disability, and grade is provided in the table.

      Gender

      Total

      Male

      Female

      Number of staff

      4,361

      2,207

      2,154

      Ethnic Origin

      Total

      White

      Minority Ethnic

      Not Known

      Number of staff

      4,361

      3,373

      53

      935

      Disability

      Total

      No declared disability

      Self declared disability

      Number of staff

      4,361

      4,236

      125

      Grade

      Total

      SCS

      Band C

      Band B

      Band A

      Other

      Number of staff

      4,361

      		The information requested is contained in the following tables:

      Gender

      Male

      3,641

      Female

      970

      Ethnic Origin

      Asian and White

      2

      Black African

      1

      Chinese

      1

      Indian

      2

      Other

      2

      Pakistani

      3

      White

      4,521

      Not submitted

      79

      Disability

      Disabled

      112

      Disabled not Registered

      10

      Not Disabled

      4,156

      Not Submitted

      333

      Grade

      A

      54

      B

      194

      C

      321

      C+

      1,079

      D

      331

      D+

      1,777

      E

      117

      E+

      420

      F

      102

      F+

      78

      G

      82

      H

      32

      I

      9

      Career Break

      3

      Senior Civil Servants

      6

      Scottish Executive

      6

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164202,"EventID":"S1W-27670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of staff currently employed by local government by gender, ethnic origin, disability and grade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of staff currently employed by local government by gender, ethnic origin, disability and grade.","AnswerText":"The information requested is a matter for local authorities. Information on the total number of staff employed by local government, broken down by ethnic origin and disability, is not held centrally.

      The most recently published information relating to the number of staff employed by local government, analysed by gender, is given in the Joint Staffing Watch Survey: June 2001, published jointly by the Scottish Executive and COSLA on August 1 2002. Table 1 provides information on the number of full-time and part-time staff by gender. Table 4 also provides information on the number of full-time equivalent staff by salary band, excluding teachers, police and fire service staff, who are not paid on the local government pay scale. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22828), and on the Scottish Executive Internet site: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/localgov/jswj-00.asp.

      Further information on teachers, police and fire service staff is available from other sources.

      For information on police, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27671.

      Information on teacher numbers is given in the 2001 School Census, published by the Scottish Executive on 20 June 2002. Table 6 provides information on the number of full-time equivalent staff by grade. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22064), and on the Scottish Executive internet site: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00168-05.asp.

      Information on fire service staff is given in Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services for Scotland Report for 2000-2001, published by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services. Paragraph 215 shows the number of staff employed by gender and ethnicity, and Appendix 2 shows the number of staff employed by grade. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17095), and on the Scottish Executive internet site:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/justice/hmcif_report_2001.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164203,"EventID":"S1W-27671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of staff currently employed by police forces by gender, ethnic origin, disability and grade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of staff currently employed by police forces by gender, ethnic origin, disability and grade.","AnswerText":"A breakdown of police officers and of staff currently employed by police forces, by gender, ethnic minority and grade is shown in the following tables. Information on ethnic origin and disability is not held centrally.

      Police Officers
       

      CC

      ACC

      Supt

      Chief Inspector

      Inspector

      Force

      M

      F

      M

      F

      M

      F

      M

      F

      EM

      EF

      M

      F

      EM

      EF

      Central

      1

      0

      1

      0

      9

      0

      14

      1

      0

      0

      40

      2

      0

      0

      D&G

      1

      0

      1

      0

      7

      0

      7

      0

      0

      0

      21

      2

      0

      0

      Fife

      1

      0

      4

      0

      14

      0

      13

      1

      0

      0

      36

      1

      0

      0

      Grampian

      1

      0

      2

      0

      17

      1

      20

      0

      0

      0

      84

      3

      0

      0

      L&B

      1

      0

      3

      0

      29

      3

      40

      3

      1

      0

      132

      9

      1

      Grade1

      M

      F

      Ethnic Origin2

      Disability6

      White

      Asian3

      Black4

      Other5

      Not indicated

      CE

      1

      -

      1

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Director

      1

      4

      5

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      7

      8

      4

      9

      -

      -

      -

      3

      -

      6

      26

      19

      39

      -

      -

      -

      6

      1

      5

      31

      30

      48

      -

      -

      -

      13

      1

      4

      57

      43

      84

      -

      -

      1

      15

      1

      Year

      Gender

      Ethnic Origin

      Disabled

      Total

      Male

      Female

      White

      Chinese

      Other

      Male

      Female

      		 

      1997

      34

      65

      99

      -

      -

      -

      -

      99

      1998

      52

      79

      131

      -

      -

      -

      -

      131

      1999

      65

      59

      107

      1

      1

      -

      1

      109

      2000

      66

      		 

      133

      1

      -

      -

      -

      134

      2001

      		  

      164

      -

      -

      2

      -

      164

      2002

      52

      69

      101

      -

      1

      -

      -

      102

      Total

      98

      2

      2

      2

      1

      Note: Figures include permanent, fixed term and casual staff recruitments. Part-time staff are counted as 1.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164208,"EventID":"S1W-27676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff it recruited in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff it recruited in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive aims to recruit staff from a diverse background and experience, and successful applicants are selected on the basis of the ability to do the job. Whilst information on the ethnic background and disability of all applicants is collected for monitoring purposes, applicants are under no obligation to provide such information.

      Recruitment is undertaken to fill vacancies arising within Scottish Executive core departments, as well as some agencies and other associated departments. The figures provided in the table include all recruitment activity undertaken by the Scottish Executive.

      Recruitment by the Scottish Executive: 1999 to 2002

      Year

      Total

      Male

      Female

      Ethnic Minority

      Persons with a Disability

      1999

      851

      440

      411

      6

      19

      2000

      761

      395

      366

      12

      29

      2001

      627

      295

      332

      24

      36

      20021

      155

      68

      87

      3

      5

      Notes:

      1. Information up to 25 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164209,"EventID":"S1W-27677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were recruited by the Scottish Prison Service in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were recruited by the Scottish Prison Service in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      This information is available in SPS Annual Reports, which have been laid before Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164210,"EventID":"S1W-27678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were recruited by local government in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were recruited by local government in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","AnswerText":"The information requested is a matter for local authorities. Information on the total number of staff recruited by local government is not held centrally. However, further information on police and fire service staff is available.

      For information on police, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27679.

      Information on fire service staff is given in Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services for Scotland Report for 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, published by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services. Appendix 3 shows the number of whole-time staff recruited, by gender. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 12522 and 17095), and on the Scottish Executive Internet site: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/law/firerepp00.asp and http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/justice/hmcif_report_2001.pdf.

      Further information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164211,"EventID":"S1W-27679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were recruited by police forces in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were recruited by police forces in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","AnswerText":"The numbers of staff recruited by police forces in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender and ethnic minority are shown in the following tables. Figures on ethnic origin and disability are not held centrally. No recruitment information is held for support staff for 1997-98 and 1998-99, and there is no breakdown available for ethnic minority support staff for 1999-2000.

      1997-98

      Police Officers

      Force

      White

      Ethnic Minority

      Overall

      Male

      Female

      Male

      Female

      Total

      Central

      36

      12

      1

      0

      49

      Dumfries and Galloway

      27

      12

      0

      0

      39

      Fife

      43

      22

      0

      0

      65

      Grampian

      64

      21

      0

      0

      85

      Lothian and Borders

      52

      26

      2

      0

      80

      Northern

      26

      8

      1

      0

      35

      Strathclyde

      200

      139

      3

      1

      343

      Tayside

      52

      22

      1

      0

      75

      Total

      500

      262

      8

      1

      771

      1998-99

      Police Officers

      Force

      White

      Ethnic Minority

      Overall

      Male

      Female

      Male

      Female

      Total

      Central

      30

      5

      0

      0

      35

      Dumfries and Galloway

      Year

      Total

      Sex

      Ethnic Origin1

      Disability5

      M

      F

      White

      Asian2

      Black3

      Other4

      Not Indicated

      1999

      237

      139

      98

      210

      1

      1

      25

      6

      2000

      101

      60

      41

      83

      1

      1

      1

      15

      1

      2001

      77

      41

      36

      72

      -

      -

      -

      5

      -

      2002

      44

      23

      21

      41

      -

      -

      1

      2

      -

      Notes:

      1. As defined in the Census (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2000.

      2. Refers to Asian Indian, Asian Pakistani, Asian Bangladeshi, Asian Chinese or other Asian background.

      3. Refers to Black Caribbean, Black African or other black background.

      4. Where a candidate has indicated either an unspecified ethnic origin or unspecified mixed origin.

      5. Refers to applicants who indicated on their application form that they have a disability whether or not it falls under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164213,"EventID":"S1W-27681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were recruited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff were recruited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in each year from 1997 to 2002, broken down by gender, ethnic origin and disability.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. I will ask the Chairman to write with the details requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164214,"EventID":"S1W-27682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it has in relation to criminal investigations by the police of fraud relating to tribunals operating in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies it has in relation to criminal investigations by the police of fraud relating to tribunals operating in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive expects that any fraud relating to tribunals involving potential criminal activity would be reported to the police. It would be a matter for the appropriate police force to decide whether to pursue a criminal investigation and what form any investigation should take.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164215,"EventID":"S1W-27683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to adopt similar proposals to those made in the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions' planning Green Paper, Planning: Delivering a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to adopt similar proposals to those made in the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions' planning Green Paper, Planning: Delivering a Fundamental Change.","AnswerText":"In Scotland the Executive's work to modernise the planning system has already made progress on a number of issues included in the English Planning Green Paper. Much of what is proposed will be delivered in Scotland through the outcomes of the Review of Strategic Planning and Getting Involved in Planning consultation exercises. These changes include: simplification of the system by removing the blanket requirement for structure plans; improving public participation in planning, and replacing National Planning Policy Guidelines (NPPGs) with Scottish Planning Policies (SPPs) which will be more concise and have a more explicit policy content.

      We also propose to consult on streamlining inquiries this year and are currently considering the scope for improvements to the enforcement system.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164216,"EventID":"S1W-27685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26231 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2002, what the implications of the amended Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26231 by Ms Margaret Curran on 6 June 2002, what the implications of the amended Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill are for its devolved responsibilities.","AnswerText":"The Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill was adjourned at the committee report and Third Reading stage in the House of Commons on 19 July and our understanding is that no time has currently been allocated for that adjournment. There are, therefore, at present no implications for the Scottish Executive's devolved responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164217,"EventID":"S1W-27686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26834 by Ms Margaret Curran on 11 July 2002, what the devolved matters are which may be affected by the implementation of the Housi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26834 by Ms Margaret Curran on 11 July 2002, what the devolved matters are which may be affected by the implementation of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27685.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164218,"EventID":"S1W-27687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26834 by Ms Margaret Curran on 11 July 2002, whether the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill as amended in the House of C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26834 by Ms Margaret Curran on 11 July 2002, whether the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill as amended in the House of Commons Standing Committee B will be consistent with the approach taken in Scotland to any devolved matters which may be affected by the implementation of the bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27685.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164219,"EventID":"S1W-27688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any organisations external to it, including professional bodies and interest groups, have requested to meet Ministers to discuss the devolved implications of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any organisations external to it, including professional bodies and interest groups, have requested to meet Ministers to discuss the devolved implications of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill and, if so, how many such meetings have taken place or are scheduled to take place.","AnswerText":"In June the Scottish branch of the Chartered Institute of Housing requested a meeting to discuss the devolved implications of the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill, providing a detailed summary of their concerns about the bill. Given the UK Government was considering possible amendments to this bill, I did not feel that a meeting at that time was appropriate.

      No other organisations have sought a meeting for the purpose stated.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164220,"EventID":"S1W-27689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the comments made by Malcolm Wicks MP in the House of Commons Standing Committee B on 11 July 2002 (afternoon), (Official Report, House of Commons, Standing C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the comments made by Malcolm Wicks MP in the House of Commons Standing Committee B on 11 July 2002 (afternoon), (Official Report, House of Commons, Standing Committee B, c 101), whether the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill as amended in the House of Commons Standing Committee B will \"mesh\" with the Executive's strategy on antisocial behaviour.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27685.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164221,"EventID":"S1W-27690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the comments made by Malcolm Wicks MP in the House of Commons Standing Committee B on 11 July 2002 (afternoon), (Official Report, House of Commons, Standing C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the comments made by Malcolm Wicks MP in the House of Commons Standing Committee B on 11 July 2002 (afternoon), (Official Report, House of Commons, Standing Committee B, c 101), whether the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill as amended in the House of Commons Standing Committee B will (a) act as a deterrent to antisocial behaviour and (b) lead to an increase in evictions for rent arrears.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27685.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164222,"EventID":"S1W-27691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations made in the final report of the Homelessness Task Force, as supported by the Parliament, will form the basis of the Homelessness Bill when it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations made in the final report of the Homelessness Task Force, as supported by the Parliament, will form the basis of the Homelessness Bill when it is introduced.","AnswerText":"The Homelessness Bill will be based on the legislative recommendations contained in the final report of the Homelessness Task Force. The proposals to be taken forward in the bill were the subject of a recent Scottish Executive consultation exercise.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164223,"EventID":"S1W-27692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to propose legislation to ensure that its strategy on antisocial behaviour \"meshes\" with the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to propose legislation to ensure that its strategy on antisocial behaviour \"meshes\" with the Housing Benefit (Withholding of Payment) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27685.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164224,"EventID":"S1W-27693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it would have on social justice should Her Majesty's Government legislate so that benefits entitlement is linked to behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact it would have on social justice should Her Majesty's Government legislate so that benefits entitlement is linked to behaviour.","AnswerText":"Entitlement to benefits is a matter reserved to the UK Government. Alongside the UK government, the Executive is committed to creating a fair and prosperous Scotland, and each administration has wide linked measures in place to improve social justice.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164225,"EventID":"S1W-27694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24451 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 26 April 2002, what the timescale will be for consideration of increasing training grants to Alcohol ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24451 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 26 April 2002, what the timescale will be for consideration of increasing training grants to Alcohol Focus Scotland to meet the increased demand for counsellors arising from its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems.","AnswerText":"All applications for training grants under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 for funding in the financial year 2003-04 are to be received by 30 September 2002. Alcohol Focus Scotland will be advised of the outcome by 31 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164226,"EventID":"S1W-27695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether active consideration is being given as part of the spending review to allocating increased funding to implement its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether active consideration is being given as part of the spending review to allocating increased funding to implement its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems.","AnswerText":"Consideration is being given to funding a range of initiatives as part of the spending review, the outcome of which will be announced later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164227,"EventID":"S1W-27696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is already in place to ensure implementation of its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is already in place to ensure implementation of its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems.","AnswerText":"We are providing new resources centrally to implement the Plan for Action's early priorities. This includes £1.5 million for a national alcohol problems communications strategy, increased funding to Alcohol Action Teams (AATs) of £1 million and £250,000 to develop a national alcohol information resource. AATs are currently examining how existing spending on alcohol problems can be redesigned to help implement the plan locally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164228,"EventID":"S1W-27697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that three year funding arrangements are in place for local councils on alcohol in order that delivery of its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems is s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that three year funding arrangements are in place for local councils on alcohol in order that delivery of its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems is secured.","AnswerText":"The Executive is already committed to providing a stable funding environment for the voluntary sector including three-year funding for our own direct support. The Executive's wider Strategic Funding Review will be looking closely at funding of the sector by all public bodies. The Executive recently issued an accountability framework to inform local Alcohol Action Teams (AATs) of what should be in their three-year plans. The framework generally requires security of three-year funding to be passed on to all voluntary sector agencies undertaking work in the AAT area.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164229,"EventID":"S1W-27698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase, or encourage an increase of, funding for local councils on alcohol to ensure that delivery of its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems is secured","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase, or encourage an increase of, funding for local councils on alcohol to ensure that delivery of its Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems is secured.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the valuable contribution made by voluntary sector organisations, including Local Councils on Alcohol, in providing services and in other action in the plan. The Executive is providing core funding of £175,000 in 2002-03 for Alcohol Focus Scotland, the national umbrella body for local councils. The provision of local services, however, is a matter for local funding bodies to determine, in the light of local needs and available resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164230,"EventID":"S1W-27699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to designate more of Scotland's beaches as bathing beaches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to designate more of Scotland's beaches as bathing beaches.","AnswerText":"The European Commission has announced that it intends to revise the Bathing Waters Directive (76/160/EEC) but the proposals have not yet been published. Until the potential impact of the new directive can be assessed, it would be unwise to identify more bathing waters.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164231,"EventID":"S1W-27700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the revised European Directive on Bathing Waters will have and what action will be required by the Executive to meet its terms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the revised European Directive on Bathing Waters will have and what action will be required by the Executive to meet its terms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27699.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164232,"EventID":"S1W-27701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment is already committed and planned to improve the quality of Scotland's beaches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment is already committed and planned to improve the quality of Scotland's beaches.","AnswerText":"During the period 1996-2002, the Scottish water authorities spent £407.5 million on coastal sewerage and wastewater treatment. Over the period 2002-06 Scottish Water is planning to spend £427.4 million on sewerage and sewage treatment, of which £50.9 million will be used to make improvements at bathing and other, non-identified, recreational and coastal waters.

      On 10 July 2002 the Scottish Executive announced £3 million investment to facilitate improvements in bathing waters standards where agricultural practices are a major contributor to pollution. £550,000 to be spent on litter initiatives through Keep Scotland Beautiful was announced on the same day, which will also benefit Scotland's beaches.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164233,"EventID":"S1W-27702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where responsibility lies for the erection of signage on beaches advising members of the public of bathing quality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where responsibility lies for the erection of signage on beaches advising members of the public of bathing quality.","AnswerText":"There is no statutory requirement on any party to erect signage on beaches advising of bathing water quality. However, under section 121(9) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 a local authority may place notices on beaches to advise the public as to any danger or health hazard connected with those waters. A local authority may also erect signs on beaches to advise members of the public of bathing water quality, at its own discretion. The Scottish Executive has not issued guidance on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164234,"EventID":"S1W-27703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued guidance to local authorities on the erection of signage on beaches advising members of the public of bathing quality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued guidance to local authorities on the erection of signage on beaches advising members of the public of bathing quality.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27702.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164235,"EventID":"S1W-27704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it has the power to compel local authorities to erect signage on beaches advising members of the public of bathing quality, given some of the pot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it has the power to compel local authorities to erect signage on beaches advising members of the public of bathing quality, given some of the potential health ha'ards associated with poor water quality.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27702.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164236,"EventID":"S1W-27705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any other agency measures incidents of illness caused by bathing at beaches where there is poor water quality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any other agency measures incidents of illness caused by bathing at beaches where there is poor water quality.","AnswerText":"The total number of incidents of illness caused by bathing at waters where there is poor water quality is not identifiable from centrally collected information. ISD Scotland (the Information and Statistics Division of the NHS) can identify cases where illness is caused by certain related factors, but do not routinely monitor these detailed statistics. It appears, however, that such incidents are extremely uncommon.

      The Environment Agency has carried out theoretical risk calculations for all UK bathing waters, based on a methodology developed by the World Health Organisation, and reported data for the presence of faecal indicator organisms. If the World Health Organisation methodology is correct, this work would give estimates of the occurrence of illness given particular levels of water quality and use. No systematic record of the use of Scottish bathing waters is, however, kept.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164237,"EventID":"S1W-27706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities should provide full information on water quality for beaches in their area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities should provide full information on water quality for beaches in their area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27702.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164238,"EventID":"S1W-27707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to the maximum payment of subsidies under the common agricultural policy; whether such payment should be restricted to 300,000 euros and, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to the maximum payment of subsidies under the common agricultural policy; whether such payment should be restricted to 300,000 euros and, if not, what that sum should be.","AnswerText":"We welcome the general direction of the Commission's proposals for reform of the CAP, which is consistent with the Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture.

      However, any proposal to limit the maximum amount payable to individual farm businesses may act as a constraint on the future development of those businesses which have grown through being efficient and competitive. It is our policy to encourage farmers to be more efficient, not to penalise them for it.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164239,"EventID":"S1W-27708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there should be a minimum sum payable under the common agricultural policy by way of subsidies to any one farm unit and, if so, what that amount should be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there should be a minimum sum payable under the common agricultural policy by way of subsidies to any one farm unit and, if so, what that amount should be.","AnswerText":"We are currently evaluating the Commission's proposals for reform of the CAP, but I am not aware of any suggestion that there should be an automatic minimum payment available to individual farm businesses.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164240,"EventID":"S1W-27709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on (a) the policy of modulation under the common agricultural policy and (b) the proposal by Fran' Fischler of the EU Commission that there should be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on (a) the policy of modulation under the common agricultural policy and (b) the proposal by Fran' Fischler of the EU Commission that there should be a further modulation of 20% and (c) what it considers should be the maximum percentage modulated each year.","AnswerText":"The Executive agreed to introduce modulation up to a maximum of 4.5% on the basis of matched funding from HM Treasury which aids rural development measures and, in turn, helps secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture. However, it is too soon to comment on the recent commission proposals to introduce compulsory modulation at a set rate across the EU. It is only one of a wide range of common agricultural policy changes being proposed, and much of the detail is still unclear but the industry steering group that I recently announced will have the opportunity to discuss issues arising from the proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164241,"EventID":"S1W-27710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Waiting Times Unit will monitor waiting times and lists for dental treatment and recommend actions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Waiting Times Unit will monitor waiting times and lists for dental treatment and recommend actions.","AnswerText":"Most dental treatment is provided in the community by General Dental Practitioners. The National Waiting Times Unit has no plans to monitor waiting times for access to such services. However, the unit is working with NHSScotland to reduce lengthy waits for out-patient appointments and for hospital treatment in all specialties, including secondary dental services.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164242,"EventID":"S1W-27711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the prior approval limit for dental treatment of #270 in order to bring it in line with the limit for the rest of the United Kingdom ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the prior approval limit for dental treatment of #270 in order to bring it in line with the limit for the rest of the United Kingdom at #375.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no current plans to increase the prior approval limit in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164243,"EventID":"S1W-27712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to increase the provision of secondary dental services, orthodontics and oral surgery at the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, in order to reduce wai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to increase the provision of secondary dental services, orthodontics and oral surgery at the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, in order to reduce waiting times elsewhere in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The planning and provision of secondary dental services, orthodontics and oral surgery at the Queen Margaret Hospital are matters for NHS Fife.

      The National Waiting Times Unit is working with NHSScotland to ensure better and more effective use is made of NHS capacity for the benefit of patients across Scotland. A key priority for the unit is to help reduce lengthy waits for out-patient appointments and for hospital treatment in all specialties, including secondary dental services.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164244,"EventID":"S1W-27713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recommended waiting time is for medical examinations of victims of crime, including rape.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recommended waiting time is for medical examinations of victims of crime, including rape.","AnswerText":"Current guidance states that the police should arrange for a medical examination of a victim of crime with all possible speed. The provision of police surgeons is an operational matter for chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164245,"EventID":"S1W-27714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all police forces have in place sufficient police surgeons to attend to victims of crime timeously.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all police forces have in place sufficient police surgeons to attend to victims of crime timeously.","AnswerText":"The provision of police surgeons to attend to victims of crime is an operational matter for chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164246,"EventID":"S1W-27715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of payment fees for police surgeons to (a) attend to victims of crime and (b) compile forensic evidence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of payment fees for police surgeons to (a) attend to victims of crime and (b) compile forensic evidence.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Police surgeons volunteer their services and are remunerated in accordance with local arrangements made with the respective police authorities and joint police boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164247,"EventID":"S1W-27716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26780 by Hugh Henry on 11 July 2002, how many vacancies there were at 30 June 2002 in the Inverclyde Social Inclusion Partnership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26780 by Hugh Henry on 11 July 2002, how many vacancies there were at 30 June 2002 in the Inverclyde Social Inclusion Partnership.","AnswerText":"The number of vacancies in the support team for Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership at 30 June 2002 was seven.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164248,"EventID":"S1W-27717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26780 by Hugh Henry on 11 July 2002, whether it has assessed the impact of high staff turnover on the Inverclyde Social Inclusion P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26780 by Hugh Henry on 11 July 2002, whether it has assessed the impact of high staff turnover on the Inverclyde Social Inclusion Partnership.","AnswerText":"No formal assessment of the impact of staff turnover on Inverclyde Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) has been carried out by either the Scottish Executive or Communities Scotland, who now manage the SIP programme.

      Following concerns expressed by partners on the SIP board on staffing and other issues, officials from Communities Scotland did however attend the SIP board meeting on 16 July to establish the extent to which the SIP is addressing these issues.

      The support team was one of the items on the agenda. We are satisfied steps have now been taken to appoint staff and note that the SIP hopes to have the support team up to full complement soon.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164249,"EventID":"S1W-27718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26780, whether the turnover of staff in the Inverclyde Social Inclusion Partnership is below or above the national average for such","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26780, whether the turnover of staff in the Inverclyde Social Inclusion Partnership is below or above the national average for such organisations.","AnswerText":"No information on staff turnover within Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) is currently held within either Communities Scotland or the Scottish Executive. Given the complexity of different support arrangements in SIPs across Scotland it would be difficult to obtain accurate comparative information on this subject.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164250,"EventID":"S1W-27719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24669 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 April 2002, how the rule of ownership of boundary divisions on an ad medium filum basis, which rule d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24669 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 April 2002, how the rule of ownership of boundary divisions on an ad medium filum basis, which rule derives from a theoretical concept of inaedificatum cedit solo, can be ascribed on any common sense grounds to floors and ceilings where these form the divisions in terraced and flatted houses.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24572 on 23 April 2002, which confirmed the Executive's view that the law on boundary walls is satisfactory and repeated the offer made in my letter to the member of 11 March this year to meet to discuss her concerns.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164251,"EventID":"S1W-27720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail disciplinary offences committed in HM Prisons Perth, Barlinnie, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Greenock, Glenochil and Kilmarnock for the last thr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail disciplinary offences committed in HM Prisons Perth, Barlinnie, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Greenock, Glenochil and Kilmarnock for the last three years broken down for individual offences in the same way as in Appendix 6 of the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23024).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164252,"EventID":"S1W-27721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 November 2001, whether it will give a breakdown of the table in Appendix 7 to the Scottish Prison Serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 November 2001, whether it will give a breakdown of the table in Appendix 7 to the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts 2000-01 and the table in Appendix 6 of the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts 2001-02 on \"breaches of discipline committed and punishments awarded in establishments \" to show how many times disciplinary action was taken against prisoners in each prison, including HM Prison Kilmarnock, in 2000-01 and 2001-02. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. numbers 23025 and 23026.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164253,"EventID":"S1W-27722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a review of the Home Loss Payments established under the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973 will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a review of the Home Loss Payments established under the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1973 will take place.","AnswerText":"As the Minister for Social Justice explained in her letter of 11 July 2002, we are considering this issue. We do not have a firm timetable for review at present.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164254,"EventID":"S1W-27723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the release on bail of prisoners convicted of serious crimes including violence while their appeals against conviction are pending.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the release on bail of prisoners convicted of serious crimes including violence while their appeals against conviction are pending.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no power to review the grant of bail to convicted persons pending the determination of their appeal and it would be inappropriate to seek such powers. Only the High Court has the power to grant bail in these circumstances and to recall any such grant of bail.

      The High Court may grant bail on the application of a convicted person if it thinks fit. However, it cannot grant a convicted person bail unless, in the absence of written grounds of appeal, the application for bail states reasons why bail should be granted and sets out proposed grounds of appeal, and the High Court considers that there are exceptional circumstances to justify granting bail.

      We have no plans at present to review the High Court's powers in this respect.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164255,"EventID":"S1W-27724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the appeal process for persons who have been convicted is satisfactory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the appeal process for persons who have been convicted is satisfactory.","AnswerText":"The rights of appeal by a convicted person against his conviction or sentence are long standing and have evolved over the years into the system in operation today. They afford any person convicted of an offence by a court of first instance the opportunity to appeal to the High Court of Justiciary, sitting as an appeal court, usually subject to the granting of leave to appeal. These arrangements are generally satisfactory.

      The High Court of Justiciary recently issued a consultation paper proposing the introduction of amended procedures in criminal appeals to deal with certain causes of delay and inefficiency causing the High Court concern. These measures are now to be introduced by primary and secondary legislation as appropriate. I welcome this initiative of the High Court which should improve the effectiveness of the appeal process.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164256,"EventID":"S1W-27725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received in regard to any concerns about the release of convicted prisoners where appeals are pending.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received in regard to any concerns about the release of convicted prisoners where appeals are pending.","AnswerText":"Since 1 April 2000, 10 letters have been received from one Member of Parliament, four Members of the Scottish Parliament and five members of the public expressing concern about the release of an appellant pending the determination of his appeal in five specific appeal cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164257,"EventID":"S1W-27726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements the Scottish Prison Service has made for providing Halal, Kosher or other religiously prescribed foods for prisoners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements the Scottish Prison Service has made for providing Halal, Kosher or other religiously prescribed foods for prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

      Special diets are made available from within all prison kitchens where necessary with the exception of the Orthodox Jewish diet, which requires separate kitchens for dairy and meat products where suitable meals are purchased externally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164258,"EventID":"S1W-27727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were held in all prisons, broken down by religious affiliation, on the most recent date since 1 April 2001 for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were held in all prisons, broken down by religious affiliation, on the most recent date since 1 April 2001 for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The following are the figures as at 22 July 2002.

      Baptist 2

      Buddhist 4

      Christian 90

      Church of England 66

      Church of Scotland 2,831

      Episcopalian 5

      Hindu 4

      Jehovah Witness 7

      Muslim 44

      None 1,464

      Other 57

      Roman Catholic 1,797

      Sikh 2

      Null 93

      Total 6,466","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164259,"EventID":"S1W-27728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has made for responding to requests made on ethical or moral grounds from prisoners held in prisons managed by the SPS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has made for responding to requests made on ethical or moral grounds from prisoners held in prisons managed by the SPS or the privately operated prison for vegetarian, vegan or other special diets.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27726.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164260,"EventID":"S1W-27729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many canteens, restaurants or other similar facilities on its and its agencies' premises regularly provide hot prepared meals for staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many canteens, restaurants or other similar facilities on its and its agencies' premises regularly provide hot prepared meals for staff.","AnswerText":"The following table sets out the number of staff restaurants/canteens regularly providing hot food for staff. All of these facilities are able to provide Halal, Kosher, vegetarian, vegan or other special diet meals, when given notice of such requirement.

      Organisation

      Facilities providing hot food

      Able to provide Halal etc meals when notice is given

      Scottish Executive

      4

      4

      Historic Scotland

      1

      1

      Scottish Agricultural Science Agency

      1

      1

      Scottish Prison Service

      6

      6

      Scottish Courts Service

      6

      6

      Registers of Scotland Executive Agency

      2

      2

      Students Awards Agency

      1

      1

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164261,"EventID":"S1W-27730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its and its agencies' canteens, restaurants or similar facilities can provide Halal, Kosher, vegetarian, vegan or other special diet meals when given notice o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its and its agencies' canteens, restaurants or similar facilities can provide Halal, Kosher, vegetarian, vegan or other special diet meals when given notice of any such requirement.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27729.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164262,"EventID":"S1W-27731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the arrangements made by the Scottish Prison Service for feeding prisoners differ in any respect between those on remand and those convicted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the arrangements made by the Scottish Prison Service for feeding prisoners differ in any respect between those on remand and those convicted.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

      Arrangements for providing meals vary among prisons and parts of prisons according to the physical characteristics of the establishments and operational requirements but these variations do not normally relate to whether or not prisoners are on remand. The main difference for remands is in those prisons which operate pre-selected menus which are not generally suitable for remands who may be away to court or released by the time the pre-selected meals are served, leading to high food wastage.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164263,"EventID":"S1W-27732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide substantive answers to questions S1W-24637, S1W-24733 and S1W-25240 relating to prisons for which holding replies were provided on 25 April, 1 May an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide substantive answers to questions S1W-24637, S1W-24733 and S1W-25240 relating to prisons for which holding replies were provided on 25 April, 1 May and 3 May 2002 respectively.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      S1W-24733 and 25240 were answered on 22 July 2002. S1W-24637 was answered on 6 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164264,"EventID":"S1W-27733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Netherlands government made any payment to it when the buildings comprising HM Prison Zeist were returned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Netherlands government made any payment to it when the buildings comprising HM Prison Zeist were returned.","AnswerText":"No. At the time of the return of Kamp Van Zeist to the Dutch Government in April this year, the Scottish Executive paid the Dutch Government £1 million dilapidation costs - this represents half of the total decommissioning costs, with the other 50% being met by the Dutch Government. It should be noted that the site was provided totally free of charge by the Dutch Government for the entire duration of the Scottish occupation of Kamp Van Zeist - no rent or rates were levied. We are very grateful to the Dutch Government for their co-operation and the help and assistance they provided during this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164265,"EventID":"S1W-27734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any fixtures, fittings and equipment were removed from the buildings comprising HM Prison Zeist for reuse by the Scottish Prison Service prior to their return to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any fixtures, fittings and equipment were removed from the buildings comprising HM Prison Zeist for reuse by the Scottish Prison Service prior to their return to the Netherlands government.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164266,"EventID":"S1W-27735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service design standards for cellblocks were applied to HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service design standards for cellblocks were applied to HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. The HM Prison Kilmarnock design was evaluated against SPS defined criteria relating to the output service specification for the new prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164267,"EventID":"S1W-27736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service design standards for cellblocks were taken into account in costing the buildings for new private prisons in the Scottish Prison Servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service design standards for cellblocks were taken into account in costing the buildings for new private prisons in the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, detailing the reasons behind its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"No. The Scottish Prison Service does not have such design standards nor would these be relevant to a private build private operate model.

      As stated in section 3.1 of the Financial Review of Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, the base case assumption for the Private Build Private Operate model was that the service specification for any new prisons would be based upon HMP Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164268,"EventID":"S1W-27737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the contract management section of the Finance and Business Services Directorate in the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last three financial y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the contract management section of the Finance and Business Services Directorate in the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The total cost of the section was not separately calculated but is estimated to have been less than £100,000 a year in the years in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164269,"EventID":"S1W-27738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what occasions performance reviews were carried out for the HM Prison Kilmarnock contract and what the results were of any such reviews.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what occasions performance reviews were carried out for the HM Prison Kilmarnock contract and what the results were of any such reviews.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Performance measures are specified in the published contract between SPS and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited. Performance against these measures is recorded on a daily basis. The results were published in the answer given to question S1W-25569.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164270,"EventID":"S1W-27739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what objectives and risks were identified and what control strategy was determined for each significant risk at the risk management workshop mentioned at (iv) on page 47 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what objectives and risks were identified and what control strategy was determined for each significant risk at the risk management workshop mentioned at (iv) on page 47 of the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Risk Management Workshop referred to in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts (2001-02) is part of our on-going work to improve governance, risk management and internal controls within the SPS.

      The workshop paved the way for the development of a confidential Risk Register and response plan to help the SPS as a law enforcement agency to better identify key security, operational, corporate and business continuity risks in order to manage them more effectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164271,"EventID":"S1W-27740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints by prisoners there were in 2001-02, broken down by reason for the complaint and prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints by prisoners there were in 2001-02, broken down by reason for the complaint and prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      This information is not available in the form requested. The current arrangements for collecting data on prisoners' complaints is outlined at page 21 of the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report & Accounts for 2001-02, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22587).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164272,"EventID":"S1W-27741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21189 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002, what the cost of social work services has been in (a) HM Prison Edinburgh, (b) HM Young","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21189 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002, what the cost of social work services has been in (a) HM Prison Edinburgh, (b) HM Young Offenders Institution Glenochil, (c) HM Young Offenders Institution Dumfries and (d) HM Young Offenders Institution Polmont in 2001-02 and 2002-03 to the present date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      £000

      (a) 2001-02 268

      (b) 2001-02 247

      (c) 2001-02   30

      (d) 2001-02 180

      Note: Accurate figures for the current year are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164273,"EventID":"S1W-27742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total staff complement, (b) current number of staff in post, and (c) average number of staff required for prisoner escorts has been for each prison for each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total staff complement, (b) current number of staff in post, and (c) average number of staff required for prisoner escorts has been for each prison for each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The readily available information is as follows:

      SPS Establishment

      1 April

      1999-2000

      1 April

      2000-01

      1 April

      2001-02

      (a)

      (b)

      (a)

      (b)

      (a)

      (b)

      Aberdeen

      163

      165

      164

      159

      164

      162

      Barlinnie

      604

      582

      606

      584

      589

      603

      Castle Huntly

      73

      83

      72

      70

      69

      70

      Cornton Vale

      247

      246

      247

      239

      256

      278

      Dumfries

      160

      164

      160

      158

      154

      155

      Edinburgh

      478

      462

      478

      450

      468

      473

      Glenochil

      474

      466

      474

      470

      474

      467

      Greenock

      184

      183

      186

      186

      189

      198

      Inverness

      109

      110

      110

      107

      112

      113

      Low Moss

      165

      156

      168

      172","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164274,"EventID":"S1W-27743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in regard to the new houseblock for HM Young Offenders Institute Polmont, (a) how many prisoner places it will have, (b) what additional facilities are to be included, (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in regard to the new houseblock for HM Young Offenders Institute Polmont, (a) how many prisoner places it will have, (b) what additional facilities are to be included, (c) what the expected cost is, (d) what the expected completion date is and (e) whether any delay in completion is expected.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      (a) 215

      (b) Prisoner programme rooms, health care facilities, prison officer stations, showers, serveries, and laundry facilities.

      (c) £17 million.

      (d) Spring 2003.

      (e) No.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164275,"EventID":"S1W-27744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action it is taking to promote corporate social responsibility to businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action it is taking to promote corporate social responsibility to businesses.","AnswerText":"We are in discussion with Scottish Business in the Community on how best to promote corporate social responsibility to business, and in particular how the small and medium-sized enterprise sector is best assisted in developing a commitment to corporate social responsibility.

      We have provided funding for a small piece of research, which has been concluded, mapping current activity on social responsibility in Scotland in the private, public and voluntary sector.

      The results have been published by AGENDA and distributed to those who took part in the research or have shown an interest in the issue. The results can also be accessed on their website:

      www.agenda-scotland.org

      No research has been commissioned looking specifically at the benefits of corporate social responsibility to the business sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164276,"EventID":"S1W-27745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will assist the small- and medium-si'ed enterprise sector in developing a commitment to corporate social responsibility and, if so, how.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will assist the small- and medium-si'ed enterprise sector in developing a commitment to corporate social responsibility and, if so, how.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27744.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164277,"EventID":"S1W-27746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned and published research on the benefits of corporate social responsibility to the business sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned and published research on the benefits of corporate social responsibility to the business sector.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27744.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164278,"EventID":"S1W-27747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide input to Her Majesty's Government's response to the European Commission's White Paper on Corporate Social Responsibility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide input to Her Majesty's Government's response to the European Commission's White Paper on Corporate Social Responsibility.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues and does intend to input to the UK Government's response to the European Commission's White Paper on Corporate Social Responsibility.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164279,"EventID":"S1W-27748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will build consideration of corporate social responsibility into its procurement policy and processes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will build consideration of corporate social responsibility into its procurement policy and processes.","AnswerText":"Those bidding for Executive contracts are assessed on their suitability and capacity to fulfil the particular requirement. This should include consideration of whether or not the bidder has complied with its legal obligations and whether it has committed any acts of misconduct in the conduct of its business. Where a bidder's approach to corporate social responsibility is directly relevant, either to its suitability or its capacity to fulfil the particular requirement then that may be taken into account in the procurement process.

      The Executive has published guidance (at www.scotland.gov.uk/procurement) for both purchasers and suppliers in respect of sustainable development in porcurement, as part of the Greening Government initiative.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164280,"EventID":"S1W-27749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it measures the benefits achieved from policy and action on corporate social responsibility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it measures the benefits achieved from policy and action on corporate social responsibility.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to do so at present.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164281,"EventID":"S1W-27750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the random mandatory drug testing results were for prisons broken down by (a) type of drug including cannabis, ben'odia'epines, opiates, methadone, LSD, amphetamines","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the random mandatory drug testing results were for prisons broken down by (a) type of drug including cannabis, ben'odia'epines, opiates, methadone, LSD, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine and temgesic, (b) headline and underlying figures, (c) month and (d) prison for 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Readily available information on MDT test results are published annually in the Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland annual bulletin. The figures for 2000-01 are at table 110 in the 2001 report (Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2001, Information and Statistics Division, 2002).

      The figures for 2001-02 will be published in the next annual bulletin.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164282,"EventID":"S1W-27751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to help the construction industry improve its productivity, competitiveness and value for clients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to help the construction industry improve its productivity, competitiveness and value for clients.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the principles of Rethinking Construction as a means of delivering best practice and improvements in the construction industry. Scottish Enterprise have agreed to lead a Rethinking Construction initiative, in consultation with Communities Scotland and other stakeholders, using their established clusters approach. Central to this initiative is the creation of a Core Industry Group supported by a wider Rethinking Construction Panel.

      The Executive has provided £39,500 to fund a secondee for 12 months until the end of September 2002 as part of a knowledge management project called Pulling Together Scotland. As a result, a website has been established to provide information on Rethinking Construction best practice activities in Scotland, assisting the industry and its stakeholders to share information and work in a more joined-up manner.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164283,"EventID":"S1W-27752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the establishment of a Rethinking Construction Centre in line with the actions of other devolved governments in Wales and Northern Ireland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the establishment of a Rethinking Construction Centre in line with the actions of other devolved governments in Wales and Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the principles of Rethinking Construction as a means of delivering best practice and improvements in the construction industry. Scottish Enterprise have agreed to lead a Rethinking Construction initiative, in consultation with Communities Scotland and other stakeholders, using their established clusters approach. Central to this initiative will be the creation of a Core Industry Group supported by a wider Rethinking Construction Panel.

      My officials have kept in touch with developments in the rest of the UK, including the recent establishment of Rethinking Construction Centres. Should the Core Industry Group take the view that a Centre is an effective approach to progressing Rethinking Construction in Scotland, the Executive would consider the options.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164284,"EventID":"S1W-27753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to Construction Best Practice Clubs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is providing to Construction Best Practice Clubs.","AnswerText":"The Construction Best Practice Programme is a key part of Rethinking Construction and works to find the most efficient ways of distributing the innovations and best practice captured by the Demonstration Projects Programme and Best Practice Clubs.

      The Scottish Executive supports the principles of Rethinking Construction as a means of delivering best practice and improvements in the construction industry. Scottish Enterprise has agreed to lead a Rethinking Construction initiative. In addition, the Executive supports and promotes best practice through the funding of Pulling Together Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164285,"EventID":"S1W-27754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to embed the principles of the Rethinking Construction Initiative in housing investment in the socially rented sector, the schools PPP programme ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to embed the principles of the Rethinking Construction Initiative in housing investment in the socially rented sector, the schools PPP programme and the planning and building standards framework.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the principles of Rethinking Construction as a means of delivering best practice and improvements in the construction industry and seeks, where possible, to embed Rethinking Construction principles into policy and implementation.

      Communities Scotland is introducing new policies and procedures for Registered Social Landlords in order to embed the principles of Rethinking Construction. The object is to secure an improved and cost-effective service from the construction industry for the benefit of tenants.

      The Public Private Partnership (PPP) process encourages innovation through consortium working to secure effective delivery of projects. The councils participating in the schools PPP programme will be given training and guidance specific to PPP. However, it is a matter for PPP service contractors to decide whether to apply the principles of Rethinking Construction to building procurement within individual school building programmes.

      We have embarked on a wide-ranging modernisation of the planning system. A number of the initiatives, in particular the recently announced reforms of development planning and the Executive's commitment to higher design standards, support the aims of Rethinking Construction.

      The modernising of the building control system, which will follow from the proposed Building Bill, will respond to several aspects of the Rethinking Construction initiative, including leadership, focus on the customer, and an integrated team to increase productivity and predictability.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164286,"EventID":"S1W-27755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the potential savings in public procurement projects are that can be achieved by applying the key improvement targets, identified by Sir John Egan, which form the co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the potential savings in public procurement projects are that can be achieved by applying the key improvement targets, identified by Sir John Egan, which form the core of the Rethinking Construction Initiative.","AnswerText":"The potential savings identified by Sir John Egan in the Rethinking Construction report are a 20% reduction in accidents and defects, and a 10% reduction in capital costs and construction time. The report also highlights a potential 10% increase in productivity, turnover and profits for contractors.

      The Scottish Executive supports the principles of Rethinking Construction as a means of delivering best practice and improvements in the construction industry. Scottish Enterprise will lead a Rethinking Construction initiative in consultation with Communities Scotland and other stakeholders, using their established clusters approach. Central to this initiative is the creation of a Core Industry Group supported by a wider Rethinking Construction Panel.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164287,"EventID":"S1W-27756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received from individual respondents to its consultation on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received from individual respondents to its consultation on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"A total of 129 responses to the consultation were received, of which 92 were from individuals.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164288,"EventID":"S1W-27757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received from respondents to its consultation on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review with postal addresses in the Strathkelvin and Bears","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it has received from respondents to its consultation on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review with postal addresses in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency and of these responses how many expressed support (a) for the establishment of a new-build prison at the site of HM Prison Low Moss or (b) for an increase in the accommodation capacity for higher security category prisoners at the site of HM Prison Low Moss.","AnswerText":"The information held by the Scottish Executive about respondents to the Prison Estates Review consultation is contained in the document Consultation Responses - Alphabetic Overview of the responses to the Scottish Executive Consultation on the Future of the Scottish Prison Estate, published by the Executive on 26 July 2002. A copy of that document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22959). That document includes the postal addresses of respondents where that information was supplied. In some cases, particularly where responses were provided by e-mail, respondents did not give their postal addresses.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164289,"EventID":"S1W-27758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27087 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July 2002, whether it will list by title each official document relating to guidelines and legislatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27087 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July 2002, whether it will list by title each official document relating to guidelines and legislation it has sent to each police force in the last three years, excluding e-mails, letters and circulars.","AnswerText":"Official documents sent to forces, relating to guidelines and legislation, would normally be covered by a letter or circular. As stated in the reply to the earlier question, there is no central monitoring of exchanges between the Executive and police forces and to put such a process in place would be unduly bureaucratic and costly.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164290,"EventID":"S1W-27759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to making provision to bring persons acquitted of serious criminal charges before a second trial where compelling new evidence has become ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to making provision to bring persons acquitted of serious criminal charges before a second trial where compelling new evidence has become available after such an acquittal.","AnswerText":"We have no immediate plans to consider making such provision in Scotland.

      We have, however, noted the proposal in the UK Government's recently published White Paper, Justice for All, to reform the rule of double jeopardy so that an acquitted defendant can be tried again for the same offence. We shall monitor developments relating to this particular proposal.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164291,"EventID":"S1W-27760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to providing increased discretionary powers for sheriffs and judges to admit evidence of previous convictions of accused persons in solemn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to providing increased discretionary powers for sheriffs and judges to admit evidence of previous convictions of accused persons in solemn and summary criminal cases.","AnswerText":"We have no immediate plans to consider providing such powers generally to sheriffs and judges. The Sexual Offences (Procedures & Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2002 will, however, create a presumption, in sexual offences cases, in favour of disclosure of an accused's previous conviction for such offences, in the event that the accused makes a successful application to lead evidence about the sexual history or character of the complainer.

      We have noted the proposal in the UK Government's recently published White Paper Justice for All to allow judges to decide whether previous convictions are sufficiently relevant to the case, bearing in mind the prejudicial effect, to be heard by the jury and for the jury to decide what weight should be given to that information in all the circumstances of the case. We shall follow developments relating to this particular proposal with interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164292,"EventID":"S1W-27761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on codifying the law and practice relating to the admissibility of evidence in (a) criminal cases and (b) civil cases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on codifying the law and practice relating to the admissibility of evidence in (a) criminal cases and (b) civil cases.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans to codify the law or practice relating to the admissibility of evidence.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164293,"EventID":"S1W-27762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward consideration of the recommendations arising from HM Treasury's cross-cutting review of the voluntary sector due to report at the end of Ju","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward consideration of the recommendations arising from HM Treasury's cross-cutting review of the voluntary sector due to report at the end of July 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently considering the recommendations arising from HM Treasury's cross-cutting review of the voluntary sector and how this will impact on the work being undertaken by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164294,"EventID":"S1W-27763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a direct fund for voluntary sector organisations to help them overcome barriers to effective service delivery and modernise their infrastr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to establish a direct fund for voluntary sector organisations to help them overcome barriers to effective service delivery and modernise their infrastructure for the long term.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not currently have any plans to establish a new direct fund for voluntary sector organisations.

      However, the Executive is of course fully committed to assisting the voluntary sector. The Executive's direct support for the voluntary sector now stands at record levels and has increased year on year since 1998-99. We are also committed to modernising the funding framework for the voluntary sector and this is being considered as part of our on-going work on funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164295,"EventID":"S1W-27764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to refresh the Compact with the voluntary sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to refresh the Compact with the voluntary sector.","AnswerText":"We are currently in the process of developing an agenda to re-vitalise the Compact and its Good Practice Guides. A Compact Review Group was set up in November 2000, comprising Executive and voluntary sector officials to monitor implementation of the Compact and report to Scottish ministers. The last report on the Compact was published and debated in the Scottish Parliament on 26 September 2001. The review group has now been re-established to ensure the outcomes of the 2001 report are implemented. This group had its first meeting on 3 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164296,"EventID":"S1W-27765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to use the formula consequentials arising from the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement on 15 July 2002 that funding for the Active Communities Unit wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to use the formula consequentials arising from the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement on 15 July 2002 that funding for the Active Communities Unit will be increased from #35 million to #65 million by 2005-06 and a direct fund of #125 million will be established for voluntary sector organisations to help overcome barriers to effective service delivery and modernise their infrastructure for the long term.","AnswerText":"We will announce detailed spending plans for the three years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 in September.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164297,"EventID":"S1W-27766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward the Rethinking Construction Initiative given that the National Audit Office indicates that construction amounts to approximately 8% of Gros","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward the Rethinking Construction Initiative given that the National Audit Office indicates that construction amounts to approximately 8% of Gross Domestic Product and that 30% savings could be made in the costs of construction.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27751 on 15 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164298,"EventID":"S1W-27767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when any member of staff employed by the Scottish Prison Service last met representatives of the Commission for Racial Equality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when any member of staff employed by the Scottish Prison Service last met representatives of the Commission for Racial Equality.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      On 9 July.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164299,"EventID":"S1W-27768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last issued guidance to departments and agencies in relation to the implementation of policies or practices on disability and racial discrimination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last issued guidance to departments and agencies in relation to the implementation of policies or practices on disability and racial discrimination.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has a range of policies and initiatives to support good practice in respect of disability and racial discrimination. These are subject to regular review and include:

      Policy/Guidance Issued

      Disability Guidance May 2001

      Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment June 2001

      Diversity Strategy November 2000

      The Scottish Executive Equality Strategy, published in November 2000, sets out strategic objectives and a framework of action for the development of policy and practice on equal opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164300,"EventID":"S1W-27769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing proposals for a White Paper on planning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing proposals for a White Paper on planning.","AnswerText":"I expect to announce proposals to enhance the effectiveness of public participation in planning later this year. These will largely be drawn from the outcome of our major consultation exercise, Getting Involved in Planning.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164301,"EventID":"S1W-27770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on planning application P/PP/75/96/SL/81 regarding Park Quadrant and Park Circus Lane, Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on planning application P/PP/75/96/SL/81 regarding Park Quadrant and Park Circus Lane, Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The application was considered at a public local inquiry in April and a report was submitted to ministers on 10 July. The contents of the report and the recommendation contained therein are currently being considered and every effort will be made to issue an early decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164302,"EventID":"S1W-27771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value the #135,000 funding of an epidemiological study in a psychiatric setting of unexplained motor symptoms will contribute given that there will be no diagnostic ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what value the #135,000 funding of an epidemiological study in a psychiatric setting of unexplained motor symptoms will contribute given that there will be no diagnostic test.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27522. The epidemiological study is not being carried out in a psychiatric setting.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164303,"EventID":"S1W-27772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will give to East Dunbartonshire Women's Aid in 2002-03 and how much it gave in 2000-01 and 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will give to East Dunbartonshire Women's Aid in 2002-03 and how much it gave in 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Through Communities Scotland, the Scottish Executive is providing £382,376 in the year 2002-03 for a new purpose built refuge to be managed by East Dunbartonshire Women's Aid.

      £38,588 was awarded from the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund in each of the years 2000-01 and 2001-02 for a project run by East Dunbartonshire Women's Aid.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164304,"EventID":"S1W-27773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has given to voluntary organisations in East Dunbartonshire Council area in 2001-02 and 2002-03; what organisations it gave funding to, and how much e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has given to voluntary organisations in East Dunbartonshire Council area in 2001-02 and 2002-03; what organisations it gave funding to, and how much each received.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164305,"EventID":"S1W-27774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has given to voluntary organisations in the East Dunbartonshire Council area that required match funding by another organisation in 2001-02 and 2002-03; w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has given to voluntary organisations in the East Dunbartonshire Council area that required match funding by another organisation in 2001-02 and 2002-03; which organisations it gave such funding to, and how much each received.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164306,"EventID":"S1W-27775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many summary warrants in respect of council tax/community charge arrears were obtained for each local authority area and each sheriff court district in Scotland per ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many summary warrants in respect of council tax/community charge arrears were obtained for each local authority area and each sheriff court district in Scotland per month in 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02 and for the first three months of 2002-03; what the total value of the arrears in these cases was before and after surcharges; how many such cases were subsequently passed to sheriffs; how many poinding notices were then issued by sheriffs; how many poindings were executed; in how many cases poinding fees were subsequently charged and what the total value of such fees was; how many warrant sales then took place, and what the total value of monies raised by such sales was for (a) local authorities and (b) sheriffs. ","AnswerText":"Figures showing the number of summary warrants granted by each sheriff court for Council Tax/Community Charge, during the periods requested, have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23056).

      Figures for the number of poindings effected and warrant sales completed on a sheriffdom basis per calendar year during those periods are also available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23057).

      The remaining information sought is not held by the courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164307,"EventID":"S1W-27776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether women who have had mastectomy surgery on the understanding that reconstructive cosmetic surgery would be available after an appropriate healing time will have acc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether women who have had mastectomy surgery on the understanding that reconstructive cosmetic surgery would be available after an appropriate healing time will have access to this surgery and whether any patients awaiting such surgery have been placed on deferred waiting lists or have been refused the surgery.","AnswerText":"Yes, such patients will have access to breast reconstruction surgery. Decisions on the nature and timing of hospital treatment, including breast reconstruction surgery, are matters for the clinical judgement of the relevant consultant, in discussion with the patient, subject to the application of national maximum waiting times.

      Information on cases placed on deferred waiting lists is collected centrally at specialty level only. No information is collected centrally on cases where a clinician may have declined to undertake surgery for any reason. Consequently information in the form requested is not available.

      The National Waiting Times Unit is currently working with North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust on the development and implementation of an action plan to tackle the longest waits for breast reconstruction surgery.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164308,"EventID":"S1W-27777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which appointments were referred to in page 8 of the Commissioner for Public Appointments's Seventh Report 2001-2002 \"where the Executive had failed to follow the Code ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which appointments were referred to in page 8 of the Commissioner for Public Appointments's Seventh Report 2001-2002 \"where the Executive had failed to follow the Code of Practice in several key respects.\"","AnswerText":"My colleagues and I are absolutely committed to the delivery of a fair, open and transparent public appointments system. Arrangements are kept under continuous review and improvements introduced whenever and wherever appropriate.

      Neither the audit reports received by the Executive nor the Commissioner's Annual Report refer to individuals or specific public bodies. The contents of the reports are a matter for the Commissioner who is generally satisfied that the Executive complies with her Code of Practice. She has also made it clear that no appointment made by Scottish ministers was brought into doubt as a result of the audit and that the concerns expressed in her report related solely to the process adopted. Action taken by the Executive to address these issues is set out in the following table.

      Key Audit Findings

      Action Taken by Executive

      A sponsor team within the Executive failed to comply with the Code of Practice in several significant respects when making a number of appointments to an advisory NDPB.

      All sponsor teams have been firmly reminded that they must comply with the Code of Practice.

      Ministers not offered a choice of candidates

      Sponsor teams have been firmly reminded that, if more than one candidate meets the criteria for appointment, ministers must be given the choice of who to appoint. If only one candidate meets the criteria for appointment, ministers must be given the option of re-opening the competition. Where re-opening the competition is unlikely to bring forward new candidates because of the open process that has been followed, this should be made clear to ministers. Teams have also been asked to ensure that vacancies are made known to as wide a field of candidates as possible. As part of the parliamentary notification system introduced in May this year, the Executive's Public Appointments Team sends details of all vacancies to all ministers, Parliament and a number of outside bodies. The team also maintains details of vacancies on the Executive's Public Bodies website.

      Failure of an applicant to complete an application form

      Sponsor teams have been firmly reminded that application forms must be completed by all applicants by the agreed closing date, irrespective of the circumstances.

      Failure to obtain completed political activity forms prior to appointment

      This problem was uncovered before the audit took place and the commissioner and her auditors were informed in advance. In response to this issue, I announced on 26 March action to centralise the appointments process. In addition, checks are now in place to ensure that the political activity forms for all appointees are completed in advance.

      Lack of proper record keeping

      Sponsor teams have been firmly reminded of the need to ensure that all appointments are fully documented and key decisions and actions are recorded.

      Lack of central guidance

      The Commissioner's Code of Practice and the Cabinet Office Best Practice Guide are already available to, and used by, sponsor teams. Guidance on specific issues is circulated to sponsor teams whenever necessary. Consolidated guidance on appointment arrangements is being prepared by the Executive. This should be available in the autumn and a copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

      Performance Appraisals of appointees not conducted on an on-going basi","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164309,"EventID":"S1W-27778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there were any public appointments made in the last year where the Commissioner for Public Appointments's Code of Practice was broken, other than those in the ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there were any public appointments made in the last year where the Commissioner for Public Appointments's Code of Practice was broken, other than those in the appointments exercise referred to in page 8 of the Commissioner's Seventh Report 2001-2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27777.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164310,"EventID":"S1W-27779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any public appointments made in the last year that were not advertised and made on the invitation of ministers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any public appointments made in the last year that were not advertised and made on the invitation of ministers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27777.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164311,"EventID":"S1W-27780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any public re-appointments to non-departmental public bodies in the last three years that were not advertised and made on the invitation of minister","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any public re-appointments to non-departmental public bodies in the last three years that were not advertised and made on the invitation of ministers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27777.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164312,"EventID":"S1W-27781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any public appointments to non-departmental public bodies made in the last three years that were judged to have broken the Commissioner for Public A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any public appointments to non-departmental public bodies made in the last three years that were judged to have broken the Commissioner for Public Appointments's Code of Practice.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27777.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164313,"EventID":"S1W-27782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many failure to appear warrants were issued by sheriff courts in each month in the last three years, broken down by sheriffdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many failure to appear warrants were issued by sheriff courts in each month in the last three years, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"The information provided by the Scottish Court Service on how many failure to appear warrants were issued for both Solemn and Summary business in the last three years is set out in the following table. Warrants may be issued at different stages in the process, including preliminary and trial diets. An individual may be subject to more than one warrant.

      Year

      Month

      Total

      Apr

      May

      Jun

      Jul

      Aug

      Sep

      Oct

      Nov

      Dec

      Jan

      Feb

      Mar

      Grampian, Highlands and Islands

      1999 -2000

      303

      442

      542

      376

      420

      499

      468

      541

      440

      454

      502

      481

      5,468

      2000-01

      466

      600

      580

      448

      472

      609

      628

      650

      462

      563

      576

      606

      6,660

      2001-02

      499

      670

      468

      481

      529

      599

      633

      552

      457

      633

      527

      572

      6,620

      Tayside, Central and Fife

      1999 -2000

      719

      721

      660

      775

      765

      876

      769

      Year

      Trials Called

      Trials which did not proceed to evidence

      Of which were concluded e.g. plea accepted, case deserted

      Percentage of trials that fell and remained outstanding to trials called

      Grampian, Highlands and Islands

      1999-2000

      2,975

      2,623

      2,044

      19%

      2000-01

      2,926

      2,680

      1,997

      23%

      2001-02

      3,570

      3,275

      2,527

      21%

      Tayside, Central and Fife

      1999-2000

      5,095

      4,424

      3,004

      28%

      2000-01

      5,688

      4,914

      3,382

      27%

      2001-02

      6,741

      6,022

      4,227

      27%

      Lothian and Borders

      1999-2000

      5,225

      4,535

      3,272

      24%

      2000-01

      5,806

      5,289

      3,969

      23%

      2001-02

      6,090

      5,548

      4,257

      21%

      Glasgow and Strathkelvin

      1999-2000

      6,844

      6,116

      4,251

      27%

      2000-01

      6,9","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164315,"EventID":"S1W-27784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it submitted evidence to the European Commission regarding the lack of impact that the nephrops fishery had on cod and whether it will place in the Scottish Parli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it submitted evidence to the European Commission regarding the lack of impact that the nephrops fishery had on cod and whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre copies of any evidence which it submitted to the Commission in relation to this issue.","AnswerText":"The UK submitted evidence to the Commission on several occasions in 2001 to illustrate that higher landings of nephrops did not result in higher landings of cod. The specific nature of this correspondence is confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164316,"EventID":"S1W-27785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request the European Commission to readdress the issue of the setting of the west of Scotland nephrops total allowable catch (TAC) with a view to reinstat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will request the European Commission to readdress the issue of the setting of the west of Scotland nephrops total allowable catch (TAC) with a view to reinstating the reduction of 10% of the TAC introduced in 2001.","AnswerText":"We hope to address this in the autumn negotiations on TACs.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164317,"EventID":"S1W-27786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the consultation paper Managing Radioactive Waste Safely published jointly in September 2001 by Her Majesty's Government and the devolved a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the consultation paper Managing Radioactive Waste Safely published jointly in September 2001 by Her Majesty's Government and the devolved administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.","AnswerText":"The consultation ended on 12 March and today we are publishing a summary of the 330 responses received by the UK Government and the devolved administrations. We have considered the many comments made on the specific issues on which Managing Radioactive Waste Safely sought views, and the other comments which some recipients offered, and are now outlining the next steps which the UK Government and devolved administrations have agreed will be taken in the policy process.

      We now propose to press ahead with a review of waste management options. The review will seek the views of interested stakeholders, the public and government departments. We will appoint an independent body to oversee the review process which will make recommendations on the option, or combination of options, for managing radioactive waste which achieves long-term protection for people and the environment. We will review all options and revise the timetable to a four rather than five stage process. We, the UK Government and the devolved administrations, will continue to be responsible for taking the ultimate decision on the management option.

      We propose that the new body will be in place by the end of the year. We will advertise widely for the members of this new body and they will be appointed jointly by ministers from the UK Government and the devolved administrations. We will be seeking people who will bring technical expertise and people who will bring a wider perspective of environmental, health, social or ethical issues. We will also want to ensure that its membership is drawn from across the UK. Further details will be announced later. This new body must win public confidence and operate in an open, transparent and inclusive manner. The review process must engage with stakeholders and the public.

      The first step of the review will be to set the framework for debate by establishing broad agreement on the wastes to be considered, the range of management options for each of them, and the criteria against which these options should be assessed. The second step will be to assess each option including commissioning any new research required. The final step will draw up recommendations for ministers to consider.

      The Managing Radioactive Waste Safely consultation was the first stage in our programme. The appointment of the new body will signal the beginning of Stage 2, and the process of assessing options, and it will end when we publish and explain our decision. Stage 3, around 2006, will be a public debate on how the decision should be implemented, including any site selection criteria. Stage 4, around 2007, will be the start of the implementation process including any necessary legislation. In making these changes we have taken account of views received and research undertaken. We believe that this approach will result in a more dynamic and extensive process of public engagement as the review progresses, rather than the series of public consultation exercises originally envisaged. We shall not set rigid timetables and deadlines. But we shall go faster if we can.

      Our priority is to reach the decision which achieves long-term protection of people and the environment, which inspires public confidence, and which is practicable. This approach, coupled with regular reports to the Scottish and UK Parliaments and the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies, will reach far more people and encourage active involvement in decision making, rather than occasional opportunities to react to consultation papers.

      The waste from our existing nuclear facilities will arise over the next century or so. So we intend, in our assessment of waste management options, to include not only materials currently classified as waste but also to consider the consequences of providing for other materials which may be have to be managed as waste during that period, such as some separated plutonium, and uranium, as well as certain quantities of spent nuclear fuel. The future management ","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164318,"EventID":"S1W-27787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the inquiry into the lessons to be learned from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak of 2001 will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the inquiry into the lessons to be learned from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak of 2001 will be published.","AnswerText":"This report has been published today and copies have been made available to the Convener and members of the Rural Development Committee. A copy has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, (Bib. number 22295) and the report can be viewed on the website of the inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164319,"EventID":"S1W-27788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the findings of the Police Grant Aided Expenditure Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the findings of the Police Grant Aided Expenditure Working Group.","AnswerText":"The working group is expected to make recommendations later this year. When they do so, a full report of the processes and analysis involved in the GAE review will be published.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164320,"EventID":"S1W-27789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider allocating more resources to Grampian Police for the policing of royal residences and offshore installations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider allocating more resources to Grampian Police for the policing of royal residences and offshore installations.","AnswerText":"The review of police GAE funding is well under way, under the auspices of a working group comprising the Executive, COSLA and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS). It is however, too early to say what the results of the review will be. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27788 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164321,"EventID":"S1W-27790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers there are currently per head of population in each police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers there are currently per head of population in each police force area.","AnswerText":"The number of police officers in each force, at 30 June 2002, expressed per 1,000 population is shown in the following table.

      Force

      Estimated

      Population

      Number of

      Police Officers

      Number per

      1,000 population

      Central

      278,000

      719

      2.59

      Dumfries and Galloway

      145,800

      480

      3.29

      Fife

      350,400

      897

      2.56

      Grampian

      523,400

      1,254

      2.40

      Lothian and Borders

      890,500

      2,688

      3.02

      Northern

      277,700

      693

      2.49

      Strathclyde

      2,263,300

      7,313

      3.23

      Tayside

      385,500

      1,181

      3.06

      Total

      5,114,600

      15,225

      2.98

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164322,"EventID":"S1W-27791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded crimes there were in each police force area in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded crimes there were in each police force area in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table.

      Recorded Crimes in Each Police Force Area in 2001-02

      Police Force Area

      Number of recorded crimes

      Central

      17,174

      Dumfries and Galloway

      8,126

      Fife

      28,043

      Grampian

      43,704

      Lothian and Borders

      79,862

      Northern

      14,238

      Strathclyde

      203,824

      Tayside

      31,340

      Scotland

      426,311

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164323,"EventID":"S1W-27792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes per police officer were committed in each police force area in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes per police officer were committed in each police force area in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table.

      Recorded Crimes Per Police Officer1 in Each Police Force Area in 2001-02

      Police Force Area

      Recorded crimes per police officer

      Central

      24

      Dumfries and Galloway

      17

      Fife

      31

      Grampian

      35

      Lothian and Borders

      30

      Northern

      21

      Strathclyde

      28

      Tayside

      27

      Scotland

      28

      Note:

      1. Numbers of police officers as at 31 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164324,"EventID":"S1W-27793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to hold a meeting involving direct public interaction similar to practice by the Welsh devolved administration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to hold a meeting involving direct public interaction similar to practice by the Welsh devolved administration.","AnswerText":"All Scottish Executive Ministers meet the public on a regular basis, learn from their views and answer questions about policies. Scottish ministers will continue to do so as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164325,"EventID":"S1W-27794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any study of the competitive opportunities in comparison with England which could be created by providing uniform availability of low pricing fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any study of the competitive opportunities in comparison with England which could be created by providing uniform availability of low pricing for broadband access across Scotland.","AnswerText":"No. However, as part of Project ATLAS, Scottish Enterprise has carried out a benchmarking study comparing prices for a range of broadband services in Scotland with the UK. Its findings support the concepts being developed and implemented within Project ATLAS, which aims to increase competition, provide a wider choice of services and minimise barriers to market entry.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164326,"EventID":"S1W-27795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many childcare places there are currently per head of the population in comparison with the rest of the United Kingdom; whether it will provide details of their geogr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many childcare places there are currently per head of the population in comparison with the rest of the United Kingdom; whether it will provide details of their geographic distribution, and whether there are any plans to increase capacity.","AnswerText":"We do not, as yet, have reliable data on the number of childcare places in Scotland. Our current monitoring arrangement (through the annual census of Children's Daycare and Pre-School Education Centres) provides data on numbers of children attending these services. However, the 2002 census data, which will be published on 10 September, will provide information on the number of places for the first time.

      Counting available places does not necessarily give a useful indication of whether needs are being met, for example breakfast club, after school and holiday provision will all be included as separate places, but each is satisfying a different requirement. Furthermore, one "place" may be used by more than one child, since many parents do not require formal childcare full-time. Our view is that although data on both numbers of children and places is required, we need to supplement that with updated research into parent's needs.

      From the 2001 Census of Children's Daycare and Pre-School Education Centres, we estimate that one-in-five of 0- to 14-year-olds in Scotland were attending pre-school or daycare provision in January 2001. This is broadly the same as the rate in England.

      We are also examining the scope for setting clearer targets for Childcare Partnerships. These might include specific increases in the level of provision across different types of childcare, which would help to identify the level and type of provision available and where the gaps are.

      Childcare provision is being expanded through Childcare Strategy funding. £16.75 million this year and next is being channelled through local authorities who, with their Childcare Partnerships, are expected to address and meet local childcare needs. In addition, the New Opportunities Fund current and third round childcare programmes (totalling £46.3 million) are designed to support both new and existing childcare projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164327,"EventID":"S1W-27796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to develop children's centres in each of the 20% most disadvantaged areas to ensure the best possible start in life by providing access to health, educ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to develop children's centres in each of the 20% most disadvantaged areas to ensure the best possible start in life by providing access to health, education and other services for children and their parents.","AnswerText":"Closing the opportunity gap for Scotland's children is a key policy for the Executive. Through Sure Start Scotland we provide resources to give every child the best possible start in life. This supports joint-agency integrated service provision, which is often provided through children's centres. The Changing Children's Services Fund is a further source of resources to act as a catalyst for better integration of health, education, social work and voluntary sector services to improve outcomes for vulnerable and deprived children. All these resources are weighted heavily by local authority area to reflect deprivation levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164328,"EventID":"S1W-27797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23613 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 12 March 2002, whether the feasibility study on establishing a national centre for women's enterpris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23613 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 12 March 2002, whether the feasibility study on establishing a national centre for women's enterprise, originally scheduled to be concluded by the end of May 2002, will now be published.","AnswerText":"A feasibility study on establishing a national centre for women's enterprise was undertaken by the Paisley Enterprise Research Centre of the University of Paisley. The Executive is currently considering the report and will shortly announce arrangements for its publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164329,"EventID":"S1W-27798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a national centre for women's enterprise to bring a specific focus to the start-up and support of businesses run by women and to develop and dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a national centre for women's enterprise to bring a specific focus to the start-up and support of businesses run by women and to develop and disseminate best practice.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently considering the case for a national centre for women's enterprise. No final decision has yet been reached.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164330,"EventID":"S1W-27799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to develop a strategic framework for women's enterprise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to develop a strategic framework for women's enterprise.","AnswerText":"Business advice and support for women is delivered by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The Scottish Executive acknowledge that these services should reflect the specific needs of current or potential women entrepreneurs. The need for a national centre for women's enterprise is currently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164331,"EventID":"S1W-27800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of spending by Scottish Enterprise in the current year on (a) business support and start-up programmes for women only and (b) women gener","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of spending by Scottish Enterprise in the current year on (a) business support and start-up programmes for women only and (b) women generally, both in cash terms and as a percentage of Scottish Enterprise's overall budget. ","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I shall ask Robert Crawford, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, to write to the member.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164332,"EventID":"S1W-27801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors progress by Scottish Enterprise against the agreed operating plan targets and, if so, how.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors progress by Scottish Enterprise against the agreed operating plan targets and, if so, how.","AnswerText":"The Management Statement issued by the Scottish Executive to Scottish Enterprise requires that they submit statements twice a year to the Executive showing performance against each of the key operating targets identified in their annual operating plan. In addition, on a quarterly basis, Scottish Enterprise prepares a statement of performance against operating plan targets for its board, which is copied to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164333,"EventID":"S1W-27802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of Scottish Enterprise's performance for the number of women business start-ups assisted in 2002-03 and projections for women business start","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of Scottish Enterprise's performance for the number of women business start-ups assisted in 2002-03 and projections for women business start-ups to the end of 2002-03, both broken down by local enterprise company area.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I shall ask Robert Crawford, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, to write to the member.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164334,"EventID":"S1W-27803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is not a target in the Scottish Enterprise operating plan for 2002-03 for the number of Social Economy organisations assisted as in 2001-02 and how it intends t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is not a target in the Scottish Enterprise operating plan for 2002-03 for the number of Social Economy organisations assisted as in 2001-02 and how it intends to monitor performance in this area.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise plays an important part in achieving social justice objectives. The Executive was satisfied that the current operating plan includes outputs relating to inclusion across a range of activities including business starts and skills and learning. Scottish Enterprise reports to the Executive on performance against these targets. While no numerical target was set in the operating plan for 2002-03 for support to social economy organisations, Scottish Enterprise will provide business development and training support services to those who have reached or have the potential to reach a degree of commercial development and trading maturity.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164335,"EventID":"S1W-27804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated from the learning disability services change fund to each local authority through grant aided expenditure allocations for 2001-02 and 2002-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated from the learning disability services change fund to each local authority through grant aided expenditure allocations for 2001-02 and 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The total provision for Learning Disability Change Fund is £8 million in 2001-02, and £12 million in 2002-03. The resources are being allocated through the general local government settlement distribution - separate allocations for each authority have not been published, but are included within the settlement total each authority receives.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164336,"EventID":"S1W-27805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding is planned to be allocated from the learning disability services change fund to each local authority through grant aided expenditure allocations for 2003","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding is planned to be allocated from the learning disability services change fund to each local authority through grant aided expenditure allocations for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The total provision for Learning Disabilities Change Fund is £16 million in 2003-04, recurring thereafter. The resources are being allocated through the general local government settlement distribution - separate allocations for each authority have not been published, but are included within the settlement total each authority receives.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164337,"EventID":"S1W-27806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor the level and efficacy of spend from the funding allocated from the learning disability services change fund to local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor the level and efficacy of spend from the funding allocated from the learning disability services change fund to local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26763 on 27 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164338,"EventID":"S1W-27807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on learning and disability services by each local authority in 2000-01 and 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on learning and disability services by each local authority in 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information is provided in Section 6 of the annual CIPFA Rating Review Actual of Income & Expenditure 2000-01 (Bib no. 19781) and section 4 of the CIPFA Rating Review Estimates of Income & Expenditure 2001-02 (Bib no. 17055) copies of which are available in the Parliament's resource centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164339,"EventID":"S1W-27808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the implementation group for The Same as You? last met; what issues were discussed, and what the membership of the group has been from its inception to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the implementation group for The Same as You? last met; what issues were discussed, and what the membership of the group has been from its inception to date.","AnswerText":"All this information, including the minutes of the last meeting of The same as you? Implementation Group on 10 May 2002, is available on the Review of Services for People with a Learning Disability website at

      www.scotland.gov.uk/ldsr.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164340,"EventID":"S1W-27809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, following the Surjit Singh Chhokar, Chris Cawley and Gordon Gibson cases, a Court of Appeal panel of judges has been appointed to review the law on trials with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, following the Surjit Singh Chhokar, Chris Cawley and Gordon Gibson cases, a Court of Appeal panel of judges has been appointed to review the law on trials with multiple accused persons and, if so, what the legal basis is of this review; what its terms of reference are, and what legal status its conclusions will have. ","AnswerText":"On 15 May 2002, three judges of the Court of Criminal Appeal referred an appeal (McKinnon, McKay and Norwood v Her Majesty's Advocate) to a Bench of five judges with a view to clarifying an aspect of the law of concert, which applies to situations where a number of persons are accused of acting together to commit a crime. This is a normal part of judicial process to resolve an unclear area of law.

      The decision of the five judges would represent an authoritative statement of the law on the point, and would be binding on all courts of criminal jurisdiction in Scotland. No date has yet been set for the hearing before five judges.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164341,"EventID":"S1W-27810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, following the Surjit Singh Chhokar, Chris Cawley and Gordon Gibson cases, the Crown Office intends to carry out a review into the law on trials with multiple ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, following the Surjit Singh Chhokar, Chris Cawley and Gordon Gibson cases, the Crown Office intends to carry out a review into the law on trials with multiple accused persons.","AnswerText":"Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service policy and practice in relation to multiple accused cases is kept under review and decisions in individual cases are guided by available evidence and the particular circumstances of the case. Any review of the law would be a matter for the Minister for Justice.

      It is anticipated that the Criminal Appeal Court will examine the law of "art and part", or concert, in the case of McKay and others, which is due to be heard in the near future. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will examine the judgement in that case with care and, if necessary, amend its policy and practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164342,"EventID":"S1W-27811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office intends to carry out a review of the case of Gordon Gibson.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crown Office intends to carry out a review of the case of Gordon Gibson.","AnswerText":"Senior Officials from the Crown Office have met members of Mr Gibson's family to discuss with them their concerns about the outcome of the case against William Wilson. The Crown's approach to this case has been reviewed in the light of the concerns raised by the family. The Lord Advocate is satisfied that the decisions taken by the prosecution were appropriate, having regard to the state of the evidence available to the Crown.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164343,"EventID":"S1W-27812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is with respect to designations under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is with respect to designations under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has withdrawn the High Natural Dispersion Areas (HNDA) status for the coastal waters in the String, Kirkwall; Lerwick Harbour and the Minch, Stornoway. The consequence of this is that Scottish Water will provide secondary treatment for urban waste water discharges at Stornoway and Lerwick; it has already upgraded the sewage treatment works at Kirkwall. The provision of secondary level treatment will provide further protection to the waters in these areas, resulting in general environmental benefits.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164344,"EventID":"S1W-27813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist single parents living in remote areas to enter suitable tertiary education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist single parents living in remote areas to enter suitable tertiary education.","AnswerText":"In addition to the standard maintenance support provided through the student loan, students who are lone parents are entitled to receive the Lone Parents' Grant of £1,100 and up to a further £1,025 towards the cost of formal childcare. They are also entitled to receive the Dependants' Grant of £2,225 for the first child with additional amounts for other children dependent upon their age and, if their children are aged between three and 16, the School Meals Grant (£255 or £275 dependent upon age). We have also asked institutions, when making awards of up to £2,000 from the new discretionary Mature Students Bursary Fund, to give priority to students who are lone parents.

      All students are entitled to assistance with travel costs worth up to £930 for an independent student living in his/her own home with up to £15 per week more for courses which last longer than 30 weeks. Students who live in Orkney, Shetland or the Western Isles can, exceptionally, receive support with air fares and students who suffer financial hardship or who have dependants or high travelling expenses may be able to receive 50% of their travel costs in advance during the first term.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164345,"EventID":"S1W-27814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist former students who did not complete tertiary education to return to such education at a later stage in their lives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist former students who did not complete tertiary education to return to such education at a later stage in their lives.","AnswerText":"All students returning to higher education to undertake a second properly designated full-time course are entitled to living cost support in the form of a student loan and non-repayable supplementary grants, regardless of study previously undertaken. Tuition fee and bursary assistance are, however, dependent upon previous study. Such support is available for the duration of the longer of the two courses less the number of years previously supported (withdrawal during an academic year is counted as a full year). This rule does not apply to those who withdraw during the first year of their first course.

      Students returning to further education to undertake a properly designated full-time course are eligible for funding for their second course provided they have not received more than the equivalent of 129 weeks of full-time support within the last six years and have not received support within the last four years unless (a) they were registered as a job seeker for a continuous period of at least three months immediately prior to enrolling (in which case support can have been received within the last two years) or (b) they last received support for a course which enabled them to progress towards the course for which they now require support. The four year rule can be breached by a student for other reasons, but not if they have already done so within the previous four years.

      All full-time students in either further or higher education will be able to receive full support to repeat a year of study which they have been unable to complete because of medical reasons (this concession is also awarded on compassionate grounds). All students are also expected to meet the standard residence criteria.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164346,"EventID":"S1W-27815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many primary 1 to primary 3 classes there are with exactly 30 pupils in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many primary 1 to primary 3 classes there are with exactly 30 pupils in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table:

      Stage P1-P3 Single Stage Classes in Publicly Funded Primary Schools with exactly 30 pupils1

      Number

      Scotland

      484

      Aberdeen City

      9

      Aberdeenshire

      3

      Angus

      8

      Argyll and Bute

      2

      Clackmannanshire

      11

      Dumfries and Galloway

      6

      Dundee City

      32

      East Ayrshire

      22

      East Dunbartonshire

      14

      East Lothian

      10

      East Renfrewshire

      22

      Edinburgh City

      50

      Eilean Siar

      0

      Falkirk

      26

      Fife

      21

      Glasgow City

      47

      Highland

      10

      Inverclyde

      9

      Midlothian

      5

      Moray

      6

      North Ayrshire

      21

      North Lanarkshire

      28

      Orkney Islands

      0

      Perth and Kinross

      9

      Renfrewshire

      26

      Scottish Borders

      3

      Shetland Islands

      0

      South Ayrshire

      12

      South Lanarkshire

      45

      Stirling

      4

      West Du","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164347,"EventID":"S1W-27816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of primary 1 to primary 3 pupils are taught in composite classes in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of primary 1 to primary 3 pupils are taught in composite classes in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the table:

      Percentage of P1-P3 Pupils who are taught in a Composite Class in Publicly Funded Primary Schools1

      % of P1 - P3 pupils taught in composite classes

      Scotland

      23.1%

      Aberdeen City

      11.5%

      Aberdeenshire

      35.3%

      Angus

      28.2%

      Argyll and Bute

      43.3%

      Clackmannanshire

      14.6%

      Dumfries and Galloway

      44.2%

      Dundee City

      10.8%

      East Ayrshire

      20.8%

      East Dunbartonshire

      13.9%

      East Lothian

      17.8%

      East Renfrewshire

      6.0%

      Edinburgh City

      11.1%

      Eilean Siar

      79.1%

      Falkirk

      14.7%

      Fife

      23.9%

      Glasgow City

      19.0%

      Highland

      45.5%

      Inverclyde

      17.8%

      Midlothian

      17.9%

      Moray

      34.7%

      North Ayrshire

      19.0%

      North Lanarkshire

      22.5%

      Orkney Islands

      32.1%

      Perth and Kinross

      32.0%

      Renfrewshire

      8.5%

      Scottish Borders

      40.5%

      Shetland Islands

      43.5%

      South Ayrshire

      20.1%

      South Lanarkshire

      27.3%

      Percentage of P1 Pupils in Composite Classes in Publicly Funded Primary Schools 20011

      Number of P1 pupils in composite classes

      Total number of P1 pupils

      % of P1 pupils in composite classes

      Scotland

      9,089

      56,528

      16.1%

      Aberdeen City

      119

      1,906

      6.2%

      Aberdeenshire

      793

      2,644

      30.0%

      Angus

      282

      1,210

      23.3%

      Argyll and Bute

      326

      931

      35.0%

      Clackmannanshire

      57

      573

      9.9%

      Dumfries and Galloway

      649

      1,612

      40.3%

      Dundee City

      108

      1,565

      6.9%

      East Ayrshire

      225

      1,334

      16.9%

      East Dunbartonshire

      90

      1,319

      6.8%

      East Lothian

      133

      1,143

      11.6%

      East Renfrewshire

      48

      1,214

      4.0%

      Edinburgh City

      203

      3,952

      5.1%

      Eilean Siar

      231

      283

      81.6%

      Falkirk

      151

      1,691

      Aberdeen Balgownie

      Aberdeen Denburn

      Aberdeen Dyce

      Aberdeen Kincorth

      Aberdeen Lochnagar

      Aberdeen North

      Aberdeen West

      Alloa

      Arbroath

      Ayr

      Blantyre

      Cumbernauld

      Dalgety Bay

      Dumfries

      Dundee Park

      Dundee Steeple

      Dunfermline

      East Kilbride

      Edinburgh Abbeyhill

      Edinburgh Craiglockhart

      Edinburgh Dalkeith

      Edinburgh Dean

      Edinburgh Donaldson

      Edinburgh Fountainbridge

      Edinburgh Granton

      Edinburgh Leith

      Edinburgh Liberton

      Edinburgh Morningside

      Edinburgh Musselburgh

      Edinburgh Newington

      Edinburgh Portobello

      Edinburgh Rose Street

      Edinburgh Waverley

      Elgin

      Falkirk

      Glasgow Bridgeton

      Glasgow Central

      Glasgow Clydebank

      Glasgow Croftfoot

      Glasgow Douglas

      Glasgow Giffnock

      Glasgow Govan

      Glasgow Halfway

      Glasgow Ibrox

      Glasgow Langside

      Glasgow Maryhill

      Glasgow Merrylee

      Glasgow Paisley

      Glasgow Pollock

      Glasgow Renfrew

      Glasgow Rutherglen

      Glasgow Scotstoun

      Glasgow South

      Glasgow Western

      Hamilton

      Inverness Macdhuie

      Kilmarnock

      Kirkcaldy

      Livingston Station

      Motherwell

      Penicuik

      Perth

      Prestwick

      St Andrews

      Stirling Castle

      Troon

      Whitburn

      These exchanges cover 34% of the Scottish population.

      In addition, BT have","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164364,"EventID":"S1W-27833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to extend the provision of asymmetrical digital subscriber line technology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in order to extend the provision of asymmetrical digital subscriber line technology.","AnswerText":"Asymmetrical digital subscriber line technology deployment is a commercial decision for the providers, usually related to demand. The Scottish programme under the UK Broadband fund addresses the need to stimulate demand through the development of a number of broadband demonstration centres and a broadband information website managed by the enterprise networks.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164365,"EventID":"S1W-27834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target deadline is for the provision of asymmetrical digital subscriber line technology (ADSL) throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its target deadline is for the provision of asymmetrical digital subscriber line technology (ADSL) throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"ADSL deployment will be a matter for the commercial providers.

      The UK Government has set a general target on broadband which is to "have the most extensive and competitive broadband market in the G7 by 2005" and the Scottish Executive's broadband strategy is designed to contribute to this overall objective.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164366,"EventID":"S1W-27835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how litigants may make representations in respect of the conduct of a sheriff who they feel has not competently handled the case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how litigants may make representations in respect of the conduct of a sheriff who they feel has not competently handled the case.","AnswerText":"It is open to parties in a case to appeal against a decision of a sheriff to a higher court. If litigants wish to register a complaint about the actings of a sheriff they may write to the Sheriff Principal of the relevant sheriffdom or to the Judicial Appointments Division of the Scottish Executive Justice Department, Hayweight House, 23 Lauriston Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DQ.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164367,"EventID":"S1W-27836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how sheriffs' performance is assessed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how sheriffs' performance is assessed.","AnswerText":"Sheriffs are independent of the Executive and there is no formal assessment of performance. Complaints about performance may be investigated in the manner described in the answer given to question S1W-27835 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164368,"EventID":"S1W-27837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with what on-going training programmes sheriffs are required to comply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with what on-going training programmes sheriffs are required to comply.","AnswerText":"Training is not compulsory although the practice is for all new members of the Judiciary to attend induction training at the time of their first appointment. Training programmes are organised and run by the independent Judicial Studies Committee which is funded by my department. The programme has been extended in recent years to include refresher training for experienced people and I am advised that substantial numbers of sheriffs attend training events.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164369,"EventID":"S1W-27838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it or the Lord Advocate has to discipline any sheriff found to be incompetent to perform the functions of the office.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it or the Lord Advocate has to discipline any sheriff found to be incompetent to perform the functions of the office.","AnswerText":"Under Section 12 of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 the First Minister may establish an investigation into the fitness for office of any sheriff. During such an investigation the sheriff may be suspended from office. If the First Minister receives a report to the effect that a sheriff is unfit he may make an order removing the sheriff from office. The order would be subject to the approval of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164370,"EventID":"S1W-27839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has published regarding the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has published regarding the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 offers an additional, and important, form of protection for individuals at risk of abuse. We issued press releases at the passing of the bill and the coming into force of the act, so as to give widespread publicity to the new measure. However, our main aim has been to ensure that those giving advice to the public should be aware of the Act and be able to give balanced advice on the circumstances in which it may be of help. To that end we have liaised with bodies such as Scottish Women's Aid and Citizens' Advice Scotland to ensure that they are able to give accurate advice, and have asked local multi-agency partnerships on domestic abuse to disseminate information locally. The legal professions were also alerted to the new act.

      We have commissioned research into the use of the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001. We do not yet have figures for court actions initiated under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001, nor where a power of arrest has been attached. However, the research is due to report later this year and we will provide the findings to the Parliament at this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164371,"EventID":"S1W-27840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase public awareness of the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 and, if so, what form publicity to this end will take.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to increase public awareness of the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 and, if so, what form publicity to this end will take.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27839.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164372,"EventID":"S1W-27841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on publicising the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on publicising the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27839.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164373,"EventID":"S1W-27842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases have been initiated using the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases have been initiated using the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27839.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164374,"EventID":"S1W-27843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases initiated under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 have proceeded to a power of arrest.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases initiated under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 have proceeded to a power of arrest.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27839.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164375,"EventID":"S1W-27844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received Partnership in Practice agreements on learning disability provision from each local authority and whether it will list any which are still to be s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received Partnership in Practice agreements on learning disability provision from each local authority and whether it will list any which are still to be submitted.","AnswerText":"Partnership in Practice agreements have been received from all local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164376,"EventID":"S1W-27845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an assessment of Partnership in Practice agreements in each local authority and what the outcome of each assessment has been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has carried out an assessment of Partnership in Practice agreements in each local authority and what the outcome of each assessment has been.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials have assessed all Partnership in Practice agreements (PiPs) submitted by local authorities, and all authorities have had feedback on the content of their PiPs. Officials are now evaluating the revised PiPs.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164377,"EventID":"S1W-27846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to monitor Partnership in Practice agreements and what the frequency and nature of such monitoring will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to monitor Partnership in Practice agreements and what the frequency and nature of such monitoring will be.","AnswerText":"Following the assessment referred to in the answer given to question S1W-27845 today, implementation of the plans set out in Partnership in Practice agreements will be monitored through Scottish Health Advisory Service inspections, the NHS Performance Assessment Framework, statistical information collected by the Scottish Executive Social Work Statistics Division, and the development of a Learning Disabilities Database.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164378,"EventID":"S1W-27847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding for learning disability services has been provided by the NHS and local authorities in each year from 1996-97 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding for learning disability services has been provided by the NHS and local authorities in each year from 1996-97 to date.","AnswerText":"The information on local authority funding is provided in the annual CIPFA Rating Review Actual of Income & Expenditure. The Bib. numbers are as follows:

      1996-97

      7544

      1997-98

      7545

      1998-99

      7548

      1999-2000

      14654

      2000-01

      19781

      For 2001-02 the information is in section 4 of the CIPFA Rating Review Estimates of Income & Expenditure 2001-02 (Bib. number 17055) copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

      NHS expenditure for patients with a learning disability has been taken from the Performance Monitoring Template. Expenditure (£ million) for this period is as follows;

      1996-97

      116.3

      1997-98

      117

      1998-99

      111.1

      1999-2000

      115.3

      2000-01

      116

      This expenditure includes in-patient care, new out-patient attendance, attendance by learning disability patients at day hospitals and community mental/handicap team contacts/visits.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164379,"EventID":"S1W-27848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been made to learning disability services as a result of the learning disability services change fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements have been made to learning disability services as a result of the learning disability services change fund.","AnswerText":"The Learning Disabilities Change Fund is being used to provide or improve a variety of services. These include remodelling day activities, including employment and life-long learning; developing short break services; the appointment and training of local area co-ordinators; improving advocacy, and developing services for individuals with multiple disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164380,"EventID":"S1W-27849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support any plans in 2002-03 to convert the Scottish Ambulance Service station in Wick from on-call to full-time operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support any plans in 2002-03 to convert the Scottish Ambulance Service station in Wick from on-call to full-time operation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided the Scottish Ambulance Service with an allocation of £108.783 million for 2002-03, an increase of 7.4% on last year. This allocation supports the service's priorities for investment which include improving its operations rooms functions, introducing priority based dispatch and converting from part-time to full-time the ambulance stations in Fraserburgh, Dunoon and Stranraer. There are no current plans to further increase the allocation for 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164381,"EventID":"S1W-27850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27011 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, whether the statement by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to the Justice","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27011 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, whether the statement by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to the Justice 2 Committee on 18 June 2002 that the number of serious offences referred to the children's reporter unit is statistically \"almost off the radar screen\" (Official Report, Justice 2 Committee, 18 June 2002; c 1625) was based on evidence and, if so, on what evidence it was based.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27011. The statistical information was drawn from data which is now being collected by Scottish Children's Reporters Administration on its new information technology system.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164382,"EventID":"S1W-27851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26671 by Malcolm Chisholm on 25 June 2002, when the two new immunology consultants are expected to take up their posts and where ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26671 by Malcolm Chisholm on 25 June 2002, when the two new immunology consultants are expected to take up their posts and where each such consultant will be located.","AnswerText":"North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust has made an appointment to one of these posts. The postholder is currently on maternity leave and is expected to take up this position towards the end of this year.

      Discussions are continuing around the most effective use and location of the other post. It should be noted that both posts will be expected to provide immunology services to patients outwith the NHS board area in which they are situated.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164383,"EventID":"S1W-27852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26631 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 June 2002, which Comment the Health Technology Board for Scotland will review in the light of new e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26631 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 June 2002, which Comment the Health Technology Board for Scotland will review in the light of new evidence on its interpretation of the contextual differences it has identified between Scotland and England and Wales.","AnswerText":"To date, there has not been the evidence to prompt any such review.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164384,"EventID":"S1W-27853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23727 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether Capecitabine has been approved by the Greater Glasgow Area Drug and Therapeu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23727 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 February 2002, whether Capecitabine has been approved by the Greater Glasgow Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.","AnswerText":"Local management advise that the Greater Glasgow Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee will consider the use of capecitabine for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer on 12 August. Their recommendation will then be considered by the Board of NHS Greater Glasgow on 27 August.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164385,"EventID":"S1W-27854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23179 by Malcolm Chisholm on 5 March 2002, why all data in the Account Commission's report on bank and agency nursing staff was ano","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23179 by Malcolm Chisholm on 5 March 2002, why all data in the Account Commission's report on bank and agency nursing staff was anonymised.","AnswerText":"Audit Scotland advises that the Accounts Commission for Scotland report Temporary Measures, Managing Bank and Agency Nursing Staff, published in February 2000, was designed to provide a baseline reading in order that areas for improvement could be highlighted. Managers have been given a suitable period in which to make improvements, and changes in performance will be included in a report on ward-based nurse staffing which is due to be published in November. Bodies will be named publicly at this stage. The Auditor General believes that this two stage process facilitates continuous improvement.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164386,"EventID":"S1W-27855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend National Planning Policy Guideline 9 (NPPG9), particularly in respect of the minimum spacing distance between motorway service stations,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend National Planning Policy Guideline 9 (NPPG9), particularly in respect of the minimum spacing distance between motorway service stations, and what action it would take if a local authority did not take NPPG9 into account in granting a planning application.","AnswerText":"Following the Review of Strategic Planning the Scottish Executive announced that all National Planning Policy Guidelines (NPPGs) would be reviewed and renamed as Scottish Planning Policies (SPPs). The review of NPPG9 is scheduled for 2004.

      Sections 25 and 37(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 require that planning decisions be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Planning authorities dealing with applications for roadside facilities should also consider the policy in NPPG9 as a material consideration.

      The Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) Order 1992 (as amended) requires that before granting or determining any application for planning permission in respect of creating a new Motorway Service Area (MSA) or a new development within the boundary of such an area, a planning authority shall consult the Scottish ministers.

      If a local authority grants planning permission for a MSA there is no presumption that the establishment will be signed from the motorway. This is a matter for the Scottish Executive as Trunk Road Authority. The authority is required to conclude a Signing Agreement with the MSA operator covering the level of services to be provided. Only in very exceptional circumstances will an agreement be concluded for an MSA which does not comply with the requirements laid down in NPPG9, including spacing.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164387,"EventID":"S1W-27856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to enforce structure plans and what steps have to be taken by a local authority to modify a structure plan once it has been accepted by ministers. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to enforce structure plans and what steps have to be taken by a local authority to modify a structure plan once it has been accepted by ministers. ","AnswerText":"The statutory provisions governing the preparation of structure plans are contained in sections 6 to 10 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. Section 9 sets out the steps a local authority must follow when preparing an alteration to, or replacement of, a structure plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164388,"EventID":"S1W-27857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the morning and afternoon peak hour weekday traffic flow on the A77 at Raithburn, Fenwick, has been in each of the last six months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the morning and afternoon peak hour weekday traffic flow on the A77 at Raithburn, Fenwick, has been in each of the last six months.","AnswerText":"The latest available traffic flow data for the counter site at Raithburn, Fenwick, on the A77, show the average hourly weekday flow (two way) between 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock during the morning and 5 o'clock and 6 o'clock during the afternoon peak periods to be as follows:

      Month

      Number of Vehicles

      am Peak Flow

      pm Peak Flow

      January

      3,355

      3397

      February

      3,760

      3699

      March

      3,788

      3870

      April

      3,621

      3956

      May

      3,779

      3937

      June

      3,598

      3832

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164389,"EventID":"S1W-27858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what M77 hourly flows were used in the assessment of whether the design of the proposed M77/Glasgow South Orbital junction will have sufficient capacity on opening and a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what M77 hourly flows were used in the assessment of whether the design of the proposed M77/Glasgow South Orbital junction will have sufficient capacity on opening and after 15 years.","AnswerText":"The peak hourly two-way flows predicted on the proposed M77 and the Glasgow Southern Orbital for assessment purposes, based on high traffic growth, are given in the following table:

      Link

      2005

      2020

      am Peak

      pm Peak

      am Peak

      pm Peak

      M77 North of GSO

      3,021

      3,024

      3,590

      3,516

      M77 South of GSO

      4,332

      4,312

      5,349

      5,169

      GSO

      2,810

      2,789

      3,084

      2,890

      The initial design of the junction of the M77 and Glasgow Southern Orbital was based on the traffic forecasts from the Strathclyde Integrated Transport Model which has been used for various major road projects.

      Detailed design of the above junction will be undertaken by the Public Private Partnership Contractor and is required to provide sufficient capacity for the expected traffic volumes 15 years after opening of the joint project based on National Road Traffic Forecasts high growth levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164390,"EventID":"S1W-27859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GPs have accredited training in Parkinson's disease, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GPs have accredited training in Parkinson's disease, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"There are no central records kept of courses attended by individual GPs. However, GPs are encouraged to look at their own personal learning needs (based on the principles of adult learning), and the needs of their patients. Each GP receives an annual Postgraduate Education Allowance to support an agreed amount of training in areas approved by the Postgraduate Deaneries. In the future, the GP appraisal process will assist GPs to identify their learning needs with the help of trained appraisers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164391,"EventID":"S1W-27860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Parkinson's disease nurses there are, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Parkinson's disease nurses there are, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164392,"EventID":"S1W-27861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the UK strategy for radioactive discharges will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the UK strategy for radioactive discharges will be published.","AnswerText":"The strategy was published on 23 July 2002 by the Scottish Executive, UK Government and the devolved administrations for Wales and Northern Ireland and is available on the Scottish Executive website:

      www.scotland.gov.uk/publications.

      The strategy demonstrates how the UK will achieve substantial reductions in radioactive discharges to the marine environment in the period up to 2020, in order to implement agreements reached at the 1998 Ministerial meeting and subsequent meetings of the OSPAR Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164393,"EventID":"S1W-27862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the absence of third party rights of appeal in relation to planning issues is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the absence of third party rights of appeal in relation to planning issues is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"The Executive undertook a review of existing planning legislation and concluded that the current planning system, with its inbuilt checks and safeguards, is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) without further amendment.

      However, we keep under review the need to amend existing law and procedures to comply with the Convention and shall continue to do so, particularly in consequence of any relevant developments in ECHR and domestic case law.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164394,"EventID":"S1W-27863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July 2002, what records are kept of the number of incidents incurring penalty points under the contra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July 2002, what records are kept of the number of incidents incurring penalty points under the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      HM Prison Kilmarnock records all relevant incidents using SPS Incident Reporting Procedures, the database for which is maintained by SPS. Separate records are kept in the prison and at SPS of those incidents on which Performance Points are applied in accordance with the definitions in Schedule F to the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164395,"EventID":"S1W-27864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July 2002, whether any error has ever been made in calculating the penalty points that should be impo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July 2002, whether any error has ever been made in calculating the penalty points that should be imposed on the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164396,"EventID":"S1W-27865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22468 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 February 2002, whether it and the Common Services Agency have completed their exploration of the cr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22468 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 February 2002, whether it and the Common Services Agency have completed their exploration of the creation of a combined community and hospital medicines utilisation database and, if so, whether such a database will be created. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26868 on 2 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164397,"EventID":"S1W-27866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it plans to give to the Scottish Ambulance Service and, in particular, to the ambulance service in Lanarkshire to help them to overcome any problems they cu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it plans to give to the Scottish Ambulance Service and, in particular, to the ambulance service in Lanarkshire to help them to overcome any problems they currently face.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided the Scottish Ambulance Service with an allocation of £108.783 million for 2002-03, an increase of 7.4% on last year. The indicative allocations for 2003-04 and 2004-05 provide for further uplifts of 7.4% in each year. These represent unprecedented levels of investment and reflect our support for the service's modernisation agenda.

      Across Scotland these increased resources will support the improvement of the service's operations rooms functions, the roll-out of priority based dispatch, the conversion of a number of part-time ambulance stations to full-time and the introduction of dedicated non-emergency transport services for renal dialysis patients. The service plans to employ around 200 additional staff over the next two years to support these developments.

      How these improvements are rolled-out across Scotland and how these additional staff are deployed are operational matters for the Scottish Ambulance Service and its divisions. For Lanarkshire, this means an additional 10 accident and emergency staff this financial year to help alleviate the problems of uncovered shifts. They will be fully trained and operational by mid-September. Over the next two years, the service will also be providing an additional 24 front-line paramedic vehicle crew staff for priority based dispatch. These two initiatives represent a 23% increase in current staff establishment. Another step which has been taken in Lanarkshire is the introduction of revised shift rotas to provide more effective cover. These rotas are constantly reviewed to ensure that resources match demand. The merger of the Glasgow and Motherwell operations (control) rooms (at Glasgow) in October will also allow for better deployment of emergency ambulances in the Lanarkshire area, since the merger will enable the operations rooms staff to know immediately where the emergency resources are across the area.

      The Scottish Executive monitors the performance of the Scottish Ambulance Service and holds the service to account through the Accountability Review process supported by the Performance Assessment Framework. The issues surrounding performance within the West Central Division, including Lanarkshire, were discussed at the Accountability Review meeting on Monday 5 August 2002. Response times performance across the six divisions of the service shall continue to be monitored by the department.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164398,"EventID":"S1W-27867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate for an ambulance with a single crew member to attend emergency calls.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate for an ambulance with a single crew member to attend emergency calls.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27875.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164399,"EventID":"S1W-27868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate for attendance by an ambulance with a single crew member to be classified as a response for the purpose of response time statistics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate for attendance by an ambulance with a single crew member to be classified as a response for the purpose of response time statistics.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27875.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164400,"EventID":"S1W-27869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance shifts are regularly covered by ambulances with a single crew member.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance shifts are regularly covered by ambulances with a single crew member.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27875.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164401,"EventID":"S1W-27870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why ambulance crews members are paid a single hourly rate, unlike other members of NHS staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why ambulance crews members are paid a single hourly rate, unlike other members of NHS staff.","AnswerText":"Pay and conditions of service for ambulance service staff are negotiated and agreed by staff side representatives and the Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164402,"EventID":"S1W-27871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which staff grades within the Scottish Ambulance Service receive (a) enhanced or (b) overtime rates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which staff grades within the Scottish Ambulance Service receive (a) enhanced or (b) overtime rates.","AnswerText":"Overtime rates of pay are paid to ambulance frontline staff, paramedic technicians, operations room assistants, maintenance staff, driver/handymen and administrative and clerical staff within the Scottish Ambulance Service staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164403,"EventID":"S1W-27872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance paramedics have been trained in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance paramedics have been trained in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"In 1996-97, there were 332 paramedics working in the Scottish Ambulance Service. At 31 March 2002, this figure had increased to 750. This equates to an average of 83 technicians trained to paramedic level in each of the last five years.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164404,"EventID":"S1W-27873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 May 2002, what action it plans to take about the growing incidence of class A drugs at HM Prison Kilm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 May 2002, what action it plans to take about the growing incidence of class A drugs at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Figures published in the Drug Misuse Statistics Scottish annual bulletin show a consistent rise in the misuse of class A drugs in Scotland over recent years. Drugs misuse patterns among the prison population as a whole, including those in HM Prison Kilmarnock, reflect that in the community.

      Premier Prisons Ltd, who are responsible for running HM Prison Kilmarnock operate various drug interdiction procedures including surveillance, intelligence analysis, liaison with the police, pro-active drug dog and electronic drug detection equipment, as well as prisoner demand reduction measures delivered through medical care, and drug counselling.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164405,"EventID":"S1W-27874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 May 2002, why the incidence of class A drugs at HM Prison Kilmarnock has been more than twice as high","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 May 2002, why the incidence of class A drugs at HM Prison Kilmarnock has been more than twice as high as other classes of drugs in years two and three.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The answer given to question S1W-25569 does not indicate that the incidence of Class A drugs has been more than twice as high as other classes of drugs in years two and three. It was a record of the number of performance points not of incidents. An incident also may reveal the presence of other classes of drugs. Where that is the case the performance point awards are made solely on the basis of the Class A finding.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164406,"EventID":"S1W-27875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last reviewed the necessary level of relief staff in ambulance stations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last reviewed the necessary level of relief staff in ambulance stations.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Scottish Ambulance Service. I can, however, advise you that the service regularly reviews its operational performance addressing all of the factors which influence that performance. These include demand on the service, staffing levels generally and specifically covering relief requirements, training demands and sickness levels.

      There are no rostered single crewed ambulance shifts. Where single crewed ambulances are operating it is because of short notice unplanned absences. Across Scotland the incidence of such responses last year was 0.69% of all calls.

      In those circumstances where a single crewed accident and emergency ambulance provides the first response to an emergency call, staff in the operations room ensure that this is backed up by a double crewed resource at the first available opportunity. The single crewed response is only recorded against the response times target if the follow up resource reaches the patient within 14/18/21 minutes (depending on population density) of the call being received.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164407,"EventID":"S1W-27876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of ambulance services in Lanarkshire given that, in the first nine days of July 2002, 25% of shifts in that area were not covered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in respect of ambulance services in Lanarkshire given that, in the first nine days of July 2002, 25% of shifts in that area were not covered.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27866.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164408,"EventID":"S1W-27877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many paramedics (a) are required by the Scottish Ambulance Service at (i) minimum and (ii) full operating strength and (b) the service has currently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many paramedics (a) are required by the Scottish Ambulance Service at (i) minimum and (ii) full operating strength and (b) the service has currently.","AnswerText":"At 31 March 2002, the Scottish Ambulance Service had 750 paramedics against a total accident and emergency establishment of 1,791. One of the service's objectives is to have a paramedic on every frontline accident and emergency ambulance by March 2005. The service has in place a paramedic training programme and is currently on course to achieve this objective.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164409,"EventID":"S1W-27878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much resources have been transferred from the NHS to local authorities in respect of learning disability provision in each year from 1996-97 to date, broken down by l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much resources have been transferred from the NHS to local authorities in respect of learning disability provision in each year from 1996-97 to date, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information about resource transfer for adults with learning disabilities is contained in Table 7.5 of Scottish Community Care Statistics 2001, published by the Scottish Executive in August 2002. A copy of this document is being made available to the Parliament's Reference Centre. The document is also available on the Scottish Executive's website:

      www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00180-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164410,"EventID":"S1W-27879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disabilities have moved out of hospital since the publication of The Same as You?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disabilities have moved out of hospital since the publication of The Same as You?.","AnswerText":"The number of average occupied beds in the learning disability speciality reduced from 1,832 at end-March 2000 (the nearest available date to when The same as you? was published in May 2000) to 1,521 at end-March 2001 (the latest date for which figures are available), a reduction of 311 or 17%. (source: Scottish Community Care Statistics 2001 - Table 2.14).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164411,"EventID":"S1W-27880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nature of end accommodation provision has been for the people with learning difficulties who have moved out of hospital since the publication of The Same as You?","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nature of end accommodation provision has been for the people with learning difficulties who have moved out of hospital since the publication of The Same as You?.","AnswerText":"Individuals leaving hospital have gone to different settings depending on their assessed needs, the wishes of the individual concerned, and the policies of the local authority. These include sheltered housing and supported accommodation, care homes, own tenancies with packages of care and support, and a few have purchased their own homes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164412,"EventID":"S1W-27881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disablities have had more than two moves since leaving hospital since the publication of The Same as You?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disablities have had more than two moves since leaving hospital since the publication of The Same as You?.","AnswerText":"This information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164413,"EventID":"S1W-27882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided for advocacy for people with learning disabilities since the publication of The Same as You?; what service provision this has secured, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided for advocacy for people with learning disabilities since the publication of The Same as You?; what service provision this has secured, and how the quality and scope of service provision are being monitored.","AnswerText":"The amount of funding spent on advocacy services for people with a learning disability was £970,000 in 2001-02 rising to £1.25 million in 2002-03. It is not possible to define how much of this funding was drawn down from the Change Fund or other sources. Service provision will be developed to meet local need and is a matter for the local agencies. The Advocacy Safeguard Agency has overall responsible for monitoring the scope and quality of the services provided, the funder will also retain their usual monitoring and evaluation arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164414,"EventID":"S1W-27883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24184 and S1W-27027 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 April and 17 July 2002, why the information requested was given in respect of Fife Con","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-24184 and S1W-27027 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 April and 17 July 2002, why the information requested was given in respect of Fife Constabulary but not in respect of the other police forces.","AnswerText":"Ordinarily this information is not held centrally. The information given in respect of Fife had been provided to officials in another context. The other Scottish forces had not provided similar information.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164415,"EventID":"S1W-27884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the implementation of EC Regulation 2037/2000, where financial responsibility for the disposal of refrigerators will lie once the current backlog of refri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the implementation of EC Regulation 2037/2000, where financial responsibility for the disposal of refrigerators will lie once the current backlog of refrigerators has been cleared.","AnswerText":"Financial responsibility for the disposal of all household waste, including domestic refrigerators and freezers, currently lies with local authorities. That will continue to be the case until the manufacturers and distributors of such equipment become liable under the producer responsibility provisions of the prospective Directive on Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (probably during 2005-06).

      Financial responsibility for the disposal of commercial refrigeration equipment currently lies with the owner or holder of that equipment. The draft directive provides that manufacturers and distributors should bear an element of these costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164416,"EventID":"S1W-27885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on paragraph 44 of the fourth report of the House of Commons select committee on environment, food and rural affairs, Disposal of Refrigerators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on paragraph 44 of the fourth report of the House of Commons select committee on environment, food and rural affairs, Disposal of Refrigerators.","AnswerText":"The Executive has noted this report, which was carried out by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee of the House of Commons as a part of its remit to scrutinise the work of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The UK Government will be responding to this report.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164417,"EventID":"S1W-27886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Health Department's business case procedure requires that, prior to monies being allocated to a capital project from public funds, private finance must first ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Health Department's business case procedure requires that, prior to monies being allocated to a capital project from public funds, private finance must first be pursued and whether there is any minimum cost figure that applies before private finance must be sought.","AnswerText":"The Health Department's business case procedure requires NHS trusts and boards to fully examine all procurement options in developing capital projects. The only projects which will be pursued as PPP/PFI however, will be those that are both affordable to the NHS trust or board and deliver better value for money than an equivalent publicly funded solution. There is no minimum cost threshold which must be met before projects are considered suitable for PPP/PFI funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164418,"EventID":"S1W-27887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Health Department's business case procedure could result in a capital project being delayed while funding is pursued from outwith the public sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its Health Department's business case procedure could result in a capital project being delayed while funding is pursued from outwith the public sector.","AnswerText":"It can extend the timescale for beginning construction work in particular cases but overall it speeds up the delivery of capital projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164419,"EventID":"S1W-27888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed new Health Resource Centre for Largs is on schedule for completion and when it is expected to be operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed new Health Resource Centre for Largs is on schedule for completion and when it is expected to be operational.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of NHS boards and trusts to address issues relating to the provision of services in their areas.

      The information requested is available from Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care NHS Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164420,"EventID":"S1W-27889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27009 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, what its definition is of \"fraudulent activity\" in respect of the Individual Learning Account","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27009 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, what its definition is of \"fraudulent activity\" in respect of the Individual Learning Account scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not defined what constitutes "fraudulent activity". It is a matter for the Procurator Fiscal Service to decide whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal proceedings and it is for the court to decide if there is sufficient evidence to convict.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164421,"EventID":"S1W-27890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27009 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, when the validation of claims submitted for payment under the Individual Learning Account sch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27009 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, when the validation of claims submitted for payment under the Individual Learning Account scheme is expected to be completed.","AnswerText":"It is expected that the validation of claims still under consideration should be completed by early September. However, cases where the validation has identified irregularities may require further investigation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164422,"EventID":"S1W-27891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27009 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, (a) how many of the learning providers included in the exercise to validate claims have yet t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27009 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, (a) how many of the learning providers included in the exercise to validate claims have yet to be assessed, (b) of those already assessed, how many fraudulent claims there were, broken down by classification of fraud and (c) how many such claims have been referred to the procurators fiscal.","AnswerText":"All learning providers included in the validation exercise have been assessed. The validation exercise has identified a number of irregularities and in some cases further investigations are continuing. It is not possible to say how many fraudulent claims there were: it is a matter for the Procurator Fiscal Service to decide whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal proceedings and it is for the court to decide if there is sufficient evidence to convict. No claims have been referred yet to the Procurators Fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164423,"EventID":"S1W-27892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what process it decides which minister answers a written parliamentary question.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what process it decides which minister answers a written parliamentary question.","AnswerText":"In general, written parliamentary questions are answered by the minister with the relevant portfolio interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164424,"EventID":"S1W-27893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25278 by Ms Margaret Curran on 22 May 2002, what percentage of homes provided in projects receiving funding assistance from Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25278 by Ms Margaret Curran on 22 May 2002, what percentage of homes provided in projects receiving funding assistance from Scottish Homes or Communities Scotland have been for (a) outright ownership, (b) shared ownership and (c) affordable rent, broken down into Scottish Homes or Communities Scotland area of operation, in each year since the inception of Scottish Homes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The national percentage of homes provided in projects receiving funding assistance from Scottish Homes/Communities Scotland since 1989-90 is as follows:

      Percentage of Homes Provided in Projects Receiving Funding Assistance from Scottish Homes/Communities Scotland (1989-90 to 2001-02)<","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164425,"EventID":"S1W-27894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25278 by Ms Margaret Curran on 22 May 2002, what percentage of homes provided in projects programmed to receive funding assistance ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25278 by Ms Margaret Curran on 22 May 2002, what percentage of homes provided in projects programmed to receive funding assistance from Communities Scotland will be for (a) ownership, (b) shared ownership and (c) affordable rent, broken down into Communities Scotland area of operation, in each year for which forward programming figures are available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The percentage of homes provided in projects programmed to receive funding assistance from Communities Scotland in 2002-03 is as follows:

      Percentage of Homes Provided in Projects Receiving Funding Assistance from Communities Scotland (2002-2003)

      Year

      Affordable Rent

      Shared Ownership

      Owner Occupation

      Total

      1989-1990

      89.2%

      7.9%

      2.9%

      100%

      1990-1991

      67.4%

      13.7%

      18.9%

      100%

      1991-1992

      68.6%

      11.5%

      19.9%

      100%

      1992-1993

      65.9%

      14.7%

      19.4%

      100%

      1993-1994

      65.9%

      15.9%

      18.2%

      100%

      1994-1995

      62.9%

      12.9%

      24.2%

      100%

      1995-1996

      62.7%

      17.1%

      20.1%

      100%

      1996-1997

      55.8%

      13.1%

      31.1%

      100%

      1997-1998

      60.5%

      12.6%

      27.0%

      100%

      1998-1999

      62.9%

      9.5%

      27.6%

      100%

      1999-2000

      67.6%

      4.5%

      27.9%

      100%

      2000-2001

      81.1%

      Area Office

      Affordable Rent

      Shared Ownership

      Owner Occupation

      Total

      Inverness

      75.2%

      0.0%

      24.8%

      100%

      Aberdeen

      88.4%

      0.0%

      11.6%

      100%

      Dundee

      92.8%

      3.2%

      4.0%

      100%

      Edinburgh

      89.8%

      2.2%

      8.0%

      100%

      Hamilton/Ayr

      84.3%

      1.4%

      14.4%

      100%

      Paisley

      98.7%

      0.0%

      1.3%

      100%

      Glasgow

      71.0%

      1.4%

      27.6%

      100%

      Total

      83.0%

      1.3%

      15.7%

      100%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164426,"EventID":"S1W-27895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) duties and (b) departments are of its 40 new policy analysts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) duties and (b) departments are of its 40 new policy analysts.","AnswerText":"The roles of policy analysts vary. All will be team leaders and most will be responsible for a discreet policy area. Their duties are likely to include developing, implementing or evaluating policy, preparing briefing and speeches for ministers, giving evidence to Parliamentary Committees, and representing the Executive at meetings and in exchanges with a wide range of organisations. Some policy analysts may also be called upon to manage substantial projects or to be responsible for significant numbers of staff and large-scale financial resources.

      Successful applicants from the Policy Analyst recruitment exercise could be assigned to work in any part of the Scottish Executive. Decisions on the posts to which successful applicants are to be assigned will take account of the skills and experience of the applicants and the vacancies available at the time they are able to take up appointment. The Executive's vacancy position changes over time as a result of internal movement.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164427,"EventID":"S1W-27896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many policy analysts (a) it employs currently, broken down by department and (b) it has employed in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many policy analysts (a) it employs currently, broken down by department and (b) it has employed in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Numbers of policy analysts (administration grade C1) broken down by department are given in the following table.

      Count of permanent admin C1 officers, Scottish Executive core departments, by department, as at 1 April 2002

      Department

      Count

      Total

      259

      Finance and Central Services

      41

      Environment and Rural Affairs

      41

      Development

      39

      Health

      35

      Enterprise and Lifelong Learning

      32

      Education

      28

      Justice

      17

      Corporate Services

      16

      Ministerial Group

      4

      Centrally Managed Staff

      6

      Numbers of policy analysts (administration grade C1) employed between 1999 and 2002 are given in the following table.

      Count of permanent admin C1 officers, Scottish Executive core departments as at 1 April 1999 - 2002

      Year

      Count

      1999

      217

      2000

      227

      2001

      234

      2002

      259

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164428,"EventID":"S1W-27897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many policy analysts were employed by the Scottish Office in each year from 1995 to 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many policy analysts were employed by the Scottish Office in each year from 1995 to 1999.","AnswerText":"Numbers of policy analysts (administration grade C1) employed between 1995 and 1999 are given in the following table.

      Count of admin C1 officers, Scottish Office core departments. As at 1 April 1995 - 1999

      Year

      Count

      1995

      152

      1996

      164

      1997

      171

      1998

      177

      1999

      217

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164429,"EventID":"S1W-27898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it plans to spend on advertising, broken down by media type, in each department in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it plans to spend on advertising, broken down by media type, in each department in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26486 on 20 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164430,"EventID":"S1W-27899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27064 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 July 2002, whether there is a shortfall between the funding of #754 million allocated to Lothian NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27064 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 July 2002, whether there is a shortfall between the funding of #754 million allocated to Lothian NHS Board and projected expenditure by the board in 2002-03 and how much any such shortfall is, broken down by NHS trust and hospital.","AnswerText":"Resources are allocated to NHS boards on the basis of need. Boards are held to account for managing within the allocations made to them and for achieving national and local targets.

      The Health Department will support boards to achieve these targets through regular monitoring and performance management.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164431,"EventID":"S1W-27900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27065 by Malcolm Chisholm on 16 July 2002, whether it will publish the national guidance on car parking charge practice issued to N","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27065 by Malcolm Chisholm on 16 July 2002, whether it will publish the national guidance on car parking charge practice issued to NHS trusts.","AnswerText":"In accordance with standard practice, the national guidance on car parking charges was published in Management Executive Letter (MEL) (2000) 13, dated 17 March 2000, copies of which are available to the public through The Stationery Office. Should the guidance be revised following the current review, it will be published in a Health Department Letter (HDL) and made available in the same way.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164432,"EventID":"S1W-27901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance shifts were not covered in the Lothian NHS Board area in each of the last (a) three years and (b) seven months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ambulance shifts were not covered in the Lothian NHS Board area in each of the last (a) three years and (b) seven months.","AnswerText":"This information is not available for the Lothian NHS Board area for the periods in question. The manpower planning system used in other parts of Scotland to provide this detail has only recently been installed in this area.

      What we do know is that in recent weeks, in the Lothian NHS Board area, the number of uncovered shifts amounts to less than 1% of all rostered shifts.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164433,"EventID":"S1W-27902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27063 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, whether it will provide additional funding to West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust in order","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27063 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, whether it will provide additional funding to West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust in order to assist the trust in addressing its funding deficit.","AnswerText":"NHS Lothian has received its fair share of funding. In 2002-03 NHS Lothian will receive record investment of over £754 million, a 6.8% increase on 2001-02. Distribution of this allocation is a matter of local negotiation.

      As mentioned in the answer given to question S1W-27063, the Scottish Executive Health Department is constantly monitoring and reviewing West Lothian Healthcare Trust's financial position against the agreed recovery plan. The trust's financial position remains in line with the recovery plan.

      The Scottish Executive Health Department, NHS Lothian and the trust continue to work together to deliver the recovery plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164434,"EventID":"S1W-27903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4896/2001, how, and to what extent, Scottish football has benefited from the Scottish Football Partnership since the partnership was la","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4896/2001, how, and to what extent, Scottish football has benefited from the Scottish Football Partnership since the partnership was launched in November 2001.","AnswerText":"Following the launch of the Scottish Football Partnership in November 2001, there have been a number of legal issues which have had to be addressed to allow the Partnership to become operational.

      However, following a recent exchange of correspondence between the SFA and the Football Foundation, the Scottish Football Partnership hopes that the final legal obstacle concerning the transfer of funds from the Football Stadium Improvement Fund will shortly be resolved. Once the transfer has been made and its opening balance known, the partnership will be in a position to begin its work in earnest.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164435,"EventID":"S1W-27904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4896/2001, whether it will outline the range of youth development schemes that have been financially assisted by the Scottish Football ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4896/2001, whether it will outline the range of youth development schemes that have been financially assisted by the Scottish Football Partnership and to what extent young Scots have been encouraged and coached in football skills.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27903.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164436,"EventID":"S1W-27905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4896/2001, what budget is currently available to the Scottish Football Partnership and whether this budget is more or less than that an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4896/2001, what budget is currently available to the Scottish Football Partnership and whether this budget is more or less than that announced by the Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture when the scheme was launched in November 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27903.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164437,"EventID":"S1W-27906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4896/2001, how many grants have been awarded by the Scottish Football Partnership and what the total sum is of monies disbursed under t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4896/2001, how many grants have been awarded by the Scottish Football Partnership and what the total sum is of monies disbursed under this scheme to date.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27903.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164438,"EventID":"S1W-27907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nature is of any alleged legal difficulties currently facing the Scottish Football Partnership; what action is being taken in order to address any such situatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nature is of any alleged legal difficulties currently facing the Scottish Football Partnership; what action is being taken in order to address any such situation, and when it is expected that any such difficulties will be resolved.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27903.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164439,"EventID":"S1W-27908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26855 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, (a) which prisons were used as a basis for estimating the number of staff required in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26855 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, (a) which prisons were used as a basis for estimating the number of staff required in the public sector comparator prison model and (b) why each such prison was considered to be comparable.","AnswerText":"(a) HM Prison Edinburgh, HM Prison Perth and HM Prison Shotts;

      (b) The size and role of these prisons broadly cover that of the comparable private sector option.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164440,"EventID":"S1W-27909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26856 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, whether any reduction in staff following the contracting out of prisoner escorts was taken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26856 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, whether any reduction in staff following the contracting out of prisoner escorts was taken into account in estimating the number of staff required for the 700-place prison in the public sector comparator model.","AnswerText":"No, because the comparable private sector option excludes escorts.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164441,"EventID":"S1W-27910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-26855, S1W-26856 and S1W-26858 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, what formula was used to estimate from existing prisons the num","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-26855, S1W-26856 and S1W-26858 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, what formula was used to estimate from existing prisons the number of staff required for the 700-place prison in the public sector comparator prison model.","AnswerText":"The staffing level was based on the staff to prisoner place ratio of the comparable prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164442,"EventID":"S1W-27911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-26856 and S1W-26858 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, what formula was used to estimate from existing prisons the cost of staff ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-26856 and S1W-26858 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, what formula was used to estimate from existing prisons the cost of staff required for the 700-place prison in the public sector comparator prison model.","AnswerText":"The cost of staff was based on the staff cost at the comparable prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164443,"EventID":"S1W-27912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26858 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, why the cash flow model for the public sector comparator does not separately identify (a) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26858 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, why the cash flow model for the public sector comparator does not separately identify (a) pension costs and (b) other wage-related costs.","AnswerText":"Because there is no need to do so. The model used a composite staff cost which covers the components.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164444,"EventID":"S1W-27913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002, why the grades of staff to be employed in the public sector comparator model prison are no","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25022 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002, why the grades of staff to be employed in the public sector comparator model prison are not identified.","AnswerText":"Because the relevant consideration is the cost of staff which were used in the model, not the grade identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164445,"EventID":"S1W-27914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26496 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 July 2002, why the cost to it of non-domestic rates was not added to the cost per prisoner place of H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26496 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 July 2002, why the cost to it of non-domestic rates was not added to the cost per prisoner place of HM Prison Kilmarnock in the answer to question S1W-11438 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 January 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The question asked for the cost to be based on the cost of the contract. Non-domestic rates are not a contractual cost but are a separate obligation on SPS and were therefore not included.

      If the cost of rates had been included, this would not have had a material impact on the annual average cost per prisoner place.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164446,"EventID":"S1W-27915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26499 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 June 2002, why the cost to it of the independent engineer engaged to monitor the progress of work on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26499 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 June 2002, why the cost to it of the independent engineer engaged to monitor the progress of work on HM Prison Kilmarnock in accordance with section 11.4 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock was not included in the cost of contract compliance shown in the answer to question S1W-21186 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The independent engineer cost relates to the pre-opening phase of the prison and was properly classified as a cost of procurement rather than post-opening cost of contract compliance.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164447,"EventID":"S1W-27916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24734 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 May 2002, why there have been no Category A prisoners accommodated at HM Prison Kilmarnock since openi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24734 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 May 2002, why there have been no Category A prisoners accommodated at HM Prison Kilmarnock since opening.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Between the opening of HM Prison Kilmarnock and the abolition of the Security Categorisation System on 31 March 2002, there were very few Category A prisoners in Scottish prisons. Those Category A prisoners we had were appropriately allocated in other establishments. There has therefore been no requirement to allocate a Category A prisoner to Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164448,"EventID":"S1W-27917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26496 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 July 2002, why the costs it incurs in paying non-domestic rates at HM Prison Kilmarnock were not stat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26496 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 July 2002, why the costs it incurs in paying non-domestic rates at HM Prison Kilmarnock were not stated in the answer to question S1W-24351 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The answer listed the obligations which are additional to those contained in the published contract. The obligation in respect of rates is stated in the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164449,"EventID":"S1W-27918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26496 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 July 2002, whether it is envisaged that private prison operators would absorb the costs of non-domest","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26496 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 July 2002, whether it is envisaged that private prison operators would absorb the costs of non-domestic rates.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. The level of non-domestic rates is effectively set by the government and cannot be influenced by the prison operator. It is therefore better to pay for it centrally rather than to pay the sum to the operator to pass on as non-domestic rates.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164450,"EventID":"S1W-27919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26496 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 July 2002, why the cost to it of non-domestic rates for private prisons is not included in the costin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26496 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 July 2002, why the cost to it of non-domestic rates for private prisons is not included in the costing of private prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Non-domestic rates are not included in the contract cost of privately managed prisons as this provides best value to the taxpayer.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164451,"EventID":"S1W-27920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the controller of HM Prison Kilmarnock or another person with delegated powers is on duty at the prison 24 hours a day, every day of the week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the controller of HM Prison Kilmarnock or another person with delegated powers is on duty at the prison 24 hours a day, every day of the week.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There is a controller on duty in the prison - or on call during evening and night hours - every day of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164452,"EventID":"S1W-27921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27066 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, why it does not hold centrally information on the average number of hours worked by juni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27066 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, why it does not hold centrally information on the average number of hours worked by junior doctors in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive requires trusts to report on compliance with the contractual requirements of the New Deal for junior doctors and available data covers whether junior doctors meet the limit of 56 hours per week. Considerable efforts have been focussed on ensuring that accurate information is recorded and gathered from trusts on this key objective.

      It is the responsibility of trusts to ensure compliance with New Deal. Trusts are currently further updating their information systems to ensure that working patterns of junior doctors, including the average hours worked, are recorded for junior doctors.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164453,"EventID":"S1W-27922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects that West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust will achieve full compliance with the limit of 56 hours of work per week set out in the New Deal for junior doctors","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects that West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust will achieve full compliance with the limit of 56 hours of work per week set out in the New Deal for junior doctors.","AnswerText":"The most recent monitoring data from West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust indicate that 100% of Pre Registration House Officers are compliant with New Deal. Senior House Officers and Specialist Registrars are required to compliant by August 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164454,"EventID":"S1W-27923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the New Deal Implementation Support Group has given to West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust in order to enable it to achieve compliance with the limit of 56 hou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support the New Deal Implementation Support Group has given to West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust in order to enable it to achieve compliance with the limit of 56 hours of work per week for junior doctors.","AnswerText":"Members of the Implementation Support Group have been meeting regularly with trust representatives to provide advice and guidance on producing rotas that are New Deal compliant.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164455,"EventID":"S1W-27924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether the answer fully complies with the letter and spirit of the Scottish Ministerial Code","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether the answer fully complies with the letter and spirit of the Scottish Ministerial Code.","AnswerText":"I believe that the answer complies with the letter and spirit of the Scottish Ministerial Code.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164456,"EventID":"S1W-27925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether the answer fully complies with the letter and spirit of its Guidance on Contacts with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether the answer fully complies with the letter and spirit of its Guidance on Contacts with Members of the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Guidance on Contacts with Members of the Scottish Parliament is directed at Civil Servants.

      I am not aware of any such request to officials but would be happy to look into the matter if Ms Hyslop's concerns remain.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164457,"EventID":"S1W-27926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether the answer fully complies with the letter and spirit of the Code of Practice on Acces","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether the answer fully complies with the letter and spirit of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerText":"I believe that the letter and spirit of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information has been complied with.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164458,"EventID":"S1W-27927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services did not intend to state to the Pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25676 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 May 2002, whether the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services did not intend to state to the Parliament that money was \"flowing north of the border from south of the border\" (Official Report, 23 January 2002, c. 5646-47) and, if so, whether he will clarify the position in the chamber of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"I do not think that any clarification is necessary, taking into account the Deputy Minister's comments as a whole, and not just the words selected for quotation in question S1W-25676.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164459,"EventID":"S1W-27928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the working group considering fire brigade pensions will report and whether the report will be published at the same time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the working group considering fire brigade pensions will report and whether the report will be published at the same time.","AnswerText":"The work of the group is continuing. It is not possible at this stage to be definitive about when the report will be submitted to ministers or published.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164460,"EventID":"S1W-27929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14111 by Jackie Baillie on 26 March 2001, whether the pilot debtline in Fife has become operational and, if so, when; how it plans ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14111 by Jackie Baillie on 26 March 2001, whether the pilot debtline in Fife has become operational and, if so, when; how it plans to analyse the efficacy of the pilot debtline, and whether any research on this matter has already been undertaken.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-24465 15 April 2002, the Fife pilot of the National Debtline project was launched by Iain Gray, then Social Justice Minister, on 22 March 2002. The Department of Trade and Industry plan to undertake an evaluation of all three pilots of the National Debtline in autumn 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164461,"EventID":"S1W-27930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is currently undertaking on the impact of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and when it expects the results of any such research to be available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is currently undertaking on the impact of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and when it expects the results of any such research to be available.","AnswerText":"Earlier this year the Scottish Executive commissioned a research study to assess the impact of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 in its first eighteen months of operation in Scotland. The study involves in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, service providers, asylum seekers and local community organisations. It also includes elements to identify and assess good practice and to monitor media content and coverage of asylum seeker issues. Fieldwork will conclude in summer 2002 and the report will be published in autumn 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164462,"EventID":"S1W-27931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Refugee Integration Forum was established in January 2002 and has met three times. Six satellite groups were established to take forward specific areas of work. The satellites have completed their evidence gathering sessions and are now considering their priority actions. These draft action plans will be considered at a full meeting of the group towards the end of September.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164463,"EventID":"S1W-27932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17706 by Jackie Baillie on 3 October 2001, which minister is responsible for all devolved aspects of asylum issues and has the rele","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17706 by Jackie Baillie on 3 October 2001, which minister is responsible for all devolved aspects of asylum issues and has the relevant power to take action on such matters.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Social Justice is responsible for co-ordinating the devolved aspects of asylum issues, working in partnership with other cabinet ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164464,"EventID":"S1W-27933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17706 by Jackie Baillie on 3 October 2001, how many staff there are in the unit dedicated to dealing with asylum seekers and with r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17706 by Jackie Baillie on 3 October 2001, how many staff there are in the unit dedicated to dealing with asylum seekers and with refugee integration issues.","AnswerText":"The Asylum Seeker and Refugee Integration team currently comprises three permanent members of staff and one temporary member of staff. This team works closely with a number of officials throughout the Executive on all devolved aspects of asylum and refugee integration.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164465,"EventID":"S1W-27934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-17642 and S1W-17643 by Angus MacKay on 18 September 2001, whether it has now considered the consultants' final report; if so, wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-17642 and S1W-17643 by Angus MacKay on 18 September 2001, whether it has now considered the consultants' final report; if so, what conclusions it has drawn in the light of the report, and whether it will now make public its plans relating to the information requested in those questions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive considered the consultant's report and a range of potential options for the delivery of Facilities Management services. The Executive concluded that a Business Improvement Plan (BIP), using mainly in-house provision, would provide the best overall value for the Executive. The BIP involves the reorganisation of in house teams and for their role to expand as some current contracts will not be replaced as they end.

      The BIP aims to both improve facilities management services and reduce costs by £2.1 million per annum by 2004-05. Over the period 2002-03 to 2004-05 a number of changes will be made to the organisation of services delivery, to the number and extent of the contracts which support this work, and the way in which staff gain access to services. Every effort will be made to ensure that staff surpluses do not arise and redundancies are avoided through establishing staff preferences, reskilling, retraining and redeployment.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164466,"EventID":"S1W-27935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often information requested in parliamentary questions has been withheld at the request of Her Majesty's Government under paragraph 11 (a) of the Devolution Memorand","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often information requested in parliamentary questions has been withheld at the request of Her Majesty's Government under paragraph 11 (a) of the Devolution Memorandum of Understanding and Supplementary Agreements between the United Kingdom Government, Scottish ministers, the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive Committee in each of the last seven months.","AnswerText":"In answering parliamentary questions the Scottish Executive always respects the status of information held in confidence, and does not distinguish between that and whether or not such information has been subject to a formal request under these arrangements. So far as I am aware no formal request of this kind has been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164467,"EventID":"S1W-27936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter the capital receipt set-aside rules governing the use of monies received by local authorities that are obliged to sell houses under right-to-bu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter the capital receipt set-aside rules governing the use of monies received by local authorities that are obliged to sell houses under right-to-buy legislation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to alter the housing capital receipts set-aside rules at present. It is important that we continue to reduce the debt burden on local authority tenants.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164468,"EventID":"S1W-27937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to relieve local authority housing departments of capital housing debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to relieve local authority housing departments of capital housing debt.","AnswerText":"Arrangements are already in place with Treasury whereby assistance with debt is available as part of a whole stock transfer package. The Executive is not in a position to be able to relieve local authority housing departments of debt outwith stock transfer, since this would require the public sector to meet the costs of both debt redemption and investment in council stock.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164469,"EventID":"S1W-27938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make further funding available to enhance the environmental benefits of planned waste water treatment works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to make further funding available to enhance the environmental benefits of planned waste water treatment works.","AnswerText":"No.

      The funding available to Scottish Water during the current four year investment cycle is described in some detail in Water Quality and Standards Investment Priorities for Scotland's Water Authorities 2002-2006 (Bib. number 15676). The purpose of wastewater treatment works is to treat discharges of wastewater to a standard which will benefit the environment.

      Scottish Water's investment programme is already very substantial and is based upon the advice of a wide range of bodies including Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Water Industry Commission. It reflects a balance between our meeting environmental and public health considerations on the one hand, and the affordability of charges to customers on the other.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164470,"EventID":"S1W-27939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25678 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24th July 2002, whether any civil servant received any oral, draft or documentary or electronic submissi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25678 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24th July 2002, whether any civil servant received any oral, draft or documentary or electronic submission from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) advising or commenting on the proposals of the internal SPS submission Constructing the Future.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25721 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164471,"EventID":"S1W-27940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring the ethnicity of households benefiting from the central heating installation programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is monitoring the ethnicity of households benefiting from the central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"No. This is a universal programme to ensure that all over 60s households in the private sector and all social rented tenants without central heating have access to a free central heating system, insulation and energy advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164472,"EventID":"S1W-27941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom the head of an Executive Agency is accountable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom the head of an Executive Agency is accountable.","AnswerText":"Agency Chief Executives are accountable to Scottish ministers for the performance of their agency and the efficient operation within the specific delegations set in the agency's framework document.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164473,"EventID":"S1W-27942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has the power to move the head of an Executive Agency to another post or to remove him or her from office.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has the power to move the head of an Executive Agency to another post or to remove him or her from office.","AnswerText":"Heads of Executive Agencies are civil servants and subject to normal career management within the Scottish Executive. This covers postings and other career decisions, which would be the subject of discussion between the individual and senior management.

      Removal from office would be the subject of discussion between the individual and senior management and would be dealt with under the terms of the individual contracts held by the Heads of Executive Agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164474,"EventID":"S1W-27943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) it or (b) individual ministers have the power to give instructions to the head of an Executive Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) it or (b) individual ministers have the power to give instructions to the head of an Executive Agency.","AnswerText":"Ministers retain the right to intervene in the operations of an Executive Agency if it is considered to be operating outwith its agreed framework or where service delivery is falling below acceptable levels.

      Ministers do not expect to be involved in the day-to-day activities of an agency. The success of the agency model has been based on giving Agency Chief Executives freedom to organise service delivery in customer responsive ways.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164475,"EventID":"S1W-27944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers there were in the Strathclyde Police force at its inception in 1975 and how many such officers there are currently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many officers there were in the Strathclyde Police force at its inception in 1975 and how many such officers there are currently.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following table:
       

      31 December 1975

      30 June 2002

      Number of Police Officers

      6,478

      7,313

      Source: Quarterly Strength Returns from Strathclyde Police.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164476,"EventID":"S1W-27945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of recorded crime in the Strathclyde Police force area has increased since the force's inception in 1975 and, if so, by how much in actual and percentag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of recorded crime in the Strathclyde Police force area has increased since the force's inception in 1975 and, if so, by how much in actual and percentage terms.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. As the date of inception of Strathclyde police force was 16 May 1975, figures for recorded crime in Strathclyde police force area for the full calendar year 1975 are not available.

      Recorded Crimes in Strathclyde Police Force Area in 1976 and 2001

      Number of Crimes Recorded

      Change 1976-2001

      1976

      2001

      Number

      Percent

      190,623

      204,008

      13,385

      7%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164477,"EventID":"S1W-27946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27092 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, who the experts are on the Throughcare and Aftercare Working Group and how they were appoi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27092 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, who the experts are on the Throughcare and Aftercare Working Group and how they were appointed to this group.","AnswerText":"The Throughcare and Aftercare Working Group was formed following consultation on proposals to enhance throughcare and aftercare services for young people leaving care. Key organisations and agencies were invited to nominate a representative to sit on the working group, which is chaired by the Scottish Executive. Membership of the group is as follows:

      Tam Baillie, The Big Step

      Vivienne Boyle, Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum

      Alison Caulfield-Dow, Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum

      Mary Carson, Careers Scotland

      Patricia Coltart, Association of Directors of Social Work

      John Dickie, Scottish Council for Single Homeless

      Jean Downie, Association of Directors of Social Work

      Julie-Anne Jamieson, Careers Scotland

      Liz Lafferty, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

      Fred McBride, Association of Directors of Social Work

      Stephen McGinley, Who Cares? Scotland

      Alex Ross, Careers Scotland

      Deirdre Watson, Who Cares? Scotland","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164478,"EventID":"S1W-27947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27095 by Cathy Jamieson on 10 July 2002, whether the amount of resources available to local authorities to develop throughcare and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27095 by Cathy Jamieson on 10 July 2002, whether the amount of resources available to local authorities to develop throughcare and aftercare services and assist young people with the transition to independent living has increased, decreased or remained the same since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The funding available to local authorities has increased since 1999-2000 as detailed in my answer to question S1W-27095. In addition to the funding from the Children's Services Development Fund and the Changing Children's Services Fund it is for local authorities to determine their service priorities from the resources made available to them through their revenue grant allocation to meet their legislative duties.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164479,"EventID":"S1W-27948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27104 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, by what means the quality of pre-school education will be improved; what aspects of provis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27104 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, by what means the quality of pre-school education will be improved; what aspects of provision the Commission for the Regulation of Care and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education will be inspecting; how the #7.2 million for 2002-04 has been allocated, and how it will be used to support workforce expansion and development, and in what ways the Executive is working with Learning and Teaching Scotland and others to improve children's transition from pre-school education to primary school.","AnswerText":"Integrated inspections of pre-school services, undertaken by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, will aim to promote improvement in the quality of both education and care. In doing so, the Care Commission and HMIE will take account of Child at the Centre, Curriculum Framework for Children Aged 3-5 and the National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare Up to the Age of 16.

      All early years services delivering elements of both care and learning will be subject to an integrated inspection regime. Details of how this will be delivered will be finalised shortly.

      The additional £7.2 million to support workforce expansion and development has been allocated directly to local authorities, which will be free to determine how the resources can best be used to meet local workforce development needs. £3.6 million has been allocated for each of the financial years 2002-03 and 2003-04. This is in addition to the £2 million which was allocated to authorities in late March 2002, which can be spent during the financial year 2002-03. The way in which these funds have been allocated to each local authority is shown in the following table.

      Council

      2001-02

      (£)

      2002-03

      (£)

      2003-04

      (£)

      Aberdeen City

      74,725

      136,369

      136,369

      Aberdeenshire

      89,986

      166,162

      166,162

      Angus

      46,082

      80,446

      80,446

      Argyll and Bute

      36,782

      62,289

      62,289

      Clackmannanshire

      26,896

      42,987

      42,987

      Dumfries and Galloway

      57,258

      102,265

      102,265

      Dundee City

      56,146

      100,095

      100,095

      East Ayrshire

      50,952

      89,953

      89,953

      East Dunbartonshire

      44,766

      77,877

      77,877

      East Lothian

      40,192

      68,946

      68,946

      East Renfrewshire

      40,124

      68,814

      		Guidance on the Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education was drawn up to take account of the skills of all staff involved in meeting children's needs.

      It does not seek to reduce teacher involvement but to allow a more flexible approach to the deployment of teachers, taking account of the needs of centres, the integration of early education and childcare, and the abilities and experience of other staff with different training in pre-school. Making best use of the different skills and expertise of the whole staff group will assist services to meet the unique needs of each child.

      A commitment by all staff to use their collective skills and knowledge for the benefit of children and families offers a strong basis for positive joint working. Trained teachers will continue to play a vital part in early education as part of a broader team.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164481,"EventID":"S1W-27950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27105 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, what the targets and aims of pre-school education are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27105 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, what the targets and aims of pre-school education are.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to the continuation of the pre-school education programme. From April 2002, under the Standards in Scotland's Schools Act (2000) local authorities have been placed under a duty to provide a free part-time pre-school education place for all three and four year olds whose parents wish one.

      Pre-school education is designed to provide a broad range of planned learning opportunities, in line with the Curriculum Framework for Children three to five, which supports the development of the child. Pre-school education can broaden the range of children's learning experiences, to leave them confident, eager and enthusiastic learners, ready for the transition to school.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164482,"EventID":"S1W-27951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27106 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, who the members were of the working group of practitioners involved in drawing up the Guid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27106 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, who the members were of the working group of practitioners involved in drawing up the Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in page 19 of the Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education published by the Scottish Executive Education Department on 21 January 2002 a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18978).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164483,"EventID":"S1W-27952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27106 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, whether it will provide specific details of the research that formed the basis for the new","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27106 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, whether it will provide specific details of the research that formed the basis for the new Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education.","AnswerText":"The Guidance on Involvement of Teachers in Pre-school Education was informed by a range of evidence, including findings from research and inspection, and by the expertise of the working group members. The working group also considered individual case studies which looked at the different role played by teachers in a range of different early years provision and settings. A list of the centres involved in that study is given on page 19 of the guidance.

      The working group considered the results of a search of published literature databases which did not reveal a body of clear evidence about the specific difference a teacher makes. The group was also aware of various studies in America that suggest a strong correlation between high quality services for children and the presence of staff who are themselves highly educated. However, it is not clear from any research whether those benefits are linked to staff's general level of education, or to the knowledge and skills gained through their specific qualifications.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164484,"EventID":"S1W-27953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27107 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, on what basis it is stated that overall standards in the private and voluntary centres hav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27107 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, on what basis it is stated that overall standards in the private and voluntary centres have improved in the last four years, given that children's development and learning were not measured in the recent HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) report, Standards and Quality in Scottish Pre-school Education 1997-2001.","AnswerText":"The recent HMIE report, Standards and Quality in Scottish Pre-school Education 1997-2001 included comment on the findings and the main trends from registration inspections of private and voluntary centres carried out between 1997 and 2001. Individual annual reports for 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 had already been published.

      In all of these inspections, evaluations were based on a suite of 25 HMIE performance indicators covering ethos, curriculum, quality of learning experience, accommodation and resources, and management and quality assurance. The overall pattern was one of improvement, with the proportion of good and very good performance identified in individual centres being higher in 2000-01 than in 1997-98 in the majority of the indicators. Of particular significance were improvements in structure and balance of the curriculum, the programmes in expressive and aesthetic development, aims and policy making, and opportunities for children to learn through play.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164485,"EventID":"S1W-27954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27108 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, whether children's development and learning will be measured in future inspections of priv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27108 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 July 2002, whether children's development and learning will be measured in future inspections of private and voluntary centres.","AnswerText":"I have asked Douglas Osler, Chief Executive of HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), to respond. His response is as follows:

      In integrated inspections of private and voluntary centres, in addition to the National Care Standards, HMIE will use the Curriculum Framework for Children aged 3-5 and The Child at the Centre as benchmarks of the range and quality of experiences which children should be offered. Details of the inspection methodology are currently being finalised. It is envisaged, however, that the inspections will include evaluations of the programmes provided and of children's progress in the key aspects of their development and learning. The key aspects cover emotional, personal and social development, communication and language, knowledge and understanding of the world, expressive and aesthetic development and physical development and movement. The aim will be to ensure that children are given as broad and balanced an experience as possible to assist their development and learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164486,"EventID":"S1W-27955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether qualifications improve the quality of the learning experience and whether providers performing less well in the HM Inspectorate report, Standards and Quality in S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether qualifications improve the quality of the learning experience and whether providers performing less well in the HM Inspectorate report, Standards and Quality in Scottish Pre-school Education 1997-2001 had fewer staff with teaching qualifications.","AnswerText":"While qualifications are clearly important, they are not in themselves sufficient to ensure a high quality of learning experience. On-going training and staff development and clear advice to staff on good practice also make important contributions to improving quality.

      The nature of the HM Inspectorate of Education inspections did not allow firm conclusions to be drawn about the relationship between numbers of staff with teaching qualifications and the quality of provision.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164487,"EventID":"S1W-27956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it has made to adopt the principles of the Environmental Audit (No.2) Bill into Scots law, in particular by giving to the Auditor General for Scotland the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision it has made to adopt the principles of the Environmental Audit (No.2) Bill into Scots law, in particular by giving to the Auditor General for Scotland the role proposed for the Comptroller and Auditor General in respect of the environment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164488,"EventID":"S1W-27957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its policy on first-time connections to the waste water system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its policy on first-time connections to the waste water system.","AnswerText":"My officials are currently considering this matter and are in discussion with Scottish Water and Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Scottish Water is currently conducting a thorough survey of their network, with a view to understanding the scale of the development constraints problem and its implications. This task will enable the Executive to make an informed choice, and I will make my proposals known in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164489,"EventID":"S1W-27958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the criteria will be finalised for allocating the #50 million to enhance existing plans to improve waste water treatment; what the key criteria are likely to be; wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the criteria will be finalised for allocating the #50 million to enhance existing plans to improve waste water treatment; what the key criteria are likely to be; what the relative weighting of such criteria will be, and what opportunity there will be for communities affected to have input to the process.","AnswerText":"The £50 million referred to in Quality and Standards 2 (Bib. number 15676) has been allocated to help ease constraints on new development and to help with first time sewerage in rural areas.

      Scottish Water is currently conducting a thorough survey of their network, with a view to understanding the scale of the development constraints problem and its implications. Clearly, this work will enable them to take an informed view of their investment priorities across the board, and to make appropriate decisions. I understand this work has been finalised. It will be shared with the Executive, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Water Industry Commissionaire, and with local authorities and the construction industry.

      In these circumstances, I am not in a position to comment on what the key criteria for allocation might be. I would, however, expect the current legislative priorities relating to public health and the environment to be considerations.

      In terms of consultation, I would expect Scottish Water to continue - as they do at present - to consult affected communities about any plans they may have for improvements to or construction of water and/or waste water treatment facilities. This would in any case be a requirement under planning legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164490,"EventID":"S1W-27959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27061 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, whether it will collect and hold centrally information on performance against local wait","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27061 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, whether it will collect and hold centrally information on performance against local waiting time targets.","AnswerText":"Monitoring and reporting performance against local waiting times targets is likely to be most effective when carried out by individual NHS boards and trusts. The National Waiting Times Unit is currently working with NHS boards on developing local waiting times standards which will focus on tackling the longest waits for first out-patient appointments with a specialist and for diagnostic tests. Information about performance against these local standards will be included in the National Waiting Times Database, which the unit is currently developing, and which will be available by the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164491,"EventID":"S1W-27960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be inviting NHS staff organisations to participate in discussions on hospital-acquired infections; if so, which staff organisations will be invited, and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will be inviting NHS staff organisations to participate in discussions on hospital-acquired infections; if so, which staff organisations will be invited, and what format such forums will follow.","AnswerText":"NHS staff organisations were invited to attend the recent Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Convention in Glasgow. Arrangements for further discussion of the issues including staff, patient and public involvement will be incorporated in the action plan following from the convention. This will be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164492,"EventID":"S1W-27961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of (a) the membership of the Hospital-Acquired Infection Surveillance Steering Group and (b) the full remit of the group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of (a) the membership of the Hospital-Acquired Infection Surveillance Steering Group and (b) the full remit of the group.","AnswerText":"The membership of the HAI Surveillance Steering Group, as co-ordinated by the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) is as follows:

      Dr David Old

      Dr Ahilya Noone

      Chairman

      Consultant Epidemiologist, SCIEH

      Dr Ian Auchterlonie

      Dr Rosie Hague

      Consultant Paediatrician

      Consultant in Infectious Diseases

      Dr Frank Bone

      Dr Anne Eastaway

      Consultant Microbiologist

      Consultant Microbiologist

      Dr Dilip Nathwani

      Professor David Rowley

      Infection & Immodeficiency Unit

      Prof. of Trauma & Orthopaedics

      Dr Jim Millar

      Dr J D Browning

      Consultant in Public Health

      (Medical Directors)

      Mr Andrew McMahan

      Dr Peter Wallace

      Consultant in Colorectal Surgeon

      Consultant Intensive Care & Anaesthesia

      Mr Richard Carey

      Mr Alex Cumming

      Chief Executive, Highlands

      Chief Executive, Grampian

      Dr Andrew Riley

      Dr Marion Bain / Mr Graeme Mitchell

      Director of Public Health, Borders

      ISD (Information & Statistics Division)

      Mr John MacKenzie

      Dr Rosalind Skinner

      Scottish Association

      Principal Medical Officer

      Health Councils

      Scottish Executive

      Ms Jackie Stewart

      Mrs Mary Henry

      Infection Control Nurse

      Consultant Nurse Epidemiologist

      Dr Stephanie Dancer

      Consultant Medical Microbiologist

      SCIEH

      The remit of the group is "to oversee and advise on the implementation of a national system of surveillance of HAI in Scotland and to monitor and report on progress."","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164493,"EventID":"S1W-27962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when local authorities were instructed by it to set up registers of interest for the board members of social inclusion partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when local authorities were instructed by it to set up registers of interest for the board members of social inclusion partnerships.","AnswerText":"March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164494,"EventID":"S1W-27963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects registers of interest for social inclusion partnership board members to be available for public scrutiny.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects registers of interest for social inclusion partnership board members to be available for public scrutiny.","AnswerText":"31 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164495,"EventID":"S1W-27964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities (a) have not set up registers of interest for social inclusion partnership board members and (b) do not currently have such a register available ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities (a) have not set up registers of interest for social inclusion partnership board members and (b) do not currently have such a register available for public scrutiny.","AnswerText":"The following local authorities (a) have not yet set up registers of interest for social inclusion partnership board members and (b) do not yet have such a register available for public scrutiny:

      Aberdeen

      Falkirk

      Renfrewshire

      Argyll and Bute

      Fife

      Scottish Borders

      Clackmannan

      Glasgow

      Stirling

      East Lothian

      Inverclyde

      West Dunbarton

      East Renfrew

      North Ayrshire

      West Lothian

      Edinburgh

      Perth and Kinross

      As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-27963 today, it is expected that all these authorities will have the required registers of interest available by 31 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164496,"EventID":"S1W-27965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of its preparedness for dealing with any risk of contamination from nuclear accidents or incidents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of its preparedness for dealing with any risk of contamination from nuclear accidents or incidents.","AnswerText":"Over the past 11 months there has been a thorough re-assessment of our preparedness to deal with nuclear incidents. Our preparedness for such incidents is tested during our participation in the programmes of exercises undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and by civil nuclear establishments. In addition the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations 2001(REPPIR) came into force last year. These regulations implement the EURATOM Basic Safety Standards Directive (96/29) and replace the Public Information for Radiation Emergencies Regulations (PIRER) 1992.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164497,"EventID":"S1W-27966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ensured an adequate supply of iodine pills for use in any case of nuclear accident or incident and what constitutes an adequate supply of such pills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ensured an adequate supply of iodine pills for use in any case of nuclear accident or incident and what constitutes an adequate supply of such pills.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Executive has taken steps to ensure that a supply of stable iodine tablets adequate to satisfy potential needs following a nuclear accident or incident is in place. Potential needs arise only when the release contains radioactive iodine. Determination of adequacy has included assessment of the possible scale and spread of radioactive iodine emanating from such an accident or incident.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164498,"EventID":"S1W-27967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it would distribute medication in the aftermath of any nuclear accident or incident.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it would distribute medication in the aftermath of any nuclear accident or incident.","AnswerText":"Distribution planning is a responsibility of NHS boards working with the operators of nuclear facilities, the police, local authorities and others who would be involved in the response to any nuclear accident or incident. Methods employed would depend on the nature, scale and circumstances of the accident or incident. In some circumstances distribution to people in their homes might be appropriate; in others, distribution might be effected at reception centres or other points at which people within an affected area would be collected.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164499,"EventID":"S1W-27968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what si'e of area around any nuclear accident or incident would become a priority area for the distribution of medication.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what si'e of area around any nuclear accident or incident would become a priority area for the distribution of medication.","AnswerText":"The size of the area around any nuclear accident or incident in which people might require medication would depend upon the nature, scale and circumstances of the accident or incident, together with actual and forecast meteorological conditions which might affect the behaviour of any emission of radioactive iodine from it.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164500,"EventID":"S1W-27969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to amend legislation governing right-to-buy for tenants of local authorities and housing associations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to amend legislation governing right-to-buy for tenants of local authorities and housing associations.","AnswerText":"Orders have been laid to implement the right to buy provisions contained in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. These should bring about the agreed changes to the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 with effect from 30 September 2002. Details of the changes being introduced are contained in SEDD Circular 5/2002, entitled Housing (Scotland) Act 2001: The Modernised Right to Buy, which was issued recently and copies of which have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

      In addition, following a consultation exercise earlier this year, we are proposing a new cost floor determination to commence at the same time as these right to buy measures are introduced. This determination will make relatively minor changes to the cost floor rules, primarily allowing for all "initial works" conducted by a social rented landlord following acquisition to count towards the cost floor and to ensure that where costs could be covered by a landlord's insurance policy, they are not also added to the cost floor.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164501,"EventID":"S1W-27970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give a substantive answer to question S1W-25635, lodged on 7 May 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will give a substantive answer to question S1W-25635, lodged on 7 May 2002.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-25635 has been answered today.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164502,"EventID":"S1W-27971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will make the Capercaillie Biodiversity Action Plan guidance on snare setting statutory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will make the Capercaillie Biodiversity Action Plan guidance on snare setting statutory.","AnswerText":"I currently have no plans to make the guidance statutory.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164503,"EventID":"S1W-27972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will prohibit the use of snares in capercaillie habitats.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will prohibit the use of snares in capercaillie habitats.","AnswerText":"No. The use of snares to control pest species of wild animal such as foxes and rabbits is legally permitted subject to certain conditions relating to their use. Snares set must be of an approved type and must, by law, be checked at least once a day.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164504,"EventID":"S1W-27973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will undertake an investigation into the problems of all types of snaring carried out in capercaillie habitats a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will undertake an investigation into the problems of all types of snaring carried out in capercaillie habitats and adjacent areas, including the (a) number, (b) sex, (c) age, (d) circumstances and (e) cause of death of birds snared.","AnswerText":"No. Guidance has been prepared by the Capercaillie Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, which aims to reduce the accidental snaring of capercaillie.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164505,"EventID":"S1W-27974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will keep a central record of snaring in capercaillie habitats.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will keep a central record of snaring in capercaillie habitats.","AnswerText":"No. The use of snares to target pest species such as foxes and rabbits is a matter for individual landowners or their agents.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164506,"EventID":"S1W-27975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will outline what other protective measures it will undertake as part of the integrated national strategy to pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it will outline what other protective measures it will undertake as part of the integrated national strategy to protect capercaillie.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to safeguarding the capercaillie population in Scotland and a wide range of measures have already been applied to tackle the decline in capercaillie numbers.

      These include the implementation of actions set out in the Biodiversity Species Action Plan for Capercaillie. With funding from the Scottish Executive the Forestry Commission spent £700,000 from September 2001 to March 2002 on the removal and marking of deer fences in Scotland.

      The recent award of almost £2.5 million from the EU LIFE-Nature Fund supports a five year project directed at capercaillie conservation. An equal sum will be secured from a number of public and non public bodies including the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164507,"EventID":"S1W-27976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it is considering the release of captive-bred capercaillie in order to augment the wild population.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, whether it is considering the release of captive-bred capercaillie in order to augment the wild population.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of advice from the Capercaillie Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, recommending release of captive-bred capercaillie, on condition that the trial site is south of the central belt. I understand that the purpose of this trial would be to assess the feasibility of a release project and to perfect methodologies and techniques. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, any trial could only go ahead on the basis of a licence approved by Scottish Natural Heritage.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164508,"EventID":"S1W-27977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, how much funding will be provided to captive breeding programmes as part of the integrated national strategy to protect cape","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to its news release SEen088/2002, how much funding will be provided to captive breeding programmes as part of the integrated national strategy to protect capercaillie.","AnswerText":"No funding is planned for captive breeding programmes as part of the LIFE Project.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164509,"EventID":"S1W-27978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the Stirling to Ballat Cross stretch of the A811 in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the Stirling to Ballat Cross stretch of the A811 in 2001.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover damage only accidents.

      During 2001, there were 15 injury road accidents that were identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring on the A811 between its junction with the A81 at Ballat Cross and the centre of Stirling.

      It should be noted that this figure is based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. It may differ from any figure which the local authority would provide now, because it does not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authority may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon its knowledge of the road and area concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164510,"EventID":"S1W-27979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the B818 between Boquhan and Carron Valley in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the B818 between Boquhan and Carron Valley in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured, they do not cover damage only accidents.

      The following table gives the numbers of injury road accidents which were identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring on the stretch of the B818 between its junction with the A875 near Boquhan and the crossroads at Carron Bridge, in the five years 1997 to 2001 inclusive.

      It should be noted that the statistics given are based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. They may differ from any figures which the local authority would provide now, because they do not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authority may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon its knowledge of the road and area concerned.

      Number of Injury Road Accidents that occurred on the B818 between its Junction with the A875 near Boquhan and the Crossroads at Carron Bridge

      Year

      		 

      1997

      1

      1998

      5

      1999

      3

      2000

      1

      2001

      1

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164511,"EventID":"S1W-27980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the B822 between Fintry and the A811 junction near Kippen, in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the B822 between Fintry and the A811 junction near Kippen, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured, they do not cover damage only accidents.

      The table below gives the numbers of injury road accidents which were identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring on the stretch of the B822 between Fintry and its junction with the A811 near Kippen, in the five years 1997 to 2001 inclusive.

      It should be noted that the statistics given below are based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. They may differ from any figures which the local authority would provide now, because they do not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authority may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon its knowledge of the road and area concerned.

      Number of Injury Road Accidents that occurred on the B822 between Fintry and its Junction with the A811 near Kippen

      Year

      		 

      1997

      2

      1998

      3

      1999

      0

      2000

      0

      2001

      2

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164512,"EventID":"S1W-27981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the B8075 between the A84 at Blairdrummond and the A811 at Gargunnock in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the B8075 between the A84 at Blairdrummond and the A811 at Gargunnock in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured, they do not cover damage only accidents.

      The following table gives the numbers of injury road accidents which were identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring on the stretch of the B8075 between its junction with the A84 at Blairdrummond and its junction with the A811 at Gargunnock, in the five years 1997 to 2001 inclusive.

      It should be noted that the statistics given below are based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. They may differ from any figures which the local authority would provide now, because they do not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authority may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon its knowledge of the road and area concerned.

      Number of Injury Road Accidents that occurred on the B8075 between its Junction with the A84 at Blairdrummond and its Junction with the A811 at Gargunnock

      Year

      		 

      1997

      1

      1998

      0

      1999

      0

      2000

      0

      2001

      0

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164513,"EventID":"S1W-27982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit of the proposed Public Appointments Committee will be. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit of the proposed Public Appointments Committee will be. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27983.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164514,"EventID":"S1W-27983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed Public Appointments Committee will be established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed Public Appointments Committee will be established.","AnswerText":"The decision on whether a Public Appointments Committee should be established is entirely a matter for the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164515,"EventID":"S1W-27984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reform the cash retention system in relation to public sector construction contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reform the cash retention system in relation to public sector construction contracts.","AnswerText":"The use of cash retentions is a common practice that has, for decades, been a feature of standard conditions of contract widely used in the construction industry. Whilst retentions are at times unpopular with contractors, they do provide some comfort to clients by providing an incentive for contractors and suppliers to comply fully with their obligations, or to fund the making good of defects. However, cash retentions are not a matter in which the Scottish Executive has any regulatory authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164516,"EventID":"S1W-27985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit, targets and objectives are of the group set up by the Welfare to Work Advisory Task Force to help people on the New Deal move into the construction sector","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit, targets and objectives are of the group set up by the Welfare to Work Advisory Task Force to help people on the New Deal move into the construction sector.","AnswerText":"The aim of the Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force Construction Sub-group is to increase the number of long-term unemployed people entering the Construction Industry through an employer-led welfare to work access model, tailored to the needs of Scotland.

      The group has not set specific targets of numbers into work. Its role is to develop and test the access model, with a view to implementation across Scotland using local partnerships.

      The objectives of the Sub-group are:

      • Research and evaluate various construction industry initiatives throughout the country and specifically in relation to Glasgow;
      • Increase awareness of Welfare to Work programmes and their potential contributions within the sector;
      • Develop a generic access model for training welfare to work clients in Scotland;
      • Connect key players to Jobcentre Plus (CITB, employers, training providers, Local Enterprise Companies and Development Companies) and to support the development of local partnerships, and
      • Ensure that the mechanism is in place to implement employer-led routeways through these partnerships.

      It intends to complete it's objectives by December this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164517,"EventID":"S1W-27986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding to date has been (a) allocated to and (b) spent on the group set up by the Welfare to Work Advisory Task Force to help people on the New Deal move into t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding to date has been (a) allocated to and (b) spent on the group set up by the Welfare to Work Advisory Task Force to help people on the New Deal move into the construction sector.","AnswerText":"As with the Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force itself, the Construction Sub-group is an unpaid advisory group. It seeks to provide a co-ordinated employer led approach to helping the unemployed take up jobs in the construction sector, drawing in expertise from all areas, local and national, including trainers, funders and employers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164518,"EventID":"S1W-27987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unemployed people have (a) taken part in and (b) moved into sustained employment in the construction sector through the New Deal scheme set up by the Welfare to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unemployed people have (a) taken part in and (b) moved into sustained employment in the construction sector through the New Deal scheme set up by the Welfare to Work Advisory Task Force.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force Construction Sub-group has not developed a New Deal scheme.

      Working closely with employers, CITB, local authorities, Scottish Enterprise and local training providers, it has agreed a generic construction industry access model for the long-term unemployed, and those disadvantaged in the labour market. It is intended that this could be used across the country in areas with skills shortages. Discussion is on-going to identify a suitable pilot area. At this time, it is likely that this will be in Glasgow.

      The model will make use of national and local welfare to work training funds.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164519,"EventID":"S1W-27988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unemployed people have moved into jobs in the construction sector through the New Deal scheme. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unemployed people have moved into jobs in the construction sector through the New Deal scheme. ","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing organisations.

      The data requested is not available as Jobcentre Plus does not collect details of New Deal clients into jobs by sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164520,"EventID":"S1W-27989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communications it has had with the Department of Trade and Industry to introduce a financial incentive, similar to that given to companies in England and Wales throu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communications it has had with the Department of Trade and Industry to introduce a financial incentive, similar to that given to companies in England and Wales through the Quality Mark Scheme, to construction companies in Scotland that sign up to the Scottish construction licensing scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is concerned to develop a joint approach with the DTI between the Scottish construction licensing scheme and the Quality Mark Scheme. Scottish Executive and DTI officials are discussing the options in developing such a joint approach.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164521,"EventID":"S1W-27990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communications it has had with the Department of Trade and Industry to assess the effectiveness of the Scottish construction licensing scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communications it has had with the Department of Trade and Industry to assess the effectiveness of the Scottish construction licensing scheme.","AnswerText":"Both the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Construction Licensing Executive have consulted the Department of Trade and Industry on the launch of the Scottish Construction Licensing Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164522,"EventID":"S1W-27991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out specifically on the investigation, prosecution and conviction of rape cases in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out specifically on the investigation, prosecution and conviction of rape cases in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"No further research has been carried out by the Scottish Executive specifically on the investigation, prosecution and conviction of rape cases in Scotland since the Jamieson and Burman report The Attrition of Sexual Offences in the Criminal Justice System was completed in 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164523,"EventID":"S1W-27992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will follow up on the recommendation to complete a more detailed study into the reasons for the low prosecution and conviction rates for rape, made in the pilo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will follow up on the recommendation to complete a more detailed study into the reasons for the low prosecution and conviction rates for rape, made in the pilot study The 'Attrition` of Sexual Offences in the Criminal Justice System, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"We are reviewing the need for more detailed research in this area. In the meantime we hope that the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Procedure and Evidence) Act 2002, which will be brought into force before the end of the year, will improve the way in which complainers in sex offence cases are treated in court. The impact of the act will be monitored through separate research in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164524,"EventID":"S1W-27993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research similar to the report by Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, A repor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission research similar to the report by Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, A report on the Joint Inspection into the Investigation and Prosecution of Cases Involving Allegations of Rape, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to conduct research into the investigation and prosecution of cases involving allegations of rape. The Scottish Executive is, however, working with the police to review existing guidance on the investigation of complaints of sexual assault including rape.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164525,"EventID":"S1W-27994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it (a) spent on advertising and marketing in each year since 1999 and (b) has budgeted for such spending for the current year and each of the next two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it (a) spent on advertising and marketing in each year since 1999 and (b) has budgeted for such spending for the current year and each of the next two years.","AnswerText":"Spend on advertising in each year since 1999 is detailed as follows. Spending for the next two years is currently under review.

      1999-2000

      Spend (£)

      Child Care

      63,843

      Children's Panels

      121,623

      Domestic Violence

      566,573

      Electoral Registration

      25,787

      European Elections

      32,029

      Fire Prevention

      254,590

      Food Safety

      29,035

      Healthy Christmas Campaign

      89,649

      NHS Fraud

      100,000

      Prescription Charges

      4,678

      Road Safety

      868,800

      Scotland's Parliament

      547,600

      Teacher Recruitment

      99,680

      Tobacco

      10,404

      Total

      2,804,291

      2000-01

      Spend (£)

      Alcohol Abuse

      471,970

      Child Care

      132,30

      Children's Panels

      123,120

      Domestic Abuse

      507,464

      Drugs Enforcement Agency

      54,695

      Fire Safety supplements

      178,967

      Flu Campaign

      1,076,411

      Food Safety

      32,480

      Fostering supplement

      32,443

      Lead in Water

      76,977

      NHS Fraud

      21,942

      NHS Helpline

      137,531

      NHS Public Appointments

      54,754

      Organ Donors

      48,465

      Organ Retention

      55,697

      Road Safety

      1,261,955

      Safer Scotland

      162,825

      Scottish Criminal Records

      35,250

      Teacher Recruitment

      		Scottish Transport Statistics. Copies of this are held in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164530,"EventID":"S1W-27999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of small businesses eligible for business rate relief (a) applied for and (b) received such relief since the scheme was introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of small businesses eligible for business rate relief (a) applied for and (b) received such relief since the scheme was introduced.","AnswerText":"The rates relief scheme for small businesses will be introduced on 1 April 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164531,"EventID":"S1W-28000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost would be of restoring funding reductions on NHS boards under the Arbuthnott formula.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost would be of restoring funding reductions on NHS boards under the Arbuthnott formula.","AnswerText":"The purpose of the Arbuthnott formula is to ensure that every NHS board in Scotland receives a level of funding that reflects the size of its population, their levels of deprivation and ill health, and the costs of delivering healthcare in remote and rural areas. Distributing resources for healthcare in a fair manner requires some changes in the share of resources going to different NHS boards. However, no board has experienced a funding reduction under the Arbuthnott formula. In fact all boards have received substantial growth in funding since this formula was introduced, with some additional funding targeted on those boards whose share of resources needs to increase.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164532,"EventID":"S1W-28001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it has had with trade unions about the use of the public/private partnership (PPP) process and whether it will list the outcomes and details of any agre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings it has had with trade unions about the use of the public/private partnership (PPP) process and whether it will list the outcomes and details of any agreements entered into.","AnswerText":"Two meetings have been held with the STUC in the SE/STUC Working Group I established to examine employment issues in connection with public private partnerships. Two further meetings have taken place this month. The working group has been established in terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Executive and the STUC on 15 April 2002. The working group will make recommendations to me later this year.

      The PPP process is one of a number of topics that arises in meetings between Executive ministers and the trades unions from time to time.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164533,"EventID":"S1W-28002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase or reduce the number of its staff members in (a) the current year and (b) each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase or reduce the number of its staff members in (a) the current year and (b) each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to increase the staffing of the core departments beyond filling existing vacancies in the current year. Decisions on future staffing levels are dependent on the outcome of the Spending Review 2002 exercise which will determine the annual budgets for the administration programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164534,"EventID":"S1W-28003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the average cost of employing civil servants in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the average cost of employing civil servants in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The average annual salary for permanent staff working in the core departments of the Scottish Executive in each of the past five years is given in the table.

      As at April

      Total (£)

      1998

      20,045

      1999

      20,499

      2000

      21,022

      2001

      21,831

      2002

      22,253

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164535,"EventID":"S1W-28004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what food safety regulations, rules and legislation apply to mobile snack and burger vans. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what food safety regulations, rules and legislation apply to mobile snack and burger vans. ","AnswerText":"Mobile snack and burger vans are subject to the same regulations, rules and legislation as other retail and catering food businesses, the most important being the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 which are made under the act.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164536,"EventID":"S1W-28005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many senior civil servants were appointed to the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years by open competition (i) chaired by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many senior civil servants were appointed to the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years by open competition (i) chaired by the Civil Service Commissioners and (ii) run by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"The information is as follows:
       

      2001-02

      2000-01

      1999-2000

      1998-99

      1997-98

      Number of Senior Civil Servants Recruited to the Scottish Office/Scottish Executive

      28

      10

      12

      5

      9

      Chaired by Civil Service Commissioners

      1

      4

      3

      1

      4

      Run by the Scottish Executive

      27*

      6

      9

      4

      5

      Note:

      *Including 19 people (both internal Scottish Executive and external candidates) recruited through one exercise.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164537,"EventID":"S1W-28006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful candidates for senior civil service posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years were appointed fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful candidates for senior civil service posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years were appointed from (i) within the Scottish Office, (ii) within the Scottish Administration, (iii) elsewhere within the civil service, (iv) public sector employment other than the civil service, (v) the private sector and (vi) being unemployed.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:

      Recruitment From:

      2001-02

      2000-01

      1999-2000

      1998-99

      1997-98

      Scottish Office

      -

      -

      -

      1

      1

      Scottish Executive

      16

      2

      2

      -

      -

      Elsewhere in the Civil Service

      1

      -

      1

      -

      1

      Public Sector

      7

      6

      7

      4

      6

      Private Sector

      3

      2

      2

      -

      1

      Unemployed

      1

      -

      -

      -

      -

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164538,"EventID":"S1W-28007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of candidates for senior civil service posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration were (i) women, (ii) from ethnic mino","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of candidates for senior civil service posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration were (i) women, (ii) from ethnic minorities and (iii) disabled, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This information is not retained by the Scottish Executive once competitions have concluded and the successful candidate is in post.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164539,"EventID":"S1W-28008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of successful candidates for senior civil service posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration were (i) women, (ii) from ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of successful candidates for senior civil service posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration were (i) women, (ii) from ethnic minorities and (iii) disabled, in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"In 2001-02, 14 women (50%) were recruited to the senior civil service in the Scottish Executive. Prior to 2001-02 only a small number of (i) women (ii) ethnic minorities and (iii) disabled were recruited to the Senior Civil Service in the Scottish Executive. We are therefore unable to provide either figures or percentages to preserve confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164540,"EventID":"S1W-28009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of its senior civil servants are (a) women, (b) from ethnic minorities, and (c) disabled.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of its senior civil servants are (a) women, (b) from ethnic minorities, and (c) disabled.","AnswerText":"Currently there are 49 (29.7%) women in the senior civil service in the Scottish Executive core departments.

      There are a small number of senior civil servants from a minority ethnic background or who have a disability. However, we are unable to provide either figures or percentages to preserve confidentiality.

      The Executive's Diversity Strategy, Positive about You, was launched in November 2000. It sets demanding targets for the recruitment and progression of our under-represented groups, against which good progress continues to be made.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164541,"EventID":"S1W-28010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years were for (i) head or deputy head of a department, (ii) execut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years were for (i) head or deputy head of a department, (ii) executive agency chief executive, (iii) head or deputy head of a division and (iv) NHS management posts.","AnswerText":"The Information requested is as follows:
       

      Scottish Executive

      Scottish Office

      Head/Deputy Head of Department

      Agency

      Chief Executive

      Head/Deputy Head

      of Division

      Head/Deputy Head of

      Department

      Agency

      Chief Executive

      Head/Deputy Head

      of Division

      2001-02

      1

      1

      26

      -

      -

      -

      2000-01

      4

      -

      6

      -

      -

      -

      1999-2000

      1

      2

      9

      -

      -

      -

      1998-99

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      5

      1997-98

      -

      -

      -

      2

      1

      6

      We do not hold records for NHS management posts. Anyone appointed to the Health Department will be included in the above figures.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164542,"EventID":"S1W-28011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant senior civil service posts it has currently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacant senior civil service posts it has currently.","AnswerText":"There are at present two senior civil service vacancies which are in the process of being filled by open competition.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164543,"EventID":"S1W-28012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many senior civil service appointments in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years were exceptions, approved by the Civ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many senior civil service appointments in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years were exceptions, approved by the Civil Service Commissioners, to appointment on merit on the basis of a fair and open competition, broken down by (i) secondments, (ii) re-appointments, (iii) appointments without competition of up to two years, (iv) any other short-term appointments made without open competition, (v) extension of fixed-term contracts and (vi) transfers from other public services.","AnswerText":"Over the past five years only one exception has been recorded in 1998-99 under (i) above.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164544,"EventID":"S1W-28013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful candidates for posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years were appointed from (i) within the Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many successful candidates for posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in each of the last five years were appointed from (i) within the Scottish Office, (ii) within the Scottish Executive, (iii) elsewhere within the civil service, (iv) public sector employment other than the civil service, (v) the private sector and (vi) being unemployed.","AnswerText":"The specific information requested can not be provided due to disproportionate costs. However, we can provide the following:

      Vacant Posts Filled within Scottish Executive Core Departments: 1999-2000 to 2001-02

      Year

      Method of Filling Post

      (ii) Internal Staff Moves

      (iii) Staff Transferring from other Government Departments/Agencies

      (iv),(v),(vi) External Appointments

      1999-2000

      1,137

      251

      423

      2000-01

      1,121

      248

      424

      2001-02

      1,127

      259

      487

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164545,"EventID":"S1W-28014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled people performed work in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in supported employment under (i) WORKSTEP and (ii) the Supported Emplo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disabled people performed work in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration in supported employment under (i) WORKSTEP and (ii) the Supported Employment Programme in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, its agencies and associated departments and the former Scottish Office has employed a small number of individuals under WORKSTEP and its predecessor, the Supported Employment Programme, over the past five years. However, we are unable to provide either figures or percentages to preserve confidentiality. In addition, we have provided a total of 16 short-term supported work placements over the same period.

      The Executive's Diversity Strategy has set demanding targets for the recruitment and progression of under-represented groups, including staff with disabilities. Good progress is being made towards the achievement of these targets. Currently there are 125 members of staff in the Executive's core departments who have self-declared a disability and 207 in total.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164546,"EventID":"S1W-28015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any audit or follow-up audit of the recruitment system of the Scottish Administration or any part of it since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any audit or follow-up audit of the recruitment system of the Scottish Administration or any part of it since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Details of audits and follow-up audits of recruitment systems in the Scottish Administration since May 1999 are given in the table.

      Subject of Audit

      Date of Audit

      Date of Follow-Up Audit

      Scottish Executive1

      March 1999

      April 2001

      Scottish Prison Service

      September 2001

      February 2002

      Scottish Courts Service

      July 1999

      January 2000

      Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

      June 2000

      -

      Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency

      September 2001

      January 2002

      Fisheries Research Service

      March 2001

      -

      Historic Scotland

      August 2001

      April 2002

      Scottish Agricultural Science Agency

      July 2000

      December 2000

      Note:

      1. The Scottish Executive administers recruitment for Scottish Executive core departments, General Register Office for Scotland, National Archives of Scotland, Student Awards Agency for Scotland, and Scottish Public Pensions Agency. All of these areas of the Scottish Administration were included in this audit. Future audits of the Scottish Executive will include HM Inspectorate of Education and Communities Scotland, both of which have been established since the last audit took place.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164547,"EventID":"S1W-28016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the results were of the last audit of the Scottish Administration's recruitment system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the results were of the last audit of the Scottish Administration's recruitment system.","AnswerText":"The results of the Civil Service Commissioners last audits of the Scottish Administration's recruitment practices are summarised in the table.

      Breaches

      Recommendations

      Observations

      Scottish Executive1 - March 1999

      None

      The audit resulted in a number of recommendations were made concerning updating of recruitment guidance; publication of recruitment data, and tightening of procedures in relation to late applications, filing of campaign statistics, training of board chairs, setting and application of sift criteria, and recording of comments on interview assessment sheets. All have been adopted.

      None

      Scottish Prison Service - September 2001

      None

      Recommendations were made concerning the retention of adverts and job descriptions on recruitment files. All have been adopted.

      None

      Scottish Courts Service - July 1999

      None

      Recommendations were made concerning recording details of sift participants; setting review dates for casual contracts; clarification of rules regarding applicants with convictions; establishing regular independent audits; issuing of published data to the commissioners; establishing a process for re-instatement/re-employment applications; including a disability section in the recruitment manual; improving board reports, and separation of medical details from application forms. All have been adopted.

      SCS were commended on their recruitment manual, procedure for handling New Deal applicants and running of practice interview boards.

      Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service - June 2000

      None

      It was recommended that a more detailed checklist be introduced for checking of records. This recommendation was adopted.

      Observations were made that COPFS consider conducting periodic spot checks of recruitment at regional offices and consider offering refresher courses to staff on selection panels.

      Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency - September 2001

      One breach was notified in relation to the lack of an independent audit check of recruitment systems. This has now been rectified with the introduction of a reciprocal arrangement with Fisheries Research Services.

      Recommendations were made concerning issuing published data to the Commissioners; recording and monitoring of exceptions; strengthening procedures to ensure records are properly kept; ensuring sifting criteria are established at the outset and consistently applied; recording details of sifts; improving assessment methods; ensuring separation of health and equal opportunities data from application forms, and compilation of statistics. All recommendations have been adopted.

      SFPA were commended on the extent of their published data.

      Fisheries Research Service - March 2001

      One breach was noted in relation to the lack of an independent audit check of recruitment systems. This has now been rectified with the introduction of a reciprocal arrangement with Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.

      Recommendations w","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164548,"EventID":"S1W-28017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what internal auditing procedures it has in place to ensure that it complies with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what internal auditing procedures it has in place to ensure that it complies with the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.","AnswerText":"The recruitment procedures of the Scottish Executive are subject to audit by the Internal Audit Unit as part of the rolling programme of internal audits. An audit was carried out by the Internal Audit Unit in January 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164549,"EventID":"S1W-28018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken and is taking to ensure that all of its buildings comply with the letter and spirit of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken and is taking to ensure that all of its buildings comply with the letter and spirit of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"The Executive commissioned Access Audits in 1996 on the office buildings it is responsible for. Following consideration of the audits a rolling programme of work was agreed in order to ensure that the buildings comply by January 2004, in line with the timing set out in Part III of the act.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164550,"EventID":"S1W-28019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken and is taking to ensure that civic and business communities are aware of their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken and is taking to ensure that civic and business communities are aware of their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is reserved to the UK Parliament. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is working to ensure that service providers and employers, including local authorities, are informed of the current requirements and are prepared in good time for the new duties coming into force in 2004. A UK Government campaign for 2002-03 is currently being formulated. The Scottish Executive is looking to work with the DWP and the Disability Rights Commission in Scotland in taking this and future campaigns forward.

      Previous awareness-raising activity has included:

      In 1998, a mailshot to service providers alerting them to the consultation on the code of practice on rights of access. An extensive national press and radio advertising campaign, advising service providers to call the DDA Helpline to find out more, complemented the mailshot.

      In June 1999 the \"See the Person\" campaign aimed to challenge stereotyping and raise awareness of rights and responsibilities under the DDA. It included TV and radio advertising, posters, articles and endorsements by celebrities.

      \"What have you got to offer?\" launched in autumn 2000, was specifically aimed at small and medium businesses who provide goods and services to the public, focussing on practical advice and guidance.

      The latest campaign \"Open to Change\" which ran from January to March this year in the national, regional and trade press, was aimed at service providers and illustrated the types of changes they can make to improve the delivery of their goods and services to disabled people.

      The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) also published a new code of practice in February this year, covering the 2004 accessibility duties. The code is accompanied by a series of guides for small businesses.

      The DRC will take the lead in ensuring that the duties of the DDA are complied with.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164551,"EventID":"S1W-28020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken and is taking to ensure that local authorities (a) are aware of their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and (b) comply","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken and is taking to ensure that local authorities (a) are aware of their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and (b) comply with the act.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28019.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164552,"EventID":"S1W-28021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are available or will be made available to allow local authorities to ensure that all of their educational establishments comply with the Disabi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are available or will be made available to allow local authorities to ensure that all of their educational establishments comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"An extra £9 million will be available in 2003-04 in Revenue Support Grant to assist local authorities in preparing and implementing their accessibility strategies under the Education (Disability Strategies and Pupils' Educational Records) Act 2002.

      In addition, local authorities can use general revenue grant and other sources of funding to ensure their schools and nursery schools review their policies and make adjustments to ensure so that they comply with the new duties under Part IV of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Other funding sources include:

      • Inclusion Programme funding under the National Priorities Action Fund - £20 million is available in both 2002-03 and 2003-04 (up from £14.3 million in 2001-02);

      SEN Specific Grant for In-Service Training - £7.8 million is available in both 2002-03 and 2003-04 (up from £5.4 million in 2001-02).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164553,"EventID":"S1W-28022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the Disabled Students' Allowance to postgraduate education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to extend the Disabled Students' Allowance to postgraduate education.","AnswerText":"The Disabled Students' Allowance is currently available to all full-time postgraduate students in receipt of support towards tuition fees and/or living costs from the Students Awards Agency for Scotland.

      While we have no current plans to extend these arrangements to other postgraduate students, we will consider this in the light of the forthcoming lifelong learning strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164554,"EventID":"S1W-28023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken and is taking to raise general awareness of disability rights issues and, in particular, changes made to such rights by the Disability Discriminat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken and is taking to raise general awareness of disability rights issues and, in particular, changes made to such rights by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28019.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164555,"EventID":"S1W-28024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all local authorities will meet the criteria for education under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 by the implementation date of 1 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all local authorities will meet the criteria for education under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 by the implementation date of 1 September 2002.","AnswerText":"The Disability Rights Commission has sent copies of its Code of Practice (Schools) to all schools and local authorities in Scotland. Local authorities and schools will be able to use this code to ensure that they understand and meet their new duties under Part IV of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164556,"EventID":"S1W-28025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each school has spent on books in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each school has spent on books in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164557,"EventID":"S1W-28026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ministers and how many officials attended the European Union working party on substantive criminal law in Brussels on 29 and 30 July 2002, and what grade and from ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ministers and how many officials attended the European Union working party on substantive criminal law in Brussels on 29 and 30 July 2002, and what grade and from which departments these officials were.","AnswerText":"Negotiations within the European Union on issues of substantive criminal law are conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of EU-related issues, including discussions on substantive criminal law, and is represented as necessary at meetings in Brussels, whether at working groups of officials or at Councils at ministerial level.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164558,"EventID":"S1W-28027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Union framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property will have on Scots law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Union framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property will have on Scots law.","AnswerText":"The draft framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property seeks to ensure approximation of confiscation provisions across member states. It is based on the premise that, in order to combat effectively cross-border organised crime, effective measures must be in place to trace, freeze, seize and confiscate the proceeds of crime. The Scottish Executive is studying the draft framework decision to determine what the implications might be for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164559,"EventID":"S1W-28028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft European Union framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft European Union framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property.","AnswerText":"The provisions of the draft framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property, if adopted, will be implemented as required throughout the UK as part of the UK's international obligations. However, in Scotland, the implementation would take account of the distinctive Scottish legal system.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164560,"EventID":"S1W-28029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government on the draft European Union framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government on the draft European Union framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property and what form any such representations took.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalites and property.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164561,"EventID":"S1W-28030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of the European Parliament, (c) any member or body of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of the European Parliament, (c) any member or body of the Committee of the Regions and (d) the European Commission, on the draft European Union framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property and what form any such representations took.","AnswerText":"Negotiations within the European Union on the draft framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property are being conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft framework decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164562,"EventID":"S1W-28031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Union framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector will have on Scots law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Union framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector will have on Scots law.","AnswerText":"The draft framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector seeks to harmonise member states' legislation relating to corruption in the private sector by establishing common offences and penalties to be adopted by member states. The Scottish Executive is studying the draft framework decision to determine what the implications might be for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164563,"EventID":"S1W-28032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft European Union framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft European Union framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector.","AnswerText":"The provisions of the draft framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector, if adopted, will be implemented as required throughout the UK as part of the UK's international obligations. However, in Scotland, the implementation would take account of the distinctive Scottish legal system.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164564,"EventID":"S1W-28033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government on the draft European Union framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government on the draft European Union framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector and what form any such representations took.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of EU-related issues, including the draft framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164565,"EventID":"S1W-28034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of the European Parliament, (c) any member or body of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of the European Parliament, (c) any member or body of the Committee of the Regions and (d) the European Commission, on the draft European Union framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector and what form any such representations took.","AnswerText":"Negotiations within the European Union on the draft framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector are being conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft framework decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164566,"EventID":"S1W-28035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Union framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia will have on Scots law.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Union framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia will have on Scots law.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is studying the Framework Decision to determine what the implications might be for Scots law.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164567,"EventID":"S1W-28036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft European Union framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft European Union framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the objective of the framework decision: that racist and xenophobic crime should be punishable by effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164568,"EventID":"S1W-28037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government on the draft European Union Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia and what f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government on the draft European Union Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia and what form any such representations took.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft European Union Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164569,"EventID":"S1W-28038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of the European Parliament, (c) any member or body of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of the European Parliament, (c) any member or body of the Committee of the Regions and (d) the European Commission, on the draft European Union framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia and what form any such representations took.","AnswerText":"No. Relations with the EU are reserved and therefore representations to these EU bodies are agreed with the UK Government and carried out by and through the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164570,"EventID":"S1W-28039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it received between 31 March and 1 July 2002 from East Dunbartonshire Council regarding the (a) deliverability and (b) funding allocations made to the co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it received between 31 March and 1 July 2002 from East Dunbartonshire Council regarding the (a) deliverability and (b) funding allocations made to the council for the implementation of free personal care for persons aged 65 years or over in the East Dunbartonshire area.","AnswerText":"We have received no submissions from East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164571,"EventID":"S1W-28040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been created since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many modern apprenticeships have been created since May 1999.","AnswerText":"35,700.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164572,"EventID":"S1W-28041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new school developments have begun in the public sector since May 1999 and how many such developments have been funded by public private partnership or private f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new school developments have begun in the public sector since May 1999 and how many such developments have been funded by public private partnership or private finance initiative.","AnswerText":"Information is only collected centrally about numbers of new public sector schools completed, rather than begun, in each financial year. For the period April 1999 to March 2001, 20 such new schools were completed, of which six were funded by public private partnership or private finance initiative. Information for the period from April 2001 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164573,"EventID":"S1W-28042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of school classrooms are equipped with a minimum of four modern computers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of school classrooms are equipped with a minimum of four modern computers.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The latest School Census, carried out in September 2001, showed that the pupil:computer ratio was 11:1 in primary schools and 5:1 in secondary schools. The targets for 2002 are 7.5:1 in primary schools and 5:1 in secondary schools. Schools and authorities decide how these should be deployed within the school.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164574,"EventID":"S1W-28043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of school classes have exclusive access to a minimum of four modern computers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of school classes have exclusive access to a minimum of four modern computers.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The latest School Census, carried out in September 2001, showed that the pupil:computer ratio was 11:1 in primary schools and 5:1 in secondary schools. The targets for 2002 are 7.5:1 in primary schools and 5:1 in secondary schools. The deployment of these computers within schools is a matter for local decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164575,"EventID":"S1W-28044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new hospital developments have begun in the NHS since May 1999 and how many such developments have been funded by public private partnership (PPP) or private fin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new hospital developments have begun in the NHS since May 1999 and how many such developments have been funded by public private partnership (PPP) or private finance initiative (PFI).","AnswerText":"In addition to a number of major projects under construction in May 1999, building has begun on a further 11 new hospital developments in NHSScotland since the beginning of May 1999. Of these, four have been funded publicly and seven through PPP/PFI.

      Details of these projects are given in the following table:

      Project Name

      Construction Start Date

      Capital Value

      (£ million)

      Funding Route

      Balivanich Hospital, Benbecula

      May 1999

      7.2

      Public

      New Craigs Psychiatry Unit, Inverness

      May 1999

      16.5

      PPP/PFI

      Geriatric Assessment Facility, Larkfield, Greenock

      July 1999

      10.0

      PPP/PFI

      Care of Elderly Services at Tippethill Hospital, West Lothian

      July 1999

      2.3

      PPP/PFI

      Geriatric Medicine and Assessment Facility, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow

      September 1999

      11.0

      PPP/PFI

      Carseview Psychiatric Services, Dundee

      September 1999

      10.0

      PPP/PFI

      Balfour Hospital, Orkney, Phase II

      October 1999

      5.0

      Public

      Day Surgery and Maternity Unit, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary

      May 2000

      10.0

      PPP/PFI

      New Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital

      August 2001

      24.6

      Public

      Leith Community Treatment Centre, Edinburgh

      August 2002

      8.5

      Public

      North East Edinburgh Continuing Care (Findlay House)

      August 2002

      4.0

      PPP/PFI

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164576,"EventID":"S1W-28045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of teachers have a classroom computer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what percentage of teachers have a classroom computer.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Schools and authorities decide how computers should be deployed within the school.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164577,"EventID":"S1W-28046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dedicated anti-drugs police officers there have been in each police force in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dedicated anti-drugs police officers there have been in each police force in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of police officers engaged on anti-drugs work in each police force in the last five years is provided in the following table. It should be noted that for 2000-01 and 2001-02 the figures include the 100 additional police officers, funded by the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency (SDEA), who have been deployed to tackle drug misuse at a local level.

      Number of Officers

      Force

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Central

      7

      12

      15

      20

      18

      Dumfries and Galloway

      13

      11

      10

      14

      15

      Fife

      16

      16

      22

      32

      31

      Grampian

      9

      12

      10

      27

      26

      Lothian and Borders

      20

      20

      13

      37

      60

      Northern

      18

      8

      16

      20

      16

      Strathclyde

      28

      27

      28

      96

      106

      Tayside

      19

      3

      7

      24

      24

      Total

      Source: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary: Annual Statistical Returns.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164578,"EventID":"S1W-28047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of the monitoring framework for measuring the implementation of The Same as You?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of the monitoring framework for measuring the implementation of The Same as You?.","AnswerText":"In addition to the work of The Same as You? National Implementation Group, the Scottish Executive is monitoring implementation of The Same as You? through contact with local authorities, Scottish Health Advisory Service inspections, the NHS Performance Assessment Framework, and statistical information collected by the Scottish Executive Social Work Statistics Division. The development of a Learning Disabilities database will also assist in future monitoring.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164579,"EventID":"S1W-28048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an action plan with clear targets, milestones and timescales to take forward implementation of The Same as You?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an action plan with clear targets, milestones and timescales to take forward implementation of The Same as You?.","AnswerText":"The main strategy documents for the implementation of The Same as You? are the Partnership in Practice agreements which set out, at local level, targets, milestones and timescales. Through Partnership in Practice agreements every area in Scotland has a clear strategy for implementing The Same as You?.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164580,"EventID":"S1W-28049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made to date with implementation of The Same as You?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made to date with implementation of The Same as You?.","AnswerText":"Significant progress has been made with all 29 recommendations of The Same as You? review of services for people with learning disability. Particular milestones include the setting up of Learning Disability Change Funds with effect from April 2001, totalling £36 million in the first three years; establishment of the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability, launched on five October 2001, and preparation of Partnership in Practice agreements in every area in Scotland. Working with The Same as You? Implementation Group we will continue to work to ensure progress is maintained.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164581,"EventID":"S1W-28050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local area co-ordinators are in place in every local authority and how many such posts (a) have been created in addition to the existing staffing complement and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local area co-ordinators are in place in every local authority and how many such posts (a) have been created in addition to the existing staffing complement and (b) form part of an existing member of staff's remit to take forward implementation of The Same as You?, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The process of appointing local area co-ordinators across Scotland has only begun recently, and will take some time. Most local authorities have given a commitment to appoint local area co-ordinators by the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164582,"EventID":"S1W-28051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local area co-ordinators were appointed by the deadline set in The Same as You?, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local area co-ordinators were appointed by the deadline set in The Same as You?, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"There is no deadline for appointing local area co-ordinators. The recommendation in The Same as You? is that "initial training for putting local area co-ordinators in place will begin in autumn 2001".

      Training for local area co-ordinators started in the autumn of 2001, and there have been subsequent training events run by Scottish Human Services and the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164583,"EventID":"S1W-28052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local area co-ordinators are linked electronically in order to assist communication with regard to The Same as You?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local area co-ordinators are linked electronically in order to assist communication with regard to The Same as You?.","AnswerText":"Yes. We have established an e-mail network of local authority and NHS contacts for the Partnership in Practice agreements. Local area co-ordinators can use this electronic network to communicate with each other, and with other stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164584,"EventID":"S1W-28053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, whether there is a need for a national fram","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, whether there is a need for a national framework that recognises the principle of a distributed national collection and within which a sustainable future can be built for museums and galleries throughout Scotland and, if so, what plans there are to implement such a framework.","AnswerText":"The Executive announced on 10 July, following the publication of the Scottish Museums Council's national audit of Scottish museums and galleries, that a consultation exercise would be launched in mid-August to assist in developing an action plan for Scotland's museums and galleries sector. The consultation will close on 29 November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164585,"EventID":"S1W-28054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what measures will be introduced in order t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what measures will be introduced in order to ensure effective stewardship of the distributed national collections.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28053.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164586,"EventID":"S1W-28055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what measures will be introduced to reform ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what measures will be introduced to reform historic funding structures in order to address inconsistency of museum provision.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28053.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164587,"EventID":"S1W-28056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what steps will be taken to work in close p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what steps will be taken to work in close partnership with the formal and informal education sectors in order to ensure an effective contribution to learning.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28053.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164588,"EventID":"S1W-28057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what measures will be introduced in order t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what measures will be introduced in order to actively build museum audiences and encourage access for all.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28053.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164589,"EventID":"S1W-28058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what measures will be introduced to raise s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what measures will be introduced to raise standards and modernise practice in order to meet \"rising user expectations in the 21st century\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28053.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164590,"EventID":"S1W-28059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what steps will be taken to increase capaci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the findings of the Scottish Museums Council following its national audit of Scotland's museums and galleries, what steps will be taken to increase capacity within the museum sector in order to develop and deliver services for the future.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28053.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164591,"EventID":"S1W-28060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes to be created in the Glasgow Harbour development will be in the social rented sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes to be created in the Glasgow Harbour development will be in the social rented sector.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164592,"EventID":"S1W-28061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution the proposed Glasgow Harbour development will make to retaining a social mix in the west end of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution the proposed Glasgow Harbour development will make to retaining a social mix in the west end of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The outline planning application for this proposed development was cleared back to Glasgow City Council on 28 June 2001 by the Scottish ministers. It was thereafter for the council to decide what issues were relevant when determining whether to grant planning permission.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164593,"EventID":"S1W-28062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formal assessment has been made of the local social and economic impact of the Glasgow Harbour development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what formal assessment has been made of the local social and economic impact of the Glasgow Harbour development.","AnswerText":"The outline planning application for this proposed development was cleared back to Glasgow City Council on 28 June 2001 by the Scottish ministers. It was thereafter for the council to decide what issues were relevant when determining whether to grant planning permission.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164594,"EventID":"S1W-28063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the site for the Glasgow Harbour development is owned by (a) Clydeport Authority, (b) Glasgow City Council and (c) other organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the site for the Glasgow Harbour development is owned by (a) Clydeport Authority, (b) Glasgow City Council and (c) other organisations.","AnswerText":"I understand that Clydeport owns some 21 hectares (approximately 55%) of the development site and Glasgow City Council owns 17 hectares (approximately 44%). The remaining 1% is made up of various ownerships held on long leases.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164595,"EventID":"S1W-28064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community installations have been arranged in respect of the Glasgow Harbour development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what community installations have been arranged in respect of the Glasgow Harbour development.","AnswerText":"The outline planning application for this proposed development was cleared back to Glasgow City Council on 28 June 2001 by the Scottish ministers. It was thereafter for the Council to decide what issues were relevant when determining whether to grant planning permission.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164596,"EventID":"S1W-28065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision has been made to include community facilities and small business premises in the Glasgow Harbour development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision has been made to include community facilities and small business premises in the Glasgow Harbour development.","AnswerText":"The outline planning application for this proposed development was cleared back to Glasgow City Council on 28 June 2001 by the Scottish ministers. It was thereafter for the council to decide what issues were relevant when determining whether to grant planning permission.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164597,"EventID":"S1W-28066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to the Clyde Shipyards Task Force report, what progress has been made in community investment around the Scotstoun shipyard.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to the Clyde Shipyards Task Force report, what progress has been made in community investment around the Scotstoun shipyard.","AnswerText":"The Clyde Shipyards Task Force report highlighted nine regeneration projects in the Scotstoun area. Scottish Enterprise Glasgow is currently in the process of seeking options for funding these.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164598,"EventID":"S1W-28067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance on the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 will include guidance to local authorities on the mix of social housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance on the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 will include guidance to local authorities on the mix of social housing.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that the mix of social housing is a matter for local authorities to determine in accordance with local circumstances. It therefore does not wish to be prescriptive on what the mix should be. It does, however, offer local authorities general guidance on the preparation of their local housing strategies.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164599,"EventID":"S1W-28068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to investigate any low rates of pay and different conditions applying to Sodexho ancilliary staff in hospitals compared with NHS staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to investigate any low rates of pay and different conditions applying to Sodexho ancilliary staff in hospitals compared with NHS staff.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164600,"EventID":"S1W-28069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any reports of incidents of poisoning during the 1989-90 trial of Nuvan500/Aquaguard by the Veterinary Products Committee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any reports of incidents of poisoning during the 1989-90 trial of Nuvan500/Aquaguard by the Veterinary Products Committee.","AnswerText":"No such reports have been received.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164601,"EventID":"S1W-28070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have submitted bids in respect of Phase 4 of the New Community Schools initiative and how many further bids are anticipated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have submitted bids in respect of Phase 4 of the New Community Schools initiative and how many further bids are anticipated.","AnswerText":"Thirty-one local authorities have submitted bids for funding in respect of the new community school roll-out approach. It is hoped to receive a bid from the remaining authority in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164602,"EventID":"S1W-28071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any compensation will be offered to fishermen who have effort displaced due to the introduction of total allowable catches for deep water species off Scotland's w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any compensation will be offered to fishermen who have effort displaced due to the introduction of total allowable catches for deep water species off Scotland's west coast.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to offer such compensation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164603,"EventID":"S1W-28072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or Her Majesty's Government has any right to appeal against the European Council of Ministers' decision to introduce total allowable catches for deep water spe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or Her Majesty's Government has any right to appeal against the European Council of Ministers' decision to introduce total allowable catches for deep water species off Scotland's west coast.","AnswerText":"There is no integral appeals procedure related to decisions taken by the Council of Ministers. A legal challenge could in principle be mounted against EU regulation, but there would need to be good grounds for any such challenge and, in considering such a step, we would need to consider the wider position and the prospects of a more satisfactory outcome.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164604,"EventID":"S1W-28073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26841 by Ross Finnie on 1 July 2002, whether it or its officials had any indication following the Fisheries Council in December 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26841 by Ross Finnie on 1 July 2002, whether it or its officials had any indication following the Fisheries Council in December 2000 that the European Council of Ministers favoured the introduction of total allowable catches in the deep water fishery off Scotland's west coast.","AnswerText":"During working group discussions flowing from the December 2000 council on the introduction of total allowable catches for deep water species a number of member states made it clear that they could support this provided it was accompanied by measures for effort restriction. This was reflected in the positions taken by the Council of Ministers at the June Fisheries Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164605,"EventID":"S1W-28074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review its recently introduced regulations on residential care facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review its recently introduced regulations on residential care facilities.","AnswerText":"The Community Care (Additional Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 2002 and the Community Care (Deferred Payment of Accommodation Costs) (Scotland) Regulations 2002 came into force on 1 July, to extend choice for care home residents by establishing new rules for topping up and deferred payment of care home fees. The Executive has no current plans to review these regulations but will monitor their implementation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164606,"EventID":"S1W-28075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the working group on grant aided expenditure allocations for police finance has met; when it last met, and when its final report will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the working group on grant aided expenditure allocations for police finance has met; when it last met, and when its final report will be published.","AnswerText":"The Police Grant Aided Expenditure Working Group has met formally on 10 occasions, most recently on 24 September 2002. The previous such meeting was in June 2001, when the group considered some provisional recommendations put forward by consultants, but regarded these as inconclusive. In the interval between these two meetings, further work was undertaken and a number of informal meetings and exchanges of correspondence took place between members of the group. Following these, the group was able to reach agreement in principle on its recommendations at its September 2002 meeting. A report of the processes and analysis involved is being prepared and will be submitted to ministers in October, following which consideration will be given to wider publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164607,"EventID":"S1W-28076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much per capita funding was allocated for illicit drug treatment by each NHS board in each of the last three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much per capita funding was allocated for illicit drug treatment by each NHS board in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25154 on 1 May 2002, which details allocations to each NHS board area for drug treatment services on a per capita basis for years 1998-99 to 2002-03.

      Information on the level of spend per capita by NHS boards on drug treatment services is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164608,"EventID":"S1W-28077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much per capita funding was allocated for illicit drug rehabilitation and throughcare by each local authority in each of the last three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much per capita funding was allocated for illicit drug rehabilitation and throughcare by each local authority in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"Information on the level of spend per capita by local authorities on drug rehabilitation services is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164609,"EventID":"S1W-28078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the development of \"SEONAID\", its virtual newsbroadcaster, cost and what it costs to maintain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the development of \"SEONAID\", its virtual newsbroadcaster, cost and what it costs to maintain.","AnswerText":"The total cost of development of virtual character Seonaid, first launched on the news website in September 2001 and including the addition of a Scottish accent in July 2002, has been £151,833 plus VAT

      The virtual character is maintained as part of the routine duties of the three-person news website team.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164610,"EventID":"S1W-28079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded fatalities and injuries there were on the (a) motorway and (b) trunk road networks in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded fatalities and injuries there were on the (a) motorway and (b) trunk road networks in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following tables.

      Motorway Casualties - January 1999 to December 2001

      Year

      Fatal

      Serious

      Slight

      Total

      1999

      9

      80

      550

      639

      2000

      16

      82

      564

      662

      2001

      11

      71

      589

      671

      Trunk Road Casualties (excluding motorways) - January 1999 to December 2001

      Year

      Fatal

      Serious

      Slight

      Total

      1999

      66

      573

      2,056

      2,695

      2000

      100

      619

      2,009

      2,728

      2001

      80

      551

      1,956

      2,587

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164611,"EventID":"S1W-28080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with European Commission (EC) representation in the United Kingdom on the transition from the EC of European resource centres for schools and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with European Commission (EC) representation in the United Kingdom on the transition from the EC of European resource centres for schools and colleges funding.","AnswerText":"We have written to the EC representation in Edinburgh asking for clarification of these proposals and have received confirmation of the EC's intention to cease funding the European resource centres as from 31 December 2002. The Scottish Executive will meet the anticipated shortfall in funding to the Scottish European Resource Centre as from 1 January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164612,"EventID":"S1W-28082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the provision of digital hearing aids on the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on the provision of digital hearing aids on the NHS.","AnswerText":"The decision on which type of hearing aid best meets the clinical need of individual patients is for the clinician in charge of their care.

      The Good Practice Guidance on Adult Hearing Aid Fitting Services issued by the Executive to NHSScotland in March last year recommends digital aids should be provided whenever clinical judgement indicates that they would provide benefit to the patient involved that would not be provided by other types of hearing aid. The guidance emphasises that the important issue is that of matching the features of the needs of the patient rather than whether these features are incorporated in digital, analogue or digitally programmable packages.

      There are currently 18 different types of digital hearing aid included within the wide range of hearing aids available on the central contracts arranged by Scottish Healthcare Supplies for the NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164613,"EventID":"S1W-28083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the funding for hospice provision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review the funding for hospice provision.","AnswerText":"Arrangements for the funding of adult voluntary hospices remain as set out in Management Executive Letter (1994) 104. NHS boards are expected, taking account of local circumstances, to fund 50% of hospices' annual running costs. The Executive continuously monitors boards' performance against that target, and is currently in discussion with the adult voluntary hospices about issuing further advice designed to clarify the elements of hospices' running costs which would be eligible for 50% funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164614,"EventID":"S1W-28084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes in the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes in the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board area.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are required by the Scottish Executive to monitor and evaluate the success of their smoking cessation services as a whole. Argyll and Clyde NHS Board, therefore, has systems in place to enable it to assess the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes in its area. Details of the assessment made of individual services may be obtained from Argyll and Clyde NHS Board.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164615,"EventID":"S1W-28085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in reducing any health inequalities between different social groups, with particular reference to cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in reducing any health inequalities between different social groups, with particular reference to cancer.","AnswerText":"Reducing health inequalities is the overarching aim of public health improvement policy. We are seeking to make progress by addressing the upstream determinants of health, through demonstration projects, healthy living centres, the Health Improvement Fund and wider work on lifestyles and life circumstances. At the same time, through a combination of investment and reform, we are seeking to enhance healthcare services in Scotland. NHS funding, which is at record levels and rising, is now distributed in a way that recognises the influence of deprivation and remoteness on healthcare needs.

      Besides this generic programme, we are directing specific attention to cancer and implementing a comprehensive strategy Cancer in Scotland (backed by £60 million additional investment up until 2003-04) bringing together government, NHSScotland, and patients to secure better access and ensure more rapid diagnosis and treatment and improved services for people with cancer.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164616,"EventID":"S1W-28086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to expand the number of day surgery units in hospitals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to expand the number of day surgery units in hospitals.","AnswerText":"Rates of day case surgery across Scotland have increased substantially in recent years, the annual number of elective surgical day cases performed by NHSScotland having more than doubled since 1992. The day case surgery rate for each NHS board area is one of the measures of performance included in the NHS Performance Assessment Framework. The planning and commissioning of facilities for day surgery is a responsibility of NHS boards and trusts.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164617,"EventID":"S1W-28087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26188 by Ross Finnie on 5 June 2002, where croft land abuts a salmon fishing for some of its length, whether it is intended that th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26188 by Ross Finnie on 5 June 2002, where croft land abuts a salmon fishing for some of its length, whether it is intended that the whole of that salmon fishing is eligible croft land or only that section with croft land on its bank.","AnswerText":"Where a salmon fishing abuts croft land it is intended that only the part of the salmon fishing property which actually abuts the croft land should be capable of being acquired through the crofting community right to buy.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164618,"EventID":"S1W-28088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many salmon fishings fall within the definition of \"eligible croft land\" in section 67(4)(b) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many salmon fishings fall within the definition of \"eligible croft land\" in section 67(4)(b) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no reason to collect such information and has not done so. In any case this is information that can only be readily established through local enquiry. In our view most salmon fishing proprietors will already know whether their salmon fishings are liable to fall within the definition of "eligible croft land". For those that do not it should be relatively straightforward to establish the circumstances of individual salmon fishings on a case by case basis by making local enquiries.

      A table sent to the Justice 2 Committee on 14 February 2002 listed all the Scottish river systems that are believed to hold salmon and indicated where parts of particular systems were known to run across croft land.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164619,"EventID":"S1W-28089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the estimate of \"1 exercise of the new compulsory purchase power every 10 years\", given in paragraph 324 of the Explanatory Notes to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the estimate of \"1 exercise of the new compulsory purchase power every 10 years\", given in paragraph 324 of the Explanatory Notes to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, refers to the crofting community right to buy and, if not, to what it refers.","AnswerText":"The estimate in paragraph 324 of the Explanatory Notes to the Land Reform Bill, to which the question refers, relates to the compulsory purchase powers to be found in sections 32(3) and 69(2) of the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164620,"EventID":"S1W-28090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existence of adequate compensation provisions alone justifies the introduction of powers of compulsory purchase of land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existence of adequate compensation provisions alone justifies the introduction of powers of compulsory purchase of land.","AnswerText":"The existence of adequate compensation provisions does not provide the justification for the use of compulsory purchase powers. The use of such powers is justified by the contribution they make to the delivery of public policy objectives in the public interest. In such circumstances the use of compulsory purchase powers is acceptable provided there is adequate compensation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164621,"EventID":"S1W-28091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any detriment to the seller of land under the crofting community right-to-buy will be taken into account when assessing whether an application is in the public in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any detriment to the seller of land under the crofting community right-to-buy will be taken into account when assessing whether an application is in the public interest under section 71(1)(o) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"In considering whether any crofting community right to buy application is in the public interest, ministers will be bound to take account of all the information contained in the application, the responses to the application and in further comments from the applicants. In addition ministers will be bound to use all that information to assess the implications and impact of granting or refusing the application for the parties, for the wider local community, for particular sectors of the community, for the future management of the land and for a wide range of public policy issues. Only after having made such an assessment will ministers be in a position to decide whether an application is in the public interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164622,"EventID":"S1W-28092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances the factors in section 85(6)(a) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill would not be taken into account in assessing the value of croft land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances the factors in section 85(6)(a) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill would not be taken into account in assessing the value of croft land.","AnswerText":"In assessing the value of croft land, a valuer would only not take account of the matters set out in section 85(6)(a) where these matters do not arise.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164623,"EventID":"S1W-28093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is proceeding with the crofting community right-to-buy in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill despite opposition from Highland Council to the salmon fishing provision","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is proceeding with the crofting community right-to-buy in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill despite opposition from Highland Council to the salmon fishing provisions in Part 3 of the Bill.","AnswerText":"Executive policy as reflected in the Land Reform Bill was determined in the light of a range of factors including views expressed in the wide-ranging series of consultations on land reform which started with the consultations undertaken by the Land Reform Policy Group and culminated in the consultation on the draft Land Reform Bill. In this, as in other fields, ministers do not necessarily accept the conclusions, relating to executive policy proposals, reached by any individual organisation that chooses to respond to a consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164624,"EventID":"S1W-28094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposed Agricultural Holdings Bill will include a right of compulsory acquisition and, if so, in what circumstances.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its proposed Agricultural Holdings Bill will include a right of compulsory acquisition and, if so, in what circumstances.","AnswerText":"When launching the draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill for consultation in April 2002, I announced my intention to include in the bill provisions that would give secure tenant farmers a pre-emptive right to buy their holding when the landlord intended to sell the land. Under these proposals, no landlord would be required to sell land they wished to retain.

      I have been considering carefully the responses to that consultation. I shall announce my conclusions when the bill is introduced to Parliament, which I hope will be in September.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164625,"EventID":"S1W-28095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the methodology for valuing croft land under current legislation, using a multiple of rental value, will not be used when valuing salmon fishings under Part 3 of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the methodology for valuing croft land under current legislation, using a multiple of rental value, will not be used when valuing salmon fishings under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The requirements of section 14(2) of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 relating to valuation of a croft apply solely to the purchase of a croft by the tenant of that croft where that purchase is a consequence of an order made by the Land Court under section 13 of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993.

      The provisions relating to the valuation of land under Part 3 of the Land Reform Bill are contained in section 85 of the bill and these make it clear that the consideration will be based on the market value of the land as determined by a valuer. Section 85 does not constrain the valuer to any particular methodology in assessing market value.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164626,"EventID":"S1W-28096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the median waiting time for heart bypass operations (a) is currently and (b) has been in each of the last three years in each NHS trust area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the median waiting time for heart bypass operations (a) is currently and (b) has been in each of the last three years in each NHS trust area.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs), by NHS trust of treatment, in the years ended 31 March 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, are given in the table.

      Most CABG operations performed on NHSScotland patients are carried out by the three NHS trusts listed in the table. The \"Other\" category covers a very small number of such operations on NHSScotland patients, most of which were carried out in the independent hospital sector.

      NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times1 for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts2, by NHS Trust of Treatment. Years Ended 31 March 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002P.
       

      Year Ended 31 March

      NHS Trust

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002p

      North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust

      153.5 days

      119 days

      71 days

      41 days

      Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust

      159 days

      106 days

      41 days

      54 days

      Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust

      116 days

      137 days

      90 days

      70 days

      Other*

      313.5 days

      261 days

      183.5 days

      25 days

      Scotland

      152 days

      120 days

      77.5 days

      50 days

      Source: ISD Scotland.

      P Provisional

      Notes:

      1. Patients routinely admitted from the in-patient/day case waiting list.

      2. Patients are defined using operation codes taken from the Office of Population and Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures 4th revision (OPCS4). Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts have been defined using principal procedure codes K40-K46.

      * Operations mainly carried out in the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164627,"EventID":"S1W-28097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the whole-time equivalent complement of cardiac surgeons (a) is currently and (b) has been in each of the last three years in each NHS board area, expressed on a per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the whole-time equivalent complement of cardiac surgeons (a) is currently and (b) has been in each of the last three years in each NHS board area, expressed on a per capita basis.","AnswerText":"Information on the whole-time equivalent of consultants in the specialties of cardio-thoracic surgery and general surgery is shown in the following table.

      Highly specialised cardiac surgery will be undertaken by consultants working in the specialty of cardio-thoracic surgery. These consultants can and do offer services to patients from NHS board areas other than the one at which they are based. Consultants in general surgery will also perform general surgical procedures in the thoracic region. The ratio of consultants in cardio-thoracic surgery to head of population does not therefore necessarily reflect the level of consultant surgical service available in any area.

      Consultants in Cardio-thoracic Surgery and General Surgery in NHSScotland Whole-time Equivalent per 100,000 Population at 30 September, by NHS Board
       

      Cardio-thoracic Surgery

      General Surgery

       

      1998

      1999

      2000

      20012,3

      1998

      1999

      2000

      20012,3

      Scotland

      0.4

      0.4

      0.4

      0.5

      3.5

      3.6

      3.8

      3.8

      Argyll and Clyde

      -

      -

      -

      -

      3.4

      3.4

      4.0

      3.8

      Ayrshire and Arran

      -

      -

      -

      0.3

      3.1

      2.9

      3.2

      3.1

      Borders

      -

      -

      -

      -

      3.8

      3.8

      3.7

      3.7

      Dumfries and Galloway

      -

      -

      -

      -

      2.7

      2.7

      2.7

      2.7

      Fife

      -

      -

      -

      -

      2.8

      3.0

      3.0

      2.1

      Forth Valley

      -

      -

      -

      -

      3.3

      2.8

      2.9

      		The Executive has funded one recently completed and two on-going studies investigating the feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of screening for chlamydia in a range of clinical settings and populations.

      I have also recently announced the membership of the group taking forward the development of a national Sexual Health Strategy for Scotland. The strategy will include measures to tackle the rise in sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, and to enhance the provision of sexual health services around Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164629,"EventID":"S1W-28099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public health initiatives are planned for delivery across Scotland to raise awareness amongst men and women of the need for protection against sexually transmitted d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public health initiatives are planned for delivery across Scotland to raise awareness amongst men and women of the need for protection against sexually transmitted diseases.","AnswerText":"I recently announced our plans for taking forward the development of a national Sexual Health Strategy for Scotland. The strategy will include measures to tackle the rise in sexually transmitted infections and to enhance the provision of sexual health services around Scotland.

      The initiatives undertaken by the Health Education Board for Scotland and NHS boards in the sexual health field will also contribute to the aim of reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted infections.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164630,"EventID":"S1W-28100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to create a tourist information stop for motor vehicles at the start of the A84, past the Craigforth roundabout.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to create a tourist information stop for motor vehicles at the start of the A84, past the Craigforth roundabout.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such plans. If the local authority or the new National Park Authority had proposals these would be subject to approval from the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164631,"EventID":"S1W-28101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to local authorities on the use of weedkiller along kerbs and roadsides.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to local authorities on the use of weedkiller along kerbs and roadsides.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued no guidance to local road authorities on the use of weedkiller along kerbs and roadsides. Advice published in 1997 jointly by the Scottish Office and COSLA, Rural Road Management and the Environment, remains Scottish Executive policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164632,"EventID":"S1W-28102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are currently employed in its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department and what proportion is allocated to (a) enterprise and (b) lifelong learning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are currently employed in its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department and what proportion is allocated to (a) enterprise and (b) lifelong learning.","AnswerText":"As at 30 June 2002, there were 336 permanent staff in the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department of the Scottish Executive, with a full-time equivalent of 324.7 persons. Of these, 57% worked within the Enterprise and Industrial Affairs Group and 26% were in the Lifelong Learning Group. The remainder worked within the Economic Development Advice and Employment Issues Group (13%) and Digital Scotland Unit (4%).","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164633,"EventID":"S1W-28103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking on the location and regulation of marine developments and what plans it has to carry out a review of developments in coastal and marine waters,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking on the location and regulation of marine developments and what plans it has to carry out a review of developments in coastal and marine waters, similar to that being conducted by the Department of Transport in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources and to improving the regulatory regime in the marine and coastal area by simplifying administrative arrangements. A number of initiatives in this field have already been undertaken, or are on-going, such as the review of aquaculture regulation and the Water Environment and Water Services Bill.

      The review of regulation of development in coastal and marine waters in England and Wales is of close interest to the Scottish Executive, as the Executive has devolved responsibility for the main legislation which the review will cover. The Executive is monitoring the progress of the review, in particular through our representation on the review forum, and will consider the possible implications of the process and findings for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164634,"EventID":"S1W-28104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Public Service Obligation on the Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeen ferry routes cover passengers, vehicles and commercial vehicles and, if not, what category of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Public Service Obligation on the Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeen ferry routes cover passengers, vehicles and commercial vehicles and, if not, what category of traffic does it cover on these routes.","AnswerText":"The approved services that are eligible for subsidy on these routes are restricted to passengers and accompanied cars.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164635,"EventID":"S1W-28105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any unsubsidised operators are currently operating on the Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeen routes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any unsubsidised operators are currently operating on the Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeen routes.","AnswerText":"There is no central record of shipping services provided within Scotland. However, the Executive is aware that there are no unsubsidised passenger ferries operating between Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeen and that other operators provide an unsubsidised freight service over these routes on either a scheduled or an ad hoc basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164636,"EventID":"S1W-28106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recognition sportscotland will give to international shinty fixtures between Scotland and Ireland and, if none, whether it will invite sportscotland to give recognit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recognition sportscotland will give to international shinty fixtures between Scotland and Ireland and, if none, whether it will invite sportscotland to give recognition to these fixtures.","AnswerText":"Sportscotland does not recognise the annual match between the shinty players of Scotland and the hurlers of Ireland as there is no international federation for shinty under whose auspices international competitions can take place. This is a matter for sportscotland and the Executive has no plans to intervene.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164637,"EventID":"S1W-28107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff (a) were employed in each West of Scotland Water Authority office at the time of the transfer of its duties to Scottish Water and (b) are curre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff (a) were employed in each West of Scotland Water Authority office at the time of the transfer of its duties to Scottish Water and (b) are currently employed in Scottish Water offices in the area formerly covered by the authority, broken down in each case into (i) finance and administration staff, (ii) operational technical staff and (iii) planning technical staff. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

      Scottish Water does not maintain comparative information on staffing of the former authorities and Scottish Water in the form and to the level of detail asked. At 1 April 2002, when Scottish Water took over from the former authorities, 2,222 staff were transferred in from the West of Scotland Water Authority, 1,558 from the east, and 1,632 from the north. Since then Scottish Water has been gradually integrating its workforce into its own management structure. At 31 August the equivalent numbers serving in the areas covered by the former authorities were 2,090 in the west, 1,551 in the east, and 1,556 in the north.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164638,"EventID":"S1W-28108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was undertaken by the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland with business customers in (a) the west, (b) the east and (c) the north of Scotland befor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was undertaken by the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland with business customers in (a) the west, (b) the east and (c) the north of Scotland before water supply and waste water services charges for businesses in each of these former water authority areas were finalised.","AnswerText":"The Water Industry Commissioner does not consult specifically on the finalised water supply and waste water service charges from Scottish Water or the former water authorities.

      The setting of charges falls as a consequence of the revenues cap agreed in the light of the Quality and Standards process subject to full public consultation by Scottish ministers. Scottish Water are required to consult the Water Industry Commissioner on proposed charges schemes (both commercial and domestic) annually to confirm adherence to ministers recommendations following the Quality and Standards review.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164639,"EventID":"S1W-28109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was undertaken by Scottish Water with business customers in (a) the west, (b) the east and (c) the north of Scotland before water supply and waste wate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was undertaken by Scottish Water with business customers in (a) the west, (b) the east and (c) the north of Scotland before water supply and waste water services charges for businesses in each of these former water authority areas were finalised.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

      None. Scottish Water was not established until 1 April 2002. Charges schemes for 2002-03 had been developed by the three former water authorities in anticipation of the creation of Scottish Water. These schemes were developed in consultation with the Water Industry Commissioner on the basis of the revenues cap agreed in the light of the Quality and Standards process which was subject to full public consultation by Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164640,"EventID":"S1W-28110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about any developments in respect of the European Commission's proposals for legislation controlling the presence of GM seeds in the seed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about any developments in respect of the European Commission's proposals for legislation controlling the presence of GM seeds in the seed of conventional species.","AnswerText":"The Commission published interim measures in October 2000 for dealing with the issue of adventitious presence of GM seeds in conventional seed and has been working up draft proposals for legislative change. These proposals have evolved over time and have been the subject of two separate consultation exercises with interested organisations. A further, and I expect near final version, in the form of draft legislative proposals, has now been published by the Commission and I am arranging for a further period of consultation with stakeholders. I have arranged for copies of these documents to be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The Executive will take into account all the views that are expressed on the Commission's proposals in helping to frame the UK's position in Brussels.

      The revised proposals include maximum thresholds for the presence of GM material in conventional seed and requirements to minimise, monitor and test for such occurrence.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164641,"EventID":"S1W-28111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the charges for business customers in the former East of Scotland Water Authority area for (a) water supply and (b) waste water services (i) were in each of the las","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the charges for business customers in the former East of Scotland Water Authority area for (a) water supply and (b) waste water services (i) were in each of the last three years of the authority's existence and (ii) have been in the current year under Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

      Business charges for water and sewerage for the four years from 1999-2000 to the current year are as follows.

      If the property does not have a meter:

      Since 1999-2000, unmetered water and sewerage charges for business customers in the East are based on the amount of water the customer would likely use if their property had a meter. This amount and the assumed meter size are agreed with the customer.

      If the property has a meter, customers pay the following charges:

      Water Charges:

      1. Volumetric Water Charge (Charged Per M3 of Water Used)*:

      1999-2000

      		 

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Borders, Edinburgh and Lothians

      50p

      First 100,000m3

      61p

      61p

      61p

      Forth Valley, Fife, North Lanarkshire and East Dumbartonshire

      46p

      Next 150,000m3

      61p

      61p

      44p

      Over 250,000m3

      61p

      61p

      40p

      Note:

      *New charging structure for volumetric water rates implemented in 2000-01

      2. Fixed charge for water (charges based on meter size):

      Meter Size

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      6mm

      £4

      £4

      £8

      £120

      8mm

      £8

      £9

      £12

      £120

      10mm

      £14

      £16

      £21

      £120

      13mm

      £27

      £31

      £43

      £120

      Up to 20mm

      £64

      £74

      £100

      £120

      25 & 30mm

      £152 & £245

      £175 & £280

      £240 & £385

      £347

      40mm

      		Business charges for water and sewerage for the four years from 1999-2000 to the current year are as follows.

      If the property does not have a meter, charges are based on the property's rateable value. The charge per £ rateable value is:
       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Water

      4.57p

      4.48p

      5.08p

      5.08p

      Sewerage

      5.82p

      6.55p

      7.05p

      7.05p

      If the property has a meter, customers pay the following charges:

      Water Charges:

      1. Volumetric Water Charge (Charged by Pence Per M3 of Water Used):
       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      First 100,000m3

      45.6p

      49.39p

      54.03p

      61p

      Next 150,000m3

      45.6p

      44.45p

      48.63p

      44p

      Over 250,000m3

      40.12p

      42.23p

      45.93p

      40p

      2. Fixed Charge for Water (Charges Based on Meter Size):

      Meter Size

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Up to 20mm

      £69

      £81

      £100

      £120

      25 & 30mm

      £177

      £252

      £347

      £347

      40mm

      £358

      £538

      £760

      £760

      50 & 65mm

      £613

      £938

      £1,339

      £1,339

      75mm

      £1,338

      £2,080

      £2,990

      £3,905

      100mm

      £2,354

      £3,679

      		Business charges for water and sewerage for the four years from 1999-2000 to the current year are as follows.

      If the property does not have a meter, charges are based on the property's rateable value. The charge per £ rateable value is:

      Water

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Tayside

      4.84p

      7.29p

      8.6p

      8.6p

      All other areas (2000-01 and beyond)

      Varies - see below

      9.60p

      9.76p

      9.76p

      Western Isles

      9.72p

      		   

      Grampian

      6.4p

      		   

      Orkney

      9p

      		   

      Highland

      9.72p

      		   

      Shetland

      9.72p

      		   

      Sewerage

      6.12p

      8.04p

      9.61p

      9.61p

      If the property has a meter, customers pay the following charges:

      Water Charges:

      1. Volumetric Water Charge (Charged by Pence Per M3 of Water Used):
       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      First 100,000m3

      68.3p

      91.7p

      £1.041

      £1.006

      Next 150,000m3

      68.3p

      77.93p

      88.49p

      71p

      Over 250,000m3

      68.3p

      64.16p

      72.87p

      60p

      2. Fixed Charge for Water (Charges Based on Meter Size):

      Meter Size

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      		","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164644,"EventID":"S1W-28114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any recent approval for expenditure to be paid to four landed estates for a programme of deer culling; if so, how much this totalled; what rate was p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any recent approval for expenditure to be paid to four landed estates for a programme of deer culling; if so, how much this totalled; what rate was paid per carcass, and whether this represented value for money.","AnswerText":"No such approval has been given.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164645,"EventID":"S1W-28115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff (a) were employed in each East of Scotland Water Authority office at the time of the transfer of its duties to Scottish Water and (b) are curre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff (a) were employed in each East of Scotland Water Authority office at the time of the transfer of its duties to Scottish Water and (b) are currently employed in Scottish Water offices in the area formerly covered by the authority, broken down in each case into (i) finance and administration staff, (ii) operational technical staff and (iii) planning technical staff. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28107. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa .","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164646,"EventID":"S1W-28116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-07-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff (a) were employed in each North of Scotland Water Authority office at the time of the transfer of its duties to Scottish Water and (b) are curr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff (a) were employed in each North of Scotland Water Authority office at the time of the transfer of its duties to Scottish Water and (b) are currently employed in Scottish Water offices in the area formerly covered by the authority, broken down in each case into (i) finance and administration staff, (ii) operational technical staff and (iii) planning technical staff.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28107. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164647,"EventID":"S1W-28117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it pays to the London based company reSearchWeb for work in respect of the social work research website www.researchweb.org.uk and why this contract was awarded ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it pays to the London based company reSearchWeb for work in respect of the social work research website www.researchweb.org.uk and why this contract was awarded to a company outwith Scotland, given its position on the importance of the knowledge-based economy in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The contract for reSearchWeb was awarded in 1999 as part of the Scottish Executive's contribution to this UK organisation agreed with other parts of the UK. The National Institute for Social Work (NISW) owns the international research database at the heart of reSearchWeb. The Scottish Executive paid the NISW £50,000 in each of the financial years 1998-99 and 1999-2000. No funding was awarded in the financial year 2001-02.

      The National Institute for Social Work has now been replaced by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). The Executive will be reviewing its contract with SCIE later this financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164648,"EventID":"S1W-28118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed to any request by Amey Highways Ltd for funding to replace traffic lights on the A7 at Skippers Bridge, south of Langholm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has agreed to any request by Amey Highways Ltd for funding to replace traffic lights on the A7 at Skippers Bridge, south of Langholm.","AnswerText":"The replacement of the traffic light installation on the A7 at Skippers Bridge, south of Langholm will be included in a carriageway maintenance scheme programmed for 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164649,"EventID":"S1W-28119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27236 by Iain Gray on 29 July 2002, why all accounts of students that progress from higher education courses at college to higher l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27236 by Iain Gray on 29 July 2002, why all accounts of students that progress from higher education courses at college to higher level courses at university cannot be merged successfully and, in particular, (a) what the difficulties are in matching and merging personal data, (b) for how long this situation has existed and (c) what action it has taken in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"Difficulties in matching accounts usually occur because of discrepancies in the information provided on the original and the most recent loan application form which would otherwise have enabled the applications to be matched to the same borrower. This can be a difference in the format of a borrower's name or contact details, or the omission of the declaration that a student loan has been taken out before. The automatic system checks which prevent these accounts being merged are in place for the security of applicants to ensure that new loan applications are not attributed to other borrowers' accounts.

      This situation has existed since the introduction of the student loans scheme. It is, however, highly unlikely to occur with the current system of income contingent repayment student loans where repayments are collected directly by Inland Revenue.

      The Student Loans Company has a dedicated team which deals with "stand alone" accounts and is working to enhance its computer system to improve automatic matching.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164650,"EventID":"S1W-28120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27236 by Iain Gray on 29 July 2002, whether any former students that incurred default notice debts as a result of the Student Loans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27236 by Iain Gray on 29 July 2002, whether any former students that incurred default notice debts as a result of the Student Loans Company (SLC) computer system being unable to rationalise, match and merge personal data should be required to pay financial penalties as a result of this situation and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No student should be required to pay a financial penalty as a result of the SLC system failing to match data. Where a default notice has been issued to a borrower who holds an unmatched or "stand alone" account which is up to date with repayments or in deferment, SLC should reverse the default notice and bring the account into line with its partner.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164651,"EventID":"S1W-28121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27236 by Iain Gray on 29 July 2002, whether the acceptance criteria for student loan applications and subsequent validation process","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27236 by Iain Gray on 29 July 2002, whether the acceptance criteria for student loan applications and subsequent validation process should have prevented any students that progressed from a higher education course at college to a higher level course at university in any form of default from being permitted to access further monies.","AnswerText":"If a student loan applicant is recorded on the Student Loans Company system as holding an existing account which is in arrears or default, the system should automatically withhold payment of further support until the existing default debt is settled.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164652,"EventID":"S1W-28122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27236 by Iain Gray on 29 July 2002, why former students that incurred default notice debts as a result of the Student Loans Company","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27236 by Iain Gray on 29 July 2002, why former students that incurred default notice debts as a result of the Student Loans Company (SLC) computer system being unable to rationalise, match and merge personal data are informed on enquiry that there is no appeals process in respect of such default notices and penalties and what action it plans to take in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"Former students who incur default notice debts as a result of SLC system failing to match data should not be advised that there is no appeals process in respect of such default. The Student Loans Company has an objective and thorough formal complaints procedure which provides for investigation of situations such as this. Where complainants are not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation they can ask for their complaint to be reviewed by a senior manager, the Chief Executive and, ultimately, an impartial independent assessor.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164653,"EventID":"S1W-28123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its officials attended the Working Party on Internal Fisheries Policy in Brussels on 25 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its officials attended the Working Party on Internal Fisheries Policy in Brussels on 25 July 2002.","AnswerText":"Two Scottish Executive officials attended this meeting as part of the UK delegation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164654,"EventID":"S1W-28124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25982 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 May 2002, whether it is the policy of the Scottish Prison Service to move to another prison a prisone","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25982 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 May 2002, whether it is the policy of the Scottish Prison Service to move to another prison a prisoner that has been involved in (a) an assault or (b) a serious assault on an officer and whether any such policy would apply to HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      A prisoner is not automatically moved to another prison following an assault or a serious assault. Each case is considered individually depending on the circumstances. This applies to every prison in Scotland, including HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164655,"EventID":"S1W-28125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24103 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, what the outcome was of the Scottish Prison Service's discussions with Kilmarnock Prison S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24103 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 April 2002, what the outcome was of the Scottish Prison Service's discussions with Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd to assess any implications of the proposed purchase by Group 4 Falck of the Wackenhut Corporation, one of the parent companies of Premier Custodial Group.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Further discussion has been postponed pending the decision of the Competition Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164656,"EventID":"S1W-28126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, prior to carrying out the financial review of the Scottish Prison Service estates review, PricewaterhouseCoopers disclosed that it was the auditor of Group 4 Fal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, prior to carrying out the financial review of the Scottish Prison Service estates review, PricewaterhouseCoopers disclosed that it was the auditor of Group 4 Falck to the Executive.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. There was no need to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164657,"EventID":"S1W-28127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any conflict of interest arising from PricewaterhouseCoopers carrying out the financial review of the Scottish Prison Service estates review, given that ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any conflict of interest arising from PricewaterhouseCoopers carrying out the financial review of the Scottish Prison Service estates review, given that the firm is the auditor of Group 4 Falck.","AnswerText":"No. PricewaterhouseCoopers are a multi-national company performing thousands of audits world-wide and have internal procedures for preventing conflicts of interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164658,"EventID":"S1W-28128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to comments made by Sheriff Principal Nicholson in the case Thomson v Thomson at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 10 June 2002, whether it plans to amend the Ordina","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to comments made by Sheriff Principal Nicholson in the case Thomson v Thomson at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 10 June 2002, whether it plans to amend the Ordinary Cause Rules to facilitate the attachment of a power of arrest to common law interdicts that pre-date the coming into force of the Protection From Abuse (Scotland ) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"I understand that Sheriff Principal Nicholson's comments in Thomson v Thomson have been considered by the Sheriff Court Rules Council, the statutory body responsible for proposing rules on civil procedure in the sheriff court, and that a change to the rules will be recommended to the Lords of Council and Session as the rule making authority in response to those comments.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164659,"EventID":"S1W-28129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in its consideration of the permanent closure of court facilities in Peebles, it is taking into account usage made by the Peebles District Court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in its consideration of the permanent closure of court facilities in Peebles, it is taking into account usage made by the Peebles District Court.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164660,"EventID":"S1W-28130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) where the sheriff court service accounts can be accessed and (b) whether such accounts form part of the justice budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) where the sheriff court service accounts can be accessed and (b) whether such accounts form part of the justice budget.","AnswerText":"The administration of the sheriff courts is the responsibility of the Scottish Court Service whose accounts are published and laid before the Scottish Parliament annually. The service's Annual Report and Accounts for 2000-01 is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre. The report for 2001-02 is currently being prepared.

      The Scottish Court Service is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Executive Justice Department and its funding and expenditure forms part of the Justice budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164661,"EventID":"S1W-28131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cattle herds in former foot-and-mouth disease infected areas have been re-stocked since the lifting of foot-and-mouth restrictions; how many herds have been test","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cattle herds in former foot-and-mouth disease infected areas have been re-stocked since the lifting of foot-and-mouth restrictions; how many herds have been tested for bovine tuberculosis, and how many cattle were confirmed positive.","AnswerText":"Two hundred and four cattle herds have been restocked since foot-and-mouth disease restrictions were lifted and 197 herds have been tested for bovine tuberculosis. Thirteen Reactors have been identified in three of these herds. A further five herds have had their testing delayed due to calving patterns but these will be tested in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164662,"EventID":"S1W-28132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many confirmed incidents of bovine tuberculosis were identified in each local authority area in each quarter in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) to date in 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many confirmed incidents of bovine tuberculosis were identified in each local authority area in each quarter in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) to date in 2002.","AnswerText":"The number of confirmed incidents of bovine tuberculosis in Scotland since the year 2000 is shown in the following table.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164663,"EventID":"S1W-28133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cattle herds are in (a) six month, (b) twelve month, (c) two year, (d) three year and (e) four year testing areas and how many under each testing regime are over","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cattle herds are in (a) six month, (b) twelve month, (c) two year, (d) three year and (e) four year testing areas and how many under each testing regime are overdue for a bovine tuberculosis test.","AnswerText":"Due to the low incidence of bovine tuberculosis in Scotland, all herds are subject to testing on a four yearly cycle.

      As at 30 June 2002, 1,652 tests were overdue.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164664,"EventID":"S1W-28134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether cattle purchased for restocking in former foot-and-mouth disease areas must be first confirmed as not carrying bovine tuberculosis and what its policy is on this ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether cattle purchased for restocking in former foot-and-mouth disease areas must be first confirmed as not carrying bovine tuberculosis and what its policy is on this matter.","AnswerText":"Cattle purchased for restocking must come from unrestricted herds which have a clean testing history. They are tested again three months after the new herd is established at the new location.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164665,"EventID":"S1W-28135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any public inquiries have been commissioned into traffic issues in the North and South Lanarkshire Council areas in each of the last two years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any public inquiries have been commissioned into traffic issues in the North and South Lanarkshire Council areas in each of the last two years. ","AnswerText":"Yes. A total of three public local inquiries has been commissioned to address unresolved objections to Stopping Up Orders under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. These affected Philipshill Road and Glen Road, East Kilbride (2001); Tryst Road, Cumbernauld (2002), and the footpath between Neidpath Avenue and Beauly Place, Coatbridge (2002).

      In addition, South Lanarkshire Council has commissioned two public hearings in 2002 to address unresolved objections to Local Authority Traffic Orders made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. These affected various streets in Cambuslang, and Queen Street and Kirkwood Street in Rutherglen town centre.

      South Lanarkshire Council and East Renfrewshire Council also jointly commissioned a public local inquiry in 2000 under The Compulsory Purchase by Public Authorities (Inquiry Procedure) (Scotland) Rules 1998 into proposals for the construction of the Glasgow Southern Orbital road.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164666,"EventID":"S1W-28136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any legislation exists in relation to traffic and parking around schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any legislation exists in relation to traffic and parking around schools.","AnswerText":"Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, local roads authorities have a general duty to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic. This general duty is met by the local authority making traffic regulation orders for reasons which can include the restriction of parking on certain roads.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164667,"EventID":"S1W-28137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what type of model constitution is being used by steering groups in Glasgow that are trying to register as local housing organisations with Communities Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what type of model constitution is being used by steering groups in Glasgow that are trying to register as local housing organisations with Communities Scotland.","AnswerText":"Steering groups are currently working on draft constitutions to enable them to register with Communities Scotland. There are two models of constitution which can be adopted. These are:

      A society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965, having its registered office in Scotland, or

      A company registered under the Companies Act 1985, having its registered office in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164668,"EventID":"S1W-28138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been produced to assist steering groups in Glasgow that are trying to register as local housing organisations with Communities Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been produced to assist steering groups in Glasgow that are trying to register as local housing organisations with Communities Scotland.","AnswerText":"Each local housing organisation (LHO) has been issued with a copy of Communities Scotland Guide to Registration. Communities Scotland has also issued a supplementary checklist of registration requirements. Steering groups are also receiving training on registration requirements","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164669,"EventID":"S1W-28139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local housing organisations in Glasgow have been registered with Communities Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local housing organisations in Glasgow have been registered with Communities Scotland.","AnswerText":"No local housing organisations have yet been registered with Communities Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164670,"EventID":"S1W-28140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local housing steering groups have been established in Glasgow, (b) such steering groups have a full compliment of members, (c) Glasgow City Council tenants ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) local housing steering groups have been established in Glasgow, (b) such steering groups have a full compliment of members, (c) Glasgow City Council tenants are on each such group and (d) such groups comprise of members that are not council tenants.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:

      (a) There are 69 local housing organisation steering groups.

      (b) Communities Scotland requires committees to consist of seven or more members for registration purposes. Fifty-eight of the steering groups have seven or more members. This figure changes regularly but the trend is for increasing numbers of groups to meet the criteria.

      (c) As of 14 August, there are 771 members of the 69 steering groups. Of these, 624 are Glasgow City Council tenants.

      (d) Fifty-three of these groups include members that are not council tenants.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164671,"EventID":"S1W-28141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are available to any person excluded from joining the committee of (a) a local housing steering group, (b) a local housing organisation, (c) a housing assoc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are available to any person excluded from joining the committee of (a) a local housing steering group, (b) a local housing organisation, (c) a housing association and (d) an area housing partnership.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:

      (a) Steering groups are at different stages in adopting formal constitutions and membership policies. If a constitution and membership policy has been adopted, this should provide a right of appeal for any person excluded. If a constitution and membership policy is not yet in place, any person excluded could appeal to the organisation which established the steering group.

      (b) If a local housing organisation (LHO) is unregistered the same principles will apply to that of a steering group. If an LHO is registered with Communities Scotland the same principles governing a housing association will apply (See paragraph c).

      (c) A person can complain to a housing association using the association's complaints procedure to the point where the complaint is resolved or the procedure is exhausted. If a person is still not satisfied with the outcome they can refer the matter to Communities Scotland.

      (d) If a person is excluded from an Area Housing Partnership they may appeal to the Strategic Housing Partnership - i.e. a partnership between Glasgow City Council and Communities Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164672,"EventID":"S1W-28142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what grounds a person may be excluded from joining the committee of (a) a local housing steering group, (b) a local housing organisation, (c) a housing association and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what grounds a person may be excluded from joining the committee of (a) a local housing steering group, (b) a local housing organisation, (c) a housing association and (d) an area housing partnership.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:

      (a) There are no standard membership criteria set for organisations who are working towards registration. Membership criteria will vary depending on individual steering groups, and their local communities.

      (b) If a local housing organisation (LHO) is registered with Communities Scotland, the constitution and rules governing the organisation will set out criteria for membership, and members will sign a code of conduct. If the LHO is not registered with Communities Scotland, the same principles will apply as with a steering group. LHOs which have not yet achieved registration can also adopt rules on membership, or ask members to sign a code of conduct.

      (c) A person may be excluded from membership of a housing association if their application does not meet an association's membership policy or rules or if a committee member does not agree by its code of conduct.

      (d) If a person does not meet the membership criteria of an area housing partnership they may be excluded.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164673,"EventID":"S1W-28143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19514 by Rhona Brankin on 26 November 2001, what action it is taking to protect Scotland's soil resource.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19514 by Rhona Brankin on 26 November 2001, what action it is taking to protect Scotland's soil resource.","AnswerText":"The study on the development of a soil protection strategy for Scotland by Stirling University was finalised in February and future action is now being considered. The recommended review of the available survey data being carried out by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute has yet to be received but I am led to believe it is now nearing completion. Once it is available we will take forward consideration of the need for a soil protection strategy for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164674,"EventID":"S1W-28144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is introducing to provide affordable houses in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is introducing to provide affordable houses in rural areas.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to analyse housing needs in their areas and make plans to meet those needs. However, there are a number of national initiatives that can help increase the supply of affordable housing in rural areas.

      Communities Scotland's Rural Development Programme has been increased from £36 million in 1998-99 to £48 million in 2002-03. The bulk of this investment is in affordable housing provided by Registered Social Landlords. This programme provided 1,178 new and improved homes across Scotland in 2001-02, and has a target of 1,266 homes for 2002-03. The current New Housing Partnership initiative will also have provided 1,360 new and improved homes in rural areas by the time it comes to an end in 2003.

      Communities Scotland's programme includes means-tested Rural Home Ownership Grants to assist people with a local connection or with local employment to own a home which will be their sole residence. It helps them to build a house or have one built where there is an insufficient supply, or to buy a house that has been on the market for at least six months. Rural Empty Properties Grant is available to private landlords to bring empty property back into good condition for renting, for the benefit of the local community. Both these grant schemes can be a source of accommodation for key workers where the grant criteria are met.

      Through New Housing Partnership funding to Highland Council and subsequent joint funding by Communities Scotland, the Highland Small Communities Housing Trust has been supported to deliver tailored housing solutions in small rural communities. It has assisted the provision of accommodation for workers and a school teacher in Ardnamurchan. Rural Partnership for Change, which was established by the Scottish Executive, is working with the Highland Small Communities Housing Trust and is considering the wider implications of its approach.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164675,"EventID":"S1W-28145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that key workers in rural areas have access to the housing market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that key workers in rural areas have access to the housing market.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28144.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164676,"EventID":"S1W-28146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it has received from East Dunbartonshire Council on the allocation of resources for the implementation of free personal care following the circular issue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it has received from East Dunbartonshire Council on the allocation of resources for the implementation of free personal care following the circular issued to local authority chief executives and others by the Chair of the Implementation Steering Group on 9 May 2002 and on what dates each such submission was received.","AnswerText":"We have received no submissions from East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164677,"EventID":"S1W-28147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it received before 1 July 2002 from East Dunbartonshire Council on the number of self-funding residents in residential and nursing homes in the council's","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it received before 1 July 2002 from East Dunbartonshire Council on the number of self-funding residents in residential and nursing homes in the council's area and on what dates it received any such information.","AnswerText":"We received no information from East Dunbartonshire Council.

      Information on the number of self-funding residents in care homes is available annually from the Residential Care Homes Census (Scottish Executive) and the Nursing Homes Census (Information and Statistics Division, Scotland). Following consultation with COSLA, the latest figures from these two censuses were used in the allocation of funds relating to free personal care.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164678,"EventID":"S1W-28148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it received before 1 July 2002 from East Dunbartonshire Council about any likely loss of revenue to the council from charges for personal care at home fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it received before 1 July 2002 from East Dunbartonshire Council about any likely loss of revenue to the council from charges for personal care at home following implementation of free personal care and on what dates it received any such information.","AnswerText":"We have received no information from East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164679,"EventID":"S1W-28149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available in (a) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (b) Scotland for investment in home-based care services and for infrastructure costs t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available in (a) the East Dunbartonshire Council area and (b) Scotland for investment in home-based care services and for infrastructure costs to support the implementation of free personal care.","AnswerText":"Estimates of the immediate cost of providing free personal care suggested that from within East Dunbartonshire's overall allocation of £2.255 million, £837,000 could be available in 2002-03 for investment in home-based services and infrastructure costs to support the implementation of free personal care. The first call on the total amount available however is to fund free personal care.

      Out of the total allocation across Scotland the equivalent amount was £52.7 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164680,"EventID":"S1W-28150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it has received from East Dunbartonshire Council since 1 July 2002 on the using up of any resources allocated to the council by means of (a) weekly reven","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it has received from East Dunbartonshire Council since 1 July 2002 on the using up of any resources allocated to the council by means of (a) weekly revenue support grant payments or (b) any other payments for the implementation of free personal care.","AnswerText":"We have received no submissions from East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164681,"EventID":"S1W-28151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it (a) received before (i) 31 March 2002 and (ii) 1 July 2002 and (b) has received to date from East Dunbartonshire Council about the demographic profile","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what submissions it (a) received before (i) 31 March 2002 and (ii) 1 July 2002 and (b) has received to date from East Dunbartonshire Council about the demographic profile of the population aged 65 years and over and resident in the council's area in respect of implementation of free personal care.","AnswerText":"We have received no submissions from East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164682,"EventID":"S1W-28152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it received from East Dunbartonshire Council before 1 July 2002 on the average number of nursing home residents in the East Dunbartonshire Council area a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it received from East Dunbartonshire Council before 1 July 2002 on the average number of nursing home residents in the East Dunbartonshire Council area and to which years any such information related.","AnswerText":"We have received no information from East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164683,"EventID":"S1W-28153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments it (a) received before 1 July 2002 and (b) has received to date from East Dunbartonshire Council of the number of people aged 65 years and over for whom ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments it (a) received before 1 July 2002 and (b) has received to date from East Dunbartonshire Council of the number of people aged 65 years and over for whom assessments of personal care need had been made by or on behalf of the council.","AnswerText":"We have not received this information from East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164684,"EventID":"S1W-28154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial allocation it has made to East Dunbartonshire Council in order to provide for implementation by the council of free personal care for the periods (a) 1 Jul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial allocation it has made to East Dunbartonshire Council in order to provide for implementation by the council of free personal care for the periods (a) 1 July 2002 to 31 March 2003 and (b) 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004.","AnswerText":"The allocation to East Dunbartonshire Council for implementation of free personal and nursing care for 2002-03 is £2.255 million; the allocation for 2003-04 is £3.060 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164685,"EventID":"S1W-28155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it (a) received before 1 July 2002 and (b) has received to date from East Dunbartonshire Council about any likely revenue costs to the council arising fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it (a) received before 1 July 2002 and (b) has received to date from East Dunbartonshire Council about any likely revenue costs to the council arising from the implementation of free personal care for people living at home.","AnswerText":"We have received no information from East Dunbartonshire Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164686,"EventID":"S1W-28156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26001 by Nicol Stephen on 24 July 2002, what its response is to the recent evidence by the Child Poverty Action Group, One Plus, Na","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26001 by Nicol Stephen on 24 July 2002, what its response is to the recent evidence by the Child Poverty Action Group, One Plus, National Children's Homes and other anti-poverty groups and children-based charities that approximately 80,000 children from low income families are not eligible for free school meals; what action it intends to take to address any gap in eligibility, and whether it maintains that all children from low income families are eligible for free school meals.","AnswerText":"Eligibility for free school meals extends to pupils whose parents are in receipt of income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance or support provided under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 or who are themselves in receipt of income support or income-based jobseeker's allowance. These arrangements ensure that help is targeted at children from the poorest families under clearly understood criteria. There are no current proposals to extend eligibility for free school meals.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164687,"EventID":"S1W-28157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26001 by Nicol Stephen on 24 July 2002, what its cost predictions are for extending free school meal eligibility to the approximate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26001 by Nicol Stephen on 24 July 2002, what its cost predictions are for extending free school meal eligibility to the approximate 80,000 children from low income families who are not currently eligible for free school meals, identified by the Child Poverty Action Group, One Plus, National Children's Homes and other anti-poverty groups and children-based charities.","AnswerText":"On the best available data, providing free school meals to a further 80,000 pupils would cost in the region of £25 million per annum assuming full take-up, but making no allowance for the costs of extended dining areas, additional staff or the improved provision recommended by the Expert Panel on School Meals.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164688,"EventID":"S1W-28158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26001 by Nicol Stephen on 24 July 2002, what consideration the Expert Panel on School Meals gave to extending eligibility for free ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26001 by Nicol Stephen on 24 July 2002, what consideration the Expert Panel on School Meals gave to extending eligibility for free school meals to children from low income families and to the evidence of the Child Poverty Action Group, One Plus, National Children's Homes and other anti-poverty groups and children-based charities that 80,000 children are not eligible; what figures for children not eligible the panel considered and what input it had in the panel's consideration.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Expert Panel on School Meals was to provide costed recommendations and a fully developed implementation strategy to establish standards for the nutritional content of school meals; to improve the presentation of school meals to improve general take up, and to eliminate any stigma attached to taking free school meals.

      While outwith their remit, entitlement to free school meals was one of a number of additional issues considered by the panel. They took the view that the Scottish Executive should examine how families are informed about eligibility to free school meals and also the eligibility criteria to ensure that families and young people do not fall through a gap. They also took the view that the Scottish Executive should reassure themselves that the criteria for eligibility remain appropriate.

      The panel's interim report is currently the subject of consultation, with a deadline for responses of 11 October 2002. The panel will then consider responses before submitting a final report to ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164689,"EventID":"S1W-28159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will attend the European Council Education and Youth Committee meeting in Brussels on 3 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will attend the European Council Education and Youth Committee meeting in Brussels on 3 September 2002.","AnswerText":"An official from Scottish Executive Education Department will attend the European Council's Education Committee on 3 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164690,"EventID":"S1W-28160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a formal submission to the European Council Education and Youth Committee, based on the agenda for the committee's meeting on 3 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a formal submission to the European Council Education and Youth Committee, based on the agenda for the committee's meeting on 3 September 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will not make a formal submission to the meeting of the European Council's Education Committee on 3 September. It is not usual practice for any member state to make a formal submission to the European Council's Education Committee, either in written or spoken form.

      The UK delegation makes interventions as appropriate in the course of debates within the committee, these comments being based on a position agreed among the constituent parts of the UK.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164691,"EventID":"S1W-28161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake and publish an evaluation of the financial and other implications of the House of Lords decision in Robertson (AP) v Fife Council on 25 July 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake and publish an evaluation of the financial and other implications of the House of Lords decision in Robertson (AP) v Fife Council on 25 July 2002 relating to the provision of residential accommodation and whether it will be seeking to amend the relevant legislation.","AnswerText":"The Executive is working with local authorities to assess the implications of this judgement and will consider what response is appropriate once that assessment is complete.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164692,"EventID":"S1W-28162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will reply to my letter of 28 June 2002 regarding nitrate vulnerable 'ones.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will reply to my letter of 28 June 2002 regarding nitrate vulnerable 'ones.","AnswerText":"I replied to your letter on 31 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164693,"EventID":"S1W-28163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the review of regulations covering litter and flytipping.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the review of regulations covering litter and flytipping.","AnswerText":"The review is well advanced and is expected to be completed in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164694,"EventID":"S1W-28164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had into the SCOTS national road maintenance condition survey.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has had into the SCOTS national road maintenance condition survey.","AnswerText":"The Executive fully supports the work of SCOTS in taking forward the local authority condition survey of local roads. An official from the Executive's Roads Network Management and Maintenance Division is a member of the project working group which is monitoring progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164695,"EventID":"S1W-28165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation has taken place with the European Commission with regard to the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest and the effects on the six bird species which Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation has taken place with the European Commission with regard to the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest and the effects on the six bird species which Scottish Power has confirmed are present on Eaglesham Moor, given that the birds' priority habitat or species is defined in Article 1 of the European Habitats Directive and are listed under EC directive 79/409/EEC as needing special protection.","AnswerText":"There is no requirement on the Scottish Executive to consult the European Commission on this issue since the area is not designated as being of national or international importance for bird species or habitats. Scottish Natural Heritage was among the bodies consulted about the environmental impact of the proposed wind farm and has welcomed the developer's proposal to put in place a Habitat Management Plan with the aim of enhancing the existing peatland habitat across the moor, which they believe should contribute towards the offsetting of any local adverse impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164696,"EventID":"S1W-28166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sites utilising wind turbines are currently operational; what the generation capacity of each site is and what amount was generated by each site in 2001 and so f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sites utilising wind turbines are currently operational; what the generation capacity of each site is and what amount was generated by each site in 2001 and so far in 2002.","AnswerText":"There are 14 wind turbine developments currently registered with the electricity regulator (Ofgem) as accredited generating stations under the Renewables Obligation Scotland. Details are contained in the table. Information about electricity generation by individual site is not available at present.

      Local

      2000

      2001

      2002

      Authority

      Jan to Mar

      Apr to Jun

      Jul to Sep

      Oct to Dec

      Jan to Mar

      Apr to Jun

      Jul to Sep

      Oct to Dec

      Jan to Mar

      Apr to Jun

      Jul to Sep

      Oct to Dec

      Aberdeenshire

      1

      1

      1

      Argyll and Bute

      1

      Clackmannanshire

      1

      Dumfries and Galloway

      1

      5

      2

      East Ayrshire

      1

      Generating Site

      Installed Generating Capacity (MW)

      Developer

      Location

      Beinn an Tuirc

      30

      CRE Energy Ltd

      Carradale, Mull of Kintyre

      Beinn Ghlas

      8.4

      National Wind Power Ltd

      Taynuilt, Argyll

      Burradale

      1.98

      Shetland Aerogenerators Ltd

      Burradale Hill, Shetland

      Deucheran Hill

      15

      Powergen Renewables

      Campbeltown, Mull of Kintyre

      Dun Law

      17.16

      CRE Energy Ltd

      By Oxton, Lauder, Berwickshire

      East Kilbride

      0.6

      Merchant Wind Park (East Kilbride) Ltd

      Langlands Industrial Estate, East Kilbride

      Fair Isle

      0.16

      Fair Isle Electricity Company Ltd

      Fair Isle

      Windy Standard (Gallow Rig and Polwhat Rig)

      21.6

      National Wind Power Ltd

      Carsphairn, Dumfries and Galloway

      Hagshaw Hill

      15.6

      CRE Energy Ltd

      Hagshaw Hill, Douglas.

      Hare Hill

      13

      CRE Energy Ltd

      New Cumnock, Ayrshire

      Liniclate

      0.06

      Element Engineering

      Liniclate, Isle of Benbecula

      Novar (Bendealt and Meal an Turic)

      17

      National Wind Power Ltd

      Evanton, Ross-shire

      Myres Hill

      1.9

      Thorfinn Wind "A" Ltd

      Test site, near Eaglesham, Glasgow

      Thorfinn

      2.7

      NEG Mikon Ltd

      Evie, Orkney

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164697,"EventID":"S1W-28167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much electricity generation has been cut at Cocken'ie and Longannet power stations as a direct consequence of generation from wind power.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much electricity generation has been cut at Cocken'ie and Longannet power stations as a direct consequence of generation from wind power.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to calculate this precisely. Coal fired generation is flexible, and varies in response to the demand on the electricity network. The Renewables Obligations Scotland sets specific targets for renewables which can be assumed to displace generation (and hence emissions) from coal fired plant.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164698,"EventID":"S1W-28168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation and representations it has had with the Meteorological Office with regard to the radar station located on the site of the proposed wind farm at Whitelee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation and representations it has had with the Meteorological Office with regard to the radar station located on the site of the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","AnswerText":"Defence Estates submitted a representation on behalf of the Meteorological Office in response to the consultation on the application by ScottishPower to build a wind farm at Whitelee Forest. The Meteorological Office's concerns are about the possible impact of the proposed wind farm on the operations of the Corse Hill weather radar. Officials from my department have subsequently twice met officials from the Meteorological Office to discuss these concerns and will maintain contact with them as long as this matter remains unresolved.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164699,"EventID":"S1W-28169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25833 by Lewis Macdonald on 27 May 2002, whether it will institute a public inquiry to examine issues surrounding the planning appl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25833 by Lewis Macdonald on 27 May 2002, whether it will institute a public inquiry to examine issues surrounding the planning application for a proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","AnswerText":"This matter is still under consideration and whether it will be referred to a public local inquiry will be determined in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164700,"EventID":"S1W-28170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any proposals to effect changes in respect of consents under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 in relation to on-shore wind farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering any proposals to effect changes in respect of consents under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 in relation to on-shore wind farms.","AnswerText":"No such proposals are being considered at present. Our procedures are, however, kept under review and if improvements were needed in the way that applications for consent are dealt with, we would consult widely on these matters before any changes were implemented.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164701,"EventID":"S1W-28171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made in respect of the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be made in respect of the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","AnswerText":"The issues raised in the course of the consultation are still under consideration. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28169 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164702,"EventID":"S1W-28172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25833 by Lewis Macdonald on 27 May 2002, whether it will publish the results of the consultation exercise relating to the proposed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25833 by Lewis Macdonald on 27 May 2002, whether it will publish the results of the consultation exercise relating to the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","AnswerText":"The issues raised in the course of the consultation are still under consideration. When the matter is determined the reasons for that determination will be published.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164703,"EventID":"S1W-28173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect on Scottish Power's renewables obligation will be if the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest does not proceed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect on Scottish Power's renewables obligation will be if the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest does not proceed.","AnswerText":"The obligation on ScottishPower will not be affected. It would remain for ScottishPower to decide how it meets that obligation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164704,"EventID":"S1W-28174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect on ScottishPower's renewables obligation will be if work on the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest does not proceed as currently programmed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the effect on ScottishPower's renewables obligation will be if work on the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest does not proceed as currently programmed.","AnswerText":"The obligation on ScottishPower will not be affected. It would remain for ScottishPower to decide how it meets that obligation.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164705,"EventID":"S1W-28175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of ScottishPower's renewables obligation will be met by the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of ScottishPower's renewables obligation will be met by the proposed wind farm at Whitelees Forest.","AnswerText":"The way in which ScottishPower meets its obligation under the Renewables Obligation Scotland is a commercial matter for that company.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164706,"EventID":"S1W-28176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its senior civil servants subscribe to the Civil Service Healthcare Society.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its senior civil servants subscribe to the Civil Service Healthcare Society.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and is in any case regarded as personal to the individual. The Scottish Executive makes no contribution to the society on behalf of its staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164707,"EventID":"S1W-28177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ministers will be attending the Britain at the Leading Edge trade convention in Shanghai, China in October.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ministers will be attending the Britain at the Leading Edge trade convention in Shanghai, China in October.","AnswerText":"No Scottish Executive minister will attend Britain at the Leading Edge, which is a programme of events aimed at demonstrating that the UK is modern, innovative and technologically advanced. UK Government ministers are currently considering their attendance at the event. Scottish Development International works closely with Trade Partners UK and the China-Britain Business Council who are organising a number of the business related events, including the British Business Showcase at which four Scottish companies will be represented.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164708,"EventID":"S1W-28178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has secured any investment to expand Waverley railway station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has secured any investment to expand Waverley railway station.","AnswerText":"To help inform the final design of the station and determine the necessary funding required to develop it, much technical investigative work has to be undertaken to assess, among other things, site conditions and new track and platform layouts. The Scottish Executive announced that it was making available up to £1 million to facilitate this work on 20 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164709,"EventID":"S1W-28179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it has been given by the Department of Transport on investment to expand Waverley railway station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments it has been given by the Department of Transport on investment to expand Waverley railway station.","AnswerText":"Until more detailed plans for the re-development of Waverley Station have been developed, it is too early to determine what funding will be required.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164710,"EventID":"S1W-28180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25568 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 July 2002, what the cost would be of providing a table showing where omissions have been made in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25568 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 July 2002, what the cost would be of providing a table showing where omissions have been made in the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock and in each schedule, showing in each case the paragraph and sub-paragraph numbers or specified section of the text as appropriate and what the reasons were for each omission; how this cost is calculated, and why it is disproportionate.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The cost could be around £1,000 taking into account the direct and opportunity cost of the diversion of resources which would be necessary. This would be disproportionate as the full contract has already been made available under appropriate conditions of confidentiality to Justice Committee 1.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164711,"EventID":"S1W-28181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it has given in each of the last three years and intends to give in the present year and the next two years to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock for t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it has given in each of the last three years and intends to give in the present year and the next two years to the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock for the provision of transitional care arrangements between prison and community for problem drug misusers.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Transitional care arrangements for problem substance misusers have been made available to all short-term prisoners released from all prisons in Scotland including Kilmarnock through a national contract signed in October 2001 and which will run, initially, until April 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164712,"EventID":"S1W-28182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the introduction of transitional care arrangements between prison and community at HM Prison Kilmarnock will require a renegotiation of its contract with the pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the introduction of transitional care arrangements between prison and community at HM Prison Kilmarnock will require a renegotiation of its contract with the prison's operators.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164713,"EventID":"S1W-28183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide substantive answers to questions S1W-25707 and S1W-25705 lodged on 9 May 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide substantive answers to questions S1W-25707 and S1W-25705 lodged on 9 May 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Questions S1W-25705 and S1W-25707 were answered on 15 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164714,"EventID":"S1W-28184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has determined (a) how many Water Customer Consultation Panels will be set up and (b) the area to be covered by each such panel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has determined (a) how many Water Customer Consultation Panels will be set up and (b) the area to be covered by each such panel.","AnswerText":"There are to be five Water Customer Consultation Panels serving the following areas:

      Scottish Islands - Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.

      North West Area - Highland, Moray (that part which is West of the River Spey), Argyll and Bute (that part which is North and West of Loch Fyne and Glen Fyne).

      North East Area - Aberdeen City, Dundee City, Moray (that part which is East of the River Spey), Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perth and Kinross, Fife.

      South West Area - Glasgow City, Stirling, Argyll and Bute (that part which is South and East of Loch Fyne and Glen Fyne), North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Falkirk (except Bo'ness and Blackness), Clackmannanshire.

      South East Area - Edinburgh City, Midlothian, West Lothian, Falkirk (only Bo'ness and Blackness), East Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164715,"EventID":"S1W-28185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for the appointment of the Convener of the Water Customer Consultation Panels and what progress has been made to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for the appointment of the Convener of the Water Customer Consultation Panels and what progress has been made to date.","AnswerText":"The appointment process for the position of Convener of the Water Customer Consultation Panels is nearing completion. Announcement of the successful candidate will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164716,"EventID":"S1W-28186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures, terms and conditions are to be followed by the Convener of the Water Customer Consultation Panels when appointing members of the panels and when such ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures, terms and conditions are to be followed by the Convener of the Water Customer Consultation Panels when appointing members of the panels and when such appointments are to be made.","AnswerText":"The convener will make appointments to each panel in accordance with guidance from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Prior to making the appointments the Convener must consult the Water Industry Commissioner and such bodies representing consumers interests as the Scottish ministers may direct.

      The appointment of panel members will be completed as soon as practicable following the appointment of the convener.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164717,"EventID":"S1W-28187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what remuneration and allowances will be paid to (a) the Convener, (b) the Deputy Convener and (c) ordinary members of the Water Customer Consultation Panels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what remuneration and allowances will be paid to (a) the Convener, (b) the Deputy Convener and (c) ordinary members of the Water Customer Consultation Panels.","AnswerText":"The convener will receive remuneration of £12,740 per annum. The remuneration comprises a fixed annual payment of £500 plus £170 per day calculated on the basis of a time commitment of six days per month.

      Panel members will receive remuneration of £3,380 per annum. The remuneration comprises a fixed annual payment of £500 plus £120 per day calculated on the basis of a time commitment of two days per month.

      The convener will appoint a deputy from each of the panels but these members will not receive any additional remuneration.

      In addition to the remuneration detailed above the convener and panel members will receive allowances in respect of expenses properly incurred in the performance of their duties.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164718,"EventID":"S1W-28188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Scottish Water applies surface water collection charges to businesses that do not discharge any surface water into Scottish Water sewers in the north and the west of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Scottish Water applies surface water collection charges to businesses that do not discharge any surface water into Scottish Water sewers in the north and the west of Scotland but does not apply such charges to such businesses in the east of Scotland.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

      Each of the three authorities had their own charges scheme and charged differently for water services. In the former west and north areas the surface water drainage charge covered drainage from both roads and private property, whereas in the east the surface water drainage charge only covered property drainage. Road drainage costs were included as part of the volumetric sewage charge.

      In the former east area, if a customer's property does not drain to the public sewer then the surface water drainage charge is cancelled but the customer still pays road drainage charges as part of the volumetric sewage charge. In the former north and west areas, the surface water drainage charge is reduced for properties not draining to the sewer and only the cost of road drainage is charged.

      Scottish Water is continuously reviewing its charges and will be evaluating how customers are charged for surface water drainage as it develops a harmonised charging structure across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164719,"EventID":"S1W-28189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated whether the higher fixed charges for business customers with medium-to large-si'ed water meters has caused any such customers to have smaller","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has investigated whether the higher fixed charges for business customers with medium-to large-si'ed water meters has caused any such customers to have smaller meters installed to the detriment of the water supply to fire hydrants on their premises.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is:

      Any request by a customer to downsize their meter is evaluated by local staff as part of the business reviews Scottish Water is carrying out for businesses with medium- or larger-sized meters and any effect on fire hydrants is evaluated. Scottish Water will work with the customer to investigate options and discuss charging arrangements that consider the business supply needs, including for fire fighting purposes. The final decision on meter size required rests with the customer.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164720,"EventID":"S1W-28190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what proportion of farmers received subsidies of (i) #1 to #1,000, (ii) #1,001 to #10,000, (iii) #10,001 to #50,000, (iv) #50,001 to #250,000 and (v)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what proportion of farmers received subsidies of (i) #1 to #1,000, (ii) #1,001 to #10,000, (iii) #10,001 to #50,000, (iv) #50,001 to #250,000 and (v) over #250,000 in the last year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The number and proportion of farm businesses in receipt of subsidy payments under the main Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) schemes in the stated bands for scheme year 2000 are as follows:

      Payment range

      Number of Farm Businesses

      %

      £1- £1,000

      2,548

      12.4%

      £1,001 - £10,000

      7,548

      36.6%

      £10,001- £50,000

      8,177

      39.6%

      £50,001 - £250,000

      2,325

      11.3%

      Over £250,000

      22

      0.1%

      Total in receipt of subsidy

      20,632

      		 

      In addition, approximately 8,200 farm businesses did not claim subsidy under the main CAP schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164721,"EventID":"S1W-28191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists in the Grampian NHS Board area have (a) applied for and (b) received grants under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative since the initiative's inception","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists in the Grampian NHS Board area have (a) applied for and (b) received grants under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative since the initiative's inception.","AnswerText":"In the Grampian NHS Board area (a) the owners of nine dental practices have applied for grants under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative, of whom (b) five have been offered grants since the initiative's inception.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164722,"EventID":"S1W-28192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in total has been issued to dentists in the Grampian NHS Board area from the Scottish Dental Access Initiative since the initiative's inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in total has been issued to dentists in the Grampian NHS Board area from the Scottish Dental Access Initiative since the initiative's inception.","AnswerText":"To date, £94,500 has been offered to practitioners in Grampian, under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164723,"EventID":"S1W-28193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where each dental practice that received a grant from the Scottish Dental Access Initiative in the Grampian NHS Board area is located.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where each dental practice that received a grant from the Scottish Dental Access Initiative in the Grampian NHS Board area is located.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not give out information, which could identify a particular dental practitioner in receipt of a grant under the Scottish Dental Access Initiative, without consent, as this is commercially sensitive information. However, I am aware that some dentists in Grampian have consented to local publicity about the award of grant, among them, practitioners in Aberdeen and Banff.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164724,"EventID":"S1W-28194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is offering to the 750 people made redundant following the closure of the Sanmina-SCI plant in Irvine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is offering to the 750 people made redundant following the closure of the Sanmina-SCI plant in Irvine.","AnswerText":"I very much regret the announcement by Sanmina SCI, of its intention to close its Irvine plant. Our immediate priority is to provide support and assistance for those facing redundancy. I have instructed the local PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) team to ensure a rapid response to help those affected into new jobs or training opportunities. Support will be provided by the range of public agencies involved in the PACE team in terms of retraining, upskilling and guidance on employment opportunities.

      I met with representatives of Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire (SEA) and local MSPs on 1 August to outline the action to be taken, and am provided with regular updates on PACE activity by SEA. I am confident that Sanmina SCI will work closely with the PACE team to best ensure that the needs of its employees are identified, and addressed, at the earliest possible date.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164725,"EventID":"S1W-28195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to address unemployment in Irvine and the North Ayrshire area following recent redundancy announcements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to address unemployment in Irvine and the North Ayrshire area following recent redundancy announcements.","AnswerText":"In recognition of the difficulties facing the wider Ayrshire economy, I met with Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, and the Chairman of the Ayrshire Economic Forum (AEF) on 1 August. I wrote to the AEF's Chairman on 8 August, underlining the importance of the AEF's Strategic Action Plan for securing sustainable economic development and employment opportunities across Ayrshire as a whole.

      The AEF is currently working up the detail of this action plan and my officials are working closely with local agencies to ensure this plan addresses the current challenges facing the Ayrshire economy.

      I also refer the member to the answers given to the questions S1W-27083 on 19 August 2002 and S1W-28194 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164726,"EventID":"S1W-28196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to introduce to prevent the fly-tipping of used refrigerators.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it plans to introduce to prevent the fly-tipping of used refrigerators.","AnswerText":"The unauthorised deposit of waste (fly-tipping) is already prohibited by section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. However, this and the other legislation relevant to litter and fly-tipping is currently subject to a review which is expected to be complete by late summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164727,"EventID":"S1W-28197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27368 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 August 2002, whether it will seek to amend legislation in order to allow franchises to be public not-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27368 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 August 2002, whether it will seek to amend legislation in order to allow franchises to be public not-for-profit trusts and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The subject matter of section 25 of the Railways Act 1993 (as amended by the Transport Act 2000) is reserved under the terms of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164728,"EventID":"S1W-28198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Group on Domestic Abuse will examine the issue of partner rape and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Group on Domestic Abuse will examine the issue of partner rape and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The definition of domestic abuse contained in the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland includes rape by a partner or ex-partner. It is therefore within the remit of the National Group which is implementing the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164729,"EventID":"S1W-28199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to publicise Sexual Abuse Awareness Month in September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to publicise Sexual Abuse Awareness Month in September 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes the fact that local agencies involved in Sexual Abuse Awareness Month are planning a range of events and publicity. We recognise the importance of raising awareness of sexual abuse. We recently issued a research report Beyond Trauma: Mental Health Care Needs of Women Who Survived Childhood Sexual Abuse to health and social care agencies asking them to respond positively to its recommendations for service improvements. In addition we have awarded funding of £120,000 over three years to the Moira Anderson Foundation to help raise awareness of sexual abuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164730,"EventID":"S1W-28200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27353 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 August 2002, whether a copy of the strategic assessment and guidance document produced by the Scottish","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27353 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 August 2002, whether a copy of the strategic assessment and guidance document produced by the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"It is not our intention to publish either the strategic assessment of drug-assisted sexual assault or the guide for investigators produced by the working group led by the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency. Both documents contain sensitive information inappropriate for the public domain.

      We will, however, draw upon the information in these documents to assist us with the development of new public information materials on drug-assisted sexual assault, as part of our Know the Score Drugs Communications Strategy. Copies of these materials will be sent to the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164731,"EventID":"S1W-28201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made for drug misusers who leave HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made for drug misusers who leave HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service now has in place a contract with Cranstoun Drug Services (a charity working with voluntary sector organisations) to provide transitional support for a period of up to 12 weeks in the community following release. This enables linkage to community based provision.

      I would like to take this opportunity to correct a mistake during the closing speech on the Estates Review Debate on 18 April which may have led to confusion.

      Dr Richard Simpson stated "The health board will build a small health centre in Kilmarnock to deal with problem drug users who go out from Kilmarnock to the local community" (Col. 10993). He had in mind discussions with medical staff at Kilmarnock prison where it was suggested that one idea might be to build some small special community facility which could be accessed by ex-prisoners. He inferred that this was a firm proposal and although he stated in good faith what he understood to be the case at the time, it was incorrect. There are indeed no such plans at the present time.

      I understand that discussions have taken place between Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board representatives and clinical staff of HMP Kilmarnock to discuss various matters, including apparent problems released prisoners faced when endeavouring to access primary care services. I also gather a number of possible solutions were discussed but no decisions were taken apart from a commitment to further investigate how NHS Ayrshire and Arran could support HMP Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164732,"EventID":"S1W-28202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any details of any involvement it has had in the consultation on the future development of air transport in the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give any details of any involvement it has had in the consultation on the future development of air transport in the UK.","AnswerText":"Alastair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport launched the consultation process for a UK white paper The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom by a statement to the House of Commons on 23 July. The consultation period runs until the end of November. The white paper is to be published next year and will provide a sustainable long-term policy framework for the future of aviation across the UK.

      Aviation matters are partly reserved and partly devolved. The UK Government and the Scottish Executive are working closely together to ensure that the white paper meets Scotland's needs. The Scottish consultation document was issued jointly by the Department for Transport and the Executive. Officials from the Department for Transport and the Executive's Development Department are organising a programme of consultative events that will engage stakeholders in a detailed debate regarding the key issues highlighted in the consultation document.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164733,"EventID":"S1W-28203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the (a) Secretary of State for Transport and (b) Secretary of State for Scotland on the future of Scottish airports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the (a) Secretary of State for Transport and (b) Secretary of State for Scotland on the future of Scottish airports.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with both the Department for Transport and the Scotland Office regarding the air transport industry in Scotland. Such contacts occur at both official and ministerial levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164734,"EventID":"S1W-28204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE0412/2001 on 20 February 2001 on support for school Public Private Partnerships, which of the local authorities listed as having been g","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE0412/2001 on 20 February 2001 on support for school Public Private Partnerships, which of the local authorities listed as having been given public money are still to submit their feasibility reports and when it expects them to do so.","AnswerText":"The local authorities that received funding to develop their Outline Business Cases as announced in news release SE0412/2001 and have yet to submit these are: Angus, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Midlothian, North Ayrshire, Stirling and West Dunbartonshire.

      The deadline for submission of the second round of Outline Business Cases is 31 December 2002, and authorities have until then to submit Outline Business Cases for funding approval.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164735,"EventID":"S1W-28205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much grant aid each local authority has made to community councils in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much grant aid each local authority has made to community councils in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164736,"EventID":"S1W-28206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community councils there are in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community councils there are in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164737,"EventID":"S1W-28207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many electoral wards in each local authority area are not represented by a community council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many electoral wards in each local authority area are not represented by a community council.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164738,"EventID":"S1W-28208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in subsidies each local authority has made to bus operators in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in subsidies each local authority has made to bus operators in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information is contained in the table.

      Bus Transport Subsidies
       

      Provisional Outturn

      1999-2000

      (£000)

      Provisional Outturn

      2000-01

      (£000)

      Provisional Outturn

      2001-02

      (£000)

      Aberdeen, City

      468

      71

      38

      Aberdeenshire

      1,215

      1,219

      1,310

      Angus

      608

      552

      556

      Argyll and Bute

      1,291

      1,849

      1,696

      Clackmannanshire

      284

      411

      435

      Dumfries and Galloway

      1,486

      1,781

      1,811

      Dundee

      780

      597

      590

      East Ayrshire

      566

      545

      915

      East Dunbartonshire

      525

      486

      669

      East Lothian

      584

      602

      552

      East Renfrewshire

      397

      427

      574

      Edinburgh, City

      1,132

      -983

      -744

      Eilean Siar

      1,048

      1,088

      1,132

      Falkirk

      1,443

      1,486

      NHS Board

      Number of Salaried Dentist Posts1,2,3

      (Whole-time Equivalent)

      Argyll and Clyde

      7.15

      Ayrshire and Arran

      5

      Borders

      1.4

      Dumfries and Galloway

      4

      Fife

      Nil

      Forth Valley

      1

      Grampian

      8.5

      Greater Glasgow

      Nil

      Highland

      15.8

      Lanarkshire

      1

      Lothian

      11.92

      Orkney

      2.5

      Shetland

      3.6

      Tayside

      Nil

      Western Isles

      Nil

      Notes:

      1. A number of posts are part time.

      2. A number of posts are currently vacant.

      3. Other salaried dentist posts have been approved in the past but are no longer required by the board and so are not counted.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164743,"EventID":"S1W-28214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average gross fee income of full-time equivalent salaried general dental practitioners has been recorded by the Dental Practice Division of the Common Services Agenc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average gross fee income of full-time equivalent salaried general dental practitioners has been recorded by the Dental Practice Division of the Common Services Agency from its dental list information in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This information is not available because of the way information on salaried dentists is supplied to the Common Services Agency. We are working with the agency to improve the accuracy of the data received on salaried dentists but the agency will continue to be unable to provide information relating to whole-time equivalent salaried dentists since none of the information received allows them to determine whole-time equivalents. This is because a number of salaried dentist posts are not filled by a single dentist but are shared by a number of dentists.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164744,"EventID":"S1W-28215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently have policies in place to promote the use of fair trade products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities currently have policies in place to promote the use of fair trade products.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164745,"EventID":"S1W-28216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of students have qualified for maintenance grants since such grants were reintroduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of students have qualified for maintenance grants since such grants were reintroduced.","AnswerText":"Bursaries were introduced in academic year 2001-02 for both young and mature students entering higher education for the first time or returning to higher education after a gap of a year or more. Thirty-nine thousand, eight hundred and nine students applied to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for maintenance support in 2001-02. Of these, 33.6% (13,385) received a Young Students' Bursary.

      Many of the remainder would have been eligible to apply for the Mature Students' Bursary Fund (MSBF), which is administered by individual colleges and universities. It is not possible to say how many students may have received payments from MSBF since figures on uptake are not yet available.

      In addition, 974 (2.4%) students received funding under separate arrangements for courses that attract a Scottish Executive Health Department bursary.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164746,"EventID":"S1W-28217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will attend the EU working party on Justice, Home Affairs and Civil Protection in Brussels on 5 and 6 September 2002 and, if so, (a) which ministers and (b) ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will attend the EU working party on Justice, Home Affairs and Civil Protection in Brussels on 5 and 6 September 2002 and, if so, (a) which ministers and (b) how many of its officials will attend and (i) of what grade and (ii) from which department any such officials will be.","AnswerText":"Negotiations within the European Union are conducted by the United Kingdom Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide variety of EU-related issues, including those to be discussed on 5 and 6 September; and is represented as necessary at meetings in Brussels, whether at working groups of officials or Councils at ministerial level.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164747,"EventID":"S1W-28218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact on the legal system of an EU directive establishing minimum common rules relating to legal aid and other financial aspects of ci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact on the legal system of an EU directive establishing minimum common rules relating to legal aid and other financial aspects of civil proceedings in order to improve access to justice in cross-border disputes.","AnswerText":"The Council of Ministers has decided that the scope of the proposed directive should be limited to cases involving litigants from different member states. On that basis, and on the basis of the current state of discussions in Brussels, the Executive expects the impact of the directive on the Scottish system to be very limited.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164748,"EventID":"S1W-28219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the proposed EU directive to establish minimum common rules relating to legal aid and other fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the proposed EU directive to establish minimum common rules relating to legal aid and other financial aspects of civil proceedings in order to improve access to justice in cross-border disputes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of EU-related issues, including the proposed directive on legal aid.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164749,"EventID":"S1W-28220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any (i) member or (ii) body of (1) the European Parliament and (2) the EU C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any (i) member or (ii) body of (1) the European Parliament and (2) the EU Committee of the Regions and (c) the European Commission regarding the proposed EU directive to establish minimum common rules relating to legal aid and other financial aspects of civil proceedings in order to improve access to justice in cross-border disputes.","AnswerText":"Negotiations within the European Union on the proposed directive on legal aid are being conducted by the United Kingdom Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of EU-related issues, including this directive.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164750,"EventID":"S1W-28221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24351 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002, whether it will list each item of cost incurred to date at HM Prison Kilmarnock in respec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24351 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 April 2002, whether it will list each item of cost incurred to date at HM Prison Kilmarnock in respect of obligations of the Executive under the contract for the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      In addition to those listed in the answer given to question S1W-24351, SPS meets the costs of non-domestic business rates as it does for every Scottish prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164751,"EventID":"S1W-28222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26497 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, why the cost of non-domestic rates was included in the costing of the public sector compar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26497 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, why the cost of non-domestic rates was included in the costing of the public sector comparator.","AnswerText":"To facilitate comparison of the new prison and houseblock options in the Scottish Prison Service Estate Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164752,"EventID":"S1W-28223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26497 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, whether the cost of non-domestic rates was included in the private sector model and what t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26497 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, whether the cost of non-domestic rates was included in the private sector model and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. The private sector model was based on the contract cost of privately-managed prisons and non-domestic rates are not a contractual cost. The net present value of non-domestic rates is estimated to be approximately £3 million over 25 years. The public sector comparator included non-domestic rates to facilitate comparison with the new houseblock options. The total contractual cost plus non-domestic rates for the private sector model is £209 million compared with the public sector comparator of £429 million on the same basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164753,"EventID":"S1W-28224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20325 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 December 2002, whether it will publish, subject to deletion of matters that are commercially confiden","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20325 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 December 2002, whether it will publish, subject to deletion of matters that are commercially confidential, the contract for provision of medical services by Medacs Healthcare Services to the Scottish Prison Service and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Except where disclosure of parts of the contract would not be in the public interest as specified in Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information, SPS are making arrangements to publish the contract. Once this work has been done in association with the contractor a copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164754,"EventID":"S1W-28225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21183 and S1W-24978 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 February 2002 and 24 July 2002, how it concluded that the difference between tenderin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21183 and S1W-24978 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 February 2002 and 24 July 2002, how it concluded that the difference between tendering costs for a privately-financed project and design costs for a publicly-financed project is not significant in a project of this scale, given that the Scottish Prison Service did not collect tender cost data in respect of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

      The PricewaterhouseCoopers Financial Review calculated the total cost of a new 700-place private build private operate prison as being around £206.2 million in net present value terms (around £453.2 million in cash value real terms), compared to £453.4 million in NPV terms (£855.4 million in CVR terms) for the public sector comparator. The tendering and design costs will not be significantly different due to the costings for the design and service specification for any new prison in the Estates Review, for both the Private Build Private Operate option and the Public Sector Comparator, being based upon those for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164755,"EventID":"S1W-28226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to it has been of monitoring private finance initiative contracts in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to it has been of monitoring private finance initiative contracts in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in the following table for the three Scottish Executive private finance initiative contracts. It is the responsibility of other public authorities to monitor their own private finance initiative contracts.

      The figures include the costs of technical and professional supervision and non-technical monitoring of contractual performance and penalty clauses. They include an estimate of staff time involved. Payments cover the monitoring of construction of new works as well as operation and maintenance.

      The cost of monitoring contracts during construction would occur whether the contract was under conventional procurement or the private finance initiative. These respective costs are evaluated before the PPP commences and the PPP has to demonstrate better value for money.

      Broadly equivalent costs are incurred in relation to professional fees for the preparation, construction and operation of conventionally-funded projects.
       

      Skye Bridge

      M6 DBFO

      Kilmarnock Prison

      1997-98

      74,359

      1,219,547

      Nil

      1998-99

      45,403

      1,108,260

      Nil

      1999-2000

      32,156

      1,073,500

      240,000

      2000-01

      39,357

      341,472

      230,000

      2001-02

      11,019

      200,000

      240,000

      Note:

      1. The figures for 2001-02 for the Skye Bridge and M6 DBFO are lower than the previous four years because the previous four years include costs related to monitoring the construction phase.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164756,"EventID":"S1W-28227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its contract monitoring procedures were last independently checked or audited in line with paragraph 2.3.10 of the Treasury Taskforce's Technical Note No. 6: How to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its contract monitoring procedures were last independently checked or audited in line with paragraph 2.3.10 of the Treasury Taskforce's Technical Note No. 6: How to Manage the Delivery of Long Term PFI Contracts and what the results of the audit were.","AnswerText":"The Treasury Taskforce's Technical Note No. 6: How to Manage the Delivery of Long Term PFI Contracts refers to contract monitoring in the development (award of the contract to the commencement of delivery of the services) and delivery (the provision and use of the contracted services during the remaining life of the contract) stages.

      Of the three Scottish Executive private finance initiative contracts, the technical professional consultant which monitors the M6 DBFO on behalf of Scottish ministers had its procedures audited by the Scottish Executive in December 2001, with a follow up in January 2002. An audit of the contract monitoring procedures in relation to Kilmarnock Prison will be included in the strategic audit plan covering the period 2003-06. Monitoring of the Skye Bridge contract is the responsibility of a unit within the Executive, and its procedures have been checked through internal audits over the period.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164757,"EventID":"S1W-28228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the guidance in section 5.2 of the Treasury Taskforce's Technical Note No. 3: How to Appoint and Manage Advisors to PFI Projects were followed when appointing Pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the guidance in section 5.2 of the Treasury Taskforce's Technical Note No. 3: How to Appoint and Manage Advisors to PFI Projects were followed when appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers to perform the financial review of the Scottish Prisons Service (SPS) estates review and, if so, how the criteria were applied in this case.","AnswerText":"No. The guidance is in respect of How to Appoint and Manage Advisors to PFI Projects. Such guidance was not relevant to the appointment to perform the financial review of the SPS Estates Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164758,"EventID":"S1W-28229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, PricewaterhouseCoopers was asked all of the questions given in section 5.2.1 of Treasury Taskforce's Technical Note No. 3: How to Appoint and Manage Advisors to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, PricewaterhouseCoopers was asked all of the questions given in section 5.2.1 of Treasury Taskforce's Technical Note No. 3: How to Appoint and Manage Advisors to PFI Projects in any interviews in respect of appointment to perform the financial review of the Scottish Prisons Service estates review.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28228.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164759,"EventID":"S1W-28230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21782 by Iain Gray on 19 February 2002, how many of those 23 applicants have now had a central heating system installed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21782 by Iain Gray on 19 February 2002, how many of those 23 applicants have now had a central heating system installed.","AnswerText":"The 23 applicants concerned contacted Eaga by telephone and the information they gave led Eaga to believe that they were eligible for the central heating programme. However, applicants must sign a declaration attesting that they meet all the conditions for free central heating. Fifteen of the applicants did not return signed declarations and it must therefore be assumed that, on reflection, they found themselves to be ineligible. Three of the eight remaining applicants have had free central heating installed and the other five will soon do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164760,"EventID":"S1W-28231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21782 by Iain Gray on 19 February 2002, how many applications have now been received and approved for free central heating installa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21782 by Iain Gray on 19 February 2002, how many applications have now been received and approved for free central heating installation in the Scottish Borders area under its central heating installation programme.","AnswerText":"The answer to question S1W-21782 gave information on the total number of applications received as at 31 December. Between 1 January and 2 August 2002, Eaga received a further 113 applications for the central heating programme from households in the Scottish Borders area. One hundred and five of these were subsequently found to be eligible for a grant.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164761,"EventID":"S1W-28232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12399 by Jackie Baillie on 25 January 2001, whether the Central Heating Working Group has published its report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12399 by Jackie Baillie on 25 January 2001, whether the Central Heating Working Group has published its report.","AnswerText":"The conclusions reached by the Central Heating Working Group were set out in the enclosure to a letter of 23 February 2001, from the then Minister for Social Justice to the Convenor of the Social Justice Committee. It was copied to all MSPs and copies were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. It records that priority for free central heating will be given to (a) those aged over 75; (b) the elderly living alone, and (c) the disabled and the long-term ill. These cases are prioritised against other applications received at the same time.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164762,"EventID":"S1W-28233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for the administration of pet passports; why no such scheme is available at the Port of Rosyth for the Superfast ferry, and when such a scheme may be a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for the administration of pet passports; why no such scheme is available at the Port of Rosyth for the Superfast ferry, and when such a scheme may be available.","AnswerText":"The Animal Health and Welfare Division of my department are responsible for the administration of the Pets Passport Scheme (PETS) policy in Scotland.

      Officials are currently in discussion with representatives of Superfast Ferries regarding the introduction of PETS on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route. Depending on the progress of these discussions, it should be possible to have an authorised PETS route in Scotland before the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164763,"EventID":"S1W-28234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the A6091/A7 Galashiels to Hawick route action plan study.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the A6091/A7 Galashiels to Hawick route action plan study.","AnswerText":"An Executive summary of the findings of the A6091/A7 Route Action Plan (RAP) study will be published following the outcome of the current review of all outstanding RAP schemes. The review is expected to be completed in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164764,"EventID":"S1W-28235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to issue any proposals on updating the law in respect of compulsory purchase.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to issue any proposals on updating the law in respect of compulsory purchase.","AnswerText":"We intend to consult on proposals for updating the law and procedures in relation to compulsory purchase in due course. We have yet to finalise a timetable for such a consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164765,"EventID":"S1W-28236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has commented on European memoranda submitted to it by departments of Her Majesty's Government since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has commented on European memoranda submitted to it by departments of Her Majesty's Government since May 1999.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. Under the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government and the devolved administrations arrangements are in place for the UK Government to consult the devolved administrations on relevant European Union matters, including draft explanatory memorandums. This happens on a regular and consistent basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164766,"EventID":"S1W-28237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has complied with guidance issued by Her Majesty's Government that comments on European memoranda be with the relevant departments within 10 days of receipt fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has complied with guidance issued by Her Majesty's Government that comments on European memoranda be with the relevant departments within 10 days of receipt from the European Union.","AnswerText":"UK Government departments are under an obligation to the UK Parliament to ensure that explanatory memoranda are provided to the UK Parliament within 10 days of the deposit of the European Union document which requires the memorandum. Any consultation between Government departments and the Scottish Executive on the content of memoranda should be completed within this timescale.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164767,"EventID":"S1W-28238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the recommendation at paragraph 106 of the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee's 30th Report, European Scrutiny in the Commons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the recommendation at paragraph 106 of the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee's 30th Report, European Scrutiny in the Commons.","AnswerText":"The House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee's 30th report is addressed to the UK Government, which will be responding to it shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164768,"EventID":"S1W-28239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish full details of the (a) best public/private partnership bid for the Stonehouse Hospital and (b) public sector option for the hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to publish full details of the (a) best public/private partnership bid for the Stonehouse Hospital and (b) public sector option for the hospital.","AnswerText":"Revised guidance HDL(2002)49 was issued to the service earlier this year reminding NHS trusts and boards that key documents relating to all Business Cases must be made publicly available and that it is the responsibility of the NHS body to do so.

      With regard to the proposed new hospital at Stonehouse, the Scottish Executive will ensure that Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust comply with the terms of this circular by requiring confirmation from the trust that they have undertaken the required actions.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164769,"EventID":"S1W-28240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to advise any patients with mental illness of the increase in the risk of psychosis and suicide through the use of cannabis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to advise any patients with mental illness of the increase in the risk of psychosis and suicide through the use of cannabis.","AnswerText":"The Executive has recently published a Know the Score booklet on cannabis, which includes a description of the risks to mental health posed by this drug. The booklet has been widely distributed; for example to GP practices, NHS boards and drug agencies throughout Scotland. People who may be concerned about cannabis misuse can also speak to trained operators at the free and confidential Know the Score information line, or they can log on to the Know the Score website.

      Our guidance to medical professionals Managing Incidental Drug Misuse and Alcohol problems in Mental Health Care Settings recommends that drug misuse is covered in assessments of patients with mental health problems. The Guidelines on Clinical management of Drug Misuse and Dependence recommend that psychiatric issues should form part of assessments of patients seeking help with drug misuse problems.

      Further advice on developing integrated care for drug misusers in Scotland will be published in October 2002. Integrated care aims to combine and co-ordinate all services required to meet the assessed needs of drug users including their mental health needs. We are also working with the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse to look further into the needs of drug misusers with underlying mental health problems.

      A report from the statutory Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs suggests that cannabis misuse triggers long-lasting mental health problems in relatively few cases, although it can undoubtedly worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. We are not aware of any current research which suggests that cannabis misuse increases the risk of suicide.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164770,"EventID":"S1W-28241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of the outbreak of cryptosporidium in Glasgow's water supply, it will issue any guidance to Scottish Water on whether sheep and cattle should contin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of the outbreak of cryptosporidium in Glasgow's water supply, it will issue any guidance to Scottish Water on whether sheep and cattle should continue to gra'e within the catchment areas of reservoirs.","AnswerText":"The recommendation in respect of livestock grazing on land controlled by Scottish Water contained in the Outbreak Control Team report published by Greater Glasgow Health Board in November 2001 is being acted upon by Scottish Water. Scottish Water has no control over livestock management practices operating on land that is owned by third parties.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164771,"EventID":"S1W-28242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Food Standards Agency Scotland will review Scottish Water's practices and procedures leading up to and subsequent to the cryptosporidium outbreak in Glasgow's","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Food Standards Agency Scotland will review Scottish Water's practices and procedures leading up to and subsequent to the cryptosporidium outbreak in Glasgow's water supply.","AnswerText":"I am advised that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been involved in the current review of Scottish Water's Waterborne Hazard Plan insofar as it relates to food safety. It is not, however, within the FSA's remit to review Scottish Water's practices and procedures.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164772,"EventID":"S1W-28243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to hold a public inquiry into the causes and effects of the cryptosporidium outbreak in Glasgow's water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to hold a public inquiry into the causes and effects of the cryptosporidium outbreak in Glasgow's water supply.","AnswerText":"The Cryptosporidium Direction 2000 required the then water authorities to identify all water works in Scotland considered to be at high or moderate risk and set a strict timetable for the water authorities to take steps to introduce appropriate measures to reduce the assessed risk to "low". The Quality and Standards 2002-06 report set the investment priorities for Scottish Water which includes all the measures required to reduce risk to levels considered acceptable for a public water supply, including the need for investment in a new water treatment works at Milngavie. In the interim the cryptosporidium direction requires the water authorities to monitor continually all water considered to be high risk (which includes Mugdock) and to report the levels of cryptosporidium to the relevant NHS board to allow the board to assess whether or not the reported level constitutes a risk to public health. Given our knowledge on the potential risk of cryptosporidium and the measures in place to detect its presence, I do not think a public inquiry would add to our knowledge.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164773,"EventID":"S1W-28244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulatory provisions govern the proximity of sheep and cattle and domesticated animals to sources of public water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulatory provisions govern the proximity of sheep and cattle and domesticated animals to sources of public water supply.","AnswerText":"There are no regulations governing this activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164774,"EventID":"S1W-28245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current estimate is of the time required for public health officials to identify the presence of the proto'oan cryptosporidium parvum in samples of surface water","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its current estimate is of the time required for public health officials to identify the presence of the proto'oan cryptosporidium parvum in samples of surface water.","AnswerText":"The Cryptosporidium Directions 2002 (paragraph 3(1)(a)) requires Scottish Water to monitor their raw water sources for the presence of cryptosporidium and these data are collected to provide an indication of likely challenges to the treatment plant. This monitoring is upstream of the critical control point monitoring that is undertaken on the treatment works. There is no time period specified in the regulations for the results of surface water samples to be reported. The cryptosporidum directions prescribe time periods of 72 hours and 24 hours respectively, for routine and emergency samples of treated water to be analysed and reported.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164775,"EventID":"S1W-28246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Chief Medical Officer or his staff were first alerted by, or on behalf of, the Greater Glasgow NHS Board of the identification of background levels of cryptospor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Chief Medical Officer or his staff were first alerted by, or on behalf of, the Greater Glasgow NHS Board of the identification of background levels of cryptosporidium within the water supply for areas it serves, as announced by Scottish Water on or about 3 August 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department was notified on 3 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164776,"EventID":"S1W-28247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Chief Medical Officer or his staff were first alerted by, or on behalf of, of the Greater Glasgow NHS Board to the likely presence of cryptosporidium parvum in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Chief Medical Officer or his staff were first alerted by, or on behalf of, of the Greater Glasgow NHS Board to the likely presence of cryptosporidium parvum in the water supply for areas within East Dunbartonshire, as announced by Scottish Water on or about 3 August 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department was notified on 3 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164777,"EventID":"S1W-28248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Chief Medical Officer or his staff were first alerted by, or on behalf of Scottish Water, to the identification of background levels of cryptosporidium within th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Chief Medical Officer or his staff were first alerted by, or on behalf of Scottish Water, to the identification of background levels of cryptosporidium within the water supply for areas within East Dunbartonshire served by the Greater Glasgow NHS Board, as announced by Scottish Water on or about 3 August 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department was notified on 3 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164778,"EventID":"S1W-28249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has obtained from (a) Scottish Water or (b) the Greater Glasgow NHS Board on (i) when test results were first (1) instructed and (2) obtained identify","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has obtained from (a) Scottish Water or (b) the Greater Glasgow NHS Board on (i) when test results were first (1) instructed and (2) obtained identifying the presence of cryptosporidium parvum in the water supply for areas within East Dunbartonshire; (ii) when such results were notified to the Joint Incident Team; (iii) when those test results were considered by the team; (iv) when public announcements of the identification of the presence of cryptosporidium parvum in the water supply and precautions to be taken were (1) recommended and (2) instructed.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water continuously monitors the Milngavie water supply for cryptosporidium and if it detects the parasite in the water supply it immediately notifies Greater Glasgow NHS Board as required by the cryptosporidium directions. There is no indication that Scottish Water has not fully complied with its obligations under the cryptosporidium directions. However, a full report into the circumstances surrounding the water alert in Glasgow will be published by the Incident Control Team, which is chaired by a consultant in Public Health Medicine from Greater Glasgow NHS Board.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164779,"EventID":"S1W-28250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take on the enforcement of legislation in respect of diesel spills on roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it proposes to take on the enforcement of legislation in respect of diesel spills on roads.","AnswerText":"The enforcement of legislation in this area is a matter for the police, the Health and Safety Executive and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164780,"EventID":"S1W-28251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will highlight in its road safety campaigns difficulties caused by diesel spills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will highlight in its road safety campaigns difficulties caused by diesel spills.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides funds to the Scottish Road Safety Campaign for the production of key road safety education initiatives and publicity campaigns. The campaign's business plan for 2002-03 includes publicity on major causes of road accident fatalities and serious injuries such as speeding, drink driving and drug driving. There are no plans for a campaign on difficulties caused by oil or diesel spills.

      Out of a total of 14,707 injury road accidents in Scotland in 2001, there were 33 accidents, including one fatal, in which the presence of oil or diesel on the road was recorded. This represents 0.2% of injury accidents.

      Copies of the business plan are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 21011).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164781,"EventID":"S1W-28252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last consulted with (a) teachers, (b) pupils and parents, (c) trade unions, (d) local authorities and (e) the operators of fee-paying schools on the organisation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last consulted with (a) teachers, (b) pupils and parents, (c) trade unions, (d) local authorities and (e) the operators of fee-paying schools on the organisation and management of school trips.","AnswerText":"The organisation and management of school trips has not been the subject of recent consultation by the Scottish Executive with any of the groups listed. The Scottish Executive Education Department is, however, arranging discussion with local authority representatives. This discussion will be about the applicability in Scotland of material issued recently by the Department for Education and Skills in England to supplement their guidance on the health and safety of pupils on educational visits.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164782,"EventID":"S1W-28253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance to local authorities on the appointment of outdoor education advisers to oversee and monitor school trips.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidance to local authorities on the appointment of outdoor education advisers to oversee and monitor school trips.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-28252 today, the Scottish Executive Education Department is arranging discussion with representatives of local authorities about the applicability in Scotland of material issued recently by the Department for Education and Skills in England to supplement their guidance on the health and safety of pupils on educational visits. This material includes reference to the appointment of outdoor education advisers to oversee and monitor school trips.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164783,"EventID":"S1W-28254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require each school to have a named member of staff to undertake the role of educational visits co-ordinator in respect of school trips","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require each school to have a named member of staff to undertake the role of educational visits co-ordinator in respect of school trips","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-28252 today, the Scottish Executive Education Department is arranging discussion with representatives of local authorities about the applicability in Scotland of material issued recently by the Department for Education and Skills in England to supplement their guidance on the health and safety of pupils on educational visits. This material includes reference to the appointment of educational visits co-ordinators in respect of school trips.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164784,"EventID":"S1W-28255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the adoption of improved risk assessment procedures for school trips.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider the adoption of improved risk assessment procedures for school trips.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-28252 today, the Scottish Executive Education Department is arranging discussion with representatives of local authorities about the applicability in Scotland of material issued recently by the Department for Education and Skills in England to supplement their guidance on the health and safety of pupils on educational visits. This material includes reference to risk assessment for school trips.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164785,"EventID":"S1W-28256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's database of lottery awards in Scotland does not match the awards made to (a) the New Opportunities Fund in Scotland, (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's database of lottery awards in Scotland does not match the awards made to (a) the New Opportunities Fund in Scotland, (b) the Community Fund in Scotland, (c) the Scottish Arts Council, (d) the Heritage Fund and (f) Scottish Screen in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The Department for Culture, Media and Sport's (DCMS) database of lottery awards is based solely on information provided by the lottery distributing bodies. The lottery distributors send their updates to DCMS at varying frequencies. DCMS update their database within two working days of receiving valid data from distributors. Any differences in figures between the lottery distributors and the DCMS database should therefore only be due to time lags in DCMS receiving the information and updating their database.

      The latest figures show that over £1 billion of National Lottery funding has been awarded in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164786,"EventID":"S1W-28257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have now been identified as eligible for a share of the Scottish Transport Group Pension Fund schemes and whether this number is in excess of the plannin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have now been identified as eligible for a share of the Scottish Transport Group Pension Fund schemes and whether this number is in excess of the planning figure of 17,000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Pensions Agency has identified 13,336 former members who will be eligible for a share of the surplus.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164787,"EventID":"S1W-28258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of eligible claimants in respect of the Scottish Transport Group Pension Fund Schemes will have any impact on the (a) time it will take to make paymen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of eligible claimants in respect of the Scottish Transport Group Pension Fund Schemes will have any impact on the (a) time it will take to make payments and (b) level of the payments.","AnswerText":"(a) In anticipation of the volume of work expected, the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) have dedicated staff solely for processing Scottish Transport Group payments. Eligible claimants received a letter, which included a calculation of the ex-gratia payment. A booklet detailing the calculations accompanied the letter. This booklet also included forms for individuals to complete for bank transfers. Payments will be actioned when the SPPA has received the completed forms.

      (b) The level of payments will be based on individuals' pension details as of October 1993. Payments will be made in two tranches to ensure provision for any beneficiaries coming forward at a later date, with most of the payment made in the first tranche.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164788,"EventID":"S1W-28259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines have been given to NHS boards and trusts regarding the employing of doctors, nurses and other health professionals from within the EU.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines have been given to NHS boards and trusts regarding the employing of doctors, nurses and other health professionals from within the EU.","AnswerText":"Doctors, nurses and other health professionals from within the EU are subject to the same employment checks as any other job applicant including registration status and occupational health requirements.

      Employers are responsible for ensuring that any job applicant has the necessary language and professional skills to carry out the duties of their employment. Guidance on this was issued by the Scottish Executive in HDL 2000(25).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164789,"EventID":"S1W-28260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action has been taken to attract doctors, nurses or other health professionals from other member states within the EU to work in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any action has been taken to attract doctors, nurses or other health professionals from other member states within the EU to work in the NHS.","AnswerText":"Working for Health -The Workforce Development Action Plan for NHSScotland, which was published on 1 August 2002, set out a number of immediate actions including the establishment of a task force on NHS Careers and Recruitment and Retention. This group will tackle immediate workforce issues, such as the recruitment of experienced health care teams from abroad to shorten waiting times and improve services in national priority areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164790,"EventID":"S1W-28261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to meet those representatives of the Fife Health Services Action Group that are resident in the Dunfermline West parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to meet those representatives of the Fife Health Services Action Group that are resident in the Dunfermline West parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"I had a very positive meeting with Helen Eadie MSP, Scott Barrie MSP and several other people, including representatives from the Dunfermline West parliamentary constituency, on Monday 26 August.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164791,"EventID":"S1W-28262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were for the post of Chair of Fife NHS Board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications there were for the post of Chair of Fife NHS Board.","AnswerText":"A total of 33 applications were received.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164792,"EventID":"S1W-28263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants were selected for interview for the post of Chair of Fife NHS Board and who each candidate was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applicants were selected for interview for the post of Chair of Fife NHS Board and who each candidate was.","AnswerText":"Of the 33 applications received, nine candidates were interviewed.

      I am not in a position to disclose personal information about individual candidates.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164793,"EventID":"S1W-28264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the term of office for the current Chair of Fife NHS Board will officially come to an end.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the term of office for the current Chair of Fife NHS Board will officially come to an end.","AnswerText":"Ms Esther Roberton's current term of appointment will end on 31 March 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164794,"EventID":"S1W-28265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to expand the membership of the board of Fife NHS Board to include members of the general public in order to ensure and encourage a more reasoned","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to expand the membership of the board of Fife NHS Board to include members of the general public in order to ensure and encourage a more reasoned approach to finding solutions to health care issues in Fife and to improve the public accountability of the board.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive publication, Rebuilding our National Health, dated May 2001, provides details of the membership, composition and role of NHS boards.

      NHS boards are required to focus clearly on people's experience of their local NHS system, by having mechanisms in place to ensure that:

      • there is effective liaison with patients and their representative groups;
      • complaints are addressed appropriately;
      • patient feedback is captured and acted upon, and

      the patient's voice is heard.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164795,"EventID":"S1W-28266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns in 2003 and whether it has liased with Buckingham Palace on this matter. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns in 2003 and whether it has liased with Buckingham Palace on this matter. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is in touch with Buckingham Palace about this anniversary but no plans have yet been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164796,"EventID":"S1W-28267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24277 by Nicol Stephen on 10 April 2002, whether a decision has been taken on whether information on children educated in independe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24277 by Nicol Stephen on 10 April 2002, whether a decision has been taken on whether information on children educated in independent schools will be included in the Scottish Exchange for Educational Data.","AnswerText":"Following discussions between the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) and the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), a decision has been taken not to include children educated in independent schools in the September 2002 phase of the Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) project.

      Discussions will continue with SCIS on the participation of independent schools in future phases of the ScotXed project.

      For the September 2002 Scottish School Census, SEED will continue to collect statistical information about independent schools, through existing arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164797,"EventID":"S1W-28268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information on children educated at home will be included in the Scottish Exchange for Educational Data.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information on children educated at home will be included in the Scottish Exchange for Educational Data.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) has no plans to collect information on children educated at home as part of the September 2002 phase of Scottish Exchange of Educational Data (ScotXed) project.

      Consideration will be given as to whether any information on these children could be included in future phases of the ScotXed project.

      SEED will continue to collect statistical information on these children through existing arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164798,"EventID":"S1W-28269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) civilian employees and (b) serving police officers there were per capita in each of the last five years, broken down by rank and police force. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) civilian employees and (b) serving police officers there were per capita in each of the last five years, broken down by rank and police force. ","AnswerText":"The information, relating to the number of civilian employees and serving police officers in each of the last five years, is shown in the following tables.

      Total Civilian Employees Per 1,000 Population

      Force

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002

      Central

      0.78

      0.82

      0.77

      0.78

      0.96

      1.03

      Dumfries and Galloway

      1.08

      1.48

      1.40

      1.41

      1.64

      1.65

      Fife

      0.70

      0.71

      0.76

      0.77

      0.85

      0.90

      Grampian

      0.86

      0.91

      0.99

      0.96

      0.97

      1.13

      Lothian and Borders

      1.17

      1.21

      1.22

      1.20

      1.15

      1.21

      Northern

      1.15

      1.19

      1.22

      1.29

      1.26

      1.29

      Strathclyde

      0.84

      0.86

      0.88

      0.90

      0.93

      0.95

      Tayside

      1.09

      1.14

      1.18

      1.22

      1.28

      1.37

      Total

      0.93

      0.97

      0.99

      1.00

      1.03

      1.08

      Source: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary: Quarterly Strength Returns.

      Notes:

      1. Employee figures for forces, which include traffic wardens, at 30 March in each year.

      2. Population as at 30 June in the previous year except that population for 30 June 2000 used in each of last two columns.

      Police Strength by Rank at 31 March 1997

      Force

      Chief Officers

      Superintendent

      Chief Insp

      Inspector

      Serg","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164799,"EventID":"S1W-28270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many members of the public have visited the Parliament in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many members of the public have visited the Parliament in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The total from May 1999 to July 31 2002 is 292,218. This breaks down by year and category as:

      Year

      Visitor Centre

      New Building Visitor Centre

      Public Gallery (Chamber)

      Educational Visits

      Total

      05/99-04/00

      35,665

      N/A

      32,7391

      2,985

      71,389

      05/00-04/01

      30,925

      12,5082

      38,474

      4,731

      86,638

      05/01-04/02

      27,087

      38,331

      42,762

      4,206

      112,314

      05/02-07/02

      3,860

      10,044

      7,044

      929

      21,877

      Notes:

      1. From 9 August 1999; records were not kept before this date.

      2. Opened 9 October 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164800,"EventID":"S1W-28271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the public debate on GM issues announced by Her Majesty's Government on 31 May 2002 will also take place in Scotland and, if so, how many organisations and indivi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the public debate on GM issues announced by Her Majesty's Government on 31 May 2002 will also take place in Scotland and, if so, how many organisations and individuals based in Scotland will be appointed to the steering board.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Executive, on behalf of the other devolved administrations, has responded to the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) proposals for a public debate in advance of decisions on the possible commercialisation of GM crops. The response, which will be published on the AEBC website, makes clear that the public debate must encompass all areas of the UK and enable distinct regional views and values to be heard.

      Ministers have accepted the AEBC recommendation for the appointment of a steering board independent of government to oversee the debate. Appointments to the board are not the responsibility of government but will aim to reflect the need to maintain diversity and to have a balance of views and opinions from all sides of the GM debate and from around all regions of the UK. The membership of the steering board and the format for the debate will be announced, by the AEBC Chairman, in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164801,"EventID":"S1W-28272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether East Dunbartonshire Council has been awarded the maximum available funding of #150,000 towards the creation of an outline business case for its application for fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether East Dunbartonshire Council has been awarded the maximum available funding of #150,000 towards the creation of an outline business case for its application for funding for schools and for what this funding is expected to be used.","AnswerText":"We announced on 25 June 2002 that up to £150,000 is available to each of a number of authorities which had not previously been allocated financial support to assist with the development of an Outline Business Case for a schools public private partnership project. East Dunbartonshire Council bid for, and were allocated, £125,000 from an earlier round of support for the same purpose, on which decisions were announced in February 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164802,"EventID":"S1W-28273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27155 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, which representatives of the music industry the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport met i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27155 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, which representatives of the music industry the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport met in June 2002. ","AnswerText":"I met with the following representatives of the music industry in Scotland on 25 June 2002:

      Barry Wright, Regular Music; Geoff Ellis, Df Concerts; Sheena Wellington, traditional singer; Ronnie Gurr, Dig Media Ltd; Jay Crawford, Real Radio; Adam Armit, Jewel & Esk Valley College; Arthur Cormack, Feisean; Ian Smith, Musician's Union; Louise Mitchell, Glasgow Cultural Enterprises; Heather Duncan, BT Scottish Ensemble; Charles Smith, Performing Right Society, Scotland; Duncan McCrone, Mechanical Copyright Protection Society; Philip Hobbs, Linn Records; Tommy Smith, Jazz Musician; Ian Green, Greentrax Recordings; Lisa Whytock, Active; Rab Noakes, Neon Productions and Ian Hamilton, Highland Enterprise.

      Nod Knowles, Head of Music, the Scottish Arts Council, was also present.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164803,"EventID":"S1W-28274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27155 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, what the timescale is for establishing the music industry forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27155 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, what the timescale is for establishing the music industry forum.","AnswerText":"I am taking this commitment forward and the forum will be established as soon as is practicable.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164804,"EventID":"S1W-28275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit of Direct Payments Scotland is and how it proposes to highlight the use of direct payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit of Direct Payments Scotland is and how it proposes to highlight the use of direct payments.","AnswerText":"Direct Payments Scotland (DPS) aims to increase awareness of direct payments amongst community care service users and their carers, local authorities, service providers and support organisations. DPS will help establish and develop both local user-led support organisations and a national good practice exchange. DPS is working closely with local and national support organisations and local authority staff to identify and address training needs.

      DPS is highlighting direct payments through a national information service, including website, regular newsletters, seminars, training events and visits to local support organisations and local authorities. DPS is also working with national organisations, such as Age Concern Scotland, to help increase awareness of direct payments.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164805,"EventID":"S1W-28276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date Scottish Water first became aware of high levels of the cryptosporidium parasite in the water supply serving parts of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date Scottish Water first became aware of high levels of the cryptosporidium parasite in the water supply serving parts of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water first became aware of increased levels of cryptosporidium in the Glasgow water supply on Friday 2 August. This information was immediately passed on to Greater Glasgow NHS Board. However, it was not until levels increased further on Saturday 3 August that the health board decided that there was a significant risk to the health of the general public.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164806,"EventID":"S1W-28277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water allowed a significant interval of time to elapse between the discovery of the cryptosporidium parasite in the water supply serving parts of Glasgow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water allowed a significant interval of time to elapse between the discovery of the cryptosporidium parasite in the water supply serving parts of Glasgow and the relaying of this information to any residents affected.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of Greater Glasgow NHS Board to determine the significance of increased levels of cryptosporidium in water supplies in the Glasgow area. The health board is also responsible for the nature and timing of any advice relayed to residents in the affected area regarding increased levels of cryptosporidium.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164807,"EventID":"S1W-28278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information Scottish Water has on how the contamination of the water supply in parts of Glasgow through high levels of the cryptosporidium parasite occurred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information Scottish Water has on how the contamination of the water supply in parts of Glasgow through high levels of the cryptosporidium parasite occurred.","AnswerText":"It is thought that the exceptionally heavy rain during week commencing 29 July caused increased levels of cryptosporidium to enter the Glasgow water supply, but the Incident Control Team chaired by Greater Glasgow NHS Board will produce a full report on the circumstances surrounding the incident.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164808,"EventID":"S1W-28279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what means are being employed by Scottish Water to tackle the contamination of the water supply in parts of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what means are being employed by Scottish Water to tackle the contamination of the water supply in parts of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The principal source of the contamination was Mugdock reservoir. Scottish Water altered the distribution system to avoid using water from Mugdock reservoir until the levels of cryptosporidium in the reservoir fell to an acceptable level.

      In the longer term, Scottish Water has given Scottish ministers an undertaking to reduce the risk of cryptosporidium entering the Glasgow water supply by constructing a new water treatment works by the end of 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164809,"EventID":"S1W-28280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy Scottish Water will implement to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of the recent contamination of the water supply in parts of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy Scottish Water will implement to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of the recent contamination of the water supply in parts of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"No guarantee can be given that there will not be a recurrence of the recent contamination of the Glasgow water supply. The risk of contamination is the same as it has been for over 100 years and it will not be reduced until the existing treatment works at Milngavie has been replaced. Scottish Water has given Scottish ministers a commitment to build a new works by the end of 2005.

      In the meantime, the cryptosporidium direction requires that Scottish Water continuously monitors for cryptosporidium at Milngavie and immediately alerts the health authorities to any detection of the parasite in the water.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164810,"EventID":"S1W-28281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27254 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 July 2002, how many and what percentage of remand prisoners were held in prisons (a) in total and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27254 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 July 2002, how many and what percentage of remand prisoners were held in prisons (a) in total and (b) broken down by prison on (i) 31 January, (ii) 31 March and (iii) 30 June 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information is given in the table:

      Number of Remand Prisoners in Penal Establishments, by Establishment (Provisional Figures)

      Establishment

      31 January 2002

      31 March 2002

      30 June 2002

      Number

      Per cent

      Number

      Per cent

      Number

      Per cent

      Barlinnie

      406

      38.2

      440

      39.9

      497

      38.9

      Aberdeen

      68

      6.4

      41

      3.7

      89

      7.0

      Cornton Vale

      54

      5.1

      60

      5.4

      64

      5.0

      Dumfries

      18

      1.7

      26

      2.4

      30

      2.3

      Edinburgh

      206

      19.4

      220

      20.0

      248

      19.4

      Greenock

      94

      8.8

      90

      8.2

      112

      8.8

      Inverness

      39

      3.7

      36

      3.3

      47

      3.7

      Perth

      102

      9.6

      95

      8.6

      92

      7.2

      Polmont

      1

      0.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164811,"EventID":"S1W-28282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been put in place by each NHS board to assist in the provision of GP out-of-hours services; what amount of each board's budget has been used for th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been put in place by each NHS board to assist in the provision of GP out-of-hours services; what amount of each board's budget has been used for the provision of such services in each of the last three years, and how much it estimates such services will cost in the (a) current year and (b) next two years.","AnswerText":"All GPs are eligible for an annual payment (currently £2,510) for providing out of hours services and for a night visit fee (currently £25.10) for each face to face consultation carried out between the hours of 10pm and 8am. These fees and allowances are prescribed in the Statement of Fees and Allowances payable to GPs and are paid from the NHS Board's General Medical Services demand-led budget.

      In addition, NHS Island Boards and Primary Care Trusts assist in the provision of out of hours services in their area by providing funding from the Out of Hours Development Fund. The fund forms part of the overall cash limited budget given to boards each year. The following table provides a breakdown of each area's expenditure on out-of-hours services from the development fund over the last three years. The table also shows the estimated expenditure for the current year. Information on the estimated costs for the next two years is not available.

      Breakdown of NHS Board Expenditure On Out Of Hours Provision

      Primary Care Trust/ Island NHS Board

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Forecast Expenditure

      Argyll and Clyde

      510,890

      584,508

      543,384

      522,000

      Ayrshire and Arran

      750,490

      747,075

      819,289

      792,058

      Borders

      192,342

      215,650

      226,841

      243,009

      Dumfries and Galloway

      320,784

      377,615

      426,766

      374,932

      Fife

      353,767

      410,455

      421,900

      437,000

      Forth Valley

      297,592

      303,419

      370,084

      334,000

      Grampian

      555,530

      611,709

      708,455

      732,000

      Greater Glasgow

      1,803,000

      1,496,188

      1,531,000

      1,567,000

      Highland

      343,508

      406,386

      429,841

      305,000

      Lanarkshire

      496,384

      507,019

      511,740

      567,000

      Lothian

      1,506,791

      1,549,537

      1,669,086

      1,645,645

      Orkney NHS Board

      		 of households had access to the internet from home. This compares with 41% of households in England, 31% of households in Wales, 31% of households in Northern Ireland and 40% of households across the UK.

      The same survey (ONS Expenditure and Food Survey) estimated that 24% of households in Scotland had access to the internet in financial year 2000-01.

      In order to make comparisons between different countries it is necessary that the surveys used to collect the information use harmonised questions. There are to date no Europe-wide surveys that collect information in a comparable form to the ONS survey.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164813,"EventID":"S1W-28284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the population have access to an e-mail address at (a) home and (b) work and how these percentages compare with (i) the rest of Europe and (ii) other c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the population have access to an e-mail address at (a) home and (b) work and how these percentages compare with (i) the rest of Europe and (ii) other countries in the rest of the world.","AnswerText":"There are no statistics available for the percentage of the population with access to an e-mail address, at home at work, in Scotland or in other countries. Theoretically, anyone can have access to an e-mail address if they have access to the internet via a variety of technologies ranging from PCs, Digital TV, WAP mobile phones, video game consoles or handheld computers.

      Some surveys do measure use of e-mail (rather than access) and in Scotland, for those people that have home access to the internet, more than 75% use e-mail (Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2001).

      In order to make comparisons between different countries, it is necessary that the surveys used to collect the information use harmonised questions. There are to date no Europe-wide surveys that collect information in a comparable form to the SHS survey.

      The Scottish Executive is also working with local authorities to ensure that all secondary school children have individual access to e-mail and that primary school children have access to either an individual or class e-mail address.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164814,"EventID":"S1W-28285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of businesses have websites and how this percentage compares with businesses in (a) the rest of Europe and (b) other countries in the rest of the world.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of businesses have websites and how this percentage compares with businesses in (a) the rest of Europe and (b) other countries in the rest of the world.","AnswerText":"The latest international e-business benchmarking figures (weighted by number of employees) show that 76% of Scottish businesses have a website, which is on a par with comparable countries. The survey covered nine other countries, plus the UK as a whole and the percentage of their businesses that have a website are shown in the table:

      Sweden

      80%

      UK

      80%

      Germany

      78%

      US

      77%

      Scotland

      76%

      Canada

      73%

      Rep. of Ireland

      64%

      Australia

      60%

      Japan

      58%

      Italy

      58%

      France

      56%

      Source: 2001 e-business benchmarking survey for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164815,"EventID":"S1W-28286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of companies conduct the majority of their business on the internet and how this percentage compares with other (a) European nations and (b) countries in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of companies conduct the majority of their business on the internet and how this percentage compares with other (a) European nations and (b) countries in the rest of the world.","AnswerText":"According to Scottish Enterprise's e-business benchmarking survey for Scotland, 20% of Scottish businesses are trading online, but figures are not available for the percentage of these that do more than 50% of all their transactions online. However, it can be calculated from the survey data that 3% of Scottish businesses make more than 50% (by value) of their sales via online orders, and that 5.8% of Scottish businesses order more than 50% (by value) of their supplies online. The comparative figures (weighted by number of employees) for the other benchmarked countries are shown in the tables below.

      Percentage of Businesses for Which More Than 50% of Sales (by Value) are Ordered Online.

      US

      4.4

      Sweden

      3.8

      Japan

      3.2

      Scotland

      3.0

      Australia

      2.9

      Rep of Ireland

      2.7

      Canada

      2.4

      UK

      2.3

      Germany

      2.2

      Italy

      1.5

      France

      0.8

      Percentage of Businesses for Which More Than 50% of Supplies (by Value) are Ordered Online.

      US

      7.0

      Canada

      6.4

      Scotland

      5.8

      Germany

      5.1

      Sweden

      5.0

      Australia

      5.0

      Japan

      4.6

      Rep. of Ireland

      4.4

      UK

      4.0

      France

      3.4

      Italy

      2.9

      Source: Scottish Enterprise e-business benchmarking survey 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164816,"EventID":"S1W-28287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how reliant the economy has been on foreign trade in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how reliant the economy has been on foreign trade in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows estimates of the annual current price exports and imports figures between Scotland, other parts of the United Kingdom and locations outwith the United Kingdom (Rest of the World) for the years 1992 to 1999. Figures in italics show these annual imports and exports as percentages of domestic output from the Scottish economy.

      Trade between Scotland, the Rest of the World and the Rest of the United Kingdom 1992-99

      Calendar year#:

      Rest of the World

      1992^

      1993^

      1994

      1995

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      Exports to Rest of World

      (£ million)

      13,900

      15,200

      16,300

      19,000

      21,100

      *

      21,700

      22,200

      Exports as a percentage of domestic output

      16%

      17%

      16%

      17%

      17%

      *

      16%

      16%

      Imports from Rest of World

      (£ million)

      13,400

      12,700

      15,400

      16,200

      16,800

      *

      17,400

      18,700

      Imports as a percentage of domestic output

      16%

      14%

      16%

      14%

      14%

      *

      13%

      13%

      Rest of the United Kingdom

      Exports to Rest of UK

      (£ million)

      15,100

      17,100

      		The trust has acknowledged that the conditions at the GRI during the recent industrial action were, understandably, far from ideal. It has, however, advised that it is satisfied that the pictures that recently appeared in the media, and depicted clinical waste lying in corridors, were not a fair representation of conditions at the hospital and showed designated collection points.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164824,"EventID":"S1W-28295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Health and Safety Executive will have in investigating claims of clinical waste being left lying in public areas of Glasgow Royal Infirmary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Health and Safety Executive will have in investigating claims of clinical waste being left lying in public areas of Glasgow Royal Infirmary.","AnswerText":"It is for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to determine whether it should investigate incidents connected to NHS facilities, in line with its responsibilities in ensuring the health and safety of employees or members of the public under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

      I understand that the HSE contacted the Head of Health and Safety at the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust on 8 August, when the allegation appeared in the media that clinical waste was being left lying in public areas at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI). On that occasion the HSE was satisfied that a visit to GRI was not necessary, although the trust and HSE will continue to liaise on a range of issues as is the case throughout NHS Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164825,"EventID":"S1W-28296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to resolve the current dispute between Sodexho and UNISON at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to resolve the current dispute between Sodexho and UNISON at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.","AnswerText":"The dispute was a matter between Sodexho and UNISON and has now been successfully resolved through a negotiated settlement undertaken and completed at local level.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164826,"EventID":"S1W-28297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement regarding payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension fund and what sum will be paid out.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement regarding payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension fund and what sum will be paid out.","AnswerText":"I announced on 12 August 2002 that an additional £8 million had been secured by Scottish ministers, bringing the total amount to be distributed to £126 million, and that letters were being sent to eligible former Scottish Transport pension scheme members to initiate the payment process.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164827,"EventID":"S1W-28298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension fund surplus will be made in full to the widows of fund contributors and whether it will act upon the recommend","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension fund surplus will be made in full to the widows of fund contributors and whether it will act upon the recommendations of the Petitions Committee made at its meeting on 25 June 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my letter to the Convener of the Scottish Public Petitions Committee dated 9 August 2002, a copy of which I understand has been sent to the member.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164828,"EventID":"S1W-28299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension fund surplus will be made before the end of August 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension fund surplus will be made before the end of August 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Pensions Agency began making payments on 31 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164829,"EventID":"S1W-28300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the full amount of the surplus of the Scottish Transport Group pension fund will be paid out this year or whether 20% of the fund is to be retained until 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the full amount of the surplus of the Scottish Transport Group pension fund will be paid out this year or whether 20% of the fund is to be retained until 2003.","AnswerText":"An initial payment representing most of the overall total will be made to identified beneficiaries this financial year, with the remaining amount paid in the next financial year once the details of all those who are eligible are known.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164830,"EventID":"S1W-28301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that grants made by sportscotland are used for the purposes set out in the original application.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that grants made by sportscotland are used for the purposes set out in the original application.","AnswerText":"Sportscotland's Lottery Sports Fund awards are monitored by case officers for revenue awards or by project managers for capital awards to ensure they are used for the purposes set out in the original application. In addition, there is a standard post completion monitoring of capital projects involving both questionnaires and site visits.

      Other awards, made from sportscotland's Exchequer funds, are monitored by budget holders which includes checking detailed expenditure reports and receipted invoices. For Development Grant Aid to Scottish Governing Bodies of sport, the Grants Officer reviews the body's annual accounts to ensure the grant was used for the purposes intended and the Development Officer for that sport also provides a review document which forms part of the application for the following year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164831,"EventID":"S1W-28302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action can be taken against recipients of grants from sportscotland who are found to have used the grant for purposes other than, or counter to, those set out in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action can be taken against recipients of grants from sportscotland who are found to have used the grant for purposes other than, or counter to, those set out in the original application.","AnswerText":"In line with conditions attached to Lottery Fund Awards, this can vary from awards being repaid in part or in full and future payments being stopped. For grants paid from Exchequer monies, sportscotland's first step would be to write requesting repayment and thereafter normal follow up procedures to confirm receipt of repayment would apply.

      If fraud were suspected the matter would be referred to the police.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164832,"EventID":"S1W-28303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recipients of grants from sportscotland have been found to have used the grant for purposes other, or counter to, those set out in the original application in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recipients of grants from sportscotland have been found to have used the grant for purposes other, or counter to, those set out in the original application in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"There have been no such cases under the lottery programmes and 18 cases under Exchequer programmes (nine in 1999-2000, four in 2000-01 and five in 2001-02).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164833,"EventID":"S1W-28304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure the equitable distribution of National Lottery funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure the equitable distribution of National Lottery funding.","AnswerText":"A consultation paper on lottery distribution policy, Review of Lottery Funding, was published jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly on 29 July for consultation until 30 October 2002. Section 3 of the consultation paper sets out issues involved in ensuring that funding is fairly distributed to all areas and communities across the UK.

      Responsibility for distributing proceeds from the National Lottery rests with the Lottery Distributing Bodies. In Scotland, the lottery distributors take part in joint activities, such as the publication of a joint leaflet and maintaining a web portal, to provide information on funding opportunities. All Scottish lottery distributors are taking steps to ensure the equitable distribution of their awards. For example, the Fair Share Lottery Initiative was launched in April 2002 and is a joint New Opportunities Fund and community fund UK-wide initiative targeting disadvantaged areas across Britain; resources of £22 million over three years are being made available, and have been targeted to six disadvantaged areas in Scotland.

      The Scottish Executive is providing £625,000 over two years for the Kickstart programme which employs development officers who work across area-based social inclusion partnerships to help build the knowledge and skills base of local voluntary and community groups to ensure that they can access funding, including lottery funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164834,"EventID":"S1W-28305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to encourage greater co-operation between schools and community sports clubs, with particular reference to the provision of facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to encourage greater co-operation between schools and community sports clubs, with particular reference to the provision of facilities.","AnswerText":"There are a number of initiatives under way which actively encourage closer links between schools and their local communities. These include the School Sports Co-ordinator Programme, New Community Schools, the school and community strand of the Lottery Sports Fund Sports Facilities Programme and the New Opportunities Fund PE and Sport in Schools Programme. Local authorities and schools have responsibility to determine the nature of their relationship with the wider community including community sports clubs.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164835,"EventID":"S1W-28306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent classroom assistants have reduced teacher workloads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent classroom assistants have reduced teacher workloads.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned the Scottish Council for Research in Education to evaluate the Classroom Assistant Programme. An interim report published in September 2001 concluded that:

      most teachers perceive a reduction in the time they spent on preparing materials and resources;

      classroom assistants allow teachers to concentrate on teaching and planning;

      teachers are able to spend more time concentrating on individuals and groups while the classroom assistant deals other members of the class resolving minor problems and reducing interruptions of the teacher;

      a rekindling of a teacher's enthusiasm for teaching where classroom assistants are deployed, and

      classroom assistants help to keep pupils on task and ensure their time is spent productively.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164836,"EventID":"S1W-28307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to assess the role of classroom assistants in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to assess the role of classroom assistants in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned the Scottish Council for Research in Education to evaluate the classroom assistant programme. An interim report was published in September 2001 and the final report is expected to be published by the end of September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164837,"EventID":"S1W-28308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for a new visitor carpark at the proposed new water treatment extension to the Milngavie Reservoir.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for a new visitor carpark at the proposed new water treatment extension to the Milngavie Reservoir.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. The chief executive's response is:

      There is no plan to incorporate visitor car parking at the proposed new water treatment plant. However, Scottish Water is committed to working with East Dunbartonshire Council and other local interest groups to improve public access to the existing reservoir. This may include additional parking.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164838,"EventID":"S1W-28309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it retains a veto over possible changes to the local structure plan should the new treatment extension to the Milngavie Reservoir go ahead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it retains a veto over possible changes to the local structure plan should the new treatment extension to the Milngavie Reservoir go ahead.","AnswerText":"Any alteration to policies contained in the local plan would require to go through a public consultation exercise and possible public local inquiry before being submitted to the Scottish ministers for their consideration prior to adoption. The Scottish ministers would consider intervening only in the most exceptional circumstances, for example where major provisions of a plan were clearly incompatible with a well established national policy, or where there was clear evidence of a significant failure to comply with the proper procedures in drawing up a plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164839,"EventID":"S1W-28310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all those who have sat on the board of West of Scotland Water since the board's establishment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all those who have sat on the board of West of Scotland Water since the board's establishment.","AnswerText":"Full details of water authority board members can be found in the annual reports and accounts which have been laid in Parliament. The full list of those who were members of West of Scotland Water Authority is:

      Prof. Alan Alexander (Chair)

      John Jamieson (Chair)

      Ernest Chambers (Chief Exec)

      Norman Berry

      Mungo Bryson

      Donald Campbell

      Cllr. Gerald Carroll

      Charles Cornish

      Patricia Cox

      Sir Robert Easton

      John Goodwin

      David Gray

      Peter Kennedy

      John Laverty

      Jane McKay

      ClIr. Rita Miller

      Cllr. David Munn

      Cllr. Billy Petrie

      Cllr. Robert Reid

      Cllr. Leslie Rosin

      Ian Smith

      Cllr. Ian Young.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164840,"EventID":"S1W-28311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which and what percentage of its publications from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance, broken down by depa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which and what percentage of its publications from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance, broken down by department and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such references prior to publication.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164841,"EventID":"S1W-28312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how modern apprenticeships are monitored to ensure quality of experience and outcome for participants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how modern apprenticeships are monitored to ensure quality of experience and outcome for participants.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-25230 and S1W-25231 on 14 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164842,"EventID":"S1W-28313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any differences between the administration and quality control procedures for the modern apprenticeship programme in Scotland compared with other areas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any differences between the administration and quality control procedures for the modern apprenticeship programme in Scotland compared with other areas of the United Kingdom and, if so, what these differences are.","AnswerText":"These procedures are broadly the same in Scotland and in England. However, in Scotland, training providers are paid on achievement of milestones by individual apprentices. In England providers are paid on monthly profile for the duration of training.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164843,"EventID":"S1W-28314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends making changes to the current structure of the modern apprenticeship programme and, if so, (a) what any such changes will be and (b) when they will tak","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends making changes to the current structure of the modern apprenticeship programme and, if so, (a) what any such changes will be and (b) when they will take place, detailing the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Modern apprenticeship (MA) frameworks are designed by business sectors through the network of Sector Skills Councils. The Executive has recently agreed with the major stakeholders involved in MAs that minimum levels of core skills should be included in MA frameworks. No other changes are planned.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164844,"EventID":"S1W-28315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of young people left the modern apprenticeship programme without achieving any qualifications in each year since 1999, broken down by framewo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of young people left the modern apprenticeship programme without achieving any qualifications in each year since 1999, broken down by framework.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not recorded. It is possible for any modern apprentice to achieve some qualifications or elements of qualifications before leaving the programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164845,"EventID":"S1W-28316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of people who left the modern apprenticeship programme have entered sustained employment in each year since 1999, broken down by framework.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of people who left the modern apprenticeship programme have entered sustained employment in each year since 1999, broken down by framework.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not routinely recorded. The Executive's recent Review of Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland (published in January 2002) indicated that of those surveyed, 85% of those completing their modern apprenticeship were still with the same employer two years after graduation, and 70% of modern apprentices in training intended to remain with their current employer.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164846,"EventID":"S1W-28317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26838 by Lewis Macdonald on 1 July 2002, whether it has any plans to (a) investigate the causes of the number of road injury accide","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26838 by Lewis Macdonald on 1 July 2002, whether it has any plans to (a) investigate the causes of the number of road injury accidents on the A725 in the South Lanarkshire Council area identified in the STATS 19 returns for 2000-01 and (b) introduce safety measures to reduce the number of accidents on the A725.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has instructed Amey Highways to investigate the causes of the accidents on the A725 trunk road in the South Lanarkshire Council area highlighted in the STATS 19 returns for 2000-01. Remedial measures will be introduced if any causes are identified as being attributable to the design or condition of the road.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164847,"EventID":"S1W-28318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Health Care Supplies (SHS) and the Common Services Agency (CSA) ensure patient safety through the design of syringes used on the NHS; whether the SHS and the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Health Care Supplies (SHS) and the Common Services Agency (CSA) ensure patient safety through the design of syringes used on the NHS; whether the SHS and the CSA have issued any guidance to NHS boards on the effectiveness of safety devices, and what representations it has made and to whom on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department published its report entitled Needlestick Injuries - Sharpen Your Awareness in May 2001. This recommended that the Medical Devices Agency, Health Services Advisory Committee, Health and Safety Executive, Chief Scientists Office and the UK Health Departments prepare a co-ordinated plan to test and evaluate safer devices and safer disposal methods. The Scottish Executive Health Department is currently funding £260,000 of practical projects aimed at reducing needlestick injury. Around eight NHS employers are involved in one project worth £116,000 which involves a series of evaluations of sharps safety devices in a variety of clinical settings.

      The Common Services Agency is involved with safer needles through its divisions, the Scottish Health Care Supplies and the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health. Scottish Health Care Supplies is involved in on-going discussions with the Medical Devices Agency and with manufacturers and suppliers, including the Sharps Injury Prevention Manufacturers Alliance. The Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health is conducting a study into needlestick injuries. Its report is expected late next spring and will provide information on the proportion of injuries that could have been prevented by the use of safety devices.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164848,"EventID":"S1W-28319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current situation is on P&O employees being transferred to Northlink Ferries with respect to Trade Union Protection of Employment legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current situation is on P&O employees being transferred to Northlink Ferries with respect to Trade Union Protection of Employment legislation.","AnswerText":"While P&O Scottish Ferries have taken the view that Trade Union Protection of Employment legislation (TUPE) applies, Northlink have taken the view that it does not. TUPE is a matter of law and only the courts can determine whether TUPE does or does not apply in this case.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164849,"EventID":"S1W-28320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Biodiversity Forum will report to it with a draft Biodiversity Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Biodiversity Forum will report to it with a draft Biodiversity Strategy.","AnswerText":"I have asked the Scottish Biodiversity Forum to report to me with a draft Biodiversity Strategy for Scotland at its next meeting in late February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164850,"EventID":"S1W-28321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the reports by Greater Glasgow Health Board and Scottish Water into the cryptosporidium outbreak at Milngavie Reservoir publicly available. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the reports by Greater Glasgow Health Board and Scottish Water into the cryptosporidium outbreak at Milngavie Reservoir publicly available. ","AnswerText":"Both NHS Greater Glasgow and Scottish Water were involved in the Incident Control Team (ICT) established to manage matters relating to the detection of cryptosporidium in mains water from Mugdock treatment works. The Chairman of the ICT has been asked to complete the team's report, if at all possible, by two weeks after its final meeting. It is the intention to make this report publicly available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164851,"EventID":"S1W-28322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the Baljaffrey to Carbeth stretches of the A809 in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the Baljaffrey to Carbeth stretches of the A809 in 2001.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover damage only accidents.

      During 2001, there were eight injury road accidents identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring on the A809 between the junction with the B8050 and the junction with the B821.

      It should be noted that this figure is based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. It may differ from any figure which the local authority would provide now, because it does not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authority may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon its knowledge of the road and area concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164852,"EventID":"S1W-28323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the (a) Carbeth to Blanefield stretch of the B821, (b) Craigmaddie to Bardowie road, near Milngavie, (c) Bardowie to Milngavie stretch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents occurred on the (a) Carbeth to Blanefield stretch of the B821, (b) Craigmaddie to Bardowie road, near Milngavie, (c) Bardowie to Milngavie stretch of the A807, (d) Bardowie to Bearsden stretch of the B8049, (e) Craigmaddie to Baldernock to Milngavie Road and Mugdock to Milngavie road past Mugdock Country Park in each of the last five years. ","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only road accidents in which one or more people were injured; they do not cover damage only accidents.

      The following table gives the numbers of injury road accidents, in the five years 1997 to 2001 inclusive, which were identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring on the:

      (a) Carbeth to Blanefield stretch of the B821, from its junction with the A809 to its junction with the A81;

      (b) Craigmaddie to Bardowie road, from its junction with the A81 to its junction with the A807;

      (c) Bardowie to Milngavie stretch of the A807, from its junction with the Bardowie to Craigmaddie road to its junction with the A81;

      (d) Bardowie to Bearsden stretch of the B8049, from its junction with the A807 to its junction with the A81;

      (e) Craigmaddie to Baldernock to Milngavie Road, from its junction with the A81 at Craigmaddie to its junction with the Baldernock to Bardowie road and thence to its junction with the A81 at Milngavie, and

      (f) Mugdock to Milngavie road, from its junction with Old Mugdock Road to its junction with Drumclog Avenue, Milngavie.

      It should be noted that the statistics given are based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. They may differ from any figures which the local authority would provide now, because they do not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authority may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon its knowledge of the road and area concerned.

      Number of Injury Road Accidents

      Year

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Carbeth to Blanefield stretch of the B821, from its junction with the A809 to its junction with the A81

      0

      0

      1

      1

      1

      Craigmaddie to Bardowie road, from its junction with the A81 to its junction with the A807

      1

      2

      1

      1

      2

      Bardowie to Milngavie stretch of the A807, from its junction with the Bardowie to Craigmaddie road to its junction with the A81

      5

      3

      3

      0

      1

      Bardowie to Bearsden stretch of the B8049, from its junction with the A807 to its junction with the A81

      3

      5

      4

      1

      6

      Craigmaddie to Baldernock to Milngavie road, from its junction with the A81 at Craigmaddie to its junction with the Baldernock to Bardowie road and thence to its junction with the A81 at Milngavie

      0

      0

      0

      0

      1

      Mugdock to Milngavie road from its junction with O","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164853,"EventID":"S1W-28324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27227 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 July 2002, whether it had any power to insist on the provision of better pensions in the trunk roads","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27227 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 July 2002, whether it had any power to insist on the provision of better pensions in the trunk roads maintenance contracts and, if so, under what section of (a) the Scotland Act or (b) any other legislation any such powers were conveyed.","AnswerText":"There were no legislative powers to allow the Scottish Executive to insist on the provision of better pension rights on the trunk road maintenance contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164854,"EventID":"S1W-28325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27227 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 July 2002, what external bodies have been, or will be consulted, in its investigations into \"whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27227 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 July 2002, what external bodies have been, or will be consulted, in its investigations into \"whether there might be other ways to provide compensation for the loss of future pension rights for the transferred staff affected\"; on what date this process was started, and when it is envisaged that the investigations might be completed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has consulted with the EC and with the maintenance contractors. The process was started in April 2001. The answer given to question S1W-27277 indicated it was a complex area and therefore I am not able to give an indication of when investigations might be completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164855,"EventID":"S1W-28326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the timescale the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has set for the appointment of a Gaelic Development Officer and a Gaelic translator in the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the timescale the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has set for the appointment of a Gaelic Development Officer and a Gaelic translator in the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The advertisements for the posts of Gaelic Information Officer and Gaelic Outreach Officer were published on Friday 16 August. The deadline for applications is Friday August 30. Thereafter, all phases of the standard Parliament recruitment procedures will be followed to ensure an open and fair competition. These include selection of candidates for interview, interviews, taking up of references and pre-appointment security checks. All phases will be concluded as quickly as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164856,"EventID":"S1W-28327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what procedures the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body are following to ensure that the Gaelic Development Officer and Gaelic translator positions in the Parliament are","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what procedures the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body are following to ensure that the Gaelic Development Officer and Gaelic translator positions in the Parliament are filled as soon as possible.","AnswerText":"The standard recruitment procedures will be followed as outlined in the answer to S1W-28326 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164857,"EventID":"S1W-28328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage positive parenting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage positive parenting.","AnswerText":"Positive parenting is crucial if we want to ensure that all our children are given the best possible start in life. While parenting is often rewarding it can also be challenging.

      A range of statutory and voluntary bodies is involved in the provision of support to parents. All parents may need advice and support on occasion from GPs or health visitors. Some parents will also need additional support through more targeted assistance. Support for parents is an important element in a number of Executive programmes including Sure Start Scotland, New Community Schools and the National Health Demonstration Project, Starting Well. The Executive also provides funding for voluntary organisations such as ParentLine Scotland, who provide a confidential helpline for parents, and Parent Network Scotland, who deliver parenting support classes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164858,"EventID":"S1W-28329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for reductions in the levels of violent crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for reductions in the levels of violent crime.","AnswerText":"Scottish police forces were set a jointly agreed national target in March 2002 to reduce by 2003-04 the number of recorded incidents of violent crime by five per cent. A related target of an increase of 4.1 percentage points in the detection rate for serious violent crime was also agreed and announced at the same time.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164859,"EventID":"S1W-28330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for reductions in the levels of street crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for reductions in the levels of street crime.","AnswerText":"The high-level national targets we have set for the Scottish Police Service, although not identifying street crime directly, will impact on the incidence of street crime and help generally to improve the lives of those who live in our communities. The targets include reductions in serious violent crime and vehicle crime as well as increases in drugs seizures. Reductions in street crimes are also intended from a whole range of other policies we are developing or have put in place, such as the Action Plan on Youth Crime we announced in July, as well from the on-going action programmes supported by the Executive under the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland-led "Safer Scotland" campaign.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164860,"EventID":"S1W-28331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to empower neighbourhood wardens to detain and demand names and addresses from suspects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to empower neighbourhood wardens to detain and demand names and addresses from suspects.","AnswerText":"The principal function of neighbourhood wardens is to observe and report incidents to local authority colleagues or the police, as appropriate, with the aim of reducing vandalism and anti-social behaviour. There are no plans for them to be given powers to detain suspects or to demand any personal details.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164861,"EventID":"S1W-28332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Health and Community Care has the ultimate decision over the location of acute hospital services in the Forth Valley NHS Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Health and Community Care has the ultimate decision over the location of acute hospital services in the Forth Valley NHS Board area.","AnswerText":"Yes. However, only after careful consideration and close scrutiny of all the information at my disposal will I take a decision on the proposals flowing from NHS Forth Valley's Acute and Related Services Strategy.

      Before taking that decision, NHS Forth Valley will have to demonstrate that it has carried out a full, robust and transparent consultation process involving all stakeholders, and that its plans provide the best possible outcome for patients and frontline staff throughout.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164862,"EventID":"S1W-28333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for classifying an animal or a plant as an endangered species.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for classifying an animal or a plant as an endangered species.","AnswerText":"The procedures for classifying endangered species of animals and plants are adopted and approved by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). They have produced a \"Red List\" showing categories of animals and plants that are currently classified as \"endangered\". Before any plant or animal can be classified it must be assessed against a number of quantitative criteria relating to several possible risk factors, for example information on the reduction or decline of a species, its population fluctuations, the geographical extent of its occurrence, the isolation or fragmentation of the species and the turnover rate of breeding inviduals/generation length. Updates of the \"Red List\" are made every year. Full details of the species listed can be accessed on the website at:

      www.redlist.org.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164863,"EventID":"S1W-28334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body designates species of animals and plants as endangered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body designates species of animals and plants as endangered.","AnswerText":"The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and its Species Survival Commission are responsible for classifying and approving categories of animals and plants which are recognised as being critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable at international or national levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164864,"EventID":"S1W-28335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which species of animals and plants are currently endangered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which species of animals and plants are currently endangered.","AnswerText":"The full list of currently endangered species of animals and plants can be found on the \"Red List\" approved by the International Union of Conservation for Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Full details of the species listed can be accessed on the website at:

      www.redlist.org.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164865,"EventID":"S1W-28336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has in the appointment of Lord-Lieutenants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it has in the appointment of Lord-Lieutenants.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty the Queen appoints Lords-Lieutenants in Scotland, as in England and Wales. When a Lord-Lieutenant retires, the Prime Minister consults the First Minister before giving advice to Her Majesty on the appointment of a replacement.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164866,"EventID":"S1W-28337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 have been processed through the courts in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 have been processed through the courts in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested cannot be separately identified from prosecutions for other offences involving animals in the data held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164867,"EventID":"S1W-28338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from what budget the costs for Scottish Parliament and local government elections are met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from what budget the costs for Scottish Parliament and local government elections are met.","AnswerText":"Scottish parliamentary elections are reserved. The cost of administering local government elections is met from local authorities' own budgets. The Scottish Executive is meeting the costs associated with the local government element of training for elections staff and publicity and voter awareness campaigns in the run up to the elections in May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164868,"EventID":"S1W-28339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in appointments to the Boundary Commission for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in appointments to the Boundary Commission for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers are responsible for appointing members of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland. These appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Standards under procedures set down in the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies.

      Appointments to the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Scotland are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Scotland and Scottish ministers have no involvement in such matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164869,"EventID":"S1W-28340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences under the Data Protection Act 1998 have been processed through the courts in each year since the act came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences under the Data Protection Act 1998 have been processed through the courts in each year since the act came into force.","AnswerText":"No proceedings under the Data Protection Act 1998 were recorded for the year 2000. Data for the year 2001 are expected to be available in November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164870,"EventID":"S1W-28341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been collected under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 relating to drug offences in each year since the act came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been collected under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 relating to drug offences in each year since the act came into force.","AnswerText":"The total amount of confiscation orders imposed by the courts in Scotland under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 in respect of drug offences is as follows:

      1996-97

      £455,183

      1997-98

      £391,016

      1998-99

      £495,059

      1999-2000

      £807,213

      2000-01

      £117,884

      2001-02

      £532,812

      April 2002 - August 2002

      £269,890

      Figures for the amounts collected are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164871,"EventID":"S1W-28342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the \"Prince and Steward of Scotland\" is and what his role is as referred to in Schedule 5, Part I, paragraph 3(2) of the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the \"Prince and Steward of Scotland\" is and what his role is as referred to in Schedule 5, Part I, paragraph 3(2) of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay is the Prince and Steward of Scotland. His role as referred to in Schedule 5, Part 1, paragraph 3(2) of the Scotland Act 1998 is as the owner of feudal superiorities in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164872,"EventID":"S1W-28343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the discussion paper on the future role of local health councils will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the discussion paper on the future role of local health councils will be published.","AnswerText":"We plan to publish the paper during October. Patient Focus and Public Involvement - published in December last year - indicated that we would consult on a proposal to establish a Scottish Health Council as a national body with a local presence to replace local health councils. Our paper will draw on pre-consultation work being carried out by the Scottish Consumer Council and Scottish Health Feedback which will be completed in September.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164873,"EventID":"S1W-28344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who its nominations were to (a) the Commission for Racial Equality, (b) the Equal Opportunities Commission, (c) the National Disability Council and (d) each of the UK Res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who its nominations were to (a) the Commission for Racial Equality, (b) the Equal Opportunities Commission, (c) the National Disability Council and (d) each of the UK Research Councils at the time of the last appointments.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not put forward nominations for appointments to these UK bodies, which are made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice. However, where there is a vacancy for a Scottish position, Scottish ministers are invited to put forward the names of people who they feel have the right experience and background. Those people would then be sent notice of the advert and an application pack.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164874,"EventID":"S1W-28345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides the remuneration levels for all staff at the Scottish Land Court, other than the Chairman.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides the remuneration levels for all staff at the Scottish Land Court, other than the Chairman.","AnswerText":"The administrative staff at the Scottish Land Court are employees of the Scottish Executive. They are subject to Scottish Executive terms and conditions and their pay is determined under the Scottish Executive main pay arrangements.

      The salaries of members of the Scottish Land Court are based on Senior Civil Service scales. Salary increases are determined in line with the recommendations made by the Senior Salaries Review Body for the UK Judiciary.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164875,"EventID":"S1W-28346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides the remuneration levels for all staff at the Lands Tribunal for Scotland, other than the members.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides the remuneration levels for all staff at the Lands Tribunal for Scotland, other than the members.","AnswerText":"The administrative staff at the Lands Tribunal for Scotland are employees of the Scottish Executive. They are subject to Scottish Executive terms and conditions and their pay is determined under the Scottish Executive main pay arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164876,"EventID":"S1W-28347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides the remuneration level for all staff at the sheriff courts, other than the sheriffs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides the remuneration level for all staff at the sheriff courts, other than the sheriffs.","AnswerText":"Administration staff of the sheriff courts are civil servants employed by the Scottish Court Service. Under the authority delegated to him by Scottish ministers, the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service has responsibility for deciding the remuneration level, and other terms and conditions of employment, of all Scottish Court Service staff. The pay system and general pay levels used by the Court Service are determined following negotiation with the relevant trade union.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164877,"EventID":"S1W-28348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides the remuneration levels for all staff at the Court of Session, other than the judges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who decides the remuneration levels for all staff at the Court of Session, other than the judges.","AnswerText":"Administration staff of the Court of Session are civil servants employed by the Scottish Court Service. Under the authority delegated to him by Scottish ministers, the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service has responsibility for deciding the remuneration level, and other terms and conditions of employment, of all Scottish Court Service staff. The pay system and general pay levels used by the Court Service are determined following negotiation with the relevant trade union.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164878,"EventID":"S1W-28349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies are given to Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority for (a) rail and (b) road services and who distributes these subsidies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what subsidies are given to Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority for (a) rail and (b) road services and who distributes these subsidies.","AnswerText":"Subsidies for rail services are given to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority by the Scottish Executive, in the form of a Special Rail Grant, and by the 12 local authorities which make up the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority, in the form of revenue support. The Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority has statutory responsibility for bus services in its area and receives financial support for this from its constituent local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164879,"EventID":"S1W-28350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on patients in the Scottish Borders who require dialysis treatment being unable to receive such treatment in their local area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on patients in the Scottish Borders who require dialysis treatment being unable to receive such treatment in their local area.","AnswerText":"I am aware that there is a need for increased dialysis clinics, and provision of increased support services in the Borders.

      I am pleased to learn that the capacity to treat such patients in the Borders will increase from early October, and that a full Review of Renal Service in the Borders is about to take place. The review will report to Borders NHS Board in time to feed into the 2004-05 financial plan. An initial meeting is to take place in early October.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164880,"EventID":"S1W-28351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when guidelines on the setting of bail conditions were last issued.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when guidelines on the setting of bail conditions were last issued.","AnswerText":"In granting bail, the courts are required by law to impose on the accused a set of standard conditions. They may also impose any such further conditions as they consider necessary to secure that the standard conditions are observed and that the accused makes himself available for attending an identification parade or for any print, impression or sample to be taken.

      The nature of the further conditions which may be imposed is a matter for the discretion of the courts.

      By law the prosecutor has a right to be heard when the courts are considering the question of bail. The Lord Advocate has in the past issued guidance to procurators fiscal as to the attitude they should adopt to bail conditions which the courts may be considering imposing. That guidance was reviewed at the time the Bail, Judicial Appointments etc (Scotland) Act 2000 was enacted. It was found to be appropriate and no further guidance has since been issued.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164881,"EventID":"S1W-28352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided for bail schemes in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been provided for bail schemes in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Funding to local authorities for bail information and supervision schemes in the years 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 amounted to £313,322; £426,553, and £945,536 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164882,"EventID":"S1W-28353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions or guidance is given to Children's Panels on the information panels may forward to the Youth Crime Diversion Programme when making a referral to the progr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions or guidance is given to Children's Panels on the information panels may forward to the Youth Crime Diversion Programme when making a referral to the programme.","AnswerText":"Rule 21 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Rules 1996 sets out what information, and to whom, the Reporter should communicate following the decision of a Children's Hearing.

      However, that is only one aspect of the network of communication involved in these situations. Where a child is referred to a diversionary project, the project itself will usually have clear expectations, agreed with referring agencies, about what information it should receive.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164883,"EventID":"S1W-28354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for issuing guidance to Children's Panels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for issuing guidance to Children's Panels.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department is responsible for issuing guidance to members of Children's Panels. The intention of such guidance is to provide members with generic advice which will assist them in reaching decisions at Children's Hearings.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164884,"EventID":"S1W-28355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the estimated #2 million cost for a new-build courthouse at Peebles was calculated and whether the estimate includes the cost of any land purchase.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the estimated #2 million cost for a new-build courthouse at Peebles was calculated and whether the estimate includes the cost of any land purchase.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I have been asked by the minister to respond. The estimated new build cost of £2 million is based on current construction industry yardstick costs and on actual building costs obtained from recent Scottish Court Service projects, some of which have included the provision of new courtroom accommodation as part of the refurbishment programme. The estimate does not include the cost of land purchase.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164885,"EventID":"S1W-28356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the regulation of air weapons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review the regulation of air weapons.","AnswerText":"Firearms legislation including the regulation of air weapons is a reserved matter.

      The Scottish Executive is, however, represented on the Firearms Consultative Committee, the independent statutory body established to keep under review the provisions of the Firearms Acts and to make recommendations to the Home Secretary for improving their working.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164886,"EventID":"S1W-28357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Tourist Authority (BTA) in relation to the overseas promotion of Scottish tourism and what activities the BTA undertakes in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the British Tourist Authority (BTA) in relation to the overseas promotion of Scottish tourism and what activities the BTA undertakes in this regard.","AnswerText":"The Department of Culture, Media and Sport sponsors the BTA, and consults the Scottish Executive closely on all relevant aspects of the sponsoring role. In addition staff of both VisitScotland and the BTA regularly meet to discuss how best the BTA can promote Scotland overseas and other relevant issues. The activities which the BTA undertakes to promote overseas tourism to Scotland include public relations and advertising, press promotions, participation at exhibitions, information services for the public, and advice and market intelligence to the tourism trade.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164887,"EventID":"S1W-28358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Annual Report 2001-02 by the Over 21's Visiting Committee at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, what steps it is taking in respect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Annual Report 2001-02 by the Over 21's Visiting Committee at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, what steps it is taking in respect of care provision for mentally disordered female offenders in the prison, given that the committee is \"extremely concerned\" that the needs of such offenders are not adequately met within the current criminal justice system.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Well defined support systems are in existence within the prison to identify and support those with mental health needs. This includes the assessment of all admissions by a Registered Mental Health Nurse and four sessions per week contracted psychiatric provision (supplemented by registrars). Extensive links exist with mental health teams in the community and locally a co-ordinated mental health referral/multidisciplinary team approach is in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164888,"EventID":"S1W-28359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners at HM Prison Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale have been (a) on remand and (b) in custody awaiting sentence in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners at HM Prison Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale have been (a) on remand and (b) in custody awaiting sentence in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information is not available in the requested format. Figures are available for average daily population and are listed below.

      Average Daily Population on Remand in Cornton Vale

      Year

      Untried

      Convicted

      Awaiting Sentence

      Total Remand

      1999-2000

      35

      13

      18

      48

      2000-01

      27

      13

      23

      40

      2001-02

      38

      		  

      55

      2002 (Apr-Jul)

      47

      		  

      70

      Note:

      Components may not add due to rounding.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164889,"EventID":"S1W-28360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale are currently accommodated in shared cells.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prisoners at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale are currently accommodated in shared cells.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Currently about 50%.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164890,"EventID":"S1W-28361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the comments made in the Annual Report 2001-02 by the Over 21's Visiting Committee at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale that w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the comments made in the Annual Report 2001-02 by the Over 21's Visiting Committee at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale that women with serious medical conditions do not have reasonably timely access to toilet facilities.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The increased pressures on Cornton Vale have been caused by numbers rising markedly above the available capacity of the establishment.

      Procedures are in place which identify women with serious medical conditions and exclude them from cell sharing. Access times to toilet facilities are being monitored during patrol periods and an additional member of staff has recently been allocated to the night shift to cope with increased demand. The SPS have announced the conversion of Darroch Hall at HM Prison Greenock to house women prisoners. This will ease overcrowding at Cornton Vale. This will be in addition to the creation of an open prison facility in the SPS houses adjacent to Cornton Vale which will also help ease pressures.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164891,"EventID":"S1W-28362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on reduced efficacy of the induction process at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institution Cornton Vale owing to increased numbers and staff shortage","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on reduced efficacy of the induction process at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institution Cornton Vale owing to increased numbers and staff shortages, referred to in the Annual Report 2001-02 of the prison's Over 21's Visiting Committee.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The standard induction process of three days for convicted prisoners has continued to operate as normal. Additional nursing resource has been supplied in order that health care for the increased number of admissions can be more effectively provided. The increased pressures on Cornton Vale have been caused by increased numbers rising markedly above the available capacity of the establishment. SPS have announced the conversion of Darroch Hall at HM Prison Greenock to house women prisoners. This will ease overcrowding at Cornton Vale. This will be in addition to the creation of an open prison facility in the SPS houses adjacent to Cornton Vale which will also help to ease pressures.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164892,"EventID":"S1W-28363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the staffing levels have been at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale in each quarter in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the staffing levels have been at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale in each quarter in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date, expressed as a percentage of the full staff complement.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The readily available information is shown in the following table.

      Date

      Staff in Post

      %Age

      1 April 1999

      250

      102

      1 August 1999

      247

      100

      1 December 1999

      246

      99

      1 April 2000

      246

      99

      1 August 2000

      248

      100

      1 December 2000

      245

      99

      1 April 2001

      239

      97

      1 August 2001

      244

      99

      1 December 2001

      254

      99

      1 April 2002

      278

      107

      1 August 2002

      269

      103

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164893,"EventID":"S1W-28364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on section 2.5 of the Annual Report 2001-02 of the Over 21's Visiting Committee of HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, with partic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on section 2.5 of the Annual Report 2001-02 of the Over 21's Visiting Committee of HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, with particular regard to the committee's concerns about the (a) level of success of action on drugs programmes in the prison and (b) place of mandatory drug testing within the prison's overall drug strategy.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Cornton Vale makes available and is further developing a range of interventions/drugs programmes including health care and addictions assessment, information and awareness, detoxification and substitute prescribing, relapse prevention and pre- and post-release support. Mandatory drug testing allows the prison to monitor drug misuse and the effectiveness of interventions and to identify inmates who may need specialist support. The increased pressures on Cornton Vale have been caused by numbers rising markedly above the available capacity of the establishment. SPS have announced the conversion of Darroch Hall at HM Prison Greenock to house women prisoners. This will ease overcrowding at Cornton Vale.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164894,"EventID":"S1W-28365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Annual Report 2001-02 by the Over 21's Visiting Committee at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, whether sufficient resources are b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Annual Report 2001-02 by the Over 21's Visiting Committee at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, whether sufficient resources are being provided to tackle drug addiction in the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes. Cornton Vale makes available and is further developing a range of interventions/drugs programmes including health care and addictions assessment, information and awareness, detoxification and substitute prescribing, relapse prevention and pre- and post-release support. MDT allows the prison to monitor drug misuse and the effectiveness of interventions and to identify inmates who may need specialist support.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164895,"EventID":"S1W-28366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership, powers, budget and remit are of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee and what input to the work of the committee (a) Her Majesty's Government and (b) ag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership, powers, budget and remit are of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee and what input to the work of the committee (a) Her Majesty's Government and (b) agencies and corporations for which the Scottish Executive has responsibility have.","AnswerText":"The members of Comataidh Craolaidh Gaidhlig, the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee, are:

      Iain MacAskill, Chairman

      Rosemary Ward

      Duncan Ferguson

      Donald Martin

      Mairi MacInnes

      Mairi Morley

      Donald MacKillop

      Catriona Campbell

      The 1990 Broadcasting Act established the Gaelic Television (now Broadcasting) Committee (CCG), which is appointed by the Independent Television Commission (ITC), to administer the Gaelic Television (now Broadcasting) Fund. The budget is £8.5 million. The CCG's remit is to finance the production of television and radio programmes in Gaelic; the training of people in making Gaelic programmes; audience research, and other activities related to the making of such programmes, but not to commission programmes.

      Broadcasting is a reserved matter, and it would be for the UK Government to recommend to the Westminster Parliament any changes in the legislation governing Gaelic broadcasting. By convention the Government does not intervene in the administration of broadcasting.

      The annual grant is paid to the CCG by the Scottish Executive via the Independent Television Commission. There is no particular role for any agency or public body for which the Scottish Executive is responsible.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164896,"EventID":"S1W-28367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on the membership and remit of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on the membership and remit of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council since May 1999.","AnswerText":"In 1999 there was agreement amongst the relevant ministers that all members of the Inner House of the Court of Session should be made members of the Privy Council. The purpose of this recommendation was to address the prevailing shortage of Scottish judges on the Privy Council and to provide more Scottish judges to assist in dealing with any devolution issues which might be referred to the Privy Council under the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998.

      The first new appointments of Inner House Judges to the Privy Council were agreed by Her Majesty in March 2000 and the names were announced in a press notice issued by the Office of the Prime Minister. Subsequent appointments have been made as and when new Inner House Judges have been appointed.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164897,"EventID":"S1W-28368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an up-to-date list of the cross-border public authorities as defined in the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an up-to-date list of the cross-border public authorities as defined in the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Specification) Order 1999 (S.I.1999/1319) sets out the cross-border public authorities as specified under Section 88 of the Scotland Act 1998. A copy of this order can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. Number 23320.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164898,"EventID":"S1W-28369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) financial and (b) other assistance has been made available to Cameron House Hotel by it and each of its executive agencies in the current year and each of the la","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) financial and (b) other assistance has been made available to Cameron House Hotel by it and each of its executive agencies in the current year and each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"I am unaware of any significant levels of funding or other assistance being provided to Cameron House Hotel, although I understand that the business has received a small grant from Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164899,"EventID":"S1W-28370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what primary and secondary legislation it has introduced as the result of requirements made by European Union institutions since May 1999, broken down by institution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what primary and secondary legislation it has introduced as the result of requirements made by European Union institutions since May 1999, broken down by institution.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164900,"EventID":"S1W-28371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what borrowing powers it and each of its executive agencies have, including limits agreed with Her Majesty's Treasury where appropriate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what borrowing powers it and each of its executive agencies have, including limits agreed with Her Majesty's Treasury where appropriate.","AnswerText":"The borrowing powers of the Scottish Executive are set out in section 66 (1) of the Scotland Act 1999 which states that \"The Scottish Ministers may borrow money from the Secretary of State any sums required by them for the purpose of:

      (a) meeting a temporary excess of sums paid out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund over sums paid into that Fund, or

      (b) providing a working balance in the Fund.\"

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164901,"EventID":"S1W-28372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reply has been sent to the Lord Justice General in relation to his letter of 11 April 2002 on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a reply has been sent to the Lord Justice General in relation to his letter of 11 April 2002 on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"Yes, on 27 May 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164902,"EventID":"S1W-28373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at which European Council meetings its ministers have led the UK delegation as defined in Article 146 of the Maastricht Treaty since May 1999, detailing the name of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at which European Council meetings its ministers have led the UK delegation as defined in Article 146 of the Maastricht Treaty since May 1999, detailing the name of the relevant ministers, the subjects discussed and decisions taken.","AnswerText":"The following table provides the information requested:

      Date, Council and Lead Minister

      Subjects Discussed

      Decisions Taken

      8-6-2000: Education Council:

      Nicol Stephen

      1. The future challenges and training objectives of education systems in the learning society.

      2. Report of education ministers to the Stockholm European Council in spring 2001.

      3. The e-learning initiative.

      Also CONSIDERED:

      4. Quality indicators and evaluation in school education.

      5. Recommendation on Mobility within the Community.

      1. To establish the European Year of Languages 2001.

      2. That education and training policies would play a key part in follow up of Lisbon European Council.

      3. Need for education ministers to feed into the Luxembourg Employment Process.

      12-2-2001:

      Employment and Youth Council:

      Nicol Stephen

      1. Strategies for lifelong learning.

      Also considered:

      2. Community Action Programme.

      3. Leonardo da Vinci.

      4. European Year of Languages 2001.

      5.Trans-European co-operation scheme for higher education.

      To adopt a report on the concrete future objectives of education and training systems, and to discuss the work programme arising from the report at the next Education Council meeting.

      5-6-2001:

      Health Council: Susan Deacon

      1. The EU public health framework programme.

      2. Misuse of alcohol by children and young people.

      3. Proposals for a tobacco Advertising Directive.

      4. Research and information exchange on vCJD.

      To include certain rare diseases in the scope of the public health framework programme, and to call on member states to build on existing work on surveillance and prevention of all Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies as they affect human health.

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164903,"EventID":"S1W-28374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates would be raised in net revenue by making use of the tax-varying powers of the Scottish Parliament by raising income tax by (a) one pence, (b) two p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it estimates would be raised in net revenue by making use of the tax-varying powers of the Scottish Parliament by raising income tax by (a) one pence, (b) two pence and (c) three pence in the pound.","AnswerText":"HM Treasury publish an estimate of impact of the use of the Scottish Parliament's tax varying powers each year in the Financial Statement and Budget Report. This year's document states that a one penny change in the Scottish variable rate of income tax for 2002-03 could be worth approximately £230 million. Although in practice we would expect the revenue generated from a second and third penny to be less, the reduction is likely to be well within the margin of error, so that revenue from the second and third penny can also be assumed to be £230 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164904,"EventID":"S1W-28375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on any modifications which have been made to the Schedule of reserved matters under sectio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on any modifications which have been made to the Schedule of reserved matters under section 29(2) of the Scotland Act 1998 and what any such modifications were.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including issues relating to legislative competence where appropriate. Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998, which sets out reserved matters, has been amended by the following five Orders:

      S.I. 1999/1749 The Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedules 4 and 5) Order 1999

      S.I. 2000/1831 The Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 4) Order 2000

      S.I. 2000/3252 The Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 5) Order 2000

      S.I. 2001/1456 The Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 5) Order 2001

      S.I. 2002/1629 The Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 5) Order 2002

      Copies of these orders can be found in the Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. numbers 23328, 23324, 23325, 23326 and 23327 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164905,"EventID":"S1W-28376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what right of appeal is available in the event of Her Majesty's Government indicating that a function is outwith the devolved competence of the Parliament under section 5","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what right of appeal is available in the event of Her Majesty's Government indicating that a function is outwith the devolved competence of the Parliament under section 54 of the Scotland Act 1998 and to which body any such appeal would be made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the UK Government will always seek to resolve any difference of view as to whether a function is within or outside devolved competence but if that is not possible Scottish ministers are entitled to act on their view of the position. Schedule 6 to the Scotland Act provides that the Lord Advocate or the Advocate General may institute proceedings for the determination of a devolution issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164906,"EventID":"S1W-28377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-27320 and S1W-27321 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, why air travel between the islands and the Scottish mainland should be i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-27320 and S1W-27321 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, why air travel between the islands and the Scottish mainland should be included in an island council's local concessionary travel scheme for blind people rather than in the national free concessionary travel scheme to allow blind people to travel throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The National Free Concessionary Blind Scheme is an amalgam of the 16 local concessionary travel schemes currently operating in Scotland. It is therefore for the island local authorities to consider whether their particular local schemes should be extended to provide free air travel to the mainland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164907,"EventID":"S1W-28378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27319 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, why it has not made any assessment of the cost of an extension of the national free conc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27319 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, why it has not made any assessment of the cost of an extension of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people to travel between the islands and the Scottish mainland and whether it has any plans to do so.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities who are responsible for making concessionary travel schemes under the Transport Act 1985.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164908,"EventID":"S1W-28379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27318 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, why it has not made any assessment of the number of registered blind persons living in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27318 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, why it has not made any assessment of the number of registered blind persons living in the islands who would benefit from the extension of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people to cover air travel between the islands and the Scottish mainland and whether it has any plans to do so.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28378. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164909,"EventID":"S1W-28380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27322 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, what statistics are gathered to monitor the use and effectiveness of the national free c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27322 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, what statistics are gathered to monitor the use and effectiveness of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people.","AnswerText":"No such statistics are collected by the Scottish Executive. The administration of the 16 local concessionary travel schemes which comprise the National Blind Scheme is a matter for the relevant local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164910,"EventID":"S1W-28381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will be undertaking a review of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people and what the terms of reference for the review will be. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will be undertaking a review of the national free concessionary travel scheme for blind people and what the terms of reference for the review will be. ","AnswerText":"In the answer given to question S1O-5499 on 5 September 2002, I indicated that agreement had been reached for the National Free Concessionary Travel Scheme for Blind People to continue in its current form indefinitely. No review of the scheme is planned.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164911,"EventID":"S1W-28382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies and procedures it has in place to ensure that any complaints made against the (a) Crown Office, (b) Office of the Procurator Fiscal, (c) Scottish Legal Serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies and procedures it has in place to ensure that any complaints made against the (a) Crown Office, (b) Office of the Procurator Fiscal, (c) Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman, (d) Law Society of Scotland, and (e) police forces are dealt with correctly and without prejudice against the complainant.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has a complaints procedure, details of which are available on the Crown Office website. The policy is to respond to all complaints quickly, courteously, fairly and efficiently and to take appropriate action when required. In addition, members of the public can, and often do, write to the Lord Advocate either personally or via their Member of Parliament. The Lord Advocate and his officials investigate concerns and complaints made in this way with a view to giving full and objective responses.

      Complaints of criminal conduct by police officers are investigated independently by Area Procurators Fiscal and reported to Crown Office for consideration of a Law Officer. Again details of this procedure are available on the departmental website. The procedures for handling complaints against the police, which do not involve criminal conduct, are regulated by statute. The legislation enables a dissatisfied complainant to ask Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary to review the case. A consultation paper was issued last year with proposals on ways to enhance the independence of the police complaints system and we are currently considering the next steps in light of the responses to that consultation.

      The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 provides for the Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman to investigate complaints about the way in which the Law Society of Scotland has handled a complaint against a solicitor. The Ombudsman's powers and relevant procedures are set out in sections 34, 34A, and 34B of the 1990 Act and schedule 3. A complaint to the Ombudsman marks the end of the appeals process, and the Ombudsman's written report setting out her conclusions on a complaint is final. The Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman is appointed by the Scottish ministers after consultation with the Lord President of the Court of Session and is independent of both the Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish ministers. Complaints about the service received from the Ombudsman's Office should be made to the Ombudsman. The Scottish ministers may give general directions to the Ombudsman about the scope and discharge of her functions, but do not at any time get involved with individual complaints. The General Directions which came into force on 1 April 1993 are set out in Appendix A to the Ombudsman's Annual Report for 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164912,"EventID":"S1W-28383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk assessment it has carried out into the community safety implications of prescribing heroin substitutes and blockers in prison, in order to reduce dependency on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk assessment it has carried out into the community safety implications of prescribing heroin substitutes and blockers in prison, in order to reduce dependency on heroin following a prisoner's release.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Clear guidelines as to prescribing for drug misusers in prison are contained within SPS' Health Care Standards, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20561).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164913,"EventID":"S1W-28384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many daily doses of (a) methadone and (b) the opiate blocker Naltrexone were prescribed in each prison in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many daily doses of (a) methadone and (b) the opiate blocker Naltrexone were prescribed in each prison in 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164914,"EventID":"S1W-28385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times and with regard to what appointments within the EU institutions it has been consulted by Her Majesty's Government since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times and with regard to what appointments within the EU institutions it has been consulted by Her Majesty's Government since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in touch with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including appointments to EU institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164915,"EventID":"S1W-28386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times since May 1999 it has used its powers under Part III of the Police Act 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times since May 1999 it has used its powers under Part III of the Police Act 1997.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive hasno powers under Part III of the Police Act 1997, which concerns authorisation of interference with property and wirelesstelegraphy. In Scotland, only the Chief Constable of a police force canauthorise such interference.

      The Chief SurveillanceCommissioner has a duty to keep under review the performance of functions underPart III of the 1997 act, and he submits an annual report to the Prime Ministerand the Scottish ministers. The annual report for 2000-01 (SE/2002/5), whichwas laid before the Parliament on 17 January 2002, provides information on theuse of these powers by the police in Scotland.

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164916,"EventID":"S1W-28387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a minister can veto the transfer of one of its civil servants to a UK government department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a minister can veto the transfer of one of its civil servants to a UK government department.","AnswerText":"Decisions about the deployment of individual civil servants are management matters for the Scottish Executive and are within the delegated responsibility of the Permanent Secretary and his colleagues.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164917,"EventID":"S1W-28388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2098,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":39,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state the (a) person responsible for payment of non-domestic rates, (b) total cost to the public body of non-domestic rates paid by it for the project ov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will state the (a) person responsible for payment of non-domestic rates, (b) total cost to the public body of non-domestic rates paid by it for the project over the project's life to date, (c) cost to the public body of paying non-domestic rates in each of the last three financial years and (d) expected cost to the public body of paying non-domestic rates in 2002-03 for each of the following private finance initiative/public private partnership projects, (1) Stirling Further Education Centre, (2) North Ayrshire College, Kilwinning, (3) Livingston Further Education Centre, (4) Larkfield geriatric assessment facility, (5) Cumnock Community Hospital, (6) provision of 90 elderly mental illness care beds for Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, (7) provision of 60 frail elderly and 30 elderly mental illness care beds for Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board, (8) day surgery and maternity unit for Dumfries and Galloway Acute & Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust, (9) Kincardine Community Hospital, (10) provision of 25 beds for the mentally ill at Spynie Hospital, (11) provision of 120 elderly care beds at Ruchill Hospital, (12) provision of 120 elderly care beds at Shettleston Hospital, (13) provision of 180 elderly care beds at Rutherglen Hospital, (14) provision of 120 elderly care bed at Darnley Hospital, (15) Inverness Psychiatric Unit, (16) Wishaw General Hospital, (17) Hairmyres Hospital, (18) provision of 40 elderly care beds in Cumbernauld, (19) provision of 60 elderly with dementia care beds in Cumbernauld, (20) provision of 90 elderly care beds at Bellshill Hospital, (21) clinical waste disposal in Lothian, (22) Ferryfield House, (23) provision of 60 elderly care beds at Ellen's Glen House, (24) New Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Phases 1 and 2, (25) clinical waste disposal in northern NHS trusts (Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles), (26) Mearnskirk Hospital geriatric beds, (27) Dundee Ninewells Hospital psychiatric services, (28) clinical waste disposal for Lothian and Forth Valley NHS boards, (29) SGH geriatric medicine and assessment facility for South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust, (30) multi-storey carpark/carparking facilities for Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust, (31) Tippethill Hospital, (32) care of the elderly services for West Lothian NHS Trust, (33) Baldovie waste to energy plant, (34) Falkirk schools, (35) Project 2002 (Glasgow Schools Project), (36) office accommodation for Perth and Kinross Council, (37) Balfron School, (38) Inverness Airport Terminal, (39) M6 design, build, finance, operate, (40) Skye Bridge, (41) HM Prison Kilmarnock, (42) Almond Valley and Seafield sewage scheme, (43) Esk Valley purification scheme, (44) Inverness main drainage and Fort William sewage treatment, (45) Findlay House for Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust, (46) Aberdeenshire schools project, (47) Argyll and Bute waste management project, (48) Mearns Primary and St Ninian's High School, (49) Fife schools, (50) Highland schools project, (51) Edinburgh schools project, (52) West Lothian schools project, (53) Police Force Training Centre, East Kilbride, (54) Levenmouth purification scheme, (55) Moray coast wastewater project, (56) Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Fraserburgh and Peterhead sewage and sludge treatment, (57) Tay wastewater project and Dundee, Carnoustie and Arbroath wastewater treatment, (58) Dalmuir sewage treatment, provision of secondary treatment, (59) Daldowie and Shieldhall sludge treatment centres and (60) Meadowhead (Irvine), Ayr, Stevenston and Inverclyde sewage treatment.","AnswerText":"Rates are not payable on the M6 DBFO and Skye Bridge. The information requested in respect of the other projects is not held centrally and could only be gathered at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164918,"EventID":"S1W-28389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice and correspondence the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning has had from the European Commission regarding the public service order in rel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice and correspondence the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning has had from the European Commission regarding the public service order in relation to the contract for the Gourock-Dunoon ferry route and whether it will publish any such advice and correspondence. ","AnswerText":"Discussions between member states and the Commission on such cases are private and confidential and inform internal discussion and advice. As such, this information is exempted under section 2 and 14(b) of the Code of Practice for Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164919,"EventID":"S1W-28390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation concerning the management of public water supplies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation concerning the management of public water supplies.","AnswerText":"The Executive will carefully consider the forthcoming reports into issues arising from the recent water supply incidents in Glasgow and Edinburgh. If any legislative response is required, we will act accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164920,"EventID":"S1W-28391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any recent discussions with Her Majesty's Government concerning changes in legislation relating to the cleanliness of public water supplies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any recent discussions with Her Majesty's Government concerning changes in legislation relating to the cleanliness of public water supplies.","AnswerText":"Discussions between officials in the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Scottish Executive regarding legislation pertaining to drinking water quality take place on a routine basis. The most recent such meeting relating to public water supplies took place on 5 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164921,"EventID":"S1W-28392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions in respect of the contamination of water supplies there were in each of the last three years; whether any of these cases inv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions in respect of the contamination of water supplies there were in each of the last three years; whether any of these cases involved proceedings against officials of the former three water authorities, and what range of penalties were imposed in each case.","AnswerText":"Contamination of water supplies may constitute one of a number of offences, some of which cover a wider range of conduct than merely contamination of the supply. We cannot, therefore, identify such cases without a manual search of all possible papers. Similarly, we could not identify cases involving officials of former water companies without a manual search.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164922,"EventID":"S1W-28393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice or instructions it has issued to water authorities concerning the need to eliminate the gra'ing of sheep close to water supplies, for example reservoirs, in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice or instructions it has issued to water authorities concerning the need to eliminate the gra'ing of sheep close to water supplies, for example reservoirs, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The provisions of The Cryptosporidium Directions 2002 requires Scottish Water to take account of the number of grazing animals on a catchment. Scottish Water does not control the livestock management practices on the vast majority of its catchments and so has limited ability to reduce the risk of cryptosporidium from this source. Where Scottish Water is in a position to control the livestock management practices, such as on part of the Loch Katrine catchment, steps are being taken to reduce the risk of cryptosporidium by eliminating the presence of grazing animals in line with the recommendations of the OCT report from Greater Glasgow Health Board and the risk reduction requirements contained in the directions. The Cryptosporidium Directions 2002 restate the provision in The Cryptosporidium Direction 2000, to take account of the provisions of The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002. The detail of the directions is unchanged.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164923,"EventID":"S1W-28394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to seek the elimination of cryptosporidium and any other organisms and contaminants from domestic water supplies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to seek the elimination of cryptosporidium and any other organisms and contaminants from domestic water supplies.","AnswerText":"The policy of the Scottish Executive was set out in Water Quality and Standards, Investment priorities for Scotland's Water Authorities 2002-2006 published in August 2001, which set out clearly the intention to improve all water treatment facilities assessed as high and moderate risk for cryptosporidium by 2005. This statement is underpinned by directions and regulations.

      The Cryptosporidium Direction 2002 (which updates The Cryptosporidium Direction 2000 in the light of the Water Industry Act 2002) requires the elimination of cryptosporidium oocysts from treated drinking water. The Water Supply (Water Quality)(Scotland) Regulations 2001 require the absence of organisms from treated drinking water (as indicated by total coliforms/faecal coliforms). The regulations set prescribed concentrations or values (PCVs) for 57 parameters and also require that the water does not contain any element, organism or substance at a concentration or value which would be detrimental to public health.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164924,"EventID":"S1W-28395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has recently sought advice from outwith Scotland concerning the legal enforcement of clean public water standards and whether any plans are being prepared to b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has recently sought advice from outwith Scotland concerning the legal enforcement of clean public water standards and whether any plans are being prepared to bring Scotland into line with the best practices of other European nations.","AnswerText":"The Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption provides a sound basis for both the consumers throughout the EU and the supplier of drinking water by setting minimum standards for drinking water. The implementation of this directive in Scotland through The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 sets standards for drinking water quality that are at least as strict and in some cases far stricter than that required by the directive. Enforcement of the regulations is the responsibility of the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland (DWQRfS), who was appointed under the provisions of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002, who has ample powers to secure compliance.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164925,"EventID":"S1W-28396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of people employed in procurator fiscal offices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of people employed in procurator fiscal offices.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is increasing its staffing levels. At 1 August 2001 it employed 1,181.4 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff. At 1 August 2002 this number had risen to 1,306.6 staff (FTE). Since May 2002 the department has recruited 29 new Depute Fiscals and a recruitment exercise is for further depute posts will commence in September. The department is currently recruiting area business managers for each of the 11 fiscal areas and will be holding a recruitment/selection exercise for further administrative posts in fiscal offices in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164926,"EventID":"S1W-28397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been received concerning the working relationship between procurators fiscal and district courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been received concerning the working relationship between procurators fiscal and district courts.","AnswerText":"Such representations may be made in a wide variety of ways. On a Scotland-wide basis, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is represented on the District Courts Working Group and that provides a focus for discussion of a variety of issues.

      The most recent agenda included ways in which procurators fiscal could help courts in the Highlands to meet their target for delays between pleading diets and trials and electronic communication between procurators fiscal and courts.

      From time to time, the District Courts Association makes representations but it has not done so recently. Certain representations were made to the Justice 2 Committee Inquiry into the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and a response was made to that committee.

      At local level, there are regular conversations between Justices, their clerks and procurators fiscal about issues of local application.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164927,"EventID":"S1W-28398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been received concerning the ratio of the number of cases of alleged rape and other forms of sexual abuse that are the subject of court p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been received concerning the ratio of the number of cases of alleged rape and other forms of sexual abuse that are the subject of court proceedings to those that are discontinued or refused by procurators fiscal.","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate has very recently received one representation in relation to such ratios in Grampian and will reply shortly. A number of representations on this general subject were made during the passage of the Sexual Offences (Procedures and Evidence) Scotland Act 2002 and it was raised in some of the responses to the Vital Voices consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164928,"EventID":"S1W-28399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place between Law Officers and the Scottish Law Commission concerning trial proceedings dealing with prosecutions for rape and other fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place between Law Officers and the Scottish Law Commission concerning trial proceedings dealing with prosecutions for rape and other forms of sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"No recent discussions have taken place.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164929,"EventID":"S1W-28400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether comparative evidence has been sought and analysed concerning modern court proceedings in other European jurisdictions where rape and other forms of sexual abuse a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether comparative evidence has been sought and analysed concerning modern court proceedings in other European jurisdictions where rape and other forms of sexual abuse are the subject of criminal investigation.","AnswerText":"No such information has been sought at present.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164930,"EventID":"S1W-28401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedure is required to amend Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedure is required to amend Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"Section 30(2) of the Scotland Act 1998 allows for Her Majesty by Order in Council to make any modifications of schedule 4 or 5 which She considers necessary or expedient. An order under this section requires the approval of each House of Parliament and of the Scottish Parliament by affirmative resolution.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164931,"EventID":"S1W-28402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about any feedback following the Evaluation of the Dundee Families Project - Final Report in July 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about any feedback following the Evaluation of the Dundee Families Project - Final Report in July 2001.","AnswerText":"Our understanding is that there has been considerable interest in both the project itself and the independent evaluation by the University of Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164932,"EventID":"S1W-28403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current volume of traffic is on the A77 at the location of the proposed Glasgow southern orbital junction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current volume of traffic is on the A77 at the location of the proposed Glasgow southern orbital junction.","AnswerText":"The latest available information shows the average annual daily two-way traffic flow on the A77 just south of the location of the proposed Glasgow Southern Orbital junction to be 28,198 vehicles per day. Morning peak flows were measured at 2,560 vehicles per hour and evening peak flows at 2,805 vehicles per hour.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164933,"EventID":"S1W-28404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what traffic volume figures are currently used in specifications set for the design of the proposed Glasgow southern orbital junction with the A77.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what traffic volume figures are currently used in specifications set for the design of the proposed Glasgow southern orbital junction with the A77.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27858 on 22 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164934,"EventID":"S1W-28405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the bed occupancy rates were at acute hospitals in each of the last two years for which figures are available, broken down by (a) medical and (b) surgical.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the bed occupancy rates were at acute hospitals in each of the last two years for which figures are available, broken down by (a) medical and (b) surgical.","AnswerText":"The following table gives the percentage bed occupancy in acute trusts. The percentage bed occupancy for acute surgical specialties and acute medical specialties is also given for each trust. The year ending March 2002 data is provisional.

      NHSiS - Bed Occupancy1; by NHS Trust of Treatment2,3; Acute Surgical and Medical Specialities: Year Ending 31 March
       

      2001

      2002P

      Scotland

      78

      78

      Acute Surgical

      74

      73

      Acute Medical

      83

      82

      Argyll and Clyde Acute

      80

      80

      Acute Surgical

      73

      73

      Acute Medical

      86

      86

      Ayrshire and Arran Acute

      80

      79

      Acute Surgical

      75

      74

      Acute Medical

      85

      84

      Borders Acute

      75

      75

      Acute Surgical

      70

      71

      Acute Medical

      79

      77

      Dumfries and Galloway Acute

      71

      72

      Acute Surgical

      64

      65

      Acute Medical

      78

      78

      Fife Acute Hospitals

      82

      79

      Acute Surgical

      78

      75

      Acute Medical

      84

      83

      Forth Valley Acute

      74

      72

      Acute Surgical

      71

      71

      Acute Medical

      78

      74

      Grampian University Hospitals

      78

      78

      Acute Surgical

      73

      73

      Acute Medical

      83

      84

      Highland Acute

      		Our universities are also able to access existing support vehicles - such as the Proof of Concept Fund - to assist in the commercialisation of research in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164938,"EventID":"S1W-28409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the establishment of a specialist stroke unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the establishment of a specialist stroke unit.","AnswerText":"Realising the benefits of stroke unit care will be a central element of the CHD/Stroke strategy which the Executive will publish in the autumn. The evidence for their effectiveness is also integral to the standards for stroke care currently being developed by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland. Both the strategy and the standards will promote implementation of the recommendation in Adding Life to Years, the report of the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group on the Healthcare of Older People which we published in January of this year, that stroke patients admitted to hospital should be managed in a stroke unit.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164939,"EventID":"S1W-28410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a specialist stroke unit would have on the mortality and prognosis of stroke sufferers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a specialist stroke unit would have on the mortality and prognosis of stroke sufferers.","AnswerText":"There is good evidence that care in specialised stroke units reduces the number of deaths, leads to fewer admissions to long-term care and increases the number of patients able to return home to independent living.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164940,"EventID":"S1W-28411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Social Economy Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Social Economy Review.","AnswerText":"I hope to do so shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164941,"EventID":"S1W-28412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many home help clients there were in each local authority area in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many home help clients there were in each local authority area in each of the last five years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in the following table:

      Local Authority

      2001

      2000

      1999

      1998

      1997

      Aberdeen City

      3,001

      3,602

      4,766

      4,391

      4,053

      Aberdeenshire

      1,828

      2,052

      2,041

      2,384

      2,306

      Angus

      1,804

      1,802

      1,867

      1,878

      1,885

      Argyll and Bute

      927

      973

      950

      1,032

      1,033

      Clackmannanshire

      656

      652

      601

      586

      710

      Dumfries and Galloway

      2,015

      1,669

      1,880

      2,075

      1,869

      Dundee City

      2,445

      2,891

      2,978

      3,240

      3,762

      East Ayrshire

      1,311

      1,348

      1,398

      1,512

      1,936

      East Dunbartonshire

      986

      1,022

      1,010

      1,207

      1,275

      East Lothian

      1,195

      1,287

      1,196

      1,408

      1,456

      East Renfrewshire

      765

      847

      820

      881

      826

      Edinburgh, City of

      5,969

      6,393

      7,261

      7,719

      7,839

      Eilean Siar

      779

      803

      870

      1,000

      1,126

      Falkirk

      2,281

      2,287

      		(a) Jobs in Manufacturing in Scotland

      Year

      Planned New Jobs

      1997-98

      3,749

      1998-99

      4,380

      1999-2000

      5,901

      2000-01

      4,546

      2001-02

      1,235

      (b) Jobs in Manufacturing in Glasgow

      Year

      Planned New Jobs

      1997-98

      73

      1998-99

      149

      1999-2000

      190

      2000-01

      418

      2001-02

      50

      (c) Jobs in Manufacturing in Dundee

      Year

      Planned New Jobs

      1997-98

      0

      1998-99

      30

      1999-2000

      167

      2000-01

      112

      2001-02

      0

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164943,"EventID":"S1W-28414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many manufacturing jobs created through inward investment were lost in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Dundee in each of the five years to 31 March 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many manufacturing jobs created through inward investment were lost in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Dundee in each of the five years to 31 March 2002. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      For internal purposes, reports of job losses by companies, local enterprise companies and newspapers are monitored. However, the Executive cannot vouch for the accuracy and completeness of this information and therefore does not consider that it should form the basis of a response to the question.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164944,"EventID":"S1W-28415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many manufacturing jobs were created in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Dundee in each of the five years to 31 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many manufacturing jobs were created in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Dundee in each of the five years to 31 March 2002.","AnswerText":"Information on jobs created is not held centrally. However, information on the number of employee jobs is available from the Annual Business Inquiry. Therefore, the change in the number of employee jobs each year is available

      The net change in manufacturing employment on the previous year was as follows:
       

      Scotland

      Dundee City

      Glasgow City

      1996

      -3,892

      1,518

      -3,502

      1997

      5,083

      -1,372

      618

      1998

      4,597

      1,019

      -102

      1999

      -12,201

      -438

      -340

      2000

      -10,079

      -241

      -1,270

      2000 is the latest year for which data are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164945,"EventID":"S1W-28416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many manufacturing jobs were lost in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Dundee in each of the five years to 31 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many manufacturing jobs were lost in (a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Dundee in each of the five years to 31 March 2002.","AnswerText":"Information on jobs lost is not held centrally. However, information on the number of employee jobs is available from the Annual Business Inquiry. Therefore, the change in the number of employee jobs each year is available.

      The net change in manufacturing employment on the previous year was as follows:
       

      Scotland

      Dundee City

      Glasgow City

      1996

      -3,892

      1,518

      -3,502

      1997

      5,083

      -1,372

      618

      1998

      4,597

      1,019

      -102

      1999

      -12,201

      -438

      -340

      2000

      -10,079

      -241

      -1,270

      2000 is the latest year for which data are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164946,"EventID":"S1W-28417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the implementation of revised Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines on the diagnosis and management of epilepsy in adults to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the implementation of revised Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines on the diagnosis and management of epilepsy in adults to reduce the number of epilepsy deaths and address any deficiencies in the implementation of the 1997 SIGN guidelines (No.21).","AnswerText":"The revised guidelines are not due to be published until December 2002. The implementation of SIGN guidelines is a matter for NHS boards, in consultation with other authorities as appropriate. SIGN guidelines are best practice clinical guidelines and are not intended to be construed or to serve as standards of medical care. The ultimate judgement on a particular procedure or treatment plan is for the clinician treating the patient to make on the basis of individual circumstances and available options.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164947,"EventID":"S1W-28418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24669 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 April 2002, how the rule of ownership of boundary divisions on an ad medium filum basis can be ascrib","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24669 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 April 2002, how the rule of ownership of boundary divisions on an ad medium filum basis can be ascribed to fences that stand on and mark the boundary where, after specifying the type of fence, the title deeds of the adjacent parties state that the dividing fence is the (a) common and (b) mutual property of the parties to be maintained at equally shared cost by them.","AnswerText":"It is not appropriate for ministers to seek to interpret the law, as this is a matter for the courts. I am meeting the member on 2 October to discuss issues relating to boundary walls.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164948,"EventID":"S1W-28419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27518 by Mr Andy Kerr on 13 August 2002, whether its departments have any evidence and/or statistics on the effectiveness of each a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27518 by Mr Andy Kerr on 13 August 2002, whether its departments have any evidence and/or statistics on the effectiveness of each advertising campaign carried out since May 1999 and whether it will place a copy of any such evidence or statistics in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. ","AnswerText":"Methods of evaluating advertising campaigns are undertaken in a number of ways, as set out in my previous answer, and the results recorded in a variety of formats. To provide the information in the form requested would result in disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164949,"EventID":"S1W-28420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when research was last commissioned into mental illness and possible cures and whether it will place a copy of any such research in the Scottish Parliament Information Ce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when research was last commissioned into mental illness and possible cures and whether it will place a copy of any such research in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) is primarily a response mode funder of research and this role is well known and advertised throughout the health care and academic community. Mental health is a research priority and given the number of high quality applications received in recent years, direct commissioning has not been considered necessary. The CSO is currently directly funding 40 research projects on mental health at a cost of £4.1 million. As well as trials of treatment for mental illness, the projects include epidemiological and methodological work which is an essential basis for developing and evaluating treatments and services. Additionally, through the Research and Development Support Fund, the NHS in Scotland spent £2.8 million on 385 research projects related to mental health issues in 2001-02. These projects are recorded on a UK-wide research database called the National Research Register (NRR) which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164950,"EventID":"S1W-28421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has funded or plans to fund research into possible cures for mental illnesses and, if so, whether a copy of any such research will be placed in the Scottish Pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has funded or plans to fund research into possible cures for mental illnesses and, if so, whether a copy of any such research will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28420.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164951,"EventID":"S1W-28422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated to (a) cancer and (b) heart and stroke research in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated to (a) cancer and (b) heart and stroke research in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Cancer, heart and stroke are Scottish Executive health research priorities. Over the last three financial years, the Scottish Executive has spent the following on:

      (a) Cancer Research.
       

      1999-2000

      (£ million)

      2000-01

      (£ million)

      2001-02

      (£ million)

      1. Direct funding - research projects

      1.2

      1.4

      1.6

      2. Indirect funding - to support research in NHS Scotland

      6.2*

      7.1

      7.7

      3. Total

      7.4

      8.5

      9.3

      *Estimate; data for cancer and heart and stroke research not recorded separately in 1999-2000.

      In addition, the Scottish Executive has spent £0.4 million per annum over the last three years on the Scottish Cancer Therapy Network. The network does not itself undertake research but provides data management support for clinical audit and clinical trials.

      (b) Heart and Stroke Research.
       

      1999-2000

      (£ million)

      2000-01

      (£ million)

      2001-02

      (£ million

      1. Direct funding - research projects

      1.2

      1.9

      1.5

      2. Indirect funding - to support research in NHS Scotland

      4.1*

      4.7

      5.3

      3. Total

      5.3

      6.6

      6.8

      Note:

      *Estimate; data for cancer and heart and stroke research not recorded separately in 1999-2000.

      Details on individual projects are available from the National Research Register (NRR), a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164952,"EventID":"S1W-28423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to support post offices and sub post offices in (a) urban deprived areas and (b) rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to support post offices and sub post offices in (a) urban deprived areas and (b) rural areas.","AnswerText":"Post Offices and postal services are reserved matters. The UK Government has already put in place a number of measures to maintain the network of rural post offices. These include the formal requirement placed on the Post Office in November 2000 to prevent any avoidable closures. For its part, the Scottish Executive is demonstrating its commitment to rural post offices through the provision of rates relief for qualifying rural outlets.

      Additionally, as part of the Scottish Executive's commitment to providing services in deprived urban areas, we are currently considering support for post offices in these locations and I hope to be able to advise you further in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164953,"EventID":"S1W-28424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the economic impact in the Prestwick area of any proposed part-privatisation of National Air","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding the economic impact in the Prestwick area of any proposed part-privatisation of National Air Traffic Control Services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government about a wide range of matters including the issue of the New Scottish Centre (NSC) at Prestwick. The Executive supports the UK Government's commitment to the NSC and is keen for the project to be delivered as soon as it is feasible. The public private partnership for National Air Traffic Services was completed on 26 July 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164954,"EventID":"S1W-28425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which voluntary organisations have been allocated (a) direct and (b) indirect grants in 2002-03 and how much was allocated in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which voluntary organisations have been allocated (a) direct and (b) indirect grants in 2002-03 and how much was allocated in each case.","AnswerText":"The Executive has released today, a spreadsheet detailing direct and indirect grants to voluntary organisations in 2002-03 In 2002-03 the Executive will be providing £228.4 million directly and £131.3 million indirectly - almost £360 million in total - to the voluntary sector in Scotland. This is an increase of £17 million from last year, reflecting the Executive's commitment to the sector.

      Copies of the spreadsheets are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre and the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164955,"EventID":"S1W-28426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 will apply to the transfer of employees from P&O Scottish Ferries to Northlink Ferries o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 will apply to the transfer of employees from P&O Scottish Ferries to Northlink Ferries on 1 October 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28319 on 6 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164956,"EventID":"S1W-28427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the Quality of Life funding to local authorities announced on 11 August 2002 was allocated to voluntary sector organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the Quality of Life funding to local authorities announced on 11 August 2002 was allocated to voluntary sector organisations.","AnswerText":"A number of local voluntary organisations will benefit from the Quality of Life funding through the provision of resources to local clubs, play-schemes and community-based projects. However, the exact allocation to these organisations is a matter for each local authority to decide.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164957,"EventID":"S1W-28428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25845 by Iain Gray on 27 May 2002, what progress it has made in considering a successor to the individual learning accounts scheme ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25845 by Iain Gray on 27 May 2002, what progress it has made in considering a successor to the individual learning accounts scheme and when it now plans to announce details of such a scheme.","AnswerText":"Work on the formulation of a successor to the individual learning account scheme continues to make progress. Officials are currently consulting key stakeholders about my plans in principle and will in due course confer with them further about the operational details. I intend to launch the successor scheme when I am satisfied that it will incorporate the required improvements on the first programme. I expect to make an announcement before the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164958,"EventID":"S1W-28429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations govern tender lists for the appointment of consultants in respect of proposed PFI/PPP schemes and housing stock transfers; whether there are any (a) stat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations govern tender lists for the appointment of consultants in respect of proposed PFI/PPP schemes and housing stock transfers; whether there are any (a) statutory or (b) other requirements on (i) local authorities and (ii) other public bodies to draw down funds to finance such consultancy, and whether any records of such tendering processes are kept by (1) the Executive, (2) local authorities, (3) Audit Scotland and (4) any other body.","AnswerText":"There are no specific regulations addressing the appointment of consultants in respect of PFI/PPP projects and housing stock transfers. Directive 92/50/EEC (given effect in the UK by the Public Services Contracts Regulations 1993, SI 1993 No. 3228) establishes certain procedural rules which must be followed when awarding public service contracts. Also, the Local Government Act 1998 places certain requirements on local authorities in respect of the award of contracts.

      The Executive does not maintain central records of such contracts. Local authority contracts are a matter for the authority concerned. Records held by Audit Scotland are a matter for it, rather than the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164959,"EventID":"S1W-28430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the appointment of consultants for proposed PFI/PPP schemes and housing stock transfers in each year since 1997, (a) which consultants were appointed and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the appointment of consultants for proposed PFI/PPP schemes and housing stock transfers in each year since 1997, (a) which consultants were appointed and what the value of the contract was in each case and (b) how many of these consultants are involved in providing other services to (i) local and (ii) central government.","AnswerText":"Data on appointments of consultants for proposed PFI/PPP contracts is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

      Details relating to how many of these consultants are involved in providing other services to the Executive are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

      It is Scottish Executive policy that services should be acquired following competition wherever possible. Where the value of a consultancy contract is anticipated to be above the EC threshold, business is only awarded following a competition compliant with the EC Services Directive.

      Local authority contracts are a matter for the local authority concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164960,"EventID":"S1W-28431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invitations to tender for appointment as consultants for proposed PFI/PPP schemes and housing stock transfers have been (a) openly advertised, (b) competitive b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many invitations to tender for appointment as consultants for proposed PFI/PPP schemes and housing stock transfers have been (a) openly advertised, (b) competitive but by invitation only, (c) advertised in the official journal and (d) awarded without any competition in each year since 1997 and whether there are any other means by which tender bids may be submitted.","AnswerText":"This information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

      It is Scottish Executive policy that services should be acquired following competition wherever possible. Contract notices are commonly placed in Government Opportunities magazine, trade press and newspapers. Where the value of the contract is anticipated to be above the EC threshold, competitions are run in accordance with the procedures of the EC Services Directive, under which contract notices are required to be placed in the Official Journal of the European Community.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164961,"EventID":"S1W-28432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any economic analysis of the impact on the economy of (a) using different types of tendering process, (b) using different forms of consultancies, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any economic analysis of the impact on the economy of (a) using different types of tendering process, (b) using different forms of consultancies, (c) using consultants based in Scotland, (d) using in-house expertise and (e) recruiting special teams of objective and impartial staff in respect of appointing consultants for proposed PPP/PFI schemes and housing stock transfers and, in particular, whether Audit Scotland has been asked to consider such matters.","AnswerText":"No such analysis has been conducted. European law prohibits discrimination in favour of firms based on geographic location.

      Audit Scotland carried out a recent study of the PFI procurement of schools by Scottish councils on behalf of the Accounts Commission. The resulting report was published earlier this year and includes a commentary on the financial consequences of the first round of schools PFI contracts and on the tendering and appraisal processes for such schemes, including the need for objective appraisals. This report did not include any assessment of the wider impact of these projects on the Scottish economy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164962,"EventID":"S1W-28433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on businesses and domestic consumers of the reduction in electricity supply as a result of the closure of Torness Power Station and what negotiati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact will be on businesses and domestic consumers of the reduction in electricity supply as a result of the closure of Torness Power Station and what negotiations it has had with ScottishPower on this matter.","AnswerText":"Scotland has an excess of generating capacity, much of it flexible and responsive to changes in demand. The temporary shutdown of two reactors at Torness Power Station should have no impact on businesses and domestic consumers.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164963,"EventID":"S1W-28434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) negotiations it has had with and (b) instructions it has given to, (i) the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and (ii) Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) negotiations it has had with and (b) instructions it has given to, (i) the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and (ii) Her Majesty's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate regarding the closure of reactor two due to problems with a gas circulator at Torness Power Station in May 2002 in view of any impact this may have on the environment.","AnswerText":"None. No such concerns arise in relation to the current shutdown at Torness.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164964,"EventID":"S1W-28435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Youth Courts Feasibility Project, announced on 27 June 2002, to report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the Youth Courts Feasibility Project, announced on 27 June 2002, to report.","AnswerText":"I can today announce that Sheriff Principal John McInnes QC has agreed to chair a project group examining the feasibility of a youth court covering Hamilton and Airdrie. The project group will include representatives from the lead agencies with an interest in the establishment of a youth court in this area. A copy of the remit and membership of the project group has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The group has been asked to report by December.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164965,"EventID":"S1W-28436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the operational budget was for each water authority in each year since 1996, expressed as (a) a monetary value and (b) a percentage of the overall budget.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the operational budget was for each water authority in each year since 1996, expressed as (a) a monetary value and (b) a percentage of the overall budget.","AnswerText":"The figures requested are given in each of the water authorities' published accounts. Copies of their accounts as laid before the Scottish Parliament and, pre-devolution, the Westminster Parliament, back to 1996-97 are held in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Bib. numbers are as follows:

      Water Authorities' Published Accounts

      Scottish Parliament Information Centre - Bib. numbers

      NoSWA

      ESWA

      WoSWA

      1996-97

      97515

      12833

      12836

      1997-98

      12832

      12834

      12837

      1998-99

      4005

      12835

      4004

      1999-2000

      8790

      7898

      7925

      2000-01

      16464

      17792

      16463

      Accounts for 2001-02 are nearing completion and will be laid in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164966,"EventID":"S1W-28437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operational staff there were in each water authority in each year since 1996 and what percentage of overall employees this represented.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many operational staff there were in each water authority in each year since 1996 and what percentage of overall employees this represented.","AnswerText":"North, East and West of Scotland Water Authorities ceased to operate from 1 April 2002 and were formally wound up on 29 June 2002. Employee information by service for the years 1996 to 2002 is contained in their published annual reports and accounts - available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers given in the following table):

      Year

      Bib. Numbers

      North

      East

      West

      1996-97

      9751

      12833

      12836

      1997-98

      12832

      12834

      12837

      1998-99

      4005

      12835

      4004

      1999-2000

      8790

      7898

      7925

      2000-01

      16464

      17792

      16463

      2001-02

      24607

      24610

      24612

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164967,"EventID":"S1W-28438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on advertising (a) in total and (b) on average per student by each further and higher education institution in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on advertising (a) in total and (b) on average per student by each further and higher education institution in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for individual institutions. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164968,"EventID":"S1W-28440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supermarkets there (a) are currently and (b) have been in each of the last 10 years per capita in each local authority area, broken down by company.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many supermarkets there (a) are currently and (b) have been in each of the last 10 years per capita in each local authority area, broken down by company.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164969,"EventID":"S1W-28441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it made any representations to (a) the European Commission and (b) Her Majesty's Government in respect of the merging of the European councils on fisheries and ag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it made any representations to (a) the European Commission and (b) Her Majesty's Government in respect of the merging of the European councils on fisheries and agriculture and, if so, what the nature of any such representations was and what the response was.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of European issues. We will work closely with the UK Government in ensuring that Scotland's interests are taken fully into account in the merged Agriculture and Fisheries Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164970,"EventID":"S1W-28442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to accident and emergency units regarding the treatment of patients that have attempted suicide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued to accident and emergency units regarding the treatment of patients that have attempted suicide.","AnswerText":"There has been no such guidance issued. However, in 1998, a report prepared by a multidisciplinary Working Group of the National Medical Advisory Committee on The Management of Patients With Mental Disorders and/or Disturbed Behaviour Who Present to Accident and Emergency Departments was distributed to NHS boards throughout Scotland.

      A telephone advice line, aimed particularly at young men who are at risk of suicide, was launched in April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164971,"EventID":"S1W-28443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what treatments and programmes are available to offenders with a mental illness during their period of incarceration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what treatments and programmes are available to offenders with a mental illness during their period of incarceration.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Drug therapy, group and individual work is available, together with education, work and prisoner programmes as appropriate, as identified by an individual needs assessment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164972,"EventID":"S1W-28444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support networks are in operation (a) nationally and (b) locally for ex-offenders with a mental illness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support networks are in operation (a) nationally and (b) locally for ex-offenders with a mental illness.","AnswerText":"We published a care pathway document last year on the who, what, when and where of joined up services and support for mentally disordered offenders. The care and the custody agencies are working together and with others to organise the necessary care, support and accommodation that addresses the range of needs presented by this important group.

      The guidance is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 12345).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164973,"EventID":"S1W-28445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the prison population has been diagnosed with a mental illness to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the prison population has been diagnosed with a mental illness to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The prevalence of mental health problems within the prison population is not known with any precision. Studies have ranged from 3% to 82% of the prison population.

      The last major studies undertaken within Scottish prisons were, by Dr David Cooke, Psychological Disturbance amongst Prisoners and, by Dr James McManus, Mentally Disturbed Prisoners. Both were published by SPS as Occasional Papers in 1994 no's. 3 and 4 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164974,"EventID":"S1W-28446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the prison population diagnosed with a mental illness is currently in receipt of specialist treatment and what form such treatment takes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the prison population diagnosed with a mental illness is currently in receipt of specialist treatment and what form such treatment takes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The services of psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health nurses are available within Scottish prisons for all those prisoners assessed as in need of such. Available treatments include drug therapy, group and individual work, as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164975,"EventID":"S1W-28447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to support staff training for staff in the private elderly residential and care home sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to support staff training for staff in the private elderly residential and care home sector.","AnswerText":"The Action Plan for the Social Services Workforce, launched in April 2002, is underpinned by five strategic aims, one of which is "to raise investment and learning and support for all front-line staff in local authorities and the independent sector".

      To this end a sum of £3.5 million additional funding to local authorities was announced to support investment in training and opportunities for career development. We are writing to local authorities to ask them how they will be using this money and we will also be looking at what opportunities for training they intend to make available to all staff in the independent sector.

      We are also working closely with the Association of Directors of Social Work which is developing proposals to improve the support for all front-line staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164976,"EventID":"S1W-28448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist private elderly residential and care home providers in meeting the Care Commission's target that at least half of their staff achieve S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist private elderly residential and care home providers in meeting the Care Commission's target that at least half of their staff achieve Scottish Vocational Qualification level 2 or equivalent by 2005.","AnswerText":"To help meet this aim registration of the workforce will be phased in over a number of years. The qualifications criteria for registration in phase one, that includes heads of residential care homes and heads of adult day care services, is out to consultation at the moment. Views are sought on a number of questions around the qualifications criteria and everyone has the opportunity to shape the final decision.

      Phase 2 will incorporate all other staff in residential care settings and a major task now for the Scottish Social Services Council is to set a timescale for its implementation.

      As part of regulating the workforce there are to be codes of practice and conduct for employees and their employers. These will set out the standards expected of each. For example these will cover expectations of employers in relation to supporting their staff.

      £3.5 million additional funding has been provided to local authorities to support investment in training and opportunities for career development. We will be asking local authorities to inform us of the training opportunities they make available to the independent sector staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164977,"EventID":"S1W-28449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact national minimum wage increases and European working time regulations have had on the private elderly residential and care home sector and what measures it ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact national minimum wage increases and European working time regulations have had on the private elderly residential and care home sector and what measures it has taken to alleviate any negative impact.","AnswerText":"The National Review Group Report on Care Home Costs for Older People in Scotland considered various ways of anticipating increases in care home costs. The group concluded that an increase in real terms should be applied to care home fees over the next three years, to take account of various pressures including wage increases.

      We will, in consultation with local authorities and the independent sector, determine the most appropriate means of uplifting care home fees shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164978,"EventID":"S1W-28450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to communicate effectively with private elderly residential and care home providers and their representatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to communicate effectively with private elderly residential and care home providers and their representatives.","AnswerText":"The National Review Group recommended that the sectors involved in the preparation of the Report on Care Home Costs for Older People in Scotland should continue to have regular meetings.

      In response to this recommendation, we will invite all the parties concerned to a meeting to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164979,"EventID":"S1W-28451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses any differences in the costs of private elderly residential and care homes in comparison with similar homes run by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses any differences in the costs of private elderly residential and care homes in comparison with similar homes run by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The costs of providing care for older people in local authority run care homes is a matter for individual councils. In their report in November 2001 the National Review Group on Care Home Costs stated that independent care homes were being publicly underfunded. To address this issue the Executive has recently committed over £50 million of extra expenditure provision for the sector in the period to 31 March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164980,"EventID":"S1W-28452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the policy analyst posts advertised on 14 June 2002 have now been filled.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the policy analyst posts advertised on 14 June 2002 have now been filled.","AnswerText":"The policy analyst recruitment process is still on-going and selection decisions are not expected for some weeks. At this level of recruitment, successful candidates are likely to be subject to three months notice to their current employers. It is likely therefore that the majority of successful candidates will join the Executive from the beginning of 2003.

      Successful candidates will fill posts at policy analyst level that are vacant at the time of their appointments. In the meantime the vacancy position remains fluid as posts are filled or vacated by the internal movement of existing policy analyst staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164981,"EventID":"S1W-28453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the news release SENW065/2002 on 14 August 2002, what (a) powers and (b) involvement it has in respect of appointing a new Permanent Secretary to the Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the news release SENW065/2002 on 14 August 2002, what (a) powers and (b) involvement it has in respect of appointing a new Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27031 on 23 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164982,"EventID":"S1W-28454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline 52, Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and You","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline 52, Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The implementation of SIGN guidelines is a matter for NHS boards, in consultation with other authorities as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164983,"EventID":"S1W-28455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods were used to inform local authorities, including social work services and education services, of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline 52","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what methods were used to inform local authorities, including social work services and education services, of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline 52, Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People.","AnswerText":"This was principally a clinical guideline. However, as well as its distribution to all primary care trusts, acute trusts and NHS boards in Scotland, copies were sent to all members of the Scottish Parliament Health and Community Care Committee and other MSPs and individuals who had registered an interest in receiving the guideline upon its publication, relevant voluntary organisations and all related member organisations of the SIGN Council, which includes the British Association of Social Workers. There was also a media campaign aimed at raising public and clinical awareness resulting in widespread TV, radio, newspaper and medical press coverage. The guideline is of course available for all interested persons to see at the SIGN website:

      http://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/published/index.html.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164984,"EventID":"S1W-28456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to assist NHS boards and local authorities, including social work services and education services, in drawing up a framework for complete impl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to assist NHS boards and local authorities, including social work services and education services, in drawing up a framework for complete implementation of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline 52, Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans. The implementation of SIGN guidelines is a matter for NHS boards, in consultation with other authorities as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164985,"EventID":"S1W-28457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place in respect of any local authorities and NHS boards that do not implement the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline 52, Attentio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place in respect of any local authorities and NHS boards that do not implement the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline 52, Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People.","AnswerText":"No such measures exist. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines are best practice guidelines primarily intended for use by clinicians, and are not intended to be construed or to serve as mandatory standards of medical care, as is made clear in section 1.4 of guideline 52. Their implementation is a matter for NHS boards in consultation with other appropriate authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164986,"EventID":"S1W-28458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to paragraph 2.4 of the Annual Report 2001-02 by the Over 21's Visiting Committee at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, whether delay in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with regard to paragraph 2.4 of the Annual Report 2001-02 by the Over 21's Visiting Committee at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, whether delay in releasing women in shared cells to use toilet facilities, with particular regard to women with serious medical conditions, is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      We do not consider that there is a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. Access to toilet facilities during the day is generally unrestricted. At night, an automated system allows prisoners in single cells to access toilet facilities. For security reasons, prisoners who are sharing a cell cannot make use of the automated system. Staff require to supervise the unlocking of their doors. Night shift staffing has recently been increased to reduce the delay in unlocking doors. Furthermore, procedures are in place to ensure that women with serious medical conditions are not required to share a cell.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164987,"EventID":"S1W-28459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 August 2002, whether, in calculating the additional cost of implementing the transfer of sheriff court","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 August 2002, whether, in calculating the additional cost of implementing the transfer of sheriff court business from Peebles to either Edinburgh or Selkirk, an informed assessment of any additional costs associated with the use of police resources, including personnel, will be made.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Court Service will be consulting with Lothian and Borders Police on the options for future provision of court services in Peebles.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164988,"EventID":"S1W-28460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to upgrade or rebuild the police station at Peebles; whether consideration has been given to building a combined police station and courthouse","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to upgrade or rebuild the police station at Peebles; whether consideration has been given to building a combined police station and courthouse; whether such a combined police station and courthouse has been built elsewhere, and, if so, how much it cost.","AnswerText":"Provision of a police station at Peebles is a matter for Lothian and Borders Police. I am not aware of any proposals for upgrading or refurbishing the police station at Peebles nor of any plans for building a combined police station and courthouse at Peebles. No combined police station and courthouse have been built elsewhere in Scotland in recent years.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164989,"EventID":"S1W-28461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities are ineligible to receive funding for free personal care because they are not in a position to provide or arrange the required services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities are ineligible to receive funding for free personal care because they are not in a position to provide or arrange the required services.","AnswerText":"Every local authority has been allocated sufficient resources from the Scottish Executive to fund free personal care.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164990,"EventID":"S1W-28462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Aventis CropScience Ltd knew of impurities in oil seed rape in the field-scale trial of genetically modified organisms and who it subsequently informed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Aventis CropScience Ltd knew of impurities in oil seed rape in the field-scale trial of genetically modified organisms and who it subsequently informed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is unable to confirm when Aventis CropScience first knew of impurities in their GM seed. However, Aventis formally notified the Scottish Executive of low levels of additional GM material in the oil seed rape seeds used in farm scale trials in a letter dated 2 August 2002. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs was also notified at the same time.

      The text of the letter from Aventis notifying the Scottish Executive of the details of this incident was attached to the Executive's News Release dated 15 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164991,"EventID":"S1W-28463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and by whom it was informed of impurities in oil seed rape which was planted as part of the field scale trials of genetically modified organisms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and by whom it was informed of impurities in oil seed rape which was planted as part of the field scale trials of genetically modified organisms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28462.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164992,"EventID":"S1W-28464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that every local authority implements a direct payment scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that every local authority implements a direct payment scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28275 on 5 September 2002.

      Direct Payments Scotland will continue to work closely with local authorities and will monitor take up regularly. The Executive will continue to collect annual statistics to ensure that all local authorities are making direct payments available. Revised guidance will be issued by the Executive prior to 1 June 2003 to remind local authorities that from that date they have a duty to offer direct payments. We will also consider the need to repeat the research carried out in 2000, which would help determine whether the new legislation is being implemented fully.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164993,"EventID":"S1W-28465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set up a National Action Group for Implementing Inclusiveness, as recommended in the Beattie Report Implementing Inclusiveness Realising Potential, and whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has set up a National Action Group for Implementing Inclusiveness, as recommended in the Beattie Report Implementing Inclusiveness Realising Potential, and whether the group is now taking action in line with the detailed recommendations of the report.","AnswerText":"Yes. The National Action Group was set up in September 2000 to develop, implement and action the Beattie Report recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164994,"EventID":"S1W-28466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the National Action Group for Implementing Inclusiveness are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who the members of the National Action Group for Implementing Inclusiveness are.","AnswerText":"The members of the Beattie National Action Group are:

      Ed Weeple Head of Lifelong Learning Group, Scottish Executive (Chair)

      Maggi Allan Executive Director, Education Services, South Lanarkshire Council

      Christina Allon Director, Careers Scotland, Scottish Enterprise

      Alison Cox MBE National Co-ordinator and Centre Manager, The BRITE Initiative

      Norman Dunning Scottish Director, ENABLE

      Douglas Fergus Scottish Manager, CITB

      Anne Middleton Deputy Scottish Secretary, UNISON

      Fraser McCowan Managing Director, Argyll Training

      Morag McNeill Graduate teacher, young disabled person and former Student Out-reach Worker, Skill Scotland (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities)

      Des Ryan Director, Edinburgh Cyrenians

      Gordon Smith CBI Scotland

      Tom Watson Director, Fairbridge in Scotland

      Alastair Goudie Association of Scottish Colleges

      Morag Campbell Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education

      Anne Marshall JobCentre Plus

      Marie Burns Scottish Enterprise

      Anne McDonald Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164995,"EventID":"S1W-28467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has fulfilled the recommendations of the Beattie Report Implementing Inclusiveness Realising Potential, by developing a specification for psychological service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has fulfilled the recommendations of the Beattie Report Implementing Inclusiveness Realising Potential, by developing a specification for psychological services for 16-24 year olds. ","AnswerText":"This work is currently under way. Three National Development Officers (equivalent to one full-time post) have been charged with developing the specification by March 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164996,"EventID":"S1W-28468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has developed a transition form for all young people in conjunction with Personal Learning Plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has developed a transition form for all young people in conjunction with Personal Learning Plans.","AnswerText":"he Scottish Executive Education Department is currently developing Personal Learning Plans (PLP) for the 3-18 age group. The PLP Framework will be designed to be relevant to all sectors of education so that different records at transition points are unnecessary.

      Careers Scotland are also undertaking a range of work to improve the transition process and will shortly be consulting on an assessment framework to improve the transfer of information between agencies and which builds on the work outlined in the Beattie Report.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164997,"EventID":"S1W-28469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that all relevant agencies work together to develop a post-school learning system that offers continuity, coherence and clear routes of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that all relevant agencies work together to develop a post-school learning system that offers continuity, coherence and clear routes of progression for sufferers of autism and Asperger's syndrome as recommended in the Beattie Report Implementing Inclusiveness Realising Potential.","AnswerText":"The Beattie Report recommendation referred to did not focus specifically on people with autism and Asperger's syndrome. The Beattie Recommendations are for the benefit of all young people with additional support needs which may include young people with autism and Asperger's syndrome.

      I refer the member to the answers given to the following questions:

      S1W-14015 on 12 April 2001;

      S1W-14952 on 20 April 2001;

      S1W-21136 on 10 January 2002;

      S1W-21818 on 28 January 2002, and

      S1W-26322 on 7 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164998,"EventID":"S1W-28470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information technology seminars were sponsored by Scottish Enterprise and local enterprise companies in 2001; what companies were contracted by Scottish Enterprise t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information technology seminars were sponsored by Scottish Enterprise and local enterprise companies in 2001; what companies were contracted by Scottish Enterprise to provide or part provide each such seminar, and what the contracting costs to Scottish Enterprise were in each case.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":164999,"EventID":"S1W-28471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-executive directors of Scottish Enterprise and local enterprise companies are required to publish any financial interest in funding decisions by these bodies ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-executive directors of Scottish Enterprise and local enterprise companies are required to publish any financial interest in funding decisions by these bodies and, if so, where such information may be accessed by the public.","AnswerText":"All non-executive directors of Scottish Enterprise and Local Enterprise Companies must declare any financial interest in funding decisions. A register of interests is contained in the Annual Report and Accounts of those bodies. The Scottish Enterprise Annual Report and Accounts for 2001-02 were laid before Parliament on Monday 2 September.

      Where funding decisions are taken at board meetings, declarations of interest are recorded in the published minutes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165000,"EventID":"S1W-28472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent technical assessments have been conducted by Scottish Enterprise of (a) 3D digital scanning and (b) Virtual Reality Modelling Language with regard to its inve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent technical assessments have been conducted by Scottish Enterprise of (a) 3D digital scanning and (b) Virtual Reality Modelling Language with regard to its investment in 3D imaging. ","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165001,"EventID":"S1W-28473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional places will need to be created in the elderly residential and care home sector over the next 10 years, given the expected increase in the number of pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional places will need to be created in the elderly residential and care home sector over the next 10 years, given the expected increase in the number of people aged over 85, identified in the Fair Care for Older People - Care Development Group Report.","AnswerText":"A review of the range and capacity of community care services for older people in Scotland over the next five, 10 and 15 years is currently under way. This will include a strategic review of care home provision, to identify the most effective way of developing and managing the market to meet the future needs of elderly people throughout Scotland.

      We are keen to see the correct range of services in place, to take account of future demographic changes and ensure that older people receive appropriate levels of care and are not delayed unnecessarily in hospital. We will carry out this work in partnership with health and local authority colleagues and in consultation with independent sector care home providers and intend this work to form the basis for longer term national and local planning of future developments.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165002,"EventID":"S1W-28474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to expand the elderly residential and care home sector in the light of the expected increase in the number of people aged over 85, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to expand the elderly residential and care home sector in the light of the expected increase in the number of people aged over 85, identified in the Fair Care for Older People - Care Development Group Report.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28473.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165003,"EventID":"S1W-28475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many outlets owned by overseas companies operating in the fast food retail sector there were in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many outlets owned by overseas companies operating in the fast food retail sector there were in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of take-away food shop units, without restaurant, and take-away food mobile stands registered for VAT or PAYE:

      Year

      Number

      1997

      2,610

      1998

      2,654

      1999

      2,677

      2000

      2,761

      2001

      2,755

      Data for earlier years or data on the nationality of ownership are not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165004,"EventID":"S1W-28476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities currently run direct payment schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities currently run direct payment schemes.","AnswerText":"Latest figures published by Direct Payments Scotland show that 17 local authorities are currently making direct payments.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165005,"EventID":"S1W-28477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each local authority area (a) have already applied for and (b) are currently in receipt of direct payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each local authority area (a) have already applied for and (b) are currently in receipt of direct payments.","AnswerText":"The Financial Provision and Direct Payments Survey is intended to cover all payments made by local authorities under section 12B of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. The most recent survey covers the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 and results are due to be published on 25 September 2002. Statistics on the number of people who have applied for direct payments are not collected centrally.

      However, latest figures published by Direct Payments Scotland in its August Newsletter show that they are aware of 303 people who are receiving direct payments. The breakdown by local authority is as follows:

      Aberdeen City

      4

      Aberdeenshire

      7

      Angus

      24

      Argyll and Bute

      2

      Clackmannanshire

      5

      Dumfries and Galloway

      8

      East Lothian

      5

      Edinburgh, City of

      67

      Fife

      88

      Glasgow City

      15

      Highland

      11

      North Lanarkshire

      10

      Perth and Kinross

      5

      Renfrewshire

      3

      Scottish Borders

      22

      South Ayrshire

      20

      West Lothian

      7

      Total

      303

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165006,"EventID":"S1W-28478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the advantages and disadvantages of globalisation for the (a) economy, (b) promotion of Scottish culture and (c) turnout at local govern","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the advantages and disadvantages of globalisation for the (a) economy, (b) promotion of Scottish culture and (c) turnout at local government and Scottish Parliament elections.","AnswerText":"For Scotland to thrive rather than simply survive in the rapidly evolving, knowledge driven, global economy we need to be more fully integrated within it: to be well connected physically, digitally and intellectually with the rest of the world. The Scottish Executive's policy approach was articulated in Scotland: A Global Connections Strategy, which was published last October. This makes it clear that the Executive wants to see Scotland recognised as the most globally connected small nation in Europe, capitalising fully on its existing diverse range of international linkages and seizing new opportunities.

      While the Executive has not undertaken a detailed assessment of the impact of globalisation on the promotion of Scottish culture, work undertaken by the UK Government and by Scottish Enterprise suggests that globalisation means that there are significant opportunities for the promotion of Scotland's creative and cultural industries.

      Scottish Parliamentary elections are a reserved matter. The Executive has made no assessment of the effects of globalisation on turnout at local government elections but the Electoral Commission is undertaking on-going research on voter engagement and education as part of its remit on electoral issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165007,"EventID":"S1W-28479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its agencies are providing any financial guarantees to Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd in connection with the acquisition of Braidwood House, Lan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it or any of its agencies are providing any financial guarantees to Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd in connection with the acquisition of Braidwood House, Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not provided any financial guarantees to the Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd in respect of the purchase of Braidwood House. Whilst the Executive is providing a three-year funding package towards the organisation's annual running costs for the period to 31 March 2004, no public monies have been made available or offered by the Executive towards the capital costs incurred by Airborne in relocating from its current site at Abington.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165008,"EventID":"S1W-28480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offenders it has placed with Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd and what the cost has been in (a) each of the last three years and (b) the current year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offenders it has placed with Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd and what the cost has been in (a) each of the last three years and (b) the current year.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not place offenders with the Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd. The courts have the option of imposing an additional specific condition to attend the Airborne programme, as part of a probation order. Since January 1998 to date, there have been 495 offender placements, with 51 participants so far this calendar year.

      In the financial years 1999-2000 and 2000-01, £471,500 and £483,286 respectively was allocated in direct grant, through South Lanarkshire Council, to fund placements with Airborne. Following an independent evaluation published in June 2000, changes were made to these funding arrangements from the 2001-02 financial year. In 2001-02, £300,000 was allocated to South Lanarkshire Council in respect of the direct grant for Airborne. In addition, all local authorities received a ring fenced grant allocation from the Executive to purchase places on the Airborne programme and similar courses provided by the Fairbridge Venture Trust. The total sum made available to the local authorities for this purpose in 2001-02 amounted to £278,545. In the current financial year, South Lanarkshire received an allocation of £206,000 for the direct grant for Airborne and local authorities a total allocation of £404,573 to purchase places from Airborne and the Fairbridge Venture Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165009,"EventID":"S1W-28481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions offenders placed with Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd have had in (a) each of the last three years and (b) the current year and what the nature o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions offenders placed with Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd have had in (a) each of the last three years and (b) the current year and what the nature of the convictions were.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected on a routine basis by the Scottish Executive. However, an independent evaluation by Stirling University commissioned by the Executive and published in June 2000 suggested that the average programme participant had 10.5 previous convictions and had served, on average, 3.0 previous custodial sentences. The research indicated that the principal offences for which offenders were referred to Airborne were dishonesty (50% of referrals), violence including common assault (23%) and breach of a previous court order (10%).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165010,"EventID":"S1W-28482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offenders placed with Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd (a) failed to complete their placement and (b) reoffended since completing their placement in (i) each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offenders placed with Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd (a) failed to complete their placement and (b) reoffended since completing their placement in (i) each of the last three years and (ii) the current year.","AnswerText":"Since January 1998, there have been 495 participants on the Airborne programme of whom 321, or 65%, have successfully completed the programme. The remaining 174 participants failed to complete for a variety of reasons.

      The information requested on re-offending rates is not collected on a routine basis. However, an independent evaluation carried out by Stirling University and published in June 2000 indicated that reconviction rates were significantly lower among those who completed the Airborne programme compared with those who failed to complete and amongst a comparison group, who received alternative disposals. The evaluation found that 64% of Airborne completers had been reconvicted within 12 months compared with 95% of non-completers and 77% of comparison group cases. The evaluation also indicated that Airborne participants were slower to be re-convicted and that participation in Airborne significantly increased an offender's likelihood of remaining free of further convictions.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165011,"EventID":"S1W-28483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Braidwood House, Lanarkshire is a suitable location for Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd to house offenders and what discussions it has had with (a) the compan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Braidwood House, Lanarkshire is a suitable location for Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd to house offenders and what discussions it has had with (a) the company and (b) South Lanarkshire Council on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been aware for some time of the organisation's desire to find an alternative location and premises to its current site at Abington. As a voluntary sector organisation, decisions on the most suitable site for its operations are essentially matters for Airborne Initiative (Scotland) Ltd. The Executive was, however, made aware by the organisation of its intention to purchase Braidwood House and there have been a number of informal discussions on the issue in recent weeks. I myself paid a visit to the organisation's current site at Abington on 19 August when the subject of the move to Braidwood was discussed. The issue has also been discussed on an informal basis between officials of the Scottish Executive and South Lanarkshire Council in its role as the local planning authority and managing authority for the organisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165012,"EventID":"S1W-28484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27414 by Lewis MacDonald on 6 August 2002, what \"serious detrimental environmental impact\" would be caused by using the Kelvin Vall","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27414 by Lewis MacDonald on 6 August 2002, what \"serious detrimental environmental impact\" would be caused by using the Kelvin Valley route for upgrading the A80.","AnswerText":"The appraisal summary tables published as part of the Strategic Roads Review explained that serious detrimental environmental impacts would occur as a consequence of the Kelvin Valley route in relation to:

      an increase in carbon dioxide emissions (global air quality);

      the impact of the drainage regime on the natural land drainage system;

      the impacts on ecology;

      disturbances to the Antonine Wall and the Forth and Clyde Canal;

      the impacts on the rural landscape character.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165013,"EventID":"S1W-28485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been carried out to assess the environmental impact of using the Kelvin Valley route whilst upgrading the A80; who carried out any such studies, and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been carried out to assess the environmental impact of using the Kelvin Valley route whilst upgrading the A80; who carried out any such studies, and when each was carried out and the results were published.","AnswerText":"An environmental assessment of options for upgrading the A80 to motorway using the Kelvin Valley and the present route of the road was carried out by the Babtie Group in 1996. This work was reviewed as part of the Strategic Road Review and the emerging appraisal summary tables were published by the Scottish Executive Development Department in November 1999 in Travel Choices for Scotland: Strategic Roads Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165014,"EventID":"S1W-28486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26602 by Mrs Elish Angiolini QC on 30 July 2002, how many of the reports sent to procurators fiscal under sections 68(1), (2), (3),","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26602 by Mrs Elish Angiolini QC on 30 July 2002, how many of the reports sent to procurators fiscal under sections 68(1), (2), (3), (5), 69(1), (2) and 70(1) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 were proceeded with in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The number of cases containing a charge under sections 68 and 69 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 reported to the procurator fiscal in each of the last three years, and broken down into sheriff court district, can be found in the tables. As stated in the answer given to question S1W-26602, no reports were sent to the procurator fiscal in respect of section 70 (1) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976.

      Reports to PF in which Proceedings Taken Under Sections 68(1), (2), (3), (5), 69(1), (2) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976:

      Procurator Fiscal

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Grand Total

      Aberdeen

      3

      7

      5

      15

      Airdrie

      3

      1

      2

      6

      Alloa

      3

      2

      4

      9

      Arbroath

      6

      5

      11

      Ayr

      3

      8

      8

      19

      Banff

      4

      1

      5

      Campbeltown

      5

      3

      5

      13

      Cupar

      1

      1

      Dingwall

      1

      2

      4

      7

      Dumbarton

      3

      2

      4

      9

      Dumfries

      1

      2

      2

      5

      Dundee

      6

      		We are strengthening the Criminal Confiscation Unit in the Crown Office, and we are establishing a new Civil Recovery Unit, so that we can make full use of the powers available in the new legislation. A multi-agency money laundering unit has also been created within the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency to investigate and intercept suspicious financial transactions.

      The outcome of this skills and capacity building will be that we are able to seize increased amounts of criminal assets to redistribute them to good causes. We have already paid £250,000 from recovered assets to Greater Glasgow NHS Board to support the costs of additional addiction services for the Glasgow homeless. The First Minister has also announced a further award of £180,000 to assist family support groups across Scotland, which are helping the families of drug misusers. Future awards will depend on the amounts we collect from forfeitures and confiscations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165016,"EventID":"S1W-28488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Care Development Group last met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Care Development Group last met.","AnswerText":"The Care Development Group has now disbanded. It met for the last time on 2 September 2001 to finalise its report, which was published on 14 September 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165017,"EventID":"S1W-28489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for further decentralising the handling of forestry policy and management in the light of the continuing experience of devolution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for further decentralising the handling of forestry policy and management in the light of the continuing experience of devolution.","AnswerText":"Forestry Ministers have agreed the recommendations of the Forestry Devolution Review, a wide-ranging interdepartmental review of the administrative arrangements for forestry post-devolution, which I announced on 22 January. In particular we have accepted that the current arrangements need to be updated, and that this should be implemented by administrative action. The aim of the changes would be to achieve greater integration of forestry in Scotland with other rural policy work of the Executive whilst retaining desirable opportunities for a collaborative approach to common issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165018,"EventID":"S1W-28490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have produced minerals plans either as stand alone policies or as part of local structure plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have produced minerals plans either as stand alone policies or as part of local structure plans.","AnswerText":"Planning authorities can choose to deal with minerals extraction either as part of a comprehensive Local Plan or (usually in areas with significant minerals extraction activity) as a Minerals Subject Local Plan. The former North East Fife District Council adopted a Minerals Subject Local Plan in 1994. Four councils - East Ayrshire (for opencast coal only), Scottish Borders, Fife and South Lanarkshire - are all currently producing minerals subject local plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165019,"EventID":"S1W-28491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation process local authorities are required to undertake when devising a minerals plan and what process it undertakes before it approves such plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation process local authorities are required to undertake when devising a minerals plan and what process it undertakes before it approves such plans.","AnswerText":"Local authorities must take account of all the relevant interests at a number of key stages during plan preparation. A public local inquiry must be held if there are unresolved objections. The reporter's recommendations are then sent to the planning authority for consideration. The Scottish ministers must be given formal notice when the authority intends to adopt the plan. Such notification is primarily for information. The Executive can decide to intervene although its general policy is that local planning matters are primarily the responsibility of planning authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165020,"EventID":"S1W-28492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it received the minerals plan from South Lanarkshire Council and what process it will undertake before it approves the plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it received the minerals plan from South Lanarkshire Council and what process it will undertake before it approves the plan.","AnswerText":"The Executive was notified of the council's intention to adopt the plan on 24 July 2002. A Direction was issued on 14 August deferring adoption of the plan to allow more time for the Executive to consider the plans contents. Following such consideration, it was decided, on 12 September, to cancel the direction. It is now for the council to decide how to proceed and the approval of the Scottish ministers is not required. This is in line with the Executive's general policy that local planning matters are primarily the responsibility of planning authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165021,"EventID":"S1W-28493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to devise a national strategy for minerals extraction and how plans produced by local authorities will fit into, or be influenced by, any such st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to devise a national strategy for minerals extraction and how plans produced by local authorities will fit into, or be influenced by, any such strategy.","AnswerText":"The Executive's policies for minerals planning are set out in NPPG 16 for opencast coal and NPPG 4 for other types of minerals. National guidance and policies should be taken into account by local authorities when preparing their structure and local plans. For the future, the conclusions and recommendations of the recently published research report on the operation and effectiveness of NPPG 4 are currently under consideration. The role of mineral extraction in the context of the Review of Strategic Planning was also fully discussed during the consultation process and Conclusions and next steps were issued in June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165022,"EventID":"S1W-28494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority minerals plans it has approved since 1 July 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority minerals plans it has approved since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"None. Mineral plans are prepared and adopted by local authorities and generally do not require the approval of the Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165023,"EventID":"S1W-28495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about a national strategy for minerals extraction and whether it has consulted any individuals, organisations or commercial concerns ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about a national strategy for minerals extraction and whether it has consulted any individuals, organisations or commercial concerns about any such strategy.","AnswerText":"The Executive continues to receive representations from the industry about arrangements for national mineral planning. Future arrangements were considered as part of the Review of Strategic Planning and will be taken forward as a follow-up to research into National Planning Policy Guideline 4: Land for Mineral Working. Both these initiatives involved full consultation with interested parties.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165024,"EventID":"S1W-28496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made in each local prison for inmates that misuse drugs; how many (a) Scottish Prison Service and (b) outside agency staff are engaged in drugs work, an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made in each local prison for inmates that misuse drugs; how many (a) Scottish Prison Service and (b) outside agency staff are engaged in drugs work, and (i) what the current staff complement is and (ii) how many vacancies there currently are in respect of such posts in each case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Each prison provides a range of interventions appropriate to the needs of its population for prisoners who misuse drugs (and other substances), as set out in the SPS Drug Strategy, Partnership and Co-ordination (SPS 2000), available through the Parliament's Reference Centre.

      Due to the multiplicity of tasks performed by staff, no sensible figure exists of the staff related to this work. All staff are to a degree involved in drugs work.

      Several other outside agencies also help us to deliver services to prisoners, including local authorities, health boards and voluntary sector agencies. In meeting output targets, these agencies are responsible for determining the resources to allocate. We do not keep a grand total.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165025,"EventID":"S1W-28497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made for drug misusers at each local prison when they leave custody.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is made for drug misusers at each local prison when they leave custody.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Prisoners subject to statutory throughcare are supervised post-release by Criminal Justice Social Work Services. Short-term prisoners with substance misuse problems (including drugs, alcohol and volatile substances) released from all prisons may access the newly implemented Transitional Care service, provided by the Scottish Prison Service. This service provides pre-release needs assessment and up to 12 weeks post-release advocacy support for needs related to accommodation, employment and training, education, personal finance and health needs, including substance misuse related support.

      Additional support arrangements may be in place from time to time through local ad-hoc arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165026,"EventID":"S1W-28498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) inspections Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons has carried out and (b) reports have been issued for each prison in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) inspections Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons has carried out and (b) reports have been issued for each prison in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Clive Fairweather, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons to respond. His response is as follows:

      The number of inspections carried out and reports issued from 1998 to August 2002, (excluding inspections of Legalised Police Cells), is shown in the following table:

      Establishment

      Number of Inspections

      Reports Issued

      Comments

      HMP Aberdeen

      8

      5

      		 

      HMP Castle Huntly

      4

      4

      		 

      HMP Edinburgh

      4

      4

      		 

      HMP Friarton

      1

      1

      Amalgamated with HMP Perth

      HMP and YOI Glenochil

      4

      4

      		 

      HMP Inverness

      5

      5

      		 

      HMP Noranside

      4

      4

      		 

      HMP Perth

      5

      5

      		 

      HMP Peterhead

      4

      4

      		 

      HM Unit Peterhead

      2

      1

      Opened 1995, mothballed 2000

      HMYOI Polmont

      6

      6

      		 

      HMP Barlinnie

      4

      4

      		 

      HMP and YOI Cornton Vale

      3

      3

      		 

      HMP and YOI Dumfries

      5

      4

      		 

      HMP Dungavel

      3

      3

      Closed 2000

      HMP Greenock

      4

      4

      		 

      HM Remand Longriggend

      1

      1

      Closed 2000

      HMP Low Moss

      4

      3

      		 

      HMP Penninghame

      2

      1

      Closed 2000

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165027,"EventID":"S1W-28499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sniffer dogs are employed by the Scottish Prison Service; where such dogs are based, and how much this service costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sniffer dogs are employed by the Scottish Prison Service; where such dogs are based, and how much this service costs.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Twelve dogs are based at Cornton Vale at a current annual cost of about £370,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165028,"EventID":"S1W-28500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prison inmates tested positive for drugs at reception into prison in each quarter in each of the last three years, broken down by prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of prison inmates tested positive for drugs at reception into prison in each quarter in each of the last three years, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Readily available information on reception drug test results are published annually in the Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland annual bulletin. The figures for 1998-99 to 2000-01 are at tables 106 and 107 in the 2001 report (Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2001, Information and Statistics Division, 2002).

      The figures for 2001-02 will be published in the next annual bulletin.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165029,"EventID":"S1W-28501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) males and (b) females have been (i) charged with, (ii) convicted and (iii) imprisoned for the (1) abduction, (2) serious assault and (3) murder of a child in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) males and (b) females have been (i) charged with, (ii) convicted and (iii) imprisoned for the (1) abduction, (2) serious assault and (3) murder of a child in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The available information is shown in the following table. Cases involving child victims of abduction and serious assault cannot be separately identified within the data held centrally.

      Persons Accused of Cases Recorded1 as Murder Involving a Child (Aged Under 16) Victim, by Sex of Accused, 1991-2000

      Outcome of Proceeding

      1991

      1992

      1993

      1994

      1995

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Total accused

      10

      5

      4

      4

      5

      9

      3

      3

      3

      6

      Charge proved

      2

      3

      1

      3

      1

      2

      2

      1

      2

      2

      Imprisoned

      2

      3

      -

      1

      1

      2

      2

      1

      2

      2

      Insanity, hospital order

      -

      -

      1

      2

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Other2

      8

      2

      3

      1

      4

      7

      1

      2

      1

      4

      Males accused

      7

      4

      2

      3

      2

      6

      2

      2

      2

      6

      Charge proved

      2

      3

      -

      2

      1

      2

      2

      1

      2

      2

      Long-term prisoners, that is persons sentenced to a term of four years or more, may be released on licence after serving one-half of the sentence, if this is recommended by the Parole Board. The Parole Board makes its decisions on whether or not to recommend the early release on licence of such prisoners in private, under Part III of the rules. If the board recommends the early release of a long-term prisoner who has been sentenced to less than 10 years, the Scottish ministers are obliged, by law, to release the prisoner. In the case of a prisoner sentenced to 10 years or more, the Scottish ministers currently exercise discretion over whether or not to accept the board's recommendation. Under provisions contained in Part 4 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill it is proposed to remove that discretion so that Scottish ministers will be obliged to follow the board's recommendation in all cases.

      In the case of life prisoners, when the punishment part of the life sentence has expired, an oral hearing is arranged by the Parole Board, under part IV of the rules, to consider whether or not the prisoner requires to continue to be confined for the protection of the public. Hearings normally take place in the establishment in which the prisoner is detained. In the dossier of information that is sent to the board in such cases there is normally a document recording the Scottish ministers' views on whether or not the prisoner should continue to be confined; and at the oral hearing the Scottish ministers are represented, normally, by an official of the Justice Department and a representative of the Scottish Prison Service. The prisoner, who is entitled to be present at the hearing, may also be represented.

      Where, in the light of the information provided to it and the views expressed at the oral hearing, the Parole Board is satisfied that a life prisoner no longer requires to continue to be confined for the protection of the public, it will direct the prisoner's release on life licence. The Scottish ministers are obliged, by law, to release the prisoner on life licence.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165032,"EventID":"S1W-28504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of road accidents have been caused by drug driving in each of the last 10 years and how many and what percentage have resulted in (a) injury ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of road accidents have been caused by drug driving in each of the last 10 years and how many and what percentage have resulted in (a) injury and (b) death.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover damage only accidents. The returns do not provide information about the causes of the accidents.

      UK Government research, published in 2000, into the incidence of drugs in fatal road accident victims, found that illegal drugs were present in 18% of the sample group and that medicinal drugs were present in 6%. The presence of drugs is not, however, evidence of impairment nor of accident causation. The research report TRL495 is available on the TRL website at:

      http://www.trl.co.uk/1024/mainpage.asp?page=141.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165033,"EventID":"S1W-28505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Home Office and the Department of Transport on drug driving.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with the Home Office and the Department of Transport on drug driving.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including drug driving.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165034,"EventID":"S1W-28506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of applications for bathing water identifications received after the Bathing Waters Review Panel last met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current status is of applications for bathing water identifications received after the Bathing Waters Review Panel last met.","AnswerText":"A Bathing Waters Panel was convened to identify which waters should be identified as bathing waters in Scotland. That system worked well and we would not want to make changes to bathing water designations outwith that or a similar system. Further, we would not wish to reconvene such a panel until the European Commission publishes its proposals for the revision of the Bathing Waters Directive (76/160/EEC).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165035,"EventID":"S1W-28507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an opportunity to promote tourism has been missed given that non-designated beaches do not appear on European maps of bathing beaches.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an opportunity to promote tourism has been missed given that non-designated beaches do not appear on European maps of bathing beaches.","AnswerText":"No. VisitScotland actively promotes coastal and marine tourism as part of the Outdoor Scotland brand within its product marketing portfolio, and images of Scottish beaches are frequently used by both VisitScotland and the British Tourist Authority when marketing Scotland within the UK and abroad.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165036,"EventID":"S1W-28508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the incident at Broughty Ferry beach reported in The Courier on 6 August 2002, any designation of the beach as a bathing water beach should include m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of the incident at Broughty Ferry beach reported in The Courier on 6 August 2002, any designation of the beach as a bathing water beach should include more stringent safety measures and whether it would be an important step towards its proper management.","AnswerText":"Under the EC Bathing Waters Directive (76/160/EEC ), bathing waters are required to be designated based on the traditional numbers of swimmers, and once designated, such waters are required to meet certain water quality standards. Local authorities have powers to erect signs on beaches under section 121(9) of the Civic Government Act 1982 to advise the public as to any danger or health hazard connected with those waters. The safety of those using coastal waters is a matter for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165037,"EventID":"S1W-28509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with mental health problems are currently in receipt of direct payments, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with mental health problems are currently in receipt of direct payments, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Provisional information, collected at end March 2002, shows that, in 2001-02, there were five people with mental health problems in receipt of direct payments - one in Fife, two in Highland, one in South Ayrshire and one in West Lothian.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165038,"EventID":"S1W-28510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision exists within the education system for teaching foreign languages to primary school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision exists within the education system for teaching foreign languages to primary school children.","AnswerText":"The Ministerial Action Group on Languages made a number of recommendations relating to the provision of foreign language learning in schools in its report Citizens of a Multilingual World. These recommendations included a model for entitlement to language learning which encompassed both the primary and secondary school experience. The Scottish Executive accepted these recommendations and is providing additional funding to local authorities to support their implementation of the recommendations made by the action group and to ensure that a pupils' entitlement to language learning is put in place. As part of entitlement to language learning, local authorities are being encouraged to make foreign language learning available from at least P6 and improvements in provision will be carefully monitored and evaluated.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165039,"EventID":"S1W-28511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether appropriate audit tools are now being applied to assess and monitor care standards across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether appropriate audit tools are now being applied to assess and monitor care standards across Scotland.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Care Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165040,"EventID":"S1W-28512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an adequate number of Care Commission Inspectors are now trained and in place to ensure full inspection and monitoring of standards in accordance with the Regulat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an adequate number of Care Commission Inspectors are now trained and in place to ensure full inspection and monitoring of standards in accordance with the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"The employment and training of adequate inspection staff are operational matters for the Care Commission itself.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165041,"EventID":"S1W-28513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that resources earmarked for local authority provision of mental health services, children's services, care of the elderly and those with learning disabili","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that resources earmarked for local authority provision of mental health services, children's services, care of the elderly and those with learning disabilities are fully utilised for the purpose for which they were intended.","AnswerText":"Resources for certain services are provided through ring-fenced specific grants, for example through the Mental Illness Specific Grant. However, the vast majority of grant funding provided to local authorities is not earmarked for specific purposes. It is for local authorities to establish their expenditure priorities and to ensure that they meet their statutory responsibilities for the provision of care services. Guidance is issued to assist councils in meeting these responsibilities. We are also developing Local Outcome Agreements with local government to agree specific outcome targets for certain services, including care services for older people.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165042,"EventID":"S1W-28514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been done and used as baseline evidence to underpin the decision to implement the Retox Programme for prisoners prior to release.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been done and used as baseline evidence to underpin the decision to implement the Retox Programme for prisoners prior to release.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Retoxification of opiate addicts prior to release occurs only in a very small number of prisoners who have lost their tolerance to opiates while in custody and who, despite our best efforts, are intent on reverting to their old pattern of drug misuse upon liberation. This group are at risk of overdose and possibly drug-related death, and in many cases, have overdosed previously.

      No formal studies of retoxification have been undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165043,"EventID":"S1W-28515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to evaluate prisoners considered eligible for the Retox Programme prior to release.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to evaluate prisoners considered eligible for the Retox Programme prior to release.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      All drug misusing prisoners are offered a comprehensive multi-disciplinary assessment while in custody, which includes planning for their release.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165044,"EventID":"S1W-28516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Levonelle is being monitored to ensure that it is used in line with prescription recommendations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Levonelle is being monitored to ensure that it is used in line with prescription recommendations.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to monitor the use of Levonelle from data collected centrally. These data relate to numbers and costs of prescribed items dispensed in the community and are not patient-specific.

      Guidance on the use of Levonelle is available to prescribers from a number of sources including the British National Formulary and the manufacturer's product literature.

      The prescribing of Levonelle is a matter for the clinical judgement of the health practitioner concerned, in consultation with the patient and informed by advice and evidence about its use.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165045,"EventID":"S1W-28517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken against any NHS trust which refuses to prescribe the anti-TNF drugs Etanercept and Infliximab to aid people with rheumatoid arthritis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken against any NHS trust which refuses to prescribe the anti-TNF drugs Etanercept and Infliximab to aid people with rheumatoid arthritis.","AnswerText":"Prescription of drugs to individual patients is a matter for the professional judgement of the clinicians involved. The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) has recently recommended Etanercept and Infliximab for use in certain circumstances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. I have made it clear that I expect NHSScotland to take account of advice and evidence from the HTBS and to ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. I have also said that any evidence which suggested that this was not happening would be followed up proactively.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165046,"EventID":"S1W-28518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently affected by rheumatoid arthritis, broken down by NHS trust area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently affected by rheumatoid arthritis, broken down by NHS trust area.","AnswerText":"The information sought is not held in the form requested. Information derived from the Continuous Morbidity Recording (CMR) system operated by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency estimates that approximately 16,500 individuals were seen by general practitioners in respect of rheumatoid arthritis in Scotland in the year ending December 2001.

      This figure is based on the activity of 60 Scottish General Practices for the year ending December 2001, with a combined population of 370,605. It is not possible to break it down by NHS trust area or to determine the degree to which individuals are affected by the condition.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165047,"EventID":"S1W-28519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what records the Scottish Prison Service holds on asbestos removal from its establishments, (b) who has responsibility for accurately updating any such records, (c) w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) what records the Scottish Prison Service holds on asbestos removal from its establishments, (b) who has responsibility for accurately updating any such records, (c) where and for how long such records are held and (d) what process is used in respect of archiving them.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      (a) Every establishment maintains a register of asbestos identified by surveys carried out in the mid-1990s: this records where asbestos was identified, where it has been removed, and where it is still present, in accordance with current legislation.

      (b) The Estate Management Unit, on behalf of the Governor of the Establishment.

      (c) Records are held in each establishment and are updated as required when alterations or new work is carried out.

      (d) Files will be retained as required under legislation and then archived centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165048,"EventID":"S1W-28520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any former tied housing stock sold to employees of the Scottish Prison Service or others contained asbestos and, if so, what action it took to advise purchasers ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any former tied housing stock sold to employees of the Scottish Prison Service or others contained asbestos and, if so, what action it took to advise purchasers of this situation at the time of the sale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Staff quarters would be designed, built, and maintained in accordance with Building Regulations and Health and Safety Legislation in force at the time. As with all public sector housing it is highly unlikely that any asbestos would be present other than in the form of asbestos cement sheets which were commonly specified up until the 1970s for roofs [garages] and verges.

      It is not known whether any former staff quarters sold by the SPS contained asbestos. It is standard practice for purchasers to instruct their own survey of a property and any issues raised by their surveyor or their solicitors are dealt with as part of the conveyancing process.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165049,"EventID":"S1W-28521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what the average age was of people who died from mesothelioma in each of the last three years; whether there any projections in respect of future dea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) what the average age was of people who died from mesothelioma in each of the last three years; whether there any projections in respect of future deaths from the disease, and why there is no unit dedicated to the specialist treatment of and research into mesothelioma.","AnswerText":"The following table shows how many people died from mesothelioma in each of the last three years, and what the average age was. There are no projections of future deaths from mesothelioma.
       

      1999

      2000

      2001

      All deaths involving mesothelioma

      158

      138

      160

      Mesothelioma coded as underlying cause of death but no mention of exposure to asbestos

      N/A

      116

      137

      Exposure to asbestos coded as underlying cause of death, with a mention of mesothelioma

      N/A

      16

      14

      Other underlying causes with a mention of mesothelioma

      N/A

      6

      9

      Average age of all persons included in the total

      71

      70

      71

      Notes:

      1. In Scotland, the cause of death recorded on death certificates is coded using the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The Ninth Revision of the ICD, which was in use up to 1999, did not have a specific code for mesothelioma. However, all cases where mesothelioma was mentioned on the death certificate were identified by the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS).

      2. The 10th Revision of the ICD, which has been used to code cause of death in Scotland since 1 January 2000, includes a specific group of codes for mesothelioma.

      The Scottish Executive's strategy for all cancers is to ensure patients have access to the best care possible through multidisciplinary managed clinical networks involving clinicians drawn from among relevant disciplines. There are therefore no centres of excellence vested within particular institutions or facilities.

      Through the Chief Scientist Office, the Scottish Executive funds a wide range of research into cancer. Many researchers and research groups are involved. Concentrating research in a single centre would not be an efficient way of ensuring that its benefits, in terms of improved treatment and organisation of care, are implemented as widely as possible throughout the health service.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165050,"EventID":"S1W-28522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23849 by Dr Richard Simpson on 3 April 2002, whether information from prescription data is now available through the Information an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23849 by Dr Richard Simpson on 3 April 2002, whether information from prescription data is now available through the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency to collate the number of people who are prescribed methadone on a regular basis.","AnswerText":"The Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency aim to have the information available by the end of this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165051,"EventID":"S1W-28523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26852 by Allan Wilson on 16 July 2002, why there are no Scottish Environment Protection Agency board members in the Highlands and I","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26852 by Allan Wilson on 16 July 2002, why there are no Scottish Environment Protection Agency board members in the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"In selecting new members for the board of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), we seek to produce a balance of backgrounds and experience to bring together a board which covers all aspects of the agency's work and the various groups it deals with. While the appointments process is based on assessing skills and experience of candidates, the Executive recognises the importance of achieving balanced representation from across Scotland. Three previous members of the SEPA Board were based in the Highlands and Islands and I hope that suitable candidates from the area will emerge from current and future rounds of appointments.

      As well as the main board, SEPA also has a network of three regional boards; the North and West Region Boards include representatives from the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165052,"EventID":"S1W-28524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in the light of the report by the National Children's Home (NCH), Look beyond the scars.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in the light of the report by the National Children's Home (NCH), Look beyond the scars.","AnswerText":"The NCH report, which recognises that self-harm is often a way of coping with depression and emotional distress, is a helpful contribution to the Executive's drive to improve the well-being of young people in Scotland, and its findings will be taken into account in policy development. Of particular importance is the report's emphasis on the involvement of service users in formulating policy, an approach with the Executive endorses and is increasingly adopting.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165053,"EventID":"S1W-28525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are currently available for those involved with all aspects of deliberate self-harm, including professional and frontline carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are currently available for those involved with all aspects of deliberate self-harm, including professional and frontline carers.","AnswerText":"It is for NHS boards and local authorities to arrange appropriate support and services, having assessed the needs of their areas. The Framework for the Reduction of Suicide, which will be issued later this year, will provide advice to local agencies in developing responsive services.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165054,"EventID":"S1W-28526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific treatment is offered to people who self-harm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific treatment is offered to people who self-harm.","AnswerText":"Treatment will divide between the physical, which will vary from case to case and the psychological which will involve engaging the patient with exploring and addressing the root cause of their self harm actions.

      We have already issued guidance to the care agencies on the organisation of psychological intervention services which are designed around talking treatments that encourage self help as part of the treatment and support options.

      The guidance is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23704).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165055,"EventID":"S1W-28527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether thiomersal is still used for child vaccinations; which current vaccinations contain thiomersal, and whether thiomersal is considered safe to use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether thiomersal is still used for child vaccinations; which current vaccinations contain thiomersal, and whether thiomersal is considered safe to use.","AnswerText":"The regulation and control of medicines is reserved.

      The Medicines Control Agency has advised that the only vaccines in the routine UK childhood immunisation programme which contain thiomersal as an excipient in the final product are diphtheria, tetanus, wholecell pertussis (DTwP) and diphtheria and tetanus vaccines.

      In September 2001, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) reviewed the available data relating to possible neurotoxicity of thiomersal in vaccines and advised that there is no evidence of harm caused by doses of thiomersal in vaccines, except for hypersensitivity reactions. The CSM concluded that the risk:benefit balance of thiomersal-containing vaccines remains overwhelmingly positive.

      Information about thiomersal in vaccines was provided in a letter issued to NHSScotland in November 2001 from the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Nursing Officer and the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23701).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165056,"EventID":"S1W-28528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) target times are for resolving parent appeals with regard to record of needs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) target times are for resolving parent appeals with regard to record of needs.","AnswerText":"The average time for completion of the 20 record of needs appeals, for which decisions were reached in the period April 2001 to March 2002, was 66 weeks. The process is time consuming and the length of individual cases can be influenced by a variety of factors.

      There is no target timescale in legislation for completion of record of needs appeals referred to Scottish ministers.

      The record of needs process, including the appeal system, is currently under review. Proposals for change will be published in a draft Education Bill in early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165057,"EventID":"S1W-28529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recent case at Dumfries Sheriff Court that resulted in damages for defamation being awarded to a teacher accused of violence towards two pupi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the recent case at Dumfries Sheriff Court that resulted in damages for defamation being awarded to a teacher accused of violence towards two pupils.","AnswerText":"Defamation actions are a matter for the courts, and an appeal has now been marked by both former pupils. It would be inappropriate for the Executive to comment on a individual case.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165058,"EventID":"S1W-28530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that allegations against teachers of physical violence are handled in a way that does not result in subsequent court actions for defamation a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to ensure that allegations against teachers of physical violence are handled in a way that does not result in subsequent court actions for defamation against young people and protects teachers against unjustified complaint.","AnswerText":"The Executive wishes to ensure that children are freely able to raise genuine matters of concern. Education authorities have a duty of care to their pupils and should always take appropriate action in relation to this duty. At the same time authorities should take steps to protect individual teachers against malicious complaints. Allegations of physical violence by teachers, in the first instance, are matters for education authorities and the police in the first instance. All such cases should be thoroughly investigated in relation to the subsequent disciplinary issues. The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers is currently considering revised disciplinary procedures which will ensure that appropriate investigations are carried out in ways which protect the legitimate interests of both teachers and children.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165059,"EventID":"S1W-28532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that, where action is taken by local authorities in respect of allegations against teachers of violence against pupils, no action for defamation m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that, where action is taken by local authorities in respect of allegations against teachers of violence against pupils, no action for defamation may be brought by the teacher except against the authority.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of the need for pupils to be able to raise matters of concern. This must be balanced with the need to protect individual teachers against malicious allegations. This balance would not be served if local authorities were inhibited from investigating or acting on allegations due to the fear of being sued for defamation.

      The concept of qualified privilege operates when there is a duty on a person to speak openly. Qualified privilege means that a defamation action can only be successful if a court finds that the allegation was false and was made with malicious intent. We consider that this generally provides sufficient protection for pupils making allegations in good faith.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165060,"EventID":"S1W-28533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any procedure for the extra judicial reviewing of adoption orders once granted and, in particular, what scope there is for adopted children to return to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any procedure for the extra judicial reviewing of adoption orders once granted and, in particular, what scope there is for adopted children to return to their natural parents if the children so wish. ","AnswerText":"There is no procedure for adoption orders to be reviewed outside the judicial process.

      The effect of an adoption order is to transfer all parental rights and responsibilities to the adoptive parents, as if the child had been born into that family. This includes the right to have the child live with them or otherwise to regulate the child's residence.

      However, an adoption order will only be granted if it is in the child's best interests after careful inquiry. As part of the adoption process, a child aged 12 or over must give their consent to a proposed freeing or adoption, unless that child is incapable of so doing. The views of younger children on proposed adoptions should also be taken into account, when the child has the maturity to express a view.

      Should an adoptive family become unable to care for an adopted child, for whatever reason, the local authority assumes a responsibility for ensuring the child's welfare, as would be the case in any other family.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165061,"EventID":"S1W-28534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from Scandinavia visited Scotland in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) country, (b) method of travel and port of entry, (c) estimated amount spent ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from Scandinavia visited Scotland in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) country, (b) method of travel and port of entry, (c) estimated amount spent and (d) their purpose for travelling.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland have provided the information requested in the following tables:

      Table 1: Sweden
       

      Trips

      (000)

      Spend

      (£ million)

      Method of Entry (%)

      Most Popular Port of Entry

      Trip Purpose (%)

      Air

      Sea

      Air

      Sea

      Holiday

      Business

      VFR

      Other

      1997

      42

      20

      78

      22

      Edinburgh

      Harwich

      60

      29

      3

      8

      1998

      66

      31

      61

      39

      Edinburgh

      NE Eng

      57

      22

      13

      8

      1999

      34

      11

      77

      23

      Heathrow

      Harwich

      55

      29

      14

      2

      2000

      24

      10

      87

      13

      Heathrow

      Harwich

      39

      41

      15

      5

      2001

      23

      9

      n/a

      n/a

      Stansted

      -

      21

      46

      24

      9

      Table 2: Denmark

      Trips

      (000)

      Spend (£ million)

      Method of Entry (%)

      Most Popular Port of Entry

      Trip Purpose (%)

      Air

      Sea

      Air

      Sea

      Holiday

      Business

      VFR

      Other

      1997

      		The dates and venues for the seminars are:

      10 September, The Station Hotel, Dumfries.

      11 September, Royal Society of Edinburgh, George Street, Edinburgh.

      13 September, St Johnstone FC, McDiarmid Park, Perth.

      16 September, The Teacher Building, St. Enoch Square, Glasgow.

      18 September, Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, Inverness.

      All seminars will begin at 2 pm. Those who wish to attend one of the seminars can register their intention by e-mailing separeview@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165063,"EventID":"S1W-28536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of hospital-acquired infection were reported at Inverclyde Hospital in each of the last five years and how this compares to other hospitals (a) in that NHS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of hospital-acquired infection were reported at Inverclyde Hospital in each of the last five years and how this compares to other hospitals (a) in that NHS board area and (b) across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165064,"EventID":"S1W-28537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage increase in supermarkets was in each of the last 10 years per capita in each local authority area (a) in total and (b) broken down by company.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage increase in supermarkets was in each of the last 10 years per capita in each local authority area (a) in total and (b) broken down by company.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28440 on 11 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165065,"EventID":"S1W-28538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage increase in outlets owned by overseas companies operating in the fast food retail sector was in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage increase in outlets owned by overseas companies operating in the fast food retail sector was in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28475 on 12 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165066,"EventID":"S1W-28539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will consult on the regulations required to implement provisions of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will consult on the regulations required to implement provisions of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will undertake a consultation on the provisions of the regulations to implement the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill in Scotland from 22 August until 8 November 2002. These regulations cover point of sale advertising, the timetable for ending tobacco sponsorship and brand-sharing. The bill provides that the first two sets of regulations may be made by the Scottish ministers and the other set by the Secretary of State for Health for the whole of the UK. A copy of the consultation document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165067,"EventID":"S1W-28540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision of the Minister for Health and Community Care to approve the plans of Greater Glasgow NHS Board on the future provision of acute hospital services i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision of the Minister for Health and Community Care to approve the plans of Greater Glasgow NHS Board on the future provision of acute hospital services in the board area is final and not subject to any further review.","AnswerText":"In approving Greater Glasgow NHS Board's plan for the future provision of acute hospital services throughout its area, I gave careful consideration to, and looked closely at, the process that had been carried out by the NHS board in formulating its proposals. I also closely scrutinised the considerable amount of information made available to me by NHS Greater Glasgow and other interested parties.

      This is a long-term plan, which must be flexible enough to take account of changing service demands and developing medical practice. I, therefore, support the on-going monitoring and review process that will include external commentary by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on the governance arrangements and processes for the development and implementation of the Acute Services Strategy. The reports produced by PwC will be submitted to Audit Scotland and will be subject to independent review. They may also form the basis of any reports to the Scottish Parliament that the Auditor General for Scotland may prepare.

      I also recognise that there remains particular concerns about the future number of accident and emergency departments serving the city and a review of the proposed configuration will be carried out in two years time when the position becomes clearer. This will involve staff, patient and community groups, Glasgow Health Council and the Scottish Royal Colleges.

      It is now for NHS Greater Glasgow to turn its ambitious and far-reaching proposals into reality for the benefit of all the people of Glasgow and beyond without further delay. In doing so, the NHS board must fully involve all stakeholders throughout the detailed planning process and in setting and achieving milestones during the implementation period.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165068,"EventID":"S1W-28541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances the use of compulsory redundancy in the university sector would be an appropriate method of staff management. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances the use of compulsory redundancy in the university sector would be an appropriate method of staff management. ","AnswerText":"Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and decisions concerning staffing levels and human resource management are primarily a matter for them and their governing bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165069,"EventID":"S1W-28542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of compulsory redundancy in the university sector is consistent with the need to ensure, improve and maintain effective personnel and staff management; wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of compulsory redundancy in the university sector is consistent with the need to ensure, improve and maintain effective personnel and staff management; what guidance it has issued to the sector on this issue; whether such guidance is being adhered to, and how it monitors compliance with such guidance.","AnswerText":"The annual guidance letter to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) in December 2001 stated that the Executive looked to the council to develop systems which will provide evidence that institutions are giving priority to and making progress in using the funding provided by the council to improve the management of human resources.

      SHEFC have introduced a new condition of core grants from this year and I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28544 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165070,"EventID":"S1W-28543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the University of Dundee on compulsory redundancy of university staff and effective personnel and staff management in the university s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the University of Dundee on compulsory redundancy of university staff and effective personnel and staff management in the university sector. ","AnswerText":"No representations have been made to the University of Dundee by the Executive in this regard. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and decisions concerning staffing levels and human resource management are a primarily a matter for individual institutions and their governing bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165071,"EventID":"S1W-28544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) is taking in relation to (a) monitoring compliance by universities with grant funding conditions and (b)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) is taking in relation to (a) monitoring compliance by universities with grant funding conditions and (b) ensuring that internal personnel and staff management strategies are in place and are being demonstrated to university staff and that any action taken by universities which directly affects staff are consistent with such strategies. ","AnswerText":"SHEFC monitors the use of funds to which a specific condition has been applied to the offer of a grant in a variety of ways. The new condition of core grants introduced by SHEFC from 2002-03 includes a requirement that institutions, taking account of their own particular circumstances and context, devise and implement strategies which effectively address human resource policies and management and to demonstrate their key actions and strategies for human resources to stakeholders. Monitoring of progress will be done primarily through information provided in institutions' strategic plans which SHEFC are currently considering in respect of 2002-03.

      Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and the primary responsibility for ensuring that an institution's actions are consistent with its strategic plan remains with the governing body and management of each institution.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165072,"EventID":"S1W-28545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many empty (a) public and (b) private sector houses there currently are in each local authority area and what short- and long-term plans it has to increase occupancy ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many empty (a) public and (b) private sector houses there currently are in each local authority area and what short- and long-term plans it has to increase occupancy in these houses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not collect data on the number of empty properties in each local authority area. Ministers recognised that empty homes were a serious issue and the Empty Homes Initiative, which was introduced in 1997 and extended until March 2002, encouraged local authorities to identify the extent of the problem in their local area and provided funding to help meet the identified need. It now falls to local authorities to take this issue forward as part of their Local Housing Strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165073,"EventID":"S1W-28546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of houses were sold under the (a) right to buy and (b) rent to mortgage schemes in each year since the schemes were introduced and how the f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of houses were sold under the (a) right to buy and (b) rent to mortgage schemes in each year since the schemes were introduced and how the figures compare with sales in England.","AnswerText":"The numbers and percentages of local authority, new town and Scottish Homes/Scottish Special Housing Association dwellings sold each year under the statutory right to buy and rent to mortgage schemes in Scotland are shown in the following tables. Comparable data for England can be obtained from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

      Right to Buy Sales 1980-81 to 2001-02

      Period

      Stock as at 31 March of Previous Year

      Sales in Year

      % of Stock Sold During the Year

      1980-81

      N/A

      6,243

      N/A

      1981-82

      1,042,396

      11,704

      1.12

      1982-83

      1,030,058

      15,189

      1.47

      1983-84

      1,007,564

      17,973

      1.78

      1984-85

      1,000,182

      16,693

      1.67

      1985-86

      988,337

      14,068

      1.42

      1986-87

      977,102

      14,602

      1.49

      1987-88

      962,861

      22,791

      2.37

      1988-89

      941,851

      34,896

      3.71

      1989-90

      909,393

      38,820

      4.27

      1990-91

      869,642

      28,447

      3.27

      1991-92

      837,876

      22,968

      2.74

      1992-93

      805,921

      22,053

      2.74

      1993-94

      775,849

      20,384

      2.63

      1994-95

      747,606

      20,461

      2.74

      1995-96

      715,689

      15,485

      2.16

      1996-97

      682,914

      14,190

      2.08

      1997-98

      650,935

      15,468

      2.38

      1998-99

      		If during the course of his trial an accused person so misconducts himself that a proper trial cannot take place, the court may order that the trial proceed in his absence.

      In summary proceedings an accused may be tried in his absence where he fails to appear in court after being duly notified and he is charged with a statutory offence:

      for which a sentence of imprisonment cannot be imposed, or

      in relation to which there is provision authorising procedure in the absence of the accused.

      In addition, an examination of the facts, held to determine whether an accused person who is insane did the acts or made the omission alleged, may proceed in the absence of the accused where it appears to the court that it is not practical or appropriate for the accused to attend.

      In civil proceedings decree may be granted in the absence of a defender after service of a writ or summons.

      Details of trials in absentia in the criminal courts in Scotland are not collected centrally. The number of decrees granted in absence in civil proceedings in Scotland are published annually in the Civil Judicial Statistics.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165075,"EventID":"S1W-28548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances a legally unqualified person can appear on behalf of another person in legal proceedings, broken down by criminal and civil court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances a legally unqualified person can appear on behalf of another person in legal proceedings, broken down by criminal and civil court.","AnswerText":"In terms of both the civil and criminal courts, the only persons who are generally permitted to appear and conduct cases are members of the Faculty of Advocates, solicitor advocates or solicitors and parties who are natural persons (party litigants). In general solicitors are only able to appear before the district court and the sheriff court, except for solicitor advocates who have acquired rights of audience in the supreme courts.

      There are some exceptions. As regards civil proceedings:

      • In respect of small claims actions an authorised lay representative may in representing a party do everything for the preparation and conduct of a small claim as may be done by an individual conducting his own claim. (Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971, section 36 and related rules of court).
      • Section 97 of the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 and related rules of court entitles a party to any proceedings under the act to be represented by a person other than an advocate or a solicitor, if the sheriff is satisfied that such a person is a suitable representative and is duly authorised to represent the party.

      As regards criminal proceedings:

      • At the first diet in summary proceedings where the accused is not present, a person (who is not an advocate or solicitor) who satisfies the court that he is authorised by the accused may tender a plea of guilty or not guilty on behalf of the accused (section 144(2)(b) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995)

      In addition, under section 4(2) of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976 any person entitled to appear at an inquiry may appear on his own behalf or be represented by an advocate or a solicitor or, with the leave of the sheriff by any other person.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165076,"EventID":"S1W-28549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken since being advised that GM oil seed rape planted in Scotland has been contaminated with unauthorised seeds supplied by Aventis CropScience Ltd a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken since being advised that GM oil seed rape planted in Scotland has been contaminated with unauthorised seeds supplied by Aventis CropScience Ltd and what further action it proposes to take.","AnswerText":"On receipt of the information from Aventis, the Scottish Executive and UK Government immediately consulted the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). ACRE were satisfied that the risks posed by the additional GM material were no different to those posed by the GM crop for which consent had already been granted. ACRE also advised that the affected crops should be harvested on a date that would minimise seed shed.

      The Scottish Executive news released this information on 15 August 2002 together with the text of a letter from Aventis (to the Scottish Executive) and ACRE's advice. Scottish ministers subsequently insisted that independent testing would be required of any seed which Aventis proposed to release. This condition applied to the proposed autumn farm-scale trials in Scotland.

      The Executive's GM Inspectorate, based at the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, is investigating the circumstances surrounding the presence of unauthorised material in the spring crop and will be compiling a report for possible onward transmission to the procurator fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165077,"EventID":"S1W-28550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to establish whether there has been any contamination with unauthorised seeds at the GM oil seed rape field trial at Wester Friarton, Newport-on-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to establish whether there has been any contamination with unauthorised seeds at the GM oil seed rape field trial at Wester Friarton, Newport-on-Tay.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no reason to believe that the seed which has been planted at Wester Friarton contained unauthorised material. The seed in question came from a different seed lot to that used to supply to the two affected field trials in Aberdeenshire. The harvested GM crop at Wester Friarton will not enter the human food or animal feed chain; this will be verified by the Executive's GM Inspectorate.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165078,"EventID":"S1W-28551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional safeguards it will put in place to guarantee that unauthorised seeds are not planted in any future GM field trials and whether it will give an assurance t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional safeguards it will put in place to guarantee that unauthorised seeds are not planted in any future GM field trials and whether it will give an assurance that no approvals for future trials will be given without such a guarantee.","AnswerText":"Ministers sought the strongest possible assurances in relation to the purity of the seed to be planted in the field trials this autumn before allowing the trials to proceed.

      Ministers will continue to seek additional assurances in relation to the purity of Aventis seeds until such time as the company has demonstrated to our satisfaction that their internal quality control systems are working effectively. Ministers have also asked the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) to review current practices around the audit of GM seeds.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165079,"EventID":"S1W-28552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it treats Caledonian MacBrayne as a private company in regard to any aspects of its dealings with the company.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it treats Caledonian MacBrayne as a private company in regard to any aspects of its dealings with the company.","AnswerText":"The Scottish ministers wholly own Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. Ministers' involvement in the company's affairs is at a strategic level, for example in terms of setting its broad policy objectives, as reflected in the undertaking which defines the company's approved services, setting its annual budget and making non-Executive director appointments. The day-to-day operation of the company, including decisions on out of undertaking activities, is a matter for the board of the company, subject to public expenditure rules and performance regimes appropriate to its status as a publicly owned company.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165080,"EventID":"S1W-28553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the board members of Caledonian MacBrayne are subject to any code of conduct which applies to the board members of public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the board members of Caledonian MacBrayne are subject to any code of conduct which applies to the board members of public bodies.","AnswerText":"As a matter of good practice, Caledonian MacBrayne Limited has adopted the Principles of Good Governance and Code of Best Practice (the Combined Code), as published by the Committee for Corporate Governance in June 1998. It has also adopted the Internal Control Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code (the Turnbull Guidance), as published in September 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165081,"EventID":"S1W-28554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first established that GM oil seed rape planted in Scotland had been contaminated with unauthorised seeds supplied by Aventis CropScience Ltd, and when (a) of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first established that GM oil seed rape planted in Scotland had been contaminated with unauthorised seeds supplied by Aventis CropScience Ltd, and when (a) officials and (b) ministers were advised of this contamination.","AnswerText":"The presence of unauthorised GM material in seed supplied by Aventis was identified following a routine management audit of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) by the Executive's GM Inspectorate. Initial laboratory tests were inconclusive and it was not until 18 July that the precise nature and extent of the unauthorised material in the SAC crop was known. By that stage, the research plot at SAC had been destroyed as a precautionary measure.

      The GM Inspectorate sought further information about the affected seed lot and on 8 August the Executive received a letter from Aventis indicating that low levels of additional GM material were present in oil seed rape seeds used in farm scale trials. Officials advised me of the contamination of the GM seeds on 8 August.

      The text of the letter from Aventis notifying the Scottish Executive of the details of this incident was attached to the Executive's News Release dated 15 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165082,"EventID":"S1W-28555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many national lottery funding awards have been made to date in each (a) constituency and (b) local authority area broken down by national lottery fund and expressed (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many national lottery funding awards have been made to date in each (a) constituency and (b) local authority area broken down by national lottery fund and expressed (i) per capita and (ii) as a percentage of the overall total number of awards made. ","AnswerText":"The statistics requested are not held centrally by the Scottish Executive but the Department for Culture, Media and Sport maintains a database of National Lottery awards on their website which sets out the number and amount of awards, by local authority area and by constituency, for each lottery fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165083,"EventID":"S1W-28556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the development of broadband services in rural communities and what the (a) current and (b) anticipated levels of coverage are under pres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the development of broadband services in rural communities and what the (a) current and (b) anticipated levels of coverage are under present targets.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive set out its broadband strategy last year in Connecting Scotland: Our Broadband Future and our vision was to make broadband connections more affordable and pervasive across the country, including in rural areas.

      As part of that strategy, the Executive has developed the Pathfinder initiatives to aggregate public sector demand for broadband in the Highlands and Islands and South of Scotland. It is hoped that this major investment on the part of the public sector will help to stimulate both demand for and supply of broadband within these areas, which might not be immediately covered by the commercial market. Work on the Pathfinder initiative is well in hand.

      Our strategy also undertook to identify where there was a need for direct support measures; our programme under the UK Broadband Fund is developing this element through almost a dozen projects managed by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. These include awareness raising measures and technology trials in rural areas, such as Powerline Carrier and Wireless pilots, which aim to determine the potential of these technologies for delivering broadband in rural communities.

      The UK Government has set a general target on broadband which is to "have the most extensive and competitive broadband market in the G7 by 2005" and the Scottish Executive's broadband strategy is designed to contribute to this overall objective.

      Currently, about half of the Scottish population has access to broadband via terrestrial ADSL and/or cable-modem equivalents.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165084,"EventID":"S1W-28557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grant schemes are available to recycling companies; how many successful applications there have been under each scheme in each of the last three years, and what the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grant schemes are available to recycling companies; how many successful applications there have been under each scheme in each of the last three years, and what the value of each (a) grant and (b) application was. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides support to the UK-wide Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). WRAP has established a Business Development Service which aims to assist businesses which sell, buy, process or collect recycled glass, paper, wood or plastic to attract finance and investment. This service is free and the advice is tailored to the individual business. WRAP also periodically offers funding for capital investment and research and development purposes. To date £369,500 has been awarded to three companies in Scotland. Further information is available on their website (www.wrap.org.uk).

      In addition, where recycling companies have projects that meet the eligibility criteria, they can apply for Regional Selective Assistance (RSA).

      Details of RSA applications over the last three years from recycling companies is contained in the table:
       

      RSA Applications

      Grant Applied For

      Grant Offered

      1999-2000

      0

      0

      0

      2000-01

      3

      £368,600

      £369,000

      2001-02

      2

      £44,200

      £45,000

      These figures were obtained from SAMIS using the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes 37.10, recycling of metal waste and scrap and 37.20, recycling of non-metal waste and scrap.

      There are a number of other sources of grant available including the local enterprise networks, packaging compliance schemes, local authorities and European funds. Details of applications and grants under these schemes are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165085,"EventID":"S1W-28558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to encourage more multi-national companies to establish their headquarters in Scotland and what incentives are available to them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to encourage more multi-national companies to establish their headquarters in Scotland and what incentives are available to them.","AnswerText":"As part of the Global Connections Strategy launched in October 2001, the Executive stated its aim of attracting high value economic activity to Scotland and stressed the importance of helping anchor companies in Scotland. Scottish Development International officials based both at home and overseas continue to work closely with new and existing clients to identify new inward investment opportunities, including the possibility that companies may wish to establish their European headquarters in Scotland.

      A number of incentives are available to companies wishing to establish headquarters in Scotland ranging from grants, most notably Regional Selective Assistance grant within the Assisted Areas of Scotland to help with sourcing customers, suppliers and suitably skilled employees.

      For high potential companies which are owned and are headquartered in Scotland, the Global Companies Development Process offers tailored support to global companies or companies who wish to become global.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165086,"EventID":"S1W-28559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many regulations were (a) revoked and (b) simplified in order to reduce bureaucracy by each of its departments in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many regulations were (a) revoked and (b) simplified in order to reduce bureaucracy by each of its departments in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Regulations can be revoked or simplified both by specific instruments addressing these regulations and by elements contained in more wide-ranging instruments. It is therefore not possible to give figures for reductions in bureaucracy. The Executive works to ensure that all regulations are necessary and proportionate. In particular, for regulations which impact on business, charities and the voluntary sector, the use of the Regulatory Impact Assessment and the Review Regulatory Impact Assessment should guarantee that regulations are proportionate, necessary and fit for purpose when they are introduced and remain so over time.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165087,"EventID":"S1W-28560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drug-related crimes were committed in each police force area in each of the last three years expressed per capita and as a percentage of all crimes committed in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drug-related crimes were committed in each police force area in each of the last three years expressed per capita and as a percentage of all crimes committed in each area.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. The category of "drug" crimes recorded by the police only includes crimes involving the importation, cultivation, supply or possession of drugs. Other types of crime e.g. crimes of dishonesty to fund the purchase of drugs or crimes committed under the influence of drugs may be "drug related" but cannot be separately distinguished in the recorded crime statistics.

      Drug Crimes Recorded by Police Force Area per 10,000 Population and as a Percentage of Total Crime, 1999 to 2001

      Drugs Crimes as a Rate per 10,000 Population

      Drugs Crimes as a Percentage of all Crimes

      Police Force area

      1999

      2000

      2001

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Central

      47

      46

      71

      7

      8

      12

      Dumfries and Galloway

      48

      31

      45

      8

      6

      8

      Fife

      43

      36

      47

      6

      5

      6

      Grampian

      50

      44

      50

      5

      5

      6

      Lothian and Borders

      57

      58

      63

      6

      6

      7

      Northern

      55

      39

      58

      12

      8

      12

      Strathclyde

      76

      81

      89

      8

      9

      10

      Tayside

      51

      42

      53

      		There are many reasons why patients might fail to attend a hospital appointment. Work is currently under way to examine ways of reducing the number of patients who do not keep appointments, to identify and disseminate good practice, and to consider the development of targets to drive improvements in performance. The group is expected to report before the end of 2002.

      NHSScotland: Number and Percentage of Patients That Did Not Attend Their First Out-patient Appointment, by NHS Board of Residence. Years Ended 31 March 2000, 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002P
       

      Year Ended 31 March 2000

      Year Ended 31 March 2001

      Year Ended 31 March 2002P

      NHS Board

      Number

      Percentage

      Number

      Percentage

      Number

      Percentage

      Argyll and Clyde

      14,031

      11.6%

      13,947

      11.5%

      10,817

      12.3%

      Ayrshire and Arran

      10,791

      10.2%

      10,708

      10.4%

      11,653

      11.4%

      Borders

      1,730

      6.3%

      1,666

      6.3%

      1,679

      6.2%

      Dumfries and Galloway

      2,166

      6.8%

      2,189

      6.9%

      1,766

      7.2%

      Fife

      9,827

      9.9%

      9,979

      10.1%

      9,975

      10.2%

      Forth Valley

      6,761

      9.2%

      6,913

      9.5%

      6,897

      10.4%

      Grampian

      9,277

      8.0%

      9,912

      8.8%

      10,318

      9.0%

      Greater Glasgow

      45,883

      15.5%

      42,402

      14.9%

      46,615Consultant Vacancies in Acute Trusts in NHSScotland: Headcount at 30 September 2001
       

      Establishment

      In Post

      Total Vacancies

      Length of Vacancy

      Vacancies as a % of Establishment

      < 6 Months

      6 Months or More

      Total

      6 Months or More

      Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      164

      151

      13

      8

      5

      7.9

      3.0

      Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      138

      136

      2

      2

      -

      1.4

      -

      Borders Acute Hospital NHS Trust

      49

      47

      2

      2

      -

      4.1

      -

      Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust

      69

      68

      1

      -

      1

      1.4

      1.4

      Fife Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      129

      116

      13

      1

      12

      10.1

      9.3

      Forth Valley Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      112

      110

      2

      1

      1

      1.8

      0.9

      Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust

      308

      295

      13

      11

      2

      4.2

      0.6

      North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust

      469

      462

      7

      2

      5

      1.5

      1.1

      South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust

      211

      209

      Fire Brigade

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      FA

      %

      FA

      %

      FA

      %

      Central Scotland

      2,602

      51.4

      2,537

      48.4

      2,699

      46.9

      Dumfries and Galloway

      784

      40.3

      657

      31

      764

      36.7

      Fife

      3,159

      46

      3,096

      46

      2,926

      42.6

      Grampian

      3,135

      39

      3,342

      41.1

      3,181

      39.4

      Highland and Islands

      1,953

      41.6

      2,187

      40

      2,116

      41.5

      Lothian and Borders

      9,399

      46.8

      10,209

      47.7

      10,695

      47.7

      Strathclyde

      25,165

      44.2

      26,179

      42.9

      27,146

      43.8

      Tayside

      3,943

      43.4

      3,915

      43.4

      4,297

      43.5

      Scotland Total

      50,140

      46

      52,122

      43.8

      53,824

      		Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947

      Education (Scotland) 1980

      Housing (Scotland) Act 1987

      Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973

      Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997

      Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978

      Roads (Scotland) Act 1984

      Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

      Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165102,"EventID":"S1W-28576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) its or (b) local authorities' powers to make compulsory purchase orders are limited by the European Convention on Human Rights and, if so, in what way they ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether (a) its or (b) local authorities' powers to make compulsory purchase orders are limited by the European Convention on Human Rights and, if so, in what way they are limited.","AnswerText":"Under the Human Rights Act 1998, all public authorities, including local authorities, are required by law to act compatibly with the European Convention on Human Rights (the Convention).

      Article 1 of Protocol 1 of the Convention states \"No one shall be deprived of his possessions except in the public interest and subject to the conditions provided for by law and by the general principles of international law.\"

      The Scottish Executive has carried out an audit of all areas of activity in order to identify any potential incompatibilities with the Convention. We concluded that the compulsory purchase legislation is compatible with the Convention without amendment. We keep under review the need to amend existing law and procedures to comply with the Convention. We shall continue to do so, particularly in the context of new cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165103,"EventID":"S1W-28577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to building opportunity and capacity for participation by young people in civic society.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to building opportunity and capacity for participation by young people in civic society.","AnswerText":"I am pleased that we have been able to directly support the Scottish Youth Parliament, the Young Scot youth information service and the National Youth Portal, Scotland's first interactive Youth Website. These all play a major role in informing and encouraging the active participation of young people in Scotland. In addition, Connect Youth, which supports local youth fora throughout Scotland is co-ordinated by YouthLink Scotland, which receives Scottish Executive funding.

      In schools, the 5-14 Programme offers a number of opportunities for pupils to learn about citizenship education under personal and social development, religious and moral education and, in particular, under social subjects within environmental studies.

      Schools are also asked to set out in their annual school development plans how they have consulted pupils and involved them in decision making. Examples of interesting ways in which the consultation and involvement of decision making is being carried out will be put on the National Priorities website where shared information across authorities and schools is being held.

      Following publication of their report Education for Citizenship in Scotland: A Paper for Discussion and Development, we have asked Learning and Teaching Scotland to consider the most effective means of taking forward the report's recommendations. This will form the basis for a national framework for education for citizenship for 3- to 18-year-olds.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165104,"EventID":"S1W-28578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle levels of illiteracy amongst young adults in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle levels of illiteracy amongst young adults in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council Community Learning Strategy Partnership has been allocated £3.7 million over three years to 2004 to help raise levels of adult literacy and numeracy. The partnership has submitted an action plan, which estimates that over 21,000 adults will be helped during this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165105,"EventID":"S1W-28579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27361 by Hugh Henry on 1 August 2002, why (a) individual local authority figures for Scotland have not yet been published, given th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27361 by Hugh Henry on 1 August 2002, why (a) individual local authority figures for Scotland have not yet been published, given that such figures for England and Wales were published by Her Majesty's Government in June, and (b) it has not issued instructions to officials about whether the practice of publishing individual local authority figures should be followed.","AnswerText":"No figures at all have yet been published because, as I said in reply to question S1W-27361, the second Home Energy Conservation Act progress reports are currently being considered. I will write to Mr Brown on this issue when consideration of the second progress reports is complete.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165106,"EventID":"S1W-28580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to give concessions to companions of blind people travelling on public transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to give concessions to companions of blind people travelling on public transport.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities who are responsible for making concessionary travel schemes under the Transport Act 1985. There are currently 16 single and joint concessionary travel schemes operating in Scotland and many of these schemes provide some form of concessionary fare arrangement for companions of blind people.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165107,"EventID":"S1W-28581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities are available to the public for the recycling of plastic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities are available to the public for the recycling of plastic.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. The information requested is not held centrally. However, the organisation RECOUP carried out a study into plastics recycling which showed that 12 of the 32 local authorities in Scotland had a plastics collection in 2001.

      The Executive distributed £3 million in March 2001 to allow local authorities to establish or expand recycling schemes including the collection of plastics. This funding has allowed a number of local authorities to provide separate kerbside collections, which include plastics as well as plastic bottle banks at recycling centres and plastic balers.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165108,"EventID":"S1W-28582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of domestic waste is estimated to be made up of plastics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of domestic waste is estimated to be made up of plastics.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      Figures for the composition of household waste can be found in tables 2 and 3, page 4 of Waste Data Digest 2001, published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22559) or on SEPA's website (www.sepa.org.uk/publications/wds/data_digest.pdf).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165109,"EventID":"S1W-28583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a levy on plastic shopping bags.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce a levy on plastic shopping bags.","AnswerText":"The introduction of a levy on plastic shopping bags would be a reserved matter for Her Majesty's Treasury.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165110,"EventID":"S1W-28584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce a levy on plastic shopping bags.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce a levy on plastic shopping bags.","AnswerText":"The introduction of a levy on plastic shopping bags would be a reserved matter for HM Treasury.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165111,"EventID":"S1W-28585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Railtrack plc can be sued in respect of access to land whilst the company is in administration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Railtrack plc can be sued in respect of access to land whilst the company is in administration.","AnswerText":"This is a legal issue and as such it is a matter for the courts to decide whether Railtrack can be sued whilst it is in Railways Administration.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165112,"EventID":"S1W-28586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the duration is of the Breathing Space project on reducing the suicide rate amongst young men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the duration is of the Breathing Space project on reducing the suicide rate amongst young men.","AnswerText":"Funding for the Breathing Space advice line is initially for the three years from 2001-04. Breathing Space will be reviewed on a regular basis to assess its performance.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165113,"EventID":"S1W-28587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been to date of setting up and operating Breathing Space.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost has been to date of setting up and operating Breathing Space.","AnswerText":"Approximately £160,000 was spent in 2001-02. The budget for the project is £400,000 in each of the years 2002-03 and 2003-04. These figures cover the development and setting up of the line, service provision, publicity and other running costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165114,"EventID":"S1W-28588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls the Breathing Space project on reducing the suicide rate amongst young men has received since the projects launch.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many calls the Breathing Space project on reducing the suicide rate amongst young men has received since the projects launch.","AnswerText":"In the period from its launch on 8 April 2002 until 31 July, Breathing Space operators dealt with 2,546 calls.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165115,"EventID":"S1W-28589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Breathing Space project on reducing the suicide rate amongst young men is staffed and what relevant training is provided.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Breathing Space project on reducing the suicide rate amongst young men is staffed and what relevant training is provided.","AnswerText":"A pool of several specialist advisers staff the Breathing Space line, with two usually on duty during opening hours. These advisers mostly have a social work or other professional mental health background. Staff receive several days' intensive training on a range of topics before working on the line: this includes input about psychiatric illnesses and how to discuss sensitively the types of symptoms and concerns which can arise with the most common mental illnesses.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165116,"EventID":"S1W-28590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation has been made of the Breathing Space project on reducing the suicide rate amongst young men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation has been made of the Breathing Space project on reducing the suicide rate amongst young men.","AnswerText":"No formal evaluation has yet been undertaken, as the line has only been in operation for some five months. However, on-going monitoring is taking place, and a formal evaluation will be arranged once the service has been running for a more substantial period.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165117,"EventID":"S1W-28591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people suffering from anorexia nervosa are currently waiting for specialist treatment, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people suffering from anorexia nervosa are currently waiting for specialist treatment, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.

      People suffering from anorexia nervosa are treated and supported through mainstream mental health and social work services, and treatment is undertaken mainly in out-patient settings, with very few in-patient and day cases. Information on the number of patients waiting for in-patient and day case treatment is collected only at speciality level. Information about numbers waiting for out-patient treatment is not collected centrally. The Health Department and ISD Scotland are currently undertaking a review of data collection, including out-patients. When implemented these improved methods of collection will provide better information on waiting.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165118,"EventID":"S1W-28592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current waiting times are for people requiring specialist treatment for anorexia nervosa, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current waiting times are for people requiring specialist treatment for anorexia nervosa, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information in the form requested is not available centrally.

      People suffering from anorexia nervosa are treated and supported through mainstream mental health and social work services, and treatment is undertaken in a variety of settings, with very few in-patient and day cases. Most treatments are carried out in hospital and community health settings on an out-patient basis. Information on waiting times for out-patient attendances is available only at speciality level and does not identify specific conditions or treatments.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165119,"EventID":"S1W-28593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage and support local authority mediation services for neighbourhood disputes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage and support local authority mediation services for neighbourhood disputes.","AnswerText":"To encourage and support mediation services, the Scottish Executive funds SACRO to provide a nationwide service from which all local authorities and housing associations can benefit. This involves seminars and training; providing a national consultancy service; producing guidance, and providing training. We are also funding research into cost and effectiveness of mediation which will be published next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165120,"EventID":"S1W-28594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review procedures for informing the public of water supply contamination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review procedures for informing the public of water supply contamination.","AnswerText":"The Ad Hoc Group of ministers on Health and Public Water supply recommended that the Scottish Executive, in conjunction with Scottish Water and NHS boards, should urgently complete the current review of Water Hazard Incident Plans.

      The revised plan must ensure that communication between Scottish Water and the NHS boards, with the Executive and most crucially with the public, is consistent and effective and operates within clearly defined criteria, where operational failures occur.

      The aim is to complete the review and produce an all-Scotland plan by December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165121,"EventID":"S1W-28595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the water supply in public swimming baths is checked in order to ensure that it is safe from water-borne diseases and contamination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the water supply in public swimming baths is checked in order to ensure that it is safe from water-borne diseases and contamination.","AnswerText":"The Health and Safety Executive guidance, Managing Health and Safety In Swimming Pools, states that:

      "Manual checking of the water by taking appropriate tests for disinfectant and pH levels, together with other chemical tests that are recommended by PWTAG (The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group), are a fundamental requirement for all pools. Some pools are fitted with automatic controllers that measure the amounts of disinfectant or the pH of the pool and then vary the dose rate in accordance with the readings. In a pool where these devices are working well and can be relied upon for their accuracy then manually testing the water before the pool is used, after the cessation of use, and one intermediate test may provide sufficient monitoring. In a pool where dosing is controlled manually, the pool should be tested prior to use and every 2 hours thereafter through to closing."","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165122,"EventID":"S1W-28596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the water supply in hospitals is checked in order to ensure that it is safe from water-borne diseases and contamination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the water supply in hospitals is checked in order to ensure that it is safe from water-borne diseases and contamination.","AnswerText":"The requirement for and frequency of testing is a matter for individual hospitals to determine based upon risk assessments and governed by good practice arrangements.

      Some guidance is provided for example in Scottish Health Technical Memorandum 2027 which recommends water sampling at six-monthly intervals wherever bulk drinking water storage exceeds 1,000 litres and is supplied from the water undertaker.

      Frequency of sampling where given is provided for initial guidance only as the frequency will vary to suit particular sites, locations, design parameters and particular principles employed.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165123,"EventID":"S1W-28597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to ensure that the public water supply is safe from water-borne diseases and contamination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in order to ensure that the public water supply is safe from water-borne diseases and contamination.","AnswerText":"The Drinking Water Quality Regulator monitors compliance with the drinking water quality standards set out in The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 1990. The regulator has considerable enforcement powers and if appropriate will require Scottish Water to carry out any remedial measures necessary to protect public health. Scottish Water has also given Scottish ministers undertakings to upgrade water treatment facilities across Scotland to specified timescales.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165124,"EventID":"S1W-28598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that water-cooled air conditioning systems in hospitals are safe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that water-cooled air conditioning systems in hospitals are safe.","AnswerText":"Comprehensive guidance on the management and operation of such installations is available to NHS trusts in technical manuals produced by NHSScotland Property and Environment Forum.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165125,"EventID":"S1W-28599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give financial assistance to voluntary youth organisations to help cover the costs of administering Scottish Criminal Record Office checks on voluntary yo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give financial assistance to voluntary youth organisations to help cover the costs of administering Scottish Criminal Record Office checks on voluntary youth workers.","AnswerText":"We are making available £1 million per annum so that volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults in the voluntary sector may obtain criminal record certificates at no cost to them or to the voluntary organisations concerned.

      We are also funding Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) to act as the central registered body to process applications for criminal record checks from the voluntary sector. VDS will also provide guidance and advice to help the voluntary sector make the best possible use of the new criminal record checking system.

      We have no plans to make additional funding available to voluntary organisations for this purpose.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165126,"EventID":"S1W-28600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange liability insurance cover for voluntary organisations to cover them and their paid and voluntary helpers from claims arising from adventure activi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange liability insurance cover for voluntary organisations to cover them and their paid and voluntary helpers from claims arising from adventure activities or other accidents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently has no plans to arrange liability insurance cover for voluntary organisations to cover this type of activity.

      Volunteer Development Scotland, the national centre for excellence in volunteering, strongly recommends that organisations making use of volunteers obtain adequate insurance cover.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165127,"EventID":"S1W-28601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to make it easier for voluntary youth organisations to apply to the New Opportunities Fund, PE and Sport in Schools and Activities for Young People gra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to make it easier for voluntary youth organisations to apply to the New Opportunities Fund, PE and Sport in Schools and Activities for Young People grant programmes. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was involved in the setting of the Policy Directions to the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) for the operation of the PE and Sport in Schools Programme in Scotland. The implementation of the programme within that policy framework is a matter for the NOF itself. Indicative allocations have been made to local authority areas and, in submitting proposals to the NOF for consideration, local authorities will have to demonstrate that they have consulted locally, including with voluntary sector interests.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165128,"EventID":"S1W-28602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a community sports programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will establish a community sports programme.","AnswerText":"Sportscotland is currently taking forward the Sport 21 review process to revise and update the strategy for sport in Scotland. In tandem with this, sportscotland will consult on the development of its strategy for distribution of the Lottery Sport Fund. The current process, due for completion by April 2003, will determine the need to retain existing and develop new programmes. It would therefore not be appropriate to establish new programmes before this process is concluded.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165129,"EventID":"S1W-28603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it recognises voluntary youth work as part of the educational process. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it recognises voluntary youth work as part of the educational process. ","AnswerText":"I fully recognise the important role of youth work in the social and personal development of young people and am grateful for the work and commitment of voluntary youth organisations in this important area.

      The Executive provides direct financial support to 31 national voluntary youth organisations as well as to YouthLink, the umbrella organisation for the voluntary youth work sector in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165130,"EventID":"S1W-28604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether part of the #95 million it is giving to local authorities announced on 26 June 2002 will be allocated to voluntary youth organisations to encourage young people t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether part of the #95 million it is giving to local authorities announced on 26 June 2002 will be allocated to voluntary youth organisations to encourage young people to take part in sport.","AnswerText":"£18.4 million has been allocated to promote healthy lifestyle choices amongst children and young people, including the promotion of sport and the provision of coaching and equipment. A number of voluntary youth organisations will benefit from the Quality of Life funding, but the exact allocation to these organisations is a matter for each local authority to decide.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165131,"EventID":"S1W-28605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis grants for core funding are allocated to voluntary organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what basis grants for core funding are allocated to voluntary organisations.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive funding is available:

      for activities that promote Scottish Executive objectives;

      to support capacity building within organisations on the basis of agreed outputs;

      to fund core management, administrative and relevant costs where an organisation has a continuing role in the delivery of particular policy objectives, and

      for national generic infrastructure organisations and associated local networks to promote the growth and effectiveness of voluntary and community organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165132,"EventID":"S1W-28606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation covers minimum space requirements for staff and pupils in school classrooms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation covers minimum space requirements for staff and pupils in school classrooms.","AnswerText":"The School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967 set out broad minimum standards in relation to certain aspects of school accommodation, including areas for school sites and overall minimum educational areas.

      The regulations do not prescribe minimum space requirements for staff and pupils in school classrooms. It is for education authorities to make their own assessment of the capacity of individual classrooms taking account of the broad requirements of the 1967 regulations and experience of the delivery of the education service at a practical level.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165133,"EventID":"S1W-28607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it currently publishes or holds information on how alternatives to the Arbuthnott funding formula, for example derivatives of the Scottish Health Authorities Res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it currently publishes or holds information on how alternatives to the Arbuthnott funding formula, for example derivatives of the Scottish Health Authorities Resource Equalisation, are calculated and whether it has any plans to detail how the allocations were calculated when announcing future funding for NHS board or trust level initiatives.","AnswerText":"We do not have information about alternatives to the Arbuthnott formula. NHS boards are provided with figures for their allocations and will be given any additional information which they wish to obtain about the basis of the calculations.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165134,"EventID":"S1W-28608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any occasions in the last 12 months it has used the Arbuthnott formula to distribute funds between NHS board or trust areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any occasions in the last 12 months it has used the Arbuthnott formula to distribute funds between NHS board or trust areas.","AnswerText":"The bulk of NHS boards' unified budgets allocated in the last 12 months has been distributed using the Arbuthnott formula.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165135,"EventID":"S1W-28609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any occasions in the last 12 months it has used alternatives to the Arbuthnott formula to distribute funds between NHS board or trust areas for exa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any occasions in the last 12 months it has used alternatives to the Arbuthnott formula to distribute funds between NHS board or trust areas for example one based on the Scottish Health Authorities Resource Equalisation and, in each case, (a) what the funding was used for, (b) what kind of alternative formula was used and (c) why it sought to use an alternative formula to Arbuthnott.","AnswerText":"Funding is no longer distributed on the basis of the Scottish Health Authorities Resource Equalisation formula. The bulk of funding allocated to NHS boards is distributed using the Arbuthnott formula. In some instances, however, where specific projects are undertaken or where particular ministerial objectives are to be achieved, resources are distributed in a variety of different ways in order to achieve these objectives.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165136,"EventID":"S1W-28610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it made available to the National Review of Resource Allocation for the NHS in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it made available to the National Review of Resource Allocation for the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The National Review of Resource Allocation drew on a range of resources including:

      statistical experts in the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency who provided much of the data used in this review and were also responsible for much of the analytical work;

      senior managers and medical and nursing experts from the NHS who took part in the work of the Arbuthnott Committee;

      external researchers who were commissioned to carry out some of the research needed to support the work of the review, and

      staff in the Scottish Executive Health Department who also provided substantial analytical support to this review.

      This was the first major review of the resource allocation formula that had been carried out for over 20 years, and it was important to ensure that the Arbuthnott Committee could draw on a wide range of advice for its work.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165137,"EventID":"S1W-28611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scope there is to increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scope there is to increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources.","AnswerText":"As part of the Scottish Climate Change Programme, the Executive is committed to raising the overall proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources in Scotland to 18% by 2010. I believe that the potential exists to go much further. I am therefore today publishing a consultation paper that examines the opportunities to go beyond our existing policy objectives and further increase Scotland's renewable energy in the period beyond 2010, potentially to as much as 40%.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165138,"EventID":"S1W-28612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving the death of farmed salmon resulting from algal blooms and jellyfish swarms have been reported and how many salmon have died as a result of s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents involving the death of farmed salmon resulting from algal blooms and jellyfish swarms have been reported and how many salmon have died as a result of such incidents in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"The reported information is as follows:

      Algal Bloom Mortalities

      Year

      Number of Incidents

      Estimated Number of Fish Killed

      1999

      2

      151,000

      2000

      1

      1,400

      2001

      9

      1,232,300

      2002

      0

      0

      Jellyfish Mortalities

      Year

      Number of Incidents

      Estimated Number of Fish Killed

      1999

      2

      89,000

      2000

      1

      3,280

      2001

      6

      970,300

      2002

      4

      1,685,100

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165139,"EventID":"S1W-28613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmed salmon have been slaughtered as a result of designated area orders relating to infectious pancreatic necrosis in each year since 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many farmed salmon have been slaughtered as a result of designated area orders relating to infectious pancreatic necrosis in each year since 1998.","AnswerText":"None. There is no requirement to slaughter fish infected with infectious pancreatic necrosis under the terms of a designated area order (DAO). DAOs limit the spread of disease by prohibiting the movement of live fish or eggs of fish, on or off a fish farm, without the permission of Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165140,"EventID":"S1W-28614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many salmon farms have reported cases of (a) infectious pancreatic necrosis, (b) bacterial kidney disease and (c) infectious salmon anaemia in each year since 1979.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many salmon farms have reported cases of (a) infectious pancreatic necrosis, (b) bacterial kidney disease and (c) infectious salmon anaemia in each year since 1979.","AnswerText":"This information is not available. Farms subject to movement restrictions (Designated Area Orders - DAOs) for infectious pancreatic necrosis and bacterial kidney disease since 1979 follow. These tables give a general indication of the number of cases. Some DAOs are historical because farmers have not sought their revocation and some sites have been subject to more than one DAO per year. DAOs are served on suspicion or confirmation of the presence of the disease agent but this does not necessarily mean a clinical outbreak.

      (a) Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis

      1979

      12

      1991

      168

      1980

      10

      1992

      194

      1981

      20

      1993

      219

      1982

      36

      1994

      220

      1983

      37

      1995

      180

      1984

      33

      1996

      179

      1985

      29

      1997

      197

      1986

      25

      1998

      190

      1987

      34

      1999

      215

      1988

      44

      2000

      292

      1989

      63

      2001

      325

      1990

      108

      2002

      		 

      (b) Bacterial Kidney Disease

      1979

      2

      1991

      26

      1980

      2

      1992

      23

      1981

      6

      1993

      23

      1982

      9

      1994

      18

      1983

      14

      1995

      19

      1984

      18

      1996

      19

      1985

      18

      1997

      17

      1986

      1998

      4

      1999

      16

      2000

      22

      2001

      14

      2002 to date

      8

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165142,"EventID":"S1W-28616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the #40,000 annual training grant previously paid under the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989 has been terminated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the #40,000 annual training grant previously paid under the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989 has been terminated.","AnswerText":"Children and Young People's Grant Scheme is supporting 59 organisations in financial year 2002-03. Resources are fully committed assisting core HQ and project expenditure.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165143,"EventID":"S1W-28617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27773 by Ms Margaret Curran on 16 August 2002, what disproportionate costs are associated with obtaining information on organisatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27773 by Ms Margaret Curran on 16 August 2002, what disproportionate costs are associated with obtaining information on organisations to which it has given money to in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided £228 million to more than 700 voluntary groups in 2002-03. The majority of these operate at a national level and their programmes and services are not always disaggregated by geographical area. Although many of these will impact upon the East Dunbartonshire Council area, the Executive would need to ask each grant recipient to provide the information requested. This would include a disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165144,"EventID":"S1W-28618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it will commit to the development of land management contracts under its A Forward Strategy for Agriculture.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it will commit to the development of land management contracts under its A Forward Strategy for Agriculture.","AnswerText":"The future development of Land Management Contracts is being considered in a working group comprising a range of industry stakeholders. The working group is scheduled to report on this work to the Agriculture Strategy Implementation Group in early October. Decisions on the level of resources necessary to develop Land Management Contracts will be made in the light of both the report and the advice of the Agriculture Strategy Implementation Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165145,"EventID":"S1W-28620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much has been paid for legal advice to assist with the drafting of non-executive Bills in each of the last three years and to whom the money was paid.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much has been paid for legal advice to assist with the drafting of non-executive Bills in each of the last three years and to whom the money was paid.","AnswerText":"The cost of legal advice provided to members to assist with the drafting of non-executive bills is subsumed within the costs of the Legal Services Directorate and the Non-Executive Bills Unit. In respect of the costs of services from expert draftsman there is an annual budget of £80,800.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165146,"EventID":"S1W-28621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what legal assistance is available to members with the drafting of non-executive Bills and who provides that advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what legal assistance is available to members with the drafting of non-executive Bills and who provides that advice.","AnswerText":"Assistance to all members in relation to non-executive bills is available from the Non-Executive Bills Unit to the point of lodging a proposal. Further assistance can be provided where criteria agreed by the SPCB is met. Assistance in the drafting of instructions for non-executive bills is given through the Non-Executive Bills Unit who are supported by the Parliament's Directorate of Legal Services. The drafting of bills is by a panel of expert draftsman contracted to the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165147,"EventID":"S1W-28622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding (a) in total and (b) per capita it has allocated to tackle alcohol misuse in each NHS board area and to which organisations any such funding was allocate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding (a) in total and (b) per capita it has allocated to tackle alcohol misuse in each NHS board area and to which organisations any such funding was allocated.","AnswerText":"Funding to tackle alcohol problems is provided within NHS boards' and local authorities' general allocations and cannot be separately identified. The Executive is providing £1 million in 2002-03 to Alcohol Action Teams to assess local needs and draw up local strategies to address these. A breakdown of this funding by NHS Board area is given in the following table:

      Executive Funding to Alcohol Action Teams in 2002-03 by NHS Board Area

      Argyll and Clyde

      £66,500

      Ayrshire and Arran

      £63,500

      Borders

      £48,500

      Dumfries and Galloway

      £51,500

      Fife

      £60,500

      Forth Valley

      £56,500

      Grampian

      £91,500

      Greater Glasgow

      £96,500

      Highland

      £55,500

      Lanarkshire

      £71,500

      Lothian

      £117,000

      Orkney

      £43,500

      Shetland

      £43,500

      Tayside

      £89,500

      Western Isles

      £44,500

      Total

      £1,000,000

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165148,"EventID":"S1W-28623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25393 by Ross Finnie on 17 May 2002, whether it intends to carry out a public consultation on banning all cages for laying hens and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25393 by Ross Finnie on 17 May 2002, whether it intends to carry out a public consultation on banning all cages for laying hens and whether it has, or intends to, study the findings of the public consultation recently launched by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on banning all cages for laying hens in England.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to carry out a similar consultation exercise at the moment. The findings of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' consultation will be noted once these are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165149,"EventID":"S1W-28624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what purpose the former #40,000 annual training grant paid under the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989 is now being used. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what purpose the former #40,000 annual training grant paid under the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989 is now being used. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28616.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165150,"EventID":"S1W-28625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Crofters Commission's policy is in dealing with croft land that is currently not recorded on the Register of Crofts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the Crofters Commission's policy is in dealing with croft land that is currently not recorded on the Register of Crofts.","AnswerText":"For the purposes of crofting legislation a croft is defined by section 3 of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993. The Crofters Commission policies apply to all land undisputedly covered by that restrictive, statutory definition. All crofts should be recorded in the Register of Crofts and the Crofters Commission has an obligation under section 41 of the 1993 act to ensure that they are. Only land that falls within the definition of a croft in the 1993 act can be recorded in the Register of Crofts. Land which does not fall within the definition of a croft in section 3 of the 1993 act is not croft land and the Crofters Commission has no policies in relation to such land.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165151,"EventID":"S1W-28626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what form the Crofters Commission keeps plans and other legal documentation regarding croft registration on the Register of Crofts and whether there are any proposals ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what form the Crofters Commission keeps plans and other legal documentation regarding croft registration on the Register of Crofts and whether there are any proposals that would change this.","AnswerText":"The Crofters Commission does not keep and is not required to keep plans and other legal documentation regarding croft registration. Section 41 of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 specifies the information to be entered in the Register of Crofts. This consists of:

      The name, location rent and extent of every croft;

      The name of the tenant and the landlord of each croft, and

      Any consent given by a landlord of a croft under section 50(1)(b) of the 1993 Act.

      There are no current plans to change these requirements but chapter 9 of the white paper entitled Crofting Reform Proposals For Legislation seeks views on the possibility of requiring that a plan of a croft should be supplied, to be held on the register, when a croft changes hands.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165152,"EventID":"S1W-28627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access crofters have to plans and other documentation regarding croft registration kept by the Crofters Commission on the Register of Crofts and whether there are an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access crofters have to plans and other documentation regarding croft registration kept by the Crofters Commission on the Register of Crofts and whether there are any proposals that would change this.","AnswerText":"Section 41(3) of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 requires that the Crofters Commission must provide, on request, an extract of any entry on the Register of Crofts to any person who, in the opinion of the Crofters Commission, has good reason for desiring an extract of that entry. The register does not contain plans.

      Chapter 9 of the white paper entitled Crofting Reform Proposals For Legislation seeks views on proposals to allow full public access to the Register of Crofts and to allow the Crofters Commission to charge for the provision of data from the register.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165153,"EventID":"S1W-28628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access the general public have to plans and other documentation regarding croft registration kept by the Crofters Commission on the Register of Crofts and whether th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access the general public have to plans and other documentation regarding croft registration kept by the Crofters Commission on the Register of Crofts and whether there are any proposals that would change this.","AnswerText":"The Register of Crofts is an administrative record and does not include plans. There is currently no public right of access to information contained in the Register of Crofts. By virtue of section 41(3) of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 the Crofters Commission is required to provide, on request, an extract of any entry on the Register of Crofts to any person who, in the opinion of the Crofters Commission has good reason for desiring an extract of that entry.

      Chapter 9 of the white paper entitled Crofting Reform Proposals for Legislation seeks views on a proposal to allow full public access to the Register of Crofts.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165154,"EventID":"S1W-28629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crofters Commission maintains and makes available for public inspection a series of definitive maps detailing the boundaries of all crofts recorded on the Reg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Crofters Commission maintains and makes available for public inspection a series of definitive maps detailing the boundaries of all crofts recorded on the Register of Crofts and areas of these crofts which have been decrofted and, if not, whether it has any plans to initiate their production.","AnswerText":"The Crofters Commission does not currently have any maps detailing the boundaries of all crofts recorded in the Register of Crofts and there are no current plans to create such maps. However, chapter 9 of the white paper entitled Crofting Reform Proposals For Legislation seeks views on the possibility of requiring that a plan of a croft should be supplied, to be held on the register, when a croft changes hands.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165155,"EventID":"S1W-28630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofts were added to the Register of Crofts that were not previously recorded on the register in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofts were added to the Register of Crofts that were not previously recorded on the register in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The number of crofts added to the Register of Crofts in each of the last 10 complete calendar years is indicated in the following table:

      Year

      Number of New Crofts Recorded

      1992

      18

      1993

      25

      1994

      18

      1995

      18

      1996

      21

      1997

      28

      1998

      29

      1999

      13

      2000

      32

      2001

      22

      Most of these crofts were created from existing crofts by subdivision or through reorganisation. Only three cases (one in 1996 and two in 2000) involved land that was not previously recorded on the Register of Crofts.

      In seeking the information required to answer this question it has been established that since 1955 a total of 203 holdings of land on crofting common grazings that are linked to non-croft holdings have been deemed to be crofts for the purpose of crofting legislation. The figures in the preceding table do not include details of any such holdings established during the period 1990 to 2001. Data relating to these holdings is held by the Crofters Commission but mostly not on the Register of Crofts. If you wish further information about these holdings the Chief Executive of the Crofters Commission will be happy to provide full details.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165156,"EventID":"S1W-28631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to initiate a scheme between Citi'ens Advice Scotland and the NHS similar to the \"Good Advice: Good Health\" scheme in Wales on local co-ordinated advic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to initiate a scheme between Citi'ens Advice Scotland and the NHS similar to the \"Good Advice: Good Health\" scheme in Wales on local co-ordinated advice services provision in primary healthcare","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to improving the access to, and quality of, health information for patients and is investing £3 million over the next three years to deliver this as part of the Patient Focus and Public Involvement programme of work. A number of initiatives are in place to support this commitment; NHS 24 and a comprehensive patient information package to replace the Patient's Charter will be central to this.

      In addition, a "Patient Information Initiative" will be developed which will:

      assure the quality of patient information, based on a range of evidence;

      involve and engage with other sources of expertise such as expert patients;

      make information accessible and available in a variety of formats, and

      link to future developments (e.g. NHS 24 online).

      Citizens Advice Scotland has already established a number of local advice centres in primary health care settings in Scotland. Following a meeting with their Chief Executive in May, Citizens Advice Scotland have been invited to submit a proposal to the Scottish Executive Health Department for developing an initiative along the lines of "Good Advice: Good Health".","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165157,"EventID":"S1W-28632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many escapes of salmon from salmon farms were reported where incidents of infectious pancreatic necrosis have also been reported in each year since 1979. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many escapes of salmon from salmon farms were reported where incidents of infectious pancreatic necrosis have also been reported in each year since 1979. ","AnswerText":"The available information for escape incidents is as follows:

      1995

      1

      1998

      2

      1999

      7

      2000

      10

      2001

      2

      2002 to date

      7

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165158,"EventID":"S1W-28633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reported cases of infectious pancreatic necrosis amongst farmed salmon have occurred in (a) Shetland, (b) Orkney, (c) the Western Isles, (d) Skye, (e) Highland ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reported cases of infectious pancreatic necrosis amongst farmed salmon have occurred in (a) Shetland, (b) Orkney, (c) the Western Isles, (d) Skye, (e) Highland Region and (f) Argyll in each year since 1979.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Fisheries Research Services will reply to the member with information as close as possible to that requested and will place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165159,"EventID":"S1W-28634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of overall project costs were grant aided when awarding grants to the fish processing industry under the #1 million announced by the then Deputy Minister ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of overall project costs were grant aided when awarding grants to the fish processing industry under the #1 million announced by the then Deputy Minister for Rural Development during the debate on the fishing industry on 8 March 2001; whether the percentages varied from project to project, and what criteria were used to determine the percentage grant paid to each project.","AnswerText":"Based on the action plan that was originally submitted, the £1 million (the grant) covered approximately 60% of the total cost of implementation. The percentages varied from project to project. Some projects were fully supported while others only needed around 30% support. The grant required for each project was determined in the first instance by the group that prepared the action plan (based on the other sources of funding that they were able to identify). The plan was then submitted to ministers who in turn took a view as to whether or not the percentage grant that was required was reasonable. In general terms, ministers wanted to be satisfied that there was sufficient third party support in terms of meeting the cost of what was being proposed.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165160,"EventID":"S1W-28635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants have been made to the fish processing industry under the #1 million announced by the then Deputy Minister for Rural Development during the debate on the fishi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants have been made to the fish processing industry under the #1 million announced by the then Deputy Minister for Rural Development during the debate on the fishing industry on 8 March 2001, listing for each grant, the (a) recipient, (b) project for which it was given, (c) value, and (d) local enterprise company which processed it. ","AnswerText":"The most recent figures (for 2002 to end July) are given in the following table. £60,000 was spent implementing the action plan in 2001.

      Recipient

      Project

      Value (£000)

      SE Grampian

      E Trading

      23

      Joint Ventures

      37

      Developing Managers

      30

      Financial Reviews

      13

      Seafood Scotland

      Processors Quality Award

      18

      Pelagic Quality Project

      16

      Advance Information

      15

      Links to Retailers

      20

      Product Development

      32

      Marketing

      8

      Seafish

      Workforce Skills

      13

      Benchmarking

      13

      SFMF*

      Rates Review

      10

      Climate Change

      3

      Action Plan Co-ordinator

      36

      ACC**

      Buying Co-operative

      3

      Notes:

      *SFMF = Scottish Fish Merchant's Federation.

      ** ACC = Aberdeen City Council.

      The plan is currently at the implementation stage and will run through to March 2003. All grants were processed by Scottish Enterprise Grampian.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165161,"EventID":"S1W-28636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1 million for grants to the fish processing industry announced by the then Deputy Minister for Rural Development during the debate on the fishing indust","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1 million for grants to the fish processing industry announced by the then Deputy Minister for Rural Development during the debate on the fishing industry on 8 March 2001 has been spent and what the benefits of these grant awards have been.","AnswerText":"The action plan for the fish processing sector was prepared in co-operation with the fish processing industry and is currently being implemented. Expenditure on the plan is entirely driven by the level of up-take by the industry. So far, £350,000 has been spent. In light of the poor up-take, I have asked the industry to consider whether the action plan might usefully be extended and to submit proposals to me.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165162,"EventID":"S1W-28637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether grants made to the fish processing industry under the #1 million announced by the then Deputy Minister for Rural Development during the debate on the fishing indu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether grants made to the fish processing industry under the #1 million announced by the then Deputy Minister for Rural Development during the debate on the fishing industry on 8 March 2001 were paid through Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise and their local enterprise companies and whether any other bodies were involved in the assessment of the grant applications and in the payment of grants.","AnswerText":"The payment of all action plan grants is administered by Scottish Enterprise Grampian for accounting reasons. Payments are approved by the Action Plan Working Group who assess bids against the objectives set out in the plan.

      The Action Plan Working Group includes representatives from Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Executive, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Seafish, Seafood Scotland, and the Scottish Fish Merchant's Federation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165163,"EventID":"S1W-28638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS trusts do not have sufficient funding to support the implementation of Health Technology Board for Scotland guidance on new drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any NHS trusts do not have sufficient funding to support the implementation of Health Technology Board for Scotland guidance on new drugs.","AnswerText":"In determining NHS boards' unified budgets each year, the Scottish Executive Health Department takes account of the expected costs of implementing likely recommendations from the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS). I expect NHSScotland to take account of HTBS advice and ensure that funding is available to meet clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165164,"EventID":"S1W-28639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS boards are funding the limited use of anti-TNF drugs for rheumatoid arthritis to assess their cost effectiveness given that the National Institute for Cl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS boards are funding the limited use of anti-TNF drugs for rheumatoid arthritis to assess their cost effectiveness given that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and Health Technology Board for Scotland have already issued their evaluation and guidance.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from the HTBS and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. Any evidence that emerged either from complaints or through monitoring which suggested that this was not happening would be followed up proactively.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165165,"EventID":"S1W-28640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how, (b) when and (c) by whom non-GM crops located 50 m from the GM crop trial at Munlochy were tested for contamination.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how, (b) when and (c) by whom non-GM crops located 50 m from the GM crop trial at Munlochy were tested for contamination.","AnswerText":"No specific monitoring was carried out on non-GM crops situated in the vicinity of the GM crop trial at Munlochy.

      Separation distances are in place around GM crop trials to minimise the potential for cross-pollination. They do not reflect any doubts about safety; they are used to maintain high levels of purity in adjacent crops and are a recognised method of enabling different crops to co-exist. The Executive's scientific advisers are satisfied that neither cross-pollination involving the variety of GM herbicide tolerant oil seed rape being grown in the farm-scale trials, nor the pollen itself landing on neighbouring crops, poses a threat to human health or the environment. The harvested GM crop and any sexually compatible crops grown within the separation distances surrounding GM crop trials will not enter the human food or animal feed chain.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165166,"EventID":"S1W-28641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) to whom and (b) when non-GM crops grown 50 m from the GM crop trial at Munlochy were sold.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) to whom and (b) when non-GM crops grown 50 m from the GM crop trial at Munlochy were sold.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold this information since this is not a matter for regulation. The farmer is at liberty to market, or use as he wishes, any conventional crop beyond the 50 m separation distance. Our advisers are confident that such a crop poses absolutely no threat to human or animal health.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165167,"EventID":"S1W-28642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of income raised by each local authority from (a) parking charges and (b) parking fines in each of the last five years, expressed (i) per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of income raised by each local authority from (a) parking charges and (b) parking fines in each of the last five years, expressed (i) per capita and (ii) as a percentage of total income.","AnswerText":"Information for each local authority on the levels of income raised from parking charges and fines (not shown separately), total income and population levels, is available for each year from 1996-97 in the the Parliament's Reference Centre:

      Rating Review: Actuals of Income and Expenditure 1996-97 (Bib. number 7544)

      Rating Review: Actuals of Income and Expenditure 1997-98 (Bib. number 7545)

      Rating Review: Actuals of Income and Expenditure 1998-99 (Bib. number 7548)

      Rating Review: Actuals of Income and Expenditure 1999-2000 (Bib. number 14654)

      Rating Review: Actuals of Income and Expenditure 2000-01 (Bib. number 19781).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165168,"EventID":"S1W-28643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public transport funding grants it has given per capita to each local authority in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what public transport funding grants it has given per capita to each local authority in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the total funding committed by the Scottish Executive in the last three years to each local authority under the Public Transport Fund, the Integrated Transport Fund and the Rural Public Passenger Grant element of the Rural Transport Fund, together with a cost per capita calculation.

      Local Authority

      Population1

      Total Funding (£ million)

      Cost Per Capita (£)

      Aberdeen City

      211,250

      10.887

      51.54

      Aberdeenshire

      227,200

      4.611

      20.29

      Angus

      109,180

      2.783

      25.49

      Argyll and Bute

      88,790

      10.113

      113.90

      Clackmannanshire

      48,460

      7.130

      147.13

      Dumfries and Galloway

      145,800

      8.410

      57.68

      Dundee City

      142,700

      5.987

      41.96

      East Ayrshire

      120,630

      4.550

      37.72

      East Dunbartonshire

      110,760

      0.733

      6.62

      East Lothian

      91,280

      1.821

      19.95

      East Renfrewshire

      89,790

      1.329

      14.80

      Edinburgh City

      453,430

      38.355

      84.59

      Eilean Siar

      27,180

      8.473

      311.74

      Falkirk

      144,320

      4.935

      34.19

      Fife

      350,400

      18.327

      52.30

      Glasgow City

      609,370

      23.289

      38.22

      Highland

      208,600

      8.933

      42.82

      Inverclyde

      84,600

      3.401

      40.02

      Midlothian<","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165169,"EventID":"S1W-28644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any confirmation that employment and accrued entitlements will be protected by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 on transf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any confirmation that employment and accrued entitlements will be protected by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 on transfer of the Northern Isles ferry service to Northlink ferries will be given before the workforce is transferred.","AnswerText":"While P&O Scottish Ferries have taken the view that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE) applies, Northlink have taken the view that it does not. It is not possible to indicate conclusively before a transfer takes place whether or not the regulations will apply. TUPE is a matter of law and only the courts can determine whether TUPE does or does not apply.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165170,"EventID":"S1W-28645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20841 and S1W-23116 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 December 2001 and 13 March 2002, whether the current arrangements for Hardship Fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20841 and S1W-23116 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 December 2001 and 13 March 2002, whether the current arrangements for Hardship Funds are the most equitable means of funding financial support for those students they apply to.","AnswerText":"Decisions on awards from Hardship Funds allocations are made by colleges and universities who are best placed to assess whether individual students need this additional support.

      The current arrangements for Hardship Funds and the Mature Students Bursary Fund (MSBF) aim to retain as much of that discretion as possible while at the same time targeting the support to those students who need it most. We have asked institutions for feedback on the first year of MSBF and will consider whether any changes should be made to the arrangements in the light of their comments.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165171,"EventID":"S1W-28646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20841 and S1W-23117 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 December 2001 and 13 March 2002, what further consideration it has given to align","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-20841 and S1W-23117 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 24 December 2001 and 13 March 2002, what further consideration it has given to aligning student financial support for students in further and higher education.","AnswerText":"We will consider further the alignment of the student support for further and higher education students in the light of the forthcoming lifelong learning strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165172,"EventID":"S1W-28647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5064/2001, what the current position is in relation to the High Court Review report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE5064/2001, what the current position is in relation to the High Court Review report.","AnswerText":"Lord Bonomy is expected to submit the report of his review of the High Court to ministers during the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165173,"EventID":"S1W-28648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons are currently on the Sex Offenders Register.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons are currently on the Sex Offenders Register.","AnswerText":"At 28 August 2002, 1,816 registered sex offenders were recorded by the Scottish Criminal Record Office as being administered by Scottish Police Forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165174,"EventID":"S1W-28649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes and offences have not been recorded as a result of failure of the updated police computer system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crimes and offences have not been recorded as a result of failure of the updated police computer system.","AnswerText":"The recording of crimes and offences is a matter for local police forces. The member may be referring to police reports of crimes and offences to the procurator fiscal which are now being handled electronically as part of the Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems programme. This involves a range of criminal justice organisations, not only the police, but includes the use of a Scottish Criminal Records Office reference number. While implementation of the programme may create additional local pressures initially, I have not been advised of any circumstances in which police officers have not recorded crimes or offences or have not reported to procurators fiscal because of systems failure.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165175,"EventID":"S1W-28650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an upper age limit on membership of Children's Panels and, if so, whether it will consider removing it in order to take advantage of older persons and th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an upper age limit on membership of Children's Panels and, if so, whether it will consider removing it in order to take advantage of older persons and their life skills. ","AnswerText":"By way of background I would refer to answers given by Mr Sam Galbraith in response to Mr Bristow Muldoon and Mr Alex Neil on the same matter (S1W-1004 and S1W-1240 on 14 September 1999). There is no statutory upper age limit for children's panel members. In keeping with the ethos of the Kilbrandon report that members should broadly be the contemporaries of the parents of the child or young person, panel members are not normally appointed beyond their 66th birthday.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165176,"EventID":"S1W-28651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all payments made under paragraph 6.3 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all payments made under paragraph 6.3 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, including the dates on which the payments were made and the reasons for the payment.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There have been no such payments.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165177,"EventID":"S1W-28652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all costs incurred in employing an independent engineer under paragraph 6.3.1. of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all costs incurred in employing an independent engineer under paragraph 6.3.1. of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, detailing what the costs were in respect of.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There have been no such costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165178,"EventID":"S1W-28653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all notices it has received under paragraph 6.6. of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all notices it has received under paragraph 6.6. of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock and the dates on which the notices were received.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There have been no such notices.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165179,"EventID":"S1W-28654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the current estimated total cost is of materials being fitted in the new Parliament building and how much of this material is (a) Scottish in origin or (b) from other","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the current estimated total cost is of materials being fitted in the new Parliament building and how much of this material is (a) Scottish in origin or (b) from other parts of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Materials for the new Parliament building are included in Trade Contracts which are let under normal competitive tender procedures. The bids made by the competing Trade Contractors for each individual works package include the costs of labour and materials, but do not give a breakdown identifying the costs of each item of material involved. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group is therefore unable to provide information on the cost of materials over the entire project, as it is not held in the detailed format requested. He has confirmed however, that Scottish timber and stone are being widely used across the site, and that a substantial number of contracts include other materials sourced in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165180,"EventID":"S1W-28655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) on what occasions it has waived the contractual obligation of private contractors under the private finance initiative to obtain a contract of insurance and (b) what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) on what occasions it has waived the contractual obligation of private contractors under the private finance initiative to obtain a contract of insurance and (b) what insurance policies it has provided to private contractors under the private finance initiative, giving in each case the (i) premium paid, (ii) excess and (iii) insured sum.","AnswerText":"There are no instances where the Executive has waived the contractual obligation of the contractor to obtain a contract of insurance nor are there instances where it has provided insurance policies for private contractors. Other PPP contracts are a matter for the authority concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165181,"EventID":"S1W-28656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial irregularities were identified by the audit of its security branch in respect of each of the last three years, expressed (a) to the nearest pound and (b) a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial irregularities were identified by the audit of its security branch in respect of each of the last three years, expressed (a) to the nearest pound and (b) as a percentage of the branch's budget for the year.","AnswerText":"The last audit of security branch was in 1998. The next will be carried out in 2003. The 1998 audit identified no significant issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165182,"EventID":"S1W-28657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) current and (b) former members of its security branch have now initiated legal proceedings in respect of underpayment of back pay and allowances; how long an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) current and (b) former members of its security branch have now initiated legal proceedings in respect of underpayment of back pay and allowances; how long any such matters have remained unresolved, and when payments in full should be expected.","AnswerText":"No such action has been taken against the Scottish Executive by current or former members of the security branch. Following agreement with the Trades Union Side, serving members of staff were advised on 3 September 2001 of the process for claiming backdated Travel Time Payments. Former members of staff were written to individually during October 2001.

      Establishing entitlement to payment from historical records for ex-members of staff has been a complex task. There are 12 remaining cases. These are expected to be resolved shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165183,"EventID":"S1W-28658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27403 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 August 2002, what conclusion has been reached in the case of each notice it has received under paragra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27403 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 August 2002, what conclusion has been reached in the case of each notice it has received under paragraph 6.8 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No action was necessary. Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited subsequently advised that they had obtained and placed insurance cover.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165184,"EventID":"S1W-28659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revisions it made to gross domestic product figures in each of the last five years and whether it will give an explanation for the cause of each revision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revisions it made to gross domestic product figures in each of the last five years and whether it will give an explanation for the cause of each revision.","AnswerText":"The following table lists the first published estimate of annual GDP for each year since 1997 and the most recent estimate.

      Scottish Gross Domestic Product (1995=100%)
       

      First Published Estimate

      Most Recently Published Estimate (August 2002)

      1997

      104.9

      105.4

      1998

      107.3

      107.4

      1999

      110.7

      109.7

      2000

      111.4

      111.7

      2001

      111.3

      112.6

      Source: Scottish Executive.

      The estimates for each year published in August 2002 have been revised since each of the annual figures were first published. This happened for a number of reasons; the provision of updated and previously omitted data by data suppliers, the availability of annual results which feed into the analysis, improvements to the GDP methodologies and improved data sources, and revisions to data submitted by individual companies and organisations. The Executive takes the view that it is extremely important to use the most up-to-date data available at the time of publication.

      The revision policy for Scottish GDP is that all estimates affected by data revisions should be updated at the earliest opportunity. This allows those using the data for long-term analysis to have a consistent long-term series.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165185,"EventID":"S1W-28660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revisions it made to the main sectoral gross domestic product figures in each of the last five years and whether it will give an explanation for the cause of each r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what revisions it made to the main sectoral gross domestic product figures in each of the last five years and whether it will give an explanation for the cause of each revision.","AnswerText":"The following table lists the first published estimate of annual GDP for each year since 1997 and the most recent estimate.

      Scottish GDP by Main Industrial Sector (1995=100%)

      Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

      Production

      Construction

      Services

      First published estimate

      Most recently published estimate (August 2002)

      First published estimate

      Most recently published estimate (August 2002)

      First published estimate

      Most recently published estimate (August 2002)

      First published estimate

      Most recently published estimate (August 2002)

      1997

      92.3

      95.7

      108.6

      108.8

      101.1

      101.1

      104.8

      104.8

      1998

      94.3

      97.5

      111.5

      111.5

      98.3

      98.3

      107.6

      107.0

      1999

      95.1

      99.0

      114.7

      115.3

      100.8

      101.6

      111.3

      108.6

      2000

      95.8

      99.5

      115.1

      115.7

      107.4

      109.3

      111.5

      110.8

      2001

      97.0

      101.2

      106.7

      106.4

      106.6

      106.3

      114.7

      116.5

      Source: Scottish Executive.

      The estimates for each year published in August 2002 have been revised since each of the annual figures were first published. This happened for a number of reasons; the provision of updated and previously omitted data by data suppliers; the availability of annual results which feed into the analysis; improvements to the GDP methodologies and improved data ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165186,"EventID":"S1W-28661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the population of Scotland was in each year for which figures are available, also expressed as a percentage of the total population of the United Kingdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the population of Scotland was in each year for which figures are available, also expressed as a percentage of the total population of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Population estimates for the United Kingdom are the responsibility of the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Comparable population estimates back to 1971 for the United Kingdom and Scotland can be found on the ONS website at the following address:

      http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/xsdataset.asp?vlnk=5644&More=Y

      In 1971 the population of Scotland was 9.4 per cent of the UK population compared to 8.6 per cent in 2000.

      Population estimates for Scotland dating back to 1855 are given in Table 1.1 of Registrar General for Scotland's Annual Report 2000 published by the General Register Office for Scotland in 2001. A copy was sent to each member of the Scottish Parliament in July 2001 and is also available in the Parliament's Reference Centre, Bib. number 15009.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165187,"EventID":"S1W-28662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the gross domestic product per capita was in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the gross domestic product per capita was in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The following table gives Scottish Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in cash terms for each year from 1989 to 1999, the years for which consistent data are available. Scottish GDP per capita is not available in constant prices.

      Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Per Capita 1989-99

      Year

      GDP Per Capita (£)

      1989

      7,544

      1990

      8,321

      1991

      8,814

      1992

      9,217

      1993

      9,614

      1994

      10,168

      1995

      10,818

      1996

      11,162

      1997

      11,429

      1998

      12,117

      1999

      12,512

      Source: Office for National Statistics.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165188,"EventID":"S1W-28663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth figures were in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year for which figures are available, specifying the contribut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth figures were in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year for which figures are available, specifying the contribution to the growth rate made by changes in (i) overall GDP and (ii) population levels.","AnswerText":"The following table gives Scottish GDP per capita growth figures, in cash terms, and also the changes to total GDP and population levels over the period from 1990 to 1999, the years for which consistent data are available. Scottish GDP per capita is not available in constant prices.

      Annual Percentage Changes in GDP Per Capita, Total GDP and Population Levels 1990-99

      GDP Per Capita (%)

      Total GDP (%)

      Population1 (%)

      1990

      10.3

      10.4

      0.1

      1991

      5.9

      6.2

      0.1

      1992

      4.6

      4.6

      0.1

      1993

      4.3

      4.5

      0.2

      1994

      5.8

      6.0

      0.2

      1995

      6.4

      6.5

      0.1

      1996

      3.2

      3.0

      -0.2

      1997

      2.4

      2.3

      -0.1

      1998

      6.0

      6.0

      -0.1

      1999

      3.3

      3.0

      -0.1

      Source: Office for National Statistics.

      Note:

      1. General Register Office for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165189,"EventID":"S1W-28664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the migration flows (a) in, (b) out and (c) net were for Scotland in each year for which figures are available, also expressed as a percentage of the equivalent figu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the migration flows (a) in, (b) out and (c) net were for Scotland in each year for which figures are available, also expressed as a percentage of the equivalent figures for the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Information on flows of international migrants for Scotland and the UK over the period 1991-2000 is published in Table 2.8 of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publication International Migration (2000 edition), which can be accessed on the ONS website at the following address:

      http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=507&More=N.

      Over the decade international migrants to and from Scotland were, respectively, 5.2 and 7.8 per cent of the UK total.

      Migration between Scotland and the rest of the UK has not been included since it is difficult to define a suitable UK comparator.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165190,"EventID":"S1W-28665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what detailed information is available on the destination of emigrants from Scotland and over what time period such information relates to.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what detailed information is available on the destination of emigrants from Scotland and over what time period such information relates to.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28666. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165191,"EventID":"S1W-28666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what detailed information is available on the source of immigrants to Scotland and over what time period such information relates to.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what detailed information is available on the source of immigrants to Scotland and over what time period such information relates to.","AnswerText":"The 1991 Census is the most complete source of information on migrants into Scotland and their address one year earlier. This information is provided in the table. Similar information from the more detailed results of the 2001 Census is due to be published by March 2003.

      Information on the origin or destination of people migrating to or from Scotland is available from the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which covers the principal air, sea, and channel tunnel routes between the UK and countries outside the British Isles. The latest summary information on the origin and destination of international migrants to and from Scotland in 2000 is published in Table 3.2 of the ONS publication International Migration, which can be accessed on the ONS webite at:

      http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=507andMore=N.

      Information on the number of people migrating to and from Scotland with other areas of the UK in 2000 is available in Table 5.2b of the ONS publication Key population and vital statistics, which can be accessed on the ONS website at:

      http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=539andMore=N.

      Area of Origin and Sex of Residents of Scotland with Different Address One Year Before 1991 Census

      Residents with Different Address One Year Before Census

      Total Migrants

      Male

      Female

      Persons

      Area of origin

      253,056

      265,357

      518,413

      All areas of origin

      229,487

      244,268

      473,755

      Great Britain

      21,285

      20,035

      41,320

      England and Wales

      20,573

      19,373

      39,946

      England

      2,086

      2,055

      4,141

      North

      1,989

      1,910

      3,899

      Yorkshire and Humberside

      1,456

      1,331

      2,787

      East Midlands

      1,082

      990

      2,072

      East Anglia

      8,352

      7,587

      15,939

      South East

      2,096

      1,914

      4,010

      South West

      1,259

      1,252

      2,511

      West Midlands

      2,253Scotland: http://www.gad.gov.uk/population/2000/scotland/wsco005y.xls.

      UK: http://www.gad.gov.uk/population/2000/uk/wuk005y.xls.

      Population projections are based largely on past trends rather than policy based forecasts.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165193,"EventID":"S1W-28668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether The Highland Council's annual capital allocation for transport is sufficient to ensure that the structural condition of its road network, including the strengthen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether The Highland Council's annual capital allocation for transport is sufficient to ensure that the structural condition of its road network, including the strengthening of bridges and other road structures, is maintained to an acceptable level.","AnswerText":"Highland Council's proposed single allocation for non-housing capital will rise to £23.2million in financial year 2003-04, a cumulative increase over three years of 34.3%. Given that Highland Council is responsible for the local roads within its area, it is entirely a matter for the council to determine its spending priorities within this budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165194,"EventID":"S1W-28669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were detained in HM Prison Cornton Vale on 15 August 2002 (a) in total and (b) serving (i) custodial alternatives to fines and (ii) sentences of (1) b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were detained in HM Prison Cornton Vale on 15 August 2002 (a) in total and (b) serving (i) custodial alternatives to fines and (ii) sentences of (1) between seven days and three months, (2) between three and six months, (3) between six months and two years, (4) between two and five years and (5) over five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is given in the following table:

      (a)

      287

      (b)

      (i)

      9

      (ii)

      1

      14

      2

      38

      3

      72

      4

      70

      5

      42

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165195,"EventID":"S1W-28670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is liable for any costs incurred by private ambulance companies which are contracted to provide support, including appliance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is liable for any costs incurred by private ambulance companies which are contracted to provide support, including appliances and equipment, at cultural, sporting or other events and, if so, what these costs are in respect of, why the SAS is so liable and what the extent of its liability is.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service does not subcontract to private ambulance services, therefore it is not liable for any costs incurred by such companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165196,"EventID":"S1W-28671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the outcome of the first stage consultation paper, published last year as part of its Scottish Higher Education Review, will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the outcome of the first stage consultation paper, published last year as part of its Scottish Higher Education Review, will be made available.","AnswerText":"I can announce that a report on the outcomes of the first consultation paper, focussing on the past performance of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC), is now available. This is being sent to all respondents, is available on the Scottish Executive website (www.scotland.gov.uk/who/elld/hereview.asp) and copies placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23187). The written responses received by the Executive are also available on the Scottish Executive website.

      The general outcome of the review is positive with the SHEFC being perceived to have performed well and to have sound internal processes and procedures. The report also highlights where further improvements in the operation of SHEFC can be made.

      This marks the completion of the Quinquennial Review of SHEFC and of stage one of the Higher Education Review process looking at the past performance of SHEFC. We are currently concluding the second stage of consultation based on the document Shaping Our Future which was issued at the end of April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165197,"EventID":"S1W-28672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a reduction of 2% in the current interest rates would have on its finances.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a reduction of 2% in the current interest rates would have on its finances.","AnswerText":"There is likely to be a limited impact on the Executive's finances through loan charge support to local authorities. A reduction in interest rates would influence the calculation of loan charge support for local authorities. The impact of a reduction in interest rates on the calculation of loan charges is limited as the calculation also takes account of interest rates on historic debt. In addition we would not recalculate loan support within the fixed three-year local government settlement period.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165198,"EventID":"S1W-28673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much time the Deputy Minister for Justice has spent on ministerial duties in each of the last three months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much time the Deputy Minister for Justice has spent on ministerial duties in each of the last three months.","AnswerText":"It is entirely the responsibility of each minister and deputy minister to apportion the time he or she spends on ministerial and constituency duties.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165199,"EventID":"S1W-28674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a single vaccine programme for (a) measles, (b) mumps and (c) rubella and whether the introduction of such a programme would increase confidence","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a single vaccine programme for (a) measles, (b) mumps and (c) rubella and whether the introduction of such a programme would increase confidence amongst parents in its policy on this issue.","AnswerText":"As stated in the answers given to questions S1W-25472 on 30 April 2002 and S1W-25524 on 15 May 2002, expert medical advice confirms that MMR remains the safest and most effective way to protect children from measles, mumps and rubella. This view was supported by the conclusions of the MMR Expert Group report, published in April 2002.

      The Executive therefore has no plans to change the current immunisation programme and, on the basis of best clinical practice, will continue to offer MMR to protect children against these three serious diseases.

      Uptake rates for the childhood immunisation programme to quarter ended June 2002, as published by the Information and Statistics Division (ISD) of the Common Services Agency (CSA), reflect another rise in MMR uptake. The figure of 88.6% to end June 2002 reflects the highest uptake since March 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165200,"EventID":"S1W-28675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS would be of providing the blood test, TaqMan PCR, to every autistic child.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost to the NHS would be of providing the blood test, TaqMan PCR, to every autistic child.","AnswerText":"The Public Health Institute of Scotland's Needs Assessment Report on Autistic Spectrum Disorders (2001) estimated that, in Scotland, there are 2,114 autistic children under 19 years of age, and a further 5,600 with other autistic spectrum disorders.

      Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique which amplifies minute quantities of DNA in the blood and makes testing for it easier. Each test costs a minimum of £150.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165201,"EventID":"S1W-28676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund the blood test, TaqMan PCR, for every autistic child in order to detect and identify sections of the measles virus gene and what the reasons are for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund the blood test, TaqMan PCR, for every autistic child in order to detect and identify sections of the measles virus gene and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to test the blood of every autistic child in Scotland for the measles virus because, using validated methodologies, it would only be detectable in the acute viraemic stage of the illness.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165202,"EventID":"S1W-28677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average length of time anorexia nervosa sufferers in the Grampian NHS Board area have to wait to see a specialist and what plans it has to reduce these waiting times","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average length of time anorexia nervosa sufferers in the Grampian NHS Board area have to wait to see a specialist and what plans it has to reduce these waiting times. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally.

      People suffering from anorexia nervosa are treated and supported through mainstream mental health and social work services. Treatment is undertaken in a variety of settings, with very few in-patient and day cases. Most treatments are carried out in hospital and community health settings on an out-patient basis. Information on waiting times for out-patient attendances is available only at specialty level and does not identify specific conditions or treatments.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165203,"EventID":"S1W-28678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to increase the number of specialist hospital beds in the Grampian NHS Board area for the treatment of life-threatening forms of anorexia ner","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to increase the number of specialist hospital beds in the Grampian NHS Board area for the treatment of life-threatening forms of anorexia nervosa.","AnswerText":"People suffering from anorexia nervosa are treated and supported through mainstream mental health and social work services. Treatment is undertaken mainly in out-patient settings, with very few in-patient and day cases. It is for NHS Grampian to assess the need for facilities and services to treat anorexia nervosa in the area it serves and to make the appropriate provision to meet this need.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165204,"EventID":"S1W-28679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to address any disparities across Scotland in the availability of specialist services and community/family support for people suffering from anor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to address any disparities across Scotland in the availability of specialist services and community/family support for people suffering from anorexia nervosa.","AnswerText":"The Health Department published guidance in October 2001 on the organisation and provision of eating disorder services. It is for all NHS boards and their care partners to consider what provision best suits the assessed needs of their area, in collaboration with neighbouring boards where appropriate. Services are in place in Grampian, Highland, Lanarkshire and Lothian which range from specialist eating disorder teams to single nurse specialist posts.

      The performance and accountability arrangements for NHSScotland and the visiting Mental Health and Well Being Support Group keep these matters under review.

      The guidance is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23704).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165205,"EventID":"S1W-28680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-26897 and S1W-27654 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002 and 13 August 2002 respectively, where a standard for health care in a priso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-26897 and S1W-27654 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002 and 13 August 2002 respectively, where a standard for health care in a prison has been recorded as \"partially achieved\", what progress this implies has been made in working to achieve all aspects of the standard for (a) 100% of prisoners having their weight recorded on each admission to prison and their height recorded on their initial admission to prison, (b) the provision of basic equipment within each consulting room, minimum si'e of 10.8m2, in the health centre which shall include an examination couch, a mercury sphygmomanometer, scales, desk, three chairs, examination/treatment lamp, stethoscope, eye charts, ophthalmoscope, auroscope and a copy of BNF in 100% of cases, (c) the provision of adequate facilities for visiting psychiatrists in 100% of cases, (d) the referral of routine cases to the psychiatrist being seen within four weeks in 100% of cases, (e) the referral of urgent cases to the psychiatrist being seen within seven days in 100% of cases, (f) emergency (psychiatric) cases being seen within 24 hours in 100% of cases, (g) the transfer to hospital following completion of a Section under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 being effected within the timescale agreed by the health care staff and the forensic psychiatrist in 100% of cases, (h) health centre staff being given 24 hours' notice of proposed transfer on 100% of occasions, (i) 100% of prisoners aged 55 or over and in prison for more than four weeks being offered a urinalysis check if not carried out within the last three years and (j) 100% of prisoners aged 35 and over and in prison for more than four weeks being offered the opportunity to have their blood pressure recorded if not carried out within the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The recording of "partially achieved" implies that the establishment has either met some parts of a standard containing multiple criteria, but not all, or has achieved at least 50% compliance in working towards the target set, but has not yet fully met the standard.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165206,"EventID":"S1W-28681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #100 million it announced in September 2000 to tackle illicit drug misuse remains unallocated and when it will announce the disbursement of the remaining ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #100 million it announced in September 2000 to tackle illicit drug misuse remains unallocated and when it will announce the disbursement of the remaining monies.","AnswerText":"All of the £100 million expenditure package has been allocated on the basis of a three-year programme, to remove uncertainties about funding at local level and encourage sustained activity. The following table gives a breakdown of the allocations:

      Area of spend

      2001-02

      (£ million)

      2002-03

      (£ million)

      2003-04

      (£ million)

      Totals

      (£ million)

      Treatment

      2.0

      4.0

      4.0

      10

      Rehabilitation

      6.8

      6.8

      6.8

      20.4

      Training

      0.2

      0.2

      0.2

      0.6

      Prisons

      2.0

      4.0

      4.0

      10

      Training and Employment Bridges

      1.5

      2.5

      2.5

      6.5

      Community Disposals

      2.0

      3.5

      4.0

      9.5

      Young people and families

      4.0

      6.0

      8.0

      18

      Schools Education

      1.0

      1.0

      1.0

      3.0

      Youth Crime

      0.0

      0.5

      0.5

      1.0

      Public awareness initiatives

      2.1

      2.1

      2.1

      6.3

      Scotland Against Drugs

      1.5

      1.5

      1.5

      4.5

      Social Inclusion Partnerships

      -

      2.0

      3.0

      5.0

      Research

      0.666

      0.666

      0.666

      1.998

      Local structures, good practice and evaluation

      0.6

      0.6

      0.6

      1.8

      Management information and systems

      0.5

      0.5

      0.5

      1.5<","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165207,"EventID":"S1W-28682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #100 million it announced in September 2000 to tackle illicit drug misuse has been allocated to each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board, also on a per ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #100 million it announced in September 2000 to tackle illicit drug misuse has been allocated to each (a) local authority and (b) NHS board, also on a per capita basis.","AnswerText":"/www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Table 1

      Local Authority

      Population

      Per Annum 2001-02 to 2003-04

      Additional Funding for Drug Rehabilitation Services

      (£000)

      Aberdeen City

      212,650

      282

      Aberdeenshire

      227,440

      302

      Angus

      109,840

      146

      Argyll and Bute

      89,730

      119

      Clackmannanshire

      48,530

      65

      Dumfries and Galloway

      146,800

      195

      Dundee City

      144,430

      192

      East Ayrshire

      120,940

      161

      East Dunbartonshire

      110,690

      147

      East Lothian

      90,430

      120

      East Renfrewshire

      89,280

      119

      Edinburgh, City of

      451,710

      600

      Eilean Siar

      27,560

      37

      Falkirk

      144,370

      192

      Fife

      349,200

      464

      Glasgow City

      611,440

      812

      Highland

      208,600

      277

      Inverclyde

      85,190

      113

      Midlothian

      81,680

      108

      Moray

      85,210

      113

      North Ayrshire

      139,410

      185

      The proposal to introduce a school meals application for multiple use cards in secondary schools is one of a number of recommendations in the panel's interim report currently out for consultation. We expect the panel's final report later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165210,"EventID":"S1W-28685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28074 by Mr Frank McAveety on 26 August 2002, whether it has any plans, in line with the practice of the Secretary of State for Hea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28074 by Mr Frank McAveety on 26 August 2002, whether it has any plans, in line with the practice of the Secretary of State for Health, to review its recently introduced regulations on the si'e of rooms and other matters in residential care facilities.","AnswerText":"The statutory requirements on care services are set out in The Regulation of Care (Requirements as to Care Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2002. The Executive has no current plans to review these regulations.

      The requirements relating to the size of rooms are set out in the national care standards for care homes published by ministers. These standards were widely consulted on and underpin our aim of improving the quality of the care experience for the user. Responsibility for monitoring compliance with the standards lies with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165211,"EventID":"S1W-28686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any financial assistance has been provided by VisitScotland to promote the Loch Ness Marathon on 29 September 2002; whether any recommendation was made that Visit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any financial assistance has been provided by VisitScotland to promote the Loch Ness Marathon on 29 September 2002; whether any recommendation was made that VisitScotland should finance the marketing costs of the marathon; what response was made by VisitScotland to any such recommendation, and whether any assistance has been provided to promote the marketing of the marathon by VisitScotland","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165212,"EventID":"S1W-28687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 requires amendment and what interim measures it is taking following the earlier suspension of the powers to impose additional day","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 requires amendment and what interim measures it is taking following the earlier suspension of the powers to impose additional days added or loss of remission, in the light of the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights on 15 July 2002 in the case of Okechukwiw E'eh.","AnswerText":"On 11 June 2001, Scottish Ministers decided to suspend the use of additional days and loss of remission in Scottish prisons. The European Court held on 15 July 2002 in the case of Ezeh & Connors v United Kingdom that there were Article 6 difficulties with the procedure for awarding Additional Days Added (ADAs).

      The decision to suspend the use of ADAs on 11 June 2001 didn't lead to disciplinary problems. It was therefore decided that the time was right to complete the abolition of ADAs. On 16 August 2002, ministers remitted all ADAs which prisoners in Scotland were serving or were still liable to serve, provided these days had been awarded to a person sentenced by a Scottish court.

      No decision has yet been taken as to whether the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 and other legislation will be amended to remove references to additional days. The Ezeh & Connors judgement does not require the legislation to be amended.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165213,"EventID":"S1W-28688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to reduce the number of people held on remand.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to reduce the number of people held on remand.","AnswerText":"Only the courts and the Lord Advocate have the direct power to reduce the number of accused held on remand, by means of the grant of bail to individual accused.

      The Executive has, however, provided funding and guidance to all local authorities to allow bail information and supervision schemes to be provided to courts within their areas.

      Bail information schemes are intended to assist procurators fiscal and courts through verification of information in respect of cases where bail might otherwise have been opposed or refused. Bail supervision is intended to increase the confidence of courts of successful completion of bail periods through the availability of supervised bail with the intention of reducing the number of accused remanded to custody.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165214,"EventID":"S1W-28689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1719 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 September 1999, when the research commissioned into business finance and securities over moveable prop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-1719 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 September 1999, when the research commissioned into business finance and securities over moveable property will be published.","AnswerText":"Summary findings and a full research report on Business Finance and Security over Moveable Property were published on Monday 23 September 2002. The research can be accessed on the Scottish Executive's website and copies have been lodged with the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165215,"EventID":"S1W-28690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input affected interests will have before any regulations on the arrangements for the transportation of cattle and, in particular, the use of slatted courts as cattl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input affected interests will have before any regulations on the arrangements for the transportation of cattle and, in particular, the use of slatted courts as cattle housing, are brought into force.","AnswerText":"Consultation with interested parties will be undertaken before any regulations on the arrangement for the transport of cattle or changes to the regulations on cattle housing are brought into force.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165216,"EventID":"S1W-28691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the findings of the Inquiry by Sir Robin Auld, Review of the Criminal Courts of England and Wales, published on 8 October 2001 in relation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the findings of the Inquiry by Sir Robin Auld, Review of the Criminal Courts of England and Wales, published on 8 October 2001 in relation to the modernisation of the criminal justice system in Scotland","AnswerText":"There are currently two reviews of the criminal justice system in Scotland. That being conducted by Lord Bonomy is examining the operation of the High Court, while a committee chaired by Sheriff Principal McInnes is looking at the system of summary justice. I expect both of these reviews to produce proposals for the modernisation of the Scottish criminal justice system.

      Sir Robin Auld's Review of the Criminal Courts in England and Wales focused exclusively on the courts and legal system in England and Wales but contains a number of proposals that could have relevance for Scotland. As noted in the replies to questions S1W-27759 and S1W-27760 on 15 August 2002, we are following their development with close interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165217,"EventID":"S1W-28692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to weighting the discretion of the criminal courts in determining applications for admission to bail in respect of accused persons who hav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to weighting the discretion of the criminal courts in determining applications for admission to bail in respect of accused persons who have been charged with an offence likely to result in imprisonment on subsequent convictions.","AnswerText":"We are currently in the process of reviewing the powers introduced in 1996 enabling the courts to impose aggravated sentences for offences committed while the offender was on bail. This review was announced in April 2000. To inform the review two research projects were planned. The first has been completed and the second is now under way. These will inform the later stages of the review which we aim to complete by the middle of 2003. While the research is under way it would be premature to draw any conclusions about the effectiveness of the new powers and what additional measures, if any, may be required.

      We have also noted the proposal in the UK Government's recently published white paper Justice for All to weight the court's discretion against granting bail to a defendant who has been charged with an imprisonable offence committed while on bail for another offence. We shall follow developments relating to that particular proposal with interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165218,"EventID":"S1W-28693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to extending the right of the prosecution to appeal against the admission to bail of an accused person.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to extending the right of the prosecution to appeal against the admission to bail of an accused person.","AnswerText":"The prosecutor in Scotland already has an unrestricted right of appeal against the grant of bail to an accused person.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165219,"EventID":"S1W-28694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to legislation providing for a presumption of remand into custody where an accused person has tested positive for Class A drugs at arrest","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to legislation providing for a presumption of remand into custody where an accused person has tested positive for Class A drugs at arrest.","AnswerText":"We have no immediate plans to consider making such provision in Scotland.

      We have, however, noted the proposal in the UK Government's recently published White Paper Justice for All to pilot such a presumption where a suspect tests positive for a class A drug at arrest but refuses treatment. We shall follow this pilot scheme with interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165220,"EventID":"S1W-28695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has available to it on the incidence of (a) a failure to appear or be represented at court amongst accused persons admitted to bail, (b) offending by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has available to it on the incidence of (a) a failure to appear or be represented at court amongst accused persons admitted to bail, (b) offending by accused persons while admitted to bail and (c) intimidation of witnesses by accused persons while admitted to bail.","AnswerText":"The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165221,"EventID":"S1W-28696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for transcripts of criminal and civil court cases to be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre or the National Library t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for transcripts of criminal and civil court cases to be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre or the National Library to assist MSPs in their parliamentary and constituency business.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans for transcripts of criminal and civil court cases to be made available in the Parliament's Reference Centre or the National Library.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165222,"EventID":"S1W-28697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost to the NHS is of a road fatality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost to the NHS is of a road fatality.","AnswerText":"Information about estimated road accident costs are published annually in Road Accidents Scotland. Table 12 of Road Accidents Scotland 2000, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17733), contains a breakdown of costs per accident by element of cost and severity for the UK at 2000 prices.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165223,"EventID":"S1W-28698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many learning providers were recipients of Individual Learning Account (ILA) payments in each year since the scheme was introduced and how much each provider was paid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many learning providers were recipients of Individual Learning Account (ILA) payments in each year since the scheme was introduced and how much each provider was paid.","AnswerText":"Account information held on learning providers participating in the scheme is commercially sensitive. It would, therefore, be inappropriate to provide financial details in respect of each individual learning provider.

      According to the ILA Centre's records, the amounts paid to learning providers are as follows:

      in the first financial year of the national scheme's introduction 410 learning providers received a total of £1,890,270;

      in the second financial year of the scheme's introduction 1,023 learning providers received a total of £10,976,725, and

      in the first six months of this financial year 284 learning providers received a total of £1,727,789.

      A table giving a more detailed breakdown of payments made to learning providers is included.

      Number of Learning Providers Receiving Payments in each Specified Payment Band (£)

      Year

      0-9,999

      10,000-49,999

      50,000-99,999

      Over 100,000

      Totals

      2000-01

      359

      48

      1

      2

      410

      2001-02

      835

      139

      26

      23

      1,023

      2002-03

      241

      39

      2

      2

      284

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165224,"EventID":"S1W-28699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21191 and S1W-27656 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002 and 15 August 2002 respectively, how it monitors contract compliance by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21191 and S1W-27656 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002 and 15 August 2002 respectively, how it monitors contract compliance by Medacs in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Medacs' performance against the contract is monitored at both individual health centre level and by regular meetings of the national Medical Services Contract Monitoring Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165225,"EventID":"S1W-28700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27656 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, how it monitors compliance with Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners in all prison","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27656 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, how it monitors compliance with Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners in all prisons including HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26897 on 3 July 2002. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. In relation to HM Prison, Kilmarnock the operator of the prison is monitored on a daily basis by the SPS Controllers.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165226,"EventID":"S1W-28701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21191 and S1W-27656 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002 and 15 August 2002 respectively, which targets in Standards of Health Ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-21191 and S1W-27656 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 January 2002 and 15 August 2002 respectively, which targets in Standards of Health Care of Prisoners were not met by Medacs in each of the last three years or in as many years as such information is available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27656. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165227,"EventID":"S1W-28702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27734 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, whether it will detail all items worth #1,000 or over that comprised part of the fixture","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27734 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, whether it will detail all items worth #1,000 or over that comprised part of the fixtures, fittings and equipment of the buildings of former HM Prison Zeist and were removed for reuse by the Scottish Prison Service prior to the buildings' return to the Netherlands Government.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Security locks totalling £11,000 approximately.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165228,"EventID":"S1W-28703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27734 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, what the total value was of the fixtures, fittings and equipment removed from the buildi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27734 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, what the total value was of the fixtures, fittings and equipment removed from the buildings comprising HM Prison Zeist for reuse by the Scottish Prison Service prior to the buildings' return to the Netherlands Government.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      £11,000 approximately.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165229,"EventID":"S1W-28704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27739 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, why the Scottish Prison Service risk register is confidential.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27739 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, why the Scottish Prison Service risk register is confidential.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Because it contains sensitive material in that it identifies security, operational, corporate and business continuity risks relating to SPS's law enforcement responsibilities. Such material requires to be treated in a confidential manner so as not to increase the risks which the register is designed to help reduce.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165230,"EventID":"S1W-28705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27739 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, whether it will publish or make available to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27739 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, whether it will publish or make available to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre parts of the Scottish Prison Service Risk Register where such release would not compromise prison security.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service Risk Register contains sensitive material relating to SPS's law enforcement responsibilities. Such material requires to be treated in a confidential manner. Publishing all or part of the register would increases the possibility of risks materialising which would in itself pose an additional threat to the safe and secure operation and good governance of the prison system.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165231,"EventID":"S1W-28706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of providing prisoner escorts has been to the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last three years, broken down by prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of providing prisoner escorts has been to the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last three years, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not currently available. Arrangements for the collection and analysis of relevant data are being undertaken as part of the preparation for privatising these.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165232,"EventID":"S1W-28707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the random mandatory drug testing results were for HM Prison Kilmarnock, broken down by (a) type of drug including (i) cannabis, (ii) ben'odia'epines, (iii) opiates","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the random mandatory drug testing results were for HM Prison Kilmarnock, broken down by (a) type of drug including (i) cannabis, (ii) ben'odia'epines, (iii) opiates, (iv) methadone, (v) LSD, (vi) amphetamines, (vii) barbiturates, (viii) cocaine and (ix) temgesic, and (b) all tests and in-prison tests, in (1) 1999-2000, (2) 2000-01 and (3) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Readily available information on random mandatory drug test results are published annually in the Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland annual bulletin, Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2001, published by the Information and Statistics Division in 2002.

      The figures for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 for HMP Kilmarnock, which were not included in previous bulletins, will be included in the next bulletin, and are as follows:
       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      Overall per cent positive

      All tests % positive (includes all prisoners)

      34

      24

      In-prison tests % positive (excludes results attributable to pre-prison use)

      23

      16

      Percentage of samples positive for stated drug type1

      Cannabis

      22

      11

      Benzodiazepines

      7

      3

      Opiates

      14

      20

      Methadone

      0

      0

      LSD

      0

      0

      Amphetamines

      0

      0

      Barbiturates

      0

      0

      Cocaine

      0

      0

      Temgesic

      1

      0

      Note:

      1. These percentages relate to the all-test positive rate (which includes those whose test result may have been due to pre-prison misuse), as this figure better relates to treatment need.

      The figures for 2001-02 will be published in the next annual bulletin.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165233,"EventID":"S1W-28708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why figures for HM Prison Kilmarnock are not included in table 110 of Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2001 published by the Information and Statistics Division.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why figures for HM Prison Kilmarnock are not included in table 110 of Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2001 published by the Information and Statistics Division.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The required information was not available in a format compatible with other prisons at the time that the data was submitted to the Information and Statistics Division. This data will be available in future editions of the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165234,"EventID":"S1W-28709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27619 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 12 August 2002, what (a) increased sum in drug treatment resources and (b) resources through the Chan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27619 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 12 August 2002, what (a) increased sum in drug treatment resources and (b) resources through the Changing Children's Services Fund for work with young people and families affected by drug misuse was or will be allocated to each Drug Action Team area in (i) 2001-02, (ii) 2002-03 and (iii) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Resources for drug treatment are allocated to NHS boards. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25154 on 1 May 2002, which details total and per capita allocations to NHS boards from 1998-99 to 2002-03. Funding for 2003-04 will remain the same as 2002-03.

      I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28682 today, which details allocations to local authorities from the Changing Children's Services Fund for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165235,"EventID":"S1W-28710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-913 and S1W-27621 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 August 1999 and 12 August 2002 respectively, why it was possible to give an answer to S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-913 and S1W-27621 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 August 1999 and 12 August 2002 respectively, why it was possible to give an answer to S1W-913 but not to S1W-27621.","AnswerText":"Decisions on police officer ill-health retirements are the responsibility of the employing authorities and information on the reason for police officer ill-health retirements is not routinely collected or held by the Scottish Executive. In response to question S1W-913, the information was sought specially from individual police forces. However, the Executive does not normally seek information specifically from third parties for the purpose of answering parliamentary questions. This is in keeping with the Executive's current Guidance on Scottish Parliamentary Questions, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, and was the approach taken in replying to question S1W-27621.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165236,"EventID":"S1W-28711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to alter the system for making local authority capital funding allocations and, in particular, whether the fixed award of #1 million is a suffici","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to alter the system for making local authority capital funding allocations and, in particular, whether the fixed award of #1 million is a sufficient recognition of a local authority's base expenditure need.","AnswerText":"Capital allocations for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04 based on the existing capital formula were announced following Spending Review 2000. Local authorities have set their spending plans on the basis of these allocations and there are no plans to change these.

      The fixed element of the formula is set at a level commensurate with the overall resources available for local authority capital expenditure. The main factors that determine an authority's (relative) expenditure needs are included in the variable elements of the formula.

      We have announced plans to reform the local authority capital finance system. Subject to the passage of the Local Government Bill, local authorities will be able to determine their own capital spending plans from 1 April 2004. Proposals for supporting capital expenditure from 2004-05 will be discussed with COSLA.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165237,"EventID":"S1W-28712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities benefit from a special allowance for rural and island transport needs under their capital funding allocations and how much was paid to each such l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities benefit from a special allowance for rural and island transport needs under their capital funding allocations and how much was paid to each such local authority in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The single allocation formula contains special allowances to recognise the special transport circumstance of remote/rural areas. A top-slice (10%) of the roads and transport element of the formula is distributed to island authorities or those authorities containing large island areas to reflect the needs in relation to ferry services, and to rural local authorities to reflect increased needs for bridge strengthening and forest roads. The amount for special transport needs is built into the authority's unhypothecated single allocation. It is not specifically identified for special transport needs. It is entirely up to the local authorities to determine how they spend their allocation across the range of their capital programmes (excluding council housing).

      The top slice is distributed as follows:

      Council

      Percentage

      Argyll and Bute

      1.25

      Dumfries and Galloway

      1.5

      Eilean Siar

      2.75

      Highland

      3.0

      Orkney

      0.5

      Scottish Borders

      1.0

      Total

      10.0

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165238,"EventID":"S1W-28713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the formula for calculating the special allowance for rural and island transport needs gives sufficient recognition of the costs of providing transport services i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the formula for calculating the special allowance for rural and island transport needs gives sufficient recognition of the costs of providing transport services in these areas and what plans it has to increase the allowance for rural and island local authorities in future years or to review the funding formula.","AnswerText":"The single capital allocation formula measures the relative need to spend of each local authority based on statistical indicators for the main capital programmes (excluding council-owned housing) and the total resources made available for local authority capital spending. It is up to each local authority how it spends its total capital resources including any locally-raised resources for example the proceeds of asset sales. There are no plans to review the special transport needs element of the formula.

      Rural and islands authorities also benefit from revenue grant from the Rural Transport Fund and have received additional capital allocations from the Public Transport Fund. The final round of such allocations will be made in October. Future arrangements for supporting local transport infrastructure projects will be announced in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165239,"EventID":"S1W-28714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been detained under section 18 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 in each year since 1990, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have been detained under section 18 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 in each year since 1990, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. The following figures have been produced from data provided by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. They indicate the number of admissions to hospital under section 18 in each year and do not necessarily reflect the total number of patients being treated under section 18 in any one year.
       

      Year

      Board

      1990-91

      1991-92

      1992-93

      1993-94

      1994-95

      1995-96

      Argyll and Clyde NHS Unified Board

      61

      73

      63

      87

      97

      110

      Ayrshire and Arran Unified Board

      22

      33

      34

      42

      42

      42

      Borders Unified Board

      9

      10

      *

      16

      17

      15

      Fife NHS Board

      18

      35

      49

      49

      45

      58

      Forth Valley NHS Board

      20

      21

      19

      30

      31

      33

      Grampian NHS Board

      61

      57

      72

      80

      81

      87

      Greater Glasgow NHS Board

      115

      151

      126

      158

      161

      163

      Highland NHS Board

      29

      40

      41

      46

      32

      32

      Lothian NHS Unified Board

      78

      104

      118

      131

      130

      160

      NHS Dumfries and Galloway

      31

      26

      28

      31

      32

      28

      NHS Lanarkshire Board

      30

      35

      		There has been a planned reduction of in-patient beds, which reflects the policy of providing more care and support from community settings where this is appropriate. Information on hospital in-patient beds and patients admitted are provided in the following tables. The underlying reason for re-admissions cannot be identified.

      Table 1: Trends in Average Occupied Hospital Beds and Available Staffed Hospital Beds in Psychiatry Years Ending 31 March 1990 to 31 March 2002, Scotland1,2,3,4

      Year ending 31 March

      Average available staffed beds

      Average occupied beds

      Average % occupancy

      1990

      14,407

      12,634

      87.7

      1991

      13,927

      12,159

      87.3

      1992

      13,251

      11,640

      87.8

      1993

      12,561

      11,179

      89.0

      1994

      11,727

      10,289

      87.7

      1995

      11,034

      9,754

      88.4

      1996

      10,392

      9,084

      87.4

      1997

      9,580

      8,358

      87.2

      1998

      9,076

      7,791

      85.8

      1999

      8,674

      7,358

      84.8

      2000

      8,145

      6,917

      84.9

      2001

      7,760

      6,547

      84.4

      2002

      7.306

      6,216

      85.1

      Source: ISD Sco","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165242,"EventID":"S1W-28717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many psychiatrists working in the field of adult psychiatry there have been in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many psychiatrists working in the field of adult psychiatry there have been in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (a) NHS board and (b) local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following table shows consultant psychiatrists (whole-time equivalents) by NHS board for "adult psychiatric specialities" (which is taken to be all consultant psychiatrists less those registered under Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). The figures shown may not reflect directly the availability of consultant psychiatric services in any individual NHS board area, because in many instances doctors employed in one NHS board area will also provide service in another.

      Data is not collected centrally on consultants by local authority area.

      Consultants Working in Adult Psychiatric Specialties*

      Scotland

      Argyll and Clyde

      Ayrshire and Arran

      Borders

      Dumfries and Galloway

      Fife

      Forth Valley

      Grampian

      Greater Glasgow

      Highland

      Lanarkshire

      Lothian

      Orkney

      Shetland

      Tayside

      Western Isles

      State Hospital Carstairs

      1990

      233.5

      21.3

      11.0

      4.0

      8.8

      14.0

      10.0

      23.3

      54.7

      9.0

      15.0

      40.5

      19.8

      1.0

      1991

      231.7

      21.1

      10.0

      4.0

      7.9

      14.0

      10.0

      24.0

      52.5

      9.2

      15.0

      37.2

      1.0

      20.0

      1.0

      3.7

      1992

      230.6

      21.7

      9.0

      4.0

      8.0

      13.0

      9.0

      25.2

      50.2

      		The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland publishes, in its annual reports, information on requests for discharge from detention. In 2000-01, the commission reviewed the cases of 233 patients detained under section 18 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and discharged, contrary to the wishes of the Responsible Medical Officer, three patients (two of whom were on leave of absence).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165246,"EventID":"S1W-28721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the cost to harbours of bacteria-related corrosion and what action it is taking to address this issue.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the cost to harbours of bacteria-related corrosion and what action it is taking to address this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been aware of the growing concerns about bacteria-related corrosion (also referred to as Accelerated Low Water Corrosion) for some time and has been working with harbour authorities to address these concerns. The Scottish Executive has made no assessment of the cost of such damage. In the first instance, it is for harbour authorities to monitor their own structures and consider what action they require to take.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165247,"EventID":"S1W-28722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to emulate the joint government/BT ACT NOW project to bring ADSL to 12 exchanges in Cornwall and, if so, what exchanges in Scotland would be identified f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to emulate the joint government/BT ACT NOW project to bring ADSL to 12 exchanges in Cornwall and, if so, what exchanges in Scotland would be identified first for such a project.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Enterprise have looked with interest at the Cornwall project and are discussing it with the telecoms industry. They are also supporting BT's trial of community broadband through mini-ADSL.

      However, ADSL is not the only solution for providing broadband. Our broadband strategy acknowledges this by being technology and supplier neutral. Nevertheless, the Scottish Executive does, of course, recognise the benefits of public/private collaboration for promoting broadband and we are, for instance, adopting this approach in the implementation of the Scottish programme of projects under the UK broadband fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165248,"EventID":"S1W-28723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Orkney Ferries, servicing the smaller islands, receives no tariff rebate subsidy (TRS), given that those who ship with Northlink do benefit from TRS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Orkney Ferries, servicing the smaller islands, receives no tariff rebate subsidy (TRS), given that those who ship with Northlink do benefit from TRS.","AnswerText":"Parliament approved, earlier this year, an Undertaking allowing the payment of Tariff Rebate Subsidy to NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Limited for the transport of livestock between the Northern Isles and the Scottish mainland. This complements the arrangements which the Executive has in place to subsidise the carriage of passengers and accompanied cars over the same routes. Responsibility for Orkney Ferries, which provides services within the Orkney archipelago, and for any subsidies applied to these services rests with Orkney Islands Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165249,"EventID":"S1W-28724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Pentland Ferries, operating between St. Margaret's Hope and Gill's Bay, receives no tariff rebate subsidy (TRS), given that those who ship with Northlink do benefit ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Pentland Ferries, operating between St. Margaret's Hope and Gill's Bay, receives no tariff rebate subsidy (TRS), given that those who ship with Northlink do benefit from TRS.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Highlands and Island Shipping Services Act 1960, Tariff Rebate Subsidy (TRS) is paid to eligible shipping operators wholly or mainly engaged in providing services to the Highlands and Islands in accordance with an undertaking, a draft of which has been laid before, and approved, by Parliament. No such undertaking relating to Pentland Ferries is in place. However, Pentland Ferries has recently applied for TRS for the transportation of livestock and its application is under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165250,"EventID":"S1W-28725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances Scottish Natural Heritage would be expected to undertake environmental impact studies in respect of planning applications in sensitive areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances Scottish Natural Heritage would be expected to undertake environmental impact studies in respect of planning applications in sensitive areas.","AnswerText":"There are statutory requirements for planning authorities or developers to consult Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on proposals in, or affecting, certain areas designated for their natural heritage interest, when such proposals are the subject of planning applications, or in some cases as a pre-requisite of exercising permitted development rights. It is for SNH to decide in the circumstances of each case what work they require to carry out in order to respond to such consultations.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165251,"EventID":"S1W-28726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002, why the report on the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court has not been published, given","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 June 2002, why the report on the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court has not been published, given that refurbishment is not one of the options subject to consultation by the Scottish Court Service.","AnswerText":"The feasibility report on the refurbishment of Peebles Sheriff Court, which was prepared by consultants for the Scottish Court Service, will be made available to interested parties together with the consultation document once the consultation process commences. This will ensure that all relevant material is available at the same time.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165252,"EventID":"S1W-28727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will need to be spent to make each of Lochmaddy, Tain, Dingwall and Portree sheriff courts compliant with disability discrimination legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much will need to be spent to make each of Lochmaddy, Tain, Dingwall and Portree sheriff courts compliant with disability discrimination legislation.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not yet available. The Scottish Court Service is currently undertaking a review of all court buildings to determine current compliance with disability discrimination legislation. The full extent of work needed and costings have yet to be determined.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165253,"EventID":"S1W-28728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27403 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 August 2002, whether it will give full details of each notice received under paragraph 6.8 of the Minu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27403 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 August 2002, whether it will give full details of each notice received under paragraph 6.8 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, including (a) the effective date of the notices, (b) the risk insured, (c) the extent of the insurance, (d) the insured sum, (e) the premium, (f) any excess requested by the previous insurer for a replacement policy, (g) what proposal the contractor made in the notice to mitigate, manage and control such risks and (h) what details the contractor gave of any financial resources available to meet any claim made against it in respect of such risks.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28658 on 23 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165254,"EventID":"S1W-28729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27403 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 August 2002, why insurance was not available at a commercial price in the case of each notice received","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27403 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 August 2002, why insurance was not available at a commercial price in the case of each notice received under paragraph 6.8 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28658 on 23 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165255,"EventID":"S1W-28730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give full details of any policies of insurance provided by it to contractors under paragraph 6.14 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of Stat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give full details of any policies of insurance provided by it to contractors under paragraph 6.14 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, including the (a) extent of the insurance, (b) premium paid, (c) excess, (d) insured sum, (e) duration of the insurance contract and (f) estimated probability of an insured event occurring over the duration of the insurance contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28658 on 23 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165256,"EventID":"S1W-28731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give full details of any waiver by it of the contractor's obligation to secure insurance under paragraph 6.10 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give full details of any waiver by it of the contractor's obligation to secure insurance under paragraph 6.10 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, including the (a) extent of the risk, (b) previously insured sum, (c) excess in previous contract insurance policy and premium paid in such a contract, (d) price offered for replacement of the contract, (e) reasons given as to why the price was not commercial, (f) estimated probability of any event occurring to which the waiver of an obligation to obtain insurance applies and (g) duration of any such waiver.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28658 on 23 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165257,"EventID":"S1W-28732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) why the percentage in paragraph 6.14.2 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Const","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) why the percentage in paragraph 6.14.2 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock has been omitted from the published version of the contract and (b) whether the percentage is above or below 100%.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      (a) Because it is commercially confidential. However, Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd and SPS provided members of the Justice 1 Committee with access to this information under appropriate arrangements of confidentiality.

      (b) This is commercially confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165258,"EventID":"S1W-28733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the accounting treatment has been in the Scottish Prison Service's annual accounts of any insurance policies provided by the Executive to the contractor under paragr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the accounting treatment has been in the Scottish Prison Service's annual accounts of any insurance policies provided by the Executive to the contractor under paragraph 6.14 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28658 on 23 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165259,"EventID":"S1W-28734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the accounting treatment has been in the Scottish Prison Service annual accounts of the waiver of an obligation on the contractor to secure insurance under paragrap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the accounting treatment has been in the Scottish Prison Service annual accounts of the waiver of an obligation on the contractor to secure insurance under paragraph 6.10 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28658 on 23 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165260,"EventID":"S1W-28735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9900 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 September 2000, (a) how many and (b) what percentage of prison inmates (i) received drug counselling a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-9900 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 September 2000, (a) how many and (b) what percentage of prison inmates (i) received drug counselling and rehabilitation in 2000-01 and 2001-02 and (ii) are currently receiving such counselling and rehabilitation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Readily available information on drug treatment performance is published annually in the Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland annual bulletin. These figures for 2000-01 are at table 111 in the 2001 report (Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2001, Information and Statistics Division, 2002).

      The figures for 2001-02 will be published in the next annual bulletin.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165261,"EventID":"S1W-28736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance will be offered to fishermen who have invested in vessels for deep water fishing but may not have sufficient track record to gain quota allocations that w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance will be offered to fishermen who have invested in vessels for deep water fishing but may not have sufficient track record to gain quota allocations that will make their investment economically sustainable.","AnswerText":"As stated in my response to question S1O-5561 of 19 September 2002, the European Council of Ministers will not formally adopt the regulation agreed on 11 June until they have the opinion of the European Parliament. Arrangements for the management and allocation of quota are still under discussion and will not be finalised until the industry has been consulted.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165262,"EventID":"S1W-28737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the management group of Iomairt Aig An Oir/Initiative At The Edge will produce proposals for enabling new areas to enter the initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the management group of Iomairt Aig An Oir/Initiative At The Edge will produce proposals for enabling new areas to enter the initiative.","AnswerText":"The Iomairt Aig An Oir/Initiative At The Edge (IaaO) Management Group will submit proposals to the next IaaO National Steering Group in October 2002 on the way forward for the Iomairt beyond 2003. These will include proposals on criteria for exit and entry to the IaaO designation, for the National Steering Group's consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165263,"EventID":"S1W-28738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale was given to the management group of Iomairt Aig An Oir/Initiative At The Edge to report back on its proposals for enabling new areas to enter the initiati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale was given to the management group of Iomairt Aig An Oir/Initiative At The Edge to report back on its proposals for enabling new areas to enter the initiative following the most recent meeting of the initiative's National Steering Group. ","AnswerText":"At its June 2002 meeting the Iomairt Aig An Oir/Initiative At The Edge (IaaO) National Steering Group asked the IaaO Management Group to report on these matters at the National Steering Group's next meeting in October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165264,"EventID":"S1W-28739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to upgrade the A8000 link between the M9 and the M90 motorways to dual carriageway.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to upgrade the A8000 link between the M9 and the M90 motorways to dual carriageway.","AnswerText":"The A8000 is a local road and is therefore the responsibility of the City of Edinburgh Council, as the relevant roads authority. The council and the Forth Estuary Transport Authority are jointly taking forward plans to construct the M9 Spur Extension/A90 Upgrading Scheme to provide a new link road and reduce congestion on the A8000.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165265,"EventID":"S1W-28740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it had, in relation to its role in road safety promotion, to Her Majesty's Government's plans to legislate against the use of mobile phones whilst driving and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it had, in relation to its role in road safety promotion, to Her Majesty's Government's plans to legislate against the use of mobile phones whilst driving and whether it will publish details of any such input.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including mobile phones and driving.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165266,"EventID":"S1W-28741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish the report of the Throughcare and Aftercare Working Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish the report of the Throughcare and Aftercare Working Group.","AnswerText":"We have published this report today. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23375). The Executive welcomes the report and will consult on its recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165267,"EventID":"S1W-28742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28201 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 August 2002, what criteria were used in the allocation by the Scottish Prison Service to HM Prison Ki","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28201 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 August 2002, what criteria were used in the allocation by the Scottish Prison Service to HM Prison Kilmarnock of the contract with Cranstoun Drug Services.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Casework allocations (the in-prison part of the service) were made on the basis of prisoner throughput except for HM Prison Kilmarnock who were already contracted to provide this service and SPS therefore wished to avoid the taxpayer paying twice for the same service. Transitional Care allocations (the community part of the service) were assessed on the basis of prisoner throughput to different parts of Scotland. This second service is available to prisoners released from all of Scotland's prisons, including those held at HMP Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165268,"EventID":"S1W-28743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost of the contract with Cranstoun Drug Services will be; what the cost will be in each prison, and what the contract covers in each prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost of the contract with Cranstoun Drug Services will be; what the cost will be in each prison, and what the contract covers in each prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The cost of the contract is currently just under £3 million per full year, and will run for an initial term until end March 2004.

      The contract offers assessment, care planning, 1:1 work, case review and pre-release planning within the prison to all prisoners with an identified drug, alcohol or volatile substance misuse problem, and post-release advocacy support for up to 12 weeks after liberation. At HMP Kilmarnock in-prison services are provided by Premier Prison Services staff, with Cranstoun involved in pre-release planning and post-release support.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165269,"EventID":"S1W-28744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or intends to take, and over what timescale, on the conclusions and recommendations of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency report Strateg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or intends to take, and over what timescale, on the conclusions and recommendations of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency report Strategic Review of Organic Waste Spread on Land.","AnswerText":"Following the publication of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (SEPA) report, Strategic Review of Organic Waste Spread on Land, the then Scottish Office carried out a public consultation on its recommendations. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-12162 on 22 December 2000, in which the then Minister for the Environment formally responded to the report.

      SEPA's recommendations in the report were considered further in the context of the Transport and the Environment Committee's report on Petition PE327 by the Blairingone and Saline Action Group on Organic Waste Spread on Land. The Executive responded to the Transport and the Environment Committee's report in May 2002 detailing the progress already made on this issue and proposals for further action on a number of points. The full text of this response can be found listed under TE/02/22/12 at:

      www.scottish.parliament.uk/official_report/cttee/trans-02/trp02-22.pdf

      A key element of our proposals is amendments to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations exemptions to tighten up controls surrounding this practice. We intend to issue a consultation paper on this in late autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165270,"EventID":"S1W-28745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is carrying out an investigation into industrial relations in the Central College of Commerce and, if so, what stage this investigation is at.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is carrying out an investigation into industrial relations in the Central College of Commerce and, if so, what stage this investigation is at.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to carry out such an investigation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165271,"EventID":"S1W-28746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made regarding the merger negotiations between the Glasgow College of Food and Technology, the Central College of Commerce and the College of Build","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made regarding the merger negotiations between the Glasgow College of Food and Technology, the Central College of Commerce and the College of Building and Printing.","AnswerText":"I understand that the boards of management of each college have considered the reports on the due diligence process and have formally agreed to proceed with the merger. I also understand that the colleges have put in place the necessary robust arrangements by which the merger process can be taken forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165272,"EventID":"S1W-28747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to paragraph 2.1 of the Annual Report 2001-02 of the Over 21's Visiting Committee of HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, what the most ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to paragraph 2.1 of the Annual Report 2001-02 of the Over 21's Visiting Committee of HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale, what the most recent available data is with regard to prisoners suffering from clinical levels of (a) depression and (b) anxiety.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Cornton Vale results of the Fifth Prison Survey are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23893).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165273,"EventID":"S1W-28748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many medical staff there have been at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date broken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many medical staff there have been at HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institute Cornton Vale in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date broken down by category of staff.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20320 on 18 December 2001. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165274,"EventID":"S1W-28749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the Scottish Prison Service targets for standards of routine and psychiatric care as they apply to HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institution Cornton V","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the Scottish Prison Service targets for standards of routine and psychiatric care as they apply to HM Prison and Young Offenders' Institution Cornton Vale, what steps it has taken in regard to the targets of (a) routine cases referred to psychiatrists within 4 weeks in 100% of cases being only \"partially achieved\" and what percentage of cases this currently refers to and (b) emergency psychiatric cases being seen within 24 hours in 100% of cases being \"not achieved\" and what percentage of cases in this category have been seen by an emergency psychiatrist in 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The factual information requested is not available. Discussions are on-going with Forth Valley Primary Care NHS Trust about how appropriate psychiatric services might continue to be made available within Cornton Vale.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165275,"EventID":"S1W-28750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27399 by Cathy Jamieson on 2 August 2002, whether it will consider fully funding the Scottish European Resource Centre when it has ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27399 by Cathy Jamieson on 2 August 2002, whether it will consider fully funding the Scottish European Resource Centre when it has established the reasons for the proposed withdrawal of funding by the European Commission office in London. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will meet the shortfall in funding for the Scottish European Resource Centre created by the withdrawal of funding from 1 January 2003 by the European Commission's Representation in London.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165276,"EventID":"S1W-28752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of GPs and hospital-based doctors use the yellow card reporting system for adverse reactions in relation to medication for mental health problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of GPs and hospital-based doctors use the yellow card reporting system for adverse reactions in relation to medication for mental health problems.","AnswerText":"The Yellow Card Scheme underpins drug safety monitoring in the UK. Reports of suspected adverse drug reactions are submitted to the Committee on Safety of Medicines and the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), jointly responsible for running the scheme.

      The MCA advise that although it is possible to calculate the number of reports received for drugs indicated for use in mental health problems, it is not readily possible to derive from this information a meaningful estimate of the percentage of doctors submitting such reports. This is because the level of reporting is variable and health care professionals other than doctors may have submitted a proportion of the reports. The scheme invites reports from all doctors, regardless of speciality, dentists, pharmacists and, in some circumstances, nurses. Information about the Yellow Card Scheme can be found on the MCA's website at: www.mca.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165277,"EventID":"S1W-28753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any research findings are available to link increased smoking of tobacco with drugs prescribed for people with mental health problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any research findings are available to link increased smoking of tobacco with drugs prescribed for people with mental health problems.","AnswerText":"Research funded by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) in the Scottish Executive Health Department has confirmed the high rates of smoking among people with severe mental illness. These are a matter of concern, as they would be in any population group. The CSO is aware of research that suggests an interaction between antipsychotic medication and rates of smoking, but has not funded any research in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165278,"EventID":"S1W-28754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland in implementation of the recommenda","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland in implementation of the recommendations made by Dr Raj Jandoo in his inquiry report into the case of the murder of Surjit Singh Chhokar.","AnswerText":"Significant work has been progressed already in relation to those recommendations aimed both directly at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and those which are aimed at the COPFS and the police jointly. A detailed action plan which charts the work progressed to date, and that which is necessary to complete the job, is available on the departmental website of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service www.crownoffice.gov.uk. A copy of this action plan has been provided to the bereaved relatives and partner of Surjit Singh Chhokar and to the Conveners of the Justice 2 and Equal Opportunities Committees.

      In particular, the Lord Advocate issued guidelines to Chief Constables in February this year which dealt with a number of matters: (1) the investigation and reporting of racist crime by the police to procurators fiscal; (2) the need for the police to assess language needs of accused persons, victims, witnesses and bereaved relatives and to provide procurators fiscal with this information, and (3) the information which procurators fiscal require of the police to allow liaison to take place with bereaved relatives in an appropriate way. The Commission for Racial Equality were consulted in relation to the drafting of the guidelines, which will be consistently monitored.

      The Commission for Racial Equality and the Racial Equality Councils have also been provided with a copy of the action plan and we are committed to completing the work required by the plan and to regularly updating the plan to demonstrate progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165279,"EventID":"S1W-28755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults are currently diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder and, if the information is unavailable, what steps it is taking to collect such information.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many adults are currently diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder and, if the information is unavailable, what steps it is taking to collect such information.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available centrally. The proposed learning disability database will include people with autistic spectrum disorders, but will not provide information on all individuals diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder since it is thought that some people, particularly at the higher functioning end of the autistic spectrum, will not want to be included in such a database.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165280,"EventID":"S1W-28756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the findings of Professors Knapp and Jarbrink of the Centre for Economics of Mental Health that the average lifetime costs resulting from autism a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the findings of Professors Knapp and Jarbrink of the Centre for Economics of Mental Health that the average lifetime costs resulting from autism and associated learning difficulties is estimated to be #2,940,538 per person; what figure it estimates such lifetime costs to be, and what the estimated annual cost is for adults with autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of the findings of Professors Knapp and Jarbrink. It has not estimated the lifetime costs of people with autistic spectrum disorders, with or without associated learning disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165281,"EventID":"S1W-28757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of training to service providers for adults with autistic spectrum disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied with the level of training to service providers for adults with autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"The same as you? review of services for people with learning disabilities recognised the need to improve support for people with autistic spectrum disorder and recommended that local agencies should identify the training needs of front-line staff, to improve awareness and understanding of people with an autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165282,"EventID":"S1W-28758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied to ensure the proper accreditation of service providers responsible for adults with autistic spectrum disorder and whether such criteria are uni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria are applied to ensure the proper accreditation of service providers responsible for adults with autistic spectrum disorder and whether such criteria are uniform across the country.","AnswerText":"Accreditation is a term that refers to the Autism Quality Audit and Accreditation Programme, run by the National Autistic Society. This supports and accredits services that cater for the needs of people with autistic spectrum disorder. Providers of such services decide if they want to seek accreditation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165283,"EventID":"S1W-28759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics are available in regard to the incidence of autistic spectrum disorder within the prison population.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistics are available in regard to the incidence of autistic spectrum disorder within the prison population.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      None.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165284,"EventID":"S1W-28760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether those delivering medical services within the Scottish Prison Service are trained in identifying and diagnosing autistic spectrum disorder.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether those delivering medical services within the Scottish Prison Service are trained in identifying and diagnosing autistic spectrum disorder.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20730 on 20 December 2001. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165285,"EventID":"S1W-28761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether professionally trained staff working for local authorities who are engaged in determining care packages and services for adults with autistic spectrum disorder re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether professionally trained staff working for local authorities who are engaged in determining care packages and services for adults with autistic spectrum disorder receive any specialised training in the disorder.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28757 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The National Autistic Society has provided autism awareness training to a number of key local authority staff across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165286,"EventID":"S1W-28762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with reference to the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report of December 2001, what progress has been made in regard to targeting funding for autistic spectr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with reference to the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report of December 2001, what progress has been made in regard to targeting funding for autistic spectrum disorder services throughout Scotland and, in particular, to local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Public Health Institute for Scotland's Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report, published on 7 February 2002, recommended that resources for the systematic development of services for those with ASD should await completion of an audit of current service provision, expenditure and training by joint planning groups in each NHS board and local authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165287,"EventID":"S1W-28763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what means of measuring the distance between a pupil's home and the school he or she attends it recommends to local authorities. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what means of measuring the distance between a pupil's home and the school he or she attends it recommends to local authorities. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not made recommendations to local authorities on this matter. When required to measure the distance between a pupil's home and school, local authorities are responsible for doing so in a way that is accurate and reasonable.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165288,"EventID":"S1W-28764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of variation in means of measurement applied by local authorities when assessing the distance between a pupil's home and the school he or she attends ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of variation in means of measurement applied by local authorities when assessing the distance between a pupil's home and the school he or she attends and, if so, what measures it is taking to standardise these means.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware that local authorities use various means to measure accurately and reasonably distances between home and school. There are no current plans to standardise these methods.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165289,"EventID":"S1W-28765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-08-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of Global Positioning Satellites and associated software to measure the distance between a pupil's home and the school he or she attends is satisfactory, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of Global Positioning Satellites and associated software to measure the distance between a pupil's home and the school he or she attends is satisfactory, given that such measurement may take no account of any topographical variations which may increase any distance so measured.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware that all methods of measurement may require checks, safeguards and other factors to be taken into account to ensure an accurate and reasonable result.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165290,"EventID":"S1W-28766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25705 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, why the two offers received by 3 May 2000 for the buildings of the former HM Prison Penn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25705 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, why the two offers received by 3 May 2000 for the buildings of the former HM Prison Penninghame were considered unacceptable.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The offers received failed to reach the lower limit of the expected price range.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165291,"EventID":"S1W-28767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25707 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, why the offer received after 3 May 2000 for the buildings of the former HM Prison Pennin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25707 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, why the offer received after 3 May 2000 for the buildings of the former HM Prison Penninghame was considered acceptable.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Having established the actual market price and based on the advice of professional advisers, that this was the best deal that could reasonably be expected.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165292,"EventID":"S1W-28768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27653 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, why the information placed in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27653 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, why the information placed in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23085) did not include information on HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Some of the questions asked as part of the August 1999 audit involved retrospective analysis which was not possible for HM Prison Kilmarnock which had become fully operational just over a month before.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165293,"EventID":"S1W-28769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27653 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, what information on compliance with Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners is collec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27653 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 August 2002, what information on compliance with Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners is collected for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      An audit of SPS run prisons was undertaken in August 1999. No information has been collected on compliance against Standards for the Health Care of Prisoners in Kilmarnock or any other prison since then. Work is currently in hand on the revision of these standards to improve their auditibility. The revised standards, when introduced, will enable collection of information against compliance in all prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165294,"EventID":"S1W-28770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24348 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 August 2002, whether it receives information from the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock on staffing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24348 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 August 2002, whether it receives information from the operators of HM Prison Kilmarnock on staffing.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There is a requirement for Prisoner Custody Officers employed within HM Prison Kilmarnock to be licensed before taking up duty. We receive staffing information from the contractor to enable us to carry out this function. We also approve the director.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165295,"EventID":"S1W-28771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-27013 and S1W-27863 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July and 21 August 2002 respectively, why performance measure points had to be conver","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-27013 and S1W-27863 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July and 21 August 2002 respectively, why performance measure points had to be converted back into number of incidents to answer parliamentary questions if the Scottish Prison Service keeps a record of the number of incidents incurring performance measure points.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Because the answer given to question S1W-27013 referred to an earlier response to question S1W-26061, performance points were converted back to ensure that the details of the number of assaults in each category were correct. Neither the raw data available on each incident nor the overall number of performance points incurred in respect of Schedule F for each period gave the response to the question which was asked.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165296,"EventID":"S1W-28772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27615 by Dr Richard Simpson on 22 August 2002, what benefits in relation to matters within its responsibility it envisages will acc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27615 by Dr Richard Simpson on 22 August 2002, what benefits in relation to matters within its responsibility it envisages will accrue from the reclassification of cannabis.","AnswerText":"Legislation on the classification of drugs is reserved to the UK Parliament, and it will be for them to decide finally whether cannabis will be reclassified. The Executive has, however, worked closely with the Home Office about these proposals.

      The proposals to reclassify cannabis are based on the outcome of a comprehensive scientific assessment of its risks to health, relative to other drugs. We can, therefore, deliver a credible message to young people in Scotland about the levels of harm posed by cannabis, compared to other illegal drugs.

      We have achieved this by giving wide distribution to a guide to cannabis reclassification, which was published to coincide with the Home Secretary's announcement on 10 July. The guide was published as part of our Know the Score Drugs Communications Strategy. It sets out the legal position, and the risks to physical and mental health associated with cannabis misuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165297,"EventID":"S1W-28773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27908 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, why HM Prison Shotts, which is a 516-place high-security prison for long-term prisoners,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27908 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, why HM Prison Shotts, which is a 516-place high-security prison for long-term prisoners, was considered to be sufficiently comparable to a 700-place local prison to serve as a basis for calculating the staffing required for such a prison in the public sector.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The new prison assumes high security for 700 prisoner places with full flexibility in respect of the type of prisoners being accommodated over 25 years. HM Prison Shotts was considered to be an appropriate comparator prison for this exercise based on its size and role.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165298,"EventID":"S1W-28774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27908 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, why it did not base its estimate of staffing for the public sector on the submission pre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27908 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, why it did not base its estimate of staffing for the public sector on the submission prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss, Constructing the Future, which stated that 58 staff for every 100 prisoners were required in a modern public sector prison, rather than the 78 staff per 100 prisoners suggested by the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"Because it would not have given a realistic result. The staffing levels proposed in Constructing the Future were based on scenarios specific to Low Moss's situation, and in particular the fact that it would only be housing remand and short term low-risk prisoners. To work out the operational costs of the public sector comparator for the Prison Estates Review three comparator prisons were used; Shotts, Perth and Edinburgh. These three establishments are core prisons and as such are more representative of what a fully flexible 700-place establishment would entail in terms of operational requirements such as prisoner mix, staffing regimes and prisoner escort requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165299,"EventID":"S1W-28775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether it will provide a breakdown of the estimate of staff required in the public sector comparator in the s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review, whether it will provide a breakdown of the estimate of staff required in the public sector comparator in the same or similar form to Annex 5 of the submission prepared by Mr Eric Murch of HM Prison Low Moss, Constructing the Future.","AnswerText":"Such estimates are not available and would not be realistic for the reasons set out in the answer given to question S1W-28774 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165300,"EventID":"S1W-28776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27913 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, why the grade of staff is not a relevant consideration for the cost of staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27913 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, why the grade of staff is not a relevant consideration for the cost of staff.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Because the model in question is a cost model and therefore used the cost of staff rather than grades of staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165301,"EventID":"S1W-28777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27920 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, how incidents in HM Prison Kilmarnock incurring performance points are recorded when the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27920 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, how incidents in HM Prison Kilmarnock incurring performance points are recorded when there is no Scottish Prison Service controller present in the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Serious incidents and significant events are notified immediately to the Duty Controller by telephone if he is not present.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165302,"EventID":"S1W-28778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27874 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, why incidents incurring penalty points under paragraph 2.2(g) of schedule F of the contr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27874 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, why incidents incurring penalty points under paragraph 2.2(g) of schedule F of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock occurring together with incidents incurring penalty points under paragraph 2.2(h) are treated as a single incident when there is no indication in the contract that this will be the case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      When a prisoner tests positive for more than one substance, the application of multiple disciplinary offences is not in the SPS's view helpful in encouraging individuals to give up drugs. Treating a positive test for more than one substance as a single event for the purposes of applying performance points is consistent with this approach.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165303,"EventID":"S1W-28779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27919 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 August 2002, how including non-domestic rates in the costing of a public sector prison, but not inclu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27919 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 August 2002, how including non-domestic rates in the costing of a public sector prison, but not including non-domestic rates in the costing of a private sector prison represents best value to the taxpayer.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28223 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165304,"EventID":"S1W-28780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what existing laws and regulations govern allotments and their use and whether it has any plans to review them.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what existing laws and regulations govern allotments and their use and whether it has any plans to review them.","AnswerText":"The relevant legislation governing allotments is the Allotments (Scotland) Acts 1892, 1922 and 1950. Sections 23-27 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1959 and sections 73 and 74 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 are also relevant.

      The Local Government Committee is currently holding an inquiry into the provision and management of allotments and we will consider its findings once these are completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165305,"EventID":"S1W-28781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions were raised under section 272 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 in each year since 1997, broken down by l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions were raised under section 272 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"There have been no prosecutions under section 272 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165306,"EventID":"S1W-28782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding its proposals for ex-gratia payments to be made in relation to the Scottish Bus Group Pension Funds, whether (a) it has (i) sought and (ii) obtained support fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, regarding its proposals for ex-gratia payments to be made in relation to the Scottish Bus Group Pension Funds, whether (a) it has (i) sought and (ii) obtained support from Her Majesty's Government that a concession should be granted by the Inland Revenue that recipients of such payments will not attract a liability for income tax, (b) the widow or widower of a member of the pension scheme who died on or after 18 December 2000, but before 7 June 2002, will receive the same payment as the member would have received if he or she had survived or whether that payment will be reduced by 50% and (c) common law spouses will receive the same entitlement to payments as widows and widowers.","AnswerText":"I wrote to HM Treasury on 9 August 2002 asking for further consideration to be given to the tax charge applicable in respect the ex-gratia payments. I await a reply.

      Where the principal beneficiary died on or after 18 December 2000, but before a payment is made, a full payment will be made to the widow or widower, or estate. Unmarried partners of deceased former members will also receive the full payment, subject to appropriate evidence that the relationship constituted a marriage by habit or repute.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165307,"EventID":"S1W-28783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the ex-gratia payments to be made to members of the Scottish Bus Group Pension Funds, how much the highest 20 payments will be; whether payments will be m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the ex-gratia payments to be made to members of the Scottish Bus Group Pension Funds, how much the highest 20 payments will be; whether payments will be made to former directors of the Scottish Bus Group or the Scottish Transport Group companies, and, if so, how much will be paid to each former director, detailing in each case the name of the director.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide details of the amounts paid to individual former members of the Scottish Bus Group Pension Schemes, as to do so may breach the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165308,"EventID":"S1W-28784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it or any of its executive agencies have made into whether Glasgow Airport or Edinburgh Airport would be the most suitable, on cost and other grounds, as a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it or any of its executive agencies have made into whether Glasgow Airport or Edinburgh Airport would be the most suitable, on cost and other grounds, as a future Scottish hub and what conclusions any such studies came to.","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish Executive, nor any of its executive agencies, has carried out any detailed study focused on determining the comparative suitability of Glasgow and Edinburgh airports for a hub operation. The prospect of a niche hub for Scotland is raised in the consultation document The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: Scotland, as an idea for consideration by stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165309,"EventID":"S1W-28785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27324 by Dr Richard Simpson on 6 August 2002, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the independent e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27324 by Dr Richard Simpson on 6 August 2002, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the independent evaluations of the public space closed circuit television projects funded through the \"Make Our Communities Safer\" Challenge Competition.","AnswerText":"I will make arrangements to ensure that copies of the evaluations referred to in the answer to question S1W-27324 are placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre by the end of October.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165310,"EventID":"S1W-28786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its contract with Medacs for provision of medical services in prisons, subject to deletion of matters that are commercially confidential, giving t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its contract with Medacs for provision of medical services in prisons, subject to deletion of matters that are commercially confidential, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28224 on 2 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165311,"EventID":"S1W-28787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20325 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 December 2001, what evidence it can provide that its contract with Medacs for medical services in pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20325 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 December 2001, what evidence it can provide that its contract with Medacs for medical services in prisons provides best value if it will not publish the cost of the contract for medical services.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The procurement was a competitive one. The proposals by Medacs were considered alongside others submitted and demonstrated to SPS as the customer, that it was best value in terms of quality and cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165312,"EventID":"S1W-28788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20325 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 December 2001, why the cost of the contract for medical services provided by Medacs is commercially c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20325 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 December 2001, why the cost of the contract for medical services provided by Medacs is commercially confidential.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      To enable SPS to maximise best value for money for the taxpayer both in relation to the negotiations for the present contract and so as not to prejudice commercial competitiveness during future contract negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165313,"EventID":"S1W-28789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its contracts with City of Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils for provision of social work services in Scotti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its contracts with City of Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils for provision of social work services in Scottish prisons subject to deletion of matters that are commercially confidential, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165314,"EventID":"S1W-28790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils have been refused places at their chosen secondary schools where those pupils lived in the official catchment area for the school in question in each year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils have been refused places at their chosen secondary schools where those pupils lived in the official catchment area for the school in question in each year since 1998, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165315,"EventID":"S1W-28791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what method will be employed to remove hedgehogs from Uist and Benbecula; what professional or consultant's advice has been sought, and from whom, and when, Scottish Natu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what method will be employed to remove hedgehogs from Uist and Benbecula; what professional or consultant's advice has been sought, and from whom, and when, Scottish Natural Heritage has sought advice on the predation problems caused by hedgehogs.","AnswerText":"No decision has been made on whether or how hedgehogs might be removed from the Uists and Benbecula, although action is required to address the serious threat to the internationally important population of ground nesting wading birds on these islands. Research conducted by the RSPB over the past seven years has clearly demonstrated the serious decline in these birds due to predation by hedgehogs.

      The published research on methodology which Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has considered is noted below. Additional advice has been given by RSPB Scotland.

      SNH has undertaken wide consultation with academics and animal welfare groups through the Uist Wader Project, a partnership between SNH, Scottish Executive and RSPB Scotland. During September 2002, SNH are discussing methods of controlling the hedgehog population on the Uists and Benbecula with a wide range of conservation and animal welfare organisations prior to reaching final conclusions.

      Research sources:

      Doncaster CP (1994). Factors regulating local variations in abundance: field tests on hedgehogs.

      Morris PA (1998). Hedgehog rehabilitation in perspective.

      Reeve NJ (1998). Survival and welfare of hedgehogs after release back into the wild.

      Jackson DB and Green RE (2000). The importance of the introduced hedgehog as a predator of the eggs of waders on machair in South Uist, Scotland.

      Reeve, N.J. and Bristow, S. (2001). Feasibility study on a small-scale translocation of hedgehogs from the Uists to mainland Scotland: a non-lethal alternative to humane killing to achieve hedgehog population reduction.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165316,"EventID":"S1W-28792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to continue the funding of Facilitate Scotland and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to continue the funding of Facilitate Scotland and what the reason is for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Facilitate (Scotland) is not currently funded by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165317,"EventID":"S1W-28793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to fund any other facility which carries out similar support and work as Facilitate Scotland and, if so, what it will be called, where it will be located","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to fund any other facility which carries out similar support and work as Facilitate Scotland and, if so, what it will be called, where it will be located, what national coverage it will have and how much its funding package will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such plans at present.

      Any voluntary organisation may submit an application to the Scottish Executive for funding under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 or section 16B of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165318,"EventID":"S1W-28794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations and projects it currently funds that offer services similar to those offered by Facilitate Scotland and where they are located. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations and projects it currently funds that offer services similar to those offered by Facilitate Scotland and where they are located. ","AnswerText":"In addition to services provided by the NHS and local authorities, the Executive continues to provide core funding to a range of voluntary organisations, which offer advice, care and information to those with mental health problems.

      Overall, £1.2 million will be provided for 2002-03 under the section 10 and section 16B grant schemes to voluntary bodies in the mental health field. A further £19 million will be disbursed through Mental Illness Specific Grant which goes via local authorities to 400 small scale projects at local level throughout Scotland. These projects provide a range of support, including drop-in centres, day services, counselling services, information and advice, education and employment schemes, advocacy and befriending services.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165319,"EventID":"S1W-28795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons convicted of murder are now on bail pending appeal against conviction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons convicted of murder are now on bail pending appeal against conviction.","AnswerText":"The available information indicates that a total of five persons, including four whose cases have been referred to the Court of Appeal by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, are currently on interim liberation pending an appeal against their conviction for murder.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165320,"EventID":"S1W-28796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons convicted of (a) murder, (b) culpable homicide, (c) rape and (d) serious assault were released on bail in (i) 1998, (ii) 1999, (iii) 2000, (iv) 2001 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons convicted of (a) murder, (b) culpable homicide, (c) rape and (d) serious assault were released on bail in (i) 1998, (ii) 1999, (iii) 2000, (iv) 2001 and (v) 2002 to date.","AnswerText":"The information available is given in the following table.

      Persons Granted Bail Following the Lodging of Appeal Against Conviction for Selected Offences, 1998-20021,2,3

      Main offence of conviction

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002

      Murder

      0

      1

      3

      3

      0

      Culpable homicide

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Rape

      0

      0

      3

      4

      1

      Attempted murder and serious assault

      2

      2

      3

      8

      9

      1. Provisional data, as at 10 September 2002.

      2. May exclude some cases where convictions were quashed on appeal and for whom details of their original conviction are no longer held on the current Scottish Criminal Records Office database.

      3. Includes cases referred by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission to the Court of Appeal.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165321,"EventID":"S1W-28797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what use is made of colonscopy in the examination of alleged rape victims.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what use is made of colonscopy in the examination of alleged rape victims.","AnswerText":"The use or otherwise of colposcopy is a matter for the examining surgeon but I understand that it is not a procedure which is used on a regular basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165322,"EventID":"S1W-28798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27992 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 August 2002, when the review will be completed and an announcement made on whether further research w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27992 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 August 2002, when the review will be completed and an announcement made on whether further research will be carried out.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with the police to review existing guidance on the investigation of complaints of sexual assault including rape. The outcome of this review will inform the need for further action (including the possibility of research).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165323,"EventID":"S1W-28799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to update the guidance issued to police forces on the investigation of rape.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to update the guidance issued to police forces on the investigation of rape.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is working with the police to review the existing guidance on the investigation of complaints of sexual assault, including rape.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165324,"EventID":"S1W-28800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist training those who carry out forensic and medical examinations on alleged rape victims receive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist training those who carry out forensic and medical examinations on alleged rape victims receive.","AnswerText":"The type and extent of additional specialist training undertaken are matters for individual police surgeons, the body of police surgeons within each force, the force itself and the police authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165325,"EventID":"S1W-28801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27519 by Patricia Ferguson on 8 August 2002, where a statute imposes a duty on a minister to make a statement concerning the identi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27519 by Patricia Ferguson on 8 August 2002, where a statute imposes a duty on a minister to make a statement concerning the identity of a person to whom entitled rights and official authority have been transferred, and that identity must include the identity of any principal shareholders on that date, whether this form of statutory statement must bear a subscription, the name of the subscriber and the date of the subscription, to be in lawful order.","AnswerText":"Where a statute imposes a duty on a minister to make a statement concerning the identity of a person to whom entitled rights and official authority have been transferred, the issue of whether this form of statutory statement must be subscribed would be determined by reference to the terms and context of the statutory provision in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165326,"EventID":"S1W-28802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25568 and S1W-27720 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May and 14 August 2002 respectively, in regard to HM Prison Kilmarnock, why no perfor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25568 and S1W-27720 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May and 14 August 2002 respectively, in regard to HM Prison Kilmarnock, why no performance points were incurred in year 1 of the operation of the prison for incidents of hostage taking, given that there were three disciplinary offences of detention of a person against his will recorded in that year.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There were no incidents of hostage taking in year one at HM Prison Kilmarnock. Three charges against prisoners of having been in possession of unauthorised articles were incorrectly recorded, after the events, as having been for detaining a person against his will.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165327,"EventID":"S1W-28803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25569 and S1W-27720 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May and 14 August 2002 respectively, how incidents of the disciplinary offences of (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-25569 and S1W-27720 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May and 14 August 2002 respectively, how incidents of the disciplinary offences of (a) denying an officer access to any part of the prison, (b) intentionally endangering the health or personal safety of others, (c) intentionally obstructing an officer in the execution of his duty, (d) possession of an article or quantity of an article, (e) sale or delivery of an authorised article, (f) arson, (g) destroying or damaging property, (h) unauthorised absence from or presence in any part of the establishment, (i) inhaling a prohibited or unauthorised substance, (j) consuming, taking, injecting, ingesting or concealing a prohibited substance and (k) committing an indecent or obscene act are recorded in the performance points incurred in respect of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The performance measures in Schedule F of the contract relate to the extent to which the contractor is expected to manage events, incidents or activities. Acts of indiscipline by prisoners, such as those cited, are often spontaneous and difficult to predict: the performance measures reflect whether the contractor has minimised the potential for such an incident and/or to have contained its effect. If, for example, the items cited in (d), (e), (i) or (j) had been smuggled into the prison, that is how the event would be reflected as a performance measure; if a breach of security procedures allowed a prisoner to be somewhere he should not be - as in (h) - again that is how it would be reflected. In a number of the cases cited, the measure is about whether the management of prisoners is such that other prisoners do not become involved in isolated incidents of serious indiscipline, thereby preventing these from escalating. Each individual incident/prisoner is dealt with in the orderly room, as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165328,"EventID":"S1W-28804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether and, if so, how, it plans to consult the Parliament and its committees on the draft opinion on More Democracy, Transparency and Efficiency in the European Union w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether and, if so, how, it plans to consult the Parliament and its committees on the draft opinion on More Democracy, Transparency and Efficiency in the European Union which the First Minister presented to the meeting of the Commission for Constitutional Affairs and European Governance on 9 July 2002.","AnswerText":"The final draft of the First Minister's opinion was passed to the European Committee directly it was finalised on Tuesday 3 September. It will be discussed by the Constitutional Affairs and European Governance Commission of the Committee of the Regions on Friday 4 October and by the Committee in Plenary on 20 or 21 November.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165329,"EventID":"S1W-28805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27834 by Iain Gray on 19 August 2002, what the precise criteria are by which it will judge whether Scotland's broadband technology ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27834 by Iain Gray on 19 August 2002, what the precise criteria are by which it will judge whether Scotland's broadband technology has reached Her Majesty's Government's general target of having \"the most extensive and competitive broadband market in the G7 by 2005\".","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Government, working with the Broadband Stakeholder Group, has developed criteria to define competitiveness and extensiveness in line with the broadband target. In summary, competitiveness is defined as a composite measure of price, market regulation and consumer choice. Extensiveness is defined as a composite measure of addressable market and availability.

      As the target is for the UK as a whole, Scotland will not be considered separately from the rest of the UK market when judging whether it has been reached.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165330,"EventID":"S1W-28806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the current availability of emergency flood defences to local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on the current availability of emergency flood defences to local authorities.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to determine the emergency flood defence needs of their areas and to arrange for the provision of any measures they might identify.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165331,"EventID":"S1W-28807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the transfer of emergency flood defences to areas when needed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the transfer of emergency flood defences to areas when needed.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have generic multi-agency response plans in place to prepare for a flood emergency in their areas. It is for councils to make appropriate arrangements for the deployment of emergency defences in light of local needs and concerns.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165332,"EventID":"S1W-28808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisational preparations it has made to deal with civil contingencies involving floods.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisational preparations it has made to deal with civil contingencies involving floods.","AnswerText":"The police have a duty to protect life and property and co-ordinate the multi-agency response by local authorities, emergency services and others to a civil emergency including flooding. In areas affected by flooding, multi-agency response groups can be brought together at the earliest sign of a potential risk. Through the Military Aid to the Civil Community Scheme the authorities can request the assistance of the services when appropriate. The Executive provides the police with specific grants for emergency planning for all types of civil emergencies including floods and can in certain circumstances offer further financial support under the Bellwin Scheme to councils incurring eligible costs in dealing with a large scale emergency.

      More specifically, the primary responsibility to protect property from flooding lies with the owners concerned. However, since 1997, councils have had a statutory duty to assess watercourses in their areas and maintain them in a due state of efficiency where this would substantially reduce the likelihood of flooding of non-agricultural land in their areas. The Executive also supports councils in their efforts to address flood risk to non-agricultural land through flood prevention schemes and has ensured that councils have the necessary powers and resources.

      Additionally, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has powers to operate flood warning schemes. The Executive provided financial support to SEPA to enable the introduction, last November, of the Floodline flood warning service.

      The Executive is committed to helping councils protect vulnerable communities from flooding and consequently reducing the likely need for emergency action, demonstrated by the substantially increased resources it has made available for major flood prevention schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165333,"EventID":"S1W-28809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funds are available from the European Union for the improvement of flood defences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funds are available from the European Union for the improvement of flood defences.","AnswerText":"There are no specific funds available from the European Union for the improvement of flood defences.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165334,"EventID":"S1W-28810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are to be allocated to the healthy eating initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources are to be allocated to the healthy eating initiative.","AnswerText":"Resources for healthy eating in Scotland are allocated across a wide range of sectors and settings including the Food Standards Agency, the NHS, Health Education Board for Scotland, local government and the voluntary sector.

      Healthy Eating is a key element of the drive to improve the health of the people of Scotland. The National Healthy Eating Campaign will spearhead this drive and take forward the further implementation of the Scottish Diet Action Plan.

      The National Campaign will be supported by funding from the Scottish Diet Action Plan and will augment the Scottish Executive's anticipated allocation of £1 million each year for implementation of this plan.

      Diet is also prioritised within the £26 million Health Improvement Fund and forms an important part of the £6 million National Health Demonstration Project, Have a Heart Paisley.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165335,"EventID":"S1W-28811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to build on innovative healthy eating initiatives such as breakfast clubs and fruit programmes in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to build on innovative healthy eating initiatives such as breakfast clubs and fruit programmes in schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the development of breakfast clubs and fruit provision in schools in a number of ways.

      The Executive has created a £250,000 Breakfast Service Challenge Fund to expand services targeting vulnerable children and is reviewing current provision.

      One of the priorities identified for the Health Improvement Fund, which has allocated £26 million per annum towards improving public health until 2003-04, is improving the diet of children. This includes supporting the provision of breakfast clubs and fruit in nurseries and schools.

      The Scottish Community Diet Project has a specific remit to work with low-income communities and will receive funding of £1.2 million between 2002 and 2005. It supports a range of community food initiatives including breakfast clubs and recently published a Breakfast Club toolkit to assist organisations wishing to set up a breakfast club.

      Childcare Strategy funding (£16.75 million in 2002-03) is allocated to local authorities who, with Childcare Partnerships, make decisions on its disbursement to meet local childcare needs. The Executive has allocated an additional £8 million to local authorities as part of the Childcare Strategy funding over 2001-04 to help support and stabilise fragile out of school care provision, including breakfast clubs.

      New Community Schools have the twin aims of promoting social inclusion and raising educational standards in Scotland. Many New Community Schools have been involved in setting up breakfast clubs where there is perceived need.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165336,"EventID":"S1W-28812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons can be learned from Finland to improve the Scottish diet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons can be learned from Finland to improve the Scottish diet.","AnswerText":"There is a long-standing agreement between Scotland and Finland to exchange information on medicine and public health. The Executive is therefore aware of Finnish initiatives to improve healthy eating, such as the diet component of the North Karelia Project. The Scottish Berry Project was informed by the experience of this project.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165337,"EventID":"S1W-28813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale will be set for improving the Scottish diet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale will be set for improving the Scottish diet.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the Scottish Diet Action Plan began in 1996. The plan set dietary targets for 2005. The recently announced National Healthy Eating Campaign takes forward the Scottish Diet Action Plan in a renewed and focused effort to meet the dietary targets with a particular focus on increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables and decreasing fat intake. The campaign is an integral part of the Step Change agenda to improve Scotland's health.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165338,"EventID":"S1W-28814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor progress on healthy eating.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will monitor progress on healthy eating.","AnswerText":"We are taking advice on formation of an expert advisory grouping to discuss evaluation of the National Healthy Eating Campaign, as well as the wider Scottish Diet Action Plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165339,"EventID":"S1W-28815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20533 by Lewis Macdonald on 29 November 2001, when it will publish the Performance Audit Group's independent report on the first ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20533 by Lewis Macdonald on 29 November 2001, when it will publish the Performance Audit Group's independent report on the first year of operation of the new trunk road operating companies in accordance with the recommendation of the Auditor General for Scotland in his report of 22 November 2001.","AnswerText":"The report entitled Report on the First Year of the New Trunk Road Operating Companies, 2001-02 will be published on Wednesday 4 September 2002. The report, which has been prepared by the Performance Audit Group, will be available on the Scottish Executive's web page and copies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Further copies can be obtained directly from the Performance Audit Group by writing to them at 16 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6LB.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165340,"EventID":"S1W-28816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28180 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 August 2002, how the cost of answering question S1W-25568 was calculated and whether it will give a p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28180 by Mr Jim Wallace on 30 August 2002, how the cost of answering question S1W-25568 was calculated and whether it will give a precise definition of the meaning given in this calculation to the terms \"direct cost\" and \"opportunity cost\".","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The cost was not calculated as this would itself have incurred considerable expenditure. The cost was guesstimated and the answer therefore said that the cost "could", not would, be around £1,000.

      The direct costs are those which would have been involved in undertaking the work. The opportunity cost is the value of the output which would have been foregone because of the diversion of resources in order to undertake the work.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165341,"EventID":"S1W-28817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of staff of the Scottish Prison Service has been offered and/or has received in the last three years any enhancement of salary for concluding or progr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of staff of the Scottish Prison Service has been offered and/or has received in the last three years any enhancement of salary for concluding or progressing the contracting-out of the medical service in prisons and, if so, whether it will provide details.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. The SPS in line with Government pay policy operates a system of performance related pay. Separate schemes apply to staff within the main staff group, nursing staff and those within the Senior Civil Service.

      Personal performance targets are agreed between an individual and their line manager. These targets are related to the role the individual performs and linked to the organisation's aims and objectives. In respect of any contracting out process this would only be one of a number of elements of the overall performance assessment for an appraisal period.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165342,"EventID":"S1W-28818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of staff of the Scottish Prison Service has been offered and/or has received in the last three years any enhancement of salary for concluding or progr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of staff of the Scottish Prison Service has been offered and/or has received in the last three years any enhancement of salary for concluding or progressing the contracting-out of social work services in prisons and, if so, whether it will provide details.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. The SPS in line with Government pay policy operates a system of performance related pay. Separate schemes apply to staff within the main staff group, nursing staff and those within the Senior Civil Service.

      Personal performance targets are agreed between an individual and their line manager. These targets are related to the role the individual performs and linked to the organisation's aims and objectives. In respect of any contracting out process this would only be one of a number of elements of the overall performance assessment for an appraisal period.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165343,"EventID":"S1W-28819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of staff of the Scottish Prison Service has been offered and/or has received in the last six years any enhancement of salary for concluding or progres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any member of staff of the Scottish Prison Service has been offered and/or has received in the last six years any enhancement of salary for concluding or progressing contracts for private prisons and, if so, whether it will provide details.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes. The SPS, in line with Government pay policy operates a system of performance related pay. Separate schemes apply to staff within the main staff group, nursing staff and those within the Senior Civil Service.

      Personal performance targets are agreed between an individual and their line manager. These targets are related to the role the individual performs and linked to the SPS aims and objectives. In respect of any contracting out process this would only be one in a number of elements of the overall performance assessment for an appraisal period.

      The SPS in line with other departments also operates a Special Bonus Scheme to recognise and reward staff for exceptional performance, either individually or as part of a team. Such awards are non-pensionable and non-consolidated. The members of the Custodial Contracts Team were awarded such bonuses in 1997. The size of individual awards was £500.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165344,"EventID":"S1W-28820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has held, or now holds, on past political activity of members of its staff and staff of the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has held, or now holds, on past political activity of members of its staff and staff of the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Information on political activities would rarely be held, except in the case where a civil servant had applied for permission to undertake such activities in line with the terms and restrictions in the Civil Service Management Code which applies to SPS staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165345,"EventID":"S1W-28821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance indicators the pay of the members of the Scottish Prison Service Board is related to.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance indicators the pay of the members of the Scottish Prison Service Board is related to.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS Board, as members of the Senior Civil Service, are set appropriate performance targets following discussion between the individual and their line manager, related to the role the individual performs and are linked to the agency's business aims and objectives including the SPS key performance indicators set out in the SPS Annual Report.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165346,"EventID":"S1W-28822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what quality indicators it uses to measure the performance of Medacs in delivering medical services in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what quality indicators it uses to measure the performance of Medacs in delivering medical services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer to question S1W-28224 on 2 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165347,"EventID":"S1W-28823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned any research relating the performance indicators in the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock to the level of re-offending on leaving the prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned any research relating the performance indicators in the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock to the level of re-offending on leaving the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. The SPS has carried out research into the rates of return to custody but the data is not on a prison specific basis. Details are published in the SPS research bulletins.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165348,"EventID":"S1W-28824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated for the setting up of a national service network for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders, as recommended in The same as y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated for the setting up of a national service network for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders, as recommended in The same as you?.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provided £16,400 for the mapping exercise which will inform the national service network for people with autistic spectrum disorders, recommended by The same as you? Decisions on funding have not yet been taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165349,"EventID":"S1W-28825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any proposals on the form of the national service network for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders and what the remit of the netwo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any proposals on the form of the national service network for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders and what the remit of the network will be.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Society for Autism and the National Autistic Society were invited to submit proposals for the national service network which indicated clear outcomes for people with autistic spectrum disorders. They have submitted proposals which are presently being considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165350,"EventID":"S1W-28826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reach a decision on proposals for the national service network for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reach a decision on proposals for the national service network for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"Consideration of the proposals for the national service network for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders is still under way, and we do not yet know when a decision will be reached.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165351,"EventID":"S1W-28827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a new duty on local authorities to identify a responsible person to advise and help a person with learning disabilities and his or her family to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a new duty on local authorities to identify a responsible person to advise and help a person with learning disabilities and his or her family to put future needs assessments into practice, as recommended by the report The same as you?, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Proposals for improving arrangements for supporting pupils likely to have significant difficulties in the transition from school, are set out in the publication Assessing our children's educational needs - the Way Forward (Bib. number 19469). These proposals for change are now being developed further as part of the overall review of assessment and recording of pupils with additional support needs. This extends planning and support in the transition period to a wider group of young people than are currently entitled to a Future Needs Assessment (only those with a Record of Needs).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165352,"EventID":"S1W-28828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many area strategy groups, recommended by the report Implementing Inclusiveness Realising Potential, have been established; where each such group is located, and how ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many area strategy groups, recommended by the report Implementing Inclusiveness Realising Potential, have been established; where each such group is located, and how the groups will be monitored.","AnswerText":"Area Strategy Groups were not formally constituted in the implementation of the Beattie Report but there are, or will be, strategic groups responsible for Implementing Inclusiveness Projects in each Local Advisory Board area of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

      Partnership working is subject to monitoring through the Careers Scotland performance management system and will also be evaluated as part of the National Monitoring and Evaluation of the Beattie Inclusiveness projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165353,"EventID":"S1W-28829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (ii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder are currently out on bail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (ii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder are currently out on bail.","AnswerText":"Apart from the five persons who are currently on interim liberation pending an appeal against their conviction for murder, the number of people currently on bail for selected offences cannot be readily identified within the statistics available centrally. Information is not collected on the cancellation or revocation of bail. It is not therefore generally possible to determine from the available statistics how many persons granted bail following initial charge or who were released on bail pending an appeal against a conviction are currently on bail at any given time.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165354,"EventID":"S1W-28830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average length of time is for an appeal against a conviction for (a) serious assault, (b) rape, (c) culpable homicide and (d) murder to be heard and what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average length of time is for an appeal against a conviction for (a) serious assault, (b) rape, (c) culpable homicide and (d) murder to be heard and what action it is taking to speed up this process.","AnswerText":"The latest figures are as follows:

      Average Duration of Appeals Against Conviction, by Main Offence, 2000

      Main Offence

      Number of Concluded Appeals

      Average Duration of Appeal (Days)

      Serious assault1

      56

      269

      Rape

      8

      421

      Culpable homicide

      3

      177

      Murder

      18

      256

      All crimes and offences

      432

      185

      Source: SEJD criminal appeals database.

      Note:

      1. Includes serious assault and attempted murder.

      Data for appeals concluded in 2001 will be published on 26 September.

      The Lord Justice-General and Lord Justice-Clerk issued a consultation paper on 14 May 2002 setting out their proposals for reducing delays in criminal appeals. These proposals have now largely been enacted by way of an Act of Adjournal. We propose to take forward one aspect requiring primary legislation by an amendment to the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165355,"EventID":"S1W-28831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the reasons for refusing a bail application after an (a) charge of and (b) conviction for (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the reasons for refusing a bail application after an (a) charge of and (b) conviction for (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder and the name of the judge who considered the application are recorded and, if so, where and when.","AnswerText":"The judiciary is not required by law to give reasons for its decisions to grant or refuse to grant bail. In any event, applications for bail are not categorised by type of offence.

      The identity of the judge who considered an application for bail is retained within the records of the Scottish Court Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165356,"EventID":"S1W-28832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to issue guidance or directions to judges comparable to that issued to judges in England and Wales that the time it takes for an appeal to be heard shou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to issue guidance or directions to judges comparable to that issued to judges in England and Wales that the time it takes for an appeal to be heard should not be a strong enough reason to grant bail.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not give guidance or directions to the judiciary on judicial matters. In Scotland, judicial decisions on bail are governed by the relevant legislation and case law.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165357,"EventID":"S1W-28833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or directions it has issued, or plans to issue, to prosecutors in respect of the consideration of bail applications from people (a) charged with and (b) co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or directions it has issued, or plans to issue, to prosecutors in respect of the consideration of bail applications from people (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder.","AnswerText":"Procurators Fiscal have detailed instructions on the decision whether to oppose bail applications from persons accused of criminal offences but not yet convicted. These take account of factors including the seriousness of the offence, the criminal record of the accused, the risk which liberation on bail might pose to victims and witnesses, any factors which indicate a probability that the accused will fail to appear at court and the existence of any current bail orders. The decision on whether to admit accused to bail is a matter for the court.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165358,"EventID":"S1W-28834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been the practice of prosecuting authorities not to attend bail appeals for people (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been the practice of prosecuting authorities not to attend bail appeals for people (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder on the grounds that they had no statutory right to do so.","AnswerText":"There has been no such practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165359,"EventID":"S1W-28835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any backlog in the processing of appeals in respect of a (a) charge and (b) conviction for (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any backlog in the processing of appeals in respect of a (a) charge and (b) conviction for (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder, and, if so, what this backlog is; what the average length of time is for an appeal to be considered in the High Court, and what plans it has to increase the number of judges to address the processing of appeals.","AnswerText":"Information is not readily available in the form requested. However, I understand that 120 appeals against conviction under solemn procedure from both the High Court and Sheriff Court covering a wide range of seriousness await a hearing before the Court of Criminal Appeal. As at 30 June 2002 the average waiting period for this category of appeal was 32 term weeks.

      The programming of business before the Court of Criminal Appeal is a matter for the Lord Justice General. He has recently introduced a number of measures to improve the management of appeals. These are set out in the Act of Adjournal (Criminal Appeals) 2002 (SSI 2002/387), made on 23 August 2002.

      Among the reforms is the introduction of a procedural hearing in appeals against conviction or conviction and sentence. This hearing will take place before a single judge who will consider the state of preparation of the appeal. Cases which are ready to proceed will then be allocated to an Appeal Court hearing. It is anticipated that these hearings will improve the rate at which cases proceed through the appeals procedure.

      Procedural hearings will be fixed for all new solemn appeals progressively over the next few months. The first diet of hearings will take place this September, with cases that are ready to proceed to a full hearing coming before the Appeal Court before the end of the year. There are no plans to increase the overall number of judges at the present time.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165360,"EventID":"S1W-28836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of crimes were committed by people on bail in each of the last ten years, broken down by crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of crimes were committed by people on bail in each of the last ten years, broken down by crime.","AnswerText":"The information available is given in the following table. Offenders convicted for offences committed while subject to a bail order issued prior to 1 April 1996 will, if the main part of the sentence related to the offence under the Bail (Scotland) Act 1980 of re-offending while on bail, have been classified to the "Other crimes" grouping. Where the bail order was issued on or after 1 April 1996, the offender will have been classified to the main offence committed while on bail. Convictions data for 2001 are expected to be available in November.

      Persons with a Charge Proved with a Bail Aggravation1, by Main Offence Grouping, 1991-2000

      Year

      All Crimes and Offences

      Non-Sexual Crimes of Violence

      Crimes of Indecency

      Crimes of Dishonesty

      Criminal Damage

      Other Crimes

      Miscell-aneous Offences

      Motor Vehicle Offences

      Number

      1991

      10,752

      421

      125

      5,127

      352

      2,739

      1,551

      437

      1992

      11,502

      569

      125

      5,255

      405

      2,993

      1,633

      522

      1993

      12,010

      551

      140

      5,115

      379

      3,395

      1,846

      584

      1994

      12,651

      599

      145

      5,282

      373

      3,663

      1,960

      629

      1995

      12,511

      631

      192

      4,765

      384

      3,992

      1,835

      712

      1996

      11,748

      667

      110

      4,271

      376

      3,354

      2,251

      719

      1997

      9,989

      521

      93

      3,920

      318

      1,559

      2,914

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165361,"EventID":"S1W-28837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or directions it has issued to the judges and prosecutors in respect of the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) on bail applications, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or directions it has issued to the judges and prosecutors in respect of the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) on bail applications, conditions and appeals.","AnswerText":"On guidance and directions to judges, I would refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28832 today. However, I understand that the Judicial Studies Committee provided comprehensive assistance to judges in their study of all aspects of the ECHR.

      Prosecutors received a three-day intensive course in human rights law and that included a component on bail issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165362,"EventID":"S1W-28838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is permissible for a judge to consider whether an appeal after a conviction for (a) serious assault, (b) rape, (c) culpable homicide and (d) murder could succ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is permissible for a judge to consider whether an appeal after a conviction for (a) serious assault, (b) rape, (c) culpable homicide and (d) murder could succeed when considering a bail application and what guidance or directions it has issued to the judiciary on this issue.","AnswerText":"Decisions about the grant of bail and the factors they may or may not take into account in considering whether or not to grant bail are matters entirely for the judiciary.

      As to the issue of guidance or directions to the judiciary, I would refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28832 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165363,"EventID":"S1W-28839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements the justiciary has in place to notify the police when a person (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable hom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements the justiciary has in place to notify the police when a person (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder is granted bail and what plans it has to issue guidance or directions to the justiciary on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service (SCS) notify the police in those cases where bail is granted to an accused person and a further condition, or conditions, is imposed in addition to the standard conditions irrespective of the type of offence. The police are informed by the SCS when an appellant is granted bail pending the determination of his appeal irrespective of the offence and of whether further conditions in addition to the standard conditions are imposed.

      Where the police require details of a particular bail application not covered by these arrangements, such information will be available from the police officer present in court where the accused appears from custody, or from the clerk of court when bail is granted or bail conditions are varied.

      On guidance or directions to the judiciary, I would refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28832 today.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165364,"EventID":"S1W-28840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to notify the victims and their families when a person (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place to notify the victims and their families when a person (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder is granted bail and what plans it has to issue guidance or directions on this issue.","AnswerText":"As part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Victim Information and Assistance arrangements (VIA), victims are notified by first class post, usually on the same day that the court grants bail. Where special conditions have been applied to the bail order (for example, to stay away from the victim or from a particular place), the victim is telephoned with the information and that is followed up with a letter enclosing a copy of the bail order. If the victim cannot be contacted by telephone, there are arrangements under which the police try to find the victim and provide the information, reporting back to VIA on the action they have taken. VIA provides information up to the conclusion of the case, including any appeal.

      In areas in which VIA does not yet operate, procurators fiscal and police forces pass information to victims under local arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165365,"EventID":"S1W-28841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the reasons for the judge's decision to release Richard Crawford on bail and whether the DNA evidence involved was a factor in the judge's decisio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the reasons for the judge's decision to release Richard Crawford on bail and whether the DNA evidence involved was a factor in the judge's decision.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28831.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165366,"EventID":"S1W-28842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in Scottish police resources, funding and time has been used to apprehend Richard Crawford after his absconding on bail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in Scottish police resources, funding and time has been used to apprehend Richard Crawford after his absconding on bail.","AnswerText":"Where an individual absconds on bail, Scottish forces will as a matter of course take steps to check whether that individual is in their area and, if so, to seek his/her apprehension. However, any resources expended as a consequence are a matter for individual forces and the information is not held centrally","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165367,"EventID":"S1W-28843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations into the operation of the justiciary the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice has recently instructed should be carried out.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations into the operation of the justiciary the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice has recently instructed should be carried out.","AnswerText":"It is not for ministers to conduct investigations into the operation of the independent judiciary. Ministers and the senior judiciary correspond and meet from time to time on issues of common concern.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165368,"EventID":"S1W-28844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26764 by Cathy Jamieson on 27 June 2002, whether the information requested in respect of 2000-01 is now available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26764 by Cathy Jamieson on 27 June 2002, whether the information requested in respect of 2000-01 is now available.","AnswerText":"Information on children residential care for 2000-01 was published on 2 September, and is available via the Scottish Executive website using the link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00191-00.asp. This includes information on children in secure accommodation, namely (a) admissions during 2000-01 by gender, (b) length of stay of residents on 31 March 2001 and (c) length of stay of children discharged from secure accommodation during 2000-01. On 31 March 2001, there were 63 boys and 23 girls in secure accommodation for children. The other information requested is given in the following table.

      Children Admitted to Secure Units: by Reason for Placement

      Reason for Placement (see Codelist Below)

      Children Admitted During 2000-01

      Children Resident on 31 March 2001

      Code 91

      0

      0

      Code 92

      1

      2

      Code 93

      7

      5

      Code 94

      69

      24

      Code 95

      72

      22

      Code 96

      25

      16

      Code 97

      31

      11

      Code 99

      13

      6

      Not known

      0

      0

      Total

      218

      86

      Codelist for placement reasons

      91. Order made under section 44(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

      92. Order made under section 205 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

      93. Order made under section 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

      94. Order made under section 70(9) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, to which is attached a condition authorising use of Secure Accommodation.

      95. A Place of Safety Order or Warrant made under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, authorising the use of Secure Accommodation.

      96. Where committal to a Place of Safety or other temporary detention is made under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

      97. The authority of the Director of Social Work and the person in charge of the establishment, pending the convening of a Children's Hearing to consider the case.

      99. Other.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165369,"EventID":"S1W-28845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what items of audio visual equipment have been installed in the east wing basement conference complex of St. Andrew's House, giving the (a) installation date and (b) cos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what items of audio visual equipment have been installed in the east wing basement conference complex of St. Andrew's House, giving the (a) installation date and (b) cost in each case. ","AnswerText":"The media centre in St Andrew's House was commissioned in October 1999. The following equipment was supplied and installed at a cost of £70,000:

      Controller

      Touchscreen

      Induction Loop Amplifier

      Audio Distribution Amplifier

      Ceiling Speakers

      35mm Slide Projector

      VGA/Video/Audio Switcher

      28" Monitor

      Tape Deck

      CD Player

      Graphic Equaliser

      VGA/Video Monitor

      LCD Projector

      LCD Monitor (2)

      Visual Presenter

      Microphones (5)

      10" Video Monitor

      SVHS Player

      Projection Screen

      VHS Player

      VGA Distribution Amplifier (5)

      VGA Distribution Amplifier

      VGA Switcher

      Staging

      Lighting Dimmer

      6" LCD Monitor

      Powered Speaker

      Mixer Desk

      Speakers

      VGA to Video Convertor

      VGA Switcher

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165370,"EventID":"S1W-28846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what items of audio visual equipment have been removed from the control room area of Conference Room 1 at Victoria Quay, giving the (a) date removed, (b) reason for remo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what items of audio visual equipment have been removed from the control room area of Conference Room 1 at Victoria Quay, giving the (a) date removed, (b) reason for removal and (c) disposal process in each case.","AnswerText":"A faulty projector was removed and replaced in 1999. Disposal of equipment has been arranged through the Dispersal Service Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165371,"EventID":"S1W-28847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to comments made by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning in respect of individual learning account fraud (Official Report, Enter","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to comments made by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning in respect of individual learning account fraud (Official Report, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 17 April 2002, c 2546.), whether the occurrence of fraud in around 3% of learning providers has now been firmly established and whether the percentage of learning providers identified as having been involved in such fraud has changed since the comments were made.","AnswerText":"Fraud has not yet been firmly established for any learning provider. It is a matter for the Procurator Fiscal Service to decide what constitutes "fraudulent activity" and whether there is sufficient evidence for criminal proceedings. It is then for the court to decide if there is sufficient evidence to convict.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165372,"EventID":"S1W-28848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, whether arrangements for encouraging participation in lifelong learning currently under review ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, whether arrangements for encouraging participation in lifelong learning currently under review will involve the creation of a second individual learning account (ILA) scheme.","AnswerText":"I am committed to the development of a new ILA scheme that will encourage the widest possible participation in lifelong learning. This matter is being considered within the broader framework of the Lifelong Learning Strategy currently in preparation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165373,"EventID":"S1W-28849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, what its current position is on the statement by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, what its current position is on the statement by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning that the individual learning account scheme was \"very successful and the feedback was good\" (Official Report, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 17 April 2002, c 2544.); whether it aims to introduce a new individual learning account scheme quickly, and what the reasons are for its position on these matters.","AnswerText":"The ILA scheme attracted over 266,000 members in Scotland, with over 127,000 having used their accounts for learning. The findings of an independent evaluation on the scheme, placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22524) in June of this year, reinforced the positive feedback we have received from learners.

      While I am committed to the introduction of a successor scheme, any new scheme will have to fully address the concerns that have been raised. I intend to launch the successor scheme when I am satisfied that all the required improvements have been incorporated. I expect to make an announcement before the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165374,"EventID":"S1W-28850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, who is participating in its review of arrangements for encouraging participation in lifelong le","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27337 by Iain Gray on 31 July 2002, who is participating in its review of arrangements for encouraging participation in lifelong learning; how many meetings have taken place during the review; on what dates such meetings took place, and what specific areas have been identified for action.","AnswerText":"No formal review group was established, but preparations for the new individual learning account scheme are continuing. I expect to make a statement about the new scheme before the end of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165375,"EventID":"S1W-28851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (a) the agenda and (b) the minutes of each meeting held during its review of arrangements for encoura","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (a) the agenda and (b) the minutes of each meeting held during its review of arrangements for encouraging participation in lifelong learning and what the reasons are for its position in respect of any matter where disclosure of such items is declined.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28850 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165376,"EventID":"S1W-28852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why using Capita as the individual learning account (ILA) centre was \"significant in respect of the suspension\" of ILAs, as stated by the then Minister for Enterprise, T","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why using Capita as the individual learning account (ILA) centre was \"significant in respect of the suspension\" of ILAs, as stated by the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning (Official Report, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 17 April 2002, c 2544.) and, in the light of its position on this matter, whether it has identified any reasons why such a UK-wide approach should not be undertaken in the future.","AnswerText":"In her statement to the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 17 April 2002, (Official Report, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee, 17 April 2002, c2544.) Ms Wendy Alexander, the then Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning said:

      "Our arrangements were different from those in the other three countries, although we used the same ILA centre - Capita - as England and Northern Ireland but in a more limited role. That is significant in respect of the suspension."

      In Scotland learning providers had to be registered through the Scottish University for Industry (SUfI) and meet their requirements before they were accepted to deliver ILA-funded courses. This provided safeguards within the Scottish system additional to those which operated in the rest of the UK.

      The position regarding a successor scheme is still under review with a number of features still to be decided. Ultimately the arrangements in Scotland may differ from those adopted in the rest of the UK.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165377,"EventID":"S1W-28853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to lift reporting restrictions on disciplinary hearings concerning justices of the peace.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to lift reporting restrictions on disciplinary hearings concerning justices of the peace.","AnswerText":"I assume this is a reference to the investigative tribunals held under section 9 of the Bail, Judicial Appointments etc (Scotland) Act 2000. The Justice of the Peace (Tribunal) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 require these tribunals to sit in private for reasons of confidentiality. The tribunals are required to investigate whether a bench-sitting justice of the peace is unfit for office by reason of inability, neglect of duty or misbehaviour. Since such investigation might well extend to the private life of the justice it would not be appropriate to make the sittings of the tribunal public and the Executive has no plans to amend the regulations to that end.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165378,"EventID":"S1W-28854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made to date with the Crown Office in producing a Race Equality Scheme under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 by the 30 November 2002 deadline","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made to date with the Crown Office in producing a Race Equality Scheme under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 by the 30 November 2002 deadline.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are liaising with other departments within the Scottish Executive to ensure that Scottish ministers meet their statutory obligations under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, which includes the publication of a Race Equality Scheme by 30 November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165379,"EventID":"S1W-28855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that any records and outcomes of investigations into allegations of racism are transparent and in the public domain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that any records and outcomes of investigations into allegations of racism are transparent and in the public domain.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold a central record of allegations of racism against organisations and individuals within Scotland.

      Bodies such as the Commission for Racial Equality, the police or offices of procurators fiscal can provide details of the numbers of cases reported to or dealt with by them, subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act and other legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165380,"EventID":"S1W-28856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any records and outcomes of investigations into allegations of racism since 1999 publicly available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any records and outcomes of investigations into allegations of racism since 1999 publicly available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28855 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165381,"EventID":"S1W-28857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take in respect of projected levels of North Sea oil and gas exploration activity following any changes to the UK continental shelf tax regime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it plans to take in respect of projected levels of North Sea oil and gas exploration activity following any changes to the UK continental shelf tax regime.","AnswerText":"This is a reserved matter. We remain in regular contact with the oil and gas industry on a wide range of issues, in particular through PILOT, of which I am Vice Chair. We will continue to work with the industry and with the UK Government through PILOT, to strengthen and sustain the oil and gas industry in the UKCS.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165382,"EventID":"S1W-28858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government in respect of projected levels of North Sea oil and gas exploration activity following any changes to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government in respect of projected levels of North Sea oil and gas exploration activity following any changes to the UK continental shelf tax regime.","AnswerText":"We are in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the oil and gas industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165383,"EventID":"S1W-28859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 6(f) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill applies to rivers navigable by canoe; whether this provision is intended to permit landowners possessing fishing r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether section 6(f) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill applies to rivers navigable by canoe; whether this provision is intended to permit landowners possessing fishing rights over such rivers to exclude access to canoeists and, if so, how and to what extent, and if this is not the purpose of the provision, whether it will amend the bill in order to ensure that fishing rights should not be given precedence over other recreational users, such as canoeists.","AnswerText":"I see no reason why responsible canoeists and angling should not be able to co-exist on the same stretch of water. I understand that the current voluntary code relating to canoeing and angling works well and this will be reinforced by guidance in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

      Section 6(f)(ii) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill excludes from access rights land developed or set out for a particular recreational purpose while in use for that purpose. It applies to rivers navigable by canoe but is not intended to permit fishermen to prohibit canoeists from exercising access rights in relation to a river when fishing is under way. I accept, however, that the provision as presently drafted may in some cases be legitimately used for that purpose. For example, the construction of pools in a river bed for the purpose of fisheries management would be caught by that provision and fishermen could claim that access rights are not exercisable in relation to any such river when fishing is under way. That is not our policy. Amendment 153 to the bill seeks to address this issue and we have indicated that we would be content to accept it. This amendment would have the effect that rivers developed for fishing will not be excluded, under section 6(f), from the responsible exercise of access rights when fishing is taking place.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165384,"EventID":"S1W-28860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify its policy intentions in respect of how the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will impact upon the recreational use of navigable rivers and, if its posi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will clarify its policy intentions in respect of how the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will impact upon the recreational use of navigable rivers and, if its position is that the bill should not prevent the use of such rivers by canoeists, how legitimate interests of the various recreational users of rivers can best be protected.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28859 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165385,"EventID":"S1W-28861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent refurbishment of Halbar Tower near Braidwood, South Lanarkshire was overseen in any way by Historic Scotland and why the previous flagstone roof was r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recent refurbishment of Halbar Tower near Braidwood, South Lanarkshire was overseen in any way by Historic Scotland and why the previous flagstone roof was replaced with slate tiles, detailing the age of the replaced roof covering, any archaeological importance of the usage of flagstones to the tower and how these were disposed of in this instance.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows:

      The repairs to Hallbar Tower were grant aided by Historic Scotland and were carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions that apply to the historic building repairs grant scheme.

      One of the conditions of the scheme is that work be carried out in accordance with an advisory report prepared by Historic Scotland architects. The advisory report is provided to guide the applicant's professional adviser in the preparation of a comprehensive scheme of repairs.

      The advisory report for Hallbar Tower recommended the removal of the stone slab roof and its replacement with slate, the original roofing material. The stone slab roof was a relatively late element in the tower's construction, having been introduced in the 1860s. It was not considered to be of archaeological importance and the slabs were re-cycled as footpaths round the tower and at the nearby bothy. The work was supervised on a day-to-day basis by the firm of architects appointed by the applicant, with periodic visits by a Historic Scotland architect to ensure that works progressed in accordance with the requirements of the advisory report. This is normal practice on a grant-assisted project.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165386,"EventID":"S1W-28862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it maintains a register of historically important buildings currently in disuse or extensive disrepair that could be re-utilised or reconstituted for domestic use","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it maintains a register of historically important buildings currently in disuse or extensive disrepair that could be re-utilised or reconstituted for domestic use, detailing where any such register is held and in what format, how the public can access this information and, if such a register does not exist, what the reasons are for maintaining that position.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows:

      The Buildings at Risk Register is maintained by the Scottish Civic Trust on behalf of Historic Scotland, an agency of the Scottish Executive. It comprises information on endangered historic buildings that are in need of rescue and publicises them to potential purchasers or tenants who might restore them. The register is a computerised database and information is available to the public on request in the form of illustrated printouts, tailored to suit individual requirements, for which a small charge is made. The Buildings at Risk Bulletin is published annually and is circulated widely. This contains an illustrated selection of properties from the register. In addition to funding the register, Historic Scotland is making additional resources available to the trust to make the full Buildings at Risk Register available on the internet. This improved service will be available to the public in the near future.

      Members of the public may obtain further details about the Buildings at Risk service by contacting the Buildings at Risk Officer, The Scottish Civic Trust, 42 Miller Street, Glasgow G1 1DT. Telephone 0141 221 1466 or e-mail sct@scotnet.co.uk. Arrangements are being made to place the register in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165387,"EventID":"S1W-28863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what discussions the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has held with the City of Edinburgh Council and local bus companies regarding public transport options and traff","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what discussions the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has held with the City of Edinburgh Council and local bus companies regarding public transport options and traffic management to ensure adequate transport links for visitors to and from the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"The City of Edinburgh Council gave a presentation to the Holyrood Progress Group on 6 November 2001 outlining their proposals for public access to the Holyrood area of the city, including access to the new Parliament building. Precise details concerning actual routes and timetables will not be known until nearer the time of occupation, but I understand that these issues are under active consideration by both the council and local bus companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165388,"EventID":"S1W-28864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the recent advice given to the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on virtual reality modelling language and 3-D web technolo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the recent advice given to the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning on virtual reality modelling language and 3-D web technology and place a copy in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Copies of the information requested have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23991).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165389,"EventID":"S1W-28865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific representation it will have at the European eSkills Summit 2002 on 17 and 18 October 2002 in Copenhagen and, if no representative of it is to attend, what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific representation it will have at the European eSkills Summit 2002 on 17 and 18 October 2002 in Copenhagen and, if no representative of it is to attend, what process is in place to ensure that Scottish interests are addressed and what the reason is for such non-attendance.","AnswerText":"No representative of the Scottish Executive is expected to attend the eSkills Summit. The summit is primarily intended to address issues about the development of high-level, technical Information and Communication Technology skills within Europe. There are no specific Scottish characteristics to these skills. Scottish interests in developing these skills are being addressed through eskills UK, the aspirant Sector Skills Council. There are good links between the Scottish Executive and eskills UK. UK involvement in the preparatory work for the summit, led by officials in the DTI, has sought to ensure that the work of eskills UK is given due weight in the summit.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165390,"EventID":"S1W-28866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce a Scottish service tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce a Scottish service tax.","AnswerText":"Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998 is explicit that fiscal policy is a reserved issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165391,"EventID":"S1W-28867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the use of a Scottish service tax to increase public spending would have on the block grant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the use of a Scottish service tax to increase public spending would have on the block grant.","AnswerText":"There would be no direct impact on the block grant but consideration would have to be given to the loss of £300 million in council tax benefit income to councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165392,"EventID":"S1W-28868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the Glasgow bid to be the preferred location for the new European Maritime Safety Agency and what support it has been able to provide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the Glasgow bid to be the preferred location for the new European Maritime Safety Agency and what support it has been able to provide.","AnswerText":"The UK position in relation to the siting of EU Agencies is reserved and a matter for the UK Government.

      The Scottish Executive has been in regular contact with the UK Government about the location of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and we have agreed to support location of EMSA in Glasgow. A brochure summarising the case for Glasgow, jointly produced by the Scottish Executive and the UK Government, has been circulated to the EU Institutions and Member States. The final decision on location is for all Member States and has not yet been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165393,"EventID":"S1W-28869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to increase awareness of, and encourage applications from suitably qualified people for, the post of Executive Director of the European Ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to increase awareness of, and encourage applications from suitably qualified people for, the post of Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency.","AnswerText":"The UK position relating to EU Agencies, including staffing, is reserved and a matter for the UK Government. The Scottish Executive is in close contact with the UK Government on a variety of subjects including the European Maritime Safety Agency. It would be for the Department for Transport to consider proposing any candidate from the UK for the post of Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165394,"EventID":"S1W-28870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a Scottish service tax would have on the administration of council tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact a Scottish service tax would have on the administration of council tax.","AnswerText":"A Scottish Service Tax would replace the council tax. It would be a national tax and would remove the link between local budget decisions and local accountability.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165395,"EventID":"S1W-28871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been invested by Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire in Hamilton North and Bellshill since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been invested by Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire in Hamilton North and Bellshill since May 1999.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165396,"EventID":"S1W-28872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been invested in Regional Selective Assistance in Hamilton North and Bellshill in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been invested in Regional Selective Assistance in Hamilton North and Bellshill in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in the following table:
       

      RSA Offers Accepted

      Planned Capital Investment

      Created/Safeguarded Jobs

      1999-2000

      £3,514,000

      £14,303,600

      564

      2000-01

      £3,110,000

      £13,649,000

      481

      2001-02

      £5,664,000

      £27,204,000

      759

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165397,"EventID":"S1W-28873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in attracting new jobs and industry to Hamilton North and Bellshill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in attracting new jobs and industry to Hamilton North and Bellshill.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire is focusing on the direction and priorities set out in the Executive's A Smart, Successful Scotland. This sets out the foundation for sustained improvement in economic performance in Scotland. It focuses on three key challenges for raising productivity:

      • Growing businesses
      • Global connections
      • Learning and skills

      In addition, a number of local economic initiatives, targeted on specific areas within Lanarkshire including Hamilton North and Bellshill, are being operated by Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire in partnership with other agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165398,"EventID":"S1W-28874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents have occurred in the Strathclyde Police divisions (a) N and (b) Q in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many road accidents have occurred in the Strathclyde Police divisions (a) N and (b) Q in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Data about injury road accidents are collected by the police and reported to the Scottish Executive using the STATS 19 statistical report form. These returns cover only accidents in which one or more people were injured: they do not cover damage only accidents.

      The Executive's statistical database can provide figures on the number of injury accidents by police force area, by local authority area and for specified lengths of individual roads.

      The areas covered by Strathclyde Police Divisions N and Q correspond to North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Councils respectively. The following table gives the numbers of injury road accidents which were identified in the STATS 19 returns as occurring in North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire in the five years 1997 to 2001 inclusive.

      It should be noted that the statistics given are based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database and which were collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. They may differ from any figures which the local authority would provide now, because they do not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authority may have made to the statistical information, for use at local level, about the location of each accident, based upon its knowledge of the road and area concerned.

      Local Authority

      Year

      Injury Road Accidents

      North Lanarkshire

      1997

      964

      1998

      993

      1999

      922

      2000

      987

      2001

      944

      South Lanarkshire

      1997

      949

      1998

      979

      1999

      931

      2000

      900

      2001

      849

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165399,"EventID":"S1W-28875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people whose criminal convictions have been quashed have applied for standard compensation in the last five years; how many of these were successful in their app","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people whose criminal convictions have been quashed have applied for standard compensation in the last five years; how many of these were successful in their applications, and what the total amount of compensation awarded was.","AnswerText":"One applicant has received an interim award of compensation under the statutory compensation scheme. The case has not been concluded and the final amount of the award has not yet been determined by the Independent Assessor.

      Two further cases have been considered in terms of the statutory compensation scheme and subsequently for an ex-gratia award. Both have been refused. In addition, one further case was refused a statutory award of compensation but remains under active consideration for an ex-gratia award.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165400,"EventID":"S1W-28876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people whose criminal convictions were quashed have applied for ex-gratia compensation payments in the last five years; how many of these were successful, and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people whose criminal convictions were quashed have applied for ex-gratia compensation payments in the last five years; how many of these were successful, and what the total amount of compensation awarded was.","AnswerText":"One person has claimed successfully for an ex-gratia award of compensation for a miscarriage of justice in the last five years. In the interests of successful claimants Scottish ministers do not normally disclose the pecuniary value of awards to individuals, nor are claimants identified by name.

      Not all applicants who apply for compensation specify whether they are seeking a statutory award or an ex-gratia payment. In addition to the successful claimant referred to above, two other applications were considered for ex-gratia payments following consideration under the statutory scheme but were refused. A further application remains under active consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165401,"EventID":"S1W-28877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many injecting drug abusers in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area are currently on a methadone programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many injecting drug abusers in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area are currently on a methadone programme.","AnswerText":"Greater Glasgow NHS Board has informed us that there are approximately 5,000 patients on the methadone programme in the NHS board area.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165402,"EventID":"S1W-28878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current annual cost is of running methadone projects in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area and what the average cost of such projects is per drug abuser.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current annual cost is of running methadone projects in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area and what the average cost of such projects is per drug abuser.","AnswerText":"Information from Glasgow City Council, supported by Greater Glasgow NHS Board, indicates that the annual direct costs of the methadone programme are £1.6 million per 1000 patients. This cost rises to £1.9 million per 1,000 patients if onward rehabilitation costs are included.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165403,"EventID":"S1W-28879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent estimate is of the number of injecting drug abusers in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most recent estimate is of the number of injecting drug abusers in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area.","AnswerText":"The Executive funded a study by the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health which estimates the national and local prevalence of problem drug misuse in Scotland. The study estimates that there are 7,187 drug injectors in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165404,"EventID":"S1W-28880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-28078 by Mr Andy Kerr on 28 August 2002, what the (a) salary and (b) other costs are of the website team.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-28078 by Mr Andy Kerr on 28 August 2002, what the (a) salary and (b) other costs are of the website team.","AnswerText":"News website team comprises:

      One Editor (£39,140 - £54,656) and two Assistant Editors (£18,926 - £25,011).

      The news website has an operating budget for 2002-03 of £140,000.

      A revamped news website, Executive News Online, was launched on 2 September 2001.

      Since then an increase of 63 per cent in page impressions has been recorded.

      Site usage and activity is running at approximately 2 million page impressions a month.

      This compares with:

      UK Online at 4.6 million;

      Department of Health at 2.5 million, and

      DTI at 1.3 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165405,"EventID":"S1W-28881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28078 by Mr Andy Kerr on 28 August 2002, what the duties are of the website team.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28078 by Mr Andy Kerr on 28 August 2002, what the duties are of the website team.","AnswerText":"The duties of the news website team are:

      To create and maintain a regularly-updated news and information website that reflects the Executive's commitment to open and accessible government.

      A revamped news website, Executive News Online, was launched on 2 September 2001.

      Since then an increase of 63 per cent in page impressions has been recorded.

      Site usage and activity is running at approximately 2 million page impressions a month.

      This compares with:

      UK Online at 4.6 million;

      Department of Health at 2.5 million, and

      DTI at 1.3 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165406,"EventID":"S1W-28882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical action it will take in order to help to address the causes of, and problems associated with, the flooding of land near residential and business properties ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical action it will take in order to help to address the causes of, and problems associated with, the flooding of land near residential and business properties in the Abronhill and Westfield communities of the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency.","AnswerText":"North Lanarkshire Council has wide powers under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 to mitigate flooding of non-agricultural land in its area. Under the act, the council is obliged to publish biennial reports specifying all occurrences of such flooding, the measures it has taken and the measures it considers that it requires to take to mitigate flooding in its area. Should the council decide to take measures, other than those of repair or maintenance, then it can only carry these out in accordance with a flood prevention scheme, made by the council and confirmed by Scottish ministers. The answer given to question S1W-28883 today, outlines the financial support available to councils for flood prevention works.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165407,"EventID":"S1W-28883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional financial assistance it will make available to either North Lanarkshire Council or the local communities of Abronhill and Westfield in the Cumbernauld and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional financial assistance it will make available to either North Lanarkshire Council or the local communities of Abronhill and Westfield in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency in order to help to address continued problems associated with flooding to land near residential and business properties.","AnswerText":"The single allocation North Lanarkshire Council receives for its non-housing capital programme includes, among other things, provision for flood prevention measures to mitigate flooding of non-agricultural land. More generally, and separately, the Executive has made additional resources available for major flood prevention schemes promoted by local authorities. Grant is available for the construction of confirmed flood prevention schemes subject to certain criteria.

      However, it is for North Lanarkshire Council to decide on its overall priorities for addressing flooding concerns in its area and come forward with suitable schemes. Should it do so, the needs of North Lanarkshire Council would be carefully considered in light of the resources available at that time.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165408,"EventID":"S1W-28884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses have been recruited by the NHS 24 service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses have been recruited by the NHS 24 service.","AnswerText":"NHS 24 has recruited 48 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurses for its north of Scotland contact centre and 213 FTE for the west of Scotland centre. Recruitment for the east of Scotland centre will begin in the early part of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165409,"EventID":"S1W-28885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases were marked \"no proceedings\" in each district and regional procurator fiscal office in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases were marked \"no proceedings\" in each district and regional procurator fiscal office in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is as follows:

      Cases Marked: "No Proceedings"

      April 1999 to March 2000

      April 2000 to March 2001

      April 2001 to March 2002

      Aberdeen

      2,198

      1,188

      1,269

      Airdrie

      1,319

      1,523

      1,225

      Alloa

      362

      397

      473

      Arbroath

      389

      324

      184

      Ayr

      1,009

      923

      858

      Banff

      456

      102

      199

      Campbeltown

      76

      69

      36

      Cupar

      388

      391

      353

      Dingwall

      143

      169

      148

      Dornoch

      39

      43

      47

      Dumbarton

      1,275

      1,538

      1,563

      Dumfries

      806

      787

      862

      Dundee

      1,251

      1,115

      911

      Dunfermline

      1,153

      883

      1,081

      Dunoon

      148

      176

      212

      Duns

      56

      74

      88

      Edinburgh

      3,386

      2,804

      3,879

      Elgin

      486

      277

      309

      Falkirk

      864

      1,099

      1,329

      Forfar

      276

      Year

      (a) Total Scotland

      (£ million)

      (b)Total Environment and Rural Affairs

      (£ million)

      (c) Estimated Amount of (b) with no Linkage to European Funding

      (£ million) (%)

      (d) Amounts in (c) as a % of Amounts in (a)

      1997-98

      14,614

      908

      459 (51%)

      3.1%

      1998-99

      14,523

      804

      392 (49%)

      2.7%

      1999-2000

      15,895

      783

      392 (50%)

      2.5%

      2000-01

      16,691

      834

      391 (47%)

      2.3%

      2001-02

      19,744

      1,188

      714 (60%)

      3.6%

      2002-03

      20,913

      1,207

      737 (61%)

      3.5%

      2003-04

      22,075

      1,252

      784 (63%)

      3.6%

      Spending plans from 2001-02 are in resource terms, while those for previous years are in cash terms.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165412,"EventID":"S1W-28888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been (a) allocated for and (b) spent on drug rehabilitation at HM Prison Cornton Vale in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been (a) allocated for and (b) spent on drug rehabilitation at HM Prison Cornton Vale in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Due to the multiplicity of the tasks involved it is not possible to disaggregate funding allocation or spend.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165413,"EventID":"S1W-28889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total budget and (b) underspend for HM Prison Cornton Vale has been in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) is in 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) total budget and (b) underspend for HM Prison Cornton Vale has been in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) is in 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is contained in the following table.

      Financial Year

      Budget

      (£ million)

      Under (Over) Spends

      (£ million)

      1999-2000

      N/A*

      N/A*

      2000-01

      8.1

      0.3

      2001-02

      8.5

      (0.2)

      2002-03

      8.8

      1

      Notes:

      *Budget details are no longer retained.

      1. Projected spend is currently in line with budgets allocated.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165414,"EventID":"S1W-28890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-8781 and S1W-9352 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 August and 12 September 2000 respectively, how many people had a charge proved relating ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-8781 and S1W-9352 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 August and 12 September 2000 respectively, how many people had a charge proved relating to (a) house-breaking, (b) assault and robbery and (c) drug-related offences in Scotland in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002 to date and how many of these were charged where the main offence involved was aggravated by having been committed while the offender was on bail.","AnswerText":"Information on persons with a charge proved in 1999 and 2000 where a bail aggravation was recorded in the sentence is included in Table 14 of the annual statistical bulletins Criminal Proceedings in Scottish Courts published for those years (Bib. numbers 11289 and 17818 respectively). Data for the year 2001 are expected to be available in November 2002. Assault and robbery falls within the Scottish Executive Justice Department's crime category of robbery.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165415,"EventID":"S1W-28891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been (a) allocated to and (b) spent on bail schemes in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been (a) allocated to and (b) spent on bail schemes in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"Funding allocated to local authorities for bail information and supervision schemes increased from £313,322 in 1999-2000, to £426,553 in 2000-01, £945,536 in 2001-02 and to £971,859 in 2002-03.

      The expenditure for bail schemes in 1999-2000 and 2000-01 was £337,591 and £526,637 respectively. Local authorities are presently in the process of submitting their audited accounts for 2001-02 and so the figures on expenditure for 2001-02 and 2002-03 are not currently available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165416,"EventID":"S1W-28892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue bail guidelines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will issue bail guidelines.","AnswerText":"As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-28351 on 9 September 2002, the Executive does not issue guidelines to the judiciary on judicial matters. In Scotland, judicial decisions on bail are governed by the relevant legislation and case law.

      The Lord Advocate has no plans to issue further guidance to procurators fiscal as to the attitude they should adopt when the courts are considering the grant of bail.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165417,"EventID":"S1W-28893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a bail hearing in respect of an indictable offence and a bail application in an appeal against a conviction on indictment should be heard in public and what actio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a bail hearing in respect of an indictable offence and a bail application in an appeal against a conviction on indictment should be heard in public and what action it is taking on this issue.","AnswerText":"Where a person is accused on petition, all pre-trial procedures are held in private including the consideration of applications for bail. This is because bail applications are considered at hearings which also cover confidential matters.

      Where a person convicted on indictment applies for interim liberation pending the determination of his appeal, his application is considered in private by the court on the basis of a written submission.

      I understand that the Crown have a system in place for alerting victims and next of kin when a person convicted of a serious crime is granted interim liberation pending appeal.

      We are currently considering the full range of issues around interim liberation on bail, in consultation with the Lord Justice General.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165418,"EventID":"S1W-28894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any sheriff courts except Peebles where access for disabled people is still required, giving in each case the access requirements and the cost of pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any sheriff courts except Peebles where access for disabled people is still required, giving in each case the access requirements and the cost of providing such access.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, the Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Court Service is currently assessing the scale and extent of the work required to bring the court up to the level of compliance required by the Disability Discrimination Act. In most courts there is already disabled access to the sheriff clerk's offices but in other cases work may be needed to extend the access to a wider range of courts, jury rooms and witness accommodation. The full extent of work needed and costings have yet to be determined. The following table lists the courts where work is likely to be required.

      Facilities for the Disabled

      Location

      Disabled Access to Jury and Witness Rooms

      Disabled Access to Courts

      Disabled Access to General Office

      Aberdeen

      Yes

      Yes in Cts 2,3 4 & 7

      Yes

      Airdrie

      Yes

      Yes but not Ct 4

      Yes

      Alloa

      No

      No

      Yes

      Banff

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Campbeltown

      No

      Yes

      Yes

      Cupar

      No

      Yes

      Yes

      Dingwall

      No

      No

      Yes

      Dornoch

      No

      No

      Yes

      Dumfries

      Ct 1 only

      Ct 1 only

      Yes

      Dunoon

      No

      No

      Yes

      Duns

      No

      No

      -

      Elgin

      Yes

      Yes

      Yes

      Forfar

      Ct 1 only

      Yes

      Yes

      Fort William

      No

      No

      Yes

      Greenock

      Only 1

      Yes

      Yes

      Hamilton

      Not Ct 2, 4

      Yes but not Ct 4

      Yes

      Inverness

      Not Ct 1, 3

      No

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165419,"EventID":"S1W-28895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are derogations from the requirement to provide access for disabled people in buildings to which the public have access and, if so, what these derogations ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are derogations from the requirement to provide access for disabled people in buildings to which the public have access and, if so, what these derogations are.","AnswerText":"The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires that, from October 2004, service providers may have to make reasonable adjustments in relation to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access.

      In Scotland, all new buildings to which the public has access must be provided with access and facilities for disabled people. The Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 allow several derogations, the principal being to storeys other than the principal entrance storey. Access need not be provided for people in a wheelchair to storeys where the area is not more than 200 square metres for a building more than two storeys or 280 square metres for a building not more than two storeys. Stairs to those areas, however, must still be suitable for ambulant disabled people.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165420,"EventID":"S1W-28896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities for access for disabled people there are in Lochmaddy, Tain, Dingwall and Portree Sheriff Courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what facilities for access for disabled people there are in Lochmaddy, Tain, Dingwall and Portree Sheriff Courts.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Tain Sheriff Court has no facility to allow easy access for disabled persons. However Lochmaddy, Dingwall and Portree all have disabled access into the building and disabled toilet provisions. In addition Portree has a stair lift to gain access to the courtroom on the first floor.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165421,"EventID":"S1W-28897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alternatives to facilitating access for disabled people to court-related matters have been considered for Peebles Sheriff Court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alternatives to facilitating access for disabled people to court-related matters have been considered for Peebles Sheriff Court.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The feasibility study, which was commissioned after the discovery of dry rot, was prepared with regard to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and contains proposals to comply with the requirements of the legislation. No further report has been commissioned.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165422,"EventID":"S1W-28898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what special arrangements are being made to facilitate access for disabled people to all courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what special arrangements are being made to facilitate access for disabled people to all courts.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Court Service is currently undertaking an audit of the Court estate to determine the scale and extent of work required throughout the Estate to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act. Additional resources have been provided to the Court Service to enable any reasonable and necessary adaptations to proceed. The information is not collected centrally in respect of District Courts as responsibility for this rests with the relevant local authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165423,"EventID":"S1W-28899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 August 2002, what criteria are applied to determine \"level of business\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27460 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 August 2002, what criteria are applied to determine \"level of business\".","AnswerText":"In determining the level of business conducted in any sheriff court consideration is given to the wide range of criminal and civil business which may be conducted in the court. This covers procedural hearings as well as those required for determining the case. Regard is also had to the level of administrative work carried out by the court in respect of matters which may not require an appearance before the sheriff in court.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165424,"EventID":"S1W-28900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given to the impact of (a) the imminent increase in the Small Claims level to #1,500 and Summary Cause level to #5,000 with an increase in represe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given to the impact of (a) the imminent increase in the Small Claims level to #1,500 and Summary Cause level to #5,000 with an increase in representation by party litigants and (b) the proposed Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Bill on the proposals to remove all civil business from Peebles Sheriff Court, given its commitment in Access to Justice - Beyond the Year 2000.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      All major new legislation is reviewed to identify resource implications for the Scottish Court Service. The impact of increasing the financial thresholds in small claims and summary causes and the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Bill would not be expected to affect materially the level of business of the courthouse at Peebles.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165425,"EventID":"S1W-28901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which courts do not currently have custody suites and what action is being taken to provide such suites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which courts do not currently have custody suites and what action is being taken to provide such suites.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      A number of rural courts have custody suites within the court building. Eleven rural sheriff courts do not have custody holding facilities within the court building. Nine of these (Duns, Fort William, Jedburgh, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Oban, Portree, Stonehaven and Wick) are adjacent to the local police station from which prisoners in custody can be taken into the court without using the public courthouse. In the case of Peebles and Rothesay prisoners are held in the police station which is located a short distance from the court.

      The Scottish Court Service is currently reviewing the custody accommodation across the court estate in consultation with the police to determine what, if any, improvements to that accommodation is required. No decisions have yet been taken on whether it will be necessary to provide such accommodation in locations other than Peebles.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165426,"EventID":"S1W-28902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the quality of delivery of service in sheriff courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the quality of delivery of service in sheriff courts.","AnswerText":"The ministerial targets set for the Scottish Court Service include targets relating to quality of service. Quality of service in the sheriff courts is measured by the percentage of sheriff courts achieving administrative standards agreed with the Sheriff Principal and by the percentage of court houses meeting the Coming to Court standards. The results are reported in the Scottish Court Service Annual Report and Accounts.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165427,"EventID":"S1W-28903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the remarks by the Deputy First Minister in the debate on Peebles Sheriff Court on 27 June 2002 (Official Report, col 13282), when the Scottish Court Service ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the remarks by the Deputy First Minister in the debate on Peebles Sheriff Court on 27 June 2002 (Official Report, col 13282), when the Scottish Court Service will issue the consultation paper on alternatives for the provision of court services in Peebles given that it was to be done \"as soon as possible\"; who will be consulted; what the timetable for the consultation will be, and whether the consultation paper will include a full background and analysis of issues including court time spent discussing settlements and accelerating cases which reduces court sittings.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper on the delivery of court services in the Peebles area is currently being finalised and should be issued by the end of September. It will be circulated to a wide range of bodies and individuals who have expressed an interest in this topic, including the judiciary, local magistrates, court users such as local solicitors as well as statutory authorities such as Borders Council, Lothian and Borders Police and the Procurator Fiscal Service. Copies of the consultation paper will also be sent to local members of the Scottish and UK Parliament. In addition copies will be made available at the Sheriff Clerk's office in Peebles and Selkirk for the public.

      The duration of the consultation period will be a minimum of 12 weeks from date of issue. The paper will contain statistical information on the wide range of business transacted at the court in addition to information on court sitting times.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165428,"EventID":"S1W-28904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into the underlying reasons for any variation in average rateable values for businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into the underlying reasons for any variation in average rateable values for businesses.","AnswerText":"The valuation of non-domestic property for rating purposes is the responsibility of the Scottish Assessors. Assessors act independently of both central and local government reaching decisions in accordance with statute and case law.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165429,"EventID":"S1W-28905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average rateable value for businesses is, broken down by the smallest sectoral and geographic level available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average rateable value for businesses is, broken down by the smallest sectoral and geographic level available.","AnswerText":"The following table gives average rateable value in April 2000 by type of subject for each local authority area in Scotland. This is the latest information available to the Executive on rateable values of subjects classified on a consistent sectoral basis, broken down by the smallest sectoral and geographical level available. The footnotes explain the basis of the analysis.

      Average Rateable Value of Subjects1,2 by Local Authority and Type of Subject

      Local authority

      Average Rateable Value

      (£)

      Industrial

      Commercial

      Other

      Industrial and Freight Transport

      Oil Related and Petro-Chemical Plants

      Shops

      Offices

      Hotels, Boarding Houses etc.

      Other Commercial

      Other3

      Aberdeen City

      74,735

      ..

      25,866

      40,512

      39,926

      27,315

      36,433

      Aberdeenshire

      53,502

      2,302,500

      7,348

      6,062

      20,316

      6,299

      12,020

      Angus

      67,542

      ..

      8,147

      7,741

      11,566

      8,933

      13,070

      Argyll and Bute

      7,398

      ..

      7,376

      7,787

      6,041

      4,223

      17,529

      Clackmannan

      166,109

      ..

      10,314

      6,688

      17,004

      9,100

      19,856

      Dumfries and Galloway

      42,732

      ..

      9,246

      5,194

      10,837

      4,636

      8,571

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165431,"EventID":"S1W-28907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what winter maintenance payments for non-trunk roads were awarded to each local authority in 2001, expressed per capita and detailing separately any top-up awards that we","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what winter maintenance payments for non-trunk roads were awarded to each local authority in 2001, expressed per capita and detailing separately any top-up awards that were made.","AnswerText":"Support for local authority expenditure on general and winter road maintenance is provided within the general grant allocations to each council, and is not separately identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165432,"EventID":"S1W-28908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of baton guns by police forces will be monitored by any independent body reporting to ministers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of baton guns by police forces will be monitored by any independent body reporting to ministers.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary monitors all aspects of policing which includes the deployment of firearms and less lethal weapons and equipment.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165433,"EventID":"S1W-28909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a prohibition on the use by police forces of baton guns when dealing with public order disturbances or political demonstrations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a prohibition on the use by police forces of baton guns when dealing with public order disturbances or political demonstrations.","AnswerText":"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has made clear that baton guns are to be deployed in Scotland in situations where police officers are faced with life threatening incidents as a less lethal alternative to conventional firearms. I have been assured that there are no plans for the police to use baton guns in Scotland when dealing with public order disturbances or political demonstrations, and I have made clear that Scottish ministers would need to be consulted were that position ever to change.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165434,"EventID":"S1W-28910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of baton guns by police forces will be limited to circumstances where conventional firearms are currently used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of baton guns by police forces will be limited to circumstances where conventional firearms are currently used.","AnswerText":"The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has made clear that baton guns will be used to deal with firearms incidents and that they will only be deployed where a Chief Constable is satisfied that an incident involves risk to life or serious injury.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165435,"EventID":"S1W-28911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any guidelines which police forces will follow when using baton guns.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any guidelines which police forces will follow when using baton guns.","AnswerText":"The tactical deployment of baton guns and other less lethal options is a police operational matter and guidelines are contained in a Manual of Guidance on the Police Use of Firearms produced jointly by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS). A copy of the guidelines is available on the ACPO website at: http://www.acpo.police.uk/policies/Contents.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165436,"EventID":"S1W-28912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for health councils.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for health councils.","AnswerText":"The Patient Focus and Public Involvement framework - published in December last year - indicated that we would consult on a proposal to establish a Scottish Health Council as a national body with a local presence to replace local health councils. Our paper will draw on pre-consultation work being carried out by the Scottish Consumer Council and Scottish Health Feedback which will be completed in September. We plan to publish the consultation paper during October.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165437,"EventID":"S1W-28913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made, or is planning to make, into the optimum number of NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made, or is planning to make, into the optimum number of NHS boards.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to vary the number of unified NHS boards, which were established as recently as September 2001.

      However, a longer-term review of management and decision-making in NHSScotland is now under way. We have made it clear that the review is not intended to result in structural upheaval, although NHS organisations might evolve and change where this will produce tangible benefits for patients, staff and local communities.

      Whatever the outcomes of the review, we do not expect to spend the coming months discussing structures: we will concentrate on helping the NHS deliver better front-line care for patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165438,"EventID":"S1W-28914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secure tenancies there are in the agriculture sector and how many such tenancies have become available in each of the last ten years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many secure tenancies there are in the agriculture sector and how many such tenancies have become available in each of the last ten years.","AnswerText":"There were estimated to be around 14,000 full tenancy agreements active in Scotland in 2001. The Executive does not hold information which breaks this figure down further by type of tenancy. Nor do we collect information about the number of new tenancy agreements that are concluded each year.

      However, Land Tenure Patterns in Scotland, published in 1995 by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland, provides some indications of the number and nature of tenancies entered into in recent years.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165439,"EventID":"S1W-28915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many limited partnership tenancies there are in the agricultural sector and how many such tenancies have been created in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many limited partnership tenancies there are in the agricultural sector and how many such tenancies have been created in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165440,"EventID":"S1W-28916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to paragraph 1.10 of the Draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill: Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment, on what basis it determined that an absolute righ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to paragraph 1.10 of the Draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill: Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment, on what basis it determined that an absolute right to buy for tenant farmers could result in a legal challenge under the European Convention of Human Rights unless it compensated landlords for the cost of lost investment and how it calculated the exemplified total cost of such investment.","AnswerText":"The Executive believes that the creation of an absolute right to buy could result in landowners incurring loss in the value of their assets. We also believe that a court of law might view provisions introducing an absolute right to buy as amounting to an interference of the enjoyment of the landlord's possessions.

      As such, the provisions would be unlikely to comply with the provisions of Article 1 of the First Protocol to the European Convention of Human Rights if the Executive did not also ensure that landlords were reasonably compensated for their losses.

      Blight on the property would arise from the creation of the absolute right to buy because it would materially affect the private right of a landowner to determine how long they owned, used and obtained income from that holding. We believe the price a potential purchaser would be prepared to pay for such a holding would decrease in such a situation. This would reduce its value to the existing landlord.

      A cost of the order of £100 million was estimated initially by the Land Policy Review Group in 1998. It was used to illustrate the likely scale of compensation involved. While we cannot exactly quantify the extent to which an absolute right to buy could depress land values (as the group could not), we estimate that each reduction of 1% in the "marriage value" of holdings with traditional secure tenancies could attract a potential compensation bill of around £20 million. This is based upon estimates of the area of land under traditional secure tenancy arrangement and appropriate average land valuations. The actual figure may be higher, depending upon the fall in value experienced and the type of tenant eligible to exercise the absolute right to buy (e.g. if general partners in a limited partnership holding a secure tenancy were included).

      We believe that the costs of compensating a landowner would fall to the Executive following the creation of an absolute right to buy. While it might theoretically only fall to be paid when the landowner chose to realise the value of his or her asset or when a tenant chose to exercise the right, the blight would cover all affected land, even if a tenant did not seek to exercise this right. When the landowner's loss fell to be paid, it could not be transferred to tenants who did not wish to exercise their absolute right to buy. We believe it could also be very difficult if not impossible to devise a mechanism which transferred the landlord's loss to a tenant exercising this right in a way that guaranteed, over a long period of time, that landowners would be adequately compensated for the loss in their asset value without this being reflected in the price a purchasing tenant might have to pay. It is also worth noting that the tenant could have to pay for any transaction costs incurred by a landlord selling against his or her will as well as for any injurious affection.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165441,"EventID":"S1W-28917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the total annual cost of internal air transport from the islands to the mainland to (a) the Northern Constabulary, (b) relevant local aut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the total annual cost of internal air transport from the islands to the mainland to (a) the Northern Constabulary, (b) relevant local authorities, (c) relevant NHS boards, (d) the Crofters Commission, (e) Scottish Natural Heritage and (f) Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the organisations concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165442,"EventID":"S1W-28918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on different (a) volumes of material moved by and (b) requirements of mineral quarries compared with opencast sites and whether it will ensure t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on different (a) volumes of material moved by and (b) requirements of mineral quarries compared with opencast sites and whether it will ensure that any such differences are recognised in any mineral plans produced by local authorities.","AnswerText":"Currently Scotland produces some 33 million tonnes of construction aggregate (sand and gravel and crushed rock) and seven million tonnes of opencast coal. Information is not held centrally on the production and distribution of minerals from individual sites. The Executive has recently begun discussions with the aggregates industry to consider how best to ensure that relevant data is available to facilitate development plan preparation and development control decisions. It is for local authorities to consider what information should be taken into account when preparing mineral plans in the light of locally prevailing circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165443,"EventID":"S1W-28919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expectations it has in respect of the procedure, methods and types of consultation, cost and outcomes of any local authority project to produce a minerals plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expectations it has in respect of the procedure, methods and types of consultation, cost and outcomes of any local authority project to produce a minerals plan.","AnswerText":"The statutory requirements for plan preparation are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and the Town and Country Planning (structure and Local Plans) (Scotland) Regulations 1983. Scottish Development Department Circular 32/1983 describes the general principles that the Scottish ministers consider should be taken into account when preparing plans. A copy of this Circular is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23755). National Planning Policy Guidelines (NPPGs) indicate to planning authorities a range of issues to be taken into account in the preparation of Development Plans. The relevance of any particular national planning policy issue will depend on the circumstances prevailing in any particular local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165444,"EventID":"S1W-28920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist officers with relevant experience or qualifications in minerals planning are currently employed by (a) it and (b) local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist officers with relevant experience or qualifications in minerals planning are currently employed by (a) it and (b) local authorities.","AnswerText":"Minerals planning within the Executive is the responsibility of a branch within the Planning and Buildings Standards Group of the Development Department. This branch has recently been established to focus more effectively on minerals planning issues although the staff involved (one professional planner and one policy officer) have been involved in minerals planning for several years. No information is held centrally on specialist minerals planning officers employed by local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165445,"EventID":"S1W-28921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to develop a national policy on minerals extraction.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to develop a national policy on minerals extraction.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28493 on 16 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165446,"EventID":"S1W-28922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many objections (a) were lodged and (b) remain unresolved regarding the A90 improvement between Longforgan and the Swallow Hotel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many objections (a) were lodged and (b) remain unresolved regarding the A90 improvement between Longforgan and the Swallow Hotel.","AnswerText":"Four objections were lodged against the draft orders published in 1997. Three remain unresolved.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165447,"EventID":"S1W-28923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to improve nutrition by reducing the consumption of salt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to improve nutrition by reducing the consumption of salt.","AnswerText":"We are actively pursuing the recommendations from the Scottish Diet Action Plan aimed at reducing salt intake by more than a third by 2005. Guidelines have been produced for the improvement of nutritional standards in schools, hospitals and catering establishments which encourage the adoption of healthier practices into all aspects of catering, including reduction in usage of salt. At a UK level, the Food Standards Agency is pursuing a number of initiatives involving major retailers and manufacturers to reduce the level of salt in processed foods.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165448,"EventID":"S1W-28924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to alter the labelling of foodstuffs to provide information on the level of salt contained in the product.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to alter the labelling of foodstuffs to provide information on the level of salt contained in the product.","AnswerText":"I have been advised that the Food Standards Agency will be pressing in Europe for nutrition labelling to be made compulsory on all packaged foods, this will include a declaration of salt content. Current European rules require information about the level of sodium (rather than salt) in a food to be given on food labels only when certain claims, such as "low salt", have been made. European discussions are due to begin next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165449,"EventID":"S1W-28925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the daily recommended intake of salt is for (a) men, (b) women and (c) children in order to maintain a healthy diet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the daily recommended intake of salt is for (a) men, (b) women and (c) children in order to maintain a healthy diet.","AnswerText":"The relationship between salt and blood pressure was considered by the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA) in its 1994 report, Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease, which recommended a reduction in the average intake of salt by the adult population from 9g per day, the levels current at the time, to 6g per day (5g per day in women and 7g per day in men). A similar proportionate reduction in the salt content of children's diets was recommended but insufficient data were available to enable quantification.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165450,"EventID":"S1W-28926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available on the average adult intake of salt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available on the average adult intake of salt.","AnswerText":"Information on salt intake is available from the National Diet and Nutrition Surveys, the National Food Survey and the Scottish Health Survey.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165451,"EventID":"S1W-28927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the health effects are of an excess of salt in the diet of (a) men, (b) women and (c) children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the health effects are of an excess of salt in the diet of (a) men, (b) women and (c) children.","AnswerText":"Scientific evidence suggests the main health risk associated with high salt intakes relates to elevated blood pressure or hypertension, which is an important contributory factor to coronary heart disease and stroke. The majority of evidence is derived from studies on adults; there is very little evidence available regarding the effect of high salt intake on children.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165452,"EventID":"S1W-28928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any patients for whom discharge was delayed subsequently developed a hospital-acquired infection whilst awaiting discharge during the last 12 months and, if so, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any patients for whom discharge was delayed subsequently developed a hospital-acquired infection whilst awaiting discharge during the last 12 months and, if so, in which hospital each such incident occurred.","AnswerText":"This information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165453,"EventID":"S1W-28929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wards in NHS hospitals have been closed at some time during the last 12 months due to outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wards in NHS hospitals have been closed at some time during the last 12 months due to outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections.","AnswerText":"This information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165454,"EventID":"S1W-28930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra funding or resources it provided to (a) the Scottish Ambulance Service in the Grampian region, (b) accident and emergency departments of Grampian University Ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra funding or resources it provided to (a) the Scottish Ambulance Service in the Grampian region, (b) accident and emergency departments of Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust and (c) the nursing workforce employed by the NHS when it decided to pilot NHS 24 in the Grampian region.","AnswerText":"NHS 24 is not being piloted in the Grampian region; Grampian is the first part of Scotland to benefit from the national rollout of this new NHS service. NHS 24 was designed and developed with the support of staff from the Scottish Ambulance Service and accident and emergency services to complement these services. By providing callers with home care advice or, where required, directing them to the most appropriate NHS service it should help reduce inappropriate demand on these services. NHS 24 is working very closely with NHSScotland to maximise nursing resource and minimise impact on local NHS services. Consequently, no additional funding was provided to the Grampian NHS Board area solely because NHS 24 would be launched in that area.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165455,"EventID":"S1W-28931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the number of attacks on fire fighters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the number of attacks on fire fighters.","AnswerText":"During the Business Debate secured by the member on 4 September, I outlined a range of measures being pursued to address the problem of attacks on personnel of all three emergency services. I also agreed to review the recommendations of an earlier working party, established to consider the protection of emergency service, personnel and to report back to Parliament on the progress being made.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165456,"EventID":"S1W-28932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently waiting for a disclosure check to be performed by the Scottish Criminal Record Office.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently waiting for a disclosure check to be performed by the Scottish Criminal Record Office.","AnswerText":"At 6 September, Disclosure Scotland had 2,703 applications in processing, which included 355 from the Central Registered Body Scotland for volunteers. At that date, Disclosure Scotland had issued 25,701 disclosures.

      Applications to Disclosure Scotland continue to be processed to their target of completing 90% of checks within 10 working days of receipt.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165457,"EventID":"S1W-28933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve the speed of processing of disclosure checks performed by the Scottish Criminal Records Office.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to improve the speed of processing of disclosure checks performed by the Scottish Criminal Records Office.","AnswerText":"On 3 September, Disclosure Scotland introduced new software which allows the immediate transfer of conviction information to the disclosure certificate. This change eliminated the need for manual inputting which took up to an hour per disclosure. Disclosure Scotland continues to meet its target of completing 90% of checks within 10 working days.

      Discussions between Disclosure Scotland and the Central Registered Body Scotland are on-going with a view to refining the procedures used by the voluntary sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165458,"EventID":"S1W-28934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff have been employed at each procurator fiscal office in (a) Lothians and (b) the Scottish Borders (i) in a secretarial or administrative capacit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many members of staff have been employed at each procurator fiscal office in (a) Lothians and (b) the Scottish Borders (i) in a secretarial or administrative capacity, (ii) as a procurator fiscal depute and (iii) as a trainee procurator fiscal depute in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is displayed in the tables and is grouped into four categories:

      Procurator Fiscal and Promoted Legal Staff (Procurator Fiscal (PF), Assistant Procurator Fiscal (Asst PF); Senior Principal Depute (SPD); Principal Depute (PD));

      Procurator Fiscal Depute (entrant level for fully qualified solicitor);

      Legal Trainees (serving a two-year traineeship prior to full admission as solicitor), and

      Non-Legally Qualified Staff includes all other staff (Executive, Precognition, Administrative, Secretarial and support staff).

      Each office has a procurator fiscal who holds the Lord Advocate's commission with the exception of Selkirk/Peebles and Jedburgh/Duns where one fiscal holds a commission for both offices. All information is based on permanent staff in post (full-time equivalent).

      1 April 1997
       

      Duns

      Edinburgh

      Haddington

      Jedburgh

      Linlithgow

      Peebles

      Selkirk

      PF, Asst PF, SPD and PD

      0

      6

      1

      1

      1

      0

      1

      Procurator Fiscal Depute

      0

      20.9

      1

      0

      5

      0

      0

      Legal Trainees

      0

      1

      0

      1

      0

      0

      0

      Non-Legally Qualified

      2

      89.8

      5

      2

      13.1

      0

      2

      1 April 1998
       

      Duns

      Edinburgh

      Haddington

      Jedburgh

      Linlithgow

      Peebles

      Selkirk

      PF, Asst PF, SPD and PD

      0

      11

      1

      1

      2

      0

      1

      Procurator Fiscal Depute

      0

      19.7

      1

      0

      3

      0

      0

      Legal Trainees

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      		The Enterprise Networks are the main vehicle used in Scotland to support enterprise in disadvantaged areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165463,"EventID":"S1W-28939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Phoenix Fund money is available from its Business Growth Unit for post offices in urban deprived and rural areas and, if so, when and under what criteria such fun","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Phoenix Fund money is available from its Business Growth Unit for post offices in urban deprived and rural areas and, if so, when and under what criteria such funds are available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28938 on 16 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165464,"EventID":"S1W-28940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support has been provided in real terms to Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive in each year from 1985-86 until the most recent year for which fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support has been provided in real terms to Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive in each year from 1985-86 until the most recent year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive is funded by the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority. The Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority receives both revenue and capital support from both central and local government. The Scottish Executive does not hold information on the total financial support provided to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165465,"EventID":"S1W-28941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to sheriffs in relation to prosecuting and sentencing licensees that have broken the law by serving alcohol to those below the legal age for purcha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to sheriffs in relation to prosecuting and sentencing licensees that have broken the law by serving alcohol to those below the legal age for purchasing alcohol.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Prosecutor Fiscal Service is the sole prosecution authority in Scotland. Prosecutions under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 are subject to the same criteria as any other alleged contravention of the criminal law. Procurators Fiscal must be satisfied that there is sufficient admissible and reliable evidence before raising proceedings. The maximum penalties for offences under the licensing laws are prescribed by statute. Sentencing within these parameters is solely a matter for the consideration and discretion of the Judiciary and the Executive cannot intervene.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165466,"EventID":"S1W-28942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to commission further digital hearing aid trials involving current analogue hearing aid users.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to commission further digital hearing aid trials involving current analogue hearing aid users.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to commission further trials of digital hearing aids. The Good Practice Guidance on Adult Fitting and Hearing Services issued by the Executive in March last year distils the results of current research and practice into a series of statements, which NHS boards and trusts may use to frame service provision.

      I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28082 on 26 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165467,"EventID":"S1W-28943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many digital hearing aids have been issued in each NHS board area since becoming available on central contacts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many digital hearing aids have been issued in each NHS board area since becoming available on central contacts.","AnswerText":"These details are not held centrally. NHS boards should be approached directly for this information.

      The table gives details of the digital hearing aids drawn off the central contract arranged by Scottish Healthcare Supplies by NHS trusts during the period January 2001 to December 2001.

      NHS Trust

      No. of Digital Aids

      West Lothian Healthcare

      11

      Highland Acute Hospitals

      10

      Lomond and Argyll Primary Care

      25

      Tayside University Hospitals

      32

      South Glasgow University Hospitals

      30

      North Glasgow University Hospitals

      86

      Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals

      17

      Fife Acute Hospitals

      13

      Lanarkshire Primary Care

      123

      Grampian University Hospitals

      3

      Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals

      22

      Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals

      65

      Lothian University Hospitals

      65

      Total

      602

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165468,"EventID":"S1W-28944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional finance for audiology has been made available to Fife NHS Board in each of the last 12 months and whether such finance was prioritised specifically for au","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional finance for audiology has been made available to Fife NHS Board in each of the last 12 months and whether such finance was prioritised specifically for audiology services.","AnswerText":"Funding allocations to NHS boards are made on an annual basis. It is for local NHS boards and trusts to prioritise their funding to meet the needs of residents within their area of responsibility.

      In April this year, as a short-term measure and to reduce unacceptably long waiting times for audiology services, I announced additional funding of £750,000 across NHS boards during 2002-03. NHS Fife received £49,600 as their share of the additional funds.

      When the wide-ranging review of audiology services, commissioned by the Executive last year, reports in the autumn we shall be well placed to identify the best way forward for audiology services in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165469,"EventID":"S1W-28945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it expects the cost to be to the agricultural sector of bringing waste from farms, such as packaging waste and redundant equipment, under the same regulatory framewo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it expects the cost to be to the agricultural sector of bringing waste from farms, such as packaging waste and redundant equipment, under the same regulatory framework as such waste from other businesses.","AnswerText":"As farm dumps have hitherto been practically unregulated, there is limited information about them on which to base estimates of environmental risks or of the cost of regulation. The Scottish Executive published a consultation paper Safer Landfill on 29 August. This includes a draft Regulatory Impact Assessment on which it seeks comments: it is expected that consultation responses will provide more information on costs.

      The consultation paper has been sent to a range of representatives of the agricultural sector, including NFU Scotland, the Scottish Landowners Federation, the Crofters Commission, the Scottish Agricultural College and the Independent Farming Group. In preparing the paper we have been in close and regular contact with representatives of NFU Scotland. The paper states our intention to work with NFU Scotland and SEPA to consider ways in which the regulatory burden can be minimised. We are presently considering the membership and remit of a group to undertake this work.

      The consultation paper, Safer Landfill, is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23948).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165470,"EventID":"S1W-28946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it expects the cost to be to the agricultural sector of bringing farm dumps under the same regulatory structure as landfill sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it expects the cost to be to the agricultural sector of bringing farm dumps under the same regulatory structure as landfill sites.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28945.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165471,"EventID":"S1W-28947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific evidence there is to suggest that farm dumps cause environmental damage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific evidence there is to suggest that farm dumps cause environmental damage.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28945.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165472,"EventID":"S1W-28948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the agricultural sector about its proposals to bring (a) waste from farms, such as packaging waste and redundant equip","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with representatives of the agricultural sector about its proposals to bring (a) waste from farms, such as packaging waste and redundant equipment, under the same regulatory framework as such waste from other businesses and (b) farm dumps under the same regulatory structure as landfill sites.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28945.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165473,"EventID":"S1W-28949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to minimise costs to the agricultural sector of its proposals to bring waste from farms, such as packaging waste and redundant equipment, und","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to minimise costs to the agricultural sector of its proposals to bring waste from farms, such as packaging waste and redundant equipment, under the same regulatory framework as such waste from other businesses and to bring farm dumps under the same regulatory structure as landfill sites.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28945.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165474,"EventID":"S1W-28950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the consultation process regarding future development of the A80 has cost to date, giving (a) a full breakdown of how such costs were incurred and (b) expected o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the consultation process regarding future development of the A80 has cost to date, giving (a) a full breakdown of how such costs were incurred and (b) expected overall expenditure on completion of the process.","AnswerText":"Consultation was a continuing thread throughout the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies, for each of the A80, A8 and M74 corridors, and involved a steering group, a consultative forum and focus groups. In addition, the Scottish Executive has taken advice from an External Advisory Panel of four eminent academics, established to provide an independent and impartial overview of the direction and content of the studies. In addition to these consultations, local councillors and MSPs have been presented with information from the studies at key points.

      This consultation process was an integral part of the corridor studies work and the cost of consultation cannot be separated out from the overall budget for the studies, nor can the costs for the A80 study be separated out from the total costs for the three corridors.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165475,"EventID":"S1W-28951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received an application for funding from Facilitate (Scotland) and, if so, what criteria were used to assess it and whether the application was successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received an application for funding from Facilitate (Scotland) and, if so, what criteria were used to assess it and whether the application was successful.","AnswerText":"Facilitate (Scotland) applied for funding for 2002-03 under section 16B of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978. Applications for funding were also made for the previous year both under section 16B, and under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. All three applications were assessed against the publicly available criteria for these grant schemes, but were not successful.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165476,"EventID":"S1W-28952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28051 by Mr Frank McAveety on 27 August 2002, whether all local area co-ordinators have been appointed and are now in place, as rec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28051 by Mr Frank McAveety on 27 August 2002, whether all local area co-ordinators have been appointed and are now in place, as recommended in The same as you?, and how many are operating in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28050 on 27 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165477,"EventID":"S1W-28953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28049 by Frank McAveety on 27 August 2002, whether all Practice in Partnership agreements have been prepared, agreed and are ready ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28049 by Frank McAveety on 27 August 2002, whether all Practice in Partnership agreements have been prepared, agreed and are ready for implementation, as recommended in The same as you?.","AnswerText":"Yes. In many areas, implementation of The same as you? at local level began before Partnership in Practice Agreements were prepared.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165478,"EventID":"S1W-28954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS board or trust or agency each nurse currently employed by the NHS 24 pilot programme in Grampian worked for in their most recent job prior to employment with t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which NHS board or trust or agency each nurse currently employed by the NHS 24 pilot programme in Grampian worked for in their most recent job prior to employment with the pilot programme.","AnswerText":"The information requested by the member is currently being collated by NHS 24 and I am awaiting a response. Once complete, I will write to the member with a full response and place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165479,"EventID":"S1W-28955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27994 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 September 2002, what the split between advertising and marketing is for each heading specified in each y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27994 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 September 2002, what the split between advertising and marketing is for each heading specified in each year from 1999-2000 to 2004-05.","AnswerText":"Advertising and marketing are not recorded separately.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165480,"EventID":"S1W-28956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been received in respect of decisions made by procurators fiscal not to proceed with cases involving allegations of rape and other forms of sexu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been received in respect of decisions made by procurators fiscal not to proceed with cases involving allegations of rape and other forms of sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"One representation was received recently about the prosecution rate in such cases in one area; we will reply shortly. Victims in such cases sometimes make representations where they are dissatisfied with the decision in the case which involves them. However, except where there is a clear and irremediable insufficiency of evidence (so that prosecution would be unlawful), decisions in rape and other serious sexual assault cases, as in other types of very serious crime, are taken by Crown Counsel and not by procurators fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165481,"EventID":"S1W-28957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will meet representatives of Scottish Borders Council to discuss the authority's concerns regarding lack of spare capacity in waste water treatment works in a num","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will meet representatives of Scottish Borders Council to discuss the authority's concerns regarding lack of spare capacity in waste water treatment works in a number of settlements there, including Duns, Ayton, Earlston, Newtown St Boswells, Lauder, Stow, Peebles, West Linton and Eddleston.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been aware of the issues relating to constraints on water and waste water infrastructure for some time. A number of meetings were held earlier this year with representatives of the house building industry, the then water authorities, representatives of local authorities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Water Industry Commissioner, to explore the way forward.

      In the first instance, however, this is an operational matter for Scottish Water. I am aware that they have been undertaking a significant amount of work in past months following the meetings referred to, to review their whole investment programme. This work has been necessary to inform them better about the investment required to ease such constraints across Scotland, and about its prioritisation.

      When this work is completed, I understand that Scottish Water intend to arrange meetings with local authorities to discuss their findings.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165482,"EventID":"S1W-28958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether development is being delayed in the Scottish Borders Council area owing to lack of further sewerage capacity in some towns and villages and what action it is taki","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether development is being delayed in the Scottish Borders Council area owing to lack of further sewerage capacity in some towns and villages and what action it is taking in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28957 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165483,"EventID":"S1W-28959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Water has re-prioritised its investment programme following the recent contamination of water supplies by the cryptospiridium bacterium.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Scottish Water has re-prioritised its investment programme following the recent contamination of water supplies by the cryptospiridium bacterium.","AnswerText":"The Cryptosporidium Directions required Scottish Water to carry out a risk assessment on all its supplies and introduced sampling appropriate to the assessed risk. The Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) audits the requirements of the directions annually. Following the recent events in Glasgow and Edinburgh I have asked the DWQR to carry out a review of the detailed workings of the directions. The outcome of this review will be available in about two months. In the meantime, my initial assessment is that the investment priorities for 2002-06 given in the Quality and Standards paper published in August 2001 were broadly correct.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165484,"EventID":"S1W-28960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet representatives of Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Water, the Water Commissioner for Scotland and relevant MSPs to address the capacity of wast","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will meet representatives of Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Water, the Water Commissioner for Scotland and relevant MSPs to address the capacity of waste water treatment works in certain towns and villages in the Scottish Borders Council area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28957 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165485,"EventID":"S1W-28961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is providing to long-term unemployed people in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is providing to long-term unemployed people in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government. Jobcentre Plus offers long-term unemployed people in Lanarkshire a range of services to assist them into work including access to New Deal programmes and, in North Lanarkshire, an Action Team for Jobs. The New Deal has helped over 7,000 people across Lanarkshire enter employment and there are special initiatives and support for those clients who face additional difficulties.

      In addition, in 2002-03, as part of the Scottish Executive's Training for Work programme, Scottish Enterprise (SE) Lanarkshire aim to offer 1,200 work-related training opportunities to long-term unemployed and economically inactive adults in Lanarkshire. SE Lanarkshire are also involved in, and contribute financially, to a range of local projects and initiatives to assist unemployed people, such as the Lanarkshire Community and Employer Intermediaries and PartiSIPate programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165486,"EventID":"S1W-28962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the improvement of literacy and numeracy levels in Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what targets it has set for the improvement of literacy and numeracy levels in Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive set a national target of helping 80,000 adults between 2001 and 2004, but recognised that specific targets for each area are best developed locally to reflect local circumstances.

      The Scottish Executive has now finalised outcome agreements with Community Learning Strategy Partnerships in North and South Lanarkshire, which estimate that almost 11,000 adults in total will be helped during this period.

      Targets for children are set by schools and local authorities working together to reflect local circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165487,"EventID":"S1W-28963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of ministers' and deputy ministers' ministerial diaries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of ministers' and deputy ministers' ministerial diaries.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165488,"EventID":"S1W-28964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training courses are provided for judges and sheriffs in relation to court cases involving allegations of domestic violence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training courses are provided for judges and sheriffs in relation to court cases involving allegations of domestic violence.","AnswerText":"Judicial training is a matter for the judiciary. It is overseen by the Judicial Studies Committee. The subjects of rape, other sexual offences, child abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence are currently dealt with in the annual refresher courses, primarily in the context of domestic violence. I understand that consideration is being given to seminars on sexual offences next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165489,"EventID":"S1W-28965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training courses are provided for judges and sheriffs in relation to court cases involving charges of child abuse and sexual abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training courses are provided for judges and sheriffs in relation to court cases involving charges of child abuse and sexual abuse.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28964 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165490,"EventID":"S1W-28966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training courses are provided for judges in relation to court cases involving charges of rape and other sexual offences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training courses are provided for judges in relation to court cases involving charges of rape and other sexual offences.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28964 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165491,"EventID":"S1W-28967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been commissioned into the conduct of the judiciary in rape trials and whether the findings of any such research will lead to discussions about such tri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been commissioned into the conduct of the judiciary in rape trials and whether the findings of any such research will lead to discussions about such trials.","AnswerText":"No research into the conduct of the judiciary in rape trials has been commissioned.

      Research carried out by Brown, Burman & Jamieson into the use of sexual history and sexual character evidence in Scottish sexual offence trials, published by the Scottish Office Central Research Unit in 1992, did, however, involve court observation of sexual offence trials. That research report informed the development of policy in this area, and underpinned the changes in the law of evidence made by the Sexual Offences (Procedure & Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165492,"EventID":"S1W-28968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any procedures in place that ensure that only judges with the appropriate training, experience and sensitivity conduct trials involving charges of rape ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any procedures in place that ensure that only judges with the appropriate training, experience and sensitivity conduct trials involving charges of rape and other sexual offences and whether it will publish a list of such judges.","AnswerText":"Any Judge of the High Court of Justiciary may conduct trials involving charges of rape and other sexual offences. There are no procedures to restrict such trials to certain judges.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165493,"EventID":"S1W-28969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what grounds a judge may be removed from any list of judges authorised to conduct trials involving charges of rape and other sexual offences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what grounds a judge may be removed from any list of judges authorised to conduct trials involving charges of rape and other sexual offences.","AnswerText":"There is no list of judges authorised to conduct trials involving charges of rape and other sexual offences and hence no procedures for the removal of a judge from such a list.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165494,"EventID":"S1W-28970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities (a) continue to control and manage council houses and (b) have carried out complete housing stock transfers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities (a) continue to control and manage council houses and (b) have carried out complete housing stock transfers.","AnswerText":"All local authorities in Scotland currently own and manage council houses. Tenants in Glasgow, Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway have voted in favour of whole transfers, and work to complete the transfers is continuing.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165495,"EventID":"S1W-28971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in hand to improve or create flood management control schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in hand to improve or create flood management control schemes.","AnswerText":"Local authorities already have wide powers under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 to mitigate flooding of non-agricultural land in their areas. Measures, other than maintenance or repair, have to be in accordance with flood prevention schemes, made by councils, widely advertised and submitted for confirmation to Scottish ministers. The Executive issued National Planning Policy Guidance, in 1995, to planning authorities to apply the precautionary principle so that flood risk is avoided where possible and managed elsewhere.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165496,"EventID":"S1W-28972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the full range of books published in Scotland and written by Scottish authors is supplied to libraries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the full range of books published in Scotland and written by Scottish authors is supplied to libraries.","AnswerText":"Statutory responsibility for local libraries lies with local authorities. Each local authority is responsible for determining the level of resources allocated for the library service which they provide for the residents of their area. This includes the purchasing of books.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165497,"EventID":"S1W-28973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that the full range of books published in Scotland is available to libraries and retail outlets and what the position of Scottish Ent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure that the full range of books published in Scotland is available to libraries and retail outlets and what the position of Scottish Enterprise is in regard to the supply of books published by the Scottish book trade to libraries and retail outlets.","AnswerText":"Each local authority is responsible for its own library service, and for determining the level of resources allocated for this service. This includes the purchasing of books. Supply to retail outlets is a commercial issue between the publishers and the retailers.

      Scottish Enterprise has participated in a joint printing programme with the Scottish Arts Council to support new developments in the distribution of printed publications. There are no other plans for a programme to support publishing in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165498,"EventID":"S1W-28974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it attaches to the publishing sector and what steps it is taking to ensure that the sector is operating effectively.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it attaches to the publishing sector and what steps it is taking to ensure that the sector is operating effectively.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive fully recognises the importance of the publishing industry in Scotland. Not only because of the economic impact of the sector, but because of its potential to feed high-value intellectual properties into other creative sectors such as film, TV and electronic games.

      Through the Scottish Enterprise "Creative Industries" cluster it is working closely with organisations, such as the Scottish Arts Council and the Scottish Publishing Association, in a wide range of areas from assistance with developing new overseas markets to developing into e-business.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165499,"EventID":"S1W-28975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what connection it makes between the success of the publishing sector and a vigorous and outward-looking Scottish culture and what actions are being taken within the fram","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what connection it makes between the success of the publishing sector and a vigorous and outward-looking Scottish culture and what actions are being taken within the framework of the National Cultural Strategy in respect of any such connection.","AnswerText":"Scotland's publishing and literary sectors have always been central to the external perception of Scotland. The National Cultural Strategy recognises this and the Executive is working with the Scottish Arts Council and the National Library of Scotland to build on this proud inheritance. The Scottish Arts Council currently supports the Scottish Publishers Association through a grant of £114,000 each year; 16 literary magazines throughout Scotland are supported to a total of £100,000 per year; £130,000 is disbursed annually to established and emergent writers and over 60 grants are awarded annually in the Grants to Publications scheme with a budget of £100,000 in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165500,"EventID":"S1W-28976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it attaches to the ability of writers resident in Scotland to achieve publication and what steps it is taking to ensure that writers achieve that objectiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it attaches to the ability of writers resident in Scotland to achieve publication and what steps it is taking to ensure that writers achieve that objective.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive believes that it is crucial that writers resident in Scotland are able to achieve publication. The Scottish Arts Council Literature Department will allocate a total of £440,000 in 2002-03 to Scottish based writers, individual publishing organisations, literary magazines and the Scottish Publishers Association.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165501,"EventID":"S1W-28977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any implications for the retailing of books, the supply of books to libraries and the selling of books published in Scotland as a result of take-overs a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any implications for the retailing of books, the supply of books to libraries and the selling of books published in Scotland as a result of take-overs and commercial failures in the publishing sector and what action it is taking to address any such implications.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive acknowledges that market forces and the consolidation of retail bookselling have caused large-scale competition in the bookselling trade.

      The supply and selling of books published in Scotland is a commercial issue between the publishers and the retail outlets.

      However, Scottish Enterprise is currently engaged in a study to evaluate the potential of building a more active network of literary agents in Scotland to provide better access to market for Scottish writers through local publishers.

      Statutory responsibility for local libraries, the level of resources allocated and the service they provide, lies with local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165502,"EventID":"S1W-28978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown by local authority, expressed also as a ratio of the number of private water supplies in each area, of the #850,000 for the production o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown by local authority, expressed also as a ratio of the number of private water supplies in each area, of the #850,000 for the production of a comprehensive education and support package to professionals and users in respect of the potential risks of private water supplies, as referred to in the report by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland to the Ad Hoc Group of Ministers on Health and Public Water Supply.","AnswerText":"The Executive are presently in discussion with a number of bodies including representatives from local authorities and industry professionals regarding the production of an effective education package.

      Although a final decision regarding the format and distribution has not been made it is envisaged that the education pack will be primarily targeted at areas with a high proportion of private supplies. In addition some of the organisations that will receive and distribute information (including the trade body representing plumbers) represent national organisations and will be asked to distribute material to all their members.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165503,"EventID":"S1W-28979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27508 by Malcolm Chisholm on 7 August 2002, how many NHS trusts are adhering to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network guid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27508 by Malcolm Chisholm on 7 August 2002, how many NHS trusts are adhering to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network guidelines on epilepsy.","AnswerText":"The SIGN guideline on diagnosis and management of epilepsy in adults (SIGN Guideline No. 21) was published in November 1997. The guideline is currently under review. An overall survey of progress by NHSScotland in implementing SIGN guidelines was carried out in 2001 by a subgroup of the Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG) and a summary report was published in July of this year. A copy can be found on the CRAG website at http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/crag/. The survey indicates that of the NHS trusts which responded to the epilepsy guideline section of the survey, 77% had either fully or partially implemented the guideline.

      SIGN guidelines represent best evidence in relation to clinical practice. NHS trusts, through their clinical governance arrangements, are expected to review and apply SIGN guidelines in the light of local circumstances and priorities. The adequacy of trusts' clinical governance arrangements is reviewed by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland and is the subject of periodic published reports. However, detailed information about adherence to individual SIGN guidelines (of which there are 60) in each trust area is not gathered centrally by the Clinical Standards Board, or by the department.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165504,"EventID":"S1W-28980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27544 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 August 2002, what action will be taken to ensure that clients seeking help with drug problems do not","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27544 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 August 2002, what action will be taken to ensure that clients seeking help with drug problems do not have to wait several months.","AnswerText":"The Executive is providing annual funding to NHS boards for drug treatment services of £15 million in 2001-02, £16 million in 2002-03 and over £17.4 million in 2003-04. NHS boards are also free to invest resources from their general hospital and community care allocations for drug treatment services, should local needs assessment determine that this is necessary.

      It is not just a matter of resources, however, but how services are managed and delivered locally. This is a matter for Drug Action Teams (DATs) and local agencies. Action being undertaken by DATs and NHS boards to improve accessibility is included in DAT annual Corporate Action Plans submitted to the Executive. Issues of concern, such as long waiting times for treatment services, are taken up with officials at local level.

      To assist DATs and partner agencies, the Executive's Effective Interventions Unit will shortly be issuing advice on effective practice in the planning, designing and delivery of integrated drug services. This will include material about good practice in managing treatment services to avoid lengthy waiting times.

      The DAT Corporate Action Plans for this year asked about waiting times for referral to assessment and to programmes of care. However, in addition, ISD Scotland and the National Waiting Times Unit are currently involved in identifying how waiting time information in this area might be improved and better monitored in the future.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165505,"EventID":"S1W-28981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27547 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 8 August 2002, whether all six- and seven-year-old children registered in deprivation categories 5, 6","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27547 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 8 August 2002, whether all six- and seven-year-old children registered in deprivation categories 5, 6 and 7 are listed as receiving dental care under the new scheme.","AnswerText":"With reference to my earlier reply, all six and seven year old children registered with a general dental practitioner in deprivation categories 5, 6, and 7 are eligible for dental care under the caries prevention scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165506,"EventID":"S1W-28982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the NHS budget is spent on non-conventional medicine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the NHS budget is spent on non-conventional medicine.","AnswerText":"Complementary and alternative medicine treatments, such as homeopathy and osteopathy can feature within NHS services, and this is a matter for local decision.

      During the financial year ending 31 March 2002, the Prescription Cost Analysis system records that 38,157 homeopathic items were dispensed in the community with a gross ingredient cost of £109,132. Data on homeopathic medicines dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics are not available centrally.

      Data on other non-conventional medicines, for example herbal medicines, are not separately identified because of the small numbers of prescription items.

      Data on non-conventional therapies provided by the NHS such as acupuncture are also not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165507,"EventID":"S1W-28983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions are being taken to minimise the risk from cryptosporidium in the public water supply in the greater Glasgow area in the period until a new water treatment pl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions are being taken to minimise the risk from cryptosporidium in the public water supply in the greater Glasgow area in the period until a new water treatment plant can be commissioned.","AnswerText":"Until a new water treatment plant is commissioned, the public in Glasgow remains at risk from cryptosporidium in the water supply. To minimise this risk, Scottish Water has reduced the number of sheep grazing on the land owned by Scottish Water around Loch Katrine and all sheep owned by Scottish Water will be off the catchment by the middle of this month. It is because of this risk that continual monitoring takes place. However, cryptosporidium is ubiquitous in the environment and can be carried by wild animals as well as farm animals.

      Scottish Water is also constructing a pipeline to bring treated water from Balmore water treatment works into the Glasgow area. This will have the effect of reducing the size of the population exposed to the risk from cryptosporidium by about 90,000 people.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165508,"EventID":"S1W-28984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for the implementation of the recommendations arising from reports by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator, Water Industry Commissioner, Expert Gr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for the implementation of the recommendations arising from reports by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator, Water Industry Commissioner, Expert Group on Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies, Incident Control Teams and Ad Hoc Group of Ministers concerning the Glasgow water incident.","AnswerText":"The report of the Ad Hoc Group Of Ministers contains eight recommendations. They will be implemented by a number of bodies, including Scottish Water, NHS boards, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator and the Scottish Executive.

      Similarly, the various other reports can be expected to identify the bodies responsible for implementing specific recommendations. The Ad Hoc Group of Ministers concluded that where recommendations are made by an Incident or Outbreak Control Team, copies of the team's report should be sent routinely to the Scottish Executive. Mechanisms should also be introduced to ensure that such recommendations are given due consideration by the agencies to which they are directed. The Scottish Executive should be informed of action taken (or not) in response to the recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165509,"EventID":"S1W-28985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ascertained the cause of the cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the greater Glasgow area in early August 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ascertained the cause of the cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the greater Glasgow area in early August 2002.","AnswerText":"There was no outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Glasgow in August 2002. The monitoring system detected increased levels of cryptosporidium in the public water supply and precautionary advice was issued to boil the water before use. This precautionary advice may have prevented an outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165510,"EventID":"S1W-28986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recommendations from the Greater Glasgow NHS Board's report Report of an Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis in the area supplied by Milngavie Treatment Works - Loch K","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether recommendations from the Greater Glasgow NHS Board's report Report of an Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis in the area supplied by Milngavie Treatment Works - Loch Katrine Water have now been adequately implemented by all relevant authorities.","AnswerText":"The relevant authorities have considered the recommendations contained in the Outbreak Control Team report, published by Greater Glasgow NHS Board, into the outbreak of cryptosporidiosis that occurred in the Glasgow area in spring 2000 and, where they have judged it appropriate to do so, they have taken appropriate action.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165511,"EventID":"S1W-28987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any trials of the breast cancer drug Anastro'ole currently taking place in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give details of any trials of the breast cancer drug Anastro'ole currently taking place in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We are aware of three trials involving the drug Arimidex (anastrozole) and Scottish patients. There may be other smaller studies involving this drug, but this information is not available centrally.

      Preliminary results from the largest trial, the ATAC trial (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) have been published. (Information about this trial can be found in The Lancet dated 7 September 2002, Volume 360, pages 790-792). Patients recruited into the other two trials are still being followed up.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165512,"EventID":"S1W-28988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its proposals for ex-gratia payments to be made in respect of the Scottish Bus Group Pension Funds, how many beneficiaries of such payments will be in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its proposals for ex-gratia payments to be made in respect of the Scottish Bus Group Pension Funds, how many beneficiaries of such payments will be in the Paisley North constituency area and how much will be paid to such beneficiaries in total.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165513,"EventID":"S1W-28989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28005 by Mr Andy Kerr on 22 August 2002, what the reason was for the large number of senior civil servants recruited in 2001-02, gi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28005 by Mr Andy Kerr on 22 August 2002, what the reason was for the large number of senior civil servants recruited in 2001-02, giving specific information regarding the reason for the number of heads of division recruited.","AnswerText":"Twenty-eight senior civil servants (SCS) were recruited during 2001-02 to cover supply and demand arising from retirals, leavers, promotions and the creation of new SCS posts.

      Of the 28, 19 people from both internal and external sources were appointed via one generic recruitment campaign to provide a pool to cover for vacancies arising over the period January 2002 to June 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165514,"EventID":"S1W-28990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress there has been in establishing Water Customer Consultation Panels in accordance with the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress there has been in establishing Water Customer Consultation Panels in accordance with the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"The Water Customer Consultation Panels were established under the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 with the convener to be appointed by ministers and the panel members appointed by the convener.

      The Executive has recently advertised the post of convenor and is considering a number of applications. The appointment of panel members will be made as soon as practicable following the appointment of the convener.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165515,"EventID":"S1W-28991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing the customer standards code of practice in accordance with section 26 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing the customer standards code of practice in accordance with section 26 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water has prepared, in consultation with the Water Industry Commissioner, its customer standards code as required by section 26(1) and (2) of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002. It will submit its customer standards code to the commissioner along with its scheme of charges for the year 2003-04 later this year. The Water Industry Commissioner will then follow the procedures for approving the code as detailed in section 27 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165516,"EventID":"S1W-28992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist in the creation of a park-and-ride scheme in the area of Edinburgh Airport or Newbridge, similar to the Ferry Toll scheme, in order to d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist in the creation of a park-and-ride scheme in the area of Edinburgh Airport or Newbridge, similar to the Ferry Toll scheme, in order to deal with traffic from the west, the M8 and the M9.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for City of Edinburgh Council. The council is developing a strategic park-and-ride site at Ingliston and I understand that the council has now applied for planning permission for the site.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165517,"EventID":"S1W-28993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is giving to expansion of the Ferry Toll park-and-ride scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it is giving to expansion of the Ferry Toll park-and-ride scheme.","AnswerText":"SESTRAN has applied for funding to expand the Ferrytoll park and ride scheme from the fifth round of the Public Transport Fund.

      Decisions on the Public Transport Fund will be announced in October.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165518,"EventID":"S1W-28994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the development of a bus park-and-ride scheme on the M90 near Halbeath in order to assist in easing congestion and what action it has taken or pla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the development of a bus park-and-ride scheme on the M90 near Halbeath in order to assist in easing congestion and what action it has taken or plans to take on this matter.","AnswerText":"The development of such a scheme is a matter for Fife Council and the Forth Estuary Transport Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165519,"EventID":"S1W-28995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of support is to be paid to bus operators under the new concessionary fares scheme in each local authority area and whether it will give details of the scheme ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of support is to be paid to bus operators under the new concessionary fares scheme in each local authority area and whether it will give details of the scheme in operation in each such area.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for making and administering concessionary travel schemes under the Transport Act 1985 and it is for them to negotiate the level of reimbursement provided to operators of local bus services. There are 16 local concessionary travel schemes in operation in Scotland and they each offer a range of benefits considered appropriate by the relevant authority or authorities. From 30 September each of the 16 local schemes will be enhanced to provide, as a minimum, free local off-peak bus travel after 0930 Monday to Friday and all weekend.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165520,"EventID":"S1W-28996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give revenue support to the enhancement of the bus service from Ferry Toll to Victoria Quay in order to improve the off-peak service for its staff; wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give revenue support to the enhancement of the bus service from Ferry Toll to Victoria Quay in order to improve the off-peak service for its staff; whether this is a factor in its Green Transport Plan, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The current peak-time bus service between Ferrytoll and Victoria Quay is taken into account in the Scottish Executive Travel Plan.

      This meets the vast majority of the travel requirements of staff who may wish to travel by bus between Ferrytoll and Victoria Quay. There are no plans to provide revenue support to off-peak services.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165521,"EventID":"S1W-28997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government to have Insurance Premium Tax levied on coach and bus operators hypothecated for the benefit of publi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government to have Insurance Premium Tax levied on coach and bus operators hypothecated for the benefit of public transport in that mode; if it has made no such representations, whether it will now do so, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including insurance.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165522,"EventID":"S1W-28998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to assist coach and bus operators to obtain motor and public liability insurance in the light of any reduction in the number of companies of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to assist coach and bus operators to obtain motor and public liability insurance in the light of any reduction in the number of companies offering such insurance and what steps it plans to take in order to alleviate any increase in premiums.","AnswerText":"This is a commercial matter for the bus industry. It is not appropriate for the Scottish Executive to underwrite statutory business costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165523,"EventID":"S1W-28999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to (a) introduce technology and, in particular, bus camera technology to assist in the enforcement of bus lanes as dedicated lanes for public transport","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to (a) introduce technology and, in particular, bus camera technology to assist in the enforcement of bus lanes as dedicated lanes for public transport and (b) for legislative changes to facilitate the introduction of such technology and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Bus lane enforcement is a matter for local authorities and the police. Legislative powers are already in place to enable the use of camera technology for bus lane enforcement.

      The Road Traffic Offenders (Additional Offences and Prescribed Devices) Order 1997 amended section 20(2) of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 so that bus lane contraventions could be prosecuted on the basis of a record produced by a prescribed device (e.g. cameras).

      In addition, the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced provisions for local authorities operating decriminalised parking enforcement to introduce civil penalties for bus lane contraventions, and to enable such penalties to be imposed on the basis of a record produced by a prescribed device.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165524,"EventID":"S1W-29000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist and promote the use of smart card technology in order to improve inter-modal and inter-operator use of public transport and what the rea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist and promote the use of smart card technology in order to improve inter-modal and inter-operator use of public transport and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive funded a pilot smartcard project in Aberdeen through the first round of the Modernising Government Fund. Aberdeen City Council has used this support to develop a citizen's smartcard with concessionary fares for elderly people being a core application. Every bus in Aberdeen will be fitted with smartcard readers and the smartcards themselves will be rolled out to all concessionary card holders over the next few months.

      The Executive, through the second round of the Modernising Government Fund, has encouraged a consortium of local authorities to work together to further develop the Aberdeen model. We took this approach in order to develop a Scottish-wide solution and a standard approach to smartcard technology. This will deliver economies of scale and provide a platform to further develop smartcard technology to support multiple applications, including further transport developments.

      More generally, the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 provides local authorities with powers to develop integrated joint ticketing schemes between bus operators.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165525,"EventID":"S1W-29001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that any scheme for upgrading the A8000 will also provide for the improvement of the dedicated bus lane service on the northbound side of the A90. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that any scheme for upgrading the A8000 will also provide for the improvement of the dedicated bus lane service on the northbound side of the A90. ","AnswerText":"The City of Edinburgh Council, as the relevant roads authority, and the Forth Estuary Transport Authority are jointly taking forward plans to construct the M9 Spur Extension/A90 Upgrading Scheme to provide a new link road and reduce congestion on the A8000, which is a local road. The proposals do not include any provision for a dedicated bus lane on the northbound side of the A90.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165526,"EventID":"S1W-29002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 30-day survival rates are for patients with addresses in Angus being admitted directly to the Coronary Care Unit at Ninewells Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 30-day survival rates are for patients with addresses in Angus being admitted directly to the Coronary Care Unit at Ninewells Hospital.","AnswerText":"The 30-day survival rate for patients resident in the Angus council area who were admitted directly to the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee is presented in the following table.

      These figures illustrate the latest figures held by ISD. At this point in time, more recent figures are not held centrally.

      April 2000 to March 2001

      Angus Council Area

      Number of patients

      58

      Number of patients who survived at 30 days

      49

      Survival rate (%)

      84.5%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165527,"EventID":"S1W-29003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 30-day survival rates are for patients in Angus receiving paramedic-led thrombolysis from the rapid response unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 30-day survival rates are for patients in Angus receiving paramedic-led thrombolysis from the rapid response unit.","AnswerText":"Patients who receive paramedic-led thrombolysis from the rapid response unit are transferred by the specialist paramedic crew to the CCU at Ninewells for further specialist supervision and care. At present, information on the 30-day survival rate for these patients is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165528,"EventID":"S1W-29004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what parts of Angus are served by the community thrombolysis service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what parts of Angus are served by the community thrombolysis service.","AnswerText":"The community thrombolysis service in Angus covers the area of North Angus from north of Forfar, Brechin and Montrose.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165529,"EventID":"S1W-29005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring takes place of the community thrombolysis service in Angus.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring takes place of the community thrombolysis service in Angus.","AnswerText":"There is an active audit study in place looking at all call outs of the service and outcomes of patients receiving thrombolysis.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165530,"EventID":"S1W-29006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it would be considered appropriate to send heart attack victims in Angus to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances it would be considered appropriate to send heart attack victims in Angus to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.","AnswerText":"For patients domiciled in Angus and encountering chest pain while in Angus the default position is for patients to be admitted to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165531,"EventID":"S1W-29007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many heart attack victims in Angus have been sent to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in each of the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many heart attack victims in Angus have been sent to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"Accident and emergency at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) say that one patient who is domiciled near to Aberdeen but had a heart attack while in Montrose was admitted to ARI at the discretion of Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165532,"EventID":"S1W-29008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average ambulance response time is for heart attack victims in Angus that do not receive paramedic-led thrombolysis from the rapid response unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average ambulance response time is for heart attack victims in Angus that do not receive paramedic-led thrombolysis from the rapid response unit.","AnswerText":"Paramedic-led thrombolysis is not only provided by the rapid/cardiac response unit, which covers the whole of the Angus area, but also by frontline paramedics based at Montrose and Brechin ambulance stations, who cover their respective areas.

      During the period 1 June 2002 to 31 August 2002, a total of 123 patients suffering from chest pains were attended to by the Ambulance Service in Angus. 47 were attended to by an accident and emergency ambulance and received thrombolytic treatment from a paramedic. The average response time for these cases was 7.9 minutes. The remaining 76 patients were attended to by the cardiac response unit whose average response time was 9.3 minutes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165533,"EventID":"S1W-29009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average response time is of the paramedic-led community thrombolysis service rapid response unit in Angus. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average response time is of the paramedic-led community thrombolysis service rapid response unit in Angus. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29008. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165534,"EventID":"S1W-29010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is on introduction of an independent ombudsman to oversee police complaints; how many complaints have been made against each police force in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is on introduction of an independent ombudsman to oversee police complaints; how many complaints have been made against each police force in each of the last three years, and how many such complaints were upheld.","AnswerText":"The introduction of an ombudsman-type body is one of the options for change the Executive is currently considering to enhance the independence of the police complaints system following last year's consultation. The information requested in relation to complaints against police officers is given in the following tables:

      Complaints Cases Received by Police Forces

      Force

      Central

      D & G

      Fife

      Grampian

      L & B

      Northern

      Strathclyde

      Tayside

      Scotland

      1999-2000

      102

      27

      76

      240

      347

      69

      496

      83

      1,440

      2000-01

      84

      24

      90

      155

      340

      71

      502

      152

      1,418

      2001-02

      151

      51

      240

      123

      726

      101

      1,173

      348

      2,913

      Complaints Allegations Substantiated

      Force

      Central

      D &G

      Fife

      Grampian

      L & B

      Northern

      Strathclyde

      Tayside

      Scotland

      1999-2000

      5

      2

      28

      42

      109

      2

      11

      12

      211

      2000-01

      8

      2

      52

      25

      87

      4

      12

      41

      231

      2001-02

      29

      4

      49

      19

      92

      6

      85

      29

      313

      Source: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

      Notes:

      (i) Each case may have one or more complaint(s) within it, and not all cases a","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165535,"EventID":"S1W-29011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2090,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":52,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the yes/no blood test developed by the biotechnological concern RED for the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome/ME and whether the test wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the yes/no blood test developed by the biotechnological concern RED for the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome/ME and whether the test will be made available through the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Executive understands that R.E.D. Laboratories, which are based in Belgium, describe the test as the FASTest (Fragmented Actin Serum Test), and state that the results should be used in conjunction with all other relevant clinical data before making a diagnosis. There are no plans to make the test available through the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165536,"EventID":"S1W-29012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it is providing to the development of direct flights between Glasgow Airport and European destinations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it is providing to the development of direct flights between Glasgow Airport and European destinations.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to question, S1W-29013 on 18 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165537,"EventID":"S1W-29013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage development of direct flights between Glasgow Airport and (a) Frankfurt and (b) Dusseldorf.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage development of direct flights between Glasgow Airport and (a) Frankfurt and (b) Dusseldorf.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has on-going discussions with its agencies (Enterprise Networks and VisitScotland) about the development of direct flights serving Scotland. These discussions have not been restricted to any particular routes. We shall continue to encourage the development of more commercial and cost effective air services for the benefit of the travelling public and the Scottish economy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165538,"EventID":"S1W-29014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance reports on the maintenance of trunk roads were completed by local authority operators in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance reports on the maintenance of trunk roads were completed by local authority operators in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165539,"EventID":"S1W-29015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-26333 lodged on 26 May 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-26333 lodged on 26 May 2002.","AnswerText":"Question S1W-26333 was answered on 16 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165540,"EventID":"S1W-29016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many undergraduate courses relating to professional disciplines offered by universities are not accredited or recognised by the relevant professional body, broken dow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many undergraduate courses relating to professional disciplines offered by universities are not accredited or recognised by the relevant professional body, broken down by (a) institution, (b) course and (c) professional body, and what action it is taking in order to ensure that applicants to and students attending such courses are aware that the course is not so accredited or recognised.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165541,"EventID":"S1W-29017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons can be learned from the report by the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries, Renaissance in the Regions: a new vision for England's museums, and how an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons can be learned from the report by the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries, Renaissance in the Regions: a new vision for England's museums, and how any such lessons could be applied to Scotland.","AnswerText":"The recent findings of important work in England, for example, the Renaissance in the Regions report and the Heritage Lottery Fund's Needs Assessment (UK based) are wholly consistent with the findings of the National Audit of Scotland's Museums and Galleries.

      In Scotland, the framework/action plan will be developed through wide consultation, which was announced on 9 September, with all interested bodies including national and non-national museums.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165542,"EventID":"S1W-29018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned research on the economic, social or educational impact of museums and galleries and, if so, what the key conclusions were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned research on the economic, social or educational impact of museums and galleries and, if so, what the key conclusions were.","AnswerText":"Museum and Social Justice published by the Scottish Museums Council in December 2000 identifies the contribution of museums to the social justice agenda. The Executive has not commissioned research in the other areas mentioned.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165543,"EventID":"S1W-29019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned research to quantify the contribution of museums and galleries to tourism and, if so, what the key conclusions were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned research to quantify the contribution of museums and galleries to tourism and, if so, what the key conclusions were.","AnswerText":"The important contribution of Scotland's museums and galleries to tourism is recognised in the VisitScotland's Tourism Framework for Action and in the Report of the National Audit of Scotland's Museums and Galleries. The latter shows that in 2000 there were over 13.5 million visits to Scotland's 435 museum sites.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165544,"EventID":"S1W-29020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward work on the action plan for Scotland's museums announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on 10 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to take forward work on the action plan for Scotland's museums announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on 10 July 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive initiated a three-month consultation on the findings of the National Audit of Scotland's Museums and Galleries on the 9 September. The consultation process will include a seminar organised by the Scottish Museums Council on 4 November. Information submitted during this period will inform the creation of an action plan, to be published in spring 2003, providing a framework for the development of the museums and galleries sector in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165545,"EventID":"S1W-29021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its consultation paper on the action plan for Scotland's museums, announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on 10 July 2002, for the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its consultation paper on the action plan for Scotland's museums, announced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport on 10 July 2002, for the consultation originally scheduled to commence in August 2002.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper on the action plan for Scotland's museums was published on 6 September 2002. The deadline for submissions and the closure of the consultation period is now 6 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165546,"EventID":"S1W-29022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 15 July 2002 of #257 million additional funding for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, what f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 15 July 2002 of #257 million additional funding for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, what funding consequentials will be allocated to its Tourism, Culture and Sport portfolio.","AnswerText":"The funding consequentials from the Chancellors' announcement on 15 July 2002 were paid into the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

      Decisions on the allocation of the money from the Scottish Consolidated Fund are made by Scottish ministers. Building a Better Scotland, which was published on 12 September 2002 contains a breakdown of the SR2002 results and gives details of the allocation to the Tourism, Culture and Sport portfolio. Copies of the publication are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24102).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165547,"EventID":"S1W-29023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it provided to museums and galleries in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 expressed per capita and as compared with other parts of the United Ki","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it provided to museums and galleries in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 expressed per capita and as compared with other parts of the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not provide direct funding to non-national museums and galleries in Scotland. The Executive is responsible only for the National Institutions. Funding to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland for 1999-2000 to 2001-02 is shown in the following table.

      Funding (£ m)

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      National Galleries of Scotland

      10,085

      11.185

      12.535

      12.285

      National Museums of Scotland

      13,291

      14.427

      17.177

      17.477

      These amounts include revenue and capital funding.

      Funding is also provided for the Scottish Museums Council as shown:

      Scottish Museums Council

       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Funding (£ m)

      0.941

      0.941

      1.041

      Strategic Change Fund (£ m)

      		  

      0.5

      This information is not available per capita.

      In addition in March 2002 in connection with the refurbishment of the Kelvingrove Gallery by Glasgow City Council the Executive made an exceptional one off payment of £3 million to Glasgow's Museum Service including £1 million specifically identified for the Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal Trust.

      The responsibility for funding local museums and galleries lies with local authorities through their GAE allocation.

      The Scottish Executive does not hold information on funding for museums and galleries in other parts of the United Kingdom.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165548,"EventID":"S1W-29024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA about the contribution that museums and galleries make to education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with COSLA about the contribution that museums and galleries make to education.","AnswerText":"The Joint Implementation Group for the Cultural Strategy is chaired by Mike Watson and its membership includes COSLA. At its second meeting in January this year it reviewed a wide range of issues relating to education including the contribution of museums and galleries.

      More detailed guidance on that contribution will be included in draft guidance for local authorities on their responsibilities in the cultural area and on their contribution to the implementation of the National Cultural Strategy. That guidance has been prepared by a joint Scottish Executive/COSLA working group and will issue in draft form for comment shortly.

      COSLA, Scottish Museums Council, Scottish Arts Council, National Museums of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland collaborated on a joint conference in October 2001 - The Learning Power of Museums in Scotland. Conference proceedings were subsequently published in July 2002 and submitted to the Executive to inform the National Debate on Education.

      Detailed discussions on the education role and contribution of museums are being taken forward by the Group on Education in Museums.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165549,"EventID":"S1W-29025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether toll revenues raised on the Forth Road Bridge could be used to support dedicated bus services and, if so, whether it will encourage the Forth Road Bridge Joint Bo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether toll revenues raised on the Forth Road Bridge could be used to support dedicated bus services and, if so, whether it will encourage the Forth Road Bridge Joint Board to give financial support to enhancing bus services and to the Ferry Toll park-and-ride scheme.","AnswerText":"The Forth Estuary Transport Authority, which replaced the previous joint board from 1 April 2002, is empowered to use toll revenues to develop, support and fund public transport schemes and measures, and to encourage an increase in the use of public transport across the Firth of Forth. Decisions on how these revenues should be invested are a matter for the authority itself.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165550,"EventID":"S1W-29026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all legitimate invoices in respect of the individual learning accounts (ILA) scheme have now been cleared and, if they have not all been paid, how many ILA invoic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all legitimate invoices in respect of the individual learning accounts (ILA) scheme have now been cleared and, if they have not all been paid, how many ILA invoices have been (a) paid in full, (b) paid in part and (c) not received any payments.","AnswerText":"The payments validation exercise undertaken by Scottish Enterprise and
      Highland and Islands Enterprise has now been completed, with the vast majority of claims having been validated and cleared for payment. However, in some cases, the validation exercise has identified indications of irregular payments. In such cases work is progressing to conclude the payment process, taking due account of the problems identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165551,"EventID":"S1W-29027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many learning providers or other organisations or individuals have been reported for fraudulent claims relating to individual learning accounts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many learning providers or other organisations or individuals have been reported for fraudulent claims relating to individual learning accounts.","AnswerText":"A number of learning providers are presently under police investigation. The Crown Office has advised that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165552,"EventID":"S1W-29028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many learning providers under the individual learning account scheme have gone out of business since the scheme was suspended.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many learning providers under the individual learning account scheme have gone out of business since the scheme was suspended.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165553,"EventID":"S1W-29029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25845 by Iain Gray on 27 May 2002, what its current plans are in respect of replacing the individual learning account scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25845 by Iain Gray on 27 May 2002, what its current plans are in respect of replacing the individual learning account scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28428 on 11 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165554,"EventID":"S1W-29030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support it provided to museums and galleries in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and how much it is providing in 2002-03, broken down by type of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support it provided to museums and galleries in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and how much it is providing in 2002-03, broken down by type of museum and gallery.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not provide direct funding to non-national museums and galleries in Scotland. The Executive is responsible only for the National Institutions. Funding to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland for 1999-2000 to 2001-02 is shown in the following table.

      Funding (£m)

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      National Galleries of Scotland

      10,085

      11.185

      12.535

      12.285

      National Museums of Scotland

      13,291

      14.427

      17.177

      17.477

      Note:

      These amounts include revenue and capital funding.

      Funding is also provided for the Scottish Museums Council as shown:

      Scottish Museums Council

       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Funding (£m)

      0.941

      0.941

      1.041

      1.191

      Strategic Change Fund

      		  

      0.5

      1.0

      Of the strategic change fund £420,000 in each year is allocated to the support package for the three industrial museums.

      In addition, the Scottish Maritime Museum received emergency funds of £90,000 in 2000-01 and £110,000 in 2001-02 and £30,000 in 2002-03.

      In addition, in March 2002 in connection with the refurbishment of the Kelvingrove Gallery by Glasgow City Council the Executive made an exceptional one off payment of £3 million to Glasgow's Museum Service including £1 million specifically identified for the Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal Trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165555,"EventID":"S1W-29031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its total expenditure on museums and galleries was in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and will be in 2002-03, broken down by type of museum and gallery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its total expenditure on museums and galleries was in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and will be in 2002-03, broken down by type of museum and gallery.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29030 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165556,"EventID":"S1W-29032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to continue the #1.5 million Strategic Change Fund beyond 2004 and, if so, whether it will increase the funding available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to continue the #1.5 million Strategic Change Fund beyond 2004 and, if so, whether it will increase the funding available.","AnswerText":"The future of the fund will be decided in the light of the consultation on the framework and plan for museums launched by Mike Watson on 9 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165557,"EventID":"S1W-29033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to continue the #3 million fund for the restructuring of museums, provided through the National Culture Strategy, beyond 2003 and, if so, whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to continue the #3 million fund for the restructuring of museums, provided through the National Culture Strategy, beyond 2003 and, if so, whether it will increase the funding available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29032 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165558,"EventID":"S1W-29034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water complied with the provisions of section 17(6)(a) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 during the recent outbreak of cryp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Water complied with the provisions of section 17(6)(a) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 during the recent outbreak of cryptosporidium in the Glasgow area","AnswerText":"Regulation 17 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations does not come into force until 25 December 2003. There is no equivalent provision in the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 1990.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165559,"EventID":"S1W-29035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 6,000 residents in Clydebank were misinformed concerning the public health risk from cryptosporidium contaminated drinking water and when it will be able to provide ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why 6,000 residents in Clydebank were misinformed concerning the public health risk from cryptosporidium contaminated drinking water and when it will be able to provide an explanation of why it took four days before these residents were told to boil water.","AnswerText":"Fuller details of the events during the cryptosporidium incident in Glasgow will become available on the publication of both the report by the relevant Incident Control Team, and the report by the Water Industry Commissioner into communication with Scottish Water's customers.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165560,"EventID":"S1W-29036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times cryptosporidium was detected in the Glasgow water supply in the past twelve months (a) above 0 oocysts per 100 litres, (b) above 1 oocysts per 100 litres a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times cryptosporidium was detected in the Glasgow water supply in the past twelve months (a) above 0 oocysts per 100 litres, (b) above 1 oocysts per 100 litres and (c) above 10 oocysts per 100 litres.","AnswerText":"During the 12-month period from 1 September 2001 to 31 August 2002, Scottish Water carried out 730 tests for cryptosporidium on treated water samples taken from Milngavie treatment works. A total of 243 of these tests were positive.

      The Cryptosporidium Direction requires Scottish Water to report results as "oocysts per 10 litres". At no time did the level of cryptosporidium in the water leaving Milngavie exceed 1 oocyst per 10 litres. The maximum number of oocysts detected in the treated water at Milngavie was 0.353 oocysts per 10 Litres and this was reported on 3 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165561,"EventID":"S1W-29037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26583 by Ross Finnie on 24 June 2002, what evidence from water treatment plants throughout the United Kingdom that use the same tec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26583 by Ross Finnie on 24 June 2002, what evidence from water treatment plants throughout the United Kingdom that use the same technology as that proposed for the new water treatment plant at Milngavie can be provided on their effectiveness for cryptosporidium removal.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-26583 pointed out that the effectiveness of the treatment process proposed for Milngavie, like all treatment processes, was dependent on the monitoring and control regimes put in place, but that Scottish Water planned to operate the new works in accordance with industry best practice.

      The proposed process is similar to the process used at the Balmore water treatment works which treats Loch Lomond water successfully. The process is used widely for the treatment of upland waters typical in Scotland and other similar parts of the United Kingdom e.g. Watchgate in Manchester. The suitability of the process for Loch Katrine water, including its ability to remove cryptosporidium sized particles, has been proved in extensive and independently verified pilot plant trials.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165562,"EventID":"S1W-29038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the objectives of Forward Scotland are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the objectives of Forward Scotland are.","AnswerText":"The objectives of Forward Scotland are set out in the company's Memorandum of Association, as follows:

      Within the context of promoting sustainable development for the benefit of communities across Scotland, the objects of the company are:

      (a) to advance the education of the public - communities, organisations and individuals - in the subject of sustainable development by:

      (i) delivering training in all aspects of the principles of sustainable development;

      (ii) encouraging and providing financial and/or other support for the delivery of practical projects that demonstrate aspects of sustainable development and promote their replication, and

      (iii) collecting and disseminating information and learning, and undertaking research for the benefit of the public, with a view to influencing public policy and the spreading of knowledge of best practice and encouraging its application, in the area of sustainable development.

      (b) to promote and support the conservation, protection, and improvement of the physical and natural environment by:

      (i) improving land and buildings to enable these to make a positive contribution socially, economically, environmentally, or in terms of heritage interest, for the benefit of the local community, and

      (ii) encouraging the better use of resources.

      (c) to advance the education of the public - communities, organisations, and individuals - in all aspects of waste minimisation, waste management and waste recycling.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165563,"EventID":"S1W-29039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who appoints the board members of Forward Scotland and what the selection criteria are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who appoints the board members of Forward Scotland and what the selection criteria are.","AnswerText":"The Chairperson of Forward Scotland is appointed by the Scottish ministers, and the directors are appointed by the chairperson. Current board members have a wide range of backgrounds and interests in sustainable development. Further details can be found on the Forward Scotland website (www.forward-scotland.org.uk).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165564,"EventID":"S1W-29040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or direction it gives to Forward Scotland in relation to that body's operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance or direction it gives to Forward Scotland in relation to that body's operations.","AnswerText":"Forward Scotland are required to submit a draft corporate plan covering the year ahead to the Scottish Executive by the end of April each year.

      The plan is required to set out:

      Forward Scotland's key objectives and associated key performance targets for the year ahead and its strategy for achieving these objectives, and

      a forecast of expenditure and income. These forecasts should represent Forward Scotland's best estimate of its available income.

      The main elements of the plan - including the key performance targets - are agreed between the Scottish Executive and Forward Scotland.

      An amended Corporate Plan for 2002-03 was agreed at the board on 6 September and Forward Scotland will place it on their website (www.forward-scotland.org.uk).

      A representative from the Sustainable Development Team attends board meetings as an observer.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165565,"EventID":"S1W-29041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what legislative power or otherwise Forward Scotland was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what legislative power or otherwise Forward Scotland was established.","AnswerText":"Forward Scotland is a company limited by guarantee (company number 232302) established under the Companies Acts 1985 and 1989. The Scottish Executive provides development funding for Forward Scotland through the Sustainable Action Fund, under the powers provided in section 152 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165566,"EventID":"S1W-29042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Forward Scotland reports its activities to it and the Parliament and how the body is held accountable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Forward Scotland reports its activities to it and the Parliament and how the body is held accountable.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Forward Scotland and a representative from the Sustainable Development Team attends board meetings as an observer. The Auditor General for Scotland may carry out an examination of Forward Scotland under section 23 of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000.

      A wide range of information about Forward Scotland's activities is available on its website (www.forward-scotland.org.uk). Forward Scotland will also produce an Annual Report. Forward Scotland would be happy to discuss their activities with any member.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165567,"EventID":"S1W-29043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a detailed computation of the #100 million possible cost of liability to compensate landowners for losses to the market value of their holdings i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a detailed computation of the #100 million possible cost of liability to compensate landowners for losses to the market value of their holdings in the event of the introduction of an absolute right to buy for tenant farmers, as referred to on page 25 of its consultation paper on the draft Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28916 on 25 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165568,"EventID":"S1W-29044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the estimated #100 million cost of liability to compensate landowners for losses to the market value of their holdings in the event of the introduction of an abs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the estimated #100 million cost of liability to compensate landowners for losses to the market value of their holdings in the event of the introduction of an absolute right to buy for tenant farmers presumes that the absolute right to buy would extend to all tenant farmers or some only, specifying which ones, and whether it will detail the assumptions made in reaching this estimate.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28916 on 25 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165569,"EventID":"S1W-29045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to make more use of the private nursery sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to make more use of the private nursery sector.","AnswerText":"The value of the role played by the private and voluntary sectors in delivering pre-school education is widely recognised. The Executive remains committed to the concept of a mixed economy in the childcare sector, and offers guidance to local authorities on a regular basis. This guidance underlines the value of working with partners to meet the needs of children and their parents.

      A short-term working group is currently being convened to consider the commissioning of pre-school partners. The members of the group will include representatives from COSLA, Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, Highland Pre-school Service, Scottish Pre-school Play Association and the Scottish Independent Nurseries Association. The group will offer recommendations on appropriate guidance for local authorities to encourage consistency of commissioning practice across the country.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165570,"EventID":"S1W-29046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to communicate effectively with private sector nursery providers and their representatives.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to communicate effectively with private sector nursery providers and their representatives.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29045. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165571,"EventID":"S1W-29047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses any differences in the costs of private sector nursery places in comparison with similar nursery places provided by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it assesses any differences in the costs of private sector nursery places in comparison with similar nursery places provided by local authorities.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for local authorities. In meeting the duty in respect of pre-school education local authorities may secure places either at their own hand or by commissioning partners in the private and voluntary sectors.

      In March 2001, Audit Scotland issued a report A good Start: commissioning pre-school education which offers guidance to authorities on obtaining good value for money when securing pre-school provision.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165572,"EventID":"S1W-29048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that local authorities allow parents the right to select the nursery place of their choice for their three- or four-year-old child, whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that local authorities allow parents the right to select the nursery place of their choice for their three- or four-year-old child, whether that place be in the local authority, private or independent sector.","AnswerText":"From 1 April this year, the Standard in Schools Act (2000) placed a duty on local authorities to secure a free part-time pre-school education place for all three and four-year-olds whose parents want one. Section 35 of the act gives authorities express power to secure provision through suppliers other than themselves.

      Guidance offered by the Scottish Executive reminds local authorities of the need to take into account parents wishes when allocating pre-school education places.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165573,"EventID":"S1W-29049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a formal process under which it can approach Her Majesty's Government about UK legislation that covers devolved matters in Scotland prior to it becoming ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a formal process under which it can approach Her Majesty's Government about UK legislation that covers devolved matters in Scotland prior to it becoming law and, if so, what formal process is involved and under what authority it operates","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the implications of UK legislation for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165574,"EventID":"S1W-29050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has in ensuring that concordats between it and Her Majesty's Government are fully complied with and how it carries out this role.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it has in ensuring that concordats between it and Her Majesty's Government are fully complied with and how it carries out this role.","AnswerText":"Each bilateral concordat provides for dispute resolution procedures, at senior official level and ministerial level, and also refers to the process for triggering a formal intervention of the Joint Ministerial Committee, the final dispute resolution option. The Executive monitors observance with the concordats by reference to the need for recourse to the dispute resolution procedures.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165575,"EventID":"S1W-29051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Her Majesty's Government sought its agreement to proceed with the Health Service Commissioners (Amendment) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Her Majesty's Government sought its agreement to proceed with the Health Service Commissioners (Amendment) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"No. The Health Service Commissioners (Amendment) Act 2000 does not extend to Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165576,"EventID":"S1W-29052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the overseas engagements carried out by its ministers and their costs in each financial year since 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all the overseas engagements carried out by its ministers and their costs in each financial year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table.

      Before any overseas engagement is approved, it must represent good value for the Executive and the taxpayer.

      Overseas Engagements Carried Out by Scottish Ministers Since 1999<","AnswerDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165577,"EventID":"S1W-29053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for the construction of wind turbine electricity farms it has sent to the Ministry of Defence for consultation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications for the construction of wind turbine electricity farms it has sent to the Ministry of Defence for consultation.","AnswerText":"Seven.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165578,"EventID":"S1W-29054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Ministry of Defence to facilitate the future development of wind turbine electricity farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Ministry of Defence to facilitate the future development of wind turbine electricity farms.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Scottish Executive and the Ministry of Defence have been involved in a series of meetings to identify the constraints on windfarm development and to identify solutions. These discussions are ongoing.

      The Scottish Executive is also represented on the Aviation Interests Working Group which brings together the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), the Department of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Aviation Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165579,"EventID":"S1W-29055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Ministry of Defence has recommended the refusal of the approval of a proposed wind turbine electricity farm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the Ministry of Defence has recommended the refusal of the approval of a proposed wind turbine electricity farm.","AnswerText":"Twice.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165580,"EventID":"S1W-29056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop new guidelines for local authorities to produce strategic plans for the siting of wind turbine electricity farms, detailing areas where (a) such f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will develop new guidelines for local authorities to produce strategic plans for the siting of wind turbine electricity farms, detailing areas where (a) such farms would not be acceptable and (b) applications could attract a presumption in favour of development status.","AnswerText":"Guidance on how local authorities should provide for wind farms in their development plans is set out in National Planning Policy Guideline 6: Renewable Energy Developments. This guidance will be kept under review, particularly in the light of any revised targets arising from the consultation paper on Scotland's Renewable Energy Potential - Beyond 2010.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165581,"EventID":"S1W-29057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce new guidelines for local authorities to protect areas of scenic beauty and those considered environmentally sensitive or fragile from the develo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce new guidelines for local authorities to protect areas of scenic beauty and those considered environmentally sensitive or fragile from the development of wind turbine electricity farms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29056. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165582,"EventID":"S1W-29058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue new guidelines restricting the future use of landfill disposal sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue new guidelines restricting the future use of landfill disposal sites.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive issued a consultation paper entitled Safer Landfill on 29 August. This contains a draft set of regulations that the Executive intends to make, designed to tighten up controls surrounding the use and operation of landfill sites. A copy of the consultation paper has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, (Bib. number 23948). It can also be viewed at: www.scotland.gov.uk/views/views.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165583,"EventID":"S1W-29059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue new guidelines to local authorities restricting the signing of contracts for the disposal of waste through landfill or incineration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue new guidelines to local authorities restricting the signing of contracts for the disposal of waste through landfill or incineration.","AnswerText":"In general, local authorities are independent corporate bodies whose powers and duties are set out in statute law. Within the law they are free to exercise discretion in carrying out their functions and managing their day-to-day business. Ministers cannot intervene, except in particular circumstances where the law specifies that they may do so.

      However, in respect of waste management, the Executive expects authorities to take full account of the National Waste Strategy in their operations. The Executive will only provide grant support from the Strategic Waste Fund to authorities that intend to implement waste practices that accord with Area Waste Plans. Hence the Executive would not expect authorities to enter into contracts for landfill and incineration which are not in line with the relevant plans.

      In order to ensure that the amount of waste sent to landfill is reduced, the Executive intends to introduce a system of landfill allowances for Scottish local authorities and plans to issue a consultation paper on this shortly. The proposal is that authorities will only be permitted to landfill the amount of biodegradable municipal waste for which they have allowances.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165584,"EventID":"S1W-29060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for the Scottish Assigned Budget it derived for the landfill tax in each year since 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for the Scottish Assigned Budget it derived for the landfill tax in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The landfill tax is part of the generality of revenues to the UK Exchequer. In setting public expenditure, it is not general practice to attribute specific revenues to specific spending provision.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165585,"EventID":"S1W-29061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dairy herds are fed with foodstock containing genetically modified materials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dairy herds are fed with foodstock containing genetically modified materials.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that information is not held centrally on livestock fed genetically modified (GM) feed and feed materials. There is, however, a fact sheet entitled \"GM Material in Animal Feed\" on the agency's website at: www.food.gov.uk/science/sciencetopics/gmfoods/gm-animal.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165586,"EventID":"S1W-29062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is carried out to ensure that dairy herds are not fed foodstocks containing genetically modified material.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is carried out to ensure that dairy herds are not fed foodstocks containing genetically modified material.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29061. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165587,"EventID":"S1W-29063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is carried out to ensure that none of the yield from crops situated in the vicinity of GM crop trials is contaminated by the trials and that no core mater","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring is carried out to ensure that none of the yield from crops situated in the vicinity of GM crop trials is contaminated by the trials and that no core material so affected is able to enter the human food chain. ","AnswerText":"No specific monitoring is carried out on crops situated in the vicinity of GM crop trials.

      Separation distances are in place around GM crop trials to minimise the potential for cross-pollination. They do not reflect any doubts about safety; they are used to maintain high levels of purity in adjacent crops and are a recognised method of enabling different crops to co-exist. The Executive's scientific advisers are satisfied that neither cross-pollination involving the variety of GM herbicide tolerant oil seed rape being grown in the farm-scale trials, nor the pollen itself landing on neighbouring crops, poses a threat to human health or the environment. The harvested GM crop and any sexually compatible crops grown within the separation distances surrounding GM crop trials will not enter the human food or animal feed chain.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165588,"EventID":"S1W-29064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18178 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 September 2001, whether the definition of personal care contained in its guidance circular CCD 4/20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18178 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 September 2001, whether the definition of personal care contained in its guidance circular CCD 4/2002, which states that \"food preparation and provision of meals are not included\", contradicts the recommended definition in the Care Development Group's report, Fair Care for Older People, which includes \"assistance with preparation of food\" and, if so, what action it is taking in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive do not believe that there is any discrepancy between the Care Development Group Report, the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 schedule 1 and the subsequent guidance CCD/4/2002 issued to councils on the implementation of the policy.

      The Care Development Group recommended that there should be sufficient flexibility in the definition and in turn application of personal care to ensure an individual's care needs can be properly met. "Assistance with the preparation of food" was therefore included in the definition to encompass those with severe physical and/or mental frailty who may need support for certain tasks. The Executive will continue to monitor the practical effect of the policy across all local authorities and keep the guidance under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165589,"EventID":"S1W-29065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places there were and what the ratio of applications to places available was at each dental school in each of the last three years and what the figures are for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places there were and what the ratio of applications to places available was at each dental school in each of the last three years and what the figures are for the current year.","AnswerText":"The information requested by the member is currently being collated. I am awaiting a response from Dundee Dental School. Once complete, I will write to the member with a full response and place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165590,"EventID":"S1W-29066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of whole-time equivalent general dental practitioners to population is in (a) each NHS board area and (b) each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the ratio of whole-time equivalent general dental practitioners to population is in (a) each NHS board area and (b) each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The ratio of general dental practitioners to population in (a) each NHS board area and (b) each local authority area is shown in the following tables. Whole-time-equivalent information is not available.

      (a) Ratio of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) to Population in each NHS Board Area

      Date of visit

      End date (if different)

      Minister

      Country

      Purpose of visit

      Cost of Minister's Travel and Subsistence

      (£)

      Financial Year 2001-02

      20 Mar. 02

      21 Mar. 02

      Allan Wilson

      Norway

      Attended the 5th North Sea conference

      493.00

      18 Mar. 02

      19 Mar. 02

      Nicol Stephen

      Norway

      Fact-finding visit regarding Education for Work and Enterprise Review Group

      442.00

      13 Mar. 02

      		 

      Nicol Stephen

      Belgium

      Attended Plenary of the Committee of the Regions

      0.00*

      05 Mar. 02

      		 

      Nicol Stephen

      Belgium

      Attended meeting of the Territorial Cohesion Commission of the Committee of the Regions

      0.00*

      22 Feb. 02

      23 Feb. 02

      Mike Watson

      Belgium

      Held a series of meetings regarding Euro 2008 Championship bid and attended a cultural event

      370.00

      05 Feb. 02

      		 

      Mike Watson

      Ireland

      Meeting with Irish Minister of Sport to discuss Euro 2008 Championship bid

      99.00

      05 Feb. 02

      07 Feb. 02

      Nicol Stephen

      Belgium

      Attended Committee of the Regions Plenary and first meeting of the Territorial Cohesion Commission of the Committee of the Regions

      0.00*

      03 Feb. 02

      10 Feb. 02

      Elish Angiolini

      France

      Had a series of meetings and visits regarding the French legal system

      275.16

      17 Dec. 01

      18 Dec. 01

      Ross Finnie

      Belgium

      Attended Fisheries Council

      679.00

      30 Nov. 01

      		 

      NHS Board Area

      Number of GDPs 1

      Ratio of GDPs to Population 2

      Argyll and Clyde

      175

      1:2,420

      Ayrshire and Arran

      129

      1:2,895

      Borders

      41

      1:2,607

      Dumfries and Galloway

      37

      1:3,941

      Fife

      134

      1:2,615

      Forth Valley

      101

      1:2,752

      Grampian

      156

      1:3,355

      Greater Glasgow

      414

      1:2,185

      Highland

      92

      1:2,267

      Lanarkshire

      195

      1:2,882

      Lothian

      354

      1:2,214

      Orkney

      7

      1:2,783

      Shetland

      13

      1:1,726

      Tayside

      161

      1:2,394

      Western Isles

      7

      1:3,883

      Scotland

      2,016

      1:2,537

      (b) Ratio of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) to Population in each Local Authority Area

      Local Authority Area

      Number of GDPs 1

      Ratio of GDPs to Population 2

      Aberdeen City

      77

      1:2,744

      Aberdeenshire

      58

      1:3,917

      Angus

      37

      1:2,951

      Argyll and Bute

      33

      1:2,691

      City of Edinburgh

      234

      		Average Number of Patients that are Currently Registered with Salaried General Dental Practitioners in each NHS Board Area

      NHS Board Area

      Number of Dentists

      Number of Patients Registered

      Average Number of Patients Registered Per Dentist

      Argyll and Clyde

      6

      5,493

      916

      Ayrshire and Arran

      5

      3,949

      790

      Borders

      4

      182

      46

      Dumfries and Galloway

      -

      -

      -

      Fife

      -

      -

      -

      Forth Valley

      1

      893

      893

      Grampian

      4

      3,431

      858

      Greater Glasgow

      -

      -

      -

      Highland

      22

      10,328

      469

      Lanarkshire

      -

      -

      -

      Lothian

      10

      7,300

      730

      Orkney

      3

      780

      260

      Shetland

      5

      1,718

      344

      Tayside

      -

      -

      -

      Western Isles

      -

      -

      -

      Note:

      Some salaried general dental practitioners provide services on a part-time basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165593,"EventID":"S1W-29071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost of each full-time equivalent salaried general dental practitioner has been, including accommodation, equipment, staff, materials, salaries and laborat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost of each full-time equivalent salaried general dental practitioner has been, including accommodation, equipment, staff, materials, salaries and laboratory fees, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the relevant Island NHS Boards and Primary Care NHS Trusts. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165594,"EventID":"S1W-29072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24879 by Ross Finnie on 7 May 2002, whether there is any further information concerning drinking water quality in the EH9 postcode,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24879 by Ross Finnie on 7 May 2002, whether there is any further information concerning drinking water quality in the EH9 postcode, particularly during August 2002.","AnswerText":"Postcode EH9 covers two water quality zones, one supplied from Alnwickhill water treatment works and the other from Fairmilehead.

      The August results for the zone supplied by Alnwickhill show that one sample contained 101.6 microgrammes per litre of trihalomethanes (THMs). However, the standard for THMs set in the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 1990, of 100 microgrammes per litre, is based on a three month rolling average. The results for June and July were 95.1 microgrammes per litre and 98.5 microgrammes per litre, respectively. The THM standard, based on the three month rolling average, has therefore not been breached.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165595,"EventID":"S1W-29073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to ensure that the water industry regulatory framework will be operated in the best interests of customers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to ensure that the water industry regulatory framework will be operated in the best interests of customers.","AnswerText":"The Drinking Water Quality Regulator, the Water Industry Commissioner and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency each have a duty to ensure that the regulatory framework is operated in accordance with the requirements of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165596,"EventID":"S1W-29074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cryptosporidium levels were monitored between January and August 2002 in treated water from the Milngavie water treatment plant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cryptosporidium levels were monitored between January and August 2002 in treated water from the Milngavie water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water carried out 484 tests for cryptosporidium on the treated water at Milngavie treatment works between January 2002 and August 2002. One hundred and sixty-seven of these test results were positive. The maximum level of Cryptosporidium detected in the treated water over the period was 0.353 oocysts per 10 litres and this was reported on Saturday 3 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165597,"EventID":"S1W-29075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that Planning Advice Note 61 has been effective in promoting drainage systems which are sustainable and mitigate against flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that Planning Advice Note 61 has been effective in promoting drainage systems which are sustainable and mitigate against flooding.","AnswerText":"Planning Advice Note 61, Planning and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems was published in July 2001. It gives advice on the role of the planning system in helping to deliver sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) as advocated in the SUDS Design Manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

      The SUDS Monitoring Project, funded by the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER), shows 3,913 systems installed on 769 sites during the period between mid-1995 and the beginning of 2002. Since most of these will predate the publication of the Planning Advice Note (PAN), it is not possible to say what effect publication of the PAN has made.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165598,"EventID":"S1W-29076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for issuing consent for the construction of sustainable urban drainage systems","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for issuing consent for the construction of sustainable urban drainage systems","AnswerText":"Each regulatory authority has its own powers, and thus formal approval for a drainage system may be needed from the planning authority (planning permission); the building control authority (building warrant); Scottish Water (drainage construction consent); the roads authority (road construction consent); and from Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (consent to discharge - if required - or conditional prohibition notice).

      The developer is responsible for the construction of a sustainable drainage system and for ensuring it meets the requirements of the design manual prepared by the Sustainable Urban Drainage Scottish Working Party. As described above, depending on the circumstances the developer may have to ensure that the appropriate local authority, SEPA and Scottish Water are content with the design of the system.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165599,"EventID":"S1W-29077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expectations it has in relation to the take-up rate for sustainable urban drainage systems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expectations it has in relation to the take-up rate for sustainable urban drainage systems.","AnswerText":"Given that sustainable urban drainage systems are common practice in all new developments, the expectation is that the figures quoted in the answer given to question S1W-29075 today, will increase. The SNIFFER project referred to in that reply has estimated there will be some 1,600 SUDS sites in Scotland by January 2006.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165600,"EventID":"S1W-29078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role water authorities should play in the (a) planning and (b) operation of sustainable urban drainage systems. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role water authorities should play in the (a) planning and (b) operation of sustainable urban drainage systems. ","AnswerText":"The roles and responsibilities of Scottish Water and other statutory bodies in relation to sustainable urban drainage systems are clearly set out in Planning Advice Note 61, and in the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Design Manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165601,"EventID":"S1W-29079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations the Scottish Road Safety Campaign, local authorities or the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland have made to it in the light of the repo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations the Scottish Road Safety Campaign, local authorities or the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland have made to it in the light of the report by the Transport Research Laboratory, Road Safety Research Report No.26, Dangerous Driving and the Law; what representations it has made or plans to make to Her Majesty's Government as a result, and what research it has commissioned or plans to commission on the issues raised in the report.","AnswerText":"We have not received any representations from the organisations mentioned about the report. The Scottish Executive is working with the UK Government to consider the report before deciding whether changes to the law or its administration are required. We consider the research which has already taken place to be adequate in informing further policy development.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165602,"EventID":"S1W-29080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses were recruited in each of the last three years and how many new recruitments are planned in each of the next three years, broken down by NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses were recruited in each of the last three years and how many new recruitments are planned in each of the next three years, broken down by NHS board.","AnswerText":"The number of qualified nurses and midwives recruited in each of the last three years by NHS board is shown in the following table.

      I am awaiting information about number of recruitments planned and will reply to the member in writing and will also place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

      Qualified Nurses and Midwives Recruited to NHSScotland: Headcount of Staff in Post as at 30 September

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Scotland

      3,196

      2,906

      3,493

      Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board

      157

      174

      204

      Borders NHS Board

      66

      54

      62

      Argyll and Clyde NHS Board

      224

      247

      256

      Fife NHS Board

      188

      135

      168

      Greater Glasgow NHS Board

      529

      501

      629

      Highland NHS Board

      131

      158

      163

      Lanarkshire NHS Board

      193

      179

      209

      Grampian NHS Board

      496

      413

      450

      Lothian NHS Board

      612

      629

      790

      Tayside NHS Board

      317

      138

      243

      Forth Valley NHS Board

      135

      110

      120

      Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board

      95

      98

      105

      Orkney NHS Board

      4

      8

      10

      Western Isles NHS Board

      15

      21

      Year

      Commencements

      Completions

      1998-99

      3,220

      2,235

      1999-2000

      3,209

      2,316

      2000-01

      3,494

      2,330

      Information on the numbers who began nursing training in the last three years includes those students who transferred between courses for the different disciplines of nursing or who have taken a break and returned. The information is collected annually for the period 1 April to 31 March.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165604,"EventID":"S1W-29082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses' training places it funded in each education institution in each of the last three years and how many places it plans to fund in each of the next three y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurses' training places it funded in each education institution in each of the last three years and how many places it plans to fund in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of nurse training places funded by the Scottish Executive in each of the last three years and for 2002-03 is set out in the following table.

      Institution

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Bell College

      777

      867

      944

      949

      Dundee

      1,180

      1,235

      1,268

      1,326

      Glasgow Caledonian

      970

      1,044

      1,081

      1,146

      Napier

      1,413

      1,509

      1,535

      1,492

      Paisley

      1,094

      1,119

      1,136

      1,145

      Robert Gordon

      980

      1,018

      1,027

      1,111

      Stirling

      879

      938

      947

      985

      Total

      8,154

      The information shows funded places based on the recommendation of the Student Nurse Intake Planning (SNIP) Group through which the Scottish Executive assesses the supply and demand for qualified nurses and midwives each year.

      The information on funded places for 2002-03 is provisional until courses commence in late September/October. Information for 2003-04 and beyond is not yet known but will be based on SNIP's recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165605,"EventID":"S1W-29083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish a special task force to look at the future of Fife's economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish a special task force to look at the future of Fife's economy.","AnswerText":"The Executive believes that the identification of local priorities for economic development and the delivery of co-ordinated economic development activities is dealt with most effectively by partnerships of local organisations and agencies. Scottish Enterprise Fife, in following the Smart Successful Scotland strategy, is taking action to encourage the growth of businesses, improvements in skills and the creation of new employment opportunities. There are already in place effective arrangements for dealing with redundancy situations and the Fife PACE (Partnership Action For Continuing Employment) team provides a wide range of early interventions to alleviate job losses and assist those affected. The Fife Local Economic Forum provides a robust mechanism for driving forward an agreed economic agenda for the area and has the potential to deliver real results in terms of sustainable economic development. This largely fulfils the role that a task force might have.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165606,"EventID":"S1W-29084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to my question during the debate on his ministerial statement on prisons on 5 September 2002 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to my question during the debate on his ministerial statement on prisons on 5 September 2002 (Official Report, col 13882), which house blocks have been built since 1999; how much each cost; what the timescale was from the decision to build to occupancy for each, and who the main contractors were.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      None. New houseblocks are currently under construction at HM Young Offenders Institute Polmont and HM Prison Edinburgh, but are not yet complete. The main contractor for both projects is Skanska Construction UK Ltd.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165607,"EventID":"S1W-29085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale was from the decision to build to occupancy in respect of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale was from the decision to build to occupancy in respect of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The contract was awarded in November 1997. The prison was opened in March 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165608,"EventID":"S1W-29086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ex-employees of the enterprise network have been engaged as consultants by the enterprise network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many ex-employees of the enterprise network have been engaged as consultants by the enterprise network.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165609,"EventID":"S1W-29087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of funding from the (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise budgets was allocated to (i) loans and (ii) grants in each year since","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of funding from the (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise budgets was allocated to (i) loans and (ii) grants in each year since 1999-2000 and what the projected allocations by each will be in 2003-04.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165610,"EventID":"S1W-29088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the working group to develop lifelong services for people with autistic spectrum disorders as recommended in the Public Health Institute of Scotland's Autistic S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, whether the working group to develop lifelong services for people with autistic spectrum disorders as recommended in the Public Health Institute of Scotland's Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report of December 2001 has been set up and, if so, (a) when it was established, (b) what its membership is, who appointed them and what the selection process was, (c) on what dates it has met and whether the minutes of any of its meetings are publicly available, (d) whether it has a timetable for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report and (e) what its achievements have been to date.","AnswerText":"We propose to deliver this recommendation through the working group established by the Public Health Institute for Scotland for the development of the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report. Membership is as stated on the inside cover of that report. The Scottish Executive held a first meeting with the group on 24 June 2002. This initial meeting focused on the identification of priorities for implementing the report's recommendations. There is no minute of the meeting.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165611,"EventID":"S1W-29089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to celebrate the European Year of Disabled People in 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to celebrate the European Year of Disabled People in 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has set up a Scottish steering group to take forward a number of events in Scotland to celebrate the European Year of Disabled People in 2003. These events will be in addition to UK wide work co-ordinated by the Department for Work and Pensions.

      The steering group is considering plans for events and activities throughout the year, but has yet to announce it's proposed programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165612,"EventID":"S1W-29090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants are available to disability organisations as part of the European Year of Disabled People 2003 and what the (a) monetary value of and (b) criteria for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many grants are available to disability organisations as part of the European Year of Disabled People 2003 and what the (a) monetary value of and (b) criteria for the award of such grants will be.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for allocation of European Union grants to disability organisations as part of the European Year of Disabled People 2003 lies with the Department for Work and Pensions, who have the UK co-ordinating role. No additional grants will be available from the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165613,"EventID":"S1W-29091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met The Highland Council to discuss proposals for th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met The Highland Council to discuss proposals for the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"The Executive holds no central record of such discussions. Local authorities and the Executive have, however, been involved in a number of groups convened by the Cairngorms Partnership and others to discuss the proposed National Park and related issues.

      Specific information about discussions undertaken by Scottish Natural Heritage should be sought from that body.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165614,"EventID":"S1W-29092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met Moray Council to discuss proposals for the Cairn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met Moray Council to discuss proposals for the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"The Executive holds no central record of such discussions. Local authorities and the Executive have, however, been involved in a number of groups convened by the Cairngorms Partnership and others to discuss the proposed National Park and related issues.

      Specific information about discussions undertaken by Scottish Natural Heritage should be sought from that body.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165615,"EventID":"S1W-29093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met Aberdeenshire Council to discuss proposals for t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met Aberdeenshire Council to discuss proposals for the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29091. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165616,"EventID":"S1W-29094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met Perth and Kinross Council to discuss proposals f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met Perth and Kinross Council to discuss proposals for the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29091. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165617,"EventID":"S1W-29095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met Angus Council to discuss proposals for the Cairn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on which dates since May 1997 (a) ministers, (b) its officials and (c) officials from Scottish Natural Heritage have met Angus Council to discuss proposals for the Cairngorms National Park.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29091. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165618,"EventID":"S1W-29096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ascertained the cause of the cryptosporidosis outbreak in Grampian in early 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has ascertained the cause of the cryptosporidosis outbreak in Grampian in early 2002.","AnswerText":"The Outbreak Control Team (OCT) investigating the cause of the outbreak has not yet published its findings. The Scottish Executive has written to the chairman of the OCT, from Grampian NHS board, asking if the final report could be complete by 16 October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165619,"EventID":"S1W-29097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22088 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, whether any further information is available concerning implementation of recommendations ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22088 by Ross Finnie on 4 February 2002, whether any further information is available concerning implementation of recommendations by the Scottish Agricultural College in the Loch Katrine catchment.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. I have asked the Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

      The Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) report advised that 80 per cent of the estimated potential numbers of cryptosporidium oocysts entering the Katrine water supply system during high risk periods were associated with all wild and farm animals in the catchment area of Loch Katrine, Loch Arklet and Glen Finglas reservoir. This covers a land mass of some 27,000 acres.

      In addition, there is potential risk of contamination associated with the 11 farms that carry out agricultural activities along the 26-mile route of the aqueducts from Loch Katrine down to the Milngavie water treatment works.

      Scottish Water has held meetings with landowners to discuss possible changes in farming practice to try to reduce risk as far as possible. In addition, a number of the recommendations made by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) for improvements to farm and water management have been implemented. These include the removal of the sheep waste, installing fences to prevent grazing near the water and changes to the use of Loch Arklet and Glen Finglas reservoir.

      The SAC reviewed the actions taken and estimated that the potential movement of oocysts will be reduced by 95% or greater as a result of the actions taken.

      To build on the work from the SAC report we will look at any further viable risk minimisation measures to reduce the risk of cryptosporidium.

      Any further necessary works will be developed into an action plan. Scottish Water's prime objective is to protect and provide clean, wholesome water to the 700,000 people of Greater Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165620,"EventID":"S1W-29098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what controls exist on the regulation of air emissions from industrial complexes involved in brewing beer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what controls exist on the regulation of air emissions from industrial complexes involved in brewing beer.","AnswerText":"Breweries which have an average finished production capacity greater than 300 tonnes per day are regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (PPC). This includes the control of emissions to air. New breweries and those that undergo substantial changes in operation come under PPC regulation immediately. Existing breweries will be subject to PPC controls from 2005.

      Odour and noise from all breweries are regulated by the local authority, either through conditions in a planning consent or through the statutory nuisance controls in Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165621,"EventID":"S1W-29099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22343 by Ross Finnie on 8 February 2002, whether it has any plans to set targets for major energy users such as Scottish Water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22343 by Ross Finnie on 8 February 2002, whether it has any plans to set targets for major energy users such as Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"Targets can be set under the negotiated agreements procedure whereby companies get a discount on climate change levy in return for meeting agreed targets. Only companies using processes (irrespective of thresholds) covered by Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) are entitled to enter into such agreements with the Government.

      Apart from some waste sites, the water industry is not covered by IPPC. It is already regulated by a number of other European Environment Directives, and was excluded to avoid duplication of regulation. Specifically in relation to Scottish Water, it is not a private company and thus does not benefit from enhanced capital allowances, this is because it does not pay corporation tax nor is it in profit.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165622,"EventID":"S1W-29100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26585 by Ross Finnie on 24 June 2002, when performance data from the trials conducted at the pilot water treatment plant at Milngav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26585 by Ross Finnie on 24 June 2002, when performance data from the trials conducted at the pilot water treatment plant at Milngavie will be made publicly available.","AnswerText":"The performance data from the pilot water treatment plant at Milngavie is highly technical in nature and consequently Scottish Water has no plans to publish it. However, the Water Research Centre (WRc) has carried out an expert review of the treatment process selection and design, and this is publicly available. The WRc report has previously been submitted to East Dunbartonshire Council, by Scottish Water, in support of the planning application for a new treatment works.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165623,"EventID":"S1W-29101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26586 by Ross Finnie on 24 June 2002, which public body is responsible for determining whether adequate treatment processes and ope","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26586 by Ross Finnie on 24 June 2002, which public body is responsible for determining whether adequate treatment processes and operating protocols have been put in place to minimise the risk of cryptosporidium entering the water supply.","AnswerText":"The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland checks that the requirements of the Cryptosporidium Directions are being met and will enforce compliance if shortcomings are found.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165624,"EventID":"S1W-29102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agency is responsible for monitoring and enforcing relevant legislation and regulations concerning the composition of bottled drinking water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agency is responsible for monitoring and enforcing relevant legislation and regulations concerning the composition of bottled drinking water.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency is the central competent authority responsible for legislation in relation to bottled drinking water. Local authorities in Scotland enforce the regulations, which govern the composition of bottled drinking water on behalf of the agency. The agency has the function of monitoring and auditing the performance of local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165625,"EventID":"S1W-29103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average number of patients is currently registered to salaried dentists in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average number of patients is currently registered to salaried dentists in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29068 on 20 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165626,"EventID":"S1W-29104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of general dental practitioners is in NHS board areas and what average number of (a) NHS and (b) private patients is registered to general dental ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of general dental practitioners is in NHS board areas and what average number of (a) NHS and (b) private patients is registered to general dental practitioners in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The average number of general dental practitioners in NHS board areas and the average number of NHS patients registered to general dental practitioners in each NHS board area are shown in the table. Information on private patients is not available.

      General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) and NHS Patients Registered; by Health Board Area

      NHS Board Area

      Number of GDPs1,5

      Average Number of GDPs in NHS Board Areas1,2,5

      Average Number of NHS Patients Registered3,4,5

      Scotland

      2,016

      134

      1,321

      Argyll and Clyde

      175

      -

      1,259

      Ayrshire and Arran

      129

      -

      1,603

      Borders

      41

      -

      1,541

      Dumfries and Galloway

      37

      -

      1,858

      Fife

      134

      -

      1,392

      Forth Valley

      101

      -

      1,461

      Grampian

      156

      -

      1,647

      Greater Glasgow

      414

      -

      1,173

      Highland

      92

      -

      919

      Lanarkshire

      195

      -

      1,376

      Lothian

      354

      -

      1,183

      Orkney

      7

      -

      1,104

      Shetland

      13

      -

      528

      Tayside

      161

      -

      1,423

      Western Isles

      7

      -

      1,650

      Notes:

      1. Number of principal GDPs at 30 June 2002.

      2. It is possible to calculate the average number of GDPs only for Scotland (i.e. 2,016 GDPs divided by 15 health boards).

      3. Registration figures at 30 June 2002 recorded on 31 July 2002.

      4. The average number of NHS patients registered is calculated by dividing the tota","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165627,"EventID":"S1W-29105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any investigations into revenues raised by farmers from growing barley for (a) malting and (b) feed; if so, what the outcome was and, if it has ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any investigations into revenues raised by farmers from growing barley for (a) malting and (b) feed; if so, what the outcome was and, if it has not, whether it will consider undertaking such investigations.","AnswerText":"As part of the annual process of compiling the Aggregate Account for Agriculture to calculate the total income from farming, data on cereal crops are collated from a variety of sources. The estimated gross output of Scottish barley for the calendar year 2001 was £196.5 million, including £66.6 million of direct subsidies. The revenue for malting and feed barley were estimated at £48.5 million and £73.5 million respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165628,"EventID":"S1W-29106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a request from Stirling Council for financial support towards the hosting of the World Medical and Health Games in 2003 and whether it will give ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a request from Stirling Council for financial support towards the hosting of the World Medical and Health Games in 2003 and whether it will give any such support.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was approached to support the hosting of the World Medical and Health Games in Stirling in 2003. We were not able, however, to offer any financial support for the event.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165629,"EventID":"S1W-29107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29052 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 September 2002, whether the figures include the costs of any staff and/or officials who may have accompa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29052 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 September 2002, whether the figures include the costs of any staff and/or officials who may have accompanied ministers and, if not, what the costs of any such staff and/or officials were and how many staff and/or officials accompanied each minister on each visit.","AnswerText":"The figures do not include the costs of staff and/or officials who accompanied ministers. This information and the numbers of staff and/or officials who accompanied ministers could only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165630,"EventID":"S1W-29108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with regard to increasing NHS dental provision in Arbroath.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with regard to increasing NHS dental provision in Arbroath.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the overall provision of NHS dental services in an area rests with the relevant NHS board or Primary Care NHS Trust. Tayside Primary Care NHS trust recently received approval to appoint a joint CDS/GDS dentist, i.e. a community dental officer who provides general dental services for part of his/her time, based in Arbroath. If the trust considers that a further gap in provision exists it can apply for approval to appoint a salaried dentist.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165631,"EventID":"S1W-29109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was a requirement of the contractual arrangements with BEAR Scotland Ltd that former employees of The Highland Council who, following the assumption by BEAR Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was a requirement of the contractual arrangements with BEAR Scotland Ltd that former employees of The Highland Council who, following the assumption by BEAR Scotland Ltd of legal responsibility for the maintenance of trunk roads in the area, were employed by that company should continue to be members of an occupational pension scheme based on final salary and whether such employees continued to be so.","AnswerText":"There was no contractual requirement for transferred employees to be provided with continued membership of a final salary pension scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165632,"EventID":"S1W-29110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many High Court sentences have been reduced (a) under human rights legislation and (b) for any other reasons in each of the last three years and how many such senten","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many High Court sentences have been reduced (a) under human rights legislation and (b) for any other reasons in each of the last three years and how many such sentences were originally life sentences.","AnswerText":"The information relating to successful appeals against sentence in High Court cases is contained in the following table:
       

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Total of which involved life sentences

      61

      56

      105

      Appeal against sentence1

      4

      1

      1

      Appeal against aspects of sentence2

      15

      11

      74

      Notes:

      1. Crime reduced from murder to culpable homicide or a re-trial was authorised.

      2. Effective start date or punishment part.

      There have been no sentences imposed in the High Court that have been reduced as a result of the provisions contained in the Convention Rights (Compliance) (Scotland) Act 2001 under which the High Court is required to specify the punishment part of a life sentence. The punishment part is such part of a life sentence as the court considers appropriate to satisfy the requirements of retribution and deterrence (ignoring the period, if any, which may be necessary for the protection of the public). The sentence of life imprisonment is unaffected by the fixing of the punishment part. It is only once the punishment part has expired that the prisoner has the right to require the Scottish ministers to refer his or her case to the Parole Board for the board to decide whether the prisoner requires to continue to be confined for the protection of the public.

      Under the transitional provisions contained in the Schedule to the 2001 act, the Scottish ministers are under a duty, subject to certain exceptions detailed in the Schedule, to refer to the High Court the cases of life prisoners who were sentenced prior to 8 October 2001, the date on which the relevant provisions came into force, for a punishment part to be fixed. As regards those prisoners who were the subject of minimum recommendations made by the sentencing court under the former statutory provisions, as the Appeal Court noted in its opinion in the case of William Stewart v Her Majesty's Advocate, issued on 6 September 2002 (Appeal No. C228/02): "it does not follow that periods which have been recommended in the past provide a general yardstick by reference to which the length of a punishment part should be determined." The full opinion is available on the Scottish Court Service website (www.scotcourts.gov.uk).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165633,"EventID":"S1W-29111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that there is a single unified body regulating football and whether it will withhold funds and support from any organisation which does ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that there is a single unified body regulating football and whether it will withhold funds and support from any organisation which does not accede to this aim.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers have no direct locus in how football is governed. It is a matter for the Scottish Football Association as the recognised governing body of the sport of Association Football in Scotland. I do not anticipate that any strategic decisions about future public funding for football will be reached until the outcome of the review by independent consultants of youth football development in Scotland is known.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165634,"EventID":"S1W-29112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding and assistance to organisations and bodies representing and involved in football dependent on structural change and what the reasons are for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding and assistance to organisations and bodies representing and involved in football dependent on structural change and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29111 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165635,"EventID":"S1W-29113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for housing associations to obtain anti-social behaviour orders and what plans it has to simplify the current arrangements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for housing associations to obtain anti-social behaviour orders and what plans it has to simplify the current arrangements.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have the power to apply to the sheriff court for an anti-social behaviour order. Housing associations (and any other landlord) can request that the local authority apply for an order on their behalf. The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill will give courts the power to grant an interim anti-social behaviour order to take effect pending the outcome of the substantive application. This will provide more immediate relief from anti-social behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165636,"EventID":"S1W-29114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Trade and Industry regarding redundancies at TelesensKSCL in Edinburgh and, in particular, whether it will seek to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department of Trade and Industry regarding redundancies at TelesensKSCL in Edinburgh and, in particular, whether it will seek to ensure that an investigation is carried out into the actions of the purchasing company and the liquidator.","AnswerText":"The regulation of company liquidations and acquisitions is a reserved matter. My officials have ensured that the Department for Trade and Industry is aware of the case. They have also contacted the former employees regarding payments due to them and assistance in finding alternative employment, as referred to in the answers given to questions S1W-29115 and S1W-29126 on 23 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165637,"EventID":"S1W-29115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made in regard to redundancies announced at TelesensKSCL in Edinburgh. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made in regard to redundancies announced at TelesensKSCL in Edinburgh. ","AnswerText":"Officials at Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothians have arranged to meet with senior management at Convergys Ltd to establish its future plans for the operations in Edinburgh. In addition, officials have been in touch, through the receivers, with the former employees of Telesens to make them aware of the assistance available to help them find alternative employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165638,"EventID":"S1W-29116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought to ensure that the creation of a Musselburgh Parkway station is a condition of a new franchise for the East Coast Main Line or an extension of the e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought to ensure that the creation of a Musselburgh Parkway station is a condition of a new franchise for the East Coast Main Line or an extension of the existing franchise, and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"Under the Transport Act 2000, the Scottish ministers can give statutory advice to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) on cross-border franchises, and did so for the East Coast Main Line extension in September 2001. The Scottish ministers advised that the development of a Parkway station in East Lothian should be considered. A copy of the advice submitted on the franchise extension is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 15773).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165639,"EventID":"S1W-29117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to (a) the Strategic Rail Authority, (b) the Department for Transport and (c) any other relevant authority regarding any extension of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to (a) the Strategic Rail Authority, (b) the Department for Transport and (c) any other relevant authority regarding any extension of the existing franchise on the east coast main line.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government and the Strategic Rail Authority on a wide range of issues, including cross-border franchises.

      In January 2002 the Strategic Rail Authority extended the East Coast Main Line franchise by two years. This means that GNER will continue to operate the franchise until April 2005. Under the Transport Act 2000, the Scottish ministers can give statutory advice to the Strategic Rail Authority on cross-border franchises, and did so in September 2001. A copy of the advice submitted on the franchise extension is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 15773).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165640,"EventID":"S1W-29118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25761 by Ross Finnie on 20 May 2002, for which pesticides imported seeds are tested; by whom such testing is carried out, and wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25761 by Ross Finnie on 20 May 2002, for which pesticides imported seeds are tested; by whom such testing is carried out, and whether it will provide a list of the maximum permitted residue level in respect of each such pesticide.","AnswerText":"The UK Pesticides Residues Committee carries out monitoring of both home-produced and imported food (including imported seed which is used as part of other food products e.g. bread) for pesticide residues. I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it is represented on the committee and provides input to the design of the monitoring programme. Some 4,000 food samples are analysed each year for a wide range of pesticides. The full results of monitoring by the Pesticides Residues Committee, both quarterly and annual reports, are available on its website.

      Imported seed which is not intended for eating, but for sowing, may purposefully be treated with pesticides for plant protection reasons.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165641,"EventID":"S1W-29119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25762 by Ross Finnie on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the last three years pesticide residue in excess of the maxim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25762 by Ross Finnie on 21 May 2002, on how many occasions in each of the last three years pesticide residue in excess of the maximum permitted levels has been found in imported seeds and what the (a) level and (b) type of pesticide was in each case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29118. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165642,"EventID":"S1W-29120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25759 by Ross Finnie on 21 May 2002, which agencies are responsible for the monitoring of pesticides in imported seeds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25759 by Ross Finnie on 21 May 2002, which agencies are responsible for the monitoring of pesticides in imported seeds.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29118. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165643,"EventID":"S1W-29121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers there were in (a) each division and (b) each station within the Lothian and Borders area (i) in each year from 1997 to 1999 and (ii) in each quar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers there were in (a) each division and (b) each station within the Lothian and Borders area (i) in each year from 1997 to 1999 and (ii) in each quarter since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The deployment of police officers within the Lothian and Borders Police area is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. Information is held centrally on the numbers of police officers in the force, on a quarterly basis, but not on the deployment of those officers to divisions or stations within the force area.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165644,"EventID":"S1W-29122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its remit and role is in respect of the Waverley Station redevelopment project in regard to responsibility for construction, management, funding and giving any nece","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its remit and role is in respect of the Waverley Station redevelopment project in regard to responsibility for construction, management, funding and giving any necessary instructions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is a member of the steering group which has been established to ensure a co-ordinated approach to delivering a vision for Waverley. Other members of the group are the Strategic Rail Authority (which chairs the steering group), Railtrack (the owners of Waverley Station) and the City of Edinburgh Council (as the local planning authority). Before any detail design work can begin, considerable investigative and preparatory work is required. The Executive has made up to £1 million available to enable that preparatory work to begin. This work will help inform the final design of the station and determine the necessary funding required to develop it. Until this work is completed, it is too early to determine responsibility for project management, construction and where the necessary funding for the project will be obtained.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165645,"EventID":"S1W-29123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has overall responsibility for the redevelopment of Waverley Station, Edinburgh; which department or executive agency has lead responsibility for the project, and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has overall responsibility for the redevelopment of Waverley Station, Edinburgh; which department or executive agency has lead responsibility for the project, and what staff have been seconded to that agency or department from (a) Scottish Enterprise, (b) the City of Edinburgh Council and (c) the Department for Transport.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29122 on 27 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      There are no representatives from Scottish Enterprise or the Department for Transport on the steering group.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165646,"EventID":"S1W-29124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an extension to the existing franchise of the east coast main line would be appropriate, detailing the reasons for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether an extension to the existing franchise of the east coast main line would be appropriate, detailing the reasons for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29117 on 23 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165647,"EventID":"S1W-29125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to implement the Ernie Walker Think-tank report into Scottish football.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to implement the Ernie Walker Think-tank report into Scottish football.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Football Association who commissioned this report.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165648,"EventID":"S1W-29126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the redundancies at TelesensKSCL in Edinburgh, whether it will make representations to the Department of Trade and Industry in regard to any legislative chan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the redundancies at TelesensKSCL in Edinburgh, whether it will make representations to the Department of Trade and Industry in regard to any legislative changes which may be required to guarantee redundancy payments to workers.","AnswerText":"Such guarantees are already in place. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, the Department of Trade and Industry can pay redundancy pay and certain other debts owed to former employees of insolvent companies out of the National Insurance Fund. This legislation implements the EU Insolvency Directive and guarantees a basic minimum of payments to employees of insolvent employers who would normally have to wait some considerable time for payment as creditors in the insolvency proceedings.

      The Redundancy Payments Service has investigated the transfer of business from Telesens to Convergys and is satisfied that the dismissals were either unconnected with the transfer, or were made for economic, technical or organisation reasons entailing changes in the workforce. This means that liability for payment lies with the National Insurance Fund. The payments for the former employees have been processed and they should by now have received payment.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165649,"EventID":"S1W-29127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27360 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, what plans it has to progress further electrification of the rail network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27360 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, what plans it has to progress further electrification of the rail network.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no current plans for further electrification of the rail network in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165650,"EventID":"S1W-29128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental considerations were taken into account when furnishing its new Environment and Rural Affairs Department offices in Perth.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental considerations were taken into account when furnishing its new Environment and Rural Affairs Department offices in Perth.","AnswerText":"The Executive placed particular emphasis on environmental considerations when awarding the contract for the installation of internal furnishings and fittings in the new office building in Perth. The suppliers are committed to correct environmental practices, and are full signatories to the Office Furniture and Filing Manufacturers Association environmental policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165651,"EventID":"S1W-29129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, following the letter issued to me by the Auditor General of 5 September 2002, whether documents that relate to the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limi","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, following the letter issued to me by the Auditor General of 5 September 2002, whether documents that relate to the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited (FCAM), previously withheld from publication, will now be published in full including (a) the recommendation by Bovis Lend Lease that FCAM be engaged for the works package for the MSP block in the new Parliament building at Holyrood, (b) all documents relating to the financial appraisal of FCAM, (c) the pre-tender questionnaire completed by FCAM, (d) the first and second letters of intent and (e) the references that were obtained in respect of FCAM and Flour City International Inc.","AnswerText":"The Parliament has received legal advice that the documents requested should not be made public, while the SPCB's rights and entitlements are still being evaluated, as they may form part of the productions in any litigation which may follow.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165652,"EventID":"S1W-29130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much in total has now been incurred in respect of legal costs and expenses in connection with Flour City Architectural (Metals) UK, including costs involved in examin","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much in total has now been incurred in respect of legal costs and expenses in connection with Flour City Architectural (Metals) UK, including costs involved in examining and preparing the case for action under the Parent Company Guarantee, giving details of the invoices issued and the dates when they were paid and those which remain outstanding; what the estimated amount of legal costs and expenses is which have not yet been invoiced, and whether Shepherd and Wedderburn or any other legal firm has been providing advice on this matter.","AnswerText":"Shepherd and Wedderburn has provided and continues to provide legal advice on contractual and other issues in connection with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) and Flour City International. This includes instructing an agent to make inquiries in the USA. The corporate body is expecting a further report from Shepherd and Wedderburn and the agent, after which I shall write further to the member. No other firm has been providing advice to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165653,"EventID":"S1W-29131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the prospect is of the recovery of losses from Flour City International Inc. and whether any further expenditure on legal expenses to attempt such recovery would be ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the prospect is of the recovery of losses from Flour City International Inc. and whether any further expenditure on legal expenses to attempt such recovery would be financially worthwhile, detailing the reasons for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The legal directorate has instructed Shepherd and Wedderburn to examine the issues and report on the prospects of recovery against Flour City International. A report is expected to be considered by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) within the next two months. The SPCB considers that it has a duty, in the public interest, to examine carefully the prospects of recovery, and to obtain expert opinion, before reaching a final decision on legal action.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165654,"EventID":"S1W-29132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether a performance bond was required for each of the works packages let as part of the Holyrood Project; whether such a bond was provided, and whether any claim under ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether a performance bond was required for each of the works packages let as part of the Holyrood Project; whether such a bond was provided, and whether any claim under any such bond has been made or is under consideration. ","AnswerText":"There are a number of mechanisms adopted within the workings of all trade packages, which ensure that the client's interests are suitably protected. The purpose of a performance bond is to provide a limited indemnity for the client from a surety in extreme cases of non-performance. Performance bonds provide, in the event of non-performance, for a recovery of 10% of the contract sum in return for a premium of 1%. The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body sought performance bonds for 33 works packages, on the recommendation of the construction manager. Seventeen bonds were obtained, and of the 16 outstanding, at least eight are no longer required since the perceived risk has passed. No claims have yet been made and none are presently under consideration. Performance bonds are not provided readily by contractors and are usually the subject of prolonged negotiation of terms with a third party surety. To delay a contract due to lack of agreement on the wording of a bond could expose the client to a far greater risk in terms of cost and time than the risk that the bond is trying to protect.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165655,"EventID":"S1W-29134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of waste produced by schools was sent to landfill in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of waste produced by schools was sent to landfill in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Waste from many schools is collected by local authorities and may not be measured separately.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165656,"EventID":"S1W-29135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements there are on schools to recycle waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements there are on schools to recycle waste.","AnswerText":"There is no specific requirement. However, the Scottish Executive has set an overall target to recycle or compost 25% of waste collected by Scottish local authorities, which will include waste from many schools by 2006. This will be achieved through the implementation of the Area Waste Plans. The Executive plans to take powers to set mandatory recycling and other waste management targets under the Local Government Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165657,"EventID":"S1W-29136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to encourage schools to reduce and recycle waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to encourage schools to reduce and recycle waste.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is an Institutional Partner of the International Eco-Schools Programme. The Eco-Schools Programme is a European environmental award programme which aims to promote environmental awareness in schools and provide pupils with a programme for decision making regarding the environmental management of their schools. The number/percentage of schools within a local authority participating in the award has been included as a performance measure under National Priority Four: Values and Citizenship. Further information can be found on the Eco-Schools website, http://www.eco-schools.org.uk/.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165658,"EventID":"S1W-29137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the development of community legal services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote the development of community legal services.","AnswerText":"On 22 May, I announced a practical programme of development work to take forward the recommendations of the Review of Legal Information and Advice Provision in Scotland published last November. That programme includes the creation of four pilot partnerships, in different locations across the country, to look at local advice needs and service provision; a national needs assessment exercise; a review of the Scottish Legal Aid Board's advice and assistance scheme, and a review of innovative service delivery mechanisms. Work is in hand on all of these. The programme will provide the information the Executive needs to take a more strategic approach to legal advice and information, with the ultimate aim of improving access to justice by creating a more joined-up, quality-assured and user-friendly network of advice, information and help across the country.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165659,"EventID":"S1W-29138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether law centres should work in close association with other agencies such as Citi'ens Advice Bureaux and Credit Unions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether law centres should work in close association with other agencies such as Citi'ens Advice Bureaux and Credit Unions.","AnswerText":"The Executive wants to see a joined-up, user-friendly and quality-assured network of legal information and advice for the people of Scotland. That is the ultimate objective behind the programme of work I announced back on 22 May. In that context, it will be important for all organisations involved in providing advice to work together co-operatively, in the interests of their clients, many of whom are among our most vulnerable people, and in particular for strong and effective referral networks to be established.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165660,"EventID":"S1W-29139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sheep currently gra'e in close proximity or adjacent to the reservoirs, rivers and lochs providing the water supply to Edinburgh and adjacent communities and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sheep currently gra'e in close proximity or adjacent to the reservoirs, rivers and lochs providing the water supply to Edinburgh and adjacent communities and, if so, how many and whether it is its intention to have them removed and, if so, when; if no sheep are gra'ing, when they were removed and what investigations have been carried out and what information is available regarding any effect relating to public health that the presence of the sheep may have had, or has, on the water supply.","AnswerText":"As with the majority of water supply catchment areas in Scotland, there are sheep on the catchments for the Edinburgh water supply reservoirs. These catchments are privately owned and Scottish Water cannot control sheep farming activities carried under good agricultural practice. In this respect, Scottish Water does not have information on the numbers of sheep on the catchment and would not seek to have them removed. Scottish Water does, however, have a good working relationship with landowners and farmers in these areas.

      The storage of water in reservoirs is only one part of the water supply cycle and the treatment process is the principle line of defence in safeguarding public health. All of the water treatment works that supply Edinburgh have the necessary filters to remove particulate material. There is no evidence that the presence of sheep on the catchment areas has had any adverse effect on public health.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165661,"EventID":"S1W-29140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in Edinburgh have been subject to an unruly certificate in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in Edinburgh have been subject to an unruly certificate in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information available is given in the following table.

      Unruly Certificate Remands Where the Prisoner's Recorded Address was in Edinburgh

      Year

      Number of Unruly Certificate Remands

      1997

      2

      1998

      0

      1999

      0

      2000

      1

      2001(prov.)

      1

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165662,"EventID":"S1W-29141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor air quality levels in Holyrood Park as a result of traffic flow changes brought about by the building of the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to monitor air quality levels in Holyrood Park as a result of traffic flow changes brought about by the building of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"All local authorities in Scotland have a duty under the Environment Act 1995 to review and assess air quality in their areas against the air quality objectives contained in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If this exercise shows that any of the objectives is unlikely to be met by the required dates, the authority must take steps to work towards the objectives concerned by declaring an Air Quality Management Area and drawing up an air quality action plan.

      Part of the review and assessment process is to identify potential pollution hotspots and to undertake any further monitoring or other work considered necessary. Therefore it is for the City of Edinburgh Council to decide on the requirements for monitoring air quality in Holyrood Park. To date, the council has not identified any problems with air quality in the area. However, the situation will be kept under review as part of on-going local air quality management.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165663,"EventID":"S1W-29142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect an increase in insurance premiums will have upon (a) the economy and (b) jobs and what representations it has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect an increase in insurance premiums will have upon (a) the economy and (b) jobs and what representations it has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of the concerns being expressed by business about the potential impact of increased insurance premiums, and we are already in contact with the UK Government on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165664,"EventID":"S1W-29143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provided either directly or indirectly to community newspapers in each year since 1999, broken down by newspaper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it provided either directly or indirectly to community newspapers in each year since 1999, broken down by newspaper.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165665,"EventID":"S1W-29144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many organisations representing football interests it funds or communicates with on a regular basis, either directly or indirectly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many organisations representing football interests it funds or communicates with on a regular basis, either directly or indirectly.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive generally channels resources for the development of sport, including football at all levels, through sportscotland.

      On the matter of communication, the Executive has contact with a range of football bodies including individual clubs but most frequently with the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165666,"EventID":"S1W-29145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it and the former Scottish Office gave to football in each year since 1997 and which organisations received any such funding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it and the former Scottish Office gave to football in each year since 1997 and which organisations received any such funding.","AnswerText":"Lottery Funding

      The Lottery Sports Fund has provided over £17 million directly to football since 1997. This does not include awards made to multi sport applications totalling £23,730,297 from which football may benefit. Full details under the various programmes are provided in the following tables 1-6. Three hundred and twenty-two awards totalling £687,781 have also been made for football under the awards for All Scheme as shown in the following table 7.

      In addition to those programmes identified, football is one of the sports included in the TOP Programme and the School Sport Co-ordinator Programme and has also been identified as one of the core sports of the Scottish Institute of Sport. It is not possible to identify the precise figure for football from these activities.

      Exchequer Funding

      The Scottish Women's Football Association received development grant aid from sportscotland of £255,000 over the years 1997-2001 broken down per year as shown in the following table 8.

      Sportscotland has also made 105 awards to 79 football related organisations totalling £221,517 through its Sportsmatch Programme since 1997. These are listed in the following table 9.

      As part of the Phase II re-development of Hampden Stadium and the restructuring package in 2000, sportscotland paid Queen's Park Football Club Ltd £4,265,000 of lottery funds and the Scottish Office/Executive (through sportscotland) contributed £4.75 million of Exchequer funds.

      Finally, the Executive, via sportscotland, provided the Scottish Football Association (SFA) with £500,000 to help meet the costs of bidding for the 2008 European Championships.

      Lottery Funded Awards

      Table 1

      Programme

      Number of Awards

      Total (£)

      Capital

      39

      7,580,699

      Table 4

      Sports Facilities

      19

      5,164,869

      Table 3*

      Awards for All

      322

      687,781

      Table 7

      TAP

      116

      352,012

      Table 6

      Junior Groups

      7

      271,011

      Table 2*

      Major Events

      2

      92,500

      Table 2*

      National Coach

      2

      345,386

      Table 2*

      Performance Coach

      4

      24,268

      Table 2*

      Safety at Sports Grounds

      7

      2,785,666

      		Decisions are still to be taken, within the wider context of the spending review, on the future funding of generic substance misuse programmes across the Executive, which also incorporate services for children and young people.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165668,"EventID":"S1W-29148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to ensure that the core services provided by substance misuse programmes for children and young people will continue to be provided when short-t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are being made to ensure that the core services provided by substance misuse programmes for children and young people will continue to be provided when short-term project funding expires.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29147. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165669,"EventID":"S1W-29149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether levels of funding for substance misuse projects for children and young people will be maintained at present levels, increased or decreased in the next three years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether levels of funding for substance misuse projects for children and young people will be maintained at present levels, increased or decreased in the next three years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29147. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165670,"EventID":"S1W-29150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in considering the report by the Scottish Recruitment and Selection Consortium, Safer Recruitment and Selection for Staff Working in Child Car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in considering the report by the Scottish Recruitment and Selection Consortium, Safer Recruitment and Selection for Staff Working in Child Care - A Tool Kit.","AnswerText":"Extensive consultation on the report has taken place, including a number of consultation seminars. Analysis of the responses to the consultation will be completed in October.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165671,"EventID":"S1W-29151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposals for implementation of the recommendations in the report by the Scottish Recruitment and Selection Consortium, Safer Recruitment and Selection for Staff","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposals for implementation of the recommendations in the report by the Scottish Recruitment and Selection Consortium, Safer Recruitment and Selection for Staff Working in Child Care - A Tool Kit, will be made publicly available.","AnswerText":"Proposals for implementation of the recommendations will be guided by the consultation responses. We anticipate the proposals will be made available early in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165672,"EventID":"S1W-29152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what restrictions it places on the future employment of special advisers when they leave its employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what restrictions it places on the future employment of special advisers when they leave its employment.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the Model Contract for Special Advisers (Bib Number. 22440 in the Parliament's Reference Centre), Advisers are required in certain circumstances to obtain agreement before accepting an offer of employment outside the civil service which would start within two years of leaving Crown employment. It is the personal responsibility of all former special advisers to ensure that they comply with these requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165673,"EventID":"S1W-29153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures for appointing consultants must be undertaken by public bodies which it funds either directly or indirectly.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures for appointing consultants must be undertaken by public bodies which it funds either directly or indirectly.","AnswerText":"Procedures relating to the appointment of consultants are a matter for the individual bodies concerned, subject to any overarching principles in the Scottish Public Finance Manual and the EC Public Procurement Directives.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165674,"EventID":"S1W-29154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact John McTernan has had with civil servants or ministers since leaving his post as a special adviser to the former First Minister Henry McLeish MSP and what s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact John McTernan has had with civil servants or ministers since leaving his post as a special adviser to the former First Minister Henry McLeish MSP and what subjects were discussed during any such contact.","AnswerText":"Comprehensive records of contacts are not held centrally. However, I am aware of two contacts on official business since John McTernan left his post as a Special Adviser to the First Minister. The first of these was a meeting with an official for a general discussion on the work of the Scottish Council Foundation. The second was contact with the office of the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services to make necessary arrangements relating to the Deputy Minister's participation in a seminar entitled "Choice in Public Services" aimed at NHS senior managers and practitioners in Scotland. Mr McTernan subsequently attended the seminar as did the Deputy Minister.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165675,"EventID":"S1W-29155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will inquire into the appointment by the Scottish Arts Council of John McTernan as a consultant; whether a public tendering process was used for this post and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will inquire into the appointment by the Scottish Arts Council of John McTernan as a consultant; whether a public tendering process was used for this post and, if so, what process was involved and, if not, what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Arts Council. Recruitment practice is a matter for public bodies themselves although they are required to comply with employment legislation and the framework of guidance that is made available to them.

      In this case, Mr McTernan has been appointed in line with Scottish Arts Council's established practice for appointing on a temporary basis to fill short-term skills gaps. Scottish Arts Council policy is that posts for periods of six months or less are not tendered for or advertised because it could be several months before anyone was available to take up the post.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165676,"EventID":"S1W-29156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Mrs Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, whose duty it is to monitor that transfers of Scottish Homes properties to social landl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-3541 by Mrs Margaret Curran on 6 June 2001, whose duty it is to monitor that transfers of Scottish Homes properties to social landlords comply with The Code of Practice for Tenant Participation in Stock Transfers.","AnswerText":"Scottish Homes' Board ensures that Scottish Homes' stock transfer proposals comply with the principles set out in the Code of Practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165677,"EventID":"S1W-29157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are available to a minister to hold the chief executive of an executive agency accountable when the minister is dissatisfied with the operation of that agen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are available to a minister to hold the chief executive of an executive agency accountable when the minister is dissatisfied with the operation of that agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to answers given to questions S1W-27941, 27942 and 27943 on 22 August 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165678,"EventID":"S1W-29158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are available to a minister to hold the board of a non-departmental public body (NDPB) accountable when the minister is dissatisfied with the operation of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are available to a minister to hold the board of a non-departmental public body (NDPB) accountable when the minister is dissatisfied with the operation of the NDPB.","AnswerText":"The boards of non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are directly accountable to Scottish ministers. It is for ministers to decide what action to take if they are dissatisfied with the operation of a particular NDPB taking into account the specific circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165679,"EventID":"S1W-29159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of offenders arrested for the possession of a knife in each year since 1993 were under the age of 18 in (a) Scotland and (b) each police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of offenders arrested for the possession of a knife in each year since 1993 were under the age of 18 in (a) Scotland and (b) each police force area.","AnswerText":"The recorded crime statistics collected centrally do not include information on those arrested or the circumstances of crimes, such as the method of committing the crime or the age of the offender. The available information given in the table shows the total number of persons proceeded against in Scottish courts for "Having in a public place an article with a blade or point" and the proportion of offenders who were aged under 18.

      Persons Proceeded Against for Having in a Public Place an Article With a Blade or Point1, in Scottish Courts, 1993-2000

      Year

      Total persons

      Percentage aged under 182

      1993

      121

      16

      1994

      572

      12

      1995

      956

      14

      1996

      1,360

      14

      1997

      1,311

      14

      1998

      1,201

      14

      1999

      1,291

      14

      2000

      1,364

      13

      Notes:

      1. Where main offence.

      2. Age is as at date of sentence or acquittal.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165680,"EventID":"S1W-29160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of robberies in each year since 1993 involved young people as either (a) the victim, (b) the offender or (c) both in (i) Scotland and (ii) each police fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of robberies in each year since 1993 involved young people as either (a) the victim, (b) the offender or (c) both in (i) Scotland and (ii) each police force area.","AnswerText":"The recorded crime statistics collected centrally do not include information on those arrested or the circumstances of crimes, such as the method of committing the crime or the age of the offender. The available information given in the table shows the total number of persons proceeded against in Scottish courts for Robbery (including assault with intent to rob) and the proportion of offenders who were aged under 18.

      Persons Proceeded Against for Robbery1, in Scottish Courts, 1993-2000

      Year

      Total persons

      Percentage aged under 182

      1993

      1,006

      14

      1994

      990

      16

      1995

      855

      17

      1996

      933

      23

      1997

      852

      24

      1998

      763

      19

      1999

      825

      15

      2000

      758

      14

      Notes:

      1. Where main offence, includes assault with intent to rob.

      2. Age is as at date of sentence or acquittal.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165681,"EventID":"S1W-29161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of robberies in each year since 1993 were carried out at knife-point in (a) Scotland and (b) each police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of robberies in each year since 1993 were carried out at knife-point in (a) Scotland and (b) each police force area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165682,"EventID":"S1W-29162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average or median time is for a police officer to process an arrest from arrival with an accused at the police station to the officer's returning to duties in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average or median time is for a police officer to process an arrest from arrival with an accused at the police station to the officer's returning to duties in each year since 1997; if no such information is recorded, whether it will now do so, and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"Information at this level of detail is not held centrally. I would expect forces to be taking steps, including the introduction of appropriate technology, to ensure that processing times are kept to a minimum in order to maximise officer time on front-line duties. Force practices are scrutinised by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and best practice shared. HMIC works jointly with Audit Scotland in scrutinising forces' approach to Best Value and, in 2003, will be carrying out a thematic inspection of crime management.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165683,"EventID":"S1W-29163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the distribution of money within local authorities which has been allocated to Community Safety Partnerships and how these schemes are evaluated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the distribution of money within local authorities which has been allocated to Community Safety Partnerships and how these schemes are evaluated.","AnswerText":"The Community Safety Partnership Award Programme introduced from 1 April 2002 is made up of two elements, a formulated award and a variable award. The formulated award is based on population and crime levels whilst the variable award is allocated following an assessment of the individual action plan and strategy. The action plan sets out the local authority led Community Safety Partnership's priorities for the forthcoming year. One condition of the award is that the Chief Executive of the relevant local authority agrees to ensure that the monies received are for the purposes specified in the action plan. A progress report signed by the Chief Executive is provided mid-year and a further progress report will accompany the application for funding for the following year. Audited accounts are required within four months of the end of the financial year.

      Evaluation of individual schemes/projects funded by the Community Safety Partnership is a matter for the individual partnership. However, it is proposed to evaluate the new arrangements for funding community safety partnerships and to include a review of the effectiveness of CCTV and other community safety initiatives funded by the Executive under the Make Our Communities Safer Challenge Competition, which the Community Safety Partnership Award Programme supersedes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165684,"EventID":"S1W-29164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to the efficient running of rail services when awarding the franchise for those services currently operated by ScotRail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is given to the efficient running of rail services when awarding the franchise for those services currently operated by ScotRail.","AnswerText":"The current Scottish passenger rail franchise term ends in March 2004. Scottish ministers gave Directions and Guidance (D&G) for the next franchise to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) on 28 June 2002. The D&G instructed the SRA that the franchise should enable the operator's performance to be monitored and assessed over time and be capable of termination if performance were consistently deemed to be unacceptable. A copy of the D&G is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22122).

      Monitoring of performance will be a matter for the SRA, and a report on the operator's performance will be published in the SRA's Annual Report.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165685,"EventID":"S1W-29165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors efficiency in the running of rail services currently operated by ScotRail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors efficiency in the running of rail services currently operated by ScotRail.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for measuring the performance of all train operating companies in Great Britain, including ScotRail, rests with the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165686,"EventID":"S1W-29166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it costs to administer the Fuel Duty Rebate scheme annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it costs to administer the Fuel Duty Rebate scheme annually.","AnswerText":"he Bus Service Operator's Grant (BSOG) scheme is administered by the Department for Transport on a Great Britain basis with the overall costs met from that department's running cost provision, reflecting the position before devolution. BSOG is a devolved matter and as such payments to Scottish bus operators are funded by the Scottish Executive. The budget for BSOG in this financial year is £54.8 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165687,"EventID":"S1W-29167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of fuel duty is rebated annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of fuel duty is rebated annually.","AnswerText":"Under the Bus Service Operator's Grant scheme, ultra low sulphur diesel (the fuel predominantly used in the operation of local bus services) currently attracts a rebate of 80.1% of the fuel duty paid.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165688,"EventID":"S1W-29168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bus companies participate in the Fuel Duty Rebate scheme and how much was rebated to bus companies in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bus companies participate in the Fuel Duty Rebate scheme and how much was rebated to bus companies in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"About 220 local bus operators in Scotland qualify for Bus Service Operator's Grant at any one time, although the exact number varies. The table sets out the total amount rebated to bus operators in Scotland in the years requested.

      Year

      Amount Rebated

      1999-2000

      £45.2 million

      2000-01

      £49.3 million

      2001-02

      £49.5 million

      2002-03 to date

      c.£16.0 million

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165689,"EventID":"S1W-29169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to Her Majesty's Government about extending the red diesel scheme to buses used in the provision of daily local services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to Her Majesty's Government about extending the red diesel scheme to buses used in the provision of daily local services.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including fuel duty rates.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165690,"EventID":"S1W-29170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it will list all contingent liabilities it has entered into, detailing the amount","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it will list all contingent liabilities it has entered into, detailing the amount of each liability and indicating whether these liabilities are shown on its financial balance sheets or budgets and, if so, where.","AnswerText":"The audited annual consolidated resource accounts of the Scottish Executive provie details on quantifiable contingent liabilities. The accounts for the financial year ended 31 March 2001 were laid before the Scottish Parliament by the Scottish ministers in February 2002 (these accounts are available on the Scottish Executive website at:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/finance/ConsolidatedAccounts.pdf.

      Note 20 provides details of contingent liabilities, though not at the level of detail requested. The table accordingly provides the necessary detail:

      Description

      Amount

      (£ million)

      Indemnity cover to owners of objects lent under the National Heritage Act 1980 and the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985

      822.5

      Housing Act guarantees

      4.2

      NHS overdraft guarantees

      2.5

      Local Government Act - overdraft guarantees for Water Authorities

      25.0

      Indemnity on St. Andrew's bus station title

      1.5

      Northern Isles Ferry service tendering exercise

      27.0

      Sub total

      882.7

      Legal claims in relation to alleged medical or third party negligence against NHS bodies within the Scottish Executive departmental accounting boundary

      33.0

      Total

      915.7

      The annual accounts for the financial year 31 March 2002 will contain the equivalent information for that financial year. These amounts are not included within the Scottish Executive Balance Sheet: since the liabilities are, by definition, contingent they do not meet the definition of liabilities to be reflected on balance sheet. This accounting treatment is in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 12 as applied to the Scottish Executive by the Resource Accounting Manual.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165691,"EventID":"S1W-29171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will maintain its existing policy of resisting out-of-town developments that adversely affect existing town centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will maintain its existing policy of resisting out-of-town developments that adversely affect existing town centres.","AnswerText":"Planning policy regarding out-of-town retail development is to be found in National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 8: Town Centres and Retailing. Through the use of a sequential approach, the policy contained in NPPG 8 gives priority to town centres for the location of new developments. While the policy does not exclude developments in other locations, they have to be subject to a rigorous examination, part of which includes the effect on existing town centres.

      A copy of NPPG 8 is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 1081).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165692,"EventID":"S1W-29173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next stage of the report on a university of the south of Scotland will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the next stage of the report on a university of the south of Scotland will be published.","AnswerText":"The report Higher Education in the South of Scotland, launched in Dumfries by Wendy Alexander on 24 October 2001, was the final report of the South of Scotland University Steering Group.

      As recommended in the report, the Scottish Funding Councils were asked to establish a group of the main interests involved in providing higher education in the south, to take forward higher education and continuing professional development and to monitor progress; and to report to ministers in two years time, and submit an interim report in one year. I expect to receive the interim report early next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165693,"EventID":"S1W-29174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave, when appointing Lord Cameron of Lochbroom, Lord Coulsfield and Lord MacLean as High Court judges, to whether they were or had been members of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave, when appointing Lord Cameron of Lochbroom, Lord Coulsfield and Lord MacLean as High Court judges, to whether they were or had been members of the Speculative Society of Edinburgh and, if any were members, whether it is aware of whether they still are.","AnswerText":"The judges referred to were appointed in 1989, 1987 and 1990 respectively. The Speculative Society was founded in 1764, and is a debating society for lawyers, advocates and other professionals. I did not consider it appropriate for ministers to take any interest in whether a particular judge may be a member of this society.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165694,"EventID":"S1W-29175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to modify its website and improve the (a) search engine, (b) news release section and how news releases are archived, (c) searchability for publication","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to modify its website and improve the (a) search engine, (b) news release section and how news releases are archived, (c) searchability for publications and (d) list of links to other bodies and ensure that the site is regularly and speedily updated, for example when it publishes documents.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive website is undergoing a programme of continuous development under the direction of the Web Editorial Board. The aim of this programme is to ensure that the website conforms to the Framework for Information Age Government Websites and adheres to the best practice guidance for government websites promulgated by the Office of the e-Envoy.

      A new search engine for the website is due to be implemented by the end of October. This will significantly enhance the present search facilities.

      The news section of the website has been significantly redeveloped over the last year, introducing additional features such as the Junior Executive pages and the use of multimedia. A news archive is also in operation and we plan, early next year, to integrate the current archive for First Minister's Questions, Media Briefings and Weekly Review material with the news archive. From November, we also plan to begin introducing new topic page sections and topic mini-home pages to aid navigation through the website. These will be based on themes rather than on departmental portfolios, and will link to the current news and publication listings on the website.

      The functionality for searching publications has recently been improved through a facility to order them by date, subject and title headings. There is also a keyword search facility and users can browse by subject, display the most recent publications, and order publications by title. The new site-wide search engine will further enhance users' ability to search for and retrieve publications.

      Our links strategy currently focuses on reciprocal links to other relevant public sector organisations and we have work in hand to develop that strategy further.

      We have just developed and introduced a new website publishing system to ensure that we collect metadata as specified by the e-Government Metadata Standard (e-GMS) and to enable the author to select the time and date for publication on to the website.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165695,"EventID":"S1W-29176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on building and maintaining its website since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on building and maintaining its website since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive website is undergoing a programme of continuous development under the direction of the web editorial board. This has resulted in a significant increase in activity on the website. The number of page impressions per month averaged 1 million in 2000, rising to 2.25 million in 2001 and to 2.91 million in the period from January to August 2002. The development programme is closely integrated with the work on building and maintaining the website. Given that the work falls to the same team, we do not separate the costs of development from the on-going costs. The Scottish Executive has spent £580,000 on building, maintaining and developing its website since May 1999. This figure is broken down in the table.

      Staff salaries

      £277,000

      Design services

      £111,000

      Web hosting

      £110,000

      Equipment and software

      £30,000

      Contractor costs

      £19,000

      Search engine optimisation and traffic analysis

      £18,000

      User needs survey

      £15,000

      Total

      £580,000

      Note:

      These figures are exclusive of VAT.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165696,"EventID":"S1W-29177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its website received in each month since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its website received in each month since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The activity on the Scottish Executive website is measured in page impressions which is a universally recognised measure of website activity, sometimes referred to as website hits.

      The Scottish Executive website had an average of 1 million page impressions per month in 2000, rising to 2.25 million in 2001 and to 2.91 million in the period from January to August 2002. We do not have comparable information for 1999. We can only provide monthly information from January 2001 as we do not retain detailed log files prior to that date. The monthly figures since January 2001 are set out in the table.

      2001

      2002

      January

      1,659,586

      January

      3,604,901

      February

      1,787,211

      February

      2,881,753

      March

      2,392,339

      March

      2,922,866

      April

      1,994,269

      April

      3,041,109

      May

      1,911,874

      May

      3,066,677

      Jun

      1,841,343

      Jun

      2,409,684

      Jul

      2,072,431

      Jul

      2,677,849

      Aug

      2,072,239

      Aug

      2,669,064

      Sep

      2,478,842

      		 

      Oct

      2,565,028

      		 

      Nov

      3,365,779

      		 

      Dec

      2,842,830

      		 

      2001 Monthly Average: 2,248,585

      2002 Monthly Average: 2,909,237

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165697,"EventID":"S1W-29178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the algorithms being used by NHS 24 to determine advice dispensed in response to patient enquiries are published and, if so, where a copy can be obtained.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the algorithms being used by NHS 24 to determine advice dispensed in response to patient enquiries are published and, if so, where a copy can be obtained.","AnswerText":"The algorithms are a copyrighted product used under licence by NHS 24 and are not widely available. NHS 24 involved Scottish clinicians in an extensive programme of structured review and adaptation of the algorithms in 2001. NHS 24 also arranges for clinicians to view the system on which the algorithms sit as required, and will share specific examples in order to gain clinical confidence in the algorithms and the decision support system used by it. However, the algorithms on their own are not the clinical end product and they need to be used by experienced and trained nurses to provide the NHS 24 service.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165698,"EventID":"S1W-29179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how NHS 24 satisfied the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland that the algorithms it is employing meet approved clinical standards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how NHS 24 satisfied the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland that the algorithms it is employing meet approved clinical standards.","AnswerText":"The algorithms, or series of logically structured questions, were initially developed by an American clinical software company. During 2001, NHS 24 involved Scottish clinicians in an extensive programme of structured review and adaptation of the algorithms, known as the "Airth Process".

      The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) was informed of the detail of the "Airth Process" and acknowledged the process as an example of good practice. This process involved a clinical review of the algorithms by some 50 practising clinicians, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, surgeons, accident and emergency consultants, paediatricians and other specialists, to incorporate best evidence or best practice where it existed, including reference to Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network guidelines. The review meetings took place in a structured manner allowing clinicians to concentrate on ensuring the algorithms were appropriately adapted to the Scottish clinical situation.

      NHS 24 is also implementing a quality strategy plan to demonstrate, among other things, the clinical effectiveness of its processes and is discussing with CSBS how an external review process should be put in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165699,"EventID":"S1W-29180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances NHS 24 would breach its website claim of confidentiality for callers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances NHS 24 would breach its website claim of confidentiality for callers.","AnswerText":"NHS 24 is a confidential service for the public. The confidentiality extends to the standard NHS interpretation of \"confidentiality\" and all clinical and other patient information is bound by standard NHS confidentiality regulations. All patients are asked, in every consultation, whether they consent to information being passed on to their GP or other relevant service in order for them to obtain further care. If a patient requests that the information should not be transferred, then this will be respected.

      However, there are clearly situations where patients or others may be at significant risk - for example, where issues of child protection arise. Under these circumstances information may require to be shared among the social, health care or police services contrary to the patient's expressed wish. These circumstances are extremely rare and NHS 24 staff are trained in order to both recognise and deal with these situations in a sensitive and professional manner.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165700,"EventID":"S1W-29181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20998 by Iain Gray on 8 January 2002, how many of the 73 applicants eligible under its central heating installation programme have","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20998 by Iain Gray on 8 January 2002, how many of the 73 applicants eligible under its central heating installation programme have now had central heating installed.","AnswerText":"The position with regard to applications for the central heating programme submitted between September 2001 and August 2002 by private sector householders living in the Scottish Borders area is as follows:

      Between 1 September and 31 December 2001, 73 eligible householders submitted applications. Thirty-one of those have now had their central heating installed and a further 30 will have their central heating as soon as possible. There are others who are waiting for a number of reasons, such as gas connections by Transco or listed building consent from the local authority.

      Between 1 January and 2 August 2002, 105 eligible householders submitted applications. Eleven of those have now had their central heating installed and a further 17 will have their central heating as soon as possible. Forty are awaiting survey and there are others who are waiting for a number of reasons, such as gas connections by Transco or listed building consent from the local authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165701,"EventID":"S1W-29182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28231 by Hugh Henry on 2 September 2002, how many of the 105 applications eligible under its central heating installation programme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28231 by Hugh Henry on 2 September 2002, how many of the 105 applications eligible under its central heating installation programme have now had central heating installed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29181 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165702,"EventID":"S1W-29183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting time is in each local authority area from determination of eligibility under its central heating installation programme to installation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting time is in each local authority area from determination of eligibility under its central heating installation programme to installation.","AnswerText":"Information for the private sector is not collected by local authority area. The time between confirming an application as eligible and receiving central heating will vary between areas according to such things as the kind of heating system chosen and whether listed building consent is required. It is for local authorities and housing associations to determine the programme of work for their own stock and advise their tenants accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165703,"EventID":"S1W-29185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are dependent upon scallop fishing for their livelihood. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are dependent upon scallop fishing for their livelihood. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold details of people dependent on scallop fishing. However, of the 202 Scottish boats licensed to fish for scallops in 2001, 62 caught no other species.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165704,"EventID":"S1W-29186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposals of the Food Standards Agency on a tiered scallop testing regime will have on the future existence of the scallop industry and what steps it will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the proposals of the Food Standards Agency on a tiered scallop testing regime will have on the future existence of the scallop industry and what steps it will take to ensure that the proposals do not have any adverse effect.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency is preparing a Regulatory Impact Assessment, which will provide a clear assessment of the likely effect of these proposals. Relative to the alternative options of a system based on whole animal testing, the tiered approach should result in larger areas of the scallop fishery remaining open for longer periods, albeit with tight controls on those products which can be placed on the market.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165705,"EventID":"S1W-29187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been made of police training programmes for the investigation of rape and sexual assaults; when any such evaluation was undertaken, and what the outc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been made of police training programmes for the investigation of rape and sexual assaults; when any such evaluation was undertaken, and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Police College which is primarily responsible for the provision of this type of training has a training evaluation policy for the review of central police training in Scotland. All courses and component parts of courses delivered at the college are subject to the same evaluation process which includes a reaction evaluation or workplace evaluation of a percentage of courses delivered by the college. Any deficiencies identified through that evaluation process are then dealt with in a way commensurate with the issues raised. This allows training to be tailored to workplace and operational requirements.

      At the end of each course, students are asked for their reactions as to the benefit, challenge and satisfaction that they perceived that they derived from the courses. Students are asked to rate each category in terms of how the course met their needs from zero (Not at All) to four (Completely). The following table lists the three courses delivered by the college which include the investigation of rape and sexual assault, and shows the average results obtained, together with a mean value of how each course was rated in 2001-2002.

      Course

      Benefit

      Challenge

      Satisfaction

      Mean

      Advanced Detective Training

      3.91

      3.36

      3.73

      3.67

      Initial Detective Training Course

      3.08

      3.43

      3.03

      3.18

      Child Protection Course

      3.80

      2.96

      3.63

      3.46

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165706,"EventID":"S1W-29188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27353 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 August 2002, what level of risk of drug-assisted sexual assault it estimates will still exist followin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27353 by Mr Jim Wallace on 1 August 2002, what level of risk of drug-assisted sexual assault it estimates will still exist following the production of the strategic assessment on the wider issue of drug-assisted sexual assault.","AnswerText":"It is impossible to quantify the level of risk from drug-assisted sexual assault. The Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency Strategic Assessment examines the extent of drug-assisted sexual assault in Scotland, the drugs used in assaults and their effects on victims.

      The actions referred to in the answer given to question S1W-29189 today, will help to raise awareness among the public, particularly young people, and should reduce the risks to individuals. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165707,"EventID":"S1W-29189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the production of the strategic assessment of drug-assisted sexual assault, what action it plans to take to highlight the risk of such assault and what prevent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following the production of the strategic assessment of drug-assisted sexual assault, what action it plans to take to highlight the risk of such assault and what prevention strategies it plans to put in place.","AnswerText":"As part of our \"Know the Score\" Drugs Communications Strategy, we are currently preparing a guidance leaflet for young people on the risks from drug-assisted sexual assault. In addition, it is likely that reference will be made to drug-assisted sexual assault in a new \"clubbers guide\" which is also under preparation. We hope to publish these materials by the end of the year. As part of this task, we are considering whether separate information and advice for licensees should be produced.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165708,"EventID":"S1W-29190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27000 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, what funding has been provided to evaluate the usefulness of hair analysis in detecting dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27000 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 July 2002, what funding has been provided to evaluate the usefulness of hair analysis in detecting drugs in a person's system in order to provide corroborating evidence when a drug-assisted sexual assault has been alleged and when this evaluation will be completed.","AnswerText":"Funding for particular research projects at universities is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and the UK Research Councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165709,"EventID":"S1W-29191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Crime Survey 2000 gathered any data on sexual victimisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Crime Survey 2000 gathered any data on sexual victimisation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Crime Survey asks about all incidents of personal victimisation. Household surveys such as the Scottish Crime Survey are not, however, ideal for picking up sensitive information such as sexual victimisations. The small number of incidents picked up by the Scottish Crime Survey are not, therefore, published as they would be likely to provide misleading estimates.

      Crimes of a sexual nature reported to and recorded by the police are published annually in the Scottish Executive Statistical Bulletin on Recorded Crime in Scotland. Research suggests, however, that not all incidents will be reported to the police.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165710,"EventID":"S1W-29192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it currently has on the incidence and prevalence of sexual victimisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it currently has on the incidence and prevalence of sexual victimisation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29191. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165711,"EventID":"S1W-29193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any police forces are reviewing old sexual assault cases using new DNA technology and, if so, which forces are doing so and what the results have been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any police forces are reviewing old sexual assault cases using new DNA technology and, if so, which forces are doing so and what the results have been.","AnswerText":"All Scottish Police Forces operate a continuous process of review in respect of all outstanding crime scenes stains held on the national DNA database. To date, the results of this process include a conviction for a sexually motivated murder in 1975 within the Strathclyde area and a recent serial rape and indecency case spanning the Strathclyde and Lothian and Borders Police Force areas, which was brought together by a detection on the database. Further details are available from individual forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165712,"EventID":"S1W-29194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access each NHS board has to interpretation services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what access each NHS board has to interpretation services.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to ensuring equity of access to all health services. NHS boards are responsible for arranging interpreting services for all patients that require them.

      Fair for All: Working Together Towards Culturally-Competent Services (Bib. number 24244) provides guidance for NHS boards on the provision of interpreting and translation services for minority ethnic communities.

      Good Practice Guidance has been issued to NHS boards to support the implementation of section 21 of the Disability Discrimination Act (Bib. number 7233) which outlines the steps to be taken to ensure that physical disability proves no barrier to accessing services. All NHS boards are required to provide a British Sign Language interpreting service for deaf and hard of hearing people where appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165713,"EventID":"S1W-29195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made in the Falkirk Council area to date under its central heating installation programme; how many of these applications have been appro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made in the Falkirk Council area to date under its central heating installation programme; how many of these applications have been approved, and how many installations have been carried out.","AnswerText":"Eaga do not collect information by local authority area. However, in the FK postcode area there have been 392 applications since the central heating programme began. Two hundred and seventy-six applications have been approved for the initial survey and 87 installations have been completed to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165714,"EventID":"S1W-29196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the request by the Society of William Wallace to mark and identify the tombs of former Scottish Kings including Malcolm Canmore, Edgar, Alexander ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the request by the Society of William Wallace to mark and identify the tombs of former Scottish Kings including Malcolm Canmore, Edgar, Alexander I, David I, Alexander II, Alexander III and Robert II.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Historic Scotland has no plans to mark and identify the tombs of former Scottish Kings, including Malcolm Canmore, Edgar, Alexander I, David I, Alexander II, Alexander III and Robert II. Alexander II is buried in Melrose Abbey, cared for by Historic Scotland on behalf of Scottish ministers, and this is noted in the official guidebook. Robert II is buried at Scone Abbey and the other kings mentioned are all buried in that part of Dunfermline Abbey which is not in the care of Historic Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165715,"EventID":"S1W-29197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to amend the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 which forbids the sale of alcohol in supermarkets prior to 12.30 pm on Sundays.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to amend the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 which forbids the sale of alcohol in supermarkets prior to 12.30 pm on Sundays.","AnswerText":"The Executive appointed an independent committee in July 2001, chaired by Sheriff Principal Gordon Nicholson, to review liquor licensing law. The committee is expected to report early next year and I assume this is one of the issues the report will comment on. The Executive will not be taking any action towards changing the law prior to considering the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165716,"EventID":"S1W-29198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Group on Domestic Abuse will examine any links between cruelty to animals and various forms of domestic abuse, including cruelty to children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the National Group on Domestic Abuse will examine any links between cruelty to animals and various forms of domestic abuse, including cruelty to children.","AnswerText":"There are currently no plans for the national group to look at links between domestic abuse and cruelty to animals.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165717,"EventID":"S1W-29199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any projected population figures for Scotland covering the next 50 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any projected population figures for Scotland covering the next 50 years.","AnswerText":"Population projections for Scotland are prepared by the Government Actuary at the request of, and in consultation with, the Registrar General for Scotland. The latest, 2000-based, projections for Scotland are available up until 2040 and can be accessed on the Government Actuary Department's website at the following address:

      http://www.gad.gov.uk/population/2000/scotland/wsco005y.xls

      Population projections are based largely on past trends rather than policy based forecasts.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165718,"EventID":"S1W-29200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28190 by Ross Finnie on 30 August 2002, what average level of subsidy payment was made to farmers under the main Common Agricultura","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28190 by Ross Finnie on 30 August 2002, what average level of subsidy payment was made to farmers under the main Common Agricultural Policy schemes for the scheme year 2000. ","AnswerText":"The average level of subsidy payment made to farmers who claimed under the main Common Agricultural Policy schemes for the scheme year 2000 is £19,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165719,"EventID":"S1W-29201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland provides ministers or officials with draft answers to parliamentary questions concerning that agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland provides ministers or officials with draft answers to parliamentary questions concerning that agency.","AnswerText":"Ministers reply to questions relating to policy issues based on drafts provided by Historic Scotland officials. Historic Scotland's Chief Executive replies to questions on operational matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165720,"EventID":"S1W-29202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nature is of the delegation of decisions and/or powers from ministers to officials of Historic Scotland; whether such delegation is explicitly specified; when su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the nature is of the delegation of decisions and/or powers from ministers to officials of Historic Scotland; whether such delegation is explicitly specified; when such delegation was given; whether ministers will publish all documentation which specifies the nature and range of such delegation; whether there has been any change to the nature of such delegation within the last year, and, if so, what these changes were.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in Historic Scotland's Framework Document 2001, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 12376).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165721,"EventID":"S1W-29203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statutes, treaties, conventions and other provisions gave rise to the powers and duties of Historic Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statutes, treaties, conventions and other provisions gave rise to the powers and duties of Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland is an Executive Agency within the Scottish Executive's Education Department and is directly accountable to Scottish ministers and, through them, to the Scottish Parliament. The agency's Framework Document, which is agreed by Scottish ministers, sets out its role and responsibilities. All functions performed by the agency are carried out on behalf of Scottish ministers.

      Legislation governing Scotland's built heritage either empowers or places a duty on Scottish ministers, who then direct Historic Scotland to meet all aspects of their built heritage functions.

      The main legislation under which Historic Scotland acts, on behalf of Scottish ministers, is as follows:

      Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953;

      Protection of Wrecks Act 1973;

      Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, and

      Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997

      The agency's work will also be guided by the Valetta Convention to which the UK Government has subscribed.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165722,"EventID":"S1W-29204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a fundamental incompatibility between the full and tasteful restoration of historic buildings for contemporary use and the ability to interpret such buil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a fundamental incompatibility between the full and tasteful restoration of historic buildings for contemporary use and the ability to interpret such buildings for their historic interest.","AnswerText":"There is no fundamental incompatibility. However, a basic distinction may be drawn between the adaptation for contemporary use of an occupied historic building and the restoration of a ruinous ancient monument. In the former case, where the historic interest may lie primarily in its architectural design, there generally need be no fundamental incompatibility between the adaptation of the building and our ability to interpret its historic interest. However, in the case of a ruinous structure, where the interest may be more likely to lie in our ability to document its historic importance and use, the very act of restoration may hide the evidence that allows the building's structural history to be interpreted by visitors. By way of example, people living in a restored medieval castle do not normally wish to live within bare walls, but to cover these with plaster: this hides important evidence for the structural history of the building.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165723,"EventID":"S1W-29205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what examples it has of historic buildings which have been fully restored for contemporary use which have not removed the historic interest and the ability to interpret t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what examples it has of historic buildings which have been fully restored for contemporary use which have not removed the historic interest and the ability to interpret the history of the building and what role Historic Scotland played in the outcome achieved.","AnswerText":"Listed building consent is required for the alteration or extension of a listed building in any manner that would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. Scottish Executive policy on listed building consent is set out in the Memorandum of Guidance on listed buildings and conservation areas. Over 2,500 listed buildings receive listed building consent each year. The restoration of a scheduled ancient monument is subject to different procedures and restoration may remove a standing structure's scheduled status.

      Every alteration to or restoration of a historic building has some positive and some negative effects on the preservation of historic fabric and our appreciation of it. The decision on whether or not to restore has to weigh these in the balance.

      There are a range of examples of listed buildings and scheduled monuments being restored each year. Fenton Tower in East Lothian is a good example as it was both scheduled and listed (at Category A). The Tower is a late 16th century/early 17th century towerhouse standing in agricultural land near North Berwick. It had been missing its roof and floors since at least the 19th century and was typical of a wide range of similar structures in Scotland. Historic Scotland was involved in the restoration of Fenton Tower on behalf of Scottish ministers. Working closely with the project team, Historic Scotland gave extensive advice, granted scheduled monument and listed building consents for the works and grant-aided some of the costs of reinstatement of the historic fabric.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165724,"EventID":"S1W-29206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide additional guidance to local authorities in order to promote good practice in taking forward the National Cultural Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide additional guidance to local authorities in order to promote good practice in taking forward the National Cultural Strategy.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a key role in implementing the National Cultural Strategy. Following publication of the strategy in August 2000, a Joint Working Group of the Executive and COSLA was formed to develop good practice guidance for local authorities in relevant responsibilities. I am pleased to announce that Implementation of the National Cultural Strategy: Guidance for Scottish Local Authorities has been published for consultation by the Executive today. This is being sent to all local authorities, COSLA, cultural agencies and other interested organisations. Comments are invited by 13 January 2003. Copies are also available from the Parliament's Reference Centre and from the Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165725,"EventID":"S1W-29207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Social Inclusion Division from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Social Inclusion Division from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerText":"No publications by the Scottish Executive's Social Inclusion Division have referred people to the Citizens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165726,"EventID":"S1W-29208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department for Transport and the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency about the impact on its responsibilities of any conjoining of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Department for Transport and the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency about the impact on its responsibilities of any conjoining of the Traffic Commissioner and the Vehicle Inspectorate.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including those relating to the merger of the Traffic Area Network (which supports the Traffic Commissioners in the fulfilment of their statutory responsibilities) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Executive Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165727,"EventID":"S1W-29209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it anticipates the average journey time will be on the west coast main line between Glasgow and London in each year from 2002 to 2006 and how much of the Scottish se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it anticipates the average journey time will be on the west coast main line between Glasgow and London in each year from 2002 to 2006 and how much of the Scottish section of that line will (a) have a speed capacity of 125 mph and (b) be used by trains travelling at speeds of 125 mph.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has been leading a detailed review of plans to modernise the West Coast Main Line, in conjunction with Railtrack, Virgin Trains and other users of the route. This work is nearing completion and the SRA has indicated that it will be publishing a long-term strategy for this route by October. It will include full details of the modernisation programme and the benefits this will bring, including faster train services for Scotland.

      The SRA's strategy will be the subject of extensive consultation and the Scottish Executive is already in contact with the SRA on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165728,"EventID":"S1W-29210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek costings and timings for both Glasgow and Prestwick Airports in the specification for the public service obligation in respect of air services to an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek costings and timings for both Glasgow and Prestwick Airports in the specification for the public service obligation in respect of air services to and from the Highlands and Islands and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. The link to a major service centre from Campbeltown, Tiree and Barra will take into account the views of the communities concerned and will be detailed in the Official Journal of the European Communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165729,"EventID":"S1W-29211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take in the event of a strike by bus drivers in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it can take in the event of a strike by bus drivers in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"It is the responsibility of the relevant local authority to consider what steps should be taken to meet any public transport requirements it considers appropriate and which would not otherwise be met. I understand that City of Edinburgh Council have put in place a range of contingency measures in the event a bus strike, and I welcome this approach. In addition, I understand that the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland has indicated that he will accept emergency local bus registrations if other bus or coach companies wish to run replacement services for the duration of any strike action.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165730,"EventID":"S1W-29212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what obligations Historic Scotland is under to consult the public in the course of arriving at its policies and decisions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what obligations Historic Scotland is under to consult the public in the course of arriving at its policies and decisions.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland, an Executive Agency of the Scottish Executive, is accountable to Scottish ministers. It carries out consultation exercises from time to time on behalf of Scottish ministers to assist us in the formulation of policy. In addition, Historic Scotland consults external interests and members of the public as a matter of good practice on many operational matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165731,"EventID":"S1W-29213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints it has received about Historic Scotland and its approach to its work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints it has received about Historic Scotland and its approach to its work.","AnswerText":"Since 1 April 2001, ministers and the Executive have received five complaints about Historic Scotland's approach to its work.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165732,"EventID":"S1W-29214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it attaches to private investment in securing the conservation of the built heritage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it attaches to private investment in securing the conservation of the built heritage.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the value of the investment made by private owners in securing the conservation of the built heritage and, through Historic Scotland, works in partnership with both private and other public funding agencies.

      The historic building repair grants scheme, administered by Historic Scotland, provides financial help for the repair and conservation of building of outstanding architectural or historic interest. Resources from the scheme generally work in harness with other sources of funding. In 2001-02, grants amounting to £7.3 million were awarded and were successful in attracting £6.2 million of private investment and £21.7 million from other public funding sources.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165733,"EventID":"S1W-29215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers receive advice in relation to recommendations and decisions of Historic Scotland from officials other than those in Historic Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers receive advice in relation to recommendations and decisions of Historic Scotland from officials other than those in Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"Ministers normally receive advice on built heritage issues from Historic Scotland officials alone although on some issues they may receive advice from the Secretary of the Scottish Executive Education Department. I am currently looking at ways in which Scottish ministers can receive independent advice on built heritage issues from the recently formed Built Environment Forum.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165734,"EventID":"S1W-29216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Historic Scotland defines sustainability of the built heritage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Historic Scotland defines sustainability of the built heritage.","AnswerText":"The Historic Scotland publication Passed to the Future which I launched on 15 April sets out the Scottish Executive's policy for the sustainable management of the historic environment. It emphasises the importance of retaining and, where appropriate, re-using existing structures and traditional materials. Copies of the publication are available through the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22227) or the Scottish Executive and Historic Scotland websites.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165735,"EventID":"S1W-29217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the policies of Historic Scotland towards the private or commercial use of historic buildings contribute to the sustainability of those buildings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the policies of Historic Scotland towards the private or commercial use of historic buildings contribute to the sustainability of those buildings.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive policy on historic buildings is set out in the Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. Our policy recognises the importance of finding new uses for redundant buildings and also encourages private owners to undertake basic maintenance of their historic properties. Historic Scotland implements Executive policy by means of providing guidance, advice and financial assistance to the owners of historic buildings.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165736,"EventID":"S1W-29218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on passive smoking public information campaigns by the Health Education Board for Scotland in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on passive smoking public information campaigns by the Health Education Board for Scotland in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"A substantial proportion of the Health Education Board for Scotland's (HEBS) budget is devoted to anti-smoking measures. However, while activity in relation to passive smoking is an integral component of the HEBS anti-smoking strategy, it is not possible to separately identify the costs of that work.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165737,"EventID":"S1W-29219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on asthma research in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on asthma research in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland.

      The following table provides details of the amount CSO has spent on asthma research in each of the last five years:
       

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Total expenditure

      £78,784

      £83,135

      £62, 329

      £47,596

      £127,464

      Details on individual projects are available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165738,"EventID":"S1W-29220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision there is in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area for dementia sufferers with behavioural problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision there is in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area for dementia sufferers with behavioural problems.","AnswerText":"This information is available from Greater Glasgow Primary Care Trust, who are responsible for ensuring that local services for dementia sufferers are safe, of high quality, and meet the needs of users.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165739,"EventID":"S1W-29221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to monitor and audit local authority community care plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to monitor and audit local authority community care plans.","AnswerText":"Community care plans are essentially local documents. They are not formally monitored or audited but, along with other strategic documents, inform progress on policy implementation and development.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165740,"EventID":"S1W-29222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to benchmark standards in community care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to benchmark standards in community care.","AnswerText":"There has been a recent change in the way care services in Scotland are regulated. The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 set up the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care. National Care Standards covering a wide range of care services were published by Scottish ministers earlier this year, prior to the establishment of the Care Commission on 1 April 2002. The commission is required to take account of these standards in all decisions it takes under the act on the registration and inspection of care services.

      As part of its corporate plan for 2002-03 the Care Commission is committed to establishing a baseline of the size, number and complexity of each care service provision.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165741,"EventID":"S1W-29223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its capital budget was in each of the last three financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its capital budget was in each of the last three financial years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's capital budget for the financial years 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 was as listed:

      2000-01

      £1,364 million

      2001-02

      £1,597 million

      2002-03

      £1,663 million

      These figures include direct and indirect capital budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165742,"EventID":"S1W-29224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of its capital budget in each of the last three financial years was for projects greater than #10 million and what proportion of such projects were PFI/PPP proj","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of its capital budget in each of the last three financial years was for projects greater than #10 million and what proportion of such projects were PFI/PPP projects.","AnswerText":"This information has to be collected from various departments. I will write to the member with the information early November. A copy of this information will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165743,"EventID":"S1W-29225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies it funds in support of Gaelic arts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies it funds in support of Gaelic arts.","AnswerText":"The Executive provides funding for Proiseact nan Ealan (the Gaelic Arts Agency) and An Comunn Gaidhealach, which is responsible for the Royal National Mod. The Scottish Arts Council also provides funding support for the Gaelic arts.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165744,"EventID":"S1W-29226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies it funds in support of Gaelic education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies it funds in support of Gaelic education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive funds the following bodies in support of Gaelic education:

      Sabhal Mor Ostaig;

      Storlann;

      Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich (CNSA);

      Cli, and

      Comunn na Gaidhlig.

      In addition 21 local authorities in Scotland receive support from the Specific Grant Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165745,"EventID":"S1W-29227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to ensure that the Highlanders' Institute and its members are fully involved in the development of Gaelic policy and, in particular, in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking in order to ensure that the Highlanders' Institute and its members are fully involved in the development of Gaelic policy and, in particular, in the development of Gaelic resources and facilities in the west of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Highlanders' Institute and its members are entitled to put forward their proposals for Gaelic. Following the Report of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic, we are establishing a new body, Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba, to plan and co-ordinate activities in support of Gaelic across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165746,"EventID":"S1W-29228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the feasibility study for the establishment of a Gaelic Centre in Glasgow available free of charge to all interested parties and, in particular, the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make the feasibility study for the establishment of a Gaelic Centre in Glasgow available free of charge to all interested parties and, in particular, the Highlanders' Institute. ","AnswerText":"The study is the property of the bodies which commissioned it and paid for it. The commissioning was led by Comunn na Gaidhlig.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165747,"EventID":"S1W-29229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27511 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 August 2002, what financial or other support it has given to the Society of Chief Officers of Transp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27511 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 August 2002, what financial or other support it has given to the Society of Chief Officers of Transport in Scotland's condition survey of the local road network and when it expects the report of the survey to be made publicly available. ","AnswerText":"The condition survey of the local road network is being taken forward by the Society of Chief Officers of Transport in Scotland (SCOTS), on behalf of local authorities.

      An official from the Executive's Network Management Division sits as a member of the survey steering group. In addition, the work being carried out in 2002 is being conducted under the terms of the Executive's existing trunk road survey contract. The Executive has not provided specific financial support for the survey, and I understand that a long-term contract from April 2003 will be let by SCOTS.

      The results of the survey, which will operate on a four-year rolling basis, will be reported annually to the Accounts Commission, under the Best Value regime. Detailed results will also be available to each individual council. The timing of the publication of these reports is a matter for SCOTS and the local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165748,"EventID":"S1W-29230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in view of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic's report on the urgency of establishing the Gaelic Development Agency, Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba, it will ensu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in view of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic's report on the urgency of establishing the Gaelic Development Agency, Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba, it will ensure that the chair and board members of the agency are appointed by the beginning of December 2002 so that the National Plan for Gaelic can begin to be implemented in the new financial year.
      The member has provided the following translation:
      A dh'fhaighneachd dha Riaghaltas na h-Alba, ri linn 's mar a nochd aithisg Buidheann Comhairleachaidh an Riaghaltais air Gaidhlig am feum air fior chabhag ann a bhith a' steidheachadh na buidhne leasachaidh, Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba, am bi an Riaghaltas a' deanamh cinnteach gun teid Cathraiche agus Buill a' Bhuird a thaghadh ro thoiseach Dubhlachd 2002 gus an gabh toiseachadh air Plana Naiseanta na Gaidhlig a chur an gniomh anns a' bhliadhna ionmhais uir.","AnswerText":"The applications for chair and other members of Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba, the Gaelic Development Agency, are being considered with a view to the appointments being made by the beginning of December 2002.

      The Scottish Executive has provided the following translation:

      Thathar a' beachdachadh air na tagraidhean airson Cathraiche agus Buill eile Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba, agus sùil ann daoine a shuidheachadh sna dreuchdan mu thoiseach na Dùbhlachd 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165749,"EventID":"S1W-29231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to making responses to its consultation papers available for public inspection where respondents have not indicated that their response is ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to making responses to its consultation papers available for public inspection where respondents have not indicated that their response is to be treated as confidential and when such responses are made available in relation to the closing date of a consultation.","AnswerText":"It is Scottish Executive policy to make all responses to consultations (unless confidentiality has been requested) available to the public by placing them in the Scottish Exceutive Library, or on request. Responses are made publicly available as soon as is practicable after they have been received, taking into account the need to balance transparency and openness with responsibility as a publisher of third party material.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165750,"EventID":"S1W-29232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to The Scotsman article of 23 August 2002, what investigation it is undertaking into the decline in the pass rate for English and communication examinations ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to The Scotsman article of 23 August 2002, what investigation it is undertaking into the decline in the pass rate for English and communication examinations in the Higher Still programme and whether any such investigation includes consideration of and comparison with the pass rate for English in the SCE Higher grade exam and syllabus format. ","AnswerText":"Following publication of overall pass rates for 2002 showing a 2.2% drop at Higher level compared to the previous year, I asked the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to undertake a more detailed analysis to ensure standards are being maintained across the exams system. This analysis indicated that a decrease in pass rates for English and communication and mathematics at Higher and Advanced Higher levels merited further consideration. The relevant SQA Assessment Panels have been asked to review and report on performance and assessment. The panels' findings, together with principal assessors' reports and marking schemes, will be published by the end of this month. The review focuses on key issues arising from this year's exam and will not include any detailed consideration of and comparison with pass rates for English and communication and mathematics in the SCE Higher grade exam and syllabus format.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165751,"EventID":"S1W-29233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to The Scotsman article of 23 August 2002, what investigation it is undertaking into the decline in the pass rate for mathematics examinations in the Higher ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to The Scotsman article of 23 August 2002, what investigation it is undertaking into the decline in the pass rate for mathematics examinations in the Higher Still programme and whether any such investigation includes consideration of and comparison with the pass rate for mathematics in the SCE Higher grade exam and syllabus format. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29232 on 26 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165752,"EventID":"S1W-29234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any markers appointed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority for the 2002 examinations diet were not currently serving teachers of at least three years experie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any markers appointed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority for the 2002 examinations diet were not currently serving teachers of at least three years experience.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165753,"EventID":"S1W-29235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, since the inception of Scottish Water, how many (a) contractors it has appointed, (b) tenders for work it has received, (c) contracts it has awarded and at what value an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, since the inception of Scottish Water, how many (a) contractors it has appointed, (b) tenders for work it has received, (c) contracts it has awarded and at what value and (d) contracts have commenced.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Water. The Chief Executive's response is as follows:

      Scottish Water contracts a wide variety of services from construction to IT support to estate management. It is estimated that in relation to Scottish Water's capital programmes (a) 50 contractors have been appointed for 91 contracts and 12 partnerships have been awarded 34 packages of work, (b) between five and eight tenders are received each month, (c) 125 contracts have been awarded at a value of £42 million, with an additional £261 million previously committed by the three water authorities and (d) 125 contracts have commenced.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165754,"EventID":"S1W-29236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of GM-free honey.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of GM-free honey.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that there is currently no definition in European law of GM-free for any food. However, the introduction of such a term is currently being considered in Europe and this is supported by the UK including all devolved administrations.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165755,"EventID":"S1W-29237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient clinical trials have been carried out to ensure the safety of genetically-engineered insulin for people with diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sufficient clinical trials have been carried out to ensure the safety of genetically-engineered insulin for people with diabetes.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA).

      The MCA has advised that all medicines for human use must achieve the required standards of quality, safety and efficacy before being granted a marketing authorisation. This also applies to genetically engineered products, including human insulin. In addition, once approved, appropriate post-marketing pharmacovigilance is carried out within the MCA so that medicines are monitored to identify any new emerging safety issues.

      Information about clinical trials can be found on the MCA's website: www.mca.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165756,"EventID":"S1W-29238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration has been given to making domestic violence an aggravated offence and, if so, what the outcome was of any such consideration.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether consideration has been given to making domestic violence an aggravated offence and, if so, what the outcome was of any such consideration.","AnswerText":"A working group established by the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland has carried out a review of legislation relating to domestic abuse and made a number of recommendations about how to increase the protection of women and children who experience such abuse. Discussions about how to implement the working group's recommendations are at an early stage. The working group did give consideration to the fact that domestic abuse is not a specific offence but not to the possibility of providing for an aggravated offence.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165757,"EventID":"S1W-29239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27002 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 July 2002, whether Disclosure Scotland is meeting its target and how many applications it is currently","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27002 by Mr Jim Wallace on 5 July 2002, whether Disclosure Scotland is meeting its target and how many applications it is currently processing within 10 working days.","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland began operations on 29 April 2002. Between that date and 18 September it had issued Disclosure Certificates within 10 working days for 97.38% of valid applications.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165758,"EventID":"S1W-29240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to Disclosure Scotland for checks on volunteers are currently outstanding and for how long they have been outstanding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to Disclosure Scotland for checks on volunteers are currently outstanding and for how long they have been outstanding.","AnswerText":"At 20 September, Disclosure Scotland had 83 outstanding valid applications from volunteers that had been routed through the Central Registered Body Scotland. Of these 83, 59 are within the 10 working day target to which Disclosure Scotland is working for processing 90% of valid applications.

      The remaining 24 fall into two categories: in 19 cases Disclosure Scotland is awaiting a response from a police force to a request for information about an applicant, and in the other five cases additional information has been requested from the applicant.

      Two of the outstanding cases date from July and these were being processed on 20 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165759,"EventID":"S1W-29241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether documents supplied by Disclosure Scotland are accessible to those with disabilities and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether documents supplied by Disclosure Scotland are accessible to those with disabilities and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Disclosure Scotland is currently working on disclosure documentation for people with disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165760,"EventID":"S1W-29242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on post-qualification training (a) for all clinical and medical staff and (b) per nurse by each NHS board in the last year for which figures are availa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on post-qualification training (a) for all clinical and medical staff and (b) per nurse by each NHS board in the last year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education spent £12,057,000 on post-qualification training in 2001-02, the latest year for which figures are available. Information about the amount spent on other clinical staff is not currently held centrally.

      Information on the amount spent on nurse post-qualification training is not held centrally. It is for NHS trusts to determine such expenditure at local level.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165761,"EventID":"S1W-29243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its expert group to draw up a sexual health strategy will be examining links between teenage pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and sexua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its expert group to draw up a sexual health strategy will be examining links between teenage pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual coercion.","AnswerText":"The remit of the expert group is:

      To draw up a National Sexual Health Strategy for Scotland, with particular reference to measures:

      • to reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections;
      • to enhance the provision of sexual health services, and
      • to promote a broad understanding of sexual health and sexual relationships that encompasses emotions, attitudes and social context.

      This broad remit encompasses issues relating to sexual coercion.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165762,"EventID":"S1W-29244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how childhood sexual abuse is recognised during the (a) teaching and (b) development of sex education programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how childhood sexual abuse is recognised during the (a) teaching and (b) development of sex education programmes.","AnswerText":"Recent guidance on sex education, contained in Circular 2/2001, Standards in Scotland's Schools etc Act: Conduct of Sex Education in Scottish Schools offers a set of principles and aims for sex education which provides a framework within which issues of childhood sexual abuse could be raised. Sex education programmes should provide opportunities for children and young people to develop personal and interpersonal skills that will enable them to make and maintain appropriate relationships within the family, with friends and within the wider community. Programmes should also foster self-awareness and self-esteem and a sense of responsibility and respect for themselves and for others.

      Child Protection Circular 10/95 also provides teachers and staff with guidance. A review of this circular has just commenced and an updated Circular is planned by spring 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165763,"EventID":"S1W-29245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training those working in genito-urinary medicine and family planning clinics receive regarding links between sexual coercion and teenage pregnancy and the transmis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training those working in genito-urinary medicine and family planning clinics receive regarding links between sexual coercion and teenage pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.","AnswerText":"There are not any courses specifically designed for those working in genito-urinary medicine and family planning clinics linking between sexual coercion and teenage pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. All doctors are required to undertake examinations whose standard are set by the medical royal colleges. All doctors are therefore required to have an overall level of understanding of all diseases.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165764,"EventID":"S1W-29246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisation has the statutory responsibility for dredging the River Clyde and the maintenance of navigable channels on the river.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisation has the statutory responsibility for dredging the River Clyde and the maintenance of navigable channels on the river.","AnswerText":"Statutory responsibility for the dredging and maintenance of navigational channels on the River Clyde is a matter for Clydeport as harbour authority, under the Clyde Port Authority Confirmation Act 1965.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165765,"EventID":"S1W-29247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost was of dredging the River Clyde in each of the last three years and in what way the cost is recoverable from users of the river.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost was of dredging the River Clyde in each of the last three years and in what way the cost is recoverable from users of the river.","AnswerText":"Clydeport, as harbour authority, may charge users for the services it provides under the Clyde Port Authority Confirmation Act 1965. The Executive has no responsibility for monitoring the costs of dredging the River Clyde.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165766,"EventID":"S1W-29248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current standard grade history syllabus covers the issue of the Scottish campaign for women's rights, education and suffrage; if so, whether the issue is cov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current standard grade history syllabus covers the issue of the Scottish campaign for women's rights, education and suffrage; if so, whether the issue is covered in a solely Scottish context or is covered as part of the consideration of the campaign in other parts of the UK, and, if it is not covered in the syllabus, what the reasons are for this position.","AnswerText":"Both standard grade and higher courses offer opportunities to study women's rights, education and suffrage. Schools determine the balance of attention between Scottish aspects of the suffrage movement and examples from elsewhere in the UK. The women's suffrage movement is an examinable issue in the Standard Grade examinations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165767,"EventID":"S1W-29249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the syllabus for standard grade and higher history gives due prominence to Scottish figures and issues and teaches young people abo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that the syllabus for standard grade and higher history gives due prominence to Scottish figures and issues and teaches young people about their own nation's history rather than someone else's.","AnswerText":"Units in the Standard Grade and Higher courses offer many opportunities to study aspects relating to Scottish figures and issues. However, it is important that young people learn about Scotland's history in a UK, European and international context to understand better Scotland's role in the world. Therefore, Standard Grade and Higher history courses should comprise a balance between Scottish, UK, European and international examples.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165768,"EventID":"S1W-29250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10397 by Susan Deacon on 30 October 2000, whether Betnesol eye ointment is now available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10397 by Susan Deacon on 30 October 2000, whether Betnesol eye ointment is now available.","AnswerText":"Celltech Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of this product, has advised that it has been out of stock due to production difficulties but will become available during the 4th quarter of this year i.e. from October to December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165769,"EventID":"S1W-29251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council applies in the awarding of strategic change grants.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council applies in the awarding of strategic change grants.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC).

      Information on the strategic change grant can be found on the SHEFC website at: www.shefc.ac.uk/content/shefc/strategy/scg.html#higher.

      In February 2002, SHEFC produced a circular (HE/10/02) providing details of the allocation of the strategic change grant for 2001-02 and guidance for future proposals. This information is also available on the SHEFC website at: www.shefc.ac.uk/content/library/circs/02/he1002/he1002.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165770,"EventID":"S1W-29252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national standards of care apply to the provision of warden services in sheltered housing and whether any such standards contain information on the minimum acceptab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national standards of care apply to the provision of warden services in sheltered housing and whether any such standards contain information on the minimum acceptable levels of staffing and hours of provision of the service.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers, prior to the establishment of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (Care Commission) on 1 April 2002, published national care standards covering a wide range of care provision. The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 defines the services to be regulated by the Care Commission against the National Care Standards.

      While sheltered housing provision is not defined specifically within the act if they met the definition of, for example, a housing support service or alternatively a care home, the relevant national care standards would apply. It is for the Care Commission to make decisions on registration and other issues such as staffing levels based on the statement of function and purpose and other information provided by the services as part of the application process.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165771,"EventID":"S1W-29253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives to the safety and security of those living in local authority sheltered accommodation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives to the safety and security of those living in local authority sheltered accommodation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive considers that the safety and security of residents of all sheltered housing including that provided by local authorities is paramount.

      Since the establishment of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care in April 2002 under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 (the Act) local authority care homes including some sheltered housing, i.e. those falling within the definition of a care home in the act, require to be regulated by the Care Commission. Local authority services providing sheltered housing which fall within the definition of a housing support service within the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 will also require to be so regulated.

      One of the key principles underpinning the national care standards published by the Scottish ministers prior to the establishment of the Care Commission, which the Care Commission has to take into account in exercising its regulatory function, is the right of residents to feel safe and secure. It is for the commission in determining whether or not to grant or continue registration to reach a view on whether this principle is being adequately complied with.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165772,"EventID":"S1W-29254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been received by each procurator fiscal of offences in which a firearm other than an air weapon was alleged to have been used and (b) convictio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been received by each procurator fiscal of offences in which a firearm other than an air weapon was alleged to have been used and (b) convictions have been obtained following such reports in each sheriff court district in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Table 1 provides information on the number of cases reported to procurators fiscal during the specified period that included charges under the Firearms Act 1968 and associated legislation. Table 2 provides information on the total number of such charges included in those cases. In the years 1999-2002 1,605 cases containing 2,818 charges under this legislation were reported to the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland (the statistics from one office, Kirkcaldy, are unavailable).

      It is not possible to extract information on the number of cases and charges for common law offences, such as murder, robbery, assault, that involved the use of a firearm. Information on the number of convictions for firearms offences is not available from Crown Office systems.

      It is not possible to differentiate between air weapons and non-air weapons. Although some of the firearms legislation does distinguish between the two types of weapon, in most no distinction is made.

      Table 1

      Cases Reported which Include Charges Under Various Firearms legislation, Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, S50(5) or Culpable and Reckless Discharge of Firearm

      PFO

      Financial Year

      1999-2000

      Financial Year

      2000-01

      Financial Year

      2001-02

      Grand Total

      Aberdeen

      23

      31

      31

      85

      Airdrie

      15

      11

      10

      36

      Alloa

      5

      3

      17

      25

      Arbroath

      7

      10

      9

      26

      Ayr

      16

      23

      32

      71

      Banff

      8

      7

      1

      16

      Campbeltown

      6

      1

      1

      8

      Cupar

      3

      7

      6

      16

      Dingwall

      9

      5

      3

      17

      Dornoch

      2

      2

      5

      9

      Dumbarton

      14

      12

      14

      		http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165774,"EventID":"S1W-29256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to reduce illegal possession of firearms other than air weapons by under-21s.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to reduce illegal possession of firearms other than air weapons by under-21s.","AnswerText":"Firearms policy and legislation are reserved matters. The Scottish Police Service, working closely with Police Services in the rest of the UK as well as with the National Criminal Intelligence Service, seeks rigorously to investigate and pursue the illegal possession of firearms.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165775,"EventID":"S1W-29257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether the proposed private","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether the proposed private-build, private-operate prison will be entirely for remand prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The new private-build private-operate prison will be designed and built as a fully flexible prison in order to secure value for money, but as the Deputy First Minister made clear during the debate in Parliament, it is our intention to use those places to respond to the recent significant increase in remand prisoners.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165776,"EventID":"S1W-29258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether the proposed private","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether the proposed private-build, private-operate prison will have 700 prisoner places.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The new private-build private-operate prison will provide around 700 prisoner places, although the exact number of places has yet to be set.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165777,"EventID":"S1W-29259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what assessment it has made ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what assessment it has made of the impact of bail supervision services on the number of places required for remand prisoners.","AnswerText":"Bail supervision schemes are currently being set up by local authority criminal justice social work services with the funding provided by the Executive. As a result, they are available only to a restricted number of courts and it is therefore too early to conduct a detailed assessment of the effect this new disposal is having on the numbers of prisoners being sent for remand.

      This issue will however be addressed through on-going monitoring and evaluation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165778,"EventID":"S1W-29260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it has made any asse","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it has made any assessment of the impact an increase in funding of bail supervision services would have on the number of remand prisoners.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29259 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. As indicated in the earlier reply, it is too early to discern to what extent increased funding of bail supervision schemes might impact on the numbers of prisoners being sent for remand.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165779,"EventID":"S1W-29261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what assessment it has made ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what assessment it has made of the additional cost of transporting remand prisoners to a 700-place remand prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      None.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165780,"EventID":"S1W-29262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what assessment it has made ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what assessment it has made of the financial risk to it of a change in policy leading to there being not sufficient remand prisoners to fill a 700-place privately-operated remand prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No such risk is believed to exist. The privately-built, privately-operated prison is to be capable of housing both remand and convicted prisoners, and so any spare capacity could be used to house convicted prisoners.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165781,"EventID":"S1W-29263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what catchment area is envis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what catchment area is envisaged for the private-build, private-operate remand prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      It is anticipated that the new private-build private-operate prison will mainly serve courts in the Central Belt.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165782,"EventID":"S1W-29264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether women prisoners migh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether women prisoners might be held in the private-build, private-operate remand prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      A detailed specification for the new private-build private-operate prison has yet to be developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165783,"EventID":"S1W-29266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002 and to the remarks by the Min","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002 and to the remarks by the Minister in the Sunday Herald on 8 September 2002 on market-tested prisons in England, whether it is considering market-testing for the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165784,"EventID":"S1W-29267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what criteria it will use to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what criteria it will use to assess the (a) robustness, (b) credibility, (c) competitiveness and (d) value for money of a plan for a public sector prison.","AnswerText":"The criteria will be those set out in my statement: that is, whether any proposals can consistently thereafter deliver the required number and quality of prisoner places, on time and consistently thereafter in a way that is competitive and delivers value for money to the taxpayer.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165785,"EventID":"S1W-29268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what criteria it will use to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what criteria it will use to assess the (a) robustness, (b) credibility, (c) competitiveness and (d) value for money of a plan for a privately-built, publicly-operated prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29267 on 11 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165786,"EventID":"S1W-29269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it envisages providi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it envisages providing land free of charge or for a peppercorn rent to the new private-build, private-operate prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The approach to be taken will be determined as part of work on the detail of the procurement strategy and will be designed to secure value for money for the taxpayer.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165787,"EventID":"S1W-29270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it envisages paying ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it envisages paying non-domestic rates for the new private-build, private-operate prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29269 on 11 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165788,"EventID":"S1W-29271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what its estimate is of what","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what its estimate is of what the contract monitoring costs of the new private-build, private-operate prison will be, including both construction and operation phases.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29269. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165789,"EventID":"S1W-29272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether a public sector comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether a public sector comparator will be calculated as part of the business case for the new private-build, private-operate prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      A detailed case for procuring a new private-build private-operate prison was set out in the Estates Review consultation paper and supporting documentation, as published on 21 March 2002. As the decision to procure such a prison has now been taken there is no need to prepare a further business case.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165790,"EventID":"S1W-29273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28127 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 August 2002, whether it is aware of the internal procedures for preventing conflict of interest in Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28127 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 August 2002, whether it is aware of the internal procedures for preventing conflict of interest in PricewaterhouseCoopers and whether these procedures were applied in the case of the prison estates review.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service is satisfied that PricewaterhouseCoopers' procedures for preventing conflict of interest were applied in the case of the prison estates review.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165791,"EventID":"S1W-29274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it will publish the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it will publish the (a) outline business case or (b) full business case for the private-build, private-operate prison once prepared.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29272 on 11 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165792,"EventID":"S1W-29275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the commitment given by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to the Justice 1 Committee on 6 June 2002 (Official Report, col 3821) to reflect on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the commitment given by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice to the Justice 1 Committee on 6 June 2002 (Official Report, col 3821) to reflect on the idea of a not-for-profit trust to own and operate new prisons and to consider whether it could be taken forward, what conclusion the Minister has reached.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The announcement on 5 September of the Executive's decisions on the Prison Estates Review included a statement that in seeking tenders for the new prison to be built and operated by the private sector innovative proposals to provide care and opportunities for those on remand would be sought, and that those proposals could include a role for voluntary and charitable not-for-profit organisations.

      So far as the actual ownership and operation of a new prison is concerned, further consideration has not identified any examples of the use of a not-for-profit trust to own and operate a new prison that can be used to assess whether it would be viable in the Scottish context. In addition, there are significant concerns as to whether such a trust could be adequately funded on a long-term basis in a way that would deliver the necessary degree of transfer of risk to the operator and so keep the new prison off the SPS's balance sheet. However, if a serious not-for-profit proposal were submitted that could be shown to be robust and capable of delivering value for money and effective transfer of risk such a proposal would be considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165793,"EventID":"S1W-29276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what specific steps he is ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what specific steps he is taking to improve the management of the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"My statement to Parliament on 5 September (Official Report cols. 13371 to 13375) referred to a number of developments intended to improve performance management, effectiveness and best value in the prison service. These include the Partnership Agreement reached between the SPS and its trades unions, record investment in the public sector estate and work to introduce published performance agreements for publicly run prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165794,"EventID":"S1W-29277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what steps it will take to e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, what steps it will take to ensure that there is not a two-tier workforce in the Scottish Prison Service between the privately-operated and the publicly-operated prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The contract will be for the provision of a new service to the Scottish Prison Service delivering about 700 new prisoner places, not the creation of a new prison, and with it a workforce, within the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165795,"EventID":"S1W-29278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, how it will ensure that the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, how it will ensure that the workforce in privately-operated prisons are no less well trained than in publicly-operated prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      This will, like all other inputs, be a matter for the successful tenderers as they will be taking the risks of not delivering the outputs demanded in the contracts. We will look for evidence of good employment practices when considering tenders for the new private prison, and key elements of successful bids will be built into the resulting contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165796,"EventID":"S1W-29279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, how it will ensure that the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, how it will ensure that the workforce in privately-operated prisons are no less well paid than in publicly-operated prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29278. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165797,"EventID":"S1W-29280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, how it will ensure recruitme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, how it will ensure recruitment standards in privately-operated prisons are as high as in publicly-operated prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29278. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165798,"EventID":"S1W-29281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, how it will ensure that staf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, how it will ensure that staff turnover in privately-operated prisons is no higher than in publicly-operated prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29278. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165799,"EventID":"S1W-29282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it will give any com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it will give any commitment to ensuring that pensions for staff in privately-operated prisons are on the same or similar terms to those for staff in publicly-operated prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29278. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165800,"EventID":"S1W-29283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25268 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, what risk is attached to a fixed-price prison construction contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25268 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 June 2002, what risk is attached to a fixed-price prison construction contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      It is not the only way or necessarily the best way of delivering best value for money. A fixed-price may, for example, be considerably higher than a non fixed-price contract. It is a question which can only sensibly assessed by an experienced procurement team which has access to expert advice on the market circumstances and the evaluation of risk.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165801,"EventID":"S1W-29284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002 and the commitment by the Min","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement on the prison estates review by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002 and the commitment by the Minister to reflect on the possibility of a fixed-price prison construction contract (Official Report, col.13390), when he expects to reach a conclusion on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      As with the procurement by the SPS of the latest two new houseblocks at Polmont and Edinburgh, the SPS intention will be to secure the best possible deal for taxpayers in acquiring a new prison by tapping into a competitive market. If a fixed-price contract was judged the best way of maximising value for money it would be taken; if not, it would not.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165802,"EventID":"S1W-29286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners placed on remand before trial received a custodial sentence in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prisoners placed on remand before trial received a custodial sentence in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available. Some prisoners are imprisoned frequently, for short periods and re-offend very shortly after release. It is therefore possible for a prisoner to be received into custody under sentence for offences committed before those for which they had last been remanded in custody. The available information therefore cannot identify how the offences for which a prisoner is serving a sentence relate to the charges for any previous period on remand.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165803,"EventID":"S1W-29287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the consultation on the prison estates review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the consultation on the prison estates review.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The cost of printing the estates review consultation paper and its two associated documents was £4,238.35. Preparation of the documents and conduct of the public consultation exercise was primarily the responsibility of a team of between three and five Scottish Prison Service staff, who also dealt with other matters connected with the review. A number of other staff in the Scottish Prison Service and elsewhere in the Executive were also involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165804,"EventID":"S1W-29288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accused persons have absconded while on bail in each of the last 10 years, broken down by category of charge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accused persons have absconded while on bail in each of the last 10 years, broken down by category of charge.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165805,"EventID":"S1W-29289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time was for providing substantive answers to written parliamentary questions lodged in the period 1 to 12 September (a) 2001 and (b) 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time was for providing substantive answers to written parliamentary questions lodged in the period 1 to 12 September (a) 2001 and (b) 2002. ","AnswerText":"The average length of time for the provision of substantive answers to written parliamentary questions in the period 1 to 12 September in (a) 2001 was 19 calendar days. Of the questions lodged during period (b) and answered to date, the average time taken to answer them was 13 calendar days. As at 27 September, 87 of the questions lodged in the period 1 to 12 September were still awaiting substantive answer. I will write to the member with an update on performance once all outstanding questions have been answered. As with all outstanding questions, these will be answered as quickly as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165806,"EventID":"S1W-29290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service constrains or plans to constrain the ability of serving prisoners to publish material relating to their crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service constrains or plans to constrain the ability of serving prisoners to publish material relating to their crime.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Prisoners are prohibited from writing about their own crime or past offences or those of others, except where such writing consists of serious representation about conviction or sentence or forms part of serious comment about crime, the process of justice or the penal system.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165807,"EventID":"S1W-29291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28420 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 September 2002, how much funding has been allocated to mental health research in 2000-01, 2001-02 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28420 by Malcolm Chisholm on 11 September 2002, how much funding has been allocated to mental health research in 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department, has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland.

      The following table provides details of the amount CSO has spent both directly on mental health research projects and on other projects supported indirectly in the NHS through the Research and Development (R&D) Support Fund:
       

      2000-01

      Actual Expenditure

      2001-02

      Actual Expenditure

      2002-03

      Anticipated Expenditure

      Direct Research Support

      £1,043,853

      £913,389

      £975,600

      R&D Support Fund

      £2,729,260

      £2,831,327

      Information not yet available

      Details on individual projects are available from the National Research Register a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165808,"EventID":"S1W-29292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28445 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 September 2002, when the studies carried out by Dr David Cooke, Psychological Disturbance amongst Pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28445 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 September 2002, when the studies carried out by Dr David Cooke, Psychological Disturbance amongst Prisoners, and Dr James McManus, Mentally Disturbed Prisoners, will be updated in order to determine the current situation in the prison service on the matters covered by the studies.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There are no plans to update these studies.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165809,"EventID":"S1W-29293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28446 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 September 2002, how many prisoners diagnosed with a mental illness are currently in receipt of specia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28446 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 September 2002, how many prisoners diagnosed with a mental illness are currently in receipt of specialist treatment and what form this treatment takes, broken down by prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      This information is not available in the form requested.

      While prisoners with a mental illness may be receiving treatment through groupwork, individual cognitive behavioural therapy or drugs acting on the central nervous system, no central records are maintained. Some prisoners are under the care of a consultant psychiatrist, as is the case in the community, while others are cared for by prison medical and nursing staff locally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165810,"EventID":"S1W-29294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how all Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines are monitored to assess their impact and whether their implementation has been successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how all Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines are monitored to assess their impact and whether their implementation has been successful.","AnswerText":"In 2001, a survey of progress by NHSScotland in implementing Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines was carried out by a sub-group of the Clinical Resource and Audit Group (CRAG) and a summary report was published in July 2002. A copy of the report can be found on the CRAG website at: http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/crag/.

      This survey demonstrated that the implementation of SIGN guidelines is widespread throughout NHSScotland. Targeted dissemination of guidelines routinely occurs in almost all trusts, and most trusts have an explicit strategy for implementing guidelines following dissemination. As recommended in previous studies on methods of implementing evidence-based medicine, a combination of approaches (appropriate to local circumstances) has been used in the service. However, the survey also demonstrated that the implementation of individual guidelines was highly variable. A number of success factors and barriers to implementation were identified, many of which were applicable to a number of trusts.

      Although the implementation of SIGN guidelines will continue to be the responsibility of trusts, the introduction of unified NHS boards and Board Clinical Governance committees provides an opportunity to facilitate successful implementation, and to overcome barriers.

      In addition, assessment visits carried out by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland monitor compliance with condition-specific and clinical governance (\"generic\") standards. These assessments will ensure that procedures are in place to implement SIGN and other relevant evidence-based guidance.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165811,"EventID":"S1W-29295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made in order to secure a separate New Opportunities Fund for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made in order to secure a separate New Opportunities Fund for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is content with the structure of the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) as a UK distributor. It has ensured that the programme of NOF fully reflect Scottish priorities and that it fully consults and works in partnership with all relevant bodies in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165812,"EventID":"S1W-29296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that national youth organisations can receive an appropriate share of grants from the New Opportunities Fund to develop programmes across Scotland ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that national youth organisations can receive an appropriate share of grants from the New Opportunities Fund to develop programmes across Scotland without having to apply in respect of each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for distributing proceeds from the National Lottery rests with the Lottery Distributing Bodies, including the New Opportunities Fund.

      The New Opportunities Fund's New Opportunities for PE and Sport (NOPES) Initiative provides funding for the building or modernisation of indoor and outdoor sports and adventure facilities for school and community use, as well as for out of school hours sporting, cultural and outdoor education activities for children and young people, and for projects that use sport to divert children and young people from crime.

      After extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Executive, a provisional sum of funding was allocated to each local authority area and local authorities were asked to work with a wide range of organisations, including national youth organisations, to compile portfolios of suitable projects which reflected local needs and priorities, as well as relevant local strategies and plans (such as School Development Plans, Sports Developments Plans, Health Improvement Plans).

      The NOPES Initiative closed applications on 20 September 2002. One of the criteria that applications will be judged against is the mechanisms that will be put in place to enable partners in projects, including national youth organisations, to participate on an equal basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165813,"EventID":"S1W-29297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to make application forms and systems simpler for youth and other voluntary organisations seeking funding from lottery, and national or local sour","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to make application forms and systems simpler for youth and other voluntary organisations seeking funding from lottery, and national or local sources.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to questions S1W-26734 on June 2002 and S1W-25969 on 6 June 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa

      As part of these developments, the Executive is piloting a single core application form for voluntary organisations applying for funding from the Executive this year and aims to roll out their introduction across the Executive in the next financial year.

      A consultation paper on lottery distribution policy, Review of Lottery Funding was published jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly on 29 July for consultation until 30 October 2002. Section 3 of the consultation paper sets out issues involved in applications, single application forms, electronic application forms and one-stop shops. The Scottish Executive is playing a full part in the review of lottery funding which aims to look at how the lottery can be developed and enhanced for the future and build on the success achieved so far.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165814,"EventID":"S1W-29298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that its departments which receive regular reports from voluntary organisations in order to account for their use of grants send feedback to such o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that its departments which receive regular reports from voluntary organisations in order to account for their use of grants send feedback to such organisations.","AnswerText":"In line with Scottish Compact good practice, Scottish Executive Departments should agree a review of performance during the second year of three-year core funding to ascertain if grant should be renewed and to provide feedback to funded organisations. In addition, departments should provide feedback on failed grant applications and should work with the voluntary sector on issues of concern to either party in the spirit of openness and partnership, including any issues regarding the utilisation of Scottish Executive grants.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165815,"EventID":"S1W-29299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make it easier for voluntary youth organisations to recruit, train and retain adult voluntary workers by providing more funding and reducing paperwork.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make it easier for voluntary youth organisations to recruit, train and retain adult voluntary workers by providing more funding and reducing paperwork.","AnswerText":"We already provide generous resources for volunteering activity in Scotland. This year we are spending more than £2 million on the Active Communities Initiative, a further £1 million on the funding of the volunteer centre network and £700,000 on the Millennium Volunteers programme.

      We have also provided core funding of more than £260,000 this year to Volunteer Development Scotland, the centre for excellence on volunteering. This organisation provides voluntary organisations and volunteer placement agencies with advice and support on the best way to recruit, train and retain volunteers. This advice reflects the need to strike a balance between ensuring that proper checks are made on individual volunteers and the procedures needed to properly undertake this process.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165816,"EventID":"S1W-29300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-formal and informal youth work are an integral part of the education process and whether it will make supporting such work a statutory duty for local authorit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-formal and informal youth work are an integral part of the education process and whether it will make supporting such work a statutory duty for local authorities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29301 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa

      Local authorities already have a duty to provide for informal further education in the areas of social, cultural and recreational activities. Informal youth work is covered by this existing duty.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165817,"EventID":"S1W-29301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reduce pressure on the school curriculum by allowing and funding the non-formal and informal youth sector to contribute more to social, moral and civic ed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reduce pressure on the school curriculum by allowing and funding the non-formal and informal youth sector to contribute more to social, moral and civic education, sport, the arts and character-building activities.","AnswerText":"Within the school curriculum there is the opportunity for education authorities and schools to adopt flexible approaches to delivering education within the framework provided by national priorities and curricular guidance. In August 2001 the Scottish Executive Education Department issued a circular which sets out the flexibility available within current curriculum guidelines and arrangements for national qualifications.

      I fully recognise the important role of youth work in the social, personal and educational development of young people and was pleased to note that many voluntary sector organisations took part in the National Debate on Education.

      We will continue to support the positive development of Scotland's young people through both formal and informal means and would encourage the statutory and voluntary sectors to work together.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165818,"EventID":"S1W-29302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism it has for monitoring effectively the delivery of New Opportunities Fund projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism it has for monitoring effectively the delivery of New Opportunities Fund projects.","AnswerText":"The Health, Education and Environment Departments of the Scottish Executive are regularly in close contact with the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) to deal with the cross-cutting issues regarding the progress and development of NOF programmes.

      The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) maintains a database of lottery awards in Scotland based on the information provided by the lottery distributing bodies including NOF. Details of all funding packages made by NOF towards projects improving health, education and environment throughout Scotland are published on a regular basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165819,"EventID":"S1W-29303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communication it is having with the Inland Revenue with regard to the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes and, in particular, (a) what concessions it is seeking","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communication it is having with the Inland Revenue with regard to the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes and, in particular, (a) what concessions it is seeking from the Inland Revenue in respect of the schemes and (b) what response it has received.","AnswerText":"Following previous exchanges of correspondence with the Inland Revenue on taxation issues, I wrote to HM Treasury on 9 August 2002 seeking a tax concession which would allow the ex-gratia payments to be made as tax-free lump sum payments. HM Treasury replied on 20 September 2002 confirming their view that there was no case for special treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165820,"EventID":"S1W-29304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-28270 on 4 September 2002, on how many days during each year for which figures were given the total number of visitors to the public","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-28270 on 4 September 2002, on how many days during each year for which figures were given the total number of visitors to the public gallery in the chamber exceeded 234.","AnswerText":"The information requested broken down by year is:

      Year

      Number of days where visitor numbers exceeded 234

      05/99-04/00

      511

      05/00-04/01

      47

      05/01-04/02

      54

      05/02-07/02

      11

      Notes:

      1. From 1 September; records were not kept before that date.

      2. The figures show the number of visitors who accessed the public gallery of the chamber but, because access and egress of visitors is a continuous process, it is not possible to identify total numbers in the gallery at any one time.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165821,"EventID":"S1W-29305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many neighbourhood wardens will be employed before May 2003 under the measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many neighbourhood wardens will be employed before May 2003 under the measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"The measures announced in press release SESJ055/2002 relate to the Executive's spending plans for 2004-05 onwards, and not to the period before May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165822,"EventID":"S1W-29306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from deprived communities will be helped into work before May 2003 under the child care measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from deprived communities will be helped into work before May 2003 under the child care measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29305. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found on http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165823,"EventID":"S1W-29307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people over the age of 80 will receive assistance with central heating before May 2003 under the measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people over the age of 80 will receive assistance with central heating before May 2003 under the measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29305. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found on http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165824,"EventID":"S1W-29308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28202 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 September 2002, whether it still supports the application for a Public Services Obligation (PSO) for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28202 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 September 2002, whether it still supports the application for a Public Services Obligation (PSO) for the Inverness/Gatwick route; what conditions are attached to its support for the PSO, and, in particular, whether its support is dependent upon the outcome of the consultation exercise on the Department of Transport's consultation paper, The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"Ministers unconditionally support the application of measures to secure Inverness' link with Gatwick and this is not dependent on the outcome of the present consultation process.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165825,"EventID":"S1W-29309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27999 by Peter Peacock on 2 September 2002, what it estimates will be the percentage of small businesses eligible for business rate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27999 by Peter Peacock on 2 September 2002, what it estimates will be the percentage of small businesses eligible for business rate relief under the scheme to be introduced in 2003. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently preparing estimates of the number of properties eligible for relief and these will be published later this year, when the Minister for Finance and Public Services formally announces the provisional poundage rate for 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165826,"EventID":"S1W-29310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27995 by Mr Jack McConnell on 2 September 2002, whether ministerial parliamentary aides deal directly with civil servants by (a) at","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27995 by Mr Jack McConnell on 2 September 2002, whether ministerial parliamentary aides deal directly with civil servants by (a) attending meetings with them, (b) communicating with them via telephone or any other means, and what the cost has been to date of any such time spent by civil servants with ministerial parliamentary aides.","AnswerText":"Civil servants' contact with ministerial parliamentary aides is limited to occasions when the aide is supporting a minister in the minister's official capacity. This can be contact at meetings or by telephone or e-mail. No central record is kept of the amount of time or occasions where contact has been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165827,"EventID":"S1W-29311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend the allocation of funding to The Highland Council under the McCrone settlement in light of the representations it has received from the council and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will amend the allocation of funding to The Highland Council under the McCrone settlement in light of the representations it has received from the council and from schools within the council's area.","AnswerText":"Both the total provision for Modernising the Teaching Profession and the distribution methodology were agreed with COSLA on behalf of local government.

      The distribution formula for these resources uses pupil numbers as an objective measure of councils' relative spending needs but also takes account of the additional costs of serving small schools in rural areas and islands. Separate allowances are also made through the Special Island Needs Allowance and Gaelic-medium education specific grant. Highland Council benefits from these adjustments by over £4 million this year - on top of its allocation based on pupil numbers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165828,"EventID":"S1W-29312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sources of grant funding are available for small business start-ups, and specifically cafes, in rural Aberdeenshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sources of grant funding are available for small business start-ups, and specifically cafes, in rural Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"The provision of advice and support for business start-ups in Scotland is primarily a matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Individuals wishing to start a business in rural Aberdeenshire should, in the first instance, contact their local Small Business Gateway outlet, where business advisers can advise on all relevant sources of advice and financial support available both locally and nationally. However, support is not automatic and will be dependent on the specific support criteria.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165829,"EventID":"S1W-29313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent specifically on research into mesothelioma in each of the last five years, expressed also as a percentage of the total amount spent on cancer resear","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent specifically on research into mesothelioma in each of the last five years, expressed also as a percentage of the total amount spent on cancer research in each year.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care with the NHS in Scotland. The CSO portfolio includes more than 57 cancer-related projects. Although none of these deals specifically with mesothelioma, many of the findings will be relevant to all tumour types.

      The CSO also funds the indirect costs of cancer research. In 2001-02, approximately £7.7 million of the Research and Development Support Fund allocated to the NHS in Scotland for research was used in support of cancer studies - again with findings potentially relevant to all tumour types. The CSO always welcomes quality applications for consideration through their peer review and committee processes.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165830,"EventID":"S1W-29314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any specialist treatment units for mesothelioma and, if so, where they are located; how long any such units have been in operation, and what additional ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any specialist treatment units for mesothelioma and, if so, where they are located; how long any such units have been in operation, and what additional funding any such unit has received in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28521 on 13 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Treatment for mesothelioma, and indeed for all cancers, is highly specialised and is delivered across multi-disciplinary networks involving clinical and medical oncologists based in Scotland's five cancer centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165831,"EventID":"S1W-29315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NHS patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are being referred to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester for treatment; whether any sufferers are being referred to, and treated","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NHS patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are being referred to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester for treatment; whether any sufferers are being referred to, and treated at, other hospitals outside Scotland; how long this practice has been established, and how many patients have been referred to each hospital concerned in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information about referrals to named hospitals outside Scotland is not held centrally.

      Information is available of the total numbers of people referred for treatment to hospitals in England:

      Referrals to Hospitals in England for all Malignancies Excluding Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

      1997

      45

      1998

      58

      Source: Scottish Cancer Registration database, ISD, Scotland, September 2002. 1998 is the last year for which cancer registration figures are available.

      Note: There were no referrals for treatment of mesothelioma in either of these two years.

      The treatment of patients with mesothelioma is a matter for specialists experienced in the management of cancer. For rare cancers such as mesothelioma, treatment may be arranged on a UK rather than national (Scottish) basis. Clinicians are responsible for making appropriate decisions on treatment in individual cases, in consultation with their patient.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165832,"EventID":"S1W-29316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18802 by Angus MacKay on 19 November 2001, whether it will list the number of (a) public appointments made to non-departmental publ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18802 by Angus MacKay on 19 November 2001, whether it will list the number of (a) public appointments made to non-departmental public bodies, (b) appointees that declared a political affiliation and (c) appointees affiliated to each of the political parties in Scotland since 1 April 2001. ","AnswerText":"There have been 381 appointments and re-appointments made within the period 1 April 2001 to 20 September 2002. Of these, 293 (77%) declared no political activity. Details of the 88 (23%) who did declare political activity are as follows:

      Political activity in support of:

      Conservative

      Labour

      Liberal Democrats

      SNP

      Other

      8 (2%)

      53 (14%)

      9 (2%)

      8 (2%)

      10 (3%)

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165833,"EventID":"S1W-29317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27777 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 August 2002, when the consolidated guidance on public appointment arrangements will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27777 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 August 2002, when the consolidated guidance on public appointment arrangements will be published.","AnswerText":"Revised consolidated guidance for officials who work closely with non-departmental public bodies is currently being finalised. The guidance will include a section on public appointment procedures that will complement the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. The Executive guidance is expected to be made available within the next month to officials within the Executive, and I will place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165834,"EventID":"S1W-29318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) will be completed.","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer given to question S1W-28671 on 29 August 2002, the report published on that date marked the completion of the Quinquennial Review of SHEFC. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165835,"EventID":"S1W-29319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27777 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 August 2002, how many appointees in the last 12 months failed to complete political activity forms prio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27777 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 August 2002, how many appointees in the last 12 months failed to complete political activity forms prior to appointment to a non-departmental public body.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-20118 on 26 March 2002 and S1W-25468 on 30 April 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Since 26 March, no appointee has failed to complete a political activity declaration form.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165836,"EventID":"S1W-29320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27777 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 August 2002, whether it will list the (a) appointments and (b) re-appointments advertised through the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27777 by Mr Andy Kerr on 29 August 2002, whether it will list the (a) appointments and (b) re-appointments advertised through the parliamentary notification system since May 2002 and where and when each such vacancy was advertised.","AnswerText":"Details of appointments made since May 2002 and where and when each vacancy was advertised are noted in the following table:

      Public Body

      Chair or Member

      Date

      Publication

      Rent Assessment Panel

      Member

      17 May 02

      The Herald

      Scotsman

      7 June 02

      Chartered Surveyor Monthly

      Scottish Screen

      Chair

      17 May 02

      The Herald

      Scotsman

      The Courier

      Press and Journal

      19 May 02

      Scotland on Sunday

      The Herald on Sunday

      Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland

      Chair and Member

      24 May 02

      The Herald

      Scotsman

      The Courier

      Press and Journal

      Scottish Legal Aid Board

      Member

      13 May 02

      Issued to the Faculty of Advocates for distribution to members. Previous advertisement for post attracted no applicants.

      Crofters Commission

      Chair and Member

      23 May 02

      24 May 02

      Oban Times

      Orcadian

      The Herald

      Press and Journal

      West Highland Free Press

      Stornoway Gazette

      The Shetland Times

      Scottish Social Services Council

      Member

      18 June 02

      20 June 02

      21 June 02

      22 June 02

      23 June 02

      Asian Times

      Daily Record

      The Herald

      Scotsman

      The Courier

      Third Force News

      Scotland on Sunday

      The Herald on Sunday

      The Sunday Mail

      Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh

      Member

      18 July 02

      Daily Record

      19 July 02

      The Herald

      Scotsman

      Times Higher Educational Supplement

      21 July 02

      Scotland on Sunday

      The Herald on Sunday

      Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

      Member

      20 June 02

      The Big Issue

      Third Force News

      21 June 02

      The Herald

      Scotsman

      Press and Journal

      Fisheries (Electricity) Committee

      Member

      18/19 July 02

      The Herald

      Scotsman

      Outside Bodies Contacted

      CBI Scotland

      STUC

      Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations

      Community Service Volunteers

      Councils for Voluntary Service

      Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

      Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund

      Volunteer Centre Scotland

      Volunteer Development Scotland

      Women's Royal Voluntary Service

      Black & Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland

      Central Scotland Racial Equality Council

      Commission for Racial Equality

      Edinburgh & Lothians Racial Equality Council

      Equal Opportunities Commission

      Equality Network

      Fife Racial Equality Council

      Grampian Racial Equality Council

      Hamilton Disability Forum

      Inclusion Scotland

      Positive Action in Housing

      Scottish Disability Equality Forum

      Tayside Racial Equality Council

      West of Scotland Racial Equality Council

      Women's Forum Scotland

      Women's National Commission

      Workers Educational Association

      The outside bodies have been sent details of the following vacancies since May 2002:

      Vacancies

      Rent Assessment Panel

      Scottish Screen

      Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland

      Scottish Legal Aid Board

      Crofters Commission

      Scottish Social Services Council

      Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh

      Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

      Fisheries (Electricity) Committee

      Scottish Environment Protection Agency

      Sportscotland

      National Waiting Times Centre Board

      Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba

      Scottish Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards

      VisitScotland

      Scottish Natural Heritage

      NHS Trust Chairs

      Parole Board for Scotland

      Council for the Regulation of Health Care Professions

      Shetland NHS Board

      Scottish Qualification Authority

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165839,"EventID":"S1W-29323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school classrooms were built before 1900 in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school classrooms were built before 1900 in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165840,"EventID":"S1W-29324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in each local authority area currently use outside toilet facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in each local authority area currently use outside toilet facilities.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165841,"EventID":"S1W-29325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all public appointments made to non-departmental public bodies in each of the last three years, showing the number of re-appointments separately; whi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all public appointments made to non-departmental public bodies in each of the last three years, showing the number of re-appointments separately; which of these vacancies were advertised, and where, and when any such advertisements appeared.","AnswerText":"Information on those public appointments made in the last three years is given in the Executive's annual reports on appointments to non-departmental public bodies. A copy of the reports for 1999, 2000 and 2001 has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 3935, 11607 and 19471). The Executive's Public Appointments website (www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies) also provides up to date details of all current appointments. Information on re-appointments and use of advertisements is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165842,"EventID":"S1W-29327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 9 September 2002, whether it will list when there has been a vacancy for a Scottish position on (a) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 9 September 2002, whether it will list when there has been a vacancy for a Scottish position on (a) the Commission for Racial Equality, (b) the Equal Opportunities Commission, (c) the National Disability Council and (d) each of the UK research councils since May 1999; who it put forward for such vacancies and by which minister any names were put forward, and whether it is aware of who was finally appointed to each post.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including public appointments. Kay Hampton was appointed in April 2002 to the Commission for Racial Equality as having special knowledge of Scotland. Rowena Arshad was appointed as the Scottish Commissioner for Equal Opportunities Commission in 2001. In June 1999, Alan Dickson, an existing member of the National Disability Council was designated as the member with special knowledge of Scotland. The National Disability Council was abolished in April 2000 following the establishment of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC). The new position of DRC Commissioner with special knowledge of Scotland was filled for the first time in April 2000 by Elaine Noad. There are no Scottish positions on Research Councils.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165843,"EventID":"S1W-29328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28387 by Mr Andy Kerr on 10 September 2002, who delegated to the Permanent Secretary and his colleagues the responsibility to deplo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28387 by Mr Andy Kerr on 10 September 2002, who delegated to the Permanent Secretary and his colleagues the responsibility to deploy and manage civil servants; when this responsibility was delegated, and whether there are any waivers that allow ministers to intervene in the deployment and management of civil servants.","AnswerText":"The delegation to the First Minister of powers in relation to certain personnel issues was made on behalf of the Minister for the Civil Service on 1 July 1999. The delegation is subject to the condition that the First Minister complies with the provisions of the Civil Service Management Code (CSMC). In order to preserve the political impartiality of the civil service and in accordance with established practice, these powers are exercised by civil servants on behalf of the First Minister. Ministers are consulted about the appointment of civil servants in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code. In addition, ministers are consulted about some internal deployment such as the appointment of staff to a minister's private office.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165844,"EventID":"S1W-29329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information is held centrally on the number of patients treated in nurse-led out-patient clinics (a) in each NHS board area and (b) across Scotland as a whole in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether information is held centrally on the number of patients treated in nurse-led out-patient clinics (a) in each NHS board area and (b) across Scotland as a whole in each of the last five years and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"Earlier this year, ISD Scotland, in collaboration with Audit Scotland, carried out a week-long audit of non-in-patient clinics held in Scotland. Preliminary results from parts of the survey on nurse-led clinics are available at:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/isd_services/NHSiS_services/Data_quality/nurse_led_clinics.doc

      Systematic information on the number of patients treated in nurse-led out-patient clinics is not available centrally. However, this survey is part of the work being undertaken to identify the potential advantages of collecting information about out-patient contacts other than those by consultants.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165845,"EventID":"S1W-29330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency has any plans to compile key health indicators both nationally and broken down by NHS board ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency has any plans to compile key health indicators both nationally and broken down by NHS board area, using the same criteria as for the information on health compiled by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.","AnswerText":"The Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency do not currently have plans to compile key health indicators, using the same criteria as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165846,"EventID":"S1W-29331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27491 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 7 August 2002, which local authorities are taking part in the pilot scheme to catch shopkeepers that ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27491 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 7 August 2002, which local authorities are taking part in the pilot scheme to catch shopkeepers that sell cigarettes to under-age children.","AnswerText":"The four authorities participating in the pilot scheme are City of Edinburgh Council, Moray Council, South Ayrshire Council and Stirling Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165847,"EventID":"S1W-29332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what considerations it has given to any pressure on the nursing workforce as a result of (a) the establishment of nurse-led clinics, (b) increasing the responsibilities o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what considerations it has given to any pressure on the nursing workforce as a result of (a) the establishment of nurse-led clinics, (b) increasing the responsibilities of nurses to enable them to write prescriptions, (c) any specialisation within the nursing profession and (d) proposals for one nurse on each ward to become a \"cleanliness champion\". ","AnswerText":"We are taking positive steps on a number of fronts to increase capacity, enhance career development opportunities and retain the current nursing workforce.

      Facing the Future, the Report of the National Convention on Recruitment and Retention in Nursing and Midwifery, identified the need to make an explicit connection between supply and demand, planning and distribution and the mix and diversity of nurses and midwives. In partnership, we are working to ensure that career development opportunities within Scotland are fostered and expanded.

      The Scottish Executive is also committed to recruiting more nurses in NHSScotland. Over the next five years 10,000 more nurses and midwives will qualify in Scotland, 1,500 more than previously planned and a raft of other initiatives have been put in place to ensure that NHSScotland recruits and retains the number of nurses it needs.

      Like other health care professionals, nurses and midwives want to take the opportunity for personal and professional development to enable NHSScotland to meet the demands of developing more flexible, needs-driven services in partnership with the public and fellow health professionals including innovative approaches to care. Support for staff to do so is provided through appropriate educational opportunities and through workforce planning so that individuals can follow career opportunities.

      Nurses and midwives themselves seek opportunities to establish nurse-led clinics focussing on the delivery of patient centred care. The benefits for nurses include the opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge, being able to take autonomous clinical decisions and enabling patients to experience a smooth transition through their pathway of care. When developing nurse-led clinics it is important that cognisance is taken of the implications of changes to workload within the wider multi professional team. As part of the new arrangements set out in Working for Health, the workforce development action plan for NHSScotand, workforce officers will have local responsibility in their NHS board for ensuring that effective integration of service planning and workforce development takes place at trust and board level in order that services can be delivered in the most appropriate way.

      Nurses have been at the forefront of seeking the opportunity to prescribe as part of the care they provide in the areas of minor ailments, minor injuries, health promotion and palliative care. Appropriate training is being provided and will ensure that nurse prescribing brings real benefits in terms of access to care for patients.

      Some nurses seek to develop a specialist role within a given clinical field. A specialist nurse will have successfully completed a post qualification course of study in a specific clinical field and be able to apply a level of judgement, discretion and decision making in clinical care to improve the quality of patient care, meet the needs of patients within the speciality and in the specific area of practice. The development of these roles also requires a workforce development approach.

      The role of cleanliness "champions" has been planned in partnership with NHS boards and trusts to ensure that it fits with the clinical environment and existing infection control structures with appropriate support mechanisms being put in place. An education programme is currently being developed by NHS Education for Scotland, which will ensure that individual nurses are well prepared for the role.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165848,"EventID":"S1W-29333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the current provision of free dental care and increase the number of NHS dentists throughout Scotland as a result of the Spending Review 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve the current provision of free dental care and increase the number of NHS dentists throughout Scotland as a result of the Spending Review 2002. ","AnswerText":"The Spending Review 2002 will enable us to continue to implement recommendations contained in An Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland. These include improving access to NHS dental services and measures to recruit and retain NHS dentists in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165849,"EventID":"S1W-29334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments and other assistance it gives to people living in conservation areas to meet the cost of major repairs and window replacements and whether these payments of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what payments and other assistance it gives to people living in conservation areas to meet the cost of major repairs and window replacements and whether these payments offer any special assistance to householders on below average incomes.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland, an agency within the Scottish Executive, can provide grants for the repair of properties within conservation areas that have been classified as outstanding for the purposes of grant. This provision includes grants for the repair, renewal or re-instatement of traditional timber sash and case windows, normally as part of a comprehensive scheme of repair. All applications are assessed on the basis of a need for grant and rates of grant vary according to personal circumstances. Local authorities have similar powers to award repair grants and can also set up joint-funded Town Schemes with Historic Scotland to assist owners with grants of 50% (25% each from the local authority and Historic Scotland). Town Schemes can address discrete items of repair such as windows.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165850,"EventID":"S1W-29335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidelines to double gla'ing companies regarding the appropriate types of windows to install in conservation areas in order to prevent householders ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue guidelines to double gla'ing companies regarding the appropriate types of windows to install in conservation areas in order to prevent householders that have not complied with relevant regulations becoming subject to enforcement action and the subsequent additional cost of replacing the windows.","AnswerText":"Government advice on window replacement is given in the Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. The latest edition of the memorandum was published by Historic Scotland in 1998 and is the document to which all planning authorities are directed by Scottish Office Development Department Circular No.13/1998 in their consideration of conservation and listed building consent matters.

      Although principally aimed at planning authority staff, the guidelines about windows set out within it are of use also to applicants and their agents, and to manufacturers of replacement windows. The first point of enquiry about replacement windows should always be the local planning authority, which will offer advice on the basis of both local plan policies and Government guidance within the memorandum.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165851,"EventID":"S1W-29336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to protect farmers who are in a quality assurance scheme from any impact on their certification of the actions of persons that walk across th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to protect farmers who are in a quality assurance scheme from any impact on their certification of the actions of persons that walk across their land with dogs that have not been adequately treated against diseases.","AnswerText":"On-farm quality assurance schemes are industry-led and the Scottish Executive has no direct control over standards and certification procedures. There are no specific provisions to protect farmers who are in quality assurance schemes which would wholly protect them against animal contamination, wild or domestic. However, the Scottish Executive has recently produced a Bio-Security Code of Practice - currently before the Scottish Parliament - which includes guidance to walkers when using farm land to reduce any risk of disease transmission.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165852,"EventID":"S1W-29337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28012 by Mr Andy Kerr on 30 August 2002, what the exception in relation to senior civil servants was and why the exception was made","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28012 by Mr Andy Kerr on 30 August 2002, what the exception in relation to senior civil servants was and why the exception was made.","AnswerText":"The exception was to second a person into the then Scottish Office for more than 12 months without first establishing a field of candidates. It was made to secure particular expertise quickly in the area of housing.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165853,"EventID":"S1W-29338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the education indicator for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals does not include the target of having exclusive access to at leas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the education indicator for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals does not include the target of having exclusive access to at least four modern computers for every class.","AnswerText":"Our intention was to select a small basket of indicators that would help us measure whether we are closing the gap between deprived areas and the rest of Scotland. The indicators were chosen from existing Executive portfolio and Social Justice targets, because they relate to the achievement of specific outcomes, are relevant for monitoring area-based deprivation relevant to the national average and because the necessary data will be available at local area level for the baseline year of 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165854,"EventID":"S1W-29339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the education indicator for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals does not include the target of every teacher having access to a c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the education indicator for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals does not include the target of every teacher having access to a classroom computer.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165855,"EventID":"S1W-29340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the education indicator for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals does not include figures on entry into higher and further educati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the education indicator for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals does not include figures on entry into higher and further education in line with milestone 16 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165856,"EventID":"S1W-29341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the justice indicator for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals is restricted to house-breaking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the justice indicator for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals is restricted to house-breaking.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165857,"EventID":"S1W-29342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to meet target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to meet target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"The basket of indicators for measuring whether we are closing the opportunity gap in disadvantaged communities is intended to monitor progress over time. Each community is at a different baseline in respect of the indicators for target 3 so will achieve the target of reaching the national average at different rates.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165858,"EventID":"S1W-29343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not set a deadline for meeting target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not set a deadline for meeting target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29344 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165859,"EventID":"S1W-29344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to meet target 9 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to meet target 9 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"We are increasing opportunities for people to get involved in volunteering through the Active Communities Initiative, the expansion of the volunteer centre network and the continuation of the Millennium Volunteers programme. The focus of these programmes is to tackle the obstacles to volunteering opportunities, raise awareness about volunteering and to provide training and support. These objectives do not readily lend themselves to quantifiable targets. Similarly, we will continue to promote equality mainstreaming throughout the period 2003-06 and Building A Better Scotland sets out what we intend to achieve over the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165860,"EventID":"S1W-29345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not set a deadline for meeting target 9 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not set a deadline for meeting target 9 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29344 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165861,"EventID":"S1W-29346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether stock transfer is the only way to deliver warm, damp-free and structurally sound homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether stock transfer is the only way to deliver warm, damp-free and structurally sound homes.","AnswerText":"It is for councils and their tenants, in light of local circumstances, to decide how best to secure investment in council housing. The benefits of transfer include providing investment; giving tenants guarantees about future rent levels and investment programmes, and dealing with councils' historic housing debt.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165862,"EventID":"S1W-29347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what spending commitments in its 2003-06 spending proposals will assist in meeting the jobs indicators of target 3 of the social justice section of its proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what spending commitments in its 2003-06 spending proposals will assist in meeting the jobs indicators of target 3 of the social justice section of its proposals.","AnswerText":"Spending on a wide range of Executive programmes will impact on the jobs indicators of target 3 of the social justice section of Building a Better Scotland. Some of the Executive's spending plans will have a direct effect. For example, we will spend an additional £20 million from 2004 to help people in deprived communities through child care. Other spending plans will have a less direct, but nevertheless important effect. For example, we will spend an extra £34 million on rolling out the Educational Maintenance Allowances from 2004 to allow young people from less well-off families throughout Scotland to remain in school and in further education.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165863,"EventID":"S1W-29348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include alcohol misuse in line with milestone 18 of the Soci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include alcohol misuse in line with milestone 18 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165864,"EventID":"S1W-29349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include smoking in line with milestone 18 of the Social Just","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include smoking in line with milestone 18 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165865,"EventID":"S1W-29350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include poor diet in line with milestone 18 of the Social Ju","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include poor diet in line with milestone 18 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165866,"EventID":"S1W-29351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include the percentage of low birth-weight babies in line wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include the percentage of low birth-weight babies in line with milestone 5 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165867,"EventID":"S1W-29352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include dental decay among five-year-olds in line with miles","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include dental decay among five-year-olds in line with milestone 5 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165868,"EventID":"S1W-29353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include reductions in smoking by 12- to 15-year-olds in line","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include reductions in smoking by 12- to 15-year-olds in line with milestone 11 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165869,"EventID":"S1W-29354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include teenage pregnancies among 13- to 15-year-olds in lin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include teenage pregnancies among 13- to 15-year-olds in line with milestone 11 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165870,"EventID":"S1W-29355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include the rate of suicides among young people in line with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include the rate of suicides among young people in line with milestone 11 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165871,"EventID":"S1W-29356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include mortality rates from coronary heart disease among ol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the health indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include mortality rates from coronary heart disease among older people in line with milestone 22 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165872,"EventID":"S1W-29357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include milestone 29 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the indicators for target 3 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals do not include milestone 29 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, accelerating the number of households in disadvantaged areas with access to the internet.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165873,"EventID":"S1W-29358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why milestone 2 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, reducing the proportion of our children living in low income househ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why milestone 2 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, reducing the proportion of our children living in low income households, is not an objective, target or indicator in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"Social justice is delivered both through the social justice portfolio and through the activities of other portfolios. The aims, objectives and targets in the social justice chapter of Building a Better Scotland are those that the social justice budget will deliver. The social justice milestones remain in place and we shall report again on progress in this year's Social Justice Annual Report.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165874,"EventID":"S1W-29359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why milestone 6 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, reducing the number of households with children living in temporar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why milestone 6 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, reducing the number of households with children living in temporary accommodation, is not an objective, target or indicator in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29358 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165875,"EventID":"S1W-29360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why milestone 14 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, reducing the proportion of working age people with low incomes, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why milestone 14 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, reducing the proportion of working age people with low incomes, is not an objective, target or indicator in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29358 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165876,"EventID":"S1W-29361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why milestone 23 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, reducing the fear of crime among older people, is not an objectiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why milestone 23 of the Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters, reducing the fear of crime among older people, is not an objective, target or indicator in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29358 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165877,"EventID":"S1W-29362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why house-breaking is the only crime mentioned as an indicator in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals, rather than all crime in disadvantaged are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why house-breaking is the only crime mentioned as an indicator in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals, rather than all crime in disadvantaged areas in line with milestone 26 of the Social Justice Annual Report - A Scotland where everyone matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29338 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165878,"EventID":"S1W-29363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why spending on providing the services and support that people need will be reduced by #5 million between 2003-04 and 2004-05 as detailed in its 2003-06 spending proposal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why spending on providing the services and support that people need will be reduced by #5 million between 2003-04 and 2004-05 as detailed in its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"This arises from the completion of a three-year programme of capital expenditure to provide accommodation for the victims of domestic abuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165879,"EventID":"S1W-29364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the \"difficult, long-term problems\" remaining in Glasgow and Dundee mentioned in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the \"difficult, long-term problems\" remaining in Glasgow and Dundee mentioned in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"Both the "difficult, long-term problems" and the successes of opportunities facing Glasgow and Dundee will be set out in full in the Cities Review report.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165880,"EventID":"S1W-29365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why target 6 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals only seeks to reduce the number of households that become homeless more than once in a year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why target 6 of the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals only seeks to reduce the number of households that become homeless more than once in a year.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to preventing and tackling homelessness through delivery of the recommendations of the Homelessness Task Force. A key part of the action programme aims to reduce levels of repeat homelessness and the Executive wishes to ensure strong progress through local authorities in achieving this over the period to 2006.

      An extensive study into Repeat Homelessness by Heriot Watt University for the task force estimated that some 27% of current homelessness applications are repeat applications, and that most of these are separated by relatively short time periods between applications. In most cases, the inter-application period is six months or less, and in only three per cent of cases is it more than three years.

      Social Justice Target 6 will focus effort on preventing repeat homelessness, an area where there is a clear need to improve homelessness performance and which also lends itself to a target-setting approach. New statistical information from the Homelessness Electronic Data System introduced in December 2001 will for the first time enable measurement of the extent of repeat homelessness.

      The Homelessness Monitoring Group, set up to oversee progress in the delivery of the task force recommendations, will play a key role in monitoring progress against this target. The monitoring group will also monitor wider performance on homelessness against other homelessness indicators recommended by the task force in areas where the task force considered it was not appropriate to set specific targets.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165881,"EventID":"S1W-29366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in real terms the reduction of #5 million in the budget for providing the services and support that people need, as detailed in the social justice section of it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much in real terms the reduction of #5 million in the budget for providing the services and support that people need, as detailed in the social justice section of its spending proposals for 2003-06, will be in 2004-05.","AnswerText":"The real terms reduction in budget for providing the services and support that people need in 2004-05 compared to 2003-04 is approximately 19%. The reduction arises from the completion of the Refuge Development Fund, a three-year programme of capital expenditure to provide accommodation for the victims of domestic abuse. The resources that were available to the fund in 2003-04 have been re-allocated to decommissioning the Glasgow hostels in 2004-05 and 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165882,"EventID":"S1W-29367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of \"high profile 'must see' sporting and cultural events\" as detailed in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of \"high profile 'must see' sporting and cultural events\" as detailed in the social justice section of its 2003-06 spending proposals.","AnswerText":"We have commissioned consultants to help us develop a major events strategy for Scotland. Their report is expected this month and, following consultation with the Major Events Steering Group, we expect to announce the form of our major events strategy later this year. The details of the various types of events on which the strategy may focus will be worked up once this announcement has been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165883,"EventID":"S1W-29368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28419 by Mr Andy Kerr on 11 September 2002, whether it will publish evidence and/or statistics on the effectiveness of any one adve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28419 by Mr Andy Kerr on 11 September 2002, whether it will publish evidence and/or statistics on the effectiveness of any one advertising campaign that any of its departments have carried out since 1999; whether it will place a copy of such evidence and/or statistics in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and, if it does not produce or publish such evidence and/or statistics, what the estimated cost of such production and publication would have been.","AnswerText":"I have placed a copy of the research report (Bib. number 24369) and questionnaire (Bib. number 24368) on the Scottish Executive's road safety campaign Foolsspeed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The report is titled Changing speeding behaviour in Scotland: An evaluation of the "Foolsspeed" campaign.

      This five-year campaign began in 1999 after a baseline survey in November 1998. Follow-up surveys were conducted in spring 1999, spring 2000 and summer 2001. The research, carried out by the Centre for Social Marketing, University of Strathclyde found "robust evidence that the campaign was associated with a change in attitudes towards speeding".","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165884,"EventID":"S1W-29369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases relating to the abuse of attorney have been brought to the courts in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases relating to the abuse of attorney have been brought to the courts in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The term abuse of attorney is not one known to the Scottish legal system. No statistics are kept at Crown Office in relation to cases involving an abuse of a power of attorney.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165885,"EventID":"S1W-29370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the new appointments to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council completed political activity forms prior to their appointment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the new appointments to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council completed political activity forms prior to their appointment.","AnswerText":"Political activity forms for the four new members were completed prior to their appointment to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, as stipulated in the guidance provided by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165886,"EventID":"S1W-29371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 161 applicants received for the recent vacancies on the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council were politically active, broken down to show the applic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 161 applicants received for the recent vacancies on the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council were politically active, broken down to show the applicants' political affiliation.","AnswerText":"All applicants completed political activity declaration forms. The information provided plays no part in the selection process. Candidates agree that this information will be made publicly available if they are appointed and the information for the successful candidates in the 2002 appointments round for SHEFC is as follows:

      Re-appointments:

      No political activity declared:

      2

      New appointments:

      No political activity declared:

      3

      Political activity declared:

      1 (Labour)

      The News Release announcing these appointments indicated that there was no recorded political activity declared by any of the appointees, when in fact one candidate had declared political activity for the Labour Party. This was an administrative error in the compilation of the News Release, and those involved accept full responsibility. Steps have been taken to ensure such a mistake does not recur. I apologise for the release of this inaccurate information.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165887,"EventID":"S1W-29372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements are placed on board members of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) with regard to their attendance at meetings and other official enga","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements are placed on board members of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) with regard to their attendance at meetings and other official engagements.","AnswerText":"The terms and conditions that new board members agree to upon appointment to SHEFC states, in paragraph 1, that members:

      "will be required to devote approximately 2 days per month on average to the performance of your functions as a Member of the Council."

      Specific arrangements are a matter for the council.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165888,"EventID":"S1W-29373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise recently nominated for appointment to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise recently nominated for appointment to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.","AnswerText":"No nominations were received from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Scottish Enterprise nominated a serving member of their board, Ian Ritchie.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165889,"EventID":"S1W-29374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the new appointments or re-appointments to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council announced in June 2002 declared any interests on being appointed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the new appointments or re-appointments to the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council announced in June 2002 declared any interests on being appointed and, if so, what those interests were.","AnswerText":"No interests were declared as part of the appointment or re-appointment process.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165890,"EventID":"S1W-29375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remuneration package is for board members of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remuneration package is for board members of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC).","AnswerText":"SHEFC board members receive a non-pensionable annual salary of £5,031 and incurred travel and subsistence costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165891,"EventID":"S1W-29376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and where the recent vacancies for members of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council were advertised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and where the recent vacancies for members of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council were advertised.","AnswerText":"The advert for the four board member vacancies on the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council appeared in the following publications:

      14 February 2002

      Business AM

      15 February 2002

      The Herald

      15 February 2002

      The Scotsman

      21 February 2002

      The Financial Times

      The advert was also accessible via the Scottish Executive website on the public appointments page from 14 February until 22 March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165892,"EventID":"S1W-29377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce legislation preventing the storage or placement of flammable or otherwise dangerous materials adjacent to railway lines or sidings, detai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to introduce legislation preventing the storage or placement of flammable or otherwise dangerous materials adjacent to railway lines or sidings, detailing when it will exercise any such power and the reasons behind its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Employers are obliged to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 in the running of their premises. Health and safety legislation includes requirements to protect the public outwith the premises as well as those within. However, health and safety matters are reserved.

      Scottish planning controls, namely the Planning Hazardous Substances consent regime, relate to the storage of specified hazardous substances or categories of hazardous substance above specified quantity related thresholds.

      In addition, it is open to planning authorities, when determining planning applications for new physical development or changes of use of sites that involve the storage or placement of flammable or otherwise dangerous materials in proximity to a railway line or siding, to consider whether the potential risk or impact of an accident is a material consideration in the determination of such applications.

      Where the storage or placement of flammable or otherwise dangerous materials is part of a process or activity subject to control under either Part 1 of the Environment Protection Act 1990 or the Pollution, Prevention and Control Regulations 2000, then conditions can be attached to the authorisation/permit by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency aimed at preventing accidents and minimising the consequences for the environment.

      The Executive has no current plans to introduce legislation in relation to these matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165893,"EventID":"S1W-29378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions and guidance it has given to the Strategic Rail Authority on compensation packages to (a) passengers, (b) train operating companies (TOCs) and (c) Railtra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions and guidance it has given to the Strategic Rail Authority on compensation packages to (a) passengers, (b) train operating companies (TOCs) and (c) Railtrack for the disruption caused by a line closure; what the process is to gain any such compensation, and whether passengers, TOCs and Railtrack will qualify for any compensation following the recent closure of the Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line at Falkirk.","AnswerText":"There are mechanisms in place under the terms of the current franchise to enable passengers to receive compensation from train operating companies who cancel train services. Where the cancellation is due to action taken by Railtrack, the train operating company can seek compensation from Railtrack.

      In this particular case, Railtrack decided to close the Edinburgh to Glasgow line at Falkirk on safety grounds following a fire on land adjacent to the railway but owned by a third party. Railtrack may therefore wish to seek compensation for the losses incurred from that third party.

      The Directions and Guidance issued to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) on 28 June 2002 for the next Scottish Passenger Rail Franchise require the SRA to develop, among other things, a franchise which will endeavour to improve passenger compensation.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165894,"EventID":"S1W-29379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5472 by Iain Gray on 5 September 2002, what action can be taken should there be a breakdown in industrial relations in the further ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5472 by Iain Gray on 5 September 2002, what action can be taken should there be a breakdown in industrial relations in the further education sector.","AnswerText":"Industrial relations and employment issues within further education colleges, which are autonomous bodies in terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, are for the colleges themselves to address.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165895,"EventID":"S1W-29380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5472 by Iain Gray on 5 September 2002, what appeal mechanism is available to staff of further education colleges should there be a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5472 by Iain Gray on 5 September 2002, what appeal mechanism is available to staff of further education colleges should there be a breakdown in industrial relations.","AnswerText":"Arrangements whereby staff in colleges of further education may appeal against disciplinary action would normally be covered by the disciplinary code of the college concerned and by general employment law provisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165896,"EventID":"S1W-29381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5472 by Iain Gray on 5 September 2002, what mechanism exists to hold boards of management of further education colleges to account.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5472 by Iain Gray on 5 September 2002, what mechanism exists to hold boards of management of further education colleges to account.","AnswerText":"Boards of management are accountable to the Scottish ministers through powers delegated to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council in the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165897,"EventID":"S1W-29382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5472 by Iain Gray on 5 September 2002, whether there are any plans to review the system of appointments to the boards of management","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5472 by Iain Gray on 5 September 2002, whether there are any plans to review the system of appointments to the boards of management of further education colleges.","AnswerText":"An extensive consultation exercise seeking views on future governance and accountability arrangements in the further education sector is currently under way. The appointment of boards of management is one issue on which views are being sought.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165898,"EventID":"S1W-29383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28258 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 September 2002, whether the first tranche of payments under the disbursement of Scottish Transport Gr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28258 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 September 2002, whether the first tranche of payments under the disbursement of Scottish Transport Group pension funds will be calculated using a fixed percentage of the total calculated entitlement and, if so, what that percentage will be and, if not, how the percentage of payments to be made under the first tranche will be calculated, and whether the second tranche of payments will be for the total amount remaining.","AnswerText":"The first tranche of payments was calculated as £3.90 per £ of pension or pension entitlement at 1993 levels. The total to be paid out in this tranche, assuming that all the details on the database are correct, is approximately 80% of the £118 million then available for distribution. Since the calculations were made for the first tranche of payments we have secured an additional £8 million for distribution to beneficiaries, and the second tranche will distribute the balance of the £126 million now available.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165899,"EventID":"S1W-29384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the event that the Inland Revenue grants a concession so that pensioners and beneficiaries under the Scottish Transport Group pension funds do not have to pay","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the event that the Inland Revenue grants a concession so that pensioners and beneficiaries under the Scottish Transport Group pension funds do not have to pay income tax on their payments, any tax deducted will be reimbursed immediately following the securing of the exemption.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29303 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165900,"EventID":"S1W-29385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional police officers could be employed if the #30 million for neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 was spent on employing pol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional police officers could be employed if the #30 million for neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 was spent on employing police officers.","AnswerText":"£20 million, not £30 million, announced in SESJ055/2002 is to fund neighbourhood warden schemes. Neighbourhood wardens are not an alternative for the police.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165901,"EventID":"S1W-29386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the neighbourhood warden schemes announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will become operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the neighbourhood warden schemes announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will become operational.","AnswerText":"Funding will be available from April 2004. The rate of implementation will depend on the planning, consultation and operational processes of local authorities and their community planning partners.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165902,"EventID":"S1W-29387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Police Federation was consulted about the plans for neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Police Federation was consulted about the plans for neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"Neighbourhood wardens have been discussed at meetings between the Scottish Executive and representative bodies of police officers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165903,"EventID":"S1W-29388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chief constables were consulted about the plans for neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many chief constables were consulted about the plans for neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29387. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165904,"EventID":"S1W-29389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will sharpen the attack on poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will sharpen the attack on poverty.","AnswerText":"By developing more effective responses to crime, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour and by promoting environmental justice, we will make neighbourhoods safer and more attractive places to live.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165905,"EventID":"S1W-29390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the #20 million for child care announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the #20 million for child care announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will be made available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29391 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165906,"EventID":"S1W-29391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria will be for access to the #20 million for child care announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria will be for access to the #20 million for child care announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"The £20 million announced in press release SESJ055/2002 commences from 2004-05. I shall make further announcements about how this funding will be used in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165907,"EventID":"S1W-29392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the #10 million for central heating for the over-80s announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will be made available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the #10 million for central heating for the over-80s announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will be made available.","AnswerText":"The additional £10 million for free central heating for the over-80s forms part of the Social Justice spending plans for the three years beginning 2004-05. Full details, including the terms under which the central heating will be provided, will be announced nearer the time.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165908,"EventID":"S1W-29393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the new central heating scheme announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will encompass.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the new central heating scheme announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will encompass.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29392 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165909,"EventID":"S1W-29394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria will be for the new central heating scheme announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria will be for the new central heating scheme announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29392 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165910,"EventID":"S1W-29395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the new central heating scheme announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 to come into operation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the new central heating scheme announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 to come into operation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29392 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165911,"EventID":"S1W-29396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from deprived areas are currently prevented from entering work because of an absence of child care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people from deprived areas are currently prevented from entering work because of an absence of child care.","AnswerText":"For parents living in deprived areas, the absence of affordable child care is one of the barriers to entering employment. The absence of appropriate skills, ill health, and/or access to places of employment are also impediments to entering work.

      The Scottish Executive is committed to removing the range of barriers that parents face to entering employment, and I recently announced an additional £20 million over 2004-06 to tackle some of these barriers in deprived areas, including access to child care.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165912,"EventID":"S1W-29397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures will be introduced as part of its new approaches to neighbourhood management other than those mentioned in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific measures will be introduced as part of its new approaches to neighbourhood management other than those mentioned in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"In addition to the £20 million for neighbourhood wardens £10 million will also be available in 2004-06 for a range of other measures directed at tackling problems resulting from anti-social behaviour. The specific measures to benefit from this funding are likely to vary from area to area and have not yet been decided in detail. They could, however, include the creation of specialised anti-social behaviour teams within local authorities, intensive support projects for anti-social families and more extensive use of mediation services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165913,"EventID":"S1W-29398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people will be helped back into work by the provision of #20 million for child care over three years as announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people will be helped back into work by the provision of #20 million for child care over three years as announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29391 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165914,"EventID":"S1W-29399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will have.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers the neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will have.","AnswerText":"Neighbourhood wardens in Scotland will have no powers beyond that of the ordinary citizen. The police must remain the only body with powers to intervene in situations without consent. Other persons may only intervene with consent or under whatever arrangement lies between the employer of the warden/patrol and the citizen.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165915,"EventID":"S1W-29400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form the training announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will take.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form the training announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will take.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29391 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165916,"EventID":"S1W-29401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the training announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will begin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the training announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will begin.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29391 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165917,"EventID":"S1W-29402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific investment in jobs will be as announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific investment in jobs will be as announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29391 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165918,"EventID":"S1W-29403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the investment in jobs announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will be made.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the investment in jobs announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will be made.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29391 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165919,"EventID":"S1W-29404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it will create through the measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it will create through the measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29391 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165920,"EventID":"S1W-29405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29052 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 September 2002, what the estimated cost of overseas engagements by ministers will be in the current fina","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29052 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 September 2002, what the estimated cost of overseas engagements by ministers will be in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"Following the answer to question S1W-29052, the Scottish Executive will publish as early as possible in summer 2003 information on the actual incurred costs of all the overseas engagements carried out by ministers during the financial year 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165921,"EventID":"S1W-29406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role UK Sport has in the (a) promotion, (b) regulation and (c) funding of sport in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role UK Sport has in the (a) promotion, (b) regulation and (c) funding of sport in Scotland.","AnswerText":"UK Sport has no role specific to Scotland. It is responsible for fostering, supporting and encouraging the development of sport and physical recreation in the UK as a whole with a particular focus on the Olympic sports (which are organised on a GB/UK basis) and the achievement of excellence. Its functions include support for GB/UK governing bodies of sport and governing body modernisation; advice on policies and practices on anti-doping and other ethical and equity issues, and it provides the central services for the UK Sports Institute. For these purposes, it receives annual grant-in-aid from DCMS. It is also a distributor for part of the Lottery Sports Fund, operating the World Class Performance Programme and the UK Major Events Programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165922,"EventID":"S1W-29407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28331 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, under what circumstances the local authority would be the appropriate agency for a nei","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28331 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, under what circumstances the local authority would be the appropriate agency for a neighbourhood warden to report to and under what circumstances the police would fulfil this role.","AnswerText":"Details of neighbourhood warden schemes are still to be developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165923,"EventID":"S1W-29408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27871 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 August 2002, who the ambulance frontline staff are within the Scottish Ambulance Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27871 by Malcolm Chisholm on 21 August 2002, who the ambulance frontline staff are within the Scottish Ambulance Service.","AnswerText":"Paramedics, technicians and non-emergency assistants are defined as frontline staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165924,"EventID":"S1W-29409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation will be introduced to govern the neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation will be introduced to govern the neighbourhood wardens announced in its press release SESJ055/2002.","AnswerText":"New legislation is not required to govern neighbourhood wardens.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165925,"EventID":"S1W-29410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will combat prejudice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the measures announced in its press release SESJ055/2002 will combat prejudice.","AnswerText":"These measures will tackle poverty, inequality, and unemployment in many of the most deprived communities in Scotland.

      Whilst the reasons behind prejudiced behaviours and attitudes are complex and diverse, we know that they all too often manifest themselves in these deprived communities. By taking positive steps towards achieving our goals of social justice and equality of opportunity for all, we hope to break the vicious circle of inequality and prejudice.

      Furthermore, we take our duties under the Race Relations Amendment Act very seriously, and these measures will be implemented with due regard to the promotion of race equality, the elimination of unlawful discrimination and the promotion of good race relations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165926,"EventID":"S1W-29411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the neighbourhood wardens, announced in its press release SESJ055/2002, will become a network and whether the network will be nationwide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the neighbourhood wardens, announced in its press release SESJ055/2002, will become a network and whether the network will be nationwide.","AnswerText":"We intend that neighbourhood wardens operate across Scotland but the shape of the schemes will vary depending on the needs and priorities of individual communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165927,"EventID":"S1W-29412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28007 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 August 2002, what monitoring is carried out of the information on the percentage of candidates for seni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28007 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 August 2002, what monitoring is carried out of the information on the percentage of candidates for senior civil service posts in the (a) Scottish Office and (b) Scottish Administration that were (i) women, (ii) from ethnic minorities and (iii) disabled.","AnswerText":"Prior to this year each competition, while in progress, was monitored in relation to applications from women, ethnic minorities and disabled people. A database has now been established which has held this information centrally since April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165928,"EventID":"S1W-29417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation to allow registered celebrants of the Humanist Society to perform marriage ceremonies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to introduce legislation to allow registered celebrants of the Humanist Society to perform marriage ceremonies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive have no immediate plans to introduce legislation to allow celebrants of the Humanist Society to perform marriage ceremonies in Scotland. However, as stated in reply to petition PE 333 by Charles Douglas on behalf of the Humanist Society of Scotland, the Scottish Executive will review this position when the Marriage (Scotland) Act 2002 has been operational for a suitable period.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165929,"EventID":"S1W-29418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in respect of petition PE333 by Charles Douglas on behalf of the Humanist Society of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take in respect of petition PE333 by Charles Douglas on behalf of the Humanist Society of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive responded formally to Justice 2 Committee regarding petition P333 on 26 July 2001. This confirmed that the Scottish Executive do not accept the view expressed by the petitioner that the law regarding the celebration of marriage in Scotland is not compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights. The Scottish Executive response pointed out that there is nothing to prevent a humanist or other ceremony supplementing the legal procedure undertaken by a registrar. In addition, the Scottish Executive undertook to review the position once the then proposed Marriage (Scotland) Bill had been enacted and operational for a suitable period. The new arrangements under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 2002 and associated regulations came fully into effect on 10 June 2002. These permit civil marriages to be carried out by registrars in places that are approved by Scottish local authorities. The Scottish Executive still intend, as was indicated in the response to PE333, to review matters once the 2002 act has been operational for a suitable period.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165930,"EventID":"S1W-29419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28951 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 September 2002, for what specific reasons the applications for funding from Facilitate (Scotland) w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28951 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 September 2002, for what specific reasons the applications for funding from Facilitate (Scotland) were unsuccessful.","AnswerText":"The Executive has already explained to Facilitate (Scotland) why their grant applications were unsuccessful.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165931,"EventID":"S1W-29420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the care and treatment of young people with mental health problems in young offender institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the care and treatment of young people with mental health problems in young offender institutions.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      All prisoners suffering from mental health problems are cared for by a multi-disciplinary health care team.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165932,"EventID":"S1W-29421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources for the care and treatment of young people with mental health problems in young offender institutions were made available in each year since 1999-2000 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources for the care and treatment of young people with mental health problems in young offender institutions were made available in each year since 1999-2000 and what future resources are to be made available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Young people with mental health problems are currently cared for by a multidisciplinary team, including medical, nursing, psychology and social work staff. The development of multidisciplinary mental health teams will continue in the future.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165933,"EventID":"S1W-29422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the care and treatment of young people with mental health problems in secure accommodation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the care and treatment of young people with mental health problems in secure accommodation.","AnswerText":"Secure Units are required to assess the needs of young people in their care and to develop and deliver care plans that address their range of needs. The quality and delivery of care plans will be monitored through the regular inspections completed by Social Work Services Inspectorate and, in due course, the Care Commission.

      Specialist adolescent psychological services are provided at Rossie, St Mary's Kenmure and Kerelaw. The Elms and Howdenhall/St Katherine's can also access local mental health services, when required.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165934,"EventID":"S1W-29423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources for the care and treatment of young people with mental health problems in secure accommodation were made available in each year since 1999-2000 and what fu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources for the care and treatment of young people with mental health problems in secure accommodation were made available in each year since 1999-2000 and what future resources are to be made available.","AnswerText":"An annual general allocation is made to each local authority to contribute to the costs of residential care for children including secure accommodation. Disaggregated figures for spending associated with mental health problems in secure accommodation are not available.

      The Health Department is conducting a review of the need for an NHS-run mental health facility for young people. The findings will be reported by the end of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165935,"EventID":"S1W-29424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28789 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 September 2002, when it will publish its contracts with City of Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, Fal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28789 by Mr Jim Wallace on 13 September 2002, when it will publish its contracts with City of Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire councils for the provision of social work services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Except where disclosure of parts of the contract would not be in the public interest as specified in Part 11 of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information, SPS will make arrangements to publish these contracts following discussions with the contractors and, once finalised, copies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165936,"EventID":"S1W-29425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it had any representative at the informal meeting of the Council of the European Union on Justice and Home Affairs held on 13 to 14 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it had any representative at the informal meeting of the Council of the European Union on Justice and Home Affairs held on 13 to 14 September 2002.","AnswerText":"There was no representative from the Scottish Executive at the informal meeting of the Council of the European Union on Justice and Home Affairs on 13 and 14 September. Negotiations within the European Union are conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide variety of EU-related issues, including those that were discussed on 13 to 14 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165937,"EventID":"S1W-29426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure its drugs policy is compatible with those of member states of the European Union.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure its drugs policy is compatible with those of member states of the European Union.","AnswerText":"As a reserved policy area, links with the EU institutions are co-ordinated by the Home Office, on behalf of all UK administrations. We place high priority on working with our European partners to tackle the drug problems we share by, for example, exchanging information on best practice.

      In 2000, the EU Council of Ministers agreed to the adoption of the EU Action Plan on Drugs as a mechanism to implement the EU Drug Strategy (2000-04). The plan sets out a range of actions to be taken by the EU to reduce the damage caused to health and to society by drug misuse and associated crime. Objectives fall within four main areas: prevention of drug misuse, particularly among young people; improved treatment of drug misusers; reducing drug trafficking and the availability of drugs, and international co-operation, with particular focus on countries applying to join the EU, and those areas which either produce illegal drugs, or which are on transit routes for drugs bound for Europe.

      Our Drugs Strategy and Action Plan for Scotland are consistent with these objectives.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165938,"EventID":"S1W-29427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether members of the board of the Scottish Prison Service receive performance related pay and, if so, what proportion of that pay has been related to (a) custody objec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether members of the board of the Scottish Prison Service receive performance related pay and, if so, what proportion of that pay has been related to (a) custody objectives and (b) rehabilitation objectives in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"The executive members of the SPS board are members of the senior civil service and are subject to the same Senior Civil Service pay and performance management system as other Senior Civil Servants in the Scottish Executive. Pay is dependent on performance against individual objectives, which are not classified in the way suggested. Details of the Civil Service pay system can be found at www.cabinet-office.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165939,"EventID":"S1W-29428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been under section 1(5) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 in each of the last five years, detailing convictions with regard to televisi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been under section 1(5) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 in each of the last five years, detailing convictions with regard to television licences separately.","AnswerText":"The number of convictions for all offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 is given in the table. Convictions for offences under section 1(5) of the act cannot be separately identified in the data held centrally. Information for 2001 is not expected to be available until around November 2002.

      Number of Persons With a Charge Proved for Offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 19491, 1996-2000

      Year

      Number

      1996

      5,642

      1997

      2,893

      1998

      1,362

      19992

      582

      2000

      1,967

      Notes:

      1. Where main offence.

      2. Based on incomplete data.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165940,"EventID":"S1W-29429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the staff resources available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for the monitoring and enforcement of environmental stand","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the staff resources available to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for the monitoring and enforcement of environmental standards.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29496 on 25 September 2002, in which new resources of £11.2 million were announced for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for the period 2003-04 to 2005-06. It is for SEPA to decide what proportion of the additional funding is to be devoted to increasing staff resources. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165941,"EventID":"S1W-29430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been made available in the current financial year to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for research purposes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been made available in the current financial year to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for research purposes.","AnswerText":"No element of the grant-in-aid allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is ring-fenced for any specific purpose. SEPA spent approximately £400,000 on research and development in 2001-02 and has budgeted to spend around the same amount in the current financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165942,"EventID":"S1W-29431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage local authorities to support couple counselling services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage local authorities to support couple counselling services.","AnswerText":"Couple Counselling Scotland and Scottish Marriage Care receive funding from the Scottish Executive Justice Department under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. A total of almost £339,000 will be made in grant payments to these organisations in 2002-03. Local couple counselling services, affiliated to Couple Counselling Scotland or Scottish Marriage Care, are independent and funding is a matter for them. Some financial support comes from local authorities who make local funding decisions in the light of competing priorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165943,"EventID":"S1W-29432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28226 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 September 2002, what evidence it has to support the statement that, in comparison with private finance i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28226 by Mr Andy Kerr on 9 September 2002, what evidence it has to support the statement that, in comparison with private finance initiative contracts, \"broadly equivalent costs are incurred in relation to professional fees for the preparation, construction and operation of conventionally funded projects\", giving specific examples of such projects where this is the case.","AnswerText":"The statement referred to relates to the costs of monitoring contracts. All contracts have to be monitored whether they are PPP contracts or conventional contracts. There are sound reasons for doing this, not least to ensure propriety and value for money. There is a cost attached to this. It is not possible to provide specific examples as contract monitoring costs are not separately identified in conventional contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165944,"EventID":"S1W-29433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28356 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, what representations it has made to the Firearms Consultative Committee with regard to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28356 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, what representations it has made to the Firearms Consultative Committee with regard to the regulation of air weapons.","AnswerText":"In January 2002 an Order was placed before the UK Parliament extending the remit of the Firearms Consultative Committee for a further two years. The reconstituted committee has not yet met, so has still to conduct any business and its forward work programme has yet to be determined.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165945,"EventID":"S1W-29434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will have any representative at the informal Council of the European Union on Justice and Home Affairs on 14 to 15 March 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will have any representative at the informal Council of the European Union on Justice and Home Affairs on 14 to 15 March 2003.","AnswerText":"No decisions have yet been taken either on agenda or on attendance at the informal Council of the European Union on Justice and Home Affairs on 14 to 15 March 2003. Negotiations within the European Union are conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide variety of EU-related issues and is represented as necessary at meetings in Brussels, whether at working groups of officials or Councils at ministerial level.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165946,"EventID":"S1W-29435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating systems have been installed under its central heating installation programme to date in (a) local authority, (b) housing association and (c) pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many central heating systems have been installed under its central heating installation programme to date in (a) local authority, (b) housing association and (c) private sector properties, broken down by the most appropriate geographical division available.","AnswerText":"A breakdown of (a) local authority; (b) housing association, and (c) private sector houses that have been improved under the central heating programme is set out in the following tables. The table for local authorities shows the position for 2001-02 only. Information on local authority stock benefiting from the programme in 2002-03 to date is not yet available.

      Local Authority Stock

      Local Authority

      Number of Council Houses Improved

      Aberdeen

      83

      Angus

      6

      Argyll and Bute

      28

      Dundee City

      604

      East Ayrshire

      133

      East Dunbarton

      8

      East Renfrew

      61

      Edinburgh

      140

      Fife

      319

      Glasgow

      1,352

      Highland

      24

      Inverclyde

      84

      Midlothian

      21

      Orkney

      60

      Renfrewshire

      121

      Shetland

      28

      South Lanarkshire

      863

      West Dunbarton

      72

      Total

      4,007

      Housing Association Stock from 2001-02 to 24 September 2002

      Local Authority Area

      Number of Housing Association Houses Improved

      Angus

      6

      Argyll and Bute

      15

      City of Dundee

      248

      City of Edinburgh

      113

      City of Glasgow

      552

      Falkirk

      96

      Inverclydeand

      22

      North Lanarkshireand

      31

      Shetland

      29

      Stirling

      19

      Total

      1,131

      Private Sector from 2001-02 to 24 September 2002

      Post Code Area

      Number of Housing Private Sector Houses ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165947,"EventID":"S1W-29436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to measures aimed at reducing the risk of suicide in any high risk groups and, in particular, amongst younger men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to measures aimed at reducing the risk of suicide in any high risk groups and, in particular, amongst younger men.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is preparing a Framework for the Reduction of Suicide and Self-harm, to be published later this year, and has consulted widely on the draft version. The framework will cover the risk factors related to suicide, identify groups most at risk, and highlight appropriate actions at both national and local levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165948,"EventID":"S1W-29437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to the introduction of national collaborative measures for the monitoring of non-fatal deliberate self-harm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to the introduction of national collaborative measures for the monitoring of non-fatal deliberate self-harm.","AnswerText":"Information and Statistics Division, a division of the Common Services Agency, is currently working on an Improving Mental Health Information Programme which is addressing the monitoring of non-fatal deliberate self-harm.

      It is also planned that the Framework for the Reduction of Suicide and Self-harm, described in the answer to question S1W-29436 today, will include provision to ensure the collection of appropriate information on suicide and self-harm and dissemination of the results to local areas.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165949,"EventID":"S1W-29438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or considering, in order to target mental health promotion at younger men.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or considering, in order to target mental health promotion at younger men.","AnswerText":"Young men will benefit from the National Programme for Improving the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the Scottish Population described in the answer to question S1W-29439 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      In addition, the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) has a number of initiatives targeted directly at young men or which include them in their target group. For example, HEBS have identified young men (18 to 30 years) as the target group for Scottish Mental Health Week (SMHW) 2002 and have distributed appropriate resource materials aimed at this group to NHS boards for local dissemination. HEBS is also supporting 15 small projects aimed at young men across Scotland through its Scottish Mental Health Week Small Projects Award Scheme 2002 and is running a seminar during Scottish Mental Health Week called Men and Mental Health.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165950,"EventID":"S1W-29439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or considering, in order to promote mental well-being in the wider population.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or considering, in order to promote mental well-being in the wider population.","AnswerText":"The National Programme for Improving the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the Scottish Population, established in October 2001 and overseen by a National Advisory Group, (NAG) which I chair, is developing a range of initiatives to make progress on this vital component of our health improvement agenda. The programme's main objectives include raising awareness of mental health issues, promoting positive mental health, and the effective prevention of mental health problems. It links into initiatives both within and outwith the Executive, for example in the social justice, education and employment fields, to maximise the potential for mental health gain. This broad ranging approach is reflected in the membership of the NAG, which includes health, local authority, community, business, trades union and voluntary interests. An initial focus of the work is on early years, children and young people, workplace and communities.

      With initial funding of £4 million, current projects include an National Anti-Stigma Campaign which will be launched in October; the Breathing Space Helpline for people with low mood and depression, especially among young men; the Framework for the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm, and a public attitude survey on mental health. Other initiatives include the development of a range of public mental health indicators; the establishment of a Public Mental Health/Mental Health Improvement library of evidence and practice, and a national project to help improve the mental health and well-being of communities and to support local community effort and capacity. A magazine Well? describing the aims of the programme has been issued widely and a copy has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24027).","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165951,"EventID":"S1W-29440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or considering, in order to tackle, across departmental boundaries, social issues that impact on people with mental health problems, including ed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or considering, in order to tackle, across departmental boundaries, social issues that impact on people with mental health problems, including educational opportunities, social isolation, unemployment and housing.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29439 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165952,"EventID":"S1W-29441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or considering, in order to improve the clinical management of alcohol and drug misuse among younger men that deliberately self-harm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or considering, in order to improve the clinical management of alcohol and drug misuse among younger men that deliberately self-harm.","AnswerText":"Our guidance to medical professionals, Managing Incidental Drug Misuse and Alcohol Problems in Mental Health Care Settings, recommends that substance misuse is covered in assessments of patients with mental health problems. These assessments would address issues of self-harm.

      The Guidelines on Clinical Management of Drug Misuse and Dependence recommend that psychiatric issues should form part of assessments of patients seeking help with drug misuse problems.

      Further advice on developing integrated care for drug misusers was published this month. Integrated care aims to combine and co-ordinate all services required to meet assessed needs of drug misusers, including their mental health needs. Risks of suicide and self-harm form part of these assessments. We are also working with the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse and the Scottish Advisory Committee on Alcohol Misuse to look further into the needs of people with drug and alcohol problems who may also have underlying mental health conditions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165953,"EventID":"S1W-29442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place, or currently under consideration, that would make training in suicide risk assessment available to substance misuse services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place, or currently under consideration, that would make training in suicide risk assessment available to substance misuse services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29441 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. Professional training forms a core element of the activities referred to in the answer.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165954,"EventID":"S1W-29443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place, or currently under consideration, in order to identify additional steps that can be taken to promote safer prescribing of anti-depressants","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are in place, or currently under consideration, in order to identify additional steps that can be taken to promote safer prescribing of anti-depressants and analgesics.","AnswerText":"There are a number of measures in place to ensure that prescribers have access to information about the safe and effective use of medicines. Importantly, the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), the UK medicines regulatory authority, is responsible for the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines available on the UK market. The MCA, and its expert Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM), continuously monitor the safety of medicines. Through the MCA/CSM, health care professionals are alerted to problems with medicines and provided with advice on the ways medicines can be used more safely. Further information can be found on the MCA's website www.mca.gov.uk.

      The British National Formulary (BNF), issued free to doctors and pharmacists, provides advice about the prescription of anti-depressants and analgesics. The BNF information reflects safety concerns and shifts in clinical practice. In addition, the product information for medicines, produced by the manufacturers and authorised by the Licensing Authority, includes relevant safety information.

      Anti-depressant and analgesic prescribing are areas regularly reviewed by NHS board/Primary Care Trust Prescribing Advisers, who receive monthly reports of prescribing data by GP practice. These reports are an important source of information for evaluating the use of medicines. Individual GPs and practices receive quarterly Scottish Prescribing Analysis (SPA) reports, which cover anti-depressants and analgesics. NHS boards and trusts also have access to Drug and Therapeutic Committee advice on the safe use of medicines.

      In relation to anti-depressant prescribing, Clinical Evidence, a compendium of best available evidence in health care, has been distributed to health care professionals throughout Scotland and includes guidance on the effectiveness of some drug treatments for depression. As with all medicines, the decision whether or not to prescribe a treatment for an individual patient depends on the clinical judgement of the doctor concerned, in consultation with the patient and bearing in mind the risks and benefits of the treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165955,"EventID":"S1W-29444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will make available for promoting research on suicide and suicide prevention.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it will make available for promoting research on suicide and suicide prevention.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department funds the Scottish work of the National Confidentiality Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, a UK-wide study based at the University of Manchester. The first of the Inquiry's reports to include Scottish data "Safer Services" was published in 2001. The Inquiry Team is currently undertaking further research work and another report is expected in due course.

      The forthcoming Framework for the Reduction of Suicide and Self-harm in Scotland will include financial provision for the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Executive to commission appropriate research into the causes and effective prevention of suicide and self-harm.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165956,"EventID":"S1W-29445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, in order to ensure that current evidence and best practice on suicide prevention will be made widely available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, in order to ensure that current evidence and best practice on suicide prevention will be made widely available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29436 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165957,"EventID":"S1W-29446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it or police forces had to the work of the Policing Bureaucracy Task Force under the chairmanship of Sir David O'Dowd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it or police forces had to the work of the Policing Bureaucracy Task Force under the chairmanship of Sir David O'Dowd.","AnswerText":"The Policing Bureaucracy Task Force was established by the Home Office in 2001 to consider ways of increasing police officer visibility in England and Wales. The Executive was not asked directly to input to the work of the task force and I am not aware of any Scottish force being approached.

      HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland is due to publish the results of a thematic inspection into public reassurance and police visibility in Scotland in November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165958,"EventID":"S1W-29447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of pro forma documents that are in regular use by front-line police and support staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the number of pro forma documents that are in regular use by front-line police and support staff.","AnswerText":"Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in the police service is clearly an important matter and we are always open to ways to reduce this. The Policing Bureaucracy Task Force, set up by the Home Office in 2001 to consider ways of increasing police officer visibility in England and Wales, collected information on the number of pro forma documents as part of its work. While information on pro forma documents used by Scottish police forces is not collected centrally by the Executive, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland is due to publish the results of a thematic inspection into public reassurance and police visibility in Scotland in November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165959,"EventID":"S1W-29448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any unnecessary burdens or costs imposed by red tape on police forces.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any unnecessary burdens or costs imposed by red tape on police forces.","AnswerText":"Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in the police service is clearly an important matter and we are always open to ways to reduce this. HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMIC) has made clear the importance it attaches to ensuring that the Scottish Police Service achieves best value and primary inspections of Scottish forces now include a joint review of best value practices with Audit Scotland. HMIC is also due to publish the results of a thematic inspection into public reassurance and police visibility in Scotland in November 2002. The terms of reference for that thematic included the identification of good practice within forces with a view to improving service delivery.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165960,"EventID":"S1W-29449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the increased health budget to 2005-06 announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 12 September 2002 will be (a) given to NHS institut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the increased health budget to 2005-06 announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 12 September 2002 will be (a) given to NHS institutions and (b) provided for initiatives outwith NHS institutions such as increasing physical activity, or reducing food-borne illness.","AnswerText":"Detailed decisions have not yet been made on the distribution of the health budget announced on 12 September.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165961,"EventID":"S1W-29450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out or commissioned to compare Scotland's health provision with European levels over the next three years and whether it will publish any s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out or commissioned to compare Scotland's health provision with European levels over the next three years and whether it will publish any such research.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive do not currently have plans to commission research of this nature. A study to compare health care systems in the United Kingdom with seven other countries (mostly European) was commissioned by HM Treasury and published in April 2002. The report, Health care systems in eight countries: trends and challenges, is available at: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.

      An independent review by Derek Wanless was undertaken to assess the long-term resource requirements for the NHS in the United Kingdom. The report, Securing our Future Health: Taking a long-term view, was also published in April 2002 and is available at the above web address.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165962,"EventID":"S1W-29451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has contributed financially to adopting medical advances since 1999-2000; whether it will give examples of instances where any such advances were most benefic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has contributed financially to adopting medical advances since 1999-2000; whether it will give examples of instances where any such advances were most beneficial to the extent that they are now used or have been put in place by every NHS board, and how much funding it will allocate to the future adoption of medical advances in each year to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The national clinical effectiveness organisations, for example the Health Technology Board Scotland, the Scottish Inter-Collegiate Guidelines Network and the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland, are funded to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of health technologies and develop evidence-based clinical guidelines and standards. NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from these organisations so that effective medical advances are quickly adopted as mainstream practice across Scotland.

      NHS boards are expected to allocate their funds so as to meet national and local priorities, including taking account of clinical advances where relevant. NHS boards' allocations for future years will be announced around the turn of the year, and we expect those to be sufficient to meet pay and price increases and clinical advances.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165963,"EventID":"S1W-29452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to provide new drugs where clinically appropriate as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to provide new drugs where clinically appropriate as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Substantial additional resources are being made available to the NHS in Scotland over the years of the spending review as announced on 12 September 2002, with an average annual increase of 8.7% over the years 2003-04 to 2005-06 rising to £8.6 billion a year by the end of the period. Within these substantially increased resources, NHS boards are responsible for ensuring that patients residing in their areas have access to clinically appropriate treatment, including new drug treatments. At Scottish level, the Health Technology Board for Scotland reviews new drug treatments and provides guidance on their use. NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from the HTBS and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. At local level, Area Drug and Therapeutic Committees are responsible for giving advice to clinicians and for ensuring consistent application of national and local guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165964,"EventID":"S1W-29453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what building and information technology (IT) projects currently under development are likely to benefit from the investment of at least #750 million referred to in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what building and information technology (IT) projects currently under development are likely to benefit from the investment of at least #750 million referred to in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys; which of these building projects are likely to cost under #5 million, and which of these IT projects are likely to cost under #1 million, over the period to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"Following the changes introduced to the Capital Planning and Approval processes in April this year, it is anticipated that the majority of the £750 million will be allocated directly to NHS boards to undertake those improvements already under way or planned as part of the board's Capital Investment Programme.

      Those building projects currently under development include the provision of appropriate facilities for mental health; ambulatory care and diagnostic facilities; reconfiguration of services arising from completed or on-going acute services reviews; improved primary care and community hospital facilities, and investment in and the upgrading of medical equipment.

      IT projects costing under £1 million are managed under delegated authority by the NHS boards and trusts. Projects managed by NHS boards and trusts costing over £1 million are subject to business case approval by the Health Department. These projects are likely to include the development of electronic integrated care records and systems supporting accident and emergency and ambulatory care and diagnostic services. Such investments will be directed in line with the national Information Management and Technology (IM&T) strategy and the health board IM&T Action Plans currently under development.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165965,"EventID":"S1W-29454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the money allocated to health announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 12 September 2002 will be allocated to other portfolios under healt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the money allocated to health announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Services on 12 September 2002 will be allocated to other portfolios under health improvement initiatives.","AnswerText":"Building a Better Scotland indicated additional resources of £23, 50 and 100 million towards health improvement initiatives. £18, 44 and 61 million of this has been allocated to portfolios other than health but for clarity has not been included in the health portfolio allocation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165966,"EventID":"S1W-29455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave to increased demand on NHS services and constraints on the time of NHS staff and on the availability of space within NHS out-patient departmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gave to increased demand on NHS services and constraints on the time of NHS staff and on the availability of space within NHS out-patient departments in reaching its target that no patient should wait longer than six months for a new out-patient appointment by 2006 as stated in target 7 of the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, and whether it will publish details of such consideration.","AnswerText":"In setting the new national maximum waiting time target of six months for a first out-patient appointment, we have taken account of record levels of investment in the NHS which will enable more resources to be deployed to meet growth in demand, for example by increasing numbers of consultants and nurses and making substantial investment in buildings and IT equipment. Moreover, the Centre for Change and Innovation will support and facilitate new and innovative ways of working. The Executive believes that NHS boards and trusts will meet the new target by 2006 and that the people of Scotland will welcome this commitment to reducing out-patient waits.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165967,"EventID":"S1W-29456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase the amount of funding allocated to free personal care in the light of the prediction in the General Registrar for Scotland Annual Report 2000 tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase the amount of funding allocated to free personal care in the light of the prediction in the General Registrar for Scotland Annual Report 2000 that by 2006 the population aged over 65 will have increased by 30,000 since 1998.","AnswerText":"The Care Development Group acknowledged that the cost of the policy would be affected by changes in demography and specific account has been taken of this in allocating resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165968,"EventID":"S1W-29457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that those who currently have unmet need for free personal care are identified and receive the services they need.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that those who currently have unmet need for free personal care are identified and receive the services they need.","AnswerText":"The Spending Review 2002 settlement reflects the Care Development Group's costing assumptions for free personal care. These assumptions estimated an increase in demand from unmet need and a shift from informal to formal care of approximately 12% building up over the first two years of the policy to 2004-05. Within that framework, identification of individuals in need of care is a matter for local authorities. The Scottish Executive has provided the necessary resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165969,"EventID":"S1W-29458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest technologies available for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) are and how much it plans to invest in these technologies in each year to 2005-06","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest technologies available for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) are and how much it plans to invest in these technologies in each year to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The treatment of coronary heart disease is a continuously advancing field. Our CHD and Stroke Strategy, which we will publish shortly, will set out arrangements designed to make sure that people in Scotland who suffer from CHD can benefit at as early a stage as possible from those advances.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165970,"EventID":"S1W-29459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest technologies available for the treatment of strokes are and how much it plans to invest in these technologies in each year to 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest technologies available for the treatment of strokes are and how much it plans to invest in these technologies in each year to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"Stroke medicine is a continuously advancing field. Our Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy, which we will publish shortly, will set out arrangements designed to make sure that people in Scotland who have had a stroke can benefit at as early a stage as possible from those advances.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165971,"EventID":"S1W-29460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest technologies available for the treatment of cancer are and how much it plans to invest in these technologies in each year to 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest technologies available for the treatment of cancer are and how much it plans to invest in these technologies in each year to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"At any time there are a variety of potentially new technologies for the treatment of cancer being researched or undergoing clinical trials throughout the world. These may include novel gene therapy, new equipment or more sophisticated forms of existing equipment, new drugs or other interventions.

      The Health Technology Board for Scotland is responsible for providing evidence-based advice to NHSScotland on the clinical and cost effectiveness of new and existing health technologies (medicines, devices, clinical procedures and health care settings).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165972,"EventID":"S1W-29461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest technologies available for the treatment of mental illness are and how much it plans to invest in these technologies in each year to 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the latest technologies available for the treatment of mental illness are and how much it plans to invest in these technologies in each year to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland provides timely advice on the clinical and cost effectiveness of the broad range of existing and new health technologies to NHSScotland, including most recently for mental health on:

      the prescription of anti-cholinesterases to people with Alzheimer's Disease, and

      the prescription of atypical anti-psychotics to people with schizophrenia.

      NHS Scotland and their care partners will also continue to invest in treatments, approaches, services, support and other interventions that aim not only to treat but also to prevent or reduce the incidence and individual severity of mental illness in Scotland.

      In terms of investment, over £600 million spent last year alone offers a clear signal of the priority we attach to and our national programme to improve mental health and well-being further signals our intent to maintain this profile.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165973,"EventID":"S1W-29462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a hospital case can be treated other than as in-patient, day case or out-patient.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a hospital case can be treated other than as in-patient, day case or out-patient.","AnswerText":"The terms in-patient, day case and out-patient denote the type and level of resource used to treat a patient during a particular contact with hospital services. These terms are formally defined by ISD Scotland in its Definitions and Codes manual, which can be accessed at the following web address. Other defined terms include day patients, ward attenders, accident and emergency attenders and nurse only clinic attendances.

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/isd_services/NHSiS_services/National_data_standards/defsmanual.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165974,"EventID":"S1W-29463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future incentives it intends to provide to the NHS workforce in order to meet its commitment in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland -","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future incentives it intends to provide to the NHS workforce in order to meet its commitment in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys to train 10,000 nurses and midwives and increase the total number of NHS consultants by 600 and how much funding it will allocate to providing any such incentives.","AnswerText":"Record sums are being invested in the NHS by the Scottish Executive so that we can revitalise services for patients everywhere. As part of our detailed plans for workforce development, we are working at local, regional and national levels to provide attractive career opportunities for staff at all levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165975,"EventID":"S1W-29464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it estimates that each community place for people leaving hospital will cost #20,000, given that it will provide #20 million each year to 2005-06 to provide 1,000","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it estimates that each community place for people leaving hospital will cost #20,000, given that it will provide #20 million each year to 2005-06 to provide 1,000 such community places as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, and what plans it has to help these people and ensure that their discharge from hospital is not delayed.","AnswerText":"This investment will enable 1,000 additional people to move from hospital into more appropriate community-based settings at varying costs. It will also allow local authority and NHS board partnerships to put in place a variety of other measures to tackle delayed discharge, including admissions avoidance and rapid response.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165976,"EventID":"S1W-29465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it will provide to ensure that the roll-out of NHS 24 across the country, as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotlan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it will provide to ensure that the roll-out of NHS 24 across the country, as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, does not cause any shortages within the NHS nursing workforce.","AnswerText":"The detailed allocations of the health budget, including NHS 24's, will be published in the draft budget document towards the end of October. NHS 24's funding will facilitate the national rollout of this new NHS service over the next two years. NHS 24 is working very closely with NHSScotland to maximise nursing resource and minimise impact on local NHS services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165977,"EventID":"S1W-29466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the #36 million it plans to allocate to the modernisation and improvement of general practitioner and dental facilities as stated in the health and communi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the #36 million it plans to allocate to the modernisation and improvement of general practitioner and dental facilities as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys will be distributed in a lump sum of over #5 million for any capital building work, or as more than #1 million over four years for any IT improvements.","AnswerText":"The detailed deployment of the resources identified for the modernisation and improvement of general practitioner and dental facilities has yet to be determined.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165978,"EventID":"S1W-29467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to fund to improve the recruitment and retention of NHS frontline staff as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it intends to fund to improve the recruitment and retention of NHS frontline staff as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys; how much these measures are likely to cost, and by how much it estimates the NHS frontline workforce will improve as a result of these measures.","AnswerText":"Record sums are being invested in the NHS by the Scottish Executive so that we can revitalise services for patients everywhere. As part of our action on workforce development we are encouraging innovative multi-professional teamworking. We are working at local, regional and national levels to provide attractive career opportunities for staff at all levels and in all specialities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165979,"EventID":"S1W-29468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial rewards it will provide to nurses who are willing to take on wider roles as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland -","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial rewards it will provide to nurses who are willing to take on wider roles as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys; what incentives it will provide to doctors to focus on where their skills are needed in the NHS where the specialities involved are not considered as interesting or as popular as others, and what level of funding it will provide to achieve these commitments.","AnswerText":"Record sums are being invested in the NHS by the Scottish Executive so that we can revitalise services for patients everywhere. As part of our action on workforce development we are encouraging innovative multi-professional teamworking, and seeking to reward staff appropriately to the level of responsibility carried. We are working at local, regional and national levels to provide attractive career opportunities for staff at all levels and in all specialities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165980,"EventID":"S1W-29469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what percentage it will reduce food-borne illness in Scotland as part of the UK 20% reduction target by 2006 as stated in the health and community care section of Buil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what percentage it will reduce food-borne illness in Scotland as part of the UK 20% reduction target by 2006 as stated in the health and community care section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys and what funding it will allocate in each year to 2005-06 to achieve this target.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency have advised me that they are committed to reducing food-borne illness in Scotland by at least 20%, by 2006.

      The funding allocated to reduce food-borne illness across the spending review period is:

      2003-04

      £1.4 million

      2004-05

      £4.1 million

      2005-06

      £3.9 million

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165981,"EventID":"S1W-29470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners had a mental illness requiring medical treatment in each prison as at 31 March in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners had a mental illness requiring medical treatment in each prison as at 31 March in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165982,"EventID":"S1W-29471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in each prison currently have a mental illness requiring medical treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners in each prison currently have a mental illness requiring medical treatment.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165983,"EventID":"S1W-29472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28224 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 September 2002, when it will publish its contract with Medacs for medical services in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28224 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 September 2002, when it will publish its contract with Medacs for medical services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The contract will be published in due course. SPS are currently in discussion with the supplier, Medacs, about the publication of the contract and the deletion of commercially sensitive information.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165984,"EventID":"S1W-29473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any employees of the Scottish Prison Service are members of the Royal College of General Practitioners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any employees of the Scottish Prison Service are members of the Royal College of General Practitioners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165985,"EventID":"S1W-29474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the person holding the post of Head of Health Care in the Scottish Prison Service must also hold membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the person holding the post of Head of Health Care in the Scottish Prison Service must also hold membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165986,"EventID":"S1W-29475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been made of offers of employment under paragraph 13, section 4.3, Annex A, (b) reports have been made of offers of employment under paragraph 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports have been made of offers of employment under paragraph 13, section 4.3, Annex A, (b) reports have been made of offers of employment under paragraph 14, section 4.3, Annex A and (c) applications have been made under paragraph 15, section 4.3, Annex A of the Civil Service Management Code in each of the last five years, broken down by department or agency.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following tables:

      1997-98

      Department/Agency

      Number of Cases

      Conditions

      Referred to Prime Minister

      Central Services

      1

      -

      -

      Environment and Rural Affairs Department

      2

      1

      -

      Development Department

      3

      1

      -

      Home Department

      1

      -

      -

      Justice Department

      1

      -

      -

      Scottish Records Office

      1

      -

      -

      1998-99

      Department/Agency

      Number of Cases

      Conditions

      Referred to Prime Minister

      Development Department

      3

      1

      2

      Central Services

      2

      1

      2

      Locate in Scotland

      1

      1

      1

      Environment and Rural Affairs Department

      6

      -

      -

      1999-2000

      Department/Agency

      Number of Cases

      Conditions

      Referred to Prime Minister

      Central Services

      1

      -

      -

      Common service Agency

      1

      -

      -

      Director of Roads

      1

      1

      -

      Education and Industry Department

      3

      2

      2

      Development Department

      1

      -

      -

      Historic Scotland

      1

      -

      -

      2000-01

      Department/Agency

      		http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165988,"EventID":"S1W-29477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its contract with Medacs for the provision of medical services in prisons includes the requirement that the contractor must comply with recommendation R(98)7 of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its contract with Medacs for the provision of medical services in prisons includes the requirement that the contractor must comply with recommendation R(98)7 of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers concerning the ethical and organisational aspects of health care in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Council of Europe Recommendation No R(98)7 "recommends that governments of member states: take into account, when reviewing their legislation and in their practice in the area of healthcare provision in prison, the principles and recommendations set out in the appendix".

      The appendix contains 74 paragraphs of principles and recommendations plus an explanatory memorandum and commentary on the recommendations. SPS took these recommendations into account in the design of the specification for the contract for the provision of medical services to prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165989,"EventID":"S1W-29478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in respect of each paragraph of recommendation R(98)7 of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers concerning the ethical and organisational aspects of healt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in respect of each paragraph of recommendation R(98)7 of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers concerning the ethical and organisational aspects of health care in prisons, compliance is its responsibility or the responsibility of the contractor for the provision of medical services and whether it will detail the responsible party for each individual paragraph.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer to given question S1W-29525. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165990,"EventID":"S1W-29479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements it places on the contractor, in its contract for medical services in prisons, for the retention of doctors experienced in prison medicine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements it places on the contractor, in its contract for medical services in prisons, for the retention of doctors experienced in prison medicine.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      None.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165991,"EventID":"S1W-29480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who holds responsibility for public health in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who holds responsibility for public health in prisons.","AnswerText":"As public health is a devolved issue, responsibility rests with the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165992,"EventID":"S1W-29481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of hepatitis C was in each prison in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of hepatitis C was in each prison in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165993,"EventID":"S1W-29482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of blood-borne viruses was in each prison in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of blood-borne viruses was in each prison in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165994,"EventID":"S1W-29483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of tuberculosis was in each prison in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of tuberculosis was in each prison in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165995,"EventID":"S1W-29484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28257 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 September 2002, how many people have been identified under categories (a) to (e) in the booklet issue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28257 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 September 2002, how many people have been identified under categories (a) to (e) in the booklet issued by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency regarding the Scottish Transport Group pension fund notes on the disbursement of ex-gratia payments, broken down by category; whether the total number of people so identified is 13,336, and, if the figure is different, what the reason is for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally in the form requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165996,"EventID":"S1W-29485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the removal of fire cover due to a strike by firefighters would have on the operation of (a) football grounds, (b) theatres, (c) cinemas, (d) airports, (e) t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the removal of fire cover due to a strike by firefighters would have on the operation of (a) football grounds, (b) theatres, (c) cinemas, (d) airports, (e) the rail network, and (f) care homes for the elderly, given the conditions under which public safety licences affecting these are granted by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The key to safety in many situations in the event of fire is evacuation time, which does not rely on the presence of the Fire Service. Advice is being issued which will request those responsible to review evacuation procedures and fire prevention measures, taking account of the possibility of industrial action.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165997,"EventID":"S1W-29486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency planning arrangements are in place for the use of army personnel during any strike by firefighters; how many army personnel would be required, and what ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency planning arrangements are in place for the use of army personnel during any strike by firefighters; how many army personnel would be required, and what appliances and specialist equipment they will have available to them.","AnswerText":"Contingency plans exist for a range of possible scenarios including industrial action in the Fire Service. In Scotland a total of 2,000 service personnel would be involved. There would be over 100 Green Goddess fire tenders, 36 Breathing Apparatus Rescue Teams and eight Rescue Equipment Support Teams.

      It is to be hoped that common sense will prevail and that, in the light of the setting up of the Independent Review, the Fire Brigades Union will withdraw their wholly unnecessary call for industrial action.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165998,"EventID":"S1W-29487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any assessment of the insurance implications for local authorities of not being able to provide a normal fire service in the event of a strike by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any assessment of the insurance implications for local authorities of not being able to provide a normal fire service in the event of a strike by firefighters.","AnswerText":"In the event of industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union, it is our understanding that no claim would lie against the Fire Authority for an alleged breach of its statutory duty under the Fire Services Act 1947 to provide fire cover.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":165999,"EventID":"S1W-29488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance will be issued to army personnel in advance of any deployment of them on firefighting duties in dealing with particular situations and what training they w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance will be issued to army personnel in advance of any deployment of them on firefighting duties in dealing with particular situations and what training they will have had ahead of any deployment as a result of any such guidance.","AnswerText":"Personnel are being drawn from all three services across the whole of the defence establishment. In total across the UK this will involve about 19,000 personnel. Personnel will be trained and equipped to provide basic emergency fire and rescue cover. Some existing service Fire Rescue Teams are already trained and experienced in the use of breathing apparatus and other special equipment but additional personnel are also being trained in these techniques. Training is being carried out at service bases across the country.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166000,"EventID":"S1W-29489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24752 by Lewis Macdonald on 16 May 2002, whether it will issue an updated profile of its projected trunk roads programme and identi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24752 by Lewis Macdonald on 16 May 2002, whether it will issue an updated profile of its projected trunk roads programme and identify all proposed additional projects, in the light of the revised budgetary allocations set out in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys. ","AnswerText":"Total expenditure on the trunk road programme from 2002-03 to 2005-06 is set out on page 46 of Building a Better Scotland. Detailed level 3 allocations have yet to be determined. The overall allocations include additional resources for preparation of the A8 and A80 motorway upgrades.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166001,"EventID":"S1W-29490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each ministerial (a) committee and (b) sub-committee created since May 1999, giving the membership and the dates established and terminated in each c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each ministerial (a) committee and (b) sub-committee created since May 1999, giving the membership and the dates established and terminated in each case.","AnswerText":"Prior to the winter of 2001-02, no formal committees or sub-committees of Cabinet existed. The decision to have committees arose from a review of the preceding, less formal arrangement of ministerial groups. In addition to formal committees and standing ministerial groups, ministers also meet in ad hoc groups to deal with specific issues.

      The information requested is set out in the following tables:

      Table 1: Cabinet Sub-Committees

      Title/Ministerial Members

      Period of Operation

      Cabinet Sub-Committee on Children's Services (CSCCS)

      First Minister (Chair)

      19-12-01 to present

      Minister for Education and Young People (Deputy Chair)

      Minister for Health and Community Care

      Deputy Minister for Education and Young People

      Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development

      Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services

      Deputy Minister for Justice

      Deputy Minister for Social Justice

      Cabinet Sub-Committee on Legislation (CSCL)

      First Minister (Chair)

      06-03-02 to present

      Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice

      Minister for Parliamentary Business (Deputy Chair)

      Lord Advocate

      Deputy Minister for Parliamentary Business

      Cabinet Sub-Committee on Renewing Local Democracy (CSCRLD)

      First Minister (Chair)

      22-01-02 to present

      Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice

      Minister for Education and Young People

      Minister for Environment and Rural Development

      Minister for Finance and Public Services

      Minister for Parliamentary Business

      Cabinet Sub-Committee on Rural Development (CSCRD)

      Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Chair)

      23-01-02 to present

      Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning

      Minister for Finance and Public Services

      Minister for Social Justice

      Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development

      Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport

      Cabinet Sub-Committee on Social Justice (CSCSJ)

      Minister for Social Justice (Chair)

      13-03-02 to present

      Minister for Education and Young People

      Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning

      Minister for Finance and Public Services

      Minister for Health and Community CareThe funding that is in place will allow progress to be made as quickly as possible on the North and West lines. Until this development work, including a Scottish Transport Advisory Group 2 (STAG2) appraisal in each case, is complete, it would be premature to enter into commitments about funding the building of these lines.

      On City of Edinburgh Council's current plans, trams would be in operation on the north and west lines in 2009.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166004,"EventID":"S1W-29493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the comparable levels of expenditure allocated to motorways and trunk roads and the methodology used in the figures provided in the transport sec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the comparable levels of expenditure allocated to motorways and trunk roads and the methodology used in the figures provided in the transport section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys compared with the figures and methodology used in the Scottish Transport Statistics. ","AnswerText":"The figures contained in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys are budget plans. Those in Scottish Transport Statistics are outturn figures except where the information is not yet available, in which case a forecast outturn is given. The methodology used also differs due to the Resource Accounting treatment of capital charges, depreciation, VAT and receipts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166005,"EventID":"S1W-29494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services will receive an increase in funding in the period to 2005-06 as referred to in the transport section of Building a Better Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services will receive an increase in funding in the period to 2005-06 as referred to in the transport section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys and what any such extra funding will be spent on.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that planned provision for Clyde and Hebrides ferry services is £37 million in 2003-04 and £38 million in each of the years 2004-05 and 2005-06.

      The provision will allow existing services currently provided by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, together with the new Sound of Barra service and enhancements to services out of Oban, to be delivered at affordable fare levels. It will also meet the set up and running costs of the new vessel owning company to be established as part of the tendering of Clyde and Hebrides routes.

      These figures will be reviewed in the light of the outcome of the tendering process.

      I intend to make a separate announcement in due course on a new vessel programme for these services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166006,"EventID":"S1W-29495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd will receive an increase in funding in the period to 2005-06 as referred to in the transport section of Building a Better Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd will receive an increase in funding in the period to 2005-06 as referred to in the transport section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys and what any such extra funding will be spent on.","AnswerText":"In the period 2003-04 to 2005-06 the level of deficit and capital funding provided to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) will increase from £20.9 million to £22.1 million a year (excluding capital charges of £9 million per year).

      The level of funding will allow HIAL to operate 10 airports in the Highlands and Islands and keep airport charges at a level that will encourage the development of air services. The additional funding will also support the development of Inverness Airport and the associated business park. These developments should lead to increased freight, charter and passenger services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166007,"EventID":"S1W-29496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the funding for environmental protection and waste management announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Services in his Spending Review 2002 statement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the funding for environmental protection and waste management announced by the Minister for Finance and Public Services in his Spending Review 2002 statement will constitute an increase in the budget of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has been allocated additional resources over the three-year period covered by the 2002 Spending Review of £11.2 million. This comprises an extra £3.3 million in 2003-04, £3.0 million in 2004-05 and £4.9 million in 2005-06 over and above the 2003-04 baseline of £25.86 million. These figures are indicative as they are subject to parliamentary approval.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166008,"EventID":"S1W-29497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial incentives and penalties were included in the commercial agreements between West of Scotland Water and Scotia Water to ensure that certain levels of odour ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial incentives and penalties were included in the commercial agreements between West of Scotland Water and Scotia Water to ensure that certain levels of odour mitigation were achieved at the Dalmuir waste water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      The project agreement requires measures to be taken to achieve standards of odour treatment. Any failure of this process causing an odour nuisance event is recorded as a service level failure and a deduction from the service fees is applied. Failure also triggers a system of penalty points which, if failure continues, can accumulate to a level to cause termination of the contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166009,"EventID":"S1W-29498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of odour were deemed acceptable in the commercial agreements between West of Scotland Water and Scotia Water for the Dalmuir waste water treatment plant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what levels of odour were deemed acceptable in the commercial agreements between West of Scotland Water and Scotia Water for the Dalmuir waste water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      Permissible levels of odour were determined by the planning authority and incorporated into the planning consent. This requires the works to be designed and operated so that the contribution of the works to odour concentration does not exceed 2.5 odour units/m3, 98% of the time.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166010,"EventID":"S1W-29499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the peak levels of odours monitored at the Dalmuir waste water treatment works have been in each of the last 12 months.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the peak levels of odours monitored at the Dalmuir waste water treatment works have been in each of the last 12 months.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      Hydrogen sulphide levels are monitored at the emission stack of the odour treatment plant. The plant started its commissioning process last year but experienced faults in the instrumentation and control systems. These have been addressed, and over the last six months the plant has been operating more reliably. Monthly peak levels of hydrogen sulphide were 90ppb, measured on a 15 minute sampling cycle, with monthly averages from 4ppb to 22ppb. Intensive monitoring of boundary odours will be carried out during the contractual six month odour investigations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166011,"EventID":"S1W-29500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments, and timescales set for their compliance, have been given in respect of the operation of the Dalmuir waste water treatment works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitments, and timescales set for their compliance, have been given in respect of the operation of the Dalmuir waste water treatment works.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      The works achieved discharge compliance on 7 February 2002. This is a measure of the ability of the works to meet the required discharge consent standards set by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Since then, work has progressed commissioning the remainder of the plant, equipment and control systems, and setting the operational parameters for the long term running of the treatment works. The contract with Scotia Water allows for this commissioning process until the next stages of practical completion and actual completion are reached. Scotia Water has committed resources to achieve these contractual milestones and has issued a programme showing practical completion by mid-December 2002, and actual completion by the end of January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166012,"EventID":"S1W-29501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is currently being considered to address any recurring odour problems relating to Dalmuir waste water treatment works.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is currently being considered to address any recurring odour problems relating to Dalmuir waste water treatment works.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      Odours from the plant have come principally from the interim sludge processing operation, the transport of the sludge cake and from the storm tanks.

      The interim sludge processing was stopped on 13 September and the sub-contractor was instructed to clean out the remaining sludge from his storage tanks before standing down. As the sludge is heavy and grit laden at the bottom of these tanks, decommissioning is likely to last until the second week in October. Sludge is now being pumped to Shieldhall waste water treatment works through Scottish Water's new pumping station at Dalmuir.

      The trucks transporting the sludge cake were also a source of odour nuisance. This was caused by the release of ammonia as a result of the lime addition required for agricultural recycling of the material. Scottish Water took over the management of cake disposal from the beginning of July. An alternative disposal route was found which did not require the addition of the lime and this has reduced the nuisance considerably.

      The storm tanks have proved to be a source of odour nuisance particularly during emptying. Prolonged periods of wet weather over the last 12 months caused a large accumulation of sludge in the tanks and caused problems with both the volume to be cleared, and deterioration in sludge quality as the sludge aged and turned septic. Settled weather during the last month has only now allowed all the tanks to be cleaned. In light of experience, Scotia Water has alleviated some nuisance by modifying its operating procedures to limit exposure of sludge to the atmosphere and return tank contents to the head of the works at an early stage. Discussions have also been held with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on using the tanks more effectively and if agreement is reached, the tank operation will be simplified and the odour risk reduced.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166013,"EventID":"S1W-29502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it expects the sewage sludge pipeline from Dalmuir to Daldowie to be operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it expects the sewage sludge pipeline from Dalmuir to Daldowie to be operational.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      The pipeline from Dalmuir to Shieldhall has been tested with sludge since the 20 August 2002. The pipeline became fully operational on the 9 September 2002 and now all the sludge from Dalmuir is pumped to Shieldhall for onward pumping and processing at the new Daldowie Sludge Treatment Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166014,"EventID":"S1W-29504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what species typing is undertaken when cryptosporidium oocysts are identified in the Glasgow water supply.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what species typing is undertaken when cryptosporidium oocysts are identified in the Glasgow water supply.","AnswerText":"Speciation of cryptosporidium oocysts is highly specialised work and is not routinely undertaken as part of the analysis work carried out on water samples.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166015,"EventID":"S1W-29505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the name is of the methodology used by Scottish Water in measuring and typing cryptosporidium oocysts in drinking water.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the name is of the methodology used by Scottish Water in measuring and typing cryptosporidium oocysts in drinking water.","AnswerText":"The methodology used by Scottish Water to identify and count cryptosporidium oocysts is set out in The Cryptosporidium (Scottish Water) Directions 2002 and the associated guidance. These documents are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 22767 and 24367 respectively). Scottish Water does not type oocysts because this is a highly specialised task that is still being developed for oocysts detected in water samples.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166016,"EventID":"S1W-29506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish Water became aware of the species type of cryptosporidium present following the identification of a cryptosporidium contamination of the Mugdock reservoir o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when Scottish Water became aware of the species type of cryptosporidium present following the identification of a cryptosporidium contamination of the Mugdock reservoir on 2 August 2002.","AnswerText":"Speciation of the cryptosporidium oocysts detected in the water from Mugdock reservoir was carried out by the Scottish Parasitic Diagnostic Laboratory (SPDL) and reported to the Incident Control Team (ICT) on 29 August. Interpretation of the data presented by SPDL is a matter for the ICT and any relevant facts will be included in the final report being prepared by the ICT.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166017,"EventID":"S1W-29507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public or private bodies regularly test Glasgow's drinking water quality and how often these tests check for the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public or private bodies regularly test Glasgow's drinking water quality and how often these tests check for the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water regularly checks the quality of all Glasgow's drinking water as required by The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 1990. Continuous sampling of the water from Milngavie treatment works for cryptosporidium is also carried out under the terms of The Cryptosporidium (Scottish Water) Directions 2002. The Milngavie water treatment works serves about 700,000 people in the Greater Glasgow area.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166018,"EventID":"S1W-29508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultation code required under section 28 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 has been submitted to ministers and when the code will be made publicly ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the consultation code required under section 28 of the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 has been submitted to ministers and when the code will be made publicly available.","AnswerText":"In my response of 5 July 2002 to the member's letter of 31 May about the proposed timetable for the preparation of the consultation code, I explained the process required under section 28 of the above act, before the code was submitted to Scottish ministers.

      In this respect, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28185 on 30 August 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The consultation code has not been submitted to ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166019,"EventID":"S1W-29509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the public consultations undertaken by Scottish Water and its predecessor organisations since their establishment, indicating for each consultation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the public consultations undertaken by Scottish Water and its predecessor organisations since their establishment, indicating for each consultation (a) whether copies of the consultation paper were available (i) online or (ii) in print and (b) when the time period given for responses (i) opened and (ii) closed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      Scottish Water consults as a matter of course in relation to statutory requirements, for example planning applications, repairs and renewals of infrastructure. Staff attend public meetings and other functions. I understand that the three former water authorities consulted in a similar manner.

      Assembling the information requested in relation to Scottish Water and the three former water authorities could not be undertaken without difficulty because of the volume of information requested.

      If there are specific instances of public consultation in which the member is interested, we will be happy to address his questions. Meantime, he will wish to know that the Consultation Code of Practice will be sent to the Convener of the Water Customer Consultation Panels in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166020,"EventID":"S1W-29510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of the dual diagnosis of serious mental illness and drug addiction was in each prison in each of the last three yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of the dual diagnosis of serious mental illness and drug addiction was in each prison in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166021,"EventID":"S1W-29511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standard procedures the Scottish Prison Service has for sharing information between drugs service providers and prison staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what standard procedures the Scottish Prison Service has for sharing information between drugs service providers and prison staff.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Scottish Prison Service (SPS) procedures for information sharing in the drugs field are outlined in the SPS Drug Strategy Partnership and Co-ordination (SPS, 2000), copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Joint protocols have been developed for information sharing between SPS and Drugs Action Teams (DATs). All client information is subject to the Data Protection Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166022,"EventID":"S1W-29512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the mortality and morbidity rates of prisoners within one month following their release.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the mortality and morbidity rates of prisoners within one month following their release.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Scottish Prison Service is working closely with Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency and Glasgow University to establish monitoring systems for post release drug-related deaths. The outcomes of this work will directly influence policy, and will be published in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166023,"EventID":"S1W-29513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners are currently being treated with (a) methadone and (b) naltrexone.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners are currently being treated with (a) methadone and (b) naltrexone.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information is not readily available and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166024,"EventID":"S1W-29514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive within what period a doctor must arrive when on call to a prison operated by the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive within what period a doctor must arrive when on call to a prison operated by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      When called to attend a prison, it is expected that the doctor will arrive within one hour, unless agreed otherwise.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166025,"EventID":"S1W-29515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of providing the services of general practitioners in prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service was greater than #1.3 million in real terms in 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of providing the services of general practitioners in prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service was greater than #1.3 million in real terms in 2000-01 or 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      As this information could prejudice commercial competitiveness in future negotiations, it is commercially confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166026,"EventID":"S1W-29516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Medacs demonstrates its commitment to continuing professional development for general practitioners providing a medical service in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how Medacs demonstrates its commitment to continuing professional development for general practitioners providing a medical service in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Medacs' Medical Officers undergo a regular process of continuous professional development needs assessment.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166027,"EventID":"S1W-29517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been made with regard to medical treatment in prisons in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many complaints have been made with regard to medical treatment in prisons in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      (a) 85 (nine month period, from April to December)

      (b) 211

      (c) 290

      (d) 279.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166028,"EventID":"S1W-29518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Scottish Prison Service has taken to test prisoner confidence in the medical service provided.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Scottish Prison Service has taken to test prisoner confidence in the medical service provided.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      SPS asks prisoners about health care services through the annual prison survey.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166029,"EventID":"S1W-29519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Scottish Prison Service has taken to improve the recruitment and retention of nurses in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps the Scottish Prison Service has taken to improve the recruitment and retention of nurses in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      In addition to a recent pay award for nursing staff, the Scottish Prison Service has recently begun a comprehensive nursing services review which, among other things, will look at nurse recruitment and retention issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166030,"EventID":"S1W-29520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of health care records of prisoners held in prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service contain errors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of health care records of prisoners held in prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service contain errors.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Such information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166031,"EventID":"S1W-29521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communication it has had with the Northern Constabulary regarding the contracting-out of medical care for crime victims.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what communication it has had with the Northern Constabulary regarding the contracting-out of medical care for crime victims.","AnswerText":"The only recent contact with Northern Constabulary on this matter has been in connection with a number of parliamentary questions: S1W-27713 on 14 August 2002, 27714 on 16 September 2002 and 27715 on 14 August 2002, which are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. As indicated at that time, the provision of police surgeons is an operational matter for chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166032,"EventID":"S1W-29522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28224 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 September 2002, why its contract with Medacs for medical services in prisons agreed in 2000 has not ye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28224 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 September 2002, why its contract with Medacs for medical services in prisons agreed in 2000 has not yet been published.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS are making arrangements to publish the contract. This will be done in due course. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29472 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166033,"EventID":"S1W-29523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications under paragraph 16, section 4.3, Annex A of the Civil Service Management Code have been referred for approval to the Prime Minister in each of the l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications under paragraph 16, section 4.3, Annex A of the Civil Service Management Code have been referred for approval to the Prime Minister in each of the last five years, broken down by department or agency.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29475 on 1 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166034,"EventID":"S1W-29524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken legal advice on the compliance with section 3A of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 of its contract with Medacs for the provision of medical services i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken legal advice on the compliance with section 3A of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989 of its contract with Medacs for the provision of medical services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service is compliant with the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166035,"EventID":"S1W-29525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific provision it has made to ensure that the Scottish Prison Service or the contractor for the provision of medical services in prisons complies with paragraph","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific provision it has made to ensure that the Scottish Prison Service or the contractor for the provision of medical services in prisons complies with paragraph 22 of recommendation R(98)7 of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers concerning the ethical and organisational aspects of health care in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service is aware of the recommendations of the Council of Europe on the Ethical and Organisational Aspects of Health Care in Prison. These have been taken into account when drawing up the contract for the provision of medical services in prisons. Remuneration of individual Medical Officers is the responsibility of the contractor.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166036,"EventID":"S1W-29526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific provision it has made to ensure that the Scottish Prison Service or the contractor for the provision of medical service in prisons complies with paragraph ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific provision it has made to ensure that the Scottish Prison Service or the contractor for the provision of medical service in prisons complies with paragraph 10 of recommendation R(98)7 of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers concerning the ethical and organisational aspects of health care in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29525. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166037,"EventID":"S1W-29527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of serious mental illness was in each prison in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of serious mental illness was in each prison in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      This information is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166038,"EventID":"S1W-29528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides the facility for prison staff and drugs service providers to attend training courses together.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides the facility for prison staff and drugs service providers to attend training courses together.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Scottish Prison Service and drug service provider staff are encouraged to attend joint training where appropriate. An agreement is currently being drawn up between SPS and Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol (STRADA) to develop this further.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166039,"EventID":"S1W-29529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any responsibility for the Sector Skills Development Agency budget in Scotland and, if so, whether it will give a breakdown of the budget for Sector Skills","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any responsibility for the Sector Skills Development Agency budget in Scotland and, if so, whether it will give a breakdown of the budget for Sector Skills Councils in each year from 2002-03 to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no responsibility for the Sector Skills Development Agency budget. The agency is funded by the Department for Education and Skills.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166040,"EventID":"S1W-29531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it has on the board of the Sector Skills Development Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representation it has on the board of the Sector Skills Development Agency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no representation on the board of the Sector Skills Development Agency. However, the Executive receives copies of board minutes and papers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166041,"EventID":"S1W-29532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for liaison with the Sector Skills Development Agency. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for liaison with the Sector Skills Development Agency. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department is responsible for liaison with the Sector Skills Development Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166042,"EventID":"S1W-29533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26333 by Nicol Stephen on 16 September 2002, what minor changes to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development proce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26333 by Nicol Stephen on 16 September 2002, what minor changes to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development procedures for student sampling and test administration were made to enable the 2000 Programme for International Student Assessment to be run in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The minor changes are as follows:

      1. The test administrators were not provided with the type of group training specified by the OECD. This was because the tests were administered by a member of school staff rather than by someone appointed by the contractor. The use of school staff was not in breach of OECD procedures. The fact that the test administrators would have been experienced in supervising test situations meant that group training was considered unnecessary given the disruption this would have caused to schools.

      2. The contractor provided the test administrators with a summary of the OECD guidance, which was used to brief the pupils.

      3. The specified procedures state that 35 pupils from each school should sit the tests. As most of the test administrators were school teaching staff it was considered that groups of 30 pupils would be more appropriate for Scotland. Care was taken to ensure that the sampling of students was random and the smaller group did not introduce any bias into our results.

      Our aim is to ensure that all aspects of current OECD regulations are complied with in the 2003 study.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166043,"EventID":"S1W-29535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24997 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 May 2002, how it monitors any improvements in the literacy, numeracy and other basic skills of prisone","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24997 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 May 2002, how it monitors any improvements in the literacy, numeracy and other basic skills of prisoners and what data it collects to identify any such improvements and highlight any alterations which require to be made in the teaching programmes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) intends to develop a new computerised system for tracking individual prisoner progress or "distance travelled". This will include learning achievements that will be mapped against the national Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework.

      SPS have recently appointed a Prisoner Literacies Development Manager as one of the four national Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department Literacies Pathfinder Projects.

      Quality teaching and learning in this area is a high priority for the SPS and subject to review on a regular basis through monitoring meetings with the learning providers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166044,"EventID":"S1W-29536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28922 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, whether it will give details of each objection to the draft orders regarding the A90","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28922 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, whether it will give details of each objection to the draft orders regarding the A90 improvement.","AnswerText":"No. The objections are for me to consider in terms of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166045,"EventID":"S1W-29537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to (a) begin and (b) be completed in respect of upgrading the A80 between Glasgow and Stirling to motorway status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to (a) begin and (b) be completed in respect of upgrading the A80 between Glasgow and Stirling to motorway status.","AnswerText":"Following consideration of the corridor study recommendations and the consultation process, preparation work for the A80 upgrade should begin later this year with a view to construction work commencing around 2008, with completion of a scheme to upgrade the A80 around 2010.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166046,"EventID":"S1W-29538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce national guidelines on rural school closures following the consideration of this matter by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee and COSLA.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce national guidelines on rural school closures following the consideration of this matter by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee and COSLA.","AnswerText":"The Executive will take forward with COSLA discussion of the Convention's unsuccessful attempt to produce a Code of Practice on rural school closures, following a recommendation to that effect made to COSLA by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee. The purpose of such discussion will be to consider the original objectives, progress made and whether, and if so how, this matter should be pursued.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166047,"EventID":"S1W-29539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific lessons were learned in its review of the Excellence Fund by studying the Standards Fund administered by the Department for Education and Skills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific lessons were learned in its review of the Excellence Fund by studying the Standards Fund administered by the Department for Education and Skills.","AnswerText":"The remit of the review of the Excellence Fund, agreed and carried out by the Scottish Executive and Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (on behalf of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) did not include a specific analysis of the Standards Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166048,"EventID":"S1W-29540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions were reached following its review of the Excellence Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions were reached following its review of the Excellence Fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland review of the Excellence Fund reached the following main conclusions:

      There remains a need for the continuation of specific grant funding focused on driving change and targeted at priority initiatives. Where appropriate, funding should be mainstreamed within GAE.

      Any future fund should focus on the five National Priorities for Education.

      In return for increased local flexibility on the use of funds, there should be clear accountability for results.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166049,"EventID":"S1W-29541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting by local authorities.","AnswerText":"(a) The Local Government in Scotland Bill as introduced, identifies local authorities as facilitators of the community planning process. As such, it places a requirement on local authorities to produce a report on what has been done by way of community planning in their areas. The emphasis is on reporting to the community and stakeholders. In its Stage 1 report on the Local Government in Scotland Bill, the Local Government Committee has made recommendations in this area and we are currently considering the contents of the report.

      (b) The formal consultation on community budgeting was completed at the end of June 2002. The Executive is currently considering these responses and the best way forward for community budgeting to proceed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166050,"EventID":"S1W-29542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by local authorities in (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made by local authorities in (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting.","AnswerText":"(a) There is now a Community Planning Partnership in each local authority area in Scotland. Local authorities have played a significant role in the development of Community Planning Partnerships in their areas.

      The Local Government in Scotland Bill currently being considered by Parliament, proposes a statutory underpinning for community planning and gives local authorities a duty to initiate and facilitate the community planning process in their areas.

      This will ensure that local authorities implement community planning on a more consistent and on-going basis.

      (b) The formal consultation on community budgeting was completed at the end of June 2002. The Executive is currently considering these responses and the best way forward for community budgeting to proceed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166051,"EventID":"S1W-29543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives local authorities for (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives local authorities for (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting.","AnswerText":"(a) The Local Government in Scotland Bill proposes a statutory basis for community planning and in so doing will give local authorities a duty to initiate and facilitate"the process. Associated guidance to the bill is being developed in consultation with the Community Planning Task Force and this will provide a framework for implementing community planning, to which local authorities shall have regard. The Local Government in Scotland Bill also proposes to give local authorities a power to advance well-being, effectively a power of first resort, which should enable them to work in a more innovative and creative way in responding to the needs of their communities.

      (b) The formal consultation on community budgeting was completed at the end of June 2002. The Executive is currently considering these responses and the best way forward for community budgeting to proceed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166052,"EventID":"S1W-29544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to voluntary organisations in order to facilitate their participation in (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to voluntary organisations in order to facilitate their participation in (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting.","AnswerText":"(a) The Local Government in Scotland Bill proposes a requirement on local authorities in their role in facilitating the community planning process, to consult, co-operate and encourage community bodies to work in partnership, to promote the well-being of their area through community planning.

      Guidance to the bill will emphasise that this should include voluntary organisations. We are also considering as part of the guidance, what support is required in building the capacity of voluntary organisations to engage in the community planning process.

      (b) The formal consultation on community budgeting was completed at the end of June 2002. The Executive is currently considering these responses and the best way forward for community budgeting to proceed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166053,"EventID":"S1W-29545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage voluntary organisations to participate in (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage voluntary organisations to participate in (a) community planning and (b) community budgeting.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to the question S1W-29544 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166054,"EventID":"S1W-29546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to answer to question S1W-28950 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, who the four eminent academics were that formed the external advisory panel on the Centr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to answer to question S1W-28950 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, who the four eminent academics were that formed the external advisory panel on the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies and what specialist knowledge or professional practice each has in the field of transport.","AnswerText":"Four members of the external advisory panel were appointed in May 2000. They are:

      Phil Goodwin, Professor of Transport Policy, ESRC Transport Studies Unit at University College London.

      Peter Mackie, Professor of Transport Studies, Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds.

      Austin Smyth, Professor of Transport Economics, Transport Research Institute at Napier University.

      Chris Wood, Professor of Environmental Planning, School of Planning and Landscape at the University of Manchester.

      The panel membership brings to this study

      experience on the Standing Advisory Committee for Trunk Road Assessment (economic development being a key issue in the study area);

      previous experience of the multi-modal study of the M4 in South Wales (a groundbreaking application of multi-modal appraisal techniques);

      experience in contributing to the recent Guidance on the Methodology for Multi-Modal Studies commissioned by the UK Government, and

      a wider European dimension in transport appraisal and Environmental Impact Assessment methodology.

      Each member of the panel is widely acknowledged as an expert in his particular field.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166055,"EventID":"S1W-29547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to limit the spread of GM pollens in this year's field trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to limit the spread of GM pollens in this year's field trials.","AnswerText":"As oil seed rape produces pollen, it is impossible to rule out altogether the possibility of some pollen travelling outwith the boundaries of the trial site. Separation distances are used to minimise this possibility.

      When considering applications for GM field trials the consequences of pollen travelling by wind or foraging insects is specifically assessed by the Executive's advisory bodies including the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment. Approval would not have been given for the current trials if this assessment had given rise to safety concerns for human health or the environment.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166056,"EventID":"S1W-29548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is conducting any inquiries in respect of any monies provided to Napier University for nursing training and associated courses being redirected to capital buil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is conducting any inquiries in respect of any monies provided to Napier University for nursing training and associated courses being redirected to capital building projects; what the scope and timescale of any such inquiries are; what amounts in cash terms have been so redirected, and to what specific capital projects they were redirected.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to conduct any inquiry into the use of the funds Napier University receives under the terms of the contract for the provision of nurse education. The nurse education contract is a major priority for the university and it is funded entirely separately from their capital programme.

      The Chief Nursing Officer and officials of the Scottish Executive Health Department meet regularly with the Health and Social Sciences Faculty of Napier University to monitor the delivery of the contract. They are satisfied that the requirements of the nurse education contract are being delivered to the standard expected and that the funds associated with the contract are being used for the purpose intended.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166057,"EventID":"S1W-29549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the pension scheme relating to fire brigade employees will be completed and published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review of the pension scheme relating to fire brigade employees will be completed and published.","AnswerText":"This review is about the funding arrangements and management of the Firemen's Pension Scheme in Scotland. The review group's remit precluded any consideration of the scheme's terms and conditions. The work of the group has not yet been concluded. It is not possible at this stage to be definitive about when the report will be submitted to ministers and published.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166058,"EventID":"S1W-29550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any requirement to introduce emergency legislation in respect of insurance cover for local authorities being lifted during the period of any industrial ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any requirement to introduce emergency legislation in respect of insurance cover for local authorities being lifted during the period of any industrial action by firefighters and, if so, whether such legislation would be introduced in the Scottish Parliament and whether it has any plans to introduce any such legislation.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at this time to introduce emergency legislation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166059,"EventID":"S1W-29551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations have submitted applications for grants from its fund for Future of Europe debates, referred to in paragraph 10 of its paper submitted to the European ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations have submitted applications for grants from its fund for Future of Europe debates, referred to in paragraph 10 of its paper submitted to the European Committee on 18 June 2002, Future of Europe Debate: Involving Civil Society, and which applications (a) are pending and (b) have been successful.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive approached the Scottish Civic Forum to gauge interest in the Future of Europe debate amongst medium- and small-sized Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Based on their findings, and in the interests of ensuring that a reasonable number and wide spread of NGOs could take part in the debate, it was decided that the most effective option would be to commission the civic forum to hold a small number of seminars open to all NGOs, rather than to invite bids for grant funding from individual bodies. Three events were held during September, in Dumfries, Edinburgh and Perth, which were attended by 40 NGOs and a number of individuals.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166060,"EventID":"S1W-29552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) contributions and (b) responses it has received in respect of its national debate on the Future of Europe and, of these, how many have been posted on its we","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) contributions and (b) responses it has received in respect of its national debate on the Future of Europe and, of these, how many have been posted on its website about the Future of Europe under (i) \"noticeboard\" and (ii) \"contributions\". ","AnswerText":"As at 11 October, 28 responses had been received. Three contributions have been posted on the "Noticeboard" on the Executive's Future of Europe website, and five have been posted under "Contributions". The remainder are either not available electronically or sought further clarification and were not final responses to the consultation. In addition, forty Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) were represented at three seminars organised on the Executive's behalf by the Scottish Civic Forum.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166061,"EventID":"S1W-29553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from Glasgow City Council in respect of the recent flooding in the east end of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from Glasgow City Council in respect of the recent flooding in the east end of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"We are in contact with Glasgow City Council, but no request for financial assistance has been received.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166062,"EventID":"S1W-29554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to give financial assistance to Glasgow City Council to tackle the cost of the recent flooding in the city.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to give financial assistance to Glasgow City Council to tackle the cost of the recent flooding in the city.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29553 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166063,"EventID":"S1W-29555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Glasgow Housing Association regarding the impact on its future capital programme of the recent decision by Glasgow City Council to fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Glasgow Housing Association regarding the impact on its future capital programme of the recent decision by Glasgow City Council to finance the costs of the recent flooding from its housing revenue account capital programme.","AnswerText":"There have been no discussions between the Executive and the Glasgow Housing Association in this regard.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166064,"EventID":"S1W-29556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) percentage and (b) monetary increase in business investment in research and development would be required to equal the average percentage and amount of gross dom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) percentage and (b) monetary increase in business investment in research and development would be required to equal the average percentage and amount of gross domestic product (GDP) spent on research and development across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries as referred to in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Business Enterprise Research and Development spending in Scotland was 0.53% of GDP, compared to 1.54% for the OECD (this includes estimated figures for some countries). Accordingly research and development spending in Scotland would have to rise - from the 1999 level - by 190%, or £750 million, to reach the OECD average percentage of GDP.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166065,"EventID":"S1W-29557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage increase in productivity levels in industry would be required to equal the average level of productivity across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage increase in productivity levels in industry would be required to equal the average level of productivity across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, as referred to in target 2 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys. ","AnswerText":"In 1999, Scottish productivity was marginally below the UK average, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). According to OECD statistics, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person employed in the UK was 92% of the OECD average in 1999. This suggests that GDP per person employed in Scotland was around 8% lower than the OECD average in 1999. However, this is an approximate figure given the problems of comparing productivity data from ONS and OECD sources. The department is presently considering how best to combine these sources to provide a rigorous comparison of productivity in Scotland with productivity in OECD competitors.

      Further details of the measurement and monitoring of this target will be published later in the Building a Better Scotland - Spending Review Proposals 2003-06, Technical Notes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166066,"EventID":"S1W-29558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to assess applications for regional selective assistance grants of #2 million and over against its sustainable development objectives by 2004,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to assess applications for regional selective assistance grants of #2 million and over against its sustainable development objectives by 2004, as referred to in target 3 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"All applications for Regional Selective Assistance are assessed against the scheme's standard eligibility criteria. The additional sustainable development assessment, to be applied to grants of £2 million and over from 2004, will be developed in the intervening period. The specific criteria to be used in this assessment are therefore still under consideration, but will be informed by the objectives and indicators outlined in Meeting the Needs...Priorities, Actions and Targets for Sustainable Development in Scotland, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20879).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166067,"EventID":"S1W-29559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of its modern apprenticeship targets by under-represented groups, as referred to in target 4 in the enterprise and lifelong learning s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of its modern apprenticeship targets by under-represented groups, as referred to in target 4 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"We will be working with the Enterprise Network and Sector Skills Councils to increase modern apprenticeships in sectors where there is less of an apprenticeship tradition, and which employ more females. Agreed targets will be published in the Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise annual operating plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166068,"EventID":"S1W-29560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figure will be used to measure and monitor the number of people in employment undertaking training and whether this figure will be broken down by region or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figure will be used to measure and monitor the number of people in employment undertaking training and whether this figure will be broken down by region or sector, as referred to in target 5 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The proportion of those of working age in employment undertaking training is 27% in Quarter 1 (spring) 2001, which is the baseline figure for this target. This figure will be available by unitary authority and by industry sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166069,"EventID":"S1W-29561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will close the gap in unemployment rates between the worst 10% of areas and the Scottish average by 2006, as referred to in target 6 in the enterprise and lifelong","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will close the gap in unemployment rates between the worst 10% of areas and the Scottish average by 2006, as referred to in target 6 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"This target is derived from one of the 12 strategic priorities set out in A Smart, Successful Scotland under the Skills & Learning theme. This recognises the importance to the Scottish economy of ensuring that all communities are trained and ready for work. Indicators have been set in Measuring Scotland's Progress Towards A Smart, Successful Scotland which will track progress towards narrowing the gap in unemployment.

      The Scottish Enterprise Operating Plan for 2002-03 sets out the specific actions currently being undertaken across the enterprise network to address imbalances in employment rates. The Executive is now in discussions with Scottish Enterprise regarding the development of the new operating plan which will take into account the activities required to meet this and other targets contained in Building a Better Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166070,"EventID":"S1W-29562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figure will be used to measure and monitor the proportion of 16- to 19-year-olds not in education, training and employment, as referred to in target 7 in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figure will be used to measure and monitor the proportion of 16- to 19-year-olds not in education, training and employment, as referred to in target 7 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The baseline figure against which performance on this target will be measured is 14% based on Quarter 1 (spring) 2001 figures from the the Labour Force Survey.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166071,"EventID":"S1W-29563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what definition will be used of low income families in relation to increasing support to 16- to 19-year-olds, as referred to in target 8 in the enterprise and lifelong le","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what definition will be used of low income families in relation to increasing support to 16- to 19-year-olds, as referred to in target 8 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"In our pilots of Educational Maintenance Allowances (EMA), support for 16- to 19-year-olds is targeted at families whose income is less than £25,000 per annum.

      Details of how EMAs will be rolled out will be announced in due course. An evaluation of the current pilots will be taken into account.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166072,"EventID":"S1W-29564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figures will be used to measure and monitor the number of 16- to 19-year-olds from low income families staying on at school or attending further education c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figures will be used to measure and monitor the number of 16- to 19-year-olds from low income families staying on at school or attending further education colleges, as referred to in target 8 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Baseline figures for measurement of these targets will be derived from the academic year 2001-02. The target end date will be 2007-08. This will be confirmed once the programme for rolling out Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) has been set.

      This information will be published later in the month in the Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06, Technical Notes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166073,"EventID":"S1W-29565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figure will be used to measure and monitor the number of graduates as a proportion of the workforce, as referred to in target 9 in the enterprise and lifelo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figure will be used to measure and monitor the number of graduates as a proportion of the workforce, as referred to in target 9 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The baseline figure for measurement of this target will be the figure for the calendar year 2001. Labour Force Survey Statistics show that the proportion of graduates in the workforce in 2001 is 18%. Data at the Scottish level will be published annually in the Scottish Executive/Enterprise Networks publication Joint Performance Team: Measuring Scotland's Progress Towards a Smart Successful Scotland.

      Further details of the measurement and monitoring of this target will be published later in the Building a Better Scotland - Spending Review Proposals 2003-06, Technical Notes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166074,"EventID":"S1W-29566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list those joint academic and industry ventures that are currently assisted, as referred to in target 10 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list those joint academic and industry ventures that are currently assisted, as referred to in target 10 in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Although the spending proposals refer to future years, there is a great deal of work under way to ensure that this target is met and it is anticipated that at least 150 such ventures will be supported by the Executive and its agencies through, for example, SMART, Enterprise Fellowships, TCS and the development of the Intermediary Technology Institutes. Commercial confidentiality prevents the listing of ventures under development.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166075,"EventID":"S1W-29567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of \"enterprise and lifelong learning other\", as listed in the spending plans table in the enterprise and lifelong section of Building a B","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of \"enterprise and lifelong learning other\", as listed in the spending plans table in the enterprise and lifelong section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"A breakdown of the level 2 baseline "the enterprise and lifelong learning other" figures for the years 2003-06, contained in the enterprise and lifelong section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, is currently being prepared as part of the Budget Stage 2 process.

      A breakdown of this baseline figure for 2002-03 can be found within the supporting documentation for the Budget (Scotland) Act No.3.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166076,"EventID":"S1W-29568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the spending plans for regional selective assistance include monies set aside for the new venture capital fund, as referred to in the enterprise and lifelong lear","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the spending plans for regional selective assistance include monies set aside for the new venture capital fund, as referred to in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166077,"EventID":"S1W-29569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council spending plans by academic subject, as set out in the enterprise and lifelong learning ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council spending plans by academic subject, as set out in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The allocation of funds to individual higher education institutions (HEIs) is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC), which currently decides detailed allocations on an annual cycle. Around March each year SHEFC sets out the funds being offered to individual HEIs for the coming academic year in its Main Grant Letter. The Main Grant Letter explains the detail of the allocation model and provides detail on the calculations underpinning the allocations. For 2002-03, Table A2 of the Main Grant Letter provides information on Main Teaching Grant allocations by subject group and Table B2 provides information on the Main Quality Research Grant by subject.

      SHEFC's 2002-03 Grant Letter can be found on its website at:

      www.shefc.ac.uk/content/library/circs/02/he1502/Mainletter.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166078,"EventID":"S1W-29570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise spending plans in relation to the career service budget, as set o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the (a) Scottish Enterprise and (b) Highlands and Islands Enterprise spending plans in relation to the career service budget, as set out in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The Careers Scotland budgets are now the responsibility of the Enterprise Networks. Further information on Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise budgets will be set out in the Draft Budget Document published in October.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166079,"EventID":"S1W-29571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the savings made from the Business Transformation Project will be re-allocated in each year to 2003-06, as referred to in the enterprise and lifelong learning section","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the savings made from the Business Transformation Project will be re-allocated in each year to 2003-06, as referred to in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys. ","AnswerText":"As indicated in Building a Better Scotland, Scottish Enterprise will achieve savings of approximately £45 million a year from its Business Transformation project over the three-year period of the Spending Review.

      Scottish Enterprise have stated in their annual report that some of the savings will be used towards priority projects such as Intermediary Technology Institutes, Fund of Funds, Project Atlas and the Pacific Quay media centre. These priorities are in line with the strategic direction set by Smart, Successful Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166080,"EventID":"S1W-29572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the spending on enterprise and education by its departments in each of the last three years and as planned for each of the next three ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the spending on enterprise and education by its departments in each of the last three years and as planned for each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"Detailed spending plans by portfolio for the last three years were provided in the Annual Expenditure Report: The Scottish Budget published in March 2002. The Draft Budget Document published in October will provide detailed information on spending plans until 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166081,"EventID":"S1W-29573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figure will be used to measure and monitor each of targets 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 in the tourism, culture and sport section of Building a Better Scotland - S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what baseline figure will be used to measure and monitor each of targets 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 in the tourism, culture and sport section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys. ","AnswerText":"Technical Notes setting out the detail for each target in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys will be available shortly. The Technical Notes will include information on definitions, who will gather the data, how the data will be gathered, the time period covered, trends, baseline data, and milestones.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166082,"EventID":"S1W-29574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mothers have been diagnosed with (a) post-natal depression and (b) puerperal psychosis in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mothers have been diagnosed with (a) post-natal depression and (b) puerperal psychosis in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"It is not currently possible to obtain a reliable estimate of the incidence of these specific conditions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166083,"EventID":"S1W-29575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mothers diagnosed with (a) post-natal depression and (b) puerperal psychosis have been admitted to psychiatric units in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mothers diagnosed with (a) post-natal depression and (b) puerperal psychosis have been admitted to psychiatric units in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of patients explicitly diagnosed with post-natal depression or puerperal psychosis and discharged from in-patient care in psychiatric specialties are shown in the following table, for years ending 31 March 1998 to 2002. It is understood that these figures may represent an undercount of the total treated as other patients with these conditions may have been given less specific diagnoses, e.g. depression or unspecified puerperal mental disorders.

      Patients Discharged from Psychiatric Specialties1 with a Diagnosis of Post-Natal Depression or Puerperal Psychosis

      Years ending 31 March

      Post-Natal Depression

      Puerperal Psychosis

      1998

      35

      16

      1999

      32

      12

      2000

      13

      13

      2001

      29

      9

      2002P

      28

      14

      P provisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166084,"EventID":"S1W-29576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many psychiatric units have specialist units for mothers diagnosed with (a) post-natal depression and (b) puerperal psychosis in order to accommodate safely both moth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many psychiatric units have specialist units for mothers diagnosed with (a) post-natal depression and (b) puerperal psychosis in order to accommodate safely both mother and child.","AnswerText":"National information returns do not identify such specialist units.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166085,"EventID":"S1W-29577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is addressing post-natal depression and puerperal psychosis nationally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is addressing post-natal depression and puerperal psychosis nationally.","AnswerText":"In terms of organisation and delivery of care, it is for all NHS boards and their care partners to consider what provision best suits the assessed needs of their area. Services that are in place range from Community Psychiatric Nursing Services, Psychiatric Obstetric Liaison services to support and interventions in the community such as outreach nursery workers, home support services and parenting programmes.

      To help with the organisation of provision the Health Department published guidance in March 1999 on the best organisation and provision of post-natal depression services. The guidance promotes a systematic approach to the prevention, detection and treatment of post-natal depression through an Integrated Care Pathway, involving contributions and resources from all relevant skilled professionals.

      Further, agencies are expected to apply the best practice approaches set out in the recently published Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network evidence-based guidance on Postnatal Depression and Puerperal Psychosis.

      Work is also under way to develop information systems which will allow the care of women with post-natal depression to be recorded systematically so that agencies have the information, practice and procedures to screen all women and to arrange appropriate follow up care.

      The visiting Mental Health and Well Being Support Group published a national summary of current practice and innovations in the organisation of post-natal depression support and services across Scotland at: www.show.scot.nhs.uk/mhwbsg. The group consider and report on local responses as part of their local and national review process.

      The Health Department guidance is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24358).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166086,"EventID":"S1W-29578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist care is available in the community for mothers diagnosed with (a) post-natal depression and (b) puerperal psychosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specialist care is available in the community for mothers diagnosed with (a) post-natal depression and (b) puerperal psychosis.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29577 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166087,"EventID":"S1W-29579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary question to question S1F-1968 by Mr Jack McConnell on 13 June 2002, whether its position remains that clear public supp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary question to question S1F-1968 by Mr Jack McConnell on 13 June 2002, whether its position remains that clear public support is required for a congestion charging scheme to go ahead in Edinburgh. ","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166088,"EventID":"S1W-29580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the nationwide advertising campaign launched on 10 September 2002 about its free local off-peak concessionary bus travel for elderly and disabled people will cos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the nationwide advertising campaign launched on 10 September 2002 about its free local off-peak concessionary bus travel for elderly and disabled people will cost.","AnswerText":"The cost of the nationwide advertising campaign, launched on 10 September 2002, to publicise enhanced concessionary fare arrangements for elderly and disabled people is £287,857.38 (including VAT).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166089,"EventID":"S1W-29581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sections of track on the railway line from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts need to be upgraded and electrified; what distance such sections cover; what the cost of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sections of track on the railway line from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts need to be upgraded and electrified; what distance such sections cover; what the cost of such upgrading and electrification is estimated to be, and what action it plans to take in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"The 22 mile section of track between Midcalder Junction and Holytown on the Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central (via Shotts) line is not electrified. The Scottish Executive has currently no plans to progress further electrification of the rail network in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166090,"EventID":"S1W-29582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what companies have been approached regarding the use of the proposed Stirling/Alloa/Dunfermline rail link for freight trains.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what companies have been approached regarding the use of the proposed Stirling/Alloa/Dunfermline rail link for freight trains.","AnswerText":"Extensive consultation with local and national companies has been undertaken over the past two years.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166091,"EventID":"S1W-29583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects have been supported by the Strategic Rail Authority in Scotland and how much funding the authority has given to each such project in each of the last five y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects have been supported by the Strategic Rail Authority in Scotland and how much funding the authority has given to each such project in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) was established in February 2001. The SRA published their Strategic Plan in January 2002, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18609). The Strategic Plan sets out the projects that the SRA is seeking to support in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166092,"EventID":"S1W-29584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are now in place to deal with any industrial action by fire service personnel and what the estimated cost of implementing such plans would be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency plans are now in place to deal with any industrial action by fire service personnel and what the estimated cost of implementing such plans would be.","AnswerText":"Contingency plans are in place for a range of possible scenarios, including industrial action in the Fire Service. Detailed planning is taking place between the military and emergency services on the arrangements for responding to emergency calls. The costs will depend on the scale and duration of any industrial action.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166093,"EventID":"S1W-29585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is being given to army personnel to allow them to undertake the duties normally undertaken by fire service personnel in the event of any industrial action ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training is being given to army personnel to allow them to undertake the duties normally undertaken by fire service personnel in the event of any industrial action by fire service personnel; who is providing this training, how many army personnel are being trained, and how many it estimates will need to be mobilised.","AnswerText":"Personnel are being drawn from all 3 services across the whole of the defence establishment. In total across the UK this will involve about 19,000 personnel. Personnel will be trained and equipped to provide basic emergency fire and rescue cover. Some existing Service Fire Rescue Teams are already trained and experienced in the use of breathing apparatus and other special equipment but additional personnel are also being trained in these techniques. Training is being carried out at Service bases across the country.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166094,"EventID":"S1W-29586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what life-saving and cutting equipment it or local authorities have purchased for use by the army in the event of any industrial action by fire service personnel and wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what life-saving and cutting equipment it or local authorities have purchased for use by the army in the event of any industrial action by fire service personnel and what the cost of purchasing any such equipment was.","AnswerText":"None. Any equipment which the services consider necessary to acquire, in preparing their contingency planning in the event of industrial action by the Fire Service, is being acquired by the services themselves.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166095,"EventID":"S1W-29587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how (a) football stadia, (b) theatres, (c) care homes, (d) cinemas, (e) airports and (f) the rail network will operate in the event of any industrial action by fire serv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how (a) football stadia, (b) theatres, (c) care homes, (d) cinemas, (e) airports and (f) the rail network will operate in the event of any industrial action by fire service personnel given that their safety licences are issued by local authorities after inspection.","AnswerText":"The key to safety in many situations in the event of fire is evacuation time, which does not rely on the presence of the Fire Service. Advice is being issued which will request those responsible to review evacuation procedures and fire prevention measures, taking account of the possibility of industrial action.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166096,"EventID":"S1W-29588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic consequences for, and impact on jobs in, the insurance industry will be in the event of any industrial action by fire service personnel and any resulta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the economic consequences for, and impact on jobs in, the insurance industry will be in the event of any industrial action by fire service personnel and any resultant increase in insurance claims.","AnswerText":"It would not be helpful to speculate on these matters at this time. The proposed industrial action is unnecessary, would be deeply damaging and could put lives at risk. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) should co-operate with Professor Sir George Bain's Independent Review.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166097,"EventID":"S1W-29589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities can be sued by individuals or companies for not providing adequate fire cover in the event of any industrial action by fire service personnel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities can be sued by individuals or companies for not providing adequate fire cover in the event of any industrial action by fire service personnel.","AnswerText":"In the event of industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union, it is our understanding that no claim would lie against the Fire Authority for an alleged breach of its statutory duty under the Fire Services Act 1947 to provide fire cover.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166098,"EventID":"S1W-29590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice, guidance or instructions it has issued regarding the interoperation of rail and bus at Edinburgh Waverley Station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice, guidance or instructions it has issued regarding the interoperation of rail and bus at Edinburgh Waverley Station.","AnswerText":"An extensive programme of preparatory and investigative work is currently under way at Waverley Station and outputs from this are required before any detailed design work can begin. The work is addressing a wide range of issues including how best to integrate bus and train services at the station.

      The Executive is contributing up to £1 million towards the cost of the preparatory and investigative work.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166099,"EventID":"S1W-29591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) children and (b) adolescents are currently waiting for a referral for psychological treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) children and (b) adolescents are currently waiting for a referral for psychological treatment.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166100,"EventID":"S1W-29592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting time is from (a) referral by a GP and (b) referral by any other person for (i) children and (ii) adolescents to receive psychological tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current average waiting time is from (a) referral by a GP and (b) referral by any other person for (i) children and (ii) adolescents to receive psychological treatment.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166101,"EventID":"S1W-29593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to any physical, practical and financial constraints which may face The Highland Council in implementing an effective waste strategy; whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to any physical, practical and financial constraints which may face The Highland Council in implementing an effective waste strategy; whether it will provide assistance to the council to implement such a strategy from the Strategic Waste Fund, and, if so, how much it will provide and over what period.","AnswerText":"As part of the implementation of the National Waste Strategy, an Area Waste Plan is being prepared to establish the Best Practicable Environmental Option for waste in the Highland Council area. A draft plan is available on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's website at: http://www.sepa.org.uk/. In preparing the plan the strategy group, which includes the council, followed published guidance and considered physical, practical, financial, social and environmental constraints.

      The Highland Council is also preparing a public private partnership contract for the treatment and disposal of waste collected by the council. The Executive has been kept informed of the progress of the waste PPP scheme. However, the council has not yet submitted a bid for support from the Strategic Waste Fund. The Executive has not therefore made an assessment about what level of support might be provided to the council to assist in implementing the Highland Area Waste Plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166102,"EventID":"S1W-29594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of genital mutilation have been reported in each year from 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of genital mutilation have been reported in each year from 1999.","AnswerText":"At national level, available health information is not recorded in a form that would allow such cases to be accurately identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166103,"EventID":"S1W-29595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the (a) prevalence and (b) costs of on-going medical conditions as a result of domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the (a) prevalence and (b) costs of on-going medical conditions as a result of domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health services and patient care within the NHS in Scotland. The CSO is not currently directly funding any research projects into the prevalence and costs of on-going medical conditions as a result of domestic abuse but would be prepared to consider suitable research applications on this subject in the future. These would need to be of a sufficiently high standard and would be subject to the usual committee and peer review.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166104,"EventID":"S1W-29596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS's guidance on domestic abuse will be resourced and monitored across all NHS board areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS's guidance on domestic abuse will be resourced and monitored across all NHS board areas.","AnswerText":"Draft guidelines for health care professionals on responding to domestic abuse were issued in June for consultation. Respondents' comments will be analysed and the guidelines will be finalised in the light of these. Any additional resources and arrangements for monitoring implementation will be considered at that stage and will be announced when the final guidelines are published towards the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166105,"EventID":"S1W-29597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Crown Office plans to focus on the prosecution of rape and sexual assault so that it can better deal with these crimes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Crown Office plans to focus on the prosecution of rape and sexual assault so that it can better deal with these crimes.","AnswerText":"Prosecutors will have a pivotal role in implementing the changes being introduced by the Sexual Offences (Procedures and Evidence) Act that comes into force on 1 November 2002. The act tightens up the rules about using evidence of a rape victim's sexual history and will prohibit cross-examination of sexual offence victims by the accused. We have also just completed a major review of our investigation and prosecution of serious cases and, as a consequence, are about to embark on a significant exercise to ensure that we have the most effective working practices, supervision and training possible. This will, of course, include rape cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166106,"EventID":"S1W-29598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to pilot sexual assault referral centres.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to pilot sexual assault referral centres.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans of this kind. It is for individual Chief Constables to make local arrangements for dealing with victims of sexual assault.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166107,"EventID":"S1W-29599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27993 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 September 2002, who will be involved in reviewing the guidance to police regarding the investigation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27993 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 September 2002, who will be involved in reviewing the guidance to police regarding the investigation of sexual assaults and what information will be used to inform the review.","AnswerText":"The review is being led by officials within the Justice Department, but is necessarily a cross-cutting exercise involving a number of interests both within and outwith the Executive. As a first stage in this process, officials will be working with ACPOS to consider how the existing guidance can be improved. The review will seek to make sure it has information about different procedures throughout the UK and that it has the benefit of the knowledge and experience of those operating and affected by these procedures, including Scottish Rape Crisis Network and Scottish Women's Aid.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166108,"EventID":"S1W-29600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27993 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 September 2002, why there are no plans to conduct research into the investigation and prosecution of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27993 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 September 2002, why there are no plans to conduct research into the investigation and prosecution of cases involving allegations of rape.","AnswerText":"While we have no plans to commission Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary to undertake research into the investigation and prosecution of cases involving allegations of rape, we will consider further the need for research once the review mentioned in the answer given to question S1W-28798 on 13 September 2002 has been completed. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166109,"EventID":"S1W-29601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1769,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":2,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the views and concerns of the Cross-Party Group on Autistic Spectrum Disorder and of parents will be taken into account when consideration is given to any review ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the views and concerns of the Cross-Party Group on Autistic Spectrum Disorder and of parents will be taken into account when consideration is given to any review of the Record of Needs system.","AnswerText":"A total of 148 responses were received during the consultation on Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? last year, including a response from the Education Sub-Group of the Cross Party Group on Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Since publication of the Executive's response to the consultation (Bib. number 19469), we have held further consultation seminars attended by over 300 delegates, including education authority staff, educational psychologists, teachers, health professionals, social workers, voluntary organisations and parents, and representatives from the Cross Party Group on Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Responses received and comments raised during these events are being taken into account as the proposals for changing the assessment and recording procedures for children with special educational needs are being developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166110,"EventID":"S1W-29602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will provide, and to whom, in respect of the New St Andrew's House site and, in particular, whether it will give any financial assistance for the build","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will provide, and to whom, in respect of the New St Andrew's House site and, in particular, whether it will give any financial assistance for the building's demolition or any construction costs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Office moved out of New St Andrew's House in 1995. The building was the responsibility of Property Holdings, the UK agency then responsible for government buildings. Property Advisers to the Civil Estate, the successor body to Property Holdings, sold the building, by then called St James House, in 1999. The Scottish Executive has no plans to offer financial assistance to the present owners of property interests in that site.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166111,"EventID":"S1W-29603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that elderly and disabled people are informed of the concessionary fares scheme commencing from 30 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to ensure that elderly and disabled people are informed of the concessionary fares scheme commencing from 30 September 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5580 on 19 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166112,"EventID":"S1W-29604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been in respect of vandalism and attacks on trains in each sheriff court in each year since 1999 and what sentences were imposed as a res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions there have been in respect of vandalism and attacks on trains in each sheriff court in each year since 1999 and what sentences were imposed as a result of such prosecutions.","AnswerText":"The Information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166113,"EventID":"S1W-29605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many days rail links have been inoperable owing to flooding in each year since 1999, broken down by railway line.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many days rail links have been inoperable owing to flooding in each year since 1999, broken down by railway line.","AnswerText":"Railtrack is responsible for the running of the railway infrastructure. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166114,"EventID":"S1W-29606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it will publish details of the variant model founded on the public private partne","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it will publish details of the variant model founded on the public private partnership model developed with Argyll and Bute Council.","AnswerText":"One of the conditions of receiving funding in SEED Circular 8/2001 is that the Full Business Case should be made publicly available having due regard to issues of commercial confidentiality. Argyll and Bute Council was one of the councils to be awarded funding in the schools investment announcement of 25 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166115,"EventID":"S1W-29607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been (a) spent on and (b) committed to reopening the Stirling/Alloa/Dunfermline link; by which organisations such funding has been spent or committed, an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been (a) spent on and (b) committed to reopening the Stirling/Alloa/Dunfermline link; by which organisations such funding has been spent or committed, and what the amount of funding is in each case.","AnswerText":"So far Clackmannanshire Council has been awarded £6.5 million from the Public Transport Fund (PTF).

      Actual spend on the project, as with all PTF awards, is a matter for the promoting authority - in this case Clackmannanshire Council.

      The Stirling/Alloa/Kincardine Project Execution Team has established a funding group which is assembling the necessary funding package to reopen the railway.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166116,"EventID":"S1W-29608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28208 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 September 2002, what factors have contributed to the overall increase in subsidies paid by local authori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28208 by Mr Andy Kerr on 2 September 2002, what factors have contributed to the overall increase in subsidies paid by local authorities to bus operators over the period from 1999-2000 to 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Decisions on whether to provide supported bus services are a matter for individual local authorities. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28208 on 2 September 2002, which demonstrates that expenditure on supported bus services varies between local authorities and reflects local circumstances. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166117,"EventID":"S1W-29609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available or being provided to people being made redundant following the announcement that the Alcan plant at Burntisland, Fife, is to close.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance is available or being provided to people being made redundant following the announcement that the Alcan plant at Burntisland, Fife, is to close.","AnswerText":"Following the announcement of the proposed closure of Alcan's Burntisland facility, Scottish Development International officials have had on-going meetings with both local and corporate management to minimise the impact of any such action. The 90-day consultation period began on 11 September 2002 and therefore it is premature to make definitive assumptions about the outcome.

      However, in the event of any job losses, support will be provided to those affected through the Fife local response team in conjunction with the Executive's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) framework. This will ensure a rapid response from local agencies in terms of offering advice, support and guidance on the range of retraining/upskilling and employment opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166118,"EventID":"S1W-29610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement about its policy regarding proportional representation for local government elections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will make an announcement about its policy regarding proportional representation for local government elections.","AnswerText":"We have today placed both in the Parliament's Reference Centre and on the Executive's website a summary of responses to the issues raised in the consultation on the White Paper Renewing Local Democracy: the Next Steps.

      In relation to the electoral system, responses to the consultation showed a significant majority in favour of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. In line with the Executive's commitment to making progress on electoral reform, we have decided to prepare a Local Governance Bill that will include STV as the alternative choice to First Past the Post electoral system. We intend to publish the bill before the end of the parliamentary session and it would be then available for decision by the new Executive following the May 2003 elections. We will announce our intentions on the other issues included in the white paper to Parliament in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166119,"EventID":"S1W-29611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, why its press release SEED044/2002 of 25 June 2002 regarding the schools building program","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, why its press release SEED044/2002 of 25 June 2002 regarding the schools building programme did not refer to support for the variant model.","AnswerText":"The press release SEED044/2002 of 25 June 2002 announced levels of investment in schools and not the possible vehicles for delivering schools.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166120,"EventID":"S1W-29612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, how long Partnerships UK has been involved in the Argyll and Bute Council project to deve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, how long Partnerships UK has been involved in the Argyll and Bute Council project to develop a variant model founded on its public private partnership model. ","AnswerText":"Partnerships UK have been working on the Argyll and Bute Project for over a year. This role is entirely consistent with its constitution and remit. Partnerships UK (PUK) is a research and developer, not an operator or a major funding body. It works with the Scottish Executive in the development of Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy and it has a specific remit to develop new models and applications for PPP's. Its financial targets are set to fulfil its public sector mission while permitting a fair return on capital. All directors are required to declare any interests in any matter coming before the board. In addition PUK operates an internal code of conduct which deals with a number of issues including conflict of interest. That code states that it will publish the other interests of its Directors and that, in the event that PUK is supporting the public sector on a project and is aware that one of its shareholders is involved in any part of the bidding process, it will formally notify relevant public sector clients as soon as it becomes aware of the involvement and agree a procedure with them for dealing with any potential or perceived conflicts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166121,"EventID":"S1W-29613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it is appropriate for Partnerships UK to be advising on the relative merits of pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it is appropriate for Partnerships UK to be advising on the relative merits of public private partnerships and not-for-profit trusts.","AnswerText":"refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29612. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166122,"EventID":"S1W-29614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether the involvement of Partnerships UK with Argyll and Bute Council in developing a v","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether the involvement of Partnerships UK with Argyll and Bute Council in developing a variant model in relation to the school buildings programme is consistent with the pivotal role that Partnerships UK states it plays in the development of public private partnerships.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29612. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166123,"EventID":"S1W-29615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether the involvement of Partnerships UK in developing a variant model of public privat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether the involvement of Partnerships UK in developing a variant model of public private partnerships is consistent with its stated commitment to earning an appropriate and sustainable return on shareholders' investments.","AnswerText":"refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29612. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166124,"EventID":"S1W-29616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether any of the directors of Partnerships UK are also directors of companies participa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether any of the directors of Partnerships UK are also directors of companies participating as the managing agents or contractors in public private partnership projects in which Partnerships UK is also involved.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29612. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166125,"EventID":"S1W-29617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether any of the shareholders of Partnerships UK, other than the Scottish Executive and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether any of the shareholders of Partnerships UK, other than the Scottish Executive and HM Treasury, are involved in public private partnership projects in any other capacity than as shareholders of Partnerships UK.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29612 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166126,"EventID":"S1W-29618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it will allow all local authorities to establish not-for-profit trusts once the v","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it will allow all local authorities to establish not-for-profit trusts once the variant model developed by Argyll and Bute Council and Partnerships UK has been approved.","AnswerText":"The Non Profit Distributing Organisation model currently being developed with Argyll and Bute Council's schools public private partnership project will take over a year to reach the stage where we can properly assess whether this variant model has been successful as a new delivery vehicle. That timing will not be suitable for most local authorities that were awarded funding in the 25 June 2002 announcement. However, dependant on the progress and outcome of the NPDO model, local authorities in the second tranche of Outline Business Cases may be able to be considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166127,"EventID":"S1W-29619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, what the key advantages of public private partnerships are which would be negated under a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, what the key advantages of public private partnerships are which would be negated under a not-for-profit trust.","AnswerText":"The traditional PPP/PFI structure results in the linking of finance, construction and maintenance with the result that the private sector is incentivised to perform, driving efficiency and results. That element is removed under the trust proposal.

      The Executive's views on the trust proposal are already in the public domain, having been the subject of parliamentary questions and debates. Such a trust would need to take advantage of the Executive's ability to enter into contingent liabilities and to act as guarantor to these liabilities. Key questions relating to the governance and accountability of the trust, with a potential budget of billions of pounds, remain unanswered. We could end up with key decisions being taken not by elected ministers, but by trustees.

      The Executive is always willing to consider innovative ways of funding investment in public services, as demonstrated by our involvement in the development of a Non-Profit Distributing Organisation in Argyll and Bute.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166128,"EventID":"S1W-29620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it will publish its evaluation of the Scottish National Party's Scottish Investme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it will publish its evaluation of the Scottish National Party's Scottish Investment Trust proposal.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29619 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166129,"EventID":"S1W-29621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, what the unanswered questions are about a powerful funding body, like a private sector tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, what the unanswered questions are about a powerful funding body, like a private sector trust, influencing public infrastructure investment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29619 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166130,"EventID":"S1W-29622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether Partnerships UK constitutes \"a powerful funding body\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether Partnerships UK constitutes \"a powerful funding body\".","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29612. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166131,"EventID":"S1W-29623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, what base levels and criteria it used when evaluating the Scottish National Party's Scott","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, what base levels and criteria it used when evaluating the Scottish National Party's Scottish Investment Trust proposal.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29619 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166132,"EventID":"S1W-29624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, how it arrived at the position that the Scottish National Party's Scottish Investment Tru","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, how it arrived at the position that the Scottish National Party's Scottish Investment Trust proposal would need the government to act as a guarantor.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29619 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166133,"EventID":"S1W-29625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it would support the establishment of a Scottish Investment Trust which did not n","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it would support the establishment of a Scottish Investment Trust which did not need the government to act as guarantor.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29619 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166134,"EventID":"S1W-29626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, which project is intended to become the live procurement situation to test-bed a not-for-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, which project is intended to become the live procurement situation to test-bed a not-for-profit trust in Argyll and Bute.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5476 on 5 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166135,"EventID":"S1W-29627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28834 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 13 September 2002, whether prosecuting authorities have attended bail hearings for people (a) charg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28834 by Mrs Elish Angiolini on 13 September 2002, whether prosecuting authorities have attended bail hearings for people (a) charged with and (b) convicted of (i) serious assault, (ii) rape, (iii) culpable homicide and (iv) murder, and what percentage of the total number in each category they have attended in each of the last three years; if these figures are not available, what its best estimate is of the percentage of attendance by prosecutors at bail hearings for people after conviction (1) for murder and rape or (2) in the most serious High Court cases, including murder and rape, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Prosecutors are present in court at all applications for bail that follow immediately upon conviction. Prosecutors are also present in court in relation to all bail applications heard in the High Court, because these applications are dealt with each day in the Bail Court and other cases in that court require prosecutorial input. Prosecutors will not necessarily be present in the sheriff court when sheriffs are considering applications for interim liberation. Prosecutors are therefore present at all post conviction bail hearings of murder, rape and culpable homicide.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166136,"EventID":"S1W-29628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered extending its free bus travel scheme for pensioners to include rail travel.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered extending its free bus travel scheme for pensioners to include rail travel.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166137,"EventID":"S1W-29629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the probability is that fingerprint evidence will be wrong expressed as a proportion of cases in which fingerprint evidence is used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the probability is that fingerprint evidence will be wrong expressed as a proportion of cases in which fingerprint evidence is used.","AnswerText":"Fingerprint evidence is used successfully in a large number of criminal proceedings every year. Such evidence is rarely found by the court to be unreliable. There is no central record of any such cases. In every case, in which such evidence is used, the defence may seek independent verification of the evidence.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166138,"EventID":"S1W-29630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether following the comment made by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice at the joint meeting of the Justice 1 and 2 Committees on 18 September 2002 (Off","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether following the comment made by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice at the joint meeting of the Justice 1 and 2 Committees on 18 September 2002 (Official Report C 225), it now considers fingerprint evidence to be an \"art form\"; what the implications of such a view are for all the expert evidence brought since fingerprint evidence was brought into existence, and whether the Minister for Justice holds the same view with regard to DNA evidence.","AnswerText":"Evidence based on fingerprint identification involves the application of well established forensic techniques which are in use throughout the world.

      Assessment of DNA profiles is grounded in established research in genetics and molecular biology and involves statistical analysis and interpretation. It may, therefore, be regarded as a science.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166139,"EventID":"S1W-29631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Solicitor General is concerned that appeals in rape cases take an average of over a year to be heard and whether it will investigate urgently whether the cour","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Solicitor General is concerned that appeals in rape cases take an average of over a year to be heard and whether it will investigate urgently whether the courts are in need of more resources so that appeals can be pursued speedily.","AnswerText":"The Solicitor General shares with all ministers a desire to ensure that the Appeal Courts operate as effectively as possible. I refer the member to my answer to question S1W-28835 on 13 September 2002, that describes steps being taken to help speed up the appeals procedure. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search wa.

      Since then, ministers have agreed to a request by the Lord Justice General that an additional five temporary Judges should be appointed to help with the backlog of work generally. The number of permanent Judges stands at a record level of 32. ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166140,"EventID":"S1W-29632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have a Record of Needs that is currently open and operational. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have a Record of Needs that is currently open and operational. ","AnswerText":"According to the September 2001 school census, there were 16,137 pupils with a Record of Needs attending publicly funded schools. At the same date there were 558 pupils with a Record of Needs attending independent schools. From the January 2002 pre-school census, there were 808 children with a Record of Needs attending pre-school education.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166141,"EventID":"S1W-29633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the review of the Record of Needs system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in relation to the review of the Record of Needs system.","AnswerText":"After publishing the Executive's proposals in Assessing our children's needs: The Way Forward? (Bib. Number 19469), further consultation seminars and focus groups were held with service providers and users of the Record of Needs system. A draft bill is now being prepared, taking account of the outcome of the consultation, and we expect to publish the draft bill early next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166142,"EventID":"S1W-29634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support will be available to children following the review of the Record of Needs system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support will be available to children following the review of the Record of Needs system.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5619 which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The aim of the changes following the review of the Record of Needs system will be to ensure that all pupils' additional support needs are identified and addressed so they have the same opportunities as their peers to access and benefit from learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166143,"EventID":"S1W-29635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support the economic regeneration of the Larkhall area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support the economic regeneration of the Larkhall area. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire is taking action in line with the direction and priorities set out in the Executive's A Smart, Successful Scotland. This sets out the foundation for sustained improvement in economic performance in Scotland. It focuses on three key challenges for raising productivity:

      Growing businesses

      Global connections

      Learning and skills

      Provision of information on programmes and projects is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166144,"EventID":"S1W-29636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has now been made in taking forward the Larkhall to Milngavie rail extension.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has now been made in taking forward the Larkhall to Milngavie rail extension.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive remains in contact with all interested parties, including the Strategic Rail Authority, Railtrack and Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT).

      Recent progress includes agreement in principle by the Rail Regulator to a solution to issues around the performance regime applied to Railtrack. Other technical and legal issues are currently being addressed, in particular by SPT and Railtrack.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166145,"EventID":"S1W-29637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the General Agreement on Trade in Services is a key motivating factor in increasing the use of private finance initiative and public private partnership projects ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the General Agreement on Trade in Services is a key motivating factor in increasing the use of private finance initiative and public private partnership projects in public services.","AnswerText":"The General Agreement on Trade in Services is not a key motivating factor in increasing the use of private finance initiative and public private partnership projects in public services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166146,"EventID":"S1W-29638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met English, Welsh and Scottish Railways and on how many occasions it has met the company since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met English, Welsh and Scottish Railways and on how many occasions it has met the company since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive meets representatives of rail industry operating companies in Scotland on a regular basis, including English, Welsh and Scottish Railways.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166147,"EventID":"S1W-29639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each railway station and provide any information it has on who owns and operates each station.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each railway station and provide any information it has on who owns and operates each station.","AnswerText":"The railway station at Prestwick is owned by Prestwick International Airport. Scotland's remaining railway stations are the responsibility of Railtrack, and are either managed directly by them or leased to train operating companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166148,"EventID":"S1W-29640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has issued to the Strategic Rail Authority about a high-speed, non-stop, direct, early (a) morning and (b) evening service between Edinburgh and London on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has issued to the Strategic Rail Authority about a high-speed, non-stop, direct, early (a) morning and (b) evening service between Edinburgh and London on the east coast main line; what the estimated journey time of such a service would be (i) currently and (ii) following upgrading and repair, and, if it has not issued any such advice, whether it has any plans to do so.","AnswerText":"No advice has been given to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) about such a service between Edinburgh and London, nor are there any plans to do so.

      Journeys from Edinburgh to London currently take around four and a half hours. The SRA indicate that there is potential for track improvements on the east coast main line which, if implemented, could lead to a saving of around 30 minutes on journey time.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166149,"EventID":"S1W-29641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote short sea shipping and what funds are available, and what its strategy is in respect of any such plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote short sea shipping and what funds are available, and what its strategy is in respect of any such plans.","AnswerText":"Shipping is one of the most environmentally sustainable means of transport available, and the Scottish Executive is keen to encourage a modal shift of freight transport away from road onto water and rail. A significant funding mechanism for encouraging such modal shift is the Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) Scheme that has funded three awards totalling almost £16 million to move freight onto water. This total includes the £11 million FFG funding of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry link which demonstrates the Executive's commitment to achieving modal shift in freight transport and to support short sea shipping as a means to this end. In addition, the Executive, in conjunction with the Department for Transport and the Welsh Assembly Government are looking at proposals to extend the scope of the FFG scheme in relation to maritime transport.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166150,"EventID":"S1W-29642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available to support the Scottish Shipping Initiative and what plans it has to promote and support shipping as an employment sector as well as a mode of tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available to support the Scottish Shipping Initiative and what plans it has to promote and support shipping as an employment sector as well as a mode of transport.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, and the UK Government with its reserved responsibilities, work together to provide integrated shipping, ports and transport policies. These offer a framework for the shipping industry to develop transport opportunities and create employment. The Executive liases with representative bodies seeking to promote the industry but does not provide funding to support specific interest groups.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166151,"EventID":"S1W-29643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it has made to the Marine Motorway Study and what plans it has to promote the outcome of the study.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contribution it has made to the Marine Motorway Study and what plans it has to promote the outcome of the study.","AnswerText":"The Executive has discussed with the research team the Marine Motorway Study, which is being undertaken by Heriot Watt and Napier Universities to establish the viability of freight ferry services on UK coastal routes as an alternative to long-distance road transport. The research was commissioned and partly funded by the Department for Transport which has responsibility for shipping, a reserved matter. We will consider the outcome of the study once it is completed.

      The Executive and the UK Government recognise shipping as providing environmental benefits. This is reflected in the support offered through the Freight Facilities Grant scheme. This provides assistance with capital expenditure costs to help make freight transport by water more competitive.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166152,"EventID":"S1W-29645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has deviated from the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has deviated from the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not deviated from the Civil Service Commissioners' recruitment code in any year since May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166153,"EventID":"S1W-29646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its selection boards have been chaired by the Civil Service Commissioners in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its selection boards have been chaired by the Civil Service Commissioners in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Civil Service Commissioners chair recruitment boards at Senior Civil Service level. I refer the member to the answer given to question SIW-28005 on 27 August 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166154,"EventID":"S1W-29647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the result of the last Civil Service Commissioners' audit of its recruitment system was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the result of the last Civil Service Commissioners' audit of its recruitment system was.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28016 on 27 August 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166155,"EventID":"S1W-29648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many occupational psychologists it employs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many occupational psychologists it employs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive core departments employ no permanent staff as occupational psychologists. Occupational psychologists are used by the Scottish Executive on a contract basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166156,"EventID":"S1W-29649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it has been reported to the Civil Service Commissioners in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it has been reported to the Civil Service Commissioners in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not been reported to the Civil Service Commissioners in any year since May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166157,"EventID":"S1W-29650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it has received recommendations from the Civil Service Commissioners in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often it has received recommendations from the Civil Service Commissioners in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received no recommendations from the Civil Service Commissioners in any year since May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166158,"EventID":"S1W-29651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Civil Service Commissioners were involved in its decision to employ 40 policy analysts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Civil Service Commissioners were involved in its decision to employ 40 policy analysts.","AnswerText":"The Civil Service Commissioners were not involved.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166159,"EventID":"S1W-29652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the social justice annual report 2002 and how the milestones, indicators and baselines will vary from the 2001 report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the social justice annual report 2002 and how the milestones, indicators and baselines will vary from the 2001 report.","AnswerText":"The social justice annual report 2002 will be published by the end of the year. There will be no changes to the milestones and baselines. There will be some additions to some of the indicators, for example new gender analysis, which will be detailed in the technical report.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166160,"EventID":"S1W-29653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it has undertaken any other assessments of Scottish National Party policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5476 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 September 2002, whether it has undertaken any other assessments of Scottish National Party policies.","AnswerText":"Officials routinely consider proposals relating to economic development policy from a variety of external bodies and commentators, including those from other political parties.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166161,"EventID":"S1W-29654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services will have for nursery education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services will have for nursery education.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive continues to be in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Government Departments on trade issues and how these may impact on the Executive's responsibilities.

      The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) applies to measures affecting trade in services taken by central, regional or local governments and authorities, and by non-governmental bodies in the exercise of powers delegated by such governments and authorities. Progressive liberalisation under the GATS concerns the reduction or elimination of the adverse effects on trade in services of such measures as a means of providing effective market access for foreign service suppliers. Requests for liberalisation by World Trade Organisation (WTO) members do not seek the privatisation of state-supplied public services.

      The GATS makes clear that liberalisation shall take place, if at all, with due respect for national policy objectives, and recognises the right of WTO member governments to regulate, and to introduce new regulations, on the supply of service within their territories in order to meet national policy objectives. The GATS does not therefore impact on the Executive's ability to bring forward legislation affecting education.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166162,"EventID":"S1W-29655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services will have for primary education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services will have for primary education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166163,"EventID":"S1W-29656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services will have for secondary education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services will have for secondary education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166164,"EventID":"S1W-29657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services will have for tertiary education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what implications the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services will have for tertiary education.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive continues to be in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Government Departments on trade issues and how these may impact on the Executive's responsibilities.

      The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) applies to measures affecting trade in services taken by central, regional or local governments and authorities, and by non-governmental bodies in the exercise of powers delegated by such governments and authorities. Progressive liberalisation under the GATS concerns the reduction or elimination of the adverse effects on trade in services of such measures as a means of providing effective market access for foreign service suppliers. The GATS makes clear that liberalisation shall take place, if at all, with due respect for national policy objectives. The agreement recognises the right of World Trade Organisation member governments to regulate, and to introduce new regulations, on the supply of services within their territories in order to meet these objectives.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166165,"EventID":"S1W-29658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made about the education system in advance of the current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations on trade in services and whethe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made about the education system in advance of the current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations on trade in services and whether it consulted (a) Universities Scotland, (b) the National Union of Students and (c) the Association of University Teachers before making any such representations.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on the GATS as it relates to education services. Universities Scotland, the National Union of Students and the Association of University Teachers have all been consulted by the Executive and we expect to consult these bodies further throughout the process. The Department of Trade and Industry intends to publish in early October a public consultation document on the GATS. Copies will be sent to each of these bodies and others with an interest in education in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166166,"EventID":"S1W-29659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations on trade in services will limit its ability to bring forward legislation affecting education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations on trade in services will limit its ability to bring forward legislation affecting education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166167,"EventID":"S1W-29660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be the definition of \"liberalisation\" under the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services as it will affect nursery edu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be the definition of \"liberalisation\" under the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services as it will affect nursery education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166168,"EventID":"S1W-29661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be the definition of \"liberalisation\" under the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services as it will affect primary edu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be the definition of \"liberalisation\" under the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services as it will affect primary education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166169,"EventID":"S1W-29662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be the definition of \"liberalisation\" under the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services as it will affect secondary e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be the definition of \"liberalisation\" under the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services as it will affect secondary education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29654 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166170,"EventID":"S1W-29663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be the definition of \"liberalisation\" under the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services as it will affect tertiary ed","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be the definition of \"liberalisation\" under the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals on trade in services as it will affect tertiary education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29657 on 2 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166171,"EventID":"S1W-29664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effects the European Union's Sorbonne/Bologna process will have on tertiary education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effects the European Union's Sorbonne/Bologna process will have on tertiary education.","AnswerText":"The Bologna Process was initiated by a small group of European Education Ministers in Paris in 1998 and taken forward by a larger group of ministers in Bologna in 1999 and is not a formal EU process. It is an inter-ministerial process of agreed action between 33 signatory countries, including the UK, with the aim of creating a European higher education area by 2010. This will mean having readily comparable higher education systems across Europe. With its existing Bachelor/Masters structure and the development of SCOTCAT and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, the Scottish higher education system already fits well with the Bologna model.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166172,"EventID":"S1W-29665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it will have to the meeting of European Union ministers in Berlin in 2003 to discuss harmonisation of higher education; whether any minister will lead a deleg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it will have to the meeting of European Union ministers in Berlin in 2003 to discuss harmonisation of higher education; whether any minister will lead a delegation there; what evidence it intends to submit to the meeting, and what research it has done to assist in gathering evidence to present.","AnswerText":"The Berlin conference will take place in September 2003 and the agenda has not yet been set. Discussions between the UK Government and the devolved administrations on which ministers will attend for the UK will take place nearer the time.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166173,"EventID":"S1W-29666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in the tuning of the Dublin descriptors on higher education following the Amsterdam/Bologna seminar of May 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in the tuning of the Dublin descriptors on higher education following the Amsterdam/Bologna seminar of May 2002.","AnswerText":"The Tuning project is a two-year project led by the Universities of Deusto and Groningen and sponsored by the European Commission. The work has been taken forward by academics from universities throughout Europe and there has been no direct ministerial involvement.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166174,"EventID":"S1W-29667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure there is no adverse impact on universities should the current round of General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations on trade in services agree t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure there is no adverse impact on universities should the current round of General Agreement on Trade in Services negotiations on trade in services agree to a complete liberalisation of tertiary education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29657 on 2 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166175,"EventID":"S1W-29668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or is taking, to meet the recommendations of the Lisbon/Bologna seminar of April 2002 on the harmonisation of higher education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or is taking, to meet the recommendations of the Lisbon/Bologna seminar of April 2002 on the harmonisation of higher education.","AnswerText":"The UK Government signed up in 1997 to the Council of Europe/UNESCO Lisbon Convention on promoting transparency in mutual recognition of academic qualifications. The conference in April 2002 was held to mark five years since that convention was drawn up and to recognise the progress that has been made. The National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) provides information and advice to UK higher and further education institutions on all issues relating to the mutual recognition of UK and international qualifications.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166176,"EventID":"S1W-29669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or is taking, to help higher education institutions meet the recommendations of the Lisbon/Bologna seminar of April 2002 on the harmonisation of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or is taking, to help higher education institutions meet the recommendations of the Lisbon/Bologna seminar of April 2002 on the harmonisation of higher education.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29668. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166177,"EventID":"S1W-29670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the 31 cultural co-ordinator pilot programmes will cost and what budget estimate or allocation it has made in respect of rolling out the programmes in the future","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the 31 cultural co-ordinator pilot programmes will cost and what budget estimate or allocation it has made in respect of rolling out the programmes in the future.","AnswerText":"The cultural co-ordinator posts are supported over 2002-03 and 2003-04 by £1.75 million from the Scottish Executive to complement funding from the local authorities. The recent spending review announcement provides additional money to allow the cultural co-ordinator programme to run for a further two years until 2006 and further details will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166178,"EventID":"S1W-29671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was raised through receipts from charges for school music tuition in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was raised through receipts from charges for school music tuition in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166179,"EventID":"S1W-29672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities charge for music tuition and how much each such local authority charges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities charge for music tuition and how much each such local authority charges.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166180,"EventID":"S1W-29674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to exemption from congestion charging, road and estuarial crossing tolls and parking place levies for those disabled people who hold a val","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to exemption from congestion charging, road and estuarial crossing tolls and parking place levies for those disabled people who hold a valid disabled persons blue or orange parking badge; how it makes this policy known to all highway authorities and estuarial crossing operators, and how it monitors their implementation of the policy.","AnswerText":"Disabled people who hold a valid disabled persons blue or orange parking badge are exempt from payment of tolls at the Erskine, Forth Road and Tay Road Bridges. Disabled people who are exempt from payment of vehicle excise duty are exempt from payment of tolls at Skye Bridge. The details are set out in the relevant legislation for each bridge. Toll charges and entitlement to toll exemptions are displayed at the tollbooths of each bridge.

      It is a matter for the authority at each bridge to ensure that charges and exemptions are applied correctly. The Executive monitors statistics on the number of exempt crossings on a regular basis for the Skye and Erskine Bridges. For the Forth Road and Tay Road Bridges this is a matter for the Forth Estuary Transport Authority and the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board, respectively.

      Exemptions from road user charges under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 will be the subject of regulations, a draft of which will be issued for consultation within the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166181,"EventID":"S1W-29675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any policy or recommendations with regard to the provision of parking facilities and level access close to the entrance areas of public buildings and faci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any policy or recommendations with regard to the provision of parking facilities and level access close to the entrance areas of public buildings and facilities for able-bodied companions accompanying disabled passengers and whether it will seek to increase such provision.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, all new building work, including alterations and extensions, which is covered by building regulations must comply with the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990, as amended. The issues of parking provision and access for disabled people are covered by Part S of the Technical Standards (Access to and movement within buildings, and protective barriers).

      National Planning Policy Guidance 17, paragraph 48, sets out guidance to local authorities and developers on access for disabled people and also considers the needs of older people and those travelling with children. It also mentions the special design requirements for wheelchair use.

      Paragraph 16 of the recently published draft addendum to National Planning Policy Guidance 17, which sets out maximum parking standards for new developments, also requires that councils continue to make provision for disabled parking and that the amount, location and design of this should be discussed with local disability groups. Comments and objections received to the draft are currently being analysed including those who have commented on the issue of meeting disabled parking requirements within the new maximum parking regime. The finalised addendum will be published towards the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166182,"EventID":"S1W-29676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Secretary of State for Transport to publish the report on the review of the disabled persons parking badge scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to the Secretary of State for Transport to publish the report on the review of the disabled persons parking badge scheme.","AnswerText":"The four UK administrations are currently undertaking a review of the Blue Badge Scheme and have received a report from the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) - the UK Government's statutory adviser on the transport needs of disabled people.

      The scheme, however, is a wholly devolved matter and the Executive is therefore currently considering how any changes to the scheme recommended on an UK-wide basis by DPTAC should be addressed. I hope to be able to announce, along with the other administrations, the way ahead for the Blue Badge Scheme later this year.

      It is for DPTAC to consider whether and, if so, when to publish its report.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166183,"EventID":"S1W-29677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25871 by Ross Finnie on 28 May 2002, whether it has had any further discussions with Superfast Ferries regarding implementation of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25871 by Ross Finnie on 28 May 2002, whether it has had any further discussions with Superfast Ferries regarding implementation of the pet passport scheme on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route.","AnswerText":"My officials and officials from the State Veterinary Service are in regular contact with Superfast Ferries. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 3 October and will take place at Rosyth. Officials from the local authority, Port Authority and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise will also be present.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166184,"EventID":"S1W-29678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the average weekly charge for a person with a learning disability residing in a local authority home costs #564 compared to #492 in the voluntary and #369 in the pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the average weekly charge for a person with a learning disability residing in a local authority home costs #564 compared to #492 in the voluntary and #369 in the private sectors, as identified in table 2.12 of Scottish Community Care Statistics 2001.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to choose care provision which best suits the needs of those people requiring care. It is also for authorities to set the level of fees for their own care homes, in line with the requirement in the National Assistance Act 1948 that the fee represents the full cost to the authority of providing the care home place.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166185,"EventID":"S1W-29679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what voluntary organisations which offer the same services in Glasgow as those provided by Facilitate (Scotland) are funded through (a) section 10 of the Social Work (Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what voluntary organisations which offer the same services in Glasgow as those provided by Facilitate (Scotland) are funded through (a) section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, (b) section 16b of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 and (c) core funding.","AnswerText":"The grant schemes under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and section 16b of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 support a number of voluntary organisations, which provide support for people with mental health problems in Scotland, including the Glasgow area. Each organisation provides its own particular service and will differ in some respects from others in the field.

      Core funding is awarded through the section 10 and section 16b schemes and contributes towards the administration costs of the organisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166186,"EventID":"S1W-29680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Facilitate (Scotland) was refused funding under section 16b of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Facilitate (Scotland) was refused funding under section 16b of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29419. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166187,"EventID":"S1W-29681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it did not award core funding to Facilitate (Scotland).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it did not award core funding to Facilitate (Scotland).","AnswerText":"Core funding can be awarded under section 16b of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 and section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. Facilitate (Scotland) have been given feedback as to why their applications under these two schemes have been unsuccessful.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166188,"EventID":"S1W-29682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific initiatives it will put in place apart from the National Framework for the Prevention of Suicide and Deliberate Self Harm to address any increase in the num","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific initiatives it will put in place apart from the National Framework for the Prevention of Suicide and Deliberate Self Harm to address any increase in the number of child and adolescent suicides.","AnswerText":"The work of the National Programme for Improving the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the Scottish Population, established in October 2001 and overseen by a National Advisory Group which I chair, will bear on children and young people. It will also link into the range of policies and initiatives in train across the Executive to help give children a better start in life and to cope better with the difficulties which might otherwise lead them to consider self-harm or suicide.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166189,"EventID":"S1W-29683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to compile an information pack for schools and pupils on child and adolescent suicide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to compile an information pack for schools and pupils on child and adolescent suicide.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166190,"EventID":"S1W-29684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26330 by Frank McAveety on 7 June 2002, how many rapid response teams providing care support facilities for patients discharged fro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26330 by Frank McAveety on 7 June 2002, how many rapid response teams providing care support facilities for patients discharged from hospital are currently in operation, how many are attached to psychiatric units and how they are staffed.","AnswerText":"Feedback from the joint local action plans on delayed discharge shows that all but three partnership areas either have rapid response teams in place or are developing them. We will continue to chart the development and expansion of these teams.

      Specific information on how many rapid response teams are attached to psychiatric units is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166191,"EventID":"S1W-29685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources and services are available in each NHS board area to treat those diagnosed with a mental illness who are at crisis point.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources and services are available in each NHS board area to treat those diagnosed with a mental illness who are at crisis point.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily available. Each NHS board is responsible for assessing the health care needs of its population and for putting in place arrangements to meet these needs. These arrangements may include sharing treatment and other facilities and services with partner agencies and neighbouring NHS board areas.

      Mental health is, along with cancer and heart disease, one of three clinical priorities for the NHS in Scotland. NHS boards provide resources for mental health services from within their general financial allocation. These are growing at an average annual rate exceeding 7% in cash terms.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166192,"EventID":"S1W-29686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed with depression, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are currently diagnosed with depression, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"The available figures for depression are based on those from a sample of GP practices for the year ending December 2001.

      Estimated Number of Patients Seen for Depression, Year Ending 31 December 2001

      Age Group (years)

      Males

      Females

      0-14

      350

      750

      15-24

      8,200

      22,800

      25-44

      31,400

      84,150

      45-64

      24,400

      54,200

      65-74

      4,900

      13,150

      75-84

      2,750

      8,250

      85 and over

      650

      2,450

      Source: GP Consultations: Continuous Morbidity Recording Database (CMR), based on submissions from a sample of 60 GP practices in Scotland from which national estimates are derived.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166193,"EventID":"S1W-29687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is available to determine the causes of depression, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is available to determine the causes of depression, broken down by (a) age and (b) gender.","AnswerText":"Accurate data on the cause of depression in each case is not collected routinely.

      Addressing cause is important and our National Programme for the Improvement of Mental Health and Well-being and the available treatment services are designed to help prevent as well as treat the condition.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166194,"EventID":"S1W-29688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any link between the number of females aged between 25 and 44 diagnosed with depression and the incidence of post-natal depression and whether it has dir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any link between the number of females aged between 25 and 44 diagnosed with depression and the incidence of post-natal depression and whether it has directly funded, or is aware of, any research project into this issue.","AnswerText":"The 2002 review of latest evidence by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network determined that 10 to 15% of women in Scotland who give birth can suffer from post-natal depression. Depression as a separate condition can affect a large proportion of women of childbearing age, though studies are evenly divided in reporting one condition more or less severe than the other. There is, however, some evidence that there is an increased risk of depression occurring in the early postnatal period.

      The care objective is to apply proper screening and follow up that identifies and responds to all assessed needs in each case.

      The Scottish Executive has not funded any research on the incidence of post-natal depression. Details of recent and current research on post-natal depression can be found in the National Research Register, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166195,"EventID":"S1W-29689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been prescribed the new atypical anti-psychotic drugs for the treatment of schi'ophrenia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each NHS board area have been prescribed the new atypical anti-psychotic drugs for the treatment of schi'ophrenia.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. Available data relates to the number of prescribed items dispensed by either community pharmacists or dispensing doctors and are not patient specific.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166196,"EventID":"S1W-29690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional funding has been made available to NHS boards for the prescribing of the new atypical anti-psychotic drugs for the treatment of schi'ophrenia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional funding has been made available to NHS boards for the prescribing of the new atypical anti-psychotic drugs for the treatment of schi'ophrenia.","AnswerText":"Substantial additional resources are being made available to the NHS in Scotland over the years of the spending review as announced on 12 September 2002, with an average annual increase of 8.7% over the years 2003-04 to 2005-06 rising to £8.6 billion a year by the end of the period. Within these substantially increased resources, NHS boards are responsible for ensuring that patients residing in their areas have access to clinically appropriate treatment, including new drug treatments such as the new atypical anti-psychotic drugs. At national level, the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) reviews new drug treatments and provides guidance on their use. NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from the HTBS and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. At local level, Area Drug and Therapeutic Committees are responsible for giving advice to clinicians and for ensuring consistent application of national and local guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166197,"EventID":"S1W-29691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, what consideration will be given to holding a further ballot in the event that the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer does not take place by the deadline of 28 Nove","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, what consideration will be given to holding a further ballot in the event that the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer does not take place by the deadline of 28 November 2002. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has always maintained that the transfer would be concluded by the end of the year. There will be no requirement for a further ballot of tenants.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166198,"EventID":"S1W-29692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer to take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer to take place.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29691 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166199,"EventID":"S1W-29693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in the event that the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer does not take place by the deadline of 28 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in the event that the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer does not take place by the deadline of 28 November 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29691 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166200,"EventID":"S1W-29694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in the event that the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer is unable to take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in the event that the proposed Glasgow housing stock transfer is unable to take place.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29691 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166201,"EventID":"S1W-29695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to address the funding gap in the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposal as reported in The Herald on September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to address the funding gap in the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposal as reported in The Herald on September 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not normally take action on the basis of newspaper reports.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166202,"EventID":"S1W-29696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it will require an additional #25 million for Scottish Enterprise to increase the number of modern apprenticeships (MAs) to over 25,000 given that the number of MA's ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it will require an additional #25 million for Scottish Enterprise to increase the number of modern apprenticeships (MAs) to over 25,000 given that the number of MA's in 2001-02 was 21,993.","AnswerText":"The additional resources for modern apprenticeships are being phased in over three years, allowing the total number of apprentices in training at any time to grow to over 25,000 by 2006. Over this period, the number of individuals employed and trained as modern apprentices will thus far exceed 25,000. The additional resources for the Enterprise Network will also be used in other ways to increase the number of people in employment undertaking training. Agreed targets will be published in the Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise annual Operating Plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166203,"EventID":"S1W-29697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28510 by Nicol Stephen on 13 September 2000, what funding has been allocated to each local authority to support implementation of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28510 by Nicol Stephen on 13 September 2000, what funding has been allocated to each local authority to support implementation of the recommendations in Citi'ens of a Multilingual World.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table:

      Education Authority

      Total Allocation 2002-03

      Aberdeen City

      £127,000

      Aberdeenshire

      £233,800

      Angus

      £96,600

      Argyll and Bute

      £85,300

      Clackmannanshire

      £37,600

      Dumfries and Galloway

      £145,100

      Dundee City

      £100,100

      East Ayrshire

      £98,500

      East Dunbartonshire

      £94,500

      East Lothian

      £73,100

      East Renfrewshire

      £79,400

      Edinburgh, City of

      £241,200

      Eilean Siar

      £32,700

      Falkirk

      £107,500

      Fife

      £272,800

      Glasgow City

      £370,700

      Highland

      £215,500

      Inverclyde

      £63,800

      Midlothian

      £67,200

      Moray

      £78,600

      North Ayrshire

      £110,900

      North Lanarkshire

      £257,300

      Orkney Islands

      £23,600

      Perth and Kinross

      £113,200

      Renfrewshire

      £134,000

      Scottish Borders

      £99,700

      Shetland Islands

      £28,700

      South Ayrshire

      £89,700

      South Lanarkshire

      £242,100

      Stirling

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166204,"EventID":"S1W-29698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the evaluation of the pilot project \"Your Guide\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the evaluation of the pilot project \"Your Guide\".","AnswerText":"On 24 July 2002, the Department of Trade and Industry published a report of the evaluation of the "Your Guide" pilot. This report is available on the DTI website. The Post Office and postal services are reserved matters. Executive officials remain in contact with both DTI and Post Office officials. No final decision on the future of the "Your Guide" service has been announced by DTI Ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166205,"EventID":"S1W-29699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what savings are expected from the budget of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) following the business improvement process it is engaged in, as referred to in the en","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what savings are expected from the budget of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) following the business improvement process it is engaged in, as referred to in the enterprise and lifelong learning section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Highland and Islands Enterprise's business improvement process, which is the next stage in its Evolving the Network initiative, was announced on 30 August 2002. It is too early to quantify the resulting savings although HIE have stated that this will mean more of its budget will be spent on front-line activities and less on back-office administration.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166206,"EventID":"S1W-29700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the spending of Highland and Islands Enterprise is to rise by 6% in 2003-04 given the savings expected as a result of the business improvement process it is engaged i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the spending of Highland and Islands Enterprise is to rise by 6% in 2003-04 given the savings expected as a result of the business improvement process it is engaged in, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The spending of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for 2003-04 was originally planned to increase from £74 million to £77 million as published in the Scottish Executive's Annual Expenditure Report, The Scottish Budget, 2003-04. Since then, all non-departmental public bodies' budgets have been converted from a cash to a resource basis. Resource budgets are published in Building a Better Scotland.

      The increase in 2003-04 comprises the original £3 million (in cash terms), plus approximately £2 million more in that year to reflect resource budget adjustments between 2002-03 and 2003-04. Finally, the balance of the increase for 2003-04 is an additional £0.5 million which HIE were allocated in the Spending Review for Modern Apprenticeships. This gives £6 million (rounded) as the total increase.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166207,"EventID":"S1W-29701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was spent on publishing, printing and distributing its publication, Public report on the first year of the new trunk road operating companies 2001/2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was spent on publishing, printing and distributing its publication, Public report on the first year of the new trunk road operating companies 2001/2002.","AnswerText":"The Public report on the first year of the new trunk road operating companies 2001/2002 was published by the independent Performance Audit Group (Halcrow in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers) in line with the recommendations of the Auditor General for Scotland.

      The estimated cost to the public purse is £12,500.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166208,"EventID":"S1W-29702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was spent on publishing, printing and distributing its Scottish Rural Partnership Fund information and application pack.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public money was spent on publishing, printing and distributing its Scottish Rural Partnership Fund information and application pack.","AnswerText":"The 2003-04 round of the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund (SRPF) was launched on Friday 30 August 2002. Some 2,200 application packs were produced to meet the perceived demand of those wishing to apply to the fund.

      A total figure of £8,391 was spent on the design, publishing, printing and distribution of the application pack.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166209,"EventID":"S1W-29703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, and intends to take, to ensure that Afghani asylum seekers and refugees feel welcome in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, and intends to take, to ensure that Afghani asylum seekers and refugees feel welcome in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made it very clear that we are intent on ensuring that Scotland is a welcoming place for all people coming to live here. Specifically, we have established the Scottish Refugee Integration Forum, which I chair and which has been charged with developing action plans to enable the successful integration of refugees in Scotland and the provision of more accessible, co-ordinated and good quality services. The forum has been undertaking a great deal of work and a draft action plan will be available for comment shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166210,"EventID":"S1W-29705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to participate on children's panels have been rejected since the inception of the recruitment campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to participate on children's panels have been rejected since the inception of the recruitment campaign.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29706 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166211,"EventID":"S1W-29706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have applied to serve on children's panels, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) local authority area, since the inception of its recruitment campai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have applied to serve on children's panels, broken down by (a) age, (b) gender and (c) local authority area, since the inception of its recruitment campaign.","AnswerText":"The first four weeks of the campaign attracted 3,458 notes of interest. The details have been passed to the local authorities responsible for sifting and assessing applications arising out of these notes of interest. Children's Panel Advisory Committees will submit recommendations to Scottish ministers later in the year on who should be appointed as members of their children's panel. No recommendations have yet been received by Scottish ministers. The tables set out the position on gender and age of those expressing interest by local authority area.

      Table 1: Gender

      Local Authority

      Male

      Female

      Total

      Aberdeen City

      17

      72

      103

      Aberdeenshire

      12

      75

      99

      Angus

      9

      31

      47

      Argyll and Bute

      3

      28

      40

      Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar

      1

      2

      3

      Dumfries and Galloway

      4

      57

      61

      Dundee

      24

      82

      106

      East Ayrshire

      15

      62

      77

      East Dunbartonshire

      15

      57

      72

      East Lothian

      16

      33

      49

      East Renfrewshire

      13

      40

      53

      Edinburgh

      95

      264

      359

      Fife

      39

      148

      187

      Glasgow

      93

      352

      445

      Highland

      28

      61

      89

      Inverclyde

      9

      32

      41

      Joint CPAC

      44

      191

      235

      Midlothian

      13

      37

      50

      <","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166212,"EventID":"S1W-29707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the children's panel recruitment campaign cost in total, detailing the amount spent on (a) advertising, (b) literature and (c) staffing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the children's panel recruitment campaign cost in total, detailing the amount spent on (a) advertising, (b) literature and (c) staffing.","AnswerText":"The cost to date to the Scottish Executive of the children's panel national recruitment campaign is £395,000. £385,000 is for development, artwork and advertising costs and £10,000 for publication of literature. There are no discrete costs for staffing. Sifting and assessment of applications by Children's Panel Advisory Committees involves the volunteers on the committees with input from local authority staff. A separate budget meets the cost of the handling agency fee which is based on response levels. Local authorities meet the costs of any local advertising to augment the national campaign.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166213,"EventID":"S1W-29708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are on bail following a petition appearance charged with murder and waiting to be served with indictment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are on bail following a petition appearance charged with murder and waiting to be served with indictment.","AnswerText":"There are at present 17 cases in which an accused has appeared on petition charged with murder and been released on bail and in which indictments have not yet been served.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166214,"EventID":"S1W-29709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29088 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 September 2002, what priorities were identified by the working group established by the Public Hea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29088 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 September 2002, what priorities were identified by the working group established by the Public Health Institute for Scotland to deliver the recommendations set out in the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report, when it met on 24 June 2002; how these priorities will be delivered, and within what timescale.","AnswerText":"Priorities identified included improvements in diagnosis, joint working, training and research. Many of these priorities are for health and social work service providers to deliver at local level. We intend to write to local agencies in the near future on implementation of the report's recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166215,"EventID":"S1W-29710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29088 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 September 2002, what plans there are to make the minutes of future meetings of the Autistic Spectr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29088 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 September 2002, what plans there are to make the minutes of future meetings of the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report Working Group available and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"These matters were not discussed at the meeting of the group on 24 June. Plans for recording and disseminating notes of meetings of the group will be discussed at the next meeting in November.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166216,"EventID":"S1W-29711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29089 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 September 2002, when the European Year of Disabled People 2003 Scottish steering group was set up","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29089 by Ms Margaret Curran on 20 September 2002, when the European Year of Disabled People 2003 Scottish steering group was set up; who the members are; how the members were selected, and when the group will announce its proposals to celebrate the European Year of Disabled People.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Steering Group for the European Year of Disabled People met for the first time in June 2002.

      Its members were selected by the Scottish Executive and are drawn from national organisations with an interest or involvement in disability policy development, including disability-led organisations, service providers and others. Members include the Disability Rights Commission, Inclusion Scotland, the Scottish Disability Equality Forum, the Scottish Human Services Trust, members of the Disability Agenda Group, the Scottish Council on Deafness, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and the STUC. Only national organisations were asked to participate and we looked to ensure that we covered a broad range of impairment groups and to ensure that disabled people themselves were involved. However, the steering group at its first meeting agreed that it would look to involve other organisations and interests as necessary.

      Proposals to celebrate the European Year of Disabled People are being developed and will be announced early in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166217,"EventID":"S1W-29712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young girls have been placed in secure units for their own safety in each local authority area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young girls have been placed in secure units for their own safety in each local authority area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information on the numbers of girls placed in secure units for their own safety from each local authority area between 1998-99 and 2000-01 is given in the following table.

      The figures include only placements which are either a place of safety order or warrant made under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, or where committal to a place of safety or other temporary detention is made under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act (1995).We are not aware of any difficulties with the current legislative provisions in this regard. However, an independent task group set up by ministers to review the licensing provisions in the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, which includes a representative from the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, is currently consulting on its emerging findings. The Task Group Consultation Paper makes no reference to this issue but it is open to people submit comments to the task group on any aspect of the licensing provisions about which they have concerns. The closing date for responses is 4 October 2002 and the consultation paper is on the web at:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/government/rlpc-00.asp.

      The task group is due to submit its report by the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166220,"EventID":"S1W-29715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of elder abuse have been recorded in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases of elder abuse have been recorded in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166221,"EventID":"S1W-29717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to recent comments by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, what assessment it has made of any impact of the comments on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to recent comments by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, what assessment it has made of any impact of the comments on its ability to provide services to asylum seekers and refugees and, in particular, Afghani asylum seekers and refugees and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the comments and any such impact.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to ensuring that good quality and co-ordinated services are provided to all asylum seekers and refugees living in Scotland and continues to work in partnership with a range of bodies to achieve this.

      I and my officials are in regular contact with the Home Office on a range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166222,"EventID":"S1W-29718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its spending proposals for 2003-06 are for external affairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its spending proposals for 2003-06 are for external affairs.","AnswerText":"Decisions on future spending details for external affairs have still to be finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166223,"EventID":"S1W-29719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its civil servants are currently engaged in work on external affairs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its civil servants are currently engaged in work on external affairs.","AnswerText":"Thirty-four civil servants in the Executive are currently engaged in its work on external affairs: 23 in the External Relations Division, nine in the Scottish Executive European Union Office and two staff in Washington DC.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166224,"EventID":"S1W-29720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of its target for increasing the number of drugs sei'ures, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of its target for increasing the number of drugs sei'ures, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, and whether this target includes sei'ures by HM Customs and Excise.","AnswerText":"The target is a national target for a 25% increase in seizures of Class A drugs by the Scottish Police Service. It does not, therefore, include seizures by HM Customs and Excise and no sub-targets have been set either for seizures of different types of Class A drug or for individual police forces.

      However, further information on seizures of controlled drugs can be found in the web version of Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2001 on the national drugs website www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166225,"EventID":"S1W-29721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its target to increase the number of drug sei'ures, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the mon","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its target to increase the number of drug sei'ures, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, includes any target for (a) particular controlled drugs and (b) class (i) B or (ii) C drugs.","AnswerText":"The target relates only to Class A drugs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166226,"EventID":"S1W-29722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure its target to reduce the number of drug misusers who inject, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will measure its target to reduce the number of drug misusers who inject, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The key performance indicator which will be used to measure progress on achieving the target will be the proportion of new problem drug users seen by drug services and reported to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database, who reported injecting "in the previous month". The data is available annually.

      Account will also be taken of injecting data obtained through national prevalence work, which we have undertaken to repeat every three years. The first national prevalence survey reported in 2001 and contained data for the year 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166227,"EventID":"S1W-29723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to reduce the number of heroin users aged 25 and over.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to reduce the number of heroin users aged 25 and over.","AnswerText":"Treatment and rehabilitation are key components of the Executive's Drugs Strategy. We are investing around £34 million, over three years, to support new and improved services provided locally by NHS boards and local authorities. These services address the needs of all age groups, including the over 25s.

      Treatment and rehabilitation should be based on the needs of individual patients. Substitute prescribing of methadone is one of the main treatments for heroin misusers of all ages. International and national research supports the use of methadone to divert misusers from using illegal opiates, stabilising their lifestyles and reducing drug-related crime.

      We also accord high priority to encouraging recovering drug misusers to enter training and employment. We have already given wide distribution to our \"Moving On\" guidance which is intended to assist drugs services, education, training and employment providers with this important work.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166228,"EventID":"S1W-29724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to prevent any diversion of resources to meet its target, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to prevent any diversion of resources to meet its target, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, of reducing the number of heroin users aged under 25, from programmes directed at (a) users of other prohibited drugs and (b) other heroin users.","AnswerText":"The full wording of the relevant target is to "Reduce the proportion of people under 25 reporting use of illegal drugs in the last month and previous year substantially, and heroin use by 25%, by 2005".

      The achievement of the target is dependent on a number of influences and initiatives, including some which are non-drugs specific, and which are aimed at improving the lives and aspirations of young people, particularly those who are the most excluded in our society. Initiatives and services in support of this target will therefore be resourced through a number of different funding streams, including the Changing Children's Services Fund, NHS allocations, local authority grant aided expenditure, Scotland Against Drugs, social inclusion partnership funding and national and local drug prevention initiatives.

      There is an annual accountability framework in which Drug Action Teams (DATs) report to the Executive annually on work under way and planned in support of national targets, and the identification of resources for drugs-specific work. Issues of concern are taken up with the relevant DATs. There is evidence from the plans of a broad range of work with young people throughout Scotland covering prevention and diversion activities, treatment provision and services for young substance misusing offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166229,"EventID":"S1W-29725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any target for increasing the value of drugs sei'ures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any target for increasing the value of drugs sei'ures.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such target. However, we have set the Scottish Police Service a national target to increase the number of drug seizures by 25% by 2004 and this target will shortly be extended to 2006. And, among the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency's (SDEA) targets, is one to increase the weight of Class A drugs seized. In 2001-02, SDEA-led operations, joint action or assistance given to Scottish forces resulted in the seizure of 205.3kgs of Class A drugs, worth an estimated £14.3 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166230,"EventID":"S1W-29726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any target for increasing the weight of drugs sei'ures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any target for increasing the weight of drugs sei'ures.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such target. However, we have set the Scottish Police Service a national target to increase the number of drug seizures by 25% by 2004 and this target will shortly be extended to 2006. And the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) has a target to increase the weight of Class A drugs seized in SDEA-led operations, joint action or through assistance given to Scottish forces by 5% in 2002-03, compared to the 205.3kgs seized in this way in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166231,"EventID":"S1W-29727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the number of persistent young offenders, as referred to in target 2 in the education and young people section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it measures the number of persistent young offenders, as referred to in target 2 in the education and young people section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The number of young offenders going through the hearings system is monitored by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration. In their annual report, SCRA publish data on the number of young people with one to three, over three and over 10 offences in one year. In addition to the focus on the last category, SCRA is developing further measures which will provide more information to the Executive and youth justice teams on the frequency of offending.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166232,"EventID":"S1W-29728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any target for reducing the number of persistent young offenders in each year to 2006.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any target for reducing the number of persistent young offenders in each year to 2006.","AnswerText":"In Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys the Executive set out our target that by 2006, the number of persistent young offenders will be 10% less than in 2000-01. This target is not broken down by year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166233,"EventID":"S1W-29729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects any reduction in the number of persistent young offenders by May 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it expects any reduction in the number of persistent young offenders by May 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29728 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166234,"EventID":"S1W-29730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is now its policy to introduce neighbourhood wardens across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is now its policy to introduce neighbourhood wardens across Scotland.","AnswerText":"Yes, it is our intention that neighbourhood warden schemes operate throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166235,"EventID":"S1W-29731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are currently available for the treatment for drug addiction of (a) under-16s and (b) 16- to 20-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are currently available for the treatment for drug addiction of (a) under-16s and (b) 16- to 20-year-olds.","AnswerText":"No information is held centrally about the number of places available for the treatment of drug addiction for these age groups. However, evidence suggests that all DATs have either met the national standard of ensuring that drug misusers aged under 16 have access to drug treatment and care services which are in line with national guidance, or have plans in place to do so in 2002-03.

      Evidence also shows a broad range of service provision for young people throughout Scotland covering prevention and diversion, treatment and care, and services which specifically work with young substance misusing offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166236,"EventID":"S1W-29732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) under-16s and (b) 16- to 20-year-olds were treated for drug addiction in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) under-16s and (b) 16- to 20-year-olds were treated for drug addiction in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information is not routinely collected nationally on the numbers of young people being treated for drug addiction. However, the recently published research on young people's treatment services included a survey of 42 services. The survey was conducted between September 2001 and January 2002. It provides the basis for an estimate of the numbers accessing services: 17 services reported a total of 405 under 16s accessing treatment for drugs misuse in the preceding 12 months, and 25 services reported 831 16- to 18-year-olds. The research highlights that this is a rapidly developing area of provision and these estimates are unlikely to accurately reflect the up-to-date picture.

      In addition, the following table provides information on the number of under 16s and 16- to 20-year-olds drug users presenting at a broad range of drug services across Scotland which report to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database:

      Reports to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database 1 April 1998 to 31 March 2001

      New Individual Patients/Clients by Selected Age Groups

      Area of Residence Prior to Admission

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      Aberdeen City

      ..

      ..

      ..

      Aberdeenshire

      ..

      0

      ..

      Angus

      ..

      6

      ..

      Argyll and Bute

      0

      0

      ..

      Clackmannanshire

      0

      0

      0

      Dumfries and Galloway

      ..

      0

      0

      Dundee City

      ..

      7

      ..

      East Ayrshire

      ..

      0

      0

      East Dunbartonshire

      0

      0

      0

      East Lothian

      0

      0

      0

      East Renfrewshire

      ..

      0

      0

      Edinburgh, City of

      ..

      0

      0

      Eilean Siar

      0

      0

      0

      Falkirk

      0

      ..

      ..

      Fife

      ..

      0

      ..

      Glasgow City

      ..

      ..

      ..

      Highland

      0

      0

      0

      Inverclyde

      0

      0

      ..

      Midlothian

      0

      0

      ..

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      Under 16s

      119

      156

      176

      16- to-20-year olds

      1,761

      1,837

      1,602

      Notes:

      1. All figures in this table exclude penal establishment inmates and information received from needle exchanges.

      2. The definition of "new" is (a) the person is attending the particular service for the first time ever, or (b) the person has attended before but not within the previous six months.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166237,"EventID":"S1W-29733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategies it will employ to reduce the total number of drug-related deaths, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategies it will employ to reduce the total number of drug-related deaths, as referred to in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, and to reduce drug-related illness.","AnswerText":"Our Drugs Strategy is built around four key themes: young people, communities, availability and treatment. All of these themes are relevant to our objectives of reducing drug-related deaths and illness.

      For example, we support a wide range of projects intended to guide young people away from drug misuse towards healthy and positive lifestyles. Our Know the Score drugs communications work, including an information line, website and information materials, provides factual information about the risks to health from drugs, and where local help and advice can be obtained. Harm reduction information is targeted on drug misusers, and it provides advice on avoiding overdoses and explains risks from injecting and from blood-borne viruses.

      Treatment and rehabilitation programmes help those already involved in drug misuse, and these are intended to reduce dependence on illegal drugs and to restore patients to health, stabilise their lifestyles and to encourage them into training and employment. Because those being released from prison are particularly vulnerable to overdose, additional resources allocated to the Scottish Prison Service are being utilised to ensure effective links between prison and community treatment and care provision. This includes pre-release needs assessment and action planning and the provision of a simple facilitating service for prisoners in the period immediately around release. Evaluation of the service will track issues such as re-offending and the incidence of drug-related deaths.

      Our enforcement bodies are achieving considerable success in reducing the availability of illegal drugs, and protecting communities from drug-related crime. Seizures of Class A drugs, which pose the greatest risks to health, are at record levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166238,"EventID":"S1W-29734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it defines serious violent crime, as referred to in target 1 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it defines serious violent crime, as referred to in target 1 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, and what measures it will use to reduce serious violent crime.","AnswerText":"For the purposes of the target, serious violent crime is currently defined as serious assault (including murder and culpable homicide), robbery, all other non-sexual crimes of violence (except possession of an offensive weapon), rape and attempted rape. The measures to be used to reduce such crime are an operational matter for chief constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166239,"EventID":"S1W-29735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28329 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, whether its target to reduce serious violent crime by 5% by 2004, as referred to in ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28329 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, whether its target to reduce serious violent crime by 5% by 2004, as referred to in target 1 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, is additional to its target to reduce violent crime by 5% by 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The target referred to in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys is the same as that announced in reply to question S1W-24582 on 28 March 2002. The effective date for the target is 31 March 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166240,"EventID":"S1W-29736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to agree a new target for a further reduction in serious violent crime for 2006, as referred to in target 1 in the justice section of Building a Better Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to agree a new target for a further reduction in serious violent crime for 2006, as referred to in target 1 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The new target will be agreed in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and the conveners of police authorities. An announcement will be made once agreement is reached.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166241,"EventID":"S1W-29737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to agree a new target for an increase in sei'ures of class A drugs for 2006, as referred to in target 2 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to agree a new target for an increase in sei'ures of class A drugs for 2006, as referred to in target 2 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The new target will be agreed in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and the conveners of police authorities. An announcement will be made once agreement is reached.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166242,"EventID":"S1W-29738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it expects to reduce fear of crime or seriousness of worry about crime and by what date, as referred to in target 3 in the justice section of Building a Better S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it expects to reduce fear of crime or seriousness of worry about crime and by what date, as referred to in target 3 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"No specific target figure or date has been set. Currently, the best tool we have to measure the fear of crime is the Scottish Crime Survey. The 2000 Scottish Crime Survey shows that the proportion identifying crime as a serious or extremely serious problem; the proportion feeling unsafe walking alone after dark and the proportion worried about specific types of crimes have fallen steadily in the period between the 1993 and 2000 surveys. The next Scottish Crime Survey will take place in 2004 and all three indicators are expected to move in the same direction. However, a reduction of two out of the three will be taken as an overall reduction. Full Technical Notes setting out in more detail the definition for each target and how it will be measured will appear on the Scottish Executive website only at the end of this month.

      The additional investment we are making to tackle serious crime such as violence and drugs and the measures we have introduced and the targets we have set to reduce these and other crimes will undoubtedly have a positive impact on how safe our communities feel.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166243,"EventID":"S1W-29739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is retaining its target of an average of 12 weeks from plea to trial date for summary criminal cases in the sheriff court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is retaining its target of an average of 12 weeks from plea to trial date for summary criminal cases in the sheriff court.","AnswerText":"With the agreement of Sheriffs Principal, it is intended to introduce a new outcome target for the conduct of summary criminal business in the sheriff court which focuses on the completion of cases rather than the length of one element in the process. However, the period from plea to trial date will continue to be monitored by the Scottish Court Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166244,"EventID":"S1W-29740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what influence it has over the duration, including adjournments, of a summary trial in the sheriff court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what influence it has over the duration, including adjournments, of a summary trial in the sheriff court.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no direct influence over the duration of an individual summary criminal trial in the sheriff court, which is primarily determined by the nature of the case and the actions of the participants under the overall direction of the sheriff. However, through the resources provided for the operations of the courts and the prosecution services, the Scottish Executive can have an influence upon the overall efficiency of the criminal justice system.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166245,"EventID":"S1W-29741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average duration, including adjournments, of a summary trial in the sheriff court has been in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court district","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average duration, including adjournments, of a summary trial in the sheriff court has been in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The average duration of summary criminal trials is shown in the following table. The duration of a trial can vary depending on the nature of the case and the volume of evidence which requires to be heard. The average for a court can vary for a number of reasons including changes in the pattern and volume of business.

      Average Duration of a Summary Trial (in Hours) Per Sheriff Court

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Aberdeen

      2.71

      2.74

      2.63

      Airdrie

      1.86

      1.58

      2.88

      Alloa

      1.84

      1.89

      2.53

      Arbroath

      2.15

      2.93

      2.34

      Ayr

      2.11

      2.29

      3.16

      Banff

      2.33

      2.40

      2.53

      Campbeltown

      1.62

      1.25

      2.41

      Cupar

      2.46

      2.41

      2.33

      Dingwall

      2.00

      1.87

      1.20

      Dornoch

      3.07

      3.03

      1.04

      Dumbarton

      2.10

      1.52

      2.35

      Dumfries

      1.65

      1.36

      1.91

      Dundee

      2.77

      2.25

      2.18

      Dunfermline

      1.56

      1.94

      2.52

      Dunoon

      2.35

      2.23

      2.32

      Edinburgh

      		Building a Better Scotland target, support refers to the practical or emotional support provided to victims by a statutory or voluntary agency. Each agency has published its own action plan setting out the support which it offers as part of the Scottish Strategy for Victims.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166250,"EventID":"S1W-29746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its 12% target increase of victims of crime that want support having been offered or successfully sought that support includes support to victims of crime offered","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its 12% target increase of victims of crime that want support having been offered or successfully sought that support includes support to victims of crime offered by the Crown Office, as referred to in target 5 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"For the purposes of the Building a Better Scotland target, support refers to any type of practical or emotional support provided to victims by a statutory or voluntary agency. That includes support offered by the Crown Office to victims of crime.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166251,"EventID":"S1W-29747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any provision will be made for victims of crime that want support but who do not receive it, in line with target 5 in the justice section of Building a Better Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any provision will be made for victims of crime that want support but who do not receive it, in line with target 5 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Providing better support to victims of crime is the first objective of the Scottish Strategy for Victims. The Executive is therefore working closely with Victim Support Scotland and the criminal justice agencies to improve referral arrangements and to raise awareness of the support available through initiatives such as the publication of the victims' leaflet and the introduction of the victims' website. This is intended to ensure that victims who want to, know where to turn for support.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166252,"EventID":"S1W-29748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following a complaint of a criminal offence to the police, what information is provided thereafter to the victim by the (a) police, (b) prosecution authorities, (c) cour","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, following a complaint of a criminal offence to the police, what information is provided thereafter to the victim by the (a) police, (b) prosecution authorities, (c) courts, (d) criminal justice social work departments, (e) prison service and (f) parole board regarding the (i) victim services available, (ii) progress of the case against the accused and (iii) progress of the sentence of the person convicted of the offence.","AnswerText":"Following a complaint of a criminal offence to the police, the information provided by the organisations set out is as follows:

      (a) the police refer all victims who want to be referred to Victim Support Scotland. Support from specially trained police officers is also available. Procedures are in place to ensure that, where a report is submitted to the procurator fiscal's office, the victim is informed.

      (b) the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is rolling out a Victim Information and Advice service across Scotland. At present, the service covers six of the 11 procurator fiscal areas. It provides information about the progress of the case, as well as providing information on the criminal justice system in general, offering support where required and making referrals to other agencies who can provide support to victims.

      (c) the Scottish Court Service has published standards to ensure that all victims and witnesses present are kept informed on a regular basis, on the day of the trial, of any developments, changes and delays in the management of the case, including the reason for delays, changes in venue and similar administrative issues. Victims are also supported by the Witness Service, which has been set up in all 48 sheriff courts and will be rolled out to all High Courts in 2003. Operated by Victim Support Scotland, the Witness Service offers victims and witnesses attending court non case-specific information, advice and support, including information about the workings of a court, and the opportunity to visit the court building beforehand.

      (d) Criminal justice social work departments may provide information and support to victims and witnesses on occasion, particularly when there is no witness service available.

      (e) The Scottish Prison Service currently operates a victim notification scheme, for victims of violent or sexual crimes whose assailant is sentenced to a custodial sentence of four years or more. The scheme ensures that, when the offender is about to be released from custody, the Scottish Prison Service will so inform victims who have asked to be informed.

      (f) In relation to the Parole Board, arrangements exist for victims of more serious crimes to make representations to the Parole Board on their concerns with regard to the release of the offender. Proposals to strengthen these arrangements are included in the current Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166253,"EventID":"S1W-29749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages providing in-cell sanitation in all prison cells by 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages providing in-cell sanitation in all prison cells by 2005-06.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The timescale for ending slopping out depends on a number of developments, not all of which have firm timescales. These include implementation of the plans for Barlinnie, Edinburgh, Glenochil, Perth and Polmont announced by the Deputy First Minister on 5 September 2002, the opening of the two new prisons also announced on 5 September, and the closing of existing substandard accommodation as new or refurbished accommodation becomes available. The Deputy First Minister indicated in his statement on 5 September that he hoped that, on current plans and population projections, slopping out would end about a year after completion of the second new prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166254,"EventID":"S1W-29750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages eliminating overcrowding in all prisons by 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages eliminating overcrowding in all prisons by 2005-06.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The measures announced by the Deputy First Minister on 5 September 2002, including one that will be used to respond to the current rise in remand numbers, namely the procurement of two new 700-place prisons and the programme of investment in the existing public sector estate, are intended to allow the Scottish Prison Service to achieve a better match between available prison places and the likely demand over the next 10 years after taking account of the impact of the increased use of alternatives to custody. Actual progress in addressing overcrowding will depend on delivery of these and other developments, precise timescales for which have not yet been set.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166255,"EventID":"S1W-29751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is meant by \"approved activities\", as referred to in target 7 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is meant by \"approved activities\", as referred to in target 7 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      An approved activity is a shorter form of group work (minimum 20 hours) which addresses criminogenic need, targets issues thought to be related to offending patterns, or which focuses on life skills, employability core skills and/or throughcare pre-release issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166256,"EventID":"S1W-29752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number of approved activities has been in each year since 1999-2000, as referred to in target 7 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the number of approved activities has been in each year since 1999-2000, as referred to in target 7 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Approved activities were introduced into targets for the SPS from the year 2002-03. The target for the current year 2002-03 is a joint one for programmes and approved activities. The approved activities element is currently set at 400.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166257,"EventID":"S1W-29753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prison rehabilitation programmes will be fully accredited, as referred to in target 7 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of prison rehabilitation programmes will be fully accredited, as referred to in target 7 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The targets for fully accredited programmes as a proportion of prison rehabilitation programmes has been set as follows:

      2002-03

      50%

      2003-04

      60%

      2004-05

      70%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166258,"EventID":"S1W-29754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capacity was available for community disposals in each year since 1999-2000, as referred to in target 8 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spendi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capacity was available for community disposals in each year since 1999-2000, as referred to in target 8 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29755 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166259,"EventID":"S1W-29755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capacity of community disposals was specifically designed for (a) women, (b) young people and (c) drug users in each year since 1999-2000, as referred to in target 8","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capacity of community disposals was specifically designed for (a) women, (b) young people and (c) drug users in each year since 1999-2000, as referred to in target 8 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The target refers to the capacity for community disposals because it remains a matter for the discretion of the courts to decide whether to impose a community sentence on conviction. Funding from the Executive, therefore, provides capacity for a target number of probation, community service, supervised attendance orders, drug treatment and testing orders and restriction of liberty orders over a 12-month period. The capacity is not defined on a user basis but rather by type of order although the national priorities agreed for criminal justice social work put an emphasis on provision for these groups.

      The actual number of community sentences imposed by the courts in past years is then set out in the series of Statistical Bulletins: Criminal Justice Social Work Statistics. The bulletins for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 provide a breakdown of the use by courts of community disposals by gender and age in those years. They also provide information on the number of probation orders made where the court has imposed an additional specific condition of drug treatment or education. It is anticipated that the bulletin for 2001-02 will be published in December this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166260,"EventID":"S1W-29756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the membership of the accreditation panel for community programmes for offenders will be selected, as referred to in target 9 in the justice section of Building a Be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the membership of the accreditation panel for community programmes for offenders will be selected, as referred to in target 9 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Individuals will be selected so that the panel provides a balance of expertise in programme development/delivery and the principles of effective practice or accreditation. The membership will draw on experience gained in academic institutions, existing accreditation processes, local authorities and the voluntary sector although individual members will be independent and not act as representatives of any of these groups. I hope to be in a position to announce details of the chair and membership of the panel within the next few weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166261,"EventID":"S1W-29757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any steps will be taken to harmonise the functions of the accreditation panel for community programmes for offenders, as referred to in target 9 in the justice se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any steps will be taken to harmonise the functions of the accreditation panel for community programmes for offenders, as referred to in target 9 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, with the accreditation function of the risk management authority proposed in section 11 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The work of the accreditation panel referred to in target 9 will focus on the accreditation of community programmes for offenders. The Risk Management Authority will operate under a wider remit. However, in developing National Standards for risk assessment and minimisation, it will have regard to existing relevant schemes and functions such as the accreditation panel.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166262,"EventID":"S1W-29758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is proposed to give the accreditation panel for community programmes for offenders any statutory basis, as referred to in target 9 in the justice section of Bu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is proposed to give the accreditation panel for community programmes for offenders any statutory basis, as referred to in target 9 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The panel will operate as an advisory group providing independent advice to Scottish ministers, with a secretariat from the Justice Department. We do not intend to give it a statutory basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166263,"EventID":"S1W-29759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any incentive will be provided to local authorities to attain accreditation for community programmes for offenders, as referred to in target 9 in the justice sect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any incentive will be provided to local authorities to attain accreditation for community programmes for offenders, as referred to in target 9 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The Getting Best Results Steering Group which has developed the proposals for the accreditation is a partnership between the Executive, local authorities and academics. The agreed aim of this work is to improve the quality of programmes which work with offenders in order to increase the confidence of the courts in the use of community sentences. The main incentive is that professionals in the local authorities want to ensure that criminal justice social work services are based on the principles of "What Works" and are effective. In addition, extra funding, made available as a result of the spending review, will assist local authorities in preparing programmes for accreditation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166264,"EventID":"S1W-29760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether accreditation for community programmes will apply only to programmes for offenders or also to social work programmes for diversion from prosecution, as referred t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether accreditation for community programmes will apply only to programmes for offenders or also to social work programmes for diversion from prosecution, as referred to in target 9 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that the Accreditation Panel will initially wish to focus on programmes which support community disposals made by the courts. However, there is no reason in principle why local authorities cannot put forward for accreditation programmes used in the context of diversion from prosecution.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166265,"EventID":"S1W-29761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what other means will be used to increase the number of people getting access to justice by 5% over the period to 2005-06, as referred to in target 10 in the justice sect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what other means will be used to increase the number of people getting access to justice by 5% over the period to 2005-06, as referred to in target 10 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The Executive has provided additional funds to the Scottish Legal Aid Board to support a programme of pilot projects aimed at improving access to civil justice. It has also a three-year funding package for the Edinburgh In-Court Advice and Mediation Projects. Other projects may also be launched over the period.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166266,"EventID":"S1W-29762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people gained access to civil justice through (a) legal aid and (b) other means in each year since 1999-2000, and what other means were used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people gained access to civil justice through (a) legal aid and (b) other means in each year since 1999-2000, and what other means were used.","AnswerText":"The number of people assisted by legal aid is published in the Annual Reports of the Scottish Legal Aid Board. In addition, the Executive provided financial support to the In Court Advice and Mediation Projects in Edinburgh Sheriff Court, which provided help to unrepresented litigants. A research report on the operation of the projects and the number of people assisted was published in 2002 entitled Supporting Court Users: The In-Court Advice and Mediation Projects in Edinburgh Sheriff Court: Research Phase 2.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166267,"EventID":"S1W-29763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it intends to do to aid people burdened with multiple debt in each year to 2005-06, as referred to in target 11 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it intends to do to aid people burdened with multiple debt in each year to 2005-06, as referred to in target 11 in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The Debt Arrangement and Advice (Scotland) Bill, currently at Stage 2, provides the framework for a national statutory debt arrangement scheme for those with multiple debt. The consultation document Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland sought consultees' views on the detail of the scheme. The responses to this consultation are currently being analysed by independent consultants. The debt arrangement scheme will be implemented by way of regulations, as soon as possible, taking account of respondents' views.

      To ensure that those in multiple debt have ready access to the necessary money advice to negotiate debt payment programmes, the Executive is already making available, through local authorities, an additional £3 million a year for the provision of local money advice services across Scotland. Plans from local authorities indicate that this will result in no less than an additional 100 full-time equivalent money advisers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166268,"EventID":"S1W-29764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July 2002, when the errors in the answer to question S1W-26060 in connection with performance points ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 July 2002, when the errors in the answer to question S1W-26060 in connection with performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock were corrected; in what document the errors were corrected, and who was informed of the correction.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The error was acknowledged and corrected in the answer given to question S1W-26494 on 20 June 2002, which is in the public domain. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166269,"EventID":"S1W-29765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27863 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 August 2002, whether the records kept by the Scottish Prison Service Incident Reporting Procedures fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27863 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 August 2002, whether the records kept by the Scottish Prison Service Incident Reporting Procedures for HM Prison Kilmarnock show the numbers of (a) serious, (b) minor and (c) no injury assaults separately from each other.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166270,"EventID":"S1W-29766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons were proceeded against under section 142 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each of the last five years, broken down by age and sheriff co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persons were proceeded against under section 142 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each of the last five years, broken down by age and sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"Proceedings under section 142 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 cannot be separately identified in the data held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166271,"EventID":"S1W-29767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a table showing the number of people under 21 with a charge proved, for whom the disposal of the court was (a) custody in a young offenders insti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a table showing the number of people under 21 with a charge proved, for whom the disposal of the court was (a) custody in a young offenders institution, (b) detention of a child, (c) an insanity or hospital order, (d) a community service order, (e) probation, (f) a fine, (g) a compensation order, (h) admonition or caution, (i) remit to children's hearing and (j) an absolute discharge in each of the last five years, broken down by gender and the age groups (i) under-16s and (ii) 16-to 20-year-olds.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following tables. Information for 2001 is not expected to be available until around November this year.

      Males Aged Under 21 with a Charge Proved, by Age and Type of Sentence, 1996-2000The ACPOS recognise that greater consistency in recording practices could be achieved throughout the country and to progress this the ACPOS Crime Standing Committee established a working group to consider, amongst other matters, the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS), recently introduced in England and Wales and assess its potential for adoption in Scotland.

      The working group subsequently recommended the development of a similar national standard of recording for Scotland, with some additional elements built in around victimless crime, auditing procedures and circumstances where police officers happen upon a crime or offence.

      The group also recommended that a project team be established to determine a new set of principles for crime recording, to meet the needs of the Scottish Police Service in the 21st century and that dialogue be initiated with the Scottish Executive to have these agreed as new Scottish Recording Rules.

      Furthermore, it proposed that forces give consideration to the creation of the post of Crime Registrar, such a postholder being responsible for ensuring each force's compliance with the agreed crime recording principles. Forces are currently in the process of establishing the post of Force Crime Registrar. These individuals will thereafter form the membership of the aforementioned Project Team, which will be tasked with developing the new Scottish Recording Principles.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166273,"EventID":"S1W-29769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to answer each of questions S1W-24120, S1W-24629, S1W-25174 and S1W-25568.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to answer each of questions S1W-24120, S1W-24629, S1W-25174 and S1W-25568.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The answers to questions S1W-24120, S1W-24629 and S1W-25174 were not costed. Regarding the answer to question S1W-25568, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28816 on 19 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166274,"EventID":"S1W-29770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its contracts for education services in each prison operated by the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its contracts for education services in each prison operated by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The provision of education service in prison is complex. Some suppliers have contracted for a single site provision. Other contractors operate across a number of sites.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166275,"EventID":"S1W-29771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of education services were in each prison operated by the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of education services were in each prison operated by the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service established new contractual arrangements for education service delivery from April 2000. The following table provides the actual expenditure figures for the previous two financial years. Figures for the preceding period were not disaggregated in the same way and have been excluded.

      Main disposal1

      Year of sentence

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Aged under 16

      All sentences

      149

      137

      135

      75

      54

      Custody in a YOI

      2

      2

      1

      0

      1

      Detention of a child

      40

      29

      20

      16

      11

      Insanity or hospital order

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Community service order

      8

      1

      1

      0

      1

      Probation2

      18

      19

      20

      11

      6

      Fine

      10

      11

      19

      11

      9

      Compensation order

      1

      2

      0

      2

      0

      Admonition or caution

      22

      13

      19

      13

      4

      Remit to children's hearing

      43

      54

      52

      21

      21

      Absolute discharge

      0

      1

      0

      0

      1

      Other sentences3

      5

      5

      3

      1

      0

      Aged 16-20

      All sentences

      31,704

      31,310

      2000-01

      (£)

      2001-02

      (£)

      Aberdeen

      26,847.64

      34,131.87

      Barlinnie

      317,461.53

      285,099.61

      Castle Huntly

      51,779.58

      62,873.16

      Cornton Vale

      94,199.29

      136,167.05

      Dumfries

      59,272.01

      68,144.91

      Dungavel

      11,432.37

      n/a

      Edinburgh

      133,389.46

      199,073.17

      Glenochil

      208,872.86

      236,456.59

      Greenock

      142,182.68

      147,649.30

      Inverness

      48,918.83

      42,075.19

      Low Moss

      69,783.97

      86,894.61

      Noranside

      39,784.21

      60,359.80

      Perth

      169,708.93

      197,152.14

      Peterhead

      41,774.27

      70,261.19

      Polmont

      118,463.24

      182,072.00

      Shotts

      205,008.59

      211,037.96

      Total

      1,738,879.00

      2,019,448.00

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166276,"EventID":"S1W-29772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28770 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 September 2002, whether it receives information on the number of staff leaving HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28770 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 September 2002, whether it receives information on the number of staff leaving HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166277,"EventID":"S1W-29773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is reducing the Scottish Court Service's budget by #2 million in 2005-06, as shown in the table in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is reducing the Scottish Court Service's budget by #2 million in 2005-06, as shown in the table in the justice section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Additional funds have been made available in 2004-05 to enable the Scottish Court Service to accommodate pressures in its capital programme while facilitating the introduction of new court technology and improve access to the court estate to a level which will allow compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166278,"EventID":"S1W-29774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the targets for the progress of cases through the criminal justice system will be in addition to the existing targets for the Crown Office, as referred to in targ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the targets for the progress of cases through the criminal justice system will be in addition to the existing targets for the Crown Office, as referred to in target 1 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Andrew Normand, the Crown Agent, has been commissioned by the Justice Minister and the Lord Advocate to propose measures to integrate the aims, objectives and targets of the principal agencies in the criminal justice system, the police, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Court Service. The intention is to ensure that the organisations work together to ensure that cases pass through the system more quickly than at present, without prejudicing the rights of the accused. New targets will be developed following publication of the report and these will be additional to the targets for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as set out in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166279,"EventID":"S1W-29775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the targets on the progress of cases through the criminal justice system will apply to agencies that report offences, as referred to in target 1 in the Crown Offi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the targets on the progress of cases through the criminal justice system will apply to agencies that report offences, as referred to in target 1 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Andrew Normand, the Crown Agent, has been commissioned by the Justice Minister and the Lord Advocate to propose measures to integrate the aims, objectives and targets of the principal agencies in the criminal justice system, comprising the police, Crown Office and the Scottish Court Service. The intention is to ensure that the organisations work together to ensure that cases pass through the system more quickly than at present, without prejudicing the rights of the accused. New targets will be developed following publication of the report and they will apply to agencies that report offences.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166280,"EventID":"S1W-29776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be \"action\" in respect of crime reports, as referred to in target 2 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be \"action\" in respect of crime reports, as referred to in target 2 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Action is defined (1) as the marking decision taken by the procurator fiscal in respect of each crime report received, i.e. to prosecute, to issue a fiscal fine, to make a conditional offer, to issue a warning letter, to pass to the Reporter to the Children's panel, to divert to a Diversion Scheme, to take no proceedings and (2) as the action taken to implement that decision, i.e., sending a Complaint for service, issuing a Petition Warrant, etc.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166281,"EventID":"S1W-29777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any maximum period for action on the remaining 25% of crime reports, as referred to in target 2 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any maximum period for action on the remaining 25% of crime reports, as referred to in target 2 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Other than compliance with any statutory time limits, there will be no maximum period for action on the remaining 25% of crime reports referred to in target 2 of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Section of Building a Better Scotland. These will be the more complex cases where the length of time taken could vary widely. Any such cases will be kept under review on a regular basis to ensure that action is taken as soon as quickly as possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166282,"EventID":"S1W-29778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what method will be used in the public survey to monitor trends in public confidence in the prosecution service, as referred to in target 3 in the Crown Office and Procur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what method will be used in the public survey to monitor trends in public confidence in the prosecution service, as referred to in target 3 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The public survey has yet to be devised. A measure of public confidence and the methodology to be used have yet to be decided.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166283,"EventID":"S1W-29779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the public survey to monitor trends in public confidence in the prosecution service will not start until 2003-04, as referred to in target 3 in the Crown Office and P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the public survey to monitor trends in public confidence in the prosecution service will not start until 2003-04, as referred to in target 3 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The public survey will not start until 2003-04 because thought needs to be given to the appropriate questions to ask, to ensure that national standards for quality control are applied properly in developing the survey.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166284,"EventID":"S1W-29780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of indictments that involved bail, served in sheriff and jury cases, were served within nine months of the first appearance on petition in each year since","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of indictments that involved bail, served in sheriff and jury cases, were served within nine months of the first appearance on petition in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The percentage of indictments that involved bail, served in sheriff and jury cases, that were served within nine months of the first appearance on petition in each year since 1999-2000, a period when the volume of solemn business was increasing, were:

      1999-2000

      72%

      2000-01

      81%

      2001-02

      72%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166285,"EventID":"S1W-29781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its present target for issue of indictments will continue to apply, in line with target 6 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its present target for issue of indictments will continue to apply, in line with target 6 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The requirement to issue 100% of indictments within the statutory time limits will remain. Target 6 aims to help speed up the progress of cases through the criminal justice system by securing the earlier indictment of cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166286,"EventID":"S1W-29782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the differences are between the target for issue of indictments used in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 and the new target for issue of indictments and what the advantages are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the differences are between the target for issue of indictments used in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 and the new target for issue of indictments and what the advantages are of the new target, as referred to in target 6 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Target 6 is the same as the target for the issue of indictments used in 1998-99 and 1999-2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166287,"EventID":"S1W-29783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Crown Office target for issue of indictments, abandoned in 2000-01, is now being partially reinstated in target 6 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Crown Office target for issue of indictments, abandoned in 2000-01, is now being partially reinstated in target 6 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The target is being partially re-instated as it encourages the earlier indictment of cases and helps contribute to improving the speed at which cases pass through the criminal justice system.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166288,"EventID":"S1W-29784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any target for serving indictments in the remaining 20% of sheriff and jury cases that involve bail, as referred to in target 6 in the Crown Office and P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any target for serving indictments in the remaining 20% of sheriff and jury cases that involve bail, as referred to in target 6 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The remaining 20% of sheriff and jury cases that involve bail will be the more complex cases, where the time required to serve indictments is likely to vary substantially. No formal target has been set, except that an indictment must be served within the statutory time limit.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166289,"EventID":"S1W-29785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that resources are not diverted away from meeting statutory time limits for bringing cases to trial in order to meet its targets for the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to ensure that resources are not diverted away from meeting statutory time limits for bringing cases to trial in order to meet its targets for the Crown Office, as referred to in target 6 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Improvements in the management of cases and enhancements to our systems that are being made following the Pryce-Dyer Management Review are designed to ensure that the targets can be met without any cases failing to be dealt with within the statutory time limits.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166290,"EventID":"S1W-29786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any maximum time limit for communicating court bail decisions to victims in the 10% of cases in which the accused has appeared from custody, as referred ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any maximum time limit for communicating court bail decisions to victims in the 10% of cases in which the accused has appeared from custody, as referred to in target 7 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The target to communicate court bail decisions to victims was set at 90% in recognition of the fact that it may not always be possible to contact the victim within 24 hours. This might be because an incorrect address or no address is held for the victim. The Victim Information and Advice Service aims to contact victims in these instances within 48 hours or as soon as practicable thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166291,"EventID":"S1W-29787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will define victims, as referred to in target 7 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-0","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will define victims, as referred to in target 7 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Target 7 is to communicate bail decisions to 90% of victims in cases in which the accused has appeared from custody within 24 hours of the court decision. The target applies only where there is a Victim Information and Advice office (currently Aberdeen (including Stonehaven), Hamilton, Kilmarnock, Glasgow, Peterhead (including Banff), Edinburgh and Dundee). Victims are defined as:

      victims in all serious cases, where the nature of the charges is indicative of solemn proceedings;

      the next of kin in cases involving deaths which are reported for consideration of criminal proceedings and death cases where a Fatal Accident Inquiry is to be held;

      victims in cases of domestic abuse;

      victims in cases with a racial aggravation and cases where it is known to the Procurator Fiscal that the victim perceives the offences to be racially motivated;

      victims in cases involving children;

      victims in cases involving sexual offences, and

      any other victim, witness or next of kin, where the Victim Information and Advice Service considers that because of particular vulnerability it would be beneficial to provide a service.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166292,"EventID":"S1W-29788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for developing the customer satisfaction survey for the Victim Information and Advice Service, as referred to in target 8 in the Crown Office and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for developing the customer satisfaction survey for the Victim Information and Advice Service, as referred to in target 8 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Staff of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are drawing on external expert assistance as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166293,"EventID":"S1W-29789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whom it envisages will be surveyed in the customer satisfaction survey for the Victim Information and Advice Service, as referred to in target 8 in the Crown Office and P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whom it envisages will be surveyed in the customer satisfaction survey for the Victim Information and Advice Service, as referred to in target 8 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The survey will be sent to all victims with whom the Victim Information and Advice Service have had contact after their case is closed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166294,"EventID":"S1W-29790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will retain its existing target for routine death inquiries in addition to its new target for death inquiries requiring further investigation, as referred to i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will retain its existing target for routine death inquiries in addition to its new target for death inquiries requiring further investigation, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"No. The new target differs from the former targets in that there is now a target to conclude investigations in complex, rather than just in routine cases, as previously. Although we are not retaining a formal published target for routine cases, we expect procurators fiscal to conclude these investigations within six weeks and we will continue to monitor that. As part of the Crown Office's commitment to improve the quality of service it provides, there is a new requirement to inform the next of kin of the outcome.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166295,"EventID":"S1W-29791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of a routine death inquiry, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Sp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of a routine death inquiry, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"A routine death inquiry is one which does not require to be reported to Crown Office for Crown Counsel's instructions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166296,"EventID":"S1W-29792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of a death inquiry requiring further investigation, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Buildin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition is of a death inquiry requiring further investigation, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"A death enquiry requiring further investigation is defined as:

      a suspicious or violent death or any death in which the circumstances are such as to give rise to serious public concern;

      any death involving a vehicle, including aircraft, ship or train;

      any death by burning or scalding or involving fire or explosion;

      deaths in legal custody, accidental deaths in the course of employment; deaths by poisoning including drugs deaths, gas and solvents;

      suicidal deaths; deaths by drowning; the death of a foster child;

      any death of a newborn child including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, suffocation and overlaying;

      any death apparently caused by fault or neglect on the part of another;

      any death under administration of or attributed to anaesthetic;

      deaths during abortion or attempted abortion;

      deaths involving medical mishap;

      deaths caused by withdrawal of life support sustaining treatment;

      deaths where a complaint is received that medical treatment or absence of medical treatment may have contributed to death, and

      any death brought to the notice of the procurator fiscal where further investigation is deemed necessary in the public interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166297,"EventID":"S1W-29793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether routine death inquiries and death inquires requiring further investigation, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether routine death inquiries and death inquires requiring further investigation, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, are (a) mutually exclusive or (b) taken together cover all death inquiries.","AnswerText":"Routine death inquiries and death enquiries requiring further investigation taken together mean all death enquiries.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166298,"EventID":"S1W-29794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any time limit for the conclusion of those remaining 40% of cases which require further investigation and advising next of kin, as referred to in ta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be any time limit for the conclusion of those remaining 40% of cases which require further investigation and advising next of kin, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The remaining 40% of cases are expected to be the more complex ones where the time taken to carry out a thorough investigation can vary widely. We are committed to ensuring that the next of kin in these cases are kept informed of the progress of the investigation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166299,"EventID":"S1W-29795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to provide safeguards relating to quality of investigations of deaths that require further investigation to be completed within 12 weeks, as refer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to provide safeguards relating to quality of investigations of deaths that require further investigation to be completed within 12 weeks, as referred to in target 9 in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"All such cases are reported to Crown Office and considered by an experienced member of legal staff there and, where appropriate, by Crown Counsel. Where necessary the procurator fiscal will be instructed to carry out further enquiries and re-report. Any inadequacy in reporting will be drawn to the attention of the relevant procurator fiscal or area procurator fiscal.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166300,"EventID":"S1W-29796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether anyone responsible for implementing the targets in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether anyone responsible for implementing the targets in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, will receive performance-related pay in connection with meeting these targets and, if so, whether it will list any targets where this is the case.","AnswerText":"In accordance with the Senior Civil Service Pay and Performance Management System, each of the department's senior staff members has an annual Performance Agreement agreed between the officer and the Chief Executive. Each Performance Agreement contains some key individual performance objectives and targets in addition to corporate objectives (on such matters as diversity, team briefing and change management).

      Senior staff are eligible for annual pay awards in relation to their performance against all their objectives. Staff below the senior civil service also have specific performance objectives against which they are assessed for annual reporting purposes to which a performance related pay system is applied. Individuals' performance objectives are not published.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166301,"EventID":"S1W-29797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a maximum time limit for completion of those 10% of cases of investigations of complaints of criminal conduct by police officers that are not subjec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a maximum time limit for completion of those 10% of cases of investigations of complaints of criminal conduct by police officers that are not subject to the target set out in target 10(a) in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"Target 10(a) was set at 90% in recognition of the fact that the more complex cases may not be able to be investigated properly within 12 weeks. No formal target has been set but it is intended that the remaining 10% of cases should be completed as soon after the 12 weeks period as possible and that the complainer will be informed of progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166302,"EventID":"S1W-29798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether target 10(a) in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys on the time","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether target 10(a) in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys on the time period for investigations of complaints of criminal conduct by police officers and advising complainers of outcome replaces the existing Crown Office target for complaints against the police.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166303,"EventID":"S1W-29799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body will give approval of the quality of investigation and decision-making for complaints against the police, as referred to in target 10(b) in the Crown Office and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what body will give approval of the quality of investigation and decision-making for complaints against the police, as referred to in target 10(b) in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The independent inspectorate to be established by the end of 2003 will give approval or otherwise of the quality of investigation and decision-making in cases involving complaints against the police.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166304,"EventID":"S1W-29800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with staff unions in the Crown Office with regard to its targets for the Crown Office in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service sect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations it has had with staff unions in the Crown Office with regard to its targets for the Crown Office in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"No formal consultation took place but management and unions are in regular dialogue about the programme of reform and modernisation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to which achievements of these targets will contribute.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166305,"EventID":"S1W-29801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the non-court costs for the Crown Office in each year (a) since 1999-2000 and (b) to 2005-06, as referred to in the table in the Crown","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a breakdown of the non-court costs for the Crown Office in each year (a) since 1999-2000 and (b) to 2005-06, as referred to in the table in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service records the nature of case costs, but does not attribute this to individual cases. Staff time spent on individual cases is not recorded but costing calculations are based on standard weightings derived from past analysis of staff time spent on the full range of different cases handled by the department.

      This produces a broad indication of relative costs rather than precise measures, and non-court costs are calculated to be as follows (£000)
       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      No Proceedings

      1,150

      1,311

      1,533

      No Further Proceedings

      3,199

      4,853

      4,488

      Warnings

      451

      528

      663

      Conditional Offer

      308

      342

      407

      Fiscal Fine

      704

      836

      1,206

      Diversion

      90

      95

      107

      Reporter

      52

      53

      63

      Transfer

      47

      25

      29

      Associate

      257

      306

      321

      Total

      6,258

      8,349

      8,817

      A split of non-court costs for 2002-03 to 2005-06 is not available, as that will depend on the numbers and nature of cases arising in those years.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166306,"EventID":"S1W-29802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reimburse colleges to allow them to offer fee-waivers to individuals of pensionable age that are not in receipt of public benefits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reimburse colleges to allow them to offer fee-waivers to individuals of pensionable age that are not in receipt of public benefits.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to change the current fee-waiver policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166307,"EventID":"S1W-29803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed response to the questions raised in the letter to it of 12 September 2002 from Dr Wendy Moffat of Cumbernauld regarding the potential ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a detailed response to the questions raised in the letter to it of 12 September 2002 from Dr Wendy Moffat of Cumbernauld regarding the potential health effects of motorway location on the adjacent population.","AnswerText":"The contents of the letter received from Dr Wendy Moffat have been considered and a response was issued on 3 October.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166308,"EventID":"S1W-29804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21646 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 23 January 2002, whether it has received the advice of the Scottish Rehabilitation Technology Provide","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21646 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 23 January 2002, whether it has received the advice of the Scottish Rehabilitation Technology Providers Forum Orthotic Sub-Group on whether support tights should be available on prescription from general practitioners.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Rehabilitation Technology Providers Forum (SCOTRET) has provided advice indicating this should be explored.

      Information is now being gathered to allow consideration to be given to whether it would be appropriate to apply for support tights to be included in the Scottish Drug Tariff.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166309,"EventID":"S1W-29805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why mature students are exempt from paying the graduate endowment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why mature students are exempt from paying the graduate endowment.","AnswerText":"As we explained in the consultation paper Scotland the Learning Nation - Helping Students, a number of groups of students, including mature students are exempt from graduate endowment liability in order to encourage lifelong learning and ensure social justice.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166310,"EventID":"S1W-29806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether students that take a one year break from their higher education course are eligible to apply for a young students' bursary in 2002-03 while continuing students on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether students that take a one year break from their higher education course are eligible to apply for a young students' bursary in 2002-03 while continuing students on the same course are not and, if so, what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The new student support arrangements, including eligibility for the Young Students' Bursary and liability for the Graduate Endowment, apply to Scottish domiciled students who started full-time higher education courses at a Scottish institution from 2001-02.

      Students who started a continuous programme of study (i.e. successive courses of study at Higher National Certificate level and above without a break of one year or more) before 2001-02 remain on the system of support which was in place when they commenced their studies.

      Students who started a course prior to 2001-02, and who voluntarily interrupted their studies for one year or more, are considered to have commenced a new continuous programme of study when they resume. Such students are, therefore, treated in the same way as new students and will be supported under the new arrangements which include eligibility for the Young Students' Bursary and liability for the Graduate Endowment.

      We have always recognised that it is important that, when students start a course of study, they know in advance what support will be available to them for the duration of their course. Whenever we have made changes to the student support system in the past we have, therefore, endeavoured to ensure that this is the case by specifying that students should always continue on the system of support which was in effect when they began their course until they complete or abandon it.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166311,"EventID":"S1W-29807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all specific mechanisms that will be used for collecting monies under the graduate endowment scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all specific mechanisms that will be used for collecting monies under the graduate endowment scheme.","AnswerText":"Regulation 8 of The Graduate Endowment (Scotland) Regulations 2001 specifies that liable graduates may either pay the full amount of the endowment on the due date or take out a student loan under the existing income contingent loan scheme. Details of the collection arrangements are currently being finalised.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166312,"EventID":"S1W-29808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average level of award received from the Mature Students' Bursary Fund was in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average level of award received from the Mature Students' Bursary Fund was in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not yet available. The guidance provided to institutions requests that they provide information to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland on the awards made from their Mature Students' Bursary Fund allocations by 30 September each year. The returns will have to be collated and analysed before the information requested can be provided.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166313,"EventID":"S1W-29809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29085 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 September 2002, what the timescale was from the decision to build another prison to the awarding of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29085 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 September 2002, what the timescale was from the decision to build another prison to the awarding of the contract to Premier Prison Services Ltd for HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      From the announcement at the Scottish Grand Committee in June 1996 until the contract was awarded in November 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166314,"EventID":"S1W-29810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to enable the Disabled Persons Housing Service (DHPS) to continue to operate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to enable the Disabled Persons Housing Service (DHPS) to continue to operate.","AnswerText":"The DPHS did not originally apply to the Scottish Executive for core funding this year. In the past three years we have provided funding of £55,775, £31,176 and £57,500 and the DPHS also received project grant funding from Scottish Homes.

      The budget for the housing and voluntary sector is now allocated and the Scottish Executive is in discussion with the DPHS about the future of advice and information services for disabled people.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166315,"EventID":"S1W-29811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with chief constables regarding the policing of cannabis offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 should cannabis be reclassified as a Clas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with chief constables regarding the policing of cannabis offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 should cannabis be reclassified as a Class C drug.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has been in contact with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland both in the lead up to, and following, the Home Secretary's announcement on 10 July that cannabis is to be reclassified.

      The policing of drug offences is an operational matter for individual chief constables. Cannabis will remain a controlled drug subject to criminal regulation, and the Scottish police service will continue to report alleged offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to the Procurator Fiscal. Procurators fiscal are, however, not obliged to prosecute such cases and a range of alternatives is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166316,"EventID":"S1W-29812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to any potential differences in the policing of cannabis offences between Scotland and the rest of the UK as a result of any reclassifica","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to any potential differences in the policing of cannabis offences between Scotland and the rest of the UK as a result of any reclassification of cannabis to a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to his question S1W-29811 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166317,"EventID":"S1W-29813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27005 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, why young Scottish-domiciled students from low income families pursuing studies in other part","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27005 by Mike Watson on 22 July 2002, why young Scottish-domiciled students from low income families pursuing studies in other parts of the UK are not entitled to support from the young students' bursary fund because of not being liable to pay graduate endowment and why the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport gave the answer to the question.","AnswerText":"The Graduate Endowment is an integral part of the new student support arrangements introduced for Scottish domiciled students studying full-time higher education courses in Scotland from 2001-02 including bursaries for young students from low income families.

      Liable graduates pay the graduate endowment in recognition of the higher education benefits they have received, including the financial support provided to the publicly funded institution at which the graduate studied. Because Scottish ministers do not provide financial support to institutions in other parts of the UK in respect of Scottish domiciled students who study there, such students are not liable to pay the graduate endowment. It would not have been fair to young Scottish domiciled students studying in Scotland if we extended the bursary part of the new support arrangements to Scottish domiciled students elsewhere in the UK without also extending liability for the graduate endowment.

      Under Standing Orders rule 13.5, any member of the Scottish Executive may answer a written question, other than those for the First Minister, Lord Advocate or the Solicitor General for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166318,"EventID":"S1W-29814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will first receive payments under the graduate endowment scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will first receive payments under the graduate endowment scheme.","AnswerText":"The first payments under the graduate endowment scheme will be received in April 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166319,"EventID":"S1W-29815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) applicants for and (b) recipients of mature students' bursary support there were in (i) financial and (ii) academic years 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) applicants for and (b) recipients of mature students' bursary support there were in (i) financial and (ii) academic years 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not yet available. The guidance provided to institutions requests that they provide information to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland on the awards made from their Mature Students' Bursary Fund allocations by 30 September each year. The returns will have to be collated and analysed before the information requested can be provided.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166320,"EventID":"S1W-29816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria are for mature students' bursary support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the eligibility criteria are for mature students' bursary support.","AnswerText":"Mature Students' Bursaries are awards made on a discretionary basis by higher education institutions. The Scottish Executive provides general guidance on the eligibility criteria for the bursaries to the institutions. The bursaries are primarily intended to help mature students with the cost of registered or formal child care, housing and excess travel costs.

      To be eligible to apply for a bursary, students must be classified as mature for the purposes of student support i.e. they must be aged over 25 on the first day of the first academic year of the course, or have been married by the first day of the first academic year of the course or have been self supporting (from earnings or benefits) for any three years before the first day of the first academic year of the course. They must have entered a course of full-time higher education in or after session 2001-02 and be eligible for tuition fee support. They must also have applied for the full amount of student loan to which they are entitled.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166321,"EventID":"S1W-29817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was provided for the mature students' bursary fund during (a) academic and (b) financial years (i) 2001-02 and (ii) 2002-03, broken down by higher educat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was provided for the mature students' bursary fund during (a) academic and (b) financial years (i) 2001-02 and (ii) 2002-03, broken down by higher education institution.","AnswerText":"Institutions receive their allocation of the Mature Students' Bursary Fund in a single instalment at the beginning of the academic year; the amounts are, therefore, the same for both the financial and academic years.

      Further Education Colleges

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Aberdeen College of Further Education

      176,050

      210,492

      Angus College

      101,628

      109,812

      Anniesland College

      35,206

      48,635

      Ayr College

      126,728

      161,946

      Banff and Buchan College of Further Education

      33,455

      38,695

      Barony College of Further Education

      278

      4,061

      Borders College

      35,045

      26,710

      Cardonald College

      76,331

      133,965

      Central College of Commerce

      83,355

      121,599

      Clackmannan College of Further Education

      18,229

      32,928

      Clydebank College

      118,889

      150,124

      Coatbridge College

      143,846

      152,611

      Cumbernauld College

      42,260

      47,519

      Dumfries and Galloway College

      76,712

      89,773

      Dundee College

      169,423

      210,288

      Edinburgh's Telford College

      76,697

      126,627

      Elmwood College

      31,036

      44,808

      Falkirk College of Technology

      135,492

      188,244

      Fife College of Further and Higher Education

      123,596

      151,964

      Glasgow College of Building and Printing

      74,984

      96,827

      Glasgow College of Food Technology

      29,517

      47,466

      Glasgow College of Nautical Studies

      48,656

      78,011

      Glenrothes College

      		Young Students Bursary Awards are made to young, full-time students undertaking a properly validated higher education course. They are, therefore, made on an academic year and not a financial year basis.

      In academic year 2001-02, there were 13,579 recipients of the Young Students' Bursary.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166323,"EventID":"S1W-29819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average award was received from the young students' bursary fund in (i) financial and (ii) academic years 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average award was received from the young students' bursary fund in (i) financial and (ii) academic years 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Young Students Bursary Awards are made to young, full-time students undertaking a properly validated higher education course. They are, therefore, made on an academic year and not a financial year basis. The average award for academic year 2001-02 was £1,366.

      The Young Students' Bursary is provided as an entitlement based on the level of parental income. The average value of awards, therefore, reflects the average value of parental income among young, full-time students.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166324,"EventID":"S1W-29820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) which higher education institutions have their own child care facilities on campus and what central funding it has provided specifically to each such","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many and (b) which higher education institutions have their own child care facilities on campus and what central funding it has provided specifically to each such institution in respect of such facilities.","AnswerText":"Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and decisions on the provision of facilities are a matter for them. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166325,"EventID":"S1W-29821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much child care support was available for full-time students in higher and further education in (a) financial and (b) academic years (i) 2001-02 and (ii) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much child care support was available for full-time students in higher and further education in (a) financial and (b) academic years (i) 2001-02 and (ii) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Lone Parent students in higher education who incur formal child care costs were entitled to a grant up to £1,000 in 2001-02, in addition to their standard living cost support. This has been increased to up to £1,025 for each eligible student in 2002-03 in line with inflation.

      Discretionary bursary support, primarily towards the costs of child care, is also available to eligible mature students in higher education through the Mature Students Bursary Fund (MSBF) administered by colleges and universities. £4.3 million was distributed to institutions in respect of the MSBF at the start of academic year 2001-02 and £6.7 million at the start of 2002-03.

      £6 million is available in each academic year to further education students, through the Scottish Further Education Funding Council, for help towards child care costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166326,"EventID":"S1W-29822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place in order to ensure that all funds collected under the graduate endowment scheme are hypothecated for the purpose of funding future student s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place in order to ensure that all funds collected under the graduate endowment scheme are hypothecated for the purpose of funding future student support.","AnswerText":"The Executive will follow section 2 of The Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001. Income arising from the graduate endowment will be accounted for in the Executive's resource accounts and applied for the purposes of student support.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166327,"EventID":"S1W-29823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its consultation paper, Scotland: the Learning Nation - Helping Students, whether the overall debt of students that it supports is the same or less than i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its consultation paper, Scotland: the Learning Nation - Helping Students, whether the overall debt of students that it supports is the same or less than in 2000 following implementation of the graduate endowment scheme and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The overall debt of students will be affected by a number of factors including the extent to which the available student loan is taken up by individual students, the extent to which they obtain borrowings from commercial sources and the extent to which the mix of personal circumstances in the overall student population changes year on year.

      The support available under the new student support arrangements to students who started courses in 2001-02 is such that no student will have more debt than they would have had with the same personal circumstances under the arrangements in place for students in 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166328,"EventID":"S1W-29824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average level of debt on completion of a university degree has been of students supported by the (a) Students Awards Agency Scotland and (b) Student Loans Compan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average level of debt on completion of a university degree has been of students supported by the (a) Students Awards Agency Scotland and (b) Student Loans Company in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"Scottish domiciled higher education students will have their application for student support, including the student loan, assessed by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Information on individual students' loan eligibility is then passed to the Student Loans Company (SLC) which provides the appropriate level of loan and manages the individual students' accounts. Other aspects of the student support package are provided by SAAS and are not repayable unless an overpayment has occurred.

      Prior to 1999 eligibility for student loans was assessed by individual colleges and universities. Information on the loans taken out by students who started courses before that date will, therefore, be identified by SLC on the basis of their place of study and not their place of residence.

      The average level of debt will also be dependent upon a number of variable factors such as the fact that students do not always borrow the maximum amount available to them, sub-degree courses at HNC/HND level will attract student loan funding and that degree courses will be completed at different times of the year. Any average would be subject to frequent change dependent upon each individual student's behaviour and length of study at higher education level. To provide the information requested would, therefore, be time consuming and incur a disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166329,"EventID":"S1W-29825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Independent Committee of Inquiry into Student Finance's recommendation that full-time students that are genuinely unable to find work during the summe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Independent Committee of Inquiry into Student Finance's recommendation that full-time students that are genuinely unable to find work during the summer vacation should have access to benefits, on the basis of what evidence the recommendation was made.","AnswerText":"The Independent Committee of Inquiry into Student Finance published its final report Student Finance: Fairness for the Future, the Consultation Process Report and Research Reports Volumes I and II, in December 1999. Copies of these reports are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 4126, 3939 and 3967 respectively).

      The final report and a summary of the oral evidence submitted to the committee is available on their website at: www.studentfinance.org.uk. The full archive of all the evidence submitted to the committee can be viewed at Saughton House in Edinburgh, by appointment, on telephone number 0131 244 8232.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166330,"EventID":"S1W-29826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Independent Committee of Inquiry into Student Finance's recommendation that full-time students that are genuinely unable to find work during the summe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Independent Committee of Inquiry into Student Finance's recommendation that full-time students that are genuinely unable to find work during the summer vacation should have access to benefits, whether it will make any representations to Her Majesty's Government in respect of this recommendation.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a range of issues including the interface between the student support and benefits systems.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166331,"EventID":"S1W-29827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being pursued in respect of the proportion of 10-year-olds that suffer from obesity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being pursued in respect of the proportion of 10-year-olds that suffer from obesity.","AnswerText":"SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) Guidelines on the management of obesity are due to be published in winter 2002. \"Obesity - children and young people\" will focus on weight management and risk factor reduction as well as the role of the patient and family.

      Two of the key risk factors in obesity are poor diet and lack of physical activity. The implementation of the Scottish Diet Action Plan, which prioritises children's diet, is being pursued in a renewed and focused effort to meet the dietary targets set for 2005.

      The Expert Panel on School Meals published draft National Guidelines for School Meals in July 2002. The report, Hungry for Success, sets nutritional standards for school meals as well as measures to improve the appeal and uptake of school meals. As part of our wider approach to health improvement, Building a Better Scotland has committed additional investment to improving the nutritional content and uptake of school meals.

      Increasing the level of physical activity is fundamental to achieving a healthy lifestyle for children and we are determined that every step should be taken to increase participation. The Physical Activity Task Force, which was set up in June 2001, has brought together key agencies in sport and leisure, education, health, fitness, exercise and play in a joint action to help people of all ages enjoy the benefits of physical activity. As part of our wider approach to health improvement, Building a Better Scotland has committed additional investment to expand the Active Primary School programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166332,"EventID":"S1W-29828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 16 years of age have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 16 years of age have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, clinicians report that at present the numbers are very low but are expected to rise. Type 2 diabetes in children is usually a consequence of obesity.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166333,"EventID":"S1W-29829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with morbid obesity have received surgery in order to aid weight reduction. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with morbid obesity have received surgery in order to aid weight reduction. ","AnswerText":"The information available is shown in the following table:

      Number of Patients in Scotland Diagnosed with Obesity who have had Surgery to Aid Weight Reduction: Years Ending 31 March

      Year

      Number of Patients

      1996-97

      38

      1997-98

      58

      1998-99

      49

      1999-2000

      30

      2000-01

      51

      Source: ISD Scotland SMR1/01 linked data set.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166334,"EventID":"S1W-29831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monies received under the graduate endowment scheme will be held in its own account or paid to Her Majesty's Treasury; what the reasons are for the position on th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether monies received under the graduate endowment scheme will be held in its own account or paid to Her Majesty's Treasury; what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and what steps it has taken in order to ensure that all such monies will be hypothecated for future support of Scottish students.","AnswerText":"The Executive will follow section 2 of The Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001. Income arising from the graduate endowment will be accounted for in the Executive's resource accounts and applied for the purposes of student support.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166335,"EventID":"S1W-29832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions it has issued to NHS boards and trusts about preparing for the possible adoption of the euro as the national currency of the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions it has issued to NHS boards and trusts about preparing for the possible adoption of the euro as the national currency of the UK.","AnswerText":"Under the UK Government's prepare and decide policy, preparatory work for the possible adoption of the euro is under way. This work takes place at both the UK level and at the Scottish level.

      NHS boards and trusts have been asked to undertake a review of the implications of any possible changeover to the euro. NHS bodies have also been asked to assess the practical steps required and to submit implementation plans to the Scottish Executive.

      Details of preparations in the public sector for a possible UK entry into EMU may be found in the Treasury's Sixth Report on Euro Preparations published in July.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166336,"EventID":"S1W-29833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sums (a) have been spent in the current year and in each of the last five years and (b) are planned to be spent over the next three years by each NHS board and trust","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sums (a) have been spent in the current year and in each of the last five years and (b) are planned to be spent over the next three years by each NHS board and trust in respect of preparing for the possible adoption of the euro as the national currency of the UK.","AnswerText":"As part of on-going strategic planning, NHSScotland bodies have been requested to produce individual outline changeover plans for any possible changeover, similar to that produced by the Scottish Executive during 1999. This was a limited management pre-planning exercise carried out from within agreed running costs. Resources have not been diverted from patient care.

      As part of the pre-planning exercise, NHSScotland bodies were required to produce resource profiles that might be required for different activities during various phases in the event of a possible changeover to the euro.

      This exercise did not constitute an estimate of the costs of a possible future changeover. It is not possible at this stage to produce estimates of the cost of a changeover to the NHSScotland. The cost of a changeover would be dependent on the timing, the approach taken and individual management decisions.

      Details of preparations in the public sector for a possible UK entry into EMU may be found in the Treasury's Sixth Report on Euro Preparations published in July.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166337,"EventID":"S1W-29834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the cost across all its departments of preparing for the possible adoption of the euro as the national currency of the UK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the cost across all its departments of preparing for the possible adoption of the euro as the national currency of the UK.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive (and UK Government) has made no estimate of the cost of a possible changeover to the euro, either to the public sector or business.

      The cost of a possible changeover would depend on timing, overall approach taken and individual management decisions.

      Details of preparations in the public sector for a possible UK entry into EMU may be found in HM Treasury's Sixth Report on Euro Preparations published in July.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166338,"EventID":"S1W-29835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not followed the Health and Community Care Committee's recommendation to increase Mental Illness Specific Grant in line with inflation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not followed the Health and Community Care Committee's recommendation to increase Mental Illness Specific Grant in line with inflation.","AnswerText":"We last increased Mental Illness Specific Grant with effect from April 2001, when we increased it from £18 million a year to £19 million a year. We have just announced that we are increasing the grant by a further £1 million, to £20 million with effect from April 2003, as part of the outcome of the recent Spending Review.

      These increases reflect the priority we give to the grant in supporting around 400 small-scale projects in local communities throughout Scotland that assist people with mental health problems.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166339,"EventID":"S1W-29836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation it has made of any impact that not increasing Mental Illness Specific Grant in line with inflation has had on voluntary organisations that use this fundi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation it has made of any impact that not increasing Mental Illness Specific Grant in line with inflation has had on voluntary organisations that use this funding to provide services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29835 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166340,"EventID":"S1W-29837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been made of the effectiveness of the Mental Illness Specific Grant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation has been made of the effectiveness of the Mental Illness Specific Grant.","AnswerText":"An external evaluation of Mental Illness Specific Grant (MISG) was conducted in 1997 by the Nuffield Centre of the University of Glasgow. It reported favourably on the Grant's continuing value in providing mental health services which meet needs locally.

      We acknowledge MISG's importance and remain committed to its continuance.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166341,"EventID":"S1W-29838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish the consultation on children's oral health promised in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish the consultation on children's oral health promised in Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children is published today. It seeks views on a range of measures which might be taken to improve oral health among children in Scotland. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. Responses are invited by 31 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166342,"EventID":"S1W-29839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will fulfil its commitment to conduct an anti-racism campaign.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will fulfil its commitment to conduct an anti-racism campaign.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is launching an anti racism campaign today. The campaign, under the theme of \"One Scotland. Many Cultures\", has been developed in conjunction with the Commission for Racial Equality. The campaign is built on a solid foundation of race equality work and is further supported by an interactive website (www.onescotland.com). I am also placing the campaign details in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166343,"EventID":"S1W-29840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has postponed by 28 days its consideration of the planning application by Aberdeen Football Club for a new football stadium and other facilities at Kingswells.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has postponed by 28 days its consideration of the planning application by Aberdeen Football Club for a new football stadium and other facilities at Kingswells.","AnswerText":"An extension to the assessment period has been necessary to allow further detailed consideration of the complex planning issues associated with this case.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166344,"EventID":"S1W-29841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not directed that a public local inquiry be held into the planning application by Aberdeen Football Club for a new football stadium and other facilities at Kin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it has not directed that a public local inquiry be held into the planning application by Aberdeen Football Club for a new football stadium and other facilities at Kingswells, given that it did so for a smaller but similar application for East Middlefield Kingswells (P/PP/75/96/GA/18) on 11 July 2001.","AnswerText":"This planning application is still under consideration by the Scottish ministers. The circumstances of the application at East Middlefield Farm were not identical to those of the football stadium application although I am aware that consideration of that case was extended for a second period of 28 days before a decision was reached.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166345,"EventID":"S1W-29842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of ministers is in changing attitudes in order to combat racism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of ministers is in changing attitudes in order to combat racism.","AnswerText":"The Executive takes the view that ministers should provide national leadership for tackling racism across Scotland and as such should promote through their policies, behaviour and attitudes commensurate with that aim.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166346,"EventID":"S1W-29843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that ministers' use of language helps to combat racism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that ministers' use of language helps to combat racism.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29842 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166347,"EventID":"S1W-29844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in compiling comprehensive economic and social data in respect of each electoral ward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in compiling comprehensive economic and social data in respect of each electoral ward.","AnswerText":"The statistical service of the Scottish Executive is developing a range of small area information through the Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics (SNS) project. This is a major project aimed at significantly increasing and improving the availability, quality and fit for purpose of economic and social data across Scotland. The work is being taken forward in consultation with key data owners and providers across the public sector with the aim of giving users within and outwith government free access to information via a web-based dissemination system.

      The initial dissemination system is planned for spring 2003 and will provide users with data for a range of pre-defined geographies including postcode sector and ward. However, the main focus of the work is to deliver by April 2004, a comprehensive range of information and to provide users with a wider range of data at an even smaller area level, which they will be able to aggregate into the actual geographic areas they require for their specific policy development, service delivery or analytical needs. This will include wards. Users will be able to access data for specific subject areas, but more importantly will be able to use the full range of data to provide context and background.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166348,"EventID":"S1W-29845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer by the First Minister to the question by Mr John Swinney during the point of order on 30 May 2002 (Official Report, c 12522), whether it will list ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer by the First Minister to the question by Mr John Swinney during the point of order on 30 May 2002 (Official Report, c 12522), whether it will list each European Union Council of Ministers meeting where Scottish ministers have led the delegation in particular discussions; when each such meeting took place; what the topic of discussion was, and which minister was involved.","AnswerText":"The detail of exchanges within EU Council of Ministers meetings is confidential. The agenda and conclusions of the relevant meetings are available on the Europa website at: www.europa.eu.int.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166349,"EventID":"S1W-29846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in each local authority area (a) made an application to and (b) received assistance from the Warm Deal scheme administered by Eaga Partnerships (Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in each local authority area (a) made an application to and (b) received assistance from the Warm Deal scheme administered by Eaga Partnerships (Scotland) in each year since the scheme started.","AnswerText":"Information on the Warm Deal as administered by local authorities is collected by authorities on a local authority basis, as set out in my answer to question S1W-29847 today. However, information on the Warm Deal as administered by Eaga is not collected by local authority area.

      Details of the total number of households benefiting from the Warm Deal as administered by Eaga is set out in two reports to Parliament: Benefits from Home Energy Efficiency Schemes in Scotland: 1999/2000 and Benefits from the Warm Deal in Scotland: 2000/2001. Copies of both reports are in the Parliament's Reference Centre. A report on the Warm Deal, and the central heating programme, for 2001-02 will be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166350,"EventID":"S1W-29847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in each local authority area (a) made an application to and (b) received assistance from the Warm Deal scheme administered by local authorities in eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many households in each local authority area (a) made an application to and (b) received assistance from the Warm Deal scheme administered by local authorities in each year since the scheme started.","AnswerText":"Local authority tenants are not required to apply for a grant under the Warm Deal as administered by their landlords. The authorities identify the dwellings which can benefit from the Warm Deal and arrange the programmes of work. The new Warm Deal was introduced in 1999. The number of tenants who have benefited from the scheme since its introduction and the end of financial year 2001-02 is as set out in the following table:

      The Warm Deal for Local Authorities 1999-2000 to 2001-02

      Council

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Aberdeen

      672

      672

      256

      Aberdeenshire

      925

      1,001

      1,405

      Angus

      580

      720

      817

      Argyll and Bute

      433

      1,174

      730

      Clackmanannshire

      636

      632

      324

      Dumfries and Galloway

      398

      469

      492

      Dundee City

      496

      550

      534

      East Ayrshire

      887

      1,148

      421

      East Dunbarton

      261

      1,164

      859

      East Lothian

      343

      367

      333

      East Renfrew

      274

      209

      145

      Edinburgh

      800

      779

      570

      Falkirk

      694

      535

      187

      Fife

      2,787

      741

      915

      Glasgow City

      2,809

      3,128

      1,570

      Highland

      255

      532

      288

      Inverclyde

      1,511

      1,127

      1,927

      Midlothian

      322

      225

      164

      Moray

      		http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166352,"EventID":"S1W-29849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, what new senior civil service posts were created during 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, what new senior civil service posts were created during 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Nine new posts at head of division level were created during 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166353,"EventID":"S1W-29850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, what the duties were, or are, of the pool members recruited prior to vacancies occurrin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, what the duties were, or are, of the pool members recruited prior to vacancies occurring.","AnswerText":"Pool members took up head of division appointments and became employees as and when posts became available. Their duties were those of the posts they were assigned to.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166354,"EventID":"S1W-29851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, why 19 pool members were recruited before vacancies occurred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, why 19 pool members were recruited before vacancies occurred.","AnswerText":"It is standard human resource practice to have people ready to fill vacancies as they occur. The people making up the pool were recruited to create a ready source to meet demand. They were appointed and became employees only at the point they took up post.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166355,"EventID":"S1W-29852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many of the senior civil service appointments were for head of division posts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many of the senior civil service appointments were for head of division posts.","AnswerText":"Of the 28 people recruited, 27 were appointed at head of division and one at head of department. These are detailed in Appendix A of Civil Service Commissioners annual report 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166356,"EventID":"S1W-29853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many senior civil servants (a) retired, (b) left and (c) were promoted during 2001-","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many senior civil servants (a) retired, (b) left and (c) were promoted during 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Six senior civil servants (SCS) retired, two left and 18 were promoted to SCS posts via a generic open recruitment campaign.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166357,"EventID":"S1W-29854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many of the senior civil service appointments were recruited from (a) external and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many of the senior civil service appointments were recruited from (a) external and (b) internal sources.","AnswerText":"Of the 28 senior civil servants recruited during 2001-02, 18 were from internal sources and 10 from external.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166358,"EventID":"S1W-29855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many heads of division changed posts in each year since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many heads of division changed posts in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The numbers of senior civil service heads of division who have changed post since May 1999 in the Scottish Executive core departments is as follows:

      Year

      Count

      May 1999 to March 2000

      6

      April 2000 to March 2001

      17

      April 2001 to March 2002

      10

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166359,"EventID":"S1W-29856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many of the 28 senior civil service appointments were made through open competition","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many of the 28 senior civil service appointments were made through open competition.","AnswerText":"Twenty-eight appointments were made through open competition.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166360,"EventID":"S1W-29857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, why it expected that 19 senior civil servants would be needed during the period January","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, why it expected that 19 senior civil servants would be needed during the period January 2002 to June 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive estimated that 19 senior civil servants would be needed between January 2002 and June 2003 to cover supply and demand. This estimate was arrived at following discussion with senior management and took into account retirals plus potential leavers and new posts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166361,"EventID":"S1W-29858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many senior civil servants it expects to recruit during 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, how many senior civil servants it expects to recruit during 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The number of senior civil service recruits needed in 2002-03 has not yet been determined.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166362,"EventID":"S1W-29859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, whether any of the 28 senior civil servants were recruited from civil service departmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28989 by Mr Andy Kerr on 19 September 2002, whether any of the 28 senior civil servants were recruited from civil service departments outwith the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"One senior civil servant was recruited from a civil service department outwith the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166363,"EventID":"S1W-29860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to combat racism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to combat racism.","AnswerText":"The Executive launched a high profile anti-racism campaign on 24 September which received cross-party support during Parliament's debate on racism on 26 September. The campaign is founded on practical action by the Executive, often in partnership with the public and voluntary sectors to tackle racism and discrimination. This campaign will build on work which is on-going across the Executive and beyond and will assist in the implementation of the Race Relations Amendment Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166364,"EventID":"S1W-29861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to combat racism against asylum seekers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to combat racism against asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29860. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166365,"EventID":"S1W-29862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to combat racism against refugees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to combat racism against refugees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29860. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166366,"EventID":"S1W-29863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that recent comments made by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee may have on its campaign a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that recent comments made by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee may have on its campaign against racist attitudes.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Anti-Racism Campaign confronts and challenges all racist behaviour throughout Scotland, whatever form it takes and whichever community it is aimed at, regardless of its motivation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166367,"EventID":"S1W-29864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that recent comments made by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee may have on combating raci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that recent comments made by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee may have on combating racism against asylum seekers.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29863. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166368,"EventID":"S1W-29865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that recent comments made by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee may have on combating raci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that recent comments made by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee may have on combating racism against refugees.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29863 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166369,"EventID":"S1W-29866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage all families to speak English in their homes and what the reason is for its position on the matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage all families to speak English in their homes and what the reason is for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. This is a matter for individuals.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166370,"EventID":"S1W-29867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the recent comments made by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee may have on its core message against racism that \"racist ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the recent comments made by the Home Secretary to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee may have on its core message against racism that \"racist behaviour is unacceptable. It's not just about physical violence, it's also about our language and attitudes\", as detailed in its press release SESJ058/2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29863 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166371,"EventID":"S1W-29868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) breaches of conditions and (b) positive test results under drug testing and treatment orders issued by the (i) courts and (ii) pilot drug court there have be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) breaches of conditions and (b) positive test results under drug testing and treatment orders issued by the (i) courts and (ii) pilot drug court there have been in each year since the orders were introduced and what action has been taken as a result of such breaches and positive test results.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of breaches of drug testing and treatment orders (DTTO) in the three pilot areas is detailed in the following table. This information is currently not available on a year by year basis.
       

      Orders Made (Non-Drug Court)

      Breached

      Orders Made (Drug Court)

      Breached

      Total Made

      Total Breached

      Glasgow

      192

      (from October 1999)

      49

      59

      (from November 2001)

      3

      241

      52

      Fife

      127

      (from July 2000)

      17

      4

      (from August 2002)

      0

      131

      17

      Aberdeen/

      Aberdeenshire (from 12-01)

      42

      (from December 2001)

      8*

      		  

      42

      8*

      Note:

      *Includes one order breached twice.

      For those orders breached, the following table details the action taken in each case:
       

      Order Revoked and Imprisoned

      Order Revoked and Substitute Probation Order Imposed

      Order Revoked and Warrant to Apprehend Issued

      Order Continued

      Revoked and No Further Action

      Outcome Still Pending

      Other

      Total

      Glasgow

      14

      4

      		   

      29

      5*

      52

      Fife

      5

      3

      4

      1

      1

      		 

      3+

      17

      Aberdeen

      3

      		  

      2

      		  

      2#

      7

      Notes:

      *Five orders revoked and offender admonished (in the context of the offender having re-offended and receiving a further custodial sentence).

      + Three orders deferred, reassessed and offender placed on DTTO.

      # Two cases currently remanded for sentencing.

      Data on positive test results is not held centrally. However, given the nature of addiction, and the fact that the DTTO is not a total abstinence order, it is expected that offenders subject to the order are likely to continue ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166372,"EventID":"S1W-29869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was spent on combating drugs, broken down by purpose such as education, detection, treatment, rehabilitation, in each year since 1997-98 and what the spend","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was spent on combating drugs, broken down by purpose such as education, detection, treatment, rehabilitation, in each year since 1997-98 and what the spending will be in each year to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on tackling drug misuse spans a variety of funding streams, administered by a wide range of organisations. The Executive does not hold all of this information centrally.

      At the end of 1999, however, the Executive's Policy Unit Review of Drugs Expenditure which is available at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/PUDrugExpenRev.htm estimated that £141 million was spent per annum on tackling drugs - around £22.64 million on prevention, £53.77 million on treatment and rehabilitation, and £65.09 million on enforcement.

      In 2001-02, additional funding of £128.3 million over three years was made available for anti-drug measures. This included a £100 million funding package, announced in September 2000, allocated as follows:

      Area of Spend

      2001-02

      (£ million)

      2002-03

      (£ million)

      2003-04

      (£ million)

      Totals

      (£ million)

      Treatment

      2

      4

      4

      10

      Rehabilitation

      6.8

      6.8

      6.8

      20.4

      Training

      0.2

      0.2

      0.2

      0.6

      Prisons

      2.0

      4

      4

      10

      Training and Employment Bridges

      1.5

      2.5

      2.5

      6.5

      Community Disposals

      2

      3.5

      4

      9.5

      Young people and families

      4

      6

      8

      18

      Schools Education

      1.0

      1.0

      1.0

      3.0

      Youth Crime

      0.0

      0.5

      0.5

      1

      Public awareness

      2.1

      2.1

      2.1

      6.3

      Scotland Against Drugs

      1.5

      1.5

      1.5

      4.5

      Social Inclusion Partnerships

      -

      2

      3

      5

      Research

      0.666

      0.666

      		Table 1: Persons Sentenced by Scottish Courts for Drug Dealing Offences1, 1997-2000

      Main sentence

      Calendar year

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Total

      1,621

      1,627

      1,559

      1,284

      Custody

      821

      780

      729

      617

      Community sentence

      463

      519

      541

      425

      Monetary penalty

      275

      271

      248

      204

      Other sentence

      62

      57

      41

      38

      Note:

      1. Persons whose main offence was one of "drug dealing", defined as all drug offences except illegal possession.

      Information on the sentence lengths of those received into custody for drugs dealing is given in Table 2:

      Table 2: Direct Sentence Receptions to Penal Establishments of People Sentenced for Drug Dealing1 by Sentence Length, 1997-2001

      Sentence Length

      Calendar Year

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Total

      795

      767

      758

      677

      801

      Under 3 months

      43

      34

      30

      12

      21

      3 months to less than 6 months

      173

      153

      159

      108

      112

      6 to less than 18 months

      240

      248

      195

      189

      260

      18 months to less than 2 years

      40

      45

      36

      44

      52

      2 years to less than 4 years

      126

      151

      172

      166

      		Social Justice Annual Report 2001: Indicators of Progress published by the Scottish Executive in 2001, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17777).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166375,"EventID":"S1W-29872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Social Justice Annual Report: Scotland 2001, when it hopes to achieve the milestone 9 target to bring the poorest-performing 20% of pupils, in terms o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Social Justice Annual Report: Scotland 2001, when it hopes to achieve the milestone 9 target to bring the poorest-performing 20% of pupils, in terms of standard grade achievement, closer to the performance of all pupils.","AnswerText":"Education authorities are being asked to set for the first time, via the School Improvement Framework, a target for the average tariff score of their lowest attaining 20% of pupils for academic year 2004-05. We will be monitoring progress against these local targets to assess progress in bringing the attainment of this group closer to the attainment of all pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166376,"EventID":"S1W-29873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there are no targets relating to Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6 or above under objective 3 in the education and young people section of Buildin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there are no targets relating to Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6 or above under objective 3 in the education and young people section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The emphasis is to ensure that as many pupils as possible obtain qualifications, and especially those who are currently leaving school without qualifications. The targets chosen for Building A Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006: what the money buys are in line with the National Priorities in Education. The Executive is making significant investment available to raise standards across the education system as a whole, which will impact on attainment at all levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166377,"EventID":"S1W-29874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the S4 cohort progressed to S5 and stayed on at school beyond December in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the S4 cohort progressed to S5 and stayed on at school beyond December in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the proportions of the S4 cohort who voluntarily stayed on at school beyond the minimum school leaving age (for publicly funded schools only):

      Year

      Percentage of S4 Cohort

      1995-96

      68%

      1996-97

      68%

      1997-98

      68%

      1998-99

      68%

      1999-2000

      69%

      2000-01

      69%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166378,"EventID":"S1W-29875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of students staying on in S5 beyond December obtained at least one (a) SCE higher grade or (b) national qualification at higher level in each year since ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of students staying on in S5 beyond December obtained at least one (a) SCE higher grade or (b) national qualification at higher level in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the proportion of students voluntarily staying on in S5 who obtained at least one qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Level 6 which includes SCE Higher and National Qualifications at Higher Level (for publicly funded schools only):

      Year

      Percentage of Voluntary S5 Roll

      1995

      56%

      1996

      57%

      1997

      56%

      1998

      57%

      1999

      57%

      2000

      60%

      2001

      57%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166379,"EventID":"S1W-29876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school-based candidates entered for examination in at least one (a) SCE higher grade or (b) qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school-based candidates entered for examination in at least one (a) SCE higher grade or (b) qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6 in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the numbers of school-based candidates entered for an examination at SCQF Level 6 (for publicly funded schools only):

      Year

      Number of Candidates

      1995

      49,619

      1996

      51,113

      1997

      52,704

      1998

      51,963

      1999

      50,982

      2000

      50,343

      2001

      48,995

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166380,"EventID":"S1W-29877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school-based candidates for examinations at SCE higher grade or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6 obtained a qualification in a language othe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many school-based candidates for examinations at SCE higher grade or Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6 obtained a qualification in a language other than English in each year since 1995","AnswerText":"The following table shows the numbers of school-based candidates obtaining at least one qualification at SCQF level 6 in a language other than English (for publicly funded schools only):

      Year

      Number of Candidates

      1995

      4,081

      1996

      3,949

      1997

      3,966

      1998

      4,088

      1999

      3,812

      2000

      4,317

      2001

      4,611

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166381,"EventID":"S1W-29878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of pupils did not reach 5-14 attainment levels relating to their stage of primary and secondary education in each local authority area in each year since","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of pupils did not reach 5-14 attainment levels relating to their stage of primary and secondary education in each local authority area in each year since 1999, broken down by age cohort and subject.","AnswerText":"The following tables show the percentage of pupils in each local authority who did not reach the target 5-14 attainment level for their stage in the school years 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01. The school stages where there are target levels of 5-14 attainment are P3, P4, P6, P7 and S2; therefore figures are shown for these stages only. The results for each subject are shown separately.

      The information was obtained from the annual survey of 5-14 attainment levels in publicly funded schools where data was collected by school stage and not by pupil age.

      5-14 Attainment of P3 and P4 pupils in Scotland by Local Authority, Publicly Funded Schools, Percentage of Pupils not Attaining Stated Level by End of the Stage

      Reading

      % of P3 roll

      % of P4 roll

      Not Reached Level A

      Not Reached Level B

      Local Authority

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      Scotland

      19.4

      15.4

      12.8

      29.1

      24.9

      21.3

      Aberdeen City

      21.1

      16.8

      14.1

      29.7

      28.0

      24.1

      Aberdeenshire

      18.4

      17.0

      13.0

      27.3

      25.4

      22.5

      Angus

      18.7

      12.3

      14.3

      30.1

      23.6

      21.0

      Argyll and Bute

      34.0

      12.1

      14.0

      36.3

      19.4

      19.1

      Clackmannanshire

      23.4

      13.1

      10.4

      35.1

      27.7

      22.0

      Dumfries and Galloway

      20.7

      18.9

      Year

      Premature

      (under 60)

      Ill-health

      1995-96

      1,071

      467

      1996-97

      1,277

      424

      1997-98

      2,183

      435

      1998-99

      464

      367

      1999-2000

      423

      367

      2000-01

      300

      323

      2001-02

      178

      267

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166384,"EventID":"S1W-29882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days have been lost on average because of ill health amongst public sector teachers in each year since 1995, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many days have been lost on average because of ill health amongst public sector teachers in each year since 1995, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      The management of teacher absence and the causes of absence are matters for individual local authorities as employers. However, Scottish local authorities provide Audit Scotland with information on sickness absence levels among local government staff, including teachers. Table 6b of its most recent report entitled Performance Indicators 2000/2001: Benefits, Finance & Corporate Issues, published on 24 January 2002, contains comparative data for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 and can be accessed at: http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/publications/pdf/02pi04ac.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166385,"EventID":"S1W-29883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual turnover of teachers in publicy-funded schools has been in each year since 1995, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual turnover of teachers in publicy-funded schools has been in each year since 1995, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on the annual turnover of teachers in publicly-funded schools can only be calculated from the Teacher Flow Survey, which has been conducted since 1996. The following tables show the percentages entering and leaving local authority employment from that date.

      Recorded Percentage Leaving1However, Table 20 of the Standard Tables on Higher Education and Further Education in Scotland 1995-96 to 2000-01 published on 26 September contains information on the first destinations of newly trained teachers and can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00196-20.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166387,"EventID":"S1W-29887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have access to an after school club.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have access to an after school club.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not collect figures on the number of children who have access to an after school club. However, based on information from the 2002 Pre-school and Daycare Census, we estimate that during the census week in January this year there were approximately 36,800 term time and 12,900 holiday out of school care places in Scotland. Since January, a further 4,000 places have been funded through the New Opportunities Fund.

      The following is a corrected answer published on 15 January 2003; see below.

      The Executive does not collect figures on the number of children who have access to an after school club. However, based on information from the 2002 Pre-school and Daycare Census, we estimate that during the Census week in January this year there were approximately 20,700 term time and 12,900 holiday out of school care places in Scotland. Since January, a further 4,000 places have been funded through the New Opportunities Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166388,"EventID":"S1W-29888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of Education Action Plan funding; whether it will give any examples of how such funding is used; which local authorities have received such funding in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of Education Action Plan funding; whether it will give any examples of how such funding is used; which local authorities have received such funding in each year since the funding was introduced, and what level of funding was received in each case.","AnswerText":"The Education Action Plan programme came to an end on 31 March 2002. The purpose of the funding was to provide additional time-limited support to help education authorities to raise standards in schools facing major challenge.

      A total of £14.1 million was made available over the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2002. Following a bidding process, funding over the three-year period was offered to 16 authorities. East Ayrshire, Falkirk, Renfrewshire and South Ayrshire Councils each received £100,000 per year; Aberdeenshire, East Lothian, Fife, Inverclyde, Perth and Kinross and West Lothian Councils each received £200,000 per year; North Lanarkshire Council received £300,000 per year; Aberdeen City, Dundee City, City of Edinburgh and West Dunbartonshire Councils each received £500,000 per year, and Glasgow City Council received £800,000 per year.

      The funding has been used in a variety of ways. These include providing behaviour support bases and pupil support teams; developing alternative curriculum provision; enhancing early intervention programmes; improving in-service training in relation to discipline; extending use of information and communication technology, and establishing partnerships with parents.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166389,"EventID":"S1W-29889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28041 by Nicol Stephen on 27 August 2002, whether it will list the 14 new public sector schools completed between April 1999 and Ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28041 by Nicol Stephen on 27 August 2002, whether it will list the 14 new public sector schools completed between April 1999 and March 2001 that were not funded by public private partnership or private finance initiative.","AnswerText":"The 14 schools are Charleston Primary School (Aberdeen), Rosemount Primary School (Angus), Auchinleck Primary School (East Ayrshire), Eaglesham Nursery (East Renfrewshire), Ullapool High School (Highland), Gourock Primary School (Inverclyde), Beith Primary School (North Ayrshire), Lawthorn Primary School (North Ayrshire), Alexander Peden Primary School (North Lanarkshire), Shottskirk Nursery (North Lanarkshire), Stow Primary School (Scottish Borders), Dundonald Primary School (South Ayrshire), Doune Nursery (Stirling) and Garshake Nursery (West Dunbartonshire).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166390,"EventID":"S1W-29890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28041 by Nicol Stephen on 27 August 2002, what the (a) starting date, (b) cost, (c) date of completion and (d) school roll in the y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28041 by Nicol Stephen on 27 August 2002, what the (a) starting date, (b) cost, (c) date of completion and (d) school roll in the year of completion was for each new public sector school completed between April 1999 and March 2001.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166391,"EventID":"S1W-29891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector schools are currently undertaking redevelopment or rebuild projects and how many such projects are being funded by public private partnerships or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector schools are currently undertaking redevelopment or rebuild projects and how many such projects are being funded by public private partnerships or private finance initiatives.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166392,"EventID":"S1W-29892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define \"improving the quality of life in our schools\", as referred to in the education and young people section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define \"improving the quality of life in our schools\", as referred to in the education and young people section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys","AnswerText":"In Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys we indicated that we would invest £60 million in improving the quality of life in our schools. We shall announce shortly the arrangements under which this money will be made available and the purposes for which it is intended.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166393,"EventID":"S1W-29893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations made by the expert panel on school meals it has accepted in full and how much funding has been provided for the implementation of each such recomme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which recommendations made by the expert panel on school meals it has accepted in full and how much funding has been provided for the implementation of each such recommendation.","AnswerText":"The panel is currently consulting on the recommendations within its interim report and will consider all responses before submitting a final report. We will consider what action to take once we receive the panel's final report later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166394,"EventID":"S1W-29894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to section 2.4 of Working Together for Scotland: A Programme for Government, what progress has been made towards achieving the aim to reduce re-referrals to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to section 2.4 of Working Together for Scotland: A Programme for Government, what progress has been made towards achieving the aim to reduce re-referrals to hearings for children and young people on offence grounds by 10% by 2004.","AnswerText":"We are implementing the 10-point action plan announced on 27 June, building on existing strategies to reduce youth crime and disorder.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166395,"EventID":"S1W-29895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to section 2.4 of Working Together for Scotland: A Programme for Government, what progress has been made towards achieving the aim to support pilot future sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to section 2.4 of Working Together for Scotland: A Programme for Government, what progress has been made towards achieving the aim to support pilot future school projects, giving details of any such projects currently planned or under way.","AnswerText":"Details of pilot future school projects supported by the Executive will be published shortly, in line with our commitment in Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166396,"EventID":"S1W-29896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have had broadband connection in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools have had broadband connection in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Figures on broadband connections to schools are published in the Survey of Information and Communication Technology in Schools for the years 2000 and 2001. No figures are available for 1999 as the survey of that year did not seek information on broadband connections.

      Copies of both surveys are available online at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00128-00.asp and http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00193-00.asp respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166397,"EventID":"S1W-29897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to target 3 in the tourism, culture and sport section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, whether it will define","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to target 3 in the tourism, culture and sport section of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, whether it will define \"under-represented groups\" and how many people from such groups are currently estimated to be participating in cultural and sporting activity.","AnswerText":"Technical Notes setting out the detail for each target in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys will be available shortly. The Technical Notes will include information on definitions, who will gather the data, how the data will be gathered, the time period covered, trends, baseline data, and milestones.

      Under Target 3 for Tourism, Culture and Sport, the definition of under-represented groups includes: children (under 16 years old), young people (16 to 24 years old), disabled people, people from minority ethnic communities, women, older people (over 65), people living in rural areas, socially excluded people. Different under-represented groups are target priorities for different cultural organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166398,"EventID":"S1W-29898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many indoor tennis facilities are managed by each local authority and what the average hourly cost is of hiring such facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many indoor tennis facilities are managed by each local authority and what the average hourly cost is of hiring such facilities.","AnswerText":"The City of Aberdeen Council has four indoor courts, the City of Edinburgh Council has six indoor courts, Glasgow City Council has eight indoor courts at Scotstoun Leisure Centre and four indoor courts at Gorbals Leisure Centre, and East Dunbartonshire Council has two indoor courts.

      The hourly standard charges for each are set out in the table.

      1996-97

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      Scotland

      7%

      4%

      3%

      5%

      4%

      Aberdeen City

      8%

      4%

      3%

      5%

      4%

      Aberdeenshire

      7%

      4%

      4%

      9%

      4%

      Angus

      9%

      6%

      5%

      9%

      6%

      Argyll and Bute

      6%

      5%

      5%

      5%

      4%

      Clackmannanshire

      9%

      3%

      4%

      5%

      4%

      Dumfries and Galloway

      5%

      4%

      4%

      4%

      5%

      Dundee City

      13%

      8%

      8%

      8%

      6%

      East Ayrshire

      3%

      3%

      2%

      3%

      3%

      East Dunbartonshire

      6%

      5%

      2%

      4%

      3%

      East Lothian

      7%

      2%

      Sport 21, has a target to increase the participation of women in sport.

      Sportscotland are represented on the UK Co-ordinating Group for Women in Sport. This group has the aim of forming a collective strategy for changing sporting culture in the UK for women and girls. Research will be done to gather statistical evidence which will help Scotland (and other UK countries) identify what needs to be done.

      Sportscotland are currently supporting the following projects with specific women in sport targets: Jogscotland; the Scottish Football Association's women and girls football, and the Talented Athletes Programme (since June 2001, 45% of funding has gone to female athletes).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166400,"EventID":"S1W-29900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has purchased any land or property in Scotland over the last five years; if so, (a) where, (b) why the purchase was made and (c) at w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has purchased any land or property in Scotland over the last five years; if so, (a) where, (b) why the purchase was made and (c) at what cost.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No land has been purchased over the last five years.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166401,"EventID":"S1W-29901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has sold any land in Scotland over the last five years and, if so, what value was obtained for each sale.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Prison Service has sold any land in Scotland over the last five years and, if so, what value was obtained for each sale.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Surplus land sold by SPS:

      £

      Aberdeen Indoor Tennis Centre (City of Aberdeen)

      Adult Peak Winter

      16.75

      Adult Off Peak Winter

      13.40

      Adult Walk On Winter

      8.65

      Adult Peak Summer

      13.65

      Adult Off Peak Summer

      10.70

      Adult Walk On Summer

      8.65

      Junior Peak Winter

      9.40

      Junior Off Peak Winter

      6.95

      Junior Walk On Winter

      5.85

      Junior Peak Summer

      7.45

      Junior Off Peak Summer

      5.35

      Junior Walk On Summer

      4.35

      Family Peak Winter

      13.30

      Family Off Peak Winter

      10.20

      Family Walk On Winter

      7.25

      Family Peak Summer

      10.60

      Family Off Peak Summer

      7.85

      Family Walk On Summer

      6.50

      Craiglockhart Sports and Tennis Centre (City of Edinburgh)

      Adult Member Peak

      14.00

      Junior Member Peak

      9.00

      Non-Member Peak

      16.00

      Adult Member Off Peak

      9.00

      Junior Member Off Peak

      9.00

      Non-Member Off Peak

      13.60

      Scotstoun Leisure Centre (City of Glasgow)

      Adult Advance Booking

      11.25

      Financial Year

      Sale Price

      1997-98

      £500

      1997-98

      £32,000

      1998-99

      £21,000

      1998-99

      £2,000

      1998-99

      £42,000

      1998-99

      £425,000

      1998-99

      £205,000

      2001-02

      £1,000

      2001-02

      £7,000"

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166402,"EventID":"S1W-29902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister has any plans to visit the Falkirk Council area on 1 October 2002 and, if so, for what purpose.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister has any plans to visit the Falkirk Council area on 1 October 2002 and, if so, for what purpose.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166403,"EventID":"S1W-29903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29008 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, how many of these patients were admitted to hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29008 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, how many of these patients were admitted to hospital.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29905 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166404,"EventID":"S1W-29904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29008 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, how many of the patients attended by (a) an accident and emergency ambulance and (b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29008 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, how many of the patients attended by (a) an accident and emergency ambulance and (b) the cardiac response unit received clot-busting drugs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29905 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166405,"EventID":"S1W-29905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29008 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, what factors determine whether the rapid/cardiac response unit or an accident and e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29008 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, what factors determine whether the rapid/cardiac response unit or an accident and emergency ambulance is sent to a patient suffering from chest pains.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service will deploy whichever resource is nearest to the patient suffering from chest pains, whether that is the cardiac response unit (CRU) or one of the accident and emergency ambulances with the thrombolytic capability. Where the CRU is deployed, a back-up accident and emergency ambulance will also attend, to transport the patient to hospital once the CRU has assessed the patient's condition and administered any appropriate treatment.

      The CRU is not a 24-hour resource, and is only operational during peak times which have been identified through the analysis of relevant clinical data. If the service receives a call about a patient with chest pains when the CRU is not in operation - or when it is attending to another patient - one of the accident and emergency ambulances with the thrombolytic capability will be deployed.

      Over the period covered in question S1W-29008 (1 June 2002 to 31 August 2002), of the 76 patients attended to by the CRU, 11 received clot-busting drugs. Of the 47 attended to by an accident and emergency ambulance, two received clot-busting drugs. All 123 patients were admitted to hospital in compliance with ambulance service policy to transport to hospital all patients suffering from chest pains.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166406,"EventID":"S1W-29906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29004 and S1W-29008 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, whether the rapid/cardiac response unit is part of the community th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29004 and S1W-29008 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, whether the rapid/cardiac response unit is part of the community thrombolysis service.","AnswerText":"The Rapid Response Unit (RRU) is a key component of the Community Thrombolysis Service. The RRU is permanently on-call for patients living north of Forfar.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166407,"EventID":"S1W-29907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29004 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, what functions and responsibilities are fulfilled by the community thrombolysis ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29004 by Malcolm Chisholm on 19 September 2002, what functions and responsibilities are fulfilled by the community thrombolysis service and how the same functions and responsibilities are fulfilled in the east, west and south Angus areas.","AnswerText":"For patients living north of Forfar a dedicated Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and an ambulance respond to an emergency call where the patient has a suspected heart attack. Clinical assessment and ECG recordings are taken and transmitted by telemedicine link to Ninewells accident and emergency. A senior clinician at Ninewells accident and emergency analyses the ECG recordings and advises the Scottish Ambulance Service personnel whether or not to administer a thrombolytic agent. Following thrombolysis the patient is transferred by ambulance to Ninewells allowing the RRU to remain in Angus.

      For patients living south of Forfar a "scoop and run" service operates whereby patients are taken immediately by ambulance to Ninewells. The different services ensure that Clinical Standards Board for Scotland standards for "door to needle time" are achieved throughout the whole of Angus.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166408,"EventID":"S1W-29908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 30-day survival rates are for patients with addresses in Angus being admitted to the cardiac care unit at Ninewells Hospital and administered with clot-busting d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 30-day survival rates are for patients with addresses in Angus being admitted to the cardiac care unit at Ninewells Hospital and administered with clot-busting drugs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29002 on 19 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166409,"EventID":"S1W-29909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what clot-busting drugs are used by the Angus community thrombolysis service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what clot-busting drugs are used by the Angus community thrombolysis service.","AnswerText":"The clot-busting drug used is tenectaplase.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166410,"EventID":"S1W-29910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds there are at the cardiac care unit at Ninewells Hospital currently and how many such beds there have been in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds there are at the cardiac care unit at Ninewells Hospital currently and how many such beds there have been in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"There are nine beds in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Ninewells. This has been the bed complement over the last five years. Following closure of the CCU at Stracathro the service at Ninewells has been supplemented by the introduction of a five-bedded Cardiac Step Down Unit.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166411,"EventID":"S1W-29911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of stay is for patients at the cardiac care unit at Ninewells Hospital currently and in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of stay is for patients at the cardiac care unit at Ninewells Hospital currently and in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The average length of stay in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Ninewells over the last five years was as follows :

      2001-02

      2.4 days

      2000-01

      2.3 days

      1999-2000

      2.4 days

      1998-99

      2.3 days

      1997-98

      2.3 days

      In the period April to August 2002 the average length of stay in the nine-bedded CCU at Ninewells has reduced to 1.9 days as appropriate patients are now "stepped down" to a six-bedded Cardiac Step Down Unit and ultimately to a cardiology ward in carefully managed steps.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166412,"EventID":"S1W-29912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alterations have been made to the cardiac care unit at Ninewells Hospital in order to help cope with any increased number of patients following the closure of the co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what alterations have been made to the cardiac care unit at Ninewells Hospital in order to help cope with any increased number of patients following the closure of the coronary care unit at Stracathro Hospital in Angus.","AnswerText":"Following closure of the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Stracathro the nine-bedded CCU in Ninewells was supplemented by the addition of a six-bedded Cardiac Step Down Unit (CSDU). The CSDU allows appropriate patients to "step down" in a staged process from the CCU to a cardiology ward. Wards 1 and 2 at Ninewells have also been designated as predominantly cardiology wards.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166413,"EventID":"S1W-29913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEed102/2002 of 18 September 2002, what the annual operational cost (a) in total and (b) per place will be of the 25 additional secure ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEed102/2002 of 18 September 2002, what the annual operational cost (a) in total and (b) per place will be of the 25 additional secure accommodation places for young offenders.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29915 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166414,"EventID":"S1W-29914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEed102/2002 of 18 September 2002, what the capital cost will be of the 25 additional secure accommodation places for young offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEed102/2002 of 18 September 2002, what the capital cost will be of the 25 additional secure accommodation places for young offenders.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29915 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166415,"EventID":"S1W-29915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEed102/2002 of 18 September 2002, where each of the additional 25 secure accommodation places will be located for young offenders","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEed102/2002 of 18 September 2002, where each of the additional 25 secure accommodation places will be located for young offenders","AnswerText":"As stated in News Release SEed 102/2002, specific plans and investment will be brought forward to reconfigure the secure estate with the creation of around 25 extra places across the country. I have asked a Scottish Executive multi-disciplinary team to assess proposals to meet requirements by both current and potential providers of secure accommodation to develop the estate. Once this process is complete, I will make a further announcement.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166416,"EventID":"S1W-29916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of offences under sections 68(1), (2), (3) and (5) and 69(1) and (2) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 were marked no proceedings in respect of each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of offences under sections 68(1), (2), (3) and (5) and 69(1) and (2) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976 were marked no proceedings in respect of each category recognised by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service computer in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily available in the format required and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The information systems operated by the department were designed for case tracking rather than for the production of statistical information. Systems currently in development will, in due course, facilitate the provision of data on a wider basis than is presently possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166417,"EventID":"S1W-29917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of offences under section 52 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 have been made to procurators fiscal in each of the last three year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of offences under section 52 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 have been made to procurators fiscal in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court area.","AnswerText":"Information is available from the Crown Office system about the number of cases received by procurators fiscal during the last three financial years that included charges under the section mentioned. Information is not available from that system in relation to the outcome of every such charge as only whole case outcomes are currently recorded.

      Some information is available from published Scottish Executive statistics about persons proceeded against and convicted where the main charge in the case was a contravention of the section mentioned. It should be noted that where a person is proceeded against for more that one crime or offence, only the "main charge" is recorded for Scottish Executive statistical purposes in these statistics. The main charge is that which is the most serious and receives the severest penalty. In addition, the information is collected by calendar year and is available for calendar years up to the end of 2000. It is not therefore possible to relate the Crown Office data on incoming cases to the Scottish Executive data on proceedings and disposals.

      The information described is provided in the following tables.

      Cases Reported to Procurators Fiscal which Included Charges Under the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, Section 52, 1999-2000 to 2001-02

      Office

      Financial Year

      1999-2000

      Financial Year

      FY 2000-01

      Financial Year

      FY 2001-02

      Aberdeen

      494

      416

      386

      Airdrie

      207

      251

      229

      Arbroath

      149

      135

      166

      Ayr

      268

      264

      308

      Banff

      31

      7

      -

      Campbeltown

      24

      18

      29

      Cupar

      105

      104

      121

      Dingwall

      65

      92

      72

      Dornoch

      22

      12

      20

      Dumbarton

      212

      129

      184

      Dumfries

      113

      138

      130

      Dundee

      296

      318

      363

      Dunfermline

      256

      284

      293

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166419,"EventID":"S1W-29919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions have been obtained under section 52 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions have been obtained under section 52 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29917 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166420,"EventID":"S1W-29920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS dentists can be paid for preventative treatment methods as well as for carrying out repair treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS dentists can be paid for preventative treatment methods as well as for carrying out repair treatment.","AnswerText":"All the care and treatment required to secure and maintain the oral health of a patient is available and remunerated under NHS general dental service arrangements. For children, dentists receive a capitation fee for each child registered with them under NHS arrangements. This fee covers preventive treatment, advice and attention required by the child. In addition, dentists receive an enhancement of the capitation fee for each child aged zero to two years, each child aged three to five years in Depcat 6 and 7 areas, and each child aged six to seven years, registered with them under NHS arrangements. This enhancement is for the provision of a preventive programme including dietary advice. For those aged six and seven the enhanced fee includes the application of fissure sealants. For adults this includes payment for preventive treatments such as instruction in the prevention of dental disease, scaling and polishing, application of fissure sealant and the application of topical fluoride in certain circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166421,"EventID":"S1W-29921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of offences under each of sections 7(1), 8(2), 9(1), 10(1)(a) and 12 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 have been made to procurators","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of offences under each of sections 7(1), 8(2), 9(1), 10(1)(a) and 12 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 have been made to procurators fiscal in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court area.","AnswerText":"There has been one such report in the year 2001-02. The charge of a contravention of section 7(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 was one of four charges in a case reported to the Procurator Fiscal at Edinburgh. The case was disposed of by way of an indictment in terms of section 76 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, which is an accelerated mechanism in solemn procedure for disposing of case where a plea has been agreed; the indictment is served on a shorter notice period and contains only the charges to which it has been agreed guilty pleas will be tendered and accepted. The section 76 indictment in this case did not include the section 7(1)(a) charge. A sentence of six months imprisonment was imposed.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166422,"EventID":"S1W-29922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports to procurator fiscals of offences under each of sections 7(1), 8(2), 9(1), 10(1)(a) and 12 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 were pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports to procurator fiscals of offences under each of sections 7(1), 8(2), 9(1), 10(1)(a) and 12 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 were proceeded with in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29921 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166423,"EventID":"S1W-29923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions were obtained under each of sections 7(1), 8(2), 9(1), 10(1)(a) and 12 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 in each of the last thre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions were obtained under each of sections 7(1), 8(2), 9(1), 10(1)(a) and 12 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29921 today. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166424,"EventID":"S1W-29924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28787 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 September 2002, what specific evidence it can provide to the public that its contract with Medacs for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28787 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 September 2002, what specific evidence it can provide to the public that its contract with Medacs for medical services in prisons provides best value if it will not publish the cost of the contract for medical services.","AnswerText":"The award of contract was conducted in accordance with EC procurement guidelines. The team who undertook the work demonstrated within the Scottish Prison Service that the Medacs proposal was the most economically advantageous proposal in terms of quality and costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166425,"EventID":"S1W-29925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how frequently it has to renegotiate its contract for the services of GPs in the Scottish Prison Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how frequently it has to renegotiate its contract for the services of GPs in the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"There is no set frequency. The current contract exists for five years.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166426,"EventID":"S1W-29927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what local health care co-operatives are located in each parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what local health care co-operatives are located in each parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"Information on local health care co-operatives is available on the SHOW website (www.show.scot.nhs.uk) and from NHS boards.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166427,"EventID":"S1W-29928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29610 by Mr Andy Kerr on 24 September 2002, why that answer stated that a White Paper had been consulted upon; whether this stateme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29610 by Mr Andy Kerr on 24 September 2002, why that answer stated that a White Paper had been consulted upon; whether this statement was factually accurate, and whether it intends to propose the introduction of similar practices operated by Her Majesty's Government in the future.","AnswerText":"The reply given to question S1W-29610 referred to the White Paper Renewing Local Democracy: the Next Steps which sets out the Executive response to the issues of governance raised by McIntosh and Kerley. The paper was published for a four-month consultation period on 29 March in line with Executive's good practice guide on consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166428,"EventID":"S1W-29929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry in regard to the routine testing of mobile phone mast emissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry in regard to the routine testing of mobile phone mast emissions.","AnswerText":"No. Information about the mobile phone base station audit being conducted by the Radiocommunications Agency (of the Department of Trade and Industry) is available on their website at www.radio.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166429,"EventID":"S1W-29930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to any implications for its policy on free personal care of the decision by the Competition Commission Appeals Tribunal on 1 August 2002 i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to any implications for its policy on free personal care of the decision by the Competition Commission Appeals Tribunal on 1 August 2002 in favour of Bettercare Group Ltd with reference to payment for nursing and care services in the North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust and whether it plans to take any action in respect of this matter.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering the implications of the judgement.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166430,"EventID":"S1W-29931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is being given to local partnerships and community councils engaged in community planning at local level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is being given to local partnerships and community councils engaged in community planning at local level.","AnswerText":"Community planning guidance is being developed to accompany the Local Government in Scotland Bill, which is currently being considered by Parliament.

      It is our intention to circulate it to Community Planning Partnerships and other bodies, including community councils, for comment this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166431,"EventID":"S1W-29932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to fund community planning events at local level have been made in (a) 2001-02 and (b) the current financial year and what funding was (i) applied f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to fund community planning events at local level have been made in (a) 2001-02 and (b) the current financial year and what funding was (i) applied for and (ii) granted in respect of each application.","AnswerText":"No application to fund specific community planning events at a local level, have been made to the Scottish Executive in either the previous financial year (2001-02) or the current financial year (2002-03).

      The Executive may have received funding requests for other events which have had a relationship to the broader community planning process, but where community planning itself was not the over-riding theme. This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166432,"EventID":"S1W-29933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current community planning budget is in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current community planning budget is in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. This would be a matter for local authorities themselves.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166433,"EventID":"S1W-29934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific support it gives to voluntary organisations and community councils in rural areas in order to facilitate their participation in community planning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific support it gives to voluntary organisations and community councils in rural areas in order to facilitate their participation in community planning.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides funding for the national network of Councils for Voluntary Service who work to a set of key objectives set by the Executive, one of which is to participate in the community planning process.

      Whilst the Executive does not provide funding for individual community councils, it does provide grant funding for the Association of Scottish Community Councils to enable them to play a full role in the representation of community council interests.

      The Executive has also issued general guidance to both local authorities and community councils on best practice in involving community councils in issues affecting the local community.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166434,"EventID":"S1W-29935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures currently exist with regard to an individual that dies in hospital without any next of kin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures currently exist with regard to an individual that dies in hospital without any next of kin.","AnswerText":"When an individual without next of kin dies in hospital, the funeral can be arranged by a public authority such as an NHS board, NHS trust or Social Work Department. The local authority has a duty to bury or cremate the deceased if no other arrangements can be made, and a claim can be made on the deceased's estate to cover the funeral expenses.

      Further information is available in the Scottish Executive publication What to Do After a Death in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166435,"EventID":"S1W-29936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights the executors of an individual that dies in hospital without any next of kin have to refuse a post mortem or organ removal on behalf of their client.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rights the executors of an individual that dies in hospital without any next of kin have to refuse a post mortem or organ removal on behalf of their client.","AnswerText":"In terms of the Human Tissue Act 1961, two different sets of circumstances need to be considered.

      Section 1(1) of the act provides: "If any person, either in writing at any time or orally in the presence of two or more witnesses during his last illness, has expressed a request that his body or any specified part be used after his death for therapeutic purposes or for purposes of medical education or research, the person lawfully in possession of his body after his death may, unless he has reason to believe that the request was subsequently withdrawn, authorise the removal from the body of any part or, as the case may be, the specified part, for use in accordance with the request." In the case of an individual dying in hospital without any next of kin, there would be nothing to prevent the person lawfully in charge of the body consulting the executor as to whether the original request had been withdrawn.

      Section 1(2)(a) of the 1961 act provides that the person lawfully in possession of the body can authorise the removal of any part of the body for the purposes of medical education or research if, after reasonable inquiry, he has no reason to believe that the deceased had expressed an objection to the body being so dealt with after death, and had not withdrawn that objection. In the case of a person dying in hospital with no next of kin, one option would clearly be to inquire of the executors whether the deceased had expressed any objections to a post-mortem examination.

      The 1961 act is generally regarded as unsatisfactory, and the Executive has accepted the recommendation from the Review Group on Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem that it should be replaced when legislative time becomes available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166436,"EventID":"S1W-29937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS staff are obliged to seek permission from the executor of an individual that dies in hospital without any next of kin before a post mortem or organ removal is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS staff are obliged to seek permission from the executor of an individual that dies in hospital without any next of kin before a post mortem or organ removal is carried out.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29936 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166437,"EventID":"S1W-29938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect the rights of those that die in hospital without any next of kin and did not wish to have any post mortem or organ removal carried out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to protect the rights of those that die in hospital without any next of kin and did not wish to have any post mortem or organ removal carried out after their death.","AnswerText":"The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland is currently working on the development of standards for hospital post-mortem examinations. These have a standard statement relating to authorisation and information, which is that \"authorisation is given for all hospital post-mortems, taking into account the wishes of the deceased and, where appropriate, the wishes of the relatives.\" These standards will be mandatory across NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166438,"EventID":"S1W-29939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing legislation following the recommendations in the Independent Review Group on Retention of Organs at Post Mortem Final Report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in developing legislation following the recommendations in the Independent Review Group on Retention of Organs at Post Mortem Final Report.","AnswerText":"We are committed to changing the legislation governing post-mortem examinations, and are continuing to work closely with the other UK Health Departments and the Retained Organs Commission, who are also looking at the reform of the law on the use of human tissue. The Review Group on the Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem and the Scottish Transplant Group will continue to advise the Executive in relation to proposed changes in the law.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166439,"EventID":"S1W-29940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28692 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, whether the research for the review announced in April 2000 of the powers introduced ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28692 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, whether the research for the review announced in April 2000 of the powers introduced in 1996 enabling the courts to impose aggravated sentences for offences committed while the offender was on bail will include consideration of the incidence of (a) failure to appear or be represented at court amongst accused persons admitted to bail, (b) offending by accused persons while admitted to bail and (c) intimidation of witnesses by accused persons while admitted to bail.","AnswerText":"Aggravated sentences are only used to deal with offending while on bail and not other forms of bail abuse. Accordingly, the research is considering the incidence of and particularly the punishment imposed for offending while on bail.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166440,"EventID":"S1W-29941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its transport division last met Scottish Enterprise regarding rail services and on how many occasions since May 1999 any such formal meetings have taken place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its transport division last met Scottish Enterprise regarding rail services and on how many occasions since May 1999 any such formal meetings have taken place.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive meets with Scottish Enterprise on an as required basis to discuss railway issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166441,"EventID":"S1W-29942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it gathers and holds on shipping on an annual basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it gathers and holds on shipping on an annual basis.","AnswerText":"Statistical information on shipping is provided in chapter 10 of Scottish Transport Statistics No 21, Edition 2002. A copy is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23316.) Information is also gathered through regular liaison with the shipping and ferry industries, and with the UK government.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166442,"EventID":"S1W-29943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has requested from the British Airports Authority (BAA) towards the cost of rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports and what funding BAA has committe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has requested from the British Airports Authority (BAA) towards the cost of rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports and what funding BAA has committed or pledged to date for such links.","AnswerText":"BAA are co-funders of the study and key stakeholders in the discussions about rail links to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. The consultants are currently looking in depth at funding and procurement options and will report on that before the end of the year. Discussions on funding with all partners will take place following the consultant's recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166443,"EventID":"S1W-29944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will advise the Forth Estuary Transport Authority to support an initiative for fast ferry crossings between Fife and Edinburgh and what financial assistance it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will advise the Forth Estuary Transport Authority to support an initiative for fast ferry crossings between Fife and Edinburgh and what financial assistance it will provide to any such initiative.","AnswerText":"At their meeting on 21 June 2002 the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) considered a request from Fife Council to provide support funding to update a study into the viability of a cross-Forth ferry service. I understand that FETA agreed to provide £15,000 towards the costs of this study. Decisions about whether to fund any such ferry service would lie with FETA, not the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166444,"EventID":"S1W-29945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for the installation of central heating under its central heating programme as at 24 September 2002, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for the installation of central heating under its central heating programme as at 24 September 2002, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29183 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166445,"EventID":"S1W-29946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24069 by Ross Finnie on 27 March 2002, what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers received under the Common Agr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24069 by Ross Finnie on 27 March 2002, what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers received under the Common Agricultural Policy schemes for 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Agricultural producers received a total of £394.9 million under the main Common Agricultural Policy schemes during financial year 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166446,"EventID":"S1W-29947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers received in payments made under agri-environment schemes in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers received in payments made under agri-environment schemes in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Agricultural producers in Scotland have received the following total payments under the agri-environment schemes:

      (a) £12.6 million in 1998-99

      (b) £15.2 million in 1999-2000

      (c) £18.9 million in 2000-01

      (d) Provisional expenditure of £21.6 million in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166447,"EventID":"S1W-29948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers received in payments made under forestry grant schemes in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers received in payments made under forestry grant schemes in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Forestry grants scheme payments in respect of planting on agricultural land are made to both agricultural producers and to those who cease farming after planting. It is not possible to differentiate between the two groups. Figures for the years requested are as follows:

      £ million

      1998-99

      9.59

      1999-2000

      9.71

      2000-01

      11.86

      2001-02

      11.94

      After planting, woodland owners need not remain in agricultural production.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166448,"EventID":"S1W-29949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers received in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02 through the effects of indirect market ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of how much agricultural producers received in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02 through the effects of indirect market support measures, including price intervention payments, under the Common Agricultural Policy.","AnswerText":"Estimates of the effect of indirect support measures depend heavily upon assumptions about world market conditions and will vary as commodity markets fluctuate and as domestic support measures evolve. Nevertheless the value of indirect market support to agricultural producers may be calculated as a component of a measure known as a Producer Support Estimate (PSE). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) produce PSE figures at the EU level annually. By following the methodology used by the OECD it is estimated that the value of indirect market support to Scottish agricultural producers for the calendar years 1990-2000 was as follows (figures for later years are not yet available):

      Year

      Market Support

      (£ million)

      1990

      386

      1991

      455

      1992

      374

      1993

      304

      1994

      391

      1995

      255

      1996

      167

      1997

      194

      1998

      212

      1999

      245

      2000P

      155

      PProvisional.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166449,"EventID":"S1W-29950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the percentage contribution made by public subsidy to average weekly farm income in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the percentage contribution made by public subsidy to average weekly farm income in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Figures on farm income, subsidy and receipts are reported on an annual rather than a weekly basis. On average, the estimated percentage contribution of direct agricultural production subsidies to annual Net Farm Income was 520% in 1998-99, 670% in 1999-2000 and 450% in 2000-01. Data are not yet available for 2001-02, but forecasts suggest a figure of 270%.

      Figures on farm incomes subsidy and receipts, based on Farm Accounts Survey data, are available in the Scottish Executive's annual Farm Incomes In Scotland publication. This can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/agri/fiis-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166450,"EventID":"S1W-29951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the average sum received per farm from public subsidy in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the average sum received per farm from public subsidy in (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, (c) 2000-01 and (d) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The average sum received per farm from public subsidy in the financial years requested are as follows:

      1998-99

      £16,053

      1999-2000

      £17,162

      2000-01

      £17,096

      2001-02

      £17,213

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166451,"EventID":"S1W-29952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the number of recipients receiving public subsidy under Common Agricultural Policy schemes shown in bands of under #10,000, between (a) #10,001 and #","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the number of recipients receiving public subsidy under Common Agricultural Policy schemes shown in bands of under #10,000, between (a) #10,001 and #20,000, (b) #20,001 and #30,000 (c) #30,001 and #40,000, (d) #40,001 and #50,000 and (e) over #50,001 and #100,000 and of over #100,000 per year in (i) 1998-99, (ii) 1999-2000, (iii) 2000-01 and (iv) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The number of recipients receiving public subsidy under the main Common Agricultural Policy schemes according to the following bands for the 1998 to 2002 financial years are as follows:

      Financial Year

      Range

      No. of Producers

      1998-99

      £0 - £10,000

      13,421

      £10,001 - £20,000

      3,367

      £20,001 - £30,000

      2,204

      £30.001 - £40,000

      1,384

      £40,001 - £50,000

      863

      £50,001 - £100,000

      1,413

      £100,001 over

      324

      1999-2000

      £0 - £10,000

      12,693

      £10,001 - £20,000

      3,326

      £20,001 - £30,000

      2,096

      £30.001 - £40,000

      1,310

      £40,001 - £50,000

      899

      £50,001 - £100,000

      1,533

      £100,001 over

      384

      2000-01

      £0 - £10,000

      12,890

      £10,001 - £20,000

      3,230

      £20,001 - £30,000

      2,115

      £30.001 - £40,000

      1,407

      £40,001 - £50,000

      864

      £50,001 - £100,000

      1,573

      £100,001 over

      385

      2001-02

      £0 - £10,000

      13,420

      £10,001 - £20,000

      3,084

      £20,001 - £30,000

      2,024

      £30.001 - £40,000

      1,373

      £40,001 - £50,000

      925

      £50,001 - £100,000

      1,680

      £100,001 over

      432

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166452,"EventID":"S1W-29953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on increases in the net worth of agricultural producers from 1992 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on increases in the net worth of agricultural producers from 1992 to date.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive publishes figures on the net worth of Scottish agriculture each year in the Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture (ERSA). The 2002 edition contains annual data back to 1993 (the 1992 figures can be found in the 2001 edition of ERSA). The same document also provides information on net worth by type and size of farm.

      ERSA can be accessed via the Scottish Executive website.

      The relevant editions of the economic report on Scottish agriculture can be found at the following addresses:

      ERSA 2002 Table A3; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/agri/era2-06.asp

      ERSA 2001 Table A3; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/agri/ersa01-07.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166453,"EventID":"S1W-29954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the amount of payments made to agricultural producers in compensation for the effects of BSE.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the amount of payments made to agricultural producers in compensation for the effects of BSE.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. BSE is a notifiable disease and cases are required to be notified to the Divisional Veterinary Manager at the local Animal Health Divisional Office of the State Veterinary Service, which operates throughout Great Britain. Since November 1988, 8,256 clinical cases of BSE have been notified in Scotland as at 20 September 2002. Compensation is paid at 100% of market value under the Transmittable Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) (Scotland) Regulations 2002. Compensation was increased from 50% to 100% in February 1990 and is paid by the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs on behalf of all the GB Agriculture Departments. A further 75 cases of BSE in its pre-clinical phase have been detected in Scotland under the surveillance of fallen stock for bovines over 24 months. Compensation is not payable in these cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166454,"EventID":"S1W-29955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the amount of payments made to agricultural producers in compensation for the effects of foot-and-mouth disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds on the amount of payments made to agricultural producers in compensation for the effects of foot-and-mouth disease.","AnswerText":"A total of 1,970 payments amounting to £177,033,102 were made to producers in Scotland by way of compensation for the loss of their animals culled due to foot-and-mouth disease.

      The Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme and the Light Lamb Scheme paid out £13,058,811 and £1,895,147 for 119,164 animals and 187,861 light lambs respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166455,"EventID":"S1W-29956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28385 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 September 2002, why it did not detail in that answer how many times, and with regard to what appointm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28385 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 September 2002, why it did not detail in that answer how many times, and with regard to what appointments, within European Union institutions it has been consulted by Her Majesty's Government since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-28385 reflects the confidential nature of discussions between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government regarding these appointments.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166456,"EventID":"S1W-29957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it has given to the Scottish Older People's Advisory Group in each of the last three years and what the money was used for.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it has given to the Scottish Older People's Advisory Group in each of the last three years and what the money was used for.","AnswerText":"The Executive provided one-off funding of £20,000 in 2001-02 to Better Government for Older People (BGOP) towards the development of BGOP in Scotland, including support for the Scottish Older People's Advisory Group.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166457,"EventID":"S1W-29958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Sector Skills Development Agency is classified as a cross-border public authority within the terms of the Scotland Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Sector Skills Development Agency is classified as a cross-border public authority within the terms of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerText":"The Sector Skills Development Agency is not classified as a cross-border public authority within the terms of the Scotland Act 1998. It is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166458,"EventID":"S1W-29959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the provision of an accessible online pollution inventory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the provision of an accessible online pollution inventory.","AnswerText":"Good progress has been made. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is currently preparing to collect the data required for the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER). Statutory notices, requiring those affected to report on emissions for 2002, will be issued by SEPA in November 2002. The information must be passed to the European Commission by June 2003.

      SEPA will provide online access to Scottish EPER emissions data by summer 2003 as a first stage in the development of a comprehensive online pollution inventory.

      As I explained in the answer given to question S1W-29496 on 25 September 2002, SEPA has been allocated, subject to parliamentary approval, additional resources over the three-year period covered by the 2002 Spending Review. The resources include funding to enable the agency to implement its plans for an online pollution inventory.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166459,"EventID":"S1W-29960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bookings for accommodation have been made through visitscotland.com since its launch (a) in total and (b) broken down by tourist board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bookings for accommodation have been made through visitscotland.com since its launch (a) in total and (b) broken down by tourist board area.","AnswerText":"Visitscotland.com, the VisitScotland website, has been contracted out to eTourism Ltd, a joint venture company trading as visitscotland.com. Visitscotland.com is a commercial company and as such the Scottish Executive is not responsible for reporting on its performance. The information requested is therefore not held centrally and the question should be directed towards visitscotland.com.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166460,"EventID":"S1W-29961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bookings for outdoor activities have been made through visitscotland.com since its launch (a) in total and (b) broken down by tourist board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bookings for outdoor activities have been made through visitscotland.com since its launch (a) in total and (b) broken down by tourist board area. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29960 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166461,"EventID":"S1W-29962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to visitscotland.com from commissions on all bookings through the website since its launch.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to visitscotland.com from commissions on all bookings through the website since its launch.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for eTourism Ltd.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166462,"EventID":"S1W-29963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the total revenue received by VisitScotland from commissions on bookings made through its website since the site's launch has been (a) reinvested in (i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of the total revenue received by VisitScotland from commissions on bookings made through its website since the site's launch has been (a) reinvested in (i) VisitScotland and (ii) visitscotland.com and (b) paid to any other organisation, broken down by organisation and giving the percentage paid in each case.","AnswerText":"eTourism Ltd is responsible for the operation and management of visitscotland.com. eTourism Ltd is a public private partnership between VisitScotland, the area tourist boards, Partnerships UK and Schlumberger Sema. Details of revenue received through the website and reinvested in visitscotland.com are an operational matter for eTourism Ltd.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166463,"EventID":"S1W-29964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to address the increase in suicides in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to address the increase in suicides in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The National Programme for Improving the Mental Health and Well-being of the Scottish Population, established in October 2001 and overseen by a National Advisory Group, (NAG) which I chair, is developing a range of initiatives to address mental health as part of our health improvement agenda. The programme's main objectives include raising awareness of mental health issues, promoting positive mental health, and the effective prevention of mental health problems. The programme links into initiatives both within and outwith the Executive, for example in the social justice, education and employment fields, to maximise the potential for mental health gain.

      As one element of this programme, the Scottish Executive is preparing a Framework for the Reduction of Suicide and Self-harm to be published later this year, and has consulted widely on the draft version. The framework will include an action plan, which will identify the actions which can be taken at both local and national levels to address the increase in suicide in Scotland.

      Other initiatives include a National Anti-Stigma Campaign to be launched in October; the Breathing Space Helpline for people with low mood and depression, especially among young men, and a public attitude survey on mental health. A magazine Well? describing the aims of the overall programme has been issued widely, and a copy has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24027).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166464,"EventID":"S1W-29965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it provides to each organisation working in the field of suicide prevention and support for families affected by suicide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it provides to each organisation working in the field of suicide prevention and support for families affected by suicide.","AnswerText":"In addition to services provided by the NHS and local authorities, the Executive provides financial support to a range of voluntary organisations, many of which provide support to those with mental health problems, including those at risk of suicide, and their families.

      Overall, £1.2 million will be provided for 2002-03 under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and section 16B of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 to voluntary bodies in the mental health field. A further £19 million will be disbursed through Mental Illness Specific Grant which goes via local authorities to 400 small-scale projects at local level throughout Scotland. These projects provide a range of support including drop-in centres, day services, counselling services, information and advice, education and employment schemes, advocacy and befriending services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166465,"EventID":"S1W-29966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give financial support to Facilitate (Scotland) to assist with its work in the field of suicide prevention and what the reasons are for its position on th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give financial support to Facilitate (Scotland) to assist with its work in the field of suicide prevention and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is pleased to consider applications from voluntary organisations for financial support under existing grant schemes. Applications for grant under section 16B of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 for 2003-04 are currently being considered. It is open to Facilitate (Scotland) to apply for grant under section 16B for that year, and they have been made aware of the information which should accompany an application.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166466,"EventID":"S1W-29967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28656 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 September 2002, (a) whether it will list all financial irregularities identified by any investigation o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28656 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 September 2002, (a) whether it will list all financial irregularities identified by any investigation of its security branch in each financial year since 1998-99, with the amount involved in the irregularities expressed (i) to the nearest pound and (ii) as a percentage of the branch's budget for each year, (b) by what process each such irregularity came to its attention and (c) how the significance of such irregularities is determined and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"In 1998 Security Branch management identified overpayments of overtime allowances to Security Force staff. The 1998 Audit of Security Branch confirmed that overpayments had been made. The significance of irregularities may be determined by their size and nature. In this case, the irregularities totalled approximately £342 and equated to approximately 0.03% of the Security Branch budget.

      In April 2002 Security Branch internal management controls identified possible irregularities with claims submitted in respect of travel related allowances. An investigation was initiated by Corporate Services Personnel Team which is on-going.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166467,"EventID":"S1W-29968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28656 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 September 2002, what its definition is of audit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28656 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 September 2002, what its definition is of audit.","AnswerText":"In the context of the answer given to question S1W-28656, the term "audit" is defined as a review of the Scottish Executive Security Branch's systems and procedures by the Scottish Executive Audit Services or Audit Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166468,"EventID":"S1W-29969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the construction of new junctions on the A9 between Perth and Inverness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the construction of new junctions on the A9 between Perth and Inverness.","AnswerText":"The A9 between Perth and Inverness is a high speed long distance road with limited access. There is a strong presumption against providing new junctions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166469,"EventID":"S1W-29970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29050 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 September 2002, whether it will detail any occasions on which the (a) dispute resolution procedures u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29050 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 September 2002, whether it will detail any occasions on which the (a) dispute resolution procedures under the bilateral concordats at (i) senior official and (ii) ministerial level have been used and (b) Joint Ministerial Committee has intervened since May 1999, detailing what the outcome was and which ministers were involved.","AnswerText":"There has been no recourse to the dispute resolution procedures under the bilateral concordats. Neither has the Joint Ministerial Committee had to intervene to resolve a dispute since May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166470,"EventID":"S1W-29971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it is making to ensure that goods in the ownership of third parties are not poinded during actions for recovery of commercial debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it is making to ensure that goods in the ownership of third parties are not poinded during actions for recovery of commercial debt.","AnswerText":"The Executive is not making new arrangements in relation to existing safeguards for third party articles in actions for recovery of commercial debt. In this respect, the procedure proposed in the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Bill is essentially the same as that set out in the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987. The procedure for recovery of domestic debt, however, is radically different from that in the 1987 act.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166471,"EventID":"S1W-29972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proof of ownership will be required to exempt third party goods from poinding during actions for the recovery of commercial debt.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proof of ownership will be required to exempt third party goods from poinding during actions for the recovery of commercial debt.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29971 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 does not prescribe what will be acceptable as proof that articles belong to third parties. All that is required is that the sheriff officer is satisfied with the corroboration. If the proof of ownership is not available at the time, the 1987 act provides for the articles to be released on the sheriff officer being later satisfied. If the proof of ownership does not satisfy the sheriff officer, either at the time or later, then there is provision for an application to the sheriff.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166472,"EventID":"S1W-29973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards freight forwarding and logistics companies will be able to apply to ensure that goods handled by them but in the ownership of third parties will not be li","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards freight forwarding and logistics companies will be able to apply to ensure that goods handled by them but in the ownership of third parties will not be liable to poinding during actions for recovery of commercial debt.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29971 today. All answers to written parlliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166473,"EventID":"S1W-29974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for safeguarding goods in the ownership of third parties are robust and effective enough to ensure that such goods are not detained for lengthy periods of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for safeguarding goods in the ownership of third parties are robust and effective enough to ensure that such goods are not detained for lengthy periods of time as a result of poinding and other actions for the recovery of commercial debt.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29971 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The procedures in the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 for the protection of articles owned by third parties from poinding and warrant sale are well established. They are designed to be straightforward and for any disputes over ownership to be resolved quickly. I understand that experience has shown that they work well in practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166474,"EventID":"S1W-29975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the time period required for notice of bankruptcy proceedings to be served.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the time period required for notice of bankruptcy proceedings to be served.","AnswerText":"In terms of section 12(2) of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act, it is provided that "where a petition for sequestration of a debtor's estate is presented by a creditor or a trustee acting under a trust deed, the court shall grant warrant to cite the debtor to appear before it on such date as shall be specified in the warrant, being a date not less than 6 nor more than 14 days after the date of citation, to show cause why sequestration should not be awarded".

      In his statement to Parliament on the 30 May 2002, the First Minister confirmed his intention to consult on a draft bill to modernise personal bankruptcy law in Scotland. The period of notice is not within the scope of the proposals and is unlikely to be changed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166475,"EventID":"S1W-29976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost will be of implementing its Working together for Scotland - A Programme for Government commitment to reduce class si'es in primary 3 to 30 or smaller","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost will be of implementing its Working together for Scotland - A Programme for Government commitment to reduce class si'es in primary 3 to 30 or smaller.","AnswerText":"The Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government commitment to reduce class sizes in primary 3 was part of a wider commitment to reduce class sizes, in primary 1 to primary 3, to 30 or less. Between April 1999 and March 2002, £48.2 million was allocated to education authorities through the Excellence Fund to meet this commitment. It is not possible to identify the cost of reducing class sizes in primary 3 alone. Funding of £15 million a year is continuing for the current and next financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166476,"EventID":"S1W-29977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for implementing the commitment given in Working together for Scotland - A Programme for Government to reduce primary 3 classes si'es to 30 or small","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its strategy is for implementing the commitment given in Working together for Scotland - A Programme for Government to reduce primary 3 classes si'es to 30 or smaller.","AnswerText":"The reduction of class sizes in primary 1 to primary 3 is underpinned by the Education (Lower Primary Class Sizes) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1080). These regulations placed a statutory duty on authorities to reduce class sizes in primary 1 to primary 3 by prescribed dates. Funding of £78 million over the period 1999-2004 is also being provided. Future school censuses will continue to monitor class sizes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166477,"EventID":"S1W-29978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional primary school teachers were employed in early primary education in order to implement the commitment given in Working together for Scotland - A Prog","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional primary school teachers were employed in early primary education in order to implement the commitment given in Working together for Scotland - A Programme for Government to reduce class si'es in primary 3 to 30 or smaller and what assessment it has made of the cost of employing such teachers.","AnswerText":"The Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government commitment to reduce class sizes in primary 3 was part of a larger commitment to reduce class sizes in primary 1 to primary 3. To assist authorities to reduce class sizes, £48.2 million was made available from April 1999 to March 2002. Authorities used these funds to employ teachers and undertake capital works.

      It is not possible to identify the number of teachers required to reduce class sizes in primary 3 alone. However, at 31 March 2002 authorities employed 441.54 FTE teachers under the class size reduction programme of the Excellence Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166478,"EventID":"S1W-29979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional primary school classes were required in early primary education to implement the commitment given in Working together for Scotland - A Programme for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional primary school classes were required in early primary education to implement the commitment given in Working together for Scotland - A Programme for Government to reduce class si'es in primary 3 to 30 or smaller.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166479,"EventID":"S1W-29980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many classes in primary 3 were reduced in number by more than five children in order to meet the commitment in Working together for Scotland - A Programme for Govern","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many classes in primary 3 were reduced in number by more than five children in order to meet the commitment in Working together for Scotland - A Programme for Government to reduce class si'es to 30 or smaller.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166480,"EventID":"S1W-29981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the European Commission Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 23 to 24 September 2002 and whether it will give details of any discussion on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the European Commission Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 23 to 24 September 2002 and whether it will give details of any discussion on the deep water fishery.","AnswerText":"I attended the first of the newly merged Agriculture and Fisheries Councils with Margaret Becket, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Elliot Morley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of the same department on behalf of the UK in Brussels on 23 to 24 September 2002. The following matters were discussed:

      Agriculture

      Transport of Live Animals

      The council held a public debate on the transport of live animals with the UK recommending better monitoring of animal welfare in transit and supporting the case for reducing maximum journey times to eight hours. The UK noted, however, the need for practical rules which provided, for example, for limited derogations to deal with the difficulties of transport within the remoter regions of member states and mentioned in particular the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These matters will be further considered as negotiations proceed.

      Review of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

      The council also began its detailed consideration of the mid-term review of the CAP published in July with a discussion of the proposals for the arable sector. This was a preliminary discussion in which the UK stressed the importance of securing further reform of the CAP and recalled the importance that developing countries attached to improved trading conditions for agriculture as they had emphasised at the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

      BSE and Scrapie

      The Commission reported the latest information on BSE and scrapie in the EU, noting that there had been no significant development since its last report to the council.

      Genetically modified food

      The Presidency reported the state of progress on the proposal for rules governing genetically modified food and feed and signalled its intention to seek political agreement on a compromise at the October Council. It also reported progress in the drawing up of an action plan for organic food and farming.

      Fisheries

      Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy

      This was the first Council debate on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The discussion took the form of a low-key table round based upon a questionnaire produced by the Presidency and focussed around three key areas: conservation and sustainability of fish stocks; fleet policy, and control and enforcement. The Commission advocated the introduction of multi-annual management plans for fish stocks, associated effort controls, a continuing ceiling on the capacity of member states' fleets, additional incentives for voluntary decommissioning schemes, and an end to grant-aid for fleet modernisation and vessel construction. It confirmed that there were no plans to end aid for safety improvements, but that there would be no increase in the Community contribution for aid for decommissioning. On enforcement the Commission advocated better co-operation among member states and between the Commission and member states. The UK supported multi-annual management involving clear biological targets for all stocks and a range of management measures capable of being applied flexibly to individual stocks according to their circumstances. The UK also stressed that inaction was not an option and indicated willingness to explore all available options whether these involved capacity or effort reduction or both. It emphasised that construction and modernisation grants should cease, and indicated support for better enforcement provided that enhanced arrangements at Community level could be made compatible with the Treaty and national competence for criminal law and procedure.

      The Presidency indicated that it aims to conclude the reform package in November and that a further debate on CFP reform will take place at the October Council.

      Strategy for Sustainable Aquaculture

      The Commission presented its strategy for sustainable aquaculture, which will now be examined by a Council Working Group with a view to discussion at a future Council.

      Deep Water ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166481,"EventID":"S1W-29982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to investigate new ways of supporting private urban regeneration projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to investigate new ways of supporting private urban regeneration projects.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the delivery of urban regeneration policy rests with Communities Scotland. The private sector benefits from information and guidance on urban regeneration provided by Communities Scotland including, for example, the provision of research, publications like the housing market context statement and information held on its website. Such support will continue to evolve and be updated to meet the needs of those involved in regenerating communities.

      However, in the main, urban regeneration projects involve public sector expenditure and a range of support is provided across the Executive, including Communities Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166482,"EventID":"S1W-29983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority is given to assisting disabled people in the (a) privately-rented and (b) owner-occupied housing sectors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority is given to assisting disabled people in the (a) privately-rented and (b) owner-occupied housing sectors.","AnswerText":"Assistance to owners of private sector housing to make their houses suitable for the needs of disabled occupants is given by local authorities through housing improvement grants and from community care budgets. It is for local authorities to determine the priority given to expenditure on this type of assistance. The Scottish Executive is not aware of the detailed priorities which local authorities attach to relevant assistance in the owner-occupied and private rented sectors.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166483,"EventID":"S1W-29984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on improvement repair grants for disabled people in each of the last five years in the (a) privately-rented and (b) owner-occupied sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on improvement repair grants for disabled people in each of the last five years in the (a) privately-rented and (b) owner-occupied sector.","AnswerText":"The table shows the amount of grant approved in each year by local authorities for disability adaptations. Figures for 2001-02 are not yet available.

      Private Sector Improvements Grants: Approved Expenditure for Disability Grants

      1996-97

      (£000)

      1997-98

      (£000)

      1998-99

      (£000)

      1999-2000

      (£000)

      2000-01

      (£000)

      All

      5,576

      5,861

      7,282

      7,828

      9,382

      Owner occupier

      5,442

      5,788

      7,014

      7,562

      9,221

      Private rented sector1

      124

      69

      238

      188

      116

      Note:

      1. May also include some grants for housing association properties.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166484,"EventID":"S1W-29985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of community empowerment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its definition is of community empowerment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive understands the term community empowerment as meaning the extent to which people within communities (of place and interest) have power to influence change. Scottish Executive policy initiatives in this area aim to enhance the skills, resources, networks, opportunities, confidence and motivation of people, individually and collectively. An empowered community is one in which there are high levels of skills, resources etc, which can be mobilised to influence change.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166485,"EventID":"S1W-29986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of the voluntary sector is in service delivery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of the voluntary sector is in service delivery.","AnswerText":"The voluntary sector has an important role in service delivery. It is already a major provider and innovator across many areas of activity. The voluntary sector is in close touch with many parts of Scottish society and well placed to identify and respond to changing needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166486,"EventID":"S1W-29987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many representatives of the voluntary sector and private sector are members of the best value task force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many representatives of the voluntary sector and private sector are members of the best value task force.","AnswerText":"The Best Value task force was set up to provide guidance for local authorities in the operation of their new statutory duties under the Local Government in Scotland Bill. It consists mainly of local authority representatives, but also representatives of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the Scottish Consumer Council.

      The Scottish Executive has been careful to consult directly representatives of the voluntary sector and private sector about the provisions of the bill and will continue to consider their interests in its engagement with the task force.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166487,"EventID":"S1W-29988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many voluntary or private sector representatives there are in the community planning task force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many voluntary or private sector representatives there are in the community planning task force.","AnswerText":"The Community Planning Task Force has 22 members covering a range of key community planning partners, including private sector and voluntary sector interests. Full membership of the task force is listed in the table. Further details of the work of the Task Force can be accessed at: www.communityplanning.org.uk.

      Community Planning Task Force Membership

      Willie Rae (Chair)

      Chief Constable, Strathclyde Police

      Samantha Barber

      Chief Executive of Scottish Business in the Community

      Dr Stuart Black

      Director of Strengthening Communities, Highlands and Islands Enterprise

      Ann Clark

      Head of Policy, Highland Council

      Tom Divers

      Chief Executive, NHS Greater Glasgow

      Leslie Evans

      Head of Local Government Division, Scottish Executive

      David Fletcher

      Partnership Manager, Greater Easterhouse Partnership

      Caroline Gardner

      Deputy Auditor General, Audit Scotland

      Jon Harris

      Director of Corporate Strategy, COSLA

      Professor Chris Huxham

      Strathclyde University Graduate Business School

      Lynne Main

      Voluntary Worker, Wester Hailes Representative Council

      Stephen Maxwell

      Assistant Director of Development, Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations

      Ros Micklem

      Principal of Cardonald College

      Stuart Nichol

      Strategic Manager, Fife Council

      Douglas Paterson

      Chief Executive, Aberdeen City Council

      David Pigott

      Chief Executive, NHS Lanarkshire

      Selma Rahman

      Project Co-ordinator, Children in Scotland

      Martyn Rendle

      Business Director, Scottish Homes

      Douglas Sinclair

      Chief Executive, Fife Council

      Bill Spiers

      General Secretary, STUC

      John Thomson

      Director of Strategy, Scottish Natural Heritage

      Charles Woods

      Senior Director, Scottish Enterprise

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166488,"EventID":"S1W-29989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why all local authority houses outside Glasgow will have central heating by April 2004 but not all such houses in Glasgow will, as referred to in its Scottish Fuel Povert","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why all local authority houses outside Glasgow will have central heating by April 2004 but not all such houses in Glasgow will, as referred to in its Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement, and when it expects that all such houses in Glasgow will have central heating.","AnswerText":"The number of council houses in Glasgow which lack central heating is greater than the total number of council houses elsewhere in Scotland without central heating. It will take time to install central heating in all the houses concerned in Glasgow. Nevertheless, resources will be made available to the council, and later the Glasgow Housing Association, to ensure that all houses have central heating within only four years. This reflects our commitment, set out in the Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement, that by 2006 all pensioner households and tenants will have a centrally heated and well insulated home.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166489,"EventID":"S1W-29990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1754,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":5,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the code of practice for social service workers and employers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the code of practice for social service workers and employers.","AnswerText":"The codes of practice for social service workers and employers were launched on Monday 23 September 2002. There has been very enthusiastic endorsement from all key figures in the social work field. The codes will operate across the UK and are unique in that they cover both employers and employees. They are critical to the operation of the Social Services Register that will be established in April 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166490,"EventID":"S1W-29991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to help deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and deafblind victims of domestic abuse in each year since 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to help deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and deafblind victims of domestic abuse in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"In the year 2000 the Scottish Executive provided just under £500,000 to local women's aid groups to improve access to refuges and offices by the disabled. This included equipment for the deaf such as textphones, hearing loops and alarm systems.

      Teletext subtitles were added to the domestic abuse television advertisement for its screening in March/April 2002 at a cost of £3,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166491,"EventID":"S1W-29992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available in British Sign Language for deaf and deafened victims of domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available in British Sign Language for deaf and deafened victims of domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166492,"EventID":"S1W-29993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to help blind and visually-impaired victims of domestic abuse in each year since 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to help blind and visually-impaired victims of domestic abuse in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"In the year 2000, the Scottish Executive provided just under £500,000 to local women's aid groups to improve access to refuges and offices by the disabled. One group received £700 to produce publicity materials in braille.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166493,"EventID":"S1W-29994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available in Braille for blind and visually-impaired victims of domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available in Braille for blind and visually-impaired victims of domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166494,"EventID":"S1W-29995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available in an accessible form for deafblind victims of domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available in an accessible form for deafblind victims of domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166495,"EventID":"S1W-29996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact of increased costs of public, environmental and employers' liability insurance premiums on small- and medium-si'ed enterprises;","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact of increased costs of public, environmental and employers' liability insurance premiums on small- and medium-si'ed enterprises; what information it holds on the incidence of such enterprises being unable to secure such insurance cover at an affordable level, and what discussions it is undertaking, or considering undertaking, with Her Majesty's Government and, in particular, the Secretary of State for Scotland about any (a) market failure and (b) predatory pricing in respect of the availability of such insurance to such enterprises.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received a number of case studies, illustrating the possible impact of increased business insurance premiums, particularly Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance, and, in some instances, difficulty in securing cover has been identified. It is important to clarify that this type of information is not routinely collected. Not withstanding that fact, the Scottish Executive will continue to encourage individual companies, business organisations and trade associations to share their evidence and concerns on this important matter, to help to build up an accurate representation of the position developing across the UK.

      Responsibility for the statutory requirements affecting Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance rests with the Department of Work and Pensions and I have written to the Minister of State for Work, who is taking the lead on this matter, to express my concerns. The Executive is already directly involved in discussions about options for change and inter-departmental consultation is now well under way. The Scottish Executive will continue to work with the Scotland Office to represent Scottish business interests.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166496,"EventID":"S1W-29997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what buildings Historic Scotland has allowed the public access free of charge during Doors Open Day in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what buildings Historic Scotland has allowed the public access free of charge during Doors Open Day in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The following Historic Scotland sites have been opened free of charge in the last three years under the Doors Open Days initiative:

      2002

      St Triduana's Chapel, Edinburgh

      Corstorphine Dovecot, Edinburgh

      Kinneil House, Bo'ness

      Holyrood Education Centre, Edinburgh

      Balvaird Castle, Fife

      Claypotts Castle, Dundee

      Clackmannan Tower, Clackmannan

      2001

      St Triduana's Chapel, Edinburgh

      Corstorphine Dovecot, Edinburgh

      Kinneil House, Bo'ness

      Preston Mercat Cross, Prestonpans

      Glasgow Cathedral

      Trinity House, Edinburgh

      Balvaird Castle, Fife

      Claypotts Castle, Dundee

      Sunnybrae Cottage, Pitlochry

      2000

      St Triduana's Chapel, Edinburgh

      Corstorphine Dovecot, Edinburgh

      Kinneil House, Bo'ness

      Preston Mercat Cross, Prestonpans

      Greenknowe Tower, Gordon

      St Bride's Church, Douglas

      Croft-an-Righ, Edinburgh

      Balvaird Castle, Fife

      Claypotts Castle, Dundee

      Other manned and unmanned properties were open in accordance with Historic Scotland published opening times and entrance fees.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166497,"EventID":"S1W-29998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the European Year of People with Disabilities 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to support the European Year of People with Disabilities 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29089 on 20 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166498,"EventID":"S1W-29999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support the development of sports for seniors.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support the development of sports for seniors.","AnswerText":"We remain committed to the ethos of sport for all regardless of age. Sportscotland has committed significant funds to widening opportunities and its target set in 2000 of increasing the percentage of adults over 55 participating in sport from 34% to 45% by 2003 was achieved by March 2001.

      The recently published census figures confirm that we have an ageing population in Scotland. It is one of the issues that has been highlighted during the current review of Sport 21 and it is one that will need to be addressed in the revised and updated national strategy for sport in Scotland to be published next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166499,"EventID":"S1W-30000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of community orders were breached in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of community orders were breached in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on Scottish totals for community orders and breaches for 1999-2000 and 2000-01 is available in the statistical bulletin Criminal Justice Social Work Statistics, 2000-01 (available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00125-00.asp). Because of the incomplete nature of the data from local authorities, it is not possible to provide a reliable further breakdown.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166500,"EventID":"S1W-30001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training opportunities and funding it makes available to graduates for reskilling and how any such opportunities and funding are administered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training opportunities and funding it makes available to graduates for reskilling and how any such opportunities and funding are administered.","AnswerText":"The funding available to graduates to undertake further training will depend upon a number of factors including the level of qualification sought, the mode of study and the personal circumstances of the graduate.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166501,"EventID":"S1W-30002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework levels funded placements are available to long-term unemployed (a) graduates and (b) non-graduates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive at what Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework levels funded placements are available to long-term unemployed (a) graduates and (b) non-graduates.","AnswerText":"Learning and training opportunities are available to unemployed graduates and non-graduates up to level 11 of the SCQF framework as part of the Scottish Executive's Training for Work (TfW) programme and part-time further education courses. Some New Deal programmes offer education and training up to SCQF Level 6. Outwith the SCQF, work experience placements with employers are available to graduates and non-graduates under both Local Enterprise Company and New Deal programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166502,"EventID":"S1W-30003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what IT courses it provides to assist the long- and short-term unemployed to retrain and reskill for the current jobs market.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what IT courses it provides to assist the long- and short-term unemployed to retrain and reskill for the current jobs market.","AnswerText":"The Training for Work (TfW) programme offers a wide range of Information Technology (IT) training courses to unemployed adults. Details of the full range and level of courses available across Scotland is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. IT training is also available to the unemployed through part-time further education courses and community-based projects.

      The New Deal also provides IT training for clients and planning is under way for a pilot, in Scotland, of the Ambition:IT project to offer IT technician level training to unemployed people.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166503,"EventID":"S1W-30004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the procedures for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency issuing pollution prevention and control licences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the procedures for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency issuing pollution prevention and control licences.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is continuously developing its procedures and decision-making processes in relation to issuing pollution prevention and control permits. SEPA is currently reviewing particular aspects of the application and determination process to ensure that no undue regulatory burdens are imposed on industry, whilst ensuring that permits continue to protect the environment. The Scottish Executive will consider whether any changes to SEPA's procedures, or to the relevant legislation, are necessary once the agency has completed its review. Following an extensive consultation, and in the light of experience since the regulations were first introduced two years ago, the Executive plans to introduce a number of amendments to the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166504,"EventID":"S1W-30005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional funds for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd under its spending plans for 2003-06 are dependent on any other criteria being met and, if so, whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional funds for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd under its spending plans for 2003-06 are dependent on any other criteria being met and, if so, whether it will detail such criteria.","AnswerText":"As with all publicly funded bodies, the additional funding for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd will be dependent on the company meeting its corporate targets.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166505,"EventID":"S1W-30006","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional funds for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd under its spending plans for 2003-06 will be used to attract further flights by low cost carriers to I","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the additional funds for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd under its spending plans for 2003-06 will be used to attract further flights by low cost carriers to Inverness Airport.","AnswerText":"The additional funding to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, which was recently announced in the Spending Review settlement, will allow the company to operate 10 airports in the Highlands and Islands, and keep airport charges at a level that will encourage the further development of air services including those operated by no frills carriers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166506,"EventID":"S1W-30007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to monitor and address the social and economic implications of closures of sub-post offices; whether it is aware of how many sub-post office","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to monitor and address the social and economic implications of closures of sub-post offices; whether it is aware of how many sub-post offices closed in each month in 2001; if it is not, whether it will gather and publish this information, and whether it is aware of how many sub-post offices are likely to close in each month in 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive takes a wide range of factors into account in formulating its social and economic policies. Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved to the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166507,"EventID":"S1W-30008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28938 by Iain Gray on 16 September 2002, whether sub-postmasters or their representatives can bid for the loan guarantees strand of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28938 by Iain Gray on 16 September 2002, whether sub-postmasters or their representatives can bid for the loan guarantees strand of funding from the Phoenix Fund; what funding has been made available for assisting sub-postmasters in each of the last three years; whether any other funding will be ring-fenced for this purpose, and, if so, how much.","AnswerText":"The loan guarantee element of the Phoenix Fund is not available to individual businesses or social organisations. This strand is accessible only to UK based non-profit Community Development Finance Initiatives.

      Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters and direct assistance would be for the Department of Trade and Industry to consider.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166508,"EventID":"S1W-30009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a survey of shipping and, in particular, associated employment, traffic flows, investment, cluster effect and strategy and what the reasons are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a survey of shipping and, in particular, associated employment, traffic flows, investment, cluster effect and strategy and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive recognises the importance of shipping for the Scottish economy and welcomes the development of the shipping sector in Scotland. The Executive also maintains regular contact with the United Kingdom Government on a wide range of issues including shipping policy, which is a reserved matter. The Executive has no plans to undertake a survey of shipping.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166509,"EventID":"S1W-30010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) freight facilities grants and (b) track access grants it has provided and what track access grants the Strategic Rail Authority has provided in Scotland in each","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) freight facilities grants and (b) track access grants it has provided and what track access grants the Strategic Rail Authority has provided in Scotland in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Since 1999 the Scottish Executive has made 12 awards of Freight Facilities Grant (FFG) totalling almost £34 million. Over the last three complete financial years the breakdown of these awards is:

      1999-2000

      seven awards made totalling £12.916 million

      2000-01

      three awards made totalling £10.983 million

      2001-02

      two awards made totalling £10.039 million

      In addition, the Executive funded the £11 million award by Department for Transport to Forth Ports plc in 2001-02 for the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry link.

      The Scottish Executive has made three awards of Track Access Grant (TAG) since taking over responsibility for the scheme in December 2000. All three awards were made in the financial year 2002-03. In addition, the Scottish Executive will contribute to a further two awards of TAG made by the SRA under our working agreement for applications which have traffic flows on both sides of the border.

      The SRA has no powers to award TAG for traffic flows wholly within Scotland. However, since assuming responsibility for TAG in February 2001 the SRA have made four cross-border awards of TAG, including the two mentioned above made under the recent working agreement.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166510,"EventID":"S1W-30011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is funding current studies on upgrading and improving Edinburgh Waverley Station; in particular, what funding it has made available to the studies and what the reason","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is funding current studies on upgrading and improving Edinburgh Waverley Station; in particular, what funding it has made available to the studies and what the reasons are for its position on this matter, and what the cost is of the studies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive announced on 20 May 2002 that we would make up to £1 million available to fund development work at Waverley Station. This is to fund technical investigation work that has to be undertaken to assess site conditions. This work will help inform the final design of the station and determine the necessary funding required to develop it. Initial costs of this preliminary work have been estimated at £758,000 for financial year 2002-03. Further detailed costings are being prepared.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166511,"EventID":"S1W-30012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions and guidance it has issued regarding any necessary repairs to the east coast main line; to whom any such directions and guidance were issued; what the opt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions and guidance it has issued regarding any necessary repairs to the east coast main line; to whom any such directions and guidance were issued; what the optimum date is for carrying out and completing such repairs; what assessment it has made of any consequential increase in trucks on roads, and on what roads any such increase is anticipated.","AnswerText":"The maintenance, replacement and repair of track and signalling equipment, whether routine or unscheduled, is an operational matter for Railtrack. The Scottish Executive has no direct locus or powers to intervene, but we are in regular contact with Railtrack on these and other issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166512,"EventID":"S1W-30013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27301 by Mike Watson on 30 July 2002, what progress has been made in researching the product and service expectations of actual and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27301 by Mike Watson on 30 July 2002, what progress has been made in researching the product and service expectations of actual and prospective genealogy tourists.","AnswerText":"On 18 September, Dr Richard Simpson, Deputy Minister for Justice, launched a new website www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk. This has been developed by the General Register Office for Scotland, and will compliment VisitScotland's existing site, which links genealogy with a motivation to travel. In addition, VisitScotland will shortly be launching www.ancestralscotland.com in both Auckland and Sydney, and will be working in partnership with the British Tourist Association on their upcoming Destination Britain campaign in Australia and New Zealand.

      VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are also working together to develop Scottish genealogy tourism. A current research project will focus on the development of networks and commercial opportunities within this niche sector. This will include the identification and evaluation of the needs and expectations of actual and prospective genealogy tourists and it will report in mid-2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166513,"EventID":"S1W-30014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide more cognitive therapists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to provide more cognitive therapists.","AnswerText":"A number of individuals from a variety of clinical backgrounds and who have undertaken appropriate postgraduate training in cognitive therapy may use the title of cognitive therapist.

      We have recently launched Working for Health, the Workforce Development Action Plan for NHSScotland, which has set a critical path for creating a robust development function integrating workforce planning and service planning across all services in NHSScotland, including those providing psychological treatment through cognitive behaviour therapy.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166514,"EventID":"S1W-30015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to British Waterways' future activities in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to British Waterways' future activities in Scotland.","AnswerText":"A close liaison between the Executive and British Waterways Scotland will continue to be maintained as regards the upkeep and development of Scotland's canals.

      The Scottish budget for the period April 2003 to March 2006 includes the provision of £33 million to British Waterways for this three-year period. This represents an increase in deficit grant of 23%.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166515,"EventID":"S1W-30016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the value of canals and waterways to the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the value of canals and waterways to the economy.","AnswerText":"It is estimated that the Scottish canal network currently supports over 1,000 jobs in the leisure, recreation and tourism sectors. The Caledonian Canal contributes 14% of the tourist spend in the Great Glen.

      The value of canals to the Scottish economy is expected to increase significantly in the coming years as the regeneration and development opportunities offered by the Millennium Link are realised.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166516,"EventID":"S1W-30017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote canals and waterways as tourist attractions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to promote canals and waterways as tourist attractions.","AnswerText":"Promoting Scotland's canals as tourist attractions is undertaken mainly by British Waterways, VisitScotland and Sail Scotland.

      We published our canals policy document Scotland's Canals: an asset for the future today. One of its chief aims is to increase the profile of our canals for tourism and other purposes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166517,"EventID":"S1W-30018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the policy paper on canals and waterways will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the policy paper on canals and waterways will be published.","AnswerText":"Our policy paper Scotland's Canals: an asset for the future is being published today.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166518,"EventID":"S1W-30019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the remit of the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 covers the licensing of vendors of fireworks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the remit of the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 covers the licensing of vendors of fireworks.","AnswerText":"No. The sale and supply of fireworks is a consumer protection matter and therefore reserved. The Department of Trade and Industry is currently considering what action can be taken within the existing legislation to address problems with fireworks. A COSLA Fireworks Task Group is also looking at this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166519,"EventID":"S1W-30020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 intends to look at the vendors of fireworks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the independent task group reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 intends to look at the vendors of fireworks.","AnswerText":"No. General policy on the sale of fireworks is reserved to the Department of Trade and Industry. The Department of Trade and Industry are currently undertaking a review of the legislation and my officials are liaising closely with them on this. Additionally, I am also aware that COSLA have set up a Fireworks Task Group and we will consider their findings, once published, in order to determine what if any action can be taken by Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166520,"EventID":"S1W-30021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28699 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, what information is provided to the Scottish Prison Service by Medacs at (a) individu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28699 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, what information is provided to the Scottish Prison Service by Medacs at (a) individual health centre level and (b) the regular meetings of the national Medical Services Contract Monitoring Group.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Information and evidence provided relates to the agreed key performance indicators contained in the contract between SPS and Medacs Forensic Services. I refer the member to the answer to question S1W-28224 on 2 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166521,"EventID":"S1W-30022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, why there has been no assessment of compliance with Standards of Health Care of Prisoners o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, why there has been no assessment of compliance with Standards of Health Care of Prisoners of medical services in prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      It was recognised that the Health Care Standards required revision to improve auditibility.

      The SPS has recently been in contact with the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland to identify how our standards could be improved. We are currently in the process of commissioning this piece of work. It is hoped that the revision of our standards will be completed by March 2003. I will arrange for the revised version to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166522,"EventID":"S1W-30023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28700 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, what evidence it receives of compliance with Standards of Health Care of Prisoners by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28700 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, what evidence it receives of compliance with Standards of Health Care of Prisoners by the private contractors for medical services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer to question S1W-30021 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166523,"EventID":"S1W-30024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, when it plans to make a further assessment of compliance with Standards of Health Care of P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, when it plans to make a further assessment of compliance with Standards of Health Care of Prisoners in prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      A further assessment will be undertaken 12 months after the revised standards are introduced.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166524,"EventID":"S1W-30025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, whether it will provide a table for HM Prison Kilmarnock equivalent to the table given for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, whether it will provide a table for HM Prison Kilmarnock equivalent to the table given for prisons operated by the Scottish Prison Service.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28769 on 2 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166525,"EventID":"S1W-30026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ministers and officials have met the Health and Safety Commission since May 1999; what issues were discussed at any such meetings; what the results of any such meet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which ministers and officials have met the Health and Safety Commission since May 1999; what issues were discussed at any such meetings; what the results of any such meetings have been; what future meetings have been arranged, and what issues are to be discussed at these meetings.","AnswerText":"The then Minister for Health and Community Care participated in the Scottish launch of the Health and Safety Commission's (HSC) Securing Health Together strategy. The Scottish Executive's Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Public Health is a member of the partnership board, which is taking forward the strategy. The Chair of HSC chairs the board.

      The Scottish Executive has agreed a concordat with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the body which advises HSC on health and safety policy and is its operational arm. Scottish Executive officials are in regular contact with HSE officials on a wide range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166526,"EventID":"S1W-30027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether every school will have modern computers with broadband links to each other and to the world wide web before the dissolution of the Parliament in 2003 and whether","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether every school will have modern computers with broadband links to each other and to the world wide web before the dissolution of the Parliament in 2003 and whether it will detail the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"Between 1999-2000 and 2001-02 the Scottish Executive provided £80 million to local authorities through the National Grid for Learning programme of the Excellence Fund. This money was intended to help them achieve a number of targets for ICT in schools, including provision of modern computers and networking.

      The results of the 2001 School Census (available on the internet at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00168-00.asp) and the recently published results of the annual ICT survey (available on the internet at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00193-00.asp) give details of progress. The ICT survey indicated that, by February 2002, some 49% of secondary schools, 8% of primary schools and 13% of special schools in Scotland had broadband connections of 2Mbps or greater. In addition, 94% of secondary schools, 47% of primary schools and 39% of special schools have been internally networked for teaching purposes.

      As part of its broadband strategy, the Executive has developed the Pathfinder initiatives. Contracts to deliver broadband connections to all schools in the Highlands and Islands and in the South of Scotland (covering 8 of the 32 education authorities) are expected to be signed in 2003. A review of ICT infrastructure in every education authority is currently taking place as part of the considerations about ensuring schools outside the Pathfinder areas have access to broadband connections.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166527,"EventID":"S1W-30028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that every school pupil will have an e-mail address and access to the learning opportunities offered through the internet before the dissolution of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that every school pupil will have an e-mail address and access to the learning opportunities offered through the internet before the dissolution of the Parliament in 2003 and whether it will detail the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"Between 1999-2000 and 2001-02 the Scottish Executive provided £80 million to local authorities through the National Grid for Learning programme of the Excellence Fund. This money was intended to help them achieve a number of targets by 2002, including access to e-mail and to the Internet.

      The results of the 2001 School Census (available on the internet at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00168-00.asp) showed that 100% of secondary schools and 84% of primary schools had access to the internet, and that 68% of secondary school pupils and 16% of primary school pupils had individual e-mail addresses. The Executive made clear to education authorities in March 2001 that access to e-mail using, for instance, whole class e-mail addresses was acceptable for younger pupils, where authorities had concerns about child protection. The 2002 position will be known when the results of the 2002 School Census are published in the spring of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166528,"EventID":"S1W-30029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide at least four modern computers for every class in every primary and secondary school before the dissolution of the Parliament in 2003, and whethe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide at least four modern computers for every class in every primary and secondary school before the dissolution of the Parliament in 2003, and whether it will detail the reasons behind its response.","AnswerText":"Between 1999-2000 and 2001-02 the Scottish Executive provided £80 million to local authorities through the National Grid for Learning programme of the Excellence Fund. This money was intended to help them achieve a number of targets by 2002, including pupil:modern computer ratios of 7.5:1 in primary schools and 5:1 in secondary schools.

      The results of the 2001 School Census (available on the internet at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00168-00.asp) showed that the target in secondary schools was achieved by 2001. At that time the ratio of pupils to modern computers in primary schools was 11:1. The position in 2002 will be known when the results of the 2002 School Census are published in spring 2003.

      The actual deployment of these computers within schools is a matter for local decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166529,"EventID":"S1W-30030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, who the external adviser is engaged by the Scottish Prison Service to consider how developm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, who the external adviser is engaged by the Scottish Prison Service to consider how development of Standards of Health Care for Prisoners may be taken forward.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The external adviser engaged was the Nursing Adviser to HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166530,"EventID":"S1W-30031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, when work on revision of the Scottish Prison Service's Standards of Health Care for Prisone","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, when work on revision of the Scottish Prison Service's Standards of Health Care for Prisoners will be completed and whether the revised version of the standards will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS has recently been in contact with the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland to identify how our standards could be improved. We are currently in the process of commissioning this piece of work. It is hoped that the revision of our standards will be completed by March 2003. I will arrange for the revised version to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166531,"EventID":"S1W-30032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, whether any assessment has been made of targets 1.1.5, 1.1.7, 1.1.10, 1.2.1, 1.3.1, 2.2.2, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26897 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 July 2002, whether any assessment has been made of targets 1.1.5, 1.1.7, 1.1.10, 1.2.1, 1.3.1, 2.2.2, 2.4.1, 3.4.1, 4.0.2, 5.1.2, 5.1.8, 5.2.7, 5.2.10, 5.3.2, 5.4.1, 5.4.2, 5.5.3, 7.1.4, 7.1.7, 7.1.11, 7.2.1, 7.4.1, 7.5.3, 8.1.2, 8.2.1, 8.4.4, 8.7.5 and 9.2.3 in Standards of Health Care for Prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No service-wide assessment has been undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166532,"EventID":"S1W-30033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what screening for communicable diseases, including hepatitis B and C and HIV, is provided in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what screening for communicable diseases, including hepatitis B and C and HIV, is provided in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Screening for communicable diseases is provided at the request of prisoners. All prisoners are offered immunisation against hepatitis B on admission to custody. All prisoners known to be hepatitis C positive are offered immunisation against hepatitis A.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166533,"EventID":"S1W-30034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28581 by Ross Finnie on 18 September 2002, which local authorities have collection facilities for plastic collection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28581 by Ross Finnie on 18 September 2002, which local authorities have collection facilities for plastic collection.","AnswerText":"Information on the 12 local authorities which had plastics collections in 2001 is available in the RECOUP report, Providing a comprehensive overview of plastic bottle recycling in the UK - 2002. The report is available on RECOUP's website, http://www.recoup.org/.

      In addition, a pilot plastic bottle recycling service was recently introduced in Edinburgh City Council. This provides recycling banks at 12 sites around the city, with the aim of gathering 50 tonnes of plastic over the next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166534,"EventID":"S1W-30035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who independently assesses the applications for standard compensation following the quashing of criminal convictions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who independently assesses the applications for standard compensation following the quashing of criminal convictions.","AnswerText":"It is for Scottish ministers to determine whether a case merits an award of compensation under the provisions set out in section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 or under the ex gratia scheme. Once that decision has been taken, an independent assessor is appointed to determine the quantum of compensation to be paid.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166535,"EventID":"S1W-30036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the intended time scale is between the award of an interim payment and the completion of final payment for standard compensation following the quashing of criminal c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the intended time scale is between the award of an interim payment and the completion of final payment for standard compensation following the quashing of criminal convictions.","AnswerText":"There is no established time scale for the period between the award of an interim payment and the final settlement of a case, during which time more than one interim payment may be made. A variety of factors are taken into account when the quantum of compensation is assessed. The time between making an interim award and concluding a claim can vary from case to case, depending on individual circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166536,"EventID":"S1W-30037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many criminal convictions quashed by the courts in each of the last five years were for (a) serious and (b) minor offences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many criminal convictions quashed by the courts in each of the last five years were for (a) serious and (b) minor offences.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table:

      Convictions Quashed on Appeal by Main Offence of Original Conviction, 1997-2001

      Main Offence Group1

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Crimes

      Non-sexual crimes of violence

      7

      2

      7

      16

      6

      Crimes of indecency

      5

      1

      5

      3

      1

      Crimes of dishonesty

      14

      6

      15

      7

      1

      Criminal damage

      3

      2

      2

      2

      0

      Other crimes

      12

      5

      14

      6

      5

      Offences

      Miscellaneous offences

      25

      10

      16

      6

      3

      Motor vehicle offences

      6

      6

      9

      11

      8

      All crimes and offences

      72

      32

      68

      51

      24

      Note:

      1. For statistical purposes offences are classified as either "crimes" or "offences". "Crimes" generally encompass the more serious criminal acts, though "offences" may also relate to serious breaches of the criminal law.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166537,"EventID":"S1W-30038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is carrying out to ascertain the economic impact on various different types of farms and, in particular, on hill and upland farms of the temporary 20-day sta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is carrying out to ascertain the economic impact on various different types of farms and, in particular, on hill and upland farms of the temporary 20-day standstill rule on livestock movements.","AnswerText":"A comprehensive cost benefit analysis of the post-foot-and-mouth disease 20-day standstill arrangements is being commissioned. The analysis will take account of the differences in the livestock industry in the various parts of Great Britain, including the stratified nature of livestock production in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166538,"EventID":"S1W-30039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of any financial benefit the current exemption from the 20-day standstill regulations has brought to the islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of any financial benefit the current exemption from the 20-day standstill regulations has brought to the islands.","AnswerText":"Scottish Islands must comply with the general requirements of the 20-day standstill arrangements but livestock from the Northern Isles and the Western Isles Council area are allowed to be moved to a mainland market within 20 days of being at a market on the islands.

      This exemption was introduced only recently and it would be very difficult to assess its financial impact at this stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166539,"EventID":"S1W-30040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basis is for continuing with the 20-day standstill rule for livestock movements and whether it has any plans to review the position.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the basis is for continuing with the 20-day standstill rule for livestock movements and whether it has any plans to review the position.","AnswerText":"The 20-day standstill movement is an important element of the Scottish Executive's animal disease control strategy. If there were to be a further outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease or another infectious disease the 20-day standstill would greatly reduce the risk of disease spread and increase the chance of the disease being identified before animals from the infected farm were moved to other farms or markets.

      The present 20-day movement restriction will be reviewed once a detailed cost benefit analysis into its impact on the industry has been completed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166540,"EventID":"S1W-30041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide statistics on cattle movements, by category, into and out of Scotland over the last six months and whether it can provide details of the amount of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide statistics on cattle movements, by category, into and out of Scotland over the last six months and whether it can provide details of the amount of carcass meat, including primals, being brought into Scotland and what the eventual market is for such meat.","AnswerText":"The statistics on cattle movements cannot be produced for the reply deadline but will be sent to the member in due course and a copy placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24521). The information relating to carcass meat is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166541,"EventID":"S1W-30042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to introduce a scheme similar to the Business Insight Initiative funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and sponsored by Yorkshire For","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to introduce a scheme similar to the Business Insight Initiative funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and sponsored by Yorkshire Forward to provide small- and medium-si'ed businesses with free enhanced satellite broadband connection for 12 months, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"There is already a comparable one-year pilot managed by our Enterprise Networks which is currently operating across the Highlands and Islands and in three Scottish Enterprise LEC areas. The Yorkshire initiative and the Scottish scheme share the objective of assessing the business benefits of satellite broadband.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166542,"EventID":"S1W-30043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why none of the performance measures shown in schedule F of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock relate directly to compliance with Standards of Health Care for Prisone","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why none of the performance measures shown in schedule F of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock relate directly to compliance with Standards of Health Care for Prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The contract for the building and operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock pre-dates the publication of The Standards of Health Care for Prisoners.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166543,"EventID":"S1W-30044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish its report on the progress made against the Statistical Plan 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish its report on the progress made against the Statistical Plan 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that we are publishing the report of progress against the Statistical Plan 2001-02, today. The Chief Statistician's Annual Report 2001-02 sets out the progress made against the Statistical Plan 2001-02, which was published in May 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166544,"EventID":"S1W-30045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that public transport workers, passengers and vehicles are protected from the effects of anti-social behaviour, including violence, va","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that public transport workers, passengers and vehicles are protected from the effects of anti-social behaviour, including violence, vandalism and smoking.","AnswerText":"I take the issue of anti-social behaviour on public transport very seriously. We are awaiting a report from the Scottish Business Crime Centre about crime on buses, which will make recommendations on the way forward.

      The Executive recently launched an action programme that identifies measures to reduce youth offending and build a safer Scotland. We are investing in community-based programmes to prevent and reduce re-offending. In addition to the £25.5 million we have committed since June 2000, we will be investing a further £15 million this year to implement the 10-point action plan to tackle youth crime and disorder. Youth justice investment will increase to £33 million in 2005-06.

      A great deal of behaviour which might be classified as anti-social (including assault and vandalism) is already covered by existing law. The Executive has no plans to introduce new legislation in this area but we will continue to encourage transport operators and the police to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and assault, with the utmost seriousness.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166545,"EventID":"S1W-30046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any systems are currently in place to monitor the incidence of anti-social behaviour on public transport and, if not, whether it has any plans to introduce any su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any systems are currently in place to monitor the incidence of anti-social behaviour on public transport and, if not, whether it has any plans to introduce any such system.","AnswerText":"Local transport providers and police forces keep records of incidences of vandalism and assault. We have no plans to collect this information centrally.

      We continue to encourage public transport operators and the police to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and assault, with the utmost seriousness.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166546,"EventID":"S1W-30048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25417 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 May 2002, when it plans to publish a full report on the convention on hospital-acquired infections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25417 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 May 2002, when it plans to publish a full report on the convention on hospital-acquired infections.","AnswerText":"

      Malcolm Chisholm The report is in preparation and I expect to publish it on 23 October.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166547,"EventID":"S1W-30049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28706 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, what assessment it has made of best value in respect of contracting out prisoner esco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28706 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, what assessment it has made of best value in respect of contracting out prisoner escorts.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information referred to in the answer given to question S1W-28706 will be used to assess value during the evaluation of bids received in response to the tender exercise now under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166548,"EventID":"S1W-30050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28706 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, what annual savings it estimates that it will make by contracting out prisoner escort","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28706 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, what annual savings it estimates that it will make by contracting out prisoner escorts.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Accurate information is not currently available. Arrangements for the collection and analysis of relevant data are being made as part of the tender exercise currently under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166549,"EventID":"S1W-30051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28706 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, when it will be able to give the cost to the Scottish Prison Service of providing pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28706 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, when it will be able to give the cost to the Scottish Prison Service of providing prisoner escorts in each of the last three years and whether it will place the information in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre once it is available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Relevant data is being collected and analysed for the 12 months from December 2001. This will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166550,"EventID":"S1W-30052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28706 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, whether it has sought any external advice with regard to contracting out prisoner esc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28706 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, whether it has sought any external advice with regard to contracting out prisoner escorts.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      As part of the project to contract out prisoner escort services and following competitive tender exercises, the SPS has engaged the services of PA Consulting and Semple Fraser WS to provide project management, commercial, legal and financial advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166551,"EventID":"S1W-30053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of education services have been in each Scottish Prison Service prison in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs of education services have been in each Scottish Prison Service prison in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29771 on 15 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166552,"EventID":"S1W-30055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the number of proceedings taken by procurators fiscal in cases of vandalism fell as a proportion of cases cleared up by the police between 1997 and 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the number of proceedings taken by procurators fiscal in cases of vandalism fell as a proportion of cases cleared up by the police between 1997 and 2000.","AnswerText":"I am not aware that the number of proceedings fell as the member suggests. Vandalism in police and Scottish Executive recorded statistics is defined as including malicious mischief, vandalism and reckless conduct with firearms. Prosecution policy in such cases remains that proceedings will be taken where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166553,"EventID":"S1W-30056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first results of the 2001 Census will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the first results of the 2001 Census will be published.","AnswerText":"The first results of the 2001 Census are published today in the Registrar General's 2001 Population Report. The report contains final figures for the resident population for Scotland and local councils as at Census Day (29 April 2001). In addition, it contains the Registrar General's mid-year estimates of the population as at 30 June 2001. A copy of the report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24442), or from the GROS website at: www.gro-scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166554,"EventID":"S1W-30057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports to and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 19(1) of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports to and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 19(1) of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taken to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems within the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166555,"EventID":"S1W-30058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 56(1) of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 56(1) of the British Transport Commission Act 1949 as amended.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taken to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems within the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166556,"EventID":"S1W-30059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports to and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 55(1) of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports to and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 55(1) of the British Transport Commission Act 1949 as amended.","AnswerText":"Figures for the number of reports submitted to procurators fiscal under the stated section are not separately identifiable.

      Figures for persons proceeded against and convictions obtained are in the following tables. It should be noted that where a person is proceeded against for more that one crime or offence, only the "main charge" is recorded for statistical purposes. The main charge is that which is the most serious and receives the severest penalty.

      Table 1: Persons Where Main Offence Under Section 55 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949, 1998-2000

      Year of Sentence

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Persons proceeded against

      82

      36

      35

      Source: Scottish Executive Justice Department.

      Table 2: Persons Where Main Offence Under Section 55 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949, 1998-2000

      Year of Sentence

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Persons with charge proved

      78

      31

      32

      Source: Scottish Executive Justice Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166557,"EventID":"S1W-30060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports to and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 16 of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports to and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 16 of the Railway Regulation Act 1840 as amended.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally at present, but action is currently being taken to improve how this type of information is recorded. It is hoped that it should be possible to complete the improvements to our record keeping systems within the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166558,"EventID":"S1W-30061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports to and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 23 of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) (i) reports to and (ii) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (b) convictions there have been in each of the last three years under section 23 of the Regulation of Railways Act 1924 as amended. ","AnswerText":"I am not aware of the Regulation of Railways Act 1924. However, there have been no reports to procurators fiscal under section 23 of the Regulation of Railways Act 1868.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166559,"EventID":"S1W-30062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been invested in (a) primary and (b) secondary school education in each year since 1996, expressed in (i) cash and (ii) real terms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been invested in (a) primary and (b) secondary school education in each year since 1996, expressed in (i) cash and (ii) real terms.","AnswerText":"Net revenue expenditure by local authorities on primary and secondary education is set out in the following table. 2000-01 is the latest financial year for which information is available.

      Net Revenue Expenditure (in £000s) by local authorities on primary and secondary education.

      Year

      Primary Education

      Secondary Education

       

      Cash Terms

      Real Terms

      (at 2000-01 prices)

      Cash Terms

      Real Terms

      (at 2000-01 prices)

      1996-97

      £843,943

      £935,807

      £952,848

      £1,056,568

      1997-98

      £849,940

      £914,249

      £948,911

      £1,020,709

      1998-99

      £888,312

      £929,977

      £997,212

      £1,043,985

      1999-2000

      £960,050

      £981,322

      £1,058,875

      £1,082,336

      2000-01

      £1,014,235

      £1,014,235

      £1,111,444

      £1,111,444

      Notes:

      1. Information reported by local authorities to the Scottish Executive in annual Statistical returns (LFR1 Education).

      2. Figures include expenditure met from council tax, non-domestic rates and Revenue Support Grant.

      3. Figures exclude costs of home to school transport, school meals, education authority central administration costs, and loan and leasing charges (which are not divided between primary and secondary sectors).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166560,"EventID":"S1W-30063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have taken up further education in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have taken up further education in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of enrolments in further education in each year since 1996.

      Year

      Higher Education Institutions

      Further Education Colleges

      Vocational

      Further Education Colleges

      Non-vocational

      Total

      1996-97

      199

      260,624

      45,186

      306,009

      1997-98

      184

      274,119

      57,331

      331,634

      1998-99

      203

      280,890

      60,137

      341,230

      1999-2000

      129

      302,277

      50,859

      353,265

      2000-01

      133

      346,128

      59,393

      405,654

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166561,"EventID":"S1W-30064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drug-related convictions there have been in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many drug-related convictions there have been in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The information available is given in the following table. The statistics identify persons with a charge proved where the main offence involved the illegal importation, cultivation, supply or possession of drugs. Other offences may be drug-related, such as those committed to fund a drug habit, but these cannot be separately identified within the statistics held centrally. Information for 2001 is not expected to be available until around November 2002.

      Persons with a Charge Proved Where the Main Offence was a Drugs Offence, 1996-2000

      Year

      Number

      1996

      6,183

      1997

      7,005

      1998

      6,918

      1999

      6,400

      2000

      5,383

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166562,"EventID":"S1W-30065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual expenditure on drug-related activities has been in each year since 1996, broken down by expenditure on crime, education, rehabilitation and treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual expenditure on drug-related activities has been in each year since 1996, broken down by expenditure on crime, education, rehabilitation and treatment.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29869 on 8 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166563,"EventID":"S1W-30066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many long-term unemployed people there were (a) on 1 April and (b) on average in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many long-term unemployed people there were (a) on 1 April and (b) on average in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"(a) Table showing the number of people in April each year for 1996-2002 who were claiming unemployment-related benefits for more than one year.

      Number of People Claiming Unemployment-Related Benefits for More Than One Year (000)

      April 1996

      62.4

      April 1997

      51.6

      April 1998

      31.4

      April 1999

      30.4

      April 2000

      25.2

      April 2001

      20.4

      April 2002

      15.1

      (b) Table showing the monthly average number of people during each year 1996-2002 who were claiming unemployment-related benefits for more than one year.

      Monthly Average Number of People Claiming Unemployment-Related Benefits (000)

      Year

      		 

      1996

      60.1

      1997

      45.7

      1998

      31.6

      1999

      29.0

      2000

      24.1

      2001

      19.2

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166564,"EventID":"S1W-30067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unemployed people aged under 25 there were (a) on 1 April and (b) on average in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unemployed people aged under 25 there were (a) on 1 April and (b) on average in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"(a) Table showing the number of people aged under 25 who were claiming job related benefits in April each year for 1996 to 2002.

      Number of People Aged Under 25 Claiming Unemployment-Related Benefits (000)

      April 1996

      54.5

      April 1997

      45.6

      April 1998

      39.8

      April 1999

      35.9

      April 2000

      31.9

      April 2001

      29.8

      April 2002

      29.8

      (b) Table showing the average monthly number of people aged under 25 who were claiming job related benefits each year for 1996 to 2001.

      Average Monthly Number of People Aged Under 25 claiming Unemployment-Related Benefits (000)

      Year

      		 

      1996

      54.2

      1997

      44.3

      1998

      39.4

      1999

      35.2

      2000

      31.2

      2001

      29.8

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166565,"EventID":"S1W-30068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs there were (a) on 1 April and (b) on average in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs there were (a) on 1 April and (b) on average in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"(a) Table showing the number of civilian workforce jobs in Scotland in the spring quarter (Jan-March) for each year, since 1996.

      Number of Civilian Workforce Jobs in Scotland (000)

      Jan-March 1996

      2,326

      Jan-March 1997

      2,316

      Jan-March 1998

      2,356

      Jan-March 1999

      2,383

      Jan-March 2000

      2,371

      Jan-March 2001

      2,452

      Jan-March 2002

      2,433

      (b) Table showing the average quarterly number of civilian workforce jobs in Scotland during each year, since 1996.

      Average Quarterly Number of Civilian Workforce Jobs in Scotland (000)

      Year

      		 

      1996

      2,348

      1997

      2,339

      1998

      2,372

      1999

      2,390

      2000

      2,429

      2001

      2,458

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166566,"EventID":"S1W-30069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were treated in hospital in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were treated in hospital in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Patients receiving hospital treatment will receive their care in a variety of settings e.g. out-patient clinics, or in-patient and day case beds.

      Data on the number of episodes of care for in-patient and day case treatment and the total number of consultant out-patient and accident and emergency attendances for the years ending March 1997 to March 2002 is provided in the following table:

      NHSiS - In-Patient1, Day Case1, Out-Patient1 and Accident and Emergency Activity: Years Ending 31 March 1997-20022

      Year ending 31 March

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002

      In-patient episodes3

      969,283

      982,804

      981,574

      969,455

      959,807

      953,638

      Day case episodes

      384,291

      414,869

      437,819

      434,269

      443,519

      419,957

      Out-patient attendances

      4,721,105

      4,812,422

      4,905,935

      4,900,189

      4,854,618

      4,745,141

      Attendances at A&E4

      1,550,704

      1,521,055

      1,520,016

      1,552,634

      1,530,264

      1,537,466

      Source: ISD Scotland [Form ISD(S)1].

      Notes:

      1. Includes NHS activity in joint-user and contractual hospitals.

      2. Information for 1998 onwards is based on new methods of recording.

      3. Includes transfers between specialties or significant facilities.

      4. Excludes patients attending for accident and emergency treatment that are seen by GPs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166567,"EventID":"S1W-30070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on hospital buildings in each year since 1996","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on hospital buildings in each year since 1996","AnswerText":"An accurate assessment of spend on hospital buildings is not maintained centrally. However, the capital budget, including capital receipts, available to NHS Scotland in each year was as follows:

      Year

      £ million

      1997-98

      136

      1998-99

      166

      1999-2000

      217

      2000-01

      248

      2001-02

      285

      A proportion of each year's budget was allocated on a formula basis to NHS trusts for routine maintenance, achievement of statutory standards, the purchase of small items of equipment and small capital projects such as ward upgrades. The amounts allocated under these heads range from £54 million to £90 million. The balance in each year has been allocated by Scottish Executive Health Department in support of business cases for buildings and equipment.

      In addition to NHS capital, hospital buildings with a capital cost of £469 million have been provided by the private sector. The annual cost to NHS Scotland for the provision of these fully maintained facilities (the annual unitary charge) was:

      Year

      £ million

      1997-98

      4.9

      1998-99

      6.4

      1999-2000

      7.1

      2000-01

      12.5

      2001-02

      54.1

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166568,"EventID":"S1W-30071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many people were on hospital waiting lists and (b) what the average length of waiting time for an operation was in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive (a) how many people were on hospital waiting lists and (b) what the average length of waiting time for an operation was in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of in-patients and day cases on the true waiting list, and the median length of waiting time before an acute hospital admission is provided in the following tables.

      Table 1

      As At Year Ended

      Number on True Waiting List

      31 March 1996

      82,640

      31 March 1997

      84,649

      31 March 1998

      89,525

      31 March 1999

      70,227

      31 March 2000

      82,334

      31 March 2001

      81,968

      31 March 2002

      71,962

      Table 2

      Year Ended

      Median Wait (Days)

      31 March 1996

      32

      31 March 1997

      31

      31 March 1998

      34

      31 March 1999

      32

      31 March 2000

      31

      31 March 2001

      34

      31 March 2002

      34

      Information on hospital waiting lists is published quarterly by the Information and Statistics Division on its Acute Activity, Waiting Times and Waiting List website. The web address is http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/acute_activity/index.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166569,"EventID":"S1W-30072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) police officers and (b) civilian staff there were in each police force (i) on 1 April and (ii) on average in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) police officers and (b) civilian staff there were in each police force (i) on 1 April and (ii) on average in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Police and support staff strength figures are collected at 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December each year. The information is shown in the following tables.

      Police Officer Strength as at 31 March
       

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002

      Central Scotland

      657

      686

      703

      719

      721

      733

      719

      Dumfries and Galloway

      390

      412

      439

      437

      451

      478

      482

      Fife

      790

      831

      855

      846

      837

      852

      912

      Grampian

      1,172

      1,173

      1,193

      1,249

      1,215

      1,273

      1,258

      Lothian and Borders

      2,534

      2,691

      2,691

      2,615

      2,584

      2,670

      2,700

      Northern

      640

      649

      657

      660

      653

      668

      683

      Strathclyde

      7,216

      7,231

      7,299

      7,135

      7,101

      7,318

      7,327

      Tayside

      1,113

      1,116

      1,143

      1,149

      1,137

      1,157

      1,170

      Total

      14,512

      14,789

      14,980

      14,810

      14,699

      15,149

      15,251

      Source: Quarterly Strength Returns (QSRs) from forces.

      Average Police Strength
       

      1996-97

      1997-98

      		Crimes Recorded and Cleared up by the Police, Scotland, 1996-2001

      Category

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Crimes recorded

      451,956

      420,642

      431,551

      435,703

      423,172

      421,093

      Crimes cleared up

      165,577

      164,242

      178,107

      188,912

      187,767

      188,966

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166571,"EventID":"S1W-30074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies and procedures the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has in place to ensure that equal opportunities policies, particularly in respect of lesbian, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies and procedures the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has in place to ensure that equal opportunities policies, particularly in respect of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, are incorporated into the service's activities.","AnswerText":"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is an equal opportunity employer. Our equal opportunity policy statement refers to all areas of diversity, including sexual orientation. A similar statement is included in all our recruitment literature.

      A fair treatment policy is in place. Any complaints made under this policy are monitored, but to date no complaints have been made in relation to any problems arising because of sexual orientation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166572,"EventID":"S1W-30075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its community safety grant-making policies and monitoring procedures ensure that the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities are addressed by loca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how its community safety grant-making policies and monitoring procedures ensure that the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities are addressed by local authorities in their service provision.","AnswerText":"In April 2002, we introduced the Community Safety Partnership Award Programme which will provide local authority-led partnerships with £12 million over the next three years for crime prevention and community safety initiatives. The partnerships can use their allocations to fund crime prevention and community safety priorities as specified in their community safety strategies and action plans. We do not prescribe what those priorities, which have been identified through a local audit process, should be. It is for local authorities to determine priorities, and allocate resources accordingly. It is open to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities to be part of the local community safety partnership process.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166573,"EventID":"S1W-30076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to which of its buildings, other than those under care or control of Historic Scotland, it has allowed the public access under Doors Open Day schemes in each of the last ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to which of its buildings, other than those under care or control of Historic Scotland, it has allowed the public access under Doors Open Day schemes in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Victoria Quay in Edinburgh participated in the event in 1996 and 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166574,"EventID":"S1W-30077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult universities and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council about resolving any problems with the cost of safely storing and disposing of radio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult universities and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council about resolving any problems with the cost of safely storing and disposing of radioactive material used in university research.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is considering this issue with representatives of higher education institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166575,"EventID":"S1W-30078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give injury accident statistics for each of the last six years for the A7 trunk road south of Galashiels, broken down to show statistics for the sections ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give injury accident statistics for each of the last six years for the A7 trunk road south of Galashiels, broken down to show statistics for the sections at Boleside and in the vicinity of Groundistone that are under consideration for inclusion in improvements to be recommended in the A6091/A7 Route Action Plan.","AnswerText":"Injury accident statistics for each of the last six years (Jan 1996 - Dec 2001) for the A7 trunk road south of Galashiels, broken down to show statistics for the sections at Boleside and Groundistone are as follows:

      A7 Galashiels to Border

      Year

      Fatal

      Serious

      Slight

      Total

      1996

      1

      5

      27

      33

      1997

      0

      2

      19

      21

      1998

      1

      2

      16

      19

      1999

      0

      6

      15

      21

      2000

      2

      7

      12

      21

      2001

      0

      4

      14

      18

      Total

      4

      26

      103

      133

      A7 at Boleside

      Year

      Fatal

      Serious

      Slight

      Total

      1996

      0

      1

      3

      4

      1997

      0

      0

      1

      1

      1998

      0

      0

      3

      3

      1999

      0

      0

      0

      0

      2000

      0

      1

      0

      1

      2001

      0

      0

      1

      1

      Total

      0

      2

      8

      10

      A7 at Groundistone

      Year

      Fatal

      Serious

      Slight

      Total

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166576,"EventID":"S1W-30079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 14-to 16-year-olds have been held in adult prisons in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many 14-to 16-year-olds have been held in adult prisons in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available. The number of receptions of 14- to 16-year-olds to the SPS are as follows:

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      1 April 2002 to date

      150

      145

      192

      155

      The following is a corrected answer (published on 5 November 2002); see below.

      : I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There are four possible ways to count the numbers of 14- to 16-year-olds held in penal establishments. The convention used in the prison statistics bulletins is to present the number of receptions to penal establishments. The number of receptions of 14- to 16-year-olds is given in Table 1 below.

      Table 1: Receptions of 14- to 16-Year-Olds to Penal Establishments1 by Age, 1999-2000 to 1 April 2002 - 23 October 2002

      Age

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02 (prov.)

      1 April 2002 to 23 October 2002 (provisional)

      14

      1

      4

      2

      1

      15

      9

      12

      25

      18

      16

      573

      391

      467

      395

      Total

      583

      407

      494

      414

      Note:

      1. Including Young Offenders Institutions.

      An offender experiencing a continuous period of imprisonment could be the subject of more than one reception during that time. For example, they may first be received on remand and may then continue in prison as a sentenced prisoner, which would be counted as an additional reception. Table 2 below presents the numbers of times a 14- to 16-year-old commenced an uninterrupted period of imprisonment.

      Table 2: Number of 14- to 16-Year-Olds1 Commencing a Continuous Period in Custody2, 1999-2000 to 1 April 2002 - 23 October 2002

      Age

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      (prov.)

      1 April 2002 to 23 October 2002

      (provisional)

      14

      1

      4

      2

      1

      15

      7

      11

      23

      18

      16

      383

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166577,"EventID":"S1W-30080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of self-harm have been recorded in HM Prison Cornton Vale in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many incidents of self-harm have been recorded in HM Prison Cornton Vale in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Year

      Number

      1999

      114

      2000

      72

      2001

      89

      Jan-Sept 2002

      70

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166578,"EventID":"S1W-30081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been taken from HM Prison Cornton Vale to hospital for reasons other than for routine treatment in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been taken from HM Prison Cornton Vale to hospital for reasons other than for routine treatment in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The readily available information is as follows:

      Year

      Number

      1999

      48

      2000

      62

      2001

      75

      Jan-Sept 2002

      40

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166579,"EventID":"S1W-30082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome was of the policy and financial management review of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA).","AnswerText":"Copies of report into a review of the work, policies and structures of the administration are being laid in the Parliament today. The review was the first for SCRA under the five-yearly examinations of non-domestic public bodies (NDPBs). The report concluded that despite the recognised resource pressures from SCRA's inception and an increase in referrals, SCRA has established a core organisation which is sound in structure and process. The report identified various areas for improvement and these are detailed in the recommendations which affect both SCRA and the Scottish Executive. The Scottish Executive accepts all the recommendations which have the potential to improve outcomes from the hearings system. The Scottish Budget announced increases in resources to the hearings system to enable these recommendations to be taken forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166580,"EventID":"S1W-30083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to standardise qualifications for nursery nurses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to standardise qualifications for nursery nurses.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no current plans to change the qualifications structure for nursery nurses.

      We are commissioning research into the content of early years qualifications, to be completed in 2003. The results of this research will help to inform future consideration of the early years qualifications structure.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166581,"EventID":"S1W-30085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much is raised through modulation in each Environment and Rural Affairs Department area and how much each such area receives through schemes funded by modulation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much is raised through modulation in each Environment and Rural Affairs Department area and how much each such area receives through schemes funded by modulation.","AnswerText":"During the EAGGF year (16 October 2001 - 30 September 2002) the split of expenditure on agri-environment schemes through modulated funds and matched funding by area office was as follows:

      Area Office

      Receipts Raised

      (£000)

      Modulation Spent

      (£000)

      Match Funding

      (£000)

      Total Spent

      (£000)

      Ayr

      662

      134

      96

      230

      Benbecula

      16

      80

      56

      136

      Dumfries

      621

      107

      77

      184

      Dundee

      710

      33

      24

      57

      Galashiels

      1,104

      134

      98

      232

      Grampian

      1,915

      145

      102

      247

      Hamilton

      223

      77

      57

      134

      Inverness

      360

      104

      74

      178

      Kirkwall

      227

      48

      33

      81

      Lairg

      28

      5

      3

      8

      Lerwick

      27

      162

      110

      272

      Oban

      156

      91

      63

      154

      Perth

      458

      69

      51

      120

      Portree

      20

      13

      8

      21

      Stirling

      453

      50

      36

      86

      Stornoway

      9

      16

      11

      27

      Thurso

      163

      		The separation distances contained in the SCIMAC guidelines have no statutory authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166584,"EventID":"S1W-30088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the introduction of GM organisms into the food chain as a result of the contamination of honey with GM pollen breaches any laws and, if so, which specific laws ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the introduction of GM organisms into the food chain as a result of the contamination of honey with GM pollen breaches any laws and, if so, which specific laws are breached.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that all GM foods to be marketed in the EU must comply with the EC Novel Foods Regulation (258/97). The European Commission has, however, stated that honey unintentionally containing pollen transferred by bees from GM crops is not a novel food and does not require labelling under that regulation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166585,"EventID":"S1W-30089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any proposal for compensating beekeepers and farmers whose produce may be contaminated by GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any proposal for compensating beekeepers and farmers whose produce may be contaminated by GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to introduce statutory provisions allowing claims for compensation for contamination specifically by a genetically modified organism.

      It is recognised that some GM crops produce pollen, very small quantities of which may be dispersed by operation of nature beyond the trial site. The consequences of this are considered carefully before consent for release is granted. On the basis of this assessment, the Executive is unaware of any safety or legal reasons why the GM crops which have been approved in Scotland should have an adverse effect on beekeepers or non-GM growers in the vicinity of trial sites.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166586,"EventID":"S1W-30090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Care Commission always charges independent health care services the maximum fee of #510 as detailed in the schedule to the Regulation of Care (Fees) (Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Care Commission always charges independent health care services the maximum fee of #510 as detailed in the schedule to the Regulation of Care (Fees) (Scotland) Order 2002 in respect of the variation of removal of condition.","AnswerText":"The setting of fees within the maxima specified in the Fees Order is an operational matter for the Care Commission. In setting fees, the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act requires the commission to have regard to its reasonable expenses in carrying out its functions under the act.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166587,"EventID":"S1W-30091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any decision has been made to locate the offices of the public sector ombudsman in Edinburgh and, if so, what consultation took place prior to such a decision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any decision has been made to locate the offices of the public sector ombudsman in Edinburgh and, if so, what consultation took place prior to such a decision.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, who is independent of the Scottish Executive and Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166588,"EventID":"S1W-30092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28728 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 September 2002, why the answer did not give full details of each notice received.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28728 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 September 2002, why the answer did not give full details of each notice received.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison ervice to respond. His response is as follows:

      Because there was only one such notice and that was superseded by Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited obtaining the insurance required.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166589,"EventID":"S1W-30093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28732 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 September 2002, why it is commercially confidential to specify whether the premium paid to the author","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28732 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 September 2002, why it is commercially confidential to specify whether the premium paid to the authority in the event that a private prison cannot find insurance at a commercial price is greater than the premium previously paid to a private provider for the same insurance.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Because such disclosure might prejudice future negotiations with the providers of a new prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166590,"EventID":"S1W-30094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding will be made available to deliver the top priority public transport projects flowing from the Central Scotland Transport Corridor studies, as promis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific funding will be made available to deliver the top priority public transport projects flowing from the Central Scotland Transport Corridor studies, as promised in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently considering the consultants' recommendations and the comments arising from public consultation on the Corridor Study reports. Decisions on which priority public transport projects to progress have yet to be made and will take account of both the consultants' recommendations and comments from consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166591,"EventID":"S1W-30095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed rail link between Airdrie and Bathgate will be a priority under its spending proposals for 2003-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed rail link between Airdrie and Bathgate will be a priority under its spending proposals for 2003-06.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Budget 2003-06 contains sufficient resources to fund the necessary progress on all of the priorities set out in the Executive's Transport Delivery Report, Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166592,"EventID":"S1W-30096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains committed to the stabilisation of road traffic at 2001 levels by 2021, as referred to in Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains committed to the stabilisation of road traffic at 2001 levels by 2021, as referred to in Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvement.","AnswerText":"Yes. As the Executive's Transport Delivery Report, Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements indicates, we will strive to stabilise road traffic at 2001 levels by 2021 by modernising and improving public transport, promoting alternative modes of transport to the private car, and making targeted motorway and trunk road improvements. The recent substantial increase in our transport budget, to more than £1 billion by 2005-06, will provide the resources to allow us to take forward these priorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166593,"EventID":"S1W-30097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the consultation on the Physical Activity Task Force strategy will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the consultation on the Physical Activity Task Force strategy will be published.","AnswerText":"A report of the consultation on the Physical Activity Task Force draft strategy will be published at the end of this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166594,"EventID":"S1W-30098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-09-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to note 4 on page 46 of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys, whether the structure of the Public Transport Fund wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to note 4 on page 46 of Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys, whether the structure of the Public Transport Fund will change as a result of being included in its transport spending plans instead of in the Local Government Spending Plans.","AnswerText":"As a result of the inclusion of the Public Transport Fund (PTF) in the Executive's transport spending plans, awards from the PTF from 1 April 2003 will be capital grants paid under section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001. To date PTF awards have taken the form of additional capital allocations made to local authorities under section 94 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

      The Scottish Executive announced in April that the current round of the PTF would be the final round as a challenge fund. Future arrangements for supporting transport authorities' capital public transport projects will be announced later in the autumn.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166595,"EventID":"S1W-30099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific financial provision has been made for bail information and supervision schemes for 16- to 17-year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific financial provision has been made for bail information and supervision schemes for 16- to 17-year-olds.","AnswerText":"The guidance issued to local authorities by the Justice Department in March, for the operation of bail information and supervision schemes, identified 16- and 17-years-old as a priority group for such schemes. The funding made available to all local authorities for the operation of these schemes, under the ringfenced 100% funding arrangements for criminal justice social work, is not, however, specifically earmarked for this age group.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166596,"EventID":"S1W-30100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are under consideration for out-sourcing in the review of all common police services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what services are under consideration for out-sourcing in the review of all common police services.","AnswerText":"Work on the review has been taken forward jointly by representatives from the Scottish Executive, the Police Associations, the Police Authority Conveners' Forum and Unison. Those involved have examined options for the delivery of a wide range of police support services grouped under the broad headings of finance and procurement; information management; forensic science services; and human resources. I am advised that the option of out-sourcing was considered alongside other options in a number of cases. I expect shortly to see the initial recommendations emerging from the review work. In the interim, I understand that Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has reported that the work has already revealed opportunities for better co-ordination, joint working and challenging the current cost of some service provision.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166597,"EventID":"S1W-30101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the mapping exercise on the role and work of youth justice teams mentioned in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the mapping exercise on the role and work of youth justice teams mentioned in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 will be published.","AnswerText":"Local authority returns to the mapping exercise are now available on the internet at: http://www.childrens-hearings.co.uk/youthjustice.asp

      The mapping exercise of local authority youth justice activity led to the Progress Report on Youth Crime in Scotland, which was published on the Executive's website on 19 September 2002 at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/justice/tycs-00.asp.

      It is also available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24541).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166598,"EventID":"S1W-30102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on the implementation of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002, broken down by point.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on the implementation of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002, broken down by point.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 was published on 28 January. The 10-point action plan to tackle youth crime and disorder was launched on 27 June. Progress has been made on implementing the action points and I wrote to a number of Committee Convenors outlining this on 12 September. This work will be supported through the additional £15 million EYF funding we have announced for this year and in future by the resources identified in the Scottish Budget.

      The information requested is provided in the following table:

      Ten Point Action Plan

      Action

      1. A pilot of Specialist Children's Hearings to fast-track persistent offenders under 16

      Discussions are being held with interested Local Authorities to identify pilot areas, which will be announced very soon. Discussions have also been held with SCRA and councils to discuss the operational issues around fast-track hearings.

      2. A Youth Courts feasibility project for persistent offenders aged 16 and 17, with flexibility to deal with 15-year-olds

      The Feasibility Project Group has been set up and sub-groups are taking forward detailed work on pre-court processes; court procedures; programmes and legal aid. The Youth Court Feasibility Study will also consider issues of fast tracking which will help to inform further work on Action Point 10.

      3. Reviewing the scope for using Restriction of Liberty Orders, Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and Community Service Orders for persistent offenders

      Improving the effectiveness of these disposals for this age group is under cross-departmental consideration.

      4. A Safer Scotland police campaign on high visibility policing, covering Youth Disorder, to increase visibility and provide community re-assurance.

      An announcement is due shortly.

      5. Spread best practice, and establish firm standards, for community-based projects funded through the Action Programme, Better Neighbourhood Services Fund programmes and Making Communities Safer programmes.

      The Executive is conducting an audit of current front-line services that will inform future funding decisions.

      6. Consideration of a Scottish wide application of a system of cautions/ warnings, and a detailed exploration of restorative cautions approach, perhaps through piloting.

      Consultation is under way on a scoping paper, which takes account of local developments in a number of police forces and £2 million funding announces in March 2002 for the national introduction or enhancement of programmes for those under 16.

      7. Reconfiguring the secure accommodation available nationally to provide groups of girl-only accommodation, further consideration of additional places and improving the range and provision of programmes in secure units.

      The Executive's intention to increase the number of places was announced on 17 September. We have invited proposals for the redevelopment of Scotland's secure estate from both current and potential providers, which are now under consideration.

      8. A set of national standards to operate between local authorities, the criminal justice system and Children's Hearings, covering reporting, timescales and follow up.

      The Youth Justice Steering Group will consider the Effectiveness sub-group's report and recommend","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166599,"EventID":"S1W-30103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on implementing Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on implementing Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30102 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166600,"EventID":"S1W-30104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the interim progress report on youth justice teams mentioned in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 was not published until 19 September 2002 given","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the interim progress report on youth justice teams mentioned in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 was not published until 19 September 2002 given that the mapping exercise to inform the report was due to have been completed by March 2002.","AnswerText":"We began to gather information from local authorities for the mapping exercise in December 2001. After consideration, we agreed that an extension of the timescale available to local authorities would enhance the quality of the information that could be reported.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166601,"EventID":"S1W-30105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the multi-agency group to be set up as part of the Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 to report on preventative approaches, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the membership is of the multi-agency group to be set up as part of the Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 to report on preventative approaches, develop standards and objectives for youth justice practitioners, examine accreditation arrangements for such standards and objectives and take forward proposals for training and information on youth justice, and when the group will report.","AnswerText":"Membership of the group is shown in the following table. The group was set up in January 2002 and will shortly consider recommendations made by the sub groups on (a) victims and (b) improving effectiveness. Ministers will receive a report at the end of this year.

      Youth Justice Steering Group Membership

      Name

      Position/Title

      Organisation

      Colin MacLean (Chair)

      Head of Children and Young People's Group

      Scottish Executive Education Department

      Elizabeth Carmichael

      Head of Community Justice Services Division

      Scottish Executive Justice Department

      Rachel Gwyon

      Head of Young People/Looked After Children Division

      Scottish Executive Education Department

      Stuart Bond

      Head of Social Work Inspectorate Team

      Scottish Executive Education Department

      Jackie Brock

      Head of Youth Justice Branch

      Scottish Executive Education Department

      Mr Jim Keenan

      Depute Chief Constable Central Scotland

      ACPO (S)

      Alan Miller

      Principal Reporter

      Scottish Children's Reporter Administration

      Sheriff Maciver

      		 

      Sheriffs' Association

      To be confirmed

      Liaison Officer

      Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

      Bill Whyte

      Director

      Criminal Justice Social Work Development Centre

      Romy Langeland

      Chief Executive

      Aberlour Childcare Trust

      Bernadette Monaghan

      Director

      Apex (Scotland)

      Hugh Mackintosh

      Director

      Barnardo's Scotland

      Joe Connolly

      Acting Director

      NCH Scotland

      Susan Matheson

      Chief Executive

      SACRO

      David McKenna

      Chief Executive

      Victim Support Scotland

      Deirdre Watson

      Director

      Who Cares? Scotland

      Tony McNulty

      Rehabilitation and Care Directorate

      Scottish Prison Service

      Marion Pagani

      Chair

      Children's Panel Chairmen's Group

      No information on the costs of postponements is collected.
       

      High Court

      2001-02

      2002 (to 31 August)

      Indictments registered

      1,489

      547

      Guilty plea entered

      680

      271

      Evidence-led trials

      397

      186

      Balance of cases

      412

      90

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166603,"EventID":"S1W-30107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what pilot projects have been funded wholly or partly by its Justice Department in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what pilot projects have been funded wholly or partly by its Justice Department in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following table gives details of the range of pilot projects on different aspects of the justice system in each local authority area. In many cases pilot funding has ceased when the service has gone on to be part of mainstream service provision.

      Project

      Local Authority

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems (ISCJIS), Glasgow District Court - development of Police Fixed Penalties

      Glasgow City

      		    

      x

      Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems (ISCJIS), Glasgow District Court - development of links to SCRO and COPFS

      Glasgow City

      		   

      x

      x

      Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems (ISCJIS), Pilot project to develop links between criminal justice social work, Sheriff Courts and SCRO

      East Dunbartonshire

      		 

      x

      x

      x

      x

      Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems (ISCJIS), District Court Link - Aberdeen District Court piloted the link to allow electronic exchange of information between District Courts Procurators Fiscal and SCRO

      Aberdeen City

      		  

      x

      x

      		 

      Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems (ISCJIS), Pilot in Aberdeen District Court to assess Court Officer Availability System (COAS) in fixing trial dates and citing police witnesses

      Aberdeen City

      		    

      x

      Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems (ISCJIS), DVLA Pilot - to allow District Court electronic access to DVLA records and to send information electronically to DVLA

      West Lothian

      		    

      x

      Apex, Q10, get offenders back to work project

      Fife

      x

      x

      x

      		  

      Drugs and Leisure, to deter young people from drugs and offer them healthier pursuits

      Aberdeen City

      		 

      Year

      Fees Recovered

      (£000)

      Appropriate Share of Cost

      (£000)

      Percentage of Cost Recovered in Fees

      1998-99

      £13,631

      £18,483

      74%

      1999-2000

      £14,417

      £18,465

      78%

      2000-01

      £14,053

      £21,073

      67%

      2001-02

      £14,370

      £18,652

      77%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166606,"EventID":"S1W-30110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28657 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 September 2002, why establishing entitlement to payment from historical records for ex-members of its s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28657 by Mr Andy Kerr on 23 September 2002, why establishing entitlement to payment from historical records for ex-members of its security branch was a complex task; how many former employees it (a) attempted to make contact with and (b) succeeded in contacting; how many former employees that it succeeded in contacting have made successful claims, and whether full-time and part-time employees were included in this process.","AnswerText":"This exercise involved identifying individuals employed since April 1995, confirming last known addresses, the interrogation of electronic records held by the Executive and ADP Chessington, and also a resource-intensive manual check of individual paper-based records. The exercise covered full-time and part-time staff.

      A total of 135 letters were sent by recorded delivery to ex-Security Force members, of which 42 were returned undelivered and 56 produced no reply. Of the 37 replies received, 11 cases have been completed and submitted for payment. In 11 cases relevant pay records and claim forms have been issued to the individuals, but to date no claims have been received. Six cases could not be progressed due to the absence of any supporting documentation or records. In four cases pay records were transferred in 1997 to Scottish Prison Service following the transfer of staff to the agency. The individuals have been advised to contact their pay section to obtain the relevant information. In two cases the individuals indicated that they did not intend to submit a claim. A further three cases remain on-going.

      In addition to these cases the department is reviewing four cases involving individuals who have deceased since leaving the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166607,"EventID":"S1W-30111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a policy to encourage the use of renewable energy resources, such as biomass and solar energy, for the provision of heating for domestic and commercial pre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a policy to encourage the use of renewable energy resources, such as biomass and solar energy, for the provision of heating for domestic and commercial premises.","AnswerText":"The DTI is responsible for capital funding for bio-energy and solar technologies. Additionally in Scotland, the Scottish Clean Energy Demonstration Scheme supports renewable energy projects including heat pumps, biomass to heat and solar to heat schemes. The Scottish Executive is currently involved in discussions with Department of Trade and Industry on the introduction of a community and householder scheme to assist with funding for renewable energy projects. It is expected that solar heating and biomass heating projects will be eligible under programme criteria.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166608,"EventID":"S1W-30112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the total renewable energy resources available from on-shore and off-shore wind farms in Orkney and Shetland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the total renewable energy resources available from on-shore and off-shore wind farms in Orkney and Shetland.","AnswerText":"We have not undertaken such an assessment. We have, however, assessed the potential renewable energy resource from all renewables sources throughout Scotland. This study, Scotland's renewable resource 2001, which we published in December last year, estimated that the total resource could be as much as 60 GW capacity.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166609,"EventID":"S1W-30113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the total renewable energy resources available from wave energy in the seas round Orkney and Shetland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the total renewable energy resources available from wave energy in the seas round Orkney and Shetland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30112 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166610,"EventID":"S1W-30114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the total renewable energy resources available from the tidal currents in the seas round Orkney and Shetland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made an assessment of the total renewable energy resources available from the tidal currents in the seas round Orkney and Shetland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30112 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166611,"EventID":"S1W-30115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in assessing its priorities for support for the development of renewable energy resources, it takes into account the benefit of the predictability of the energy ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in assessing its priorities for support for the development of renewable energy resources, it takes into account the benefit of the predictability of the energy available in the tidal currents in the seas round Orkney and Shetland.","AnswerText":"Wave and tidal power provides a significant opportunity for Scotland. The excellent resource off the coast of Orkney was one of the factors taken into account by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in reaching its decision to site the European Marine Energy Test Centre there. I have announced that the Executive will financially support the establishment of the centre. It is not, however, our policy to give locational guidance on the siting of developments, this is a matter for developers themselves.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166612,"EventID":"S1W-30116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the provision of improved power distributionlines to allow the wind, wave and tidal power resources of Orkney and Shetland to be tap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage the provision of improved power distributionlines to allow the wind, wave and tidal power resources of Orkney and Shetland to be tapped and fed into the national grid.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30117 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166613,"EventID":"S1W-30117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the ability of the current power distribution lines to allow its enhanced renewable energy targets to be achieved and what action it is tak","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the ability of the current power distribution lines to allow its enhanced renewable energy targets to be achieved and what action it is taking to address any shortcomings.","AnswerText":"Our consultation paper acknowledges that it will be necessary to significantly strengthen the grid if we are to generate as much as 40% of electricity by renewable means by 2020. Issues relating to the electricity networks are reserved to Westminster. We are committed to working with the UK Government, the regulator, and the industry itself to ensure that the grid is developed and operated efficiently so as to ensure that our renewables potential can be fully realised.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166614,"EventID":"S1W-30118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29340 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether figures on entry into higher and further education indicate a gap between","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29340 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether figures on entry into higher and further education indicate a gap between deprived areas and the rest of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Yes. However, the most recent data available indicates that this gap is narrowing. Between 1998-99 and 2000-01 the percentage of further education students from "High Deprivation" areas increased from 18% to 24% and from "Above Average" deprivation areas from 17% to 22%.

      Information available on entry into higher education institutions is found in the Performance Indicators on Higher Education (HE) in the UK, published by the Higher Education Funding Councils in December 2001. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18498). Table 1a of these indicators shows that the proportion of young full-time first degree entrants to HE from low participation neighbourhoods increased from 16% in 1997-98 to 18% in 1999-2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166615,"EventID":"S1W-30119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what its definition of a deprived area is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what its definition of a deprived area is.","AnswerText":"Deprived areas will be identified using the results from our programme of work to develop area-based deprivation measures, which will be available in time to allow us to develop baseline information for 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166616,"EventID":"S1W-30120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how it reached its decisions on which indicators relate to the achievement of spe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how it reached its decisions on which indicators relate to the achievement of specific outcomes and which are relevant for monitoring area-based deprivation.","AnswerText":"The decisions were reached on the basis of the criteria set out in the answer given to question S1W-29338 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166617,"EventID":"S1W-30121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether it intends to use the small basket of indicators rather than those in Soc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether it intends to use the small basket of indicators rather than those in Social Justice Annual Report Scotland 2001 - A Scotland where everyone matters to measure progress on social justice.","AnswerText":"No. The small basket of indicators, which are based on existing targets including social justice milestones, is intended to offer an additional means of measuring progress on social justice.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166618,"EventID":"S1W-30122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29340 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether its spending proposals for 2003-06 will lessen the gap in the figures for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29340 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether its spending proposals for 2003-06 will lessen the gap in the figures for entry into higher and further education between people from deprived areas and those from the rest of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Widening access to learning opportunities for those from disadvantaged areas continues to be a priority. Funds awarded for the period from 2003-06 will continue to support initiatives in this area and the Executive will continue to monitor the impact of these initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166619,"EventID":"S1W-30123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether house-breaking is the only criminal activity that indicates a gap between","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether house-breaking is the only criminal activity that indicates a gap between deprived areas and the rest of Scotland.","AnswerText":"House-breaking was chosen from a number of possible indicators as it is appropriate for monitoring area-based deprivation relevant to the national average and because the necessary data will be available at local area level for the baseline year of 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166620,"EventID":"S1W-30124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29341 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether house-breaking is the only criminal activity that is relevant for monitor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29341 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether house-breaking is the only criminal activity that is relevant for monitoring area-based deprivation.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30123 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166621,"EventID":"S1W-30125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether having exclusive access to at least four modern computers for every class","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether having exclusive access to at least four modern computers for every class is one of its targets.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30126 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166622,"EventID":"S1W-30126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the provision of classroom computers is relevant for monitoring area-base","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the provision of classroom computers is relevant for monitoring area-based deprivation relevant to the national average.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has provided £80 million to local authorities through the National Grid for Learning programme of the Excellence Fund in order to help them achieve a number of ICT-related targets in their schools, including pupil:modern computer ratios of 7.5:1 in primary schools and 5:1 in secondary schools. Local authorities and schools decide how to deploy those computers.

      The provision of ICT facilities is one of a number of important inputs to education. However, success in closing the gap between deprived areas and the rest of Scotland is best determined by looking at the outcomes of education.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166623,"EventID":"S1W-30127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether having exclusive access to at least four modern computers for every class","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether having exclusive access to at least four modern computers for every class fits its definition of specific outcomes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30126 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166624,"EventID":"S1W-30128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what the reasons were for its intention to select a small basket rather than a br","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what the reasons were for its intention to select a small basket rather than a broad range of indicators.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has in place a broad range of targets and indicators that measure progress at national level in respect of key outcomes. It was considered appropriate to select a small number of those targets and indicators that best met the criteria set out in the answer given to question S1W-29338, rather than a wider group that would include targets and indicators that were less directly relevant to measuring closing the gap. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166625,"EventID":"S1W-30129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the target of having exclusive access to at least four modern computers f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29338 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the target of having exclusive access to at least four modern computers for every class was excluded from the basket of indicators for a specific reason and, if so, what the reason was.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30126 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166626,"EventID":"S1W-30130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether every teacher having access to a classroom computer is one of its targets","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether every teacher having access to a classroom computer is one of its targets.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30126 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166627,"EventID":"S1W-30131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether every teacher having access to a classroom computer is relevant for monit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether every teacher having access to a classroom computer is relevant for monitoring area-based deprivation relevant to the national average.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30126 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166628,"EventID":"S1W-30132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether every teacher having access to a classroom computer fits its definition o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether every teacher having access to a classroom computer fits its definition of specific outcomes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30126 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166629,"EventID":"S1W-30133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the target of every teacher having access to a classroom computer was exc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29339 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the target of every teacher having access to a classroom computer was excluded from the basket of indicators for a specific reason and, if so, what the reason was.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30126 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's Website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166630,"EventID":"S1W-30135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average forfeiture of remission period was awarded as punishment for breaches of discipline as detailed in table 34 of the Statistical Bulletin: Prison Statistics S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average forfeiture of remission period was awarded as punishment for breaches of discipline as detailed in table 34 of the Statistical Bulletin: Prison Statistics Scotland 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      6.2 days.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166631,"EventID":"S1W-30136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what it will deem a success in increasing opportunities for young people to get i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what it will deem a success in increasing opportunities for young people to get involved in volunteering.","AnswerText":"The success in increasing volunteering opportunities for young people will be achieved when, irrespective of their background, financial circumstances and location, young people can find, participate in and enjoy the volunteering experience.

      Increasing volunteering opportunities will also be a success when, as a result of their contribution, young people have helped improve and become more active in their communities, demonstrating acquired skills, knowledge, education, confidence and learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166632,"EventID":"S1W-30137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how it will measure the success of its efforts in promoting equality mainstreamin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how it will measure the success of its efforts in promoting equality mainstreaming.","AnswerText":"Our equality proofing of Scottish legislation, our consultation with communities, statutory bodies, the public and voluntary sectors, our close working relationship with the Equal Opportunities Committee, and our social justice research programme enable us to assess the success of equality mainstreaming.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166633,"EventID":"S1W-30138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how much money it proposes to spend in promoting equality mainstreaming.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how much money it proposes to spend in promoting equality mainstreaming.","AnswerText":"The purpose of promoting equality mainstreaming is to ensure the systematic integration of an equality perspective into the everyday work of government, and as such should be an integral part of organisational costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166634,"EventID":"S1W-30139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how much it proposes to spend in increasing the opportunities for young people to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how much it proposes to spend in increasing the opportunities for young people to get involved in volunteering.","AnswerText":"We are spending almost £700,000 in 2002-03 on the Millennium Volunteers programme in Scotland. This programme is designed to encourage, support and recognise 16- to 25-year-olds who volunteer their time for the benefit of their communities. The programme is being reviewed and I plan to reach a decision about its future shortly.

      Through the Active Communities Initiative, we are also providing more than £244,000 over four years to Community Service Volunteers for its volunteering among young people in rural areas project. While this project is specifically aimed at young people, many more of the Active Communities Initiative funded projects will also involve volunteering by young people.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166635,"EventID":"S1W-30140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what obstacles to volunteering opportunities it intends to tackle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what obstacles to volunteering opportunities it intends to tackle.","AnswerText":"The main obstacles to volunteering in Scotland that we intend to tackle are poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion and we are doing this through our programme for government. However, there are also institutional and operational obstacles, principally relating to an individual's ability to access advice and guidance on volunteering.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166636,"EventID":"S1W-30141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what volunteering training and support it intends to provide.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, what volunteering training and support it intends to provide.","AnswerText":"Volunteer training and support is provided through Volunteer Development Scotland, which offers a range of generic training courses and runs events for volunteer agencies. In this financial year, Volunteer Development Scotland has held 13 courses for volunteer managers, attended by 146 people. It has also undertaken peripatetic training for volunteer centre staff. These assist volunteer engaging agencies to apply best practice and meet standards for the planning and delivery of volunteering. Similarly, volunteer centres work with organisations making use of volunteers to ensure that appropriate training and support is provided both to engaging agencies and volunteers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166637,"EventID":"S1W-30142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how it intends to raise awareness about volunteering.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how it intends to raise awareness about volunteering.","AnswerText":"We are raising awareness about volunteering through our investment in infrastructure and capacity at both the national and local level in the shape of Volunteer Development Scotland and the network of local volunteer centres. A central purpose of both is to encourage and facilitate volunteering opportunities for the people of Scotland.

      In addition, we have introduced the Active Communities Initiative. Scottish Executive funding for the initiative in 2002-03 will amount to £2.2 million. The initiative is a five- to 10-year strategy for supporting volunteering in Scotland, which aims to involve people in their communities, improve society and the quality of life of people, change attitudes to volunteering and break down barriers to involvement. The initiative has the full support of the volunteering sector.

      There is a variety of ways in which we publicise volunteering opportunities. This includes an Active Communities newsletter, produced twice a year by the Scottish Executive and distributed to a wide range of organisations and groups, articles in the voluntary and volunteering sectors publications and the funding of various events such as Volunteers Week and Make a Difference Day. We also plan to launch a new Scottish Executive Voluntary Issues Unit website shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166638,"EventID":"S1W-30143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how it will measure its success in (a) tackling the obstacles to volunteering opp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29344 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, how it will measure its success in (a) tackling the obstacles to volunteering opportunities, (b) raising awareness about volunteering and (c) providing training and support.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive monitors and evaluates all of its funded volunteering programmes on a continuing basis against the formal performance criteria set for each project.

      The effectiveness and impact of the Active Communities Initiative, the Millennium Volunteers programme and the network of volunteer centres will determine how successfully we have tackled the obstacles to volunteering opportunities, raising awareness and providing support. We monitor and evaluate each of these strategies on an on-going basis, in collaboration with key agencies, including Volunteer Development Scotland, COSLA, Volunteer Centres Scotland and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166639,"EventID":"S1W-30144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29346 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether it will consider writing off the capital housing debt of local authoritie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29346 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether it will consider writing off the capital housing debt of local authorities if councils and tenants, in light of local circumstances, decide not to transfer their housing stock.","AnswerText":"It has always been made clear that the arrangements agreed with HM Treasury for dealing with local authority housing debt would, as is the case in England, only apply in the case of whole stock transfers. The Executive does not have the resources to meet these costs from within its own budget.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166640,"EventID":"S1W-30145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29346 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, why the social justice section of its spending proposals 2003-06 mentions only st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29346 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, why the social justice section of its spending proposals 2003-06 mentions only stock transfer as an option for improving housing infrastructure and whether it will provide financial support for other proposals brought forward by local authorities for improving housing infrastructure.","AnswerText":"In addition to the support provided to councils for stock transfers the Executive also provides consents for local authority borrowing on the Housing Revenue Account. In the current year the borrowing consents are set at £180 million. Local authorities also undertake capital investment using receipts and rental income.

      The Executive is always happy to consider the merits of alternative proposals brought forward by local authorities and others.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166641,"EventID":"S1W-30146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29346 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether it will consider removing the 75% capital receipts clawback rule from loc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29346 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether it will consider removing the 75% capital receipts clawback rule from local authority housing in light of its commitment to allow local authorities and their tenants to decide how best to secure investment in council housing.","AnswerText":"Following representations from COSLA I have agreed that COSLA and Executive officials should, on a no commitment basis, meet to discuss issues surrounding the use of capital receipts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166642,"EventID":"S1W-30147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed Protection of Animals (Scotland) Bill will be introduced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the proposed Protection of Animals (Scotland) Bill will be introduced.","AnswerText":"Regrettably there will be insufficient parliamentary time to bring forward the proposed bill during this Parliament. However, the Executive recognises the need to continue to improve animal welfare and, before the end of this Parliament, we intend to publish for consultation a draft bill setting out our intentions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166643,"EventID":"S1W-30148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its strategy on coronary heart disease and stroke.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its strategy on coronary heart disease and stroke.","AnswerText":"Our national Strategy on Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke is being launched on Thursday 3 October. Copies are being placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre later today (Bib. number 24414).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166644,"EventID":"S1W-30149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) arrested for and (b) charged with not wearing a seat belt in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been (a) arrested for and (b) charged with not wearing a seat belt in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Statistics on numbers of arrests are not collected centrally. The available information on persons proceeded against is given in the table. Information for 2001 is not expected to be available until around November 2002.

      Number of Persons Proceeded Against in Court for Seat Belt Offences1, 1996-2000

      Year

      Number

      1996

      2,153

      1997

      2,513

      1998

      2,655

      1999

      2,679

      2000

      2,507

      Note:

      1. Where main offence.

      Information on numbers of arrests is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166645,"EventID":"S1W-30150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve public awareness that littering is an offence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve public awareness that littering is an offence.","AnswerText":"Currently, the Scottish Executive provides annual core funding of £234,000 to Keep Scotland Beautiful, who run a number of anti-litter initiatives designed to raise awareness. In addition, since the beginning of the last financial year, an extra £700,000 has been allocated for anti-litter campaigns such as the \"Have some pride\" poster campaign, which I launched in March.

      The Scottish Executive recently made £95 million available to local authorities as part of the First Minister's \"Quality of Life\" initiative. Around £3 million has been committed towards litter reduction schemes. Councils may choose to use some of this money to raise awareness.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166646,"EventID":"S1W-30151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a procedure for ensuring that its advertising campaigns are scrutinised by the Minister for Finance and Public Services before approval of the use of adver","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a procedure for ensuring that its advertising campaigns are scrutinised by the Minister for Finance and Public Services before approval of the use of advertising media is given; when any such procedure came into effect, and which advertisements run (a) on television, (b) on radio, (c) in the national newspapers and (d) in the local newspapers between 1 August and 30 September 2002 were subject to any such procedure.","AnswerText":"Budgets are held by Executive departments who seek their responsible ministers authority before running any advertising campaign. I am regularly updated on all campaign planning but under current arrangements, ministers are not required to seek central approval.

      I have been asked by First Minister to review the current practice and this review is now under way.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166647,"EventID":"S1W-30152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedure it and its agencies follow to purchase print space and air time for advertising and how much it and its agencies spent on buying air time on television and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedure it and its agencies follow to purchase print space and air time for advertising and how much it and its agencies spent on buying air time on television and radio and print space in national and local newspapers for advertisements that ran between (a) 1 August and 30 September 2002 and (b) 1 July 1999 and 30 September 2002. ","AnswerText":"The Media Communications Group discusses the need for a campaign with the commissioning department. It then manages a further meeting with its media buying agency, advertising agency and the department. A full briefing is given and the media buying agency is asked to come forward with a set of media proposals. Once these have been refined and agreed with the appropriate departmental minister the media buying agency is given approval to proceed and the media is subsequently booked.

      The information requested on media spend is as follows:

      (a) Media spend on press, television and radio for the period 1 August 2002 to 30 September 2002 was £1,649,811.

      (b) Media spend on press, television and radio for the period 1 July 1999 to 30 September 2002 was £14,177,400.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166648,"EventID":"S1W-30153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much its agencies spent on (a) television, (b) radio, (c) national newspaper and (d) local newspaper advertising in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01 and (iii) 2001-02 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much its agencies spent on (a) television, (b) radio, (c) national newspaper and (d) local newspaper advertising in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01 and (iii) 2001-02 and how much it and its agencies expect to spend in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Media spend on television, radio and press is detailed in the following table. It is not possible to split the amount spent on national and local press as the figures are not recorded separately. The figures could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate costs.

      Period

      Press

      Television

      Radio

      1999-2000

      £674,000

      £917,000

      £171,000

      2000-01

      £1,071,000

      £1,867,000

      £190,000

      2001-02

      £1,311,000

      £4,101,000

      £369,000

      2002-03 (to date)

      £1,163,000

      £2,560,000

      £473,000

      The figures for 2002-03 are the amount spent on media to date. The amount of media planned for the remainder of the year is currently under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166649,"EventID":"S1W-30154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of it and its agencies' advertisements were broadcast on commercial television from 1 August to 30 September 2002; what the subject was of each advertisement; ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of it and its agencies' advertisements were broadcast on commercial television from 1 August to 30 September 2002; what the subject was of each advertisement; how often each advertisement was broadcast, giving the total number of broadcasting slots and the duration of each slot; how much each advertisement cost to make, including agency costs, and how much each broadcast advertisement cost.","AnswerText":"The information requested is detailed in the table.

      Campaign

      Production Costs

      No of Spots

      Duration (seconds)

      Media Costs

      Drugs

      Repeats

      304

      30/40

      £282,037

      Environment

      Repeats

      191

      30/40

      £211,382

      Foolsspeed

      Repeats

      149

      40

      £203,074

      Travel Awareness

      Repeats

      149

      30/40

      £183,019

      Fire Safety

      nil

      54

      30

      £ 44,289

      Race

      £150,000

      47

      40

      £ 72,721

      Flu

      £170,000

      3

      30

      £ 8,887

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166650,"EventID":"S1W-30155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of it and its agencies' advertisements were broadcast on commercial radio from 1 August to 30 September 2002; what the subject was of each advertisement; how of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of it and its agencies' advertisements were broadcast on commercial radio from 1 August to 30 September 2002; what the subject was of each advertisement; how often each advertisement was broadcast, giving the total number of broadcasting slots and the duration of each slot; how much each advertisement cost to make, including agency costs, and how much each broadcast advertisement cost.","AnswerText":"The information requested is detailed in the following table:

      Campaign

      Production Costs

      No of Spots

      Duration (Seconds)

      Media Costs

      Children's Panel

      £3,238

      1,584

      30

      £44,016

      Drugs

      Repeats

      2,289

      30/20

      £22,577

      Public Internet Access Points

      Repeats

      729

      30

      £14,508

      M74

      Repeats

      25

      20

      £ 2,643

      Travel Awareness

      £1,992

      252

      40

      £23,733

      Race

      £12,936

      121

      30

      £ 4,201

      Drug Driving

      Repeats

      277

      30/20

      £ 8,086

      Historic Scotland

      Repeats

      684

      30/20

      £49,577

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166651,"EventID":"S1W-30156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of it and its agencies' advertisements were placed in local newspapers from 1 August to 30 September 2002, excluding recruitment campaigns and the publication of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of it and its agencies' advertisements were placed in local newspapers from 1 August to 30 September 2002, excluding recruitment campaigns and the publication of statutory notices; what the subject was of each such advertisement; how often each advertisement was placed; how much it cost to make each advertisement, including advertising agency costs, and how much it cost to place each advertisement.","AnswerText":"The information requested is detailed in the table.

      Campaign

      Production Costs

      (£)

      No. of Ads (£)

      Media Costs

      (£)

      Children's Panels

      19,871

      56

      96,705

      Concessionary Fares

      18,865

      94

      63,928

      Public Internet Access Points

      Repeats

      94

      76,784

      Drugs

      Repeats

      17

      9,982

      Flu

      9,528

      7

      7,123

      M74

      2,500

      6

      6,501

      NHS Helpline

      Repeats

      9

      3,180

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166652,"EventID":"S1W-30157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of it and its agencies' advertisements were placed in national print media from 1 August to 30 September 2002, excluding recruitment campaigns and the publicatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of it and its agencies' advertisements were placed in national print media from 1 August to 30 September 2002, excluding recruitment campaigns and the publication of statutory notices; what the subject was of each such advertisement; how often each advertisement was placed; how much it cost to make each advertisement, including advertising agency costs, and how much it cost to place each advertisement.","AnswerText":"The information requested is detailed in the table.

      Campaign

      Production Costs (£)

      No. of Ads

      Media Costs (£)

      Children's Panels

      7,640

      21

      105,000

      Drugs

      Repeats

      26

      28,346

      Environment

      Repeats

      12

      15,803

      Fire Safety

      3,940

      2 (supplements)

      36,795

      Flu

      2,722

      2

      2,580

      NHS Helpline

      Repeats

      35

      22,334

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166653,"EventID":"S1W-30158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define the term \"independent\" in the context of its funding to local authorities for the provision of independent money advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define the term \"independent\" in the context of its funding to local authorities for the provision of independent money advice.","AnswerText":"We have made available, through local authorities, a total of £3 million annually for the provision of additional local money advice. The guidelines for implementation, issued to local authorities on 22 April 2002 state that:

      "Local authorities will be able to use the additional resources to enhance their own provision as well as independent sector advice services. In making a decision on how to use the resources allocated to them local authorities should consider whether there currently is a choice for the client in providers of money advice, and whether there are independent money advice services available in the area."

      In this context "independent money advice services" refers to money advice services not directly run by the local authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166654,"EventID":"S1W-30160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with Napier University regarding the university's plans to develop a Scottish Centre for Creative Industries at the Craighouse Campus, detailing a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contact it has had with Napier University regarding the university's plans to develop a Scottish Centre for Creative Industries at the Craighouse Campus, detailing any form of support it has provided, or proposes to provide, for the project.","AnswerText":"Napier University's plans for a Scottish Centre for Creative Industries were outlined to Mike Watson in the course of a brief meeting with its Dean of Arts and Social Sciences on 2 July 2002.

      The question of Executive support for such plans was not raised at that meeting, and has not been raised since. The allocation of funding to higher education institutions is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. Ministers are prevented, in terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, from framing the conditions of grant by reference to particular institutions.

      Ministers were invited to attend the launch on 18 October of Napier University's fund raising campaign, which has as one of its objects raising of funds for a Scottish Centre for Creative Industries. They have no plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166655,"EventID":"S1W-30161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will be prosecuting the UK Atomic Energy Authority for any recent discharge of radioactive particles from Dounreay.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency will be prosecuting the UK Atomic Energy Authority for any recent discharge of radioactive particles from Dounreay.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. I understand that SEPA is not aware of any recent discharge of particles.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166656,"EventID":"S1W-30162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account was taken of levels of car ownership in each local authority area when funding was allocated for the national concessionary travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account was taken of levels of car ownership in each local authority area when funding was allocated for the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30165 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166657,"EventID":"S1W-30163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account was taken of levels of poverty in each local authority area when funding was allocated for the national concessionary travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account was taken of levels of poverty in each local authority area when funding was allocated for the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30165 on 24 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166658,"EventID":"S1W-30164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account was taken of the frequency of existing bus services in each local authority area when funding was allocated for the national concessionary travel schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account was taken of the frequency of existing bus services in each local authority area when funding was allocated for the national concessionary travel schemes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30165 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166659,"EventID":"S1W-30165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account was taken of the numbers of pensioners in each local authority area when funding was allocated for the national concessionary travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what account was taken of the numbers of pensioners in each local authority area when funding was allocated for the national concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"General support for local authority expenditure on concessionary travel is provided through the general Grant Aided Expenditure formula based on shares of retirement age population. The additional resources to fund the enhanced concessionary travel arrangements introduced on 30 September were allocated by the same mechanism.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166660,"EventID":"S1W-30166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the projected budget will be for the opening ceremony of the Parliament building. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the projected budget will be for the opening ceremony of the Parliament building. ","AnswerText":"The SPCB has appointed a working group, which includes representatives of the four main parties, to make recommendations for opening both the new session of Parliament and the Holyrood complex. A maximum budget of £400,000 has been allocated, but the actual cost will depend on decisions made on the basis of those recommendations and the full allocation will not necessarily be required.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166661,"EventID":"S1W-30167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total budgeted costs are of employing an Opening Ceremonies Manager for the opening of the new Parliament building, including administrative support and expenses.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total budgeted costs are of employing an Opening Ceremonies Manager for the opening of the new Parliament building, including administrative support and expenses.","AnswerText":"The Opening Ceremonies Manager will be responsible for the planned opening ceremonies for the new Parliament building and for the second parliamentary session. The post has been established on a temporary basis, for one year, at Grade 5. The current salary scale is £25,500 to £35,000. No exclusive administrative support has been identified at this stage. It is anticipated that support will be provided on an ad hoc basis. No estimate of expenses is available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166662,"EventID":"S1W-30168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the projected costs would be of a procession of MSPs down the Royal Mile to the new Parliament building, including costs to the City of Edinburgh Council, such as roa","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the projected costs would be of a procession of MSPs down the Royal Mile to the new Parliament building, including costs to the City of Edinburgh Council, such as road closures and street barriers, and costs of policing and the attendance of emergency services.","AnswerText":"Procession options have not yet been assessed by the Opening Ceremonies Steering Group. No information on costs is available at this stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166663,"EventID":"S1W-30169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29130 on 24 September 2002, whether he will now provide the information requested on how much in total has been incurred in respect ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29130 on 24 September 2002, whether he will now provide the information requested on how much in total has been incurred in respect of legal advice on contractual and other issues in connection with Flour City Architectural (Metals) UK Ltd, including those involved in examining and preparing the case for action under the parent company guarantee, and details of the invoices issued and the dates when they were paid and those that remain outstanding","AnswerText":"The amount of legal fees incurred to date, relating to contractual and other issues concerning the Flour City trade contract, amounts to £26,124.24 including VAT. The invoice details requested were provided to the member in my letter to him of 3 October, a copy of which will be made available to other members in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166664,"EventID":"S1W-30170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29132 on 24 September 2002, what the (a) names are of the contractors for the 16 works packages let as part of the Holyrood project ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29132 on 24 September 2002, what the (a) names are of the contractors for the 16 works packages let as part of the Holyrood project where a performance bond is outstanding and (b) total value was of the package awarded to each of these contractors and whether there will be any claim or possible claim in relation to the eight packages let as part of the Holyrood project where a performance bond is no longer required.","AnswerText":"Negotiations on Trade Contracts for the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood are carried out on a commercially confidential basis and it would not be appropriate to name publicly those contractors who have yet to provide a Performance Bond, particularly as most contracts in this category have only recently been awarded. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that there are currently no claims under consideration relating to those Trade Contracts where a Performance Bond is no longer required.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166665,"EventID":"S1W-30171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29132 on 24 September 2002, how many works packages were let as part of the Holyrood project; what other mechanism, other than a per","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29132 on 24 September 2002, how many works packages were let as part of the Holyrood project; what other mechanism, other than a performance bond, was sought and in respect of which works packages; whether a parent company guarantee was used and, if so, in respect of which package, and what the value of each contract was.","AnswerText":"To date, a total of 60 Trade Package contracts have been awarded. Other than a Performance Bond, the SPCB is entitled, under the terms of each contract, to request a Parent Company Guarantee as advised by the Construction Manager. In addition, there are a number of performance management tools in place throughout all Trade Packages which ensure that the client's interests are suitably protected. These are:

      1. The Construction Managers monitor on a daily basis that work is being carried out to the required standard set out in the detailed specification for materials and workmanship, and performance delivery is measured against the construction programme.

      2. Action is taken as necessary to ensure that no payment for sub-standard work is made and steps are taken to encourage improved levels of performance.

      3. Three per cent of the gross value of all payments due to contractors is retained and released only when the client is satisfied that the contract has been completed and any defects rectified to the required standard.

      To date, with the exception of the contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, no recovery has been sought against a Parent Company Guarantee in relation to any of the Trade Packages let. The value of the original contract with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) package was £7,157,281.29.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166666,"EventID":"S1W-30173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum daily allowable dosage of methadone is to a drug misuser.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum daily allowable dosage of methadone is to a drug misuser.","AnswerText":"The daily dose of methadone prescribed is a matter of clinical judgement and should be tailored to meet the needs of the individual. In particular, those who habitually have been taking methadone will be able to tolerate a much higher dose. Those who have never taken the substance, or have not taken it for some time, have much lower tolerance and may experience severe toxicity. Prescribers should take into account advice and evidence about methadone use, for example, the UK Drug Misuse or Dependence - Guidelines on Clinical Management (HMSO 1999), available to all doctors, include a section on the dosage regime for methadone maintenance.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166667,"EventID":"S1W-30174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided, or plans to provide, financial assistance for the creation of a Scottish Centre for Creative Industries at Napier University's Craighouse Campus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided, or plans to provide, financial assistance for the creation of a Scottish Centre for Creative Industries at Napier University's Craighouse Campus and, if so, whether it will detail (a) the amount concerned and from what source any monies were or will be provided, (b) the mechanism employed to secure and distribute any such funding and (c) what consultations have been or will be undertaken, and with whom, in the relevant industry sectors to ensure the future viability and success of any such centre.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30160 on 15 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166668,"EventID":"S1W-30175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all land included in the balance sheet of the Scottish Prison Service under the heading of tangible assets, showing the (a) location, (b) area and (c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all land included in the balance sheet of the Scottish Prison Service under the heading of tangible assets, showing the (a) location, (b) area and (c) book value in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01 and (iii) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The location and value of the tangible assets is as listed in the following table. The remainder of the information sought is not readily available and could only be produced at disproportionate cost.
       

      As at

      31 Mar 2000

      (£000)

      As at

      31 Mar 2001

      (£000)

      As at

      31 Mar 2002

      (£000)

      Aberdeen City

      1,800

      1,900

      2,059

      Glasgow

      5,207

      4,860

      5,262

      Stirling

      3,633

      3,819

      4,139

      Dumfries and Galloway

      641

      500

      522

      South Lanarkshire

      244

      -

      -

      Edinburgh

      9,915

      31,202

      35,556

      Clackmannanshire

      713

      1,131

      1,226

      Inverclyde

      1,238

      1,050

      1,161

      Highland

      504

      460

      490

      East Dunbartonshire

      169

      67

      72

      Aberdeenshire

      1,250

      1,066

      1,180

      Falkirk

      3,060

      4,833

      6,012

      Perth and Kinross

      2,658

      6,122

      6,571

      Angus

      272

      302

      308

      North Lanarkshire

      203

      253

      257

      West Lothian

      141

      125

      136

      East Ayrshire

      1,111

      -

      -

      Grand Total

      32,759

      57,690

      64,951

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166669,"EventID":"S1W-30176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with BT Scotland regarding the number of registrations of interest required before broadband technology is available in a particular ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with BT Scotland regarding the number of registrations of interest required before broadband technology is available in a particular exchange.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has regular discussions with telecoms operators in Scotland on matters of common interest. The setting of individual \"trigger levels\" relating to the ADSL enabling of exchanges is a commercial decision for BT. However, the Scottish Executive shares the industry's desire to raise awareness and so stimulate the demand for broadband services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166670,"EventID":"S1W-30177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what steps are being taken to provide induction training for new members of staff employed by MSPs.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what steps are being taken to provide induction training for new members of staff employed by MSPs.","AnswerText":"As employers in their own right, the Members of the Scottish Parliament are responsible for the training and development of their staff. The SPCB is, however, committed to providing basic induction training for MSP staff, particularly as this relates to the use of services supplied by the SPCB. Two such training courses were run this year in response to requests from members. The take-up for these was, however, disappointing and, consequently, there are no plans to run further courses until after the 2003 elections.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166671,"EventID":"S1W-30178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there are any plans to introduce a one-stop-shop for new members of staff employed by MSPs that allows for all relevant paperwork to be completed in one process ra","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there are any plans to introduce a one-stop-shop for new members of staff employed by MSPs that allows for all relevant paperwork to be completed in one process rather than separately filling in different forms for, for example, security passes.","AnswerText":"This matter has already been identified by the SPCB as requiring attention. The SPCB is considering ways, in time for the next Parliament, of streamlining the paperwork associated with granting access to parliamentary services for new MSP staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166672,"EventID":"S1W-30179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met representatives of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) of Scotland, the Scottish Crofters Federation and island councils to discuss any suitable amendmen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has met representatives of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) of Scotland, the Scottish Crofters Federation and island councils to discuss any suitable amendments to the EU Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare's proposals to alter the animal welfare regulations governing the transport of livestock by sea.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has met representatives of the NFU Scotland to discuss the recommendations in the report on the welfare of animals during transport by the EU Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Welfare. The specific recommendation on transportation of livestock by seas was discussed. No meetings have been held with the Scottish Crofters' Federation or the Islands' Councils, but we are fully aware of the concerns of the livestock industry on the Islands.

      The specific needs of the remote areas such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland were raised at the recent Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting when the welfare of animals during transit was discussed in open forum. When proposals are made by the European Commission these will be discussed with crofting and farming organisations to assist Scottish Executive officials to prepare briefing for attendance at any Council working group set up to consider the proposals in detail.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166673,"EventID":"S1W-30180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on the EU Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare's proposals to alter the animal welfare re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on the EU Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare's proposals to alter the animal welfare regulations governing the transport of livestock by sea.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs fully aware of the Executive's concern about some of the Committee's recommendations and, in particular, the recommendation about restricting animal transport by sea in winds of force 5 or greater. A case stressing the specific problems which the Committee's recommendations, if adopted, would pose for the livestock industry in the Highlands and Islands, has been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166674,"EventID":"S1W-30181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it acting with Her Majesty's Government, has made a case in Europe for the proposed rules governing transport of animals by sea to include exemptions for transpor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it acting with Her Majesty's Government, has made a case in Europe for the proposed rules governing transport of animals by sea to include exemptions for transport to and from the Scottish islands in the light of the independent assessments made by animal welfare organisations backing the existing livestock transport arrangements, and whether any such case received the support of other European governments.","AnswerText":"No proposals on the welfare of animals during transport have been made by the Commission. However, the special circumstances affecting the Highlands and Islands have been raised with the Commission on a number of occasions and were recorded formally at the recent Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166675,"EventID":"S1W-30182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effects on agriculture in the islands should the EU Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare's proposals to alter the a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effects on agriculture in the islands should the EU Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare's proposals to alter the animal welfare regulations governing the transport of livestock by sea become law without any amendment.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not carried out an in depth assessment of the effects that implementation of the recommendation to alter the regulations governing the transport of livestock by sea would have on the livestock industry in the islands. Nevertheless we are acutely aware that the effect would be significant so the Executive has strongly registered with the European Commission and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs its concerns over any possible change to the transport of livestock regulations which would limit the transport of animals by sea to days when the wind speed was force 4 or less. Our concerns over a shortening of journey times for animals from the Highlands and Islands have also been made known.

      We shall reinforce this position if that recommendation is brought forward as one of the Commission proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166676,"EventID":"S1W-30183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioner households currently (a) have and (b) do not have central heating, broken down by local authority area and parliamentary constituency","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioner households currently (a) have and (b) do not have central heating, broken down by local authority area and parliamentary constituency","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. The programme to deliver central heating to all local authority and housing association stock will be completed during 2004 and for tenants transferring from Glasgow City Council to a new social landlord during 2006. In the private sector an estimated 40,000 owner occupiers and private renters aged 60 or over will have central heating installed by the end of March 2006.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166677,"EventID":"S1W-30184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made for free central heating installation in each of the 10 Scottish parliamentary constituencies in Central Scotland under its central h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made for free central heating installation in each of the 10 Scottish parliamentary constituencies in Central Scotland under its central heating programme; how many of these applications have been approved, and how many installations have been carried out.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not collected on a constituency basis. However, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29435 on 8 October 2002, which provides a breakdown of the number of heating systems installed in the local authority and housing association stock by local authority area and in private sector houses by postcode area. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166678,"EventID":"S1W-30185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Food Standards Agency Scotland has taken following the examination of results from the Pesticide Residues Committee on the level of pesticides discovered ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action the Food Standards Agency Scotland has taken following the examination of results from the Pesticide Residues Committee on the level of pesticides discovered in food and drink since the agency was established.","AnswerText":"I am advised that the Food Standards Agency Board, at a recent open meeting, reviewed progress on pesticide and veterinary medicine residues in food. As part of this discussion, the board endorsed the need to pursue a strategy to encourage ways of improving the use of pesticides so that residues are minimised, with the aim of working towards zero residues. The agency continues to involve stakeholders in this dialogue and is developing an action plan to take forward this commitment to drive down residues in food.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166679,"EventID":"S1W-30186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether supervised drug withdrawal and safe alternative therapies are offered to all young people currently receiving Ritalin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether supervised drug withdrawal and safe alternative therapies are offered to all young people currently receiving Ritalin.","AnswerText":"The provision of individual care therapies and treatments are a matter for clinicians in consultation with the relevant professional staff/multi-disciplinary team. Decisions and appropriate responses in each case should always be based on individually assessed needs. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Guideline on Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People which was published in 2001 to provide good practice guidelines for clinicians covers non-pharmacological therapies as well as pharmacological treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166680,"EventID":"S1W-30187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in each of the last 10 years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is not available centrally. However, information from a sample of GP records in practices across Scotland whose population is nationally representative suggests the following numbers of patients with attention deficiency disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were seen by GPs over the last four years. It is not possible to provide information prior to 1998-99 because of code differences prior to that date.

      Year

      Estimated Number of Patients Seen by GPs

      1998-99

      1,600

      1999-2000

      1,800

      2000-01

      1,800

      2001-02

      1,700

      These data refer to diagnoses known to the patients' GP. There may be other patients whose condition is managed by specialist services, such as child psychiatry, who may not see their GP for these conditions and will therefore not be included in the data.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166681,"EventID":"S1W-30188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are advised of the side effects of stimulant medication before they are prescribed any such medication.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are advised of the side effects of stimulant medication before they are prescribed any such medication.","AnswerText":"Decisions regarding the use of stimulant medication in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are a matter of clinical judgement taking into account the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or their guardian/carer.

      The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 52 on ADHD provides advice about the most frequent side-effects associated with psychostimulants. The guideline recommends that the child or young person should be engaged in the therapeutic process with an understanding of their perception of their difficulties, the possibilities of treatment and their responsibility in the management of the disorder. The SIGN Guideline can be accessed on their website www.sign.ac.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166682,"EventID":"S1W-30189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current target (a) average waiting time is for an appointment with a consultant and (b) target waiting time is following a referral from a general practitioner, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current target (a) average waiting time is for an appointment with a consultant and (b) target waiting time is following a referral from a general practitioner, giving separate figures for heart disease, cancer and any other diseases for which separate figures are available.","AnswerText":"The national target in relation to out-patient waiting, set out in Building a Better Scotland, published on 12 September 2002, is that, by 2006, no patient should wait more than six months for a first out-patient appointment.

      Information on out-patient waiting times is collected centrally at specialty level only. The median waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant, following referral by a General Medical/Dental Practitioner, for the six most common specialties and for cardiology, in the year ended 31 March 2002, are given in the table.

      NHSScotland. Median Waiting Times for a First Out-Patient Appointment with a Consultant, following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner: Year Ended 31 March 2002.

      Specialty

      Median Wait

      Cardiology

      42 days

      ENT

      66 days

      General Surgery

      40 days

      Gynaecology

      49 days

      Ophthalmology

      69 days

      Orthopaedics and Trauma

      97 days

      Urology

      68 days

      All Specialties

      50 days

      Source: ISD Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166683,"EventID":"S1W-30190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for dealing with anti-social behaviour in under 16- year-olds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for dealing with anti-social behaviour in under 16- year-olds.","AnswerText":"Anti-social behaviour among young people requires a range of responses and co-ordinated effort at a local and national level. In addition to local action, there are a number of national initiatives that will reduce such behaviour, for example, implementation of the Discipline Task Group's recommendations, the 10-Point Plan to reduce youth crime and the New Opportunities Fund's £21 million Active Steps programme. If anti-social behaviour is causing concern to the community, the young person may be reported to the police or referred directly to the children's reporter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166684,"EventID":"S1W-30191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any increase in the number of people and, in particular, children being prescribed Ritalin or other drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any increase in the number of people and, in particular, children being prescribed Ritalin or other drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; if so, whether it has any plans to reduce such prescription; what assessment it has made of research on this issue by Battaglia et al and Breggin in 1997, and what research into this issue it has carried out or commissioned.","AnswerText":"Figures are not held centrally on the number of people, including children, who have been prescribed methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) or other drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Data collected centrally relate to the number of prescribed items and cost dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors. The data is not patient-specific.

      In deciding whether or not to prescribe Ritalin or other drugs for ADHD, clinicians would be expected to take account of advice and guidance about these treatments. This would include the national clinical guideline on Attention Deficit and Hyperkinetic Disorders in Children and Young People issued by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) in June 2001, the guidance issued in October 2000 by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the use of methylphenidate (Ritalin and Equasym) for ADHD in childhood and the Scottish Medicines Consortium advice dated July 2002 about the methylphenidate sustained release OROS formulation Concerta XL.

      Through the Chief Scientist Office, the Scottish Executive is funding a preliminary study of complementary therapy for children with ADHD. Given that there are well-established mechanisms for assessing clinical research and developing evidence-based guidelines for use within the health service, it would be inappropriate for the Executive to offer assessments of individual research papers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166685,"EventID":"S1W-30192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that nurses are appropriately graded to reflect any additional duties and responsibilities which they undertake.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that nurses are appropriately graded to reflect any additional duties and responsibilities which they undertake.","AnswerText":"Grading for nurses is currently determined according to the guidance laid down in the Nurses and Midwifery Staffs Negotiating Council's Handbook.

      However, grading is one of the issues being addressed in the national negotiations on Agenda for Change - Modernising the NHS Pay System. A key part of the system will be a new job evaluation system purpose built to covering amongst others, all NHS nursing posts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166686,"EventID":"S1W-30193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evidence is available to link fluoridation of the water supply to cancer, brittle bone disease and Al'heimer's disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evidence is available to link fluoridation of the water supply to cancer, brittle bone disease and Al'heimer's disease.","AnswerText":"As described in the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children, issued on 24 September 2002, an expert scientific review, published in 2000, concluded that, aside from a possible increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis of aesthetic concern, there is no evidence of other adverse effects on health, where fluoride is used at recommended doses.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166687,"EventID":"S1W-30194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can give assurances that fluoridation of the water supply will not have an adverse effect on people's health.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it can give assurances that fluoridation of the water supply will not have an adverse effect on people's health.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30193 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166688,"EventID":"S1W-30195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice on hormone replacement therapy and any link with an increase in breast cancer is currently available to NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice on hormone replacement therapy and any link with an increase in breast cancer is currently available to NHS boards.","AnswerText":"NHS boards have access to various sources of advice on any link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and an increased risk of breast cancer, including the product information for HRT and the British National Formulary.

      Importantly, the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) monitor the safety of marketed medicines and provide advice when necessary. The MCA/CSM publish a quarterly bulletin Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance drawing attention to problems with medicines and providing advice on the ways medicines can be used more safely. The April 2002 (Volume 28) edition of the bulletin reviewed the risks of cancer with use of HRT. This bulletin is available on the MCA's website www.mca.gov.uk.

      On 11 July 2002, the department provided NHS boards and trusts with information to help health professionals advise women on HRT who may have been concerned about the risks of this treatment following publicity about the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study. A copy of this information has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24544).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166689,"EventID":"S1W-30196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the estimated 28% increase in breast cancer in the next 10 years as reported in The Scotsman on 25 September 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the estimated 28% increase in breast cancer in the next 10 years as reported in The Scotsman on 25 September 2002. ","AnswerText":"Cancer in Scotland: Action for change sets out a variety of measures aimed at improving prevention, earlier detection and treatment for all cancers including breast. Investment plans for 2001-02 and 2002-03 include details of additional investment targeted specifically at breast cancer services. Investment plans are published on the Cancer in Scotland website, www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/cancerinscotland. Copies are also available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 17445 and 21487).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166690,"EventID":"S1W-30197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evidence is available showing the effects of fluoridation of the water supply on the immune system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evidence is available showing the effects of fluoridation of the water supply on the immune system.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30193 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search.wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166691,"EventID":"S1W-30198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it verifies the accuracy of figures promoted by higher education institutions regarding the number of former students who progress to employment or further study and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it verifies the accuracy of figures promoted by higher education institutions regarding the number of former students who progress to employment or further study and who conducts the initial research that produces such figures.","AnswerText":"Information regarding the destinations of graduates in higher education institutions (HEIs) is collected by HEIs, via the Higher Education Statistics Agency's (HESA) First Destinations Survey. The First Destinations Survey (FDS) collects information on the positions of successful graduates from full-time HE courses six months after graduation, via postal and telephone survey. The data collected is checked and validated, by the HEIs in the first instance, and then HESA. The information is then passed to the Scottish Executive.

      FDS data is now subject to audit, with each UK institution currently planned to be audited over a five-year cycle. The audit process is managed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England on behalf of the Performance Indicators Steering Group. Audit involves examination of systems and a re-survey of a sample of graduates.

      Initial results of this process have proved encouraging with regards quality of data being collected. Subsequently, a good practice guide was put together for use in institutions:

      http://www.hefce.ac.uk/learning/datacoll/FDS/.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166692,"EventID":"S1W-30199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into how many full-time students in higher education are also in part-time employment; who carried out any such research; when, and over w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into how many full-time students in higher education are also in part-time employment; who carried out any such research; when, and over what period, any such research was carried out; where any such research has been made available, and what percentage of the student population fell into this category in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"A Student Income and Expenditure Survey was conducted by Professor Claire Callender of South Bank University in 1998-99. It asked approximately 3,000 students throughout the UK detailed questions about their personal circumstances, courses and their income and expenditure.

      Copies of the Executive Summary report are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 10388). A copy of the full report is available on:

      http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR213.PDF.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166693,"EventID":"S1W-30200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the migratory behaviour of graduates from higher education; who carried out any such research; when, and over what period, any such r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into the migratory behaviour of graduates from higher education; who carried out any such research; when, and over what period, any such research was carried out, and where any such research has been made available.","AnswerText":"Information with regards domicile and location of employment of graduates from Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs) is collected by HEIs via the Higher Education Statistics Agency's (HESA) First Destinations Survey (FDS). The FDS collects a range of information on the positions of successful graduates from full-time HE courses six months after graduation. The Scottish Executive receives the results of the FDS from HESA.

      In addition, the Scottish Executive receives first destination information on higher education graduates from further education colleges (FECs) from the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC), collected via their First Destination of Graduates survey. The combined information is made available annually, via the Scottish Executive National Statistics publication, First Destinations of Graduates and Diplomates in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166694,"EventID":"S1W-30201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into how many full-time students in higher education have failed to complete their course of study; who carried out any such research; whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has undertaken into how many full-time students in higher education have failed to complete their course of study; who carried out any such research; when, and over what period, any such research was undertaken; where any such research has been made available, and what percentage of the student population fell into this category in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned a literature review on Retention and Wastage in FE and HE from Dr John Hall at the Scottish Council for Research in Education (SCRE). His report, published in 2001 is available on the SCRE website at www.scre.ac.uk.

      The major source of information on the proportion of full-time students who complete their course of study can be found in Table 5 of the Performance Indicators on Higher Education in the UK, published by the Higher Education Funding Councils in December 2001. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 18498) or on the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council's website at:

      www.shefc.ac.uk/content/library/press/2001/prhe2701.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166695,"EventID":"S1W-30202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist the victims of the flooding in the east end of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist the victims of the flooding in the east end of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Executive has been in contact with the Department for Work and Pensions about the financial help it can give to people affected by the recent Glasgow floods. The Executive is in discussion with landlords and the Association of British Insurers to ensure that there are appropriate insurance policies available, and that these are properly promoted. The Executive is working to ensure that proper planning takes place to prevent such flooding emergencies where this can be achieved. Work is taking place with Glasgow City Council on wider flood risk issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166696,"EventID":"S1W-30203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with the Department for Work and Pensions concerning the provision of assistance to victims of the flooding in the east end of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with the Department for Work and Pensions concerning the provision of assistance to victims of the flooding in the east end of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive contacted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to confirm that the local Social Security Office was fully prepared to provide the appropriate support, including through the Social Fund, to people adversely affected by the flooding in the East End of Glasgow. The Executive has subsequently ascertained that the DWP used the powers available to it to give immediate emergency assistance, through the Social Fund, to eligible victims of the floods, and will continue to do so if applications for help are received in the future.

      The Executive remains in regular contact with the Department of Work and Pensions on this matter, among many others.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166697,"EventID":"S1W-30204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to make an announcement concerning its discussions with Her Majesty's Government in regard to people who were affected by the recent flooding in the east","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to make an announcement concerning its discussions with Her Majesty's Government in regard to people who were affected by the recent flooding in the east end of Glasgow and were uninsured.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30203 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166698,"EventID":"S1W-30205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bank and agency nurses have been employed in 2001-02 and what the cost has been to each NHS trust of employing such nurses","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bank and agency nurses have been employed in 2001-02 and what the cost has been to each NHS trust of employing such nurses","AnswerText":"In the one year period ending 31 March 2002, 818.3 (WTE) agency nurses were employed by NHS organisations. The cost to each NHS trust of employing such nurses is listed as follows. Information on bank nursing and midwifery staff will be available on SKIPPER in November 2002.

      Cost of Using Agency Nursing Staff by Organisation, for the One Year Period Ending 31 March 2002.

      Trust

      Unqualified (£)

      Qualified (£)

      Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      479,331

      1,078,099

      Lomond and Argyll Primary Care NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care NHS Trust

      631,489

      *

      Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Ayrshire and Arran Primary Care NHS Trust

      0

      0

      Borders Acute Hospital NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Borders Primary Care NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust

      0

      *

      Dumfries and Galloway Primary Care NHS Trust

      0

      0

      Fife Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      310,131

      1,027,832

      Fife Primary Care NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Forth Valley Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Forth Valley Primary Care NHS Trust

      359,512

      *

      Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust

      605,531

      ,724,798

      Grampian Primary Care NHS Trust

      *

      *

      North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust

      720,000

      2,880,000

      South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust

      1,032,312

      1,430,795

      Yorkhill NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      *

      *

      Highland Primary Care NHS Trust

      *

      		Currently, the Scottish Executive provides annual core funding of £234,000 to Keep Scotland Beautiful, which runs a number of anti-litter and flytipping initiatives designed to raise awareness of the problem. In addition, since the beginning of the last financial year, an extra £700,000 has been allocated for anti-litter and flytipping campaigns such as the "Have some pride" poster campaign, which I launched in March.

      In addition, the Scottish Executive recently made £95 million available to local authorities as part of the First Minister's "Quality of Life" initiative. Around £3 million has been committed towards litter reduction schemes. Councils may choose to use some of this money to tackle flytipping.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166704,"EventID":"S1W-30211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to involve police officers in a stronger enforcement of litter laws under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to involve police officers in a stronger enforcement of litter laws under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.","AnswerText":"As part of the current review of existing legislation relevant to litter and flytipping, the role of the police in assisting local authorities enforce litter laws is being considered. The Scottish Executive will consider any recommendations in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166705,"EventID":"S1W-30212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report by the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group which has concluded that there is a lack of evidence to support an increase in secure accommodation places wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report by the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group which has concluded that there is a lack of evidence to support an increase in secure accommodation places will be published. ","AnswerText":"We will publish all relevant information when we announce our next steps shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166706,"EventID":"S1W-30213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26397 by Cathy Jamieson on 12 June 2002 that data regarding review hearings of a change from a recommendation from a children's pan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26397 by Cathy Jamieson on 12 June 2002 that data regarding review hearings of a change from a recommendation from a children's panel that a child be sent to secure accommodation is not held by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA), on what data the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group concluded that there is a lack of evidence to support an increase in places.","AnswerText":"The report draws from a variety of data sources including SCRA, prison records and a survey of young people in secure accommodation carried out in 1998.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166707,"EventID":"S1W-30214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the main barriers to eliminating poverty under the devolution settlement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it considers to be the main barriers to eliminating poverty under the devolution settlement.","AnswerText":"The Executive is tackling poverty through ensuring that opportunities are available for all to work where appropriate, to participate in society and to benefit from the provision of responsive public services. We are reducing the levels of poverty in Scotland through creating a fair and inclusive society, supported by the UK Government's commitment to make work pay through the minimum wage and tax credit system, and to raise the income of pensioners.

      The Executive is also tackling poverty through a range of programmes, such as Sure Start Scotland, New Futures Fund, and concessionary bus fares.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166708,"EventID":"S1W-30215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to participate in the proposed launch on 18 October 2002 by Napier University seeking funding towards the creation of a Scottish Centre for Creative Ind","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to participate in the proposed launch on 18 October 2002 by Napier University seeking funding towards the creation of a Scottish Centre for Creative Industries at Craighouse Campus, in particular whether any minister will be participating in the launch; on what date any request for a minister to participate in the launch was made and by whom, and on what date any such ministerial attendance was confirmed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30160 on 15 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166709,"EventID":"S1W-30216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28795 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 October 2002, what the names are of the five persons convicted of murder who are now on interim libera","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28795 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 October 2002, what the names are of the five persons convicted of murder who are now on interim liberation pending an appeal against their conviction; what the details of each charge were, and whether the prosecutor expressed a view before bail was granted in each case. ","AnswerText":"The names of the five appellants and details of their crimes are, like the details of all other appellants granted interim liberation, matters of public record. The information is available from the Depute Principal Clerk of Justiciary at the High Court of Justiciary in Edinburgh.

      As the Lord Advocate's Private Secretary and I indicated to you in our respective letters of 18 July and 13 August about the case of Richard Crawford, the prosecutor has no statutory right to be heard when the High Court is considering an application for bail from an appellant pending the determination of his appeal.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166710,"EventID":"S1W-30218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the statutory requirements for chaplaincy support for prisoners are being met currently throughout Scotland and in particular at HM Prison Noranside.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the statutory requirements for chaplaincy support for prisoners are being met currently throughout Scotland and in particular at HM Prison Noranside.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Due to difficulties in sustaining provision of the appropriate level of chaplaincy services to all prisoners, the SPS is moving towards a contractual agreement for provision of chaplaincy from the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland.

      In the interim, arrangements have been made for prisoners at Noranside to attend religious services in the community. In addition, where appropriate, a Minister or Priest will visit the individual in the prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166711,"EventID":"S1W-30219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families were living in poverty in each month of each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families were living in poverty in each month of each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Poverty cannot be measured by a single indicator. The Social Justice Annual Report contains 29 milestones which describe different aspects of poverty and social exclusion. Low income is one part of the picture.

      The headline measure of low income is conventionally defined to be household income below 60% of the GB median after housing costs, but it is also important to consider additional indicators based on a range of thresholds of mean and median income to gain a fuller picture.

      Data on low income households are only available on an annual basis. The following tables 1 and 2 detail the proportion of households with relative1 low income below a range of thresholds and cover the years since 1996-97. Tables 3 and 4 provide the same information but based on thresholds of absolute4 low income. All figures are based on a sample survey, and as such are subject to sampling variation. Care should therefore be taken in their interpretation.

      Table 1 - Proportion of Households in Scotland which are Low Income Households Based on 50% and 60% Mean Thresholds (Relative Measure)1

      50% Mean

      60% Mean

      BHC2

      AHC3

      BHC

      AHC

      1996-97

      21

      27

      34

      36

      1997-98

      19

      24

      31

      33

      1998-99

      20

      26

      33

      35

      1999-2000

      21

      27

      34

      36

      2000-01

      22

      28

      34

      36

      Table 2 - Proportion of Households in Scotland which are Low Income Households Based on 50%, 60% and 70% Median Thresholds (Relative Measure)1

      50% Median

      60% Median

      70% Median

      BHC

      AHC

      BHC

      AHC

      BHC

      AHC

      1996-97

      10

      15

      21

      26

      32The quarterly Labour Force Survey data from 1996 to present provide the following estimates for (a) the number of working aged people working in Scotland and (b) the percentage of working aged people working in the Scottish labour market:

      Labour Force

      Survey Quarter

      (a) Number of working age

      People (000)

      (b) Percentage of Labour Market in Work

      December 1995 to February 1996

      2,209

      91.0%

      March to May 1996

      2,207

      91.2%

      June to August 1996

      2,241

      91.2%

      September to November 1996

      2,209

      91.1%

      December 1996 to February 1997

      2,211

      91.1%

      March to May 1997

      2,219

      91.4%

      June to August 1997

      2,242

      91.1%

      September to November 1997

      2,253

      92.4%

      December 1997 to February 1998

      2,262

      92.5%

      March to May 1998

      2,256

      92.5%

      June to August 1998

      2,273

      92.2%

      September to November 1998

      2,279

      92.2%

      December 1998 to February 1999

      2,249

      92.6%

      March to May 1999

      2,238

      92.4%

      June to August 1999

      2,272

      92.5%

      September to November 1999

      2,272

      92.9%

      December 1999 to February 2000

      2,270

      92.5%

      March to May 2000

      2,273

      92.3%

      June to August 2000

      2,335

      93.1%

      September to November 2000

      2,345

      93.8%

      December 2000 to February 2001

      2,329

      94.0%

      March to May 2001

      2,323Estimated Average Annual Salary for Hospital Doctors and Nurses

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Hospital Doctors

      £31,815

      £33,157

      £34,907

      £36,360

      £37,637

      £39,106

      Nurses

      £15,278

      £15,916

      £16,600

      £17,639

      £18,455

      £19,321

       

      General Practitioners are not employees but independent contractors and as such do not attract a salary. They are paid a series of fees and allowances aimed at producing an Intended Average Net Income (IANI) for each GP. The Intended Average Net Income for 1996 - 2001 are as follows:

      Intended Average Net Income for General Medical Practitioners

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      GMPs

      £44,483

      £46,450

      £49,030

      £52,600

      £54,220

      £56,335

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166714,"EventID":"S1W-30222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which years for which figures are available public expenditure was highest in (a) cash and (b) real terms in respect of (i) health, (ii) education, (iii) policing and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which years for which figures are available public expenditure was highest in (a) cash and (b) real terms in respect of (i) health, (ii) education, (iii) policing and (iv) local government.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys. It is set out in the summary tables on page 13 (cash figures) and page 14 (real terms).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166715,"EventID":"S1W-30223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made in the Perth and Kinross Council area to date under its central heating installation programme; how many of these applications have b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made in the Perth and Kinross Council area to date under its central heating installation programme; how many of these applications have been approved, and how many have now been carried out.","AnswerText":"Perth and Kinross Council tell us they have no stock which lacks central heating. All housing association stock in the area has central heating. Eaga manage the central heating programme for owner-occupiers and private renters. They do not collect information by local authority area. Since the programme began Eaga have had 996 applications from the KY and PH postcode areas. To date they have approved 773 of them for initial survey and 300 heating systems have been installed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166716,"EventID":"S1W-30224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitment it has made to funding upgrading work required on the A90 at the Myrekirk Road and Swallow Hotel roundabouts in Dundee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what commitment it has made to funding upgrading work required on the A90 at the Myrekirk Road and Swallow Hotel roundabouts in Dundee.","AnswerText":"The Executive's programme of works for 2002-03 includes a scheme to reconstruct the A90 carriageway between the two roundabouts at Myrekirk Road and the Swallow Hotel. This work is due to start in November and will cost over £400,000. The current programme does not include plans to upgrade the roundabouts themselves.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166717,"EventID":"S1W-30225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under paragraph 11 of Circular 12/1996 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 Planning Agreements, no developer can be required to fund the total cost of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, under paragraph 11 of Circular 12/1996 Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 Planning Agreements, no developer can be required to fund the total cost of transport infrastructure improvements which may be needed in a particular area identified for development.","AnswerText":"Circular 12/1996 is the Executive's guidance on the role of and the appropriate use of planning agreements, and should be considered in the particular circumstances of individual cases. The negotiation of a planning agreement is a matter, in the first instance, for the planning authority and the parties with an interest in the land. If, through such a negotiation, a developer agrees to fund the total cost of transport infrastructure improvements that is up to him or her. Interpretation of the legal and policy framework is ultimately a matter for the courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166718,"EventID":"S1W-30226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the results have been of the most recent research into links between salmon farming and wild fish stocks and what action will be taken in the light of such results.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the results have been of the most recent research into links between salmon farming and wild fish stocks and what action will be taken in the light of such results.","AnswerText":"Recent research results suggest a correlation between levels of sea lice on salmon farms and in the local marine environment. Proposals for further research into the distribution and behaviour of sea lice and their impact on wild stocks are under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166719,"EventID":"S1W-30227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidance will be issued to NHS boards about notifying funeral directors of all potential risks of infection in order to enable them to take any necessary prec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidance will be issued to NHS boards about notifying funeral directors of all potential risks of infection in order to enable them to take any necessary precautions to protect their staff.","AnswerText":"This issue primarily relates to occupational health and safety, which is a reserved matter. The Health Services Advisory Committee, which reports to the Health and Safety Commission, is currently updating its guidance Safe Working and the Prevention of Infection in the Mortuary and Post-Mortem Room. The guidance will give advice to duty holders, including general precautions for undertakers and ambulance staff during delivery or removal of bodies to and from the mortuary.

      The Executive has no plans to issue guidance to NHS boards. Boards already recognise the importance of providing information about specific risks of infection to those who might be affected, including funeral directors.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166720,"EventID":"S1W-30228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, what the timetable is for the research into autism being conducted by the Medical Resear","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, what the timetable is for the research into autism being conducted by the Medical Research Council; what input it has into this research, and how it will consult on the research findings.","AnswerText":"The Medical Research Council (MRC) is currently funding eight research projects on autism at a cost of over £5 million. These projects vary in length with completion dates ranging from September 2002 to May 2005. A steering group has been set up by the MRC to develop its strategy for research on autism and will hold a series of workshops over the next six months. The Department of Health in England and the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Executive Health Department have observer status on that steering group. MRC also plans an annual forum which will bring together research, policy and consumer interests. Following these meetings, MRC expects to receive good quality research proposals which will be subject to peer review. The MRC anticipates that it will have committed the remaining £2.5 million for research into autism by 2005. MRC expects researchers to publish their results in peer reviewed scientific literature in the normal way.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166721,"EventID":"S1W-30229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services have been, or are expected to be, to the health service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services have been, or are expected to be, to the health service.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive continues to be in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Departments on trade issues and how these may impact on the Executives responsibilities. The GATS makes it clear that liberalisation shall take place, if at all, with due respect for national policy objectives and recognises the right of WTO member governments to regulate, and to introduce new regulations on the supply of services within their territories to meet national policy objectives.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166722,"EventID":"S1W-30230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services have been, or are expected to be, to the education service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services have been, or are expected to be, to the education service.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166723,"EventID":"S1W-30231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, whether requests for liberalisation from other World Trade Organisation members in relat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, whether requests for liberalisation from other World Trade Organisation members in relation to the General Agreement on Trade in Services in order to secure private sector involvement in the provision of public services will limit its ability to protect public services from any adverse effects.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166724,"EventID":"S1W-30232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the health service has suffered, or may suffer, any adverse effects as a result of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the health service has suffered, or may suffer, any adverse effects as a result of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30229 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166725,"EventID":"S1W-30233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the education service has suffered, or may suffer, any adverse effects as a result of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the education service has suffered, or may suffer, any adverse effects as a result of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166726,"EventID":"S1W-30234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what effective market access for foreign service providers under the General Agreement o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what effective market access for foreign service providers under the General Agreement on Trade in Services it considers appropriate for the education service.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166727,"EventID":"S1W-30235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what effective market access for foreign service providers under the General Agreement o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what effective market access for foreign service providers under the General Agreement on Trade in Services it considers appropriate for the health service.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive continues to be in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Departments on trade issues and how these may impact on the Executives responsibilities. The General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATS) makes it clear that liberalisation shall take place, if at all, with due respect for national policy objectives and recognises the right of World Trade Organisation (WTO) member governments to regulate and to introduce new regulations on the supply of services within their territories to meet national policy objectives.

      The GATS applies to measures affecting trade in services taken by central, regional or local governments and authorities and by non-governmental bodies in the exercise of powers delegated by such governments and authorities.

      Progressive liberalisation under the GATS concerns the reduction or elimination of the adverse effects on trade in services of such measures as a means of providing effective market access for foreign service suppliers. Requests for liberalisation by WTO members do not seek the privatisation of state supplied public services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166728,"EventID":"S1W-30236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what part of the General Agreement on Trade in Services \"makes clear that liberalisation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what part of the General Agreement on Trade in Services \"makes clear that liberalisation shall take place, if at all, with due respect for national policy objectives, and recognises the right of WTO member governments to regulate, and to introduce new regulations, on the supply of service within their territories in order to meet national policy objectives\".","AnswerText":"In the 4th paragraph of the preamble to the GATS, the following statement is located which makes it clear that liberalisation will take place, if at all, with due respect for national policy initiatives:

      "Recognizing the right of members to regulate, and to introduce new regulations, on the supply of services within their territories in order to meet national policy objectives and, given asymmetries existing with respect to the degree of development of services regulations in different countries, the particular need of developing countries to exercise this right."

      However, the regulation of international trade is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166729,"EventID":"S1W-30237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what part of the General Agreement on Trade in Services leads it to consider that reques","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what part of the General Agreement on Trade in Services leads it to consider that requests for liberalisation do not seek the privatisation of state-supplied public services.","AnswerText":"It is not for the Scottish Executive to consider whether or not requests for liberalisation seek the privatisation of state-supplied public services as the regulation of international trade is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166730,"EventID":"S1W-30238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests have been received to vary the contract for the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock since commencement of the contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many requests have been received to vary the contract for the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock since commencement of the contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      To date, SPS has made no request for a change of service under Clause 7 of the Minute of Agreement. Details of the contract are published on the SPS website at: www.sps.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166731,"EventID":"S1W-30239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many variations in the contract for the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock have been approved since commencement of the contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many variations in the contract for the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock have been approved since commencement of the contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      To date, there have been no changes of service under Clause 7 of the Minute of Agreement. Details of the contract are published on the SPS website at: www.sps.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166732,"EventID":"S1W-30240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is in place within the contract for the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock to vary the contract to take account of any changes in policy relating to prison","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what provision is in place within the contract for the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock to vary the contract to take account of any changes in policy relating to prisoners.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Clause 7 of the Minute of Agreement contains provision for SPS to request a change to the service provided. Details are given in the contract which is published on the SPS website at: www.sps.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166733,"EventID":"S1W-30241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of training is provided to Scottish Ambulance Service voluntary community responders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of training is provided to Scottish Ambulance Service voluntary community responders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Ambulance Service will train volunteers to first aid, lifesaving or Heartstart qualification standards. The service is working towards enabling these first responders to be accredited to the Institute of Health Care Development "first person on scene" level.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166734,"EventID":"S1W-30242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget is made available to each emergency service for training in emergency procedure operations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget is made available to each emergency service for training in emergency procedure operations.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated over £108 million to the Scottish Ambulance Service this year. This represents a 7.4% increase on last year and reflects the Executive's support for the service's modernisation agenda, including the implementation of priority-based dispatch. Part of this allocation will be used to support the training of community first responders. These responders form an integral element of the service's faster response to emergency calls, in particular in remote and rural communities.

      Police and fire services personnel are trained in first aid so that they may provide assistance in medical emergencies they may come across when carrying out their duties. This will account for a small part of the training budget expended centrally and locally in support of these services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166735,"EventID":"S1W-30243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to provide legal protection in any negligence claims against Scottish Ambulance Service voluntary community responders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to provide legal protection in any negligence claims against Scottish Ambulance Service voluntary community responders.","AnswerText":"All voluntary community responders, like all Scottish Ambulance Service personnel or volunteer ambulance car drivers who attend patients, are covered by the Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity Scheme which operates throughout NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166736,"EventID":"S1W-30244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many permanent posts in the Scottish Ambulance Service have been replaced by voluntary community responders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many permanent posts in the Scottish Ambulance Service have been replaced by voluntary community responders.","AnswerText":"No permanent posts in the Scottish Ambulance Service have been replaced by voluntary community responders. Indeed, the service's modernisation programme will result in the biggest recruitment drive in its history, recruiting over 200 new staff in addition to employing voluntary community responders.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166737,"EventID":"S1W-30245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many voluntary community responders currently operate within the Scottish Ambulance Service, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many voluntary community responders currently operate within the Scottish Ambulance Service, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Community First Responder schemes are part of the Scottish Ambulance Service's implementation of priority-based dispatch. All of the service's divisions are developing these schemes and all are currently engaged in the process of identifying and recruiting suitable candidates. At present, there is one responder scheme in operation - at RAF Leuchars, where the initial pilot scheme proved to be highly successful.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166738,"EventID":"S1W-30246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28868 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, when the brochure promoting the location of the European Maritime Safety Agency in G","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28868 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, when the brochure promoting the location of the European Maritime Safety Agency in Glasgow was published.","AnswerText":"The UK position in relation to the siting of EU Agencies is reserved and a matter for the UK Government. The brochure summarising the case for Glasgow was produced jointly by the Executive, the Department for Transport and the Scotland Office and was circulated to the EU Institutions and member states in May 2002, and to Scottish MEPs in June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166739,"EventID":"S1W-30247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23950 and S1W-24928 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 April and 7 May 2002, why the brochure summarising Glasgow's case for securing the loc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-23950 and S1W-24928 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 April and 7 May 2002, why the brochure summarising Glasgow's case for securing the location of the European Maritime Agency was not mentioned in these answers.","AnswerText":"Questions S1W-23950 and S1W-24928 asked about efforts and representations that had been made on the issue of European Union agencies' location. The brochure summarising Glasgow's case on the location of the European Maritime Agency was distributed to the other member states and the European Commission after these questions were answered.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166740,"EventID":"S1W-30248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28868 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, whether it has made any representations, or has been involved in any joint represent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28868 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, whether it has made any representations, or has been involved in any joint representations with Her Majesty's Government, to secure the location of any European agency in Scotland other than the European Maritime Safety Agency.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in touch with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the location of EU agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166741,"EventID":"S1W-30249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28868 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, in what ways, other than by circulating a brochure, it has sought to promote the cas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28868 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 September 2002, in what ways, other than by circulating a brochure, it has sought to promote the case to locate the European Maritime Safety Agency in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The UK position in relation to the siting of EU Agencies is reserved and a matter for the UK Government. The Executive is in regular contact with the Department for Transport about the Glasgow bid. However, decisions about promotion are ultimately a matter for the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166742,"EventID":"S1W-30250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Rural Affairs Committees 2nd Report, 1999: Impact of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning on the Fisheries Sector, whether any further money was made available","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Rural Affairs Committees 2nd Report, 1999: Impact of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning on the Fisheries Sector, whether any further money was made available for research into the causes of shellfish toxicity; what funding has been made available for such research in each subsequent financial year; whether continuing funding was made available to develop monitoring and testing regimes and, if so, how much such funding has been made available in each financial year since the publication of the report, and whether any research has taken place into the alleged link between fin fish farms and outbreaks of amnesic shellfish poisoning and, if so, whether it will detail what specific research has taken place.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that new research into the relationship between phytoplankton and algal toxin levels is due to run between January 2000 and September 2003, with costs of £450,275 spread over that period. On continuing funding to develop testing regimes, between August 2000 and August 2002, £266,779 was made available for assessment of new system for rapid detection of ASP and DSP (MIST AlertTM). In addition, the FSAS algal toxin shellfish monitoring programme was launched in January 2001 and is set to run until March 2005, at a total cost of £2,012,954 plus approximately £250,000 per annum for charter vessels required to collect samples. No new research has taken place into the alleged link between fish farms and outbreaks of ASP.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166743,"EventID":"S1W-30251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support COSCA, the professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support COSCA, the professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently provides training support under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. £31,827 has been awarded this financial year.

      A draft proposal from COSCA for continued funding is currently being considered by various departments in the Executive.

      Mr Magee, Chief Executive of COSCA is meeting with the Director of Policy Co-ordination in the Social Work Services Inspectorate to discuss future funding issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166744,"EventID":"S1W-30252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the development of the Construction Licensing Executive to improve standards in the construction industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the development of the Construction Licensing Executive to improve standards in the construction industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the aims of the Scottish Construction Licensing Executive to provide a framework for self-regulation of companies in the construction industry. We are represented as an observer on the Licensing Executive.

      The Scottish Executive is also facilitating a meeting between the Licensing Executive and the DTI to consider a joint approach between the Scottish Construction Licensing Executive scheme and the DTI's Quality Mark scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166745,"EventID":"S1W-30253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the conditions attached to licences for money lenders in the light of its social justice agenda.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the conditions attached to licences for money lenders in the light of its social justice agenda.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to the licensing of money lenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166746,"EventID":"S1W-30254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Jobcentre Plus in support of allowing people looking for paid employment to do voluntary work while awaiting the offer of a job fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Jobcentre Plus in support of allowing people looking for paid employment to do voluntary work while awaiting the offer of a job from a job centre and ensuring that the job seekers agreement does not militate against an individual doing such work.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for job search and support is reserved to the UK Government. However, I understand that Jobseeker's Allowance regulations currently permit jobseekers to undertake voluntary work. They must continue to actively seek employment and must be willing and able to start work or go for an interview within 48 hours. Voluntary work means work for an organisation whose activities are non-profit-making and where no payment is received by the jobseeker other than reasonable expenses. The Jobseeker's Agreement does not militate against an individual doing such work. It sets out a jobseeker's availability for work, the kind of work they are looking for and the actions they will take to look for work.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166747,"EventID":"S1W-30255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its support to Citi'ens Advice Bureaux (CAB) will take account of the number of volunteers whose training at a CAB enables them to take up paid employment based o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its support to Citi'ens Advice Bureaux (CAB) will take account of the number of volunteers whose training at a CAB enables them to take up paid employment based on their CAB experience. ","AnswerText":"Funding for Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) is a matter for local authorities who are best placed to decide on the allocation of resources according to the needs of their particular areas. We recognise and welcome the volunteering experience and training that is available through CAB which can lead to improved employment opportunities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166748,"EventID":"S1W-30256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available towards the establishment and development of (a) local and (b) national tourist trails.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available towards the establishment and development of (a) local and (b) national tourist trails.","AnswerText":"The establishment of tourist trails is an operational matter for the local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166749,"EventID":"S1W-30257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28903 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 September 2002, whether it has set a revised date for issuing the consultation paper, due to be issue","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28903 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 September 2002, whether it has set a revised date for issuing the consultation paper, due to be issued by the end of September, on the delivery of court services in the Peebles area and, if so, what date it has set.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given in question S1W-30468 on 10 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. No revised date for issuing the consultation paper in relation to delivery of court services in the Peebles area has been set.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166750,"EventID":"S1W-30258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Parcelforce about the impact of additional charges in respect of deliveries to homes in Highlands and Islands postcode areas (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Parcelforce about the impact of additional charges in respect of deliveries to homes in Highlands and Islands postcode areas (a) IV, (b) HS, (c) KA27-28, (d) KW, (e) PA20-49, (f) PA60-78, (g) PH17-26, (h) PH30-44, (I) PH49-50 and (j) ZE and whether it will (i) seek to meet Parcelforce and (ii) make representations to Her Majesty's Government about this matter. ","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including Consignia's parcel delivery services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166751,"EventID":"S1W-30259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many abattoirs closed in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many abattoirs closed in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"There have been six such closures during that period. Details are:

      Year

      No. of Closures

      Local Authority Area

      1997

      2

      Dumfries and Galloway

      Argyll and Bute

      1998

      2

      City of Edinburgh

      South Lanarkshire

      1999

      0

      		 

      2000

      0

      		 

      2001

      0

      		 

      2002 to end September

      2

      Dundee City

      Shetland Islands

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166752,"EventID":"S1W-30260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency has claimed back from the European Union for detecting and dealing with varroa mites in honey bees in each of the last f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency has claimed back from the European Union for detecting and dealing with varroa mites in honey bees in each of the last five years, expressed also as a percentage of the agency's budget for varroa mites. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency do not claim any money back from the European Union for work carried out under the Honey Programme. However, the Scottish Executive claims back under Council Regulation (EC) 1221/97, 50% of all monies spent on varroa work by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, the Scottish Agricultural College and the department's Agricultural Staff Bee Officers. In each of the last five years we have spent:

      1998 - year 1

      £42, 618

      1999 - year 2

      £44, 812

      2000 - year 3

      £46, 552

      2001 - year 4

      £24, 840

      2002 - year 5

      £38, 132

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166753,"EventID":"S1W-30261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to relax the restrictions in section 59 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that bar persons under the age of 21 years from being co-opt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to relax the restrictions in section 59 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that bar persons under the age of 21 years from being co-opted on to local authority committees.","AnswerText":"We do not believe that this legislation prevents people under the age of 21 being co-opted to council committees and therefore we have no plans to amend it.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166754,"EventID":"S1W-30262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it would be acceptable for lecturing staff at a higher education establishment to make financial gain, either for or from a limited company in wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it would be acceptable for lecturing staff at a higher education establishment to make financial gain, either for or from a limited company in which they have a personal interest, through the use of research finance or equipment purchased from the funding it gives to individual establishments.","AnswerText":"There are many ways in which a member of staff may be able to gain financial benefits through access to institutional property and funding, ranging from publications and public appearances, to involvement in research-led companies and the licensing of intellectual property. Regulation of personal financial gain in these circumstances is a matter for individual higher education institutions as employers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166755,"EventID":"S1W-30263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the 2005 electronic service delivery target.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the 2005 electronic service delivery target.","AnswerText":"We have today published the Executive's 3rd Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report. Over all 69% of services provided by the Executive, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are now available online to some degree. This represents a 2% increase since the last report was published in May this year. This third report now also includes a column indicating the stage of development these services have reached. Copies of the report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. It is also available on the 21st Century Government website and the OpenScotland website.

      The following is a corrected answer (published on 23 December 2002); see below.

      We have today published the Executive's 3rd Electronic Service Delivery Progress Report. Over all 80% of services provided by the Executive, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are now available online to some degree. This represents a significant increase since the last report which was published in May this year and is partly due to the inclusion of a number of services which were logged from the outset as being at second stage or above, and were therefore originally omitted from the count. This third report now also includes a column indicating the stage of development these services have reached. Copies of the report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. It is also available on the 21st Century Government website and the OpenScotland website.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166756,"EventID":"S1W-30264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies were formally consulted by the First Minister in the preparation of his report to be submitted to the Committee of the Regions for the Convention on the Futu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies were formally consulted by the First Minister in the preparation of his report to be submitted to the Committee of the Regions for the Convention on the Future of Europe.","AnswerText":"The Opinion "More democracy, transparency and efficiency in the European Union" was drafted by me for the Committee of the Regions in a personal capacity. The Scottish Executive has consulted extensively on Future of Europe issues to inform an official submission to be sent to the Convention later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166757,"EventID":"S1W-30265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether convictions of murder, rape or other serious crimes of violence and, in particular, the names of those convicted of such crimes are invariably a matter within th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether convictions of murder, rape or other serious crimes of violence and, in particular, the names of those convicted of such crimes are invariably a matter within the public domain; if so, whether the interim release on bail pending appeal is also a matter within the public domain and, if this is not the case, what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The names of convicted adult offenders and the crimes of which they have been convicted are in the public domain. The information is available from the Depute Principal Clerk of Justiciary at the High Court of Justiciary in Edinburgh.

      Trials of children for serious offences are held in public but the proceedings are subject to statutory reporting restrictions. The names of convicted children could not be disclosed by the media unless the reporting restrictions were dispensed with by the court during the trial or by the Scottish ministers after the trial.

      On the grant of interim liberation, the names of adult offenders are also in the public domain. All court proceedings involving children are covered by the statutory reporting restrictions. This would therefore include proceedings on the grant of interim liberation pending appeal.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166758,"EventID":"S1W-30266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether victims should be informed when those convicted of murder, rape or other serious crimes of violence are released on bail pending appeal, given its policy on keepi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether victims should be informed when those convicted of murder, rape or other serious crimes of violence are released on bail pending appeal, given its policy on keeping victims informed after conviction and before release from prison.","AnswerText":"The Crown currently has a system in place for alerting vulnerable victims and next of kin when a person convicted of a serious crime is granted interim liberation pending appeal.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166759,"EventID":"S1W-30267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy to support non-disclosure in relation to release on bail pending appeal of those convicted of murder, rape and other serious crimes of violence ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy to support non-disclosure in relation to release on bail pending appeal of those convicted of murder, rape and other serious crimes of violence and, if this is not its policy, whether it will undertake to keep the police and victims informed of such releases on bail.","AnswerText":"On the issue of disclosure of the names of adult appellants given interim liberation, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30216 on 16 October 2002.

      I understand the Crown has a system in place for alerting victims and next of kin when a person convicted of a serious and violent crime is granted interim liberation pending appeal.

      So far as notification of the police is concerned, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28839 on 13 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166760,"EventID":"S1W-30268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would support the holding of an official local referendum in the area surrounding Cumbernauld and Kilsyth about the plans to upgrade the A80 to motorway status","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would support the holding of an official local referendum in the area surrounding Cumbernauld and Kilsyth about the plans to upgrade the A80 to motorway status.","AnswerText":"We are presently in the process of considering the corridor study reports and all comments received in connection with the consultants recommendations.

      I do not consider it necessary or appropriate to hold a local referendum on the future of the A80. The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, as amended by subsequent legislation, provides adequate statutory mechanisms for public comment on, and where appropriate objections to, trunk road schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166761,"EventID":"S1W-30269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly-qualified dentists have taken up posts in each NHS board area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly-qualified dentists have taken up posts in each NHS board area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested by the member is currently being collated. Once complete I will write to the member with a full response and place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166762,"EventID":"S1W-30270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists in each NHS board area continue to carry out NHS work.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dentists in each NHS board area continue to carry out NHS work.","AnswerText":"The number of general dental practitioners in each NHS board area who continue to carry out NHS dental treatment is shown in the following table:

      NHS General Dental Practitioners (Principals, Assistants and Vocational Trainees) Who Carry Out NHS Dental Treatment: by NHS Board Area at 30 September 2002

      NHS Board Area

      Number of Principals

      Number of Assistants

      Number of Trainees

      Total

      Argyll and Clyde

      175

      2

      6

      183

      Ayrshire and Arran

      130

      2

      1

      133

      Borders

      40

      3

      5

      48

      Dumfries and Galloway

      39

      1

      2

      42

      Fife

      138

      5

      9

      152

      Forth Valley

      96

      1

      9

      106

      Grampian

      158

      9

      8

      175

      Greater Glasgow

      427

      9

      15

      451

      Highland

      84

      1

      3

      88

      Lanarkshire

      199

      7

      13

      219

      Lothian

      369

      3

      25

      397

      Orkney

      7

      0

      0

      7

      Shetland

      11

      0

      0

      11

      Tayside

      165

      8

      12

      185

      Western Isles

      9

      0

      0

       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      % Of Total Budget1

      0.69%

      0.66%

      0.63%2

      Notes:

      1. The calculations for wages and salaries includes National Insurance and pension contributions.

      2. The figures used in the calculations for 2001-02 are subject to confirmation of the annual Scottish Executive Core Departments' resource accounts by the Comptroller and Auditor General.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166764,"EventID":"S1W-30272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage ethical practices by companies to ensure that they have a sound social and environmental record.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will encourage ethical practices by companies to ensure that they have a sound social and environmental record.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27744 on 22 August 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166765,"EventID":"S1W-30273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will reduce instances of violent crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will reduce instances of violent crime.","AnswerText":"We have introduced a wide range of measures to make Scotland safer and the people of Scotland feel safer. Measures we have or are taking to specifically combat the many forms of violence which occur in our communities include:

      To reduce domestic abuse we are raising awareness through our advertising campaign, increasing protection with the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 and providing £12 million to increase refuge provision to enable women to escape their abuser and prevent repeat victimisation.

      The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill will introduce a package of measures to enhance the assessment and control of offenders who commit serious violent, sexual or life endangering offences.

      We introduced the Community Safety Partnership Award Programme which will provide local authority-led partnerships with £12 million over the next three years for crime prevention and community safety initiatives. Prior to this we provided challenge competition funding of £10.3 million to 161 CCTV projects to make communities safer in Scotland.

      We have also set targets in association with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland for a reduction of 5% in the number of recorded incidents of serious violent crime and a 4% increase in the detection rate of such crimes (these targets are derived from a three-year average 1997-2000).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166766,"EventID":"S1W-30274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many DNA records are currently held by each police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many DNA records are currently held by each police force.","AnswerText":"DNA records are not kept by forces but are held on the Scottish DNA database, managed by Tayside Forensic Laboratory. As at 30 September 2002, the Scottish database currently held 117,354 DNA profiles from known individuals and 2,691 profiles from crime scene stains (DNA recovered from a crime scene where there is no named suspect). The following table shows the number of profiles submitted by each force:
       

      Known Profiles

      Crime Scene Stains

      Central Scotland

      12,421

      405

      Dumfries and Galloway

      2,527

      69

      Fife

      13,287

      264

      Grampian

      8,938

      354

      Lothian and Borders

      16,776

      306

      Northern

      7,515

      73

      Strathclyde

      44,496

      580

      Tayside

      11,394

      640

      Total

      117,354

      2,691

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166767,"EventID":"S1W-30275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly-qualified (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers have taken up posts in each local authority area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many newly-qualified (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers have taken up posts in each local authority area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information available on how many newly qualified (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers have taken up posts in each local authority area in each of the last three years is shown in the following table:

      Initial Teacher Training Graduates and Diplomates Teaching in Scotland, by Local Authority Area1 and Sector, 1998-99 to 2000-01
       

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      Total

      Primary

      Secondary

      Total

      Primary

      Secondary

      Total

      Primary

      Secondary

      Total

      873

      410

      463

      1,212

      567

      645

      1,185

      516

      669

      Scotland unknown

      502

      225

      277

      583

      298

      285

      378

      180

      198

      City of Aberdeen

      28

      14

      14

      32

      7

      25

      16

      6

      10

      Aberdeenshire

      41

      18

      23

      46

      16

      30

      59

      20

      39

      Angus

      *

      *

      9

      *

      *

      12

      12

      6

      6

      Argyll and Bute

      *

      *

      0

      *

      *

      0

      6

      *

      *

      Clackmannanshire

      *

      *

      *

      *

      0

      *

      6

      *

      *

      Dumfries and Galloway

      *

      		Scottish School Leavers and their Qualifications: 2000-01 published by the Scottish Executive on 16 July 2002. A copy of the news release relating to this publication, which includes the relevant information, is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22710).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166769,"EventID":"S1W-30277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) businesses and (b) homes have access to broadband internet connection in each parliamentary constituency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of (a) businesses and (b) homes have access to broadband internet connection in each parliamentary constituency.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not currently available. However, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27832 on 23 August 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. This answer gives details of ADSL enabled exchanges across Scotland, those that will be enabled where sufficient demand is registered and the population coverage of these exchanges. All Scottish businesses and homes can choose to access broadband via satellite.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166770,"EventID":"S1W-30278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in tackling poverty in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in tackling poverty in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Social Justice Annual Report 2001 included data on progress against some of the social justice milestones with an urban/rural breakdown for the first time. This showed that on a number of indicators, rural areas are performing better than urban areas. The 2002 report, which will be published later this year, will provide more detailed data. We are continuing to take forward the findings of the Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural Scotland report, to improve our understanding of, and help us tackle, poverty in rural areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166771,"EventID":"S1W-30279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve drug misuse services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve drug misuse services.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Drugs Strategy, Tackling Drugs in Scotland - Action in Partnership, is backed by around £130 million in new resources over the three years from 2001-02 to 2003-04. Examples of measures supported by these resources include £33.5 million to NHS boards and local authorities to support new and improved drug treatment and rehabilitation services; £20 million (mostly through the Changing Children's Services Fund) to support young people and families; £10 million to support drugs services in prisons, and £11.7 million for services linked to criminal justice interventions such as drug testing and treatment orders and drugs courts.

      Delivery of the strategy falls largely to Scotland's 22 drug action teams (DATs). It is for DATs, and their constituent agencies, to decide priorities and use the resources to design and implement services tailored to meet local needs, engaging their communities in the process. The Executive's Effective Interventions Unit has recently published Integrated Care for Drug Users, which sets out a framework to assist DATs and partner agencies in the planning, design and delivery of integrated care for drug users. It also provides information and support to service providers, managers and practitioners who are delivering services to people with drug problems.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166772,"EventID":"S1W-30280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce instances of food poisoning.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce instances of food poisoning.","AnswerText":"The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have advised me that they are committed to reducing food borne illness in Scotland by 20% by 2006.

      The key elements of the FSA strategy to reduce food-borne illness will focus on improved risk management through supporting the implementation of effective Hazard Analysis systems across food businesses and a food hygiene campaign, targeting caterers and consumers, aimed at reducing cross contamination and improving hygiene standards.

      The areas of activity will include reduction of bacterial contamination of foods, improved food safety management and promotion of hygiene in the kitchen both commercial and domestic.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166773,"EventID":"S1W-30281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to assist in efforts to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to assist in efforts to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to reducing the number of unwanted teenage pregnancies. On-going initiatives include the Healthy Respect Demonstration Project in Lothian and the provision of funding for four new Caledonia Youth Centres. Further initiatives are likely to be considered in the context of the Executive's Sexual Health Strategy, currently being developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166774,"EventID":"S1W-30282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to promote information technology literacy amongst children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to promote information technology literacy amongst children.","AnswerText":"We are planning to promote information technology literacy amongst children in a number of ways: by creating a schools intranet to enable better communications and sharing of information between schools; by creating exciting digital content for children to use; by training 600 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts across all 32 education authorities to manage the further integration of ICT into the curriculum.

      ICT is a core skill and new ICT 5-14 national guidelines were issued in December 2000. Their aim is to develop ICT capability, provide opportunities for ICT learning within other areas of the curriculum and harness the potential to demonstrate creativity, enterprising activity and innovation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166775,"EventID":"S1W-30283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fluorosilicic acid and sodium silicofluoride will be used to fluoridate the water supply if fluoridation goes ahead and what advice it has received from the Commi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fluorosilicic acid and sodium silicofluoride will be used to fluoridate the water supply if fluoridation goes ahead and what advice it has received from the Committee on Safety of Medicines about those chemicals.","AnswerText":"The consultation document, Towards Better Oral Health in Children, published on 24 September, seeks views on a range of possible measures to improve children's oral health, including fluoridation. Questions relating to the implementation of any particular option are not being considered at this stage.

      Section 1 (4) of The Water (Fluoridation) Act 1985 provides that the increase of fluoride in the public water supply may be effected only by the addition of one or more of the following compounds of fluorine: hexafluorosilicic acid; disodium hexafluorosilicate. All products and processes used in the treatment of water are approved at either EU level or by the UK Committee on Products and Processes for Use in the Public Water Supply.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166776,"EventID":"S1W-30284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards establishing a new honours degree level qualification for social workers as announced in the Action Plan for the Social Services Workf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards establishing a new honours degree level qualification for social workers as announced in the Action Plan for the Social Services Workforce on 18 April 2002.","AnswerText":"Significant progress has been made over the summer months developing the proposed curriculum, including the place of practice learning in the new degree. I have now instructed the issue of a consultation document to seek the views of the social work profession and other key stakeholders before plans are finalised. The consultation paper has been issued today and I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166777,"EventID":"S1W-30285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its #1.5 million campaign to tackle drinking and smoking has been a success, given the 35% rise in binge drinking in the 16-24 age group in the Highlands identifi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its #1.5 million campaign to tackle drinking and smoking has been a success, given the 35% rise in binge drinking in the 16-24 age group in the Highlands identified in the lifestyle survey conducted by Highland NHS Board.","AnswerText":"The How Much is Too Much? campaign targets male and female binge drinkers. Campaigns tackling smoking are undertaken by the Health Education Board for Scotland. Evaluation of the national How Much is Too Much? advertising found that it was relevant, distinctive and memorable. The campaign will be evaluated locally over a longer period. Shifting attitudes and behaviour cannot be achieved overnight and changing Scotland's binge drinking culture will require a sustained mix of national and local activities spread over a period of years.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166778,"EventID":"S1W-30286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to tackle the rise in obesity in the Highlands, given the lifestyle survey conducted by Highland NHS Board which stated that 52% of adults fell","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to tackle the rise in obesity in the Highlands, given the lifestyle survey conducted by Highland NHS Board which stated that 52% of adults fell into the obese/overweight category, an increase of 6% since 1996 and 11% since 1991.","AnswerText":"Two of the key contributors to obesity are poor diet and lack of physical activity.

      This year Highland NHS Board launched an initiative called Eating Well, Stay Well which aims to address some of the issues of food access and availability and specifically focuses on behaviour which impacts on obesity. To tackle poor diet, on a national level, the implementation of the Scottish Diet Action Plan is being pursued in a renewed and focused effort to meet the dietary targets set for 2005. A National Healthy Eating Campaign will be launched early next year with the objective of increasing consumer demand for healthier food and advertising a call centre providing practical advice to individuals and families seeking to make changes to their diet.

      The Highland Sports Strategy (2000) is driving the promotion of opportunities for physical activity, including the Highland Cycling Strategy, developing Safer Routes to Schools projects and Walking the Way to Health initiatives. At a national level the Physical Activity Task Force, set up in June 2001, has recently published a draft strategy for consultation and the outcomes from the consultation will inform the final strategy document which is due for publication early in the New Year. This will become the strategic framework for physical activity across the Scottish Executive for the future.

      A Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guideline, Obesity in Scotland: integrating prevention with weight management, published in 1996, is also available. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29827. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166779,"EventID":"S1W-30287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the reasons are for the additional cost of the works packages let as part of the Holyrood Project and set out in Annex A to the quarterly report on the Parliament Bui","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the reasons are for the additional cost of the works packages let as part of the Holyrood Project and set out in Annex A to the quarterly report on the Parliament Building Project to be considered at the Finance Committee on 8 October 2002 and, in particular, how much of the additional cost for each package is attributable, or estimated as being attributable, to (a) blast resistance requirements and (b) other reasons, detailing in full what the reasons are for the additional costs in each case. ","AnswerText":"As reported to the Finance Committee on 8 October 2002, the Holyrood Project Team are currently in the process of compiling a more detailed estimate of the additional costs associated with the blast resistance requirements for the new building. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that the results of this exercise will be made available in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166780,"EventID":"S1W-30288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total current estimate is of the fees for the Holyrood Project and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide a full breakdown of these fees.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total current estimate is of the fees for the Holyrood Project and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide a full breakdown of these fees.","AnswerText":"As reported to the Finance Committee on 8 October 2002, the current estimate for professional fees relating to the Holyrood Project amounts to £38.6 million. A breakdown cannot presently be given as the amounts payable to the individual professional consultants are still regarded as "commercially confidential".","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166781,"EventID":"S1W-30289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 2002-03 unit cost paid by the (a) Scottish Further Education Funding Council and (b) Scottish Higher Education Funding Council is for a single place for a studen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the 2002-03 unit cost paid by the (a) Scottish Further Education Funding Council and (b) Scottish Higher Education Funding Council is for a single place for a student on a (i) PGCE and (ii) BEd Primary Course.","AnswerText":"The allocation of resources to individual further education colleges and higher education institutions is a matter for the Scottish Funding Councils for Further and Higher Education.

      Teacher training courses are offered by higher education institutions and are therefore funded through the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC).

      SHEFC allocates a Unit of Teaching Resource by Funding Subject Group. Teacher training courses are funded within the education subject group. In 2002-03 this unit of teaching resource is:

      (i) £4,768 for taught postgraduate places (including PGCE), and

      (ii) £4,951 for undergraduate courses (including BEd Primary).

      Full details of SHEFC's allocations to higher education institutions can be found in its main grant letter. This can be found on the SHEFC website at:

      http://www.shefc.ac.uk/content/library/circs/02/he1502/Mainletter.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166782,"EventID":"S1W-30290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which voluntary organisations currently fund NHS specialist nurses; how many specialist nurses each organisation funds and what the estimated cost is to each organisation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which voluntary organisations currently fund NHS specialist nurses; how many specialist nurses each organisation funds and what the estimated cost is to each organisation.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166783,"EventID":"S1W-30291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS specialist nurses there currently are in each NHS board area, broken down by speciality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS specialist nurses there currently are in each NHS board area, broken down by speciality.","AnswerText":"The development of specialist nurses is primarily a matter for individual NHS trusts to determine in light of their clinical needs and service developments. Information on the numbers of specialist nurses is not centrally available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166784,"EventID":"S1W-30292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23640 by Allan Wilson on 15 March 2002, what progress has been made towards delivery of online public services through post offices","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-23640 by Allan Wilson on 15 March 2002, what progress has been made towards delivery of online public services through post offices and sub-post offices and whether they have now been excluded from plans for the delivery of Your Guide.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for the Post Office and Post Office services is a reserved matter.

      A decision not to roll out Your Guide nationally was announced by DTI Ministers on 15 October. The decision was taken largely on value for money grounds, following the evaluation of a major pilot.

      Officials will continue to stay in close contact with DTI and Post Office efforts to identify the potential for government departments to deliver services through post offices in future.

      The Executive's public internet access point initiative is creating over 1,000 new venues across Scotland where people can have cheap, easy access to the web and all its services - public, commercial and voluntary sector. We are actively encouraging rural post offices to participate in the scheme - which provides eligible venues with computer hardware, software, and internet connectivity - all free of charge. The scheme therefore allows rural post offices to provide another valuable service to their customers and potentially another source of income for small post offices.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166785,"EventID":"S1W-30293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to increase spending on flood prevention following the press statement of 26 September 2002 by the Association of British Insurers on flood in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to increase spending on flood prevention following the press statement of 26 September 2002 by the Association of British Insurers on flood insurance for homeowners.","AnswerText":"The Spending Proposals for years 2003-04 to 2005-06 announced by the Executive on 12 September already include for substantially increased spending on flood prevention. Although the Association of British Insurer's press statement of 26 September will not lead to the Spending Proposals being amended, we are liasing with them about implications of their statement for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166786,"EventID":"S1W-30294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its Security Branch (a) employee and (b) former employee records held by Chessington Computer Centre it has accessed in an attempt to resolve payments for ba","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its Security Branch (a) employee and (b) former employee records held by Chessington Computer Centre it has accessed in an attempt to resolve payments for backdated travel time allowances and how much it has cost to access these records.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's payroll provider, ADP Chessington, has accessed a total of 15 current employee and 10 ex-employee records at the request of the individuals concerned. The information was provided at a cost of £490 plus VAT.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166787,"EventID":"S1W-30295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which budget backdated payments for travel time allowances at its Security Branch are being met; who is overseeing the application process for these payments; who h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which budget backdated payments for travel time allowances at its Security Branch are being met; who is overseeing the application process for these payments; who has day-to-day control and involvement in the process, and what arbitration and appeal structure is in place to consider any dispute regarding these payments.","AnswerText":"Payments are being met from the Security Branch administration budget. The application and authorisation process is being managed by Security Branch, who liase with the claimants, assist them in completing the relevant forms where necessary and check the validity of the claims. The payment process is managed by the Pay Administration Team in conjunction with ADP Chessington, the Executive's Payroll Bureau.

      Any individual who feels dissatisfied at the outcome of their claim should, in the first instance, raise the matter with Security Branch. If still dissatisfied individuals should appeal to the Director of Personnel and Pay.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166788,"EventID":"S1W-30296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) employees and (b) former employees of its Security Branch have received payment for backdated travel time allowances to date, broken down into full-time and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) employees and (b) former employees of its Security Branch have received payment for backdated travel time allowances to date, broken down into full-time and part-time employees, and how much has been paid out in total to date.","AnswerText":"We are currently collecting information from Chessington, this has taken longer than anticipated. I shall write to the member as soon as the information becomes available and will also place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166789,"EventID":"S1W-30297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) employees and (b) former employees of its Security Branch were (i) entitled to and (ii) have been successfully contacted about backdated travel time allowan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) employees and (b) former employees of its Security Branch were (i) entitled to and (ii) have been successfully contacted about backdated travel time allowances to date.","AnswerText":"Entitlement to these allowances can only be determined following receipt of applications and analysis of relevant records. Contact was made with 57 serving Security Force staff. Letters were sent, by recorded delivery, to the last known addresses of 135 former Security Force staff, which resulted in 37 replies.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166790,"EventID":"S1W-30298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29191 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 September 2002, whether it is aware of the Home Office research study, Rape and sexual assault of wom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29191 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 September 2002, whether it is aware of the Home Office research study, Rape and sexual assault of women: the extent and nature of the problem - Findings from the British Crime Survey, and whether it plans to carry out any similar research when the next Scottish Crime Survey is carried out.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is aware of the Home Office research report on Rape and sexual assault of women: the extent and nature of the problem - Findings from the British Crime Survey. The report utilised the sample from both the 1998 and 2000 British Crime Surveys, which provided a total household sample of just over 34,000 households in England and Wales. As noted in the answer given to question S1W-29191, the smaller Scottish sample does not make analyses of rape and other sexual crimes viable. The Scottish Executive has, however, commissioned a fundamental review of the Scottish Crime Survey that will consider matters such as sample sizes, frequency and coverage.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166791,"EventID":"S1W-30299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Prison Statistics Scotland, 2001 does not give statistics on the length of sentences imposed for crimes of indecency and what the average length of sentence imposed w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Prison Statistics Scotland, 2001 does not give statistics on the length of sentences imposed for crimes of indecency and what the average length of sentence imposed was for those convicted of crimes of indecency in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Individual crimes within crime groups such as "crimes of indecency" can vary widely in terms of seriousness and the length of imprisonment consequently imposed. The information on sentence length by crime published in the statistical bulletin Prisons Statistics Scotland, 2001 therefore presents the statistics for more specific crimes rather than aggregate information for crime groups.

      The published information has not given statistics on the average sentence length imposed for crimes with only a small number of receptions each year because individual cases could have had a distorting effect on the figures. Individual crimes of indecency fall into this category. In the light of this parliamentary question, however, the Executive will review this position ahead of the next publication of the statistical bulletins.

      The average sentence lengths imposed for those convicted of specific crimes of indecency in 2000 and 2001 are given in the table.

      Average Length of Sentence Imposed on Offenders Sentenced for Crimes of Indecency by Crime, 2000 and 2001

      Number of Receptions1

      Average Sentence Length in Years

      Main crime/offence

      2000

      2001

      2000

      2001

      Rape

      25

      43

      6.21

      7.20

      Assault with intent to rape

      5

      8

      3.30

      3.82

      Indecent Assault

      29

      22

      2.71

      2.40

      Lewd and indecent behaviour

      95

      119

      1.94

      2.36

      Other indecency

      39

      28

      3.83

      4.14

      All crimes of indecency

      193

      220

      Notes:

      1. The table excludes those who received a life sentence (3 in 2001)"","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166792,"EventID":"S1W-30300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether measures announced by the Home Secretary on changes to the sex offenders' register will apply in Scotland and, if so, what information it has received about when ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether measures announced by the Home Secretary on changes to the sex offenders' register will apply in Scotland and, if so, what information it has received about when such changes will come into effect.","AnswerText":"The notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 apply across the UK. We are keen that this should continue to be the case, where possible. A recent review of the act made a number of recommendations to strengthen and improve its effectiveness. These include a requirement for annual notification and for a new order bringing those convicted for sex offences overseas under the notification requirements. As the Home Secretary made clear, the intention is to bring forward legislation to address these matters at the earliest opportunity.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166793,"EventID":"S1W-30301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to advertise the implementation of the Sexual Offences (Procedure and Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to advertise the implementation of the Sexual Offences (Procedure and Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"A circular giving details of the commencement of the act and the transitional provisions has been sent, together with a copy of the relevant commencement order, to approximately 150 organisations, mainly representative of the legal and voluntary sectors. Notices will also be appearing in two legal journals in October (The Scots Law Times and The Journal of the Law Society of Scotland) to advertise the commencement of the act on 1 November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166794,"EventID":"S1W-30302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the effects on children of experiencing domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the effects on children of experiencing domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not commissioned research to look at the wider effects on children of experiencing domestic abuse, but I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30303 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166795,"EventID":"S1W-30303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into links between experiencing domestic abuse and mental illness in young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into links between experiencing domestic abuse and mental illness in young people.","AnswerText":"The Executive has commissioned two pieces of research that are relevant to this important topic. A study is under way to look at the prevalence of mental health problems amongst children and young people in the care of Scottish local authorities. The research will aim to identify the factors that contribute to mental health problems and it is possible that domestic abuse will emerge as a factor in certain cases. Also, children who have experience of domestic abuse will be included in a study commissioned by the Working Group on Refuge Provision. This will investigate children's experiences, preferences and priorities in relation to refuges for women, children and young people with a view to establishing their future needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166796,"EventID":"S1W-30304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ministerial task force on children's services or the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse have looked, or will look, into the effect that experiencing dom","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the ministerial task force on children's services or the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse have looked, or will look, into the effect that experiencing domestic abuse has on young people.","AnswerText":"The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Children's Services will be holding a special meeting later this month, chaired by the First Minister, to discuss child protection, including domestic abuse, in the light of the current multi-disciplinary review, which has been informed by discussion with children and young people. In addition, the Ministers for Education and Young People, for Health and Community Care, and for Social Justice, all participated earlier this month in the launch event for the Listen Louder campaign to highlight the effects of domestic abuse on young people.

      The National Group is considering the effect of domestic abuse on children as part of its remit to implement the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166797,"EventID":"S1W-30305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the prevalence of child sex abuse by teachers and the effect of such abuse on children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the prevalence of child sex abuse by teachers and the effect of such abuse on children.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any research that focuses specifically on this subject matter. The effect of abuse on children in a wider context has been the focus of numerous pieces of research by various organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166798,"EventID":"S1W-30306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the risk to children of being abused by teachers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the risk to children of being abused by teachers.","AnswerText":"It is a mandatory requirement that all teachers employed in local authority schools in Scotland be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, which since 1989 involves a criminal records check undertaken by the Disclosure Bureau. Teachers can be removed from the register at any time if they are convicted of a criminal offence or if they are considered to have been guilty of professional misconduct.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166799,"EventID":"S1W-30307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures or guidelines are in place to ensure that victims of abuse in schools are able to report it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures or guidelines are in place to ensure that victims of abuse in schools are able to report it.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued guidance on child protection in schools, Circular 10/90, which requires all education authorities in Scotland, and the Scottish Council for Independent Schools, to have in place arrangements for responding to issues of child abuse in their schools. It also clearly sets out appropriate staff responses if children or young people disclose abuse.

      The Scottish Executive is currently revising Circular 10/90, in line with Protecting Children - A Shared Responsibility, which comprises guidance that has been issued specifically for health professionals and also on inter-agency co-operation. The revision of guidance for schools will take account of the findings of the national review of child protection which is due for publication shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166800,"EventID":"S1W-30308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no performance measure in schedule F of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Constru","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no performance measure in schedule F of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock relates to the number of fires in the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      It was not considered necessary or appropriate to have such a performance measure.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166801,"EventID":"S1W-30309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports were made to procurators fiscal, (b) proceedings were taken by procurators fiscal and (c) convictions were made under sections (i) 3(1), (ii) 4(1) a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports were made to procurators fiscal, (b) proceedings were taken by procurators fiscal and (c) convictions were made under sections (i) 3(1), (ii) 4(1) and (iii) 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"Information is available from the Crown Office system about the number of cases received by procurators fiscal during the last three financial years that included charges under the section mentioned. Information is not available from that system in relation to the outcome of every such charge as only whole case outcomes are currently recorded.

      Some information is available from published Scottish Executive statistics about persons proceeded against and convicted where the main charge in the case was a contravention of the section mentioned. It should be noted that where a person is proceeded against for more that one crime or offence, only the "main charge" is recorded for Scottish Executive statistical purposes. The main charge is that which is the most serious and receives the severest penalty.

      This has a particular effect on drugs cases as most included charges for both section 4(3)(b) and 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Crown Office statistics record both charges but the Scottish Executive record only the "main charge". The figure for persons prosecuted (tables 4, 5 and 6) and convicted (tables 7, 8 and 9) will therefore tend to be far smaller than that for the number of cases reported (tables 1, 2 and 3).

      In addition, the recording period differs between the Scottish Executive and the Crown Office statistics. The former record a case when it receives its final disposal, the latter when it is first reported and the same case will therefore often appear in different recording years. Furthermore, the Crown Office statistics show the number of cases reported (many cases will have more than one accused) and the Scottish Executive figures show the number of persons proceeded against and convicted, although several persons may be included in the same report. For these reasons, it is not possible to relate the Crown Office data on incoming cases to the Scottish Executive data on proceedings and disposals.

      The information described is provided in the following tables.

      Table 1

      Cases Reported to Procurators Fiscal Which Included Charges Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Section 4(2), 1999-2000 to 2001-02","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166802,"EventID":"S1W-30310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences under sections (a) 3(1), (b) 4(1) and (c) 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 the police have recorded in each of the last three years, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences under sections (a) 3(1), (b) 4(1) and (c) 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 the police have recorded in each of the last three years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The recorded crime statistics collected centrally can not identify individual sections of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The most detailed crime categories available are shown in the table. These contain crimes recorded under various statutes and several different sections of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

      Crimes Recorded by the Police by Council Area, Scotland, 1999-2001

      Finacial Year

      Office

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Aberdeen

      1

      Ayr

      2

      2

      Cupar

      1

      1

      Dingwall

      1

      1

      Dornoch

      1

      1

      Dumbarton

      2

      Dumfries

      Council Area

      Illegal Importation of Drugs

      Production, Manufacture or Cultivation of Drugs

      Supply, Possession with Intent to Supply of Drugs

       

      1999

      2000

      2001

      1999

      2000

      2001

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Scotland

      14

      1

      4

      140

      115

      137

      8,514

      8,645

      10,152

      Aberdeen City

      0

      0

      0

      2

      0

      1

      446

      402

      435

      Aberdeenshire

      0

      0

      0

      7

      4

      1

      161

      152

      201

      Angus

      2

      0

      0

      3

      1

      0

      109

      80

      102

      Argyll and Bute

      0

      0

      0

      3

      12

      3

      64

      79

      56

      Clackmannanshire

      0

      0

      0

      0

      1

      0

      68

      68

      101

      Dumfries and Galloway

      0

      0

      0

      3

      4

      1

      302

      215

      280

      1997-98

      Delay Police/RA

      Delay PF

      Lack of Court Resources

      PF Staff Shortage

      Time-Bar

      Aberdeen

      85

      2

      -

      -

      83

      Airdrie

      67

      -

      -

      -

      140

      Alloa

      1

      -

      -

      -

      2

      Arbroath

      15

      -

      -

      -

      8

      Ayr

      22

      -

      -

      -

      2

      Banff

      12

      -

      -

      -

      1

      Campbeltown

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Cupar

      44

      -

      -

      -

      4

      Dingwall

      9

      -

      -

      -

      7

      Dornoch

      -

      1

      -

      -

      2

      Dumbarton

      48

      6

      1

      -

      68

      Dumfries

      22

      -

      -

      -

      23

      Dundee

      87

      -

      -

      -

      29

      Dunfermline

      18

      		http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166806,"EventID":"S1W-30314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recommended disposal routes are for GM oilseed rape crop trial plants following harvesting and why plants grown at these trials need to be disposed of by these m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the recommended disposal routes are for GM oilseed rape crop trial plants following harvesting and why plants grown at these trials need to be disposed of by these methods.","AnswerText":"There are no recommended disposal routes for the harvested GM crop. The harvest must be disposed in a manner compliant with the terms of the individual consents.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166807,"EventID":"S1W-30315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has monitoring responsibilities to ensure that GM crop trial plants are disposed of appropriately.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has monitoring responsibilities to ensure that GM crop trial plants are disposed of appropriately.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, the Scottish Executive's appointed GM Inspectorate, monitor compliance with the conditions of individual consents, including the disposal of the harvested GM material.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166808,"EventID":"S1W-30316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Bayer AG in regard to the disposal of the GM crop plants grown at Munlochy in the Black Isle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Bayer AG in regard to the disposal of the GM crop plants grown at Munlochy in the Black Isle.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's GM Inspectorate is in regular contact with consent holders about matters relating to compliance with consents.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166809,"EventID":"S1W-30317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was responsible for drawing up any regulations and guidance for the disposal of harvested GM crops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who was responsible for drawing up any regulations and guidance for the disposal of harvested GM crops.","AnswerText":"The conditions relating to the disposal of harvested GM crops are contained in the consents. The consents are approved by the regulatory authorities following advice from ACRE and are placed on the Public Register.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166810,"EventID":"S1W-30318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any regulations and guidance for the disposal of harvested GM crops.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any regulations and guidance for the disposal of harvested GM crops.","AnswerText":"The conditions that apply for the disposal of harvested GM crops are contained in the consents for individual releases. Those consents are available on the Public Register.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166811,"EventID":"S1W-30319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific location was for the disposal of plants grown at the GM crop trial at Munlochy in the Black Isle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific location was for the disposal of plants grown at the GM crop trial at Munlochy in the Black Isle.","AnswerText":"The disposal of the harvest from the GM crop grown at Munlochy is a matter for the consent holder, Bayer AG, who must satisfy the GM Inspectorate that the conditions of the consent have been met. The geographical location of the disposal site is not stipulated in the consent.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166812,"EventID":"S1W-30321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landfill sites are licensed to accept plants harvested from GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many landfill sites are licensed to accept plants harvested from GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"The information is not held centrally. As agricultural waste, plants harvested from GM crop trials would be exempt from waste management controls under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended), and so would not generally be the subject of landfill license conditions. However, under the standard terms of the deliberate release consent issued by Scottish ministers under that act, disposal of harvested plants within the UK must be in a local authority landfill site under the assurance that the material will be incorporated in a manner to prevent growth into flowering plants.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166813,"EventID":"S1W-30322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what licensing conditions apply to operators contracted to transport plants from GM crop trials to disposal sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what licensing conditions apply to operators contracted to transport plants from GM crop trials to disposal sites.","AnswerText":"Operators transporting GM material from a trial site for disposal are subject to the same road licensing requirements and any relevant codes of good practice as other waste hauliers. No specific conditions relating to the transport of GM material from Scottish farm-scale evaluation sites have been incorporated into the consents because the material in question is not judged to be hazardous to either human health or the environment.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166814,"EventID":"S1W-30323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions apply to contractors or any other persons that carry out harvesting of plants grown at GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conditions apply to contractors or any other persons that carry out harvesting of plants grown at GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"The conditions that apply to the harvest of GM crops are specific to the individual releases and are contained within the consents. The consents are available on the public register.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166815,"EventID":"S1W-30324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in regard to the harvesting and disposal of plants grown at the GM crop trial at M","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in regard to the harvesting and disposal of plants grown at the GM crop trial at Munlochy in the Black Isle.","AnswerText":"None. The consent holder is accountable to the Scottish Executive's GM Inspectorate for the conditions surrounding the harvest and disposal of the GM crops grown at Munlochy.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166816,"EventID":"S1W-30325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific disposal routes and locations were for plants grown at GM crop trial sites other than Munlochy in the Black Isle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specific disposal routes and locations were for plants grown at GM crop trial sites other than Munlochy in the Black Isle.","AnswerText":"The disposal of GM crops from individual trials is governed by the consents that apply to each trial and is a matter for the consent holder in each case.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166817,"EventID":"S1W-30329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice has drawn from his visit to HM Prison Aberdeen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what conclusions the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice has drawn from his visit to HM Prison Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"I was impressed by the dedication of the Governor and her new team who are having to deal with large prisoner numbers and help tackle a serious drug problem in the area.

      I was pleased to learn that the staffing complement at Aberdeen has been increased by five officers to take account of escort demands and the need to balance the sick variable which has been traditionally very low in Aberdeen and fell short of that required to meet current demands. Further measures have been taken to recruit staff and four officers will commence duty in November. Any shortfall in staff is being countered by the ability to offer special payments to existing prison staff. This provides a flexible and effective method of dealing with the unpredictable demands associated with court appearances and hospital guards.

      I was encouraged by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) plans to improve the health centre as part of a carefully constructed development plan for the whole work on which the SPS have under way. Plans for a new visit facility are under active consideration. Additionally, formulation of a development plan for the prison has commenced and will ensure that any future building work takes account of the projected prisoner population.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166818,"EventID":"S1W-30330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28673 by Mr Jack McConnell on 24 September 2002, whether it will detail all the Deputy Minister for Justice's diary engagements sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28673 by Mr Jack McConnell on 24 September 2002, whether it will detail all the Deputy Minister for Justice's diary engagements since 1 June 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28963 on 19 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166819,"EventID":"S1W-30331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29304 on 30 September 2002, how many visitors there were to the public gallery in the chamber on each (a) Wednesday and (b) Thursday","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-29304 on 30 September 2002, how many visitors there were to the public gallery in the chamber on each (a) Wednesday and (b) Thursday that the Parliament has met since 1 September 1999 and what the average number of visitors was on these days during the periods (i) 1 September to 31 December 1999, (ii) 1 January to 31 December 2000, (iii) 1 January to 31 December 2001 and (iv) 1 January to 30 June 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested broken down by years is given below. Since access and egress of visitors is a continuous process it is not possible to identify total numbers in the gallery at any one time.

      1 September to 31 December 1999

      1 January to 31 December 2000

      Number of Visitors

      Number of Visitors

      Wednesday

      Thursday

      Wednesday

      Thursday

      8/9

      233

      9/9

      387

      1/1 - 7/1 - Recess

      15/9

      242

      16/9

      534

      12/1

      133

      13/1

      327

      22/9

      319

      23/9

      397

      19/1

      143

      20/1

      483

      29/9

      248

      30/9

      604

      26/1

      147

      27/1

      465

      6/10

      287

      7/10

      445

      2/2

      170

      3/2

      710

      11/10 -22/10 - Recess

      9/2

      154

      10/2

      447

      27/10

      384

      28/10

      636

      16/2

      349

      17/2

      481

      3/11

      235

      4/11

      582

      23/2

      218

      24/2

      624

      10/11

      194

      11/11

      347

      1/3

      171

      2/3

      558

      17/11

      267

      18/11

      		sportscotland's responsibilities to seek to establish international sporting federations. Shinty/hurling is not a single sport: the annual shinty/hurling fixture is a one-off hybrid event played under composite rules. So far as shinty is concerned, it would be for the Camanachd Association to seek to identify other countries where shinty is played and then explore with interested parties there the formation of an international governing body for the sport.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166821,"EventID":"S1W-30333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the waste presently disposed of at Longman landfill site, which is due to be closed from April 2003, will be disposed of in a landfill site near Peterhead and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the waste presently disposed of at Longman landfill site, which is due to be closed from April 2003, will be disposed of in a landfill site near Peterhead and, if so, what estimate has been made of the additional haulage traffic that will use the A96 and other trunk roads in order to complete the journey from Inverness to Peterhead. ","AnswerText":"Treatment and disposal of municipal waste is the responsibility of the local authority, in this case Highland Council. The council is preparing a public private partnership (PPP) scheme as a long-term sustainable waste management solution which will be in accordance with the agreed Area Waste Plan. However, the council has informed the Executive of their intention to arrange for interim disposal of municipal waste, which is currently disposed of at Longman landfill site, in a landfill near Peterhead. The council has assessed that for this waste, traffic will amount to some 15 articulated vehicles per day.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166822,"EventID":"S1W-30334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the creation of a bypass on the A96 at Nairn and, if so, what steps it will take to achieve this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the creation of a bypass on the A96 at Nairn and, if so, what steps it will take to achieve this.","AnswerText":"The case for a bypass for Nairn has not been identified as a priority when considering potential projects for the motorway and trunk roads programme and there are no plans at present to take forward such a scheme. I have not received representations on this matter from either Highland or the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166823,"EventID":"S1W-30335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on schools obtaining funding from the New Opportunities Fund PE and Sport in Schools; what steps it will take to ensure that all schools benefit from t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on schools obtaining funding from the New Opportunities Fund PE and Sport in Schools; what steps it will take to ensure that all schools benefit from this fund, and what average funding it anticipates will be available for each school from the fund.","AnswerText":"The Scottish ministers set the policy directions under which the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) operates the PE and Sport Initiative in Scotland. This programme is now operational and is NOF's responsibility to administer based on guidance agreed with the Scottish Executive. Each local authority area has been given a provisional allocation and the local authority submits projects based on agreed local priorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166824,"EventID":"S1W-30336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or will take, to ensure that one national insurance policy is obtained in order to provide cover for children participating in sport, recreationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, or will take, to ensure that one national insurance policy is obtained in order to provide cover for children participating in sport, recreational physical exercise and outdoor activity, including school excursions and foreign holidays, and whether the establishment of such a policy could effect savings for local authorities who are presently responsible for ensuring that such insurance cover exists.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have public liability insurance cover for the extent of their own legal liability across all the services, including education, for which they are responsible. Consideration of insurance cover beyond that would be a matter for individual local authorities or for other parties involved in the provision of the activities referred to.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166825,"EventID":"S1W-30337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when sportscotland will next meet the Scottish School Sports Federation. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when sportscotland will next meet the Scottish School Sports Federation. ","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for sportscotland. However, I understand that sportscotland has arranged to meet Federation representatives tomorrow.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166826,"EventID":"S1W-30338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is still considering the establishment of a school sport alliance; what the reasons are for its position on this matter, and when it will make an announcement ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is still considering the establishment of a school sport alliance; what the reasons are for its position on this matter, and when it will make an announcement on the issue.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26945 on 4 July 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166827,"EventID":"S1W-30339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what information has been obtained in respect of Flour City International Inc. as a result of the work carried out by Shepherd and Wedderburn WS and the agent in the USA i","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what information has been obtained in respect of Flour City International Inc. as a result of the work carried out by Shepherd and Wedderburn WS and the agent in the USA in connection with that company; whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will place any such information in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, and whether the SPCB has any information on whether Flour City International Inc. has any assets that might be attached in recovery of the losses resulting from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural (Metals) UK Ltd.","AnswerText":"Information has been received on Flour City International Inc. as a result of the work of the SPCB's agents. Further updated information is expected soon together with an opinion on the prospects of recovery of the additional costs being incurred by the SPCB due to the failure of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd. The SPCB will then consider the opinion and what action might be appropriate.

      As I stated in my letter to the member of 3 October, I will write further once reports from our agents are received. As the SPCB will be considering its legal position it is not appropriate that information forming part of that consideration be placed in the Parliament's Information Centre","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166828,"EventID":"S1W-30340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what hourly rate or rates are charged by Shepherd and Wedderburn WS for the legal services it is providing to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) in connectio","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what hourly rate or rates are charged by Shepherd and Wedderburn WS for the legal services it is providing to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) in connection with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited and Flour City International Inc.; whether there is any contract between the SPCB and Shepherd and Wedderburn WS, and whether the contract for these legal services was put out to tender.","AnswerText":"A tendering exercise was carried to procure outsourced legal services and contracts were agreed with three firms. The services provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn in connection with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and Flour City International Inc. have been at the rates quoted in the contract. It would not be appropriate to divulge the competitive rates which prevail as a further tender round is likely when the current contracts expire.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166829,"EventID":"S1W-30341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any pre-tender questionnaire was completed by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited before the award of the contract for cladding in the MSP block at the ne","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any pre-tender questionnaire was completed by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited before the award of the contract for cladding in the MSP block at the new Parliament building; if so, what information it disclosed in relation to work which it had completed; whether any references were obtained from the companies by whom Flour City had been instructed to carry out work, as disclosed in any such pre-tender questionnaire, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"As a prerequisite to the tender process all potential contractors are required to complete a pre-tender questionnaire. Flour City were no exception and relevant references were obtained. The information contained in the pre-tender questionnaire cannot be disclosed for reasons of commercial confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166830,"EventID":"S1W-30342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the drawings and design work supplied by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited have been used without adaptation or change by the companies that have been a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the drawings and design work supplied by Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Limited have been used without adaptation or change by the companies that have been awarded the relevant works packages in connection with the new Parliament building and whether there have been additional costs incurred by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in relation to any further work on these drawings and design work and, if so, what these extra costs have been.","AnswerText":"The design work supplied by Flour City has required to be adapted since the original package has now been split into six separate trade packages. It has been estimated by the Design Team that around 95% of the drawings produced by Flour City were satisfactory or better and form the basis on which the additional design requirements are being built. Interface details generic to Flour City have been developed further, since they utilised many of their own standard details, and the additional cost for this is estimated at £117,500.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166831,"EventID":"S1W-30343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the estimated cost is of the legal services provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn WS in connection with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and Flour City Internat","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the estimated cost is of the legal services provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn WS in connection with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and Flour City International Inc. since the last invoice of 3 April 2002.","AnswerText":"The estimated costs of current legal services being provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn in connection with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and Flour City International Inc. is £10,000 plus outlays.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166832,"EventID":"S1W-30344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits each minister and junior minister plans to make to each parliamentary constituency between now and 1 May 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits each minister and junior minister plans to make to each parliamentary constituency between now and 1 May 2003.","AnswerText":"The number and location of visits undertaken by Scottish Executive ministers will be dependent upon the invitations received by each minister and other engagements and meetings requiring the attendance of ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166833,"EventID":"S1W-30345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any feasibility studies have been carried out regarding the e-tail venture in relation to the joint proposal by Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire, William Bowden De","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any feasibility studies have been carried out regarding the e-tail venture in relation to the joint proposal by Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire, William Bowden Developments Ltd and Corus to develop the former steelworks site at Ravenscraig.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166834,"EventID":"S1W-30346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision to proceed with the proposed e-tail venture at the former steelworks site at Ravenscraig is based on any research evidence of success from other comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision to proceed with the proposed e-tail venture at the former steelworks site at Ravenscraig is based on any research evidence of success from other comparative sites internationally.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166835,"EventID":"S1W-30347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is available to indicate that the proposed e-tail venture at the former steelworks site at Ravenscraig would be a success.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data is available to indicate that the proposed e-tail venture at the former steelworks site at Ravenscraig would be a success.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166836,"EventID":"S1W-30348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available on what (a) economic and (b) social impact the proposed e-tail venture at the former steel works site at Ravenscraig would have in and on th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available on what (a) economic and (b) social impact the proposed e-tail venture at the former steel works site at Ravenscraig would have in and on the Clydesdale area.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166837,"EventID":"S1W-30349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to support the rural economy in the Clydesdale area in relation to competition from the proposed e-tail venture at the former steelworks site at R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to support the rural economy in the Clydesdale area in relation to competition from the proposed e-tail venture at the former steelworks site at Ravenscraig.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire is taking action in line with the direction and priorities set out in the Executive's A Smart, Successful Scotland. This sets out the foundation for sustained improvement in economic performance in Scotland. It focuses on three key challenges for raising productivity:

      • Growing businesses
      • Global connections
      • Learning and skills

      Provision of information on programmes and projects is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166838,"EventID":"S1W-30350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish Closing the Opportunity Gap, as referred to by the Minister for Social Justice in her speech at the Scottish Centre for Research on Social Justice on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish Closing the Opportunity Gap, as referred to by the Minister for Social Justice in her speech at the Scottish Centre for Research on Social Justice on 13 September 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive today published Closing the Opportunity Gap: Scottish Budget for 2003-2006, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166839,"EventID":"S1W-30351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any specific small institution funding could be made available to the Heriot-Watt University Scottish Borders campus in relation to its textile, clothing and fash","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any specific small institution funding could be made available to the Heriot-Watt University Scottish Borders campus in relation to its textile, clothing and fashion courses.","AnswerText":"The allocation of funds to individual higher education institutions is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC). Ministers are expressly prevented, in terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, from framing SHEFC grant conditions by reference to particular institutions or programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166840,"EventID":"S1W-30352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the \"marriage of the thistle and the rose\" in 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the \"marriage of the thistle and the rose\" in 2003.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland hosted an exhibition entitled The Thistle and the Rose at Stirling Castle from March to May this year, in conjunction with the National Archives of Scotland and supported by Scottish Widows. The exhibition marked the 500th anniversary of the Treaty of Perpetual Peace in 1502, which was underpinned by the marriage the following year of Scotland's James IV to Margaret Tudor, the sister of Henry VIII. The exhibition illustrated the significance of that marriage to the history of the relationship between Scotland and England and the Executive has no separate plans to mark its 500th anniversary next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166841,"EventID":"S1W-30353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to continue funding for the Scottish Teacher Release Scheme should funding for that scheme expire and what its position is on the need to ensure that te","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to continue funding for the Scottish Teacher Release Scheme should funding for that scheme expire and what its position is on the need to ensure that teachers who participate in the scheme can continue to be released from their duties in order to ensure that children are able to participate in their chosen sport.","AnswerText":"The Teacher Release Scheme operated by sportscotland is in the final year of a three year funding commitment. Sportscotland will be reviewing the scheme in consultation with interested parties over the next few months.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166842,"EventID":"S1W-30354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any regional selective assistance or any other public support given to IBM was made conditional upon use being made of the new Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry and what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any regional selective assistance or any other public support given to IBM was made conditional upon use being made of the new Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. Regional selective assistance offers are not made conditional upon firms' use of particular transport providers, since this could contravene European Community state aid rules.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166843,"EventID":"S1W-30355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles in the government car service have been converted to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or bought with LPG facilities; how many days the vehicles were inoperabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vehicles in the government car service have been converted to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or bought with LPG facilities; how many days the vehicles were inoperable during such conversion, and which facilities it uses for re-fuelling.","AnswerText":"Twenty-one of the vehicles operated by the Government Car ervice (Scotland) (GCS) are dual-fuelled. All were converted prior to purchase.

      GCS drivers are issued with a fuel agency card for use nation-wide, and this facility is supplemented where necessary by local accounts. This enables the drivers to obtain LPG from over a hundred refuelling stations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166844,"EventID":"S1W-30356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the government car service in each month since May 1999; detailing the fuel, vehicle purchase or leasing and staff costs and the cost of conversion o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the government car service in each month since May 1999; detailing the fuel, vehicle purchase or leasing and staff costs and the cost of conversion of any cars to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or purchase of cars with LPG facilities.","AnswerText":"The monthly expenditure on fuel, vehicle purchase, and staff costs for the Government Car Service (Scotland) (GCS) since May 1999 is shown in the following table:

      Month

      Fuel Cost (£)

      Vehicle Purchase (£)1

      Staff Costs (£)2

      May 1999

      2,120

      0

      3

      June 1999

      3,076

      0

      3

      July 1999

      3,575

      0

      3

      August 1999

      1,620

      0

      3

      September 1999

      4,730

      0

      3

      October 1999

      4,227

      0

      3

      November 1999

      2,927

      0

      3

      December 1999

      3,345

      0

      3

      January 2000

      2,391

      0

      3

      February 2000

      2,511

      0

      3

      March 2000

      3,251

      84,788

      3

      April 2000

      4,032

      0

      17,316

      May 2000

      2,353

      47,040

      14,438

      June 2000

      2,712

      0

      9,937

      July 2000

      2,715

      0

      25,648

      August 2000

      2,150

      82,641

      19,146

      September 2000

      1,378

      0

      16,064

      October 2000

      1,930

      0

      18,645

      November 2000

      2,187

      0

      21,755

      December 2000<","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166845,"EventID":"S1W-30357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget was (a) allocated and (b) spent by (i) Scottish Enterprise and (ii) Highlands and Islands Enterprise in each year since 1997 and how many staff were employed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what budget was (a) allocated and (b) spent by (i) Scottish Enterprise and (ii) Highlands and Islands Enterprise in each year since 1997 and how many staff were employed in the tourism section of each in each quarter of each year since 1997. ","AnswerText":"The budget allocation to and spend by, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise in each year since 1997 are shown in the following tables. The excess of spend over allocation reflects their gross expenditure including business income receipts.

      Scottish Enterprise

      Allocated (£ million)

      Spent (£ million)

      1997-98

      419

      449

      1998-99

      400

      443

      1999-2000

      380

      451

      2000-01

      398

      445

      2001-02

      409

      437

      Highlands and Islands

      Allocated (£ million)

      Spent (£ million)

      1997-98

      £62.9

      £78.9

      1998-99

      £63.5

      £78.1

      1999-2000

      £64.4

      £77.3

      2000-01

      £70.2

      £83.4

      2001-02

      £75.6

      £95.9

      The number of staff working on tourism related matters is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166846,"EventID":"S1W-30358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Screen, the Scottish Arts Council or any other cultural organisation provided any funding or assistance towards the cost of the film \"Sweet Sixteen\"; if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Screen, the Scottish Arts Council or any other cultural organisation provided any funding or assistance towards the cost of the film \"Sweet Sixteen\"; if so, what funding or assistance each organisation provided; whether any of these organisations made any representations to it regarding any cultural opportunities that showing the film to as wide an audience as possible may bring, and whether it made any representations to the British Board of Film Classification as a result.","AnswerText":"Lottery funding of £500,000 was provided by Scottish Screen towards the production of the film Sweet Sixteen. No representations have been made to the Scottish Executive by Scottish Screen regarding the film's distribution or potential audience.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166847,"EventID":"S1W-30359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities have informed it that they plan to overrule the British Board of Film Classification and the 18 classification awarded to the film \"Sweet Si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities have informed it that they plan to overrule the British Board of Film Classification and the 18 classification awarded to the film \"Sweet Sixteen\".","AnswerText":"No local authorities have approached the Scottish Executive in this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166848,"EventID":"S1W-30360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assurances have been given in respect of congestion charging for a journey from Juniper Green or Baberton Mains onto the bypass to leave Edinburgh or travel ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assurances have been given in respect of congestion charging for a journey from Juniper Green or Baberton Mains onto the bypass to leave Edinburgh or travel around Edinburgh; if so, what these assurances were, who made them and to whom they were made, and whether it will detail any other assurances made in respect of congestion charges in the Edinburgh area.","AnswerText":"Detailed proposals for congestion charging in Edinburgh are a matter for the City of Edinburgh Council. The council's Executive Member for Transport, Councillor Andrew Burns, has emphasised that the exact location of any potential camera equipment is still at a very preliminary stage. He has also said publicly that Edinburgh's proposed outer cordon would be inside the A720, and that it is not the city council's intention to charge for access to the A720 where the only way to gain access is by going over or under the bypass and then entering it. He has said that it would be entirely possible to position cameras in such a way as to allow all vehicles going to and from the A70 from Currie or Balerno to get on and off the bypass at Baberton Mains without incurring a charge.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166849,"EventID":"S1W-30361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Lord Advocate's Working Group on Child Witness Support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Lord Advocate's Working Group on Child Witness Support.","AnswerText":"The Child Witness Support Implementation Group was set up in September 2001 to take forward implementation, and established three multi-agency sub groups to develop different aspects of the work. In the light of their reports we are today launching a package for consultation. The package comprises papers on the following:

      • The Establishment of a Child Witness Support Service
      • Interviewing Child Witnesses in Scotland
      • Code of Practice on the Provision of Therapy to Child Witnesses prior to Criminal Trials and Children's Hearing Court Proceedings
      • Conduct of Child Witness Court Familiarisation Visits
      • Information about Young Witnesses to Inform Decision-making in the Legal Process
      • Questioning of Children in Court

      The implementation group aims to review these documents in the light of responses, which are requested by 31 January 2003, and to complete its work by spring 2003.

      Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24508).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166850,"EventID":"S1W-30362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each default notice received under paragraph 46 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each default notice received under paragraph 46 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, showing the date on which each notice was received and the nature of the default.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There have been no such notices.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166851,"EventID":"S1W-30363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12540 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, whether the cost of prisoner escorts is included in the figure for the total annual co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-12540 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 February 2001, whether the cost of prisoner escorts is included in the figure for the total annual cost per prisoner place at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes, the average Net Present Value per prisoner place of around £11,000 pa includes the cost of prisoner escorts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166852,"EventID":"S1W-30364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual fee is paid by it for the prisoner escort service contract under paragraph 30.1 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual fee is paid by it for the prisoner escort service contract under paragraph 30.1 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      This information is at Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd's request treated as commercially confidential and as the prisoner escorting and court custody services are currently out to tender, publication of such information might prejudice the value for money of any future contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166853,"EventID":"S1W-30365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what persons provide a prisoner escort service to and from HM Prison Kilmarnock other than employees of the prison operating company.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what persons provide a prisoner escort service to and from HM Prison Kilmarnock other than employees of the prison operating company.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service and the police, as operational considerations dictate.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166854,"EventID":"S1W-30366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the strategic development plan and any revisions thereof it has received, as referred to in paragraph ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the strategic development plan and any revisions thereof it has received, as referred to in paragraph 31.1 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS has had discussions with Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited who have agreed to publish a synopsis of the strategic development plan covering the main aims and objectives. This will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166855,"EventID":"S1W-30367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28728 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 September 2002, whether it will give any details it has concerning the nature and content of each not","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28728 by Mr Jim Wallace on 26 September 2002, whether it will give any details it has concerning the nature and content of each notice regarding insurance under paragraph 6.8 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      As required by the contract, Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited (KPSL) gave SPS advance notification of possibly being unable to meet the contractual insurance requirements but indicated that they would be negotiating with insurance providers. As a result of those negotiations, KPSL subsequently advised the SPS that appropriate insurance cover had been obtained.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166856,"EventID":"S1W-30368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each occasion the contract mechanism for variation of price has been applied, as referred to in paragraph 33 of the Minute of Agreement Between the S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list each occasion the contract mechanism for variation of price has been applied, as referred to in paragraph 33 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There have been no such occasions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166857,"EventID":"S1W-30369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all occasions the contract mechanism for dispute resolution has been applied, as referred to in paragraph 63 of the Minute of Agreement Between the S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all occasions the contract mechanism for dispute resolution has been applied, as referred to in paragraph 63 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There have been no such occasions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166858,"EventID":"S1W-30370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which of HM Prison (a) Barlinnie and (b) Kilmarnock the cost of doubling-up prisoners in cells for (i) two days or less and (ii) more than two days is lower.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which of HM Prison (a) Barlinnie and (b) Kilmarnock the cost of doubling-up prisoners in cells for (i) two days or less and (ii) more than two days is lower.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Robust information is not available which would enable a valid comparison to be made between these two existing prisons. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30374 today, and to the fact that robust information is available which shows that the average annual cost per prisoner place on an net present value basis over a 25-year period in a public sector built and run prison of about 700 places is about £24,500 compared with £11,800 for an equivalent private sector build and run prison.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166859,"EventID":"S1W-30371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of any extra costs per prisoner place when prisoners are doubled-up in cells at HM Prison (a) Barlinnie, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Greenock and (d) Kil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of any extra costs per prisoner place when prisoners are doubled-up in cells at HM Prison (a) Barlinnie, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Greenock and (d) Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30370 on 28 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166860,"EventID":"S1W-30372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many injuries occurred in each prison that were reportable to the Health and Safety Executive in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many injuries occurred in each prison that were reportable to the Health and Safety Executive in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The available information is as follows:

      HSE Reportable Accidents Reported to SPS Headquarters: 1 April 1998 to 30 September 2002

      Establishment

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Aberdeen

      6

      4

      2

      7

      11

      Barlinnie

      7

      10

      6

      18

      17

      Castle Huntly

      3

      1

      1

      0

      2

      Cornton Vale

      3

      6

      4

      7

      11

      Dumfries

      7

      5

      9

      7

      8

      Edinburgh

      13

      9

      9

      13

      18

      Glenochil

      28

      23

      25

      13

      19

      Greenock

      7

      2

      5

      2

      6

      Inverness

      6

      3

      2

      1

      2

      Low Moss

      7

      11

      10

      8

      14

      Noranside

      2

      2

      1

      3

      2

      Perth

      13

      8

      4

      10

      8

      Peterhead

      2

      3

      7

      6

      3

      Polmont

      7

      12

      7

      13

      		The numbers of prisoners transferred from HM Prison Kilmarnock were:

      Month

      Barlinnie

      Greenock

      Edinburgh

      April

      3

      0

      2

      May

      12

      1

      1

      June

      12

      3

      1

      July

      4

      0

      4

      August

      4

      0

      2

      September

      7

      0

      0

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166862,"EventID":"S1W-30374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the variable R is presently lower than the sum of the variables F, I1 and I2, as referred to in paragraph 7 of schedule E to the Minute of Agreement Between the S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the variable R is presently lower than the sum of the variables F, I1 and I2, as referred to in paragraph 7 of schedule E to the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166863,"EventID":"S1W-30375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoner places there will be in each prison in each of the next 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoner places there will be in each prison in each of the next 10 years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Prison Service Estates Review analysed the future supply of prisoner places and set out options for meeting the projected shortfall of supply against demand. My statement on 5 September set out the Executive's decisions in relation to new prisons and investment in existing prisons. The Scottish Prison Service is currently modelling the detailed effect of these decisions on the supply of prisoner places. It is not possible, however, to say how many places there will be in each prison in each of the next 10 years since this depends on future operational decisions and factors such as the time taken to obtain planning permission, the need for and availability of suitable alternative accommodation during refurbishment and changes in the total and composition of the prisoner population.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166864,"EventID":"S1W-30376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid for prisoner places that were not filled at HM Prison Kilmarnock in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has paid for prisoner places that were not filled at HM Prison Kilmarnock in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      £000

      1999-2000

      78

      2000-01

      27

      2001-02

      Nil

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166865,"EventID":"S1W-30377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the fluoride that would be used in public water supplies if fluoridation goes ahead would contain arsenic, lead, beryllium, cadmium, vanadium, mercury, silica or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the fluoride that would be used in public water supplies if fluoridation goes ahead would contain arsenic, lead, beryllium, cadmium, vanadium, mercury, silica or radionuclides and, if so, what the public health risk will be.","AnswerText":"The consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children, published on 24 September, seeks views on a range of possible measures to improve children's oral health, including fluoridation. Questions relating to implementation of any particular option will be considered in the light of the consultation.

      Section 1 (4) of The Water (Fluoridation) Act 1985 provides that the increase of fluoride in the public water supply may be effected only by the addition of one or more of the following compounds of fluorine: hexafluorosilicic acid; disodium hexafluorosilicate. All products and processes used in the treatment of water are approved at either EU level or by the UK Committee on Products and Processes for Use in the Public Water Supply.

      Trace amounts of heavy metals are found in the naturally occurring minerals used in fluoride manufacture, but at the dilution used for drinking water supplies they should be present in virtually unmeasureable quantities. In terms of routinely applied UK water quality standards for acceptable levels of heavy metals and other chemicals they are insignificant. Very low levels of metals, silicon and radionuclides from mineral sources are often found naturally in non-fluoridated water","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166866,"EventID":"S1W-30378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the presence of fluorosis in teeth is associated with bone disease and a higher level of bone fractures.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the presence of fluorosis in teeth is associated with bone disease and a higher level of bone fractures.","AnswerText":"Some research projects have linked sustained exposure to very high fluoride concentrations with bone disorders and fractures. Such outcomes have been detected in countries where fluoride is present in concentrations far above concentrations recommended for use in artificial fluoridation schemes.

      An expert scientific review, published in 2000, concluded that, aside from a possible increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis of aesthetic concern, there is no evidence of other adverse effects on health, where fluoride is used at recommended doses.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166867,"EventID":"S1W-30379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the review by the University of York in 2000 on water fluoridation which showed high levels of fluorosis in people who live in fluoridated water a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the review by the University of York in 2000 on water fluoridation which showed high levels of fluorosis in people who live in fluoridated water areas.","AnswerText":"The University of York review, which was published in 2000, said that an increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis of aesthetic concern may occur in 12.5% of the population. There is no evidence of any other adverse effects on health, where fluoride is used at recommended doses. The Executive is consulting from a position of neutrality.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166868,"EventID":"S1W-30380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with other European Union countries on fluoridation of the public water supply and what consideration it has given to the rejection of such f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with other European Union countries on fluoridation of the public water supply and what consideration it has given to the rejection of such fluoridation by Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Holland and France.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not formally consulted widely outwith Scotland on how best to improve our children's oral health. The Executive will take account of the views expressed by the people of Scotland in response to the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children, published on 24 September. Fluoridation of the public water supply is one of a number of possible measures described in that document.

      Fluoride toothpaste has widespread support in Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Holland and France. In France, fluoridated salt has widespread support, and in many other countries such as Australia, Republic of Ireland and America there is support for water fluoridation. For example, in USA, at present, more than 150 million people receive fluoride daily in their water supply and this is increasing.

      International perspectives on fluoridation of the public water supply are mixed and therefore not compelling in isolation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166869,"EventID":"S1W-30381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27945 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, what the source was for the information given on the level of recorded crime in the Stra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27945 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 August 2002, what the source was for the information given on the level of recorded crime in the Strathclyde Police Force area since 1975.","AnswerText":"The recorded crime information given in the answer to question S1W-27945 was extracted from the statistical collection collated centrally by the Justice Department.

      The statistical form provides a simple count by crime type of the numbers of crimes and offences recorded and cleared up by the eight police forces in Scotland. A return is made for each local authority in Scotland and these are aggregated to give police force and national totals. The statistics are published in the statistical bulletin Recorded Crime in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166870,"EventID":"S1W-30382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the specific powers under each piece of legislation that currently hold local authorities responsible for the maintenance and/or alteration in any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the specific powers under each piece of legislation that currently hold local authorities responsible for the maintenance and/or alteration in any way of signage erected alongside trunk roads.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, not the local authorities, is responsible for the provision and maintenance of signs on the trunk road network. However, it is the policy and practice of Scottish ministers that it is for local authorities to take a view on whether an alteration to a trunk road sign is required to reflect local needs. Such changes would then require to be submitted by the local authority to the Scottish Executive for approval.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166871,"EventID":"S1W-30383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when construction of the Ardrossan - Saltcoats - Stevenston bypass will begin and when the road is expected to be operational.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when construction of the Ardrossan - Saltcoats - Stevenston bypass will begin and when the road is expected to be operational.","AnswerText":"Tenders are due to be issued this month to construct the Ardrossan to Stevenston Bypass and work is expected to begin in summer 2003. The road will be open to traffic in 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166872,"EventID":"S1W-30384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28707 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 October 2002, what the percentage of positive in-prison mandatory drugs tests was for each prison in (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28707 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 October 2002, what the percentage of positive in-prison mandatory drugs tests was for each prison in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02, broken down by the drug types detailed in that answer.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      1999-2000A copy of each month's report will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. We will also provide details of progress under the central heating programme by those local authorities and housing associations which are taking part. This information will be made available as they claim grant. No claims have yet been made in 2002-03. A detailed report on the outcomes of the two programmes in 2001-02 will be presented to Parliament shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166877,"EventID":"S1W-30389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many eligible applications for free central heating for the elderly under its central heating installation programme received from the Strathkelvin and Bearsden parli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many eligible applications for free central heating for the elderly under its central heating installation programme received from the Strathkelvin and Bearsden parliamentary constituency (a) have been completed and (b) are still being processed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166878,"EventID":"S1W-30390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legislative and regulatory requirements are in order to implement the monitoring regime in respect of the operational efficiency of the proposed water treatment ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the legislative and regulatory requirements are in order to implement the monitoring regime in respect of the operational efficiency of the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie. ","AnswerText":"The legislative requirements regarding drinking water quality at the proposed water treatment plant at Milngavie shall be the same as those applied elsewhere in the public water supply system. There is a body of relevant legislation and a list has been deposited with the Parliament's Reference Centre. Key legislation includes:
      • The Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002
      • The Cryptosporidium (Scottish Water) Directions 2002
      • The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001
      • The Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2001
      • The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994

      The Water (Scotland) Act 1980.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166879,"EventID":"S1W-30391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland approved the proposed treatment processes for the new water treatment plant at Milngavie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland approved the proposed treatment processes for the new water treatment plant at Milngavie.","AnswerText":"The Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland does not approve treatment processes used by Scottish Water. The selection of appropriate treatment is a matter for Scottish Water. The Drinking Water Quality Regulator has indicated that in his opinion, based on the evidence from the pilot plant trials, the treatment process proposed for the new water treatment plant at Milngavie, if operated effectively, will meet the drinking water quality standards and the requirements of the cryptosporidium direction.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166880,"EventID":"S1W-30392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when mapping of the reticulated water supply in the Greater Glasgow area will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when mapping of the reticulated water supply in the Greater Glasgow area will be completed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      Held within the Corporate Geographical Information Systems (GIS) systems are maps of the Greater Glasgow area. These maps are constantly being updated, as new developments are built or refurbishment works to our water mains and sewers are carried out.

      Scottish Water is currently in the process of verifying the data held in GIS to include the locations of valves and ancillary equipment and this exercise will be complete by the end of this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166881,"EventID":"S1W-30393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations of the Burncrooks Inquiry in respect of maintaining detailed information on the water supply network were implemented in full.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the recommendations of the Burncrooks Inquiry in respect of maintaining detailed information on the water supply network were implemented in full.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the recommendations contained in the report on the Burncrooks incident is a matter for Scottish Water. However, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator advises that Scottish Water does not yet have full detailed information on its water supply network. The network comprises of nearly 50,000 km of water mains across Scotland. The collection and cleansing of data is an on-going task. The problem that arose in Glasgow in August, regarding the source of the water being supplied to part of Clydebank, regrettably occurred as a result of nomenclature and misidentification of a valve on the Geographic Information System.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166882,"EventID":"S1W-30394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29034 by Ross Finnie on 19 September 2002, whether there are any regulatory provisions that currently apply to the notification of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29034 by Ross Finnie on 19 September 2002, whether there are any regulatory provisions that currently apply to the notification of a failure in the domestic water distribution system.","AnswerText":"There is currently no regulatory provision that requires Scottish Water to notify customers of drinking water quality failures, which occur as a result of the domestic distribution system. However, Scottish Water does notify customers of any failures where there is a significant risk to health. The new water quality regulations will place a requirement on Scottish Water to notify customers of breaches of the regulations when they come into force on 25 December 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166883,"EventID":"S1W-30395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum readings of levels of cryptosporidia were in respect of the incidents in (a) Aberdeen, (b) Thurso and (c) one of the aqueducts from Loch Katrine, referre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum readings of levels of cryptosporidia were in respect of the incidents in (a) Aberdeen, (b) Thurso and (c) one of the aqueducts from Loch Katrine, referred to in paper P1/02 to the public board meeting of Scottish Water on 19 June 2002.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water is responsible for monitoring the level of cryptosporidium in public drinking water supplies at risk from the parasite. The Cryptosporidium Directions require any detection of the parasite to be reported to the Drinking Water Quality Unit at the Executive. The maximum level of cryptosporidium reported in the Aberdeen water supply, during the outbreak that occurred between January and March 2002, was 0.022 oocysts per 10 litres. No cryptosporidium has been reported in the Thurso water supply this year.

      The maximum level of cryptosporidium reported in the old aqueduct, referred to in Scottish Water's Board papers of 19 June, is 11.21 oocysts per 10 litres. This was reported during the incident in Glasgow in August 2002. The old aqueduct carries Loch Katrine water to Mugdock reservoir, which in turn supplies the Milngavie works. The maximum level of cryptosporidium reported in the Glasgow supply during the incident was 0.353 oocysts per 10 litres.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166884,"EventID":"S1W-30396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children there are with significant visual impairment affecting their developmental and educational progress.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children there are with significant visual impairment affecting their developmental and educational progress.","AnswerText":"The results of the September 2001 School Census showed that there were 130 pupils with a Record of Needs in publicly funded primary schools whose main difficulty in learning was a visual impairment. The figure for secondary schools was also 130. There were 169 pupils based in publicly funded special schools whose main difficulty in learning was a visual impairment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166885,"EventID":"S1W-30397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans services for children who have significant visual impairment in the light of any evidence that Visual Impairment Scotland has that the blind and partial-sigh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans services for children who have significant visual impairment in the light of any evidence that Visual Impairment Scotland has that the blind and partial-sight registration system does not effectively achieve its intended functions for children with visual impairment, their parents and the professionals that care for them.","AnswerText":"Following publication of the report of the Certification and Registration Working Group, a group has been set up by the Executive to take forward one of the report's recommendations: to review the content, format and usage of form BP1: Certification of Blindness and or Defective Vision. To date the group has met on two occasions.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166886,"EventID":"S1W-30398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how accurate information on the number and characteristics of children with visual impairment will be acquired if it ceases to fund Visual Impairment Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how accurate information on the number and characteristics of children with visual impairment will be acquired if it ceases to fund Visual Impairment Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue to collect and publish figures on registered blind and partially sighted persons, including children.

      The main difficulty in learning of pupils in Scottish primary, secondary and special schools is collected annually through the school census. This is collected for pupils with a Record of Needs in primary and secondary schools, and for all pupils based in special schools. Visual impairments is one category of learning difficulty.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166887,"EventID":"S1W-30399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on how children with a visual impairment and their families will be supported if it ceases to fund Visual Impairment Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on how children with a visual impairment and their families will be supported if it ceases to fund Visual Impairment Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 requires local authorities to provide and publicise a range and level of services appropriate to the needs of children with disabilities in their area. Children with disabilities are entitled to an assessment of need and the local authority is required to provide a range of services to meet the identified needs of that group of children identified as being in need. It is the responsibility of the local authorities to determine how they manage their services to ensure they meet their statutory requirements. In addition, the Scottish Executive provides funding to a range of voluntary organisations delivering information and services to families with children with disabilities, including the Family Fund Trust, Capability Scotland, Contact a Family and SENSE Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166888,"EventID":"S1W-30400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why long-term funding for Visual Impairment Scotland has not been confirmed, given the Executive's aim of developing joined-up working across health, social and education","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why long-term funding for Visual Impairment Scotland has not been confirmed, given the Executive's aim of developing joined-up working across health, social and education services.","AnswerText":"The Executive provided pump-priming funding for Visual Impairment Scotland through its three-year Innovation Fund grant scheme for developing innovative and integrated approaches to child health, on the basis that NHS boards would continue funding successfully evaluated projects at the end of the grant funding period. The Executive is encouraging further development of integrated children's services through implementation of the action team's recommendations in For Scotland's Children for which funding has been made available through the Changing Children's Services Fund, distributed through local authorities. Local authorities, NHS boards and the relevant voluntary sector representatives determine how this funding should be deployed.

      The Joint Future agenda is demonstrating how local partners in health, social work and housing can come together to jointly prioritise, resource and manage services. We expect that this new approach will have wider application in other partnership activities where such a holistic approach is needed.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166889,"EventID":"S1W-30401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will recommend that the Central Legal Office of the Common Services Agency undertake a pilot mediation to resolve clinical claims.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will recommend that the Central Legal Office of the Common Services Agency undertake a pilot mediation to resolve clinical claims.","AnswerText":"The expert group chaired by Lord Ross, which is currently looking at the compensation system, will provide the core framework for handling the resolution of disputes in the health area in the future. The Scottish Executive will therefore consider this issue together with the other wide-ranging recommendations from the report by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, in the context of the expert group's final report due at the end of December.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166890,"EventID":"S1W-30402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals exist to upgrade community hospitals in order to treat patients near their own homes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals exist to upgrade community hospitals in order to treat patients near their own homes.","AnswerText":"I have made clear to the health service that local communities should be at the centre of planning and service delivery. That requires the appropriate supporting infrastructures. It is for NHS boards to determine requirements and to agree suitable local arrangements. This includes deciding how community hospitals can best support the development of local services.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166891,"EventID":"S1W-30403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies currently exist in each local authority social work services department and how many of such vacancies are for qualified social workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vacancies currently exist in each local authority social work services department and how many of such vacancies are for qualified social workers.","AnswerText":"The latest Social Work Services Inspectorate Annual Report due to be published in November will provide information on staffing and vacancies at a local authority level.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166892,"EventID":"S1W-30404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the increase of 899 between 2000 and 2001 in the number of vacancies in social work services departments, as identified in table 7 o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address the increase of 899 between 2000 and 2001 in the number of vacancies in social work services departments, as identified in table 7 of Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2001.","AnswerText":"The comparison made is based on less complete information collected in 2000. The Scottish Executive is sponsoring a National Recruitment and Awareness Campaign which will target the areas where there is most difficulty. To inform this activity, local authorities are being asked by the Executive to detail the particular problems in their areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166893,"EventID":"S1W-30405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the 17% vacancy rate for social work services staff in the Borders, as identified in paragraph 7.3 of Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2001, is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the 17% vacancy rate for social work services staff in the Borders, as identified in paragraph 7.3 of Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2001, is affecting service provision.","AnswerText":"The effect of any staff shortages on service provision is a matter for the Borders local authority which is required by statute to deploy resources to meet the social work needs of the people in its area.

      The Scottish Executive is actively addressing the staffing issue on a Scotland-wide basis. The wide range of our activities includes the National Recruitment and Awareness Campaign, which I launched on 22 October. This will target the areas where there is most difficulty. To inform this activity, local authorities are being asked by the Executive to detail the particular problems in their areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166894,"EventID":"S1W-30406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures should be taken by funeral directors and their staff that have been infected by handling bodies where NHS staff have not communicated to them any potential ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures should be taken by funeral directors and their staff that have been infected by handling bodies where NHS staff have not communicated to them any potential risk of infection.","AnswerText":"This issue primarily relates to occupational health and safety, which is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166895,"EventID":"S1W-30407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all infectious diseases that would be notified by an NHS board to funeral directors in a board's area to ensure they are not at risk of infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all infectious diseases that would be notified by an NHS board to funeral directors in a board's area to ensure they are not at risk of infection.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30227. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166896,"EventID":"S1W-30408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to funeral directors on the cremation of a body where death was due to a notifiable disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to funeral directors on the cremation of a body where death was due to a notifiable disease.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30227 on 17 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166897,"EventID":"S1W-30409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages any police involvement in respect of non-compliance of a compulsory treatment order under the Mental Health (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages any police involvement in respect of non-compliance of a compulsory treatment order under the Mental Health (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"As can already happen under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 in respect of a person who is absent without leave from detention or fails to return from a period of authorised leave of absence, the police could be involved, for example, in returning a person subject to a compulsory treatment order who has absconded from hospital. Such involvement may be necessary to support the care team in ensuring the safety of the patient and others.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166898,"EventID":"S1W-30410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions could be taken in the event of a patient not complying with a compulsory treatment order under the Mental Health (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions could be taken in the event of a patient not complying with a compulsory treatment order under the Mental Health (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"There are not intended to be sanctions in the sense of any form of punishment for non-compliance with a compulsory treatment order (CTO). If a person is absent without leave from a hospital where they are detained or a place they are required to reside, Part 16 of the bill sets out procedures under which they can be returned to hospital. Sections 84 to 86 set out other procedures where a person subject to a CTO fails to attend for medical treatment when so required or to comply with conditions of the order.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166899,"EventID":"S1W-30411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funding mismatches between local authorities will be addressed as part of the Cities Review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funding mismatches between local authorities will be addressed as part of the Cities Review.","AnswerText":"The Cities Review has examined a range of issues relevant to our cities, including funding mechanisms and allocations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166900,"EventID":"S1W-30412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the #10 million allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in the spending review 2002 will be used for.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the #10 million allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in the spending review 2002 will be used for.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has been allocated additional resources of £11.2 million over the next three years under Spending Review 2002. The new allocations will allow SEPA to extend the implementation of the National Waste Strategy to include non-municipal waste, undertake additional waste data collection, regulate the treatment and disposal of agricultural waste, develop and implement the Water Environment and Water Services Bill, carry out additional monitoring of shellfish waters and bathing waters, develop an online pollution emissions inventory and implement new statutory controls aimed at enhancing and protecting Scotland's environment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166901,"EventID":"S1W-30413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what markets have been identified for recycled goods and how it plans to develop such markets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what markets have been identified for recycled goods and how it plans to develop such markets.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides funding to two recycling market groups, Recycling Market Development Scotland (Remade) and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Through the support of Remade and WRAP the Scottish Executive has helped identify markets for recycled materials. Markets have already been identified for several new uses for recycled materials. For instance glass is now being used as an abrasive, a filtration medium, an aggregate and a fluxing agent in tiles and bricks. More information can be found on the WRAP and Remade websites, http://www.wrap.org.uk/ and http://www.remade.org.uk/.

      The organisations are also working to further develop these and other markets. This work includes, appointing a WRAP Liaison Officer for Scotland, advising industry on the use of the materials and encouraging potential users to use them.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166902,"EventID":"S1W-30414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) applications for central heating have been (i) made and (ii) approved and (b) central heating systems have been installed under its central heating programme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) applications for central heating have been (i) made and (ii) approved and (b) central heating systems have been installed under its central heating programme in (1) 2001 and (2) 2002 in the South Ayrshire local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166903,"EventID":"S1W-30415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) applications for central heating have been (i) made and (ii) approved and (b) central heating systems have been installed under its central heating programme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) applications for central heating have been (i) made and (ii) approved and (b) central heating systems have been installed under its central heating programme in (1) 2001 and (2) 2002 in the East Ayrshire local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166904,"EventID":"S1W-30416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) applications for central heating have been (i) made and (ii) approved and (b) central heating systems have been installed under its central heating programm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) applications for central heating have been (i) made and (ii) approved and (b) central heating systems have been installed under its central heating programme in (1) 2001 and (2) 2002 in the Dumfries and Galloway local authority area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166905,"EventID":"S1W-30417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29686 by Malcolm Chisholm on 1 October 2002, how many (a) males and (b) females diagnosed with depression in the under-14 age group","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29686 by Malcolm Chisholm on 1 October 2002, how many (a) males and (b) females diagnosed with depression in the under-14 age group were aged (i) under five years and (ii) five years or older.","AnswerText":"From a sample of Scottish General Practices, estimates of the numbers seen by GPs in Scotland for depression are as follows. Also shown are confidence intervals that indicate the range within which the actual number is expected to lie.

      Estimated Number of Patients Seen for Depression, Year Ending 31 December 2001 (with 95% Confidence Intervals)

       

      Amphetamines

      Benzodiazepines

      Cannabis

      Cocaine

      Methadone

      Opiates

      Temgesic

      Aberdeen

      0

      1

      3

      0

      0

      7

      0

      Barlinnie

      0

      2

      3

      0

      0

      8

      0

      Castle Huntly

      0

      3

      11

      1

      0

      6

      1

      Cornton Vale

      0

      6

      2

      0

      0

      11

      0

      Dumfries

      0

      3

      11

      0

      0

      8

      1

      Dungavel

      0

      3

      2

      0

      0

      2

      3

      Edinburgh

      0

      3

      11

      1

      1

      9

      2

      Friarton

      0

      3

      26

      0

      0

      4

      0

      Glenochil Prison

      0

      1

      11

      0

      0

      16

      1

      Glenochil YOI

      0

      0

      6

      0

      0

      1

      0

      Greenock

      0

      2

      5

      0

      0

      Age Group (Years)

      Males

      Females

      0 to 4

      125 (61 to 252)

      100 (32 to 191)

      5 to 14

      225 (127 to 361)

      650 (491 to 884)

      Source: ISD Scotland Continuous Morbidity Recording system.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166906,"EventID":"S1W-30418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any applications for funding from ALBA Resource Recovery Ltd in respect of plans for a waste management scheme in Killoch, Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any applications for funding from ALBA Resource Recovery Ltd in respect of plans for a waste management scheme in Killoch, Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not received any application for funding from Alba Resource Recovery Ltd for their plans for a waste management scheme in Killoch, Ayrshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166907,"EventID":"S1W-30419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call in the planning applications by ALBA Resource Recovery Ltd in respect of (a) Westfield in Fife and (b) Killoch in Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will call in the planning applications by ALBA Resource Recovery Ltd in respect of (a) Westfield in Fife and (b) Killoch in Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"The planning application for the Westfield site was refused by Fife Council in September. The applicant has since lodged an appeal against the council's decision and this will be heard by the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit in due course.

      The Killoch proposal has not been notified to the Scottish ministers. Should it be referred under planning legislation, the Scottish ministers will take all relevant factors into account before deciding on whether or not to call in the application.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166908,"EventID":"S1W-30420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its conclusion on the review of the school provisions of the Schools (Scotland) Code.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its conclusion on the review of the school provisions of the Schools (Scotland) Code.","AnswerText":"The Schools (Scotland) Code 1956 has been a feature of Scottish Education for over 40 years. Little of the original code remains and over the years its provisions have been amended, repealed and replaced. In more recent years the code has not kept up with changes and improvements in Scottish education. The Scottish Executive has consulted on the future of the school provisions of the code and has concluded that they should be phased out.

      We remain totally committed to professional standards and to continuous improvement in the education our children receive. We are also committed to ensuring that the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure the quality of that education. That commitment will be underpinned by statutory provisions where necessary.

      At the start of the consultation exercise on the Schools (Scotland) Code we gave a commitment that registration with the General Teching Council would remain a requirement to work as a teacher in education authority schools. We will bring forward separate regulations that will maintain the position.

      We have also concluded that there is a continuing need for those teachers who work wholly or mainly with children with special educational needs to have specialist qualifications. Separate modernised regulations will be introduced.

      In other areas, the safeguards provided by the code have been replaced by the introduction of improved standards using different approaches. For example, in the case of class sizes the code provisions have been replaced by improved standards negotiated through changes to teachers' conditions of service.

      Other developments such as the School Improvement Framework should give sufficient assurance that education will continue to be provided in an appropriate manner by suitable teachers in all of Scotland's schools.

      It has already been announced in Regulation of Early Education and Childcare: The Way Ahead in May 2000 that the pre-school provisions of the code will be repealed. Separate regulations repealing these provisions will now be laid.

      We will, of course, keep these developments under regular review. The code, however, is no longer up to the challenges and needs of a 21st century education service. We therefore intend to phase it out in two stages. The first stage will begin immediately and the second stage will take place in 2004, when the School Improvement Framework is fully bedded in.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166909,"EventID":"S1W-30421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28676 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 September 2002, whether it would fund the testing of every autistic child for the presence of the m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28676 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 September 2002, whether it would fund the testing of every autistic child for the presence of the measles virus if a validated test became available that would detect the virus other than in its acute viraemic stage.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to give a definitive answer to such a question, about the availability and desirability of funding blood tests on children with autistic spectrum disorders, in the absence of a validated procedure, and subsequent detailed expert consideration of expected outcomes, whether in the context of medical research or the clinical requirements of an individual.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166910,"EventID":"S1W-30422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28676 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 September 2002 and in the light of results of the TaqMan PCR blood tests being duplicated in other ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28676 by Malcolm Chisholm on 24 September 2002 and in the light of results of the TaqMan PCR blood tests being duplicated in other laboratories, what further criteria would need to be met for it to recognise the test as a validated methodology.","AnswerText":"In considering questions about blood tests on children with autistic spectrum disorders, the Executive will have regard to appropriate expert advice and the substantive weight of relevant research evidence relating to the validity and reliability of both the procedure and the purpose, whether in the context of medical research or the clinical requirements of an individual.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166911,"EventID":"S1W-30423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions there were to its consultation on technical conservation measures for the scallop industry; when and where the submissions were made publicly availab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions there were to its consultation on technical conservation measures for the scallop industry; when and where the submissions were made publicly available, and what percentage of them supported the introduction of such measures.","AnswerText":"Twenty-six responses were received to the consultation on technical measures for scallops. All responses except those marked as confidential were made available in the Scottish Executive Library in early October 2002.

      Most of the respondents broadly supported the Executive's proposals, although opinions obviously varied on the many points of detail included in the consultation paper.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166912,"EventID":"S1W-30424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29140 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 October 2002, how many of the unruly certificate remands listed were (a) issued by a police inspector ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29140 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 October 2002, how many of the unruly certificate remands listed were (a) issued by a police inspector or higher graded officer and (b) resulted in (i) detention by (1) the police and (2) social work services and (ii) no further action. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      All of the four unruly certificates relating to prisoners held by SPS referred to in the answer given to question S1W-29140 were issued by the courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166913,"EventID":"S1W-30425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have visited Scotland on holiday to participate in outdoor pursuits in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have visited Scotland on holiday to participate in outdoor pursuits in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Figures prior to 2000 are not available. The information requested for the years since 2000 is as follows.

      Participation in Outdoor Activity
       

      Activity at All during Trip

      Activity as Main Part of Trip

      All Visits Trips (million)

      Holiday Visits Trips (million)

      All Visits Trips (million)

      Holiday Visits Trips (million)

      2000

      11.6

      9.1

      1.9

      1.6

      2001

      11.0

      8.3

      1.3

      1.2

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166914,"EventID":"S1W-30426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy it has to enable children to visit rural areas of Scotland and participate in outdoor pursuits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what strategy it has to enable children to visit rural areas of Scotland and participate in outdoor pursuits.","AnswerText":"Children already have a range of opportunities, including through schools and voluntary organisations, to visit rural areas of Scotland and participate in outdoor pursuits.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166915,"EventID":"S1W-30427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schoolchildren have attended a course at an outdoor centre (a) in and (b) outwith Scotland in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many schoolchildren have attended a course at an outdoor centre (a) in and (b) outwith Scotland in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166916,"EventID":"S1W-30428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds or assistance it provides to enable children to visit outdoor centres in rural areas of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds or assistance it provides to enable children to visit outdoor centres in rural areas of Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides general funding to local authorities and grants to voluntary organisations that assist them to facilitate such visits. In addition, the New Opportunities Fund supports an activities programme as part of the PE and Sport initiative announced in March 2002. Some of the £35 million available under this programme will be used by local authorities to allow children to attend outdoor centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166917,"EventID":"S1W-30429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have owned or operated outdoor centres for the benefit of schoolchildren in their areas in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have owned or operated outdoor centres for the benefit of schoolchildren in their areas in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166918,"EventID":"S1W-30430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agreements, understandings and declarations it has entered into with other national bodies and national and regional devolved assemblies since 1999; who the other si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what agreements, understandings and declarations it has entered into with other national bodies and national and regional devolved assemblies since 1999; who the other signatories to any such documents are, and what the status is of each such document and, in particular, whether there are any penalties associated with non-compliance with any provision contained within any such document. ","AnswerText":"Details of the agreements, understandings and declarations that the Executive has entered into with overseas national bodies and national and regional devolved assemblies are noted in the following table. In addition, the Executive has entered into a large number of agreements and understandings with UK Government Departments and other UK bodies.

      Agreement

      Other Signatories

      Status

      Protocol of Co-operation with Catalonia, May 2002

      The Government of Catalonia

      Commitment to co-operate in a number of policy areas. No penalty provisions.

      Common Declaration on EU Governance, May 2002

      The constitutional regions of Aquitaine, Emilia-Romagna, Flanders, Hessen, Marche, Skane, Tuscany, Wales and Wallonia.

      Political declaration containing no obligations or penalty provisions.

      Flanders Declaration, May 2001

      Bavaria, Catalonia, North Rhine-Westphalia, Salzburg, Wallonia and Flanders

      Political declaration containing no obligations or penalty provisions.

      Liege Resolution, November 2001

      50 regions with legislative power

      Political declaration containing no obligations or penalty provisions.

      Memorandum of Understanding with the Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales, Australia

      New South Wales, Australia

      Commitment to undertake joint developments to transport management systems. There are no penalty provisions.

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166919,"EventID":"S1W-30431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out, or has commissioned, into funding sources available to assist groups and organisations to participate actively in the European legislati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out, or has commissioned, into funding sources available to assist groups and organisations to participate actively in the European legislative process.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not to date undertaken or commissioned specific research in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166920,"EventID":"S1W-30432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) grants and (b) training it offers groups and organisations to participate actively in the European legislative process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) grants and (b) training it offers groups and organisations to participate actively in the European legislative process.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not at present offer grants or training to groups or organisations to participate actively in the European legislative process.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166921,"EventID":"S1W-30433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regular bulletins or reports are compiled by its officials in Scotland House, Brussels, for submission to its departments and what discussions it has had with the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regular bulletins or reports are compiled by its officials in Scotland House, Brussels, for submission to its departments and what discussions it has had with the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body on whether any such bulletins or reports should be made available to members as a matter of course.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive EU Office provides Scottish Executive Departments and ministers with regular information about the EU agenda in a wide variety of forms. There have been no discussions with the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body on providing this information to members.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166922,"EventID":"S1W-30434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister has a special adviser on European and external relations policy and, if so, what the advisor's name is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister has a special adviser on European and external relations policy and, if so, what the advisor's name is.","AnswerText":"The First Minister has a team of Special advisers whose purpose is to provide advice to ministers on the full range of topics covered by the Scottish Executive. None of the advisers is dedicated solely to European and External Relations policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166923,"EventID":"S1W-30435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what research the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has carried out into the establishment of a parliamentary office in Brussels to represent the Parliament ind","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what research the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has carried out into the establishment of a parliamentary office in Brussels to represent the Parliament independently of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"The European Committee is at present conducting a short Inquiry to consider the role for, and activities of, the various bodies representing Scotland in Brussels. These bodies include parliamentary representation, government representation, commercial groups, trade bodies, and non-governmental organisations. The SPCB therefore awaits their report.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166924,"EventID":"S1W-30436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will seek parliamentary time to debate the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic, as recommended in A Fresh Start for Gaelic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will seek parliamentary time to debate the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic, as recommended in A Fresh Start for Gaelic.","AnswerText":"I have no plans at present to seek parliamentary time to debate the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Gaelic.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166925,"EventID":"S1W-30437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables there were in (a) Central Scotland Police and (b) Fife Constabulary in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many special constables there were in (a) Central Scotland Police and (b) Fife Constabulary in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The numbers requested are given in the following table.

      Number of Special Constables (Available for Duty)

      Force

      September 2000

      September 2001

      September 2002

      Central Scotland Police

      53

      49

      69

      Fife Constabulary

      104

      99

      95

      Source: Police forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166926,"EventID":"S1W-30438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its Closing the Opportunity Gap: Scottish Budget for 2003-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing its Closing the Opportunity Gap: Scottish Budget for 2003-06.","AnswerText":"The publication and printing of Closing the Opportunity Gap: Scottish Budget for 2003-06 has to date cost £1,078.33. In addition the costs of distribution currently stand at £317.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166927,"EventID":"S1W-30439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29101 by Ross Finnie on 23 September 2002, whether any shortcomings have been identified in relation to Scottish Water meeting the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29101 by Ross Finnie on 23 September 2002, whether any shortcomings have been identified in relation to Scottish Water meeting the requirements of the cryptosporidium directions.","AnswerText":"Following the recent cryptosporidium incidents in Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator appointed a consultant to carry out an audit of the implementation of the cryptosporidium directions by Scottish Water. The consultant is due to report to the Regulator by the beginning of next month and the report will be made public shortly thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166928,"EventID":"S1W-30440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk analysis has been undertaken of potential contamination sources in the Loch Katrine catchment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what risk analysis has been undertaken of potential contamination sources in the Loch Katrine catchment.","AnswerText":"Two studies have been commissioned by Scottish Water:

      1. Loch Katrine Cryptosporidium Risk Assessment, Scottish Agricultural College, April 2001

      2. Katrine Old and New Aqueducts Water Quality Risk Assessment, Babtie Group, September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166929,"EventID":"S1W-30441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what works recommended by the Scottish Agricultural College in its risk assessment study of the Loch Katrine catchment and the aqueducts running from Loch Katrine to the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what works recommended by the Scottish Agricultural College in its risk assessment study of the Loch Katrine catchment and the aqueducts running from Loch Katrine to the treatment works at Milngavie have been completed.","AnswerText":"The risk assessment study carried out by the Scottish Agricultural College was commissioned by Scottish Water and the completion of works recommended by the study is a matter for Scottish Water.

      Scottish Water has advised that the following recommendations have been actioned:

      • Erection of fencing around the water margin to prevent grazing sheep having direct contact with reservoir.
      • Diversion of critical minor watercourses intercepted by the aqueducts. This work is in design development and will start on site in the near future.

      Further discussions are also taking place with landowners/occupiers to determine the likely cost of removing grazing animals from direct catchment land not under the ownership of Scottish Water.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166930,"EventID":"S1W-30442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any independent experts support the view that the treatment process proposed in the Katrine Water Project will meet relevant legislative and regulatory requiremen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any independent experts support the view that the treatment process proposed in the Katrine Water Project will meet relevant legislative and regulatory requirements in relation to cryptosporidium.","AnswerText":"Scottish Water commissioned the Water Research Centre (WRc) to undertake an independent expert review of the treatment process proposed for the Katrine Water Project. WRc concluded that the proposed process would meet the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements including those for cryptosporidium.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166931,"EventID":"S1W-30443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the removal efficiency of the proposed treatment process in the Katrine Water Project is adequate, given the risk of contamination within the Loch Katrine catchme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the removal efficiency of the proposed treatment process in the Katrine Water Project is adequate, given the risk of contamination within the Loch Katrine catchment.","AnswerText":"The selection of an appropriate treatment process is a matter for Scottish Water. However, Scottish Water has advised that cryptosporidium challenge trials were undertaken on the pilot plant used to test the treatment process proposed for the Katrine Water Project. These trials concluded that the proposed process is adequate for Loch Katrine water. As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-30442, the proposed treatment process has also been subjected to an independent expert review. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166932,"EventID":"S1W-30444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all actions undertaken within the Loch Katrine catchment to improve the quality of raw water that would be delivered to the new Milngavie water treat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all actions undertaken within the Loch Katrine catchment to improve the quality of raw water that would be delivered to the new Milngavie water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"To date, Scottish Water has carried out a number of actions related to raw water quality within the Loch Katrine complex; over and above its normal operating and maintenance regime. In April 2001, the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) was commissioned to carry out a cryptosporidium risk assessment and in September 2002, the Babtie Group was commissioned to carry out further risk assessment work along the full length of the aqueducts. Detailed physical inspections of parts of the old and the new aqueduct were also carried out in September 2002.

      Scottish Water has also undertaken an internal review of the cryptosporidium incidents that occurred in both Glasgow and Edinburgh in August 2002. This was carried out under the independent chairmanship of Professor Cluckie.

      Details of the work carried out by Scottish Water in response to the recommendations contained in the SAC report are contained in the answer given to question S1W-30441 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166933,"EventID":"S1W-30445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monitored cryptosporidium levels in (a) raw and (b) treated water were at the (i) Balmore and (ii) Blairlinnans water treatment plants in August 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the monitored cryptosporidium levels in (a) raw and (b) treated water were at the (i) Balmore and (ii) Blairlinnans water treatment plants in August 2002.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in Cryptosporidium Sampling Results for August 2002, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24867).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166934,"EventID":"S1W-30446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26591 by Ross Finnie on 24 June 2002, whether it will name the specific methodology used by Scottish Water to measure cryptosporidi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26591 by Ross Finnie on 24 June 2002, whether it will name the specific methodology used by Scottish Water to measure cryptosporidium in (a) raw water from Loch Katrine and (b) treated water from the new Milngavie water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29505 on 2 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166935,"EventID":"S1W-30447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it (a) has undertaken and (b) plans to undertake in the Loch Katrine catchment to provide a barrier against contamination of the water supply by cryptosporid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions it (a) has undertaken and (b) plans to undertake in the Loch Katrine catchment to provide a barrier against contamination of the water supply by cryptosporidium.","AnswerText":"The provision of a barrier to minimise the risk of cryptosporidium entering the Glasgow water supply from Loch Katrine is a matter for Scottish Water. The Katrine Water Project being progressed by Scottish Water proposes the introduction of a process consisting of chemical coagulation followed by rapid gravity filtration. Trials have been carried out on site and the proposed process has been shown to perform successfully when judged against current legislative standards and industry best practise.

      The current undertaking given by Scottish Water to Scottish ministers requires Scottish Water to complete the Katrine Water Project by December 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166936,"EventID":"S1W-30448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Kerelaw School has been replaced, as recommended in section 2.4 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Kerelaw School has been replaced, as recommended in section 2.4 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"The Secure Accommodation Advisory Group's interim report has not yet been published and I am therefore not in a position at present to comment on its recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166937,"EventID":"S1W-30449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data it has on retrospective studies of outcomes in terms of actual placements following secure care authorisations by children's hearings, as recommended in section","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what data it has on retrospective studies of outcomes in terms of actual placements following secure care authorisations by children's hearings, as recommended in section 2.6 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30448 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166938,"EventID":"S1W-30450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what records are now kept by secure units in relation to young people retained in secure accommodation due to a lack of follow-up facilities, as recommended in section 2.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what records are now kept by secure units in relation to young people retained in secure accommodation due to a lack of follow-up facilities, as recommended in section 2.7 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30448 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166939,"EventID":"S1W-30451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people were retained in secure units due to a lack of follow-up facilities in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people were retained in secure units due to a lack of follow-up facilities in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166940,"EventID":"S1W-30452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistical information is collected regarding young people held in penal institutions, as recommended in section 2.8 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what statistical information is collected regarding young people held in penal institutions, as recommended in section 2.8 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      A wide range of information is collected each time a young person is held in a penal establishment. The information includes personal information such as gender and date of birth; the circumstances of the detention (whether on remand under an unruly certificate, as convicted awaiting sentence or as a sentenced prisoner); the length of time spent in custody, and the main crime/offence for which they were detained. Statistics on gender, age and time spent in custody of all young people remanded in custody under an unruly certificate are published each year in Tables 16-18 of the Prison Statistics bulletin.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166941,"EventID":"S1W-30453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) alternatives to secure care exist and (b) funding was allocated to these alternatives in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) alternatives to secure care exist and (b) funding was allocated to these alternatives in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"There are a number of close support units in Scotland, offering alternatives to secure accommodation. Local authorities are also able to use youth crime monies to develop such services, £13.5 million has been allocated to local authorities between 1999-2000 to 2002-03. On 18 October, I announced a new Intensive Support Fund of £3 million to enable both local authorities and voluntary organisations to increase the level of community-based supervision of young offenders, to improve the quality of care in secure and to improve support for those returning to their communities from secure accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166942,"EventID":"S1W-30454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the national strategy for secure care will be published, as recommended in section 2.10 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the national strategy for secure care will be published, as recommended in section 2.10 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30448 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166943,"EventID":"S1W-30455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have prepared a strategic plan for the integration of services provided to the most difficult young people, as recommended in section 2.11 of Secu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have prepared a strategic plan for the integration of services provided to the most difficult young people, as recommended in section 2.11 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30448 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166944,"EventID":"S1W-30456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has funded a feasibility study into providing a 24-hour online information service on placing for local authorities, as recommended in section 2.12 of Secure A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has funded a feasibility study into providing a 24-hour online information service on placing for local authorities, as recommended in section 2.12 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30448 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166945,"EventID":"S1W-30457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has put in place for a review of arrangements for specialist programmes, as recommended in section 2.13 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements it has put in place for a review of arrangements for specialist programmes, as recommended in section 2.13 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30448 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166946,"EventID":"S1W-30458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken with regard to the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights on issues relating to secure accommodation, as recommended in section 2.14","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken with regard to the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights on issues relating to secure accommodation, as recommended in section 2.14 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30448 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166947,"EventID":"S1W-30459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report of the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the final report of the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30212 on 23 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questionsare available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166948,"EventID":"S1W-30460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken, and when, regarding financial support for the provision of secure care, as recommended in section 2.5 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group I","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken, and when, regarding financial support for the provision of secure care, as recommended in section 2.5 of Secure Accommodation Advisory Group Interim Report May 2001.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30448 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166949,"EventID":"S1W-30461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist for the construction of a stacking lane at Rathen near Fraserburgh on the A92.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans exist for the construction of a stacking lane at Rathen near Fraserburgh on the A92.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans for improvement works at the Rathen junction on the A90 (formerly the A92). However, in view of local concerns, BEAR Scotland Ltd has been asked to carry out a review of road safety at this location.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166950,"EventID":"S1W-30462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29955 by Ross Finnie on 9 October 2002, how many of the 1,970 payments to agricultural producers were (a) less than #20,000, (b) (i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29955 by Ross Finnie on 9 October 2002, how many of the 1,970 payments to agricultural producers were (a) less than #20,000, (b) (i) #20,001 to #30,000, (ii) #30,001 to #40,000, (iii) #40,001 to #50,000, (iv) #50,001 to #60,000, (v) #60,001 to #70,000, (vi) #70,001 to #80,000, (vii) #80,001 to #90,000, and (viii) #90,001 to #100,000 and (c) over #100,000.","AnswerText":"The information is detailed in the following table:

      Level of Payment

      Total Number of Payments

      Less than £20,000

      909

      £20,001-£30,000

      141

      £30,001-£40,000

      92

      £40,001-£50,000

      93

      £50,001-£60,000

      64

      £60,001-£70,000

      67

      £70,001-£80,000

      38

      £80,001-£90,000

      37

      £90,001-£100,000

      41

      Over £100,000

      471

      Total

      1,953

      Note:

      The total number of payments made has been amended since the answer was provided to question S1W-29955.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166951,"EventID":"S1W-30463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what tests are carried out on non-GM crops grown within a 100 m radius of the GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what tests are carried out on non-GM crops grown within a 100 m radius of the GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"In the farm scale evaluations, the same ecological research is conducted on the non-GM crops grown as a control crop as is conducted on the adjacent GM crop. Those tests involve the collection of information on the following indicators:

      soil seed bank;

      arable plant diversity, biomass and estimated seed return;

      field margin and boundary vegetation, noting species in flower and signs of spray drift;

      Gastropods (slugs and snails): abundance, activity and diversity measures;

      Arthropods on vegetation, concentrating on plant bugs (Heteroptera), spring tails (Collembola), and the caterpillars of butterflies, moths, (Lepidoptera) and sawflies: diversity and biomass measures;

      Carabid beetles and other ground dwelling arthropods: abundance and diversity measures;

      bees and butterflies: observational studies, and

      birds and small mammals: observational studies.

      The purpose of these trials is to establish whether the agricultural practices required to grow herbicide-tolerant GM crops has a different environmental impact than the practices used on conventional crops. The evaluations are not attempting to study other aspects of GM cultivation such as gene flow which has been the subject of many other scientific studies.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166952,"EventID":"S1W-30464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-GM crops grown within 100 m of the GM crop trials are tested to ascertain whether there has been any contamination of the crops with GM material and which org","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-GM crops grown within 100 m of the GM crop trials are tested to ascertain whether there has been any contamination of the crops with GM material and which organisation carried out any such tests.","AnswerText":"No. Such tests do not form part of the protocols applicable to the farm-scale evaluations and would only serve to confirm what is already known about the behaviour of pollen from these crops. The possibility of tiny quantities of pollen from the GM crop travelling outwith the trial crop is recognised and the potential consequences are addressed as part of the risk assessment process which is undertaken prior to the granting of approval. Our expert advisers are clear that pollen from the GM crops that have approval for release poses no greater safety threat than pollen from the equivalent conventional crop. Experience of the operation of separation distances suggests that any GM presence beyond this distance will be extremely small.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166953,"EventID":"S1W-30465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to protect the public from any potential contamination of non-GM crops that may have been grown in close proximity to the GM crop trials.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards are in place to protect the public from any potential contamination of non-GM crops that may have been grown in close proximity to the GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"Separation distances are in place around the GM crops to minimise the dispersal of pollen to adjacent crops. The distances deployed in the farm-scale evaluations are based upon decades of experience in conventional agriculture where they have proved extremely effective at delivering high levels of seed purity.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166954,"EventID":"S1W-30466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-GM crops grown in close proximity to the GM crop trials can be harvested and sold to the public without the location of such crops being identified.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether non-GM crops grown in close proximity to the GM crop trials can be harvested and sold to the public without the location of such crops being identified.","AnswerText":"Crops grown outwith the separation distance around a GM crop do not come within the scope of the legislation regulating GM releases. Growers, whether they are the farmer involved in the trial or neighbouring landowners, are at liberty to do what they wish with these crops. Before a GM crop is approved for release, the possible consequences of pollen flow from the crop is assessed carefully. Approval would not be granted if there was considered to be a safety threat to neighbouring crops or to human health.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166955,"EventID":"S1W-30467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Police Activity Analysis was completed; when it will respond to the findings of (a) the analysis and (b) any further work undertaken, and whether it wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Police Activity Analysis was completed; when it will respond to the findings of (a) the analysis and (b) any further work undertaken, and whether it will give details of any such further work.","AnswerText":"Results from an activity analysis carried out by the Scottish Police Service in spring 2001 were used by a working group (involving representatives from the Executive, COSLA and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland) which has been reviewing the distribution of police GAE between forces. An account of the working group's recommendations, including the use of relevant information from the activity analysis, is due to be published later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166956,"EventID":"S1W-30468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in identifying ways to continue to deliver court services locally in Peebles and when it plans to issue the consultation paper on the future o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in identifying ways to continue to deliver court services locally in Peebles and when it plans to issue the consultation paper on the future of Peebles Sheriff Court.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers gave a commitment to examine carefully the potential to deliver court services at an alternative venue in Peebles if one could be found which met the needs of the court.

      In line with that commitment the Scottish Court Service (SCS) has met with officials of Scottish Borders Council to examine the scope for using the council buildings at Rosetta Road, Peebles for both district court and sheriff court business.

      These discussions are still at an early stage and a number of practical issues need to be resolved. However, with the continued co-operation of Scottish Borders Council, I am satisfied that the potential exists to achieve an outcome, which meets the desire of the local community to retain a court in Peebles.

      I have therefore asked the SCS to delay issuing a consultation paper until those discussions are concluded.

      In the meantime, the SCS will make available the consultants' report on the existing Peebles Sheriff Courthouse. The SCS remain of the view that it is not feasible to adapt the existing building to the standards required by modern court practice. I have asked the SCS to pay careful regard to the historical and architectural importance of the current sheriff court building in the context of Peebles High Street in any arrangements which may be considered for its disposal and future use.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166957,"EventID":"S1W-30469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what value of compensation orders under section 249 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act were outstanding on 31 March (a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000, (d) 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what value of compensation orders under section 249 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act were outstanding on 31 March (a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000, (d) 2001 and (e) 2002, broken down by sheriff court.","AnswerText":"Fines and, where they have been imposed, compensation orders are amalgamated in sheriff court fine accounts. The number and value of outstanding compensation orders included in these accounts cannot be separately identified in the available data. The total number and value outstanding of open sheriff court fine accounts is given in the answers to questions S1W-30470 today, and S1W-27637 on 19 September 2002 respectively.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166958,"EventID":"S1W-30470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sheriff court fines were outstanding on 31 March (a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000, (d) 2001 and (e) 2002, broken down by sheriff court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sheriff court fines were outstanding on 31 March (a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000, (d) 2001 and (e) 2002, broken down by sheriff court.","AnswerText":"The information available is given in the following table. The figures shown relate to the total number of fine accounts open at each date, including those where fines are due to be paid by instalment or where time has been given to pay. They are not equivalent to the number of fines outstanding as where an accused is fined in respect of more than one charge in a complaint, then those fines (and any compensation orders which may have been additionally imposed) are recorded as one overall fine account.

      Number of Open Fine Accounts for Sheriff Court Fines at 31 March, 1998-2002, by Sheriff Court

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002

      All Courts

      42,766

      41,484

      38,674

      37,424

      38,838

      Aberdeen

      1,915

      2,162

      2,216

      1,785

      1,745

      Airdrie

      1,322

      1,362

      1,354

      1,328

      1,450

      Alloa

      353

      357

      344

      355

      317

      Ayr

      1,479

      1,138

      1,075

      1,117

      1,140

      Arbroath

      522

      540

      474

      490

      472

      Banff

      137

      151

      141

      180

      173

      Campbeltown

      210

      215

      166

      162

      129

      Number of Open Fine Accounts for Sheriff Court Fines at 9 August 2002, by Sheriff Court

      All Courts

      40,149

      Hamilton

      2,630

      Aberdeen

      1,713

      Inverness

      761

      Airdrie

      1,517

      Jedburgh

      361

      Alloa

      389

      Kilmarnock

      1,760

      Ayr

      1,181

      Kirkcaldy

      1,329

      Arbroath

      498

      Kirkcudbright

      173

      Banff

      153

      Kirkwall

      116

      Campbeltown

      124

      Lanark

      367

      Cupar

      212

      Lerwick

      107

      Dingwall

      181

      Linlithgow

      1,514

      Dornoch

      76

      Lochmaddy

      22

      Dumbarton

      929

      Oban

      124

      Dumfries

      758

      Paisley

      1,865

      Dundee

      1,645

      Peebles

      78

      Dunfermline

      1,237

      Perth

      850

      Dunoon

      209

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01P

      Aberdeen City

      137

      116

      122

      126

      Aberdeenshire

      88

      95

      67

      74

      Angus

      59

      65

      59

      62

      Argyll and Bute

      51

      28

      30

      21

      Clackmannanshire

      50

      29

      39

      43

      Dumfries and Galloway

      77

      58

      56

      63

      Dundee City

      190

      180

      145

      197

      East Ayrshire

      93

      89

      77

      88

      East Dunbartonshire

      58

      37

      28

      26

      East Lothian

      49

      23

      28

      27

      East Renfrewshire

      33

      20

      16

      23

      Edinburgh, City of

      239

      247

      274

      263

      Eilean Siar

      42

      37

      53

      25

      Falk","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166963,"EventID":"S1W-30475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to ensure that curators ad litem appointed in court cases in respect of custody of, and access to, children following the break up of a marriage asses","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it takes to ensure that curators ad litem appointed in court cases in respect of custody of, and access to, children following the break up of a marriage assess the suitability of each parent without regard to any assumptions about the relative suitability of men and women to be parents.","AnswerText":"A curator ad litem is appointed as an officer of the court to represent the interests of the child in the litigation. The court is responsible for the appointment of the curator and the supervision of his or her work. The Scottish Executive has no part to play in this. The court can also appoint a reporter to enquire into the circumstances of the family. This appointment is likewise subject to the supervision of the court. It is open to the parties involved in the case to challenge the accuracy or completeness of assessments made by a reporter, and the court will take this into consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166964,"EventID":"S1W-30476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to Scottish Enterprise Glasgow's #25 million plan to tackle Glasgow's construction skills shortage.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to Scottish Enterprise Glasgow's #25 million plan to tackle Glasgow's construction skills shortage.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has measures in place to reduce skills shortages in the construction industry. The Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force has established a construction sub-group to develop an appropriate construction industry training course for New Deal clients in Scotland. Futureskills Scotland and Careers Scotland have agreed to identify opportunities for careers and training in areas where skills are in demand. There are now almost 5,000 Modern Apprentices undergoing construction-related training in Scotland, of which over 1,200 are in Glasgow.

      In addition, Scottish Enterprise is taking forward a Modernising Construction initiative. Objectives include achieving radical improvements in construction industry skills.

      The proposal by Scottish Enterprise Glasgow is an operational matter for the Scottish Enterprise Network.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166965,"EventID":"S1W-30477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to speed up the installation of showers for elderly people in sheltered housing in The Highland Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to speed up the installation of showers for elderly people in sheltered housing in The Highland Council area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5652 on 26 September 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166966,"EventID":"S1W-30478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding would be available for the installation of a reverse osmosis system in the homes of people that do not wish to ingest fluoride through the water supply if fl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding would be available for the installation of a reverse osmosis system in the homes of people that do not wish to ingest fluoride through the water supply if fluoridation goes ahead.","AnswerText":"The consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children, published on 24 September, seeks views on a range of possible measures to improve children's oral health, including fluoridation. Issues arising from the consultation will be given due consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166967,"EventID":"S1W-30479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was given to the British Fluoridation Society to promote water fluoridation in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding was given to the British Fluoridation Society to promote water fluoridation in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides grant support to enable the British Fluoridation Society to continue to provide scientific advice to the Scottish Executive and to NHS Scotland on issues of fluoride.

      The amounts awarded in the last three years are £8,000 in both 2000-01 and 2001-02, and £10,000 in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166968,"EventID":"S1W-30480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its arrangements are for receiving veterinary support and advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its arrangements are for receiving veterinary support and advice.","AnswerText":"In the light of experiences of the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, the inquiry reports, and restructuring within Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs altering the responsibilities of the UK CVO, it has been decided to create a new Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland) post. This is a redesignation of the current Assistant Chief Veterinary Officer post and will more fully reflect the postholder's range and depth of responsibilities. He will continue to be a senior manager within the GB State Veterinary Service (SVS) and will be responsible for leading the SVS in Scotland and providing Scottish ministers with independent veterinary advice. This will support our commitment to protecting the health and welfare of Scotland's valuable livestock industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166969,"EventID":"S1W-30481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to review the guidelines for the protection of vulnerable adults, as recommended by Scottish Borders Council in its Report on External Validation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to review the guidelines for the protection of vulnerable adults, as recommended by Scottish Borders Council in its Report on External Validation Report in the Case Review of Miss X.","AnswerText":"This recommendation is about action to be taken by the local agencies.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166970,"EventID":"S1W-30482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any written guidance for lifelong care staff on guardianship.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any written guidance for lifelong care staff on guardianship.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued various codes of practice under section 13 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. There is one for local authorities exercising functions under the act and one for guardians and persons authorised under intervention orders. Local authorities may also have prepared guidance themselves for their care staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166971,"EventID":"S1W-30483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average case load has been for social workers in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average case load has been for social workers in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166972,"EventID":"S1W-30484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many guardianships have been (a) applied for and (b) awarded under the vulnerable adults procedures in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many guardianships have been (a) applied for and (b) awarded under the vulnerable adults procedures in (i) 1999-2000, (ii) 2000-01, (iii) 2001-02 and (iv) 2002-03 to date, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of guardianships granted under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 in the three years 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02, and the number applied for and granted under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 from April 2002 to date, by local authority area, is provided in the following tables. Information on the number of guardianships applied for under the 1984 act is not available centrally.

      Number1 of Guardianships Granted Under the Mental Health (Scotland ) Act 1984

      Authority

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Aberdeen City

      7

      16

      16

      Aberdeenshire

      *

      6

      6

      Angus

      *

      *

      *

      Argyll and Bute

      *

      *

      *

      Clackmannanshire

      0

      *

      *

      Dumfries and Galloway

      *

      *

      *

      Dundee City

      6

      *

      9

      East Ayrshire

      *

      *

      *

      East Dunbartonshire

      *

      *

      *

      East Lothian

      *

      *

      *

      East Renfrewshire

      *

      *

      *

      Edinburgh, City of

      12

      17

      21

      Eilean Siar

      0

      0

      *

      Falkirk

      *

      *

      *

      Fife

      9

      17

      19

      Glasgow City

      22

      27

      32

      Highland

      21

      18

      13

      Inverclyde

      0

      *

      *

      Midlothian

      *

      *<","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166973,"EventID":"S1W-30485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vulnerable adults are currently awaiting referral to a social worker, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many vulnerable adults are currently awaiting referral to a social worker, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166974,"EventID":"S1W-30486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives it has introduced to encourage recycling.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives it has introduced to encourage recycling.","AnswerText":"The Executive has set a national target of 25% recycling and composting of municipal waste by 2006. Eleven Area Waste Plans are being prepared which show how waste will be managed over the next 20 years including measures for recycling. The Executive has allocated over £230 million in the next three years in the Strategic Waste Fund for local authorities to implement the Area Waste Plans.

      The Scottish Executive has also commissioned research to identify possible incentives for householders in Scotland to improve their waste practices.

      The Executive intends to make provision in the Local Government Bill for local authorities to draw up Integrated Waste Management Plans, based on the National Waste Strategy and Area Waste Plans. The Executive will have the power to set targets in these plans, and to revise these plans to ensure that targets, such as those for recycling, are met.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166975,"EventID":"S1W-30487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants or other funds are available to local authorities to encourage kerbside domestic recycling as a way of improving the recycling of paper and plastic and glass ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants or other funds are available to local authorities to encourage kerbside domestic recycling as a way of improving the recycling of paper and plastic and glass bottles.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has identified over £230 million over the next three years in the Strategic Waste Fund for local authorities to implement Area Waste Plans as part of the National Waste Strategy. This will enable local authorities to implement kerbside recycling of paper, plastic, glass and other materials in line with the Area Waste Plans. A further £16 million is available this financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166976,"EventID":"S1W-30488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agencies are responsible for (a) (i) encouraging and (ii) regulating recycling and (b) minimising waste production.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which agencies are responsible for (a) (i) encouraging and (ii) regulating recycling and (b) minimising waste production.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Strategy promotes a partnership approach to achieving sustainable waste management in Scotland. The Executive, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), local authorities, waste industry, community sector, enterprise agencies and the general public all have a key role to play in encouraging recycling and waste minimisation.

      The Executive has allocated over £230 million over the next three years for local authorities to implement Area Waste Plans as part of the National Waste Strategy. Local authorities are expected to use this funding to reduce waste disposed of to landfill and encourage more sustainable options such as reduction, reuse, recycling and composting.

      SEPA has responsibilities to regulate waste management activities including recycling and composting operations.

      The Scottish Executive's Energy Efficiency Office actively promotes to Scottish business, Envirowise; a UK government programme offering free, independent advice on practical ways to minimise waste and convert turnover into profit.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166977,"EventID":"S1W-30489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes it is implementing to encourage waste producers to take a more environmentally responsible approach to the disposal and re-use of waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes it is implementing to encourage waste producers to take a more environmentally responsible approach to the disposal and re-use of waste.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Strategy: Scotland provides a framework for moving towards sustainable waste management. The 11 draft Area Waste Plans, being developed as part of the strategy, outline the measures which will be taken to encourage waste reduction, reuse and recycling as well as responsible disposal of residual wastes.

      In addition, the Executive launched the second phase of the Do a Little, Change a Lot advertising campaign in September 2002 which focuses on waste issues. This campaign aims to encourage householders to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste.

      The Packaging Waste Regulations encourage businesses to minimise, recover and recycle packaging waste. Other forthcoming producer responsibility initiatives include those for End of Life Vehicles and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166978,"EventID":"S1W-30490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22091 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 February 2002, whether it has assessed the effectiveness of nominating a judge specifically to oversee","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22091 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 February 2002, whether it has assessed the effectiveness of nominating a judge specifically to oversee asbestos-related legal cases with a view to expediting their progress.","AnswerText":"Lord Mackay of Drumadoon was nominated to oversee the procedural progress of asbestos related actions in December 2001. As of 28 October 2002 procedural hearings have been held in 330 such actions. In 21% of these cases, the court has been notified that the action has settled in advance of a proof (hearing of evidence) without the need for further judicial intervention. Lord Mackay has been successful in focusing attention on the areas of dispute between the parties and in seeking ways of expediting progress within the scope of the Rules of the Court of Session, with the ultimate aim of parties reaching early settlement where this is possible.

      Lord Mackay will continue to hear further asbestos related cases by order. Proof diets are being allocated with particular reference and sensitivity to the nature of the pursuers illness.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166979,"EventID":"S1W-30491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on gathering information on the Crown Estate's production tax on salmon farming and on any equivalent taxes faced by salmon farmers' overseas ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on gathering information on the Crown Estate's production tax on salmon farming and on any equivalent taxes faced by salmon farmers' overseas competitors and when these matters will be considered by its Working Group on Aquaculture.","AnswerText":"Industry representatives on the working group have drawn attention to the effect that the Crown Estate's seabed lease charges have on the industry's overall competitiveness. My officials have also contacted the relevant authorities in competitor countries to establish the details of any similar arrangements which may exist. When this information is made available it will be conveyed to the working group for their consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166980,"EventID":"S1W-30492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Scottish Law Commission is making in preparing its report on the law of the foreshore and seabed and when the report will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress the Scottish Law Commission is making in preparing its report on the law of the foreshore and seabed and when the report will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Law Commission's Review of the Law of the Foreshore and Seabed was due to be completed by December 2002 and the majority of the commission's work is on target to meet that date, but part of the review covers access to the foreshore, upon which Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will have an impact. I have agreed that the commission can delay the publication of their report until early in 2003 to allow them to take account of any further changes made to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill during its passage through the Scottish Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166981,"EventID":"S1W-30493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had in the last year with the Crown Estate on its taxation of small boat moorings in Scottish waters and the economic, social and environmental ef","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had in the last year with the Crown Estate on its taxation of small boat moorings in Scottish waters and the economic, social and environmental effects of this on coastal communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has had no discussions with the Crown Estate about the level of seabed rentals for small boat moorings. Crown Estate policy is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166982,"EventID":"S1W-30494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of Crown Estate rentals and royalties on the operation and development of ferry piers, ports and harbours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of Crown Estate rentals and royalties on the operation and development of ferry piers, ports and harbours.","AnswerText":"The Executive has made no assessment of the impact of specific elements of the operational costs of ferry piers, ports and harbours such as Crown Estate rentals and royalties.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166983,"EventID":"S1W-30495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of Crown Estate seabed rentals for subsea cables on the laying of (a) power cables needed to harness renewable energy resources","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of Crown Estate seabed rentals for subsea cables on the laying of (a) power cables needed to harness renewable energy resources and (b) fibre optic telecommunications cables needed to provide fast information and communication technologies connections to the islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made no assessment of the impact of any specific elements of the operational costs of laying power or telecommunications cables, such as Crown Estate rentals and royalties.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166984,"EventID":"S1W-30496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual rental charges are paid to the Crown Estate for seabed rentals for ferry piers, ports and harbours operated by (a) Caledonian MacBrayne, (b) Shetland Islands ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what annual rental charges are paid to the Crown Estate for seabed rentals for ferry piers, ports and harbours operated by (a) Caledonian MacBrayne, (b) Shetland Islands Council, (c) Orkney Islands Council, (d) Lerwick Port Authority, (e) Scrabster Harbour Trust, (f) Ullapool Harbour Trustees, (g) Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission, (h) Argyll and Bute Council, (i) Mallaig Harbour Authority, (j) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, (k) Clydeport and (l) Aberdeen Harbour Board.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held by the Scottish Executive. Responsibility for the Crown Estate is reserved.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166985,"EventID":"S1W-30497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available for the provision of computerised screening instruments for optometrists practising in the private sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is available for the provision of computerised screening instruments for optometrists practising in the private sector.","AnswerText":"None. It is for optometrists as private business people to make a decision on the purchase of equipment based on the commercial activities they are carrying, or plan to carry, out on members of the public.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166986,"EventID":"S1W-30498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to Her Majesty's Government in relation to general opthalmic service fees for updating reading corrections and annual moni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or will make, to Her Majesty's Government in relation to general opthalmic service fees for updating reading corrections and annual monitoring of people with glaucoma and diabetes.","AnswerText":"I am unsure what the member is referring to by \"reading corrections\" but assume this may be a reference to the testing of sight. Increases in the NHS sight test fees are negotiated by the Department of Health, on behalf of the other Health Departments, the Optometric Fees Review Committee (for optometrists) and the British Medical Association (for ophthalmic medical practitioners).

      Where arrangements are made with an optometrist to monitor those with glaucoma and diabetes this is by way of a co-management scheme. The fees for optometrists involved in co-management schemes are agreed locally between the optometrists concerned and the NHS trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166987,"EventID":"S1W-30499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make greater use of private optometrists to reduce waiting times for a referral to a consultant for cataract surgery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make greater use of private optometrists to reduce waiting times for a referral to a consultant for cataract surgery.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and trusts may establish co-management schemes, whereby appropriately trained high street optometrists screen patients on behalf of hospital ophthalmology departments and refer the patient on to the department concerned when the patient's condition has reached an appropriate stage for surgery, or when specialist advice is needed. Screening of the progress of cataracts in-patients is one of several types of co-management schemes, which have been developed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166988,"EventID":"S1W-30500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are no long-term risks to children from increased prescribing of Ritalin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are no long-term risks to children from increased prescribing of Ritalin.","AnswerText":"As with all medicines, the safety of Ritalin is continually monitored by the Medicines Control Agency and the Committee on Safety of Medicines, an independent expert advisory body.

      The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 52 on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder provides clinicians with advice about possible drug side-effects and management options to deal with them. The SIGN Guideline can be accessed on their website at: www.sign.ac.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166989,"EventID":"S1W-30501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children with a mental illness are given adequate psychological treatment to support drug therapy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children with a mental illness are given adequate psychological treatment to support drug therapy.","AnswerText":"Individual care decisions are a matter for clinicians in consultation with the relevant professional staff/multi-disciplinary team and should always be based on individually assessed needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166990,"EventID":"S1W-30502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being used to ensure that children do not become addicted to Ritalin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being used to ensure that children do not become addicted to Ritalin.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA).

      The MCA has advised that Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) was assessed for quality, safety and efficacy at the time of licensing. As with all medicines, the safety of Ritalin is continually monitored by the agency and the independent expert advisory body, the Committee on Safety of Medicines. The authorised product information contains comprehensive information on the recognised side effects of treatment.

      There is the potential for abuse of Ritalin due to the nature of the drug. Ritalin has controlled drug status, which imposes restrictions on prescribing and handling. Caution is advised in patients who are emotionally unstable, such as those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse. The available clinical evidence indicates that treatment with Ritalin during childhood does not increase the likelihood of addiction in later life.

      The Committee on Safety of Medicines considered the issue of possible misuse of Ritalin in June 1999 and concluded that the product information contained adequate warnings and advice on prescribing.

      The clinical use of Ritalin for the treatment of Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was reviewed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2000-01 who recommended that treatment with methylphenidate should only be initiated by child and adolescent psychiatrists or paediatricians with expertise in ADHD and that children on methylphenidate therapy should receive regular monitoring. When improvement has occurred treatment should be discontinued at intervals under careful specialist supervision, in order to assess both the child's progress and the need for continuation of therapy.

      In deciding whether to prescribe Ritalin for the treatment of ADHD, clinicians would be expected to take account of advice and guidance about the drug including the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 52 on ADHD and the advice issued by NICE.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166991,"EventID":"S1W-30503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to study nutritional deficiencies and requirements of children with behavioural problems.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to study nutritional deficiencies and requirements of children with behavioural problems.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and care needs in Scotland.

      The CSO is not currently directly funding any research projects into nutritional deficiencies and requirements of children with behavioural problems but would be pleased to consider funding suitable research proposals into this subject. Such proposals would need to be of a sufficiently high standard and would be subject to the usual peer and committee review.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166992,"EventID":"S1W-30504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current design capacity is of each Scottish Prison Service prison and what the average daily prisoner population was in each prison in the most recent year for w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current design capacity is of each Scottish Prison Service prison and what the average daily prisoner population was in each prison in the most recent year for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Detailed in the table is the current design capacity and average prisoner population (2001-02) for each Scottish Prison Service establishment.

      Establishment

      Design Capacity

      Average Prisoner Population

      Aberdeen

      155

      197

      Barlinnie

      1,017

      1,090

      Castle Huntly

      156

      136

      Cornton Vale

      230

      237

      Dumfries

      178

      126

      Edinburgh

      643

      689

      Glenochil

      496

      485

      Glenochil YOI

      174

      89

      Greenock

      254

      317

      Inverness

      108

      133

      Kilmarnock

      548

      536

      Low Moss

      375

      325

      Noranside

      135

      103

      Perth

      593

      493

      Peterhead

      306

      291

      Polmont

      422

      431

      Shotts

      528

      512

      Total

      6,318

      6,189

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166993,"EventID":"S1W-30505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a detailed breakdown of staffing at HM Prison Kilmarnock by occupation category and what proportion of the staff live in the Kilmarnock and Loudoun p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a detailed breakdown of staffing at HM Prison Kilmarnock by occupation category and what proportion of the staff live in the Kilmarnock and Loudoun postcode areas.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      This is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166994,"EventID":"S1W-30506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13491 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 23 March 2001, how many people have now participated in the New Deal for Young People more than once","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-13491 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 23 March 2001, how many people have now participated in the New Deal for Young People more than once since the scheme's inception, broken down by unit of delivery.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      The following table details the number of people who have participated in the New Deal for Young People more than once since its inception, broken down by unit of delivery to the end of March 2002:

      Tayside

      1,436

      Ayrshire

      1,696

      Borders

      230

      Dumfries and Galloway

      460

      Dunbarton

      692

      Edinburgh, East and Mid Lothian

      963

      Fife

      1,336

      Forth Valley

      850

      Glasgow

      2,942

      Grampian

      453

      Moray, Strathspey and Badenoch

      98

      Lanarkshire

      2,188

      Renfrewshire

      807

      West Lothian

      375

      Argyll andThe Islands

      128

      Caithness and Sutherland

      102

      Inverness and Nairn

      118

      Lochaber

      17

      Eilean Siar

      55

      Orkney

      24

      Ross and Cromarty

      109

      Shetland

      18

      Skye and Lochalsh

      19

      Scotland

      15,116

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166995,"EventID":"S1W-30507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18897 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 2 November 2001, how many people have enrolled in the (a) employment, (b) full-time education and tr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18897 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 2 November 2001, how many people have enrolled in the (a) employment, (b) full-time education and training, (c) voluntary sector and (d) environmental task force options of the New Deal for Young People since the scheme's inception, broken down by unit of delivery.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      The following table details the figures requested by unit of delivery to the end of March 2002:
       

      Option

      Subsidised Employment

      FTET

      Voluntary Sector

      ETF

      Tayside

      1,112

      1,018

      856

      1,250

      Ayrshire

      1,041

      1,238

      1,107

      874

      Borders

      193

      139

      222

      202

      Dumfries and Galloway

      365

      523

      282

      141

      Dunbarton

      323

      698

      271

      523

      Edinburgh, East and Mid Lothian

      499

      728

      611

      739

      Fife

      634

      1,549

      555

      1,152

      Forth Valley

      673

      885

      453

      625

      Glasgow

      1,247

      3,440

      1,752

      1,875

      Grampian

      254

      423

      331

      178

      Moray, Strathspey and Badenoch

      119

      58

      109

      120

      Lanarkshire

      1,327

      2,067

      1,142

      1,893

      RenfrewshireThe Scottish Prison Service is not aware of any failures of security procedures - as defined in Performance Measure 2.1(i) in Schedule F of the Contract - within the HM Prison Kilmarnock Health Care Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166998,"EventID":"S1W-30510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has held formal discussions with the Scottish Prison Service about the contract with Premier Prison Services Ltd to run HM Prison Kilmarnock.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it has held formal discussions with the Scottish Prison Service about the contract with Premier Prison Services Ltd to run HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"As part of the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Prison Service advises and has discussions with ministers on all relevant aspects of prisons as necessary including contractual matters, for example, in connection with the estates review. There have been no separate formal discussions.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":166999,"EventID":"S1W-30511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it had any involvement in the appointment of Caledonian MacBrayne's European Funding Manager; whether any assessment was made of potential conflicts of interest a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it had any involvement in the appointment of Caledonian MacBrayne's European Funding Manager; whether any assessment was made of potential conflicts of interest and, if so, whether any conflicts of interest were identified.","AnswerText":"The role of Scottish ministers in relation to Caledonian MacBrayne appointments is confined to Directors. The decision to appoint a State Aids Manager was taken by the company. There was no need for consultation with the Executive and none took place.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167000,"EventID":"S1W-30512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what checks are in place to ensure that all appointments to non-departmental public bodies that fall outwith the Commissioner for Public Appointment's remit are made in a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what checks are in place to ensure that all appointments to non-departmental public bodies that fall outwith the Commissioner for Public Appointment's remit are made in accordance with the commissioner's code of practice and guidance.","AnswerText":"Appointments to all non-departmental public bodies for which Scottish ministers have responsibility fall within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments and thus appointments to all of these bodies are made in accordance with her code of practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167001,"EventID":"S1W-30513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it reviews all appointments made to non-departmental public bodies that do not fall within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in order to ascer","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it reviews all appointments made to non-departmental public bodies that do not fall within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in order to ascertain whether the commissioner's code of practice and guidance is adhered to.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30512. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167002,"EventID":"S1W-30514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the five most common reasons are for rejecting applications under its central heating installation programme and to what percentage of rejected applications each su","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the five most common reasons are for rejecting applications under its central heating installation programme and to what percentage of rejected applications each such reason applies.","AnswerText":"There are only four common reasons for refusing applications under the central heating programme from owner-occupiers and private renters. Because the applicant already has full or partial central heating. Because the applicant has not lived at the address for at least one year, in which case they are advised to re-apply after a full year's residence. Because the applicant is a local authority or housing association tenant, in which case they are told to apply to their landlord. Because the applicant is aged under 60, in which case they are advised to re-apply when they, or their spouse, if any, is 60. Eaga do not regularly collect statistics on the number of applications which are rejected for one or more of these reasons.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167003,"EventID":"S1W-30515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been approved under its central heating installation programme, broken down by type of fuel used in the system installed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been approved under its central heating installation programme, broken down by type of fuel used in the system installed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 on 22 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167004,"EventID":"S1W-30516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time between receipt of an application and notification of approval or rejection has been under its central heating installation programme in e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time between receipt of an application and notification of approval or rejection has been under its central heating installation programme in each postcode area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30995 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167005,"EventID":"S1W-30517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-27257 by Hugh Henry on 31 July 2002, what the average length of time between receipt of an application and completion of installati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-27257 by Hugh Henry on 31 July 2002, what the average length of time between receipt of an application and completion of installation has been under its central heating installation programme in each postcode area.","AnswerText":"The average length of time between the events described is currently 170 days. This figure is an all-Scotland average. A breakdown by postcode area is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167006,"EventID":"S1W-30518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29195 by Hugh Henry on 30 September 2002, how many applications under its central heating installation programme have been (a) made","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29195 by Hugh Henry on 30 September 2002, how many applications under its central heating installation programme have been (a) made, (b) approved and (c) rejected to date in each postcode area outwith the FK postcode area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167007,"EventID":"S1W-30519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29435 by Hugh Henry on 8 October 2002, how many central heating systems are currently being installed under its central heating pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29435 by Hugh Henry on 8 October 2002, how many central heating systems are currently being installed under its central heating programme in (a) (i) local authority and (ii) housing association properties, broken down by local authority area, and (b) private sector properties, broken down by postcode area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167008,"EventID":"S1W-30520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated to educational projects aimed at reducing the misuse of (a) drugs, (b) alcohol and (c) tobacco in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated to educational projects aimed at reducing the misuse of (a) drugs, (b) alcohol and (c) tobacco in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"A range of educational activity aimed at reducing the misuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco is funded by local authorities and other bodies, full details of which are not held centrally.

      The Health Education Board for Scotland's alcohol and smoking specific budgets for this financial year are £335,000 and £1.311 million respectively. The Executive is also providing £104,000 in this year to support the Drinkwise responsible drinking campaign. A Policy Unit Review of Expenditure on Tackling Drug Misuse in 1999 concluded that 16% of the total estimated annual drugs expenditure by public sector bodies of £141.5 million (around £22.64 million) was allocated to prevention/education work. A copy of the Policy Unit Review is available at:

      http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/PUDrugExpenRev.htm.

      In addition, over the three years 2001-02 to 2003-04, the Executive has made extra funding of around £130 million available for tackling drug misuse. Of the £46 million that will be spent in the current financial year, we estimate that about £9.25 million will be used for drugs prevention or education activity. This is made up of £1 million allocated for drug education in schools to help in meeting national standards; £6 million made available to local authorities through the Changing Children's Services Fund for projects and initiatives in the areas of prevention and treatment facilities for under 16s; £1.5 million allocated to Scotland Against Drugs for its drugs prevention and education work, and £750,000 to Lloyds TSB Foundation for projects aimed at vulnerable children and young people, some of which include an educational element.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167009,"EventID":"S1W-30521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any estimate has been made of the costs to the Holyrood project in the event that the \"degree of uncertainty\" referred to by the Holyrood Project Director at the ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any estimate has been made of the costs to the Holyrood project in the event that the \"degree of uncertainty\" referred to by the Holyrood Project Director at the Finance Committee on 8 October 2002 (Official Report, c 2244) results in the new Parliament building not being completed and ready for occupation by December 2003 and, if so, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will give a detailed breakdown of this estimate.","AnswerText":"The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has confirmed that no estimates for such an outcome are available at this stage, and as was reported to the Finance Committee at their meeting on 8 October 2002, once the position on programme is more certain, any financial implications will be reported to the committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167010,"EventID":"S1W-30522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the (a) expiry date is of each lease, specifying whether there is any option to renew any lease and, if so, on what basis and (b) (i) annual and (ii) future rent paya","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the (a) expiry date is of each lease, specifying whether there is any option to renew any lease and, if so, on what basis and (b) (i) annual and (ii) future rent payable by the Parliament is for each building in the Parliament estate.","AnswerText":"Contracts exist with the City of Edinburgh Council in respect of the following properties currently occupied by the Scottish Parliament:

      Parliamentary Headquarters (George IV Bridge)

      Committee Chambers

      Cannonball House

      369 and 375 High Street

      Under the current arrangements options to renew are not necessary, as these contracts continue on a monthly basis unless and until terminated by mutual agreement. Discussions are on-going with the City of Edinburgh Council as to an end date consistent with the migration to the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. These discussions will incorporate a review of rent. Annual rentals payable in advance of this review are as follows :

      Parliamentary Headquarters (George IV Bridge) - £763,281.48

      Committee Chambers - £214,395.60

      Cannonball House - £37,622.76

      369 and 375 High Street - £122,957.52

      A contract, with an option to extend, exists with the Church of Scotland in respect of the Scottish Parliament's occupation of the Assembly Hall. Current rent payable is £110,000 per year, payable in equal quarterly amounts. In terms of the contract, a rent review is currently under way. The option to extend has been exercised and negotiations are on-going on a suitable expiry date in relation to migration to Holyrood.

      Contracts also exist in respect of two properties at the Tun development in Holyrood Road, Edinburgh. The first of these provides office accommodation and will expire on 28 May 2017, although a break clause was negotiated allowing the contract to be terminated on 28 May 2004. This will allow the Holyrood Project Team to continue to operate after occupation of the new building. The current annual rent payable in respect of this property is £69,590. The other contract is in respect of the Visitor Centre and will expire on 28 August 2004. The annual rent payable amounts to £24,750.

      The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body also holds a licence for occupation of office accommodation at the MWB Business Exchange in St Andrew Square. The licence will expire on 31 July 2003 but may be extended. The current annual rental of £718,650 will increase to £754,582 from 1 January 2003.

      Members will note the substantial reduction in rental expenditure expected after occupying the new building.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167011,"EventID":"S1W-30523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will give a detailed breakdown of the #14.2 million landscaping costs in relation to the Holyrood Project; what co","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will give a detailed breakdown of the #14.2 million landscaping costs in relation to the Holyrood Project; what cost savings the SPCB has considered, detailing which savings have been incorporated and, where cost savings were considered but not made, what the reasons were, and what cost savings the SPCB is currently considering or plans to consider in the future.","AnswerText":"The information of the landscaping costs are as follows:

      Category

      £ million

      Construction

      7.7

      Fees

      1.9

      Land acquisition

      0.3

      Risk and Inflation

      1.8

      Muster Room

      0.5

      VAT

      2.0

      Total

      14.2

      The SPCB and the Holyrood Project Group consider opportunities for cost savings on an on-going basis across the whole project, including savings for the landscaping development. Decisions to implement cost saving measures are taken whenever the quality of the finished product and the integrity of the architects' design concepts will not be materially compromised and are balanced against the impact on other works packages and any programme implications. The cost savings information is not collated in the detailed manner requested, and no separate exercise is being undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167012,"EventID":"S1W-30524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what performance points have been accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, what performance points have been accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock broken down for each heading in Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, in the current year of its contract to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      At present, the performance points accrued for the first six months of this financial year (April to September) are:

      Performance Measures

      Year 4: First Two Quarters

      2.1(a)

      5

      2.1(b)

      0

      2.1(c)

      0

      2.1(d)

      0

      2.1(e)

      5

      2.1(f)

      10

      2.1(g)

      550

      2.1(h)

      0

      2.1(i)

      290

      2.2(a)

      50

      2.2(b)

      210

      2.2(c)

      40

      2.2(d)

      0

      2.2(e)

      0

      2.2(f)

      10

      2.2(g)

      740

      2.2(h)

      135

      2.2(i)

      0

      2.2(j)

      0

      2.2(k)

      10

      2.2(l)

      0

      2.2(m)

      8

      2.3(a)

      0

      2.3(b)

      0

      2.3(c)

      0

      2.3(d)

      0

      2.3(e)

      0

      2.3(f)

      0

      2.3(g)

      0

      2.3(h)

      0

      2.3(i)

      0

      2.4(a)

      0

      2.4(b)

      100

      2.4(c)

      0

      2.4(d)

      205

      2.4(e)

      0

      2.4(f)

      0

      2.4(g)

      0

      2.4(h)

      0

      2","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167013,"EventID":"S1W-30525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of staff at each Scottish Prison Service prison left in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what percentage of staff at each Scottish Prison Service prison left in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. The available information is as follows:","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167014,"EventID":"S1W-30526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the highest number of prisoners detained in HM Prison Kilmarnock has been since the prison opened; how many prisoners are currently detained in the prison, and what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the highest number of prisoners detained in HM Prison Kilmarnock has been since the prison opened; how many prisoners are currently detained in the prison, and what percentage of the prison's total capacity these figures represent.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The highest number has been 570, on 3rd October 2002 and on 1 and 2 March 2002; on 14 October 2002 it was 530. These represent 104 and 97 per cent respectively of the prison's current capacity of 548.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167015,"EventID":"S1W-30527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences committed by prisoners in the last year have led to internal disciplinary action in HM Prison (a) Kilmarnock, (b) Perth, (c) Peterhead and (d) Barlinnie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many offences committed by prisoners in the last year have led to internal disciplinary action in HM Prison (a) Kilmarnock, (b) Perth, (c) Peterhead and (d) Barlinnie.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The following table gives details of the total number of offences committed by prisoners leading to internal disciplinary action in the establishments noted during the financial year 2001-02.

      Establishment

      01-04-99 to 31-03-00

      01-04-00 to 31-03-01

      01-04-01 to 31-03-02

      Number of Leavers

      % Turnover

      Number of Leavers

      % Turnover

      Number of Leavers

      % Turnover

      Aberdeen

      7

      4

      9

      5

      20

      13

      Barlinnie

      53

      9

      55

      9

      41

      7

      Castle Huntly

      4

      6

      7

      8

      3

      4

      Cornton Vale

      13

      5

      29

      12

      27

      11

      Dumfries

      11

      7

      12

      7

      17

      11

      Edinburgh

      43

      9

      45

      10

      61

      14

      Friarton

      5

      10

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Glenochil

      27

      6

      22

      5

      29

      6

      Greenock

      10

      6

      19

      10

      22

      12

      Inverness

      9

      9

      9

      8

      16

      15

      Low Moss

      15

      9

      10

      6

      19

      11

      Noranside

      4

      Barlinnie

      1,573

      Perth

      3,144

      Peterhead

      324

      Kilmarnock

      7,662

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167016,"EventID":"S1W-30528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have (a) entered the New Deal for Young People, (b) returned to claiming benefits after completing the programme and (c) moved into (i) subsidised and (ii","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have (a) entered the New Deal for Young People, (b) returned to claiming benefits after completing the programme and (c) moved into (i) subsidised and (ii) unsubsidised employment since the scheme's inception, (1) in total and (2) broken down by unit of delivery. ","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      The following table details the figures requested by unit of delivery to the end of March 2002:
       

      Employment through NDYP

       

      Entered NDYP

      Left Back to Benefits

      Subsidised Employment

      Unsubsidised Employment

      Tayside

      7,761

      963

      334

      3,482

      Ayrshire

      8,956

      1,010

      339

      3,918

      Borders

      1,286

      107

      53

      615

      Dumfries and Galloway

      2,562

      272

      144

      1,110

      Dunbarton

      3,786

      510

      127

      1,658

      Edinburgh, East and Mid Lothian

      6,588

      737

      207

      2,918

      Fife

      7,254

      852

      225

      3,070

      Forth Valley

      5,125

      541

      293

      2,263

      Glasgow

      17,119

      2,572

      510

      6,508

      Grampian

      3,502

      499

      96

      1,577

      Moray, Strathspey and Badenoch

      795

      62

      36

      443

      Lanarkshire

      12,934

      1,821

      439

      5,800

      Renfrewshire

      5,075

      767

      147

      2,318

      West Lothian

      2,342

      226

      60

      		The total spend on New Deal for Young people up to March 2002 was £133 million.

      The following table details how much has been spent on New Deal for Young People in each year since the scheme's inception:

      Year

      £000

      1997-98

      1,266

      1998-99

      17,330

      1999-2000

      32,488

      2000-01

      38,846

      April 01 - March 02

      42,752*

      Total

      132,682

      Note:

      *Latest forecast. Actual figures are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167018,"EventID":"S1W-30530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 November 2001, how many (a) breaches of discipline there were and (b) punishments were awarded in 2001","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 7 November 2001, how many (a) breaches of discipline there were and (b) punishments were awarded in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      This information can be found in Appendix 6 of the SPS Annual Report for 2001-02, which was published on the SPS website www.sps.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167019,"EventID":"S1W-30531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18895 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 2 November 2001, whether information is now collected on the number and percentage of companies that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18895 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 2 November 2001, whether information is now collected on the number and percentage of companies that have taken on young people under the employment option of the New Deal for Young People since the scheme's inception; if so, whether it will give this information, and how many employers have now signed up for the New Deal.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18895. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The number of Employer Agreements signed up to the end of August 2002 in Scotland are 15,647 which is 15.8% of the GB figure. There are no plans to collect other data.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167020,"EventID":"S1W-30532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has of badger baiting teams operating in the south of Scotland; whether there has been any increase in badger baiting over the last 10 years and, if so, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has of badger baiting teams operating in the south of Scotland; whether there has been any increase in badger baiting over the last 10 years and, if so, whether there is any evidence to suggest that the existing legislative powers are inadequate to tackle this issue; what plans it has to introduce new legislation on badger baiting and, in the meantime, whether it will issue guidance to police forces, procurators fiscal and any other agencies to ensure that all incidents of badger baiting are investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no evidence to suggest that badger baiting teams are operating in the south of Scotland, nor have they received information about any increases in this type of activity occurring in Scotland over the last 10 years.

      Scottish ministers are firmly committed to ensuring that Scotland's natural heritage - including badgers - is properly protected. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 is widely regarded as an effective method of dealing with crimes against these animals. It allows the courts to impose a custodial sentence of up to six months or a fine of up to £5,000. There are no plans to introduce changes in legislation to amend this act.

      The Chief Constables of Scotland's Police Forces are responsible for operational matters affecting their forces and determine how criminal investigations are conducted. The Crown Office already issues guidance to procurators fiscal on various statutory offences, including the legislation relevant to badgers.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167021,"EventID":"S1W-30533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its proposals in the light of the responses to its Consultation Paper on possible legislation to provide greater protection for hutters in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its proposals in the light of the responses to its Consultation Paper on possible legislation to provide greater protection for hutters in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Consideration of the consultative response has confirmed substantial drawbacks to any attempt to legislate in this area. Legislation would be contrary to the fundamental principles of Scots law, in particular that leased land under a short lease reverts to the landlord at expiry of the lease and that property built on leased land belongs to the landlord; legislation could not be retrospective or applicable to hutters only, and its promotion might precipitate changes to the ownership and management of comparable estates in Scotland which would be profoundly damaging to the interests of hutters.

      We are aware that constructive discussions continue at local level to resolve the difficulties at Carbeth. It would not be appropriate for the Executive to seek to intervene in private negotiations between landlord and tenants, but we would encourage local resolution of such difficulties.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167022,"EventID":"S1W-30534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any recent eviction from a chalet on the Drimsynie Estate near Lochgoilhead and, if so, what its response is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any recent eviction from a chalet on the Drimsynie Estate near Lochgoilhead and, if so, what its response is.","AnswerText":"The Executive is aware of developments on this estate, but it would not be appropriate to comment on any related civil action.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167023,"EventID":"S1W-30535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discussions with the voluntary sector on funding under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in discussions with the voluntary sector on funding under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","AnswerText":"Applications for funding under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 have now been received and are currently under consideration. Funding decisions will be announced by 31 December 2002.

      Discussions have been held with voluntary organisations who expressed particular concern about future funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167024,"EventID":"S1W-30536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting up satellite dialysis units to serve patients suffering from kidney failure in the islands.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider setting up satellite dialysis units to serve patients suffering from kidney failure in the islands.","AnswerText":"Decisions regarding the planning and provision of services, including specialist provision for renal services, is primarily a matter for NHS boards in accordance with the health needs of the local population.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167025,"EventID":"S1W-30537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to improve the financial circumstances of kidney dialysis patients in the islands who suffer hardship in travelling to mainland hospitals for regu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it will take to improve the financial circumstances of kidney dialysis patients in the islands who suffer hardship in travelling to mainland hospitals for regular and/or daily treatment. ","AnswerText":"The NHS Travelling Expenses and Remission of Charges (Scotland) Regulations 1988 as amended by the NHS (Travelling Expenses and Remission of Charges) (Scotland) Regulations 1996 provides for two patients' travelling expenses schemes, a non-means tested Highlands and Islands Scheme and a means tested scheme for the rest of the country. Health boards also have discretion to reimburse the travel costs of patients eligible for assistance under the statutory travel schemes where this is viewed as an extension of the patients' treatment costs and deemed clinically necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167026,"EventID":"S1W-30538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider placing satellite kidney units in rural areas as part of the primary care modernisation programme. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider placing satellite kidney units in rural areas as part of the primary care modernisation programme. ","AnswerText":"The Primary Care Modernisation Group, in its first report published in March 2002, recommended that in order to provide integrated care for patients, it must be a core responsibility of NHS boards to establish local mechanisms which bring together local health care co-operatives and the specialist sector to develop strong collaborative arrangements to tackle issues of joint interest. The Executive has put in place a programme of investment and reform to improve capacity in primary care, provide improved access to a broader range of services and care close to the patient's own home.

      Decisions on the planning and provision of services, including specialist provision for renal service, is a matter for NHS boards in accordance with the health needs of the local population.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167027,"EventID":"S1W-30539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that France, Italy, Portugal, Ireland and Spain do not exercise excessive influence during the current negotiations on the Common Fis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to ensure that France, Italy, Portugal, Ireland and Spain do not exercise excessive influence during the current negotiations on the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"Ministerial and official bilaterals are taking place with the Danish Presidency, the European Commission, and various member states as we move towards this year's decisions on reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, the cod and hake recovery plan, and next year's quotas. I am involved in this series of meetings, as are my officials. Our clear aim is to establish common positions and negotiating stances in support of our own aims and objectives.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167028,"EventID":"S1W-30540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any studies have been carried out into the economic impact of its proposed technical conservation measures for the scallop fishing industry and, if so, what the r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any studies have been carried out into the economic impact of its proposed technical conservation measures for the scallop fishing industry and, if so, what the results of any such studies were.","AnswerText":"A draft Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared. It will be published when the SI is laid before parliament, in accordance with normal practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167029,"EventID":"S1W-30541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned any studies into the impact on the scallop industry and the rural economy of the Executive's scallop technical conservation measures and any o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned any studies into the impact on the scallop industry and the rural economy of the Executive's scallop technical conservation measures and any other proposals on scallop fishing and, if so, when the results were or will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30540 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167030,"EventID":"S1W-30542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has adopted any position on any proposals for effort limitation measures such as days at sea schemes as part of the current negotiations on the Common Fisherie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has adopted any position on any proposals for effort limitation measures such as days at sea schemes as part of the current negotiations on the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"When we were discussing multi-annual management plans at the September Council, we said that effort control should be one of the instruments available to fisheries managers under a reformed Common Fisheries Policy. When we were discussing the European Commission's draft Cod and Hake Recovery Plan at the October Council, we said that effort control may need to be used alongside other measures necessary to secure the recovery of the cod stocks.

      The recent scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is clear on the need for urgent and effective measures to ensure sustainable Scottish fisheries. Closure of the mixed demersal fisheries would be disastrous. So we need to identify and promote credible, defensible and effective alternatives. Discussions are under way with the industry to that end. We cannot rule out effort controls as one ingredient in any solution.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167031,"EventID":"S1W-30543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Minister for Environment and Rural Development was not listed as an attendee of the most recent meeting of the EU Fisheries Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Minister for Environment and Rural Development was not listed as an attendee of the most recent meeting of the EU Fisheries Council.","AnswerText":"The Council Secretariat's formal minutes do not include the names of those attending. The Council Secretariat's press release is clearly at fault.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167032,"EventID":"S1W-30544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports any current proposals to cap the level of subsidy granted to any single farming unit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports any current proposals to cap the level of subsidy granted to any single farming unit.","AnswerText":"No. The Executive does not support arrangements which discriminate between producers on the basis of scale of subsidy payments or scale of operation more generally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167033,"EventID":"S1W-30545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports establishing a link between the level of subsidy to, and the number of employees on, a farm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports establishing a link between the level of subsidy to, and the number of employees on, a farm.","AnswerText":"As stated in A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture, we are in favour of rewarding farmers according to the wide range of benefits they provide in economic, social and environmental terms. This would not rule out use of employment-related criteria, although the Executive has no plans at present to introduce or propose such criteria. Support arrangements under the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are largely production-based but the Mid-term Review of the CAP, which is currently in its preliminary stages, offers an opportunity to consider payments to farmers for the provision of a wider range of benefits.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167034,"EventID":"S1W-30546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to expand the number of drug courts and, if so, what the timetable is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to expand the number of drug courts and, if so, what the timetable is.","AnswerText":"Drugs courts are currently being piloted in Glasgow and Fife and are the subject of an independent evaluation. The findings of the evaluation will be available early in 2004 and will inform our consideration of the future of the drugs court. There are therefore no immediate plans to extend the number of drugs courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167035,"EventID":"S1W-30547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) actual and (b) cumulative percentage increase from the 1997/8 level in rent charged by each local authority was in each of the five years from 1997/8, and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) actual and (b) cumulative percentage increase from the 1997/8 level in rent charged by each local authority was in each of the five years from 1997/8, and what the (i) average and (ii) cumulative national increase was.","AnswerText":"The information requested is shown in the following tables:

      Local Authority Rents - Actual Percentage Increase
       

      1997-98 to 1998-99

      1998-99 to 1999-2000

      1999-2000 to 2000-01

      2000-01 to 01-02

      2001-02 to 2002-03

      Actual %

      Increase

      Actual %

      Increase

      Actual %

      Increase

      Actual %

      Increase

      Actual %

      Increase

      Aberdeen City Council

      19

      0

      5

      5

      5

      Aberdeenshire Council

      4

      3

      3

      6

      6

      Angus Council

      8

      5

      7

      10

      4

      Argyll and Bute Council

      2

      0

      3

      4

      4

      Clackmannanshire Council

      4

      3

      2

      8

      8

      Dumfries and Galloway Council

      0

      4

      3

      5

      5

      Dundee City Council

      4

      3

      2

      2

      4

      East Ayrshire Council

      6

      8

      12

      4

      4

      East Dunbartonshire Council

      3

      5

      7

      4

      5

      East Lothian Council

      4

      6

      3

      4

      3

      East Renfrewshire Council

      10

      5

      7

      3

      8

      Edinburgh Council, City of

      3

      0

      1

      0

      3

      Eilean Siar, Comhair","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167036,"EventID":"S1W-30548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of local authority owned house is in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average age of local authority owned house is in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      Information is available on the numbers of local authority owned dwellings, in each local authority area, that are within the following five age bands: (a) pre-1919, (b) 1919-44, (c) 1945-64, (d) 1965-82 and (e) post-1982.

      The latest information - the position as at 31 March 2002 - was published in table 17 of the Scottish Executive Quarterly Housing Trends Bulletin HSG/2002/3, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23303).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167037,"EventID":"S1W-30549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many posts there are in its External Relations Division, giving a description of each post.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many posts there are in its External Relations Division, giving a description of each post.","AnswerText":"There are 23 posts in the External Relations Division. Details of the work of the division can be found in the Scottish Executive Business Directory, which is available to MSPs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167038,"EventID":"S1W-30550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many posts there are in its European Union Office in Brussels, giving a description of each post.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many posts there are in its European Union Office in Brussels, giving a description of each post.","AnswerText":"There are nine posts in the Scottish Executive EU Office (SEEUO). Details of the work of the SEEUO can be found in the Scottish Executive Business Directory, which is available to MSPs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167039,"EventID":"S1W-30551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the dispersal of any European agencies to Scotland and what the timetable is for necessary decisions being taken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in the dispersal of any European agencies to Scotland and what the timetable is for necessary decisions being taken.","AnswerText":"The siting of EU agencies is reserved and a matter for the UK Government. The Executive is in regular contact with Her Majesty's Government Departments about a variety of EU issues including the siting of EU agencies. The decision on sites and the timetable for decisions are ultimately matters for the EU Heads of State and Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167040,"EventID":"S1W-30552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its European Union Office has been involved in efforts to disperse any European agencies to Scotland and, if so, what representations the office has made and to w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its European Union Office has been involved in efforts to disperse any European agencies to Scotland and, if so, what representations the office has made and to whom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive EU Office is involved in a wide range of EU matters including efforts to disperse any European agencies to Scotland. However, the UK position in relation to siting of EU agencies is a reserved matter and decisions on representation on this issue are ultimately a matter for the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167041,"EventID":"S1W-30553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which meetings between it and European Union Commissioners have taken place in each of the last three years and what future meetings are planned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which meetings between it and European Union Commissioners have taken place in each of the last three years and what future meetings are planned.","AnswerText":"On the meetings that have taken place in each of the last three years, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30601 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Future meetings will be arranged as and when necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167042,"EventID":"S1W-30554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an appeal mechanism to inquire into the reasons for the failure of a local authority to follow planning guidelines relating to planning obligations requi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an appeal mechanism to inquire into the reasons for the failure of a local authority to follow planning guidelines relating to planning obligations required through agreements entered into under section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and what the reasons are for the position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"There is no statutory appeal mechanism in planning legislation relating to planning agreements under section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. It is for the person(s) with an interest in the land in question (insofar as the interest of that person enables him/her to bind the land) and the planning authority to "agree" the terms of any section 75 agreement.

      More generally, complaints about the actions of planning authorities can be pursued with the relevant Council Monitoring Officer, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and/or through the courts as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167043,"EventID":"S1W-30555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2003,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":21,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidance it issues discourages the use of directional road signs showing islands as destinations and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any guidance it issues discourages the use of directional road signs showing islands as destinations and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Guidance on the Design and Use of Directional Informatory Signs is contained in Local Transport Note 1/1994. No mention is made in this document which would discourage the use of directional road signs showing islands as destinations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167044,"EventID":"S1W-30556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its response to the consultation by the Department of Trade and Industry on the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals to open up higher","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its response to the consultation by the Department of Trade and Industry on the General Agreement on Trade in Services proposals to open up higher education provision to greater competition.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the consultation document issued by the Department of Trade and Industry was prepared with input from the Executive. The Executive will continue to be in regular contact during the period of the consultation with DTI and other UK Departments on trade issues and how these may impact on the Executive's responsibilities including higher education. This will enable the Executive to have the opportunity to input to the proposed UK response which is due to be submitted by March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167045,"EventID":"S1W-30557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new investment was made at HM Prison Aberdeen, and for what purpose, in each of the last five years and what investment is planned, and for what purpose, in future y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what new investment was made at HM Prison Aberdeen, and for what purpose, in each of the last five years and what investment is planned, and for what purpose, in future years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The total value of estate development projects completed at HM Prison Aberdeen in the last five years is about £2 million. Options for upgrading the existing health centre are currently being evaluated.

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30329 on 31 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167046,"EventID":"S1W-30558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25486 by Allan Wilson on 14 May 2002, what decisions it has made on how to distribute the annual allocation from HM Treasury throug","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25486 by Allan Wilson on 14 May 2002, what decisions it has made on how to distribute the annual allocation from HM Treasury through the aggregates levy.","AnswerText":"As I indicated in my response to question S1W-24840 on 29 April 2002, the assigned budget will receive approximately £3 million per year from 2002-03, as part of the allocation by the Treasury of the proceeds of the aggregates levy. This has been allocated to the environment portfolio.

      We have now considered a range of possible projects and have decided to allocate half of the available funding to environmental renewal in communities affected by aggregates extraction. This amounts to £1.5 million in both 2002-03 and 2003-04. The funding will be made available through the Executive's Sustainable Action Fund.

      Bids will be invited from local communities, or bodies which can demonstrate that they are working with local communities, for projects which address the environmental effects of past or present aggregates extraction (e.g. visual impact, noise, dust, pollution, transport, loss of habitat); involve the local community, and have demonstrable social and/or economic benefit to the local community; but will not support work which is already required e.g. by statute or contractual obligations, though it may supplement this (e.g. restoration of site to higher standard than provided for by planning conditions).

      In the first year the Executive will administer the grants, alongside the existing Sustainable Action Grants. Fuller information on the scheme will be available at www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk.

      Distribution of the grant will be overseen by a Grants Panel, and we are inviting relevant bodies to nominate representatives to join this.

      The remainder of the funding will be used for a broad range of projects supporting sustainable development. Further information about these projects will be available shortly. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/searchwa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167047,"EventID":"S1W-30559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any statutory interest and compensation arising out of late payment will be due to a member of the Faculty of Advocates by the client as the disclosed Principal o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any statutory interest and compensation arising out of late payment will be due to a member of the Faculty of Advocates by the client as the disclosed Principal or whether it will be due by the solicitor as the agent, under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Scotland) Regulations 2002 (SSI 2002/335).","AnswerText":"These regulations implement European Directive 2000/35/EC on combating late payment in commercial transactions. They are intended to make it clear, on the face of the regulations, that they apply to the arrangements whereby advocates are paid fees, whoever the obligation to pay fees falls upon.

      The regulations do not change the legal relationship between advocates, solicitors and clients. It will be for the courts to determine whether the directive, and consequently the regulations, apply in any particular case, but my understanding is that a debt for fees is due to an advocate by his or her client, and any interest on late payment would be due by the client. The Faculty of Advocates and the Law Society of Scotland also have an agreement that a solicitor who instructs an advocate has a responsibility to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, payment of the advocate's fees.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167048,"EventID":"S1W-30560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules govern the disposal of surplus police weapons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rules govern the disposal of surplus police weapons.","AnswerText":"Scottish Police Service policy is that all police firearms deemed surplus to requirements are destroyed.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167049,"EventID":"S1W-30561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) firearms are currently held by the police and (b) officers are qualified to hold firearms, broken down by police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) firearms are currently held by the police and (b) officers are qualified to hold firearms, broken down by police force area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table:

      Forces

      No. of Firearms

      No. of Qualified Officers

      Central

      79

      48

      Dumfries and Galloway

      96

      40

      Fife

      92

      58

      Grampian

      131

      122

      Lothian and Borders

      174

      105

      Northern

      143

      69

      Strathclyde

      627

      215

      Tayside

      95

      63

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167050,"EventID":"S1W-30562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements a police officer must meet before being entitled to be issued with a firearm.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements a police officer must meet before being entitled to be issued with a firearm.","AnswerText":"Firearms are only issued to officers who are authorised and trained in that particular class of weapon and have continued to undergo the corresponding tactical training.

      Every applicant for firearms training is required to complete a comprehensive application form and this form is assessed against a range of key competencies, including restraint and control, teamwork and co-operation, and decision making under pressure. Officers also undergo a series of health checks assessing their fitness, stability, hearing, and eyesight.

      After successful completion of this process officers attend a three-week Induction course where they learn all aspects of firearms training including legislation, tactics, use of force and shooting accuracy. If successful, the officer will be authorised to use police issue firearms and issued with an authorisation showing the types of weapons which may be used. The authorisation card is produced before a weapon is issued and always carried when the officer is armed.

      Authorisations are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that officers' weapons handling and accuracy continue to be of a sufficient standard to allow them to carry their weapons. This review also confirms whether they remain suitable for the role.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167051,"EventID":"S1W-30563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29308 by Lewis Macdonald on 30 September 2002, what steps it will now take and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Go","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29308 by Lewis Macdonald on 30 September 2002, what steps it will now take and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on why it has not provided a response to the application for a public service obligation for the Inverness/Gatwick route.","AnswerText":"The next step is a matter for the UK Government. The Executive has liased closely with the UK Government on what we believe is a substantial case for a public service obligation on the Inverness/Gatwick link.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167052,"EventID":"S1W-30564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of all communications, including e-mails, letters, telephone conversations and any other methods of communication, it has had with Her Maj","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of all communications, including e-mails, letters, telephone conversations and any other methods of communication, it has had with Her Majesty's Government and any of its agencies or non-departmental public bodies in regard to flights to Inverness and the north of Scotland.","AnswerText":"No. Disclosure of information which would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion is exempted from the commitment to provide information under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167053,"EventID":"S1W-30565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of all communications, including e-mails, letters, telephone conversations and any other methods of communication, it has had with Her Maj","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish details of all communications, including e-mails, letters, telephone conversations and any other methods of communication, it has had with Her Majesty's Government and any of its agencies or non-departmental public bodies in regard to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd.","AnswerText":"No. Disclosure of information which would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion is exempted from the commitment to provide information under the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167054,"EventID":"S1W-30566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has received any correspondence from Prince Charles: if so, whether it will publish any such correspondence and a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has received any correspondence from Prince Charles: if so, whether it will publish any such correspondence and any response made, and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"No correspondence has been received from HRH The Prince of Wales by the SPCB.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167055,"EventID":"S1W-30567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the reasons are for appointing an Opening Ceremonies Manager for the new Parliament building; when the decision was taken that such an appointment should be made; who","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the reasons are for appointing an Opening Ceremonies Manager for the new Parliament building; when the decision was taken that such an appointment should be made; who has been appointed to the post and, if the appointee was already a member of the Parliament's staff, whether the postholder's substantive post will be filled; whether the post was advertised and, if so, where, and how much the recruitment exercise cost, including any savings associated with the postholder's substantive post.","AnswerText":"A member of the Parliament's staff has been appointed, following an internal competition, to undertake the duties of Opening Ceremonies Manager on a temporary basis. The decision to make the appointment was taken by the Corporate Body on 25 June 2002. The reasons for the appointment are as follows: experience of the 1999 Opening Ceremony pointed towards the need for one or more dedicated members of staff; the work of the Opening Ceremonies Steering Group requires to be supported and the contributions from different sections of parliamentary staff require to be co-ordinated; communication with and monitoring of the work of an external events co-ordinator, once appointed, will best be managed through the post; calls on the budget provisionally allocated for the Opening Ceremonies will be monitored by the manager. His substantive post has been advertised internally, to be filled on a temporary basis. No recruitment costs, other than staff time, have been incurred. To date, no savings have accrued. I will write to the member directly with the other details requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167056,"EventID":"S1W-30568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much expenditure, excluding entertainment and hospitality costs, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has authorised in each year since July 1999 for the Office ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much expenditure, excluding entertainment and hospitality costs, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has authorised in each year since July 1999 for the Office of the Presiding Officer, showing costs associated with the Presiding Officer, Deputy Presiding Officers and staff of the office and travel costs separately.","AnswerText":"The Office of the Presiding Officer has incurred the following expenditure (excluding hospitality costs) in each year since 1999:

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      2002-03

      (6 months)

      Staff Costs

      34,000

      78,000

      95,000

      53,000

      Travel Costs

      7,000

      3,000

      7,000

      1,000

      Other Costs

      18,000

      18,000

      27,000

      14,000

      Total Costs

      59,000

      99,000

      129,000

      68,000

      These figures incorporate the salaries and on-costs of the four staff providing support to the Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officers. The lower staffing costs in 1999-2000, and to a lesser extent in 2000-01, reflect the initial set-up of the organisation when posts had not been filled.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167057,"EventID":"S1W-30569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has spent on entertainment and hospitality since July 1999, giving details of each event where such costs were incurred,","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has spent on entertainment and hospitality since July 1999, giving details of each event where such costs were incurred, including the purpose of the event, who attended and on what date the event took place.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has incurred approximately £156,000 of expenditure on hospitality over a 39-month period, since July 1999. The cost of identifying each individual event and those present over the last three years would not be justified.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167058,"EventID":"S1W-30570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there has been any expenditure unnecessarily incurred by the Office of the Presiding Officer; if so, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provid","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether there has been any expenditure unnecessarily incurred by the Office of the Presiding Officer; if so, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide details, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167059,"EventID":"S1W-30571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body considers that there is scope for savings in the expenditure of the Office of the Presiding Officer and, if so, whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body considers that there is scope for savings in the expenditure of the Office of the Presiding Officer and, if so, whether any such savings can be made in respect of the expenses relating to the (a) Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officers and (b) staff of the Office of the Presiding Officer.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167060,"EventID":"S1W-30572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-30288 on 18 October 2002, why the breakdown of fees payable to consultants involved in the Holyrood project was commercially confide","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-30288 on 18 October 2002, why the breakdown of fees payable to consultants involved in the Holyrood project was commercially confidential, given that the breakdown of fees payable to Davis Langdon & Everest, EMBT/RMJM Ltd, Ove Arup and Partners, RMJM Scotland Limited and Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Limited was disclosed in the Auditor's General's report The New Scottish Parliament Building - An examination of the management of the Holyrood Project (AGS/2000/2) and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body considers that information on consultants' fees is in the public interest.","AnswerText":"The SPCB regards the amount of fees paid to individual consultants as commercially confidential. Publication of such information by the Parliament would generally be considered as something that might impede fair competition between them and their competitors and/or prejudice the consultants', or the Parliament's, future negotiating position. Disclosure would also be in breach of the individual tender agreements between the Parliament and the consultants, which were agreed on a commercially confidential basis and could not be made without the agreement of the firms involved. I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that the Auditor General was required to obtain the specific approval of the respective consultants before authority for publication of the figures was given under the particular circumstances. The Parliament would not normally release such information unilaterally and that is only proper. It is the case that certain elements of fee agreements are still under discussion, however, once outstanding negotiations have been concluded and subject to clearance with the Parliament's legal office, we would expect to secure the agreement of the consultants involved and make these details available.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167061,"EventID":"S1W-30574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2126 by the First Minister on 26 September 2002, what analysis would need to be carried out on any health implications for staff in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2126 by the First Minister on 26 September 2002, what analysis would need to be carried out on any health implications for staff in the water industry of any fluoridation of the public water supply.","AnswerText":"The consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children, published on 24 September, seeks views on a range of possible measures to improve children's oral health, including fluoridation. Questions about the implementation of any particular option would fall to be considered in the light of the consultation.

      Health and safety procedures are set out for all materials added to the public water supplies. Therefore, where such procedures are followed, there are no health implications for staff for any of the materials added to the public water supplies.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167062,"EventID":"S1W-30575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage uplift in the prescribing element of the unified budget has been in each of the last three years and (a) how much and (b) what percentage of these upl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage uplift in the prescribing element of the unified budget has been in each of the last three years and (a) how much and (b) what percentage of these uplifts have been determined according to the Arbuthnott formula, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are given a unified budget to enable them to meet the health care needs of their resident populations. There is no specific prescribing element uplift in the unified budget. It is for each individual NHS board to decide how much money to allocate to their prescribing budget.

      The Arbuthnott formula, which has a prescribing element, has informed NHS board allocations for financial years 2001-02 and 2002-03. On average each NHS board received a 6.5% increase in 2001-02 and a 7.2% increase in 2002-03. This was made up of a minimum increase for each NHS board of 5.5% in 2001-02 and 6.8% in 2002-03 and additional money for those NHS boards where their Arbuthnott shares were greater than their actual shares.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167063,"EventID":"S1W-30576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated and (a) how much and (b) what percentage of the staff budget was spent on pay for each workforce group listed by the Information and Statis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated and (a) how much and (b) what percentage of the staff budget was spent on pay for each workforce group listed by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency in each year since 1997-98.","AnswerText":"No specific allocations are made for staff budgets. Staff costs are met from the overall sums allocated to NHS boards to enable them to meet the health care needs of their resident populations. Therefore, information on funding allocation by workforce group is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167064,"EventID":"S1W-30577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency has to collect and publish more information on the use of specialist nurses within the NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency has to collect and publish more information on the use of specialist nurses within the NHS.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29329 on 27 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Full results of the Audit Scotland/ISD survey will be available later this year. In addition, proposals are being developed for implementation by NHSScotland for the collection of information on nurse-led activity. It is too soon to say when the first results from this new information collection will become available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167065,"EventID":"S1W-30578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any intention of entering into any contracts with the private sector for a period in excess of 10 years in the light of its announcements on the Scottish P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any intention of entering into any contracts with the private sector for a period in excess of 10 years in the light of its announcements on the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes. Twenty to 30 years for new prison facilities is the norm.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167066,"EventID":"S1W-30579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any element of the planned opening ceremony for the new Parliament building could represent any taxable benefit to members. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any element of the planned opening ceremony for the new Parliament building could represent any taxable benefit to members. ","AnswerText":"Planning for the opening ceremonies is at a very early stage. It is not possible to say what the elements will be.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167067,"EventID":"S1W-30580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have received a heart transplant in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area in 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients have received a heart transplant in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area in 2002.","AnswerText":"Since the beginning of 2002, nine patients have received a heart transplant at the Scottish Heart Transplant Unit in Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167068,"EventID":"S1W-30581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all GP surgeries are linked to acute sector hospitals through the General Practice Administration System for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all GP surgeries are linked to acute sector hospitals through the General Practice Administration System for Scotland.","AnswerText":"All GP surgeries and NHS hospitals are linked to NHS networks and are able to communicate with each other electronically. Over 80% of GP practices use the General Practice Administration System for Scotland (GPASS); nearly all of the remainder use commercial systems. The Electronic Clinical Communications Implementation (ECCI) programme is helping practices and hospitals in all NHS board areas to implement electronic transmission of laboratory test results, referral and discharge letters, and appointment booking.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167069,"EventID":"S1W-30582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the electronic health record will be available and in use in all NHS board areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the electronic health record will be available and in use in all NHS board areas.","AnswerText":"The National Strategic Programme for Information Management & Technology 2001 - 2005 states that we will "establish with active co-operation of patients first versions of electronic health records based on GP summary information. First pilots to be in place 2003."

      We are on course to deliver that target and will establish time scales for the national roll out in the course of the pilot.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167070,"EventID":"S1W-30583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in the development and funding of complementary and alternative therapies in health care provision.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it has in the development and funding of complementary and alternative therapies in health care provision.","AnswerText":"The Executive believes that complementary or alternative therapies may offer relief to some people suffering from a wide variety of conditions. There is no legislative bar to prevent practitioners of such therapies from offering their services, subject only to some general restrictions such as those on prescribing and supplying medicines and giving injections. A GP or hospital clinician may refer a patient for alternative treatment, but would require to be satisfied of the value of the treatment and the competence of the practitioner and would remain responsible for the patient's medical care. It is also open to NHS boards or trusts to provide complementary or alternative therapies from the funding made available to them by the Executive, based on their assessments of local needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167071,"EventID":"S1W-30584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total budgetary allocation for complementary and alternative therapies in health care provision is, broken down by NHS board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total budgetary allocation for complementary and alternative therapies in health care provision is, broken down by NHS board area. ","AnswerText":"There is no specific financial allocation for such therapies. It is for each NHS board or trust to make their own assessment of need and provide appropriate resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167072,"EventID":"S1W-30585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a role for complementary and alternative therapies in health care provision in helping to reduce pressure on GPs and hospital health care services and, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a role for complementary and alternative therapies in health care provision in helping to reduce pressure on GPs and hospital health care services and, if so, what it envisages that role to be.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30583 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167073,"EventID":"S1W-30586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with how many current projects concerning complementary and alternative therapies it has an involvement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with how many current projects concerning complementary and alternative therapies it has an involvement.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and health care needs in Scotland. The CSO is currently directly funding four research projects and one research training fellowship concerning complementary and alternative therapies. The CSO is always happy to receive further applications for research projects concerning complementary and alternative therapies, which would need to be of a sufficiently high standard and would be subject to the usual committee and peer review.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167074,"EventID":"S1W-30587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether complementary and alternative therapies could make a significant impact on the health of those from poorer backgrounds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether complementary and alternative therapies could make a significant impact on the health of those from poorer backgrounds.","AnswerText":"The possible benefits of complementary and alternative therapies would apply to people from all backgrounds.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167075,"EventID":"S1W-30588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact complementary and alternative therapies can have on raising the self-esteem of individuals and contributing to a sense of community spirit.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact complementary and alternative therapies can have on raising the self-esteem of individuals and contributing to a sense of community spirit.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30583 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167076,"EventID":"S1W-30589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any consideration to implementing a scheme to introduce complementary and alternative therapies to those from poorer backgrounds.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any consideration to implementing a scheme to introduce complementary and alternative therapies to those from poorer backgrounds.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not received proposals for any such scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167077,"EventID":"S1W-30590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for persons under 16 accused of an offence where, if that offence is proved, that person has committed 10 or more offences, what the average time was in days from (a) th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for persons under 16 accused of an offence where, if that offence is proved, that person has committed 10 or more offences, what the average time was in days from (a) the incident to receipt of the case by the children's reporter, (b) receipt of the case by the children's reporter to a decision being taken to refer the case to a children's hearing, (c) that decision to the children's hearing and (d) the children's hearing to disposal in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The collation of statistical information on the children's hearings system is the operational responsibility of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA). The information requested is not held centrally.

      To date, Time Intervals data has been published only in broad offence/non-offence categories. The data relating to the years in question is available in SCRA's Annual Reports in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 6161, 18780 and 20128).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167078,"EventID":"S1W-30591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for those aged (a) 16 to 17, (b) 18 to 20 and (c) 16 to 20 accused of an offence, what the average time was in days from the (i) incident to a report being made to the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for those aged (a) 16 to 17, (b) 18 to 20 and (c) 16 to 20 accused of an offence, what the average time was in days from the (i) incident to a report being made to the procurator fiscal, (ii) report to the procurator fiscal to the marking of the report, (iii) marking of the report to the trial and (iv) trial to disposal in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167079,"EventID":"S1W-30592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors the number of subsidised bus services provided in each local authority area, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it monitors the number of subsidised bus services provided in each local authority area, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"No. Local transport authorities have powers to subsidise socially necessary services based on local needs and circumstances. The use of these powers is a matter for individual local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167080,"EventID":"S1W-30593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of concessionary fares schemes operated by local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of concessionary fares schemes operated by local authorities.","AnswerText":"Evaluation of the effectiveness of individual concessionary fares schemes is a matter for the local authorities themselves, but the Executive has commissioned a nationwide research project to monitor the impact of the introduction of free local off-peak bus travel, delivered through enhancements to existing concessionary fares schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167081,"EventID":"S1W-30594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from COSLA regarding the introduction of a single national minimum standard of free off-peak concessionary fares scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from COSLA regarding the introduction of a single national minimum standard of free off-peak concessionary fares scheme.","AnswerText":"Representations from COSLA regarding the introduction of a national minimum standard of free off-peak concessionary bus travel, delivered through enhancements to the 16 existing concessionary fares schemes, have been received via the Concessionary Fares Working Group which comprises representatives from the Executive, COSLA, the Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers (ATCO) and the bus industry. The group's remit is to advise the Executive, local authorities and operators on the detailed implementation issues as regards the introduction of:

      (a) free local bus travel for elderly and disabled people within existing scheme areas but outwith the morning peak, and

      (b) age equalisation of eligibility for concessionary travel.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167082,"EventID":"S1W-30595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from the bus industry regarding the introduction of a single national minimum standard of free off-peak concessionary fares s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any representations from the bus industry regarding the introduction of a single national minimum standard of free off-peak concessionary fares scheme.","AnswerText":"Representations from the busindustry regarding the introduction of a national minimum standard of freelocal off-peak concessionary bus travel, delivered through enhancements to theexisting 16 concessionary fares schemes, have been received via theConfederation of Passenger Transport, a member of the Concessionary FaresWorking Group. The group comprises representatives from the Executive, COSLA,the Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers (ATCO) and the busindustry, and its remit is to advise the Executive, local authorities andoperators on the detailed implementation issues as regards the introduction of:

      (a) free local bus travelfor elderly and disabled people within existing scheme areas but outwith themorning peak, and

      (b) age equalisation ofeligibility for concessionary travel.

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167083,"EventID":"S1W-30596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to consult older peoples' groups prior to announcing the decision to introduce a single national minimum standard for free off-peak bus travel for pens","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it took to consult older peoples' groups prior to announcing the decision to introduce a single national minimum standard for free off-peak bus travel for pensioners.","AnswerText":"Ministers announced the decision to introduce free local off-peak bus travel for elderly and disabled people in September 2000 following consideration of responses to the Executive's consultation paper Integrated Transport for Scotland. This consultation exercise resulted in the passage of the Transport (Scotland) Bill 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167084,"EventID":"S1W-30597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28350 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 September 2002 and with regard to Annex B, paragraph 8 of its Social Work Services Group circular SWS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28350 by Cathy Jamieson on 23 September 2002 and with regard to Annex B, paragraph 8 of its Social Work Services Group circular SWSG 9/98, what the normal upper age limit is for (a) new and (b) reappointed members of children's panels.","AnswerText":"Panel members are normally recruited up to the age of 60 and will not usually be re-appointed beyond the 15 May following their 65 birthday. However, if recommended by a Children's Panel Advisory Committee (CPAC), appointments may be made up to the age of 62 for new applicants. Reappointment of serving panel members beyond their 65 birthday may also be approved subject to a recommendation by a CPAC. Reasons might include recruitment or retention difficulties affecting the balance of skills and experience, age or gender of the panel. This change was notified to CPACs on 18 August 2000. The circular is currently being updated to reflect this and other changes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167085,"EventID":"S1W-30598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the #3.5 million allocated to it by Her Majesty's Government for the support of pilots of Government General Practitioners and Internet Learning and Access Points in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the #3.5 million allocated to it by Her Majesty's Government for the support of pilots of Government General Practitioners and Internet Learning and Access Points in post offices has been spent on and whether all of this allocation will be spent on post offices or sub-post offices.","AnswerText":"All funding consequentials contribute to a block allocation to the Scottish Executive. The flexibility this gives ministers is considered a key element of the devolution arrangements. There was not a sufficient case for running a separate Scottish pilot on the project now known as Your Guide. DTI recently announced that the project would not receive further funding. The Scottish Executive remains in close contact with both DTI and Consignia regarding possible alternative projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167086,"EventID":"S1W-30599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for a scheme to assist rural sub-post offices along the lines of the funding made available to support sub-post offices in urban areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for a scheme to assist rural sub-post offices along the lines of the funding made available to support sub-post offices in urban areas.","AnswerText":"Post offices and postal services are reserved to the UK Government. I understand that details of financial support for rural post offices will be announced shortly by the Department of Trade and Industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167087,"EventID":"S1W-30600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact over the next five years on sub-post offices of the removal of benefit and allowance payments; if it has made no such a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the economic impact over the next five years on sub-post offices of the removal of benefit and allowance payments; if it has made no such assessment, what plans it has to commission one; what information it holds on what the estimated number of sub-post offices over this period will be, and how many there were in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Consignia, post offices and postal services are reserved to the UK Government. The Performance and Innovation Unit's report Counter Revolution: Modernising the Post Office Network (June 2000) showed that the future viability of the network was challenged by the introduction of automated credit transfer. The Department of Trade and Industry are concentrating on supporting the Post Office's efforts to build up new business opportunities, including universal banking services, in order to mitigate the effects of the move to automated credit transfer.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167088,"EventID":"S1W-30601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates it has met with European (a) Commissioners and (b) Commission officials since May 1999, and what topics were discussed at each meeting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates it has met with European (a) Commissioners and (b) Commission officials since May 1999, and what topics were discussed at each meeting.","AnswerText":"Executive ministers and officials have held a wide range of meetings, formal and informal, with European Union Commissioners and Commission officials in each of the last three years. It is not our practice to disclose details of such meetings, which are numerous, not all recorded in detail, and are often in the context of sensitive and confidential negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167089,"EventID":"S1W-30602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projected trunk road spending will be in 2003-04, broken down by project and detailing the work to be carried out, the road and exact location.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its projected trunk road spending will be in 2003-04, broken down by project and detailing the work to be carried out, the road and exact location.","AnswerText":"Projected motorway and trunk road spending plans for 2003-04 are shown in the recently published Building a Better Scotland. It is not possible at this stage to provide a detail allocation of spending to individual schemes but specific projects on which funding will be incurred for next year include the following:

      Project by Location

      Brief Description of Works

      Road

      Bowerhouse-Spott

      Upgrade from single to dual carriageway.

      A1

      Haddington-Dunbar

      Upgrade from single to dual carriageway.

      A1

      Howburn-Houndwood

      Upgrade from single to dual carriageway.

      A1

      Thistly Cross-Bowerhouse

      Upgrade from single to dual carriageway.

      A1

      Barfill-Bettyknowes

      Overtaking section.

      A75

      Cairntop-Barlae

      Provide overtaking opportunities.

      A75

      Dunragit Re-alignment

      Replace bridge and provide overtaking opportunities.

      A75

      Hardgrove-Kinmount

      Overtaking section.

      A75

      Newton Stewart

      Acceleration lane north of roundabout

      A75

      Planting End to Drumflower

      Eastbound overtaking section.

      A75

      Crossroads

      Conversion of staggered junction to roundabout.

      A76

      Gateside

      Widen and create straight section of road.

      A76

      Ardrossan-Stevenston

      Bypass of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston

      A78

      Baillieston-Newhouse

      Refurbishment of carriageway

      A8

      Shawhead Junction

      Safety and congestion improvements.

      A8 and A726

      Auchenkilns

      Grade separated junction

      A80

      Arisaig-Kinsadel

      New 2 lane road.

      A830

      Kincardine Bridge

      New crossing and refurbish existing structure.

      A876

      Forfar Grade Separation- Kirriemuir and Glamis

      Road safety works.

      A90

      Glendoick Interchange

      Grade separ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167090,"EventID":"S1W-30603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people work in the scallop industry, broken down by fishermen, processors and others.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people work in the scallop industry, broken down by fishermen, processors and others.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold details of people employed in the scallop industry. There are currently 191 Scottish vessels licensed to fish for scallops, of which 102 have caught scallops in 2002 and 51 have caught scallops only.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167091,"EventID":"S1W-30604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all research and the cost of such research into amnesic shellfish poisoning commissioned or carried out by the Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail all research and the cost of such research into amnesic shellfish poisoning commissioned or carried out by the Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS).","AnswerText":"The FSAS have advised me that the following table details all research they have carried out or commissioned into amnesic shellfish poisoning.

      Food Standards Agency Scotland Research into ASP

      Date

      Title

      Purpose

      Total Cost (£000)

      December 2001 to July 2002

      Measurement of ASP in King Scallops processed in Scotland

      This study was designed to establish the acceptable and proportionate levels of end product testing for whole, roe-on and roe-off scallops in the tiered system.

      154

      January 2000 to September 2003

      Phytoplankton study

      Project initiated to investigate the relationship between phyoplankton and levels of ASP PSP and DSP.

      450

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167092,"EventID":"S1W-30605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) spent on the issue of amnesic shellfish poisoning, including research and the taking of samples, and whether it will sh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) spent on the issue of amnesic shellfish poisoning, including research and the taking of samples, and whether it will show these figures against the overall budget of the FSAS in each year since the agency was established.","AnswerText":"FSAS have advised me that between the years 2000 and 2002 they have spent £238,000 on research into amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). In the case of monitoring and the taking of samples, it is impossible to separate spend on ASP from other algal toxins. The following table details total FSAS spend on the shellfish algal toxin monitoring programme per year since the creation of the agency.

      Cost of Shellfish Algal Toxin Monitoring Programme Since Creation of FSAS

      Financial Year

      Total Monitoring Costs

      (£000)

      Total Sampling Cost

      (£000)

      Total FSAS Budget

      (£ million)

      2000-01

      207

      140

      5.1

      2001-02

      466

      307

      5.9

      2002-present

      292

      233

      5.5

      In addition, £100,000 per annum is spent on monitoring phytoplankton in Scottish waters.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167093,"EventID":"S1W-30606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it stands by the statement in its announcement on 22 August 2002 by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development on proposals for the protection of the sca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it stands by the statement in its announcement on 22 August 2002 by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development on proposals for the protection of the scallop industry that a majority of the scallop industry supports its proposals","AnswerText":"In my statement of 22 August, I did not say that a majority of the scallop industry supported our proposals for scallop conservation. I said that a majority of the industry supported our proposals. That reflected the fact that our consultation exercises were addressed to the Scottish fishing industry as a whole, not just to scallop fishermen, and that the responses showed the Scottish fishing industry as a whole to be supportive of our proposals.

      I stand by this interpretation of the responses to our consultation exercises, and by the need for additional conservation measures. However, what has since become clear is the strength of opposition from parts of the scallop sector in particular. That is something on which I am reflecting in my continuing discussions with the Rural Development Committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167094,"EventID":"S1W-30607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will postpone bringing forward any statutory instruments on the introduction of technical conservation measures for the scallop fishing industry until all issu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will postpone bringing forward any statutory instruments on the introduction of technical conservation measures for the scallop fishing industry until all issues in relation to amnesic shellfish poisoning are addressed and whether it will consult further with the industry prior to any such statutory instruments being laid before the Parliament.","AnswerText":"No, amnesic shellfish poisoning is a matter of public health. Its existence increases the need for further conservation of scallop stocks, and I am persuaded following extensive consultation that technical conservation measures are the best way of achieving such conservation. However, I do intend to consider carefully the points made to and by the Rural Development Committee before finalising and laying the statutory instrument in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167095,"EventID":"S1W-30608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will invite the Food Standards Agency Scotland to submit the data on samples taken from (a) scallops and (b) mussels since amnesic shellfish poisoning testing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will invite the Food Standards Agency Scotland to submit the data on samples taken from (a) scallops and (b) mussels since amnesic shellfish poisoning testing was introduced, showing the levels of algal toxins, in order to challenge scientifically the trigger level of 4.6 micrograms per gram set in the European Commission Decision 2002/226 EC, in the light of the suggestion by the European Commission Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General to the Rural Development Committee at its meeting on 8 October 2002.","AnswerText":"Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) advise me that they wrote to the Commission on 15 October to ask their thoughts on how a review of the 4.6mg/kg trigger level could be pursued. The FSAS will be happy to provide data on scallops and mussels, should the relevant European scientific committees request it.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167096,"EventID":"S1W-30609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, what its estimate is of the area of land that is under traditional secure tenancy arrang","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, what its estimate is of the area of land that is under traditional secure tenancy arrangements; what the source and date is for such an estimate; how many farm units are held under such tenure, and what the average si'e of such units is.","AnswerText":"Over 1.7 million Ha of agricultural land in Scotland are rented under full tenancy agreements (that is, tenancies under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991 with traditional secure tenants or limited partnership tenants, including minor holdings) (source: Scottish Agricultural Statistics, Scottish Executive, 2001). As I explained in the answer given to question S1W-28914 on 18 October 2002, there were estimated to be around 14,000 full tenancy agreements under the 1991 act active in Scotland in 2001. We do not hold information centrally which subdivides this figure further. On the basis of the above information, we estimate that the average size of a holding under a full tenancy agreement in Scotland is around 120 Ha.

      A Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey estimated that around 64% of such tenanted land is held under 1991 act tenancies with a traditional secure tenant (source: Land Tenure Patterns in Scotland, RICS Scotland, 1995, Table 1). This would mean that around 1 million Ha of agricultural land in Scotland are held under traditional secure 1991 act tenancies.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions can be found on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167097,"EventID":"S1W-30610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes in each postcode area in (a) East Kilbride, (b) Hamilton South and (c) Hamilton North and Bellshill parliamentary constituencies are eligible for free cent","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many homes in each postcode area in (a) East Kilbride, (b) Hamilton South and (c) Hamilton North and Bellshill parliamentary constituencies are eligible for free central heating for the elderly under its central heating installation programme and how many such homes have applied.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388. All answers to written PQs are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167098,"EventID":"S1W-30611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many eligible applications for free central heating for the elderly under its central heating installation programme received from each postcode area in (a) East Kilb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many eligible applications for free central heating for the elderly under its central heating installation programme received from each postcode area in (a) East Kilbride, (b) Hamilton South and (c) Hamilton North and Bellshill parliamentary constituencies (i) are still being processed and (ii) have been completed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167099,"EventID":"S1W-30612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Luxembourg last week.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Luxembourg last week.","AnswerText":"I attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 14 and 15 October in Luxembourg, together with Elliot Morley.

      On fisheries, the agenda covered reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP); a recovery plan for stocks of cod and hake, and an action plan for fisheries management in the Mediterranean Sea. No decisions were taken.

      There was a policy debate on aspects of the Commission's CFP reform package. This centred on access to resources, good governance, and control and enforcement.

      On access to resources, we stressed the need to maintain restricted access to coastal waters (such as the six and 12 mile limits and Shetland Box). We also urged the Council to support the retention of the quota allocation system within the EU, protecting the principle of Relative Stability among member states. In that context, we particularly emphasised the importance of the so-called Hague Preference, which we regard as an integral part of Relative Stability particularly beneficial to the Scottish industry.

      On good governance, we emphasised to the Council the importance to be attached to the proposed Regional Advisory Councils (RACs). We stressed the importance of getting their composition and remit right, and of ensuring that they are centred on the experience and knowledge of the fishing industry. We also argued that the Commission and Council of Ministers should give particular weight to any recommendations made by these RACs.

      On control and enforcement, we lent our support to various ideas designed to improve co-ordination and co-operation (and therefore a "level playing field") within the EU. These include proposals to extend satellite monitoring, and to facilitate inspections by Commission officials.

      There was also a policy debate on the Commission's proposal for a Cod and Hake Recovery Plan. Most Member States acknowledged the need for urgent action. We emphasised the need to develop workable proposals based on the latest science, and based on close consultation with stakeholders. We indicated (as did others) that effort control might be a necessary part of any solution.

      The Commission also gave a presentation covering its action plan for fisheries management in the Mediterranean.

      The agriculture agenda covered three main issues: three specific proposals on food safety matters; the recent Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable Development, and the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

      The food safety proposals considered by Council covered the monitoring and control of zoonoses and genetically modified food and feed. There was some useful clarification of positions but it was not possible to reach agreement on this occasion.

      The Council assessed the agricultural priorities flowing from the Johannesburg World Summit and agreed conclusions accordingly.

      On CAP, the Council continued its consideration of the mid-term review proposals, concentrating on those concerning rural development and farm audits. Supported by a number of other Member States, we stressed the importance of a shift from production-linked support under the CAP to rural development programmes, and reiterated the importance of a fair distribution of funds between Member States. On the commodity side, there were discussions on new market measures for nuts and for rice. There was also a discussion on the options for change in the milk sector.

      Under other business, the Commission dealt with enquiries about olive oil promotion, aid to Greek cotton producers and negotiations with third countries over grain imports.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167100,"EventID":"S1W-30613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Trade International website will be operational and what the reasons are for any delay in bringing it online.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Trade International website will be operational and what the reasons are for any delay in bringing it online.","AnswerText":"In October 2001 the Scottish Executive launched its Global Connections Strategy which led to the creation of Scottish Development International. Scottish Development International brings together the activities of the former Scottish Trade International and Locate in Scotland.

      The Scottish Development International website became operational in October 2001 to tie in with the launch of the Global Connections Strategy and the creation of Scottish Development International.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167101,"EventID":"S1W-30614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15676 by Sarah Boyack on 11 July 2001, what steps it has taken to establish the views of the road haulage industry on measures to m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-15676 by Sarah Boyack on 11 July 2001, what steps it has taken to establish the views of the road haulage industry on measures to modernise the industry; what modernisation initiatives it has launched, and what resources have been allocated for such modernisation in (a) 2000-01, (b) 2001-02 and (c) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Road Haulage and Distribution Training Council (RHDTC) to ensure that initiatives to be funded by the Scottish Road Haulage Modernization Fund (RHMF) will meet the needs of the industry.

      The CleanUp Scotland initiative was launched this week. The initiative, part-funded with £1 million from the Scottish RHMF, will help improve Scotland's air quality and will also reduce costs for vehicle operators. It is expected that further schemes aimed at attracting new drivers to the industry, and improving efficiency across the sector, will be announced before the end of the financial year.

      No final decisions have been taken on the funding requirements for the training element of the RHMF.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167102,"EventID":"S1W-30615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a detailed breakdown of expenditure on public health advertising in each year since 1997-98.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a detailed breakdown of expenditure on public health advertising in each year since 1997-98.","AnswerText":"Media spend by the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) forms an integral part of the organisation's health education effort which centres on the Big 3, Think About It and child and family health. This has remained stable at around £2 million for the last four years.

      Details of Scottish Executive expenditure on public health advertising from 1997 to 2002-03 (to date), is as follows:

      Year

      Campaign

      Spend

      1997-98

      Continence Campaign

      £2,900

      Green Paper: Working Together for a Healthier Scotland

      £84,178

      Food Safety

      £21,455

      Organ Donors

      £41,300

      Total

      £149,833

      1998-99

      White Paper: Towards a Healthier Scotland

      £87,452

      Food Safety

      £21,150

      Total

      £108,602

      1999-2000

      Food Safety

      £29,035

      Healthy Christmas Campaign

      £89,649

      Total

      £118,684

      2000-01

      Alcohol Misuse

      £471,970

      Flu Campaign

      £1,080,845

      Food Safety

      £32,480

      Lead In Water

      £76,977

      NHS Helpline

      £137,531

      Organ Donors

      £48,465

      Total

      £1,848,268

      2001-02

      Alcohol Misuse

      £609,545

      Drugs Misuse

      £1,710,321

      Flu Campaign

      £723,460

      NHS Helpline

      £125,391

      Mental Health Problems - Telephone Advice Line

      £88,050

      Healthy Eating

      £65,809

      Total

      £3,322,576

      2002 to date

      Alcohol Misuse

      £765,290

      Drugs Misuse

      £1,095,817

      Flu Campaign

      £657,165

      Healthy Eating

      £346,376<","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167103,"EventID":"S1W-30616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra funding it is making available to (a) Western Isles Council and (b) Argyll and Bute Council for the implementation of EU directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life ve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what extra funding it is making available to (a) Western Isles Council and (b) Argyll and Bute Council for the implementation of EU directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles.","AnswerText":"No decisions have been made on any additional funding for local authorities in relation to this Directive.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167104,"EventID":"S1W-30617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to upgrade the A82 and when any upgrading will be completed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to upgrade the A82 and when any upgrading will be completed.","AnswerText":"The current maintenance programme for the A82 includes over £1.6 million in maintenance works and improvement measures over the course of the year. This includes provision of new lay-bys at Abriachan and Temple Pier, a new footway between Invermoriston and Dalcataig junction and reconstruction of the northbound dual carriageway between Gavinburn and Dunglass. In addition resurfacing of three sections between Tarbet and Inverarnan is planned.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167105,"EventID":"S1W-30618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist learning amongst adult sufferers of dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to assist learning amongst adult sufferers of dyslexia.","AnswerText":"£4.5 million is being made available over three years to implement the inclusiveness recommendations from the Beattie Committee to improve support for students in further education. The BRITE (Beattie Resources for Inclusiveness in Technology and Education) Centre has been established through this funding. The centre offers a programme of staff development aimed at building the capacity of staff within colleges to identify and support the needs of students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

      A vast range of assistive technologies are available in the support of learners. I recently allocated an additional £10 million to the Scottish Further Education Funding Council (SFEFC) to support colleges in the investment of major items of equipment and the purchase of auxiliary aids to support learners with special needs or disabilities.

      Dyslexia in Scotland raises awareness of dyslexia throughout Scotland and provides a national support and information service for people with, or who have an interest in, dyslexia. The Scottish Executive is providing funding of £27,810 for 2002-03 to assist with the cost of maintaining its Scottish headquarters.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167106,"EventID":"S1W-30619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting early detection and intervention for children suffering from dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is promoting early detection and intervention for children suffering from dyslexia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is providing local authorities with over £8 million this year, and for the next three years, for the in-service development and training of classroom-based staff and others working with children with special educational needs (SEN), including dyslexia. The Scottish Executive asks local authorities, in considering their staff development requirements, to take account of training required in dyslexia.

      The Executive is also funding the Scottish Dyslexia Trust through the SEN Innovation Grants Programme 2002-04 to develop resource materials in a range of formats to help teachers and parents work effectively with children with dyslexia.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167107,"EventID":"S1W-30620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27563 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 August 2002, whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland has investigated the use of needle fas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27563 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 August 2002, whether the Health Technology Board for Scotland has investigated the use of needle fasciotomy as a treatment for Dupuytren's Contracture and, if so, what the conclusions were.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) has not investigated the use of needle fasciotomy as a treatment for Dupuytren's Contracture, nor is this topic on its work programme. To be investigated by the HTBS, the topic would need to be proposed to the HTBS. The HTBS work programme and topic proposal forms are available to the public on the HTBS website at: www.htbs.co.uk, or by contacting the HTBS.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167108,"EventID":"S1W-30621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will list, for each works package under the Holyrood project where a performance bond was obtained, (a) the name of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will list, for each works package under the Holyrood project where a performance bond was obtained, (a) the name of the company awarded the contract, (b) details of the work involved and (c) the dates on which (i) the tenders were to have been received, (ii) the construction manager made the recommendation that the contract be awarded, (iii) any first or sole letter of intent was issued and (iv) the trade contract was concluded.","AnswerText":"My letter of 5 December 2002, to the Convener of the Finance Committee, reported that a list of individual contractors or contracts, where performance bonds have, or have not, been requested, cannot be provided for reasons of commercial confidentiality. I am, therefore, unable to provide the information requested.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167109,"EventID":"S1W-30622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will list, for each works package under the Holyrood project where no performance bond was obtained, (a) the name of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will list, for each works package under the Holyrood project where no performance bond was obtained, (a) the name of the company awarded the contract, (b) details of the work involved, (c) the total value of the contract as awarded and (d) whether there was any other form of protection other than a performance bond required from the party awarded the contract such as a parent company guarantee; if so, whether it will detail what protection was to be obtained and whether it was obtained and, where no form of protection was required, on what basis that decision was reached.","AnswerText":"My answer to question S1W-30170 on 16 October 2002, explained that negotiations on trade contracts for the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood are carried out on a commercially confidential basis, and that it would not be appropriate to name publicly those contractors who have yet to provide a performance bond. The same principle applies to all contractors and I am therefore unable to list those contractors, or provide any of the associated information requested, on this occasion.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167110,"EventID":"S1W-30623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has obtained a list of the creditors in connection with the liquidation of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has obtained a list of the creditors in connection with the liquidation of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and whether he will place a copy of any such list in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"No, the SPCB has not obtained such a list.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167111,"EventID":"S1W-30624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26366 on 10 June 2002, which individual expressed concerns about Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd during the routine project","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-26366 on 10 June 2002, which individual expressed concerns about Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd during the routine project meeting between the Holyrood design team and project personnel in May 2001.","AnswerText":"In my answer on 7 December 2001 in response to question S1W-20308, it was noted that concerns were expressed by EMBT/RMJM Ltd in May 2001 and that is to be taken as being their corporate view. Accordingly the "who" within that group is not relevant. Representatives from consultants to the parliament are expected to state a view on behalf of the body concerned and therefore naming of individuals is inappropriate and may also inhibit the free and frank provision of advice and exchange of views.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167112,"EventID":"S1W-30625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community social work places on average have been unfilled in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date, broken down by local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community social work places on average have been unfilled in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"These figures are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167113,"EventID":"S1W-30626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued guidelines on the average caseload of community social workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has issued guidelines on the average caseload of community social workers.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has issued no guidance on average caseloads for social workers working in the community. Employers take account of complexity, local circumstances such as geography and the experience of individual social workers in determining caseloads.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167114,"EventID":"S1W-30627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5715 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 October 2002, why it did not detail whether any aspect of its policies had been amended as a result of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5715 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 October 2002, why it did not detail whether any aspect of its policies had been amended as a result of representations made by any member of the Royal Family since May 1999, accepting that such correspondence is private and confidential.","AnswerText":"Information relating to confidential communications between Scottish ministers and Her Majesty The Queen or other Members of the Royal Household is exempt from disclosure under Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167115,"EventID":"S1W-30628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget is for the Health Education Board for Scotland's Club Smoking campaign and how much has been spent to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget is for the Health Education Board for Scotland's Club Smoking campaign and how much has been spent to date.","AnswerText":"The Club Smoking advertisement campaign forms part of a smoking strategy targeted at teenagers, which is part of the wider Think About It health campaign. There is, therefore, no specific budget for Club Smoking but approximately £520,000 has been spent on it to date.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167116,"EventID":"S1W-30629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation has been carried out of the Health Education Board for Scotland's (HEBS) Club Smoking campaign and, if so, what the main findings were.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation has been carried out of the Health Education Board for Scotland's (HEBS) Club Smoking campaign and, if so, what the main findings were.","AnswerText":"HEBS evaluates the media impacts of their teens advertising programme through the Teen Tracking Survey, which is carried out every two months with a monthly sample of 300 people aged 12 to 17. Key measures are awareness, understanding of message and emotional response to the ads, with interviews carried out in respondents' homes. Qualitative post-testing is also carried out to explore in greater depth audience responses to the advertising, and this information then feeds into future planning and development. All evaluation research is carried out by independent agencies, which ensures objectivity and critical reflection.

      Awareness of Club Smoking stands at around 74%. Of those respondents, 79% said that \"the ad made me think about health issues\" and 71% said that \"this ad really sticks in my mind\". Furthermore, 77% believed \"this ad will convince people that even occasional smokers can become addicted\" and 73% said \"I could relate to what is going on in the ad\".","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167117,"EventID":"S1W-30630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"Learn to Let Go\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"Learn to Let Go\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"It cost £25,000 to establish the Learn to Let Go website and the most recent annual operating costs of the site were £1,434 for hosting of the site and £3,246 for additions and updates in the course of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167118,"EventID":"S1W-30631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its National Debate on Education website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its National Debate on Education website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The National Debate on Education website was launched on 20 March 2002. The cost to establish the website was £24,000. The total operating cost from March to September 2002 was £3,500.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167119,"EventID":"S1W-30632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Do a Little - Change a Lot website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Do a Little - Change a Lot website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The Do a Little, Change a Lot website www.dochange.net was redesigned and re-launched on 2 September to coincide with the new phase of the campaign. The new website cost £26,000 to establish. Annual operating costs of £7,300 cover hosting of the site, application rental and support and marketing. The previous version of the site cost £89,517 to establish and operate.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167120,"EventID":"S1W-30633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"National Grid for Learning (Scotland)\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"National Grid for Learning (Scotland)\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The National Grid for Learning (Scotland) web services are funded by the Scottish Executive and managed by Learning and Teaching Scotland. The web services were launched in February 2000 and the cost in financial year 1999-2000 was £245,000. The budgeted running cost for 2002-03 is £850,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167121,"EventID":"S1W-30634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Know the Score website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Know the Score website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The total cost of establishing the Know the Score website was £15,000. It is estimated that the operating costs in the first year will amount to £2,025 (we are currently in discussion with the website designers about updating the site, but do not yet have projected costs for this).

      All of the above costs are exclusive of VAT.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167122,"EventID":"S1W-30635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"M74 Completion\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"M74 Completion\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The M74 Completion website is designed to provide information to communities or businesses which will be affected by the M74 motorway construction proposals, and is jointly funded by the Scottish Executive, Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Renfrewshire Council. Total set-up costs were £18,100, and total operating costs of the site to date, from May 2002, are £8,490.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167123,"EventID":"S1W-30636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Funding for Learners website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Funding for Learners website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"It cost £11,844 to establish the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department's Funding For Learners website, with an annual operating cost of £2,644.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167124,"EventID":"S1W-30637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"Property Pages\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"Property Pages\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive set up the Scottish public sector property website to speed up sales and lettings of public sector property and expose it 24 hours a day to a wider market than other property marketing methods.

      It cost £12,000 to establish, £9,470 running costs in the first year and will cost £9,000 for each of the succeeding two years, all plus VAT. There are currently over 1,700 properties currently on the site.

      Over time we expect there will be a reduction in advertising and marketing costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167125,"EventID":"S1W-30638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"Children's Hearings\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its \"Children's Hearings\" website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The initial design and development of the site was as part of the main Scottish Executive website and undertaken by Scottish Executive staff. No development costs are available. Around £300 was spent in registering and setting up the separate website. Operating costs for the first two years have been less than £1,100 per year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167126,"EventID":"S1W-30639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Older People's website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Older People's website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The costs of establishing and maintaining the site are being met from within existing departmental running costs and thus have not given rise to any additional cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167127,"EventID":"S1W-30640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Domestic Abuse website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to establish its Domestic Abuse website and what the annual operating costs are of the site.","AnswerText":"The Domestic Abuse website cost £20,000 (excluding VAT) to establish. Annual operating costs are £2,250 (excluding VAT).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167128,"EventID":"S1W-30641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what developments of prison accommodation are currently planned for the next 10 years and what the planned design capacity is for each such development, giving an approxi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what developments of prison accommodation are currently planned for the next 10 years and what the planned design capacity is for each such development, giving an approximation where no exact figure is available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30375 on 31 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167129,"EventID":"S1W-30642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what help it is giving Argyll and Bute Council with regard to setting up mental health clubhouses similar to Scotia House in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what help it is giving Argyll and Bute Council with regard to setting up mental health clubhouses similar to Scotia House in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"It is for Argyll and Bute Council to consider whether the setting up of mental health clubhouses similar to Scotia House in Glasgow is appropriate to meet the needs of their area. Support for mental health projects in the community is given through Mental Illness Specific Grant, of which Argyll and Bute Council's share is £423,700 in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167130,"EventID":"S1W-30643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS boards are allowed to retain all monies received from the sale of land and property or whether some or all of such monies are retained by the NHS or any other","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS boards are allowed to retain all monies received from the sale of land and property or whether some or all of such monies are retained by the NHS or any other body at a national level and, if any monies are retained at a national level, whether they may be vired back to the board that sold the land or property to spend on building new NHS facilities such as hospitals.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in HDL (2000) 29 and HDL (2001) 15 published by the Scottish Executive Health Department. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 24753 and 24754).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167131,"EventID":"S1W-30644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage the local authorities that did not operate a direct payments scheme in 2001-02, as shown in table 5 of its statistics release, Financial P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage the local authorities that did not operate a direct payments scheme in 2001-02, as shown in table 5 of its statistics release, Financial Provision and Direct Payments, 2002 to now do so.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to promoting widespread use of direct payments. It has set up Direct Payments Scotland to work closely with local authorities and local support organisations to help them set up direct payments schemes in their area. This work involves increasing local awareness of direct payments and providing support and information as well as identifying and addressing training needs.

      Provisions in the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 will place a duty on all local authorities to offer direct payments from 1 June 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167132,"EventID":"S1W-30645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers of intervention it has and action it will take if a local authority refuses to participate in the direct payments scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers of intervention it has and action it will take if a local authority refuses to participate in the direct payments scheme.","AnswerText":"The Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 will place a duty on local authorities to offer eligible people direct payments as an alternative to provision of community care services, from 1 June 2003.

      The Scottish ministers have existing powers under section 211 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to cause an inquiry to be made if they receive complaints that a local authority has failed to perform its duty. We would hope, however, that it would not be necessary to use them and that local authorities will carry out their duties and offer direct payments to eligible people.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167133,"EventID":"S1W-30646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to place automated external defribillators in public places to reduce the number of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to place automated external defribillators in public places to reduce the number of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest.","AnswerText":"We will continue to keep under review the evidence as it emerges on the benefits of siting automated external defibrillators in public places. A recent Scottish study suggests, however, that additional resources for wide-scale coverage of public access defibrillators are probably not justified by the marginal improvement in survival.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167134,"EventID":"S1W-30647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the results are of the monitoring of the performance in assessing the health impact of the primary care osteoporosis framework, as referred to in section 1 of Reduci","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the results are of the monitoring of the performance in assessing the health impact of the primary care osteoporosis framework, as referred to in section 1 of Reducing fractures and osteoporosis in Scotland: A strategy for health boards, local health care co-operatives, acute and primary care trusts, produced by the National Osteoporosis Society.","AnswerText":"The framework referred to in the question was promulgated by the National Osteoporosis Society, not by the Executive. The Executive acknowledges the role of the voluntary sector in offering advice to NHS boards on service issues, but does not monitor the implementation of such advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167135,"EventID":"S1W-30648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing the pilot and evaluation of patient-held smart cards, as referred to in section 5 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing the pilot and evaluation of patient-held smart cards, as referred to in section 5 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"It is intended that the setting up of pilot patient-held smartcards should be co-ordinated with the work of the Scottish Executive's 21st Century Government Unit on developing and supporting an infrastructure for Citizen's Cards through the Modernising Government Fund. Decisions about the timing of the patient-held smartcard will be made as that programme develops.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167136,"EventID":"S1W-30649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed patient-held smart card will promote patient involvement and better co-ordination of health care, as referred to in section 5 of Our National Health: A p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the proposed patient-held smart card will promote patient involvement and better co-ordination of health care, as referred to in section 5 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"It is thought that patient-held smart cards have the potential to put the patient in control of access to their records and that this might be especially beneficial when their health care providers span a number of health care organisations. For example, the card could contain a personal electronic signature which could unlock the information when used in conjunction with a card held by a clinician containing his/her electronic signature. This may contribute to the secure access infrastructure required for electronic health records.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167137,"EventID":"S1W-30650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the patients project can be accessed by members of the public, as referred to in section 5 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the patients project can be accessed by members of the public, as referred to in section 5 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The Health Service Research Unit (HSRU) was commissioned to develop a guide to producing health information (available at www.abdn.ac.uk/hsru/guide.hti). As part of this, HSRU developed three patient guides based on SIGN guidelines. These guides were published in May of this year. Currently discussions are under way with NHS 24 about its potential role as a single national source of patient information and advice.

      In addition to the above guidance, a network of information specialists including patient, NHS and voluntary body representatives, will be established throughout Scotland. The network will be instrumental in the sharing of good practice and the development of a patient information strategy.

      Opportunities to extend health information access points are currently being explored, to help people find care, treatment and local service information at a variety of locations within local communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167138,"EventID":"S1W-30651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the Partners in Change programmes in each NHS board area, as referred to in section 5 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the Partners in Change programmes in each NHS board area, as referred to in section 5 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"Eighty-six Partners in Change programmes have been established across Scotland. A directory of these programmes is currently being finalised and a copy will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre in late November.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167139,"EventID":"S1W-30652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is with regard to the Technology Transfer Office for the NHS, and how any \"innovative ideas\" suggested can be accessed by patients across Scotla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current position is with regard to the Technology Transfer Office for the NHS, and how any \"innovative ideas\" suggested can be accessed by patients across Scotland, as referred to in section 2 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that the Technology Transfer Office is formally established today. It is owned jointly by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and will operate under the name of Scottish Health Innovations (SHI). A not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, SHI has been established with the sole aim of providing NHSScotland with the necessary support and expertise to identify, manage, protect and exploit its innovative technologies.

      The planning and funding of this initiative - which will total over £2 million over the next five years - has been a collaborative enterprise. The £1.3 million offer of funding from the Health Department's Chief Scientist Office will be supplemented by £450,000 from Scottish Enterprise, £150,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and a further £425,000 won from the Department of Trade and Industry by a consortium of NHS bodies. Additionally, trusts will allow a proportion of the royalties gained from successful exploitation to be retained by SHI for further development and support of NHS technologies.

      Over time, the SHI website will become a shop window for Scottish NHS technologies, both for the benefit of commercial companies interested in licensing those innovations and for NHS researchers. In the more immediate future, it will be a valuable resource for sharing and disseminating such technologies within the NHS.

      The fulfilment of this white paper commitment is an important step in our aim of harnessing NHS innovation for the benefit of the health and the wealth of the people of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167140,"EventID":"S1W-30653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the programme of occupational health measures, as referred to in section 2 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the programme of occupational health measures, as referred to in section 2 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The Executive is implementing occupational health policies and initiatives for the NHS, for business generally, and has provided new resources to help develop initiatives for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Taken together, this forms the basis for an integrated occupational health strategy for Scotland. The combined funding total, from 2001-02 to 2003-04, is £7 million. This will form an important component of our wider strategy for a significant improvement in Scotland's health.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167141,"EventID":"S1W-30654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how members of the public can gain access to the health plans for each local authority area, as referred to in section 2 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how members of the public can gain access to the health plans for each local authority area, as referred to in section 2 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for ensuring public access to health plans rests with the NHS board.

      Each NHS board will make its own arrangements, in conjunction with its local partners, for public access to information and health plans in accordance with the needs and circumstances of their local areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167142,"EventID":"S1W-30655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to ensure that people with multiple sclerosis assessed as likely to benefit from beta interferon will not be denied access to this treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action will be taken to ensure that people with multiple sclerosis assessed as likely to benefit from beta interferon will not be denied access to this treatment.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are in the process of implementing the UK-wide risk-sharing scheme. Details of the scheme can be found in the departments guidance HDL (2002) 6, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. Number 20653).

      NHS bodies are expected to fund any treatment within the scheme prescribed by clinicians for eligible patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167143,"EventID":"S1W-30656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation to remove any remaining barriers to joint working between NHS and social work and housing departments, as referred to in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce legislation to remove any remaining barriers to joint working between NHS and social work and housing departments, as referred to in section 3 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"This commitment was implemented through the provisions in sections 13-17 of the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167144,"EventID":"S1W-30657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS and the voluntary sector are now working together, based on the principles set out in The Scottish Compact, as referred to in section 4 of Our National Health","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the NHS and the voluntary sector are now working together, based on the principles set out in The Scottish Compact, as referred to in section 4 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"All NHS boards have adopted and are expected to operate by the principles set out in The Scottish Compact. In addition, Voluntary Health Scotland have been funded to employ development staff to ensure that NHSScotland is aware of, and makes use of the potential of their local voluntary organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167145,"EventID":"S1W-30658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken on the provision of speech and language and other therapies for children with learning disabilities in the light of the recommendations in Adviso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken on the provision of speech and language and other therapies for children with learning disabilities in the light of the recommendations in Advisory Committee Report into the Education of Children with Severe Low Incidence Disabilities, as referred to in section 6 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health and Education Departments are conducting a joint review of speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services for children, and speech and language therapy services for adults with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders.

      The review is being taken forward by a steering group comprising representatives from the professional therapy bodies and local authority, health and parents' interests. The working group is supported by a consultancy team from Queen Margaret University College and expects to send its report to the Executive by the end of the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167146,"EventID":"S1W-30659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children, young people and adults with learning disabilities now have access to local area co-ordinators that provide information, family support and funding,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children, young people and adults with learning disabilities now have access to local area co-ordinators that provide information, family support and funding, as referred to in section 6 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28050 on 27 August 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167147,"EventID":"S1W-30660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is proposing to more effectively screen older people's health needs, as referred to in section 6 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is proposing to more effectively screen older people's health needs, as referred to in section 6 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"This commitment was taken forward by the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group on the Healthcare of Older People. Its report, Adding Life to Years, which we published in January 2002, makes a number of recommendations, including the need for a review of the routine health checks of the over 75s offered by primary care. The Scottish Executive Health Department is considering how best to take forward implementation of these recommendations.

      Our policy on this issue will take account of advice from the National Screening Committee (NSC), which is planning two workshops to review all the evidence on the subject, in particular the results which have just emerged from a large, comprehensive trial funded by the Medical Research Council on screening of older people. Because of the priority which we have been giving to this issue in Scotland, the NSC has decided to hold the first of its workshops in Edinburgh next month.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167148,"EventID":"S1W-30661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether mixed wards still exist and, if so, how many currently exist in each NHS board area and how this complies with its target of eliminating such wards by April 2002,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether mixed wards still exist and, if so, how many currently exist in each NHS board area and how this complies with its target of eliminating such wards by April 2002, as referred to in section 6 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"Very substantial progress has been made towards achieving the target of ending mixed sex hospital wards. At present, of the 1,630 wards in Scotland, 1,591 are fully compliant. This represents 98% compliance and 2% non-compliance. Plans are in place to make the remaining 39 wards compliant in the shortest possible time. In the meantime, all trusts have agreed with their local health council a local policy to ensure that the dignity and privacy of patients is respected at all times in non-compliant wards.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167149,"EventID":"S1W-30662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the creation of fast-track graduate-entry medical degree courses, as referred to in section 8 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the creation of fast-track graduate-entry medical degree courses, as referred to in section 8 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The first stage in an on-going programme to review the Scottish Medical Workforce was completed earlier this year with the publication on 3 July 2002 of the report Future Practice. The report recommended that further work be undertaken to explore increased output from Scotland's medical schools. We have therefore invited Sir Kenneth Calman to review aspects underpinning the provision of basic medical education in Scotland. This work is under way and will address the possibility of establishing fast-track graduate-entry medical degree courses in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167150,"EventID":"S1W-30663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has addressed and will address low pay issues in the NHS, as referred to in section 8 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has addressed and will address low pay issues in the NHS, as referred to in section 8 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has already demonstrated its commitment to address low pay both now and in the future through targeted, above inflation increases, for the lowest paid NHS staff in each of the last four years and also in the context of the on-going UK national negotiations on pay modernisation.

      Negotiations on the new modernised pay system are currently in their final stages and it would be inappropriate to speculate on their outcome.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167151,"EventID":"S1W-30664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of the NHS Centre for Change and Innovation, as referred to in section 8 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the establishment of the NHS Centre for Change and Innovation, as referred to in section 8 of Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"The Centre for Change and Innovation, which will have a pivotal role in supporting major service improvement in NHSScotland, was established on 1 November 2002.

      Ms June Andrews, currently Director of Nursing, Forth Valley Acute Hospitals Trust and formally Scottish Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, has been appointed to the position of Head of the centre and brings to the post a wide experience of NHS issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167152,"EventID":"S1W-30665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has conducted, commissioned or is aware of any recent polls to measure public attitude to the NHS and, if so, whether there has been any change to the 13% figu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has conducted, commissioned or is aware of any recent polls to measure public attitude to the NHS and, if so, whether there has been any change to the 13% figure reporting some improvement in the NHS, as referred to in the Annex to Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change.","AnswerText":"No. Scotland-wide opinion polls have been commissioned or conducted since the MORI/System 3 poll reported in Our National Health: A plan for action; a plan for change which found that \"at least 4 out of 5 NHS users were satisfied with the service they received\".","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167153,"EventID":"S1W-30666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it met with groups representing the elderly and disabled to discuss the concessionary travel fares scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many times it met with groups representing the elderly and disabled to discuss the concessionary travel fares scheme.","AnswerText":"The 16 single and joint concessionary travel schemes in Scotland are operated by local authorities.

      Enhancements to existing concessionary travel schemes were discussed at the 12 February 2002 and 25 September 2002 meetings of the Older People's Consultative Forum. Concessionary fares policy was also raised at a meeting between ministers and the Scottish Pensioners Forum on 19 August 2002 and at the Scottish Pensioners Forum conference on 18 June 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167154,"EventID":"S1W-30667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from groups representing the elderly and disabled regarding the concessionary travel fares scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from groups representing the elderly and disabled regarding the concessionary travel fares scheme.","AnswerText":"The 16 single and joint concessionary travel schemes in Scotland are operated by local authorities.

      The Executive receives regular representations on concessionary fares policy in the form of written correspondence and telephone calls, and the issue is discussed at meetings with elderly and disabled people's groups. Representations include comment on the recent enhancements to the schemes and cross-boundary travel issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167155,"EventID":"S1W-30668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce who its next permanent secretary will be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to announce who its next permanent secretary will be.","AnswerText":"I have previously announced that the appointment process should enable a decision to be made and announced after the Scottish Parliament general election in May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167156,"EventID":"S1W-30669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions and guidance it has given to Scottish Water with regard to the payment of compensation to customers affected by the recent cryptosporidium contamination o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions and guidance it has given to Scottish Water with regard to the payment of compensation to customers affected by the recent cryptosporidium contamination of the public water supply from Mugdock Reservoir.","AnswerText":"No directions have been given to Scottish Water in relation to this incident.

      I wrote to Scottish Water on 26 September to advise them that ministers had considered whether a general scheme of compensation should be introduced for customers in the areas affected by the Boil Water notice in the Glasgow area.

      Our view was that it would not be appropriate to introduce such a scheme. This view was based on a number of factors as follows:

      an outbreak of illness appeared to have been prevented;

      bottled water was supplied to vulnerable customers;

      water could be rendered safe by boiling;

      there was no significant interruption to supply, and

      there was no obvious breach of Scottish Water's customer code of practice.

      Ministers acknowledged, however, that Scottish Water would have to consider claims for compensation made to it, and handle them on the basis of the facts and circumstances of each particular case.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167157,"EventID":"S1W-30670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cardiothoracic procedures were (a) completed and (b) performed on (i) NHS and (ii) private patients at each NHS cardiac centre in 2001-02; what the maximum capa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cardiothoracic procedures were (a) completed and (b) performed on (i) NHS and (ii) private patients at each NHS cardiac centre in 2001-02; what the maximum capacity of each centre was, and whether there were any constraints in increasing capacity to reduce NHS waiting times.","AnswerText":"The number of cardiothoracic procedures performed on NHS and private patients discharged from each of the four Adult Cardiac Centres in Scotland during the year ended 31 March 2002 is given in the following table.

      NHSScotland: Number of Cardiothoracic Procedures1 Performed on NHS and Private Patients2, by NHS Cardiac Centre in Scotland. Year Ended 31 March 2002P.

      NHS Hospital

      Number of Procedures

      NHS Patients

      Private Patients

      Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

      1,751

      60

      Glasgow Royal Infirmary

      2,234

      -

      Royal Infirmary Edinburgh

      4,703

      122

      Western Infirmary/Gartnavel General Hospital

      2,429

      -

      Source: ISD Scotland, SMR01.

      PProvisional.

      Notes:

      1. Cardiothoracic specialties include: cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery.

      2. Scottish residents only.

      The planned development of cardiac services in Scotland is set out in the Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy for Scotland, published on 3 October 2002. An additional £40 million is being made available to implement the strategy, and this will support achievement of the new waiting times targets. By 2004, the maximum wait for angiography will reduce from 12 weeks to eight weeks, and for cardiac surgery or angioplasty from 24 weeks to 18 weeks.

      Maximum capacity of the Adult Cardiac Centres in Scotland is dictated by a range of factors, notably availability of skilled staff including surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses. Under the CHD and Stroke Strategy, NHSScotland is pursuing a number of initiatives the effect of which will be to increase capacity and thus help to further reduce waiting times.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167158,"EventID":"S1W-30671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time was for a heart operation in each NHS cardiac centre in 2001-02 for (a) NHS and (b) private patients.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time was for a heart operation in each NHS cardiac centre in 2001-02 for (a) NHS and (b) private patients.","AnswerText":"The median waiting time for NHS patients admitted from the in-patient and day case waiting list and for private patients who had undergone heart operations, at each of the four adult cardiac centres, in the year ended 31 March 2002, are given in the following table.

      NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for Heart Operations2 For NHS Patients1 and Private Patients, by NHS Cardiac Centre. Year Ended 31 March 2002P.

      NHS Hospital

      Median Wait

      NHS Patients1

      Private Patients

      Wait (days)

      No. of Patients

      Wait (days)

      No. of Patients

      Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

      75

      339

      14

      25

      Glasgow Royal Infirmary

      50

      675

      -

      		 

      Royal Infirmary Edinburgh

      76

      603

      24

      27

      Western Infirmary/Gartnavel General Hospital

      26

      816

      -

      		 

      Scotland

      50

      2,433

      21

      52

      Source: ISD Scotland, SMR01.

      PProvisional.

      Notes:

      1. Patients routinely admitted from the in-patient/day case waiting list.

      2. Patients are defined using operation codes taken from the Office of Population and Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures 4th revision (OPCS4). Heart Operations defined as OPCS4: K01-K15, K18-K34, K37 K48, K52-K55, K67-K71.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167159,"EventID":"S1W-30672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is currently being undertaken into the causes of allergies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is currently being undertaken into the causes of allergies.","AnswerText":"The National Research Register (NRR), a UK-wide research database, records that there are 66 research projects in the UK on the causes of allergies. Details of these projects are available from the NRR, a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167160,"EventID":"S1W-30673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available for research into the causes of allergies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has made available for research into the causes of allergies.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department, has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and health care needs in Scotland.

      The CSO is not currently directly funding any research projects on the causes of allergies. The CSO is primarily a response mode funder and would be pleased to consider proposals for research into the causes of allergies which would be subject to the usual peer and committee review.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167161,"EventID":"S1W-30674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its expenditure on advertising was in the period from January to March in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002 and what its planned expenditure on advertising is for the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its expenditure on advertising was in the period from January to March in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002 and what its planned expenditure on advertising is for the same period in 2003.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive expenditure on advertising for the periods requested is listed in the table.

      Year

      Expenditure

      January - March 2000

      £ 773,764.00

      January - March 2001

      £2,261,135.00

      January - March 2002

      £4,373,148.00

      The planned expenditure for the same period in 2003 is currently under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167162,"EventID":"S1W-30675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what proportion of those proceeded against for the offence of vandalism in each of the last five years were aged (a) under 16, (b) 16 to 17 and (c) 18 to 20 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many and what proportion of those proceeded against for the offence of vandalism in each of the last five years were aged (a) under 16, (b) 16 to 17 and (c) 18 to 20 years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Summary statistics for court proceedings in 2001 are expected to be published later this year.

      Persons Proceeded Against for Vandalism1 in Scotland 1996-2000

      Age

      Number

      Percentage of all Persons Proceeded Against 2

      Year

      Year

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Under 16

      5

      3

      9

      7

      1

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      16 to 17

      829

      825

      777

      717

      620

      14

      15

      16

      16

      14

      18 to 20

      1,398

      1,333

      1,209

      1,236

      1,221

      24

      24

      25

      28

      28

      21 and Over

      3,537

      3,318

      2,944

      2,492

      2,535

      61

      61

      60

      56

      58

      Total

      5,769

      5,479

      4,939

      4,452

      4,377

      100

      100

      100

      100

      100

      Notes:

      1. Main crime.

      2. Figures may not add to 100 because of rounding.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167163,"EventID":"S1W-30676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29900 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, whether any buildings have been purchased by the Scottish Prison Service in each of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29900 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, whether any buildings have been purchased by the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last five years; if so, where, why the purchase was made and what the purchase cost was.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No buildings have been purchased over the last five years.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167164,"EventID":"S1W-30677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any land has been transferred to the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last five years; if so, where, why and from whom the transfer was made, and what the v","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any land has been transferred to the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last five years; if so, where, why and from whom the transfer was made, and what the value of the land was. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes, at HM Prison Low Moss. Details of this transfer are available in the SPS Annual Report and Accounts 1999-2000. (Note 7 to the accounts refers.)","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167165,"EventID":"S1W-30678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any land has been transferred from the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last five years; if so, where, why and to whom the transfer was made, and what the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any land has been transferred from the Scottish Prison Service in each of the last five years; if so, where, why and to whom the transfer was made, and what the value of the land was.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No land has been transferred from the Scottish Prison Service in the last five years.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167166,"EventID":"S1W-30679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place to inspect fire safety within schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what regulations are in place to inspect fire safety within schools.","AnswerText":"Schools, as places of work, are subject to the provisions of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997. These regulations place general duties on employers regarding the provision and maintenance of fire safety measures. The regulations are enforced by local fire authorities who have powers to inspect schools and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167167,"EventID":"S1W-30680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that all schools have fire safety certificates.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that all schools have fire safety certificates.","AnswerText":"Schools are not designated under section 1 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and therefore do not require fire certificates.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167168,"EventID":"S1W-30681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29477 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, what formal steps it took when taking into account the recommendations of the Council o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29477 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, what formal steps it took when taking into account the recommendations of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation R(98)7 when procuring medical services for prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service considered the Recommendations of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers on the Ethical and Organisational Aspects of Health Care in Prison when it procured medical services for prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167169,"EventID":"S1W-30682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29477 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, whether all its arrangements for procuring medical services in prisons have been in acc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29477 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, whether all its arrangements for procuring medical services in prisons have been in accordance with the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation R(98)7.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167170,"EventID":"S1W-30683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29525 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, what guarantee it can give that the remuneration of medical staff in prisons is no lowe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29525 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, what guarantee it can give that the remuneration of medical staff in prisons is no lower than that which would be used in other public health sectors, in accordance with section 22 of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation R(98)7.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      None. Remuneration of medical staff is a matter for the contractor, however, on account of market forces, the remuneration of medical staff in Scottish prisons is unlikely to be very different from that in the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167171,"EventID":"S1W-30684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29526 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, how health policies applicable to prisoners in custody is integrated into and compatibl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29526 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, how health policies applicable to prisoners in custody is integrated into and compatible with national health policies, in accordance with section 10 of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation R(98)7.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service is cognisant of national health policies in designing its prisoner health care policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167172,"EventID":"S1W-30685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what screening exists at each prison for (a) tuberculosis, (b) mental illnesses requiring medical treatment and (c) withdrawal symptoms resulting from the use of drugs, m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what screening exists at each prison for (a) tuberculosis, (b) mental illnesses requiring medical treatment and (c) withdrawal symptoms resulting from the use of drugs, medication or alcohol.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      All prisoners on admission to custody are offered an appropriate health care assessment by nursing and medical staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167173,"EventID":"S1W-30686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29470, S1W-29471, S1W-29510 and S1W-29527 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 October 2002, why no information is available on the number of p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29470, S1W-29471, S1W-29510 and S1W-29527 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 October 2002, why no information is available on the number of prisoners that have a mental illness requiring medical treatment.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Mainly because of the constantly changing prison population.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167174,"EventID":"S1W-30687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many parliamentary questions on prison issues are currently awaiting a substantive answer and when each question will receive such an answer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many parliamentary questions on prison issues are currently awaiting a substantive answer and when each question will receive such an answer.","AnswerText":"There are currently no parliamentary questions on prison issues for which a substantive answer is outstanding.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167175,"EventID":"S1W-30688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) arrests and (b) convictions for dealing in a class A drug there have been in the West Renfrewshire parliamentary constituency in each of the last three years","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) arrests and (b) convictions for dealing in a class A drug there have been in the West Renfrewshire parliamentary constituency in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Information on arrests is not held centrally.

      Data on convictions are available by court and information on recorded crime is available by local authority area. Neither is available by parliamentary constituency.

      Data held centrally on convictions for drugs crimes do not specify the type of drug involved. Estimates can be made of convictions by class of drug only at national level.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167176,"EventID":"S1W-30689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to place a statutory requirement on local authorities to control foxes in their localities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to place a statutory requirement on local authorities to control foxes in their localities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no such plans. Under existing legislation, it is open to both local authorities and property holders to take action to control urban foxes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167177,"EventID":"S1W-30690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it sent any representative to attend the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union on 14 and 15 October 2002 and what the reasons are ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it sent any representative to attend the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union on 14 and 15 October 2002 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"There was no representative from the Scottish Executive at the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union on 14 and 15 October 2002. Negotiations within the European Union are conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide variety of EU-related issues, including those that were discussed on 14 to 15 October.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167178,"EventID":"S1W-30691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been carried out by its officials on the clauses applying to Scotland in the draft Extradition Bill relating to the European arrest warrant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work has been carried out by its officials on the clauses applying to Scotland in the draft Extradition Bill relating to the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"My officials have been preparing appropriate amendments to the bill as a whole to ensure that the new legislative framework for extradition as proposed in the bill will operate satisfactorily in Scotland. This work covers those clauses which implement the Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167179,"EventID":"S1W-30692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28031 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 August 2002, whether it has yet reached any conclusion on any implications for Scots law of the EU dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28031 by Mr Jim Wallace on 27 August 2002, whether it has yet reached any conclusion on any implications for Scots law of the EU draft framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector.","AnswerText":"The EU draft framework decision on combating corruption in the private sector is still under discussion by member states. Should any implications for Scots law emerge, these will be highlighted in the usual way through the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167180,"EventID":"S1W-30693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it gives to legislation on combating corruption in the private sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it gives to legislation on combating corruption in the private sector.","AnswerText":"Acts of active and passive bribery in the private sector are already criminal offences under Scots law. The Scottish Executive is considering reform of the law of corruption and will consult in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167181,"EventID":"S1W-30694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28027 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, whether it has yet reached any conclusion on the implications for Scots law of the EU ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28027 by Mr Jim Wallace on 9 September 2002, whether it has yet reached any conclusion on the implications for Scots law of the EU draft framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumentalities and property.","AnswerText":"The draft framework decision on the confiscation of crime-related proceeds, instrumenalities and property is still being negotiated within the EU and thus the Scottish Executive is continuing its determination of what the implications might be for Scotland. However, the UK, including Scotland, already has comprehensive provision in relation to confiscation of the proceeds of crime as provided for by the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167182,"EventID":"S1W-30695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it gives to legislation on the confiscation of proceeds of crime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what importance it gives to legislation on the confiscation of proceeds of crime.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive attaches very considerable importance to the effective implementation of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 which received Royal Assent on 24 July. The act enhances the powers to confiscate assets following conviction, strengthens police powers of investigation, introduces new powers of civil recovery and cash seizure, and allows for the taxation of suspected criminal assets.

      The intention is to bring the cash seizure provisions in part 5 of the act and the money laundering provisions in part 7 into operation in December 2002. The bulk of the rest of the act will be implemented by February 2003. The existing Crown Office Criminal Confiscation Unit is being strengthened and a new Civil Recovery Unit set up. A major training exercise involving procurators fiscal, police, customs and excise officers and others involved in enforcing the act's provisions is under way.

      On 23 August 2002 the Executive published for consultation a draft code of practice in relation to searches for suspected cash, as required by section 293 of the act. The finalised code will be brought into effect by statutory instrument after it has been approved by the Scottish Parliament. The Executive is also in the process of recruiting an \"appointed person\" to scrutinise police use of cash search powers under sections 290 and 291 of the act.

      On 15 October 2002 the Executive published a draft code on the use of the new investigations powers in part 8, as required by section 410 of the act. Following consultation, it too will be subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament.

      The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 represents a step change in the fight against crime and we are determined to ensure its successful implementation.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167183,"EventID":"S1W-30696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28035 by Ms Margaret Curran on 27 August 2002, whether it has yet reached any conclusion on the implications for Scots law of the E","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28035 by Ms Margaret Curran on 27 August 2002, whether it has yet reached any conclusion on the implications for Scots law of the EU draft framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia.","AnswerText":"The European Union framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia is still under discussion by member states and we must make sure that our considerations take account of the finalised text. Any implication for Scots law will be highlighted in the usual way through the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167184,"EventID":"S1W-30697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of (i) the European Parliament and (ii) the Committee of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of (i) the European Parliament and (ii) the Committee of the Regions and (c) the European Commission about the draft EU framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in close touch with the UK Government on this draft EU framework decision to ensure that Scotland's interests are taken fully into account when it makes representations to these EU bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167185,"EventID":"S1W-30698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government about the draft EU framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and ch","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government about the draft EU framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167186,"EventID":"S1W-30699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that the draft EU framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography will have on Scots l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that the draft EU framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography will have on Scots law.","AnswerText":"The draft framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography requires the harmonisation of member states criminal law and penalties on the use of children as prostitutes, their participation in the production of pornography and other abusive sexual activity with children. The Scottish Executive is studying the draft framework decision to determine what the implications might be for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167187,"EventID":"S1W-30700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft EU framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft EU framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.","AnswerText":"The provisions of the draft framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, if adopted, will be implemented as required throughout the UK as part of the UK's international obligations. However, in Scotland, the implementation would take account of the distinctive Scottish legal system.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167188,"EventID":"S1W-30701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of (i) the European Parliament and (ii) the Committee of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of (i) the European Parliament and (ii) the Committee of the Regions and (c) the European Commission on the draft EU framework decision about the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties.","AnswerText":"Negotiations within the EU on the draft framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties are being conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft framework decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167189,"EventID":"S1W-30702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government about the draft EU framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recogniti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government about the draft EU framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167190,"EventID":"S1W-30703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that the draft EU framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties will have ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that the draft EU framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties will have on Scots law.","AnswerText":"The draft Framework Decision (FD) on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties envisages financial penalties imposed in one member state being enforced in another member state, if this proved necessary and if there was a request from the issuing state to this effect. The terms of this FD have not yet been finalised. However, the principle behind mutual recognition is that a judicial decision taken in one member state is accepted and enforced as it stands in another. It is not thought at this stage that this FD will have any significant impact on Scots law.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167191,"EventID":"S1W-30704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft EU framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft EU framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties.","AnswerText":"The provisions of the draft framework decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties, if adopted, will be implemented as required throughout the UK as part of the UK's international obligations. However, in Scotland, the implementation would take account of the distinctive Scottish legal system.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167192,"EventID":"S1W-30705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of (i) the European Parliament and (ii) the Committee of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of (i) the European Parliament and (ii) the Committee of the Regions and (c) the European Commission about the draft Council of the European Union decision on the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.","AnswerText":"Negotiations within the European Union on the draft Council decision on the investigation and prosecution of, genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes are being conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft Council decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167193,"EventID":"S1W-30706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government about the draft EU decision on the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, genocide and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government about the draft EU decision on the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the draft Council decision on the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167194,"EventID":"S1W-30707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that the draft EU decision on the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity will have on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact that the draft EU decision on the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity will have on Scots law.","AnswerText":"The draft Council decision on the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes is still under discussion and negotiation at EU level. The Scottish Executive is studying the decision to determine what the implications might be for Scotland. However, as it pertains mainly to general issues of co-operation between the competent authorities of member states with regard to facilitating the exchange of relevant information, it is not thought at this stage that it would have any significant impact on Scots law as such.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167195,"EventID":"S1W-30708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft EU decision on the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft EU decision on the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.","AnswerText":"The provisions of the draft Council decision on the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, if adopted, will be implemented as required throughout the UK as part of the UK's international obligations. However, in Scotland, the implementation would take account of the distinctive Scottish legal system.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167196,"EventID":"S1W-30709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of (i) the European Parliament and (ii) the Committee of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to (a) the Council of the European Union, (b) any member or body of (i) the European Parliament and (ii) the Committee of the Regions and (c) the European Commission about the draft Council of the European Union decision on establishing a mechanism for evaluating the legal systems and their implementation at a national level in the fight against terrorism.","AnswerText":"Negotiations within the European Union on such issues are conducted by the UK Government, taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations.

      The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of EU-related issues, including discussions on justice and home affairs matters, and is represented as necessary at meetings in Brussels, whether at working groups of officials or at Councils at ministerial level.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167197,"EventID":"S1W-30710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government about the draft Council of the European Union decision on establishing a mechanism for evalua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any specific representations to Her Majesty's Government about the draft Council of the European Union decision on establishing a mechanism for evaluating the legal systems and their implementation at a national level in the fight against terrorism.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of EU-related justice and home affairs issues. The UK Government leads in negotiations on these matters within the European Union taking due account of the views of the devolved administrations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167198,"EventID":"S1W-30711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact of the draft Council of the European Union decision on establishing a mechanism for evaluating the legal systems and their imple","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact of the draft Council of the European Union decision on establishing a mechanism for evaluating the legal systems and their implementation at a national level in the fight against terrorism will have on Scots law.","AnswerText":"Terrorism is reserved in terms of the Scotland Act 1998. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of EU-related justice and home affairs issues and is satisfied that the draft Council Decision will be a useful tool in assessing the overall response of individual EU member states to the terrorist threat.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167199,"EventID":"S1W-30712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft Council of the European Union decision on establishing a mechanism for evaluating the legal systems and their implementation at a nation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the draft Council of the European Union decision on establishing a mechanism for evaluating the legal systems and their implementation at a national level in the fight against terrorism","AnswerText":"Terrorism is reserved in terms of the Scotland Act 1998. The UK has comprehensive, national anti-terrorist legislation and an excellent record in implementing international counter-terrorist agreements. The UK Government has agreed the draft council decision, which has also been approved by the Justice and Home Affairs Council.

      There are no implications separately for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167200,"EventID":"S1W-30713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the proposal for a Council of the European Union directive to establish minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers in EU member states.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the proposal for a Council of the European Union directive to establish minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers in EU member states.","AnswerText":"Immigration and nationality issues, including standards for the reception of asylum seekers, are reserved to the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167201,"EventID":"S1W-30714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been employed in its Environment and Rural Affairs Department and what the total salary cost has been in each year since 1999-2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been employed in its Environment and Rural Affairs Department and what the total salary cost has been in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be found in the following two tables:

      Table 1: Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

      Count of Permanent Staff as at 1 April (Headcount) 1999-2002

      Year

      No of Permanent Staff

      No of Casual Staff

      1999

      964

      67*

      2000

      988

      82

      2001

      1,043

      67

      2002

      1,101

      102

      Note:

      *Numbers of agency casual staff were not recorded centrally until November 1999.

      Table 2: Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

      Total Salary Costs by Financial Year 1999-2000 to 2001-02

      Financial Year

      Salary Costs

      1999-2000

      £22,621,882.00

      2000-01

      £24,441,919.00

      2001-02

      £28,995,000.00

      The figure for 2001-02 includes expenditure of £2,187,283 which was reimbursed from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to meet the Scottish Executive costs of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167202,"EventID":"S1W-30715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tenants organisations have withdrawn from the Glasgow housing stock transfer since the ballot on stock transfer was held.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tenants organisations have withdrawn from the Glasgow housing stock transfer since the ballot on stock transfer was held.","AnswerText":"Two tenants organisations have withdrawn from the transfer process since the ballot, a further 67 tenants groups continue to work closely with others in taking the process forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167203,"EventID":"S1W-30716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that there is adequate provision of social work services in Glasgow to enable the childrens panel system to operate effectively.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that there is adequate provision of social work services in Glasgow to enable the childrens panel system to operate effectively.","AnswerText":"Glasgow will receive £975.3 million in total revenue grant this year. Of this, £4.21 million of unhypothecated grant has been allocated from the Children's Services Development Fund and £3.2 million has been allocated from the Surestart programme.

      Glasgow will also shortly receive an additional £662,000 in-year as part of our £3 million investment in youth justice teams announced on 18 October. They will receive £2.19 million in 2003-04 to tackle youth crime through the Children's Services Development Fund, and will be able to bid for a share of an additional £5.5 million through the recently announced Intensive Support Fund to carry out a range of activities in this area between now and 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167204,"EventID":"S1W-30717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties owned by Glasgow City Council were due to be transferred to the Glasgow Housing Association Ltd on the date the stock transfer ballot was held and how","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties owned by Glasgow City Council were due to be transferred to the Glasgow Housing Association Ltd on the date the stock transfer ballot was held and how many properties are now currently expected to be transferred.","AnswerText":"Glasgow City Council's housing stock at the time of the ballot was 83,687. It is currently projected that somewhere between 81,000 and 82,000 houses will transfer to the Glasgow Housing Association.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167205,"EventID":"S1W-30718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any advertising campaigns have been undertaken in (a) Scotland and (b) Europe to promote the ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any advertising campaigns have been undertaken in (a) Scotland and (b) Europe to promote the ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge.","AnswerText":"The promotion of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge link is a matter for Superfast Ferries. However, I am aware that VisitScotland have been working with Superfast Ferries in order to promote the route and details of it are carried in VisitScotland's promotional literature.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167206,"EventID":"S1W-30719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funding arising from end-year flexibility will be made available directly to schools in the current financial year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funding arising from end-year flexibility will be made available directly to schools in the current financial year.","AnswerText":"There is currently no end-year flexibility and consequently no funding decisions have been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167207,"EventID":"S1W-30720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline on autistic spectrum disorder and whether it will recommend a SIGN guideline on the care and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline on autistic spectrum disorder and whether it will recommend a SIGN guideline on the care and treatment of autism sufferers.","AnswerText":"Until recently, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) had received no proposal to develop a guideline on autistic spectrum disorder. A proposal has recently been lodged and will be considered by the SIGN Council in November, as part of the normal selection process.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167208,"EventID":"S1W-30721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask the Health Technology Board for Scotland to review the prescribing of Seroxat, in the light of withdrawal symptoms reported on the BBC Panorama progra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask the Health Technology Board for Scotland to review the prescribing of Seroxat, in the light of withdrawal symptoms reported on the BBC Panorama programme on 13 October 2002.","AnswerText":"The question of withdrawal symptoms associated with Seroxat is a safety issue concerning a licensed medicinal product and therefore falls within the UK-wide remit of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA). The agency, with advice as required from the Committee on the Safety of Medicines, maintains constant vigilance over the safe use of all medicines licensed for use in the UK, and keeps under continuous review the safety data available to it from a large number of sources worldwide.

      The possibility of symptoms associated with the discontinuation of Seroxat is already identified in the approved advice to prescribers, along with recommendations on how to minimise them. Were any new and valid concerns to emerge the MCA would take prompt and appropriate action. The Executive does not, therefore, intend to ask the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) to review the issue.

      Information about the criteria and process for selection of topics to undergo Health Technology Assessment by the HTBS can be found on their website www.htbs.co.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167209,"EventID":"S1W-30722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Seroxat leads to dependence on or addiction to the drug.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Seroxat leads to dependence on or addiction to the drug.","AnswerText":"As with all medicines, the safety of Seroxat (paroxetine) is continually monitored by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the independent expert advisory body, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM).

      The CSM reviewed the issue of withdrawal reactions and possible dependence with Seroxat and the other Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in 1998-99 and concluded that all SSRIs may be associated with withdrawal reactions on stopping, but they are not drugs of dependence. As a result of the review product information was updated.

      Similarly, in 2000, the European scientific advisory committee, the Committee on Proprietary Medicinal Products carried out a detailed review of withdrawal reactions and possible dependence with the SSRIs. The available evidence did not suggest that the SSRIs caused dependence. The results of the review can be found on the European Medicines Evaluation Agency website at: www.emea.eu.int.

      Also in 2000, the MCA/CSM reminded prescribers about withdrawal reactions associated with the SSRIs in an article in the drug safety bulletin Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance. This bulletin can be accessed on the MCA/CSM website at: www.mca.gov.uk.

      The MCA and the CSM will continue to assess any new data that emerge on these important issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167210,"EventID":"S1W-30723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what savings have been achieved by creating unitary NHS boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what savings have been achieved by creating unitary NHS boards.","AnswerText":"When the 15 unified NHS boards were established in September 2001, our objective was not to achieve financial savings. Rather, the aim of the new boards is to secure the efficient, effective and accountable governance of local NHS systems, focusing on health outcomes and people's experience of the NHS. Moreover, it is about encouraging new attitudes towards how we plan and work together in a single NHS Scotland - replacing a market-driven mentality with a genuine partnership philosophy.

      A revised financial framework does, however, form an integral part of the new accountability and governance arrangements and the new performance management framework, which underpin the operation of the unified NHS boards. The aim of the new framework, as described in Rebuilding our National Health Service, is to develop a whole system approach to financial management, accountability and planning which maximises the return on additional investment, simplifying the way money flows in the local NHS system and allowing greater flexibility for financial planning over the longer term.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167211,"EventID":"S1W-30724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum recommended dosage is of methadone per person per day.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the maximum recommended dosage is of methadone per person per day.","AnswerText":"The UK Drug Misuse and Dependence - Guidelines on Clinical Management provide clinicians with guidance on the medical and other management of drug dependence. Treatment should be tailored to meet the specific clinical needs of the individual and aimed at achieving a stabilisation dose. The guidelines recommend that the initial dose is titrated against withdrawal symptoms and, if necessary, increased gradually up to a total of between 60 and 120mg per person per day.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167212,"EventID":"S1W-30725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that prisoners with (a) mental illness and (b) suicidal tendencies are given appropriate care and support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that prisoners with (a) mental illness and (b) suicidal tendencies are given appropriate care and support.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Prisoners with mental illness or a tendency to self-harm are cared for by a multidisciplinary team including medical, nursing, psychology and social care staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167213,"EventID":"S1W-30726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29484 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 October 2002, what information it holds on the number of persons eligible for payments under the Sco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29484 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 October 2002, what information it holds on the number of persons eligible for payments under the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes and what its estimate is of the total number of such persons based on the records it has.","AnswerText":"The initial records showed 13,369 potential beneficiaries satisfying the conditions for an ex-gratia payment. We have been notified of a number of deaths of which the majority have led to payments to dependants. We are seeking to identify any additional beneficiaries before completing payments to those already identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167214,"EventID":"S1W-30727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) widows, (b) widowers and (c) children of members of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes have made applications for ex-gratia payments from the sche","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) widows, (b) widowers and (c) children of members of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes have made applications for ex-gratia payments from the schemes.","AnswerText":"Data is not held in the form requested. However, of the 10,515 payments made to date, 738 were made in situations where the original member shown in the 1993 data has died. Of these, 680 recipients are female and 58 male.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167215,"EventID":"S1W-30728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what follow-up action is taken to encourage and assist the return of application forms in respect of ex-gratia payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what follow-up action is taken to encourage and assist the return of application forms in respect of ex-gratia payments from the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes.","AnswerText":"We will be making a further effort to trace all the individuals who have not replied using the Department of Works and Pensions tracing service.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167216,"EventID":"S1W-30729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in (a) public and (b) private education have currently been identified as having learning difficulties such as dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children in (a) public and (b) private education have currently been identified as having learning difficulties such as dyslexia.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, through its annual school census, collects information on the main learning difficulty of all pupils attending special schools and those pupils with a Record of Needs who attend publicly funded or independent mainstream schools. Figures for 2001 are 17,451 pupils attending publicly funded schools, of whom 1,501 had specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and 1,063 pupils attending independent schools, of whom 40 had specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167217,"EventID":"S1W-30730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of children identified as having learning difficulties has reduced or increased over the last three years and whether the number of such children is pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of children identified as having learning difficulties has reduced or increased over the last three years and whether the number of such children is projected to increase or decrease over the next three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, through its annual school census, collects information on the main learning difficulty of all pupils attending special schools and those pupils with a Record of Needs who attend publicly funded or independent mainstream schools. Figures for the last three years are 18,190 pupils in 1999, 18,710 in 2000 and 18,514 in 2001. Of these pupils, 1,523, 1,716 and 1,541, respectively, had specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

      The number of children with a Record of Needs has been relatively constant over the past three years, at around 2% of the school population. It is not anticipated that this figure will change substantially over the next three years.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167218,"EventID":"S1W-30731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children that have been excluded from school in each of the last three years have had learning difficulties such as dyslexia and whether there is any requirement","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children that have been excluded from school in each of the last three years have had learning difficulties such as dyslexia and whether there is any requirement to have children tested for dyslexia before excluding them from school.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally. However, the number of times that pupils with a Record of Needs were excluded from school in each of the last three years is provided in the table. Information is not collected specifically on pupils with a learning difficulty who do not have a Record of Needs.

      There is no requirement to have children tested for dyslexia before excluding them from school.

      Exclusions of Pupils with a Record of Needs from Primary, Secondary and Special Schools

      Year

      Removed from Register

      Temporary Exclusions

      Total Exclusions

      1998-99

      -

      -

      1,170

      1999-2000

      141

      1,406

      1,547

      2000-01

      8

      1,542

      1,550

      Source: Exclusions from schools annual survey.

      Note: Exclusions data was not split by type of exclusion in 1998-99.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167219,"EventID":"S1W-30732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) public and (b) private specialist schools there are for children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) public and (b) private specialist schools there are for children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.","AnswerText":"At the September 2001 School Census, there were 197 publicly funded and 33 independent schools in Scotland for children with a range of special educational needs, including those arising from dyslexia.

      There are no specialist schools in Scotland providing exclusively for children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167220,"EventID":"S1W-30733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, why it is possible to legislate for an absolute right to buy for salmon fisheries under ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, why it is possible to legislate for an absolute right to buy for salmon fisheries under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill but not for tenant farmers.","AnswerText":"Neither the crofting community right to buy in general nor a crofting community body's right to buy salmon fishings is an absolute right to buy. Conditions apply regarding the eligibility of a crofting community body and an eligible crofting community body can exercise the right to buy only where ministers are satisfied that their acquisition of the property would be, for instance, compatible with the sustainable development of the land and in the public interest. There are also very tight constraints on when the right to buy salmon fishings can be exercised. We also believe that the creation of the crofting community right to buy salmon fishings should not impact upon the value of these fishings.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167221,"EventID":"S1W-30734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, whether the legal advice on right to buy for tenant farmers given in the answer was inde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, whether the legal advice on right to buy for tenant farmers given in the answer was independent and what the source of the advice was. ","AnswerText":"As is usual practice in relation to issues that involve questions of law, I sought and obtained advice from the department's legal advisers before responding to the question referred to. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167222,"EventID":"S1W-30735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports to procurators fiscal of offences under section 52 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 were marked no proceedings in respect of each ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports to procurators fiscal of offences under section 52 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) Scotland Act 1995 were marked no proceedings in respect of each category recognised by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily available in the format required. The information systems operated by the department were designed for case tracking rather than for the production of statistical information. Systems currently in development will, in due course, facilitate the provision of data on a wider basis than is presently possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167223,"EventID":"S1W-30736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, how it arrived at a valuation of the Scottish Prison Service's land and buildings, as s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, how it arrived at a valuation of the Scottish Prison Service's land and buildings, as shown on the service's balance sheet, without having a breakdown of the (a) location, (b) area and (c) value of each parcel of land.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The location and value of land was published in the answer given to question S1W-30175.

      Land is not separately disclosed from buildings in the SPS accounts - these assets are aggregated. The District Valuer's Office carries out regular revaluations of the estate. A register maintains a record of the valuations and subsequent movements such as additions, disposals, transfers indexation etc and is used to prepare the accounts. A detailed analysis of title and area of land is not held on the register.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167224,"EventID":"S1W-30737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why there was an increase of #24,931,000 in the value of tangible assets held by the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why there was an increase of #24,931,000 in the value of tangible assets held by the Scottish Prison Service between 31 March 2000 and 31 March 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The quinquennial revaluation of the SPS Estate was conducted on 31 August 2000 by the District Valuer's Office; this resulted in an increase in the value recorded in the accounts for land. Details of the basis of valuation is recorded in SPS's Annual Report and Accounts for 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167225,"EventID":"S1W-30738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why there was an increase of #21,287,000 in the value of tangible assets held by the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why there was an increase of #21,287,000 in the value of tangible assets held by the Scottish Prison Service in Edinburgh between 31 March 2000 and 31 March 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The quinquennial revaluation of the SPS Estate was conducted on 31 August 2000 by the District Valuer's Office, this resulted in an increase in the land value recorded for Edinburgh. Details of the basis of valuation is recorded in SPS's Annual Report and Accounts for 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167226,"EventID":"S1W-30739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why there was an increase #3,464,000 in the value of tangible assets held by the Scotti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why there was an increase #3,464,000 in the value of tangible assets held by the Scottish Prison Service in Perth between 31 March 2000 and 31 March 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The quinquennial revaluation of the SPS Estate was conducted on 31 August 2000 by the District Valuer's Office, this resulted in an increase in the land values recorded in Perth and Kinross. Details of the basis of valuation is recorded in SPS's Annual Report and Accounts for 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167227,"EventID":"S1W-30740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, what the cost would be of producing the remainder of the information sought in the ques","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, what the cost would be of producing the remainder of the information sought in the question and how it calculated this cost.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Land is not separately disclosed from buildings in the SPS accounts - these assets are aggregated. The District Valuer's Office carries out regular revaluations of the estate. A register maintains a record of the valuations and subsequent movements such as additions, disposals, transfers, indexation etc and is used to prepare the accounts. A detailed analysis of title and area of land is not held on the register. As this information is not readily available, it could only be produced at disproportionate cost. It was estimated that the cost would be well in excess of £600.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167228,"EventID":"S1W-30741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why values for land and buildings were not given separately from other tangible assets ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why values for land and buildings were not given separately from other tangible assets in the answer, given that values for land and buildings are shown separately in the Scottish Prison Service's annual accounts.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The figures provided in response to question S1W-30175 were for tangible land assets as that is what the question asked for. The figures were inadvertently referred to as tangible assets rather than tangible land assets in the answer given to question S1W-30175. This was clarified in the answer given to question S1W-30742 on 2 December 2002.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167229,"EventID":"S1W-30742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why the residual value of HM Prison Kilmarnock is not shown in the value of tangible as","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30175 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, why the residual value of HM Prison Kilmarnock is not shown in the value of tangible assets held in East Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"I have asked Scottish Prison Service (SPS) for an explanation. I am advised that the reversionary interest value for land which is managed as part of the PFI contract is included in SPS's balance sheet under the heading tangible assets in accordance with both accounting standards and Treasury guidelines. Its omission from the table given in response to question S1W-30175 was therefore in error, for which I apologise.

      The location and value of the tangible land assets of SPS, including the aforementioned reversionary interest, is as listed in the following table:
       

      As at

      31 March 2000

      (£000)

      As at

      31 March 2001

      (£000)

      As at

      31 March 2002

      (£000)

      Aberdeen City

      1,800

      1,900

      2,059

      Aberdeenshire

      1,250

      1,066

      1,180

      Angus

      272

      302

      308

      Clackmannanshire

      713

      1,131

      1,226

      Dumfries and Galloway

      641

      500

      522

      East Ayrshire

      1,111

      244

      259

      East Dumbartonshire

      169

      67

      72

      Edinburgh

      9,915

      31,202

      35,556

      Falkirk

      3,060

      4,833

      6,012

      Glasgow

      5,207

      4,860

      5,262

      Highland

      504

      460

      490

      Inverclyde

      1,238

      1,050

      1,161

      North Lanarkshire

      203

      253

      257

      Perth and Kinross

      2,658

      6,122

      6,571

      South Lanarkshire

      244

      -

      -

      Stirling

      3,633

      3,819

      4,139

      West Lothian

      141

      125

      136

      Location

      Number

      Description

      Angus

      1

      Feuhold plot

      Clackmannanshire

      1

      Feuhold plot

      Dumfries and Galloway

      1

      Feuhold plot

      East Dunbartonshire

      1

      Grassland

      Edinburgh

      1

      Grassland

      Falkirk

      3

      Feuhold plots

      Glasgow

      5

      Feuhold plots

      North Lanarkshire

      4

      Feuhold plots

      Perth and Kinross

      8

      Feuhold plots

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167231,"EventID":"S1W-30744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29427 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, how much the management of the Scottish Prison Service has received in performance-rela","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29427 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, how much the management of the Scottish Prison Service has received in performance-related pay in each of the last three years broken down by the objectives for which the performance-related pay was received.","AnswerText":"All pay increases in the Senior Civil Service are based on performance, and depend on the overall assessment of an individual officer's performance. Information on the pay of Executive members of the Scottish Prison Service Board for the last three years is published in the Notes to the Accounts of the Scottish Prison Service Agency, which are published with the Annual Report. This is available on www.sps.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167232,"EventID":"S1W-30745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the estimated losses arising from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd have now been assessed at #3.5 million, as stated by Sarah Davidson (O","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the estimated losses arising from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd have now been assessed at #3.5 million, as stated by Sarah Davidson (Official Report, Finance Committee, 8 October 2002, c 2230), or #3.85 million, as stated by the Presiding Officer in his answer to question S1W-27248 on 2 August 2002, and whether, in the light of Sarah Davidson's evidence referring to some of the elements comprised within the estimated losses arising from the insolvency, he will now provide a detailed breakdown of the computation of such losses.","AnswerText":"There is no change to the previously reported cost to the project of £3.85 million, arising from the insolvency of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd. The breakdown is as follows:

      Additional Costs Associated with Flour City Insolvency

      £000

      Net payments to Flour City

      £854

      Stone Cladding

      -£326

      East stainless steel vent Pods

      £1,729

      Window Units

      £120

      Timber and precast mullions and louvres and stone panels

      -£61

      East elevation support steelwork

      £497

      Bay Windows

      £937

      MSP Roofing

      £100

      £3,850

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167233,"EventID":"S1W-30746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to the statement by Paul Grice that there was a reduction to the cost of works packages where no performance bond was received in cases where such a bond was ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to the statement by Paul Grice that there was a reduction to the cost of works packages where no performance bond was received in cases where such a bond was to have been provided (Official Report, Finance Committee, 8 October 2002, c 2231), whether he will list those contracts where a reduction in the price was achieved, giving the amount of the reduction in each case.","AnswerText":"For reasons of commercial confidentiality, I am unable to provide such a list of contracts. I can confirm, however, that payment for a bond is only authorised when the client is in receipt of an agreed and signed bond from the trade contractor's surety; if this is not received either through choice or delay no payment is made. In the event that the client chooses not to proceed with the requirement for the bond, a net saving on the contract sum is achieved.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167234,"EventID":"S1W-30747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the meaning was of Paul Grice's statement that \"there is an issue around performance bonds, which the corporate body is sei'ed of and is pursuing at the moment\" (Offi","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the meaning was of Paul Grice's statement that \"there is an issue around performance bonds, which the corporate body is sei'ed of and is pursuing at the moment\" (Official Report, Finance Committee, 8 October 2002, c 2231).","AnswerText":"A review of the continuing need for Performance Bonds recommended by the Construction Manager was carried out by the Holyrood Project Team and the results were reported to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in September. Every effort is now being made to secure these bonds where the continuing need has been established","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167235,"EventID":"S1W-30748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, whether the answer is consistent with its proposed crofting community right to buy in Pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, whether the answer is consistent with its proposed crofting community right to buy in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive believes its opposition to an absolute right to buy for tenants is entirely consistent with its support for the proposed crofting community right to buy in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The crofting community right to buy is not an absolute right to buy. It is conditional on a range of criteria being met and can be exercised by a crofting community body only when ministers consider that the acquisition of the property would be in the public interest.

      Furthermore, I stated in my previous answer that blight on the property would arise from the creation of the absolute right to buy for tenants because it would materially affect the private right of a landowner to determine how long they owned, used and obtained income from that holding. The crofting community right to buy is being introduced against a background where the value of crofting land is usually substantially lower than that of agricultural land and the rights of a crofting landlord to use, manage and peacefully own croft land are already subject to strict statutory controls to protect the crofting status of the land.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167236,"EventID":"S1W-30749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Audit Committee's 7th Report 2002: Report on Overview of Further Education Colleges in Scotland 2000/2001 which indicates that the committee will look","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Audit Committee's 7th Report 2002: Report on Overview of Further Education Colleges in Scotland 2000/2001 which indicates that the committee will look for \"positive evidence that one-off additional payments have increased the pace of recovery in the colleges involved\", what evidence the Executive has received in respect of the efficacy of such payments.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to the allocation of funds to individual colleges, including one-off payments to increase the pace of college recovery plans, are a matter for the Scottish Further Education Funding Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167237,"EventID":"S1W-30751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of current means of support for the delivery of further education in rural areas where the cost of delivery is increased by costs such as trav","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of current means of support for the delivery of further education in rural areas where the cost of delivery is increased by costs such as travel and working with small groups.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Further Education Funding Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167238,"EventID":"S1W-30752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into alternative means of support for the delivery of further education in rural areas where the cost of delivery is increased by costs s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has carried out into alternative means of support for the delivery of further education in rural areas where the cost of delivery is increased by costs such as travel and working with small groups.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Further Education Funding Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167239,"EventID":"S1W-30753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an update on the progress made by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council since March 2002 in determining the effects on each college of the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give an update on the progress made by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council since March 2002 in determining the effects on each college of the council's decision to alter the method of funding full-time college courses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council commissioned the Scottish Further Education Unit to carry out a review of its \"Activity Measurement Method\", the recommendations of which were the subject of a consultation with the further education colleges. As a result of this consultation, I understand that the funding council is in the process of developing a draft implementation plan for proposed changes to its Activity Measurement Method, which will be shared with colleges prior to finalisation in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167240,"EventID":"S1W-30754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of each of its public information campaigns since 1999, broken down in each case by (a) internet and website design and hosting, (b) print media design","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of each of its public information campaigns since 1999, broken down in each case by (a) internet and website design and hosting, (b) print media design and (c) broadcast media.","AnswerText":"The figures requested are as follows.

      1999-2000 (£)

      Campaign

      Press

      Radio

      TV

      Production

      Ambient

      Cinema

      Web

      Electoral Registration

      25,036

      		  

      750

      		   

      Children's Hearings

      32,768

      52,840

      		 

      29,156

      		   

      Fire Prevention

      		  

      136,312

      254,588

      		   

      Tobacco Campaign

      		   

      10,404

      		   

      NHS Fraud

      		   

      100,000

      		   

      European Elections

      30,218

      		  

      1,811

      		   

      Food Safety

      109,676

      		  

      9,008

      		   

      Road Safety

      		 

      58,772

      425,365

      177,700

      120,750

      83,447

      		 

      Scotland's Parliament

      388,142

      19,858

      109,716

      15,435

      		   

      Childcare Helpline

      31,921

      31,921

      		     

    • Quantative research to provide baseline measurements

    • Quantative and qualitative research pre-campaign to obtain audience insight

    • Qualitative research pre-campaign to test creative effectiveness

    • Quantative research post-campaign to test awareness, recall and reaction
      • Quantitative research to track attitudinal and behavioural changes over time
      • Quantative and qualitative research into media consumption

      Quantative and qualitative research produced by third parties","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167242,"EventID":"S1W-30756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29695 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 October 2002, what action it will take to address the funding gap in the Glasgow housing stock tra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29695 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 October 2002, what action it will take to address the funding gap in the Glasgow housing stock transfer proposal, referred to in the Glasgow Housing Stock Transfer Project Plan Review of 2 September 2002 by Currie and Brown","AnswerText":"The Executive does not normally comment on the contents of such reports.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167243,"EventID":"S1W-30757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the recent study published in volume 325, issue 7368 of the British Medical Journal on the link between insulin resistance and socio-economic posi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the recent study published in volume 325, issue 7368 of the British Medical Journal on the link between insulin resistance and socio-economic position in childhood and adulthood and what action it intends to take in the light of the study. ","AnswerText":"The study provides yet further evidence of the link between socio-economic circumstances and health experience, and also underscores the importance of a good start in life. These will be important themes in our forthcoming health improvement strategy.

      Additionally, it is recognised that insulin resistance is an important factor not only in the development of cardiovascular disease but also Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The groups responsible for implementing our Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy and our Scottish Diabetes Framework will work together to address the effects of deprivation and reduce inequalities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167244,"EventID":"S1W-30758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of offences under sections 2 to 6, 21, 22 and 42 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 were marked no proceedings in respect of each category recogni","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many reports of offences under sections 2 to 6, 21, 22 and 42 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 were marked no proceedings in respect of each category recognised by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily available in the format required and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The information systems operated by the department were designed for case tracking rather than for the production of statistical information. Systems currently in development will, in due course, facilitate the provision of data on a wider basis than is presently possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167245,"EventID":"S1W-30759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of health and safety regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 were marked no proceedings in respect of each category recognised by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of health and safety regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 were marked no proceedings in respect of each category recognised by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily available in the format required and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The information systems operated by the department were designed for case tracking rather than for the production of statistical information. Systems currently in development will, in due course, facilitate the provision of data on a wider basis than is presently possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167246,"EventID":"S1W-30760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of requirements of licences granted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 reported to procurators fiscal were marked no proceedings in respect of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of requirements of licences granted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 reported to procurators fiscal were marked no proceedings in respect of each category recognised by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in each the last three years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not readily available in the format required and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The information systems operated by the department were designed for case tracking rather than for the production of statistical information. Systems currently in development will, in due course, facilitate the provision of data on a wider basis than is presently possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167247,"EventID":"S1W-30761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disqualification orders were made under sections 1 and 2 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 and how many were in respect of breaches of health an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many disqualification orders were made under sections 1 and 2 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 and how many were in respect of breaches of health and safety legislation in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167248,"EventID":"S1W-30762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accreditations for the European Council meeting in Brussels on 24 and 25 October 2002 it has applied for.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many accreditations for the European Council meeting in Brussels on 24 and 25 October 2002 it has applied for.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive did not apply for any accreditations for the Brussels European Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167249,"EventID":"S1W-30763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the peak turbity and colour loadings occurring in the source waters for the Balmore and new Milngavie water treatment plants are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the peak turbity and colour loadings occurring in the source waters for the Balmore and new Milngavie water treatment plants are.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      The historical raw water quality data indicates a maximum turbidity of 2.9 FTU and a maximum colour of 23 degrees Hazen. The plant has been designed to cope with significantly poorer raw water quality than these values.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167250,"EventID":"S1W-30764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of flooding the new Milngavie water treatment plant has been designed to cope with.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of flooding the new Milngavie water treatment plant has been designed to cope with.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      It is assumed that this question refers to surface water run-off during storm events, which can lead to a deterioration of raw water quality. The plant proposed for Milngavie has been designed to cope with a raw water quality significantly poorer than the poorest quality indicated in the historical record data.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167251,"EventID":"S1W-30765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what design elements of the new Milngavie water treatment plant mitigate against any bypass of the filters due to a flooding incident.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what design elements of the new Milngavie water treatment plant mitigate against any bypass of the filters due to a flooding incident.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      It is assumed that this question is to ask whether the filters will perform as effectively when challenged by raw water quality which is poorer due to surface run-off from a storm event. The plant proposed for Milngavie has been designed to cope with a raw water quality significantly poorer than the poorest quality indicated in the historical record data. The works is designed such that no unfiltered water is allowed to pass into supply.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167252,"EventID":"S1W-30766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specified lifespan is of the filter media proposed for the Milngavie water treatment plant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the specified lifespan is of the filter media proposed for the Milngavie water treatment plant.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      The filters proposed for the treatment plant at Milngavie are dual media with sand and anthracite. It is estimated that about 1% to 5% of the anthracite will be lost with the backwash water every year and this will therefore require topping up on an annual basis. It is estimated that the sand and the anthracite will require replacement approximately every 20 years.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167253,"EventID":"S1W-30767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1970,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":65,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long a water treatment plant with the same specifications as that proposed for Milngavie would take to build.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long a water treatment plant with the same specifications as that proposed for Milngavie would take to build.","AnswerText":"I have asked Dr Jon Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Scottish Water to respond. His response is as follows:

      A water treatment plant with the same specification as that proposed for Milngavie would take approximately three years to build but commissioning and site finishing would run on beyond this period.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167254,"EventID":"S1W-30768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wards are closed at weekends in each hospital in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area due to staff shortages.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many wards are closed at weekends in each hospital in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area due to staff shortages.","AnswerText":"NHS Greater Glasgow has confirmed that no wards in any of its hospitals are closed at weekends due to staff shortages.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167255,"EventID":"S1W-30769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given in the Glasgow acute services review to providing services to cope with major incidents, such as terrorism, with particular regard to the pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration was given in the Glasgow acute services review to providing services to cope with major incidents, such as terrorism, with particular regard to the proposed reduction of accident and emergency units (A&E) from five to two.","AnswerText":"This is primarily a matter for Greater Glasgow NHS Board, which has a dedicated Emergency Planning Officer in place with the responsibility to co-ordinate a Major Incident Plan with partner agencies including local authorities and neighbouring NHS boards. The plan is regularly updated and is designed to make the best use of local and regional health care facilities in the event of significant casualties.

      The planned Emergency Care configuration includes: two specialist 24-hour A&E/trauma units, three emergency receiving units and five minor injury units. A city-wide children's A&E service will also continue to be provided at Yorkhill Hospital. Each of these elements will be built into the Major Incident Plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167256,"EventID":"S1W-30770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to building a fully staffed and equipped dedicated cancer hospital in Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to building a fully staffed and equipped dedicated cancer hospital in Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The Regional Cancer Centre at Gartnavel General Hospital will provide the vast majority of services that a dedicated cancer hospital would provide, with the advantage of being on the same site as a general hospital and access to its resources. The services planned for the centre include:

      • in-patient, day case and out-patient care for patients requiring specialist oncology treatment not available closer to where they live;
      • external beam radiotherapy;
      • brachytherapy;
      • chemotherapy;
      • bone marrow transplantation, and
      • palliative care.

      A full range of paramedical therapies including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics and clinical psychology will support these specialties.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167257,"EventID":"S1W-30771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds will be available at the Beatson Oncology Centre following its transfer to the site at Gartnavel General Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many beds will be available at the Beatson Oncology Centre following its transfer to the site at Gartnavel General Hospital.","AnswerText":"Dr Adam Bryson, the Interim Director of the Beatson Oncology Centre, advises me that, as plans stand, there will be 271 beds at the new Cancer Centre at Gartnavel General Hospital. The bed complement will include 209 in-patient beds and 62 day beds. Some 42 of the day beds will be recliner chairs rather than conventional beds, reflecting the needs of different categories of patients and their treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167258,"EventID":"S1W-30772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the entire staff of the Western Infirmary in Glasgow will be transferred to Gartnavel General Hospital if the Western Infirmary closes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the entire staff of the Western Infirmary in Glasgow will be transferred to Gartnavel General Hospital if the Western Infirmary closes.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for NHS Greater Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167259,"EventID":"S1W-30773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orders for parental co-operation have been made under section 45(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each of the last five years, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many orders for parental co-operation have been made under section 45(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167260,"EventID":"S1W-30774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) actions for recovery of security there have been and (b) persons have been imprisoned under section 45(3) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) actions for recovery of security there have been and (b) persons have been imprisoned under section 45(3) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167261,"EventID":"S1W-30775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, with which local authorities it has held discussions on a pilot of specialist children'","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, with which local authorities it has held discussions on a pilot of specialist children's hearings to fast-track persistent offenders under 16 years old, as referred to in point one of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"I announced on 23 October that the fast-track hearing pilots will take place in Ayrshire, Dundee and East Lothian/Borders. An initial meeting was held with these authorities as well as Aberdeen, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and Stirling. Further, more detailed discussions were also held with the pilot areas, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling and South Lanarkshire, before decisions on the pilot areas were taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167262,"EventID":"S1W-30776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when the cross-departmental consideration of improving the effectiveness of restriction","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when the cross-departmental consideration of improving the effectiveness of restriction of liberty, anti-social behaviour and community service orders for persistent offenders can be expected, as referred to in point three of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"Detailed work is continuing on the review and I will provide further updates in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167263,"EventID":"S1W-30777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when it will make its announcement on the \"Safer Scotland\" police campaign on high visi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when it will make its announcement on the \"Safer Scotland\" police campaign on high visibility policing, covering youth disorder, to increase visibility and provide community re-assurance, as referred to in point four of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"The Safer Scotland Police campaign was launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland) on 21 October. Details of the announcement can be found at:

      www.tayside.police.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167264,"EventID":"S1W-30778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when the audit of current front-line services that will inform future funding decisions","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when the audit of current front-line services that will inform future funding decisions will be completed, as referred to in point five of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently in the process of recruiting appropriate researchers to conduct this work.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167265,"EventID":"S1W-30779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when it will publish its scoping paper on a national application of a system of caution","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when it will publish its scoping paper on a national application of a system of cautions/warnings and a detailed exploration of restorative cautions approach, perhaps through piloting, as referred to in point six of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"The scoping paper is being prepared in consultation with a number of agencies involved in developing this initiative. This will form initial input to a working group which will develop national guidance for the proposed system of cautions/warnings. This guidance will be published in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167266,"EventID":"S1W-30780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when it will conclude consideration of the proposals for the redevelopment of the secur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, when it will conclude consideration of the proposals for the redevelopment of the secure accommodation estate, as referred to in point seven of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"I expect to announce the next steps for the redevelopment of the secure estate shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167267,"EventID":"S1W-30781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the effectiveness s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30102 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the effectiveness sub-group's report and recommendations, as referred to in point eight of the 10-point action plan set out in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167268,"EventID":"S1W-30782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30105 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, why the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) liaison officer member of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30105 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 October 2002, why the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) liaison officer member of the Youth Justice Steering Group is still to be confirmed.","AnswerText":"In my response to question S1W-30105, it was erroneously stated that COPFS was to be confirmed. COPFS has been represented at the Youth Justice Steering Group since its inception in January 2002. Kath Harper is the COPFS representative.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167269,"EventID":"S1W-30783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29174 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 September 2002, what investigation the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice has made into t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29174 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 September 2002, what investigation the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice has made into the role and influence of the Speculative Society; when any such investigation took place, and what evidence was considered and from whom.","AnswerText":"I made clear in the answer given to question S1W-29174 that I did not consider that membership of the Speculative Society was a matter requiring investigation by ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167270,"EventID":"S1W-30784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that the judiciary conducts itself in a properly impartial manner.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that the judiciary conducts itself in a properly impartial manner.","AnswerText":"It is a fundamental principle of our justice system that the judiciary are independent of ministers. There are, therefore, no standing arrangements for ministerial review of judicial conduct.

      Any specific complaints about judicial conduct addressed to ministers or my department are investigated. In any serious case of misbehaviour or neglect of duty the law provides for an investigation into fitness for office.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167271,"EventID":"S1W-30785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is confident that there is no link between membership of the Speculative Society and the handling of Skye Bridge cases that have been heard in the Supreme Cour","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is confident that there is no link between membership of the Speculative Society and the handling of Skye Bridge cases that have been heard in the Supreme Court.","AnswerText":"Yes. I do not consider that there is any connection whatsoever between membership of this debating society and the decisions made by judges in the Supreme Courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167272,"EventID":"S1W-30786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of risperidone and olan'apine is currently being trialled on children that do not suffer from schi'ophrenia and in which NHS board areas any such trials a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of risperidone and olan'apine is currently being trialled on children that do not suffer from schi'ophrenia and in which NHS board areas any such trials are being carried out.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any such trials being carried out.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167273,"EventID":"S1W-30787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs has to be approved separately for use by adults and children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the use of anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs has to be approved separately for use by adults and children.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA). The following information has been provided by the MCA:

      In order for a pharmaceutical company to gain a licensed indication for the use of its product in children or adolescents, they are required to submit clinical data to the MCA on safety, quality and efficacy to support the indication in the same manner and to the same standards that would be expected in adults. This is the same for all drugs including anti-depressants and anti-psychotic drugs.

      There is general concern about the lack of medicines licensed specifically for use in children. It is a widely held view that it is unethical for children not to have access to medicines of the same standards of safety, quality and efficacy as the rest of the population. Until comparatively recently, perceived ethical concerns and practical difficulties created problems in conducting trials in children which has prevented the development of medicines for them.

      In the UK there is extensive prescribing "off-label" of medicines for children i.e. outside the terms of the licence. Off-label prescribing occurs where the clinician believes it is justified and is a matter for clinical judgement, informed by specialist guidance produced by and available to the profession. A doctor may therefore prescribe a medicine for a child that is licensed only for adults.

      A number of measures have been taken at national level within the existing legal framework. The MCA has developed a strategy to improve the availability of medicines licensed for use in the treatment of children and in 2000, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) - an independent expert advisory body - established an expert working group to take this issue forward.

      The European Commission has also recognised the need to address this issue and a consultation exercise on their draft proposals was completed in April 2002. The UK gave broad support to the proposals, which combined incentives to the industry with regulatory requirements, and draft European legislation is expected to emerge shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167274,"EventID":"S1W-30788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which anti-depressant and anti-psychotic drugs are currently approved for use in children and what trials were carried out before this approval was given.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which anti-depressant and anti-psychotic drugs are currently approved for use in children and what trials were carried out before this approval was given.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA). The following information has been provided by the MCA:

      Antipsychotics

      The following "typical" antipsychotics are authorised for the treatment of psychotic disorders (e.g. schizophrenia and autism) in children: chlorpromazine, haloperidol, levomepromazine/methotrimeprazine, pericyazine and trifluoperazine. For these older drugs, the dosage recommendations are mainly based on long established use in clinical practice. Another well-established anti-psychotic, prochlorperazine, is authorised for use in children in nausea and vomiting only. None of the newer "atypical" anti-psychotics is authorised for use in children.

      Anti-depressants

      Currently, no medicines are authorised for the treatment of children and adolescents with depression.

      Two of the newer selective serotonin uptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressants, fluvoxamine and sertraline, have been authorised for use in children suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and the dosage recommendations are based on clinical trial data. These data are held on file by the marketing authorisation holder and the competent authority.

      Three of the older tricyclic anti-depressants, amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline, are authorised for use in children with nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting). For these long-established medicines, dosage recommendations are mainly based on prescribers' experience in marketed use, rather than the robust clinical trial data that would now be required for the licensing of new medicines.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167275,"EventID":"S1W-30789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any studies being conducted with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in children in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any studies being conducted with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in children in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of any studies being conducted with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors in children in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167276,"EventID":"S1W-30790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29187 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 October 2002, whether any external evaluation of police training programmes for the investigation of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29187 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 October 2002, whether any external evaluation of police training programmes for the investigation of rape and sexual assaults has taken place, who carried out any such evaluation, and what the outcome was. ","AnswerText":"Each of the Scottish Police College's training programmes is subject to a continuous evaluation and review process.

      A quality assurance committee reviews all the outputs of training design and examines the detail of evaluations. The membership of that committee comprises representatives of the Scottish Executive, the police staff associations, the college and an independent person.

      In addition, a number of college courses are validated by higher education institutions and this validation requires the whole training and evaluation process to be examined to ensure a high quality.

      The colleges procedures and performance generally are regularly reviewed by a number of external bodies including Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, the Audit Commission, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland as customers and by the review processes contained in the charter mark, Investors in People and the European Foundation for Quality Management.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167277,"EventID":"S1W-30791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation is made of training programmes for the investigation of rape and sexual assaults provided by individual police forces; when any such evaluations were car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evaluation is made of training programmes for the investigation of rape and sexual assaults provided by individual police forces; when any such evaluations were carried out in each force; who carried out the evaluation, and what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"Evaluation of the training provided by individual police forces is carried out by members of the force staff who have had no input to the training courses. Questionnaires are used to elicit information about participants' satisfaction with the course content in relation to the quality of presentation, achievement of learning outcomes and about whether the course was appropriate and challenging. The evaluation process is continuous. The outcome from each evaluation is used to inform assessments about the quality of the training provided.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167278,"EventID":"S1W-30792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29010 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 October 2002, whether it will detail the changes in the national recording of complaints against the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29010 by Mr Jim Wallace on 11 October 2002, whether it will detail the changes in the national recording of complaints against the police that were introduced in 2001 and how such complaints are defined.","AnswerText":"Under revised recording procedures introduced in 2001, statistics on complaints against the police are now defined to include: "any complaint made by or on behalf of any person against one or more on duty members of a police force and from which it may reasonably be inferred that any act or omission which was made or committed by any of the individuals concerned amounts, or may amount, to a criminal offence or professional misconduct".

      As a result, the statistics now include complaints classified as minor or trivial, as well as complaints against special constables and police support staff. The information from which national statistics are published is as provided to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (and separately to Audit Scotland) by individual forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167279,"EventID":"S1W-30793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the process is for a verbal complaint to be made against the police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the process is for a verbal complaint to be made against the police.","AnswerText":"Verbal complaints against the police are treated in the same way as a written complaint. The process for making a complaint is contained within the Executive's Complaints Against the Police leaflet, copies of which are available from the Parliament's Information Centre (Bib. number 25098).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167280,"EventID":"S1W-30794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the existing law is on prostitution and what powers police forces have to enforce the law on soliciting, kerb crawling and prostitution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the existing law is on prostitution and what powers police forces have to enforce the law on soliciting, kerb crawling and prostitution.","AnswerText":"The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 set out various offences relating to prostitution. Kerb crawling or offering money for sexual acts, which is likely to cause fear or alarm, can also be prosecuted under the common law offence of breach of the peace.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167281,"EventID":"S1W-30795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the law relating to prostitution has been proven to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in respect of preventing the violation of hu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the law relating to prostitution has been proven to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in respect of preventing the violation of human rights of (a) residents living in areas where the law does not deter prostitution and (b) women and children working in prostitution.","AnswerText":"Measures in Scots law designed to deter prostitution and to prevent the exploitation of women and children through prostitution are not restricted by area. There has not been an ECHR challenge to Scots law in this area, and we are not aware of any relevant ECHR case law.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167282,"EventID":"S1W-30796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether existing law is effective with regard to determining soliciting, kerb crawling and prostitution and whether it has any plans to (a) review the law and (b) support","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether existing law is effective with regard to determining soliciting, kerb crawling and prostitution and whether it has any plans to (a) review the law and (b) support the police in its enforcement.","AnswerText":"We consider that the existing law is effective in dealing with prostitution and related offences and have no current plans to review the legislation in this area. The level of funding made to the Scottish Police Service has increased substantially over recent years and it is for Chief Constables to enforce these laws and to make decisions on operational requirements within the resources available to them.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167283,"EventID":"S1W-30797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on ad hoc or temporary procurator fiscal deputes in each sheriff court in the Lothian and Borders sheriffdom in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on ad hoc or temporary procurator fiscal deputes in each sheriff court in the Lothian and Borders sheriffdom in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on temporary procurator fiscal deputes in each of the Lothian and Borders Procurator Fiscal offices for the most recent years available was as follows:
       

      1999-2000 (£)

      2000-01 (£)

      2001-02 (£)

      Edinburgh

      42,433

      105,993

      52,069

      Haddington

      -

      -

      -

      Jedburgh

      -

      -

      2,100

      Linlithgow

      47,012

      12,806

      22,312

      Livingston

      -

      -

      -

      Selkirk

      -

      2,231

      6,880

      Duns

      -

      150

      -

      It is not possible to provide a breakdown as to the extent to which the temporary deputes were used in sheriff or district courts.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167284,"EventID":"S1W-30798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with (a) procurators fiscal and (b) sheriffs or their representatives about using civilian staff for court security and prisoner handling at ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has had with (a) procurators fiscal and (b) sheriffs or their representatives about using civilian staff for court security and prisoner handling at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.","AnswerText":"There have been a number of contacts involving the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Scottish Court Service and individual sheriffs, amongst others, regarding the issue of court security and prisoner handling.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167285,"EventID":"S1W-30799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any restriction under the concessionary travel scheme prohibiting a person travelling free within their area and then purchasing a ticket that allows th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any restriction under the concessionary travel scheme prohibiting a person travelling free within their area and then purchasing a ticket that allows them to travel on the same bus for an on-going journey outwith their local area.","AnswerText":"The concessionary travel schemes, which operate throughout Scotland, have been developed to meet local needs and reflect local circumstances.

      While they have recently been enhanced to ensure a national minimum concession of free local off-peak bus travel within existing scheme boundaries, the conditions of carriage for each of the 16 single and joint concessionary travel schemes in Scotland are a matter for the local authorities in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167286,"EventID":"S1W-30800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no Scottish School Leavers Survey available that takes account of Higher grade passes after 1995 and whether such surveys (a) have been carried out and, if s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no Scottish School Leavers Survey available that takes account of Higher grade passes after 1995 and whether such surveys (a) have been carried out and, if so, whether it will publish the results and (b) are planned and, if so, for what years.","AnswerText":"The design of the Scottish School Leavers Survey (SSLS) was changed in 1996 in order to provide better data on the transition of young people from the end of compulsory education to the labour market. A contract was placed in that year to establish cohorts of young people which were then surveyed at different stages as they made this transition. As part of this programme, surveys of 19-year-olds, the group who would have been involved in sitting Higher grade examinations, were carried out in 1999 and again in 2001. The results of these surveys will be published over the next few months. When these surveys are published, the survey data will be placed in the ESRC Data Archive for access by researchers wishing to conduct further analysis.

      Further modifications to the design of SSLS are being made at present to ensure that it continues to meet changing information needs. Tenders for further surveys will be invited shortly. It is anticipated new cohorts of young people will be established from those who completed compulsory education in 2002 and 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167287,"EventID":"S1W-30801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was allocated through the Warm Deal scheme to each local authority in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money was allocated through the Warm Deal scheme to each local authority in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The allocations made to each local authority under the Warm Deal for the periods concerned are shown in the following table:

      Council

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Aberdeen

      £70,000

      £40,000

      Aberdeenshire

      £40,000

      £20,000

      Angus

      £40,000

      £30,000

      Argyll and Bute

      £40,000

      £10,000

      Clackmanannshire

      £60,000

      £30,000

      Dumfries and Galloway

      £70,000

      £40,000

      Dundee City

      £150,000

      £30,000

      East Ayrshire

      £80,000

      £20,000

      East Dunbarton

      £50,000

      £30,000

      East Lothian

      £70,000

      £10,000

      East Renfrew

      £30,000

      £10,000

      Edinburgh

      £170,000

      £110,000

      Falkirk

      £120,000

      £20,000

      Fife

      £130,000

      £30,000

      Glasgow City

      £550,000

      £90,000

      Highland

      £60,000

      £10,000

      Inverclyde

      £60,000

      £10,000

      Midlothian

      £50,000

      £10,000

      Moray

      £30,000

      £20,000

      North Ayrshire

      £70,000

      £40,000

      North Lanarkshire

      £260,000

      £160,000

      Orkney

      £20,000

      £10,000

      Perth and Kinross

      Nil

      Nil

      Renfrewshire

      £90,000

      £20,000

      Scottish Borders

      £50,000

      £30,000

      Shetland

      Location

      Number of Parcels of Land

      Description

      Aberdeen City

      1

      HM Prison, Aberdeen

      Aberdeenshire

      4

      HM Prison Peterhead

      Garages, Peterhead

      Garages, Peterhead

      Garages, Peterhead

      Angus

      2

      HM Prison Noranside

      Disused building, Noranside

      Clackmannanshire

      6

      HM Prison Glenochil

      Licensed premises, Glenochil Terrace, Glenochil

      Garages, Glenochil Village

      Garages, Sauchie

      Dumfries and Galloway

      2

      HM Prison Dumfries

      House, Dumfries

      East Ayrshire

      1

      HM Prison Kilmarnock

      East Dunbartonshire

      1

      HM Prison Low Moss

      Edinburgh

      3

      HM Prison Edinburgh

      Licensed premises, Edinburgh

      Garages, Edinburgh

      Falkirk

      4

      HM YOI Polmont

      Scottish Prison Service College

      Licensed premises, Polmont

      Housing, Polmont

      Glasgow

      3

      HM Prison Barlinnie

      Licensed premises, Glasgow

      House, Glasgow

      Highland

      1

      HM Prison Inverness

      Inverclyde

      1

      HM Prison Greenock

      North Lanarkshire

      6

      HM Prison Shotts

      Garages, Shotts

      Garages, Shotts

      Former Longriggend Remand Unit, Upperton

      Garages, Upperton

      Sewage Treatment Plant, Upperton

      Perth and Kinross

      5

      HM Prison Perth

      HM Prison Castle Huntly

      Garages, Castle Huntly

      Garages, Castle Huntly

      Stirling

      5

      HM Prison and Institution Cornton Vale

      Houses, Cornton Vale

      Garages, Cornton Vale

      West Lothian

      1

      Central Stores, Fauldhouse

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167290,"EventID":"S1W-30804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29432 by Mr Andy Kerr on 30 September 2002, what precisely is meant by \"broadly equivalent costs\".","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29432 by Mr Andy Kerr on 30 September 2002, what precisely is meant by \"broadly equivalent costs\".","AnswerText":"As I previously stated in the answer to question S1W-29432, it is not possible to provide specific examples as contract monitoring costs are not separately identified in conventional contracts.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167291,"EventID":"S1W-30805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29432 by Mr Andy Kerr on 30 September 2002, whether it will detail each type of cost incurred in monitoring contracts for the opera","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29432 by Mr Andy Kerr on 30 September 2002, whether it will detail each type of cost incurred in monitoring contracts for the operation of conventionally funded capital projects.","AnswerText":"For trunk roads, monitoring of capital conventional construction contracts includes: checks of contractors design proposals; checking contractors construction proposals; monitoring compliance of construction activities in relation to contract requirements; testing the quality of materials and workmanship employed in construction, and reviewing interim and final payments due to the contractor for construction of the works.

      Each of these costs is not separately accounted for within records maintained by the department.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167292,"EventID":"S1W-30806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29432 by Mr Andy Kerr on 30 September 2002, what information it has on the costs of monitoring contracts for the operation of conve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29432 by Mr Andy Kerr on 30 September 2002, what information it has on the costs of monitoring contracts for the operation of conventionally funded capital projects.","AnswerText":"For trunk roads, fees are paid to Consulting Engineers or Agent Authorities for the supervision of construction contracts conventionally procured and for major schemes. Records are held against individual contracts and aggregated to provide annual totals across the portfolio.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167293,"EventID":"S1W-30807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions it has issued to Audit Scotland with regard to resolution S1M-3375 on the acute services review, passed by the Parliament on 12 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what instructions it has issued to Audit Scotland with regard to resolution S1M-3375 on the acute services review, passed by the Parliament on 12 September 2002.","AnswerText":"Greater Glasgow NHS Board has engaged the services of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) who will provide external commentary on the governance arrangements and processes for the development and implementation of the Acute Services Strategy. The reports produced by PwC will be submitted to Audit Scotland and will be subject to independent review. They may also form the basis of any reports to the Scottish Parliament that the Auditor General for Scotland may prepare.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167294,"EventID":"S1W-30808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average multiple sclerosis sufferers that meet the Association of British Neurologists' criteria for disease-modifying drugs have to wait currently to receive","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long on average multiple sclerosis sufferers that meet the Association of British Neurologists' criteria for disease-modifying drugs have to wait currently to receive prescriptions for such drugs in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Information on waiting times for out-patient appointments with a consultant is collected centrally at specialty level only.

      A UK-wide risk-sharing scheme for the treatment of eligible patients with multiple sclerosis enables beta interferon and glatiramer acetate to be prescribed on the NHS to patients who meet criteria set out by the Association of British Neurologists. Patients' eligibility for treatment will depend on the clinical judgement of the specialist neurologists concerned.

      Full details of the scheme are explained in Health Department Letter (2002) 6, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20653). The guidance recognised that it may take 18 months or longer for treatment to be initiated for all eligible patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167295,"EventID":"S1W-30809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, what its estimate is of the costs of education to the Scottish Prison Service in the th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, what its estimate is of the costs of education to the Scottish Prison Service in the three years prior to April 2000 (a) in total and (b) for each prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      As was explained in answer to question S1W-29771, figures for the period preceding 2000-01 were not disaggregated in the same way as in 2000-01 and the following year. The SPS estimates that we spent around £1.6 million in 1999-2000, £1.5 million 1998-99 and £1.5 million in 1997-98. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167296,"EventID":"S1W-30810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, on what basis it made its assessment of best value of the new contractual arrangements ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, on what basis it made its assessment of best value of the new contractual arrangements for education in Scottish Prison Service prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The education contracts were competitively tendered in accordance with EU rules. Bids for reputable contractors were assessed for service and educational capability, and in terms of prices offered for delivery of the services.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167297,"EventID":"S1W-30811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, why the cost of education at HM Prison Barlinnie fell between 2000-01 and 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, why the cost of education at HM Prison Barlinnie fell between 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Though the number of hours of education delivered to prisoners in Barlinnie increased by 5% between 2000-01 and 2001-02, in the first year the price was more expensive than in the second year so the cost was lower in year 2. Further, in the second year the contractor provided additional outputs under the New Deal project.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167298,"EventID":"S1W-30812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, why the cost of education at HM Prison Edinburgh rose by approximately 49% between 2000","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, why the cost of education at HM Prison Edinburgh rose by approximately 49% between 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The number of prisoners in the prison increased during the period, so the volume of education required increased. Additionally, a new computer suite was opened; this increased the opportunities to engage reluctant learners.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167299,"EventID":"S1W-30813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, why the cost of education at HM Prison Polmont rose by approximately 54% between 2000-0","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29771 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, why the cost of education at HM Prison Polmont rose by approximately 54% between 2000-01 and 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The number of hours of learning delivered to the young offenders in YOI Polmont doubled between the first and the second year. This was an outcome of the high priority that SPS attached to developing the learning provision for young offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167300,"EventID":"S1W-30814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the cost of bidding for Public Finance Initiative and Public Private Partnerships contracts with (a) the Executive and (b) other public ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce the cost of bidding for Public Finance Initiative and Public Private Partnerships contracts with (a) the Executive and (b) other public authorities.","AnswerText":"he Scottish Executive is approaching this in a number of ways. The Scottish Schools Standard Public Private Partnerships Contract was recently issued to all local authorities. The Scottish Executive, through Partnerships UK, are carrying out reviews of schools Public Private Partnership projects at key stages to ensure the robustness of projects as they go through the procurement phase. In addition, we are ensuring the procuring body is an informed client through a programme of training and support. These measures are aimed at streamlining the procurement process.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167301,"EventID":"S1W-30815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it still plans to establish a national database of good practice in community safety and, if so, what progress has been made in doing so.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it still plans to establish a national database of good practice in community safety and, if so, what progress has been made in doing so.","AnswerText":"The national community safety website (www.saferscotland.org) went live on 6 September. The site will enable community safety partners to share and highlight best practice. Its main features are individual pages for each organisation with an interest in community safety i.e. local authority, police force, fire brigade, health board and various national organisations; a news page publicising new initiatives; a forum allowing the sharing of best practice and advice, and toolkits providing practical information on community safety and crime prevention.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167302,"EventID":"S1W-30816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30093 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, in what way disclosing whether the premium paid to the authority in the event that a pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30093 by Mr Jim Wallace on 15 October 2002, in what way disclosing whether the premium paid to the authority in the event that a private prison cannot find insurance at a commercial price is greater than the premium previously paid to a private provider for the same insurance might prejudice future negotiations with providers of a new prison. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      This information would provide bidders with an indication of the level of premium that SPS had previously found to be acceptable. It could therefore inhibit bidders from proposing a more competitive rate.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167303,"EventID":"S1W-30817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the reletting of the rail franchise in Scotland, what consideration it has given to the introduction of rail services that stop at Laurencekirk station an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the reletting of the rail franchise in Scotland, what consideration it has given to the introduction of rail services that stop at Laurencekirk station and what the outcome was of any such consideration.","AnswerText":"Proposals to reopen a particular station are matters for the local transport authority or transport partnership.

      The Scottish Executive's Directions and Guidance (D&G) to the Strategic Rail Authority set out ministers' high level priorities for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise. They did not include details of specific services.

      Under the terms of the D&G, the current level of service is to be the starting point for bids. However, bidders will be able to offer suggested improvements if they wish and will be encouraged to discuss their bids with key stakeholders. The next franchise will be capable of being enhanced over time as the railway is developed.

      A copy of the D&G is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22122).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167304,"EventID":"S1W-30818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) ScotRail, (b) the Strategic Rail Authority, (c) North East Scotland Transport Partnership and (d) Railtrack or its successor body ab","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with (a) ScotRail, (b) the Strategic Rail Authority, (c) North East Scotland Transport Partnership and (d) Railtrack or its successor body about the reopening of Laurencekirk station.","AnswerText":"Proposals to reopen a particular station are for the local transport authority or transport partnership. In this case any such proposals would, therefore, be for Aberdeenshire Council or NESTRANS to bring forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167305,"EventID":"S1W-30819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any specific individual member of staff based in its European office in Scotland House, Brussels, has responsibility for press and media activity and, if so, wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any specific individual member of staff based in its European office in Scotland House, Brussels, has responsibility for press and media activity and, if so, what that person's remit is.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to his question on 28 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167306,"EventID":"S1W-30820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29278, S1W-29279, S1W-29280, S1W-29281 and S1W-29282 on 11 October 2002, why the information in those answers was provided by the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29278, S1W-29279, S1W-29280, S1W-29281 and S1W-29282 on 11 October 2002, why the information in those answers was provided by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and not by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice.","AnswerText":"Because the questions concerned contractual matters involving the agency, for which under paragraphs 3.1 and 4.4 of the SPS Framework Document, the Chief Executive is responsible and accountable and for preparing the substance of responses to parliamentary questions on such matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167307,"EventID":"S1W-30821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding will be required for (a) establishing the proposed Robin Rigg Wind Farm and (b) the continuing operation of the wind farm over its lifetime.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much public funding will be required for (a) establishing the proposed Robin Rigg Wind Farm and (b) the continuing operation of the wind farm over its lifetime.","AnswerText":"The proposed development at Robin Rigg would, subject to obtaining all necessary planning consents, be eligible for funding from the UK capital grants scheme for offshore wind farms. Any decision to bid for such funding is for developers to take. The continuing operation of a wind farm once commissioned is a commercial matter for the operator.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167308,"EventID":"S1W-30822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in respect of what percentage of (a) reported incidences of and (b) total prosecutions for vandalism prosecutions were successful in each year since 1997, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in respect of what percentage of (a) reported incidences of and (b) total prosecutions for vandalism prosecutions were successful in each year since 1997, broken down by (i) sheriffdom and (ii) police force area.","AnswerText":"Information on crimes recorded by the police is not available by sheriffdom. The requested information on crimes recorded by police force area is published in Table 4A of the statistical bulletin Recorded Crimes in Scotland. Copies of the bulletins for 1997 to 2001 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 24795, 16613, 7079, 13119 and 20798).

      The available information on persons proceeded against where the charge is proved is given in the following table. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, and a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Charges recorded by the police may also be altered as a result of the judicial process.

      Persons with a Charge Proved for Vandalism etc1, by Sheriffdom and Police Force Area, 1997-2000

      Sheriffdom/Police Force Area

      Total Number with a Charge Proved

      Percentage of All Proceeded Against

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Sheriffdom

      Glasgow and Strathkelvin

      517

      483

      393

      342

      78

      81

      75

      71

      Grampian, Highland and Islands

      837

      813

      743

      629

      91

      92

      92

      92

      Lothian and Borders

      716

      591

      575

      539

      93

      92

      93

      92

      North Strathclyde

      620

      598

      523

      488

      80

      83

      81

      78

      South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway

      775

      715

      606

      685

      80

      		<","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167309,"EventID":"S1W-30823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in respect of what percentage of (a) reported incidences of and (b) total prosecutions for drug-related crime prosecutions were successful in each year since 1997, broken","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in respect of what percentage of (a) reported incidences of and (b) total prosecutions for drug-related crime prosecutions were successful in each year since 1997, broken down by (i) sheriffdom and (ii) police force area.","AnswerText":"The available information relates to the offences of the illegal importation, cultivation, supply or possession of drugs. Other offences may be drug-related, such as those committed to fund a drug habit, but these cannot be separately identified within the recorded crime and court proceedings statistics held centrally.

      Information on crimes recorded by the police is not available by sheriffdom. The requested information on crimes recorded by police force area is published in Table 4A of the statistical bulletin Recorded Crimes in Scotland. Copies of the bulletins for 1997 to 2001 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 24795, 16613, 7079, 13119 and 20798).

      The available information on persons proceeded against where the charge is proved is given in the following table. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, and a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Charges recorded by the police may also be altered as a result of the judicial process.

      Persons with a Charge Proved for Drug Offences1, by Sheriffdom and Police Force Area, 1997-2000

      Sheriffdom/Police Force Area

      Total Number with a Charge Proved

      Percentage of All Proceeded Against

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Sheriffdom

      Glasgow and Strathkelvin

      1,318

      1,437

      1,347

      1,048

      77

      80

      77

      75

      Grampian, Highland and Islands

      1,215

      1,173

      909

      675

      92

      92

      92

      91

      Lothian and Borders

      935

      821

      763

      699

      96

      94

      92

      91

      North Strathclyde

      1,028

      1,174

      996

      813

      83

      85

      83

      82

      Information on crimes recorded by the police is not available by sheriffdom. The information on crimes recorded by police force area is published in Table 4A of the statistical bulletin Recorded Crimes in Scotland. Copies of the bulletins for 1997 to 2001 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 24795, 16613, 7079, 13119 and 20798).

      The available information on persons proceeded against where the charge is proved is given in the following table. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, and a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Charges recorded by the police may also be altered as a result of the judicial process.

      Persons with a Charge Proved for Robbery1, by Sheriffdom and Police Force Area, 1997-2000

      Number of Crimes of Serious and Simple Assault Recorded by the Police, by Police Force Area, 1997-2001

      Sheriffdom/Police Force Area

      Total Number with a Charge Proved

      Percentage of All Proceeded Against

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Sheriffdom

      Glasgow and Strathkelvin

      144

      136

      141

      132

      70

      73

      80

      73

      Grampian, Highland and Islands

      31

      43

      24

      24

      100

      84

      83

      75

      Lothian and Borders

      98

      72

      76

      52

      78

      83

      87

      78

      North Strathclyde

      95

      86

      102

      75

      75

      74

      74

      67

      South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway

      50

      45

      Police Force Area

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Central

      2,437

      2,483

      2,609

      2,709

      3,000

      Dumfries and Galloway

      1,589

      1,469

      1,519

      1,273

      1,172

      Fife

      3,214

      3,289

      3,351

      3,600

      3,693

      Grampian

      5,610

      5,871

      6,106

      6,146

      6,257

      Lothian and Borders

      11,738

      11,521

      12,490

      13,702

      12,488

      Northern

      2,263

      2,478

      2,341

      2,240

      2,509

      Strathclyde

      25,296

      25,881

      27,695

      27,187

      28,234

      Tayside

      3,237

      3,802

      4,201

      4,126

      3,990

      Scotland

      55,384

      56,794

      60,312

      60,983

      61,343

      The available information on persons proceeded against where the charge is proved is given in the following table. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, and a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Ch","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167312,"EventID":"S1W-30826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in respect of what percentage of (a) reported incidences of and (b) total prosecutions for burglary prosecutions were successful in each year since 1997, broken down by (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in respect of what percentage of (a) reported incidences of and (b) total prosecutions for burglary prosecutions were successful in each year since 1997, broken down by (i) sheriffdom and (ii) police force area.","AnswerText":"Information on crimes recorded by the police is not available by sheriffdom. The requested information on crimes recorded by police force area is published in Table 4A of the statistical bulletin Recorded Crimes in Scotland. Copies of the bulletins for 1997 to 2001 are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 24795, 16613, 7079, 13119 and 20798).

      The available information on persons proceeded against where the charge is proved is given in the following table. The statistics dealing with recorded crime and court proceedings are not directly comparable as a person may be proceeded against for more than one crime involving more than one victim, and a crime may be recorded in one year and proceedings taken in a subsequent year. Charges recorded by the police may also be altered as a result of the judicial process.

      Persons with a Charge Proved Housebreaking1, by Sheriffdom and Police Force Area, 1997-2000

      Sheriffdom/Police Force Area

      Total Number with a Charge Proved

      Percentage of All Proceeded Against

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Sheriffdom

      Glasgow and Strathkelvin

      549

      491

      554

      363

      77

      76

      81

      78

      Grampian, Highland and Islands

      621

      575

      573

      500

      88

      86

      88

      89

      Lothian and Borders

      485

      366

      331

      387

      89

      88

      90

      88

      North Strathclyde

      456

      512

      532

      471

      78

      79

      79

      80

      South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway

      380

      400

      372

      366

      72

      76","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167313,"EventID":"S1W-30827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when, in the consultation process for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill prior to the bill's publication, the acquisition of adjacent salmon fishings was proposed to be subj","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when, in the consultation process for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill prior to the bill's publication, the acquisition of adjacent salmon fishings was proposed to be subject to the crofting community right to buy.","AnswerText":"The first occasion when responses to a consultation proposed that crofters should have a right to buy salmon fishings was in responses to the paper on the crofting community right to buy circulated to members of the Crofting Consultative Panel. Four of those responses suggested this.

      The bill does not provide for the purchase of adjacent salmon fishings but only for the purchase of salmon fishings that are exercisable from and on croft land.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167314,"EventID":"S1W-30828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when salmon fishing owners were consulted about the proposed inclusion of salmon fishings in the crofting community right to buy contained in Part 3 of the Land Reform (S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when salmon fishing owners were consulted about the proposed inclusion of salmon fishings in the crofting community right to buy contained in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The proposals in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill were the outcome of extensive public consultation, dating back to 1997, to which salmon fishing owners were free to respond. The Scottish Landowners Federation (SLF) has responded at every stage of consultation and made representations to ministers on several occasions about the land reform proposals. It is our understanding that the SLF represents the interests of many people who own salmon fishings.

      The Scottish Executive undertook a full public consultation on the draft bill which contained these proposals. Salmon fishing interests including owners responded to that consultation and commented on the proposals. In addition, parliamentary committees took evidence from a group representing the interests of owners of salmon fishings and from the SLF during stage 1 consideration of the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167315,"EventID":"S1W-30829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why salmon fishings are the only non-croft land to be included in the crofting community right to buy contained in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why salmon fishings are the only non-croft land to be included in the crofting community right to buy contained in Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"Salmon fishings are not the only non-croft land to be included in the crofting community right to buy. The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill provides for the acquisition by the crofting community body of additional land that is not croft land. Salmon fishings and minerals are separate tenements of land and as a consequence may be held on a separate title from the land itself. Both of these can be acquired by the crofting community body through the crofting community right to buy along with or separately from the croft land.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167316,"EventID":"S1W-30830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will lodge an amendment to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill that would enable crofting communities to buy salmon fishings on croft land and not on adjacent land","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will lodge an amendment to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill that would enable crofting communities to buy salmon fishings on croft land and not on adjacent land and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"Since the provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill would not enable crofting communities to buy salmon fishings that cannot be exploited from croft land there is no need to amend the bill in the manner suggested.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167317,"EventID":"S1W-30831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why salmon fishings were defined as \"eligible croft land\" in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill as introduced after being defined as \"eligible additional land\" in the draft ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why salmon fishings were defined as \"eligible croft land\" in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill as introduced after being defined as \"eligible additional land\" in the draft bill.","AnswerText":"The handling of the crofting community right to buy salmon fishings in the draft bill text would not have delivered the intended policy outcome. The policy intention is that crofting community bodies should be able to apply for the right to buy salmon fishings located on or directly exercisable from the croft land which they were acquiring or had acquired through the exercise of the crofting community right to buy. It was not intended that crofting communities should be able to acquire, through the right to buy, salmon fishings on or exercisable from additional land that they might acquire or that their acquisition of salmon fishings should be subject to the additional tests found in section 74 of the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167318,"EventID":"S1W-30832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there will be no public hearings on the exercise of the crofting community right to buy contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, given practices under standard c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there will be no public hearings on the exercise of the crofting community right to buy contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, given practices under standard compulsory purchase legislation.","AnswerText":"This legislation does not seek to emulate compulsory purchase legislation in every respect. Section 70 provides that ministers must publicise applications and seek views from those identified as interested parties in order to consider all relevant factors before coming to a decision. However, where there are matters relating to an application that are disputed, section 78 provides that these issues will be resolved by the land court. The proceedings of the land court are normally conducted in public.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167319,"EventID":"S1W-30833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no test of necessity forms part of the crofting community right to buy contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, given practices under standard compulsory purchas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no test of necessity forms part of the crofting community right to buy contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, given practices under standard compulsory purchase legislation.","AnswerText":"The powers of compulsory acquisition in the bill do not seek to emulate compulsory purchase legislation in every respect. It is the policy of the Scottish Executive that crofting communities should have the opportunity to buy their croft land if the acquisition of the land would be compatible with sustainable development and in the public interest. A test of necessity would not be compatible with the achievement of that objective.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167320,"EventID":"S1W-30834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the estimate of one application per year to exercise the crofting community right to buy contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, as referred to in p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the estimate of one application per year to exercise the crofting community right to buy contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, as referred to in paragraph 324 of the Explanatory Notes to the bill, how many such applications it estimates will contain a salmon fishing on adjacent land as one of the subjects of the application.","AnswerText":"The provisions of the bill do not provide for the acquisition of salmon fishings located on land that is not eligible croft land nor do they allow areas of land in different ownerships to be covered by a single application. If, as we expect, crofting community bodies are properly informed as to what they will have a right to buy there will be no such applications.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167321,"EventID":"S1W-30835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to decisions in respect of applications under section 70 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, whether Scottish ministers are an independent and impartial trib","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to decisions in respect of applications under section 70 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, whether Scottish ministers are an independent and impartial tribunal for the purposes of article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"No. However, decisions by ministers to consent to or to reject a crofting community right to buy application can be appealed in terms of section 88 of the bill to the sheriff court which is an independent and impartial tribunal for the purposes of article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. An aggrieved party would also have a right to resort to the courts using the remedy of judicial review.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167322,"EventID":"S1W-30836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends section 71(2) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to qualify the meaning of \"the public interest\" contained in article 1 of Protocol 1 to the European C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends section 71(2) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to qualify the meaning of \"the public interest\" contained in article 1 of Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"The purpose of section 71(2) of the bill is not to qualify the meaning of "the public interest" as used in article 1 of Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights, but to elucidate its meaning as used in the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167323,"EventID":"S1W-30837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28090 by Ross Finnie on 26 August 2002, whether, in the light of that answer, the Minister for Environment and Rural Development wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28090 by Ross Finnie on 26 August 2002, whether, in the light of that answer, the Minister for Environment and Rural Development will withdraw his statement that the essential requirement of compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights is compensation (Official Report, Justice 2 Committee, 30 January 2002; c 995-6).","AnswerText":"No. What I said to the committee has to be considered in the context in which it was said. The discussion was about compensation and adequacy of compensation is the essential requirement in that context. I did not say that provision of adequate compensation is the only requirement that has to be met in order to achieve compliance with the Convention. It is clear from the committee report that the committee understood that the exercise of the crofting community right to buy must also be in the public interest in order to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167324,"EventID":"S1W-30838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances a crofting community body will be able to dispose of land that it has acquired under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances a crofting community body will be able to dispose of land that it has acquired under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill contains no provisions that specify circumstances in which a crofting community body may or may not dispose of land acquired through the exercise of the right to buy. Any restrictions on disposal of land will be governed, where required, by the terms and conditions of the grant or loan documentation of the crofting community body's funders, and by the crofting community body's own Memorandum and Articles of Association.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167325,"EventID":"S1W-30839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any monies to East Ayrshire Council for the purpose of subsidising the wage costs of new staff members at HM Prison Kilmarnock and, if so, how much. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any monies to East Ayrshire Council for the purpose of subsidising the wage costs of new staff members at HM Prison Kilmarnock and, if so, how much. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No such monies have been given by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167326,"EventID":"S1W-30840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been involved in any discussions in which it was decided that East Ayrshire Council should subsidise the wage costs of new employees at HM Prison Kilmarnoc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been involved in any discussions in which it was decided that East Ayrshire Council should subsidise the wage costs of new employees at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I am not aware of any such discussions.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167327,"EventID":"S1W-30841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much East Ayrshire Council has spent subsidising the wage costs of new staff at HM Prison Kilmarnock in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much East Ayrshire Council has spent subsidising the wage costs of new staff at HM Prison Kilmarnock in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Whist this is properly a matter to be raised with the local authority concerned I have made some enquires and can confirm that we are not aware of any wage subsidies being provided by East Ayrshire Council to new staff at HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167328,"EventID":"S1W-30842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new staff members at HM Prison Kilmarnock have had their wage costs subsidised by East Ayrshire Council in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new staff members at HM Prison Kilmarnock have had their wage costs subsidised by East Ayrshire Council in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I am aware of no such subsidies.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167329,"EventID":"S1W-30843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many criminal justice social workers there (a) currently are and (b) have been in each of the last five years and what their average annual wage is. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many criminal justice social workers there (a) currently are and (b) have been in each of the last five years and what their average annual wage is. ","AnswerText":"Figures for the number of criminal justice social workers and senior social workers are available for the last three years. The figures are as follows:

      1999

      627

      2000

      624

      2001

      612

      Information on the number of all criminal justice social work staff from 1996-2001 is available in the statistical bulletin Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2001 (available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00197-00.asp). A breakdown between social workers and other staff is not available prior to 1999.

      Information on salaries is not collected centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167330,"EventID":"S1W-30844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27534 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, whether the original Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27534 by Lewis Macdonald on 8 August 2002, whether the original Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh Trunk Road (A87) Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992 specified the maximum tolls chargeable for vehicles using the crossing.","AnswerText":"The Invergarry-Kyle of Lochalsh A87 Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Toll Order 1992 contained, in Schedule 1, a table of base tolls, and specified how those base tolls would be used to calculate the maximum tolls chargeable during each calendar year. The provisions of the 1992 order were updated by the 1997 and 1999 variation orders.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167331,"EventID":"S1W-30845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it does not specify that a percentage of grants awarded under the Community Safety Partnership Award Programme must be spent on counteracting racist and homophobic cr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it does not specify that a percentage of grants awarded under the Community Safety Partnership Award Programme must be spent on counteracting racist and homophobic crime and gender-based abuse given that it does specify that 18% of the grants awarded under the programme must be spent on drug-related issues. ","AnswerText":"It is for local Community Safety Partnerships to determine the local community safety priorities, normally following a community safety audit and consultation with the community.

      Budget consequentials for anti-drug activities funded £750,000 (18%) of the total annual £4 million Community Safety Partnership Award Programme, which is why this proportion of the overall spend must address drug-related issues.

      Partnerships can use the remaining 82% of their allocation to fund other crime prevention and community safety priorities as specified in their community safety strategies and action plans. We do not prescribe what those priorities, which have been identified through a local audit process, should be.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167332,"EventID":"S1W-30846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual cost will be of the fluoridation of the public water supply should the proposals contained in the consultation document Towards Better Oral Heal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated annual cost will be of the fluoridation of the public water supply should the proposals contained in the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children be adopted.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30478 on 28 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167333,"EventID":"S1W-30847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated capital cost will be of the plant that would be needed if the proposals to introduce the fluoridation of the public water supply contained in the consu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated capital cost will be of the plant that would be needed if the proposals to introduce the fluoridation of the public water supply contained in the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children are adopted and how long will be needed for the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of the plant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30478 on 28 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167334,"EventID":"S1W-30848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if the fluoridation proposals for public water supply schemes outlined in the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children are adopted, any publ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, if the fluoridation proposals for public water supply schemes outlined in the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children are adopted, any public water supply schemes would be excluded from the proposals for technical reasons and, if so, which schemes would be so excluded.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30478 on 28 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167335,"EventID":"S1W-30849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body would be legally liable for any damage to the health of members of the public which may be caused by fluoridation of the public water supply, both in the case ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which body would be legally liable for any damage to the health of members of the public which may be caused by fluoridation of the public water supply, both in the case of accidental overdosing of the supply and as a result of any long-term effects of the specified dose.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30478 on 28 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167336,"EventID":"S1W-30850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any clinical trials have taken place on the effects of fluorine compounds dispensed to the general public through public water supplies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any clinical trials have taken place on the effects of fluorine compounds dispensed to the general public through public water supplies.","AnswerText":"The York Review (http://www0.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/summary.pdf) considered all relevant and robust research on fluoridation and concluded that water fluoridation reduces levels of decay and that, apart from an increase in dental fluorosis (mottling), there are no associated adverse effects on health.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167337,"EventID":"S1W-30851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fluoride is a medicinal product and, if so, whether it has a product licence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fluoride is a medicinal product and, if so, whether it has a product licence.","AnswerText":"Fluoride is a chemical with many different uses. Because of this, products containing fluoride are controlled under many different regulatory schemes according to the purpose of the product. As an example of this fluoride can be found in products used by human beings as medicinal products, food supplements and cosmetic products. According to records held by the Medicines Control Agency there are 51 licensed medicines containing fluoride as an active substance and a further two which contain fluoride as an excipient.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167338,"EventID":"S1W-30852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have located in the Clydesdale constituency in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many businesses have located in the Clydesdale constituency in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02.","AnswerText":"Using data from Scottish extracts of the Office of National Statistics Inter Departmental Business Register, there were:

      (a) two hundred and eighty-five enterprises which located into Clydesdale constituency between November 1999 and November 2000;

      (b) three hundred and thirty enterprises which located into Clydesdale constituency between November 2000 and November 2001, and

      (c) Data is not yet available for 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167339,"EventID":"S1W-30853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to increase housing ownership opportunities for young local families in (a) rural and (b) urban areas in the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to increase housing ownership opportunities for young local families in (a) rural and (b) urban areas in the last three years.","AnswerText":"Home ownership has increased substantially in recent years, from 1,132,000 dwellings (52.4% of stock) in 1991 to 1,506,000 dwellings (64.2% of stock) in 2001. This creates more opportunities for new households and those moving into home ownership for the first time. They also currently benefit from historically low interest rates.

      The Executive's policy is to support Scottish households who aspire to home ownership whenever the financial circumstances of the household make this a sensible option. Our two main policies in this connection are the right to buy for those in the social rented sector and grant funding for low cost home ownership through Communities Scotland.

      In the three financial years to March 2002, a total of 40,934 houses were sold to sitting tenants by local authorities and Scottish Homes, and a further 2,134 by housing associations. Although sales of individual houses are not classified into rural and urban, 25% of local authority sales were in those 14 authorities with the most substantial rural areas, which held 23.5% of the local authority housing stock in 2001.

      Communities Scotland and its predecessor, Scottish Homes, approved grant linked to low cost home ownership schemes for 2,906 households in urban areas and 770 in rural areas in the last three financial years to end March 2002. Expenditure in those three years for these purposes was £67.9 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167340,"EventID":"S1W-30854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to increase access to social housing for local people in (a) rural and (b) urban areas in the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to increase access to social housing for local people in (a) rural and (b) urban areas in the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Communities Scotland's housing investment programme has increased access to social housing for local people in urban and rural areas by providing new or improved housing, to meet the needs of those on low incomes seeking to rent social housing and through providing housing to replace or improve non-effective or poor quality housing thus improving the quality of life of the residents.

      As a result, Communities Scotland expenditure on social rented housing in Urban and Rural Areas (1999-2000 to 2001-02) has been as follows:

      Communities Scotland - Expenditure on Social Rented Housing in Urban and Rural Areas (2000-01 to 2002-03)

      Year

      Urban Areas (£ million)

      Rural Areas (£ million)

      1999-2000

      129.0

      34.6

      2000-01

      138.3

      38.3

      2001-02

      141.6

      48.6

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167341,"EventID":"S1W-30855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to assess the impact of technical conservation measures on fish stocks and whether the results of any such assessment have been taken into acco","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to assess the impact of technical conservation measures on fish stocks and whether the results of any such assessment have been taken into account when negotiating fisheries management options in Europe.","AnswerText":"Much of the work contained in the recently published Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department/Industry/Science Partnership Report was designed to assess the impact of the technical measures agreed upon under the cod recovery plan; other assessments have been conducted by the Fisheries Research Services Marine Laboratory. The Advisory Committee for Fisheries Management projections already take account of some of the measures.

      The Scottish Executive has stated clearly that the impact of the technical measures adopted by Scottish fishermen must be properly taken into account when decisions are made regarding future fishing arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167342,"EventID":"S1W-30856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual recurrent grant was for St Mary's Episcopal Primary School, Dunblane, in (a) 2000-01, (b) 2001-02 and (c) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual recurrent grant was for St Mary's Episcopal Primary School, Dunblane, in (a) 2000-01, (b) 2001-02 and (c) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The Annual Recurrent Grant for these years is as follows:

      2000-01

      £154,029

      2001-02

      £168,507

      2002-03

      £191,006P

      PProvisional figure.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167343,"EventID":"S1W-30857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether armed forces personnel expected to stand in during the Fire Brigades Union strike will have access to the existing fire service engines in Stirling, Clackmannans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether armed forces personnel expected to stand in during the Fire Brigades Union strike will have access to the existing fire service engines in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife.","AnswerText":"Arrangements have been made to enhance the capability of MoD contingency plans by making available a number of red engines ("red goddesses") from the Scottish Fire Service Training School to add to the 110 green goddesses in Scotland. We have also been in touch with Fire Authorities in Scotland to ask for their assistance in making further "red goddesses" available. As a result of these actions, a total of 27 red engines have been provided for deployment by MoD.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167344,"EventID":"S1W-30858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision to exclude housing from its proposed system of local prudential indicators for capital expenditure for local authorities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision to exclude housing from its proposed system of local prudential indicators for capital expenditure for local authorities.","AnswerText":"In my Housing Policy Announcement to Parliament on 7 November, I stated my intention to include local authority housing capital finance within the new Prudential Regime.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167345,"EventID":"S1W-30859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each local authority area have applied for central heating through the EAGA Partnership (Scotland).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in each local authority area have applied for central heating through the EAGA Partnership (Scotland).","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 on 22 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167346,"EventID":"S1W-30860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is in each local authority area from application to installation of central heating through the EAGA Partnership (Scotland) for those who me","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is in each local authority area from application to installation of central heating through the EAGA Partnership (Scotland) for those who meet the priority criteria.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 on 22 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167347,"EventID":"S1W-30861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is in each local authority area from application to installation of central heating through the EAGA Partnership (Scotland) for those who do","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is in each local authority area from application to installation of central heating through the EAGA Partnership (Scotland) for those who do not meet the priority criteria.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 on 22 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167348,"EventID":"S1W-30862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contractors in each local authority area are involved in installation of central heating through the EAGA Partnership (Scotland).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many contractors in each local authority area are involved in installation of central heating through the EAGA Partnership (Scotland).","AnswerText":"The areas assigned to the companies that work for Eaga Partnership do not follow local authority boundaries.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167349,"EventID":"S1W-30863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Learn to Let Go website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Learn to Let Go website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections. ","AnswerText":"The number of hits on the site since its introduction is 395,908. However, given the opinion of the National Audit Office, in their report on Government websites, that hits is not a reliable way to measure activity, we monitor the site using figures relating to page impressions. Page impressions measure the number of actual pages a user views on the site.

      Since its introduction in June 2001, there have been 76,989 page impressions viewed on the Learn to Let Go website - monthly figures are as follows. We had no firm projections of how many page impressions the site would attract, as there were no precedents to benchmark against.

      Page Impressions

      June 2001

      2,455

      July 2001

      3,413

      August 2001

      3,122

      September 2001

      5,493

      October 2001

      2,438

      November 2001

      2,679

      December 2001

      4,355

      January 2002

      5,154

      February 2002

      4,324

      March 2002

      4,034

      April 2002

      4,451

      May 2002

      4,957

      June 2002

      7,201

      July 2002

      7,213

      August 2002

      7,311

      September 2002

      6,113

      October 2002

      4,476

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167350,"EventID":"S1W-30864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its National Debate on Education website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its National Debate on Education website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"The National Debate on Education website was launched on 20 March 2002. Since then, there have been approximately 21,000 hits to the homepages for the Discussion and Reflection stages of the Debate.

      Figures for the number of hits per month are displayed in the following table.

      The National Debate is a new approach to consultation and we had no comparable information on which to base a pre-launch projection of the number of hits.

      Period

      Number of Hits

      20-03-2002 to 29-04-2002

      4,246

      30-04-2002 to 27-05-2002

      3,860

      28-05-2002 to 24-06-2002

      3,865

      25-06-2002 to 29-07-2002

      1,472

      30-07-2002 to 26-08-2002

      445

      27-08-2002 to 30-09-2002

      692

      01-10-2002 to 28-10-2002

      6,626

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167351,"EventID":"S1W-30865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Do a Little, Change a lot website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Do a Little, Change a lot website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"The Do a Little, Change a Lot website: www.dochange.net, was redesigned and re-launched on 2 September to coincide with the new phase of the campaign. The site had 2,378 hits in its first month. No pre-launch projections were made. The previous version of the site had around 19,800 hits from September 2001 to August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167352,"EventID":"S1W-30866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its National Grid for Learning (Scotland) website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its National Grid for Learning (Scotland) website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"The National Grid for Learning web services received 3,018,233 hits during the period October 2000 to October 2002. Figures are not available for the initial period of 2000 when the site was under development. A detailed breakdown of hits since the initial set up of the NGfL is given in the following table.

      There were no pre-launch projections made in relation to the NGfL website, since its use was heavily dependent on related initiatives, such as the roll-out of the NGfL infrastructure and hardware and New Opportunities Fund training for teachers.

      Table showing total number of hits on the NGfL Scotland web services for the period October 2000 to October 2002:

      Period

      Successful Hits For Entire Site

      Average Hits Per Month

      11-10-00 to 31-12-00

      75,487

      25,162

      01-01-01 to 31-03-01

      115,110

      38,370

      01-04-01 to 30-06-01

      157,703

      52,567

      01-07-01 to 30-09-01

      197,091

      65,697

      01-10-01 to 31-12-01

      403,641

      134,547

      01-01-02 to 31-03-02

      531,284

      177,095

      01-04-02 to 30-06-02

      502,688

      167,652

      01-07-02 to 30-09-02

      883,349

      294,449

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167353,"EventID":"S1W-30867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Know the Score website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Know the Score website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"Up until 31 October 2002, there had been a total of 153,179 hits to the Know the Score website. On a month-by-month basis, this is broken down as follows:

      April

      11,073

      May

      14,579

      June

      17,548

      July

      19,874

      August

      24,925

      September

      30,389

      October

      34,791

      No pre-launch projections were made, but the performance of the website will form part of a wider evaluation of the Know the Score Drugs Communications Strategy, which will commence early next year. The website was established as part of the Communications Strategy in response to independent research, commissioned by the Executive, which showed that there was a desire from the public for access to factual information on drugs, and the risks associated with their use.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167354,"EventID":"S1W-30868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its M74 Completion website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its M74 Completion website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"The number of hits on the site since its introduction in May 2002 is 199,970. However, given the opinion of the National Audit Office, in their report on government web sites, that hits is not a reliable way to measure activity, we monitor the site using figures relating to page impressions. Page impressions measure the number of actual pages a user views on the site.

      Since its introduction and to the end of October 2002, there have been 122,615 page impressions viewed on the M74 Completion website - monthly figures are shown in the following table. We had no projections of how many page impressions the site would attract as there were no precedents to benchmark against.

      Page Impressions 2002

      May

      21,025

      June

      11,826

      July

      12,632

      August

      15,523

      September

      25,776

      October

      35,833

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167355,"EventID":"S1W-30869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Funding for Learners website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Funding for Learners website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"The Funding For Learners website was launched in March 2002 and, at the end of September 2002, had received 29,122 hits. This figure compares favourably with our pre-launch projections.

      The total number of hits by month is:

      March

      7,637

      April

      11,920

      May

      1,802

      June

      2,640

      July

      1,779

      August

      1,338

      September

      2,006

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167356,"EventID":"S1W-30870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Property Pages website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Property Pages website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"The website is managed by Scottish Property Network (SPN) who regularly analyse site activity using the proprietary WEBTRENDS software.

      The total and monthly number of hits on the Scottish Executive public sector property website are shown in the following table. However, as National Audit Office (NAO) guidelines recommend that the number of page impressions or number of user sessions may be a more reliable indication of website traffic, these figures are also provided.

      May

      June

      July

      Aug

      Sep

      Oct

      Total

      WebtrendsAnalysis

      Hits to Entire Site (successful)

      9,043

      12,618

      27,631

      45,152

      47,804

      36,099

      178,347

      Page Impressions

      4,060

      6,525

      13,683

      21,023

      20,652

      16,086

      82,029

      Visits (User Sessions)

      853

      1,706

      2,229

      4,196

      5,410

      4,146

      18,540

      There were no pre-launch projections of numbers of hits. The success criterion for the site is an assessment at the end of the three-year pilot period through consulting the major public sector participants on how useful a marketing tool it is to them.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167357,"EventID":"S1W-30871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Children's Hearings website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits its Children's Hearings website has had (a) in total and (b) each month and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department began receiving website statistics in February 2001. Since then the total number of recorded hits to the home page of the Children's Hearings website is 25,266 and to the entire site is 310,706.

      Statistics were not routinely collected on a monthly basis until November 2001. The following table gives details of monthly figures from then. No pre-launch projection of the number of hits was carried out prior to set-up of the site.

      Month

      Hits for Home Page

      Successful Hits for Entire Site

      November 2001

      851

      9,533

      December 2001

      640

      6,581

      January 2002

      955

      11,517

      February 2002

      876

      10,280

      March 2002

      2012

      24,001

      April 2002

      2963

      35,173

      May 2002

      4230

      49,063

      June 2002

      5201

      60,349

      July 2002

      1056

      12,169

      August 2002

      1720

      23,584

      September 2002

      2,209

      36,868

      Total

      22,713

      279,118

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167358,"EventID":"S1W-30872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the figures on vacancies in local authority social work services in Statistical Bulletin SWK/S/2002/24, what the figures are for vacancies and percentage vaca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the figures on vacancies in local authority social work services in Statistical Bulletin SWK/S/2002/24, what the figures are for vacancies and percentage vacancies specifically for social workers in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"This information is available in the recently published Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Social Work Services for Scotland at:

      www.scotland.gov.uk/socialwork/swsi/annualreports.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167359,"EventID":"S1W-30873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the figures on vacancies in local authority social work services in Statistical Bulletin SWK/S/2002/24, what the figures are for vacancies and percentage vaca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the figures on vacancies in local authority social work services in Statistical Bulletin SWK/S/2002/24, what the figures are for vacancies and percentage vacancies specifically for social workers working with children and families in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"This information is available in the recently published Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Social Work Services for Scotland at:

      www.scotland.gov.uk/socialwork/swsi/annualreports.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167360,"EventID":"S1W-30874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to any proposed policy of non-co-operation by GPs in relation to additional workloads arising from the Adults Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will respond to any proposed policy of non-co-operation by GPs in relation to additional workloads arising from the Adults Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in dialogue with the British Medical Association in relation to the current concerns of doctors about the implications of Part 5 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167361,"EventID":"S1W-30875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies, other than the research for the Foolsspeed campaign, it has commissioned from Strathclyde University's Centre for Social Marketing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies, other than the research for the Foolsspeed campaign, it has commissioned from Strathclyde University's Centre for Social Marketing.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has commissioned one completed study, other than the research for the Foolsspeed campaign, from the Centre for Social Marketing at Strathclyde University. This was to provide advice on dissemination to the Effective Interventions Unit in the Substance Misuse Division, Health Department. The contract was from January to May 2002 at a cost of £8,770.

      The Centre for Social Marketing are part of a joint team (with Glasgow University and the National Centre for Social Research) which was this month awarded a contract by the Scottish Executive (total cost £161,600) to evaluate the Lloyds TSB Partnership Drugs Initiative. The final research report is due to be completed in February 2005.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167362,"EventID":"S1W-30876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies, other than the evaluation of the Know the Score campaign, it has commissioned from Lambda Research and Consultancy Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies, other than the evaluation of the Know the Score campaign, it has commissioned from Lambda Research and Consultancy Ltd.","AnswerText":"In addition to the evaluation of the 2001 Know the Score activities, Lambda Research and Consultancy has undertaken studies covering:

      (a) business-related bankruptcies in Scotland;

      (b) policy making in civil justice;

      (c) dealing with sex offenders in Scotland;

      (d) social inclusion partnership and Pathfinder projects involving public access to the internet;

      (e) the experiences and aspirations of rural and retained firefighters, and

      (f) the creation of a rural community gateway website.

      The Crown Office has also commissioned Lambda Research and Consultancy to undertake an evaluation of the Pilot Victim Liaison Service in Grampian and Hamilton, and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary has commissioned the company to undertake a study into Family Liaison Officers.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167363,"EventID":"S1W-30877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of the study into the Foolsspeed campaign undertaken by Strathclyde University's Centre for Social Marketing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost is of the study into the Foolsspeed campaign undertaken by Strathclyde University's Centre for Social Marketing.","AnswerText":"The cost of the research study, Changing Speeding Behaviour in Scotland: An Evaluation of the 'Foolsspeed' Campaign, was £81,700.42.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167364,"EventID":"S1W-30878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the study into the Know the Score campaign undertaken by Lambda Research and Consultancy Ltd.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost was of the study into the Know the Score campaign undertaken by Lambda Research and Consultancy Ltd.","AnswerText":"The cost of the study was £29,000.

      For the avoidance of any doubt, this study covered the Know the Score elements of the 2001 Safer Scotland campaign, which did not include national advertising funded by the Executive. This study is, therefore, unrelated to the national Know the Score advertising which was launched in March 2002, as part of our Drugs Communications Strategy.

      The very positive conclusions reached in the Lambda study were very welcome. Recent media reports linking the Lambda study with the 2002 Know the Score advertising, and alleging critical conclusions, are inaccurate and misleading. These reports are already the subject of formal complaints from the Executive and from Lambda Research and Consultancy.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167365,"EventID":"S1W-30879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to allowing patients living in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen access to trials in experimental treatment and randomised control","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to allowing patients living in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen access to trials in experimental treatment and randomised controlled trials in the treatment of malignant brain tumours.","AnswerText":"An additional £1 million has been made available to support the planned Scottish Cancer Research Network (SCRN) which is expected to at least double patient entry into clinical trials. The network is expected to be fully established by April 2003.

      Participation in clinical trials is subject to patient eligibility against preset research criteria and patient choice.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167366,"EventID":"S1W-30880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the establishment of a Scottish neuro-oncology network that can allow and encourage patients to have access to national and internati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration is being given to the establishment of a Scottish neuro-oncology network that can allow and encourage patients to have access to national and international clinical trials in the treatment of malignant brain tumours and what is being done to facilitate such a development.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30879 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The Scottish Executive's strategy for all cancers is to ensure patients have access to the best care possible through tumour specific multidisciplinary managed clinical networks involving clinicians drawn from among relevant disciplines.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167367,"EventID":"S1W-30881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what local authorities will be charged for the use of Green Goddesses and military service personnel during the forthcoming fire service strike days.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what local authorities will be charged for the use of Green Goddesses and military service personnel during the forthcoming fire service strike days.","AnswerText":"Costs have already been occurred by police and the military in the preparation of plans against the possibility of fire service industrial action but until the police forces and the MoD submit detailed costs it is not possible to quantify the amounts involved.

      The UK Government and the Scottish Executive has agreed with fire authorities that the cost incurred in any dispute will be funded centrally, less the savings accruing from the non-payment of striking firefighters wages.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167368,"EventID":"S1W-30882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on developing a code of practice to respond to situations in the NHS such as the failure of the free'er tanks holding sperm samples at Western","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on developing a code of practice to respond to situations in the NHS such as the failure of the free'er tanks holding sperm samples at Western General Hospital in July 2001.","AnswerText":"The Code of Practice on Openness in the NHS in Scotland is being reviewed and the lessons of this incident are being considered as part of that review.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167369,"EventID":"S1W-30883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support has been offered to the people affected by the failure of the free'er tanks holding sperm samples at the Western General Hospital in July 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support has been offered to the people affected by the failure of the free'er tanks holding sperm samples at the Western General Hospital in July 2001.","AnswerText":"Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust established a telephone helpline, and those who asked for specialist appointments with fertility or genetic experts had these arranged quickly. Expert counselling from nurses specialising in oncology and in genetics was offered, and additional investigations were provided for those who requested them. All of this was undertaken quickly, and with the appropriate sensitivity.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167370,"EventID":"S1W-30884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the training provided to general practitioners and community psychiatrists regarding the diagnosis and treatment of anorexia nervosa.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to increase the training provided to general practitioners and community psychiatrists regarding the diagnosis and treatment of anorexia nervosa.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Health Department held an event in October, to discuss how to improve implementation of the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland. At this, proposals to provide better support and training for primary care teams in the diagnosis and treatment of all mental health problems, including eating disorders, were considered.

      As a result, it has been proposed that mental health becomes a pilot group for workforce development. This pilot will involve working with key stakeholders at local, regional and national levels to determine the gap between the skills required and the existing skills set in the mental health workforce which will include those working for partner agencies.

      At present, general practitioners are expected to look after their own personal learning needs to better provide the health needs of their patients and to seek training accordingly. Guidance and assistance is available to GPs from NHS Education for Scotland via the Postgraduate Directors of General Practice Education.

      Additional training for community psychiatrists in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems, including eating disorders is currently delivered through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes, which are organised and approved by the medical Royal Colleges. Guidance and assistance is available to hospital doctors from NHS Education for Scotland via the postgraduate deans and tutors.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167371,"EventID":"S1W-30885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether debts relating to water charges have the same status as council tax debts in the debt collection process and, if so, what the justification is for debts for water","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether debts relating to water charges have the same status as council tax debts in the debt collection process and, if so, what the justification is for debts for water charges taking priority over other debts such as those for electricity, gas or rent.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, debts, whether they are for water charges, rent, council tax or due to utilities are treated equally in the debt collection process.

      However, if the debtor is in receipt of certain benefits and the debts are being recovered by direct deductions, these are made in the order set out in Schedule 9 to the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987. In Scotland, council tax and water charges debts are collected together and are therefore on an equal footing. Debts in relation to electricity, gas or rent hold a higher priority in the 1987 regulations than those for water charges.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167372,"EventID":"S1W-30886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes it anticipates will start on the A75 between Dumfries and Stranraer from now to 2010; whether each scheme is confirmed or projected, and what the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes it anticipates will start on the A75 between Dumfries and Stranraer from now to 2010; whether each scheme is confirmed or projected, and what the planned or projected start date of each scheme is.","AnswerText":"The following improvements to the A75 are presently being prepared and their cost has been included in the Scottish Budget settlement for 2003-06. The settlement has ensured that subject to the satisfactory completion of statutory procedures, the schemes requiring funding during this period will be able to proceed to construction

      Cairntop to Barlae

      Construction start programmed for spring 2003.

      Newton Stewart (DAL) Differential Acceleration Lane

      Construction start programmed for autumn 2003

      Barfil to Bettyknowes

      Construction start programmed for autumn 2003

      Planting End to Drumflower

      Construction start programmed for spring 2004

      Dunragit Realignment

      Construction start programmed for autumn 2006

      Hardgrove to Kinmount

      Construction start programmed for autumn 2006

      Mouchel have assessed two additional schemes on the A75 route under phase 2 of the A75/A77 Port Approach Study the results of which are currently being analysed.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167373,"EventID":"S1W-30887","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will discuss with bus operators the introduction of a fund similar to the Kick Start scheme in New Zealand in order to give short-term help to specific increas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will discuss with bus operators the introduction of a fund similar to the Kick Start scheme in New Zealand in order to give short-term help to specific increased levels of bus services with incentives to bus operators to deliver increased use of such services.","AnswerText":"Kick Start is an innovative proposal which is receiving consideration by the Executive in the context of the UK Department for Transport's current bus subsidy review.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167374,"EventID":"S1W-30888","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many male, long-term sex offenders were in custody on average in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many male, long-term sex offenders were in custody on average in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The available information is given in the following table:

      Male Prisoners in Custody on 30 June with a Sentence of Four Years and Over Whose Main Crime was a Crime of Indecency

      As at

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Number of prisoners

      250

      275

      303

      309

      301

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167375,"EventID":"S1W-30889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29804 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 7 October 2002, what timescale has been set for considering the inclusion of support tights in the Sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29804 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 7 October 2002, what timescale has been set for considering the inclusion of support tights in the Scottish Drug Tariff.","AnswerText":"Consideration will be given to whether an application for inclusion of support tights on the Scottish Drug Tariff is appropriate as soon as officials have gathered the relevant information. It is not possible to give a definitive timescale.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167376,"EventID":"S1W-30890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many scientists are employed by the Fisheries Research Service and, of these posts, how many are dedicated to working on white fish stock assessments and related issu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many scientists are employed by the Fisheries Research Service and, of these posts, how many are dedicated to working on white fish stock assessments and related issues.","AnswerText":"During 2001-02 Fisheries Research Services (FRS) employed the equivalent of 230 full-time scientists. It is currently estimated that the work of some 35 FRS scientists is dedicated to white fish stock assessments and related issues. The work of this group represents the Scottish contribution to the wider UK and international effort focussed on white fish issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167377,"EventID":"S1W-30891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the excess winter mortality figures have been in each year since 1997 to date, broken down by (a) region, (b) age and (c) gender.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the excess winter mortality figures have been in each year since 1997 to date, broken down by (a) region, (b) age and (c) gender.","AnswerText":"There is no universally accepted definition of excess winter mortality. A number of options were discussed in an Occasional Paper published earlier this year by the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS). The paper, which was entitled The Raised Incidence of Winter Deaths, may be found on the GROS website:

      http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/grosweb/grosweb.nsf/pages/occ7.

      In their routine data for England and Wales, the Office for National Statistics defines excess winter deaths as being the difference between the number of deaths occurring during the four months December to March and the average number of deaths during the preceding four months (August to November) and the following four months (April to July). The following table provides information for Scotland based on this definition.

      Excess Winter Deaths in Scotland: 1997-98 to 2001-02

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-022

      Scotland

      2,610

      4,750

      5,190

      2,220

      1,840

      (a) by health board area

      Argyll and Clyde

      340

      290

      400

      100

      180

      Ayrshire and Arran

      130

      380

      380

      90

      100

      Borders

      10

      130

      120

      50

      40

      Dumfries and Galloway

      30

      160

      130

      70

      50

      Fife

      120

      330

      310

      280

      200

      Forth Valley

      160

      220

      260

      150

      30

      Grampian

      250

      520

      490

      190

      170

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167378,"EventID":"S1W-30892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dog kennels have been registered to permit exports of animals overseas under EU Directive 1992/65 EEC.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dog kennels have been registered to permit exports of animals overseas under EU Directive 1992/65 EEC.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167379,"EventID":"S1W-30893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which five years from 1992-93 to 2001-02 spending on new and improved social housing was highest and what the average spending level on new and improved housing was f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which five years from 1992-93 to 2001-02 spending on new and improved social housing was highest and what the average spending level on new and improved housing was for these years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Spending on new and improved social housing was highest in the following five years - 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96 and 2001-02 with the average spending level being £239 million and the highest annual level of spending being £253 million in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167380,"EventID":"S1W-30894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which five years from 1992-93 to 2001-02 spending on new and improved social housing was lowest.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in which five years from 1992-93 to 2001-02 spending on new and improved social housing was lowest.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Spending on new and improved social housing was lowest in the following five years - 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167381,"EventID":"S1W-30895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what events the (a) First Minister and (b) Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning have attended in support of the Friends of Scotland initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what events the (a) First Minister and (b) Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning have attended in support of the Friends of Scotland initiative.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive ministers are supportive of the Friends of Scotland initiative and attend events when possible.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167382,"EventID":"S1W-30896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff provide support to Friends of Scotland initiative activities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of its staff provide support to Friends of Scotland initiative activities.","AnswerText":"One Scottish Executive member of staff provides limited support to the Friends of Scotland initiative as a local liaison officer in the British Embassy in Washington DC.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167383,"EventID":"S1W-30897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it has spent to date on promoting the Friends of Scotland initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it has spent to date on promoting the Friends of Scotland initiative.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167384,"EventID":"S1W-30898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it has spent to date on activities relating to the Friends of Scotland initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it has spent to date on activities relating to the Friends of Scotland initiative.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167385,"EventID":"S1W-30899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with The Scotland Office regarding the provision of financial support for the Friends of Scotland initiative.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with The Scotland Office regarding the provision of financial support for the Friends of Scotland initiative.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167386,"EventID":"S1W-30900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Development Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Development Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerText":"The Development Department issued three publications containing references to the Citizens Advice Bureau service during this period. In future the Executive will make Citizens Advice Scotland aware of any such future references prior to publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167387,"EventID":"S1W-30901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Education Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for adv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Education Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerText":"We have been unable to identify any publications produced by the Education Department from May 1999 to June 2002 which referred people to the Citizens Advice Bureau service. The Executive will make Citizens Advice Scotland aware of any such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167388,"EventID":"S1W-30902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerText":"No publications produced by the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department from May 1999 to June 2002 referred people to the Citizens Advice Bureau service. The Executive will make Citizens Advice Scotland aware of any such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167389,"EventID":"S1W-30903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Health Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Health Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerText":"No publications produced by the Health Department from May 1999 to June 2002 referred people to the Citizens Advice Bureau service. The Executive will make Citizens Advice Scotland aware of any such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167390,"EventID":"S1W-30904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Justice Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Justice Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerText":"The Justice Department have issued two publications which contain a reference to the Citizens Advice Bureau. In future the Executive will make Citizens Advice Scotland aware of any such future references prior to publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167391,"EventID":"S1W-30905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Finance and Central Services Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage, of its publications produced by the Finance and Central Services Department from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'ens Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, you may wish to be aware that, as part of new procedures which are shortly to be put in place within the Executive, departments will be required to obtain prior written permission from any organisation to which readers of a publications are directed for further advice and to send them an advance copy of the publication for information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167392,"EventID":"S1W-30906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28419 by Mr Andy Kerr on 11 September 2002, whether it will publish evidence and/or statistics on the effectiveness of the Learn to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28419 by Mr Andy Kerr on 11 September 2002, whether it will publish evidence and/or statistics on the effectiveness of the Learn to Let Go advertising campaign and whether it will place a copy of the evidence and/or statistics in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Research on the effectiveness of the Learn to Let Go campaign has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25242).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167393,"EventID":"S1W-30907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were convicted of speeding in each of the last four years, broken down by speed limit exceeded and showing the average fine incurred by people exceeding e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people were convicted of speeding in each of the last four years, broken down by speed limit exceeded and showing the average fine incurred by people exceeding each speed limit.","AnswerText":"The available information is published at tables 8 and 9 in the statistical bulletin Motor Vehicle Offences in Scotland for the years 1997-2000 (Bib. numbers 19450, 4848, 10421 and 17819 in the Parliament's Reference Centre). The available statistics relate to the offence categories of "speeding in restricted areas", where the speed limit involved is generally 30 mph, and "other speeding offences".","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167394,"EventID":"S1W-30908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27072 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, whether it has now completed its review of the costs of care for those in residential ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27072 by Malcolm Chisholm on 10 July 2002, whether it has now completed its review of the costs of care for those in residential accommodation and, if so, when it will be published.","AnswerText":"We are, in partnership with local authorities, negotiating with the care home sector on the level of fees to be paid to homes from 1 April 2003. An increase in real terms will be applied to the revenue element of existing care home costs to take account of various pressures, including water rates.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167395,"EventID":"S1W-30909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the results of the review of the costs of care for those in residential accommodation incorporate water charges and, if so, what the basis is of the calculation o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the results of the review of the costs of care for those in residential accommodation incorporate water charges and, if so, what the basis is of the calculation of those water charges.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-27072 on 10 July 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167396,"EventID":"S1W-30910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when timescales for completing the staged assessments and planning process referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when timescales for completing the staged assessments and planning process referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? will be produced and whether the timescales will be issued for consultation purposes.","AnswerText":"Consultation on the review of the assessment and recording process began in May 2001. The Scottish Executive has been developing further, with input from service users and providers, the proposals for change that were published in February 2002.

      In conjunction with the Special Educational Needs Forum, a forum of professionals, officials and parents, the Executive intends to publish early in 2003, a strategy for meeting the needs of children who require additional support for learning. A draft bill will also be published early next year and further consultation will take place on the proposed provisions in the draft bill.

      These documents will set out the further detail on the proposals for the new framework. New guidance will also be produced over the course of the next year to support implementation of the framework. The approach of consulting with and involving those affected by the system will continue throughout the development and implementation of the new framework for pupils who have additional support needs for learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167397,"EventID":"S1W-30911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consultation on timescales for completing the staged assessments and planning process referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consultation on timescales for completing the staged assessments and planning process referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? will include whether such timescales should be guidelines or legal requirements.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167398,"EventID":"S1W-30913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any input into the assessment of performance of Senior Civil Servants and, if so, how this is achieved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any input into the assessment of performance of Senior Civil Servants and, if so, how this is achieved.","AnswerText":"Apart from the Permanent Secretary, the assessment of performance for Senior Civil Servants, like all other staff in the Scottish Executive is carried out by their line managers. There is no formal role for ministers in this process. The First Minister does, however, have the opportunity to comment on the Permanent Secretary's performance as an input to the pay and performance management process of salary determination.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167399,"EventID":"S1W-30915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in its policy on the location and relocation of public sector jobs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in its policy on the location and relocation of public sector jobs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made good progress in locating public sector jobs around Scotland. The Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department is now wholly located in Glasgow, The Food Standards Agency has been set up in Aberdeen, The Public Guardians office in Falkirk, The Scottish Public Pensions Agency in Galashiels, The Commission for the Regulation of Care in Dundee and the headquarters of Scottish Water in Dunfermline.

      We will be revising guidance to organisations carrying out reviews to clarify the Executive's intentions on the relocation policy particularly in relation to social and economic issues such as unemployment.

      The Executive recognises that particularly in remote areas, even small numbers of additional jobs can make a significant difference to social and economic conditions. The Executive, will therefore, commission an additional series of relocation reviews covering all organisations covered by the policy requiring them to identify small units of work which are location independent and might be successfully carried out at remote locations. We will where necessary make funding available over the next three financial years to offset some of the start-up costs. Access to funding will be open to the wider public sector and not just those public bodies covered by the established relocation policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167400,"EventID":"S1W-30916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for including an historical monument or site in the list of scheduled monuments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for including an historical monument or site in the list of scheduled monuments.","AnswerText":"Under section 1(3) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, Scottish ministers may compile a schedule of ancient monuments and include in it any monument that appears to them to be of national importance.

      A monument is considered by Scottish ministers to be of national importance if, in the view of informed opinion, it contributes or appears likely to contribute significantly to the understanding of the past. Such significance may be assessed from individual or group qualities, and may include structural or decorative features, or value as an archaeological resource.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167401,"EventID":"S1W-30917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many historical monuments or sites were (a) included in and (b) removed from the list of scheduled monuments in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many historical monuments or sites were (a) included in and (b) removed from the list of scheduled monuments in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The number of historic monuments or sites included in (scheduled or rescheduled) and removed from the schedule of ancient monuments (descheduled) in each of the last five years was as follows:

      Year Rescheduled

      Monuments/Sites

      Monuments/Sites Scheduled or Descheduled

      1997-98

      366

      15

      1998-99

      346

      39

      1999-2000

      364

      22

      2000-01

      308

      17

      2001-02

      185

      15

      The lower number of monuments scheduled, rescheduled or descheduled in 2001-02 was due to the negative impact of foot-and-mouth disease on access to the countryside for fieldwork.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167402,"EventID":"S1W-30918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether annual targets are set for (a) Historic Scotland, (b) the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland and (c) the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monument","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether annual targets are set for (a) Historic Scotland, (b) the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland and (c) the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland in regard to listing historical monuments and sites and, if so, (i) what the targets were for each body in each of the last five years and (ii) whether the targets were met.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers set a number of key performance targets for Historic Scotland to meet annually, including a target on the number of monuments to be scheduled.

      Historic Scotland's targets for scheduling (which includes reschedulings and deschedulings as well as new schedulings) in each of the last five years were as follows.

      Year

      Target

      1997-98

      380

      1998-99

      385

      1999-2000

      385

      2000-01

      325

      2001-02

      200

      These targets were either met or exceeded in each year.

      As an agency of the Scottish Executive, Historic Scotland discharges Scottish ministers' statutory responsibilities for scheduling. No targets for scheduling historical monuments and sites are set for the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland, which is an advisory non-departmental public body, or the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167403,"EventID":"S1W-30919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate sleep deprivation amongst staff of the Scottish Ambulance Service who are on call.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate sleep deprivation amongst staff of the Scottish Ambulance Service who are on call.","AnswerText":"The hours worked by staff, including while on call, is the subject of continuous monitoring by the Scottish Ambulance Service. This is essential to the welfare of staff and to providing safe and effective patient care.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167404,"EventID":"S1W-30920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current budget and staffing levels are for the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current budget and staffing levels are for the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (formerly called the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland) will come into existence, subject to parliamentary approval, on 1 January 2003.

      NHS Quality Improvement Scotland will be created through the merger of five organisations: the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland, the Health Technology Board for Scotland, the Scottish Health Advisory Service, the Nursing and Midwifery Practice Development Unit, and the Clinical Audit and Resource Group. The combined budget of these organisations in 2002-03 is £9.7 million and they employ around 105 staff.

      NHS Quality Improvement Scotland's budget for 2003-04 and 2004-05 is still to be determined. The board will assess any need for additional funding to undertake new tasks it has been asked to deliver.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167405,"EventID":"S1W-30921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget for the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will be in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget for the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will be in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30920 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167406,"EventID":"S1W-30922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Quality and Standards Board For Health in Scotland will set both generic standards for mental health services and specific standards recognising the differen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Quality and Standards Board For Health in Scotland will set both generic standards for mental health services and specific standards recognising the differences in diagnostic groups.","AnswerText":"In advance of the establishment of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland and the Scottish Health Advisory Service have convened a working group to produce a set of integrated core standards for mental health services to which specific standards for diagnostic groups can be added.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167407,"EventID":"S1W-30923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will carry out comprehensive assessments of mental health services across an NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will carry out comprehensive assessments of mental health services across an NHS board area.","AnswerText":"NHS Quality Improvement Scotland will, as a priority, determine its approach to assessing mental health services, building upon the experience of the Scottish Health Advisory Service and the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland. This will result in the publication of both local (NHS board) and national reports and will focus on both process and outcome. Assessments will include the views of patients and carers.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167408,"EventID":"S1W-30924","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will focus on both process and\toutcome when assessing mental health services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will focus on both process and\toutcome when assessing mental health services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30923 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167409,"EventID":"S1W-30925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland include the views of patients and their carers when conducting assessments of mental h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland include the views of patients and their carers when conducting assessments of mental health services. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30923 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167410,"EventID":"S1W-30926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will determine acceptable standards of service provision and how it intends to monitor compliance with those s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Quality and Standards Board for Health in Scotland will determine acceptable standards of service provision and how it intends to monitor compliance with those standards.","AnswerText":"Standards will be based onthe evidence of what is clinically effective and on wide consultation withhealth care professional staff and users and carers. Compliance with standardswill be monitored by a combination of written evidence and visits by teamscomprising health care professional staff and members of the public.

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167411,"EventID":"S1W-30927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 148 responses received to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? stated that the Record of Needs system should be k","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 148 responses received to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? stated that the Record of Needs system should be kept.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive received one response to the consultation document Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? stating that the Record of Needs system should not be abolished.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167412,"EventID":"S1W-30928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed Co-ordinated Support Plans referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? will specify ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed Co-ordinated Support Plans referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? will specify the amount and quality of provision required for a child.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167413,"EventID":"S1W-30929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether children and young people who have specific or pronounced educational needs requiring continuing review will be provided with a Co-ordinated Support Plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether children and young people who have specific or pronounced educational needs requiring continuing review will be provided with a Co-ordinated Support Plan.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167414,"EventID":"S1W-30930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in regard to the proposal for Co-ordinated Support Plans referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward?, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in regard to the proposal for Co-ordinated Support Plans referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward?, what (a) the assessment process will be, (b) sources of advice will be used, (c) information the plans will contain and (d) involvement parents and/or young people will have in the preparation of the plans.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167415,"EventID":"S1W-30931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescales will be with in which parents and/or young people can appeal a proposed Co-ordinated Support Plan as referred to in its response to the consultation A","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescales will be with in which parents and/or young people can appeal a proposed Co-ordinated Support Plan as referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward?","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167416,"EventID":"S1W-30932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether parents and/or young people will be able to apply for legal aid in order to be represented at any appeals tribunals referred to in its response to the consultatio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether parents and/or young people will be able to apply for legal aid in order to be represented at any appeals tribunals referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward?","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167417,"EventID":"S1W-30933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether education authorities will have a duty to review proposed Co-ordinated Support Plans referred to in its consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: T","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether education authorities will have a duty to review proposed Co-ordinated Support Plans referred to in its consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? and how any such review process will be monitored.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167418,"EventID":"S1W-30934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether teachers will be given training to enable them to identify pupils that require special educational needs as referred to in its response to the consultation Assess","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether teachers will be given training to enable them to identify pupils that require special educational needs as referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward?.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167419,"EventID":"S1W-30935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing Level of Needs Matrix, as set out in the Manual of Good Practice, will be revised and issued to parents, young people and the appropriate professiona","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing Level of Needs Matrix, as set out in the Manual of Good Practice, will be revised and issued to parents, young people and the appropriate professionals for consultation purposes. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167420,"EventID":"S1W-30936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the staged intervention process referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? will be produced and whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the staged intervention process referred to in its response to the consultation Assessing our children's educational needs: The Way Forward? will be produced and whether the process will be issued to parents, young people and the appropriate professionals for consultation purposes. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167421,"EventID":"S1W-30937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism is in place to make public whether Scottish Enterprise has been successful in achieving its performance targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism is in place to make public whether Scottish Enterprise has been successful in achieving its performance targets.","AnswerText":"Performance targets for Scottish Enterprise which are agreed with the Executive are contained in their annual operating plan. Achievement of targets contained in the plan is reported in Scottish Enterprise's annual report, which is normally published around six months after the end of the financial year concerned. A public meeting to present the annual report, and to report generally on the achievement of targets is normally held at the time of publication. The annual report for 2001-02 was published on 3 September 2002, and a public meeting held on the same day.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167422,"EventID":"S1W-30938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism is in place to make public whether Scottish Enterprise Glasgow has been successful in achieving its performance targets. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanism is in place to make public whether Scottish Enterprise Glasgow has been successful in achieving its performance targets. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise sets out intended outputs, as agreed with the Executive, in its operating plan and reports publicly on performance in their annual report. The publication of information on individual Local Enterprise Companies is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167423,"EventID":"S1W-30939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring mechanism has been put in place to judge the effectiveness of the free concessionary travel scheme for elderly and disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring mechanism has been put in place to judge the effectiveness of the free concessionary travel scheme for elderly and disabled people.","AnswerText":"Free local off-peak concessionary bus travel for elderly and disabled people has been delivered through enhancements to the 16 existing concessionary fares schemes operated by local authorities in Scotland.

      A research project has been commissioned by the Executive to monitor travel behaviour both before and after the enhancements came into force in order to accurately gauge their impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167424,"EventID":"S1W-30940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any monitoring of the free concessionary travel scheme for elderly and disabled people will include an analysis of any problems encountered regarding the bus com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any monitoring of the free concessionary travel scheme for elderly and disabled people will include an analysis of any problems encountered regarding the bus companies' understanding of the guidance issued in respect of what constitutes the free concessionary travel area.","AnswerText":"No. Decisions on the operation of concessionary fares scheme, including contractual negotiations with bus operators, are a matter for local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167425,"EventID":"S1W-30941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29905 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 October 2002, what facilities ambulances described as having thrombolytic capability are equipped wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29905 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 October 2002, what facilities ambulances described as having thrombolytic capability are equipped with for assessing the need for, and delivering, thrombolytic treatment.","AnswerText":"Ambulances described as having thrombolytic capability are equipped with 12-lead Electro Cardiograph (ECG) machines with telemetry, and clot-busting drugs.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167426,"EventID":"S1W-30942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-29905 and S1W-29906 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 October 2002, what the difference is between the Cardiac Response Unit (CRU) and the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-29905 and S1W-29906 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 October 2002, what the difference is between the Cardiac Response Unit (CRU) and the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and why the RRU is permanently on-call while the CRU only operates during peak times. ","AnswerText":"The rapid response unit deployed to patients in Angus with chest pains will be either the Cardiac Response Unit (CRU) or an accident and emergency ambulance carrying the thrombolytic equipment, subject to availability and conditions as detailed in the answer given to question S1W-29905.

      Rapid Response Units (RRUs) are being introduced across Scotland as part of the service's roll-out of priority-based dispatch. These units will be dispatched as a first response to Category A (life-threatening) calls where there is not available an accident and emergency ambulance capable of responding within eight minutes. Where the RRU is dispatched then it is backed up by the first available accident and emergency ambulance.

      Both the provision of thrombolytic services in Angus and the implementation of priority-based dispatch across Scotland are part of the Ambulance Service's continuing commitment to provide the most appropriate and efficient response to its patients.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167427,"EventID":"S1W-30943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the legal aid exemption limit in most matrimonial cases was first set at #2,500; when it was first announced that this limit would rise to #4,200, and when this incr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the legal aid exemption limit in most matrimonial cases was first set at #2,500; when it was first announced that this limit would rise to #4,200, and when this increase will come into force.","AnswerText":"The capital disregard from winnings in matrimonial cases was first set at £2,500 in 1987. I announced the Executive's intention to increase the exemption limit to £4,200 on 13 March. The increase has now been incorporated in the replacement set of civil legal aid regulations which I have just laid in the Parliament and which will come into force on 1 December.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167428,"EventID":"S1W-30944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its decision on the Colinton flood prevention scheme submitted to it for approval by the City of Edinburgh Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will announce its decision on the Colinton flood prevention scheme submitted to it for approval by the City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerText":"No such flood prevention scheme is before the Scottish Executive for its determination. However, because of sustained objections, the City of Edinburgh Council passed to the Scottish Executive its proposals to carry out works relating to a culvert overflow under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 in the Redford Road area of Colinton.

      Before reaching a decision on this matter, the Scottish ministers must be fully aware of all the facts surrounding the case. This is done by exchange of correspondence between the parties which is currently on-going. In view of the future involvement of Scottish ministers in determining this matter, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167429,"EventID":"S1W-30945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the level of financial support made available to Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary given the increase in the number of asylum applications lodged ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will review the level of financial support made available to Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary given the increase in the number of asylum applications lodged at Stranraer over the last year.","AnswerText":"The general funding made available to Scottish police forces takes account of the wide range of policing functions which they undertake, and the methodology by which allocations are made between forces is reviewed from time to time. Forces also receive additional specific funding from the Scottish Executive to meet the costs of ports policing. That additional funding, which covers policing at both Stranraer and Cairnryan, has been the subject of a separate review which concluded earlier this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167430,"EventID":"S1W-30946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many redundancies have been notified in Ayrshire since the launch of Partnership Action for Continuing Employment in March 2000, broken down by company, sector and ea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many redundancies have been notified in Ayrshire since the launch of Partnership Action for Continuing Employment in March 2000, broken down by company, sector and earnings level.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      Under the provisions contained in Part IV of the Trade Union and Labour Relation (Consolidation) Act 1992, employers must notify the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in writing, if they intend to make 20 or more redundancies within a month. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) therefore hold information on those intended redundancies that fall within the scope of the act. However, individual companies cannot be identified as the information is potentially commercially sensitive and is treated in the strictest confidence by DTI. Nor is it known how many of the notified redundancies actually took place.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167431,"EventID":"S1W-30947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people made redundant in Ayrshire since March 2000 have found alternative employment, broken down by sector and earnings level of new jobs. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people made redundant in Ayrshire since March 2000 have found alternative employment, broken down by sector and earnings level of new jobs. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      Following the report of the 2001 Review of PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment), work is in hand to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework which identifies a range of performance measurement indicators, so that local PACE teams share and learn from each other and in doing so continue to improve PACE performance.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167432,"EventID":"S1W-30948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people made redundant in Ayrshire since March 2000 have found alternative employment (a) in Ayrshire, (b) elsewhere in Scotland and (c) outwith Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people made redundant in Ayrshire since March 2000 have found alternative employment (a) in Ayrshire, (b) elsewhere in Scotland and (c) outwith Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      Following the report of the 2001 Review of PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment), work is in hand to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework which identifies a range of performance measurement indicators, so that local PACE teams share and learn from each other and in doing so continue to improve PACE performance.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167433,"EventID":"S1W-30949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acute psychiatric beds have been available in each NHS board area in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many acute psychiatric beds have been available in each NHS board area in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to determine from national information the number of beds available specifically for acute psychiatric care. Nationally, beds are classified by clinical specialty and by clinical facility (e.g. standard specialty ward, adolescent unit) only. The following table shows the trend in daily average available beds in all psychiatric specialties excluding Psychiatry of Old Age. In the latter specialty the majority of patients using hospital beds will be in hospital for non-acute reasons. It should also be noted that some of the available beds in general psychiatry, which are included in the table, will be occupied by patients receiving continuing care.

      Average Available Staffed Beds1; All Psychiatric Specialties Excluding Psychiatry of Old Age; by Health Board Area: Years Ending 31 March 1998-2002

      Health Board of Treatment

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002P

      Scotland

      4,375

      4,212

      3,951

      3,753

      3,577

      Argyll and Clyde

      570

      521

      496

      483

      468

      Ayrshire and Arran

      264

      248

      238

      227

      221

      Borders

      82

      75

      67

      64

      64

      Dumfries and Galloway

      182

      178

      140

      106

      82

      Fife

      280

      279

      287

      281

      276

      Forth Valley

      261

      261

      207

      195

      195

      Grampian

      324

      310

      307

      295

      295

      Greater Glasgow

      716

      733

      		Patients Informally Admitted1,2 to Mental Illness Hospitals or Psychiatric Units in Scotland3; April 1997 to March 20014; Psychiatric Specialties Excluding Psychiatry of Old Age

      Health Board of Residence5

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001P

      Scotland

      13,588

      13,629

      13,290

      13,044

      Argyll and Clyde

      1,533

      1,490

      1,507

      1,445

      Ayrshire and Arran

      1,183

      1,139

      1,045

      1,011

      Borders

      286

      293

      273

      266

      Dumfries and Galloway

      460

      423

      379

      405

      Fife

      803

      805

      762

      696

      Forth Valley

      627

      609

      529

      603

      Grampian

      1,040

      1,171

      1,093

      1,058

      Greater Glasgow

      2,568

      2,554

      2,590

      2,607

      Highland

      580

      675

      648

      745

      Lanarkshire

      1,231

      		I am assured that NHS Argyll and Clyde is recruiting and taking the other action necessary to ensure that mental health services are available to meet health care needs in the area.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167438,"EventID":"S1W-30954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to educational tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to educational tourism.","AnswerText":"The policy of the Scottish Executive is to promote tourism of all kinds, but the concept of educational tourism is not one that is recognised by our education colleagues or by VisitScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167439,"EventID":"S1W-30955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken by VisitScotland to promote educational tourism.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken by VisitScotland to promote educational tourism.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30954 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167440,"EventID":"S1W-30956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the value to the higher education sector of fees from overseas students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the value to the higher education sector of fees from overseas students.","AnswerText":"According to research carried out by Strathclyde University on behalf of the Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals (now Universities Scotland), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Scotland received £63 million in academic fees from overseas students during 1996-97 (Economic Aspects of Scottish Higher Education Institutions, COSHEP, November 1999). Projecting this forward, it is estimated that Scottish HEIs earned some £70 million in fees from international students in 1999-2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167441,"EventID":"S1W-30957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer why the seating provision in the public gallery of the chamber in the new Parliament building will not be at least 250 as stated in press release no. 026/2000 issued on 2 ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer why the seating provision in the public gallery of the chamber in the new Parliament building will not be at least 250 as stated in press release no. 026/2000 issued on 2 June 2000; on what date approval was given to reduce the total number of seats below 250, and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide a full explanation of why this decision was taken. ","AnswerText":"The total number of seats is not below 250. Seating provision for the press and public in the Holyrood Chamber, including that for disabled visitors, will total 277.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167442,"EventID":"S1W-30958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much new money will be made available to the children's hearing system in each of the areas selected for the fast track pilot schemes for under-16s announced by the M","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much new money will be made available to the children's hearing system in each of the areas selected for the fast track pilot schemes for under-16s announced by the Minister for Education and Young People on 23 October 2002.","AnswerText":"The fast track hearing pilots will be funded in full. Discussions are currently taking place to finalise details.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167443,"EventID":"S1W-30959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold a public inquiry into plans for infrastructure work at the Auchenkilns roundabout, Cumbernauld.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will hold a public inquiry into plans for infrastructure work at the Auchenkilns roundabout, Cumbernauld.","AnswerText":"I will have a report on responses and objections to the published draft proposals for replacing the A80 Auchenkilns Roundabout this month. I will then decide if it is necessary to hold a public local inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167444,"EventID":"S1W-30960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will rule out applying road tolls or other charges for the use of any planned new motorway along the A80/M80 route and for what period any such restriction wou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will rule out applying road tolls or other charges for the use of any planned new motorway along the A80/M80 route and for what period any such restriction would apply.","AnswerText":"The consultant's plan to 2010 for the A80, as part of the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies, does not contain any recommendations for road tolls or other charges on an upgraded A80. In any event, there is no legislation in place that would permit such charges to be introduced on the existing trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167445,"EventID":"S1W-30961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in the definitions or categories of environmental impact have taken place in any official guidelines affecting the assessment of potential road improvements","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes in the definitions or categories of environmental impact have taken place in any official guidelines affecting the assessment of potential road improvements and new road building in the last 10 years and from what dates any such changes applied.","AnswerText":"The Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999 implement Council Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC. These regulations, which came into force on 1 August 1999, replace The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1988. Guidance on the regulations is provided by Circular 15/1999.

      The changes that affect trunk roads comprise:

      i. Changes to the definition of project types for which an Environmental Statement is mandatory. As well as motorways and special roads, these now include the construction, realignment and/or widening of roads, which would be 10 kilometres or more in a continuous length, to provide four or more lanes.

      ii. The introduction of a screening process to determine whether an Environmental Statement shall be published for other trunk roads projects. Each project is assessed on a case-by-case basis against criteria defined within the regulations.

      Major trunk roads projects which do not require an Environmental Statement remain subject to environmental impact assessment in accordance with procedures set out in Volume 11 of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), published in 1993. Changes to the DMRB since 1993 have comprised revisions to the assessment of water quality and drainage (February 1998) and air quality (most recently in March 2000, to reflect changes to The Air Quality Strategy).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167446,"EventID":"S1W-30962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for a motorway bypass of Cumbernauld were part of the Cumbernauld New Town Development Corporation's plans for the expansion of Cumbernauld at any time.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether plans for a motorway bypass of Cumbernauld were part of the Cumbernauld New Town Development Corporation's plans for the expansion of Cumbernauld at any time.","AnswerText":"This information relates to decisions taken by the New Town Development Corporation and is not held by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167447,"EventID":"S1W-30963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which towns with a population of more than 5,000 have a motorway passing through the town and what routes are involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which towns with a population of more than 5,000 have a motorway passing through the town and what routes are involved.","AnswerText":"The M8 motorway passes through the central area of Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167448,"EventID":"S1W-30964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to secure the jobs at Richard Roberts Knitwear in Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to secure the jobs at Richard Roberts Knitwear in Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"Since Richard Roberts Knitwear entered its consultation period, officials at Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire have been in close, regular contact with senior management at the company. A number of options were discussed with the company, including the possibility of financial support to help keep the facility open.

      The company has, however, now taken the decision to close the factory. The majority of redundancies will take place on 17 December. In order to support the employees to find new jobs, support was offered to the company under the Executive's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) framework. The PACE services will be in place from 18 November and are likely to include sessions by JobcentrePlus, Careers Scotland and the Inland Revenue along with North Ayrshire Council Welfare rights and the Small Business Gateway.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167449,"EventID":"S1W-30965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students from (a) Scottish addresses and (b) in total have applied for entry to Scottish universities in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students from (a) Scottish addresses and (b) in total have applied for entry to Scottish universities in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The available information for the last three years is given in the following table.

      Applicants to Scottish Higher Education Institutions via UCAS, 1999 to 2001
       

      1999

      2000

      2001

      (a) Scottish-Domiciled Applicants

      28,180

      28,783

      30,196

      (b) All Applicants

      70,134

      68,837

      71,796

      Source: UCAS.

      Final figures for applicants in 2002 will not be available until January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167450,"EventID":"S1W-30966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a recent reduction in the number of students taking science and engineering courses in Scottish universities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a recent reduction in the number of students taking science and engineering courses in Scottish universities.","AnswerText":"The most recent figures available from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show the number of students accepted to take up full-time undergraduate courses in science and engineering has increased by over 4% from 8,937 in 2000 to 9,306 in 2001. Final figures for acceptances in 2002 will not be available until January 2003.

      Biological and physical sciences have seen an increase of over 3% from 3,511 in 2000 to 3,628 in 2001. In this same period, acceptances to engineering and technology are up 1% from 2,641 to 2,655 and mathematics and computing courses have seen a rise of over 8% from 2,785 to 3,023 in 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167451,"EventID":"S1W-30967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle levels of illiteracy amongst young adults in South Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to tackle levels of illiteracy amongst young adults in South Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"The South Lanarkshire Community Learning Strategy Partnership has been allocated £912,000 over three years to 2004 to help raise levels of adult literacy and numeracy. The partnership has submitted an action plan and subsequent mid-year report which estimates that almost 5,000 adults will be helped during this time.

      There is no specific target on young adults, although people with limited initial education, particularly young adults, are highlighted as one of seven priority groups.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167452,"EventID":"S1W-30968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Information Commissioner will be appointed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Information Commissioner will be appointed.","AnswerText":"Section 42 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 provides that the appointment of the Scottish Information Commissioner is a matter for the Scottish Parliament. I understand, however, that it is intended that interviews of candidates for this post will take place later this month.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167453,"EventID":"S1W-30969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum on 24 July 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Forum on 24 July 2002.","AnswerText":"The first meeting of the forum on 24 July heard presentations on Meeting the Needs..., the Do a Little, Change a Lot campaign, the UK Sustainable Development Commission and preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Participants had wide-ranging discussions on these subjects and on the role of the forum itself. Participants were invited to send comments on this to the Sustainable Development Team in the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167454,"EventID":"S1W-30970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its proposals are for the composition and remit of the Sustainable Development Forum.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its proposals are for the composition and remit of the Sustainable Development Forum.","AnswerText":"The initial remit and composition of the Sustainable Development Forum for Scotland, as set out in the answer given to question S1W-27187 on 1 August 2002, is to provide a focus for Scottish thinking and action on sustainable development. Following the first meeting of the forum on 24 July, we are considering the views of members on the composition and remit. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167455,"EventID":"S1W-30971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to engage a wider group of stakeholders in achieving sustainable development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to engage a wider group of stakeholders in achieving sustainable development.","AnswerText":"The Executive consults widely across its range of policies, offering many opportunities for stakeholders to engage on sustainable development issues. The Sustainable Development Forum is simply one mechanism to engage stakeholders in taking forward thinking and action on sustainable development.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167456,"EventID":"S1W-30972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people have entered work under Phase 1 of the New Futures Fund since the inception of the fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people have entered work under Phase 1 of the New Futures Fund since the inception of the fund.","AnswerText":"The New Futures Fund (NFF) aims to help people (aged 15 to 35 years) who are disadvantaged in the labour market move towards employment. New Futures Fund is one of the few Labour Market Initiatives that does not specifically require or expect immediate job outcomes. The emphasis is on small steps of progress. More than 5,000 people were supported by NFF projects in Phase 1.

      In the Scottish Enterprise area, a total of 2,194 young people aged 15 to 24 years moved on from NFF in Phase 1. One thousand, four hundred and eighty-seven (67.7%) achieved a positive outcome, of which 383 (25.7%) moved directly into employment.

      In the Highlands and Islands area, a total of 111 young people aged 15 to 24 years moved on from NFF in Phase 1. Sixty-four (57.7%) achieved a positive outcome, of which 25 (22.5%) moved directly into employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167457,"EventID":"S1W-30973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Phase 1 of the New Futures Fund cost.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much Phase 1 of the New Futures Fund cost.","AnswerText":"The budgeted cost of New Futures Fund in Phase 1 (to March 2002) was £15 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167458,"EventID":"S1W-30974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people entered work under the Beattie Inclusiveness Projects in year 1.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many young people entered work under the Beattie Inclusiveness Projects in year 1.","AnswerText":"Beattie Inclusiveness Projects started at varying times throughout year 1 and were managed at that time by individual Careers Services Companies. There is currently no separate figure for young people entering into work under the projects, but 1,038 young people engaged with the projects in the Scottish Enterprise area have been identified as entering employment and training. There is no figure available for the pan Highlands and Islands project.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167459,"EventID":"S1W-30975","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Beattie Inclusiveness Projects cost in year 1.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Beattie Inclusiveness Projects cost in year 1.","AnswerText":"The budgeted cost for Beattie Inclusiveness Projects in year 1 (2001-02) was £3.5 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167460,"EventID":"S1W-30976","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the differences are between the New Futures Fund and the Beattie Inclusiveness Projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the differences are between the New Futures Fund and the Beattie Inclusiveness Projects.","AnswerText":"Beattie Inclusiveness projects are managed and delivered by Careers Scotland. Working in partnership with local agencies (statutory and voluntary), they aim to help young people (16 to 24 years) with additional support needs progress to education, training and employment. Inclusiveness projects are Scotland-wide (12 projects - Scottish Enterprise; one - pan Highlands and Islands Enterprise).

      New Futures Fund projects are managed by the Enterprise Networks and delivered through a range of agencies (statutory and voluntary) who specialise in working with specific client groups but who do not have an employability dimension. They target people (16 to 34 years) seriously disadvantaged in the labour market who are not job ready or not seeking work but who can move in that direction with the right support. New Futures Fund projects are Scotland-wide (72 projects - Scottish Enterprise; nine projects - pan Highlands and Islands Enterprise).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167461,"EventID":"S1W-30977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have secured open employment through the New Deal for Disabled People.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have secured open employment through the New Deal for Disabled People.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      Since New Deal for Disabled People started in Scotland in July 2001 it has secured open employment for 379 people up until September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167462,"EventID":"S1W-30978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mechanisms are for competitive tendering when selecting employment programmes for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the mechanisms are for competitive tendering when selecting employment programmes for disabled people.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      Competitive tendering arrangements in relation to employment programmes are principally an operational matter for Jobcentre Plus.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167463,"EventID":"S1W-30979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children left school with no qualifications in each year from 1992-93 to 1996-97, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children left school with no qualifications in each year from 1992-93 to 1996-97, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following publications published by the Scottish Executive Education Department, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre:

      Title

      Date of Publication

      Table

      Page

      Bib. Number

      Scottish School Leavers and their Qualifications 1982-83 to 1992-93

      October 1994

      11

      12

      24858

      Scottish School Leavers and their Qualifications 1983-84 to 1993-94

      May 1995

      11

      13

      24859

      Scottish School Leavers and their Qualifications 1984-85 to 1994-95

      July 1996

      11

      13

      24860

      Scottish School Leavers and their Qualifications 1985-86 to 1995-96

      July 1997

      16

      18

      24861

      Scottish School Leavers and their Qualifications 1986-87 to 1996-97

      April 1998

      16

      18

      24862

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167464,"EventID":"S1W-30980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in response to the situation regarding audiology staffing as reported in A Survey of Staffing in NHS Hospital Audiology Departments: An Interim R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take in response to the situation regarding audiology staffing as reported in A Survey of Staffing in NHS Hospital Audiology Departments: An Interim Report from the Audiology Needs Assessment Group.","AnswerText":"The full report of the Audiology Review was received from the Public Health Institute of Scotland (PHIS) on 31 October. It is accessible on the PHIS website at: www.phis.org.uk.

      The Executive's response to the review report will be given once we have had an opportunity to fully consider all of the review group's recommendations including those affecting staffing.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167465,"EventID":"S1W-30981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following its decision to suspend tendering for a BSc course in audiology after tenders had been submitted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take following its decision to suspend tendering for a BSc course in audiology after tenders had been submitted.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30980 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167466,"EventID":"S1W-30982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are no facilities available in any hospital to allow a mother with post-natal depression to continue to care for her baby whilst undergoing treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are no facilities available in any hospital to allow a mother with post-natal depression to continue to care for her baby whilst undergoing treatment.","AnswerText":"Currently there are no dedicated units for mother and child admissions. However, at the discretion of clinicians and NHS trusts arrangements can be made locally in individual cases.

      Our guidance on post-natal depression services highlights the consideration that should be applied by service providers to the immediate, proven, benefits of joint admission arrangements for the mother and child and ultimately to the wider family. NHS boards and trusts are responsible for organising local or regional post-natal depression services against the published guidance.

      To inform further the assessments of need and best practice we have funded an audit over the next two years of primary and secondary care post-natal depression services in Scotland.

      The Scottish Executive guidance is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24358).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167467,"EventID":"S1W-30983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for any lack of dedicated mother and baby services for women with post-natal depression.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for any lack of dedicated mother and baby services for women with post-natal depression.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30982 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167468,"EventID":"S1W-30984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to direct NHS boards to ensure that any lack of provision of dedicated mother and baby units for women with post-natal depression is addres","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it intends to take to direct NHS boards to ensure that any lack of provision of dedicated mother and baby units for women with post-natal depression is addressed swiftly.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30982 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167469,"EventID":"S1W-30985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28610 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 September 2002, how much money it actually made available to the National Review of Resource Alloca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28610 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 September 2002, how much money it actually made available to the National Review of Resource Allocation for the NHS in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The information requested is currently being collated. Once complete, I will write to the member with a full response and place a copy in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167470,"EventID":"S1W-30986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average Scottish Ambulance Service response time is for calls that are (a) life-threatening, (b) serious but not immediately life-threatening and (c) neither ser","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average Scottish Ambulance Service response time is for calls that are (a) life-threatening, (b) serious but not immediately life-threatening and (c) neither serious nor life-threatening, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"These response times concern the performance of the emergency ambulance service following the introduction of priority-based dispatch. This system was introduced into the south east of Scotland from 1 August 2002 and is scheduled to be rolled out across Scotland by 2004. The information requested is not yet available. Officials in the Scottish Executive Health Department are currently in discussion with the Scottish Ambulance Service about the frequency to which performance information should be published. In the past, such information has been published once a year by the service in its annual report.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167471,"EventID":"S1W-30987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29330 by Malcolm Chisholm on 27 September 2002, why the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency has no pl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29330 by Malcolm Chisholm on 27 September 2002, why the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency has no plans to compile key health indicators using the same criteria as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).","AnswerText":"The Information and Statistics Division (ISD) compiles and publishes a large number of key health indicators for Scotland and these are presented on ISD Online, SKIPPER and in the Performance Assessment Framework, for example. These publications have developed through time to meet the needs of key stakeholders for health information. Many of the OECD indicators are reflected in these outputs.

      The ISD contributes to the OECD compendium of statistics through the submission of data to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) for publication by the OECD as country level comparisons. The ISD also contributes to the regional breakdowns of health indicators which are published by the ONS in Regional Trends and periodically in UK Geographic Variations in Health.

      Requests to resource the development of major new statistical outputs for the home countries, such as a more extensive regional comparison similar to the OECD, can be made through the user/provider consultation process for national statistics.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167472,"EventID":"S1W-30988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many locum consultant doctors there currently are working in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many locum consultant doctors there currently are working in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table:

      Locum Consultants Directly Employed in NHSScotland at 30 September 2001 by Health Board

      Health Board

      Headcount

      Whole Time Equivalent

      Total

      110

      85.3

      Ayrshire and Arran

      6

      2.3

      Argyll and Clyde

      9

      7.0

      Fife

      2

      2.0

      Greater Glasgow

      30

      24.6

      Highland

      3

      3.0

      Lanarkshire

      16

      14.2

      Grampian

      6

      4.8

      Orkney

      1

      1.0

      Lothian

      21

      15.3

      Tayside

      4

      1.8

      Forth Valley

      9

      5.5

      Western Isles

      1

      1.0

      Dumfries and Galloway

      3

      2.7

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167473,"EventID":"S1W-30989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GP lists are currently closed, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many GP lists are currently closed, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The number of GP practices which have indicated to their Primary Care Trust/Island NHS Board that they are not currently accepting new patients is as set out within the following table:

      Primary Care Trust/Island NHS Board

      No. of GP Practices with Closed Lists

      Lomond and Argyll PCT

      0

      Renfrewshire and Inverclyde PCT

      0

      Ayrshire and Arran PCT

      5

      Borders PCT

      0

      Dumfries and Galloway PCT

      0

      Fife PCT

      3

      Forth Valley PCT

      6

      Grampian PCT

      0

      Greater Glasgow PCT

      0

      Highland PCT

      0

      Lanarkshire PCT

      3

      Lothian PCT

      2

      Tayside PCT

      0

      Orkney NHS Board

      0

      Shetland NHS Board

      0

      Western Isles NHS Board

      0

      West Lothian NHS Trust

      1

      Total

      20

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167474,"EventID":"S1W-30990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of days lost due to ill health was in each of the last five years for NHS (a) medical and (b) nursing staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of days lost due to ill health was in each of the last five years for NHS (a) medical and (b) nursing staff.","AnswerText":"Occupational Health and Safety Minimum Dataset information was collected nationally for the first time during September to December 2001 and covers the period 2000-01. Sickness absence levels form part of the data. Collection of the 2001-02 data is currently on-going. Quality assurance of the 2000-01 data has started and once completed will be made available through the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167475,"EventID":"S1W-30991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) final outturn expenditure for 2000-01, (b) planned outturn expenditure for 2001-02 and (c) actual final outturn expenditure for 2001-02 were, broken down by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) final outturn expenditure for 2000-01, (b) planned outturn expenditure for 2001-02 and (c) actual final outturn expenditure for 2001-02 were, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The gross revenue expenditure figures for 2000-01 and 2001-02, together with the planned expenditure for 2001-02 is given in the following table:

      Health Board

      Gross Expenditure 2000-01

      (£000)

      Planned Expenditure

      2001-02

      (£000)

      Gross Expenditure 2001-02

      (£000)

      Argyll and Clyde

      438,561

      468,244

      468,318

      Ayrshire and Arran

      370,589

      400,163

      395,127

      Borders

      113,119

      115,825

      115,622

      Dumfries and Galloway

      156,728

      169,189

      167,607

      Fife

      323,611

      346,575

      344,385

      Forth Valley

      266,322

      286,097

      284,918

      Grampian

      487,347

      521,630

      519,793

      Greater Glasgow

      985,787

      1,075,526

      1,067,854

      Highland

      214,108

      237,387

      236,531

      Lanarkshire

      510,611

      579,903

      577,236

      Lothian

      732,214

      814,168

      803,875

      Orkney

      24,403

      26,706

      26,378

      Shetland

      28,807

      30,798

      30,505

      Tayside

      428,342

      476,511

      472,360

      Western Isles

      43,101

      45,649

      45,082

      Scottish Totals

      5,123,650

      5,594,370

      5,555,591

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167476,"EventID":"S1W-30992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of offences committed by persons released on bail after release was in each of the last four years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of offences committed by persons released on bail after release was in each of the last four years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167477,"EventID":"S1W-30993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30462 by Ross Finnie on 28 October 2002, how many of the 471 payments over #100,000 made to agricultural producers were in the band","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30462 by Ross Finnie on 28 October 2002, how many of the 471 payments over #100,000 made to agricultural producers were in the bands (a) #100,001-#150,000, (b) #150,001-#200,000, (c) #200,001-#250,000, (d) #250,001-#300,000, (e) #300,001-#350,000, (f) #350,001-#400,000, (g) #400,001-#450,000, (h) #450,001-#500,000 and (i) over #500,000.","AnswerText":"The information is detailed in the table:

      Level Of Payment

      Total Number of Payments

      £100,001 to £150,000

      133

      £150,001 to £200,000

      85

      £200,001 to £250,000

      49

      £250,001 to £300,000

      50

      £300,001 to £350,000

      37

      £350,001 to £400,000

      30

      £400,001 to £450,000

      12

      £450,001 to £500,000

      9

      Over £500,000

      66

      Total Claims

      471

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167478,"EventID":"S1W-30994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 28 August 2002 to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport about the Area Tourist Board review.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 28 August 2002 to the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport about the Area Tourist Board review.","AnswerText":"Your letter was passed to the Area Tourist Board review team who acknowledged it on 18 September 2002 as a response to the review. We have received well over 300 such responses and at this stage have simply acknowledged each one, although we plan to publish a summary of responses in due course. However, I will write to you soon to respond to the points raised in your letter.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167479,"EventID":"S1W-30995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the national average waiting period is between an application for the installation of central heating under its central heating programme being lodged and a successf","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the national average waiting period is between an application for the installation of central heating under its central heating programme being lodged and a successful applicant having a heating system installed.","AnswerText":"There are no figures on the length of time between an application being lodged and approved. The average length of time between an application being approved and central heating being installed is currently around six months.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167480,"EventID":"S1W-30996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a waiting period of one year between the lodging of an application for the installation of central heating under its central heating programme and a successful ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a waiting period of one year between the lodging of an application for the installation of central heating under its central heating programme and a successful applicant having a heating system installed represents a reasonable waiting time.","AnswerText":"I have explained the factors which determine how quickly an application is dealt with in the answer given to question S1W-30997 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167481,"EventID":"S1W-30997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what length of time represents a reasonable waiting time between lodging an application for the installation of central heating under its central heating programme and a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what length of time represents a reasonable waiting time between lodging an application for the installation of central heating under its central heating programme and a successful applicant having a heating system installed.","AnswerText":"The length of time taken to approve an application varies between cases. It depends on such things as whether the applicant is an owner-occupier or private tenant, in which case the landlord's permission must be sought. The length of time between an application being approved and the central heating going in also varies between cases. It depends on such things as whether a new fuel type has been chosen, in which case planning permission may be required before it can be provided. In all cases the number of central heating systems installed each year is dependent on the budget for the programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167482,"EventID":"S1W-30998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its proposal to abolish the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland and the Historic Buildings Council for Scotland, in light of the evidence take","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its proposal to abolish the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland and the Historic Buildings Council for Scotland, in light of the evidence taken by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee about lack of appropriate succession arrangements.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is considering the committee's concerns on successor arrangements. We will seek further dialogue with the committee before Stage 2 of the Public Appointments and Public Bodies (Scotland) Bill to reach agreement on the best way forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167483,"EventID":"S1W-30999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the role and operation of Historic Scotland in light of the evidence taken by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to review the role and operation of Historic Scotland in light of the evidence taken by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.","AnswerText":"It is Executive policy to review the work of all departments and agencies from time to time.

      The Education, Culture and Sport Committee have asked ministers to review the roles and responsibilities of Historic Scotland in their response to the Public Appointments (Scotland) Bill. Ministers are considering this request and will be responding in advance of the Stage 2 discussions on the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167484,"EventID":"S1W-31000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of underspend was in the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme for 2001-02 and what the reason was for the underspend.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of underspend was in the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme for 2001-02 and what the reason was for the underspend.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The amount of grant awarded but unclaimed at the end of 2001-02 under the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme was £2.9 million. This was due to projects failing to start on site on the date previously notified to Historic Scotland and to delays in the works programmes of projects already on site, all leading to a lower level of grant being claimed in the financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167485,"EventID":"S1W-31001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the underspend in the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme in 2001-02, whether Historic Scotland has discouraged applications being made to the scheme unt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the underspend in the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme in 2001-02, whether Historic Scotland has discouraged applications being made to the scheme until 2005 and, if so, what the reasons were for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His reply is as follows:

      No. Historic Scotland has never knowingly discouraged suitable applications from being made under the Historic Buildings Repair Grant Scheme. Previously, general advice was given to applicants on when their projects might gain a place in Historic Scotland's forward programme in the light of the demand for these grants. This advice was intended to assist applicants to plan their fund raising and the preparation and submission of technical information. Such advice is now given on a case-by-case basis and updated as the application proceeds through various stages.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167486,"EventID":"S1W-31002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a projected underspend in the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme in 2002-03 and, if so, what that projection is and what the actual spend is to date","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a projected underspend in the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme in 2002-03 and, if so, what that projection is and what the actual spend is to date, expressed in cash terms and as a percentage of the overall budget.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Against a total commitment of £12.7 million for the current year grantees are currently indicating to Historic Scotland that they intend to draw down £11.7 million, (this is against a budget allocation of £11.1 million). In calculating this figure, Historic Scotland has used the information provided by grantees, or the relevant professional advisers, about the progress of work on site. However, from experience, Historic Scotland does not expect a full drawdown of this amount. The figure is updated monthly.

      The actual spend to 31 October 2002 expressed in cash terms is £4.45 million or 41.6% of the budget. In resource accounting terms, valuations amounting to £3.3 million (31%) have been received by the agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167487,"EventID":"S1W-31003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme in 2002-03 (a) has been committed in (i) grant awards in total and (ii) indicative offers of grant and (b) remains","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme in 2002-03 (a) has been committed in (i) grant awards in total and (ii) indicative offers of grant and (b) remains uncommitted.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The position as at 31 October 2002 was as follows:
       

      £ million

      Budget

      11.1

      Firm offers

      7.1

      Indicative authorisations

      2.3

      Pre-offer stage - uncommitted funds

      0.9

      Recurring expenditure

      2.4

      Total

      12.7

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167488,"EventID":"S1W-31004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual allocation of resources was to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board in each year from 1999-2000 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual allocation of resources was to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board in each year from 1999-2000 to date.","AnswerText":"The annual allocation of resources to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board from 1999-2000 to date are as follows:

      1999-2000

      £396.906 million

      2000-01

      £430.583 million

      2001-02

      £456.986 million

      2002-03

      £475.936 million

      Note:

      The allocation shown for 2002-03 is as at Friday 1 November 2002. Further allocations may issue before the end of the financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167489,"EventID":"S1W-31005","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding was provided to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board for national initiatives outwith its annual budget allocation in each year from 1999-2000 to date, brok","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional funding was provided to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board for national initiatives outwith its annual budget allocation in each year from 1999-2000 to date, broken down by initiative.","AnswerText":"Details of additional funding provided to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board for national initiatives outwith its annual budget from 1999-2000 to date are as follows:

      National Initiative

      1999-2000

      (£000)

      2000-01

      (£000)

      2001-02

      (£000)

      2002-03

      (£000)

      Primary Care Investment

      		   

      1.014

      Delayed Discharges

      		   

      1.734

      Electronic Clinical Communication Implementation

      		 

      0.115

      0.751

      0.184

      Have a Heart Paisley

      		 

      1.141

      2.334

      		 

      Innovation Fund for Children's Services

      0.161

      0.154

      0.346

      		 

      Roll-out of New General Practice Administration System for Scotland

      0.738

      		   

      Primary Care Act Pilots

      		  

      0.115

      		 

      NHS Personal Learning Credits

      		   

      0.030

      Health Improvement Fund

      		 

      1.143

      1.343

      1.244

      Personal Medical Services Initiatives

      		   

      0.068

      Waiting Times Orthopaedics Initiative

      		   

      0.155

      IM&T Infrastructure

      0.392

      0.373

      		 

      0.165

      Telemedicine

      		 

      0.066

      0.247

      0.027

      Designed Health Care

      0.031

      0.135

      0.274

      		 

      Learning Together

      		 

      Financial Year

      Allocation Received

      (£000)

      1999-2000

      396,906

      2000-01

      430,583

      2001-02

      456,986

      2002-03*

      475,936

      Note:

      *Not full year allocation (to October 2002).

      The distribution of these funds between the trusts is a matter for the board and trusts to negotiate.

      However, the following data has been extracted from the board accounts:
       

      Argyll and Clyde Acute

      (£000)

      Lomond and Argyll PCT

      (£000)

      Renfrewshire and Inverclyde PCT

      (£000)

      Trust Total

      (£000)

      2001-02

      142,489

      87,165

      151,527

      381,181

      2002-03

      148,866

      90,664

      158,099

      397,629

      ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167491,"EventID":"S1W-31007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are currently employed in Argyll and Clyde NHS Board, including the three NHS trusts, distinguishing between clinical and other categories of employees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many staff are currently employed in Argyll and Clyde NHS Board, including the three NHS trusts, distinguishing between clinical and other categories of employees.","AnswerText":"The information requested is available at the following website:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSis_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167492,"EventID":"S1W-31008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance has been issued to NHS boards on implementing the Arbuthnott formula for the allocation of funds at a sub-board level.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance has been issued to NHS boards on implementing the Arbuthnott formula for the allocation of funds at a sub-board level.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not issued any guidance to NHS boards about implementing the Arbuthnott formula at sub-board level.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167493,"EventID":"S1W-31009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Agricultural Business Development Scheme can be extended to areas outwith the Highlands and Islands and, if not, what other assistance can be available to dai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Agricultural Business Development Scheme can be extended to areas outwith the Highlands and Islands and, if not, what other assistance can be available to dairy farmers in north-east Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Agricultural Business Development Scheme (ABDS) is an integral component of the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme and is funded jointly by the Scottish Executive and the European Union. The scheme is only open to those applicants who operate an eligible agricultural business within the programme area. This covers some parts of the north-east of Scotland, including the whole of the Highland Council and some Moray Council areas. I have no plans to extend ABDS outwith the programme area.

      However, farming families with holdings located in parts of Scotland, outwith the programme area, may be eligible to apply for assistance under the Farm Business Development Scheme (FBDS), which is funded by the Scottish Executive. In many respects this scheme is similar to the ABDS. It is a competitive scheme offering variable rates of grant to farming families wishing to diversify or to expand or to improve existing diversified enterprises although, unlike the ABDS, it currently does not provide support for investments in agricultural holdings.

      As you might know, the FBDS was designed by my department in conjunction with partner organisations, including the farming industry. It appears to be performing well. However, I recently commissioned a review to assess its first years' performance and to consider whether any improvements to it are needed. The review, which includes full consultation with our partners, is scheduled to report to me early in the New Year. I will of course inform the Parliament should any significant changes emerge.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167494,"EventID":"S1W-31010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing licenses have been allocated to non-Scottish registered vessels in 2001-02 and 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing licenses have been allocated to non-Scottish registered vessels in 2001-02 and 2002-03.","AnswerText":"In the UK, licences are issued annually for vessels over 10 metres in length and biennially for vessels of 10 metres and under in length, and as and when necessary for individual vessels as a result of, for example, the introduction of a new or replacement vessel or change in vessel characteristics affecting licensing details. So the position may change from day to day.

      Fishing vessel licences are issued by the Fisheries Departments in the UK on the basis of a vessel's port of administration, as set out in arrangements notified to the industry in June 1999. As at 31 December 2001, licences had been issued on that basis by the Fisheries Departments across the UK to more than 4,500 fishing vessels with a port of registration outwith Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167495,"EventID":"S1W-31011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing licenses are being managed at ports outwith Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many fishing licenses are being managed at ports outwith Scotland.","AnswerText":"The arrangements in the UK are that licences are issued to fishing vessels by the Fisheries Departments on the basis of a vessel's port of administration. The arrangements relating to fishing vessel licensing following devolution were set out in letters sent to individual vessel owners and other industry interests in June 1999.

      As at 31 December 2001, over 4,500 UK-registered fishing vessels (excluding vessels in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey) had a port of administration outwith Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167496,"EventID":"S1W-31012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average level of payment was from the Rural Stewardship Scheme in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average level of payment was from the Rural Stewardship Scheme in each of the last three years for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"For applications approved in 2001, average annual payments were £161.80 in 2001-02 and are £6,868.67 in 2002-03, as at the end of October 2002. The first management payments will be made for these participants in the next three months.

      For applications approved in 2002, average annual payments to date are £222.56 in 2002-03. First management payments are due in 12 months time.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167497,"EventID":"S1W-31013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Qualifications Authority sets the pass and grade boundary marks for the Higher Still exams for which it is responsible by (a) mapping the distributi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Qualifications Authority sets the pass and grade boundary marks for the Higher Still exams for which it is responsible by (a) mapping the distribution of marks actually gained (i) against a normal distribution curve with a single peak, (ii) against a normal distribution curve with two peaks with different \"Y\" values or (iii) using a different mathematical algorithm and, if so, what the details are, (b) setting and fixing, within a small adjustment range, the expected standard of answer that will earn the necessary marks prior to marking or (c) any other method.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167498,"EventID":"S1W-31014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Qualifications Authority has disregarded any candidate's course work in determining awards in 2002 under Higher Still and, if so, in what subjects a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Qualifications Authority has disregarded any candidate's course work in determining awards in 2002 under Higher Still and, if so, in what subjects and for what proportion of candidates.","AnswerText":"The SQA has advised that it has not disregarded any unit assessment results or, where appropriate, work such as folios that have been submitted for assessment by SQA.

      This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167499,"EventID":"S1W-31015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a definition of the Vineburgh area in North Ayrshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a definition of the Vineburgh area in North Ayrshire.","AnswerText":"Vineburgh constitutes a population of around 2,000 in the Social Inclusion Partnership area of North Ayrshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167500,"EventID":"S1W-31016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the definition and boundaries of the Vineburgh area in North Ayrshire have been changed in recent years to include parts of other areas for the purpose of the Bet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the definition and boundaries of the Vineburgh area in North Ayrshire have been changed in recent years to include parts of other areas for the purpose of the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","AnswerText":"The definition and boundaries of the Vineburgh area have not changed. However, in order to meet the criteria of the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF) regarding the size of population to benefit from the BNSF, the area of Redburn was also included in North Ayrshire Council's Local Outcome Agreement.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167501,"EventID":"S1W-31017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is currently dealing with, and responding to, the views of Vineburgh residents as expressed at organised public meetings and in petitions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is currently dealing with, and responding to, the views of Vineburgh residents as expressed at organised public meetings and in petitions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has received written communications from two residents in Vineburgh to whom we have responded. We are aware that concern has been expressed by Vineburgh residents about North Ayrshire Council's proposals for the use of Better Neighbourhood Services funding in the Redburn area, although the council's Local Outcome Agreement includes a commitment to deliver improved services to residents in both Vineburgh and Redburn. The local authority is working closely with residents in both communities to resolve these difficulties.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167502,"EventID":"S1W-31018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund has the support and involvement of the residents of the Vineburgh community and how this support is monitored and measured.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund has the support and involvement of the residents of the Vineburgh community and how this support is monitored and measured.","AnswerText":"We are aware that there have been difficulties between North Ayrshire Council and residents in Vineburgh about the use of Better Neighbourhood Service fund resources, which is intended to benefit residents in Redburn as well as Vineburgh. However, the council is working closely with residents in both communities to resolve these difficulties.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167503,"EventID":"S1W-31019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why funding originally allocated to a community care centre in the Vineburgh area has been reallocated to projects planned in other areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why funding originally allocated to a community care centre in the Vineburgh area has been reallocated to projects planned in other areas.","AnswerText":"The Local Outcome Agreement between the Scottish Executive and North Ayrshire Council covering the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF) did not include a commitment to build a community care centre in Vineburgh. There was a commitment to build a community centre in the area covered by the BNSF funding which included both Vineburgh and Redburn and this is being taken forward. No funds allocated to Vineburgh and Redburn have been reallocated to projects outside these areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167504,"EventID":"S1W-31020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5716 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 October 2002, whether it will make any further representations to Her Majesty's Government for the gr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5716 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 October 2002, whether it will make any further representations to Her Majesty's Government for the granting of a concession by the Inland Revenue to allow ex-gratia payments in respect of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes to be made as tax-free lump sum payments, given that the Inland Revenue has allowed tax-free lump sum payments to members of the National Bus Company pension scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my letter of 1 November 2002 to the Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee (PE500). I understand that a copy of my letter has been passed to the member by the convener for his information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167505,"EventID":"S1W-31021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5716 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 October 2002, whether there were any significant differences between the Scottish Transport Group (ST","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5716 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 October 2002, whether there were any significant differences between the Scottish Transport Group (STG) and National Bus Company (NBC) pension schemes and, in particular, whether (a) the STG scheme members (i) worked for more years and (ii) made more contributions than NBC scheme members and (b) the surplus of the STG schemes was larger pro rata than that of the NBC schemes and, if this is not the case, what conclusions it has reached in respect of each of these matters.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my letter of 12 June 2002 to the Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee (PE500). I understand that a copy of my letter was passed to the member by the convener for his information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167506,"EventID":"S1W-31022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Countryside Agency regarding its experience in promoting rural development in England while respecting rural traditions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Countryside Agency regarding its experience in promoting rural development in England while respecting rural traditions.","AnswerText":"We maintain good working relationships with the Countryside Agency and my officials meet with agency officials on a regular basis to exchange information and experience. We also collaborate on a number of research projects into rural development issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167507,"EventID":"S1W-31023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to raise the quality of design for new buildings and refurbished buildings in rural villages.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to raise the quality of design for new buildings and refurbished buildings in rural villages.","AnswerText":"The publication of Designing Places in November 2001 launched the Executive's policy to raise standards of design through the planning system. In particular, it sent key messages about improving the quality of design in new development in both rural and urban areas. The forthcoming Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 1 The Planning System will reinforce this message.

      Designing Places will be followed up with a series of more detailed advice notes. The first of these notes, which will be published early next year, will be on housing quality.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167508,"EventID":"S1W-31024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on the impact on the environment of CO2 emissions and, in particular, on publicity given to regulations relat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on the impact on the environment of CO2 emissions and, in particular, on publicity given to regulations relating to reductions on vehicle excise duty levied on private vehicles to reflect reduced CO2 emissions, on whether garages selling second-hand vehicles or issuing MOT certificates have been made aware of these regulations and on whether these regulations should apply retrospectively.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including emissions of CO2.

      CO2emissions are widely recognised as the main contributor to climate change. The UK strategy for tackling emissions of greenhouse gases, including CO2, is the UK Climate Change Programme of which the Executive's Scottish Climate Change Programme forms a part. The Executive is working in partnership with the UK Government to deliver greenhouse gas emissions reductions required by the Kyoto Protocol and in moving toward the domestic goal of a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2010.

      Whilst recent reforms to encourage the use of less polluting vehicles support our environmental objectives, Vehicle Excise Duty is a matter reserved to the UK Government. Any publicity on this is therefore a matter for the Department for Transport.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167509,"EventID":"S1W-31027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many representations it has received about the future of Castle Tioram.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many representations it has received about the future of Castle Tioram.","AnswerText":"Following the decision of Scottish ministers earlier this year to accept the reporter's recommendation following a Public Local Inquiry not to grant scheduled monument consent for the restoration of Castle Tioram 66 representations have been received.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167510,"EventID":"S1W-31028","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions representatives of Historic Scotland met representatives of Castle Tioram before the recent public inquiry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions representatives of Historic Scotland met representatives of Castle Tioram before the recent public inquiry.","AnswerText":"Representatives of Historic Scotland met representatives of Castle Tioram on four occasions prior to the recent public inquiry.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167511,"EventID":"S1W-31029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Historic Scotland will take if Castle Tioram's physical structure deteriorates to a point where public access is denied for reasons of safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Historic Scotland will take if Castle Tioram's physical structure deteriorates to a point where public access is denied for reasons of safety.","AnswerText":"Castle Tioram was closed to the public following the issuing of a Dangerous Building Notice by the Highland Council in 1998. The notice was issued following engineering reports from the owners regarding the dangerous condition of the building. The castle remains closed to the public. The maintenance of the castle is the responsibility of the owners.

      In his report following the public local inquiry, the reporter found that the castle was inherently strong but concluded that without major consolidation work the risk of further collapse in five to 10 years was significant. Under section 5 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, if it appears to Scottish ministers that any works are urgently necessary for the preservation of a scheduled monument, they may enter the site of the monument and execute those works after giving the owner and the occupier notice in writing of their intention to do so. Such powers would be exercised on behalf of Scottish ministers by Historic Scotland. There are currently no plans to exercise these powers in respect of Castle Tioram.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167512,"EventID":"S1W-31030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Historic Scotland will take if the condition of Castle Tioram deteriorates to a point where its current physical form and interest is compromised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action Historic Scotland will take if the condition of Castle Tioram deteriorates to a point where its current physical form and interest is compromised.","AnswerText":"Under section 5 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, if it appears to Scottish ministers that any works are urgently necessary for the preservation of a scheduled monument, they may enter the site of the monument and execute those works after giving the owner and the occupier notice in writing of their intention to do so. Such powers would be exercised on behalf of Scottish ministers by Historic Scotland. There are currently no plans to exercise these powers in respect of Castle Tioram.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167513,"EventID":"S1W-31031","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the position of Historic Scotland is in respect of at what point any further deterioration in the condition of Castle Tioram will compromise the castle's current his","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the position of Historic Scotland is in respect of at what point any further deterioration in the condition of Castle Tioram will compromise the castle's current historic interest.","AnswerText":"In his report following the Public Local Inquiry the reporter found that the castle was inherently strong but concluded that without major consolidation work the risk of further collapse in five to 10 years was significant. Under section 5 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, if it appears to Scottish ministers that any works are urgently necessary for the preservation of a scheduled monument, they may enter the site of the monument and execute those works after giving the owner and the occupier notice in writing of their intention to do so. Such powers would be exercised on behalf of Scottish ministers by Historic Scotland. There are currently no plans to exercise these powers in respect of Castle Tioram but Scottish ministers would like to see all erosion arrested as any decay can compromise the cultural significance of a monument.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167514,"EventID":"S1W-31032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether any further deterioration in the condition of Castle Tioram should be permitted.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on whether any further deterioration in the condition of Castle Tioram should be permitted.","AnswerText":"In his report following the Public Local Inquiry the reporter found that the castle was inherently strong but concluded that without major consolidation work the risk of further collapse in five to 10 years was significant. Under section 5 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, if it appears to Scottish ministers that any works are urgently necessary for the preservation of a scheduled monument, they may enter the site of the monument and execute those works after giving the owner and the occupier notice in writing of their intention to do so. Such powers would be exercised on behalf of Scottish ministers by Historic Scotland. There are currently no plans to exercise these powers in respect of Castle Tioram.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167515,"EventID":"S1W-31033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instruct Historic Scotland to discuss long-term conservation measures with the current owners of Castle Tioram.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instruct Historic Scotland to discuss long-term conservation measures with the current owners of Castle Tioram.","AnswerText":"The owners of Castle Tioram have lodged an appeal with the Court of Session on a point of law. However, officials in Historic Scotland would be happy to discuss long-term conservation measures with them if an approach was made.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167516,"EventID":"S1W-31034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland gives sufficient priority to ensuring the conservation of historic buildings by restoration for contemporary domestic use.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Historic Scotland gives sufficient priority to ensuring the conservation of historic buildings by restoration for contemporary domestic use.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland recognises the importance of finding new uses for historic buildings. Many will be considered adaptable to appropriate change in order to secure continued use. They will be given consent and may attract grant. However, a small number are considered by Historic Scotland as too important to the nation to warrant any change other than the least intervention necessary for their preservation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167517,"EventID":"S1W-31035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether officials at Historic Scotland are sufficiently accountable for their actions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether officials at Historic Scotland are sufficiently accountable for their actions.","AnswerText":"Officials of Historic Scotland are civil servants of the Scottish Executive and directly accountable to me through the Chief Executive.

      In their response to the Public Appointments (Scotland) Bill, the Education, Culture and Sport Committee have asked the Scottish Executive to consider how Scottish ministers may be advised on built heritage issues, in addition to the advice provided by Historic Scotland. Ministers are considering this request and will be responding in advance of the stage 2 discussions on the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167518,"EventID":"S1W-31036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Historic Scotland's strategy is for securing the conservation of Castle Tioram.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Historic Scotland's strategy is for securing the conservation of Castle Tioram.","AnswerText":"In evidence to the Public Local Inquiry, Historic Scotland stated that it believed the appropriate conservation strategy was to secure it as a consolidated ruin and restore year-round public access.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167519,"EventID":"S1W-31037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter Historic Scotland's operating instructions as set out in Historic Scotland - Framework Document 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter Historic Scotland's operating instructions as set out in Historic Scotland - Framework Document 2001.","AnswerText":"The framework document reflects the responsibility of Historic Scotland to discharge statutory functions of Scottish ministers. The framework document will be revised to reflect the fact that Historic Scotland no longer fulfils the departmental sponsorship function in respect of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.

      The Education, Culture and Sport Committee have asked Scottish ministers to review the roles and responsibilities of Historic Scotland in their response to the Public Appointments (Scotland) Bill. Ministers are considering this request and will be responding in advance of the Stage 2 discussions on the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167520,"EventID":"S1W-31038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to resume control of powers and decisions currently delegated to Historic Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to resume control of powers and decisions currently delegated to Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland is an agency of the Scottish Executive, within the Education Department, acting on behalf of Scottish ministers. Officials of Historic Scotland are civil servants of the Scottish Executive and directly accountable to me through the Chief Executive.

      Scottish ministers can request that officials of Historic Scotland seek ministerial agreement to decisions which can be made under delegated powers.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167521,"EventID":"S1W-31039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there would be any advantages in Historic Scotland being subject to more scrutiny.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there would be any advantages in Historic Scotland being subject to more scrutiny.","AnswerText":"All public bodies can benefit from informed scrutiny and review from time to time.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167522,"EventID":"S1W-31040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the work of Historic Scotland could be assisted by it being accountable to a board representative of a range of different interests.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the work of Historic Scotland could be assisted by it being accountable to a board representative of a range of different interests.","AnswerText":"No. Historic Scotland is directly accountable to Scottish ministers and, through them, to this Parliament. However, ministers are currently considering ways in which independent advice on the built heritage and the discharge of functions relating to it might be most appropriately obtained.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167523,"EventID":"S1W-31041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to making Historic Scotland a non-departmental public body.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to making Historic Scotland a non-departmental public body.","AnswerText":"This was one of a number of options considered and rejected when Historic Scotland was established as an executive agency in 1991 and again as part of a review in 1994. The status of Historic Scotland as an executive agency, within the Scottish Executive, was confirmed by the then First Minister in July 1999 in the answer given to question S1W-696 on 28 July 1999. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Scottish ministers are considering the suggestion made by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee in their response to the Public Appointments (Scotland) Bill that the roles and responsibilities of Historic Scotland should be reviewed, and will be responding to the committee prior to Stage Two consideration of the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167524,"EventID":"S1W-31042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a fundamental and insurmountable incompatibility between the restoration plans for Castle Tioram proposed by the castle's current owners and the Executiv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a fundamental and insurmountable incompatibility between the restoration plans for Castle Tioram proposed by the castle's current owners and the Executive's position in respect of the recent public local inquiry into those plans.","AnswerText":"The public local inquiry gave the opportunity for all parties to be heard and for witnesses, including Historic Scotland, to be cross-examined. The inquiry was conducted by an independent reporter who recommended to Scottish ministers that scheduled monument consent to restore the castle be refused, a recommendation that Scottish ministers accepted. He believed that consolidation was a more appropriate approach to safeguarding the castle.

      The applicants have lodged an appeal with the Court of Session on a point of law. It would not therefore be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167525,"EventID":"S1W-31043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the powers and responsibilities of Historic Scotland, as set out in the Historic Scotland Framework Document 2001, are not available for public view on the agency's w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the powers and responsibilities of Historic Scotland, as set out in the Historic Scotland Framework Document 2001, are not available for public view on the agency's website and whether there are any plans to make the framework document available on the website.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland has recently refreshed its website and is currently extending the range of publications on it. This includes the framework document which is now available on the website.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167526,"EventID":"S1W-31044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Registrar General for Scotland will publish his Annual Report for 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Registrar General for Scotland will publish his Annual Report for 2001.","AnswerText":"Scotland's Population 2001: the Registrar General's Annual Review of Demographic Trends is published today. The format of the report has been changed from previous annual reports to bring out key trends and issues more clearly for a wider audience. A copy of the report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. Number 24855), or from the General Register Office Scotland (GROS) website at: www.gro-scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167527,"EventID":"S1W-31045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29261 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, whether it will, as part of the costing of the proposed new 700-place private prison, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29261 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 October 2002, whether it will, as part of the costing of the proposed new 700-place private prison, include costings for all aspects involved in the transportation of remand prisoners to the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      We do not anticipate that the contract for the new prison will include transport of prisoners, as that will be subject to our separate contractual arrangements for prisoner escorts.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167528,"EventID":"S1W-31046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30079 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, whether it supports the conclusion of the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group that ther","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30079 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 October 2002, whether it supports the conclusion of the Secure Accommodation Advisory Group that there is no evidence to support the claims of a lack of secure accommodation given that it cannot provide data on the number of 14- to 16-year-olds held in adult prisons and what action it plans to take to compile such data.","AnswerText":"A wide range of information is collected each time a 14- to 16-year-old is held in a penal establishment, as listed in the answer given to question S1W-30452 on 24 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The only information which cannot meaningfully be supplied is a distinction between young offenders in adult prisons and those in Young Offender Institutions. This is because many young offenders will pass through an adult prison on their way to reception in a Young Offenders Institution or may be transferred to a Young Offenders Institution after reception in an adult prison. As Young Offenders Institutions and adult prisons are all penal establishments in the Scottish Prison Service, this distinction is not relevant to the consideration of the need for secure accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167529,"EventID":"S1W-31047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30213 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 October 2002, why it has no survey data more recent than 1998 on young people held in secure accommod","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30213 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 October 2002, why it has no survey data more recent than 1998 on young people held in secure accommodation.","AnswerText":"The 1998 survey collected detailed information on each resident in secure accommodation and the care they received. This census has been repeated during October 2002, and the results will be made available in due course.

      In addition, the Executive collects and publishes basic information annually from secure care providers on the characteristics of children and their care. The last figures were published on 2 September covering the year 2000-01 at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00191-00.asp. This information was another source used to consider the supply and demand for secure care places.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167530,"EventID":"S1W-31048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28895 by Ms Margaret Curran on 18 October 2002, whether it will define \"reasonable adjustments\" required to the physical features o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28895 by Ms Margaret Curran on 18 October 2002, whether it will define \"reasonable adjustments\" required to the physical features of premises to overcome physical barriers to access in relation to existing sheriff courts in historic/category B listed buildings.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to provide a further definition of "reasonable adjustments" for a sheriff court or any other public building. Given the wide range of disabilities and the disparate nature of each building this would not be practicable. Ultimately it will be for the courts to decide on how the legislation should be interpreted in individual cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167531,"EventID":"S1W-31049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made to the (a) Roxburgh and Berwickshire and (b) Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale parliamentary constituencies by ministers in each year from ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many visits have been made to the (a) Roxburgh and Berwickshire and (b) Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale parliamentary constituencies by ministers in each year from 1999 to date and how many are planned until the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament, detailing the ministers involved.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of visits made by ministers since 1999 is not held centrally. With respect to future meetings, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30344 on 22 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167532,"EventID":"S1W-31050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29481 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, whether it is concerned that it does not have comprehensive data on the (a) prevalence ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29481 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, whether it is concerned that it does not have comprehensive data on the (a) prevalence and (b) incidence of new cases of hepatitis C in each prison in each of the last three years and, if so, what action it plans to take to compile such information.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The aim of health care within SPS is to provide prisoner patients with access to the same quality and range of health services to which they would be eligible within the community, but subject to the constraints that custody imposes.

      Prisoners have the opportunity to be tested for hepatitis C which includes pre- and post-test counselling. Those known to be infected with hepatitis C are offered immunisation against hepatitis A. All prisoners on admission are offered hepatitis B immunisation.

      Specialist treatment for those prisoners known to be hepatitis C positive is provided by the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167533,"EventID":"S1W-31051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned an audit of sheriff courts on the cost to them of conforming to the requirements under disability legislation for access by disabled people to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has commissioned an audit of sheriff courts on the cost to them of conforming to the requirements under disability legislation for access by disabled people to public buildings; when this audit was commissioned; whether it has published or will publish the audit on completion; what funding the Scottish Courts Administration has received to enable access to sheriff courts to comply with the legislation; how much has been allocated to each court, and when such allocation was made.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Court Service commissioned access consultants to undertake an audit of the court estate to determine the scale and extent of work required throughout the estate to ensure compliance with Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act. That process identified a number of areas where the consultants believed that modification of the court estate could be beneficial to courts users with a disability. These recommendations are currently being examined to determine their feasibility and cost of implementation. There are no plans to publish the audit results.

      Details of the resources for the Scottish Court Service were published in the Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the Money Buys. Additional funds have been made available to enable the Scottish Court Service to accommodate pressures on its capital programme. This funding will, in part, be used to provide improved facilities for the disabled in the court estate. The cost of the programme of works required is being assessed. Funds have not been specifically allocated to individual court buildings as the programme of works will be developed and implemented on an estate wide basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167534,"EventID":"S1W-31052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider the decision to restrict ex-gratia payments to widows or widowers of members of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes that died before ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider the decision to restrict ex-gratia payments to widows or widowers of members of the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes that died before 18 December 2002 to 50% of the amount that their spouse or partner would have received in order to extend to such widows and widowers the entitlement to 100% of such amounts, currently available to the widows and widowers of members of the schemes that died on or after 18 December 2002, and, if it will not reconsider the decision, what the rationale is for making payment of the whole amount to some widows and widowers and 50% of the payment to others.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my letter of 9 August 2002 to the Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee (PE500). I understand that a copy of my letter has been passed to the member by the convener for his information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167535,"EventID":"S1W-31053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to consider licensing companies that provide security services to householders and commercial businesses.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to consider licensing companies that provide security services to householders and commercial businesses.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to introducing effective and affordable regulation of the private security industry. Following a consultation last year, we are considering the best way to achieve this. We plan to make our position known shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167536,"EventID":"S1W-31054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capital investment there has been in (a) Stracathro Hospital and (b) Arbroath Infirmary in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capital investment there has been in (a) Stracathro Hospital and (b) Arbroath Infirmary in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Tayside Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has been reviewing its acute service delivery and, as a result, planned (subject to approvals) capital investment at Stracathro Hospital is £10 million; this is to develop an Ambulatory Care and Diagnostic Treatment Center (ADTC). As part of the ADTC development, capital investment for 2002-03 is planned to be £585,000. Clinicians and managers at Tayside Primary Care NHS Trust have also met to discuss the service delivery implications of the Acute Services Review on Arbroath Infirmary. Future capital investment will follow from service delivery decisions to best meet the needs of the Angus population and the residents of Arbroath.

      The capital investment at Stracathro Hospital and Arbroath Infirmary for the last five financial years is as follows:

      Stracathro Hospital

      (£000)

      Arbroath Infirmary

      (£000)

      2001-02

      71

      30

      2000-01

      Nil

      16

      1999-2000

      131

      643

      1998-99

      211

      102

      1997-98

      348

      195

      Further information, if required, can be obtained directly from the trust.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167537,"EventID":"S1W-31055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capital investment is planned for (a) Stracathro Hospital and (b) Arbroath Infirmary.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what capital investment is planned for (a) Stracathro Hospital and (b) Arbroath Infirmary.","AnswerText":"Tayside Acute Hospitals NHS Trust put forward £10 million plans to develop an Ambulatory Care and Diagnostic Treatment Centre (ADTC) at Stracathro Hospital to the trust board on 30 October. The ADTC business case was approved by the trust board and will now be submitted to NHS Tayside Board for consideration.

      In terms of Arbroath Infirmary, a service planning workshop was held with clinicians on 26 September to identify services which would compliment those services being provided at Stracathro Hospital as a result of the Acute Services Review. Capital investment planning will follow once the service delivery has been agreed.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167538,"EventID":"S1W-31056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the conclusions of the review of the Area Tourist Board network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the conclusions of the review of the Area Tourist Board network.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that the results of the Area Tourist Board review will be available early in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167539,"EventID":"S1W-31057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd under the PFI contract for the construction of the terminal at Inverness Airport in each year from the incep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd under the PFI contract for the construction of the terminal at Inverness Airport in each year from the inception of the contract to date; what the estimated costs are from now until the conclusion of the contract; what the estimated final total cost of the contract will be, and what the estimated cost of construction would have been if no PFI scheme had been entered into.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of the PFI contract, no money has been paid to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) for the construction of the terminal at Inverness Airport. The total amount to be paid by HIAL to the terminal's owners and operators, Inverness Air Terminal Ltd, over the contract years, is dependent on throughput at the terminal. Expansion of the terminal, to be funded by the PFI contractor, will be determined by enhanced passenger numbers. The cost of the terminal's construction under PFI, as measured against procurement by public sector, represented value for money for the taxpayer. The details are commercially confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167540,"EventID":"S1W-31058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Solicitor General will reply to my letter dated 20 August 2002 regarding my constituent Mr A.Whyte of Aberdircher, Banffshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Solicitor General will reply to my letter dated 20 August 2002 regarding my constituent Mr A.Whyte of Aberdircher, Banffshire.","AnswerText":"A reply to the member's letter was sent on 29 October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167541,"EventID":"S1W-31059","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2122,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will make available to the 18 clients currently being offered one-to-one counselling and the 18 clients currently being counselled over the telephone b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will make available to the 18 clients currently being offered one-to-one counselling and the 18 clients currently being counselled over the telephone by Facilitate (Scotland) in the light of the decision by judicial factors to close the offices of Facilitate (Scotland).","AnswerText":"An interim Judicial Factor has been appointed to manage the affairs of Facilitate (Scotland).

      If a decision were made to close the charity, then any closure would have to be made in an orderly fashion. The Scottish Charities Office has already made the Factor aware of the need to consider the requirements of Facilitate's existing clients and telephone helpline service.

      In the meantime, the Executive has contacted Greater Glasgow NHS Board, Samaritans and Childline Scotland, and these organisations are currently considering what support they are able to offer Facilitate's clients.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167542,"EventID":"S1W-31060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on schools offering pupils the opportunity to take A and AS level examinations as well as examinations offered by the Scottish Qualifications Authori","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on schools offering pupils the opportunity to take A and AS level examinations as well as examinations offered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerText":"Our policy on flexibility and innovation within the school curriculum enables education authorities and schools to adopt the particular approaches to teaching and learning that best meets the needs of all pupils. It is for education authorities and schools themselves to consider whether to offer pupils the opportunity to take A and AS level examinations as well as those provided by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. However, in line with our guidance on flexibility and innovation, education authorities and schools wishing to do so would have to clearly identify the gains to pupils and ensure consistency with the National Priorities in Education. They would also have to undertake full consultation with stakeholders (including parents, teachers and pupils) and achieve consensus prior to implementing their proposals and ensure open and rigorous quality assurance arrangements are in place to monitor and evaluate the results of any changes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167543,"EventID":"S1W-31061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish universities and colleges with regard to their approach to pupils applying for entry from Scottish schools who have A and AS lev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Scottish universities and colleges with regard to their approach to pupils applying for entry from Scottish schools who have A and AS level qualifications as well as Higher and Advanced Higher level qualifications.","AnswerText":"The Executive has had no discussions with universities and colleges on this issue.

      Institutions are autonomous bodies and specific admissions policies are a matter for them. Through its new condition of grant and scrutiny of the Strategic Plans of higher education institutions, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council requires institutions to demonstrate how they deliver equality of opportunity in their application, selection, admissions and support policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167544,"EventID":"S1W-31062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that pupils from Scottish schools applying for entry to universities and colleges in Scotland are not at a disadvantage if they hold A and AS level","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that pupils from Scottish schools applying for entry to universities and colleges in Scotland are not at a disadvantage if they hold A and AS level passes as well as Higher and Advanced Higher passes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31061 today which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167545,"EventID":"S1W-31063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which meetings of the (a) European Council, (b) Council of the European Union, (c) Coreper and (d) EC committees and working groups and which informal meetings of the Co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which meetings of the (a) European Council, (b) Council of the European Union, (c) Coreper and (d) EC committees and working groups and which informal meetings of the Council of the European Union held under the Danish Presidency it has attended to date; how many representatives attended each meeting, and which minister, or what grade of official from which department or agency, attended.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive ministers attended the following Council meetings held under the Danish Presidency between 1 July and 30 November:

      Date

      Meeting

      Minister

      23 - 24 September

      Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Brussels)

      Ross Finnie

      14 - 15 October

      Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Luxembourg)

      Ross Finnie

      17 October

      Environment Council (Luxembourg)

      Ross Finnie

      11 November

      Education, Youth and Culture Council (Brussels)

      Elaine Murray

      26 November

      Competitiveness Council (Brussels)

      Iain Gray

      27 - 28 November

      Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Brussels)

      Ross Finnie

      Officials have attended the following additional meetings held under the Danish Presidency between 1 July and 31 October, which is the period for which information is currently available:

      Date

      Meeting

      Department

      1 - 2 July

      Working Group on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.

      ERAD

      2 July

      Working Group Danish Presidency programme of work in the energy field

      FCSD

      3 July

      International Environment Issues: Preparation for World Summit on Sustainable Development

      FCSD

      9 - 10 July

      Working Group on Fisheries Control

      ERAD

      15 July

      Working Group on Vocational Education and Training

      FCSD

      16 July

      Working Group on Market access to Ports Services Directive

      FCSD

      22 - 23 July

      Special Committee for Agriculture - Mid-term Review of the Common Agriculture Policy

      FCSD

      24 July

      Working Group on Cereals

      ERAD

      25 July

      Working Group on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.

      ERAD

      27 July

      Working Group on the impact of enlargement on fisheries

      ERAD

      2 - 3 September

      JHA Working Group

      JD

      5 September

      Working Group on Intern","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167546,"EventID":"S1W-31064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which meetings of the (a) European Council, (b) Council of the European Union, (c) Coreper and (d) EC committees and working groups and which informal meetings of the Co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which meetings of the (a) European Council, (b) Council of the European Union, (c) Coreper and (d) EC committees and working groups and which informal meetings of the Council of the European Union that are still to be held under the Danish Presidency it will attend; how many representatives will attend each meeting and which minister, or what grade of official from which department or agency, will attend.","AnswerText":"Decisions on attendance at these future meetings will be taken on a case by case basis, depending on the agendas for the meetings and their relevance to the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167547,"EventID":"S1W-31065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-29T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter the current rule that registration of children for dentistry services under the NHS lasts for only 15 months and whether it will amend the rule","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to alter the current rule that registration of children for dentistry services under the NHS lasts for only 15 months and whether it will amend the rule so that a child remains registered as a patient with a dental practice until he or she reaches adulthood. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no current plans to alter the 15-month NHS registration period with a dentist.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167548,"EventID":"S1W-31066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it enforces section 2 of the Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it enforces section 2 of the Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"Section 2 of the Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001 imposes a duty on Scottish ministers. No enforcement issues arise as a result of this section.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167549,"EventID":"S1W-31067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received on whether an action of judicial review could be brought against Scottish ministers in respect of any failure to perform their obligations und","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has received on whether an action of judicial review could be brought against Scottish ministers in respect of any failure to perform their obligations under section 2 of the Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001 where a Budget Bill introduced into the Parliament does not include provision that the income arising from the graduate endowment for the financial year to which the bill relates be used for the purposes of student support and what order the court could make if such an action were successful.","AnswerText":"Whether legal advice is sought by, or provided to, ministers on any subject is a confidential matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167550,"EventID":"S1W-31068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the passenger capacity is of the new Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the passenger capacity is of the new Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon route.","AnswerText":"The question relates to an operational matter for Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd and should therefore be addressed to the Managing Director of the company.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167551,"EventID":"S1W-31069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what capacity the new Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon route has been certified.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what capacity the new Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon route has been certified.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31068 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167552,"EventID":"S1W-31070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the winter timetable for Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd ferry routes was late in being published this year and, if so, what the reasons are for this.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the winter timetable for Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd ferry routes was late in being published this year and, if so, what the reasons are for this.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31068 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167553,"EventID":"S1W-31071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the top speed is of the new Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the top speed is of the new Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon route.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31068 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167554,"EventID":"S1W-31072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for how long the new Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon route has been chartered.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for how long the new Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon route has been chartered.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31068 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167555,"EventID":"S1W-31073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the negotiations commenced to bring the Ali Cat ferry to the Gourock to Dunoon route.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date the negotiations commenced to bring the Ali Cat ferry to the Gourock to Dunoon route.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31068 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167556,"EventID":"S1W-31074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its representatives spoke at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 14-15 October 2002 in Luxembourg.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of its representatives spoke at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 14-15 October 2002 in Luxembourg.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers attend Council meetings as members of the UK delegation. The Concordat on co-ordination of European Union policy issues provides that in appropriate cases the leader of the delegation can agree to Scottish ministers speaking for the UK in Council, and that they do so with the full weight of the UK behind them. Since the detail of exchanges within Councils is confidential, it is not the Executive's practice to disclose the part played in Councils by individual members of the UK delegation. It is always my objective to ensure that Scottish interests are fully pursued in relevant Council discussions.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167557,"EventID":"S1W-31075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 will come into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 will come into force.","AnswerText":"We will bring forward the commencement order in due course. As indicated in the answer given to question S1W-19447 on 12 November 2001, the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 is the first part of our programme of property law reform, and we will assess the appropriate date for commencement when the next bill in the programme - the Title Conditions Bill - has been enacted. This bill was introduced to Parliament on 6 June. The implementation of both pieces of legislation must be carefully timed so as to ensure an orderly transition from one system of land tenure to another.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167558,"EventID":"S1W-31076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate a detailed investigation into the level and standard of service being provided by Argyll and Clyde NHS Board with particular regard to any delaye","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will initiate a detailed investigation into the level and standard of service being provided by Argyll and Clyde NHS Board with particular regard to any delayed referrals and financial mismanagement.","AnswerText":"On 26 September I announced the despatch of an expert support team to tackle long-standing managerial problems in the running of the health service in Argyll and Clyde.

      In setting up the expert support team, the Executive and NHS Board Chair, John Mullin, are protecting patients' interests by taking decisive action to safeguard corporate working and effective long-term strategic and financial planning in NHS Argyll and Clyde.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167559,"EventID":"S1W-31077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the new passenger-only vehicle has been chartered for the Gourock to Dunoon route before the consultation process in regard to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd has been compl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the new passenger-only vehicle has been chartered for the Gourock to Dunoon route before the consultation process in regard to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd has been completed.","AnswerText":"Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd's decision to provide some of its services between Gourock and Dunoon using a passenger-only, rather than a passenger and vehicle, vessel is a matter for the company because only the passenger element of the Gourock to Dunoon service is approved by ministers and eligible for subsidy. Scottish ministers have no locus in decisions made by the company on services provided outwith the undertaking.

      The Scottish Executive has recently completed consultation on a draft service specification for Clyde and Hebrides ferry services planned for the period 2004-09. Final decisions arising from that consultation have yet to be taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167560,"EventID":"S1W-31078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22478 by Patricia Ferguson on 12 February 2002, how many joint ministerial committees and sub-committee meetings have been convened","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22478 by Patricia Ferguson on 12 February 2002, how many joint ministerial committees and sub-committee meetings have been convened since 12 February 2002; where each meeting took place, which minister attended, and what was discussed.","AnswerText":"Since 12 February 2002 one plenary meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC), and five meetings of the functional committees have taken place.

      The Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) Plenary was held on 22 October in London. The First Minister and I attended. The committee reviewed progress over the past year and reaffirmed its continuing support for devolution despite the previous week's setback in Northern Ireland. The meeting also discussed reform of public services and the Fire Service dispute.

      The Joint Ministerial Committee (Europe) met on 7 March, 11 June, 27 September and 22 October in London. I attended on 7 March, 11 June and 22 October, and the First Minister on 27 September and 22 October.

      On 7 March JMC (Europe) discussed the Barcelona European Council and the Future of Europe. On 11 June it discussed preparations for the Seville European Council and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. On 27 September the committee discussed the Future of Europe and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. On 22 October the committee focused on preparations for the Brussels European Council.

      The Joint Ministerial Committee (Poverty) met on 18 September in London. Andy Kerr MSP, Minister for Finance and Public Services and Margaret Curran MSP, Minister for Social Justice, attended. The JMC (Poverty) meeting discussed actions to deliver policies for alleviating poverty in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167561,"EventID":"S1W-31079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all sub-committees of the Joint Ministerial Committee and detail their membership.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all sub-committees of the Joint Ministerial Committee and detail their membership.","AnswerText":"The Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) has met in the following functional groups: JMC Poverty, JMC Health, JMC Europe and JMC Knowledge Economy.

      Each sub-committee consists of UK Ministers, the First and Deputy First Ministers from the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, and other ministers from each administration with an interest in the relevant sectoral area.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167562,"EventID":"S1W-31080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee and its sub-committees have been planned up to December 2003, detailing where and when each meeting will be held, wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee and its sub-committees have been planned up to December 2003, detailing where and when each meeting will be held, which minister is to attend and what matters will be discussed.","AnswerText":"The Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) meets annually and met most recently in London on 22 October 2002.

      JMC sub-committees meet as and when necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167563,"EventID":"S1W-31081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each prison, what (a) its total budget and (b) the underspend (i) was in each year since 1999-2000 and (ii) is projected to be in 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, for each prison, what (a) its total budget and (b) the underspend (i) was in each year since 1999-2000 and (ii) is projected to be in 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Total budgets for individual establishments do not exist. Expenditure relevant to a prison or prisons is spent locally or centrally according to circumstances and is not disaggregated.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167564,"EventID":"S1W-31082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29770 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 October 2002, whether it will publish any of the contracts for provision of education services in pri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29770 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 October 2002, whether it will publish any of the contracts for provision of education services in prisons and, if so, which specific contracts it will publish, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Except where disclosure of parts of the contract would not be in the public interest as specified in Part 11 of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information, the SPS will make arrangements to publish these contracts following discussions with the contractors and, once finalised, copies will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167565,"EventID":"S1W-31083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29901 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, what the location was of each parcel of land sold shown in the table.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29901 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, what the location was of each parcel of land sold shown in the table.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Location

      Number

      Aberdeenshire

      3

      Angus

      1

      Falkirk

      4

      Inverclyde

      1

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167566,"EventID":"S1W-31084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29901 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, why the sale of HM Prison Penninghame was not included in the table.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29901 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, why the sale of HM Prison Penninghame was not included in the table.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The question asked about sale of land whereas Penninghame was sold as a property (inclusive of land and buildings). On the same basis the former HM Prison Dungavel and some staff quarters and garages were also excluded from the table.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167567,"EventID":"S1W-31085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30092 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, whether it will give full details of the notice it received under paragraph 6.8 of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30092 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, whether it will give full details of the notice it received under paragraph 6.8 of the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock as requested in question S1W-28728.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The content of the notice is regarded as commercially confidential information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167568,"EventID":"S1W-31086","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought to discover what element of the cost saving asserted for private prisons by PricewaterhouseCoopers comes from (a) lower staff wage costs and (b) man","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought to discover what element of the cost saving asserted for private prisons by PricewaterhouseCoopers comes from (a) lower staff wage costs and (b) management efficiencies.","AnswerText":"Section 3 of the Financial Review of the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review describe the methodology used by PricewaterhouseCoopers to assess the cost of a private-build, private-operate prison based on historic data for the market prices of six similar prisons. Market prices do not separately identify staff costs and management efficiencies. Paragraphs 64 to 84 of the Scottish Executive's Consultation on Future of the Scottish Prison Estate set out reasons for the cost differences between options.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167569,"EventID":"S1W-31087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement made by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it intends to appoint an adviser for the procurement of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the statement made by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on 5 September 2002, whether it intends to appoint an adviser for the procurement of its proposed private-build, private-operate prison and what the projected cost of such an appointment would be.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      This procurement project is in its early stages and no such decisions or projections have yet been taken by SPS. Any decision to appoint advisers would take account of the need to provide value for public money and would be implemented through a competitive tendering exercise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167570,"EventID":"S1W-31088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison K","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25569 by Mr Jim Wallace on 16 May 2002, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock broken down for each heading and by sub-section in sections 2.1(i), 2.2(a), 2.2(b), 2.4(a), 2.4(b), 2.4(c), 2.4(d) and 2.4(e) in Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock for each quarter of operation of the contract to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is given in the document (Bib. number 25002) a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167571,"EventID":"S1W-31089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about whether any Green Goddess fire engines have broken down during testing and preparations for the impending firefighters' strike and,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about whether any Green Goddess fire engines have broken down during testing and preparations for the impending firefighters' strike and, if so, where and when any such breakdowns occurred.","AnswerText":"All Green Goddesses have been subjected to extended testing. Of the 116 deployed to Scotland, all but three have completed these tests satisfactorily. Repairs have now been carried out on the vehicles which failed the tests. In addition, one Green Goddess broke down in Stirling on Saturday 26 October and another near Redford Barracks in Edinburgh on 12 November during their road test. In both cases the breakdowns were caused by dirt in the fuel system.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167572,"EventID":"S1W-31090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is no longer prepared to provide funding to the Scottish Science Trust (SST) and, in particular, whether this decision is a result of any independent assessment or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why it is no longer prepared to provide funding to the Scottish Science Trust (SST) and, in particular, whether this decision is a result of any independent assessment or evaluation of SST's performance or impact.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Science Trust is a charitable organisation independent of government, established in 1997 principally to support the work of science centres in Scotland, and with the assumption that no government support would be required. However, it has recently become clear that the trust is unable to attract sufficient support from non-government sources to be able to continue with its activities. In the light of these indications, I met the Chair of the trust and the Chairs of the Scottish science centres last month, to gauge what type of central organisational support the centres regard to be necessary and sustainable, and to explore the possible role of the Executive in supporting this. The Executive has since invited the Chair of the trust to work with the science centres to produce proposals for successor arrangements to the present trust. Once we have received these proposals, we will be in a position to consider what part the Executive may be able to play in assisting in the establishment of successor arrangements. In 2001-02, the Executive provided one-off support of £350,000 to the trust, mainly to enhance its science education programmes, but also to assist with running costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167573,"EventID":"S1W-31091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002 in relation to the three disciplinary charges of possession of an unauthorised item that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002 in relation to the three disciplinary charges of possession of an unauthorised item that were incorrectly recorded as the disciplinary charge of holding a person against his will, what the unauthorised item was in each case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      In one case, the item was a small quantity of coffee sachets, in another it was a small piece of cannabis. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to identify the item involved in the third case as the relevant paper work could not be located.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167574,"EventID":"S1W-31092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, when the incorrect recording of the three disciplinary charges of possession of an unau","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, when the incorrect recording of the three disciplinary charges of possession of an unauthorised item as the disciplinary charge of holding a person against his will was made, by whom it was made and when it was discovered.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The error in recording the charges, in the early months of the new prison, was made by then inexperienced Kilmarnock Prison staff. The incorrect recording of this information was subsequently discovered by the Deputy SPS Controller of HM Prison Kilmarnock in the Autumn of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167575,"EventID":"S1W-31093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, why the incorrect recording of the three disciplinary charges of possession of an unaut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, why the incorrect recording of the three disciplinary charges of possession of an unauthorised item as the disciplinary charge of holding a person against his will was not rectified before disciplinary records of prisons were placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Because the error was identified after the relevant documents were placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167576,"EventID":"S1W-31094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, what steps have been taken to date to rectify the disciplinary records of prisons place","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, what steps have been taken to date to rectify the disciplinary records of prisons placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) and whether any further steps will be taken to correct the records placed in SPICe","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      A revised table has now been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25063).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167577,"EventID":"S1W-31095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, whether any other instances of incorrect recording of disciplinary offences have been f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28802 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, whether any other instances of incorrect recording of disciplinary offences have been found in the records placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre and, if so, what any such instances are.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Apart from these instances, the SPS is unaware of any further incorrect recording of disciplinary offences in the records placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167578,"EventID":"S1W-31096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29718 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, when decisions on future spending on external affairs will be finalised and how it will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29718 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, when decisions on future spending on external affairs will be finalised and how it will inform the Parliament of any such decisions.","AnswerText":"Details of the Scottish Executive's spending plans for 2003-06 were set out in the draft Budget 2003-04 document published on 31 October.

      The budget for External Relations initiatives in 2002-03 was increased from £100,000 to £300,000. The annual budget for 2003-04 is to be £300,000 but for the initial budget documents for 2003-04 the baseline was simply rolled forward and additional resources are to be transferred in the course of the year subject to parliamentary approval of the appropriate budget revision. Ministers intend to make similar revisions for the two forward years.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167579,"EventID":"S1W-31097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it sent any representative to the meeting of representatives of European crime prevention institutions in Aalborg on 7 to 8 October 2002 and, if so, whether it wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it sent any representative to the meeting of representatives of European crime prevention institutions in Aalborg on 7 to 8 October 2002 and, if so, whether it will report on the results of the meeting.","AnswerText":"The Executive was represented at the European Crime Prevention Network Conference held under the Danish Presidency in Aalborg on 7 to 8 October 2002, as part of the Home Office contingent. A report on the conference and its outcomes is being prepared by the Danish Crime Prevention Council. Volume One - Presentations and Conclusions has been published and features on their website at www.crimprev.dk/eucpn. Volume Two - Best Practice Projects will be published soon on the same website.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167580,"EventID":"S1W-31098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were transferred to HM Prison Kilmarnock from HM Prison (a) Barlinnie, (b) Greenock and (c) Edinburgh in each month from April to September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were transferred to HM Prison Kilmarnock from HM Prison (a) Barlinnie, (b) Greenock and (c) Edinburgh in each month from April to September 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Month

      Barlinnie

      Greenock

      Edinburgh

      April

      4

      0

      0

      May

      7

      1

      0

      June

      3

      0

      1

      July

      3

      0

      4

      August

      1

      3

      2

      September

      14

      0

      0

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167581,"EventID":"S1W-31099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were transferred from (a) HM Prison Kilmarnock to other local prisons in Scotland and (b) other local prisons in Scotland to HM Prison Kilmarnock in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were transferred from (a) HM Prison Kilmarnock to other local prisons in Scotland and (b) other local prisons in Scotland to HM Prison Kilmarnock in the year to the end of September 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      (a) 155. (b) 114.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167582,"EventID":"S1W-31100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the formula shown in paragraph 6 of Schedule E to the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the formula shown in paragraph 6 of Schedule E to the Minute of Agreement Between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, the value of the variable D is presently less than the sum of the variables Ga and Gb and what the ratio is of the variable D to the sum of the variables Ga and Gb.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      This is commercially confidential information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167583,"EventID":"S1W-31101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the research commissioned by the Governor of HM Prison Low Moss comparing incidents in 2001 with incidents so far in 2002 will be made public.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the research commissioned by the Governor of HM Prison Low Moss comparing incidents in 2001 with incidents so far in 2002 will be made public.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There has been no such research commissioned.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167584,"EventID":"S1W-31102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27655 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October 2002, what the grounds were for each financial penalty incurred by Medacs and what the value ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27655 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October 2002, what the grounds were for each financial penalty incurred by Medacs and what the value of each such financial penalty was since the beginning of the contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The annual value of financial penalties imposed was provided in answer to question S1W-27655. The value of each individual penalty is commercially confidential. The data on performance specification will be made available when the Medacs contract is published in due course following discussion with the company.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167585,"EventID":"S1W-31103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27655 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October 2002, what the proportion of the financial penalty incurred by Medacs was to the value of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27655 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October 2002, what the proportion of the financial penalty incurred by Medacs was to the value of the contract for each financial year since the contract with Medacs was made.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The cost of the contract in each year is commercially confidential. It is therefore not possible to provide the proportion to that figure of the amounts given in reply to question S1W-27655.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167586,"EventID":"S1W-31104","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the funding of regional and independent museums.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the funding of regional and independent museums.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for the funding of museums in their areas and independent museums are the responsibility of individual groups of trustees. The Executive welcomes the diversity and range of museums and funding sources in the sector. Following the publication in July of the National Audit of Scotland's Museums and Galleries,l the Executive is seeking views on the creation of an action plan to provide a framework for the continuing development of the museums and galleries sector in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167587,"EventID":"S1W-31105","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing the Scottish Parliament Annual Report 2001 to 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the costs were of printing, publishing and distributing the Scottish Parliament Annual Report 2001 to 2002.","AnswerText":"The total cost of publishing and printing the English version of the Scottish Parliament Annual Report 2001 to 2002 was £19,226. This represents a significant saving of £11,600 over last year's costs, achieved by retaining the same design format and layout as last year and bringing more of the work in house. The number of reports published was 2,500.

      Distribution was increased this year and included all secondary schools as well as partner public libraries, international contacts and interested organisations throughout Scotland. We trust that MSPs will make their copies available in their constituency offices thereby increasing public availability to the document. The final cost of distribution is being calculated but is expected to be £2,500.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167588,"EventID":"S1W-31106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided any funding in addition to the original estimates in respect of the trunk road maintenance contracts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has provided any funding in addition to the original estimates in respect of the trunk road maintenance contracts.","AnswerText":"Estimated budgets based on draft programmes of work are allocated to the trunk road maintenance contracts prior to the start of a financial year. Final budgets are allocated based on confirmed programmes of work and may increase or decrease the estimated budgets.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167589,"EventID":"S1W-31107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether each trunk road maintenance contract has met the performance indicators set.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether each trunk road maintenance contract has met the performance indicators set.","AnswerText":"Details of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the trunk road maintenance contracts is provided in section 4.4.7 of the Public Report on the First Year of the New Trunk Road Operating Companies 2001-02, a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23596). KPIs are not in their own right a contractual performance requirement, but may indicate where areas of the contract are not being met.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167590,"EventID":"S1W-31108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants are available to communities for the renovation or rebuilding of village halls.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants are available to communities for the renovation or rebuilding of village halls.","AnswerText":"The Executive provides grants, through the Local Capital Grants Scheme element of the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund, to assist local voluntary, youth and community organisations to provide new, or upgrade existing, premises for educational, social and recreational activities. In many cases, these facilities are village halls.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167591,"EventID":"S1W-31109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers Communities Scotland has to investigate alleged mismanagement in housing associations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers Communities Scotland has to investigate alleged mismanagement in housing associations.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Communities Scotland (on behalf of Scottish ministers) may appoint a person to conduct an inquiry into the affairs of a housing association (a registered social landlord) in response to suspected mismanagement or misconduct where the governing body is either unwilling or unable to take the action necessary to address the problems of the organisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167592,"EventID":"S1W-31110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers Communities Scotland has to investigate the financial and maintenance performance of housing associations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers Communities Scotland has to investigate the financial and maintenance performance of housing associations.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Section 79 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 provides Scottish ministers with the power to set standards. Performance standards are developed and published jointly by Communities Scotland the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

      Communities Scotland will undertake a programme of inspections designed to ensure that all regulated bodies are visited and assessed against performance standards at least once every five years. There are mechanisms in place to allow the financial performance and risk profile of each regulated body to be assessed annually. These assessments are used in deciding whether or not additional contact will be required between programmed inspections. There are performance standards, which relate specifically to finance and maintenance.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167593,"EventID":"S1W-31111","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has directed Communities Scotland to assess the performance of any housing association in the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has directed Communities Scotland to assess the performance of any housing association in the last three years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Executive has not directed Communities Scotland to assess the performance of any housing association in the past three years.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167594,"EventID":"S1W-31112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether targeting the #3 million grant to councils for specialist money/debt advice and specifically excluding other forms of advice and assistance represents best value","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether targeting the #3 million grant to councils for specialist money/debt advice and specifically excluding other forms of advice and assistance represents best value in the light of the complexity of the problems facing people seeking advice on debt.","AnswerText":"Our additional investment of £3 million to increase the number of money advisers in Scotland is being channelled through local authorities, because they are best placed to assess local provision and local needs. In many local authority areas the extra funding will be used to support voluntary sector and other advice agencies. Specialist money advisers have the skills and knowledge to take full account of the complexity of debtors' circumstances. This may include looking at income maximisation through tax and benefits systems, and looking at housing and employment issues. In particular specialist money advisers will be able to assist debtors to participate in the new statutory Debt Arrangement Scheme, which is proposed in the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Bill. Advisers refer clients to others for additional advice on others matters, where this is needed and is in the best interest of the client.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167595,"EventID":"S1W-31113","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received on why no submission was made to the European Commission from the UK to receive a share of its financial package to fight transmissible s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received on why no submission was made to the European Commission from the UK to receive a share of its financial package to fight transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) and other animal diseases in the EU in 2003.","AnswerText":"EU legislation requires member states to submit applications for such funding by 1 June. The Executive is aware that due to an administrative oversight a submission from the UK was not submitted by that deadline. Administrative procedures have been amended to avoid a repetition in the future. Discussions are currently under way with Commission officials to establish whether there is any scope to consider an EU contribution to the 2003 TSE surveillance programme costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167596,"EventID":"S1W-31114","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the recommendations set out in the report of the MMR Expert Group.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the recommendations set out in the report of the MMR Expert Group.","AnswerText":"The Executive's formal response, Implementing the recommendations of the MMR Expert Group, has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The report is also available on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167597,"EventID":"S1W-31115","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2013,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":14,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the annual report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner will be laid before the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the annual report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner will be laid before the Parliament.","AnswerText":"A copy of the Report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner's for 2001 has been laid before Parliament today in accordance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. With the agreement of the Prime Minister, the confidential annex to the report, which contains sensitive information, has been excluded from the published report. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24816).

      Interception of communications makes an important contribution to the way in which the police and other law enforcement agencies prevent and detect serious crime in Scotland. The commissioner's report makes clear that warrants have been issued by the Scottish ministers only where their use is absolutely justified or, in his words, "only in cases which properly fall squarely within the definition of serious crime and within the upper echelons of that definition".","AnswerDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167598,"EventID":"S1W-31116","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants were allocated under the Children and Young People's Grant Scheme in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants were allocated under the Children and Young People's Grant Scheme in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The grants allocated under the Children and Young People Group Grant Scheme in 2001-02 and 2002-03 are laid out in the following tables.

      Core Grant

      Organisation

      2001-02

      2002-03

      Abernethy Trust

      6,365

      6,365

      Adoption UK

      10,000

      10,000

      BAAF

      51,086

      51,086

      Boy's and Girl's Clubs of Scotland

      14,853

      14,853

      Boys Brigade

      38,727

      38,727

      BTCV

      28,909

      28,909

      Caledonian Award

      6365

      6,365

      Campaigners

      6,896

      6,896

      Capability Scotland

      45,000

      45,000

      Chess Scotland

      9,124

      9,124

      Childline

      70,000

      70,000

      Children First

      83,732

      83,732

      Children in Scotland

      190,000

      190,000

      Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council

      10,000

      10,000

      Community Service Volunteers

      66,873

      66,837

      Contact a Family Scotland

      45,000

      45,000

      Cruse Bereavement (Scotland)

      28,940

      28,940

      Duke of Edinburgh Award

      20,688

      20,688

      Fairbridge in Scotland

      45,619

      45,619

      Family Care

      38,881

      38,881

      Fast Forward

      51,984

      51,984

      Fostering Network

      51,331

      51,331

      Girls Brigade

      12,200

      12,200

      Guide Association

      16,974

      16,974

      Homestart

      		http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167600,"EventID":"S1W-31118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision to give all the #95 million grants related to promoting healthy lifestyle choices amongst children and young people directly to l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will reconsider its decision to give all the #95 million grants related to promoting healthy lifestyle choices amongst children and young people directly to local authorities and allocate some instead to national youth organisations for their national and local activities. ","AnswerText":"The total resources have been allocated directly to local authorities for local initiatives. It is open to authorities to pass funds on to voluntary and other organisations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167601,"EventID":"S1W-31119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28599 by Dr Richard Simpson on 17 September 2002, whether it will provide an explanation of its statement in that answer that crimi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28599 by Dr Richard Simpson on 17 September 2002, whether it will provide an explanation of its statement in that answer that criminal record certificates may be obtained \"at no cost to ... the voluntary organisations concerned.","AnswerText":"The statement means that Scottish ministers will pay for each disclosure issued by Disclosure Scotland to a volunteer in the voluntary sector working with children or other vulnerable people, as long as the application has been routed through the Central Registered Body Scotland.

      The fee for a disclosure is £13.60.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167602,"EventID":"S1W-31120","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the programmes under the New Opportunities Fund to help young people and youth organisations in Scotland offer as much support pro rata as the equivalent programm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the programmes under the New Opportunities Fund to help young people and youth organisations in Scotland offer as much support pro rata as the equivalent programmes in England.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for distributing proceeds from the National Lottery rests with the Lottery Distributing Bodies, including the New Opportunities Fund.

      The policy directions which determine the amount of money available to the New Opportunities Fund for its grant programmes currently allocate 11.5% of available funding to Scotland. The funding formula on which this is based, takes into account both population and a weighting to reflect deprivation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167603,"EventID":"S1W-31121","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29299 by Ms Margaret Curran on 26 September 2002, whether adult volunteers working in youth organisations benefit from the #2 milli","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29299 by Ms Margaret Curran on 26 September 2002, whether adult volunteers working in youth organisations benefit from the #2 million Active Communities Initiative, the #1 million funding to the volunteer centre network and the #700,000 in the Millennium Volunteers programme and whether it will provide funding to help voluntary youth organisations to recruit, train and retain adult volunteers.","AnswerText":"The Active Communities Initiative, the Millennium Volunteers programme and the network of Volunteer Centres each promote and facilitate volunteering that is arranged and delivered by organisations. They provide generic support on behalf of all organisations working with volunteers. Accordingly, any organisation, including youth organisations with adult volunteers, is free to approach the Scottish Executive or their local volunteer centre to explore how best to take forward the recruitment, training and retention of volunteers. If proposals for a specific project or initiative emerge, Scottish Executive funding might be possible, provided normal grant scheme eligibility criteria are met and resources are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167604,"EventID":"S1W-31122","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what external monitoring and evaluation procedures are in place to assess whether projects funded by the New Opportunities Fund have been successful and who performs any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what external monitoring and evaluation procedures are in place to assess whether projects funded by the New Opportunities Fund have been successful and who performs any such monitoring and evaluation.","AnswerText":"The New Opportunities Fund (NOF) is a UK-wide body sponsored by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Responsibility for distributing funds from the National Lottery rests with the Lottery distributing bodies. NOF, as a UK lottery distributor, is accountable to DCMS.

      The monitoring and evaluation of individual New Opportunities Fund programmes is a matter for independent externally commissioned evaluation as well as the necessary audit requirements set out in the fund regulations.

      The Scottish Executive meets regularly with NOF to discuss the progress and development of programmes and the pertinent issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167605,"EventID":"S1W-31123","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Central Registered Body Scotland charges voluntary organisations for attending seminars on the system of administering criminal record checks or for advice a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Central Registered Body Scotland charges voluntary organisations for attending seminars on the system of administering criminal record checks or for advice and help in processing applications.","AnswerText":"In the majority of situations, the Central Registered Body Scotland does not make a charge to organisations in relation to attending introductory seminars on the administration of criminal records checks, nor for advice in processing applications.

      However, in those circumstances where expenditure is incurred in travel, or where sessions have been held at the specific request of groups to meet their particular location, needs and requirements, expenses have been sought.

      The fees for these events are based on the nature of the training, location, numbers and whether external specialists require to be brought in to deal with specific matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167606,"EventID":"S1W-31124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has held with YouthLink Scotland or other national youth organisations about any financial problems such organisations might face through decreasing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has held with YouthLink Scotland or other national youth organisations about any financial problems such organisations might face through decreasing or standstill funding, increased costs arising from the administration of criminal record checks and increasing water charges and insurance costs.","AnswerText":"I have met with representatives of YouthLink Scotland, the Scottish Youth Work Partnership, Youth Scotland and CEMS on 15 April 2002, and with representatives of Girl Guiding Scotland, the Scout Association, Scotland, the Boys' Brigade, Scotland and the Girls' Brigade Scotland on 26 August 2002 when these issues, amongst others, were raised.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167607,"EventID":"S1W-31125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what courses of treatment available at HCI International Medical Centre, Clydebank, before its purchase by the NHS (a) have been or (b) are planned to be discontinued sin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what courses of treatment available at HCI International Medical Centre, Clydebank, before its purchase by the NHS (a) have been or (b) are planned to be discontinued since the NHS bought the hospital and what the nearest location to Clydebank is where each such course of treatment is available to NHS patients. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive purchased the former HCI hospital complex for NHSScotland, and it is being transformed into a National Waiting Times Centre to enhance the capacity of NHSScotland and reduce waits for patients throughout Scotland.

      Radiotherapy treatment has been discontinued at the National Waiting Times Centre. The specialist staff who provided these treatments are now located at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167608,"EventID":"S1W-31126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2099,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what equipment at the HCI International Medical Centre, Clydebank, (a) has been and (b) is planned to be taken out of service since the NHS bought the hospital; what will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what equipment at the HCI International Medical Centre, Clydebank, (a) has been and (b) is planned to be taken out of service since the NHS bought the hospital; what will be done with each item of such equipment, and, in each case, what the nearest location to Clydebank is where similar equipment will be available for the treatment of NHS patients.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31125 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      When all the patients currently undergoing courses of radiotherapy treatment at the National Waiting Times Centre have been treated, the 10-year-old linear accelerator will be decommissioned. The five NHS cancer centres in Scotland all have state of the art linear accelerators and related equipment funded from the £33 million committed since 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167609,"EventID":"S1W-31127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to issue guidance on best practice in local area co-ordination in order to underpin the implementation of The Same As You?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to issue guidance on best practice in local area co-ordination in order to underpin the implementation of The Same As You?.","AnswerText":"The Executive wrote to all local authorities and NHS boards on 16 October 2002 with good practice guidance on local area co-ordination.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167610,"EventID":"S1W-31128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local area co-ordination services, as identified in The Same As You?, are intended to cover all age groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local area co-ordination services, as identified in The Same As You?, are intended to cover all age groups.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167611,"EventID":"S1W-31129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authority areas do not yet have local area co-ordinators, as identified in The Same As you?, in place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authority areas do not yet have local area co-ordinators, as identified in The Same As you?, in place.","AnswerText":"Information about the appointment of local area co-ordinators in each local authority area is available in Partnership in Practice Agreements, and in supplementary information provided to the Scottish Executive. All of this information will shortly be available on the learning disability review website at www.scotland.gov.uk/ldsr.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167612,"EventID":"S1W-31130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28050 by Mr Frank McAveety on 21 August 2002, how many local area co-ordinators that are already in place are (a) additional to the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28050 by Mr Frank McAveety on 21 August 2002, how many local area co-ordinators that are already in place are (a) additional to the existing staff complement and (b) form part of an existing member of staff's remit to take forward the implementation of The Same As You?.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31129 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167613,"EventID":"S1W-31131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local area co-ordinators as identified in The Same As You? have been funded from existing local authority and NHS board resources or from the Learning Disability ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local area co-ordinators as identified in The Same As You? have been funded from existing local authority and NHS board resources or from the Learning Disability Services Change Fund.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31129 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167614,"EventID":"S1W-31132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Glasgow to Barra air link is subject to a public service obligation for one year only and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Glasgow to Barra air link is subject to a public service obligation for one year only and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The air service between Barra and Glasgow will be tendered on a one-year basis from 1 April 2003. There have been significant transport developments in the Western Isles including the provision of an enhanced ferry service on the Sound of Barra next year. Tendering the air service for one year provides a substantial overlap when both ferry and air services will be operating. An informed decision can then be taken about the future of the air service.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167615,"EventID":"S1W-31133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development on 30 October 2002, what scientific data is available on the impact of power s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development on 30 October 2002, what scientific data is available on the impact of power station seawater coolants on fish stocks; whether it is estimated that 2 million fish per day per filter are killed, and what information it has which countries have banned the use of sea water coolants at power stations and what the EU policy is on this issue.","AnswerText":"Scientific assessments have been carried out at selected power stations around Scotland. The results of the studies show that some fish are being killed when power stations abstract water, but a figure for fish killed per filter per day cannot be extrapolated from the data. A relevant scientific report titled, Are coastal power stations affecting Northern European inshore populations?, of which a copy is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25349).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167616,"EventID":"S1W-31134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development on 30 October 2002, which EU countries still permit industrial fishing; what s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development on 30 October 2002, which EU countries still permit industrial fishing; what scientific data is available regarding the effect of industrial fishing on young fish stocks, and what representations it is making at the Council of Ministers in this regard.","AnswerText":"Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands have quota entitlements to fish for industrial species in the North Sea. Various studies have been carried out on the effects of industrial fishing; results tend to vary depending on which industrial fishery is being assessed. The Executive is studying carefully the scientific advice to ensure that the impact of these fisheries is properly taken into account in future decisions on Total Allowable Catches.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167617,"EventID":"S1W-31135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-30T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development on 30 October 2002, what assessment it has made of the impact of a ban/limitat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the ministerial statement by the Minister for Environment and Rural Development on 30 October 2002, what assessment it has made of the impact of a ban/limitation on white fish catches should white fish vessels switch to nephrops fishing; what assessment it has made of the impact of the potential increase in nephrops fishing on stocks of nephrops, and what economic data it has on the impact of a loss of nephrops fishing on communities such as Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently conducting assessments of all of the implications of the recent scientific advice from International Council for Exploration of the Seas.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167618,"EventID":"S1W-31136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27804 by Mr Frank McAveety on 19 August 2002, whether it will publish the allocations to each local authority from the Learning Dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27804 by Mr Frank McAveety on 19 August 2002, whether it will publish the allocations to each local authority from the Learning Disability Services Change Fund through the general local government settlement for 2001-02 and 2002-03.","AnswerText":"Information about change funds allocated to each local authority in each year from 2001-02 to 2003-04 will shortly be available on the learning disability review website at www.scotland.gov.uk/ldsr. This will include information about the use of change funds in each area for 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167619,"EventID":"S1W-31137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27805 by Mr Frank McAveety on 19 August 2002, whether it will publish the allocations to each local authority from the Learning Dis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27805 by Mr Frank McAveety on 19 August 2002, whether it will publish the allocations to each local authority from the Learning Disability Services Change Fund through the general local government settlement for 2003-04.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31136 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167620,"EventID":"S1W-31138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27807 by Mr Frank McAveety on 19 August 2002, whether it will detail any local authorities that failed to increase their expenditur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27807 by Mr Frank McAveety on 19 August 2002, whether it will detail any local authorities that failed to increase their expenditure on learning disability services by the amount allocated from the Learning Disability Services Change Fund for 2001-02.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31136. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167621,"EventID":"S1W-31139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27845 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 August 2002, whether it will report on and publish its assessment of the revised Partnership in Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27845 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 August 2002, whether it will report on and publish its assessment of the revised Partnership in Practice agreements submitted by local authorities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive feedback on initial Partnership in Practice Agreements will shortly be available on the learning disability review website at www.scotland.gov.uk/ldsr, as will the revised Partnership in Practice agreements. There are no plans to publish an assessment of the revised Partnership in Practice Agreements.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167622,"EventID":"S1W-31140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Partnership in Practice agreements clearly set out performance indicators, targets, milestones and timescales to allow comparisons of progress across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Partnership in Practice agreements clearly set out performance indicators, targets, milestones and timescales to allow comparisons of progress across Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31129 on 11 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167623,"EventID":"S1W-31141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prisoners are currently serving terms of imprisonment following convictions for sexual offences and (b) places are currently available annually on prison pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) prisoners are currently serving terms of imprisonment following convictions for sexual offences and (b) places are currently available annually on prison programmes for treatment of sex offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      As at June 2002, there were 466 known sex offenders serving terms of imprisonment. The number of places currently available on accredited programmes for treatment of sex offenders is 42.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167624,"EventID":"S1W-31142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners released having served sentences for sexual offences undertook prison-based treatment for sexual offenders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners released having served sentences for sexual offences undertook prison-based treatment for sexual offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information is not available in the form requested: prisoners who undertake prison-based treatment for sexual offences were not convicted of a specific sexual offence but their offending included a significant sexual component. As at May 2002, the number of prisoners liberated after participating in prison-based treatment for sexual offenders was 179.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167625,"EventID":"S1W-31143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent studies it has undertaken in regard to the Balmoor Bridge on the A90 north of Peterhead and whether it has any plans to replace the bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent studies it has undertaken in regard to the Balmoor Bridge on the A90 north of Peterhead and whether it has any plans to replace the bridge.","AnswerText":"Recent maintenance inspections of Balmoor Bridge and an assessment of the structure for its load carrying capacity have confirmed that the bridge is suitable for current trunk road purposes. There are no plans to replace the bridge.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167626,"EventID":"S1W-31144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive with what private and public organisations the Scottish Road Safety Campaign has established partnerships as part of the Foolsspeed campaign; what the specific achievemen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive with what private and public organisations the Scottish Road Safety Campaign has established partnerships as part of the Foolsspeed campaign; what the specific achievements of each partnership have been, and how these achievements have impacted on the speeding behaviour of drivers.","AnswerText":"The Foolsspeed campaign was supported by 25 local authorities, for example through the display of the Foolsspeed logo on council vehicles, letter heads and road safety related material. Many authorities also negotiated free advertising space to display the logo, such as bus backs, parking tickets and library book carrier bags.

      All 22 Road Safety Units in Scotland promoted Foolsspeed in various ways, such as using the message to encourage slower speeds in the vicinity of schools in Fife. The display of the logo on wheelie bins in certain areas highlights the campaign to residents and makes it very visible to drivers when the bins are on the pavement.

      All police forces in Scotland have supported the campaign, partly through police road safety units, but also during periods of high profile enforcement initiatives such as Speedwatch.

      A number of commercial organisations, including Tesco, Safeway, Robert Wiseman Dairies and Transco have been involved in a variety of ways, for example displaying the logo on fleet vehicles and milk cartons, and promoting the Foolsspeed message with their drivers. Other companies agreed to promote Foolsspeed on their safe driving courses and to their drivers.

      An evaluation of the Foolsspeed campaign was published on 30 October. Copies of the research report, Changing Speeding Behaviour in Scotland: An Evaluation of the 'Foolsspeed' Campaign, have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24874). This includes findings about the impact of the campaign on driver behaviour.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167627,"EventID":"S1W-31145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28616 by Cathy Jamieson on 17 September 2002, why the #40,000 annual training grant previously paid under the Further Education (Ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28616 by Cathy Jamieson on 17 September 2002, why the #40,000 annual training grant previously paid under the Further Education (Approved Associations (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989 has been terminated.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31146 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167628,"EventID":"S1W-31146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28616 by Cathy Jamieson on 17 September 2002, whether the Children and Young People's Grant Scheme replaces the annual training gra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28616 by Cathy Jamieson on 17 September 2002, whether the Children and Young People's Grant Scheme replaces the annual training grants previously paid under the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989; whether organisations may apply for, or be allocated, expenditure under the Children and Young People's Grant Scheme for annual training requirements; if so, how much has been awarded to each organisation since the inception of the scheme, and what percentage any such award represents of the total expenditure paid out under the scheme.","AnswerText":"The Children and Young People's Grant Scheme aims to assist voluntary and other organisations in developing services and promoting the welfare of children and young people in Scotland.

      It did not, strictly speaking replace previous schemes but it was anticipated, and has proved to be the case, that organisations working with children and young people who had received support through section 10 of the Further Education (Approved Associations) (Scotland) Grant Regulations 1989 would continue to be supported under the new scheme.

      The Children and Young People's Grant Scheme makes available three types of funding: core funding, project funding or training.

      In the year 2001-02 (the first year of the Children and Young People's Grant Scheme) we were able to provide Training Grant of just over £62,000, or 2.3% of the total allocated. The amounts awarded to each organisation are given in the answer to question S1W-31116 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167629,"EventID":"S1W-31147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29296 by Dr Elaine Murray on 26 September 2002, whether it will make representations to the National Lottery distributing bodies to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29296 by Dr Elaine Murray on 26 September 2002, whether it will make representations to the National Lottery distributing bodies to review the allocation of New Opportunities Fund (NOF) monies to local authorities with a view to developing a mechanism whereby national youth organisations can receive funding directly from the NOF without having to apply in respect of each local authority area.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for distributing proceeds from the National Lottery rests with the Lottery Distributing Bodies, including the New Opportunities Fund (NOF).

      NOF decides how these programmes are delivered following extensive consultation with key stakeholders. Funding is allocated to local authorities which work with a wide range of organisations, including national youth organisations, to compile suitable projects which reflect local needs and priorities.

      Under the circumstances, there does not seem to be scope for a mechanism that would allow national youth organisations to receive funding directly from NOF without having to apply in respect of each local authority area.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167630,"EventID":"S1W-31148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29300 by Cathy Jamieson on 26 September 2002, whether informal further education in the areas of social, cultural and recreational ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29300 by Cathy Jamieson on 26 September 2002, whether informal further education in the areas of social, cultural and recreational activities is a statutory duty for local authorities.","AnswerText":"Under section 1 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, as amended, local authorities are required \"to secure that there is made for their area adequate and efficient provision of school education and further education.\"

      The act provides that, for the purposes of this general duty, local authorities have \"power to secure for their area...the provision of adequate facilities for social, cultural and recreative activities and for physical education and training\". They are not, however, placed under a specific duty to provide all or any of these services except where these activities are provided for school pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167631,"EventID":"S1W-31149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment will be available for non-traditional build housing, such as multi-storey flats, following the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock to Glasgow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment will be available for non-traditional build housing, such as multi-storey flats, following the transfer of Glasgow City Council's housing stock to Glasgow Housing Association Ltd.","AnswerText":"It was made clear during the consultation process that every home with a long-term life would be fully modernised to the Glasgow standard within 10.5 years after transfer. Each Local Housing Organisation is in the process of producing a management and investment plan for their area and final decisions about the investment strategy for the transferred stock will be made following discussions with the Glasgow Housing Association.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167632,"EventID":"S1W-31150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current legal maximum expenditure is for local authority election candidates; whether it will increase the maximum ahead of the May 2003 local elections, and whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current legal maximum expenditure is for local authority election candidates; whether it will increase the maximum ahead of the May 2003 local elections, and whether any difference exists between the maximum permitted levels in Scotland and those in England and Wales.","AnswerText":"The maximum amount of a candidate's election expenses at local government elections is £219 plus 4.3p per voter. I am considering whether to make an order increasing this maximum before the local elections in May 2003.

      The maximum permitted levels in England and Wales are £242 plus 4.7p per voter.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167633,"EventID":"S1W-31151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to protect funeral directors' staff from infectious disease through contact with deceased persons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to protect funeral directors' staff from infectious disease through contact with deceased persons.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30406 8 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167634,"EventID":"S1W-31152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure that public money committed to purchase private sector goods or services is not committed to any organisation o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure that public money committed to purchase private sector goods or services is not committed to any organisation operating a tax avoidance policy by establishing accounts in offshore tax havens and, if not, whether it will investigate establishing such an arrangement to ensure that only firms that properly pay taxation within the UK benefit from public money used to purchase goods or services on behalf of the taxpayer.","AnswerText":"No monitoring arrangements are in place in respect of tax avoidance schemes. However, organisations bidding for Scottish Executive contracts are expected to have met their legal obligations in respect of taxation and it is standard practice that they are asked to disclose any convictions.

      European public procurement rules provide for certain circumstances when companies can be excluded from competing for public sector business, such as failure to pay taxes in accordance with UK (or other relevant) legislation. However, it does not allow for exclusion of companies on the basis that they pay their taxes in another country. To exclude a company on these grounds would be unlawful. Generally, companies are required to pay taxes in the country of their incorporation. In the case of partnerships, partners are required to pay taxes in the country in which they are domiciled.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167635,"EventID":"S1W-31153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the article in the Sunday Mail on 27 October 2002 regarding the drop-out rates of student nurses from their courses and the relationship of these rates to bursary","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the article in the Sunday Mail on 27 October 2002 regarding the drop-out rates of student nurses from their courses and the relationship of these rates to bursary levels is accurate; if so, what it intends to do to address this situation, and whether it intends to introduce a living salary system for student nurses to replace the current bursary system.","AnswerText":"The drop-out rate of student nurses is currently 22.4%.

      There are a number of reasons why student nurses leave their course and we are taking a number of steps to address attrition including improving financial support - the Nursing and Midwifery Student Bursary has increased by 21% since 1998 - and developing proposals for distance learning and flexible access to courses to make sure that as many of our gifted students as possible complete their training and go on to work in NHSScotland.

      We do not intend to re-introduce a salary system for student nurses to replace the current student nurse bursary. Following a major review of nurse training in 1992, it was agreed that student nurses and midwives should no longer be regarded as employees but that they should have full student status like all other health profession students.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167636,"EventID":"S1W-31154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance-related revenue deductions have been incurred under the contract to operate HM Prison Kilmarnock by the prison's operator in each quarter since the priso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance-related revenue deductions have been incurred under the contract to operate HM Prison Kilmarnock by the prison's operator in each quarter since the prison opened.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is given in the following table:

      Year

      Quarter

      £000

      1

      1

      105

      2

      176

      3

      174

      4

      -

      2

      1

      -

      2

      -

      3

      -

      4

      -

      3

      1

      60

      2

      32

      3

      27

      4

      88

      4

      1

      161

      2

      131

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167637,"EventID":"S1W-31155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been removed from each Scottish Prison Service prison for reasons other than routine treatment in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been removed from each Scottish Prison Service prison for reasons other than routine treatment in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167638,"EventID":"S1W-31156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the available capacity was of each Scottish Prison Service prison in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the available capacity was of each Scottish Prison Service prison in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The available capacity for each of the SPS establishments, as at the end of each of the last five financial years, is listed in the following table:

      Establishment

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Aberdeen

      128

      163

      163

      155

      155

      Barlinnie

      872

      843

      759

      759

      818

      Castle Huntly

      150

      150

      150

      141

      151

      Cornton Vale

      217

      217

      178

      230

      230

      Dumfries

      150

      131

      101

      150

      122

      Dungavel

      122

      135

      126

      -

      -

      Edinburgh

      472

      637

      597

      533

      578

      Glenochil

      667

      668

      656

      663

      630

      Greenock

      233

      233

      236

      248

      254

      Inverness

      107

      107

      108

      108

      108

      Kilmarnock

      -

      20

      500

      548

      548

      Longriggend

      157

      171

      176

      -

      -

      Low Moss

      396

      396

      396

      399

      345

      Noranside

      135http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167646,"EventID":"S1W-31164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve public access to angling on rivers and lochs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to improve public access to angling on rivers and lochs.","AnswerText":"A review of the existing system of Protection Orders, made under the Freshwater and Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act 1976, is scheduled to begin in March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167647,"EventID":"S1W-31165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many female offenders that appeared at (a) all sheriff summary courts, (b) Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court, (c) Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court and (d) Glasgow Stipend","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many female offenders that appeared at (a) all sheriff summary courts, (b) Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court, (c) Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court and (d) Glasgow Stipendiary Court were sentenced or convicted in 2001.","AnswerText":"The latest available information, for 2000, is given in the following table. The statistics on court proceedings in 2001 are expected to be published later this year.

      Female Offenders Proceeded Against in Selected Scottish Courts, 2000: Number with a Charge Proved

      Court

      Number

      All sheriff summary courts

      8,021

      Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court

      774

      Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court

      422

      Glasgow Stipendiary Magistrate Court

      657

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167648,"EventID":"S1W-31166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many female offenders convicted or sentenced in 2001 at (a) all sheriff summary courts, (b) Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court, (c) Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court and (d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many female offenders convicted or sentenced in 2001 at (a) all sheriff summary courts, (b) Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court, (c) Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court and (d) Glasgow Stipendiary Court received a (i) resultant custodial sentence, excluding those defaulting on a fine, or (ii) fine.","AnswerText":"The latest available information, for 2000, is given in the following table. The statistics on court proceedings in 2001 are expected to be published later this year.

      Female Offenders Proceeded Against in Selected Scottish Courts, 2000: Number Given a Custodial Sentence or Fined

      Court

      Number Given a Custodial Sentence

      Number Fined

      All sheriff summary courts

      683

      3,871

      Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court

      62

      269

      Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court

      66

      213

      Glasgow Stipendiary Magistrate Court

      75

      349

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167649,"EventID":"S1W-31167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many female offenders receiving a fine in 2001 at (a) all sheriff summary courts, (b) Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court, (c) Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court and (d) Glas","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many female offenders receiving a fine in 2001 at (a) all sheriff summary courts, (b) Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court, (c) Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court and (d) Glasgow Stipendiary Court defaulted on that fine.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167650,"EventID":"S1W-31168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many female offenders that defaulted on a fine in 2001 received at (a) all sheriff summary courts, (b) Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court, (c) Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many female offenders that defaulted on a fine in 2001 received at (a) all sheriff summary courts, (b) Glasgow Sheriff Summary Court, (c) Kilmarnock Sheriff Summary Court and (d) Glasgow Stipendiary Court were sent to prison as a result of that default.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The available information is given in the following table. The information held centrally cannot link a reception into custody for fine default to the original proceedings where the fine was imposed and therefore cannot distinguish fines imposed at summary court proceedings. Information for Glasgow Stipendiary Magistrates Court and the District Court is combined because both courts are recorded issuing the same code in the relevant database.

      Female Fine Default Receptions to Penal Establishments by Court, 2001

      Court Imposing Imprisonment for Fine Default

      Number of Receptions

      Glasgow Sheriff Court

      20

      Kilmarnock Sheriff Court

      28

      Other Sheriff Courts

      204

      All Sheriff Courts

      252

      Glasgow Stipendiary Magistrates Court and District Court

      129

      Other Courts

      163

      Total fine default receptions

      544

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167651,"EventID":"S1W-31169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance in answering ministerial correspondence was in the first quarter of 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance in answering ministerial correspondence was in the first quarter of 2002.","AnswerText":"In the answer given to question S1W-24583 on 28 March 2002, I undertook to continue to report quarterly on the numbers of letters received by ministers and our performance in answering them. In the quarter April to June 2002, 3,898 letters were received for ministerial reply of which 72% received a reply within 17 working days, and 87% received a reply within 25 working days. This maintains the performance of the first quarter of 2002 when 72% of letters received a reply within 17 working days and 88% received a reply within 25 working days.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167652,"EventID":"S1W-31170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the commitment made in Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government to incorporate strategic environmental assessment for go","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the commitment made in Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government to incorporate strategic environmental assessment for government programmes.","AnswerText":"This year's Spending Review required all departments to prepare statements on the way in which their programmes and spending plans contribute to the achievement of the Executive's commitments to sustainable development outlined in Meeting the Needs... Priorities, Actions and Targets for Sustainable Development in Scotland. These statements will be published shortly. We will build on this work by ensuring that we do examine all of our activities to ensure that they contribute to sustainable development.

      The European Directive 2001/42/EC, on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (commonly known as the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (SEA)) is due to be implemented by 21 July 2004. The Executive is fully committed to this and work is in hand. As part of this, the Executive has commissioned consultants to develop and trial a SEA methodology and to draft advice for implementing the directive for structure and local plans. They have been asked to identify SEA principles and environmental objectives/criteria that should form the basis of SEA for plans and programmes, other than structure and local plans, which come within the scope of the directive. We expect that the results will be available next summer. The Executive is also setting up a national database of SEAs (including environmental appraisals, etc) for current structure and local plans and a library of examples.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167653,"EventID":"S1W-31171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to direct VisitScotland to collate annually information on categories of expenditure by tourists, broken down by area tourist board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to direct VisitScotland to collate annually information on categories of expenditure by tourists, broken down by area tourist board area.","AnswerText":"We have no plans to direct VisitScotland on the detail of the statistics that it collects.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167654,"EventID":"S1W-31172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to direct VisitScotland to include retail within the annual tourism figures for visitors' attitudes and activities undertaken.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to direct VisitScotland to include retail within the annual tourism figures for visitors' attitudes and activities undertaken.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland include retail figures in the Categories of Expenditure section in their annual Facts and Figures leaflet.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167655,"EventID":"S1W-31173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates tourism spend on retail contributes to the economy annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates tourism spend on retail contributes to the economy annually.","AnswerText":"VisitScotland estimate that retail spending attributable to tourism in Scotland generates £445 million from UK tourists and £180 million from visitors from overseas, a total of £625 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167656,"EventID":"S1W-31174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote Glasgow as the second largest retail destination in Britain.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to promote Glasgow as the second largest retail destination in Britain.","AnswerText":"Glasgow, with its acknowledged strengths in the retail sector, is promoted as a tourism destination both by VisitScotland under its Vibrant Cities theme and by Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167657,"EventID":"S1W-31175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-10-31T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to promote the European white paper, European transport policy for 2010: time to decide, with regard to short sea shipping; w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken, or plans to take, to promote the European white paper, European transport policy for 2010: time to decide, with regard to short sea shipping; what assessment it has made of the limitations of the white paper on this matter and whether funding and support of short sea shipping routes is consistent with the paper.","AnswerText":"The promotion of specific aspects of the EU white paper European transport policy for 2010: time to decide is not a matter for the Scottish Executive. The Executive remains in contact with the UK Government on a range of matters including the implications of the White Paper for Transport Policy in the UK. The Executive will continue to liaise with the UK Government on any specific EU proposals to ensure that any resulting legislation benefits transport, including short sea shipping, throughout the UK, and is consistent with the Executive's policy and support for this sector. The Executive meantime continues to encourage modal shift of freight transport away from road to water and rail, and provides support under the Freight Facilities Grants Scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167658,"EventID":"S1W-31176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local area co-ordinators have a budget to provide funding directly to people with learning disabilities to purchase the services that they need, as envisaged in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local area co-ordinators have a budget to provide funding directly to people with learning disabilities to purchase the services that they need, as envisaged in The same as you?.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1W-31129 on 11 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167659,"EventID":"S1W-31177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time local area co-ordinators, as identified in The same as you?, are now in post and how many are expected to be in post in each of the next three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time local area co-ordinators, as identified in The same as you?, are now in post and how many are expected to be in post in each of the next three years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1W-31129 on 11 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167660,"EventID":"S1W-31178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local area co-ordinators are currently placed with local health care co-operatives, as envisaged in The same as you?. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local area co-ordinators are currently placed with local health care co-operatives, as envisaged in The same as you?. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to S1W-31129 on 11 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167661,"EventID":"S1W-31179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into local area co-ordination to underpin the implementation of The same as you? and what the results of any such research were. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into local area co-ordination to underpin the implementation of The same as you? and what the results of any such research were. ","AnswerText":"A short-life working group of The same as you? Implementation Group conducted a survey of the development of local area co-ordination in Scotland. A report prepared by the group was included in good practice guidance on local area co-ordination, issued by the Scottish Executive to all local authorities and NHS boards on 16 October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167662,"EventID":"S1W-31180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to the letter of 21 October 2002 from Norse Island Ferries regarding its application for the livestock shipping service from the northern isles to Aber","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to the letter of 21 October 2002 from Norse Island Ferries regarding its application for the livestock shipping service from the northern isles to Aberdeen to be included in the Tariff Rebate Support Scheme.","AnswerText":"My officials replied to the Norse Island Ferries letter on 6 November.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167663,"EventID":"S1W-31181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the transfer of 50 women from HM Prison Cornton Vale to HM Prison Greenock will take place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the transfer of 50 women from HM Prison Cornton Vale to HM Prison Greenock will take place.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The transfer will be carefully phased over a period staring in mid-November.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167664,"EventID":"S1W-31182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Community Budgeting: responses to a consultation on local services and community engagement, October 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing Community Budgeting: responses to a consultation on local services and community engagement, October 2002.","AnswerText":"The publication and printing costs of Community Budgeting: responses to a consultation on local services and community engagement, October 2002 currently stand at £378.99. In addition the costs of distribution currently stand at £34.76.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167665,"EventID":"S1W-31183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing The Scottish Executive Draft Budget 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of printing, publishing and distributing The Scottish Executive Draft Budget 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The cost of printing 1,000 copies of the Draft Budget Document 2003-2004 was £5,606.52

      The publishing costs included the design cost of the document, which was £285.00 and the web conversion cost which was approximately £950.00.

      The distribution costs are expected to be similar to those for the Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys which came to £1,071.15.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167666,"EventID":"S1W-31184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reduce the number of women prisoners held at HM Prison Cornton Vale to 100 as referred to in Women Offenders: A Safer Way and, if so, when this targ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reduce the number of women prisoners held at HM Prison Cornton Vale to 100 as referred to in Women Offenders: A Safer Way and, if so, when this target will be met.","AnswerText":"The Executive has determined no such target. Decisions whether to commit people to custody or to the various and increasing alternatives to custody provided by the Executive are for the judiciary.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167667,"EventID":"S1W-31185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are approximately 290 prisoners currently held at HM Prison Cornton Vale and, if so, what the reasons are, given that the prison has a design capacity of 23","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are approximately 290 prisoners currently held at HM Prison Cornton Vale and, if so, what the reasons are, given that the prison has a design capacity of 230.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No, numbers are currently about 260 but they have reached that number in recent months. The courts decide how many people to send to custody. Until Greenock prison takes about 50 females planned to start this month, Cornton Vale has, apart from small female units in Aberdeen, Dumfries and Inverness prisons, been the only available accommodation for women prisoners.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167668,"EventID":"S1W-31186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils attained three SCE Higher grades or more at C pass or above by the end of their sixth year in each year since 1992.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pupils attained three SCE Higher grades or more at C pass or above by the end of their sixth year in each year since 1992.","AnswerText":"The information requested for 1999 onwards is given on page number 7 of Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1999-2001, published by the Scottish Executive in 2001. A copy of this publication is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17908).

      Prior to 1999, these statistics are presented on the basis of an individual year, rather than cumulative attainment by the end of sixth year. They are not, therefore, directly comparable with the statistics from 1999 onwards. The available pre-1999 statistics are given in the following publications, also published by the Scottish Executive Education Department, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre:

      Title

      Year of Publication

      Page

      Bib. Number

      Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1992-94

      1994

      69

      24980

      Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1993-95

      1995

      79

      24981

      Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1994-96

      1996

      99

      24982

      Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1995-97

      1997

      99

      24983

      Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1996-98

      1998

      99

      24984

      Examination Results in Scottish Schools 1997-99

      1999

      99

      7541

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167669,"EventID":"S1W-31187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local communities can obtain funding for the installation of CCTV cameras when such communities are unable to access and secure funding for such projects through the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how local communities can obtain funding for the installation of CCTV cameras when such communities are unable to access and secure funding for such projects through the Community Safety Partnership Award Programme or the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund.","AnswerText":"As advised in the answer given to question S1W-26106 on 24 June 2002, about the Executive's support for CCTV, Community Safety Partnerships can allocate resources from their annual allocations from the award programme to both the capital and current element of CCTV in their areas if they choose to do so.

      I understand that an application for CCTV has been submitted by a community group in West Renfrewshire to the Rural Challenge Fund, one of the three elements that make up the Scottish Rural Partnership Fund, and that the Environment and Rural Affairs Department is currently in the process of assessing all bids received including that one, with ministers' decisions expected to be announced in January 2003.

      The Executive wrote to Chief Executives of Local Councils and Chief Constables on 30 October 2002 advising them that Scottish ministers have agreed to allocate additional funding of £2 million within the current financial year 2002-03, to extend, improve, integrate and modernise existing CCTV systems in their areas and to assist police forces in Scotland to introduce Automatic Number Plate Recognition Systems technology linked to the CCTV systems as a crime prevention initiative to combat serious crime, improve crime management and enhance criminal intelligence. Local councils are co-ordinating the applications which they must submit by 29 November 2002. However, new \"stand-alone\" systems will only be considered if councils can demonstrate that these systems will be, or are part of, a strategy which has or aims to have all systems operating in the area integrated and monitored from the same station.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167670,"EventID":"S1W-31188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for an awareness-raising campaign on identification of symptoms enabling the early diagnosis of meningitis B.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for an awareness-raising campaign on identification of symptoms enabling the early diagnosis of meningitis B.","AnswerText":"The Health Education Board for Scotland currently produces publicity materials which contain information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and which encourage uptake of immunisation against Group C infection.

      The Executive also sponsors voluntary organisations working in this field, which produce a range of materials to raise awareness of all forms of meningococcal infection, including Group B.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167671,"EventID":"S1W-31189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30228 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, whether the Medical Research Council research projects into autism or the steering gr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30228 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, whether the Medical Research Council research projects into autism or the steering group on autism will take evidence from people with autism, their parents, advocates of adults with autism or recognised experts on autism who are not psychiatrists and will involve or have as members any people with autism or parents of autistic children.","AnswerText":"The steering group on autism will guide the implementation of a strategy for research in line with the recommendations of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Autism Review. A key element of this review was the dialogue with stakeholders, including consumers. This process will continue and is reflected in the terms of reference for the steering group which include "to facilitate consumer involvement in taking forward this strategy and in the dissemination of research findings". As part of this process, the MRC will hold a meeting in April 2003 which will involve parents, carers and scientists, and will be organised jointly with the National Autistic Society. The steering group itself includes two lay people, one of whom is the parent of sons with autism. The steering group will continue to seek advice from all relevant stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167672,"EventID":"S1W-31190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to remove thimerosal from childhood vaccines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to remove thimerosal from childhood vaccines.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency.

      European and American regulatory authorities have recommended that vaccine manufacturers should phase out their use of thiomersal wherever possible as a precautionary measure. Manufacturers are actively developing research programmes to replace or reduce the level of thiomersal in vaccines. This may take time because the manufacturers are required to ensure that the replacement or elimination of thiomersal does not affect the safety or efficacy of the final product.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167673,"EventID":"S1W-31191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether hexafluorosilicic acid and disodium fluorosilicate have been toxicologically tested to a degree that would ensure their safety.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether hexafluorosilicic acid and disodium fluorosilicate have been toxicologically tested to a degree that would ensure their safety.","AnswerText":"The York Review (http://www0.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/summary.pdf) considered all relevant and robust research on fluoridation and concluded that water fluoridation reduces levels of decay and that, apart from an increase in dental fluorosis (mottling), there are no associated adverse effects on health.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167674,"EventID":"S1W-31192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage all local authorities to operate a direct payments scheme and what measures will be taken if a local authority refuses to participate in a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage all local authorities to operate a direct payments scheme and what measures will be taken if a local authority refuses to participate in a scheme.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-30644 and S1W-30645 on 31 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167675,"EventID":"S1W-31193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled vacancies currently exist in the NHS for (a) clinical psychologists and (b) psychiatrists in all disciplines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled vacancies currently exist in the NHS for (a) clinical psychologists and (b) psychiatrists in all disciplines.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of vacancies for clinical psychologists in NHSScotland is not centrally available.

      The latest information on the number of unfilled vacancies in NHSScotland for consultant psychiatrists in all disciplines is contained in the following table.

      Consultant Vacancies Existing in Psychiatry in NHSScotland at 30 September 2001 by Specialty
       

      Establishment

      Total Vacancies

      Total Vacancies as % of Establishment

      Psychiatric Specialties

      441

      29

      6.6

      Child and adolescent psychiatry

      63

      4

      6.3

      Forensic psychiatry

      26

      2

      7.7

      General psychiatry

      249

      12

      4.8

      Psychiatry of learning disability

      27

      2

      7.4

      Old age psychiatry

      64

      8

      12.5

      Psychotherapy

      15

      1

      6.7

      Note:

      These data are released under national statistics.

      The establishment figures comprise of staff in post plus total vacancies.

      Information is provided on posts vacant at 30 September 2001 irrespective of when the vacancy arose.

      The data include honorary appointments.

      Information for September 2002 is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167676,"EventID":"S1W-31194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and where the recent vacancies for board members of the National Galleries of Scotland were advertised.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and where the recent vacancies for board members of the National Galleries of Scotland were advertised.","AnswerText":"Vacancies on the Board of Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland were advertised in the following newspapers on 8 or 10 February 2002: The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday; The Herald and Sunday Herald; the Dundee Courier & Advertiser; the Aberdeen Press & Journal; and The Sunday Times. The closing date for applications was Friday 15 March.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167677,"EventID":"S1W-31195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remuneration package is for board members of the National Galleries of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remuneration package is for board members of the National Galleries of Scotland.","AnswerText":"Appointments to the Board of the National Galleries of Scotland are unpaid, but travelling and subsistence expenses are met.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167678,"EventID":"S1W-31196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements are placed on board members of the National Galleries of Scotland with regard to their attendance at meetings and other official engagements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what requirements are placed on board members of the National Galleries of Scotland with regard to their attendance at meetings and other official engagements.","AnswerText":"Members of the Board of the National Galleries of Scotland are expected to prepare for and attend meetings of the board, of which there are at present six annually. In addition, board members may be involved in some additional meetings and events.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167679,"EventID":"S1W-31197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the new appointments to the National Galleries of Scotland completed political activity forms prior to their appointment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the new appointments to the National Galleries of Scotland completed political activity forms prior to their appointment.","AnswerText":"All four new appointees to the Board of the National Galleries of Scotland, announced in October 2002 completed political activity forms prior to their appointment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167680,"EventID":"S1W-31198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who nominated each of the new members of the National Galleries of Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who nominated each of the new members of the National Galleries of Scotland.","AnswerText":"None of the four new appointees to the Board of the National Galleries of Scotland, announced in October 2002, was nominated for appointment. All four appointees completed application forms in response to advertisements in the national and local press.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167681,"EventID":"S1W-31199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether applications to the Shetland Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme are no longer being processed and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether applications to the Shetland Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme are no longer being processed and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I announced on 14 December 2000 that Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes (ESA) would close to new applications on 31 December 2000. All farmers and crofters in Scotland are eligible to apply to join the Rural Stewardship Scheme, including those with an existing ESA scheme agreement.

      I undertook a wide-ranging consultation exercise in March of this year, on proposals for a number of changes to the operation of agri-environment schemes as part of a process of improving the management of the limited resources contained within the Rural Development Plan for Scotland. One of these changes is that, with effect from 1 November, proposals to vary an existing ESA scheme agreement will be accepted only where there is a clear environmental benefit, and the change is affordable within the agreed financial limits of the agreement.

      I intend to consult early in 2003 on options for continued agri-environmental support when farmers' and crofters' existing ESA agreements come to an end.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167682,"EventID":"S1W-31200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether capital grant applications to the Shetland Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme made by individual producers who hold binding agreements with the Scottish Execut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether capital grant applications to the Shetland Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme made by individual producers who hold binding agreements with the Scottish Executive were stopped on 1 November 2002 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"With effect from 1 November 2002 variations to existing Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme agreements will be accepted only where the additional costs are affordable within the agreed expenditure limits of such agreements.

      These arrangements are necessary to ensure the effective management of the finite resources within the Scottish Rural Development Plan, and where strongly supported in the responses to a wide-ranging consultation exercise in March of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167683,"EventID":"S1W-31201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5350 by Malcolm Chisholm on 20 June 2002, what Health Technology Board for Scotland Comments on National Institute for Clinical Exc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5350 by Malcolm Chisholm on 20 June 2002, what Health Technology Board for Scotland Comments on National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance will be reviewed.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) will review Comments on National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance if new evidence about the Scottish context emerges which results in the HTBS Comment being inaccurate or out of date. HTBS has conducted no reviews to date as this situation has not arisen.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167684,"EventID":"S1W-31202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to assess the physical and mental health of all asylum seekers as they enter Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to assess the physical and mental health of all asylum seekers as they enter Scotland.","AnswerText":"All asylum seekers entering Scotland have a health check on arrival which takes account of their physical and mental health needs. NHS Greater Glasgow, which has received the majority of asylum seekers, has established a dedicated mental health support liaison service headed by a psychologist which is responsible for the assessment of asylum seekers as they enter Scotland. The service is part of a multi-agency asylum seeker and refugee team and is involved in training frontline staff both within hospitals and community-based services. Health visitors and the primary care team are well placed to support the mental health needs of their patients which include support and advice for families under stress.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167685,"EventID":"S1W-31203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all asylum seekers are tested for tuberculosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all asylum seekers are tested for tuberculosis.","AnswerText":"All asylum seekers entering Scotland have a health check on arrival which takes account of their physical and mental health needs. Those who are considered to be at risk of tuberculosis after the initial health assessment, by virtue of symptoms, history or any likelihood of exposure, are tested and followed up within the local health care system. However, tuberculosis is not considered to be a major health hazard amongst asylum seekers and refugees when compared to other groups.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167686,"EventID":"S1W-31204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to raise awareness of lung cancer symptoms to help people recognise the disease, given that people are 40 times more likely to survive when lung c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to raise awareness of lung cancer symptoms to help people recognise the disease, given that people are 40 times more likely to survive when lung cancer is detected at an early stage.","AnswerText":"The association between smoking and lung cancer is well known; 90% of lung cancer patients are smokers or ex-smokers. The Scottish Executive published Smoking Cessation Guidelines in 2001 and £1 million is available annually for smoking cessation services and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

      Information and advice on the effects of smoking, symptoms of lung cancer and where to seek medical help is readily available from a variety of sources including, for example, well women and well men clinics, Healthy Living Centres, GPs' surgeries and hospitals.

      The Scottish Executive issued Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer in April 2002 to facilitate appropriate referral between primary and secondary care for patients whom a GP suspects may have cancer. The guidelines are also accessible to the wider public on the Cancer in Scotland website at www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/cancerinscotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167687,"EventID":"S1W-31205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-01T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28522 by Dr Richard Simpson on 21 October 2002, whether the information on the number of people that are prescribed methadone on a ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28522 by Dr Richard Simpson on 21 October 2002, whether the information on the number of people that are prescribed methadone on a regular basis is now available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5810 on 7 November 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167688,"EventID":"S1W-31206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address repeat domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to address repeat domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"Repeat victimisation is, by its nature, a characteristic of domestic abuse and therefore all action taken to address domestic abuse will address repeat domestic abuse.

      Police databases now record repeat victimisation in order to provide a full account of the abuse experienced by individual victims and ensure an appropriate response. Police Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers provide support to repeat victims.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167689,"EventID":"S1W-31207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to ensure that domestic abuse cases reach the courts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to ensure that domestic abuse cases reach the courts.","AnswerText":"A working group established by the National Group to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland has carried out a review of legislation and practice relating to domestic abuse.

      The working group made a number of recommendations for improvement and these are currently being considered by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167690,"EventID":"S1W-31208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation has been made of any effects of action taken by police in respect of domestic abuse on stopping further incidents of such abuse and, if not, whethe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation has been made of any effects of action taken by police in respect of domestic abuse on stopping further incidents of such abuse and, if not, whether there are any plans to carry out such an evaluation.","AnswerText":"There has not been a centrally commissioned evaluation of any effects of action taken by police in respect of domestic abuse on stopping further incidents of such abuse and there are no plans to commission any such evaluation.

      However, most police forces in Scotland now record repeat incidents of domestic abuse in order to provide a full account of the abuse experienced by individual victims and ensure an appropriate response.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167691,"EventID":"S1W-31209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes are available to people in secure accommodation that have been convicted of a sexual offence to help them address their behaviour.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what programmes are available to people in secure accommodation that have been convicted of a sexual offence to help them address their behaviour.","AnswerText":"Information obtained from providers of secure accommodation indicates that in certain establishments offence-related and offence-specific work is being undertaken with offenders convicted of sexual offences or that this is in the process of being developed. This work includes addressing issues such as the identification of triggers and risk factors that contribute to sexually aggressive behaviour, the development of a personal development plan, cognitive skills training, offence analysis, violence reduction, victim empathy and relapse prevention.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167692,"EventID":"S1W-31210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change legislation in order to combat abuse of children via the internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to change legislation in order to combat abuse of children via the internet.","AnswerText":"Existing statute and common law already provides protection against child abuse. The general position in law is that what is illegal offline is also illegal online. The law therefore covers the abuse of children via the internet as well as elsewhere. However, the Executive keeps the criminal law under review to ensure that appropriate action is taken to strengthen it where necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167693,"EventID":"S1W-31211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to help prevent the abuse of children via the internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to help prevent the abuse of children via the internet.","AnswerText":"The Police Service and the Crown Office have taken steps to improve their existing training on internet crime, including child abuse. The Executive joined with the Home Office in running a UK-wide Internet Child Safety campaign between December 2001 and March 2002. The aim of the campaign was to inform children, young people and their parents/carers of the potential dangers of, and allow them to protect themselves when using, the internet. Dedicated websites and a helpline have been established to offer information and advice following the conclusion of the official campaign.

      The Executive is committed to strengthening all aspects of child protection to prevent child abuse in any form. The inter-agency audit and review of child protection has been looking at ways of reducing abuse and neglect and improving services for those affected. The review report will be published at the end of the year and the Executive will respond to its recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167694,"EventID":"S1W-31212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people convicted of sexual offences in each of the last three years were at the time of conviction aged (a) under 18, (b) from (i) 18 to 21, (ii) 22 to 25, (iii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people convicted of sexual offences in each of the last three years were at the time of conviction aged (a) under 18, (b) from (i) 18 to 21, (ii) 22 to 25, (iii) 26 to 35, (iv) 36 to 45 and (v) 46 to 55 and (c) over 55.","AnswerText":"The information available is given in the following table.

      Persons with a Charge Proved for Sexual Offences1 in Scottish Courts, by Age, 1998-2000

      Age

      Year

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Under 18

      45

      29

      33

      18-21

      57

      51

      69

      22-25

      40

      39

      43

      26-35

      156

      138

      106

      36-45

      95

      93

      76

      46-55

      95

      77

      59

      Over 55

      90

      94

      63

      All ages2

      578

      521

      449

      Notes:

      1. Where the main offence was in the Scottish Executive Justice Department crime group Crimes of Indecency, excluding offences related to prostitution.

      2. Includes age not known.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167695,"EventID":"S1W-31213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to or by local authorities regarding the suitability of obtaining disclosure checks from the Scottish Criminal Record Office on members of school","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is issued to or by local authorities regarding the suitability of obtaining disclosure checks from the Scottish Criminal Record Office on members of school boards.","AnswerText":"No specific guidance is issued to local authorities by the Scottish Executive on obtaining disclosure checks on members of school boards. School board members do not, in that capacity, normally have opportunities for unsupervised access to pupils.

      The Scottish Executive does, however, recommend that basic disclosure checks should be sought on all volunteer helpers in schools and at school events, with enhanced checks for those who have regular opportunities for unsupervised access to pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167696,"EventID":"S1W-31214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific research has been carried out regarding any links between HIV/AIDS and exposure to radioactivity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what scientific research has been carried out regarding any links between HIV/AIDS and exposure to radioactivity.","AnswerText":"The Chief Scientist Office (CSO), within the Scottish Executive Health Department has responsibility for encouraging and supporting research into health and health care needs in Scotland.

      The CSO is not aware of any recent research having been carried out on links between HIV/AIDS and exposure to radioactivity. From peer-reviewed internationally published literature, research carried out in the 1990s suggests that exposure to radiation can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to infection including HIV/AIDS.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167697,"EventID":"S1W-31215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-22444 and S1W-30578 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 February and 28 October 2002, on what estimates of prisoner population any contracts ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-22444 and S1W-30578 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 February and 28 October 2002, on what estimates of prisoner population any contracts for prisoner places with private prison providers in respect of any period from 2011 to 2033 will be based.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Procurement decisions for prisoner places, whether in the public or private sector, are based on the best available population projections at the time of the decision and the contract term or projected asset life which provides the best economic value to taxpayers.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167698,"EventID":"S1W-31216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of the implementation group for The same as you?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of the implementation group for The same as you?.","AnswerText":"The remit of The same as you? Implementation Group is to: help to make all the recommendations of The same as you? happen; lead in planning and advising on the way forward; identify and recommend priorities for change, and advise ministers on how The same as you? is improving the quality of services and the quality of lives of people with learning disabilities of all ages, and their families.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167699,"EventID":"S1W-31217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation group for The same as you? reports directly to the Minister for Health and Community Care and, if so, in what way and how frequently.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation group for The same as you? reports directly to the Minister for Health and Community Care and, if so, in what way and how frequently.","AnswerText":"In accordance with its remit, The same as you? Implementation Group advises ministers on progress with implementation of the review's recommendations. Ministers for Health and Community Care receive regular written and oral reports from officials. I will also attend meetings of the group to discuss progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167700,"EventID":"S1W-31218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it will take to implement all 29 recommendations contained in The same as you?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it will take to implement all 29 recommendations contained in The same as you?.","AnswerText":"The same as you? does not set out a timescale for implementing each of the 29 recommendations, although the National Implementation Plan set out in Appendix 2 sets some target dates. We made it clear when The same as you? was launched in May 2000 that it sets out a programme of change over 10 years.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167701,"EventID":"S1W-31219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disabilities have a personal life plan as referred to in The same as you?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disabilities have a personal life plan as referred to in The same as you?.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167702,"EventID":"S1W-31220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Work and Pensions regarding the impact on the implementation of The same as you? of any specific areas of concern rela","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Work and Pensions regarding the impact on the implementation of The same as you? of any specific areas of concern relating to benefits and support for people with learning disabilities and what the outcome was of any such discussions.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials have held initial discussions with officials in the Department for Work and Pensions on issues relating to benefits, and barriers to employment, for people with learning disabilities. On-going discussions aim to explore possible measures to improve support for people with learning disabilities seeking employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167703,"EventID":"S1W-31221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been employed through the WORKSTEP Programme since the programme's inception and, of these, how many have subsequently moved into unsupported employm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been employed through the WORKSTEP Programme since the programme's inception and, of these, how many have subsequently moved into unsupported employment.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for employment matters is reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to WORKSTEP. This programme is managed by Jobcentre Plus which is part of the Department for Work and Pensions.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167704,"EventID":"S1W-31222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30423 by Ross Finnie on 1 November 2002, whether it will give a brief analysis of each response to its consultation on technical co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30423 by Ross Finnie on 1 November 2002, whether it will give a brief analysis of each response to its consultation on technical conservation measures for the scallop industry, showing (a) the name of the individual or body responding to the consultation, (b) the date of the submission, (c) a short synopsis of the content of the points made in the submission and (d) whether the respondent supported or opposed a weekend ban; if so, whether it will do so before any statutory instrument on this matter is laid before the Parliament, and whether it will ensure that the Rural Development Committee has an opportunity to consider fully such an analysis before any such instrument is laid. ","AnswerText":"No; the responses, except those which are confidential, are publicly available in the Scottish Executive Library, K-Spur, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh, EH11 3XD.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167705,"EventID":"S1W-31223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not lay any statutory instrument on technical conservation measures in respect of the scallop industry in light of (a) opposition to the measures expresse","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will not lay any statutory instrument on technical conservation measures in respect of the scallop industry in light of (a) opposition to the measures expressed in evidence to the Rural Development Committee by representatives of the industry on 8 October 2002 and (b) the recommendations of the committee expressed in its letter of 11 October 2002 to the Minister for Environment and Rural Development.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will of course take into account such views before laying any statutory instrument.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167706,"EventID":"S1W-31224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of any threat to the future of the scallop industry from the Food Standards Agency's proposed tiered testing regime, it is premature for any technical c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of any threat to the future of the scallop industry from the Food Standards Agency's proposed tiered testing regime, it is premature for any technical conservation measures to be introduced until the impact of implementing European Directive 91/492/EEC or the derogation under European Commission Decision 2002/226/EC has been promptly considered. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30607 on 6 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167707,"EventID":"S1W-31225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs there are in the scallop industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs there are in the scallop industry.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30603 on 30 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167708,"EventID":"S1W-31226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the impact of the proposed weekend ban for the scallop industry on the industry's ability to continue to send scallops to the major Spa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the impact of the proposed weekend ban for the scallop industry on the industry's ability to continue to send scallops to the major Spanish market on Thursdays, which caters for Spanish weekend consumers.","AnswerText":"The information regarding the impact of the proposed weekend ban on scallop exports to Spain has only recently been submitted to the Scottish Executive. It is being assessed by officials and will be fully considered before any statutory instrument is laid before Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167709,"EventID":"S1W-31227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications it has received for the installation of central heating under its central heating installation programme since the programmes inception to date from","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications it has received for the installation of central heating under its central heating installation programme since the programmes inception to date from (a) (i) local authority properties and (ii) housing association properties broken down by local authority area and (b) private sector properties broken down by postcode area.","AnswerText":"I cannot answer (a) because local authority and housing association tenants do not make an application to their landlord. Eligible households are identified by their landlords who also arrange for the works to be carried out. As regards (b), I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 on 22 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167710,"EventID":"S1W-31228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of rendered cattle carcasses remain in storage following BSE outbreaks and at what specific locations such rendered remains are being stored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of rendered cattle carcasses remain in storage following BSE outbreaks and at what specific locations such rendered remains are being stored.","AnswerText":"At the start of November 85,000 tonnes of meat and bonemeal remain in storage across the UK, at various locations, including one in Scotland at Whitehill Industrial Estate, Glenrothes.

      The following is a corrected answer (published on 26 November 2002); see below.

      At the start of November 185,000 tonnes of meat and bonemeal remain in storage across the UK, at various locations, including one in Scotland at Whitehill Industrial Estate, Glenrothes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167711,"EventID":"S1W-31229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual costs are of storing rendered cattle carcasses that remain in storage following BSE outbreaks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual costs are of storing rendered cattle carcasses that remain in storage following BSE outbreaks.","AnswerText":"The yearly cost of storing Over Thirty Months Slaughter Scheme (OTMS) rendered products (meat and bonemeal (MBM) and tallow) peaked at around £21 million in the 2001-02 financial year when 15 MBM stores and three tallow stores were on contract throughout the UK. Costs are reducing as stores are emptied and decommissioned. Stocks are disposed of by incineration with energy recovery.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167712,"EventID":"S1W-31230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place for the final disposal of the rendered cattle carcasses that remain in storage following BSE outbreaks and what methods of disposal will be used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place for the final disposal of the rendered cattle carcasses that remain in storage following BSE outbreaks and what methods of disposal will be used.","AnswerText":"The Rural Payments Agency is responsible on behalf of all UK Agriculture Ministers for the operation of the Over Thirty Months Slaughter Scheme (OTMS), including disposal. The two products of OTMS rendering, meat and bonemeal (MBM) and tallow, are incinerated with energy recovery. The agency achieved its target of incinerating 60% of MBM produced by 31 March 2002, and is making good progress towards the second target of incinerating at least 85% of MBM produced by 31 March 2004.

      Tallow arisings are also being incinerated and the large-scale disposal of tallow stocks will commence in the new year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167713,"EventID":"S1W-31231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the contract arrangements will be for the final disposal of the rendered cattle carcasses that remain in storage following BSE outbreaks and which contractors have b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the contract arrangements will be for the final disposal of the rendered cattle carcasses that remain in storage following BSE outbreaks and which contractors have been employed so far.","AnswerText":"The material is incinerated with energy recovery. The Rural Payments Agency has contracts in place for this work with three companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167714,"EventID":"S1W-31232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of BSE-infected cattle carcasses have been through final disposal; what disposal method was used; who the contractors were, and what the cost of disposal ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tonnes of BSE-infected cattle carcasses have been through final disposal; what disposal method was used; who the contractors were, and what the cost of disposal was.","AnswerText":"Nine thousand nine hundred and twenty-six carcases, which equate to approximately 5,000 tonnes, have been incinerated in Scotland out of a total of 179,608 in the UK. The carcases of bovines identified on-farm as showing clinical signs of BSE are incinerated at two sites in Scotland, under contract with the Scottish Agricultural College. Contractual terms are not released on the grounds of commercial confidentiality.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167715,"EventID":"S1W-31233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what date rendered cattle carcasses remaining in storage following BSE outbreaks will have been through final disposal and what the projected cost is of such disposal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what date rendered cattle carcasses remaining in storage following BSE outbreaks will have been through final disposal and what the projected cost is of such disposal.","AnswerText":"The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is responsible on behalf of all UK Agriculture Ministers for the operation of the Over Thirty Months Slaughter Scheme (OTMS), including disposal. RPA is committed to reducing meat and bonemeal (MBM) and tallow stocks to very low levels by the end of 2004. However, while the scheme continues to operate in its current format, there will continue to be some stocks in store. As there are no large-scale incineration facilities in Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland, any long-term storage is likely to be in England, close to the incineration sites. As there is no end date yet proposed for OTMS it is not possible to estimate final volumes or costs for the disposal of all rendered material that the scheme will generate.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167716,"EventID":"S1W-31234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated total costs are for dealing with BSE-infected cattle, broken down by costs of (a) slaughter, (b) transportation to storage, (c) storage, (d) transporta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated total costs are for dealing with BSE-infected cattle, broken down by costs of (a) slaughter, (b) transportation to storage, (c) storage, (d) transportation to final disposal and (e) final disposal.","AnswerText":"As of 31 March 2002 the cumulative cost - for the UK - of slaughter, transportation to incineration and incineration of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) carcases (including a small proportion of scrapie-infected sheep) was £52.7 million. This figure also includes laboratory equipment costs. BSE-infected carcasses go straight for incineration and are not held in storage, there are no costs incurred for storage purposes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167717,"EventID":"S1W-31235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what security measures are in place at the storage locations for rendered cattle carcasses in storage following BSE outbreaks and who the contractor is for, and what the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what security measures are in place at the storage locations for rendered cattle carcasses in storage following BSE outbreaks and who the contractor is for, and what the costs are of, such measures.","AnswerText":"The security of the stores is primarily the responsibility of the storekeeper and is covered in the contract. A strict control regime is also in place. The stores and vehicles travelling to and from them are sealed and operated on a dedicated basis. All loads are tracked, weighed at both ends of the journey and subject to documentary control, including comprehensive stock and movements records at each site. In the UK the Meat and Livestock Commission supervise activity, and they are subject to second-tier checks by technical officers. Inactive stores are also subject to regular checks.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167718,"EventID":"S1W-31237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd is not using the existing general livestock trailers to provide safe and welfare-compliant passage for livestock from the nort","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd is not using the existing general livestock trailers to provide safe and welfare-compliant passage for livestock from the northern isles to Aberdeen when the existing livestock shipping contract with P&O Scottish Ferries ceases.","AnswerText":"The system used to carry livestock on ferries is an operational matter for the companies concerned, provided that the system complies with all the relevant statutory requirements.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167719,"EventID":"S1W-31238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with agricultural representatives, NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd, Norse Island Ferries Ltd and Aberdeen Harbour Authority over","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions have taken place with agricultural representatives, NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd, Norse Island Ferries Ltd and Aberdeen Harbour Authority over the lairage currently available at Jamieson's Quay, Aberdeen.","AnswerText":"Officials are in regular contact with agricultural representatives, NorthLink and Aberdeen Harbour Board on a variety of issues including lairage at Jamieson's Quay. No approach has been made to the Executive by Norse Island Ferries on the issue of lairage at any of the ports.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167720,"EventID":"S1W-31239","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funding has been, or is being, provided to NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd for the purchase, lease or rent of six additional livestock trailers and wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any funding has been, or is being, provided to NorthLink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd for the purchase, lease or rent of six additional livestock trailers and what discussions have taken place with the agriculture industry in Shetland over such action.","AnswerText":"I understand that NorthLink is renting the Livestock Trailers. The rental is one of the costs to the company of transporting livestock and the company will, in the normal course, recover those costs by the charge per head of livestock transported. In terms of the undertaking by the Scottish ministers approved by Parliament on 13 June this year, NorthLink can claim Tariff Rebate Subsidy from the Executive to cover a percentage of that total charge. I understand that NorthLink has had discussions with local National Farmers Union of Scotland office-bearers on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167721,"EventID":"S1W-31240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy applies to requests made to the Crofters Commission for the public disclosure of information held by it.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy applies to requests made to the Crofters Commission for the public disclosure of information held by it.","AnswerText":"The Crofters Commission is required to comply with the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167722,"EventID":"S1W-31241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct the Crofters Commission to make information available to Mr and Mrs J Ramsay, 9 Veensgarth, Tingwall, Shetland, relating to a decision taken over a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct the Crofters Commission to make information available to Mr and Mrs J Ramsay, 9 Veensgarth, Tingwall, Shetland, relating to a decision taken over an apportionment currently being denied and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have been assured that all existing information relevant to the decision taken by the Crofters Commission has now been sent to Mr and Mrs Ramsay.

      I understand that the Crofters Commission intends to offer Mrs Ramsay a hearing on the decision relating to her apportionment on the understanding that the original decision and the conditions attached to it could be modified in the light of any relevant evidence presented.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167723,"EventID":"S1W-31242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been, or are being, taken to ensure that reports submitted by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department to the Crofters Commission on the decision-m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been, or are being, taken to ensure that reports submitted by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department to the Crofters Commission on the decision-making process over apportionments are fair and impartial; what monitoring takes place of such reports, and whether any appeal over the content of such reports is allowed. ","AnswerText":"The Crofters Commission employs the services of locally based agricultural staff of the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department to compile reports relating to apportionment applications. In carrying out these responsibilities, the agricultural staff are expected to take a fair and impartial view and follow guidance from the Crofters Commission. They apply their professional and technical judgement in assessing the information obtained through inspection and discussion with the applicant and other affected parties and aim to ensure that all aspects of a case are brought out in the report. At all times they are expected to operate to the Scottish Executive Aim, Vision and Values. Those values include integrity, honesty, objectivity, political impartiality and fairness.

      Reports are monitored and countersigned by a senior officer. There is also a system of Quality Management Checks whereby an office manager ensures consistency of standard and impartiality. These are random checks so the officer concerned cannot know which cases may be selected. In addition the Crofters Commission will make the report available, on request, to the person applying for the apportionment.

      A reporting officer may make a recommendation but the Crofters Commission decides each application and may or may not accept such a recommendation.

      There is currently no mechanism for an appeal against the content of a report made to the Crofters Commission by a member of the agricultural staff of the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167724,"EventID":"S1W-31243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what routes of appeal are open to an individual crofter where the Crofters Commission has refused a public hearing over particular aspects of a decision and where a reque","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what routes of appeal are open to an individual crofter where the Crofters Commission has refused a public hearing over particular aspects of a decision and where a request for a public hearing has been made.","AnswerText":"At present, with the exception of decisions relating to de-crofting and re-letting, the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 provides that all decisions by the Crofters Commission, including decisions regarding procedures to be adopted in handling individual cases, are final. There is no formal route of appeal other than to challenge such decisions by seeking judicial review or, if it is believed that there has been maladministration, by recourse to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

      This is why we proposed a new coherent and consistent system of appeals against all Crofters Commission regulatory decisions in the consultation document Crofting Reform Proposals for Legislation, published in July of this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167725,"EventID":"S1W-31244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are applied to ensure that the Crofters Commission follows its rules of operating procedure in relation to decision-making and what right of appeal is ope","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are applied to ensure that the Crofters Commission follows its rules of operating procedure in relation to decision-making and what right of appeal is open to an individual crofter over decisions made by the commission. ","AnswerText":"The Board of Commissioners of the Crofters Commission set and revise the rules and procedures that govern the way the Crofters Commission undertakes its various regulatory functions. Paragraph 11 of schedule 1 to the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 provides that the Commission has power to regulate its own procedure. The current rules are the Rules of Procedure of the Crofters Commission 1999. The commission may change the rules and procedures from time to time but must clear their proposals with the Scottish Committee of the Council for Tribunals. The rules and procedures must also, at all times, be consistent with the statutory requirements of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993.

      It is for the Chairman, the Board of Commissioners and the Chief Executive of the Crofters Commission to ensure that in its day to day operations the Crofters Commission operates in accordance with its own rules and procedures. Anyone who considers that there was a failure to do so should raise their concerns with either the Chairman or the Chief Executive of the commission who will review the case to ensure that it has been properly and fairly handled in accordance with these rules and procedures. If after such action there are unresolved concerns about the handling of the case that suggest there has been maladministration, it would be appropriate to pursue the matter with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. Alternatively, if it is believed that the Crofters Commission acted unlawfully or that a decision made by the commission was unreasonable then the more appropriate recourse might be to seek judicial review of the decision taken by the Crofters Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167726,"EventID":"S1W-31245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to apportionment applications in Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes on common gra'ings where there may or may not be financial implica","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in relation to apportionment applications in Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes on common gra'ings where there may or may not be financial implications for the crofters in the common gra'ings. ","AnswerText":"Policy in respect of apportionment applications is a matter for the Crofters Commission. The policy of the Crofters Commission is that there will be a presumption against approval of apportionments where the Grazings Committee has entered into a management scheme which provides financial or other benefits for the township and where apportionment may prejudice that scheme. The Executive's policy was to accept all eligible applications to join an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme until the schemes closed to new applicants in [December 2000. The ESA scheme conditions are binding on all crofters in the common grazings.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167727,"EventID":"S1W-31246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in respect of apportionment applications in Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes on common gra'ings in relation to regulations that pertain to parti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is in respect of apportionment applications in Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes on common gra'ings in relation to regulations that pertain to particular common gra'ings.","AnswerText":"Policy in respect of apportionment' applications is a matter for the Crofters' Commission. The Executive is responsible for the administration of the Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes. The conditions of any Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme agreement, which may exist in relation to a common grazings, apply to all of the land and to all of the crofters who are members of the common grazings while the agreement is in force.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167728,"EventID":"S1W-31247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any restrictions on the investigative powers of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman relating to its Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any restrictions on the investigative powers of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman relating to its Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Crofters Commission and, if so, what these restrictions are and whether it has any plans to alter or remove them.","AnswerText":"There are no specific restrictions on the investigatory powers of the ombudsman in respect of complaints made against the Environment and Rural Affairs Department or the Crofters Commission. General restrictions and exclusions on the Ombudsman's investigatory powers are set out in sections 7 and 8 of, and Schedule 4 to, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (asp 11).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167729,"EventID":"S1W-31248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Lessons to be Learned Inquiry, the Royal Society Inquiry into Infectious Diseases in Livestock and the Royal Society of Edinburgh Inquiry into","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to the Lessons to be Learned Inquiry, the Royal Society Inquiry into Infectious Diseases in Livestock and the Royal Society of Edinburgh Inquiry into Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"When I welcomed the publication of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Royal Society and Lessons to be Learned reports in July, I undertook to respond to their conclusions and recommendations by the end of the year and to make them available to Parliament. I am pleased that it has been possible to respond sooner than expected and I have today written to the Convenor of the Parliament's Rural Development Committee providing a copy of the Executive's response. The document has also been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24750) and is available on the Scottish Executive website.

      The Executive has responded positively to the conclusions and many recommendations in these reports. The response marries up with steps the Executive has already taken to reduce the risk of future outbreaks and is very focussed around three main themes:

      • keeping out infectious agents of exotic disease;
      • reducing livestock vulnerability by reforming industry practice, and
      • minimising the impact of any future outbreak.

      It is my intention to take the recommendations forward in partnership with stakeholders reflecting the way in which Scotland was able to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease within three months. These positive working relationships were highlighted in particular by the Lessons to be Learned report and it is important that these are built on for the future.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167730,"EventID":"S1W-31249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spends, on average, on publicising a consultation document.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it spends, on average, on publicising a consultation document.","AnswerText":"There is currently no central record of such costs. Such detailed information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167731,"EventID":"S1W-31250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document Reform of Social Work Education: Proposals for Consultation on the Curriculum for the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document Reform of Social Work Education: Proposals for Consultation on the Curriculum for the New Honours Degree.","AnswerText":"The total cost of publicising and making available the consultation document, Reform of Social Work Education: Proposals for Consultation on the Curriculum for the New Honours Degree, was as follows:

      Cost of publishing and distribution of document

      £2,465

      Cost of 6 roadshows

      £13,490

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167732,"EventID":"S1W-31251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children.","AnswerText":"Publication costs of the consultation document Towards Better Oral Health in Children including web publication were £8,500 and distribution costs £4,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167733,"EventID":"S1W-31252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document Hungry for Success - A Whole School Approach to School Meals in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document Hungry for Success - A Whole School Approach to School Meals in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The consultation exercise was launched on 17 July 2002. The cost of printing and publishing the expert panel's interim report and consultation document, analysing the responses and commissioning consultants to gather views of pupils on issues related to the panel's recommendations has been £31,783.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167734,"EventID":"S1W-31253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document The Scottish Executive's Consultation on the Future of the Scottish Prison Estate. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document The Scottish Executive's Consultation on the Future of the Scottish Prison Estate. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29287 on 28 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167735,"EventID":"S1W-31254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document The National Debate on Education - The best for ALL our children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on publicising and making available the consultation document The National Debate on Education - The best for ALL our children.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-24690 on 1 May 2002, where all costs associated with the National Debate briefing pack were estimated at £360,000. The actual costs were £350,000 (including VAT). All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167736,"EventID":"S1W-31255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4054/2001 of 27 September 2001, what progress has been made with its mortgage to rent scheme in respect of the conditions and general w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SE4054/2001 of 27 September 2001, what progress has been made with its mortgage to rent scheme in respect of the conditions and general workings of the scheme; how much of the available budget has been spent to date, and how many householders have taken part, or are likely to take part, in the scheme in each year for which funding has been allocated.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Ministerial approval will be sought shortly to the proposed Mortgage to Rent scheme with a view to the scheme being operational early in 2003. The scheme has been developed by the National Coordinator, appointed in April 2002, in conjunction with a working group comprising relevant lending, housing and consumer advice interests. Expenditure to date has been restricted to administrative costs (£26,500). It is expected that the scheme will be able to support up to 150 households each year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167737,"EventID":"S1W-31256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish a new national pay and conditions negotiating machinery within the NHS in respect of all or some of the service's employees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to establish a new national pay and conditions negotiating machinery within the NHS in respect of all or some of the service's employees.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167738,"EventID":"S1W-31257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has allocated money to NHS boards for the implementation of positive appraisals of new drugs by the Scottish Medicine Consortium.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has allocated money to NHS boards for the implementation of positive appraisals of new drugs by the Scottish Medicine Consortium.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium is a consortium which brings together the NHS Board Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees. All NHS boards already receive funding to provide drugs for their local populations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167739,"EventID":"S1W-31258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Medicine Consortium is not a statutory body.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Medicine Consortium is not a statutory body.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium is a consortium of NHS boards. It brings together Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees to ensure that all NHS boards receive the same advice on the clinical and cost effectiveness of new drugs at the time of their launch, and does not need to be a statutory body.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167740,"EventID":"S1W-31259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Medicine Consortium was not included in the review of the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the Scottish Medicine Consortium was not included in the review of the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Medicines Consortium is a consortium of NHS Board Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees. While the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) provides administrative, technical and communication support to the consortium, the consortium is not a part of HTBS.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167741,"EventID":"S1W-31260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most commonly prescribed drugs are for use in association with mental health problems by (a) volume and (b) sales.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most commonly prescribed drugs are for use in association with mental health problems by (a) volume and (b) sales.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table:

      Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs by Volume and (Number of Items Dispensed) During 2001-02

      Number of Dispensed1 Items

      Gross Ingredient2

      Cost (£)

      Diazepam

      737,895

      959,170

      Amitriptyline

      525,485

      1,127,664

      Fluoxetine

      500,390

      4,636.70

      Paroxetine

      468,847

      12,437,001

      Temazepam

      455,686

      753,203

      Citalopram

      375,172

      8,036,725

      Zopiclone

      253,914

      1,040,088

      Nitrazepam

      231,916

      351,461

      Venlafaxine

      231,483

      9,090,742

      Sertraline

      210,468

      5,561,565

      Dothiepin Hydrochloride

      208,268

      826,899

      Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride

      149,266

      334,755

      Trazodone Hydrochloride

      139,465

      2,194,398

      Zolpidem

      92,997

      380,306

      Risperidone

      88,745

      3,880,327

      Chlordiazepoxide

      88,345

      230,615

      Lithium Carbonate

      79,611

      201,283

      Lofepramine

      76,710

      944,607

      Mirtazapine

      73,834

      2,112,260

      Olanzapine

      67,171

      7,016,214

      Notes:

      1","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167742,"EventID":"S1W-31261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether statistics collected on the use of medicines are broken down by NHS board and whether this information is publicly available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether statistics collected on the use of medicines are broken down by NHS board and whether this information is publicly available.","AnswerText":"Information on the total number and cost of NHS prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists, dispensing doctors and appliance suppliers is collected centrally and is publicly available on the Information and Statistics Division website:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/primary_care/pservices/pcare_pservices.htm.

      The data are shown for the most recently available year broken down by dispensing NHS board. These data do not include prescriptions for medicines dispensed by hospitals or hospital-based clinics. They also do not include over-the-counter medicines purchased without a prescription.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167743,"EventID":"S1W-31262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Modernising Government Fund funding for Aberdeenshire Council's Service Access for Older People project in partnership with Grampian Primary Health Ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Modernising Government Fund funding for Aberdeenshire Council's Service Access for Older People project in partnership with Grampian Primary Health Care Trust, Grampian Caredata, Scottish Enterprise Grampian and the voluntary sector, whether the internet portal for people aged 65 and over has now been established and, if so, how many visits there have been to the portal.","AnswerText":"Aberdeenshire Council's original intention was to develop an internet portal for people aged 65 and over. However, the scope of the project has changed and instead of this the council will, with £100,000 from the Modernising Government Fund, examine the use, and interest in using ICT, by over 65s as part of Aberdeenshire's strategy for older people, Live Life to the Full. The council has chosen the Marr area as a suitable pilot area for this project.

      The Executive is supporting internet developments for older people and the Scottish Executive's Older People's website: www.scotland.gov.uk/olderpeople, was established on 29 August 2002. The website was designed with input from older people and early trials show an average of 3,500 visits per month. Steps are now under way to further publicise and develop the site.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167744,"EventID":"S1W-31263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Modernising Government Fund funding for Aberdeenshire Council's Service Access for Older People project in partnership with Grampian Primary Health ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the Modernising Government Fund funding for Aberdeenshire Council's Service Access for Older People project in partnership with Grampian Primary Health care Trust, Grampian Caredata, Scottish Enterprise Grampian and the voluntary sector, what criteria have been, or will be, used to assess the project's level of success and what the outcome has been of any such assessment.","AnswerText":"Aberdeenshire Council will measure the level of success of the project and the extent to which it has enabled older people to use ICT to improve access to services. The main aim of the project is to take technology out to older people in a rural setting and to work with older people to determine how technology might improve access to services. The project is at an early stage and the criteria used for measuring success will be based upon usage of the service and feedback on the technology by older people themselves.

      I understand that the Project Co-ordinator has enlisted a number of volunteers and that technology training has been provided in four areas using portable computers. This includes a number of introductory sessions and short training courses run, for example, in sheltered housing complexes and in day-care settings. Residents and users in a sheltered housing complex/resource centre are also participating in a series of one to one classes covering the basics of using a computer, word processing, email and internet. In addition, an outreach project has been developed to work in people's homes and training for this will commence shortly.

      The initial work of the pilot has proved popular and the council already intends to extend the project until September 2003. Over that time the council will explore ways to extend the life of the project and the area that it covers to ensure the evidence gathered is representative of older people in Aberdeenshire

      The Executive monitors all Modernising Government Fund projects on a quarterly basis and all progress reports, including the Aberdeenshire project, are posted for public information, to the 21st Century Government Section of the website at:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/government/c21g/fund.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167745,"EventID":"S1W-31264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date figures are on how many speech therapists are currently employed in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date figures are on how many speech therapists are currently employed in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of speech therapists employed in NHS Scotland Health Board areas is available in Table F4 on the ISD website at:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167746,"EventID":"S1W-31265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date figures are regarding how many teachers are trained to teach deaf or hearing-impaired children in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the most up-to-date figures are regarding how many teachers are trained to teach deaf or hearing-impaired children in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"At September 1998, there were an estimated 164 full-time equivalent teachers who had a hearing impairment teaching qualification in publicly funded schools in Scotland. Detailed information is not held for all authorities and is therefore not available in the form requested.

      However, the following table shows the number of peripatetic teachers for hearing impairment who were employed by education authority area in September 1999. No more recent data is available.

      Scotland

      87.9

      Aberdeen City

      4

      Aberdeenshire

      5.2

      Angus

      1

      Argyll and Bute

      0.4

      Clackmannanshire

      1.5

      Dumfries and Galloway

      5

      Dundee City

      4

      East Ayrshire

      0

      East Dunbartonshire

      4

      East Lothian

      5

      East Renfrewshire

      4.4

      Edinburgh, City Of

      8.3

      Eilean Siar

      0.5

      Falkirk

      3

      Fife

      1

      Glasgow City

      8

      Highland

      0

      Inverclyde

      0

      Midlothian

      not available

      Moray

      2.6

      North Ayrshire

      3

      North Lanarkshire

      5

      Orkney Islands

      0

      Perth and Kinross

      0

      Renfrewshire

      13.41

      Scottish Borders

      2

      Shetland Islands

      not available

      South Ayrshire

      		In order to develop a strategic approach to BSL issues in Scotland, the Executive has established the British Sign Language and Linguistic Access Working Group which is due to meet again on 28 November.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167748,"EventID":"S1W-31267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children of school age are deaf or hearing-impaired, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children of school age are deaf or hearing-impaired, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, through its annual school census, collects information on the main learning difficulty of all pupils attending special schools and those pupils with a Record of Needs who attend publicly funded or independent mainstream schools. Figures for 2001 are provided in the following table.

      Number of Pupils in Publicly Funded Schools Whose Main Difficulty in Learning is a Hearing Impairment, by Local AuthorityAdditionally, section 130 of the act requires that a utility company executing road works shall, in reinstating the road, comply with such requirements as may be prescribed by the road authority as to the specification of materials to be used and the standards of workmanship to be observed. This specification is currently contained in the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways Code of Practice. Failure to comply with section 130 is an offence which, on summary conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding level 3 (£1,000) on the standard scale.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167751,"EventID":"S1W-31270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend the New Roads and Street Works (1991) Act.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend the New Roads and Street Works (1991) Act.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is taking forward several amendments to secondary legislation emanating from the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 which are designed to improve working patterns. Additionally, my officials, in conjunction with RAUC(S) (Roads Authorities and Utilities Committee (Scotland)) who are the representative body of all roads authorities and most utility companies in mainland Scotland are currently looking at various aspects of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, including the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings Code of Practice with a view to introducing amendments where necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167752,"EventID":"S1W-31271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available anti-coagulation self-monitoring strips to help patients monitor and test clotting times and thereby regulate the correct dosage of warfari","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available anti-coagulation self-monitoring strips to help patients monitor and test clotting times and thereby regulate the correct dosage of warfarin.","AnswerText":"Yes. CoaguChek testing strips will be added to the Scottish Drug Tariff as soon as appropriate guidance for users has been finalised and issued to NHS prescribers and dispensing contractors.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167753,"EventID":"S1W-31272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost to it has been of Scott Davidson's case against it in respect of alleged infringement of his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total cost to it has been of Scott Davidson's case against it in respect of alleged infringement of his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), including its own legal costs and legal aid and court costs.","AnswerText":"Mr Davidson lodged a petition in October 2001 for judicial review of an alleged decision of the Scottish ministers to detain him in "slopping out" conditions, in breach of Article 3 of the ECHR. So far, there has been one hearing in the Outer House of the Court of Session and two hearings in the Inner House. The legal issues which have arisen in this case such as impartiality of the judiciary and the rights of courts to make interim orders against the Scottish ministers are significant and go beyond the ECHR compatibility of the conditions of the prisoner's detention.

      Preparation for court proceedings is done by legal and administrative staff within the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Prison Service as part of their normal duties. Cost information is not available disaggregated to individual cases. The situation is the same for the courts. The court proceedings have been dealt with as part of the normal business of the courts involved. Information about legal aid costs is also not available for individual cases.

      Counsels' fees so far incurred by the Executive are in the region of £95,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167754,"EventID":"S1W-31273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to its consultation document Registration of Sellers and Buyers of First Sale Fish, why a registration system is necessary; what the estimated cost of puttin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to its consultation document Registration of Sellers and Buyers of First Sale Fish, why a registration system is necessary; what the estimated cost of putting the system in place would be, and whether a registration system is required given that it is a proposal contained in the review of the Common Fisheries Policy and, under Council Regulation EEC 2847/93, it is not a requirement of EU legislation.","AnswerText":"EU legislation (Council Regulation 2847/93) envisages that auction centres or other bodies or persons responsible for the first marketing of fishery products and therefore, the submission of sales notes to the control authorities shall be authorised by member states. The proposed system of designated auction centres and registered sellers currently under consultation with industry has been designed to allow the UK to comply with that provision with little or no change to current practice.

      The registration of buyers of first sale fish is not yet a requirement of EU legislation, although Regulation 2847/93 places responsibility for submission of the sales note on the buyer in circumstances where first marketing takes place other than through an authorised auction centre or other seller. The registration of buyers of fish is also proposed as part of the review of the CFP. It seems sensible, therefore, to propose also the registration of buyers, in anticipation of possible EC requirements; to ensure buyers of fish who may be responsible for submission of sales notes can be identified, and as a logical extension of traceability and control arrangements.

      The Fisheries Departments view the registration processes as simple and straightforward and unlikely to result in any additional costs to industry. Consultation and discussions continue with industry on detailed implementation arrangements, on which decisions remain to be taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167755,"EventID":"S1W-31274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will receive the preliminary report on the Expert Group on Financial and Other Support.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will receive the preliminary report on the Expert Group on Financial and Other Support.","AnswerText":"I discussed the preliminary report of the Expert Group on Financial and Other Support with the Health and Community Care Committee today. Copies of the preliminary report have been placed in Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25060) today and it is also available on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167756,"EventID":"S1W-31275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30382 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 November 2002, who would meet the costs of changing or altering signage alongside trunk roads after p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30382 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 November 2002, who would meet the costs of changing or altering signage alongside trunk roads after proposals for a change or alteration had been submitted by a local authority and approved by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to my letter of 19 September in reply to her letter of 5 September on this matter, in which I explained that any costs associated with changes to trunk road signing requested by a local authority to reflect local needs will require to be met by the local authority, except where the signs in question are due to be replaced as part of the routine sign maintenance programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167757,"EventID":"S1W-31276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the target time is for out-patients to receive an appointment at a dermatology clinic; whether the Lothian University Hospital Trust is currently unable to meet this","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the target time is for out-patients to receive an appointment at a dermatology clinic; whether the Lothian University Hospital Trust is currently unable to meet this target, and, if so, what the reasons are for this position.","AnswerText":"The national target in relation to out-patient waiting, set out in Building a Better Scotland, which was published on 12 September 2002, is that, by 2006, no patient should wait more than six months for a first out-patient appointment.

      Provisional information for the year ended 30 June 2002 shows that the median waiting time for a first out-patient appointment with a consultant in dermatology at Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust, following a GP referral, was 64 days. This is a reduction of five days on the position in the previous year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167758,"EventID":"S1W-31277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions it will issue to VisitScotland to ensure that better information services are provided for people with disabilities about provision available to them for ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what directions it will issue to VisitScotland to ensure that better information services are provided for people with disabilities about provision available to them for holidays in Scotland and what action will be taken in the light of the report by Capability Scotland, An Open or Shut Case? How Scotland meets the needs of disabled tourists.","AnswerText":"The Executive takes very seriously the needs of disabled tourists in Scotland and noted carefully Capability Scotland's recent report.

      VisitScotland takes into full account the needs of visitors with disabilities, and operates an inspection scheme to assess accommodation with disabled provision using the UK-wide National Accessible Standards. Establishments which meet the assessment criteria are recognised by being awarded an access symbol. Information on all such establishments in Scotland is available from VisitScotland","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167759,"EventID":"S1W-31278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated budget for (a) Scottish Natural Heritage, (b) the national parks programme and (c) the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park will be in (i) 2003-04, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated budget for (a) Scottish Natural Heritage, (b) the national parks programme and (c) the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park will be in (i) 2003-04, (ii) 2004-05 and (iii) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"The funding allocation for Scottish Natural Heritage over the three years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 is £58.5 million, £60.9 million and £61.5 million respectively.

      Over the same period the allocation for national parks is £6.7 million, £7.1 million and £7.8 million. As yet no apportionment of the national parks allocation has been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167760,"EventID":"S1W-31279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19825 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 December 2001, when the review of audiology services will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-19825 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 December 2001, when the review of audiology services will be published.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31280 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167761,"EventID":"S1W-31280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to any proposals for a degree course based in Scotland for the education and training of audiologists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it has given to any proposals for a degree course based in Scotland for the education and training of audiologists.","AnswerText":"Following consideration of the preliminary staffing report, submitted by the Audiology Services Review Group, the Executive undertook to explore the development and establishment of a Scottish BSc in Audiology to commence in September 2003.

      Business proposals received in response to invitations for proposals from higher education institutions indicated that the costs involved would be well in excess of original estimate.

      Since time was already very tight to allow institutions to establish, advertise, and recruit students and staff, the decision was taken to defer the start of the course. It will now be considered alongside the other recommendations of the final report. The consultation version of the final report was received by the department on 31 October.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167762,"EventID":"S1W-31281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any proposals for a degree course based in Scotland for the education and training of audiologists have been delayed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any proposals for a degree course based in Scotland for the education and training of audiologists have been delayed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31280 on 18 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167763,"EventID":"S1W-31282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates that a degree course based in Scotland for the education and training of audiologists will commence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it anticipates that a degree course based in Scotland for the education and training of audiologists will commence.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31280 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167764,"EventID":"S1W-31283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30094 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 October 2002, when it will respond to the consultation on the Central Scotland Transport Corridor st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30094 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 October 2002, when it will respond to the consultation on the Central Scotland Transport Corridor studies into the A80 corridor.","AnswerText":"The Executive is considering the study recommendations carefully. We hope to be able to announce decisions on the way forward later this year, taking account of the consultants' recommendations and the subsequent comments we have received during the consultation period.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167765,"EventID":"S1W-31284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will add a representative of the voluntary sector to the membership of the Best Value Task Force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will add a representative of the voluntary sector to the membership of the Best Value Task Force.","AnswerText":"The Best Value Task Force was set up to provide guidance for local authorities in the operation of their new statutory duties under the Local Government in Scotland Bill. For this reason, at this time, it consists mainly of local authority representatives, but also representatives of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the Scottish Consumer Council.

      The Scottish Executive has been careful to consult directly representatives of the voluntary sector about the provisions of the bill and will continue to consider their interests in relation to the work of the task force and other associated matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167766,"EventID":"S1W-31285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to return the further education sector to local authority control and reintroduce a system of national pay and conditions bargaining and whether it pla","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to return the further education sector to local authority control and reintroduce a system of national pay and conditions bargaining and whether it plans to use any such powers to reintroduce a national pay and conditions structure covering all further education colleges.","AnswerText":"The Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 established individual further education colleges as bodies corporate with responsibility for the contractual terms and conditions of college employees. There are no current plans by ministers to introduce a system of national pay and conditions for further education colleges.

      It is the Scottish ministers on whom the act places a duty to secure the provision of adequate and efficient further education in Scotland. That duty is currently exercised on their behalf by the Scottish Further Education Funding Council. The transfer of this duty to the local authorities would require legislative change.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167767,"EventID":"S1W-31286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will organise a public inquiry, involving representatives of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) College Lecturers' Association, the Scottish Trades Un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will organise a public inquiry, involving representatives of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) College Lecturers' Association, the Scottish Trades Union Congress and other appropriate bodies, into industrial relations across the further education sector, in the light of the recent dismissal of Jim Donovan at Central College of Commerce in Glasgow and the subsequent one-day strike and march and rally in support of him organised by EIS.","AnswerText":"There are no plans for such an enquiry. Industrial relations and employment issues within further education colleges, which are autonomous bodies in terms of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992, are for the colleges themselves to address.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167768,"EventID":"S1W-31287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities have been approached by British Energy to request deferment of payment of its business rates for the operation of its nuclear power stations","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authorities have been approached by British Energy to request deferment of payment of its business rates for the operation of its nuclear power stations or other facilities; if so, which local authorities are considering, or have agreed, to defer these rates, and what the estimated loss in revenue and interest would be to each local authority in the event of (a) the rates being deferred for (i) one month, (ii) six months and (iii) one year and (b) British Energy not being able to pay back the rates.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the local authorities concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167769,"EventID":"S1W-31288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what power it has to issue guidance or directions to the Strategic Rail Authority on the specific rail enhancement projects that the authority will include in its forthc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what power it has to issue guidance or directions to the Strategic Rail Authority on the specific rail enhancement projects that the authority will include in its forthcoming 10-year plan.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's powers to issue directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority are set out in section 208 of the Transport Act 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167770,"EventID":"S1W-31289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the Strategic Rail Authority in support of commitments in the authority's 10-year plan to the upgrading of Edinburgh Waverley ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to the Strategic Rail Authority in support of commitments in the authority's 10-year plan to the upgrading of Edinburgh Waverley Station, the restoration of rail services to the Borders and the building of rail connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the Strategic Rail Authority on a wide range of issues, including Waverley Station, rail services to the Borders and rail connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167771,"EventID":"S1W-31290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund the Edinburgh to London sleeper service in the new franchise for passenger rail services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will fund the Edinburgh to London sleeper service in the new franchise for passenger rail services.","AnswerText":"The existing level of service is to be the baseline for bids for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise. Subject to relevant spending constraints, it is intended that the baseline will be maintained and developed in the next franchise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167772,"EventID":"S1W-31291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Network Rail about its operation in Scotland and what changes it anticipates there will be in the structure, responsibilities and lines ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Network Rail about its operation in Scotland and what changes it anticipates there will be in the structure, responsibilities and lines of accountability of the company in Scotland from those of Railtrack Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with Railtrack/Network Rail on a wide range of issues, including the company's plans for its future operations in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167773,"EventID":"S1W-31293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has authorised, or will authorise, the testing of GM mai'e (a) AgrEvo T14 Liberty Link, (b) AgrEvo CBH351 StarLink, (c) DeKalb DBT418 Bt Xtra, (d) DeKalb DLL25","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has authorised, or will authorise, the testing of GM mai'e (a) AgrEvo T14 Liberty Link, (b) AgrEvo CBH351 StarLink, (c) DeKalb DBT418 Bt Xtra, (d) DeKalb DLL25 GR, (e) Monsanto GA21 Roundup Ready, (f) Monsanto NK603 Roundup Ready, (g) Monsanto Mon801, (h) Monsanto Mon802, (i) Monsanto Mon805, (j) Monsanto Mon809, (k) Monsanto Mon830, (l) Monsanto Mon831, (m) Monsanto Mon832, (n) Pioneer 676, (o) Pioneer 678, (p) Pioneer 680, (q) AgrEvoMS3 and (r) AgrEvoMS6 before they enter the country.","AnswerText":"Varieties of GM maize with a marketing consent for import into the EU have satisfied member states, including the UK, that neither the crop itself nor the marketed product poses a risk in terms of human health and environmental safety and are not required to be subjected to testing before entering the country. None of the varieties listed have yet received this marketing consent. Maize products intended for food or animal feed use are required to satisfy relevant food safety authorities in member states. Maize products intended for cultivation in Scotland or the rest of the UK must also be listed on the European Common Catalogue. There are currently no GM maize varieties grown commercially in the UK.

      GM varieties without European marketing consent cannot be sold on a commercial basis and require a Part B consent to be released for research and development purposes. Scottish ministers would only be prepared to issue the necessary consent on the basis of advice from the Executive's scientific advisors that it was safe to do so. There are no GM maize varieties currently grown for research purposes in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167774,"EventID":"S1W-31294","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister has had sight as at 6 November 2002 of a draft of HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary's report on police visibility.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any minister has had sight as at 6 November 2002 of a draft of HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary's report on police visibility.","AnswerText":"A draft copy of this report was passed to me by e-mail at the end of October.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167775,"EventID":"S1W-31295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for mental health has been (a) made available and (b) spent in each of the last five years; how such funding was distributed, broken down by NHS boards and t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for mental health has been (a) made available and (b) spent in each of the last five years; how such funding was distributed, broken down by NHS boards and trusts, the voluntary sector and local authority social work departments; what formula is used to distribute such funding, and who decides on this formula.","AnswerText":"Local authority funding for mental health services, and all other community care services, is provided on an unhypothecated basis. It is therefore up to each local authority to determine use of these resources in line with local circumstances. This year, local authorities received £1,385 million for social work, with £1,112 million of that being provided for community care.

      Details of local authority expenditure on community care services for all client groups are provided in the Scottish Executive's Community Care Statistics. The most recent version of this relates to 2000-01 and is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24284). Estimates for 2001-02 suggest that local authorities spent £47 million on mental health services, with £19 million of this coming from Mental Illness Specific Grant funding, and £28 million from net local authority expenditure (excluding money raised from fees and so forth).

      The Scottish Executive does not provide NHS boards with a separate budget for mental health. Boards determine how much to spend on mental health and on other health care services from the total allocation of funds that they receive each year to cover the costs of hospital and community services as well as the costs of prescribing in the community. The allocation of this total budget between NHS boards is determined by the Arbuthnott formula which was introduced in 2001 following a major review of the methods of allocating funding for health care in Scotland. This allocation formula is updated each year to take account of changing circumstances - for example, changes in the distribution of the population between NHS board areas.

      NHSScotland expenditure on mental health has increased significantly over the last five years. The increases have been as follows:

      Local Authority

      Pupils

      Scotland

      572

      Aberdeen City

      20

      Aberdeenshire

      19

      Angus

      6

      Argyll and Bute

      6

      Clackmannanshire

      *

      Dumfries and Galloway

      10

      Dundee City

      26

      East Ayrshire

      21

      East Dunbartonshire

      8

      East Lothian

      6

      East Renfrewshire

      8

      Edinburgh City

      70

      Eilean Siar

      *

      Falkirk

      18

      Fife

      24

      Glasgow City

      99

      Highland

      23

      Inverclyde

      19

      Midlothian

      *

      Moray

      12

      North Ayrshire

      17

      North Lanarkshire

      55

      Orkney Islands

      *

      Perth and Kinross

      *

      Renfrewshire

      9

      Scottish Borders

      *

      Shetland Islands

      *

      South Ayrshire

      11

      1997-98

      £426 million

      1998-99

      £437 million

      (+2.6%)

      1999-2000

      £476 million

      (+8.9%)

      2000-01

      £520 million

      (+9.2%)

      2001-02

      £558.8 million

      (+7.5%)

      Information on voluntary sector funding for mental health services is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167776,"EventID":"S1W-31296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many psychiatric patients have been admitted to pass beds in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many psychiatric patients have been admitted to pass beds in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167777,"EventID":"S1W-31297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been admitted to acute psychiatric beds in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been admitted to acute psychiatric beds in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to determine, from national sources, patients who were treated specifically in beds allocated for acute care. The following table shows the total number of individuals who were admitted to a psychiatric hospital or unit, excluding patients admitted to the specialty of Psychiatry of Old Age, on at least one occasion during the year specified. It is likely that some of the patients included in the table will have been admitted for reasons other than for acute care. The figures for year ending March 2002 are not yet available.

      Patients Admitted to Mental Illness Hospitals or Psychiatric Units in Scotland; April 1997 to March 20011; all Psychiatric Specialties Excluding Psychiatry of Old Age2

      Health Board of Residence3

      Year Ending 31 March

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001P

      Scotland

      15,069

      15,195

      14,978

      14,692

      Argyll and Clyde

      1,671

      1,637

      1,654

      1,598

      Ayrshire and Arran

      1,266

      1,239

      1,165

      1,115

      Borders

      307

      308

      298

      301

      Dumfries and Galloway

      506

      467

      428

      472

      Fife

      908

      918

      865

      801

      Forth Valley

      700

      691

      608

      646

      Grampian

      1,182

      1,320

      1,243

      1,224

      Greater Glasgow

      2,826

      2,861

      2,925

      2,913

      Highland

      662

      713

      717

      819

      Lanarkshire

      1,328

      1,360

      1,438

      1,489

      Lothian

      2,252

      2,249

      2,260

      1,983

      Tayside

      1,371

      1,424

      1,331

      		Consultation and Public Involvement - Draft Interim Guidance was issued to NHSScotland in May. Central to the guidance is the need to involve patients and the public at an early stage of service change proposals, and in a modern, transparent and productive way. While the interim guidance is subject to a consultation process at present, NHS boards are expected to be able to clearly demonstrate that they have followed these principles for service change proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167779,"EventID":"S1W-31299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any national grievance procedures that NHS boards and trusts need to follow when dealing with representations made by trade unions over the closure of a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any national grievance procedures that NHS boards and trusts need to follow when dealing with representations made by trade unions over the closure of a hospital ward.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and trusts have a duty to work in partnership with staff and to consult them on issues that affect them in their working lives. All NHSScotland employers are required to have grievance policies and procedures in place to address employee concerns. National guidance on dealing with employee concerns is set out in the Partnership Information Network Guideline entitled Dealing with employee concerns.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167780,"EventID":"S1W-31300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the incidence of different cancer types varies across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the incidence of different cancer types varies across Scotland.","AnswerText":"Incidence rates of most types of cancer vary between areas of Scotland and are due to differences in exposures to the main risk factors for cancers: tobacco use, alcohol consumption and diet. Occupational, environmental and genetic factors also contribute to variations.

      ISD Online provides information on cancer incidence by NHS board for the five-year period 1994-98 and the 10 years 1989-98 at:

      www.nhsis.co.uk/isd/cancer/facts_figures/facts_figures.htm.

      Cancer Registration Statistics Scotland 1986-1995, which provides commentary on risk factors, is also available at:

      www.nhsis.co.uk/isd/Scottish_Health_Statistics/subject/Cancerregistra/index.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167781,"EventID":"S1W-31301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, why it took until that date to provide a substantive answer to the question, lodged on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, why it took until that date to provide a substantive answer to the question, lodged on 30 July 2002.","AnswerText":"I am sorry for the delay in providing a substantive answer to the original question. This was due to a combination of inquiries being made and administrative oversight.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167782,"EventID":"S1W-31302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, why the answer did not state which of its ministers and how many of its officials atten","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, why the answer did not state which of its ministers and how many of its officials attended the European Union working party on substantive criminal law in Brussels on 29 and 30 July 2002, the grade of these officials and their departments and whether it will now provide this information.","AnswerText":"Ministers from member states do not, as a rule, attend European Union working groups, which are attended by officials from member states. UK officials represented the Executive at the Working Party on Substantive Criminal Law on 29 and 30 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167783,"EventID":"S1W-31303","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, whether it keeps records of which of its ministers and officials have attended European","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, whether it keeps records of which of its ministers and officials have attended European Union meetings and what information it is able to provide on such attendance.","AnswerText":"The Executive does keep records of attendance at EU meetings.

      I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-6228 on 9 May 2000, S1W-13367 on 29 March 2002, S1W-20175 on 5 December 2001, S1W-22493 on 25 February 2002 and S1W-31063 on 2 December 2002 regarding ministerial attendance; and to S1W-13370 on 2 May 2001 and S1W-31063 on 2 December 2002, regarding official attendance. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167784,"EventID":"S1W-31304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on publishing information on which of its ministers and the number, grade and department of officials that attend European Union meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on publishing information on which of its ministers and the number, grade and department of officials that attend European Union meetings.","AnswerText":"The Executive publishes information about ministers' attendance at meetings of the Council of the European Union through post-Council reports submitted to the European Committee. These become part of the Committee papers, which are public documents and are available on the internet at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/official_report/cttee/europe.htm.

      I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-13370 on 5 December 2001 and S1W-31063 on 2 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167785,"EventID":"S1W-31305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-28038 and S1W-30697 by Ms Margaret Curran and Mr Jim Wallace on 30 August and 29 October 2002 respectively, whether it has ever m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-28038 and S1W-30697 by Ms Margaret Curran and Mr Jim Wallace on 30 August and 29 October 2002 respectively, whether it has ever made any direct representations to members of the (a) European Parliament, (b) Committee of the Regions and (c) European Commission and, if so, under what circumstances such representations were made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has held a number of meetings with and made representations to members of the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions and the European Commission. It is not, however, our practice to disclose details of such meetings or representations, which are often in the context of sensitive and confidential negotiations.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167786,"EventID":"S1W-31306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to the British Fluoridation Society in each year since 1997; what this funding was for, and from which budget it came.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has provided to the British Fluoridation Society in each year since 1997; what this funding was for, and from which budget it came.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's funding of the British Fluoridation Society is provided through section 16B of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.

      The amounts awarded since 1997 are:

      1997-98

      £6,500

      1998-99

      £8,000

      1999-2000

      £8,000

      2000-01

      £8,000

      2001-02

      £8,000

      2002-03

      £10,000

      With regard to the purpose of funding, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30479 on 28 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167787,"EventID":"S1W-31307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will simplify the procedures for holding all-postal by-elections, for example by removing the necessity for a local authority to seek permission from it to ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will simplify the procedures for holding all-postal by-elections, for example by removing the necessity for a local authority to seek permission from it to hold a by-election in this way.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Local Government (Elections) Act 2002 allows ministers to extend successful pilots throughout Scotland by order. As only three pilots have been run to date, the Executive believes that it needs to secure more experience in order to determine best practice and decide whether all-postal voting should be extended to all local authorities. There are therefore no current plans to simplify procedures or give local authorities the right to decide whether council by-elections should be held by postal ballot only. The Executive has ensured that the process of applying to run a pilot is not arduous and that applications are dealt with quickly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167788,"EventID":"S1W-31308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to the parents of children with learning disabilities outwith school hours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it provides to the parents of children with learning disabilities outwith school hours.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's aim is to give all children, including those with learning disabilities, the best possible start in life. The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 requires local authorities to provide and publicise a range and level of services appropriate to the needs of children with disabilities in their area. These services can be provided to the child, and in the interests of promoting or safeguarding his/her welfare, to members of the family.

      In addition, there is a range of programmes supported by the Scottish Executive that can offer support to parents of children with learning disabilities. These include the support we provide for very young children and their parents through Sure Start Scotland; the support we provide through Childcare Strategy funding which can be used to meet the out of school care needs of children with learning disabilities. It also includes the support we provide through the Support for Parents programme which helps parents acquire the necessary skills and confidence to support their children.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167789,"EventID":"S1W-31309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children defined as having learning disabilities there are in each local authority area, broken down by council ward.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children defined as having learning disabilities there are in each local authority area, broken down by council ward.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167790,"EventID":"S1W-31310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into domestic abuse of young people with learning disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has conducted into domestic abuse of young people with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not commissioned any research into domestic abuse of young people with learning disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167791,"EventID":"S1W-31311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what equipment will be installed and located in Scotland by Band X with regard to the broadband trading platform being created by Scottish Enterprise; whether that equipm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what equipment will be installed and located in Scotland by Band X with regard to the broadband trading platform being created by Scottish Enterprise; whether that equipment is more than an interface and switch to a London connection and, if so, whether it will give technical details, and whether equipment can be accessed directly from Scotland and, if so, how, or must be routed through London and, if so, how that will benefit Scottish internet service providers.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167792,"EventID":"S1W-31312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether and, if so, in what way Scottish internet service providers will be able to sell into the broadband trading platform being created by Scottish Enterprise.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether and, if so, in what way Scottish internet service providers will be able to sell into the broadband trading platform being created by Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167793,"EventID":"S1W-31313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28643 by Lewis Macdonald on 4 October 2002, how much has been spent under public transport funding grants by each local authority i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28643 by Lewis Macdonald on 4 October 2002, how much has been spent under public transport funding grants by each local authority in each of the last three years; what amounts have been earmarked and committed, and whether there was any underspend or uncommitted funding by any authority.","AnswerText":"Total funding committed by the Scottish Executive in the last three years to each local authority under the Public Transport Fund, the Integrated Transport Fund and the Rural Public Passenger Grant element of the Rural Transport Fund was provided in the answer given to question S1W-28643. The information on actual spend requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167794,"EventID":"S1W-31314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has put in place to support families of former residents of Lennox Castle Hospital who have been resettled in the community.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has put in place to support families of former residents of Lennox Castle Hospital who have been resettled in the community.","AnswerText":"Significant efforts have been made by NHS Greater Glasgow to provide full support for the former residents of Lennox Castle Hospital and their families.

      From 1998 to April 2002 when the hospital closed, 351 patients were discharged, mainly to supported accommodation in and around Glasgow. The staff there are in regular contact with patients' families to offer support and advice, whilst additional measures to support former patients include:

      A Care Manager has been allocated to all patients discharged from the long-stay hospital, who conducts a yearly review of the patients and their care. When the need for further support is identified, a further plan is developed to meet the patient's specific needs.

      During the closure process, Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust employed a Relative Liaison Worker who continues to act as a communication link with patients' families, addressing any concerns.

      Social work services, through the established contract compliance mechanisms, will conduct a review of the involvement of families in the lives of patients who have been resettled.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167795,"EventID":"S1W-31315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children with learning disabilities are housed in supported accommodation as part of the Care in the Community Strategy in each local authority area, broken down","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children with learning disabilities are housed in supported accommodation as part of the Care in the Community Strategy in each local authority area, broken down by council ward.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167796,"EventID":"S1W-31316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of The same as you?.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what further progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of The same as you?.","AnswerText":"Significant progress has been made with all 29 recommendations of The same as you? review of services for people with learning disability. Particular milestones include the setting up of Learning Disability Change Funds with effect from April 2001, totalling £36 million in the first three years; establishment of the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability, launched on 5 October 2001, and preparation of Partnership in Practice agreements in every area in Scotland.

      Progress at national level in September and October included the issue of guidance on local area co-ordination to all local authorities and NHS boards, and the commissioning of research into the needs of people with learning disabilities who are in prison or secure accommodation. Working with The same as you? Implementation Group we will continue to work to ensure progress is maintained.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167797,"EventID":"S1W-31317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30631 by Cathy Jamieson on 6 November 2002, whether the costs of establishing and operating the National Debate on Education websit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30631 by Cathy Jamieson on 6 November 2002, whether the costs of establishing and operating the National Debate on Education website are inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167798,"EventID":"S1W-31318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30636 by Iain Gray on 6 November 2002, whether the costs of establishing and operating the Funding for Learners website are inclusi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30636 by Iain Gray on 6 November 2002, whether the costs of establishing and operating the Funding for Learners website are inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"The costs are inclusive of VAT.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167799,"EventID":"S1W-31319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30638 by Cathy Jamieson on 29 October 2002, whether the costs of establishing and operating the Children's Hearings website are inc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30638 by Cathy Jamieson on 29 October 2002, whether the costs of establishing and operating the Children's Hearings website are inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167800,"EventID":"S1W-31320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of debt for non-payment of water charges by (a) domestic and (b) non-domestic customers was owed to the former three water authorities at 31 March 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of debt for non-payment of water charges by (a) domestic and (b) non-domestic customers was owed to the former three water authorities at 31 March 2002.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Chief Executive of Scottish Water. His response is as follows:

      Total debt inherited by Scottish Water on 1 April 2002 for water and wastewater services totalled £260 million, with £155 million being owed by household customers and £105 million by commercial customers. Associated provisions, which in part reflect non-payment risk, were £119 million and £47 million respectively leaving net debt positions of £36 million for household debt and £59 million for commercial debt.

      It should be noted that in Scotland household debt is collected on behalf of Scottish Water by local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167801,"EventID":"S1W-31321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of debt for non-payment of water charges by (a) domestic and (b) non-domestic customers was owed to Scottish Water at 30 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of debt for non-payment of water charges by (a) domestic and (b) non-domestic customers was owed to Scottish Water at 30 September 2002.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Chief Executive of Scottish Water. His response is as follows:

      Total debt excluding unearned debt (i.e. the debt associated with annual bills being issued in advance of service usage) for water and wastewater services totalled £284 million with £176 million being owed by household customers and £108 million by commercial customers. Associated provisions, which in part reflect non-payment risk, were £131 million and £52 million respectively leaving net debt positions of £45 million for household debt and £56 million for commercial debt.

      It should be noted that in Scotland household debt is collected on behalf of Scottish Water by local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167802,"EventID":"S1W-31322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy it expects the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art to follow with regard to supporting artists working in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policy it expects the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art to follow with regard to supporting artists working in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art was founded in 1959 to continue the international collections of the National Gallery into the 20th century. It has never been the specific responsibility of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art to support artists working in Scotland, which has been central to the remit of the Scottish Arts Council. However, one of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art's aims is to acquire significant works by the best artists working in Scotland and to mount exhibitions of their work. The term "best" is difficult to define but all works acquired by the gallery must be able to stand up to being viewed in an international, as opposed to a local, context. The collective judgement of all the expert curators working at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, as well as broad professional opinion, inform these decisions. Since it moved into its present building in 1984, 50% of its exhibitions have been devoted to modern and contemporary Scottish art, including large surveys such as The Vigorous Imagination (1987) and Scottish Art since 1900 (1989). The first exhibition of a living artist in the refurbished Playfair Galleries in 2004 will be of Douglas Gordon, a Turner Prize-winning Scot.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167803,"EventID":"S1W-31323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the official role is of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art; to whom the trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland are responsible with regard to ensuri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the official role is of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art; to whom the trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland are responsible with regard to ensuring that the gallery fulfils that role; what performance monitoring with regard to that role is undertaken, and by what mechanisms and at what frequency that role is reviewed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art was founded in 1959 with the following remit:

      \"to acquire and exhibit works by some of the most significant artists, both international and Scottish, active from the 1890s to the present day\"

      The Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland are responsible to the Scottish Executive. In common with other non-departmental public bodies, the National Galleries agree a corporate plan for all their galleries (including the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art) with the Scottish Executive each year and publish regular reports on all their activities (acquisitions, exhibitions etc). The Scottish Executive monitors the National Galleries continuously and measures their performance against the agreed criteria laid down in the corporate plan.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167804,"EventID":"S1W-31324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art publishes, on a regular basis, the list of acquisitions it has made, along with the price of each ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art publishes, on a regular basis, the list of acquisitions it has made, along with the price of each acquisition and an explanation of why the item was acquired and how it fits into the gallery's official role. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art already publishes a list of its acquisitions in its reports. It does not at present publish the price of each acquisition nor give an explanation for the acquisition of each item. This is consistent with the policy of the National Galleries of Scotland as well as with all national museums and galleries in Britain.

      To explain each acquisition would be voluminous since the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art often acquires several hundred items each year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167805,"EventID":"S1W-31325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art publishes the cost of acquiring each item on display alongside that item together with a brief exp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art publishes the cost of acquiring each item on display alongside that item together with a brief explanation of why the item was acquired for the gallery's collection.","AnswerText":"To display the cost of each item acquired would reduce the value of the works of art solely to their monetary value. The gallery already writes explanatory labels about nearly all the works it has acquired and these may indicate a reason for the acquisition where it is relevant to understanding the work in question. However, to concentrate on why a work was acquired rather than trying to give an insight into the work itself would be highly restrictive and divert attention from the work to the gallery.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167806,"EventID":"S1W-31326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what external assessment has taken place of the performance of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in terms of its contribution to the support and development of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what external assessment has taken place of the performance of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in terms of its contribution to the support and development of the arts in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the reputation the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art enjoys internationally and considers this of positive value to Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167807,"EventID":"S1W-31327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that good training and education is made available to solicitors and other professionals involved in social welfare cases.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that good training and education is made available to solicitors and other professionals involved in social welfare cases.","AnswerText":"The arrangements for training, education and continuing professional development for solicitors are a matter for the Law Society of Scotland in terms of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980. The society sets requirements in practice rules and regulations. The Admission as Solicitor (Scotland) Regulations 1991 and 2001 made under section 5 of the 1980 act prescribe the entrance requirements for admission and the Solicitors (Scotland) (Continuing Professional Development) Regulations 1993 require every solicitor to undertake continuing professional development. The society requires solicitors to undertake each year a minimum of 20 hours of continuing professional development relevant to their particular practice.

      As regards social work professionals, the Minister for Education and Young People announced a 12-point Action Plan for the Social Services Workforce in April 2002. This action plan included a commitment to introduce a new honours degree in social work by 2004. A project group was set up under the action plan charged with taking forward this reform of social work education. The project group will report to ministers at the end of this month with recommendations about the introduction of new standards in social work education. These standards will set the framework for the new honours degree curriculum.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167808,"EventID":"S1W-31328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29137 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, whether the measures to take forward the recommendations of the Review of Legal Infor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29137 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 September 2002, whether the measures to take forward the recommendations of the Review of Legal Information and Advice Provision in Scotland include the provision of additional law centres or greater support for existing centres.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31160 on 12 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167809,"EventID":"S1W-31329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representatives it has sent to the EU Agriculture and Fisheries working group meeting on 7 and 8 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representatives it has sent to the EU Agriculture and Fisheries working group meeting on 7 and 8 November 2002.","AnswerText":"Representatives of our Sea Fisheries Division attended the fisheries working group on 7 November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167810,"EventID":"S1W-31330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first consulted by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport regarding the changes to the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and, in particular, the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first consulted by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport regarding the changes to the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and, in particular, the combination of functions of the BTA with the English Tourism Council; what representations it has made and to whom on this matter; when it advised and sought the views of VisitScotland on this matter; what amendments it or VisitScotland proposed to the changes; which such amendments were accepted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and when, and by whom, it was advised of the final proposals.","AnswerText":"The Executive keeps in close touch with DCMS on a range of issues, including tourism. As they are obliged to do under the terms of the Concordat between the two departments, DCMS gave the Executive advance notice of their proposals for changes to the structure of the BTA, and these were the subject of discussion at both ministerial and official level before they were finalised. The Executive kept VisitScotland informed accordingly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167811,"EventID":"S1W-31331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29377 by Hugh Henry on 11 October 2002, whether it will bring forward legislative proposals on the storage or placement of flammabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29377 by Hugh Henry on 11 October 2002, whether it will bring forward legislative proposals on the storage or placement of flammable or otherwise dangerous materials in proximity to a railway line or siding in the light of the recent disruption to rail services in Kirkcaldy following an explosion at an industrial estate and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to legislate in such a way. The Scottish Executive is of the view that the existing statutory controls on the storage or placement of flammable or otherwise dangerous materials are appropriate with regard to possible disruptions to rail services.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167812,"EventID":"S1W-31332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes will be made to the memorandum of understanding between the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and VisitScotland following the recent combination of functions ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes will be made to the memorandum of understanding between the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and VisitScotland following the recent combination of functions of the BTA with the English Tourism Council.","AnswerText":"The memorandum of understanding between VisitScotland and the BTA will be reviewed by these bodies in the light of the recent announcement about changes to the structure of the BTA. It is too early to say what changes might be necessary as a result of that review.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167813,"EventID":"S1W-31333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way the British Tourist Authority (BTA) will be accountable to the Parliament and what representation it will have on the new BTA or its committees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what way the British Tourist Authority (BTA) will be accountable to the Parliament and what representation it will have on the new BTA or its committees.","AnswerText":"The Executive has agreed with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that the BTA will in future report on, and account for, its overseas marketing activities entirely separately from its new responsibilities for marketing England, and that the former report and accounts will be laid before the Parliament each year. In addition, the Executive will be consulted by DCMS on the new management statement that will set out the BTA's revised structure and modus operandi, while the Chairman of VisitScotland will continue to be a board member of the BTA.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167814,"EventID":"S1W-31334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to direct the British Tourist Authority over its marketing budgets for overseas campaigns and what input it or VisitScotland will have on this issue.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers it has to direct the British Tourist Authority over its marketing budgets for overseas campaigns and what input it or VisitScotland will have on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Executive will be consulted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the new management statement that will set out the BTA's revised structure and modus operandi. It has always been the BTA's practice to consult with VisitScotland on the detail of its overseas marketing campaigns, and the new management statement will set out how this close co-operation will continue as a result of the restructuring of the BTA recently announced by DCMS.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167815,"EventID":"S1W-31335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children sentenced to detention by the courts under sections 205 and 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 were placed in penal establishments rather","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children sentenced to detention by the courts under sections 205 and 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 were placed in penal establishments rather than secure accommodation in the last year for which figures are available. ","AnswerText":"In the year to 31 October 2002, two children sentenced to detention under section 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 were initially detained in penal establishments. Both were subsequently transferred to secure accommodation.

      In the same period, two persons, both over the age of 16, who were convicted of murder and sentenced under section 205(2) of the 1995 act to be detained without limit of time, were ordered to be detained in penal establishments.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167816,"EventID":"S1W-31336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current capacity is for community disposals within the justice system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current capacity is for community disposals within the justice system.","AnswerText":"The current notional capacity for community disposals for which local authorities (and private sector contractor in the case of restriction of liberty orders) are funded amounts to 15,000 over a 12-month period.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167817,"EventID":"S1W-31337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people currently get access to justice as referred to in the justice section of its Draft Budget 2003-2004.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people currently get access to justice as referred to in the justice section of its Draft Budget 2003-2004.","AnswerText":"The Annual Report of the Scottish Legal Aid Board for 2001-02 shows that the courts, the board and solicitors made 427,873 grants of legal aid. In addition, between 1 December 1998 and 31 August 1999 - the most recent published information - the In-Court advice project at Edinburgh Sheriff Court assisted 1,017 people. The pilots under Part V of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 have only recently begun and information on the number of people assisted by these schemes is not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167818,"EventID":"S1W-31338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persistent young offenders there were in 2000-01.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many persistent young offenders there were in 2000-01.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration annual report for 2000-01 provides data on the number of young offenders going through the hearings system. The data is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20128).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167819,"EventID":"S1W-31339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the gap is between the average attendance levels in schools serving areas of high and low deprivation as referred to in the education and young people section of its","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the gap is between the average attendance levels in schools serving areas of high and low deprivation as referred to in the education and young people section of its Draft Budget 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive published, on 12 November 2002, Building a Better Scotland - Spending Review Proposals 2003-06, Technical Notes which explain the basis of the targets in the Draft Budget 2003-04. The full notes are accessible on the Scottish Executive website, and include comparative attendance levels for 2000-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167820,"EventID":"S1W-31340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many under-represented groups are taking part in cultural and sporting activities as referred to in the tourism, culture and sport section of its Draft Budget 2003-04","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many under-represented groups are taking part in cultural and sporting activities as referred to in the tourism, culture and sport section of its Draft Budget 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Technical Notes, setting out the details of how the targets set out the Scottish Executive Draft Budget 2003-04 will be measured, were published on the Scottish Executive website on 11 November.

      The definition of under-represented groups includes: children (under 16 years old), young people (16 to 24 years old), disabled people, people from minority ethnic communities, women, older people (over 65), people living in rural areas, and socially excluded people. Different under-represented groups are target priorities for the different organisations (national institutions, Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Screen and sportscotland) under cultural and sporting activities.

      An exercise is now under way to compile the baseline data for each target.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167821,"EventID":"S1W-31341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) cultural and sporting programmes there are in areas of economic and social disadvantage and (b) partners are engaged in supporting these programmes as referr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) cultural and sporting programmes there are in areas of economic and social disadvantage and (b) partners are engaged in supporting these programmes as referred to in the tourism, culture and sport section of its Draft Budget 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Technical Notes, setting out the details of how the targets set out the Scottish Executive Draft Budget 2003-04 will be measured, were published on the Scottish Executive website on 11 November.

      The definition of cultural and sporting programmes in areas of economic and social disadvantage will include Scotland's established network of Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) and activity supported by national agencies in areas identified as high in appropriate deprivation indices assessed through the Scottish Executive's Office of Social Research.

      An exercise is now under way to compile the baseline data for each target.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167822,"EventID":"S1W-31342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the current statistics on which it will assess whether target 1 of objective 1 in the transport section of its Draft Budget 2003-04 has been met.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the current statistics on which it will assess whether target 1 of objective 1 in the transport section of its Draft Budget 2003-04 has been met.","AnswerText":"No statistics that directly cover journey times are currently available. In autumn 2002, the Executive commissioned a study and field trials to investigate the potential methods which could be used to monitor this objective. The results of the study will be available before the end of 2002. This will allow decisions as to the most appropriate monitoring methodology to be taken early in 2003, with data collection commencing in spring/summer 2003. Data will be published when they are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167823,"EventID":"S1W-31343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparation will be made for the A8 and A80 motorway upgrades over the current spending review period as referred to in the transport section of its Draft Budget 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what preparation will be made for the A8 and A80 motorway upgrades over the current spending review period as referred to in the transport section of its Draft Budget 2003-04.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Budget makes provision for preparation work for the delivery of the A8 and A80 upgrades. Further details will be contained in the corridor study decisions which we hope to be able to announce later this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167824,"EventID":"S1W-31344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will use to assess whether its target of encouraging more sustainable agricultural activity on 13,500 farm businesses in Scotland's remote hills by 2006","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will use to assess whether its target of encouraging more sustainable agricultural activity on 13,500 farm businesses in Scotland's remote hills by 2006 as referred to in the environment and rural affairs section of its Draft Budget 2003-04 has been met.","AnswerText":"Support to farm businesses in Scotland's remote hills is provided through the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme. Maintaining the number of claimants at or above 13,500 indicates that the scheme is helping to maintain agricultural activity in Scotland's hills. Work is on-going within the Executive to establish appropriate indicators of sustainability.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167825,"EventID":"S1W-31345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, whether, in terms of sections 1.1(b) and (d) of the Scottish Ministerial Code, disclosu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28026 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, whether, in terms of sections 1.1(b) and (d) of the Scottish Ministerial Code, disclosure of information regarding attendance at EU meetings is not in the public interest and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive does provide information on attendance at EU meetings.

      I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-6228 on 9 May 2000, S1W-13367 on 29 March 2002, S1W-20175 on 5 December 2001, S1W-22493 on 25 February 2002 and S1W-31063 on 2 December 2002 regarding ministerial attendance; and to S1W-13370 on 2 May 2001 and S1W-31063 on 2 December 2002, regarding official attendance. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167826,"EventID":"S1W-31346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002, whether any form of upgraded A80 would still be considered part of the existing trunk ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002, whether any form of upgraded A80 would still be considered part of the existing trunk road network after completion and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"An upgraded A80 would still form part of the trunk road network.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167827,"EventID":"S1W-31347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002, what powers it has to introduce legislation in regard to bringing in toll charges on t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002, what powers it has to introduce legislation in regard to bringing in toll charges on the existing trunk road network and whether it will rule out introducing any such legislation, giving the reasons for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30960 on 6 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167828,"EventID":"S1W-31348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expenditure on drug-related activities has been in each year since 1998-99, broken down by expenditure on crime, education, rehabilitation and treatment, in (a) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the expenditure on drug-related activities has been in each year since 1998-99, broken down by expenditure on crime, education, rehabilitation and treatment, in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Paisley North. ","AnswerText":"Information on drug-related expenditure is not held on a constituency basis. Resources for Paisley North are incorporated in the budgets for the Argyll and Clyde Drug Action Team area. Similarly, expenditure in the Renfrewshire area is incorporated in budgets for the Greater Glasgow Drug Action Team and the Argyll and Clyde Drug Action Teams areas, and it is not separately identifiable.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167829,"EventID":"S1W-31349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual costs of the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board have been in each of the last three years and what the total cost of the board has been to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual costs of the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board have been in each of the last three years and what the total cost of the board has been to date.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has made the following payments of grant in aid to the board:

      Year ending 31 March 1997

      £88,626

      Year ending 31 March 1998

      £153,834

      Year ending 31 March 1999

      £126,489

      Year ending 31 March 2000

      £131,678

      Year ending 31 March 2001

      £128,235

      Year ending 31 March 2002

      £120,273

      The total cost of grant in aid payments to the board since financial year 1996-97 is £749,135. The estimated payment for year ending 31 March 2003 is £142,000.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167830,"EventID":"S1W-31350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the increase in spending per (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupil has been in each year, compared with the previous year, since 1996-97 to date, broken down b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the increase in spending per (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupil has been in each year, compared with the previous year, since 1996-97 to date, broken down by local authority.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the tables. 2000-01 is the latest financial year for which information is available.

      This table shows the increases (or decreases) in per primary pupil costs (in local authority schools) from 1996-97 to 2000-01
       

      Increase between 1996-97 and 1997-98

      Increase between 1997-98 and 1998-99

      Increase between 1998-99 and 1999-2000

      Increase between 1999-2000 and 2000-01

      Aberdeen City

      £85

      £65

      £218

      £141

      Aberdeenshire

      £29

      £78

      £104

      £108

      Angus

      £86

      £169

      £94

      £201

      Argyll and Bute

      -£272

      £151

      £80

      £235

      Clackmannanshire

      £22

      £129

      £155

      £119

      Dumfries and Galloway

      £17

      £92

      £175

      £124

      Dundee City

      £156

      £58

      £181

      £123

      East Ayrshire

      £53

      -£34

      £221

      £80

      East Dunbartonshire

      -£28

      £105

      £240

      £135

      East Lothian

      -£19

      £241

      £334

      -£50

      East Renfrewshire

      £33

      £158

      £196

      £91

      Edinburgh, City of

      £89

      £124

      £197

      £145

      Eilean Siar

      £161

      £340

      £406

      £429

      Falkirk

      -£19

      £117

      £72

      £104

      Fife

      £15

      £150

      £167

      £179

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167835,"EventID":"S1W-31355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been involved in any discussions about the review of forensic pathology services in England and Wales and, if so, what the outcome was.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been involved in any discussions about the review of forensic pathology services in England and Wales and, if so, what the outcome was.","AnswerText":"The review of forensic pathology services in England and Wales was commissioned by the Home Office. The Scottish Executive was aware of the review and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service provided information regarding the position in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167836,"EventID":"S1W-31356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant forensic pathologist posts there are currently; where the posts are located, and which of them are currently vacant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultant forensic pathologist posts there are currently; where the posts are located, and which of them are currently vacant.","AnswerText":"Data on forensic pathologists are not available. However, data is available on histopathology, of which forensic pathology is a sub specialty.

      Table 1: Headcount and Whole Time Equivalent of Consultant Histopathologists Employed by NHSScotland

      As at 30 September 2001

      Headcount

      WTE

      Scotland

      132

      115.3

      Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      7

      7.0

      Ayrshire and Arran Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      7

      7.0

      Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust

      3

      3.0

      Fife Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      4

      3.8

      Forth Valley Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      5

      4.4

      Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust

      17

      14.8

      South Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust

      9

      7.5

      North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust

      28

      21.4

      Yorkhill NHS Trust

      3

      2.2

      Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      4

      4.0

      Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

      7

      6.8

      Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust

      26

      19.4

      West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust

      2

      2.0

      Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust

      13

      11.9

      Common Services Agency

      1

      0.2

      Table 2: Vacancies for Consultant Histopathologists in NHSScotland","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167837,"EventID":"S1W-31357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many training posts in forensic medicine there are currently; where the posts are located, and which of them are currently vacant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many training posts in forensic medicine there are currently; where the posts are located, and which of them are currently vacant.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167838,"EventID":"S1W-31358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many departments of forensic medicine there are in Scottish universities and whether any of these departments are under threat of closure.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many departments of forensic medicine there are in Scottish universities and whether any of these departments are under threat of closure.","AnswerText":"This information is not held by the Scottish Executive.

      Information on the courses offered by higher education institutions can be found on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website www.ucas.ac.uk or at learndirect scotland (www.learndirectscotland.com).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167839,"EventID":"S1W-31359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what workforce planning has been carried out in respect of forensic pathology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what workforce planning has been carried out in respect of forensic pathology.","AnswerText":"We have recently launched Working for Health - The Workforce Development Action Plan for NHSScotland, which has set a critical path for creating a robust development function integrating workforce planning and service planning across all services in NHSScotland, including forensic pathology.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167840,"EventID":"S1W-31360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for the teaching of medicine and law at Scottish universities if a medical school has no forensic medicine teaching.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are for the teaching of medicine and law at Scottish universities if a medical school has no forensic medicine teaching.","AnswerText":"Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for matters relating to the detail of course provision. The Scottish Executive has no locus in these decisions.

      In areas such as law and medicine institutions work with key professional bodies to ensure that provision meets the needs of their professions.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167841,"EventID":"S1W-31361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will rule out a homicide-only forensic service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will rule out a homicide-only forensic service.","AnswerText":"The provision of forensic science services in Scotland is currently under review as part of the wider review of common police services. A project team has been established to examine the potential benefits of rationalisation and to recommend a future structure for forensic science services. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt the findings of the review.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167842,"EventID":"S1W-31362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to provide regional services for forensic medicine across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to provide regional services for forensic medicine across Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31353 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167843,"EventID":"S1W-31363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28852 by Iain Gray on 16 September 2002, why its use of Capita in a more limited role than other countries was \"significant in resp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28852 by Iain Gray on 16 September 2002, why its use of Capita in a more limited role than other countries was \"significant in respect of the suspension\" of individual learning accounts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-28852 on 13 September 2002, which explained that the significance of the Executive's use of Capita in a more limited role related to the differing arrangements which applied for the registration of learning providers. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167844,"EventID":"S1W-31364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of HM Treasury's cross-cutting review on the role of the voluntary and community sector in service delivery and whether it will initiat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of HM Treasury's cross-cutting review on the role of the voluntary and community sector in service delivery and whether it will initiate an equivalent review.","AnswerText":"Many of the issues identified in the treasury report will be addressed by the Executive's review of the social economy, which we aim to publish shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167845,"EventID":"S1W-31365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the report Private Action, Public Benefit - A Review of Charities and the Wider Not-For-Profit Sector by the Strategy Unit of the Ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the report Private Action, Public Benefit - A Review of Charities and the Wider Not-For-Profit Sector by the Strategy Unit of the Cabinet Office and whether it will initiate an equivalent review.","AnswerText":"The report covers both reserved and devolved matters. In relation to the devolved matters the Executive will publish its response to the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission next month. This response will cover similar issues to those raised in the Strategy Unit report. The Strategy Unit report also addresses issues relating to the development of social economy organisations. These will be addressed by the Executive's Social Economy report which we aim to publish shortly. There is therefore no need for the Executive to initiate an equivalent review.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167846,"EventID":"S1W-31366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to legislate on the basis of the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission, CharityScotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to legislate on the basis of the report of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission, CharityScotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-21447 on 21 January 2002. The Executive will publish its response to the commission's report next month. The position on the legislative timetable remains unchanged. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167847,"EventID":"S1W-31367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of Her Majesty's Government's consultation paper, Funding Community Groups, and whether it will produce an equivalent paper.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of Her Majesty's Government's consultation paper, Funding Community Groups, and whether it will produce an equivalent paper.","AnswerText":"The Executive has conducted a review of its own direct funding of the voluntary sector. On the basis of the conclusions drawn from the review, we intend to put in place a system that enables the alignment of available funding with Executive priorities and develop procedures that are easy to use, transparent and in line with the aim of modernising the delivery of government services.

      As well as looking at the administration of Executive grants we are, in partnership with the voluntary sector, undertaking a broader more strategic review of funding for the sector. This will look at the pattern of the Executive's own funding and at how the Executive can work with other funders of the sector to address issues of shared concern.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167848,"EventID":"S1W-31368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding from central or local government or other public bodies to voluntary organisations providing mainstream public services will fully reimburse such organisa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding from central or local government or other public bodies to voluntary organisations providing mainstream public services will fully reimburse such organisations for the costs incurred.","AnswerText":"This issue is considered by the Executive's review of the social economy, which we aim to publish shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167849,"EventID":"S1W-31369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to build up community organisations in deprived areas to enable them to deliver community plans.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to build up community organisations in deprived areas to enable them to deliver community plans.","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive resources are channelled to the community and voluntary sectors in disadvantaged areas in a number of ways, for example through Social Inclusion Partnerships, the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund, and via local authorities, health boards and other community planning agencies. The Scottish Executive encourages local authorities and other agencies to involve the voluntary and community sector in planning and managing services at local level as they are known to have particular skills in working with particular groups and in particular areas. The Local Government in Scotland Bill sets out a framework for community engagement in Community Planning including a duty for local authorities (as facilitators of the process) to consult and co-operate with community bodies. We will expect to see the interests of voluntary and community organisations properly respected in the community planning process throughout Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167850,"EventID":"S1W-31370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding directly available to community bodies in its promotion of community empowerment as well as to partnerships to which community bodies have to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make funding directly available to community bodies in its promotion of community empowerment as well as to partnerships to which community bodies have to apply for a share of such funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does currently provide direct grant support across a number of policy areas to the voluntary and community sectors where the projects funded are likely to have national benefits - whether as a national resource, or in building understanding and learning about particular issues of national importance.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167851,"EventID":"S1W-31371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange the reporting mechanisms on its programmes in order to identify separately the amount of money given to local authorities, the voluntary sector an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange the reporting mechanisms on its programmes in order to identify separately the amount of money given to local authorities, the voluntary sector and the private sector in respect of these programmes. ","AnswerText":"As a large portion of the Scottish Executive's budget is controlled by other public bodies it is not possible to routinely report on this basis. However, a report entitled Review of Funding for the Voluntary Sector - Direct Funding from the Scottish Executive, published in May 2002, which is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/finance/rfvs-00.asp, sets out the Executive's plans to reform the arrangements for its direct funding of the voluntary sector in Scotland. It covers and responds to recommendations arising from the consultation paper that issued on 30 April 2001 and the responses received to that consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167852,"EventID":"S1W-31372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the composition of its Best Value Task Force complies with the Nolan principles, given (a) the proportion of the force's membership that represents local governme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the composition of its Best Value Task Force complies with the Nolan principles, given (a) the proportion of the force's membership that represents local government and (b) any vested interest of such representatives.","AnswerText":"The Best Value Task Force does not fall within the authority of the Commissioner of Public Appointments and her Code of Practice does not therefore apply in this instance. However, ministers do seek to apply the spirit of the code whenever relevant and I am satisfied that the appointments we have made to the Best Value Task Force are both appropriate and justified.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167853,"EventID":"S1W-31373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider filling future appointments to the head of its Voluntary Issues Unit by open competition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider filling future appointments to the head of its Voluntary Issues Unit by open competition.","AnswerText":"As with most Senior Civil Service appointments, any future appointment to the Head of Voluntary Issues Unit will be dealt with by consideration being given to internal promotion, external recruitment or by assignment from within the existing Senior Civil Service.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167854,"EventID":"S1W-31374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its direct or indirect funding of the voluntary sector will take into account any increased costs faced by voluntary organisations for water charges and insurance","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its direct or indirect funding of the voluntary sector will take into account any increased costs faced by voluntary organisations for water charges and insurance premiums.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to proofing its policies for their impact on the voluntary sector to ensure they do not place an unreasonable burden on the sector. The Scottish Compact Good Practice Guidance on proofing covers this issue.

      Changes in charity water reliefs fall into this category. These changes were deemed to have a significant impact on the sector and therefore a £1 million hardship fund has been established.

      The Scottish Executive has no plans to cover the increased costs of insurance premiums.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167855,"EventID":"S1W-31375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish an analysis of responses to the consultation paper on the review of the law of diligence, Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish an analysis of responses to the consultation paper on the review of the law of diligence, Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Independent consultants carried out the analysis of the responses to this consultation paper and I have today placed the analysis report in the Parliament's Reference Centre. The report will also be available on the Scottish Executive website.

      Sixty-eight organisations and individuals, representing a wide variety of interests responded to the consultation. The proposals put forward in the paper were, as a whole, extremely well received and supported by those who responded. After considering the analysis, it is intended to bring forward legislation to implement wide-ranging reform of the enforcement system as a whole.

      I shall, however, be looking at the responses to one point of the consultation as a matter of urgency. This is the part that asks for views on how a statutory national debt arrangement scheme should be taken forward. The framework of the scheme, including power to make regulations, is contained in the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Bill currently before the Parliament. Now that an analysis of the responses is available, the Executive will be looking to bring forward regulations to implement the scheme as quickly as possible taking due account of the consultation results.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167856,"EventID":"S1W-31376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans a review of the National Centre for Training and Education in Prosthetics and Orthotics.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans a review of the National Centre for Training and Education in Prosthetics and Orthotics.","AnswerText":"The review of the National Centre for Training and Education in Prosthetics and Orthotics falls due during 2002. Eglinton has been appointed to undertake the review.

      The terms of reference for the first stage of the review will be:

      \"To carry out a study of the status of the National Centre and the relevance of its functions in accordance with Cabinet Office guidance and, having regard to the functions of the Centre to provide internationally renowned, high quality education and training to health care professionals and students of the rehabilitation professions, consider views on the centre and make recommendations as to any improvements required for future delivery of the service."

      As an essential part of the review process, Eglinton will be consulting widely with staff of the centre and with interested stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167857,"EventID":"S1W-31377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of community service orders there were in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many breaches of community service orders there were in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"Figures for the number of breach applications relating to community service orders are not broken down by sheriffdom. The total figures for breach applications are available for the last two years, and are given in the following table:

       

      Headcount

      Vacancies as a Percentage of Establishment

      As at 30 September 2001

      Total Vacancies

      1999-2000

      1,137

      2000-01

      1,240

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167858,"EventID":"S1W-31378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been reported for breaching community service orders in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been reported for breaching community service orders in each of the last five years, broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerText":"Figures for breach applications of community service orders are collected on the basis of numbers of applications, not numbers of people. Figures are not broken down by sheriffdom.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167859,"EventID":"S1W-31379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in Renfrewshire on the implementation of the 10-point action plan arising from Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making in Renfrewshire on the implementation of the 10-point action plan arising from Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerText":"Following the publication of the action plan, Renfrewshire Council received £113,506 from the Executive this year to prevent and reduce youth crime and a further £15,000 to help complete its youth crime audit. The council has now received a total of nearly £395,000 for investment in youth justice this year. This money and the national initiatives we are taking forward under the action plan will support local implementation. For example, the Safer Scotland police campaign (Action Point 4 of the 10-point plan) was launched across Scotland in October, offering public reassurance and higher visibility policing. Forces will also be focusing on key local issues such as youth disorder.

      The Executive published a report of a local authority youth justice mapping exercise which contains information about existing initiatives in Renfrewshire. The report is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24541).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167860,"EventID":"S1W-31380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent assessment has been made of the impact of closed circuit television systems on levels of street crime in (a) Scotland, (b) Renfrewshire and (c) Paisley North","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent assessment has been made of the impact of closed circuit television systems on levels of street crime in (a) Scotland, (b) Renfrewshire and (c) Paisley North.","AnswerText":"We are not aware of any recent assessment of the impact of closed circuit television systems on levels of street crime commissioned centrally or by another research body in the areas referred to in the question. We have, however, received evaluations of the implementation of CCTV in Paisley Town Centre, Johnstone Town Centre and Renfrew Town Centre.

      In the main the evaluations refer to the increased likelihood of detection of perpetrators; the ability of operators to spot potential incidents before they develop; clearer descriptions of perpetrators; accused being more likely to plead guilty if caught on camera; police confidence in the system, and calmer feeling in the town centres.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167861,"EventID":"S1W-31381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants were awarded to Renfrewshire for the use of mobile CCTV cameras in crime and vandalism hotspots in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants were awarded to Renfrewshire for the use of mobile CCTV cameras in crime and vandalism hotspots in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31385 on 19 November 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for this can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167862,"EventID":"S1W-31382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of crime has been estimated as being drug-related in each of the last five years in K division of Strathclyde Police.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of crime has been estimated as being drug-related in each of the last five years in K division of Strathclyde Police.","AnswerText":"While Scottish Police Forces record details of all drugs offences committed within their areas, statistics are not routinely recorded in respect of those crimes which it is suspected may be drug related.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167863,"EventID":"S1W-31383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support a sporting culture for children and young people in Renfrewshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to support a sporting culture for children and young people in Renfrewshire.","AnswerText":"The Executive's aim is to increase participation in sport at all age levels and in particular instil healthy positive attitudes in our children and young people towards sport and physical activity in all parts of Scotland. To assist that objective the Executive has allocated significant additional resources to school sport in particular in its most recent budget. Sportscotland will work with all education authorities including Renfrew in developing these programmes further.

      In addition, since the establishment of the Lottery Sports Fund, sport in Renfrewshire has benefited by almost £3 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167864,"EventID":"S1W-31384","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the clear-up rate of recorded crimes was in (a) each category of crime and (b) total in (i) Renfrewshire and (ii) the K Division of Strathclyde Police in each year s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the clear-up rate of recorded crimes was in (a) each category of crime and (b) total in (i) Renfrewshire and (ii) the K Division of Strathclyde Police in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following tables.

      Crimes Cleared Up by the Police as a Percentage of those Recorded, Renfrewshire Council Area, 1997-2001

      Percentage

      Crime category

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Total crimes

      29

      37

      38

      37

      36

      Non-sexual crimes of violence

      60

      62

      68

      66

      66

      Serious assault etc

      51

      49

      57

      55

      57

      Handling offensive weapons

      100

      98

      98

      99

      99

      Robbery

      31

      39

      33

      34

      35

      Other

      82

      69

      85

      93

      87

      Crimes of indecency

      60

      63

      61

      57

      61

      Rape and attempted rape

      88

      45

      65

      60

      76

      Indecent assault

      54

      58

      44

      56

      43

      Lewd and libidinous behaviour

      55

      66

      64

      54

      60

      Other

      78

      		Under the Make our Communities Safer CCTV Challenge Competition which ended in March 2002, the awards detailed in the table were made for fixed CCTV in the Renfrewshire area. These awards were made to local trusts. No bids were received for mobile CCTV.

      1996-97

      Paisley Town Centre

      £51,695

      1997-98

      Johnstone Town Centre

      £54,000

      1998-99

      Renfrew Town Centre

      £70,000

      1999-2000

      Additional camera in Paisley Town Centre

      £5,000

      2000-01

      		 

      £0

      2001-02

      		 

      £0

      On 1 April we introduced a new Community Safety Partnership Award Programme for all council-led Community Safety Partnerships. For 2002-03, Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership were awarded £147,521.59 to address local community safety priorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167866,"EventID":"S1W-31386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made to date for free central heating in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire postcode areas under its central heating installation programme; h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications have been made to date for free central heating in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire postcode areas under its central heating installation programme; how many of these applications have been authorised, and how many installations have been carried out.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30388 on 22 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found on http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167867,"EventID":"S1W-31387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pre-natal ultrasound scanning services are provided on a uniform basis across Scotland and, if not, what the reasons are for regional differences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether pre-natal ultrasound scanning services are provided on a uniform basis across Scotland and, if not, what the reasons are for regional differences.","AnswerText":"Pre-natal, that is before pregnancy, ultrasound scanning, is only used in the diagnosis and management of specific conditions and, therefore, there is no uniform service. Ultrasound scanning is, however, routinely conducted throughout Scotland during the antenatal period of pregnancy, at approximately 10 to 12 weeks, to confirm pregnancy, identify progress and carry out accurate dating. Other ultrasound scans may be carried out in relation to the management of specific conditions in pregnancy, but these are not routine. Some trusts provide routine foetal anomaly scanning at around 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy whilst other trusts only offer this on demand or when a problem arises. The Health Technology Board for Scotland is currently reviewing the scientific evidence for routine ultrasound scanning before the 24th week of pregnancy and the resulting recommendations will inform guidance to the NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167868,"EventID":"S1W-31388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30462 by Ross Finnie on 28 October 2002, whether it will list the names and farm addresses of each recipient of the payments of ove","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30462 by Ross Finnie on 28 October 2002, whether it will list the names and farm addresses of each recipient of the payments of over #100,000 made to agricultural producers.","AnswerText":"Information concerning the amounts paid to individual farmers is protected by the law of confidentiality and the Data Protection Act and cannot be disclosed.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167869,"EventID":"S1W-31389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002, what \"demand management\" proposals for an upgraded A80 were identified and outlined in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002, what \"demand management\" proposals for an upgraded A80 were identified and outlined in the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies report and what its current position is on each such proposal, detailing any that have been ruled out.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in Chapter 8 of the A80 Final Report of the corridor plan to 2010 available at: www.cstcs.co.uk. We hope to be able to announce decisions on the way forward later this year, taking account of the consultants' recommendations and the subsequent comments we have received during the consultation period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167870,"EventID":"S1W-31390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002 and with regard to the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies A80 Corridor Plan to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002 and with regard to the Central Scotland Transport Corridor Studies A80 Corridor Plan to 2010: Executive Summary, whether its statement that the report \"does not contain any recommendations for road tolls or other charges\" is accurate and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-30960 is accurate. I refer the member to the recommendations contained within the consultants' report.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167871,"EventID":"S1W-31391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-07T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available any economic assessments carried out on the proposed western peripheral route around Aberdeen, including assessments by enterprise companie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available any economic assessments carried out on the proposed western peripheral route around Aberdeen, including assessments by enterprise companies.","AnswerText":"The proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral route is being promoted by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council and the other NESTRANS partners. NESTRANS has commissioned STAG (Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance) appraisal of the route that incorporates economic, environmental, safety, accessibility and integration criteria. Publication of any economic assessment is a matter for the promoting organisations but I expect the STAG report to be made available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167872,"EventID":"S1W-31392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are available annually on programmes for (a) drug and (b) alcohol rehabilitation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are available annually on programmes for (a) drug and (b) alcohol rehabilitation.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, Drug and Alcohol Action Teams should have some information about service provision at a local level, which would be helpful.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167873,"EventID":"S1W-31393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a place on (a) drug and (b) alcohol rehabilitation programmes in each NHS board.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a place on (a) drug and (b) alcohol rehabilitation programmes in each NHS board.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-27544 and S1W-27545 on 8 August 2002, which indicate that waiting time information for treatment for drug and alcohol problems is not held consistently by NHS trusts or boards. We are reviewing the data system, but will wish to balance the benefits of data collection with the effort required by those involved.

      However, information obtained from Drug Action Team (DAT) Corporate Action Plans on the maximum waiting times for individual care and treatment agencies in each DAT area in 2001-02 is now available on the national drugs website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/dat/cap.htm.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167874,"EventID":"S1W-31394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the rationale for the methadone programme is (a) clinical effectiveness or (b) to achieve a reduction in crimes committed to fund drug habits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the rationale for the methadone programme is (a) clinical effectiveness or (b) to achieve a reduction in crimes committed to fund drug habits.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18141 on 18 October 2001. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The member may also be interested to note that a recent systematic review by the Executive's Effective Interventions Unit, The effectiveness of treatment for opiate dependent drug users, found that methadone maintenance is effective in relation to treatment outcomes. The publication can be accessed at: http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/eiu/pdfs/eiu_opi.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167875,"EventID":"S1W-31395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the report commissioned by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department and compiled by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and others, referred to in page 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the report commissioned by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department and compiled by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and others, referred to in page 10 of The Press and Journal on 6 November 2002, has been made available to (a) the Parliament and (b) the media and, if so, on what dates and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The report comprises 10 volumes setting out the results of the first five years of a 10-year monitoring programme for Scotland's Environmentally Sensitive Area Schemes, which commenced in 1994. The reports were published in 1999 and 2000 and have been publicly available since then. I have made arrangements for a copy of each of the volumes to be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25232).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167876,"EventID":"S1W-31396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to the publication of reports commissioned by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is with regard to the publication of reports commissioned by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's policy with regard to the publication of commissioned reports is set out in the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information. As set out in the code, the assumption is that information should be released except where disclosure would not be in the public interest, as specified in Part II of the code.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167877,"EventID":"S1W-31397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been made of the effectiveness of agri-environmental schemes currently operating in Scotland, with particular reference to the Environmentally Sensi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessments have been made of the effectiveness of agri-environmental schemes currently operating in Scotland, with particular reference to the Environmentally Sensitive Areas schemes; which bodies have carried out any such assessments, and when they were commissioned to carry out any such work.","AnswerText":"Following a competitive tendering exercise, a 10-year contract to monitor the effectiveness of the Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes in Scotland was awarded in September 1994 to a consortium headed by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute. The other members of the consortium are the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (formerly the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology), Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland and AOC Scotland Limited.

      A separate study to assess the socio-economic and agricultural impacts of the Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes was commissioned in September 1997. The study was carried out by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute with Bell-Ingram Rural and the University of Aberdeen.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167878,"EventID":"S1W-31398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whom it consulted about any restriction of the extension of the public service obligation for the Glasgow to Barra air link to one year; whether the continuation of the a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whom it consulted about any restriction of the extension of the public service obligation for the Glasgow to Barra air link to one year; whether the continuation of the air link is related to the introduction of the new Sound of Barra ferry service; whether it will give a commitment to ensuring that an air service from Barra will be maintained beyond the one-year extension of the current public service obligation; whether the Glasgow to Barra air link could be maintained without a public service obligation, and what the reasons are for its position on these matters.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive consulted Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Enterprise and local Barra interests on the continued imposition of a public service obligation on the Barra to Glasgow air service. The Executive wishes to ensure that the air service continues to be tenable given the enhanced ferry service to be introduced in summer 2003. It will therefore conduct a strategic review in September 2003 to determine the future of the air service in light of the impact of these improvements.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167879,"EventID":"S1W-31399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult YouthLink Scotland in order to identify the administrative costs that national youth organisations claim to incur in the administration of Disclo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consult YouthLink Scotland in order to identify the administrative costs that national youth organisations claim to incur in the administration of Disclosure Scotland checks on voluntary youth workers.","AnswerText":"The impact on voluntary organisations of the introduction of criminal record checks under Part V of the Police Act 1997 was examined by the Voluntary Issues Review Group set up by the Scottish Executive in 1999. YouthLink Scotland was represented on the Group.

      The group's principal recommendation was that volunteers working with children (up to the age of 18) in the voluntary sector should be able to get criminal record certificates without cost to them or to the voluntary organisations concerned. The group also recommended that a Central Registered Body should be established to process applications for free checks and to provide guidance and advice for the voluntary sector to help the sector make the best possible use of the Part V certificates. Ministers accepted both these recommendations and agreed to make available the necessary funding to cover the costs of implementing them.

      We are currently reviewing the operation of the Central Registered Body and its relationship with Disclosure Scotland. We will arrange for YouthLink Scotland to be consulted as part of the review process.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167880,"EventID":"S1W-31400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards in Scotland currently prescribe the anti-TNF drugs etanercept and infliximab and when any such boards started prescribing these drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS boards in Scotland currently prescribe the anti-TNF drugs etanercept and infliximab and when any such boards started prescribing these drugs.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Etanercept and infliximab are available on NHS prescription. However, their use depends on the clinical judgement of specialists experienced in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Data on drugs dispensed in hospitals is not held centrally. Centrally collected data relates to items dispensed in the community by community pharmacists and dispensing doctors.

      The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) has recently recommended etanercept and infliximab for use in certain circumstances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from the HTBS and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167881,"EventID":"S1W-31401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to NHS boards about prescribing new drugs that have been endorsed by the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been given to NHS boards about prescribing new drugs that have been endorsed by the Health Technology Board for Scotland.","AnswerText":"NHS boards should ensure that drugs or treatments recommended by the Health Technology Board for Scotland are made available to meet clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167882,"EventID":"S1W-31402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been given to each NHS board to take account of the costs of prescribing drugs in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been given to each NHS board to take account of the costs of prescribing drugs in (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are given a unified budget to enable them to meet the health care needs of their resident populations. It is for each individual NHS board to decide the level of funding to allocate to meet the costs of prescribed drugs.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167883,"EventID":"S1W-31403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is normal practice for NHS boards, following recommendations by the Health Technology Board for Scotland that a new drug should be prescribed, to receive addit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is normal practice for NHS boards, following recommendations by the Health Technology Board for Scotland that a new drug should be prescribed, to receive additional funding to ensure that the drug can be made available.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are given a unified budget to enable them to meet the health care needs of their resident populations. It is for each individual NHS board to decide the level of funding to allocate to meet the costs of prescribed drugs.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167884,"EventID":"S1W-31404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual cost to the NHS is of caring for someone with arthritis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual cost to the NHS is of caring for someone with arthritis.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167885,"EventID":"S1W-31405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first advised of the outcome of the appeal to the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal in the case of BetterCare Group Limited v the Director General of Fai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first advised of the outcome of the appeal to the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal in the case of BetterCare Group Limited v the Director General of Fair Trading and what steps it has subsequently taken to consider the implications of the tribunal's findings.","AnswerText":"We were first made aware of the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal's judgement on 20 September 2002.

      The tribunal's judgement in the case of Bettercare Group Ltd and the Director General of Fair Trading stated that the Competition Act 1998 applied in the particular circumstances of that case. The director has decided not to appeal that decision. One implication is that, potentially, local authorities' commissioning of care services could be subject to the Competition Act, but each case would need to be decided on its particular facts. The judgement did not comment on whether the North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust or, in our context, other local authorities, are presently contravening the act. The Office of Fair Trading will now reconsider the issue of the alleged anti-competitive conduct of North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust.

      I understand that the European Court is currently considering a similar case and that an outcome is expected by next spring. This may help to clarify whether the act applies to the commissioning functions of public bodies.

      Against this background, no general assessment has been made of the implications of the ruling and we remain in close contact with our counterparts in Northern Ireland and the other UK administrations on this issue.

      In the meantime, we would continue to expect councils to apply Best Value principles when providing or purchasing care services and to operate in full concordance with the spirit and terms of the Competition Act.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167886,"EventID":"S1W-31406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when guidance will be issued to local authorities and other public bodies on the implications for public services of the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal's ruling i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when guidance will be issued to local authorities and other public bodies on the implications for public services of the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal's ruling in the case of BetterCare Group Limited v the Director General of Fair Trading.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31405 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167887,"EventID":"S1W-31407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first advised of the appeal to the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal in the case of BetterCare Group Limited v the Director General of Fair Trading and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was first advised of the appeal to the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal in the case of BetterCare Group Limited v the Director General of Fair Trading and what steps it was taken to be kept up to date with developments in this case.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31405 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167888,"EventID":"S1W-31408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister is leading discussions with Her Majesty's Government on the implications for public services of the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal's ruling in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which minister is leading discussions with Her Majesty's Government on the implications for public services of the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal's ruling in the case of BetterCare Group Limited v the Director General of Fair Trading.","AnswerText":"The Minister for Health and Community Care would lead any such discussions.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167889,"EventID":"S1W-31409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the unit cost per PC will be of purchasing Microsoft Office XP for use by general users of parliamentary PCs and whether any other industry standard packages compatib","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the unit cost per PC will be of purchasing Microsoft Office XP for use by general users of parliamentary PCs and whether any other industry standard packages compatible at file level with Microsoft Office, such as StarOffice, were considered as an alternative.","AnswerText":"Microsoft products used in the parliamentary estate are purchased under an agreement negotiated in March 2002 by the Office of Government Commerce on behalf of the UK public sector, including the devolved administrations. Through consolidating the purchasing power of the UK public sector this agreement has secured the most competitive prices for Microsoft products available to the organisations within its scope. The confidentiality provisions of this agreement do, however, prevent the publication of those prices.

      When developing the current Technology Refresh strategy, several office automation suites were considered, all of which offered basic compatibility. The Microsoft Office suite best met the technical and business needs of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167890,"EventID":"S1W-31410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28515 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, why the answer did not indicate what plans are in place to evaluate prisoners considere","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28515 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, why the answer did not indicate what plans are in place to evaluate prisoners considered eligible for the Retox Programme prior to release and what any such plans are.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      All prisoners who may be considered suitable for retoxification prior to release are afforded a comprehensive multi-disciplinary assessment while in custody, as outlined in the answer given to question S1W-28515.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167891,"EventID":"S1W-31411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the responses given by Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service in answers to written parliamentary questions,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the responses given by Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service in answers to written parliamentary questions, in particular of whether such responses address the specific questions posed.","AnswerText":"I am satisfied that the responses are fully in accordance with the Scottish Executive Guidance on Parliamentary Questions. The Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) responds to parliamentary questions about operational and contractual matters because they are his specific responsibility under the agency's framework document. This approach applies to all executive agencies of the Scottish Executive and is in accordance with paragraphs 58-59 of the Scottish Executive's Guidance on Parliamentary Questions, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24377). There were 623 questions answered by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service in the 12 months to 12 November 2002, an increase of almost four-fold on the previous 12 months. This delayed the average response time but the backlog has now been cleared. In accordance with the Scottish Executive Guidance, all of those answers sought to provide the information requested whenever this was available and where provision of that information was consistent with the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information.

      Ministers are ultimately accountable for executive agencies such as the SPS. I consider that through the agency framework documents, ministers take proper responsibility for agencies. If there is information that the member wants and considers has not been provided, I suggest she contacts the Chief Executive who will be pleased to assist her.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167892,"EventID":"S1W-31412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were held on remand in Scottish prisons in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001; how long on average each such prisoner spent in prison; what the average co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were held on remand in Scottish prisons in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001; how long on average each such prisoner spent in prison; what the average cost was per prisoner, and how many such prisoners received a prison sentence.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The available information is given in the following table. The information held by the SPS cannot identify the numbers of remand prisoners who subsequently received a prison sentence for the offences for which they were remanded in custody. Some prisoners are imprisoned frequently for short periods and re-offend very shortly after release. It is therefore possible for a prisoner to be received into custody under sentence for offences committed before those for which they had last been remanded in custody. The available information therefore cannot identify how the offences for which a prisoner is serving a sentence relate to the charges for any previous period on remand. The information on costs per prisoner place is also not available. The SPS is set a Key Performance Indicator to operate within an average annual cost per prisoner place. Costs are not maintained separately by gender or sentence period. These are set out in the SPS annual reports.
       

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Remand receptions to penal establishments

      15,291

      13,945

      15,433

      Average time spent on remand in days

      24

      23

      23"

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167893,"EventID":"S1W-31413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were held on remand in bail hostels in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001; what the average cost was per prisoner, and how many bail hostel places are cu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners were held on remand in bail hostels in (a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001; what the average cost was per prisoner, and how many bail hostel places are currently available.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides funding to local authority criminal justice social work services to provide bail services for offenders. The service includes the provision of bail accommodation in certain areas for offenders released with a condition of supervision.

      As bail services are provided through local authorities, the information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167894,"EventID":"S1W-31414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for ensuring that people sent to prison are properly advised about their housing position and, in particular, about whether they should cancel their te","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for ensuring that people sent to prison are properly advised about their housing position and, in particular, about whether they should cancel their tenancy in order to avoid accumulating debts from unpaid rent.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Assessments are carried out by the SPS reception and induction staff in conjunction with social work staff and voluntary sector workers. Aspects of housing and accommodation are discussed at this stage.

      All SPS establishments which release prisoners into the community have the services of specialists who are funded through the Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI). The aim of these RSI projects in prisons is to provide a housing casework service to all categories of offenders who will be homeless or threatened with homelessness on release and to ensure that support is in place prior to liberation. These projects are currently being evaluated by the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167895,"EventID":"S1W-31415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish in other prisons centres based on the Throughcare Centre pilot at HM Prison Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish in other prisons centres based on the Throughcare Centre pilot at HM Prison Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Dr Jackie Tombs is conducting an evaluation research study for SPS into the Throughcare Centre in HM Prison Edinburgh. We will consider whether the approach might be extended to other prisons in the light of the study and of the budgetary position.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167896,"EventID":"S1W-31416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a duty on local authorities to work with prisons in providing after-prison throughcare.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place a duty on local authorities to work with prisons in providing after-prison throughcare.","AnswerText":"Local authorities already have a duty to provide throughcare to prisoners subject to statutory supervision on release. Under provisions in the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, short-term prisoners not subject to statutory supervision on release are also entitled to request advice, guidance and assistance from local authorities in the 12 months following their release from prison.

      The Tripartite Group, consisting of representatives from the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and the Association of Directors of Social Work, has prepared a report on ways to strengthen the present throughcare arrangements and to manage the effective transition from prison to the community. One of the priorities for future action is to formalise liaison arrangements between SPS and local authority criminal justice social work services to ensure a coherent framework for throughcare services. I plan to publish the report next month.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167897,"EventID":"S1W-31417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give grants to voluntary organisations providing restorative justice schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give grants to voluntary organisations providing restorative justice schemes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently funds, either directly or through local authorities, a significant number of schemes provided by voluntary organisations, which apply restorative justice principles. These apply both in respect of the under-16 age group and adult offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167898,"EventID":"S1W-31418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide core funding to the Safeguarding Communities, Reducing Offending in Scotland (SACRO) organisation for its work with young people, given that it pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide core funding to the Safeguarding Communities, Reducing Offending in Scotland (SACRO) organisation for its work with young people, given that it provides funding for SACRO's work with adults.","AnswerText":"On 18 October, I announced the creation of a National Crime Prevention Fund. All national voluntary sector agencies that deliver youth justice services, including SACRO, have been invited to apply to this fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167899,"EventID":"S1W-31419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that youth crime teams are set up in every local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that youth crime teams are set up in every local authority.","AnswerText":"There is a multi-agency youth justice team in every local authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167900,"EventID":"S1W-31420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy that bills must be paid to businesses by public bodies within 30 days.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy that bills must be paid to businesses by public bodies within 30 days.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Public Finance Manual, which defines the procurement policy for the Scottish Executive including its agencies and associated departments, requires that invoices are paid promptly, within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice, unless otherwise contractually agreed. The Scottish Executive also observes both the CBI Prompt Payment code and British Standard 7890, which set out good payment practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167901,"EventID":"S1W-31421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence of late payment of bills to businesses by public bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any evidence of late payment of bills to businesses by public bodies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and other public bodies are committed to pay invoices promptly and their internal policies require this. The Scottish Executive observes the CBI prompt payment code and British Standard 7890. Public bodies record their payment performance in published annual accounts.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167902,"EventID":"S1W-31422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency planning measures have been put in place for incidents involving nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarines and ships and whether it will make details o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what emergency planning measures have been put in place for incidents involving nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarines and ships and whether it will make details of any such measures publicly available.","AnswerText":"I can confirm that there are thoroughly tested plans in place to deal with safety issues in respect of submarines operating around the coastal waters of Scotland. The Clyde Public Safety Scheme and the Rosyth Public Safety Scheme are the two most significant examples. These are published documents and are available in these two areas in public libraries.

      The contingency plans are designed to respond to a wide range of possible scenarios, to address the full range of known effects from potential accidents, irrespective of the cause or location, and to be equally effective whether a submarine is at sea or berthed.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167903,"EventID":"S1W-31423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it has had in achieving reductions in the levels of street crime in (a) Scotland and (b) Renfrewshire since 1999 and what targets it has set for such reducti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it has had in achieving reductions in the levels of street crime in (a) Scotland and (b) Renfrewshire since 1999 and what targets it has set for such reductions in this period.","AnswerText":"Street crime is not classified separately within centrally collected statistics. In addition to the specific targets for police forces already announced discussions are on-going with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and police authorities on setting a target to reduce the fear of crime.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167904,"EventID":"S1W-31424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it has had in achieving reductions in the levels of violent crime related to drug use in (a) Scotland and (b) Renfrewshire since 1999 and what targets it has","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what success it has had in achieving reductions in the levels of violent crime related to drug use in (a) Scotland and (b) Renfrewshire since 1999 and what targets it has set for such reductions in this period.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the incidence of violent crime in (a) Scotland and (b) Renfrewshire. There is no data collected centrally to indicate how many of these crimes were related to drug use.

      Crimes Recorded by the Police, 1999-2001
       

      Scotland

      Renfrewshire

      1999

      2000

      2001

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Non-sexual crimes of violence

      15,539

      15,196

      15,080

      693

      634

      792

      Excludes crimes of handling offensive weapons.

      In March 2002, the Executive set a target, for the police service across Scotland, for violent crime to be reduced by 2003-04 to a level 5% below the three-year average of 1997-2000. How crime rates are tackled locally is primarily an operational matter for chief constables to decide in consultation with the local communities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167905,"EventID":"S1W-31425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies to tackle youth crime in Renfrewshire it (a) has implemented and (b) is planning to implement and what associated investment is needed to implement such pol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what policies to tackle youth crime in Renfrewshire it (a) has implemented and (b) is planning to implement and what associated investment is needed to implement such policies.","AnswerText":"Every local authority in Scotland has been asked to produce an audit of youth crime; to identify the number of persistent offenders in their area and to have programmes in place to tackle their offending behaviour. Renfrewshire's audit demonstrates significant progress in achieving these three requirements. Between 2000 and 2003, it will have received investment of £581,000 from the Executive to support its youth justice work.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167906,"EventID":"S1W-31426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives there are for local authorities and NHS boards to implement the recommendations set out in The same as you? and what action will be taken if they do not d","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what incentives there are for local authorities and NHS boards to implement the recommendations set out in The same as you? and what action will be taken if they do not do so.","AnswerText":"The incentive to implement the recommendations of The same as you? is the achievement of better outcomes for people with learning disabilities and their families. Partnership in Practice Agreements for the period 2001-04 show that local agencies are making better use of resources to improve services for people with learning disabilities. We will continue to work in partnership with local agencies to ensure progress towards full implementation of the recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167907,"EventID":"S1W-31427","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider withholding Learning Disability Services Change Fund monies from any local authorities that do not implement the commitments contained in the P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider withholding Learning Disability Services Change Fund monies from any local authorities that do not implement the commitments contained in the Partnership in Practice agreements.","AnswerText":"No. We are working in partnership with COSLA and local agencies to ensure resources are utilised to deliver better outcomes for people with learning disabilities and their families.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167908,"EventID":"S1W-31428","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds any information on local authorities' use of Learning Disability Services Change Fund monies and, if so, when such information will be published. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds any information on local authorities' use of Learning Disability Services Change Fund monies and, if so, when such information will be published. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31136 on 13 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167909,"EventID":"S1W-31429","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-08T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual spend per capita on learning disability services is in Scotland as compared with levels of such spend in England and Wales. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average annual spend per capita on learning disability services is in Scotland as compared with levels of such spend in England and Wales. ","AnswerText":"The last available information on this, as set out in May 2000 in The same as you? was that health and local authorities in England spent £59 each year on learning disability services for every person in the population, authorities in Wales spent £63, and the equivalent spend in Scotland was £54.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167910,"EventID":"S1W-31430","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 148 responses to Assessing our Schools - Assessing our Children's needs - The Way Forward? stated that the Record of Needs system should be replaced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 148 responses to Assessing our Schools - Assessing our Children's needs - The Way Forward? stated that the Record of Needs system should be replaced.","AnswerText":"In response to the consultation document Improving our Schools - Assessing our Children's Educational Needs - The Way Forward?, the Scottish Executive received 119 responses which indicated dissatisfaction with the Record of Needs system and a further 21 responses which stated specifically that the Record of Needs should be replaced.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167911,"EventID":"S1W-31431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing level of needs matrix set out in the Manual of Good Practice will be revised and distributed to parents and young people in co-ordinated support plan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the existing level of needs matrix set out in the Manual of Good Practice will be revised and distributed to parents and young people in co-ordinated support plans.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167912,"EventID":"S1W-31432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed co-ordinated support plans will specify the amount and quality of special needs provision for a child.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed co-ordinated support plans will specify the amount and quality of special needs provision for a child.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167913,"EventID":"S1W-31433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether children and young people with specific or pronounced educational needs that require continuing review will be provided with a co-ordinated support plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether children and young people with specific or pronounced educational needs that require continuing review will be provided with a co-ordinated support plan.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167914,"EventID":"S1W-31434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what timescales parents will be able to appeal against a co-ordinated support plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what timescales parents will be able to appeal against a co-ordinated support plan.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167915,"EventID":"S1W-31435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30597 by Cathy Jamieson on 29 October 2002, whether the \"normal\" upper age limit of 60 for recruitment as a member of a children's ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30597 by Cathy Jamieson on 29 October 2002, whether the \"normal\" upper age limit of 60 for recruitment as a member of a children's panel is discriminatory.","AnswerText":"The age limit is applied flexibly in recognition of the recommendation of the Kilbrandon Committee that panel members should in broad terms be the peers in age of the parents of the children coming before the hearings.

      The application of age limits for panel member recruitment is not therefore discriminatory.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167916,"EventID":"S1W-31436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on how many occasions Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body staff have (a) requested and (b) been granted permission to undertake local political activity in each year sin","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on how many occasions Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body staff have (a) requested and (b) been granted permission to undertake local political activity in each year since 1999, broken down by grade.","AnswerText":"We have only had one request from a member of staff to participate in local political activity. This was from a Grade 6, in 2001 and was turned down. Our conduct rules do not just restrict staff from working for a party or standing as a candidate in a local election. They also preclude staff from speaking in public on matters on local political controversy and this was the basis on which the Personnel Office ruled against agreeing the request.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167917,"EventID":"S1W-31437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions its staff have (a) requested and (b) been granted permission to undertake local political activity in each year since 1999, broken down by grade.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions its staff have (a) requested and (b) been granted permission to undertake local political activity in each year since 1999, broken down by grade.","AnswerText":"The information requested is set out in the following table:

      Year

      Grade

      Permission Granted

      1999

      Nil

      N/A

      2000

      1 x B2

      1 x A3

      Yes

      Yes

      2001

      1 x B2

      Yes

      2002

      1 x Fast Stream

      Yes

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167918,"EventID":"S1W-31438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when liquid-based cytology for cervical smears will be available throughout all NHS board areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when liquid-based cytology for cervical smears will be available throughout all NHS board areas.","AnswerText":"It is expected that liquid-based cytology (LBC) will be fully introduced into the cervical screening programme in Scotland by April 2004.

      To assist with the introduction of LBC the Scottish Executive has provided up to £2.75 million for the set-up costs which consists of either the capital or first-year leasing costs of processing machinery and the associated training and proficiency costs. The on-going costs are part of the cervical screening programme funding which is the responsibility of NHS boards and trusts.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167919,"EventID":"S1W-31439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding is in place to ensure the implementation of the liquid-based cytology programme throughout all NHS board areas in the current and future financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding is in place to ensure the implementation of the liquid-based cytology programme throughout all NHS board areas in the current and future financial years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer to given to question S1W-31438 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167920,"EventID":"S1W-31440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient cervical cytologists throughout all NHS board areas to implement fully the liquid-based cytology programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient cervical cytologists throughout all NHS board areas to implement fully the liquid-based cytology programme.","AnswerText":"At present cytoscreener staffing levels across Scotland are sufficient to meet the needs of the cervical screening programme. It is not anticipated that additional cervical screening laboratory professionals - above the agreed staffing levels - will be required as a result of introducing liquid-based cytology (LBC) into the cervical screening programme. It is expected that LBC will reduce the workload and improve laboratory smear reporting times.

      The introduction of LBC will be closely monitored by the NHSScotland Screening Programmes and the Scottish Executive Health Department.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167921,"EventID":"S1W-31441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given to the allocation of additional funding outwith the public private partnership initiative to local authorities to assist in the schools r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given to the allocation of additional funding outwith the public private partnership initiative to local authorities to assist in the schools rebuilding and refurbishment programme.","AnswerText":"Local authorities already have access to substantial resources outwith the public private partnership arrangements which they can apply to rebuilding and refurbishing schools. These include the general resources available to them under the capital allocation arrangements, and capital grant under the School Buildings Improvement Fund totalling £26.7 million in the current year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167922,"EventID":"S1W-31442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to the recent research by the British Lung Foundation stating that smoking cannabis carries a seven to one higher degree of risk than smok","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to the recent research by the British Lung Foundation stating that smoking cannabis carries a seven to one higher degree of risk than smoking ordinary tobacco cigarettes.","AnswerText":"We were aware, prior to publication of the British Lung Foundation study, that cannabis carries potentially serious health risks, including risks posed by levels of carcinogenic tars, gases and chemicals which exceed those found in tobacco.

      As part of our Drugs Communications Strategy, we published, in July, a Know the Score booklet on cannabis. The booklet sets out the legal position in Scotland, and the risks to physical and mental health associated with this drug. The text already makes it clear that smoking cannabis may be more harmful than smoking tobacco, since cannabis has a higher concentration of certain chemicals which can cause cancer. We printed 45,000 leaflets, and it is now being reprinted to meet demand. We will also publish a shorter version, perhaps credit-card sized, aimed specifically at young people.

      The free and confidential Know the Score Informationline can also provide advice on cannabis, and information can be accessed on the Know the Score website.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167923,"EventID":"S1W-31443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will expand its campaign that highlights the health risks associated with tobacco smoking to include any increased health risks arising from smoking cannabis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will expand its campaign that highlights the health risks associated with tobacco smoking to include any increased health risks arising from smoking cannabis.","AnswerText":"The Executive has helped to fund the publication of an updated version the Fags & Hash leaflet, prepared in partnership by Action on Smoking and Health Scotland, the Scottish Drugs Forum, the Health Education Board for Scotland and the West Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Service.

      This leaflet sets out the health risks from tobacco and cannabis, and it highlights that cannabis contains higher levels of dangerous tars and gases than tobacco. The leaflet has been given wide distribution in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167924,"EventID":"S1W-31444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29424 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, when it expects to conclude discussions with the City of Edinburgh, Dumfries and Gallow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29424 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, when it expects to conclude discussions with the City of Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire councils with regard to the publication of its contracts with them for the provision of social work services in prisons and when it intends to place copies of the contracts in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      We are currently in discussions with Medacs Healthcare about publication of our contract for medical services. Once that is concluded we will commence discussions with the relevant local authorities with regard to publication of contracts for the provision of social work services in prisons. There is no contract with Dumfries and Galloway Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167925,"EventID":"S1W-31445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29424 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, why the contracts for the provision of social work services in prisons with the City of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29424 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, why the contracts for the provision of social work services in prisons with the City of Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire councils have not yet been published.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31444 today, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167926,"EventID":"S1W-31446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29472 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 October 2002, whether it will publish its contract with Medacs before 1 May 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29472 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 October 2002, whether it will publish its contract with Medacs before 1 May 2003.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      On present plans we anticipate that the necessary work involved will be completed before 1 May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167927,"EventID":"S1W-31447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29424 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002 and with regard to the publication of its contracts with the City of Edinburgh, Dumfries","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29424 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002 and with regard to the publication of its contracts with the City of Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire councils for the provision of social work services in prisons, whether the Scottish Prison Service has raised, or intends to raise commercial confidentiality in discussions with contractors as a ground for not publishing part or parts of the contract.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes. The published content of such contracts is governed by the Scottish Executive guidance in Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information. The SPS has in the public interest a duty to ensure that disclosure does not harm the public interest or prejudice the commercial positions of itself or the contractor.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167928,"EventID":"S1W-31448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29277 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October 2002, why the response to a question on a matter of policy was given by the Chief Executive o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29277 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October 2002, why the response to a question on a matter of policy was given by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service and not the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The answer to (SPS) question S1W-29277 dealt with an operational and contractual matter for SPS, based on the policy most recently set out by ministers on 11 November 2002 in the protocol referred to in the answer to S1W-31449 today. The new prison referred to in the answer to S1W-29277 will provide a new service to the SPS. It will not involve the transfer of an existing service and existing staff to a private provider, so it will not result in the creation of a two-tier workforce.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167929,"EventID":"S1W-31449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29277 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October 2002, what steps it will take to ensure that there is not a two-tier workforce within prisons","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29277 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October 2002, what steps it will take to ensure that there is not a two-tier workforce within prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The Scottish Prison Service will follow the protocol between the Scottish Executive and STUC, and announced by the Finance and Public Services Minister on 11 November 2002, to ensure that in future Public Private Partnership in the prison sector contracts do not give rise to organisations with two-tier workforces.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167930,"EventID":"S1W-31450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-28889 and S1W-31081 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 October and 8 November 2002 respectively, how it was able to show a total budget and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-28889 and S1W-31081 by Mr Jim Wallace on 24 October and 8 November 2002 respectively, how it was able to show a total budget and underspend for HM Prison Cornton Vale if total budgets for individual prisons do not exist.","AnswerText":"I regret that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) have offered two answers to questions which are inconsistent. The answer to question S1W-28889 should have made clear which budgets were delegated to individual establishments, what they covered and what expenditure relating to establishments was budgeted for centrally. I have instructed SPS to respond in this manner to future questions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167931,"EventID":"S1W-31451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31082 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, when it will publish its contracts for the provision of education services in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31082 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, when it will publish its contracts for the provision of education services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      In the answer given to question S1W-31082, the SPS agreed to make arrangements for the publication of its contracts for the provision of education services in prisons. I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31444 on 22 November 2002, which explained that the SPS was currently in discussion with Medacs Health Care about the publication of the contract for medical services and that, on conclusion of that piece of work, it will commence discussions with local authorities on the publication of contracts for the provision of social work contracts. These tasks are sequenced, and once this work is completed we will commence work on the publication of contracts for education provision.

      I can report that work on the Medacs Health Care contract is nearing completion and it will be published soon.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167932,"EventID":"S1W-31452","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29901 and S1W-31083 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October and 8 November 2002 respectively, whether it will provide a table showing for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29901 and S1W-31083 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October and 8 November 2002 respectively, whether it will provide a table showing for each transfer of land from the Scottish Prison Service in the last five years (a) the location of each parcel of land transferred, (b) the date on which the land was transferred, (c) the value of the land transferred and (d) the price obtained where the land was transferred by sale","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      As stated in the previous answers, no land was transferred from the SPS in the last five years. Surplus land sold by the SPS is as follows.

      Location

      Financial Year

      Sale Price

      Angus

      1997-98

      £500

      Aberdeenshire

      1997-98

      £32,000

      Inverclyde

      1998-99

      £21,000

      Aberdeenshire

      1998-99

      £2,000

      Aberdeenshire

      1998-99

      £42,000

      Falkirk

      1998-99

      £425,000

      Falkirk

      1998-99

      £205,000

      Falkirk

      2001-02

      £1,000

      Falkirk

      2001-02

      £7,000

      In addition, land with buildings was sold by SPS as follows.

      Location

      Land with Buildings

      Financial Year

      Sale Price

      Various

      Staff Quarters

      1997-98

      £360,210.50

      Various

      Staff Quarters

      1998-99

      £186,477.50

      Various

      Staff Quarters

      1999-2000

      £93,017.50

      Various

      Garages

      1997-98

      £35,869.99

      Various

      Garages

      1998-99

      £7,810

      Various

      Garages

      1999-2000

      £38,060

      South Lanarkshire

      Former HM Prison Dungavel

      2000-01

      £450,000

      Dumfries and Galloway

      Former HM Prison Penninghame

      2000-01

      		Once a detailed project plan and timetable for the procurement of the new private-build, private-operate prison has been completed. The cost would be the market price.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167935,"EventID":"S1W-31455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken in respect of the procurement of its proposed private-build, private-operate prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken in respect of the procurement of its proposed private-build, private-operate prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The process for procurement of the new private-build, private-operate prison will not begin until the location of the new prison has been determined. A number of potential sites have been identified, but the SPS has not yet taken firm decisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167936,"EventID":"S1W-31456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29152 by Mr Andy Kerr on 11 October 2002, whether Mr John McTernan sought permission to take up a post with the Scottish Arts Counc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29152 by Mr Andy Kerr on 11 October 2002, whether Mr John McTernan sought permission to take up a post with the Scottish Arts Council at any time in the last six months and, if so and permission was given, what the reason was for giving such permission.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-29152 explained the rules on the acceptance of business appointments within two years of leaving Crown employment. Former special advisers are subject to the rules and it is for their judgement whether, in the circumstances, agreement should be sought. Mr John McTernan did not do so in this case and I am not aware that he is engaged in anything which would have required agreement.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167937,"EventID":"S1W-31457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation took place with the Scottish Libraries and Information Council with regard to the recent appointment of a new chair for that organisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation took place with the Scottish Libraries and Information Council with regard to the recent appointment of a new chair for that organisation.","AnswerText":"No consultation took place. The Scottish Libraries and Information Council is an independent organisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167938,"EventID":"S1W-31458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its organisational and financial relationship is with the Scottish Libraries and Information Council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its organisational and financial relationship is with the Scottish Libraries and Information Council.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Libraries and Information Council (SLIC) is an independent organisation.

      In 2002-03 the Executive provided £160,000 towards SLIC's annual operating costs, and an additional £25,000 for continued funding of Network Project Officers.

      SLIC will receive funding of £250,000 over two years from the Executive to develop a two-year pilot Scottish Cultural Portal project - a recommendation from the National Cultural Strategy; £70,000 in 2001-02, balance £180,000 in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167939,"EventID":"S1W-31459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons it has learned from the work of Social Enterprise London.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what lessons it has learned from the work of Social Enterprise London.","AnswerText":"Many of the issues raised by the work of Social Enterprise London are addressed in the Executive's review of the social economy, which we aim to publish shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167940,"EventID":"S1W-31460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current NHS prescription status is of the anti-depressant Seroxat.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current NHS prescription status is of the anti-depressant Seroxat.","AnswerText":"Seroxat is a prescription-only medicine available on the NHS.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167941,"EventID":"S1W-31461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken evidence from the World Health Organisation on possible side effects from the use of Seroxat.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has taken evidence from the World Health Organisation on possible side effects from the use of Seroxat.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA).

      The MCA has online access to the World Health Organisation data on adverse drug reactions and routinely evaluates these data.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167942,"EventID":"S1W-31462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on whether drug companies are, or should be, required to display on drugs packaging information on the possibili","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on whether drug companies are, or should be, required to display on drugs packaging information on the possibility of addiction.","AnswerText":"All licensed medicines have an approved Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), a document which is in the public domain and is provided to doctors and pharmacists. In addition, the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine reflects the information that is in the SPC.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167943,"EventID":"S1W-31463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what restrictions it places on the use of potentially addictive medicines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what restrictions it places on the use of potentially addictive medicines.","AnswerText":"As with all medicines, the decision whether or not to prescribe a treatment for an individual patient depends on the clinical judgement of the doctor concerned, in consultation with the patient and bearing in mind the risks and benefits of the treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167944,"EventID":"S1W-31464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what correspondence it has received concerning the anti-depressant Seroxat and its suitability for prescription by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what correspondence it has received concerning the anti-depressant Seroxat and its suitability for prescription by the NHS.","AnswerText":"The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA).

      Since 1 July 1999, the Executive has received 14 letters from MSPs and members of the public about Seroxat. These were answered on the basis of information supplied by the MCA.

      The answer given to question S1W-30722 on 28 October 2002 gives further information about the advice available to prescribers about the use of Seroxat. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167945,"EventID":"S1W-31465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has provided to help (a) local authorities and (b) voluntary organisations meet the National Care Standards set in accordance with the Regulation of C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it has provided to help (a) local authorities and (b) voluntary organisations meet the National Care Standards set in accordance with the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for meeting the National Care Standards is a matter for individual providers in discussion and agreement with the Care Commission.

      The principal source of income to enable providers to meet regulatory standards is the fees they receive. The Scottish Executive is committed to implementing in full the recommendations of the National Review Group on care home fees. We have already committed £52.5 million since July 2001 for that purpose, and discussions are under way with the local authorities and the providers about the appropriate fee levels for 2003-04.

      There are also other Scottish Executive initiatives which will indirectly contribute to a provider's ability to meet specific standards:

      • Voluntary organisations can make applications to the Scottish Executive for funding under section 9 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act to help with training costs.

      • Cathy Jamieson announced earlier this year an Action Plan for Social Services Workforce which included £3.5 million for local authorities in 2002-03 for training social services staff.
      • An additional £9.2 million has been allocated for the expansion and development of the early years workforce from 2002-04. A further £6 million per annum is committed during the period 2004-06. This funding is allocated through child care partnerships, and can be used for workforce expansion and development in the local authority, private and voluntary sectors.

      The Care Commission has discretion in applying the standards, taking into account the nature of the services being provided. For example, in the case of care homes for older people, where existing provision cannot meet the standards but is otherwise of good quality, specific criteria may be agreed with the Care Commission officers to allow existing rooms to remain in use.

      In taking forward the development of the National Care Standards Scottish ministers have been mindful of the need to balance the user/improved quality of care focus of the standards with the need to recognise the commercial realities for providers. Likewise, in implementing the standards the Care Commission will aim to work in partnership with the providers to reach an agreed way forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167946,"EventID":"S1W-31466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any information about any refinancing of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock by Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited and, if so, whether it will ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received any information about any refinancing of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock by Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited and, if so, whether it will give details of such refinancing.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited advised the SPS in November 1999 that the possibility of financial restructuring/refinancing was being considered. Details of the outcome for the Home Office are shown in Figure 8 of the National Audit Office (NAO) report PFI Refinancing Update published on 7 November 2002.

      Similar arrangements were put in place in respect of HM Prison Kilmarnock. This matter was discussed with the Managing Director of KPSL at the Justice 1 Committee meeting on 30 October 2001.

      The NAO report is available on the NAO website at:

      www.nao.gov.uk/publications/nao_reports/01-02

      The minutes of the Justice 1 Committee meeting of 30 October 2001 (meeting number 29, 2001) are available on the Parliament's website at:

      www.scottish.parliament.uk/official_reprt/cttee/just1-01.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167947,"EventID":"S1W-31467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all subsequent financing agreements, as defined in section 1.1.105 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all subsequent financing agreements, as defined in section 1.1.105 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      New financing agreements:

      Change of Shareholders in Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited between SPS, Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited (KPSL), Kilmarnock Prison (Holdings) Limited (KPHL), Premier Custodial Investments Limited (PCIL) and Premier Custodial Group Limited (PCGL) dated 27 June 2000.

      Senior Debt Arrangements between SPS, KPSL, Premier Custodial Finance Limited (PCFL) and the Bank of Scotland (BofS), Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank Limited, WestDeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, Credit Lyonnais and Barclays Bank plc (the Banks) dated 27 June 2000.

      Subordinated Debt Arrangements between SPS, The Governor and Company of the BofS, PCFL, KPSL and PCIL dated 27 June 2000.

      Side Letter regarding the Senior Facility Agreement dated 9 August 2000.

      Side Letter regarding the Subordinated Facility Agreement dated 9 August 2000.

      Subordinated Debt Accession Agreement between Serco Investments Limited (SIL), Wackenhut Corrections (UK) Limited (WCUK), the Banks, BofS and PCFL dated 30 June 2000.

      Debenture between PCFL and BofS dated 30 June 2000.

      Amended financing agreements:

      Senior Facility Agreement between PCFL and the Banks as amended and restated on 30 June 2000.

      Subordinated Facility Agreement between PCFL, SIL, WCUK, BofS and the Banks as amended and restated on 30 June 2000.

      On-Loan Agreement between PCFL, PCIL, BofS and the Banks as amended and restated on 30 June 2000.

      Intercreditor Agreement between PCFL, the Banks, BofS, SIL, Serco Limited (SL), WCUK, Serco Group plc (SG) and Wackenhut Corrections Corporation (WCC) as amended and restated on 3 July 2000.

      Shareholders' Agreement between WCC, WCUK, SL, SG, SIL, PCGL, PCIL, KPSL and KPHL dated 30 June 2000.

      Shareholders' Undertaking between the Banks, WCC, WCUK, SG, SIL, PCIL, PCGL, PCFL, KPSL, KPHL and BofS dated 30 June 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167948,"EventID":"S1W-31468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any subsequent financing agreement, as defined in section 1.1.105 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any subsequent financing agreement, as defined in section 1.1.105 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, has been entered into that did not require the Executive's prior written consent under section 3.2 of the minute of agreement for the reasons shown in section 3.3 and, if so, whether it will list each such subsequent financing agreements.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS has no record of any such agreements.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167949,"EventID":"S1W-31469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the progress of the operation of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock in comparison with the financial projection contained in schedule P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the progress of the operation of the contract for HM Prison Kilmarnock in comparison with the financial projection contained in schedule P of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No such assessment has been made but the contract costs are in line with those envisaged at the time of contract signature.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167950,"EventID":"S1W-31470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, how the position set out in the answer is compatible with the proposed crofting communit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28916 by Ross Finnie on 25 September 2002, how the position set out in the answer is compatible with the proposed crofting community right to buy in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30748 on 12 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167951,"EventID":"S1W-31472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a national evaluation of drug education policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a national evaluation of drug education policy.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) is currently undertaking a thematic review to report in 2003 which will provide a snapshot of the quality of drug education programmes in schools. This will build on HMIE's earlier work, Drug and Nutrition Education: A Study of Provision in Schools and Community Education, published in 1999.

      In line with the recommendations of the School Drug Safety Team, we will be commissioning a research project in 2003 on the outcomes of educating young people on drug-related issues. Research will seek to identify both the short- and long-term impact of school drug education.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167952,"EventID":"S1W-31475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which buildings were awarded grants by Historic Scotland that were conditional on match-funding by a local authority in each year since 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which buildings were awarded grants by Historic Scotland that were conditional on match-funding by a local authority in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland, to reply. His response is as follows.

      Under the powers available to Scottish ministers to make grants available for the repair of historic buildings and buildings within outstanding conservation areas, the only grants made that are conditional on match-funding by a local authority are those made under the Town Scheme arrangements. Under these arrangements, the local authority and Historic Scotland agree to fund in equal shares fixed grants to owners of 50% of eligible costs normally subject to a maximum grant of £6,000. Historic Scotland currently has agreements with 16 local authorities for 22 Town Schemes and has allocated £418,500 for this purpose in 2002-03. Individual awards of grant are made by the local authorities who hold a record of the properties that have received grant.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167953,"EventID":"S1W-31476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria a private developer has to meet before, during and after receiving a grant for a historic building from Historic Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria a private developer has to meet before, during and after receiving a grant for a historic building from Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Historic Scotland operates its historic building repair grant scheme on the basis of establishing whether there is a need for support from the public purse and, if so, of providing the minimum level of grant support towards eligible costs that is necessary for a project to be completed successfully. Where the grant applicant is a private developer we also take account of the rate of return that a project is expected to achieve. The UK Treasury provides guidance to all government departments on acceptable rates of return where public monies are involved.

      During the implementation of projects all applicants are expected to comply with all relevant conditions of grant in order to receive staged payments of grant.

      After a project undertaken by a private developer is completed, a financial re-appraisal is carried out to ensure that the rate of return achieved was in accordance with that projected. If not, the level of grant can be adjusted. Certain conditions of grant concerning future public access, maintenance and insurance remain for the developer to comply with for a set period.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167954,"EventID":"S1W-31477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many medical graduates from each university in 2002 applied for medical and surgical junior house posts in Scotland as their first option; how many obtained such pos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many medical graduates from each university in 2002 applied for medical and surgical junior house posts in Scotland as their first option; how many obtained such posts, and how many found such posts elsewhere in the UK.","AnswerText":"Information on applications for medical and surgical junior house posts in Scotland is not held centrally.

      Information on the destination of graduates from Scottish Medical Schools for 2001 is in the following table. Information for 2002 will become available in January 2003.

      Destination of 2001 Graduates from Scottish Medical Schools as at November 2001

      Taking up PRHO posts in:

      Aberdeen

      Dundee

      Edinburgh

      Glasgow

      Scotland

      154

      112

      190

      188

      England and Wales

      4

      17

      3

      4

      Northern Ireland

      0

      1

      0

      3

      HM Forces

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Abroad

      2

      2

      0

      1

      Not Known

      		 

      1

      6

      1

      Total

      160

      133

      199

      197

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167955,"EventID":"S1W-31478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to require trunk road maintenance contractors to remove or cover up temporary speed restriction signs when the contractors do not intend to work ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to require trunk road maintenance contractors to remove or cover up temporary speed restriction signs when the contractors do not intend to work immediately on a given section of road.","AnswerText":"Trunk road maintenance contractors are required to comply with the requirements of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual \"Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Roadworks and Temporary Situations\" which includes the use of temporary mandatory speed limits. These speed limits are often necessary to protect the workforce and drivers during roadworks particularly when the available width for traffic is restricted by traffic cones. For this reason speed limits are often left in place when no work is being carried out, and we have no plans to alter procedures in such circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167956,"EventID":"S1W-31479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to offer dentists appropriate training on giving advice and guidance to patients to stop smoking.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to offer dentists appropriate training on giving advice and guidance to patients to stop smoking.","AnswerText":"Both undergraduate and postgraduate dental education in Scotland offers training in the provision of smoking cessation advice. Training focuses on the role of smoking in oral disease, the role of the dental team in smoking cessation, and the dentist's role in the provision of smoking cessation advice as part of the wider primary care team.

      All NHS boards presently run optional training courses for health professionals, including dentists, on providing smoking cessation advice to patients. Earlier this year the Scottish Executive established a Partnership for Action on Tobacco and Health (PATH) with funding of £1.5 million over three years. PATH will develop national training standards for delivering smoking cessation training for NHS boards and identify best practice in smoking prevention and cessation for dissemination to health care professionals.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167957,"EventID":"S1W-31480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to allow dentists to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy and other pharmacological aids to stopping smoking such as bupropion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to allow dentists to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy and other pharmacological aids to stopping smoking such as bupropion.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to do so.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167958,"EventID":"S1W-31481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the assessment process, sources of advice to be sought and contents and involvement of parents and/or young people will be under the co-ordinated support plans, as r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the assessment process, sources of advice to be sought and contents and involvement of parents and/or young people will be under the co-ordinated support plans, as referred to in Improving our Schools - Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward?.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167959,"EventID":"S1W-31482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce a proposed staged intervention process and distribute it for consultation to parents, young people and professionals, as referred to in Improving ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce a proposed staged intervention process and distribute it for consultation to parents, young people and professionals, as referred to in Improving our Schools - Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward?.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167960,"EventID":"S1W-31483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce timescales for completing staged assessments and planning processes and distribute them for consultation to parents, young people and professional","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will produce timescales for completing staged assessments and planning processes and distribute them for consultation to parents, young people and professionals, seeking views on whether the timescales should be laid down in law or guidance, as referred to in Improving our Schools - Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward?.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167961,"EventID":"S1W-31484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for children to be entitled to future needs assessment and post-school planning, as referred to in Improving our Schools - Assessing our children's ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the criteria are for children to be entitled to future needs assessment and post-school planning, as referred to in Improving our Schools - Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward?.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167962,"EventID":"S1W-31485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define \"unreasonable\" in relation to a local authority refusing to carry out a formal assessment of a child's needs, as referred to in Improving our Schoo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define \"unreasonable\" in relation to a local authority refusing to carry out a formal assessment of a child's needs, as referred to in Improving our Schools - Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward?.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167963,"EventID":"S1W-31486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what type of appeals the independent tribunal service will hear, as referred to in Improving our Schools - Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward? a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what type of appeals the independent tribunal service will hear, as referred to in Improving our Schools - Assessing our children's educational needs - The Way Forward? and whether parents and/or young people will be afforded legal aid in order to be represented at such tribunals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30910 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167964,"EventID":"S1W-31487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31088 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31088 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock, broken down for each section in Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock other than sections 2.1(i), 2.2(a), 2.2(b), 2.4(a), 2.4(b), 2.4(c), 2.4(d) and 2.4(e), for each quarter of operation of the contract to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is given in the document (Bib. number 25002) a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167965,"EventID":"S1W-31488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2134,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":7,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Annual Report of the Chief Social Work Inspector on services across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Annual Report of the Chief Social Work Inspector on services across Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Chief Inspector's report is being published today and copies are available in the Parliament Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 25204 and 25205).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167966,"EventID":"S1W-31489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make abuse of public office an offence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make abuse of public office an offence.","AnswerText":"None. The Ethical Standards in Public Life Etc (Scotland) Act 2000 puts in place an ethical framework for members of devolved public bodies and councillors. The act established the Standards Commission for Scotland which is an independent body responsible for overseeing the introduction and operation of Codes of Conduct.

      Should the Standards Commission reveal any possible criminal allegations as part of an investigation, the case and evidence gathered will be passed to the appropriate authorities. The Codes of Conduct will come into effect in the new year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167967,"EventID":"S1W-31490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require local authorities, as part of match-funding schemes, to show how local voluntary organisations have been involved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require local authorities, as part of match-funding schemes, to show how local voluntary organisations have been involved.","AnswerText":"It is for local authorities to determine how they engage with the voluntary sector. However, the Executive would always encourage local authorities and other public bodies, wherever appropriate, to involve the sector in the development and delivery of their policies and programmes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167968,"EventID":"S1W-31491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any recent discussions with Her Majesty's Government regarding the sale and use of BB guns in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any recent discussions with Her Majesty's Government regarding the sale and use of BB guns in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"Scottish Executive officials are in regular contact with the Home Office to discuss a wide range of firearm issues, including the misuse of air weapons and airsoft weapons such as BB guns.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167969,"EventID":"S1W-31492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will prepare a report on the increased cost, and timetable for completion, of the new Parliament building at Holyr","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) will prepare a report on the increased cost, and timetable for completion, of the new Parliament building at Holyrood and whether the SPCB will seek agreement through the Parliamentary Bureau to a debate in the Parliament on this matter at the earliest opportunity. ","AnswerText":"As the SPCB announced on November 19th, work on the Holyrood site is not now expected to be fully completed until August 2003 at the earliest. The cost implications associated with such a delay are currently being assessed. Once more detailed information is available on the extent of the delay and hence cost, the SPCB will make a report to the Parliament through the Finance Committee in the usual manner.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167970,"EventID":"S1W-31493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Scotland's National Cultural Strategy - Annual Report 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the costs were of publishing, printing and distributing Scotland's National Cultural Strategy - Annual Report 2002.","AnswerText":"The cost, including web conversion, for publishing and printing the 2nd Annual Report of the National Cultural Strategy amounts to about £18,000. The report has been disseminated directly, and through cultural agency networks, local authorities and the Executive's website, to known individual interests and to cultural organisations across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167971,"EventID":"S1W-31494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1770,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":48,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it has provided to Satrosphere, the science centre in Aberdeen, in 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance it has provided to Satrosphere, the science centre in Aberdeen, in 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive has recently awarded Satrosphere a grant of £200,000 to help secure its long-term position as a centre contributing to the public understanding of science.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167972,"EventID":"S1W-31495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it had in the eviction of the tenants of Powhillon Farm, Dumfriesshire on 15 June 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what involvement it had in the eviction of the tenants of Powhillon Farm, Dumfriesshire on 15 June 1999.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167973,"EventID":"S1W-31496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what complaints from interested parties (a) it, (b) its executive agencies, (c) non-departmental public bodies and (d) relevant police forces have received with regard to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what complaints from interested parties (a) it, (b) its executive agencies, (c) non-departmental public bodies and (d) relevant police forces have received with regard to the eviction of the tenants of Powhillon Farm, Dumfriesshire on 15 June 1999; what the outcome of any such complaints has been, and what complaints are still being investigated.","AnswerText":"Complaints were received from relatives of the tenant involved in the eviction. These were investigated but found to be without substance. No outstanding complaints are under investigation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167974,"EventID":"S1W-31497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30632 by Ross Finnie on 12 November 2002, whether the costs given for (a) establishing and (b) operating annually the Do a Little, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30632 by Ross Finnie on 12 November 2002, whether the costs given for (a) establishing and (b) operating annually the Do a Little, Change a Lot website are inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"The costs of establishing and operating the new Do a Little, Change a Lot website, as set out in the answer given to question S1W-30632, exclude VAT. Including VAT, the equivalent costs would be £30,550 and £8,577 respectively. The cost of the previous version of the website set out in question S1W-30632 includes VAT.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167975,"EventID":"S1W-31498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to the public sector would be of introducing the Low Pay Unit's minimum wage level of #7.32 per hour, showing the cost to local government and the NH","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the annual cost to the public sector would be of introducing the Low Pay Unit's minimum wage level of #7.32 per hour, showing the cost to local government and the NHS separately.","AnswerText":"The information on the costs to all parts of the public sector in Scotland is not held centrally. However, as an illustration of the anticipated costs it is estimated that it would cost around an extra £189 million a year to introduce a wage level of £7.32 per hour for NHSScotland staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167976,"EventID":"S1W-31499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new jobs were promised by foreign investors and companies and how many such jobs were actually created in each of the last 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many new jobs were promised by foreign investors and companies and how many such jobs were actually created in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"The number of planned new jobs through foreign direct investment announced over the last 10 years is as follows:

      Year

      Total Number of Planned New Jobs

      1992-93

      5,342

      1993-94

      7,688

      1994-95

      9,114

      1995-96

      10,136

      1996-97

      11,148

      1997-98

      14,524

      1998-99

      9,041

      1999-2000

      14,995

      2000-01

      9,742

      2001-02

      4,902

      As a guide, a detailed analysis carried out on all projects announced between April 1991 and March 1998 showed that 73% of the planned jobs had come to fruition over that period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167977,"EventID":"S1W-31500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of foreign disinvestment and company closures with associated job losses was in each of the last five years and what level of public financial support was ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of foreign disinvestment and company closures with associated job losses was in each of the last five years and what level of public financial support was provided to each company involved.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      For internal purposes, reports of job losses by companies, local enterprise companies and newspapers are monitored. However, the Executive cannot vouch for the accuracy and completeness of this information and therefore does not consider that it should form the basis of a response to the question.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167978,"EventID":"S1W-31501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been transferred from the public sector to the private sector as a direct result of private finance initiative and public private partnership (PPP) pro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs have been transferred from the public sector to the private sector as a direct result of private finance initiative and public private partnership (PPP) projects in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Exact data is not held centrally. However, we estimate that fewer than 10,000 staff have transferred in the 79 PPP deals signed so far in Scotland in the 10 years that PPP has been in existence. This represents under 2% of public sector employees in Scotland.

      The Protocol and Guidance Concerning Employment Issues announced earlier this month embodies current good practice on transferring employees in PPP deals and also eliminates the scope for a two tier work force in PPP deals. The protocol provides for information to be collected on the terms and conditions for transferred employees and also for those employees recruited to work on the contract after the transfer, including sub-contracted areas of work.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167979,"EventID":"S1W-31502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that family history research is included within current tourism training.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that family history research is included within current tourism training.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for VisitScotland. VisitScotland are well aware of the attractions of family history research, not least using the internet, to certain potential visitors to Scotland who can then be encouraged to come to see for themselves the places where their forebears lived and worked. To this end, I launched the website ancestralscotland.com in January and more recently the Secretary of State for Scotland, launched it in Australia and New Zealand.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167980,"EventID":"S1W-31503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that appropriate facilities are made available at local registration offices to allow public access to the new digital genealogy reso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that appropriate facilities are made available at local registration offices to allow public access to the new digital genealogy resources and what the cost will be to the customer of accessing such facilities.","AnswerText":"The General Register Office for Scotland plan to make the full set of digital images of genealogical records which are being generated as a result of the Digitally Imaging the Genealogical Records of Scotland's people (DIGROS) project, available to all local registration services which adopt the new registration software and therefore have the requisite communications links.

      The fee that is charged by a local registrar to a customer making a general search in the annual indexes to the records for an hour or longer is prescribed in The Births, Deaths, Marriages and Divorces (Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2002 (SSI 2002 No. 390) which came into force from the first of October this year. However, local authorities, which provide the local registration service, may also charge for additional services offered by them. Such charges vary across local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167981,"EventID":"S1W-31504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen to the original archives held at registration offices upon completion of the digitising of these records under the DIGROS programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what will happen to the original archives held at registration offices upon completion of the digitising of these records under the DIGROS programme.","AnswerText":"No decision has yet been taken on what will be done with the duplicate statutory registers held by local registration services when the digitisation of statutory registers has been completed. The registers themselves are the property of the Registrar General, while provision of storage and record accommodation is a matter for local registration services. Provision for the duplicate registers from a particular area will therefore be a matter for discussion between the Registrar General and the local registration service. The General Register Office for Scotland will be happy to be flexible in their approach to this, as they have been on previous occasions when registers have been replaced by microfiche.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167982,"EventID":"S1W-31505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to facilitate access to records of Scottish interest which are currently held by record keepers other than registration offices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to facilitate access to records of Scottish interest which are currently held by record keepers other than registration offices.","AnswerText":"The National Archives of Scotland (NAS) makes available the public records of Scotland. I have asked George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      In addition to the public access provided by the search rooms at West Register House and General Register House, Edinburgh, by spring 2003, all the NAS catalogues will be available for searching on the NAS website.

      Over the course of the Scottish Archive Network (SCAN) project (scheduled to finish in 2003), access is opening up to Scottish Archives, their catalogues and contents. In particular:

      Conversion of the top level catalogues of more than 50 Scottish archives into electronic format, made available via the internet, allowing users to find which records are held where in Scotland;

      Provision of other online resources for access to the written history of Scotland - including exhibitions, research tools, bookshop and discussion forum on history and archives, and

      Making a major historical resource, the wills and testaments of Scots from 1500-1901, available to researchers world-wide (now available at www.scottishdocuments.com).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167983,"EventID":"S1W-31506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations have been consulted on the setting up of the Scottish Family History Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what organisations have been consulted on the setting up of the Scottish Family History Service.","AnswerText":"An announcement about the Scottish Family History Research Service project, including plans to consult a number of bodies, will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167984,"EventID":"S1W-31507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations will be involved in providing the Scottish Family History Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations will be involved in providing the Scottish Family History Service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31506 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167985,"EventID":"S1W-31508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to form partnerships with voluntary organisations in establishing the Scottish Family History Service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to form partnerships with voluntary organisations in establishing the Scottish Family History Service.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31506 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167986,"EventID":"S1W-31509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes are planned to the information collected as part of the registration of people in Scotland and what organisations have been consulted in respect of any such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes are planned to the information collected as part of the registration of people in Scotland and what organisations have been consulted in respect of any such changes.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-19634 on 5 November 2001, in which I announced that the Registrar General had published his proposals from the consultation Civil Registration in the 21st Century. That consultation involved a wide range of organisations and encouraged responses from local authorities, registrars, churches, community councils, genealogists and others.

      The Registrar General's proposals included the possibility of requiring certain additional information to be given when registering a birth, death or marriage. He gave as an example the recording of the date of birth of parents when registering the birth of their child. This could facilitate family history searches at a later date. The Registrar General is considering this matter and an announcement will be made in due course.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167987,"EventID":"S1W-31510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been granted to Records Enterprise and what that body's income has been in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been granted to Records Enterprise and what that body's income has been in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The funding to run the business activities of the General Register Office (GROS) for Scotland is given by the Scottish Executive to GROS, which in turn allocates funding to a number of business areas within the department. Records Enterprise is a branch of GROS. Its remit is to make available public records about individuals to customers, including genealogists. It does so by giving access to records held by the Registrar General which are open to the public, and charging for searching and for copies of the records in line with the statutory fees. Prices are set to recover the costs of Records Enterprise.

      The total income of Records Enterprise in 1997-98 was £818,491, in 1998-99 £992,142, in 1999-2000 £1,248,168, in 2000-01 £1,440,385 and in 2001-02 £1,515,947.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167988,"EventID":"S1W-31511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1832,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":42,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that young people are made aware of the dangers of solvent abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to ensure that young people are made aware of the dangers of solvent abuse.","AnswerText":"Our latest annual survey has revealed that 98% of schools in Scotland are providing drug education, which covers solvents, in line with national advice. The Executive's Know the Score website provides links to other sites which explain the facts about drugs, including solvents. The Know the Score Informationline also caters for people who want advice about solvents.

      The Executive funds the core costs of the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS), Scotland Against Drugs (SAD) and the Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF), all of whom produce materials highlighting the risks associated with solvent abuse. HEBS and SAD jointly produced The facts of drugs - a parent's guide, which has a section on volatile substances. The booklet is designed to help parents become better informed about drugs and be able to discuss the issues with their children. Information about solvents is also included in SAD's Drugs - know your stuff and the SDF's Drugfax.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167989,"EventID":"S1W-31512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which members of the boards of non-departmental public bodies have been dismissed by ministers since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which members of the boards of non-departmental public bodies have been dismissed by ministers since 1997.","AnswerText":"No non-executive board member of any non-departmental public body for which Scottish ministers have responsibility has been dismissed since 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167990,"EventID":"S1W-31513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances foreign security personnel visiting Scotland are given permission to carry firearms, detailing where the authority lies for granting such permiss","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances foreign security personnel visiting Scotland are given permission to carry firearms, detailing where the authority lies for granting such permission.","AnswerText":"Arrangements for permission for foreign security personnel to carry firearms are a reserved matter for which the Home Secretary is responsible.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167991,"EventID":"S1W-31514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions this year members of foreign security personnel have been given permission to carry firearms in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions this year members of foreign security personnel have been given permission to carry firearms in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Permission for foreign security personnel to carry firearms is a reserved matter for which the Home Secretary is responsible.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167992,"EventID":"S1W-31515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no attempt was made to arrest the former Israeli Defence Force Chief of Staff General Mofa' for crimes against humanity, in the light of the representations made to t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why no attempt was made to arrest the former Israeli Defence Force Chief of Staff General Mofa' for crimes against humanity, in the light of the representations made to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on this matter.","AnswerText":"I am not aware of any representations made in person to me on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167993,"EventID":"S1W-31516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the countries of origin were of foreign security personnel that have been given permission to carry firearms in Scotland in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the countries of origin were of foreign security personnel that have been given permission to carry firearms in Scotland in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"Permission for foreign security personnel to carry firearms is a reserved matter for which the Home Secretary is responsible.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167994,"EventID":"S1W-31517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the victim of a crime or, in the case of murder or culpable homicide, the victim's family has a right to be advised of the launching of any appeal by the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent the victim of a crime or, in the case of murder or culpable homicide, the victim's family has a right to be advised of the launching of any appeal by the perpetrator of the offence.","AnswerText":"In death cases, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has a system in place for informing next of kin of developments, including appeal proceedings. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service accepts that there is a need to ensure that victims of serious crimes are also kept advised of the progress of cases, including when an appeal is lodged. That is why the Victim Information and Advice Service (VIA) has been established as part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. VIA will be operational in all Procurator Fiscal Service areas by the end of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167995,"EventID":"S1W-31518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29677 by Ross Finnie on 2 October 2002, whether it has had any further discussions with Superfast Ferries regarding implementation ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29677 by Ross Finnie on 2 October 2002, whether it has had any further discussions with Superfast Ferries regarding implementation of the pet passport scheme on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry route.","AnswerText":"Officials still await receipt of Superfast Ferries' proposed methods of operation for the carriage of pet dogs and cats. Discussions will resume once these have been received and evaluated.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167996,"EventID":"S1W-31519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public authorities have (a) mixed functions and (b) no reserved functions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which public authorities have (a) mixed functions and (b) no reserved functions.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167997,"EventID":"S1W-31520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was carried out on the implementation of the regulations under Directive 96/61/EC on integrated pollution prevention and control.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation was carried out on the implementation of the regulations under Directive 96/61/EC on integrated pollution prevention and control.","AnswerText":"The Executive (and the former Scottish Office) carried out five separate consultations on options to transpose the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (96/61/EC). A wide range of industries, businesses, trade associations, statutory bodies, local authorities and environmental interest groups were consulted. The directive was implemented through the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167998,"EventID":"S1W-31521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from harbour authorities, shipyards and other maritime agencies or businesses regarding the regulations under Directive 96/61/EC on i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from harbour authorities, shipyards and other maritime agencies or businesses regarding the regulations under Directive 96/61/EC on integrated pollution prevention and control.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive (and the former Scottish Office) received no responses from harbour authorities, shipyards or related industries to the consultation papers issued prior to implementing the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (96/61/EC) through the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (PPC).

      The Executive consulted in June 2002 on proposals to amend the PPC Regulations to defer the period during which existing (but not new or substantially changed) installations are required to apply for a PPC permit to carry out organotin coating activities. The proposed amendment is supported by most parts of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. The Executive received eight responses to this consultation from ports and harbour authorities, shipyard operators and associated trade organisations. Seven were supportive. One wanted the proposed delay to apply to substantially changed installations, an option which is not possible under the IPPC Directive.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":167999,"EventID":"S1W-31522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the cost to shipyards of compliance with regulations under Directive 96/61/EC on integrated pollution prevention and control.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the cost to shipyards of compliance with regulations under Directive 96/61/EC on integrated pollution prevention and control.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive published a Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment (REIA) prior to making the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (PPC) to implement the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (96/61/EC). The REIA considered the costs to industrial sectors from complying with the Directive, and included an assessment of the effect on small businesses. It identified potential costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pounds per installation across all sectors. Offsetting benefits were also identified. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (SEPA) application charge for shipyards transferring to the new PPC regime is currently £3,743. It is proposed to increase this to £7,400 during 2003 to allow SEPA to recover its regulatory costs. The cost to yards of preparing a PPC application is estimated to be approximately £23,000. The additional capital cost of complying with PPC will be site specific.

      The Executive proposes to amend the PPC Regulations by delaying the period when existing shipyards are required to apply for a PPC permit for carrying out organotin coating activities. The proposed amendment will result in substantial savings for existing shipyards.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168000,"EventID":"S1W-31523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the likely effects on the competitiveness of shipyards in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK and the European Union of the fact that i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the likely effects on the competitiveness of shipyards in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK and the European Union of the fact that implementation of the regulations under EU IPPC Directive 96/61/EC on integrated pollution prevention and control is not due until 2007.","AnswerText":"Implementation of the Directive is not expected to affect the competitiveness of shipyards in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK as arrangements in Scotland are essentially the same as in England and Wales.

      The Executive proposes to defer until 2007 the date when existing shipyards are required to apply for permits to carry out organotin coating activities. This is close to the final date for transferring existing installations allowed under the IPPC Directive. It is, therefore, very unlikely that any competitive disadvantage will result.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168001,"EventID":"S1W-31524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to improve the training of GPs and other health care professionals in palliative care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to improve the training of GPs and other health care professionals in palliative care.","AnswerText":"On training for GPs, at present, GPs are expected to look after their own personal learning needs to better provide for the health needs of their patients and to seek training accordingly. Guidance and assistance is available to GPs from NHS Education for Scotland via the Postgraduate Directors of General Practice Education.

      The training of other health care professionals is a matter for NHS trusts at local level to determine. The additional investment to implement the cancer plan has been used by some areas to support the development of training in palliative care for health care professionals, including nurses. The involvement of members of the primary care team in Managed Clinical Networks for palliative care will also help with awareness and training.

      Clinical Standards Board for Scotland cancer standards include the core standard that all health care professionals in cancer services undergo continuing education and training including the principles and philosophy of palliative care.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168002,"EventID":"S1W-31525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce match funding to hospice centres by providing 50% of their on-going costs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce match funding to hospice centres by providing 50% of their on-going costs.","AnswerText":"Arrangements for the funding of adult voluntary hospices remain as set out in Management Executive Letter (1994)104. NHS boards are expected, taking account of local circumstances, to fund 50% of hospice's annual running costs. The Executive continuously monitors boards' performances against that target, and is currently in discussion with the adult voluntary hospices about issuing further advice designed to clarify the agreed elements of hospices' running costs which would be eligible for 50% funding.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168003,"EventID":"S1W-31526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to Her Majesty's Government in the light of comments made by Professor Malcolm Grant that there will not be enough government funding av","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to Her Majesty's Government in the light of comments made by Professor Malcolm Grant that there will not be enough government funding available to carry out a full public consultation on GM crops.","AnswerText":"Professor Grant and the steering board that is leading this element of the public debate are currently preparing a detailed programme deploying the considerable amount of public funding that has been made available for this purpose.

      The Scottish Executive and the other UK administrations are committed to a meaningful debate that gets to the root of what matters to the public about the issues raised by the possible commercialisation of GM crops. We believe that the budget that has been provided is commensurate with this aim. The conclusions of the debate will be invaluable in assisting ministers when the results of the current farm-scale evaluations are considered and when future decisions on possible commercialisation need to be taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168004,"EventID":"S1W-31527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the review of audiology services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with the review of audiology services.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30980 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168005,"EventID":"S1W-31528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEFD122/2002 of 11 November 2002, whether the protocol agreed with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on public private partnership contr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEFD122/2002 of 11 November 2002, whether the protocol agreed with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on public private partnership contracts will provide transferred employees in Scotland with exactly the same protections as provided by the Cabinet Office statement of practice and what the (a) advantages and (b) disadvantages are of the new system compared with the Cabinet Office model.","AnswerText":"The protocol, announced on 11 November, applies to all new PPP/PFI projects with immediate effect. It deals with staff who join the Project Company after transfer of the undertaking and who, until now, could have faced less favourable terms and conditions than those enjoying protection under TUPE regulations. Scope for this two-tier workforce has been eliminated by the protocol. The protocol was drafted with regard to the Cabinet Office statement of practice, and operates in tandem with existing guidance. It applies equally to all groups of staff within the Project Company. Use of the protocol will be a condition of funding for all projects in the future.

      In addition, the Scottish Executive announced on 26 November that ministers intend to seek the power to direct local authorities in Scotland to protect the terms and conditions, including the pension rights, of workers transferred to other contractors on a similar basis to the one to be afforded to English and Welsh ministers through the Local Government Bill being published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The precise means of achieving that will be discussed with the UK Government, since some of the issues concerned are reserved to the UK Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168006,"EventID":"S1W-31529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEFD122/2002 of 11 November 2002, whether any employee transfer groups will not be covered by the protocol agreed with the Scottish Trade","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEFD122/2002 of 11 November 2002, whether any employee transfer groups will not be covered by the protocol agreed with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on public private partnership contracts.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31528 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168007,"EventID":"S1W-31530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEFD122/2002 of 11 November 2002, by what mechanism the protocol agreed with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on public private partner","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEFD122/2002 of 11 November 2002, by what mechanism the protocol agreed with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on public private partnership contracts will be enforced, detailing all actions that can be taken against any party that will not comply with the protocol.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31528 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168008,"EventID":"S1W-31531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEFD122/2002 of 11 November 2002, what investigations it has undertaken in order to ascertain how many private finance initiative and pub","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEFD122/2002 of 11 November 2002, what investigations it has undertaken in order to ascertain how many private finance initiative and public private partnership contracts the protocol agreed with the Scottish Trades Union Congress will apply to between the date of the protocol coming into effect and 1 May 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31528 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168009,"EventID":"S1W-31532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31129, S1W-31130 and S1W-31131 by Mr Frank McAveety on 11 November 2002, whether it will ensure that it gives full, detailed and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31129, S1W-31130 and S1W-31131 by Mr Frank McAveety on 11 November 2002, whether it will ensure that it gives full, detailed and specific answers to parliamentary questions on learning disability services.","AnswerText":"In accordance with standard practice, where the information requested is in the public domain, the answer will refer to the information available.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168010,"EventID":"S1W-31533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31129 by Mr Frank McAveety on 11 November 2002, on what date the information on the appointment of local area co-ordinators will be","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31129 by Mr Frank McAveety on 11 November 2002, on what date the information on the appointment of local area co-ordinators will be made available on the learning disability review website.","AnswerText":"Partnership in Practice Agreements and supplementary information for most local authorities is now available on the learning disability review website, along with the Executive's feedback to every area. Some local authorities have not yet provided electronic versions of their Partnership in Practice Agreements, but they will be published on the website as soon as they are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168011,"EventID":"S1W-31534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31129 by Mr Frank McAveety on 11 November 2002, whether the information that will be available on the learning disability review we","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31129 by Mr Frank McAveety on 11 November 2002, whether the information that will be available on the learning disability review website will include (a) clear data on local authorities that have not appointed local area co-ordinators (LACs), (b) information on how many LACs (i) are additional to the existing staff complement or (ii) form part of an existing post's remit and (c) details of the source of funding for LAC posts.","AnswerText":"The level of detail available will depend on the information provided in each local authority's Partnership in Practice Agreement. It is unlikely that each authority will have provided the level of detail referred to in the question. The short-life working group of The same as you? Implementation Group will continue to support the development of local area co-ordination and any reports they produce will be made available on the learning disability review website.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168012,"EventID":"S1W-31535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) 16- and (b) 17-year-olds appeared in court and, of these, how many had (i) their sentence deferred, (ii) a monetary penalty imposed, (iii) a community servic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) 16- and (b) 17-year-olds appeared in court and, of these, how many had (i) their sentence deferred, (ii) a monetary penalty imposed, (iii) a community service or probation order imposed and (iv) a custodial sentence imposed, in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table:

      Persons Aged 16 to 17 Proceeded Against in Scottish Courts, 1998-2000
       

      Aged 16

      Aged 17

      1998

      1999

      2000

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Total proceeded against

      3,325

      2,806

      2,083

      8,042

      7,084

      6,186

      Total with a charge proved

      2,608

      2,193

      1,635

      6,741

      5,848

      5,034

      Number receiving monetary penalty

      1,124

      899

      782

      3,322

      2,721

      2,411

      Probation or community service

      610

      542

      340

      1,224

      1,092

      1,008

      Custodial sentence

      327

      297

      173

      877

      899

      726

      Other sentence

      547

      455

      340

      1,318

      1,136

      889

      Number where sentence was deferred1

      260

      217

      148

      1,274

      1,128

      852

      Note:

      1. Proceedings where a deferral of sentence was recorded in the disposal information held by the Scottish Criminal Record Office.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168013,"EventID":"S1W-31536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled vacancies currently exist in the NHS, broken down by department and field of work; how long these vacancies have existed, and what action it intends to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled vacancies currently exist in the NHS, broken down by department and field of work; how long these vacancies have existed, and what action it intends to take to address unfilled vacancies.","AnswerText":"Information on vacancies for consultant medical and dental staff, nursing and midwifery staff and professions allied to medicine (PAMs) staff can be found on ISD's website accessible from the following link:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.

      Table B16 shows Consultant Medical and Dental staff vacancies by specialty and length of vacancy.

      Tables E13 -E15 show nursing and midwifery staff vacancies by specialty and length of vacancy.

      Tables F9 - F11 show PAMs staff vacancies by profession and length of vacancy.

      The latest information on the number of unfilled vacancies in NHSScotland for staff grade medical and dental staff in all specialties is contained in the following table:

      Staff Grade Medical and Dental Vacancies Existing in NHSScotland at 30 September 2001 by Specialty

      Headcount

      Percentage of Establishment

      Establishment

      Total vacancies

      Vacant less than 6 months

      Vacant 6 months or more

      Total vacancies

      Vacant less than 6 Months

      Vacant 6 months or more

      Scotland

      418

      28

      23

      5

      6.7

      5.5

      1.2

      Accident and Emergency Medicine

      33

      3

      2

      1

      9.1000004

      6.0999999

      3

      Anaesthetics

      54

      2

      1

      1

      3.7

      1.9

      1.9

      Clinical Laboratory Specialties

      10

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Blood Transfusion

      2

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Clinical Genetics

      1

      -The Scottish Executive has issued guidance on educational provision and support for pupils with special educational needs, including dyslexia. The guidance, Circular ED 4/96 Children and Young Persons with Special Educational Needs - Assessment and Recording, and the Manual of Good Practice in Special Educational Needs, has been disseminated widely, including to all local authorities and schools. Both documents are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 4386 and 3984). In addition, a number of local authorities issue guidance specifically on dyslexia to schools in their area.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168015,"EventID":"S1W-31538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission about changes in regulations governing the retail sale of food supplements and traditional herbal medicines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the European Commission about changes in regulations governing the retail sale of food supplements and traditional herbal medicines.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that the agency represented the UK in negotiations on the EU Directive on Food Supplements which was published on the 12 July 2002. The Food Standards Agency Scotland will shortly consult on draft regulations to implement this directive in Scotland.

      Traditional herbal medicines are a reserved matter, dealt with by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), the UK Medicines Regulatory Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168016,"EventID":"S1W-31539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31134 by Ross Finnie on 13 November 2002, when it will come to a view regarding the effects of industrial fishing on the food sourc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31134 by Ross Finnie on 13 November 2002, when it will come to a view regarding the effects of industrial fishing on the food sources for young haddock and cod and whether it will make its findings public.","AnswerText":"Young cod and haddock have a catholic diet that is not currently prejudiced by the industrial fisheries.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168017,"EventID":"S1W-31540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the placing of automated external defibrillators in public places.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the placing of automated external defibrillators in public places.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30646 on 29 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168018,"EventID":"S1W-31541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many re-referrals to children's hearings there have been in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many re-referrals to children's hearings there have been in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration is currently collating this information for publication in its Statistical Bulletin in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168019,"EventID":"S1W-31542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports to procurators fiscal, (b) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (c) convictions in respect of offences that were racially aggravated, as defi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) reports to procurators fiscal, (b) proceedings taken by procurators fiscal and (c) convictions in respect of offences that were racially aggravated, as defined in section 96 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, there have been in each year since the Act came into force.","AnswerText":"In the last year (April 2001 to March 2002) prosecutors received 1,315 cases from the police which either included charges of racially aggravated harassment behaviour or separate statutory racial aggravations. Proceedings which included either a statutory charge or aggravation were taken by procurators fiscal in 95% of these cases. There is no comprehensive information available regarding convictions.

      Continuing improvements in our office IT systems will enable us for the first time to track all cases which included separate statutory racial aggravations. Statistics from previous years have been included in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Annual Reports but were of a more limited nature.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168020,"EventID":"S1W-31543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to encourage courts to use the power granted to them under section 96 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to encourage courts to use the power granted to them under section 96 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.","AnswerText":"Section 96 of the Crime and Disorder Act provides that, where it is proved that any offence was racially aggravated, that aggravation should be taken into account in sentencing. A guide to those provisions was issued by the then Scottish Office Home Department on 25 September 1998. The guidance made it clear that in cases involving racial aggravation the judge, whilst sentencing, would be expected to impose a higher sentence within the maximum available.

      The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service pursue a robust prosecution policy in cases of racist crime and area procurators fiscal are personally responsible for monitoring its implementation. In the last year prosecutors received 1,315 cases from the police which either included charges of racially aggravated harassment and behaviour or separate statutory racial aggravations. Proceedings which included either a statutory charge or aggravation were taken by procurators fiscal in 95% of these cases.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168021,"EventID":"S1W-31544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the General Register Office for Scotland intends to do with its paper records once they are digitalised; where these records will be held; whether any will be destro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the General Register Office for Scotland intends to do with its paper records once they are digitalised; where these records will be held; whether any will be destroyed; whether they will be made available to local historical societies or appropriate bodies, and what the timescale is for the digitalisation of these records.","AnswerText":"As far as the statutory registers of births, marriages and deaths are concerned, two copies of each register are created, one of which is held by the local registration service which created it, and one which is sent to the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) in New Register House in Edinburgh.

      The registers held in New Register House will be preserved indefinitely. No decision has yet been taken on what will be done with the duplicate statutory registers held by local registration services when the digitisation of statutory registers has been completed. The registers themselves are the property of the Registrar General, while provision of storage and record accommodation is a matter for local registration services. Provision for the duplicate registers from a particular area will therefore be a matter for discussion between the Registrar General and the local registration service. GROS will be happy to be flexible in their approach to this, as they have been on previous occasions when registers have been replaced by microfiche.

      The other main sets of records that are being digitised by GROS are the open census records and the Old Parish Registers of the Church of Scotland, both of which are held at New Register House. These, again, will be preserved indefinitely.

      The Digitally Imaging the Genealogical Records of the Scottish people (DIGROS) project, under which the GROS is creating digital images of all its records, is expected to be completed by late 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Richard Simpson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168022,"EventID":"S1W-31545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of cryptosporidium has to be for public health officials to recommend boiling water for consumption.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of cryptosporidium has to be for public health officials to recommend boiling water for consumption.","AnswerText":"Following events in August the Minister for Health and Community Care asked Professor Ian Bouchier to reconvene the Expert Group of Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies to re-examine a range of issues including the point you raise. Professor Bouchier concluded that, and I quote from his letter of 31 October to the Minister for Health and Community Care, "whenever oocysts (Cryptosporidium) are detected or suspected of contaminating a drinking water supply any actions or decisions must be based on local risk assessment, knowledge and experience". In the light of this advice there are no prescribed levels of cryptosporidium required for the issuing of a boil water notice.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168023,"EventID":"S1W-31546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are in place to allocate a general practitioner to patients when the patient has moved area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what processes are in place to allocate a general practitioner to patients when the patient has moved area.","AnswerText":"Regulations provide that when a patient has moved area and their application to join the list of a general practitioner has been refused they may apply to the appropriate Island NHS Board or Primary Care Trust for assignment to a general practitioner. Where the board or trust has been informed by the general practitioner that the application has been refused, it should inform the patient that an application should be made to another general practitioner or for assignment. If, after 14 days, the patient has not been accepted by another general practitioner and has not applied for assignment, they will be deemed to have applied for assignment.

      In selecting the general practitioner to whom a patient should be assigned, the board or trust should take into account whether the number of patients on any general practitioner's list is at the maximum, the respective distances between the patient's home and the practice premises of doctors in the area and such other matters which the board or trust considers relevant.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168024,"EventID":"S1W-31547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring system is in place to ensure that general practitioners are not refusing to add patients with a long history of ill health to their lists.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring system is in place to ensure that general practitioners are not refusing to add patients with a long history of ill health to their lists.","AnswerText":"Regulations provide that general practitioners may refuse applications from patients for inclusion in their lists. Any person whose application is refused has the right to be assigned to a general practitioner by the appropriate Island NHS Board or Primary Care Trust. No monitoring system is in place.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168025,"EventID":"S1W-31548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a review of Historic Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a review of Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"In their response to the Public Appointments (Scotland) Bill, the Education, Culture and Sport Committee asked Scottish ministers to review the roles and responsibilities of Historic Scotland. Ministers are actively considering this request and will respond to the committee in advance of the Stage 2 discussions on the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168026,"EventID":"S1W-31549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30495 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 November 2002, whether it will undertake an assessment of the impact of Crown Estate seabed rentals ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30495 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 November 2002, whether it will undertake an assessment of the impact of Crown Estate seabed rentals for subsea cables on the laying of (a) power cables needed to harness renewable energy resources and (b) fibre optic telecommunications cables needed to provide fast information and communication technologies connections to the islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to undertake an assessment of the impact of any specific elements of the operational costs of laying power or telecommunications cables, such as Crown Estate rentals and royalties.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168027,"EventID":"S1W-31550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31157 by Mr Frank McAveety on 12 November 2002, whether it intends to hold discussions with the Scottish Care Commission on the com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31157 by Mr Frank McAveety on 12 November 2002, whether it intends to hold discussions with the Scottish Care Commission on the commission's role with regard to group home provision for people with a learning difficulty.","AnswerText":"We are aware of continuing concerns over the appropriate registration of group home provision. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31157. I understand that the Care Commission is in dialogue with the interested parties and it would not be appropriate for the Scottish Executive to meet the commission at this time. I shall, however, watch progress on this matter with interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168028,"EventID":"S1W-31551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many workers are paid less than the minimum wage and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on the impact that the implementation of minimum wag","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many workers are paid less than the minimum wage and what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government on the impact that the implementation of minimum wage legislation will have on eradicating poverty.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for employment matters, including the National Minimum Wage (NMW), is reserved to the UK Government.

      The Scottish Executive has recently been asked to give evidence to the Low Pay Commission's fourth annual report on the NMW.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168029,"EventID":"S1W-31552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding allocations have been made to each local authority to create Safer Routes to Schools in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding allocations have been made to each local authority to create Safer Routes to Schools in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Allocations of £5.2 million for Safer Routes to School (SRTS) were provided for the financial year 2000-01. Subsequent allocations have been made for wider cycling, walking and safer streets (CWSS) projects which can include work on safer routes to school. Details of the allocations are set out in the table.

      Local Authority

      SRTS

      2000-01

      (£000)

      CWSS

      2001-02

      (£000)

      CWSS

      2002-03

      (£000)

      CWSS

      2003-04

      (£000)

      Total

      (£000)

      Aberdeen City

      200

      111

      171

      300

      782

      Aberdeenshire

      205

      118

      182

      316

      821

      Angus

      109

      65

      100

      175

      449

      Argyll and Bute

      109

      58

      90

      157

      414

      Borders

      108

      62

      94

      164

      428

      City of Edinburgh

      467

      277

      425

      739

      1,908

      City of Glasgow

      674

      372

      570

      991

      2,607

      Clackmannanshire

      48

      29

      44

      76

      197

      Dumfries and Galloway

      140

      79

      121

      211

      551

      Dundee City

      145

      82

      125

      218

      570

      East Ayrshire

      120

      71

      109

      189

      489

      East Dunbartonshire

      114

      66

      101

      176

      457

      East Lothian

      89

      55

      85

      		The following tables give the information which is available. The figures relate only to school pupils aged four to 16 inclusive because casualties who were school pupils on a journey to or from school are identified as such in the STATS 19 returns only if they are aged up to and including 16 years of age.

      It should be noted that the statistics given in the following tables are based upon the data which are held in the central statistical database, which are collected by the police at the time of the accident and subsequently reported to the Executive. They may differ from the figures which the local authorities might provide, because they do not take account of any subsequent changes or corrections that the local authorities may have made to their copies of the statistical information, for use at local level, based upon their knowledge of what happened in the accidents which occurred in their areas.

      In the tables all figures for 2001 are provisional.

      School Pupil Fatalities (Aged 4 to 16 Inclusive) While Travelling to or From School, by Local Authority
       

      1992

      1993

      1994

      1995

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Aberdeen City

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Aberdeenshire

      1

      0

      1

      1

      0

      1

      1

      0

      1

      0

      Angus

      1

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      *

      Argyll and Bute

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Clackmannanshire

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      We have no information on how many of the 1,314 interception warrants authorised by the Home Secretary in 2001 were in respect of people resident in Scotland. The issue of such warrants is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168034,"EventID":"S1W-31557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discretion it has in respect of the main elements of the senior civil service pay package introduced in April 2002 and whether it will give details of how any such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discretion it has in respect of the main elements of the senior civil service pay package introduced in April 2002 and whether it will give details of how any such discretion has been exercised.","AnswerText":"The pay band structure consists of three bands, but provided for a fourth to be used if departments perceived a need. The Scottish Executive decided to use all four bands as a way of providing more flexibility.

      The non-consolidated bonus pot was predetermined for all departments, although there was some flexibility on how it would be distributed. The Scottish Executive decided to award £3,000 or 3% of salary, whichever was the higher, to top-tranche performers and £2,000 or 3% of salary, whichever was the higher, to around 33% of the middle-tranche performers.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168035,"EventID":"S1W-31558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what means performance is determined in the senior civil service in respect of core pay bands 1, 2 and 3 covering JESP job weight ranges 7-12, 13-18 and 19-22.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive by what means performance is determined in the senior civil service in respect of core pay bands 1, 2 and 3 covering JESP job weight ranges 7-12, 13-18 and 19-22.","AnswerText":"The performance management system operating within the senior civil service, throughout the Home Civil Service, is based on the achievement of agreed objectives for each member of the senior civil service. The process takes account of continuous improvement and delivery of results and is based on relative performance where each individual is compared across their respective pay band.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168036,"EventID":"S1W-31559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average bonus was in respect of the top, middle and bottom tranches of performance for the senior civil service, expressed both in percentage and cash terms; wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average bonus was in respect of the top, middle and bottom tranches of performance for the senior civil service, expressed both in percentage and cash terms; whether such bonuses are given in addition to cost of living increases, and what other salary premiums are paid.","AnswerText":"The average bonus in respect of the top tranche was £3,000 and for the 33% of the middle tranche was £2,000. Bonuses do not apply to the bottom tranche.

      No cost of living increase applies, all pay awards are performance related and bonuses are paid in addition. There are no other salary premiums.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168037,"EventID":"S1W-31560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the differential in total salary increases was between the senior civil service and the Scottish Executive Main Bargaining Unit in respect of (a) 2001-02 and (b) 20","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the differential in total salary increases was between the senior civil service and the Scottish Executive Main Bargaining Unit in respect of (a) 2001-02 and (b) 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The first year of the new senior civil service pay system, introduced on 1 April 2002, allowed for awards of between 0% to 10%. The average increase for the senior civil service in the Scottish Executive for 2002-03 was 6.2%. The average increase for the Scottish Executive Main Bargaining Unit in respect of this same period was 7.3%. Under the previous senior civil service pay system, the average increase for 2001-02 was 4.6%. For Scottish Executive Main Bargaining Unit for the same period the average increase was 5.3%. These average increases do not reflect bonuses as bonuses are not part of salary.

      The pay increases in 2001-02 and 2002-03 for staff in the Scottish Executive Main Bargaining Unit are performance related and were made under an agreed three-year settlement covering the period, 1 August 2000 to 31 July 2003. The pay settlement was tied to the introduction of a modern performance management system designed to ensure the delivery of key business objectives. A new performance management system for the senior civil service was also introduced in 2002. For that year, and as with previous years, the increase for the senior civil service was based on the recommendations of the Senior Salaries Review Body. Neither system provides for automatic annual increments.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168038,"EventID":"S1W-31561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the tenants of Glasgow Housing Association Ltd will be subject to the same regulations as other housing associations in respect of the uplift of bulk items of ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the tenants of Glasgow Housing Association Ltd will be subject to the same regulations as other housing associations in respect of the uplift of bulk items of household refuse.","AnswerText":"All registered social landlords are subject to the same arrangements in respect of the uplift of bulk items of household refuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168039,"EventID":"S1W-31562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to set up the Thistle Travel Card scheme; how the scheme is being monitored; what part travel companies played in developing the scheme, and what informa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to set up the Thistle Travel Card scheme; how the scheme is being monitored; what part travel companies played in developing the scheme, and what information about the scheme has been issued to public transport operators.","AnswerText":"The Executive awarded ENABLE £50,000 in start-up costs to take forward the Thistle Travel Card Scheme last year. ENABLE is monitoring the impact of the scheme and the Executive is in close touch with them on this.

      ENABLE worked with a consortium of charities, local authorities and transport companies throughout Scotland in developing the scheme, and has issued transport companies with guidelines on the scheme for distribution to all their transport staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168040,"EventID":"S1W-31563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what checks and balances are in place to ensure that bus operators run the concessionary travel scheme correctly and by what means the scheme will be monitored.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what checks and balances are in place to ensure that bus operators run the concessionary travel scheme correctly and by what means the scheme will be monitored.","AnswerText":"The Executive works jointly with other partners through the Concessionary Fares Working Group to oversee implementation of free local off-peak bus travel through existing schemes, which are administered by local authorities in partnership with bus operators.

      A research report has been commissioned by the Executive to monitor travel behaviour both before and after the enhancements came into force in order to accurately gauge their impact.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168041,"EventID":"S1W-31564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend to other funding schemes the condition in the Changing Children's Services programme that consolidated proposals for funding should be approved by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will extend to other funding schemes the condition in the Changing Children's Services programme that consolidated proposals for funding should be approved by the relevant council or councils for voluntary service.","AnswerText":"Grant conditions vary according to funding scheme but where there is a clear role for councils for voluntary service their views are sought.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168042,"EventID":"S1W-31565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children of asylum seekers are being educated in the state sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children of asylum seekers are being educated in the state sector.","AnswerText":"The number of pupils being educated in publicly funded schools in Scotland is collected in the annual School Census conducted in September. However, information on the number of pupils in schools who were asylum seekers has not been previously collected in the census.

      Information on the number of pupils in publicly funded schools who are asylum seekers was collected for the first time in the School Census during September 2002.

      Results from the September 2002 School Census should become available in spring 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168043,"EventID":"S1W-31566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the educational performance of asylum seekers' children that attend state schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the educational performance of asylum seekers' children that attend state schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not made any assessment of the educational performance of asylum seekers' children in state schools.

      Information on individual pupils in publicly funded schools who are asylum seekers is being collected for the first time in the 2002 Scottish Schools Census.

      Over the coming years, the information collected will help us gain a better understanding of the needs of specific groups of pupils and how best to target resources to address those needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168044,"EventID":"S1W-31567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of any benefits to state schools of having the children of asylum seekers form part of the school roll.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of any benefits to state schools of having the children of asylum seekers form part of the school roll.","AnswerText":"No formal assessment has been made by the Scottish Executive of any benefits to state schools of having the children of asylum seekers form part of the school roll.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168045,"EventID":"S1W-31568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2364,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":11,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact of the requirement under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 that the children of asylum seekers be schooled outwit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of any impact of the requirement under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 that the children of asylum seekers be schooled outwith the state sector in purpose-built accommodation centres.","AnswerText":"The education of the children of asylum seekers in accommodation centres is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168046,"EventID":"S1W-31569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-14T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how a balance is achieved in public seating in committee meetings between members of the public and civil servants supporting ministers and, if a member of the public arri","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how a balance is achieved in public seating in committee meetings between members of the public and civil servants supporting ministers and, if a member of the public arrives at such a meeting having booked a seat and the public seating area is fully occupied by civil servants, what rights the member of the public has to the pre-booked seat.","AnswerText":"Committee Clerks liaise with Executive Officials with regard to the size of the public gallery in the relevant committee room and the corresponding appropriate number of Scottish Executive officials that might be accommodated. Committee Clerks advise Participation Services of the number of attendees that they expect for any meeting, including officials and witnesses. The relevant numbers of public seats are then made available by Participation Services for booking. Arrangements for access to the rooms on the day are managed by security in order to accommodate all known pre-bookings. Anyone with a pre-booked seat will be given preference over anyone who turns up without having pre-booked.

      The three staff teams work together to maximise public access and to ensure that an appropriate balance is achieved between seats for the press, the public (as witnesses or as observers) and officials. All parties and members are encouraged to keep the number of officials attending in a support role to the necessary minimum.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168047,"EventID":"S1W-31570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to improve the health of families in Renfrewshire since 1997 by reducing the incidence of (a) smoking, (b) alcohol misuse, (c) poor diets and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to improve the health of families in Renfrewshire since 1997 by reducing the incidence of (a) smoking, (b) alcohol misuse, (c) poor diets and (d) mortality rates from coronary heart disease.","AnswerText":"(a) Following publication of the White Paper Smoking Kills in 1998 the Scottish Executive allocated £1 million pounds per year to health boards to provide smoking cessation support to priority groups, pregnant women who smoke, young people and people on low incomes. Additional Health Improvement Funding has also been available for smoking cessation services since 2001. The Argyll and Clyde NHS Board appointed a Tobacco Co-ordinator in February 2000, overseeing a range of cessation services. The total number of clients given support in Paisley over the past two years is 866. Total clients given support in West Renfrewshire and Renfrew is 396. It should be noted that these figures represent the number of people seen for support and not the number of referrals (which is higher).

      In addition Zyban has been available on prescription since June 2000 and nicotine replacement therapy since in April 2001.

      (b) The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems, published in January, sets out a range of national and local measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in Scotland. The plan requires Alcohol Action Teams, including the team covering Renfrewshire, to assess needs in their areas and produce local prevention, education and support and treatment strategies to address these by April 2003.

      (c) There are several food initiatives operating in Renfrewshire which aim to provide access to good quality, low cost fruit and vegetables to the community. These include the Foxbar Healthy Eating Initiative, Fresh Loaf Project, Johnston West Food Co-op and the Renfrewshire Food Federation.

      (d) The Executive is investing £6 million in Have a Heart Paisley, one of the four national demonstration projects, to reduce the impact of coronary heart disease in the population of Paisley and so suggest action than can be implemented widely to deliver similar benefits throughout Scotland as a whole. The project is taking forward wide ranging activities in many different settings across Paisley, with a particular focus on reducing health inequalities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168048,"EventID":"S1W-31571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the proportion of older people on low incomes in Renfrewshire since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the proportion of older people on low incomes in Renfrewshire since 1997.","AnswerText":"Since 1997, older people on low incomes in Renfrewshire have benefited from the combined effect of UK Government increases to the Basic State Retirement Pension, the introduction of the Minimum Income Guarantee, and the Winter Fuel Payment. In addition, a range of initiatives will help with levels of disposable income, including free off-peak bus travel, the Warm Deal, and the central heating programme, which is saving an average of £550 on bills.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168049,"EventID":"S1W-31572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of older people in Renfrewshire has been living on low incomes in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of older people in Renfrewshire has been living on low incomes in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The data source which the Executive uses to produce estimates of persons on low income in Scotland is the Department for Work and Pensions' Households Below Average Income analysis. The sample size is not large enough to allow analysis below Scotland level.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168050,"EventID":"S1W-31573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of older people in Renfrewshire that are able to live independently by increasing home care opportunities since 1997","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of older people in Renfrewshire that are able to live independently by increasing home care opportunities since 1997.","AnswerText":"Councils' expenditure on home care services is funded through the general local government settlement. We are hoping to conclude a local outcome agreement with Renfrewshire Council soon, to enable it to develop home care services further with specific resources from the increased local government settlement. Between 1997-98 and 2001-02, Renfrewshire Council's net expenditure on home care services increased by 25% to £7.3 million.

      The following table shows the number of clients in receipt of care at home from 1997. The figures show an upward trend from 2000.

      Renfrewshire Home Care Clients

      Year

      No. of clients

      No. of clients over 65

      1997

      2,672

      2,397

      1998

      2,762

      2,448

      1999

      2,505

      1,960

      2000

      2,453

      1,982

      2001

      2,542

      2,044

      Source:SEHDH1Homecarereturnform.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168051,"EventID":"S1W-31574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of older people in Renfrewshire received intensive home care in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of older people in Renfrewshire received intensive home care in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The proportion of older people in Renfrewshire who receive intensive home care is shown in the following table:

      Proportion of Renfrewshire Clients in Receipt of Intensive Home Care

      Year

      Clients aged 65+ Receiving an Intensive Service1 Per 1,000 Population aged 65+

      1998

      11.7

      1999

      11.6

      2000

      16.4

      2001

      17.9

      Note:

      1. Intensive service defined as "more than 10 hours of home care per week".","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168052,"EventID":"S1W-31575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the fear of crime among older people in Renfrewshire since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the fear of crime among older people in Renfrewshire since 1997.","AnswerText":"Since 1997, we have contributed to the safety of our communities in Scotland through initiatives such as the funding of CCTV, the formation of Community Safety Partnerships, an increase in police numbers and resources and other locally based community safety projects with the dual purpose of not only reducing actual crime but the fear of crime also.

      Recent survey information suggests that Scotland is a safer place to live compared to the rest of the UK not only for older people but also generally, and that the fear of crime amongst older people is also lower.

      We have set a target to reduce the fear of crime in the Justice section of the recently published Building a Better Scotland - Spending Proposals 2003-06. Whilst no specific target or date has been set for this to be achieved, we aim to reduce the fear of crime for all in our communities by successfully meeting other targets within the spending proposals to reduce specific areas of serious crime. This should have a positive effect on how safe our communities feel. We shall use the Scottish Crime Survey 2004 results to measure progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168053,"EventID":"S1W-31576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the incidence of (a) drug misuse, (b) injecting by drug abusers and (c) needle sharing in Renfrewshire since 1997. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the incidence of (a) drug misuse, (b) injecting by drug abusers and (c) needle sharing in Renfrewshire since 1997. ","AnswerText":"Details of local initiatives are contained in the Corporate Action Plans for the Greater Glasgow Drug Action Team and the Argyll and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Action Team. The plans can be accessed at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/dat/cap.htm.

      The Renfrewshire area is benefiting from activities at national level, supported by the Executive's £130 million additional investment over three years from 2001-02 to 2003-04. Drugs education is now provided in 98% of Scottish schools. Our Know the Score Drugs Communications strategy is helping to raise public awareness about the risks from drugs, and to signpost where help and advice can be obtained throughout Scotland.

      Our £13 million additional investment in treatment for drug misusers is helping to expand needle exchange facilities, and methadone programmes, which help to reduce levels of injecting and sharing of potentially contaminated equipment. Figures provided in the answer to written question S1W-31649 today in respect of drug injecting and sharing of equipment in Renfrewshire show an improvement in 2001-02 over the previous year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168054,"EventID":"S1W-31577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce crime rates in disadvantaged areas in Renfrewshire since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce crime rates in disadvantaged areas in Renfrewshire since 1996.","AnswerText":"The level of funding provided to police forces is now at record levels as are police numbers. Targets have also been set for the police to reduce violent crime and to increase drug seizures. CCTV has made an impact and Renfrewshire has benefited from Executive funding from the CCTV Challenge Competition, receiving a total of £180,692 since 1996.

      On 1 April we introduced a new Community Safety Partnership Award Programme to replace challenge funding and Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership was awarded £147,522 in the current financial year to address local community safety priorities.

      Since 1996, Paisley Partnership has assisted local communities and agencies to develop a number of initiatives aimed at tackling crime in the 11 most disadvantaged areas in Renfrewshire. Many of these initiatives have been led by community groups and tackle the most pressing issues at local level. For example, a new initiative Communities Against Drugs is aimed at reducing the number of drug dealers in the social inclusion partnership areas.

      Renfrewshire Council has also been allocated £4.5 million over three years from the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund for a number of community safety initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168055,"EventID":"S1W-31578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30674 by Mr Andy Kerr on 13 November 2002, when the review of its planned advertising expenditure from January to March 2003 will b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30674 by Mr Andy Kerr on 13 November 2002, when the review of its planned advertising expenditure from January to March 2003 will be completed and whether it will report its conclusions to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The review of advertising expenditure started in late August has been completed and the First Minister has decided on a reduction of 25%. This reduction will apply to expenditure planned earlier this financial year for the period January to March 2003. For 2003-04, expenditure will be set at 25% less than the total for 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168056,"EventID":"S1W-31580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the 62 New Community School projects are located in Renfrewshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the 62 New Community School projects are located in Renfrewshire.","AnswerText":"Two of the New Community Schools pilot projects are located in Renfrewshire. One project covers Cochrane Castle Primary School, St David's Primary School and West Johnstone Family Centre. The other covers St Andrew's Academy, Castlehead High School, Craiglea Primary School, Ferguslie Primary School, Mossvale Primary School, St Fergus' Primary School and St James' Primary School.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168057,"EventID":"S1W-31581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 42,000 young people in Scotland that have gone into jobs from the New Deal were from Renfrewshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 42,000 young people in Scotland that have gone into jobs from the New Deal were from Renfrewshire.","AnswerText":"Up to the end of June 2002, 2,800 of the 44,300 young people who had gone into jobs from the New Deal for Young People in Scotland, were from Renfrewshire. This represents 6.3% of the Scottish total.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168058,"EventID":"S1W-31582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the unemployment rates have been in Renfrewshire in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the unemployment rates have been in Renfrewshire in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The annual average residence-based claimant count unemployment rates for Renfrewshire, from 1997-2001 and the latest monthly data for October 2002, are shown in the following table:

      Date

      Rate*

      1997

      6.4%

      1998

      6.0%

      1999

      5.4%

      2000

      4.6%

      2001

      4.1%

      October-2002

      4.0%

      Note:

      *All the rates in the table will be subject to revisions in 2003. This is because they are dependent on information from mid-year population estimates and the Labour Force Survey. Revised mid-year population estimates will become available from analysis of the 2001 census and the Labour Force Survey will then be regrossed. This will give new estimates of economic activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168059,"EventID":"S1W-31583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the spin out companies supported by Scottish Enterprise in the last five years have been opened in Renfrewshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the spin out companies supported by Scottish Enterprise in the last five years have been opened in Renfrewshire.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168060,"EventID":"S1W-31587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current clear-up rates for recorded crime are in (a) Scotland and (b) Renfrewshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current clear-up rates for recorded crime are in (a) Scotland and (b) Renfrewshire.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in Table 6 of the Scottish Executive statistical bulletin Recorded Crime in Scotland 2001, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20798).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168061,"EventID":"S1W-31589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners in Renfrewshire have benefited from the (a) Warm Deal Scheme and (b) central heating installation programme in each of the last five years and how ma","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many pensioners in Renfrewshire have benefited from the (a) Warm Deal Scheme and (b) central heating installation programme in each of the last five years and how many are expected to benefit in future years.","AnswerText":"The Warm Deal was introduced on 1 July 1999 and the central heating programme was introduced on 1 April 2001.

      The information at (a) cannot be provided because the Warm Deal is not exclusively for pensioners. However, over 4,700 households in all sectors of the stock in the Renfrewshire postcode area have benefited from the Warm Deal as administered by Eaga to date. Local authorities were also given cash resources to provide the Warm Deal package for their own tenants and 2,445 tenants of East Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Council benefited from the scheme between 1999-2000 and 2001-02.

      Two hundred and ninety-two householders aged 60 or over in the private sector in the Renfrewshire postcode area benefited from the central heating programme in 2001-02, and a further 203 have so far benefited this year. There is no age criterion for the programme in the social rented sector and so a breakdown of the number of pensioner tenants who benefited is not available. However, a total of 182 tenants of East Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Council benefited in 2001-02. Over 580 council tenants and 40 tenants of housing associations in the area are set to benefit this year (2002-03). For the reasons given in the answer to S1W-31646 today, we cannot estimate the number who will benefit from either programme in future years. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168062,"EventID":"S1W-31591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it and its agencies have to ensure the timely and effective use of extra resources released for flood prevention in Edinburgh.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it and its agencies have to ensure the timely and effective use of extra resources released for flood prevention in Edinburgh.","AnswerText":"The Executive is maintaining close contact with Edinburgh City Council as it develops and takes forward its plans for flood defences for Edinburgh.

      The council's plans have not progressed to the stage where it would be appropriate for the council to make a request for additional funding from the Executive. No request has been made and, accordingly, no additional resources have been released for flood defences in Edinburgh. However, should the council make such a request in the future, it will be given due consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168063,"EventID":"S1W-31592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time is during which civil actions currently remain at avi'andum in each sheriff court district.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time is during which civil actions currently remain at avi'andum in each sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to provide meaningful figures for all sheriff court districts. Figures throughout the year will vary according to the volume of business and the complexity of cases. The availability of part-time sheriffs is also a factor in securing writing days for permanent sheriffs to complete written judgements. Sheriffs Principal monitor avizandum lists and they take such action as they can to secure completion of written work within reasonable time.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168064,"EventID":"S1W-31593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases are currently at avi'andum in each sheriff court district.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases are currently at avi'andum in each sheriff court district.","AnswerText":"This information is provided in the following table.

      Grampian, Highland and Islands

      South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway

      Aberdeen

      14

      Airdrie

      0

      Kirkwall

      0

      Ayr

      5

      Banff

      1

      Dumfries

      2

      Fort William

      3

      Hamilton

      8

      Inverness

      5

      Kirkcudbright

      0

      Lerwick

      1

      Lanark

      2

      Elgin

      0

      Stranraer

      0

      Dingwall

      0

      Glasgow

      Dornoch

      0

      Glasgow

      12

      Lochmaddy

      0

      Tayside, Central and Fife

      Peterhead

      0

      Tayside

      Portree

      0

      Arbroath

      0

      Stonehaven

      2

      Dundee

      3

      Stornoway

      1

      Forfar

      0

      Tain

      1

      Perth

      3

      Lothian and Borders

      Central

      Edinburgh

      1

      Alloa

      0

      Linlithgow

      1

      Falkirk

      1

      The most effective reduction in the use of dental amalgam fillings would be through a reduction in the current levels of dental decay experienced by the Scottish population. The Executive is currently seeking views on preventative measures aimed at reducing the high incidence of oral disease amongst Scotland's children, through its consultation document, Towards Better Oral Health in Children.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168068,"EventID":"S1W-31597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision of Her Majesty's Government and the Strategic Rail Authority to reduce the South Central rail franchise from 20 to seven years, and subsequent indica","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the decision of Her Majesty's Government and the Strategic Rail Authority to reduce the South Central rail franchise from 20 to seven years, and subsequent indications from UK Ministers and the Strategic Rail Authority that other passenger rail franchises may be reduced, will affect the award of the Scottish passenger rail franchise, and what its current policy is on the duration of the next Scottish franchise.","AnswerText":"Specification of the terms on which the Scottish passenger rail franchise is let is a matter for the Scottish ministers. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) published its Franchising Policy Statement on 6 November 2002. Ministers are currently examining the SRA's proposals, and we will write to the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee on these matters shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168069,"EventID":"S1W-31598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the accuracy of data supplied by other national governments to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea in order t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the accuracy of data supplied by other national governments to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea in order to prepare the recently published guidance on fish stocks.","AnswerText":"The Executive has received no additional information on this issue. The first source of information supplied to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is the official statistics from participating members. Specific national data supplied directly to ICES working groups may differ from official statistics and is often regarded as more reliable, but differences of this kind are not identified by nation within ICES reports.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168070,"EventID":"S1W-31599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea regarding the findings of the recently published Fisheries Research Service","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it will make to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea regarding the findings of the recently published Fisheries Research Services reports, Industry/Science Partnership 2001-2002, Volume 1: Report of Scottish Trials Assessing the Selectivity of Trawls and Seines and Industry/Science Partnership 2001-2002, Volume 2: Report on Biological Information Gathered from Scottish Fishing Vessels.","AnswerText":"The advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) for 2003 has been made and I do not expect representations to ICES to change it. The Scottish Executive's representative on the ICES Advisory Committee for Fishery Management will ensure that some of the findings of the report are fully considered and taken into account in the preparation of next years' advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168071,"EventID":"S1W-31600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the extent to which the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea took into account the impact on white fish stocks whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the extent to which the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea took into account the impact on white fish stocks when making recommendations for next year's industrial fishing total allowable catch limits","AnswerText":"I have no information further to that in the recent Advisory Committee on Fishery Management report. I refer the member to the report and specifically to sections on haddock, whiting, sandeels and Norway pout.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168072,"EventID":"S1W-31601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any up-to-date research on the location of the food supply for cod species in Scottish waters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any up-to-date research on the location of the food supply for cod species in Scottish waters.","AnswerText":"No. There is a wide corpus of published research on this subject indicating that cod prey on a wide range of species and feed in all areas where the stock is distributed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168073,"EventID":"S1W-31602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a brief description of any new research relating to the current sea fisheries negotiations that it has requested either from internal or external so","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will give a brief description of any new research relating to the current sea fisheries negotiations that it has requested either from internal or external sources during the last four weeks.","AnswerText":"I have not commissioned new research. I have received scientific advice on a wide range of issues from Fisheries Research Services.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168074,"EventID":"S1W-31603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will (a) give details of any bi-lateral ministerial meetings scheduled to discuss the forthcoming fishing quotas and (b) list any such meetings that have take","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will (a) give details of any bi-lateral ministerial meetings scheduled to discuss the forthcoming fishing quotas and (b) list any such meetings that have taken place in the last four weeks.","AnswerText":"We held confidential discussions with the Commission, the presidency and other member states last week and further meetings will be held as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168075,"EventID":"S1W-31604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in relation to reducing the level of industrial by-catch of white fish stocks in Scottish waters or areas fished by Scottish vessels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in relation to reducing the level of industrial by-catch of white fish stocks in Scottish waters or areas fished by Scottish vessels.","AnswerText":"The industrial fisheries are an integral part of the Common Fisheries Policy. White fish by-catch limits in the industrial fisheries are established by EU regulations.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168076,"EventID":"S1W-31605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many scientists from the Fisheries Research Services are currently working on issues related to the future of the white fish sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many scientists from the Fisheries Research Services are currently working on issues related to the future of the white fish sector.","AnswerText":"It is estimated that the equivalent of some 40 staff are working on issues related to the management of stocks supporting the whitefish sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168077,"EventID":"S1W-31606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official bi-lateral meetings between the Minister for Environment and Rural Development and EC Commissioner Fran' Fischler there have been in the last six months","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many official bi-lateral meetings between the Minister for Environment and Rural Development and EC Commissioner Fran' Fischler there have been in the last six months and how many such meetings are scheduled for the future.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30553 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168078,"EventID":"S1W-31607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bi-lateral meetings between the Minister for Environment and Rural Development and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the last 12 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many bi-lateral meetings between the Minister for Environment and Rural Development and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the last 12 months and how many are currently scheduled for the future.","AnswerText":"I meet Mrs Beckett frequently, both at Council of Ministers' meetings and at the regular monthly meeting which involve ministerial counterparts from the other Devolved Administrations. The Executive does not keep detailed records of each individual meeting.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168079,"EventID":"S1W-31608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated by-catch of white fish has been by each of the industrial fisheries in Scottish waters or waters fished by Scottish vessels in each of the last 10 yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated by-catch of white fish has been by each of the industrial fisheries in Scottish waters or waters fished by Scottish vessels in each of the last 10 years.","AnswerText":"ICES estimates of the by-catch of white fish (cod, haddock and whiting) in the combined Danish and Norwegian small-meshed (industrial fisheries) for sandeel and Norway pout in the North Sea as a whole are given in the following table.

      Estimated By-catch of Cod, Haddock and Whiting in the Danish and Norwegian Small-mesh Industrial Fisheries in the North Sea (Tonnes), 1992-2001

      Year

      Cod

      Haddock

      Whiting

      1992

      1,024

      11,000

      27,000

      1993

      1,052

      11,000

      20,000

      1994

      876

      5,000

      10,000

      1995

      955

      8,000

      27,000

      1996

      366

      5,000

      5,000

      1997

      1,688

      7,000

      7,000

      1998

      1,281

      5,000

      3,000

      1999

      532

      4,000

      5,000

      2000

      383

      8,000

      8,000

      2001

      192

      6,000

      7,000

      Source: ICES. 2002 Report of the Working Group on the Assessment of Demersal Stocks in the North Sea and Skagerrak.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168080,"EventID":"S1W-31609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the extent to which the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea's (ICES) scientific advice takes into account the impa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the extent to which the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea's (ICES) scientific advice takes into account the impact of those technical conservation measures adopted by the white fish sector in the last three years.","AnswerText":"The ICES advice is based on scientific observation of the stocks and associated fishing activity. In so far as recent technical conservation measures have benefited particular stocks, that will be reflected implicitly in the assessments. However, it will not be possible to quantify the impact of the most recent Scottish measures until next year. In the meantime, ICES has explicitly recognised the potential of these measures in the mixed fishery for cod, haddock and whiting.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168081,"EventID":"S1W-31610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any formal request has been made to Her Majesty's Government to allow the Executive to officially lead the UK delegation at EU Fisheries Council meetings.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any formal request has been made to Her Majesty's Government to allow the Executive to officially lead the UK delegation at EU Fisheries Council meetings.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22474 on 25 February 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168082,"EventID":"S1W-31611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail each stage of the procedure that would have to be followed if it were to submit a request to Her Majesty's Government that the Executive be offici","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail each stage of the procedure that would have to be followed if it were to submit a request to Her Majesty's Government that the Executive be officially designated to lead the UK delegation to the EU Fisheries Council","AnswerText":"The procedures surrounding the attendance and role of Ministers from Devolved Administrations at Council meetings is outlined in paragraphs B4.12-13 of the Concordat on the co-ordination of EU policy issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168083,"EventID":"S1W-31612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the source, date and results of any research into the impact of the ban on sandeel fishing off the Wee Bankie on white fish stocks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the source, date and results of any research into the impact of the ban on sandeel fishing off the Wee Bankie on white fish stocks.","AnswerText":"A copy of the recent report into the impact of the closure off the Wee Bankie compiled for the Commission by UK and Danish scientists has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25356). The report does not focus upon the impact of the ban on white fish stocks as this was not the basis for the closure.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168084,"EventID":"S1W-31613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it sought any second opinion or external comment on the methodology used by the Fisheries Research Services (FRS) in relation to the most recent contribution by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it sought any second opinion or external comment on the methodology used by the Fisheries Research Services (FRS) in relation to the most recent contribution by FRS to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea's advice.","AnswerText":"No. The methodology is as agreed by ICES and was this year reviewed externally and approved by independent scientists from North America. FRS is at the forefront of developments in these analytical techniques.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168085,"EventID":"S1W-31614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish registered vessels are engaged in industrial fishery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish registered vessels are engaged in industrial fishery.","AnswerText":"The term industrial fishery encompasses a wide range of fisheries destined for purposes other than human consumption. The most important industrial fishery to Scotland is the blue whiting fishery. Thirteen Scottish registered vessels landed significant tonnages of blue whiting into Scotland in 2001. Three Scottish registered vessels landed sandeels into Scotland in 2001. There were no significant landings of Norway pout.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168086,"EventID":"S1W-31615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level and value of imports have been in each of the last 10 years of products from the North Sea industrial fishery and for what purpose such products are used.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the level and value of imports have been in each of the last 10 years of products from the North Sea industrial fishery and for what purpose such products are used.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168087,"EventID":"S1W-31616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome has been of any discussions that have taken place with the Secretary of State for Scotland in relation to current fisheries negotiations in Europe.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcome has been of any discussions that have taken place with the Secretary of State for Scotland in relation to current fisheries negotiations in Europe.","AnswerText":"I met with the Secretary of State for Scotland on 25 November to update her on the current position.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168088,"EventID":"S1W-31617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any economic impact assessment has been conducted of various scenarios that may arise from the current fisheries negotiations in Europe and, if so, whether it wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any economic impact assessment has been conducted of various scenarios that may arise from the current fisheries negotiations in Europe and, if so, whether it will give details of each such assessment","AnswerText":"We have assessed the possible socio-economic impacts of various outcomes from the December Fisheries Council. I am not prepared to disclose that advice.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168089,"EventID":"S1W-31618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who participated in the review of existing forums for gathering the views of those working in the cultural sector about ways in which national arrangements might be adjus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who participated in the review of existing forums for gathering the views of those working in the cultural sector about ways in which national arrangements might be adjusted and improved, as referred to in key priority 1.1 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past; whether the results of the review were published, and what its findings were. ","AnswerText":"As stated in the second annual report of Scotland's National Cultural Strategy, a review of the Scottish Arts Council will report shortly. The review has considered Scottish Arts Council's external links and partnership working with other agencies and the cultural community more widely, and the findings will be reported. A wide range of people and organisations participated in the review including artists, arts organisations and local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168090,"EventID":"S1W-31619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to create opportunities for networking amongst those working in the culture sector to stimulate sharing of experience and good practic","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to create opportunities for networking amongst those working in the culture sector to stimulate sharing of experience and good practice and the agreement of common objectives, as referred to in key priority 1.1 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"As stated in the second annual report of Scotland's National Cultural Strategy, reviews of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen will report shortly. These have considered the sectoral interface and opportunities for networking and creative dialogue, and the findings will be reported. Specific examples of networks engaging the cultural agencies, local authorities and the sector appeared in the first annual report.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168091,"EventID":"S1W-31620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions have been taken to promote the contribution of new technologies to cultural life, as referred to in key priority 1.2 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions have been taken to promote the contribution of new technologies to cultural life, as referred to in key priority 1.2 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"As reported in the Scottish National Cultural Strategy Annual Report 2001, there are in place a number of actions to promote the contribution of new technologies to cultural life. There are further examples in the Scottish National Cultural Strategy Annual Report 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168092,"EventID":"S1W-31621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions have been taken to work with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to assure the contribution of the broadcast media to Scotland's cultural life, as re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what actions have been taken to work with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to assure the contribution of the broadcast media to Scotland's cultural life, as referred to in key priority 1.2 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"Extensive discussions, at both official and ministerial level, have taken place with the Department of Media, Culture and Sport to ensure that these issues are taken into account in the Communications Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168093,"EventID":"S1W-31622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a national film charter has been established, as referred to in key priority 1.2 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a national film charter has been established, as referred to in key priority 1.2 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"As reported in the Scottish National Cultural Strategy Annual Report 2002, Scottish Screen is encouraging and working with local authorities to develop a film charter for Scotland.

      Scottish Screen is liaising with COSLA in the preparation of guidelines to local authorities on the National Cultural Strategy, which will include advice on the adoption of the charter. As soon as these are launched, Scottish Screen will renew its campaign to roll out the charter to all local authorities and appropriate national agencies, and will consider how best to involve the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168094,"EventID":"S1W-31623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on establishing a national product design network, as referred to in key priority 1.2 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on establishing a national product design network, as referred to in key priority 1.2 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past. ","AnswerText":"A number of meetings took place with potential members to progress the idea of a national product design network, as part of the Glasgow Design Project, but this network has not yet been established.

      However, the Lighthouse's Creative Entrepreneurs Networking Club, which is supported by NESTA, Scottish Enterprise and Cap Gemini, has over 600 members, which include a substantial number of product designers. The club meets monthly and members are offered professional development, industry updates and access to a range of advice as well as contact with others in the field across Scotland.

      Also, over the next three years, the newly formed European Design Forum, which is funded by Culture 2000, will mount six workshops on a range of matters related to product design and manufacturing. During that period 30 Scottish design companies will have opportunities to network with their peers and meet a variety of businesses based in Europe.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168095,"EventID":"S1W-31624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to identify and promote the national roles and responsibilities and realise the full potential of the funded companies that work acros","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to identify and promote the national roles and responsibilities and realise the full potential of the funded companies that work across Scotland, as referred to in key priority 1.3 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Arts Council provides core funding to those arts bodies it considers have strategic national and regional roles to play. The council works closely with those bodies to ensure that such responsibilities are fully discharged. One hundred and ten arts bodies and organisations across Scotland are to receive core funding totalling some £27.8 million in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168096,"EventID":"S1W-31625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to promote partnerships by public and private bodies that support the production of the highest standards of cultural work, as referre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to promote partnerships by public and private bodies that support the production of the highest standards of cultural work, as referred to in key priority 1.3 of strategic objective 1 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"As stated in the second annual report of Scotland's National Cultural Strategy, published 12 November 2002, Arts and Business Scotland's New Partners funding scheme, supported by Government, continues its good work investing in projects which promote partnerships between private businesses and all branches of the arts. The national institutions also seek and receive valuable support from the private sector for projects of the highest standard. Again, examples appear in the recent report.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168097,"EventID":"S1W-31626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to examine the feasibility of a centre for the languages of Scotland, as referred to in key priority 2.1 of strategic objective 2 of Creating o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to examine the feasibility of a centre for the languages of Scotland, as referred to in key priority 2.1 of strategic objective 2 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past and what conclusions have been drawn from any such examination.","AnswerText":"A feasibility study is being undertaken with the support of the Carnegie Trust and this will report later in the year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168098,"EventID":"S1W-31627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available to support the production of education resources that encourage language diversity in each year since 1999, as referred to in key prio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funds have been made available to support the production of education resources that encourage language diversity in each year since 1999, as referred to in key priority 2.1 of strategic objective 2 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"As stated in the second annual report of Scotland's National Cultural Strategy, published 12 November 2002, core funding of £80,000 from the Scottish Arts Council, with £30,000 for establishment costs, has secured the new body, Scottish Language Dictionaries, offering a definitive resource relating to the Scots language.

      The first annual report of the strategy referred to Stòrlann - a national resource for Gaelic teaching materials. In 1999-2000 the Executive provided £80,000 to Stòrlann; in 2000-01 £120,000 in 2001-02, £145,000, and in 2002-03 £160,000.

      I can also report that since 1999 the Scottish Arts Council has granted a total of £2,312,392 towards education resources designed to encourage language diversity in Scots and Gaelic. This breaks down into £409,321 in 1999-2000; £545,013 in 2000-01; £746,233 in 2001-02, and (to date) for 2002-03, £611,825.

      Further support of resources encouraging language diversity and learning is evidenced in the Executive's specific funding of Gaelic-medium education, modern language teaching resources, and of Glasgow's International Language School: £7,902,000; £1,145,532, and £962,000 respectively covering the three-year period from April 1999 to March 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168099,"EventID":"S1W-31628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it defines \"where demand is sufficient\" in relation to support for Gaelic-medium pre-school and primary education, as referred to in key priority 2.1 of strategic obj","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it defines \"where demand is sufficient\" in relation to support for Gaelic-medium pre-school and primary education, as referred to in key priority 2.1 of strategic objective 2 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past. ","AnswerText":"In the publication, Improving Our Schools, A Consultation Paper on National Priorities for Schools Education in Scotland (2000), ministers declared themselves to be sympathetic to the suggestion that where a sufficient number of parents wish their children to enter Gaelic-medium education their requests should be considered positively by education authorities. Any further definition is a matter for education authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168100,"EventID":"S1W-31629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who participates in the action group established to consider how the languages and cultural traditions of Scotland's ethnic communities can be supported, as referred to i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who participates in the action group established to consider how the languages and cultural traditions of Scotland's ethnic communities can be supported, as referred to in key priority 2.1 of strategic objective 2 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past; how many meetings the group has had, and whether any findings have been published.","AnswerText":"As stated in the first annual report of Scotland's National Cultural Strategy, published October 2001, the Executive considered the proposal to establish such a group in light of a commitment in the Executive's Equality Strategy's to develop consultation methods acceptable to minority ethnic communities, and also in light of the Equal Futures Project and November 2001 conference. The Executive is exploring ways to develop more effective consultation and dialogue with minority ethnic communities. In the meantime we have concluded that the best approach is to pursue the Equal Futures Project. This aims to bring together children and young people to explore issues of identity, ethnicity and culture, and address racism, empowering all Scotland's young people to celebrate the positive benefits of a multi-cultural society. To support this, the Executive has invested £150,000 in the project over a two-year period, to March 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168101,"EventID":"S1W-31630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support has been provided to support the development of education services, including the production of digital and other education resources, in museu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much financial support has been provided to support the development of education services, including the production of digital and other education resources, in museums, galleries and sites in the care of Historic Scotland in each year since 1999, as referred to in key priority 2.2 of strategic objective 2 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"The financial support provided to the National Museums of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland by the Scottish Executive from 1999-2000 to 2003-04 is set out in the following tables. Increases in running costs were awarded in November 2000 to allow the National Museums of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland (among other things) to address access to their collections through the development of education and information and communications technology (ICT) services in line with the National Cultural Strategy. The proportion of funding to be used for these developments is not prescribed by the Executive.

      Year

      National Museums of Scotland Grant (£ million)

      Total Grant-in-Aid (£ million)

      Running Costs

      Purchase Grants

      Capital Grants

      1999-2000

      13.517

      0.710

      2.164

      2000-01

      12.517

      0.710

      1.200

      2001-02

      14.367

      0.710

      1.304

      2002-03

      15.567

      0.710

      1.200

      2003-04

      16.517

      0.710

      1.200

      Year

      National Galleries of Scotland Grant (£ million)

      Total Grant-in-aid (£ million)

      Running Costs

      Purchase Grants

      Capital Grants

      1999-2000

      7.225

      1.560

      1.800

      2000-01

      7.125

      1.260

      2.800

      2001-02

      7.925

      1.260

      5.254

      2002-03

      8.275

      1.260

      2.750

      2003-04

      8.625

      1.260

      0.500

      The financial support provided to Historic Scotland and used to support the development of education services, including the production of digital and other education resources, is set out in the following table.
      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168103,"EventID":"S1W-31632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been provided to the National Library of Scotland to assist in the development of its information and communication technologies facilities in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support has been provided to the National Library of Scotland to assist in the development of its information and communication technologies facilities in each year since 1999, as referred to in key priority 2.2 of strategic objective 2 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"The financial support provided to the National Library of Scotland by the Scottish Executive from 1999-2000 to 2003-04 is set out in the table. Increases in running costs for 2001-02 to 2003-04 were awarded in November 2000 to allow the National Library of Scotland (among other things) to address the development of the hybrid library and education and access initiatives in line with the National Cultural Strategy. The proportion of funding to be used for these developments is not prescribed by the Executive.

      Year

      Grant (£ million)

      Total Grant-in-Aid (£ million)

      Running Costs

      Purchase Grants

      Capital Grants

      1999-2000

      8.737

      0.958

      2.100

      2000-01

      8.737

      1.058

      2.100

      2001-02

      9.706

      1.058

      0.604

      2002-03

      9.856

      1.058

      2.750

      2003-04

      10.056

      1.058

      0

      In the Scottish Budget 2003-06, the Executive has announced a further £10.8 million over three years for cultural activities across Scotland, to widen participation and foster world class activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168104,"EventID":"S1W-31633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to encourage new partnerships in both public and private sectors and further collaboration within the library sector to include the ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific action has been taken to encourage new partnerships in both public and private sectors and further collaboration within the library sector to include the exploitation of information and communication technologies and the development of policies for national collections, particularly in relation to Scottish material, as referred to in key priority 2.2 of strategic objective 2 of Creating our Future: Minding our Past.","AnswerText":"As reported in the National Cultural Strategy Annual report 2002, the New Opportunities Fund award of £4 million to Resource for Learning in Scotland, a consortium of the National Library of Scotland, the National Archives of Scotland, the Scottish Resource Access Network, and over 100 Scottish archives and libraries will create tens of thousands of newly digitised multimedia resources. The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has also funded digitisation programmes in Perth, East Dunbartonshire and the Royal Botanic Garden. The Ayrshire Libraries Forum, with SLIC funding, is developing a collaborative framework for the procurement of generic Scottish material. SLIC has also established a group to \"bookmark\" websites covering a wide range of subjects including Scottish material. This will prevent duplication of effort and ensure a common approach to standards.

      Also reported, is an e-Government initiative now being developed by SLIC, with Executive funding, to demonstrate how cultural information and content can be used and shared, and how existing websites may be linked. The SLIC website carries information on Scottish writers both present and past.

      In addition, SLIC, which receives core funding of £160,000 from the Executive, has an important role in liasing with COSLA and a wide range of other organisations, including Scottish Enterprise, SUFI, Scottish Further Education Unit, NHS Scotland and the New Opportunities Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168105,"EventID":"S1W-31634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its assessment of traffic levels on the A9 trunk road between Perth and Inverness in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its assessment of traffic levels on the A9 trunk road between Perth and Inverness in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The annual average daily flows at various locations along the A9 between Perth and Inverness are assessed as follows:

      Location

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002

      A9 Tomatin

      7,077

      7,494

      7,224

      7,147

      6,837

      8,082

      A9 Kerrow (A86) to Lynwilg (B9152)

      		    

      7,488

      8,147

      A9 Calvine to Dalwhinnie(A889)

      		  

      8,180

      		 

      7,986

      8,136

      A9 S of B847 - at Shierglas

      		    

      7,437

      7,947

      A9 Pitlochry Bypass - S of A924

      7,168

      		   

      8,453

      8,697

      A9 Birnam

      10,509

      11,592

      11,352

      10,853

      11,034

      12,609

      A9 N of B8063 - at Luncarty

      		   

      13,821

      13,991

      15,359

      Figures are shown in each case where data is available for the relevant area.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168106,"EventID":"S1W-31635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of traffic it considers is required before a trunk road, such as the A9, should be upgraded to dual carriageway status.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of traffic it considers is required before a trunk road, such as the A9, should be upgraded to dual carriageway status.","AnswerText":"Decisions on choice of carriageway standard are based on the combined results of economic, operational and environmental assessments. A modern single carriageway such as sections of the A9 between Perth and Inverness can carry an average annual daily flow of 22,000 vehicles. Where additional overtaking opportunities are considered necessary, widening by providing climbing lanes or wide-single carriageway is assessed. A wide-single carriageway can carry an average annual daily flow of 32,000 vehicles. Dual carriageway is considered where the additional benefits that further upgrading would create exceed the additional costs that would be incurred.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168107,"EventID":"S1W-31636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30375 by Mr Jim Wallace on 31 October 2002, when it expects the modelling of the detailed effect on the supply of prisoner places o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30375 by Mr Jim Wallace on 31 October 2002, when it expects the modelling of the detailed effect on the supply of prisoner places of its decisions in relation to new prisons and investment in existing prisons to be complete and whether it will publish the results of the modelling.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Capacity modelling is continually updated to support operational decisions and advice to ministers. Scenarios and projections based on such modelling are not routinely published, since they fall within the category of information identified by the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information whose disclosure "would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion". The SPS does, however, publish information based on capacity modelling to support consultations and announcements on key decisions affecting the supply of prisoner places, as for example was included in the Scottish Prison Service Estates Review published earlier this year.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168108,"EventID":"S1W-31637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30376 by Mr Jim Wallace on 31 October 2002, whether the figures given in the answer include charges incurred as variables Ga and Gb","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30376 by Mr Jim Wallace on 31 October 2002, whether the figures given in the answer include charges incurred as variables Ga and Gb, defined in paragraph 6 of schedule E to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. Variables Ga and Gb relate solely to additional prisoner places and SPS pays only for such places that are occupied.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168109,"EventID":"S1W-31638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30376 by Mr Jim Wallace on 31 October 2002, how much of the fixed element of the variable payment for the 48 additional prisoner pl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30376 by Mr Jim Wallace on 31 October 2002, how much of the fixed element of the variable payment for the 48 additional prisoner places in HM Prison Kilmarnock, referred to in paragraph 6 of schedule E to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, has been spent on empty places in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01, (c) 2001-02 and (d) 2002-03 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      None. Payment is made only for those additional prisoner places that are occupied.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168110,"EventID":"S1W-31639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30641 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, what specific current plans it has for the development of prison accommodation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30641 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002, what specific current plans it has for the development of prison accommodation.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS have prepared an Estate Development Programme. Long-term development plans are in place for HM Prison Edinburgh, HM Prison and Young Offenders Institution Glenochil, HM Prison Perth and HM Young Offenders Institution Polmont and implementation of these is planned to start in 2003. The programme also includes investment at HM Prison Barlinnie (accommodation upgrade) and HM Prison Peterhead (power in-cell).

      In addition, investments are being progressed on a number of sites, for example HM Prison Aberdeen, to meet key needs and subject to operational priorities and funding availability.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168111,"EventID":"S1W-31640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Inclusiveness Projects there are in Renfrewshire and how much funding has been allocated to each project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Inclusiveness Projects there are in Renfrewshire and how much funding has been allocated to each project.","AnswerText":"There is one Careers Scotland Inclusiveness Project covering the Renfrewshire area. It has been allocated £1.2 million over the period April 2001 to March 2004","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168112,"EventID":"S1W-31641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recipients of an access bursary have been domiciled in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Paisley since the bursaries were introduced. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recipients of an access bursary have been domiciled in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Paisley since the bursaries were introduced. ","AnswerText":"The Young Students' Bursary is provided as an entitlement based on the level of parental income. Eligibility for the bursary is assessed as part of the overall assessment of eligibility for student support.

      In academic year 2001-02, there were 13,579 recipients of the Young Students' Bursary, of whom 5% were domiciled in Renfrewshire and 2% were domiciled in Paisley.

      Decisions on awards from Hardship Funds allocations are made by colleges and universities who are best placed to assess whether individual students need this additional support. Information on recipients' domicile is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168113,"EventID":"S1W-31642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community safety partnerships there currently are in Renfrewshire and when each partnership was established.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community safety partnerships there currently are in Renfrewshire and when each partnership was established.","AnswerText":"Each local authority area has a community safety partnership, therefore there are two partnerships in Renfrewshire, one led by Renfrewshire Council and the other led by East Renfrewshire Council.

      The community safety partnership in East Renfrewshire was established in January 2001. The Renfrewshire community safety partnership was approved by the council and partners in January 2002, although a Community Safety Task Group for the area had been established since October 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168114,"EventID":"S1W-31643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of how many people will benefit from free personal care in Paisley North. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projections it has made of how many people will benefit from free personal care in Paisley North. ","AnswerText":"Anyone assessed as needing and receiving personal care in their own home will benefit from the removal of the local authority powers to charge for these services. Similarly, any person assessed as needing personal care as part of a care home package who would otherwise fund themselves will receive a payment of £145 per week towards their fees. Exact levels of demand cannot be forecast as this depends on an individual's needs and choices.

      The Spending Review 2002 settlement reflects the Care Development Group's costing assumptions for free personal care. These assumptions estimated an increase in demand from unmet need and a shift from informal to formal care of approximately 12% building up over the first two years of the policy to 2004-05. Within that framework identification of individuals in need of care is a matter for local authorities. The Scottish Executive has provided the necessary resources.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168115,"EventID":"S1W-31644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are expected to benefit from the free off-peak local bus travel scheme for elderly and disabled concessionary card holders in Paisley North.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are expected to benefit from the free off-peak local bus travel scheme for elderly and disabled concessionary card holders in Paisley North.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168116,"EventID":"S1W-31645","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #238/248/248 million to be invested through the Communities Scotland development programme, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Propos","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #238/248/248 million to be invested through the Communities Scotland development programme, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-06: What the money buys, will be spent in each year in Paisley North.","AnswerText":"I expect to consider Communities Scotland's proposed development funding programme for 200-04 in February 2003, following which details will be published. The forward programme in 2004-05 and 2005-06 remains subject to ministerial approval.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168117,"EventID":"S1W-31646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #47.5/47.5/47.5 million to support the central heating programme, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the mo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #47.5/47.5/47.5 million to support the central heating programme, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys, will be spent in each year in Renfrewshire.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to project how much of the available resources will be spent in the Renfrewshire area between 2003-06. But funding in the two years 2003-04 and 2004-05 will ensure that, by March 2004, all tenants of East Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Council who want it will have a central heating system and all housing associations tenants in the area who also want it will have central heating during 2004. By March 2006 all over 60s in the private sector in the Renfrewshire postcode area who apply for a grant and are found to be eligible for the programme will have a central heating system installed.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168118,"EventID":"S1W-31647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/15/15 million to be invested in tackling anti-social behaviour and other local initiatives, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Prop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/15/15 million to be invested in tackling anti-social behaviour and other local initiatives, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys, will be allocated to Renfrewshire in each year and to what projects.","AnswerText":"The programmes to be supported under this package of funding are still being developed. Further announcements will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168119,"EventID":"S1W-31648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/10/10 million to help fund child care provision in disadvantaged areas, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: Wha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/10/10 million to help fund child care provision in disadvantaged areas, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys, will be allocated to Renfrewshire in each year and to what projects.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is currently developing the details of the operation of this new funding. I shall make an announcement in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168120,"EventID":"S1W-31649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people in Renfrewshire have (a) misused drugs, (b) been injecting drug abusers and (c) shared needles in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people in Renfrewshire have (a) misused drugs, (b) been injecting drug abusers and (c) shared needles in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The 2000 national prevalence study estimated that there are 2,441 individuals who are misusing opiates or benzodiazepines within Renfrewshire. These figures do not include drugs such as psychostimulants, cannabis etc. The figures correspond to a prevalence rate of 2.5% of the Renfrewshire population aged between 15 and 54. This compares to a Scottish prevalence rate of 2.0% Source: Estimating the National and Local Prevalence of Problem Drug Misuse in Scotland:

      http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/publications/abstracts/prevalence.htm.

      The following table provides information on the number of \"new\" individual patients/clients reported to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database from Renfrewshire.

      The Database collects anonymous information about new problem drug users presenting at a broad range of drug services across Scotland, including general practices.

      Reports1,2,3 to the Scottish Drug Misuse Database 1996-97 to 2001-02 New Individual Patients/Clients Resident in Renfrewshire

      1996-97

      1997-98

      1998-99

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      New individuals

      308

      554

      661

      511

      516

      472

      No. of individuals providing information on injecting

      298

      536

      604

      474

      472

      434

      % who have ever injected4

      25

      29

      31

      35

      40

      34

      No.of injectors providing information on sharing4,5

      56

      120

      130

      94

      114

      112

      % who have ever shared

      57

      46

      45

      47

      53

      365

      Notes:

      1. All figures in this table exclude penal establishment inmates and information received from needle exchanges.

      2. The database collects anonymous information about new problem drug users presenting at a broad range of drug services across Scotland, including general practice.

      3. It is emphasised that the information held on the Scottish Drug Misuse Database relates to new patients/clients only.

      The definition of \"new\" is (a) the person is attending the particular service for the first","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168121,"EventID":"S1W-31650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-15T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29085 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 September 2002, what period elapsed between its decision to build a private prison and the awarding o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29085 by Mr Jim Wallace on 20 September 2002, what period elapsed between its decision to build a private prison and the awarding of the contract to build HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-29809 on 18 October 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168122,"EventID":"S1W-31651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of industrial fishing on white fish stocks in Scottish waters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the impact of industrial fishing on white fish stocks in Scottish waters.","AnswerText":"North Sea white fish stocks are stocks common to EU and Norwegian waters and assessments are carried out at North Sea level. The Scottish Executive has carried out no assessment of the impact of industrial fishing on North Sea white fish stocks.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168123,"EventID":"S1W-31652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it plans to make, either directly or through Her Majesty's Government, to the Danish Government regarding any benefits to white fish stocks in Scotti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it plans to make, either directly or through Her Majesty's Government, to the Danish Government regarding any benefits to white fish stocks in Scottish waters of decommissioning Danish industrial fisheries.","AnswerText":"I will be holding confidential discussions on a range of pertinent issues with Commission, Presidency and other member states over the next few weeks including in the margins of the November Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168124,"EventID":"S1W-31653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11172 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 24 November 2000, how the #5.2 million for flood prevention measures has been distributed, broken down","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11172 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 24 November 2000, how the #5.2 million for flood prevention measures has been distributed, broken down by local authority area and organisation, in each year from 2000 to 2004; how much of this money has been spent, and on what measures.","AnswerText":"The additional funding of £5.2 million, announced in the answer given to question S1W-11172, is being used to strengthen arrangements for addressing flooding concerns in Scotland. To date, it has been used to support the extension of the Floodline flood warning service to Scotland (£2 million), enhanced ground data collection (£0.25 million) and further research into flooding, flood risk and climate change (£0.1 million). The resources for Floodline were provided to SEPA; the other items were procured directly by the Executive.

      The balance of the £5.2 million will be used to support further flood risk-related initiatives, in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168125,"EventID":"S1W-31654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-613 by Henry McLeish on 2 November 2000, what guidelines and requirements have been drafted and/or brought into force as a result o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-613 by Henry McLeish on 2 November 2000, what guidelines and requirements have been drafted and/or brought into force as a result of the research that it commissioned to consider the impact of climate change on the frequency of flooding and measures to guard against flooding.","AnswerText":"A copy of the report Climate Change: Review of Levels of Protection Offered by Flood Prevention Schemes was issued to each local authority in Scotland in May 2001. The report recommended that all new schemes should allow for future climate change and that this should be considered on a site by site basis so that the allowance for climate change impacts could be achieved cost effectively. In line with this recommendation the Executive requires councils take account of these predicted climate change impacts over the life of new schemes.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168126,"EventID":"S1W-31655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 to enhance the possibility of grants to local authorities in times of emergency caused by flood","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 to enhance the possibility of grants to local authorities in times of emergency caused by flooding and to accelerate the statutory processes for the approval of flood prevention schemes.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently reviewing the statutory and administrative processes for confirmation of flood prevention schemes: this review will be completed shortly. An Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers is also reviewing flooding issues more generally. It is too early to say whether these reviews will identify the need for legislative change.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168127,"EventID":"S1W-31656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consideration has been given to altering the eligibility criteria under the Bellwin formula.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consideration has been given to altering the eligibility criteria under the Bellwin formula.","AnswerText":"We keep the criteria under review in light of the incidents that result in claims for assistance with emergency costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168128,"EventID":"S1W-31657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants it has allocated since 1999 to local authorities that have submitted flood prevention schemes under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961, broken down by l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what grants it has allocated since 1999 to local authorities that have submitted flood prevention schemes under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961, broken down by local authority. ","AnswerText":"The costs of construction of confirmed flood prevention schemes are eligible for grant at the rate of 50%.

      The following grant payments have been made to local authorities since 1999:

      Year

      Local authority

      Grant paid (£)

      1999

      Highland

      Perth and Kinross

      23,577.61

      3,565,408.52

      2000

      Perth and Kinross

      2,523,960.34

      2001

      Perth and Kinross

      Fife

      Renfrewshire

      East Dunbartonshire

      1,551,180.19

      28.523.24

      501,966.28

      980,443.75

      2002

      Fife

      East Dunbartonshire

      Renfrewshire

      Inverclyde

      Perth and Kinross

      East Renfrewshire

      50,115.91

      1,784,141.03

      1,084,229.60

      100,396.04

      313,855.49

      998.306.00

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168129,"EventID":"S1W-31658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Scottish Executive/Voluntary Sector Forum has met since June 2001 and when the annual review of the Scottish Compact for 2001-02 will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Scottish Executive/Voluntary Sector Forum has met since June 2001 and when the annual review of the Scottish Compact for 2001-02 will be published.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive/Voluntary Sector Forum met in June and October 2001 and in April and December 2002.

      The joint review of the Scottish Compact in 2000-01 recommended that a monitoring framework should be developed based on agreed indicators for the Scottish Executive, its agencies, non-deparTmental public bodies and the voluntary sector. A joint Compact Review Group was established in May 2002 to advise on the development of such a monitoring and evaluation framework and this group aims to report to the forum early next summer. Further monitoring of the compact will be undertaken in due course once a robust framework is in place.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168130,"EventID":"S1W-31659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seminars on the working of the Scottish Compact have been conducted by the Voluntary Issues Unit since May 1999 and how many of its staff attended these.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many seminars on the working of the Scottish Compact have been conducted by the Voluntary Issues Unit since May 1999 and how many of its staff attended these.","AnswerText":"The Voluntary Issues Unit, in liaison with the voluntary sector, is continuing to run a series of seminars on the Scottish Compact for Scottish Executive staff. Seminars have been held with the Departments for Development, Education, Health, Finance and Central Services, and with the Environment and Rural Affairs Department. Attendees at each seminar vary on average between 30 and 50 individuals.

      The next seminar in the series is planned for the Justice Department early in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168131,"EventID":"S1W-31660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the composition is of the re-established Scottish Compact Review Group and what organisations the group's members represent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the composition is of the re-established Scottish Compact Review Group and what organisations the group's members represent.","AnswerText":"The composition of the Scottish Compact Review Group is as follows:

      Jen Anderson

      Scottish Environment Link

      Stephanie Bow

      Scottish Executive Development Department (Secretariat)

      Joanne Crone

      Scottish Executive Development Department

      Shaun Eales

      Scottish Executive Health Department

      Lesley Greenaway

      Volunteer Development Scotland

      Douglas Greig

      Scottish Executive Environment & Rural Affairs Department

      Jon Harris

      COSLA

      Heather Koronka

      Communities Scotland

      Jim Lugton

      Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (Secretariat)

      Stephen Maxwell

      Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

      Rami Ousta

      Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland

      Maureen O'Neill

      Age Concern Scotland

      Iain Rennick

      Scottish Natural Heritage

      Sarah Smith/

      Peter Willman

      Scottish Executive Education Department

      Frauke Sinclair

      Scottish Executive Social Research

      Margaret Totten

      Voluntary Sector Representative

      Jim White

      Fife Council for Voluntary Service

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168132,"EventID":"S1W-31661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that there is no adverse economic impact on post offices as a result of the re-distribution of assi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government to ensure that there is no adverse economic impact on post offices as a result of the re-distribution of assigned office payments.","AnswerText":"Royal Mail Group plc, post offices and postal services are reserved matters. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including postal services.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168133,"EventID":"S1W-31662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what money it has received or allocated for the implementation of Your Guide and how such money has been distributed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what money it has received or allocated for the implementation of Your Guide and how such money has been distributed.","AnswerText":"The Executive received a £3.5 million consequential, based on the funding for the English-based pilot of Your Guide. This sum, as with all consequentials, went into the Scottish Block. As a substantial pilot of the Your Guide approach was being carried out in England and because we had access to its findings, no bid was made against the Scottish Block for funding to carry out a parallel exercise in Scotland.

      DTI Ministers' announced, in the written answer given to parliamentary question number 2001/6136 in the House of Commons on 15 October, their decision, on value for money grounds, that Your Guide should not be rolled out nationally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168134,"EventID":"S1W-31663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it or the former Scottish Office had to the Ernie Walker think-tank on Scottish football set up by the Scottish Football Association (SFA); what updating it ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what input it or the former Scottish Office had to the Ernie Walker think-tank on Scottish football set up by the Scottish Football Association (SFA); what updating it has sought to any previous input that it had, and what monitoring of this issue has been carried out.","AnswerText":"None, but we understand that the streamlining of decision-making processes within the SFA in recent years followed acceptance of recommendations made by the Independent Review Commission chaired by Mr Walker.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168135,"EventID":"S1W-31664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals its staff have made to the Civil Service Commissioners and what information it has on how many appeals were heard by the commissioners in each year since","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals its staff have made to the Civil Service Commissioners and what information it has on how many appeals were heard by the commissioners in each year since May 1999.","AnswerText":"No appeals have been made by Scottish Executive staff to the Civil Service Commissioners in the period since May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168136,"EventID":"S1W-31665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support the celebrations arranged by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society to mark the centenary of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to support the celebrations arranged by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society to mark the centenary of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to become involved in the centenary of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168137,"EventID":"S1W-31666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full remit is of the cabinet sub-committee appointed by the First Minister to investigate the incidence of flooding, flood prevention and related matters and whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full remit is of the cabinet sub-committee appointed by the First Minister to investigate the incidence of flooding, flood prevention and related matters and whether the remit includes the development of a national system of monitoring.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues is:

      (a) To consider current arrangements for addressing flood risk and how advice and support is provided to those at risk from, and affected by, flooding, and

      (b) To provide advice to Cabinet by the end of February 2003 on how those arrangements can be improved.

      The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) currently monitors river levels nationally and uses this data in their flood warning system. The remit includes consideration of this system.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168138,"EventID":"S1W-31667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it has taken to approve each flood prevention scheme submitted to it by each local authority, giving details of each individual submission, since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long it has taken to approve each flood prevention scheme submitted to it by each local authority, giving details of each individual submission, since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Executive has frequent contact with local authorities during the preparation of their flood prevention proposals. Once all the necessary information has been provided by the local authorities the Scottish ministers have taken, on average, five weeks to confirm schemes. Details of the time taken by the Scottish ministers to confirm each scheme, since 1997, is shown in the table.

      Local Authority

      Scheme Name

      Time Taken

      Perth and Kinross

      Perth

      1 week

      Bridge of Earn

      7 weeks

      Weem Village

      4 weeks

      Lower City Mills, Perth

      3 weeks

      Fife

      Auchtermuchty

      4 weeks

      Dunshalt

      6 weeks

      Renfrewshire

      Moredun Playing Fields

      3 weeks

      Collier Street

      5 weeks

      River Gryfe, Crosslee

      9 weeks

      East Dunbartonshire

      River Kelvin

      10 weeks

      River Kelvin (Glazertbank, Lennoxtown)

      4 weeks

      Inverclyde

      Earnhill Road, Gourock

      2 weeks

      Aberdeen City

      Fraser Road, Aberdeen

      3 weeks

      Aberdeenshire

      Over Burn Culvert, Inverurie

      5 weeks

      East Ayrshire

      Kilmarnock

      3 weeks

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168139,"EventID":"S1W-31668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have failed to meet timeously the requirement to publish a biennial report on flood prevention or flood mitigation on non-agricultural land as req","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which local authorities have failed to meet timeously the requirement to publish a biennial report on flood prevention or flood mitigation on non-agricultural land as required under the Flood Prevention and Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1997.","AnswerText":"All local authorities published biennial reports for the period up to November 2001. These reports were due to be published by 26 November. However, the following local authorities did not forward copies to the Executive by the end of December 2001 but have subsequently done so.

      Aberdeen City

      Borders

      Dundee City

      East Lothian

      Fife

      Moray

      Perth and Kinross

      Renfrewshire

      Shetland Islands

      Stirling

      Western Isles","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168140,"EventID":"S1W-31669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to implement payments under the Bellwin scheme to assist with the aftermath of the recent flooding in Moray.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to implement payments under the Bellwin scheme to assist with the aftermath of the recent flooding in Moray.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1F-2273 on 21 November 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168141,"EventID":"S1W-31673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has been appointed to the Cabinet sub-committee to review issues relating to flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who has been appointed to the Cabinet sub-committee to review issues relating to flooding.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31694 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168142,"EventID":"S1W-31674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of damage caused by river flooding has been in each year since 1997 and what estimate has been made of the average yearly cost over the next 10 years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of damage caused by river flooding has been in each year since 1997 and what estimate has been made of the average yearly cost over the next 10 years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not gathered centrally by the Executive.

      Research undertaken by Dundee University for the Executive suggests that average annual damage attributable to inland flooding is conservatively estimated at £20 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168143,"EventID":"S1W-31675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Association of British Insurers regarding householders and businesses that suffered from flood damage in Moray during the period 1","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the Association of British Insurers regarding householders and businesses that suffered from flood damage in Moray during the period 15 to 18 November 2002 to ensure that full payments are made and prevent any excessive increases in their insurance premiums.","AnswerText":"Although we have regular meetings with the Association of British Insurers we have not made any formal representation to them since the floods of 15 to 18 November.

      Recent guidance from the Association of British Insurers is that the industry will look to continue to provide insurance cover in areas with defences are in place or where these are planned to be in place by 2007.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168144,"EventID":"S1W-31676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which witnesses the Cabinet sub-committee appointed to review issues relating to flooding will call to give evidence and whether these will include MSPs that represent ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which witnesses the Cabinet sub-committee appointed to review issues relating to flooding will call to give evidence and whether these will include MSPs that represent areas that have experienced flooding. ","AnswerText":"The Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues currently has no plans to invite witnesses to give evidence.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168145,"EventID":"S1W-31677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses to define an area as being at high risk of regular flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses to define an area as being at high risk of regular flooding.","AnswerText":"A 1% annual risk is a widely accepted criterion in relation to flood risk and is the figure used by the Executive to define areas at risk. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency hold indicative flood risk maps for Scotland, which indicate those areas at a 1% annual risk of flooding or greater.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168146,"EventID":"S1W-31678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses are currently at risk from inland or coastal flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many houses are currently at risk from inland or coastal flooding.","AnswerText":"Research commissioned by the Executive found that approximately 77,000 properties could be at risk from inland flooding (based upon a one in 100 year flood event, i.e. a 1% annual risk of flooding). In addition, about 93,000 properties in Scotland were identified as lying below the five-metre contour level: a proportion of these will be at risk of coastal flooding, especially when future climate change impacts are taken into account. Further work is planned to firm up on these figures.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168147,"EventID":"S1W-31679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11310 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 November 2000, how many applications for flood prevention and coast protection schemes have been (a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-11310 by Mr Sam Galbraith on 30 November 2000, how many applications for flood prevention and coast protection schemes have been (a) approved and (b) rejected, broken down by name of applicant, nature of project and amount sought and, where applicable, awarded; whether it will give a progress report on each successful application, detailing the likely completion date for the project, and what the reasons were for any applications being rejected.","AnswerText":"Further to the additional funding announced by Mr Galbraith, in the answer given to question S1W-11310, I can confirm that all applications for the additional funds referred to have been met in full. No requests have been declined. Additional funding has been provided for the following schemes:

      Scheme

      Year

      2001-02

      (£ million)

      2002-03

      (£ million)

      2003-04

      (£ million)

      River Kelvin FPS

      5.25

      4.25

      		 

      Johnston FPS

      1.00

      		  

      Wemyss Villages CPS

      2.25

      		  

      Crosslee FPS

      		 

      1.50

      		 

      Linlithgow FPS

      		 

      0.20

      0.90

      Total

      8.5

      5.95*

      0.90*

      Note:

      *Part-year totals only.

      The balance of the additional funding for years 2002-03 and 2003-04 remains to be allocated.

      All the schemes are complete or virtually complete, with the exception of the Linlithgow Flood Prevention Scheme which is planned to commence construction in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168148,"EventID":"S1W-31680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of new houses with solar/photovoltaic tiles.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the number of new houses with solar/photovoltaic tiles.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. However, the Executive is committed to promoting the development of a range of renewable energy technologies. We have already funded a photovoltaic project at a new ferry terminal under our Scottish Clean Energy Demonstration Scheme. We have also put in place a Community Renewables Advisory service to stimulate more renewables development across our communities. We expect solar projects to benefit from the support and expertise which this new service will offer.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168149,"EventID":"S1W-31681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost has been to date of the Holyrood Progress Group newsletters.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost has been to date of the Holyrood Progress Group newsletters.","AnswerText":"The cost to date of the Holyrood Progress Group's 11 newsletters is £8469.14 excluding VAT.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168150,"EventID":"S1W-31682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31361 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 November 2002, what the remit is of the project team conducting the review of common police services ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31361 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 November 2002, what the remit is of the project team conducting the review of common police services in relation to forensic science services.","AnswerText":"A final remit has still to be agreed. This will be informed by a scoping study of the provision of forensic science services in Scotland which is currently being undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168151,"EventID":"S1W-31683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24966 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 May 2002, whether it will provide an update on action taken by BEAR Scotland Ltd in respect of erect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24966 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 May 2002, whether it will provide an update on action taken by BEAR Scotland Ltd in respect of erecting road safety signage on the A90 south of Fraserburgh near Invernorth.","AnswerText":"The signs are currently programmed to be erected in December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168152,"EventID":"S1W-31684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reclassify any rural roads in order to introduce variable speed limits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to reclassify any rural roads in order to introduce variable speed limits.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is liaising closely with the UK Government on the implementation of the speed policy proposals in the UK road safety strategy Tomorrow's Roads - Safer for Everyone, which includes the development of a rural road hierarchy for speed management purposes. Copies of the strategy are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib number 5711).

      Following the UK Government's response in October to the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Committee's Report, Road Traffic Speed, a programme of work is now under way to develop better speed management across the rural road network. This work includes village speed limit entry signing, a simplified method of speed limit order making and the development of a speed management assessment framework that will establish exactly what speeds are being driven on rural roads. All this will feed into plans to revise the guidance to local authorities in Scotland and elsewhere on the setting of local speed limits. A copy of the response is available at:

      http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/roadsafety/rtspeed/index.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168153,"EventID":"S1W-31685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Department for Transport about introducing variable speed limits on rural roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with the Department for Transport about introducing variable speed limits on rural roads.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31684 on 3 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168154,"EventID":"S1W-31686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a child may be fostered by a blood relative; if so, whether the relative is entitled to receive remuneration in respect of such fostering; what information it has","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether a child may be fostered by a blood relative; if so, whether the relative is entitled to receive remuneration in respect of such fostering; what information it has received about any local authorities refusing to remunerate such relatives as foster parents, and what action it will take in respect of this matter. ","AnswerText":"There are different circumstances in which relatives can be assessed and approved as foster carers. The Fostering Children (Scotland) Regulations 1996 and the accompanying guidance make clear that it is for local authorities to decide their own types and scales of payment to foster carers, depending on local child care needs and circumstances. We do not hold information on remuneration levels centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168155,"EventID":"S1W-31687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations to the European Commission in support of public service obligations on flights within the Highlands and Islands being exempted fr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations to the European Commission in support of public service obligations on flights within the Highlands and Islands being exempted from the maximum period restriction of three years.","AnswerText":"We would wish any extension of the maximum period of three years for public service obligations on lifeline air routes to be considered in the context of any revision of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168156,"EventID":"S1W-31688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it advised the operators of the Barra to Glasgow air link that the public service obligation in respect of that route would be for a period of one year, and whether ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it advised the operators of the Barra to Glasgow air link that the public service obligation in respect of that route would be for a period of one year, and whether it sought the agreement of the operators to the introduction of the one-year period and, if so, when and from whom it did so.","AnswerText":"The Executive consulted a number of interests on the continued imposition of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) on the Glasgow to Barra air service. Any discussions with the current operator of the service are commercially confidential.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168157,"EventID":"S1W-31689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing, distributing and launching (a) Social Justice...a Scotland where everyone matters - Annual Report 2002 and (b) Social Ju","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing, distributing and launching (a) Social Justice...a Scotland where everyone matters - Annual Report 2002 and (b) Social Justice...a Scotland where everyone matters - Indicators of progress: Definitions, data, baseline and trends information - Annex to the Social Justice Annual Report 2002. ","AnswerText":"The cost of publishing and printing Social Justice...a Scotland where everyone matters - Annual Report 2002 and the technical annex to the report was £19,159. To date, costs relating to distribution and the launch stand at £3,563.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168158,"EventID":"S1W-31690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in deciding on a new location for the headquarters of sportscotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in deciding on a new location for the headquarters of sportscotland.","AnswerText":"We will soon receive and consider a report from the consultants commissioned by sportscotland to review their property portfolio as well as examine the scope for developing a new national centre in partnership with other bodies. That will help inform our decision on the future location of sportscotland's headquarters.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168159,"EventID":"S1W-31691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sportscotland intends to re-locate its headquarters to North Ayrshire and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether sportscotland intends to re-locate its headquarters to North Ayrshire and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"No decision on re-location has been made. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31690 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168160,"EventID":"S1W-31692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for the re-location of the headquarters of sportscotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for the re-location of the headquarters of sportscotland.","AnswerText":"No decision on re-location has been made. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31690 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168161,"EventID":"S1W-31693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to introduce an annual audit of statutory services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to introduce an annual audit of statutory services.","AnswerText":"The current Local Government in Scotland Bill includes provisions for a new statutory framework for improvement of local authority services. This will include a revised audit duty and a requirement for local authorities to report publicly on their performance across their service responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168162,"EventID":"S1W-31694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2185 by the First Minister on 31 October 2002, what remit has been agreed for the Cabinet sub-committee on flooding; which minister","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2185 by the First Minister on 31 October 2002, what remit has been agreed for the Cabinet sub-committee on flooding; which ministers will be invited to attend meetings of the sub-committee; when its first meeting will be, and whether it will consider general flooding issues or only flooding issues that affect transport.","AnswerText":"The remit of the Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues is:

      (a) To consider current arrangements for addressing flood risk and how advice and support is provided to those at risk from, and affected by, flooding, and

      (b) To provide advice to Cabinet by the end of February 2003 on how those arrangements can be improved.

      The Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers will consider general flooding issues within the terms of the group's remit, including, but not restricted to, those issues which affect transport.

      The members the Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues are:

      Deputy First Minister (Chair)

      Minister for Finance and Central Services

      Minister for Environment and Rural Development

      Minister for Social Justice

      Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development

      Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning

      Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care (McAveety)

      The Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers on Flooding Issues met for the first time on 13 November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168163,"EventID":"S1W-31695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake an immediate review of its policy on GM crop trials following the publication of the British Medical Association's submission to the Health and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake an immediate review of its policy on GM crop trials following the publication of the British Medical Association's submission to the Health and Community Care Committee of 20 November 2002 on the health impact of GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"No. The farm-scale evaluations offer an opportunity to collect valuable ecological information that will better inform future decision taking. The expert advice is clear that these evaluations can be conducted without threatening human health or the environment. As such, the Executive's support for the evaluation programme is seen as a sensible and precautionary approach to this issue.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168164,"EventID":"S1W-31696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in view of the British Medical Association's submission to the Health and Community Care Committee of 20 November 2002 on the health impact of GM crops, it is fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in view of the British Medical Association's submission to the Health and Community Care Committee of 20 November 2002 on the health impact of GM crops, it is following the precautionary principle in relation to GM crop trials.","AnswerText":"The precautionary principle is applied where a scientific assessment has identified the possibility of harmful effects from a particular action or where there is ambiguity.

      The GM crops that have been released in field trials in Scotland have been subjected to a thorough scientific risk assessment prior to their release. There is no ambiguity in the scientific advice to ministers that these crops do not pose a threat to either human health or the environment. If any such evidence was to emerge, we would have no hesitation in withdrawing consent for the release and halting the field trials.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168165,"EventID":"S1W-31697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a programme of health monitoring of people that live around current GM crop trial sites.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a programme of health monitoring of people that live around current GM crop trial sites.","AnswerText":"There are no scientific grounds to suggest that the GM crops grown in farm trials in Scotland pose a different health risk to local populations than that posed by conventional crops. However, we maintain a watching brief in this area and, should emerging scientific evidence support a change in this position, we will reconsider the need to implement an appropriate, effective and evidence-based health surveillance programme.

      I am acutely aware of the need to maintain vigilance and have effective monitoring systems with regard to new and emerging hazards to health from whatever source they might originate.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168166,"EventID":"S1W-31698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that past Scottish Qualifications Authority exam papers are published and available for sale timeously.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that past Scottish Qualifications Authority exam papers are published and available for sale timeously.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168167,"EventID":"S1W-31699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of support is available to Renfrewshire Council for public private partnership projects. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of support is available to Renfrewshire Council for public private partnership projects. ","AnswerText":"Renfrewshire Council is taking forward a schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) project. In terms of funding support for this project, the council was awarded £245,000 in February 2001 to assist them with the cost of early investigation and feasibility study of a possible future schools PPP development. In December 2001, the council submitted a Outline Business Case in line with Scottish Executive Enterprise Department Circular 8/2001, and in July 2002 they were made an indicative offer of revenue support, capped at £7.45 million per annum over 25 years. This represents some 80% of the capital cost elements in the project. This offer is conditional upon approval of a final business case when the procurement reaches financial close.

      In terms of other support, the Scottish Executive has taken steps to assist councils undertaking schools PPP projects to become "informed clients". This has taken the form of a series of three seminars on relevant issues, with more planned. Also, face to face training aimed at members of project teams will be rolled out in the New Year.

      In addition, the Executive has commissioned Partnerships UK to undertake a Key Stage Review of each of the schools PPP projects. This will occur at two stages within the project and is intended to assure both the education authority and the Scottish Executive that the project is sufficiently well prepared at each stage to proceed through the procurement. The "pre Invitation to Negotiate" review for Renfrewshire has already been completed and proved useful in support of the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168168,"EventID":"S1W-31700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to achieve targets to shorten (a) treatment times and (b) waiting times in the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board area. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to achieve targets to shorten (a) treatment times and (b) waiting times in the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board area. ","AnswerText":"While it is for NHS boards and trusts to effectively manage local services, the Scottish Executive remains committed to putting the policy frameworks in place and providing the resources to ensure that waiting times are kept to a minimum at each stage of the patient's journey.

      The National Waiting Times Unit is working with NHSScotland to reduce delays for patients. Since April this year, the unit has funded approximately 50 initiatives across in-patient, out-patient and day case activity to support the drive towards achieving local out-patient and national in-patient/day case targets. To date, the unit has allocated £459,000 to NHS Argyll and Clyde with further funding to be agreed. This initial allocation has facilitated the transfer of 154 patients to the National Waiting Times Centre for cardiology and orthopaedics treatment; the transfer of 72 patients to the private sector for general surgery and ENT treatment, and the recruitment of an orthopaedics consultant who will perform an additional 100 elective operations a year. There are also currently 29 One-Stop Clinics operated by NHS Argyll and Clyde providing services for patients for a wide range of conditions including diabetes, breast cancer and chest pain.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168169,"EventID":"S1W-31701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it is introducing in order to enhance capacity-building and self-sufficiency in communities in Paisley and improve social inclusion in such communities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what initiatives it is introducing in order to enhance capacity-building and self-sufficiency in communities in Paisley and improve social inclusion in such communities.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland are funding various initiatives in Paisley to enhance community capacity building and self-sufficiency in order to make progress towards social inclusion among communities.

      For example, over the next two years the social inclusion partnership (SIP) has committed in excess of £650,000 to fund a range of projects that will engage with SIP residents, gather information and feedback.

      Under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund Renfrewshire Council is running a number of projects aimed at enhancing capacity building and self-sufficiency in Paisley. These include the provision of additional computer-based learning packages, flexible learning sessions and computer-led and internet courses in the Community Learning Centre, Shortroods.

      Many of the activities funded by Communities Scotland through the Wider Role programme are also aimed at enhancing community capacity building and self-sufficiency.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168170,"EventID":"S1W-31702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the annual (a) regeneration and (b) social inclusion partnership (SIP) budget was allocated to Paisley Partnership in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the annual (a) regeneration and (b) social inclusion partnership (SIP) budget was allocated to Paisley Partnership in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table. Allocations for 1997-98 and 1998-99 relate solely to the former Urban Programme.
       

      1997-98

      (£000)

      1998-991

      (£000)

      1999-20002

      (£000)

      2000-01

      (£000)

      2001-02

      (£000)

      2002-033

      (£000)

      Urban Programme/Core SIP allocation

      2,993

      2,300

      2,981

      2947

      2692

      2979

      Ferguslie Park

      -

      1,041

      947

      1,000

      900

      -

      Drugs Misuse

      -

      -

      -

      -

      60

      69

      Support Costs

      -

      -

      -

      -

      173

      126

      Empowering Communities

      -

      -

      -

      -

      60

      60

      Total

      2,993

      3,341

      3,928

      3,947

      3,885

      3,234

      All allocations exclude carry forward (EYF) from previous year.

      Notes:

      1. Ring-fenced allocation for Ferguslie Park included in the allocation to the Paisley Partnership from 1 April 1998.

      2. Allocation for Ferguslie Park subsequently reduced (to £662,372) to meet the partnership's expenditure profile.

      3. Ferguslie Park allocation subsumed within the core SIP allocation to Paisley from 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168171,"EventID":"S1W-31703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in the proportion of children living in (a) workless and (b) low-income households in the Renfrewshire Council area there has been since 1996. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in the proportion of children living in (a) workless and (b) low-income households in the Renfrewshire Council area there has been since 1996. ","AnswerText":"Statistics on the number of children in workless households in Scotland come from the Office for National Statistics' Labour Force Survey (LFS). Disaggregation by local authority is not available at present.

      Estimates of persons in low income households come from the Department for Work and Pensions' Households Below Average Income (HBAI) analysis. The sample size in HBAI is not large enough to allow analysis below Scotland level.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168172,"EventID":"S1W-31704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increases in the proportion of children that attain the appropriate levels in reading, writing and maths by the end of Primary 2 and Primary 7 there have been in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increases in the proportion of children that attain the appropriate levels in reading, writing and maths by the end of Primary 2 and Primary 7 there have been in the Renfrewshire Council area since 1996. ","AnswerText":"5-14 attainment data are available from 1998-99.

      Data on pupils' performance up to 2000-01 is already available in the 5-14 Attainment in Publicly Funded Schools News Releases (Bib. numbers 25343 and 18788). The data for 2001-02 will be published on 4 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168173,"EventID":"S1W-31705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children have had access to quality care and early learning before entering school in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of children have had access to quality care and early learning before entering school in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Figures on all forms of pre-school education and daycare for children under five were collected for the first time in 2001. Prior to that, figures for daycare services were collected every three years, whilst figures for pre-school education were collected annually. This means it is not possible to give accurate estimates between 1996 and 2000.

      For 2001 and 2002, the numbers and percentage of children who were provided with these services in the Renfrewshire council area is given the in following table.

      Year

      Under-fives in Pre-school Education or Daycare

      % of Under-fives

      2001

      4,140

      39

      2002

      4,500

      46

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168174,"EventID":"S1W-31706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been introduced for the population of the Renfrewshire Council area to (a) ensure a reduction in (i) the proportion of women smoking during pregnancy, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been introduced for the population of the Renfrewshire Council area to (a) ensure a reduction in (i) the proportion of women smoking during pregnancy, (ii) the percentage of low birth-weight babies, (iii) dental decay among five-year-olds and (b) increase the proportion of women breastfeeding and whether any such measures have led to measurable improvements in these indicators in the Renfrewshire Council area over the last five years. ","AnswerText":"The Executive has introduced national initiatives to bring about improvement in these indicators of child and maternal health. These are implemented at local level by NHS boards and local authorities.

      Diet and lifestyle when pregnant is a significant factor in birthweight and smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy accounts for up to 25% of low birth weight births. A Framework for Maternity Services in Scotland states that NHS boards should provide health promotion and education and advice to women of reproductive age, and should actively engage with social inclusion partnership initiatives to ensure a proactive, joint approach to improving the health of disadvantaged women. Pregnant women who smoke are a priority group for smoking cessation services, funded through the Health Improvement Fund. The national demonstration project Starting Well is developing new and innovative ways to support children's health from pre-conception onwards.

      Under the auspices of the national Action Plan for Dental Services in Scotland launched in 2000, we have supported free distribution of toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste to all children at the age of eight months, and targeted distribution of toothbrush and toothpaste at one- to three-year-olds in deprived areas. We have introduced incentives for dentists to provide preventive programmes to children, and to work in areas of deprivation. Responsibility for the provision of NHS dental services in an area rests with the relevant NHS board and Primary Care NHS Trust.

      The Executive funds the National Breastfeeding Adviser, supported by the Scottish Breastfeeding Group and the Health Education Board for Scotland to work with NHS boards to promote, support and sustain breastfeeding. Most NHS boards have now developed local strategies to support breastfeeding.

      Provisional figures indicate that there has been a small percentage decrease in the national proportion of women who smoke during pregnancy. In Renfrewshire figures have remained consistent over the last three years at 2% above the Scottish average. The proportion of low birthweight babies remains consistent at 2.6% of full-term deliveries and Renfrewshire is consistent with the national average. The proportion of women breastfeeding at birth and six to eight weeks later is slowly increasing. Renfrewshire currently is just under 5% below the national average. Figures on dental decay among children will not be available until 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168175,"EventID":"S1W-31707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the number of households and, in particular, households with children living in temporary accommodation in the Renfrewshire Council a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the number of households and, in particular, households with children living in temporary accommodation in the Renfrewshire Council area since 1997. ","AnswerText":"Renfrewshire Council was awarded £258,000 in 2000 to provide 18 housing units for temporary accommodation for small family groups or single parents to reduce the need to use inappropriate bed and breakfast accommodation to house homeless families.

      In carrying out an assessment of homelessness in Renfrewshire, and in the development of a homelessness strategy, the council will be considering whether there is a need for further temporary accommodation for families or other vulnerable groups. All councils are required to prepare homelessness strategies by March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168176,"EventID":"S1W-31708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households with children have been in temporary accommodation in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households with children have been in temporary accommodation in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Information on households with children in temporary accommodation has been collected centrally since June 2000. Information is available on the position (numbers and proportions) within each local authority area at the end of June, September, December and March each year since 2000. This information has been published in various Scottish Executive Statistical Bulletins/Statistics Releases, as shown in the following list and are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre:

      Period

      Table No.

      Bulletin Ref. No.

      Publication Date

      Bib. Number

      June 2000-March 2001

      22

      HSG/2001/4

      27-September-2001

      16396

      June-2001

      28

      HSG/2001/6

      18-December-2001

      18220

      September-2001

      23

      HSG/2002/1

      26-March-2002

      20348

      December 01 and March 2002

      13

      Stats Release

      24-September-2002

      24382

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168177,"EventID":"S1W-31709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of 16- to 19-year-olds have not been in education, training or employment in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of 16- to 19-year-olds have not been in education, training or employment in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996. ","AnswerText":"This data is unavailable at regional level. At Scotland level, the percentage of 16- to 19-year-olds not in education, training or employment is 14%. However, this data should be available at local authority level from the boosted annual 2003 Labour Force Survey from which data will be analysed in autumn 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168178,"EventID":"S1W-31710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the number of 16- to 19-year-olds that are not in education, training, or employment in the Renfrewshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the number of 16- to 19-year-olds that are not in education, training, or employment in the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"A number of initiatives are under way, including:

      Careers Scotland Inclusiveness projects

      Pre-vocational programmes

      Work Enablers

      Get Ready for Work

      New Deal for Young People

      New Futures Fund projects

      The Renfrewshire Inclusiveness project, Positive Futures, aims to develop a strategic approach to improving outcomes for a range of young people 16 to 24 with additional support needs. Central to the project is the development of dedicated key-worker support with a strong commitment to the assessment of needs, tracking and sustainability.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168179,"EventID":"S1W-31711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to bring the poorest-perfoming 20% of pupils at standard grade closer to the performance of all pupils in the Renfrewshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to bring the poorest-perfoming 20% of pupils at standard grade closer to the performance of all pupils in the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"All education authorities are being asked to set for the first time, via the School Improvement Framework, a target for the average level of qualifications gained by the lowest attaining 20% of S4 pupils for the academic year 2004-05. Each education authority is responsible for agreeing with its schools what action will be taken to improve performance. The Scottish Executive will be monitoring progress and providing support to authorities and schools in sharing information about effective strategies.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168180,"EventID":"S1W-31712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to improve the health of young people through reductions in (a) smoking by 12- to 15-year-olds, (b) the incidence of teenage pregnancy among 13","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to improve the health of young people through reductions in (a) smoking by 12- to 15-year-olds, (b) the incidence of teenage pregnancy among 13- to 15-year-olds and (c) the rate of suicides among young people in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no initiatives directed specifically at the Renfrewshire Council area. Over the whole of Scotland, we have taken the following action:

      (a) On smoking:

      Following publication of the White Paper Smoking Kills in 1998 in which young people were identified as a priority group for action, Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) has been allocated an additional £3.4 million over three years (2001-04) from the Health Improvement Fund to target young people and smoking. This is in addition to their current anti-smoking budget.

      Since 1997 the HEBS has promoted non-smoking messages to young people, including 12- to 15-year-olds through their highly successful Think About It mass media campaign.

      In addition, within the schools sector, the 5-14 Health Education Guidelines developed in conjunction with HEBS address the issue of tobacco education, while the Health Promoting Schools approach focuses on the development of smoking policies in local authorities which includes schools.

      The Argyle and Clyde NHS Board appointed a Tobacco Co-ordinator in February 2000, overseeing a range of cessation services.

      (b) On teenage pregnancy:

      A Headline Target was set in the White Paper Towards a Healthier Scotland published in February 1999 of a 20% reduction in the rate of pregnancy among 13- to 15-year-olds for the period 1995-2010.

      In November 2000, the £3 million Healthy Respect project, one of four National Health Demonstration Projects which were proposed in the White Paper, was launched in Lothian and is still running. It aims to radically transform teenage attitudes to sexual health and sexual relationships, reduce the level of teenage pregnancies and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The lessons learned will be applied across Scotland.

      In April 2000 a grant of £150,000 was made to Brook in Scotland (subsequently renamed Caledonia Youth) for start-up costs for four new drop-in centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Falkirk. The Executive is also committed to a substantial contribution to running costs. The centre, in Glasgow, was opened by in May 2002 and will be accessible by young people from Renfrewshire.

      The Scottish Executive has announced its plans to develop a national sexual health strategy for Scotland. One of the strategy's main aims is to tackle the high level of unwanted teenage pregnancies in Scotland. An expert group has been established to assist in the development of the strategy, by harnessing the expertise of respected practitioners at both local and national level.

      (c) On suicides:

      On 2 December 2002, the Scottish Executive published a National Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Scotland, which highlights risk factors related to suicide, identifies priority groups (including young people) and sets out appropriate actions at both national and local levels.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168181,"EventID":"S1W-31713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of young people have (a) been smokers between the ages of 12 and 15 years, (b) fallen pregnant between the ages of 13 and 15 years and (c) committed suici","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of young people have (a) been smokers between the ages of 12 and 15 years, (b) fallen pregnant between the ages of 13 and 15 years and (c) committed suicide in (i) Scotland and (ii) the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"(a) Information on the percentage of young people who have been smokers between the ages of 12 and 15 years in Renfrewshire Council area is not held centrally. Information for Scotland for 1998 and 2000 on the percentage of pupils aged 12-15 years who are or have been smokers is shown in the following table. Information for 1999 and 2001 is not available.

      Percentage of Pupils Aged 12-15 Years Who Are or Have Been Smokers
       

      1998

      2000

      Scotland

      32

      26

      (b) All teenage pregnancy statistics, broken down by both NHS board and council area, are available on the website at:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/publications/publications.htm.

      The percentage of young people who have become pregnant between the ages of 13 and 15 years old for Scotland and Renfrewshire council area is shown in the following table:

      Percentage of Females Aged 13 to 15 Becoming Pregnant

      Year ending 31 December

       

      Scotland

      Renfrewshire

      1997

      0.9

      0.9

      1998

      0.9

      0.8

      1999

      0.8

      1.1

      2000P

      0.8

      0.8

      2001P

      0.7

      0.7

      PInformation for 2000 and 2001 is provisional because North Glasgow University Hospitals Trust data are not yet available.

      (c) There are so few suicides in this age group that the figures expressed as a percentage are very small. The figures in the following tables, obtained from the Registrar General for Scotland, are given as rates per 1,000 of young people in the age group:

      Suicide and Undetermined Death Rates in Young People Between 12 and 15

      Renfrewshire
       

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Suicide

      -

      -

      0.11

      -

      -

      Undetermined

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Total

      -

      -

      -

      -

      -

      Suicide and Undetermined Death Rates in Young People Between 12 and 15

      Scotland
       

      1997

      1998

      		The whole range of New Deal programmes are available to all unemployed working age people in the Renfrewshire Council area who meet the qualification criteria.

      Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire also offer a variety of training opportunities as part of the Training for Work (TfW) programme. TfW is available on a voluntary basis to those aged 25 and over who have been unemployed for six months or more. It offers short sharp courses relevant to the demands of local employers with the aim of progressing people into sustainable employment, as well as longer courses that can take up to a year. Four hundred and fifty people in Renfrewshire are currently participating in TfW and over 180 former participants have moved into work since April this year.

      In addition, there are some New Futures Fund projects available in the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168183,"EventID":"S1W-31715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of working age people have been unemployed in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of working age people have been unemployed in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The annual average percentage of working age people who have been unemployed in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year from 1996 to 2001 is shown in the following table:

      Year

      Annual Average %

      1996*

      6.2

      1997*

      5.1

      1998*

      4.8

      1999*

      4.4

      2000

      3.8

      2001

      3.4

      Note:

      *The annual average percentage of unemployed working age people will be subject to revisions for 1996 to 1999 when revised mid-year population estimates become available from analysis of the 2001 census.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168184,"EventID":"S1W-31716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the proportion of working age people living on low income in the Renfrewshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the proportion of working age people living on low income in the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"People of working age in Renfrewshire Council area will continue to benefit from recent changes in tax and benefits. The UK Government is helping to make work pay through tax credits and the National Minimum Wage.

      Working in partnership, the UK Government and the Scottish Executive offer a range of welfare to work initiatives to help people of working age. Across Scotland, the New Deals are helping more unemployed people on benefits to find work. As set out in Smart, Successful, Scotland the Scottish Executive's enterprise strategy places an emphasis on improving learning and skills which will help improve the earning potential of working age people on low income. Local projects such as the community-based partnership Buddies for Learning Project, which provides literacy and numeracy support to adults in the social inclusion partnership areas in Renfrewshire, are helping local people to remove the barriers to employment.

      In addition, the Scottish Budget for 2003-06 as announced by the Executive will further help working people on low incomes through funding increases in areas such as skills and learning and entrepreneurship.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168185,"EventID":"S1W-31717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of working age people has been living on low income in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of working age people has been living on low income in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31572 on 27 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168186,"EventID":"S1W-31718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase the employment rates of disadvantaged groups, such as lone parents and ethnic minorities, in the Renfrewshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to increase the employment rates of disadvantaged groups, such as lone parents and ethnic minorities, in the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      Both the New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Lone Parents are available on a voluntary basis in the Renfrewshire Council area. Additionally, people who face particular disadvantage may be granted early entry to other New Deal programmes without having to complete the qualifying period of unemployment.

      A new initiative, called progress2work, to help people with drugs problems will shortly be introduced by Jobcentre Plus into the Renfrewshire Council area. A further initiative along the same lines is being developed for other harder to help client groups.

      Early entry to the Training for Work programme is available to a wide range of groups who are particularly disadvantaged in the labour market, including lone parents, people with disabilities, those aged 50 and over and individuals resident in social inclusion partnership areas.

      Also there are individual New Futures Fund projects in Renfrewshire which help clients facing particular difficulties in entering the labour market.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168187,"EventID":"S1W-31719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of students in higher education that are from under-represented, disadvantaged groups and areas in (a) Scotland and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of students in higher education that are from under-represented, disadvantaged groups and areas in (a) Scotland and (b) the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"There has been a wide range of measures introduced by the Executive since 1997 to increase the proportion of students in higher education (HE) from under-represented, disadvantaged groups and areas. These include:

      • Funding an additional 2,800 full-time equivalent places in higher education institutions
      • Waiving fees for all eligible full-time Scottish students at Scottish institutions
      • Providing bursaries of up to £2,000 p.a for young full-time students from low income families
      • A Wider Access Bursary Fund for mature full-time students
      • Fee waiver for unemployed or low income student on part-time courses
      • Access to loans for part-time students
      • Child care support
      • Piloting of Education Maintenance Allowances designed to encourage more young people from low income households to remain in full-time education which are now being rolled out across Scotland
      • Introduction of a widening access premium for institutions to help support students from non-traditional backgrounds
      • Introduction of a disability premium for institutions to help support students with disabilities
      • Introduction of New Access Partnerships to encourage institutions to develop innovative partnerships with the private sector to widen participation

      • Support for developments to provide higher education in rural communities such as the designation of UHI Millennium Institute and the collaboration at Crichton Campus.

      In addition to these measures, young people in the Renfrewshire Council area, along with other schools in the West of Scotland, also benefit from the Greater Opportunities of Access and Learning with Schools (GOALS) project which provides a spectrum of opportunity for school pupils, aged 10 to 18, to learn about and become familiar with higher education. Targeted at schools with low rates of progression to HE and involving all the higher education institutions in the West of Scotland, the project aims to stimulate pupils towards achievement at school and ultimately, to progress to higher education and a rewarding career.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168188,"EventID":"S1W-31720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in light of the special report on children's hearings by the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in light of the special report on children's hearings by the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals.","AnswerText":"I intend to respond to the report in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168189,"EventID":"S1W-31721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale has been set by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration within which all children's hearing centres must meet the property standards schedule. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale has been set by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration within which all children's hearing centres must meet the property standards schedule. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration advises that it aims to have all core properties compliant with the property standards schedule by October 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168190,"EventID":"S1W-31722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the role of reporter to children's hearings is standardised throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the role of reporter to children's hearings is standardised throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The standardisation of the role of the reporter is primarily a matter for the Principal Reporter. It is responsibility of the Principal Reporter to ensure consistency of practice. Practice guidance is currently under review.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168191,"EventID":"S1W-31723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is held on any children's panel recommendations that are not implemented owing to lack of local authority funding and by whom any such information is hel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information is held on any children's panel recommendations that are not implemented owing to lack of local authority funding and by whom any such information is held. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not hold any such information. The responsibility for giving effect to decisions by children's hearings rests with local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168192,"EventID":"S1W-31724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that supports the reported suggestion in the special report on children's hearings by the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals that social ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has that supports the reported suggestion in the special report on children's hearings by the Scottish Committee of the Council on Tribunals that social work departments may have \"tailored their recommendations to their resources rather than what was in the child's best interests\".","AnswerText":"Individual children's hearings can review social work recommendations as part of their decision-making process. Once the children's hearing determines the child's needs and makes a decision, it is the duty of the local authorities to give effect to the decision. We have no direct evidence of the practice suggested in the report.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168193,"EventID":"S1W-31725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that local authorities spend grant-aided expenditure allocations in the areas intended.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that local authorities spend grant-aided expenditure allocations in the areas intended.","AnswerText":"Grant-aided expenditure assessments are not ring-fenced allocations. They are elements in a distribution formula which determines the allocation of block grant to local authorities. We expect authorities to make their own decisions about how to spend that block grant, taking into account national priorities and local circumstances. We discuss and agree those priorities with COSLA and are developing local outcome agreements, linking national priorities with local service outcomes. A small proportion of funding to councils is provided through ring-fenced specific grants.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168194,"EventID":"S1W-31726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure country-of-origin traceability for milk products.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure country-of-origin traceability for milk products.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that the packaging of all milk products within the EU must have a health mark which indicates the country of origin among other things. Milk products imported into the EU must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by the competent authority of the exporting country.

      The Food Standards Agency is encouraging country of origin labelling for a wider range of food on retail sale, and has recently revised its guidance for industry.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168195,"EventID":"S1W-31727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1823,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":10,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure the sustainability of milk production.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure the sustainability of milk production.","AnswerText":"The Executive supports the continuation of milk quotas which is the main element of the EU support regime providing market stability. We will continue to fight for the interests of Scottish dairy producers in the current discussions under the Mid-Term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy, which is considering alternative future arrangements for quotas and dairy policy more generally.

      The Executive has funded, at a cost of £50,000, a strategy document titled Pooling Resources - A Strategy for the Scottish Dairy Industry (2001-2006), and will shortly be discussing its implementation with the Scottish Milk Forum. Research results due out early next year will also highlight the reasons why milk prices in the UK, including in Scotland, are consistently lower than the EU average.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168196,"EventID":"S1W-31728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the third party development of health premises is considered as a private finance initiative or public private partnership project and what the reasons are for it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the third party development of health premises is considered as a private finance initiative or public private partnership project and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The third party development arrangement is considered to be neither a private finance initiative nor a public private partnership. It is an additional reimbursement route available to General Practitioners (GPs) which was introduced to encourage private developers to build health care premises in areas that traditionally have not been attractive to such developers. Premises developed in such areas are then leased to GPs at or below a prescribed rent based on the approved development cost.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168197,"EventID":"S1W-31729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which health premises have been provided by third party development in each year since 1999; what the capital costs and revenue consequences were in each case, broken dow","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which health premises have been provided by third party development in each year since 1999; what the capital costs and revenue consequences were in each case, broken down by NHS board area, and who has the head lease for each of these premises.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      However, 19 projects providing modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation for GP practices are understood to have been completed under the third-party development arrangement. Detailed information can be obtained from individual trusts on those health premises funded using the third-party development arrangement and the capital and revenue consequences.

      Increasingly GPs are located in property from which other health care or social care is being provided. Dependent on local circumstances a head lease can be taken by any of the occupants although Primary Care Trusts are not encouraged by the department to assume the role of head lessee.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168198,"EventID":"S1W-31730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on the new general practitioner contract, and whether the introduction of such contracts will require legislation and, if so, what the timetabl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it is making on the new general practitioner contract, and whether the introduction of such contracts will require legislation and, if so, what the timetable for this is.","AnswerText":"Negotiations on the new GP contract are on-going and at this stage it would be inappropriate for me to comment in detail on the need for legislation to implement the eventual agreement. The framework document published in April this year stated that phased implementation will take place from April 2003, or earlier if possible, recognising the requirements for primary legislation and consequential secondary legislation before full implementation.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168199,"EventID":"S1W-31731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a performance indicator on smoking cessation in the new general practitioner contract.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to introduce a performance indicator on smoking cessation in the new general practitioner contract.","AnswerText":"Negotiations on the new GP contract are being taken forward on a UK basis by the NHS Confederation, representing the four UK Health Departments, and the UK General Practitioners Committee (GPC). As negotiations are currently on-going, it would be inappropriate for me to provide details of what is being discussed at this stage.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168200,"EventID":"S1W-31732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the funding for NHS contract occupational health services was allocated using the Arbuthnott formula and what the reasons are for the position on this matter. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the funding for NHS contract occupational health services was allocated using the Arbuthnott formula and what the reasons are for the position on this matter. ","AnswerText":"NHS boards are given a unified budget calculated under the Arbuthnott formula. This allows each individual NHS board to decide the level of funding to allocate to meet the costs of services they provide including occupational health for the NHS staff they employ.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168201,"EventID":"S1W-31733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional capitation for teaching was allocated to each NHS board in each year since 1998-99.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much additional capitation for teaching was allocated to each NHS board in each year since 1998-99.","AnswerText":"Details of Additional Cost of Teaching (ACT) allocations made to the four teaching boards are as follows:
       

      1998-99

      (£ million)

      1999-2000

      (£ million)

      2000-01

      (£ million)

      2001-02

      (£ million)

      2002-03

      (£ million)

      Grampian

      16.524

      16.774

      17.024

      17.274

      17.524

      Greater Glasgow

      27.184

      27.184

      27.184

      27.184

      27.184

      Lothian

      23.748

      23.748

      23.748

      23.748

      23.748

      Tayside

      16.635

      16.885

      17.135

      17.385

      17.635

      It is for the four teaching boards to make the appropriate financial arrangements with those NHS trusts responsible for the hospitals where teaching takes place.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168202,"EventID":"S1W-31734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Arbuthnott formula is applied to additional capitation for teaching allocations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Arbuthnott formula is applied to additional capitation for teaching allocations.","AnswerText":"The Arbuthnott formula does not apply to the resources which are allocated to NHS boards to meet the additional costs of teaching.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168203,"EventID":"S1W-31735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30633 by Nicol Stephen on 18 November 2002, whether the total costs given for the National Grid for Learning (Scotland) website are","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30633 by Nicol Stephen on 18 November 2002, whether the total costs given for the National Grid for Learning (Scotland) website are inclusive of VAT and whether the cost given for 1999-2000 includes all development work.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive provides a grant to Learning and Teaching Scotland to develop and manage the National Grid for Learning (NGfL) Scotland web services. This grant is outwith the scope of VAT. The NGfL Scotland web services are continually being expanded and updated, and therefore activities that might be characterised as "development work" are going on all the time. The cost given for 1999-2000 in the answer to question S1W-30633 includes all development work carried out in that financial year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168204,"EventID":"S1W-31736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30633 by Nicol Stephen on 18 November 2002, for how many years the site is projected to be operational and what the budgeted cost i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30633 by Nicol Stephen on 18 November 2002, for how many years the site is projected to be operational and what the budgeted cost is for each of those years.","AnswerText":"The National Grid for Scotland web services will continue to operate for the foreseeable future. Over the next few years they will evolve into an important part of the services of the Scottish schools intranet. Detailed budgets depend on progress with the Scottish schools intranet.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168205,"EventID":"S1W-31737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30633 by Nicol Stephen on 18 November 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the expenditure incurred on the National Grid for L","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30633 by Nicol Stephen on 18 November 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the expenditure incurred on the National Grid for Learning (Scotland) website.","AnswerText":"The National Grid for Learning Scotland web services are not a single website, but a complex collection of resources and services accessed through the single www.ngflscotland.gov.uk address.

      The budget for 2002-03 includes provision of the following services:

      Core NGfL web services

      (including Scottish Virtual Teachers Centre and the Communities Channel)

      £450,000

      Early Years Online

      £130,000

      5-14 Online

      £140,000

      NQ Online

      £130,000

      Total

      £850,000

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168206,"EventID":"S1W-31738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30633 by Nicol Stephen on 18 November 2002, whether the costs incurred in respect of the National Grid for Learning (Scotland) webs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30633 by Nicol Stephen on 18 November 2002, whether the costs incurred in respect of the National Grid for Learning (Scotland) website were met from (a) the existing department budget and, if so, from what part of the budget, (b) new money allocated by the Executive or (c) a central advertising budget.","AnswerText":"The National Grid for Learning Scotland web services provides a range of resources, information and facilities for teachers, learners, parents, community groups and other stakeholders in education. Expenditure comes from the Education Department's budget. In the most recent budget publication, The Scottish Executive Draft Budget 2003-04 (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/finance/dbd03-00.asp), the expenditure is included in the "New educational developments" line in Table 3.03.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168207,"EventID":"S1W-31739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30875 by Andy Kerr on 18 November 2002, whether the report providing advice on dissemination to the Effective Interventions Unit in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30875 by Andy Kerr on 18 November 2002, whether the report providing advice on dissemination to the Effective Interventions Unit in the Substance Misuse Division of its Health Department will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"Copies of this report have been delivered to the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168208,"EventID":"S1W-31740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30876 by Dr Richard Simpson on 18 November 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of costs for each of the studies undertaken by La","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30876 by Dr Richard Simpson on 18 November 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of costs for each of the studies undertaken by Lambda Research and Consultancy and whether each of these studies will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The following reports are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre. The cost of the project is given against each entry.

      Business-Related bankruptcies under the bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985, (Bib. number 24356) - contract cost £32,461.25 including VAT.

      Retained, auxiliary and volunteer firefighters in the Scottish Fire Service, (Bib. number 20422) - contract cost £13,915.37 plus VAT.

      A rural Community Gateway Website for Scotland - scoping study, (Bib. number 23333) - contract cost £29,022.50 including VAT.

      Feasibility Study for a victim and witness support services in Scotland, (Bib. number 25338) - contract cost £47,200 plus VAT.

      Audit of ICT Initiatives in Social Inclusion Partnerships and Working for Communities Pathfinders in Scotland, (Bib. number 6313) - contract cost £3,440 plus VAT.

      The following reports are not available from the Parliament Reference Centre:

      The Information Needs of Policy Makers in Civil Law research carried out by LAMBDA was not published. The total cost of this work was £32,750 plus VAT.

      Research on Dealing with Sex Offenders in Scotland was consultation work for the Expert Panel on Sex Offending chaired by the Honourable Lady Cosgrove and did not result in a formal report. This contract was with Douglas Maclean rather than with LAMBDA.

      The Crown Office commissioned Evaluation of Pilot Victim Liaison Service in Grampian and Hamilton is on-going. The total contract cost is £59,900.

      The Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary research into Family Liaison Officers is still in progress. This research was commissioned to inform the Thematic Inspection of Family Liaison Officers. The inspection report will be published in February 2003 and will be available from the Parliament's Reference Centre. The cost of the project is £10,935.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168209,"EventID":"S1W-31741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30876 by Dr Richard Simpson on 18 November 2002, whether the \"Know the Score\" study by Lambda Research and Consultancy will be made","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30876 by Dr Richard Simpson on 18 November 2002, whether the \"Know the Score\" study by Lambda Research and Consultancy will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"A copy of the Know the Score evaluation report was sent to the Parliament's Reference Centre in September 2002 (Bib. number 24390).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168210,"EventID":"S1W-31742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30876 by Dr Richard Simpson on 18 November 2002, whether the cost for the \"Know the Score\" study by Lambda Research and Consultancy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30876 by Dr Richard Simpson on 18 November 2002, whether the cost for the \"Know the Score\" study by Lambda Research and Consultancy is inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"The cost of £29,000 was inclusive of VAT.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168211,"EventID":"S1W-31743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30877 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 November 2002, whether the cost for Changing Speeding Behaviour in Scotland: An Evaluation of the 'F","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30877 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 November 2002, whether the cost for Changing Speeding Behaviour in Scotland: An Evaluation of the 'Foolsspeed' Campaign is inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168212,"EventID":"S1W-31744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people in the Renfrewshire Council area have improved their health by (a) reducing (i) smoking and (ii) alcohol misuse and (b) improving their diet and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of people in the Renfrewshire Council area have improved their health by (a) reducing (i) smoking and (ii) alcohol misuse and (b) improving their diet and what reduction there has been on mortality rates from coronary heart disease in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Mortality rates per 100,000 population from coronary heart disease in the Renfrewshire Council Area 1996-2001:
       

      Crude Rate Per 100,000 Population

      1996

      282.8

      1997

      272.1

      1998

      257.0

      1999

      286.1

      2000

      254.6

      2001

      242.4

      Source: General Register Office for Scotland.

      Notes:

      1. Rates are calculated using the Registrar General's annual mid-year estimates of population which are being revised following the 2001 census results. The figures for 2000 and 2001 use provisional revisions that have already been made on this basis. Revisions covering 1982-2000 will be made by end-February 2003, so the rates given here will be subject to revision after this time.

      2. The rates given are not age-sex standardised.

      Representative information on trends in smoking, alcohol misuse and diet for Renfrewshire Council area are not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168213,"EventID":"S1W-31745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage change there has been in recorded crime levels committed against older people in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage change there has been in recorded crime levels committed against older people in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168214,"EventID":"S1W-31746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the gap in unemployment rates between the worst areas in the Renfrewshire Council area and the average rate of unemployment for Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the gap in unemployment rates between the worst areas in the Renfrewshire Council area and the average rate of unemployment for Scotland as a whole and what the reduction in this gap has been in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      The whole range of New Deal programmes are available to all unemployed working age people in the Renfrewshire Council area who meet the qualification criteria. The Scottish Executive's Training for Work programme is also available on a voluntary basis to those aged 25 and over who have been unemployed for six months or more. In addition, there are some New Futures Fund projects available in the Renfrewshire Council area.

      The worst performing 10% of wards in Renfrewshire between 1996 and 2001 consist each year of four of the following six wards: Ferguslie, St James, Shortroods, Sandyford, Foxbar and Millarston. All of these wards form part of the Paisley Social Inclusion Partnership - Training for Work allows early entry for those clients resident in a social inclusion partnership.

      The following table compares Average Residence Based Claimant Count Unemployment Rates for Scotland and the worst 10% of wards in Renfrewshire (detailed above). It can be seen that overall the percentage point gap between the annual average residence-based claimant count rates for Scotland and the worst 10% of wards in Renfrewshire has been reduced from 10.7 in 1996 to 6.5 in 2001.

      Year

      1. Scotland

      2. Worst 10% of Renfrewshire Wards*

      % Point Difference Between 1 and 2

      1996

      7.6

      18.3

      10.7

      1997

      6.3

      16.1

      9.8

      1998

      5.7

      15.7

      10.0

      1999

      5.3

      14.4

      9.1

      2000

      4.9

      12.6

      7.7

      2001

      4.3

      10.8

      6.5

      Note:

      *All the rates in the table will be subject to revisions in 2003. This is because they are dependent on information from mid-year population estimates and the Labour Force Survey. Revised mid-year population estimates will become available from analysis of the 2001 census and the Labour Force Survey will then be regrossed. This will give new estimates of economic activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168215,"EventID":"S1W-31747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage change has been in recorded crime levels in disadvantaged areas in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the percentage change has been in recorded crime levels in disadvantaged areas in the Renfrewshire Council area in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168216,"EventID":"S1W-31748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families in the Renfrewshire Council area have benefited from Sure Start Scotland, and in what ways, and how much of that organisation's #42 million funding was ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many families in the Renfrewshire Council area have benefited from Sure Start Scotland, and in what ways, and how much of that organisation's #42 million funding was allocated to projects in the area.","AnswerText":"To date £61 million has been allocated to local authorities in Scotland to implement the Sure Start Scotland programme. Of that total, Renfrewshire Council has received £2.476 million. It has used the money to extend existing provision, such as expansion of all day care resources and the extension of the childminding service. It has also created new services previously not available within the council's area such as outreach support and support to ethnic minority families.

      A recent national mapping exercise found that Sure Start Scotland has offered support to over 15,000 additional children and 6,000 parents in 2000-01. However, it is not possible to break this down to local authority level as raw data would not be of sufficient quality and completeness to support analysis or to allow conclusions to be drawn or comparisons with other data to be made. The figures cover a wide range of provision which vary in intensity from one-off interventions to sustained support over a long period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168217,"EventID":"S1W-31749","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many New Futures Fund projects have been funded in the Renfrewshire Council area and how much has been allocated to each such project since the inception of the fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many New Futures Fund projects have been funded in the Renfrewshire Council area and how much has been allocated to each such project since the inception of the fund.","AnswerText":"There are four New Futures Fund projects in Renfrewshire. Of these, only Renfrewshire Association for Mental Health was funded from inception of the fund, with the others coming on stream during Phase 2. Details of the projects are as follows:

      Project

      Contract Value (totals)

      Phase 1

      Phase 2

      Inverclyde Community Development Trust

      0

      £200,000

      Renfrewshire Addiction Forum

      0

      £450,000

      NCH Scotland

      0

      £70,000

      Renfrewshire Association for Mental Health

      £205,000

      £250,000

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168218,"EventID":"S1W-31750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to the rough sleepers initiative (RSI) in the Renfrewshire Council area since the inception of the initiative and how successful the i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been allocated to the rough sleepers initiative (RSI) in the Renfrewshire Council area since the inception of the initiative and how successful the initiative has been.","AnswerText":"Renfrewshire Council received a total of £438,400 in RSI grant in the years 1997-98 to 2001-02 for the provision of a team of outreach and resettlement staff, support staff for rough sleepers with mental health problems, and the reprovisioning of Paisley Social Christian Action Centre to provide self contained flats for people at risk. A further £103,181 per annum has been transferred to the council's Revenue Support Grant to ensure the continuation of services addressing the needs of rough sleepers in the area.

      In May 2001 the total number of people identified as sleeping rough in Renfrewshire in the two-week period covered by the study was 11. In the same two-week period in 2002 the number was seven. The weekly average number of people sleeping rough fell from two in May 2001 to one in May 2002.

      Renfrewshire Council is currently preparing its Homelessness Strategy, and revising its RSI local outcome agreement. In doing so, it has been asked in particular to address the apparent slight shortage of direct access accommodation available for rough sleepers and to consider how to improve access to existing available accommodation.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168219,"EventID":"S1W-31751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated to the Renfrewshire Council area as a result of the creation of Careers Scotland in each year from its inception and what such funding was ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding was allocated to the Renfrewshire Council area as a result of the creation of Careers Scotland in each year from its inception and what such funding was spent on.","AnswerText":"On the establishment of Careers Scotland, the Executive made available to Scottish Enterprise (SEn) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise funding it had previously directed at a range of conjoining agencies. In the SEn area, this amounted to a total of some £30 million. The proportion of that total devoted to the Renfrewshire Council area and the manner in which it has been deployed are operational matters for Scottish Enterprise. That said, Careers Scotland's delivery is shaped by the targets the Executive has set. These address our economic development, social inclusion and education priorities and cover:

      increasing the number of disadvantaged young people continuing in post-compulsory education or training;

      increasing the proportion of school-leavers will a positive approach to the world of work;

      increasing the number of disengaged adults actively engaged in learning and training, and

      reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168220,"EventID":"S1W-31752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what drug action teams are operating in the Paisley North constituency area; how much funding has been allocated to each such team, and what indicators have been establi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what drug action teams are operating in the Paisley North constituency area; how much funding has been allocated to each such team, and what indicators have been established to assess the effectiveness of the teams.","AnswerText":"Paisley North falls within the area of the Argyll and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Action Team (ADAT).

      The Executive provides support funding of £122,049 to Argyll and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Action Team to ensure strategic planning of drug-related work and the co-ordination of drugs services. Funding for services is allocated through statutory funding streams or direct to local drugs initiatives. The main elements of drug-specific funding for Argyll and Clyde are:

      Argyll and Clyde NHS Board (drug treatment services ) £1,243,484 per annum.

      Renfrewshire local authority (rehabilitation) £235,000 per annum.

      Renfrewshire local authority (Changing Children's Services Fund) £668,000 over three years 2001-02 to 2003-04.

      In addition, the area benefits from a number of other funding initiatives which impact on the drugs problem, including crime prevention and criminal justice initiatives.

      All Drug Action Teams report annually to the Executive on action taken, and action planned, against national targets and standards. Details can be found on the national drugs website at:

      http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168221,"EventID":"S1W-31753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1 billion to rebuild and refurbish schools was made available in the Renfrewshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1 billion to rebuild and refurbish schools was made available in the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"We have offered financial support to 15 local authorities to enable them to take forward school PPP projects with a total capital investment value of £1.195 billion. Renfrewshire Council's share of that figure is £100 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168222,"EventID":"S1W-31754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the (a) #175 million for 79 projects from the Scottish Public Transport Fund, (b) #20 million to local authorities for road and bridge repairs and (c) #680 million f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the (a) #175 million for 79 projects from the Scottish Public Transport Fund, (b) #20 million to local authorities for road and bridge repairs and (c) #680 million for improvements to motorways and trunk road network to 2004 will be allocated and how much of these has been, or will be, allocated to the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"The funding of projects from the Public Transport Fund is set out in the regional leaflets associated with the Scottish Executive transport delivery report, Scotland's Transport: Delivering Improvements published in March 2002. Awards to a further 23 projects from the final round of the Public Transport Fund totalling £59 million were announced on 14 November 2002. A total of £1.835 million has been allocated to Renfrewshire.

      Funding for local roads and bridges is a matter for local authorities. Of the £20 million allocation made by the Scottish Executive, Renfrewshire Council was awarded £476,000.

      Spending plans for the motorways and trunk road programme are published in Building a Better Scotland and Scotland's Draft Budget. However, it is a national programme where breakdown by local authority area would not normally be appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168223,"EventID":"S1W-31755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #24 million child care package was allocated to the Renfrewshire Council area and how the money was distributed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #24 million child care package was allocated to the Renfrewshire Council area and how the money was distributed.","AnswerText":"In July 2001, £24 million additional resources for child care were allocated through the child poverty package over 2001-04. The money was allocated as follows:

      • £8.5 million was made available for child care grants for lone parents in full-time higher education to pay for child care. This grant is administered through the Students Awards Agency for Scotland. The Scottish Executive does not hold information on awards made by local area under this grant scheme.
      • £7.5 million was made available to further education colleges throughout Scotland to widen child care provision, based on locally identified needs. Responsibility for administering this money lies with the Scottish Further Education Funding Council. Information on awards made by this body is not held centrally by the Executive.

      £8 million was made available to local authorities to help stabilise and sustain out-of-school care projects, especially in disadvantaged areas. The money was allocated over a three-year period as £2 million in 2001-02, £3 million in 2002-03 and £3 million in 2003-04. Of this, Renfrewshire Council was allocated £48,600 in 2001-2 and £72,800 in 2002-03 and 2003-04. Allocation of this money within the Renfrewshire Council area is a matter for Renfrewshire Council as they have responsibility for the allocation of funds at a local level. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168224,"EventID":"S1W-31756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing the Bus Users Complaints Tribunal. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in establishing the Bus Users Complaints Tribunal. ","AnswerText":"Provision for the establishment of the Bus User Complaints Tribunal was made in section 41 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001. Detailed regulations setting out the operational framework for the tribunal were made on 22 April 2002 in the Bus User Complaints Tribunal Regulations 2002.

      Since the regulations came into force on 23 April 2002, Scottish ministers have appointed a Convener and two members to the tribunal and the Executive has been engaged in resolving a number of legal, financial and administrative issues to enable the Tribunal to begin work early next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168225,"EventID":"S1W-31757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is currently providing for urban community transport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is currently providing for urban community transport.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have the discretion to decide how and where their allocations will be spent and some local authorities in urban areas have chosen to fund "dial-a-ride" and other community transport services.

      The Executive is committed to improving access to transport, and is supporting public transport improvements for many groups who would benefit from community transport. It has introduced free travel for blind people and is improving concessionary bus fare arrangements for pensioners and disabled people so that they now benefit from free local off-peak bus travel.

      In addition, the Executive recently launched the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland to give disabled people the chance to air their views on transport matters and advise ministers of any practical improvements which could be put in place. The committee's work programme for the coming year will include an investigation into on demand "door-to-door" community transport services.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168226,"EventID":"S1W-31758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17682 by Iain Gray on 19 September 2001, whether the introduction of voluntary physical co-ordination tests for those suspected of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17682 by Iain Gray on 19 September 2001, whether the introduction of voluntary physical co-ordination tests for those suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drugs has been a success.","AnswerText":"While the percentage of biological samples submitted for analysis which are positive has increased since the introduction of these tests, the effectiveness of the tests continues to be monitored by the police.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168227,"EventID":"S1W-31759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17682 by Iain Gray on 19 September 2001, how many convictions have resulted from voluntary physical co-ordination tests carried out","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-17682 by Iain Gray on 19 September 2001, how many convictions have resulted from voluntary physical co-ordination tests carried out by the police for those suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drugs.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, it should be noted that a court would be expected to consider not just the results of physical co-ordination tests but also other evidence such as the events surrounding why the police stopped the driver; the manner of driving; demeanour; medical practitioner examination, and blood sample analysis.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168228,"EventID":"S1W-31760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how widespread the use of voluntary physical co-ordination tests for those suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drugs is in each police force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how widespread the use of voluntary physical co-ordination tests for those suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drugs is in each police force.","AnswerText":"All Scottish police forces have officers trained to carry out the tests.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168229,"EventID":"S1W-31761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to police officers to optimise the use of voluntary physical co-ordination tests for those suspected of driving whilst under the influence o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to police officers to optimise the use of voluntary physical co-ordination tests for those suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drugs.","AnswerText":"None, this is an operational matter for individual Chief Constables.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168230,"EventID":"S1W-31762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what police forces are currently utilising voluntary physical co-ordination tests for those suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what police forces are currently utilising voluntary physical co-ordination tests for those suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drugs.","AnswerText":"All Scottish police forces use the physical co-ordination tests.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168231,"EventID":"S1W-31763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been for driving whilst under the influence of drugs in (a) Scotland and (b) each police force area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many convictions there have been for driving whilst under the influence of drugs in (a) Scotland and (b) each police force area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table. Offences of driving while unfit through drugs cannot be separately identified from offences of driving while unfit through drink in the statistics held centrally. The statistics on court proceedings in 2001 are expected to be published later this year.

      Offences of Driving While Unfit Through Drink or Drugs With a Charge Proved in Scottish Courts, by Police Force Area, 1998-2000

      Police Force

      Year of Sentence

      1998

      1999

      2000

      Central

      8

      13

      10

      Dumfries and Galloway

      6

      4

      9

      Fife

      24

      24

      37

      Grampian

      45

      47

      44

      Lothian and Borders

      62

      70

      57

      Northern

      7

      7

      7

      Strathclyde

      191

      197

      222

      Tayside

      61

      39

      55

      Scotland

      404

      401

      441

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168232,"EventID":"S1W-31764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has for actual increases or decreases in the incidence of driving whilst under the influence of drugs over the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates it has for actual increases or decreases in the incidence of driving whilst under the influence of drugs over the last five years.","AnswerText":"UK Government research, published in 2001, indicated that 18% of people killed in road accidents had used illegal drugs. This represented a six-fold increase in the incidence of such drugs since a similar survey in the mid-1980s. There was no change in the incidence of medicinal drugs (6%) since the previous survey. It is not possible to say that the drugs present in an individual's system caused any of these accidents, merely that drugs were detected in the victim's system.

      Research on recreational drug use and driving, published by the Scottish Executive in 2001, found that:

      • nearly 10% of drivers aged 17 to 39 have driven under the influence of illegal drugs;
      • cannabis is the most common drug to have been used by drug drivers;
      • drug driving is more prevalent among 20- to 24-year-old age group, and

      driving after recreational drug use is widespread among people attending night-clubs and dance venues.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168233,"EventID":"S1W-31765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy that the holding of training days for procurators fiscal should influence whether routine arrests are made by the police over a certain timescale","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is its policy that the holding of training days for procurators fiscal should influence whether routine arrests are made by the police over a certain timescale and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"There is no such policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168234,"EventID":"S1W-31766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to help blind people in the light of the Royal National Institute of the Blind campaign report, Changing the Way We Think About Blindness.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it plans to take to help blind people in the light of the Royal National Institute of the Blind campaign report, Changing the Way We Think About Blindness.","AnswerText":"The Executive is hosting a seminar on 11 December 2002, Community Care Services for Adults with Sensory Impairments - Shaping the Future. This will provide us with a sound basis for developing an action plan of short-, medium- and long-term goals to take forward common interests for adults with a sensory impairment in respect of community care services. The RNIB campaign report will be taken into account in progressing the wider agenda.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168235,"EventID":"S1W-31767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to amend the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 in order to require that planning consent be granted before licence applications for houses in multiple","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to amend the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 in order to require that planning consent be granted before licence applications for houses in multiple occupancy (HMO) can be determined.","AnswerText":"Planning and licensing controls are for different statutory and policy purposes and we have no plans to amend the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 in the manner suggested. In those instances where the owner needs both a licence and planning permission he or she has a legal duty to obtain each of them. Local authorities may wish to encourage HMO owners to obtain any necessary planning permission in advance of submitting a licence application to avoid the possibility of abortive work.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168236,"EventID":"S1W-31768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community service order supervisors are currently employed by each local authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community service order supervisors are currently employed by each local authority.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not hold centrally information on numbers of community service order supervisors employed by individual local authorities. However, figures for the numbers of community service staff employed as of October 2001 are given in the following table.

      Local Authority

      Community Service Staff

      Aberdeen

      12

      Aberdeenshire

      9

      Angus

      4

      Argyll and Bute

      5

      Clackmannanshire

      2

      Dumfries and Galloway

      5

      Dundee

      6

      East Ayrshire

      10

      East Dunbartonshire

      6

      East Lothian

      1

      East Renfrewshire

      3

      Edinburgh

      23

      Eileanan Siar

      2

      Falkirk

      7

      Fife

      3

      Glasgow

      47

      Highland

      18

      Inverclyde

      6

      Midlothian

      5

      Moray

      5

      North Ayrshire

      11

      North Lanarkshire

      26

      Orkney Islands

      1

      Perth and Kinross

      0

      Renfrewshire

      10

      Scottish Borders

      0

      Shetland Islands

      2

      South Ayrshire

      6

      South Lanarkshire

      18

      Stirling

      2

      West Dunbartonshire

      3

      West Lothian

      2

      Total

      260

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168237,"EventID":"S1W-31769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community service orders were (a) applied for by each local authority, broken down by local court, and (b) issued by each local court in response in 2001-02 and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community service orders were (a) applied for by each local authority, broken down by local court, and (b) issued by each local court in response in 2001-02 and in the most recent period for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"Figures are available by individual local authority for the number of social enquiry reports which give community service orders as a preferred option, and the number of community service orders issued. The latest available figures, for 2000-01, are given in the following table. It is not possible to break these figures down by specific courts within individual local authorities.

      Local Authority

      Preferred Option - CSO

      CSOs Issued

      Aberdeen City

      154

      185

      Aberdeenshire

      70

      84

      Angus

      12

      120

      Argyll and Bute

      60

      71

      Clackmannanshire

      41

      66

      Dumfries and Galloway

      66

      115

      Dundee City

      270

      339

      East Ayrshire

      67

      154

      East Dunbartonshire

      42

      45

      East Lothian

      83

      83

      East Renfrewshire

      26

      39

      Edinburgh, City of

      346

      394

      Eilean Siar

      15

      11

      Falkirk

      51

      94

      Fife

      186

      238

      Glasgow City

      555

      811

      Highland

      124

      170

      Inverclyde

      105

      110

      Midlothian

      82

      79

      Moray

      50

      40

      North Ayrshire

      82

      141

      North Lanarkshire

      218

      227

      Orkney Islands

      6

      6

      Perth and Kinross

      68

      80

      Renfrewshire

      87

      		Once this information gathering phase is completed, there will be wider consultation early in the new year with interested bodies on the emerging conclusions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168242,"EventID":"S1W-31774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding (a) has been available in each year from 2000-01 to 2002-03 and (b) will be available in 2003-04 and 2004-05 to local authorities seeking resources ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding (a) has been available in each year from 2000-01 to 2002-03 and (b) will be available in 2003-04 and 2004-05 to local authorities seeking resources from Communities Scotland for the funding of partial transfers, as referred to in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The resources provided to councils by the Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland for projects involving partial transfers of housing stock are as follows:

      2000-01

      £23.507 million

      2001-02

      £24.528 million

      2002-03

      £9.950 million

      A further £29.5 million will be made available in future years to allow councils to complete these projects.

      Resources which may be available from Communities Scotland for any other partial transfer projects will be determined in the context of strategic local housing strategies and within the overall level of resources available in the Communities Scotland programme.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168243,"EventID":"S1W-31775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what assumptions and calculations the estimate of an extra #200 million investment for council housing was based, as referred to in the ministerial statement on housin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what assumptions and calculations the estimate of an extra #200 million investment for council housing was based, as referred to in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002, including (a) the extra investment that will be raised for each year from 2004 to 2006 and (b) the local authorities assumed to be eligible for the prudential borrowing regime.","AnswerText":"The figure of £200 million is our broad estimate of the additional borrowing that the Prudential Regime might permit in Scotland as whole. It is based on the assumption that 20-25% of the rental income currently used for capital investment purposes could instead be used to support additional borrowing. However, as I made clear in my statement it is up to individual local authorities to decide for themselves what, if any, additional borrowing the Prudential Regime might allow. For that reason, I am unable to answer parts (a) or (b).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168244,"EventID":"S1W-31776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a BSc degree course for the education and training of audiologists will be in place in Scotland. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a BSc degree course for the education and training of audiologists will be in place in Scotland. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31280 on 18 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168245,"EventID":"S1W-31777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22241 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 February 2002, what the results were of its consultation relating to future changes to the discount ra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22241 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 February 2002, what the results were of its consultation relating to future changes to the discount rate.","AnswerText":"The planned consultation paper relating to future changes to the discount rate has not yet been issued. The Executive has postponed this so that it might form part of wider consultations on damages, taking account of recent developments, that we plan to carry out during 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168246,"EventID":"S1W-31778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of community participation is planned for the Clyde waterfront regeneration project and the Glasgow Harbour development.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of community participation is planned for the Clyde waterfront regeneration project and the Glasgow Harbour development.","AnswerText":"In recognition of the importance of community participation in the Clyde Waterfront regeneration proposals, the Clyde Waterfront Working Group has established a Community Regeneration Sub-Group. This sub-group will look specifically at the impact of on-going regeneration activity on the Clyde Waterfront communities (covering housing, labour access, skills development and community engagement), and collate information on good practice in linking developments to job opportunities.

      Through Glasgow City Council, the Glasgow Harbour development has applied for over £10 million in European Regional Development Funding. An offer of grant, if made, is likely to contain a condition that a local labour market plan is developed. The council is working towards a strategic approach to maximising the training and job opportunities for local residents of social inclusion partnership areas.

      One of the key themes of Clydebank Re-Built Ltd (the company formed from the Clydebank Taskforce to transform Clydebank) is an Inclusive Clydebank to improve the experience of the people who live, work, learn and invest in Clydebank. Clydebank Re-Built Ltd will use the Place Check Approach to ensure appropriate community participation and have applied for Urban II funding to cover the costs. Urban II is a European programme directed at areas of particular disadvantage specifically targeting social inclusion and ensuring community participation in local projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168247,"EventID":"S1W-31779","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why social housing has not been included in the Glasgow Harbour development and whether such housing will be included in the Clyde waterfront regeneration project.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why social housing has not been included in the Glasgow Harbour development and whether such housing will be included in the Clyde waterfront regeneration project.","AnswerText":"The outline planning application for this proposed development was cleared back to Glasgow City Council on 28 June 2001 by ministers. It was for the council to decide what issues were relevant when determining whether to grant planning permission.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168248,"EventID":"S1W-31780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Glasgow Harbour development and Clyde waterfront regeneration project will improve the social and housing mix in the west end of Glasgow.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Glasgow Harbour development and Clyde waterfront regeneration project will improve the social and housing mix in the west end of Glasgow.","AnswerText":"The outline planning application for this proposed development was cleared back to Glasgow City Council on 28 June 2001 by ministers. It was for the council to decide what issues were relevant when determining whether to grant planning permission.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168249,"EventID":"S1W-31781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the establishment of multi-agency public protection arrangements for the purposes of assessing and managing the risks posed to local communit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the establishment of multi-agency public protection arrangements for the purposes of assessing and managing the risks posed to local communities by sexual and violent offenders and other persons considered to be persons that may cause serious harm to the public.","AnswerText":"The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill currently progressing through the Parliament provides for the establishment of a new public body, the Risk Management Authority (RMA). The authority will be a centre of expertise in the fields of risk assessment and risk minimisation. One of the RMA's key functions will be to provide the framework for the multi-agency assessment and management of the risk posed to the public by sexual and violent offenders.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168250,"EventID":"S1W-31782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it gives to organisations providing support to the victims of sexual offences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it gives to organisations providing support to the victims of sexual offences.","AnswerText":"Our Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund is providing £117,659 this year to organisations that specifically support victims of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse. In addition, a section 10 grant of £100,000 is being provided to enable a national office to be established for the Scottish Rape Crisis Network.

      Victim Support Scotland is funded by the Executive to provide support, information and advice to all victims of crime, including those who have been victims of sexual offences. In 2002-03 this funding amounts to £2.8 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168251,"EventID":"S1W-31783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to modernisation of the criminal law in respect of adult sexual activity with a child.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to modernisation of the criminal law in respect of adult sexual activity with a child.","AnswerText":"Sexual offences involving children and young people are contained in both common and statute law. We have no plans to change the law in this area although we will keep the position under review. In particular, as I said in the answer given to question S1W-31784 on 3 December 2002, we are considering whether a new offence of grooming is needed in Scotland. The Scottish Executive has also established a Working Group on Young Runaways and Children Abused through Prostitution. The group has considered a range of issues including the promotion of good practice and effective early intervention to prevent abuse and exploitation before it happens. The group plans to publish guidance early next year.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168252,"EventID":"S1W-31784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking with regard to the recommendations of the Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet established by Her Majesty's Government in March 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking with regard to the recommendations of the Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet established by Her Majesty's Government in March 2001.","AnswerText":"We are currently considering, in consultation with Crown Office, whether a new offence of grooming is needed in Scotland. We closely monitor other child protection issues to ensure that best practice is adopted throughout Scotland and participate in internet safety campaigns to highlight how to avoid the possible dangers of using the internet.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168253,"EventID":"S1W-31785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to modernisation of the criminal law in respect of abuse of a position of trust by those that care for, advise, supervise or train young p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to modernisation of the criminal law in respect of abuse of a position of trust by those that care for, advise, supervise or train young persons under the age of 18.","AnswerText":"The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 introduced a new offence of abuse of trust. There are no immediate plans to amend these provisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168254,"EventID":"S1W-31786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has instructed to be undertaken with regard to clarifying the law on consent.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it has instructed to be undertaken with regard to clarifying the law on consent.","AnswerText":"The Lord Advocate has already taken steps to clarify the law on consent in rape cases. Last year, he referred the case of Edward Watt to the High Court and secured a ruling that clarified the definition of rape in Scots law. The High Court held that the general rule relating to the law of rape is correctly stated by reference to a woman's lack of consent. This ruling should make prosecution possible in some cases in which it was not previously possible. In view of this clarification we do not consider that there is currently any need for further work to be undertaken in this area.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168255,"EventID":"S1W-31787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces retain the services of a diversity adviser to advise on race equality matters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which police forces retain the services of a diversity adviser to advise on race equality matters.","AnswerText":"All Scottish Police Forces engage advisers on racial equality matters. It is for Chief Constables to decide the method of engagement to ensure they achieve racial equality within their organisation and in the services their force provides.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168256,"EventID":"S1W-31788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when decisions will be made on the #1.5 million allocated for the support of post offices in deprived urban areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when decisions will be made on the #1.5 million allocated for the support of post offices in deprived urban areas.","AnswerText":"The Executive is currently developing a fund to support post offices in deprived urban areas. Further details will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168257,"EventID":"S1W-31789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Your Guide project will be rolled out to post offices across Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Your Guide project will be rolled out to post offices across Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30292 on 5 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168258,"EventID":"S1W-31790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support growth in business for urban post offices.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support growth in business for urban post offices.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5935 on 21 November 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168259,"EventID":"S1W-31791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from Consignia or Her Majesty's Government about how many post offices are expected to close in Scotland as a result of Consignia's restr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from Consignia or Her Majesty's Government about how many post offices are expected to close in Scotland as a result of Consignia's restructuring plans and how many such offices will be in the (a) Glasgow City Council and (b) South Lanarkshire Council area.","AnswerText":"I understand from the Department of Trade and Industry that there is no pre-determined closure list. Under the Code of practice. Post Office branch relocation, closure and conversion agreed between Consignia plc and Postwatch (November 2001), Post Office Limited is required to consult Postwatch and other interested parties on its specific proposals for changes.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168260,"EventID":"S1W-31792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1805,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":1,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any events taking place overseas in celebration of St Andrew's Day. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any events taking place overseas in celebration of St Andrew's Day. ","AnswerText":"St Andrew's Day events are taking place across the globe - from Lima to Luanda, and from The Hague to Ho Chi Min City. There are thousands of Scots and people of Scottish ancestry around the world who will celebrate St Andrew's Day with us. Therefore, through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, I have issued jointly with the Secretary of State for Scotland a St Andrew's Day message, to the worldwide UK Embassy network, sending the warmest wishes from the people of Scotland to those gathered to celebrate the achievements of their country of birth and of their forefathers. The message will be read out at St Andrew's Day events across the world.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168261,"EventID":"S1W-31793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits there will be for airports owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd from the Route Development Fund for air routes announced on 18 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benefits there will be for airports owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd from the Route Development Fund for air routes announced on 18 November 2002.","AnswerText":"The Interim Route Development Fund is primarily focussed on developing new European and UK routes that provide business, inward investment and in-bound tourism benefits. Given the special operating conditions in the Highlands and Islands and the social and economic development remit of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HAIL), the intention is to provide a distinct part of this fund to HIAL to be managed against priorities which are agreed with the relevant stakeholders.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168262,"EventID":"S1W-31794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Highlands and Islands Enterprise will be involved in the assessment of bids to the Route Development Fund for air routes announced on 18 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Highlands and Islands Enterprise will be involved in the assessment of bids to the Route Development Fund for air routes announced on 18 November 2002.","AnswerText":"Highlands and Islands Enterprise will be consulted regarding the priorities for that part of the Interim Route Development Fund that is allocated to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. Officials will meet to discuss this in the near future.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168263,"EventID":"S1W-31795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given to assisting existing domestic air services on less-used routes from smaller airports on which greater frequency and quality can be intro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration will be given to assisting existing domestic air services on less-used routes from smaller airports on which greater frequency and quality can be introduced and what mechanism will be used to assess such services in relation to the route development fund for air routes announced on 18 November 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31793 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The need to tackle issues of air service provision in remote areas has also been highlighted during the course of the current air transport consultation. The Executive will consider how best to address this concern as part of its response to the consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168264,"EventID":"S1W-31796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to assess applications to the Route Development Fund for air routes announced on 18 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria will be used to assess applications to the Route Development Fund for air routes announced on 18 November 2002.","AnswerText":"Officials of the Executive and Scottish Enterprise, together with expert consultants, are currently working on the detail of the appraisal framework for target routes and the qualifying criteria for each route and airport. Any airline wishing to operate a target route will be offered funding in line with the arrangements agreed for the airport involved, provided they meet the specified criteria for the route.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168265,"EventID":"S1W-31797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with British Airways and Loganair about their internal (a) Scottish and (b) Highlands and Islands routes with regard to the Route Development ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with British Airways and Loganair about their internal (a) Scottish and (b) Highlands and Islands routes with regard to the Route Development Fund for air routes announced on 18 November 2002.","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with airlines and airport operators about a range of issues, including those referred to in the answer given to question S1W-31793 on 3 December 2002.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168266,"EventID":"S1W-31798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has forwarded the findings of the recently published Fisheries Research Services reports, Industry/Science Partnership 2001-2002, Volume 1 Report of Scottish ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has forwarded the findings of the recently published Fisheries Research Services reports, Industry/Science Partnership 2001-2002, Volume 1 Report of Scottish Trials Assessing the Selectivity of Trawls and Seines and Industry/Science Partnership 2001-2002, Volume 2 Report on Biological Information Gathered from Scottish Fishing Vessels to European Commission officials and, if so, when the reports were forwarded and for the attention of which officials within the commission.","AnswerText":"Yes; at our request, the UK Permanent Representation to the EU (UKRep) presented a formal copy of the report to the Commission on 22 November 2002.

      In anticipation of that, and the relevance of the associated data, UKRep had previously written to the Commission about associated details on 2 August 2002. Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department officials followed this up in discussion with the Commission in advance of the EU/Norway consultations held on 20 to 22 November 2002.

      Some of the results were also discussed within the wider scientific community, particularly at the ICES Advisory Committee on Fishery Management on 9 to 17 October 2002, which the Commission attended as observers.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168267,"EventID":"S1W-31799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 will be used to provide grant assist","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 will be used to provide grant assistance for private sector housing.","AnswerText":"Of the sum of £215 million announced on 7 November, £170 million will be allocated to local authorities on the basis of up to £50 million in financial year 2003-04 and £60 million in each of the following two years. The method for allocation between authorities is currently the subject of consultation with COSLA and figures for each authority are therefore not yet available. These resources will be available for local authorities to provide grant assistance to owners of private sector housing and for other purposes related to the improvement of housing conditions in the private sector.

      The remaining sum of £45 million, which includes £10 million per year announced following the 2001 Spending Review, will be used by the Executive directly or through local authorities to take forward other priorities arising from the recommendations of the Housing Improvement Task Force and for related matters. I will take decisions on the allocation of the funding once I have had the opportunity to consider the recommendations of the task force. In the meantime, none of this funding has been earmarked.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168268,"EventID":"S1W-31800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 will be allocated to each local auth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 will be allocated to each local authority in each of the three years to 2005-06.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31799 on 11 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168269,"EventID":"S1W-31801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any further resources in addition to the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 wil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any further resources in addition to the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 will be made available to take forward the work of the Housing Improvement Task force and, if so, how much.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31799 on 11 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168270,"EventID":"S1W-31802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 has been earmarked for specific p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 has been earmarked for specific projects; if so, how much and for which projects.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31799 on 11 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168271,"EventID":"S1W-31803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 for repair and improvement grants include","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the #215 million announced in the ministerial statement on housing by the Minister for Social Justice on 7 November 2002 for repair and improvement grants includes money for owner occupiers in mixed tenure estates impacted on by large-scale stock transfers and, if so, how much within each local authority area will be allocated for this in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"No. The resources specifically earmarked to assist owner-occupiers affected by housing transfers are included elsewhere in the Social Justice budget. No final decisions about the allocation of the funding have been taken. These will be made in the context of individual transfer proposals.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168272,"EventID":"S1W-31804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of EU waters the Scottish 'one represents.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of EU waters the Scottish 'one represents.","AnswerText":"There is no comprehensive definition of EU waters. The Scottish fishing zone is approximately 127,000 square nautical miles.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168273,"EventID":"S1W-31805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of EU white fish quota is fished by Scottish registered vessels, broken down by species.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of EU white fish quota is fished by Scottish registered vessels, broken down by species.","AnswerText":"Quotas are allocated to UK Fish Producer Organisations and uptake of these quotas by these organisations is monitored centrally. It is the responsibility of the Producer Organisations to allocate quota to individual vessels within their membership. Consequently, fisheries departments do not hold records of the quota allocated to individual vessels.

      There are seven Fish Producer Organisations that are administered in Scotland. For the calendar year 2001 their share of the EC White fish quota by species was as follows:

      Table 1: Percentage of 2001 EC White fish Quota Allocated to Scottish Producer Organisations by Species

      Species

      Percentage of 2001 EC Quota

      Cod

      10%

      Haddock

      56%

      Whiting

      25%

      Saithe

      11%

      Plaice

      6%

      Sole

      1%

      Hake

      2%

      Anglerfish

      19%

      Megrim

      12%

      Lemon sole and witch flounder

      37%

      Skates and rays

      35%

      Dabs and flounder

      2%

      Turbot and Brill

      4%

      Spurdog

      62%

      Pollack

      2%

      Notes:

      2001 EC quota as at 15/12/2000.

      Excludes quota for Faroese waters.

      Includes EC quota stocks with no UK interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168274,"EventID":"S1W-31806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission an independent review of care for the historic environment, as proposed by Scottish Environment LINK.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commission an independent review of care for the historic environment, as proposed by Scottish Environment LINK.","AnswerText":"I met representatives from Scottish Environment LINK in June when we discussed, among other things, their tentative proposals for an audit of the historic environment in Scotland. LINK are now discussing this issue with my officials in Historic Scotland and we are awaiting a paper from LINK that sets out the aims and objectives they would propose for such an audit. A decision on whether there is a need for an audit in Scotland will be taken once these proposals have been received, evaluated and costed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168275,"EventID":"S1W-31807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have (a) applied and (b) been granted permission to introduce quality contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 since 7 August 2","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities have (a) applied and (b) been granted permission to introduce quality contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 since 7 August 2002.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168276,"EventID":"S1W-31808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authority that has applied to introduce quality contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 since 7 August 2002 has sought subsidies to sec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any local authority that has applied to introduce quality contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 since 7 August 2002 has sought subsidies to secure the services listed within its application and, if so, how much each such authority received.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31807 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168277,"EventID":"S1W-31809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tenders for quality contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 were above the utilities sector threshold and needed to be advertised in the Officia","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tenders for quality contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 were above the utilities sector threshold and needed to be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31807 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168278,"EventID":"S1W-31810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review quality contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to assess whether the complexities in the tendering process have hinde","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to review quality contract schemes under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to assess whether the complexities in the tendering process have hindered applications from local authorities.","AnswerText":"I have no current plans to review quality contract schemes nor to review the guidance issued by the Executive on Part 2 (Bus Services) of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168279,"EventID":"S1W-31811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2234,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community service orders were made in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many community service orders were made in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"Figures for community service orders in the last two years are as follows:

      1999-2000

      3,596

      2000-01

      4,454

      Publication of figures for 2001-02 is planned for December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168280,"EventID":"S1W-31812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received an offer from West Sound Radio that would provide free maintenance of roundabouts to a high standard on the A77.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received an offer from West Sound Radio that would provide free maintenance of roundabouts to a high standard on the A77.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Executive did receive a proposal from West Sound Radio suggesting that it would pay for landscape works on the roundabouts in exchange for signs which, we understand, would carry information about the radio station and also road safety messages. However, the proposal lacked detail and officials have therefore written to West Sound Radio setting out the Scottish Executive's position on this and other road safety related issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168281,"EventID":"S1W-31813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2172,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the adoption of roadsides and roundabouts on the trunk road network by commercial enterprises and private interests for maintenance pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the adoption of roadsides and roundabouts on the trunk road network by commercial enterprises and private interests for maintenance purposes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is at the early stages of considering the potential for sponsorship schemes on the trunk road network as a way of generating additional revenue for enhanced landscaping and maintenance. However, safety is our primary concern and we will look carefully at the safety implications of any proposal and work closely with the police and others before decisions are taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168282,"EventID":"S1W-31814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether airlines seeking to develop international routes are eligible for regional selective assistance (RSA).","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether airlines seeking to develop international routes are eligible for regional selective assistance (RSA).","AnswerText":"All RSA applications are assessed on their individual merits, against the criteria of the scheme. It is not therefore possible to generalise on the eligibility of particular types of projects, such as described above.

      However, the First Minister announced recently the establishment of an Interim Route Development Fund to invest in new European and UK air routes which provide significant benefit to Scotland in terms of business links, inward investment and in-bound tourism. Details of the scheme are still being worked up by Executive officials in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and airport operators.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168283,"EventID":"S1W-31815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which airports are located in areas covered by regional selective assistance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which airports are located in areas covered by regional selective assistance.","AnswerText":"Of the Scottish airports which are licensed for scheduled passenger traffic, the following are located, wholly or in part, in the assisted areas of Scotland:

      Kirkwall, Orkney

      Sumburgh, Shetland

      Stornoway, Western Isles

      Barra, Western Isles

      Benbecula, Western Isles

      Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute

      Eday, Orkney

      Fair Isle, Shetland

      Tiree, Argyll and Bute

      Islay, Argyll and Bute

      Wick, Caithness

      Westray, Orkney

      Papa Westray, Orkney

      Stronsay, Orkney

      Sanday, Orkney

      North Ronaldsay, Orkney

      Tingwall, Shetland

      Out Skerries, Shetland

      Foula, Shetland

      Papa Stour, Shetland

      Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick

      Glasgow International Airport, Paisley

      Inverness Airport, near Nairn

      Dundee Airport, Dundee.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168284,"EventID":"S1W-31816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30944 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 November 2002, when the proposals for the Colinton flood prevention scheme were first referred to it","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30944 by Lewis Macdonald on 13 November 2002, when the proposals for the Colinton flood prevention scheme were first referred to it by the City of Edinburgh Council; how many persons have objected to these proposals, and how many exchanges of correspondence there have been to date between it and objectors.","AnswerText":"The City of Edinburgh Council passed to the Scottish Executive, on 22 January 2002, its proposals to carry out works relating to a culvert overflow under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 in the Redford Road area of Colinton. Two objections to these works have been received. To date, there have been four substantive submissions from one of the objectors and one substantive submission from the other.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168285,"EventID":"S1W-31817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30870 by Mr Andy Kerr on 15 September 2002, how much specific business has been generated by its Property Pages website expressed i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30870 by Mr Andy Kerr on 15 September 2002, how much specific business has been generated by its Property Pages website expressed in (a) value and (b) volume.","AnswerText":"On 25 November, the number of properties being advertised through the website was 1,583. The number of public sector organisations using it was 53.

      The value price or rent achieved on the conclusion of a transaction is not recorded.

      As most properties are marketed by sale board, leaflet, newspaper, estate agents particulars and the website it would need users to provide the Scottish Executive with returns. This would involve disproportionate costs.

      The website is a relatively inexpensive, "light touch" facility designed to assist the sale and letting of vacant public sector property in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168286,"EventID":"S1W-31818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to develop the Older People's website and how much has been budgeted to maintain the website inclusive of VAT.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it cost to develop the Older People's website and how much has been budgeted to maintain the website inclusive of VAT.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30639 on 31 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. The answer explained that the costs were being met from within existing departmental running costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168287,"EventID":"S1W-31819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits the Older People's website has had in (a) total and (b) each month since its inception and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hits the Older People's website has had in (a) total and (b) each month since its inception and how these figures compare to pre-launch projections.","AnswerText":"The activity on the Scottish Executive website is measured in page impressions which is a universally recognised measure of website activity, sometimes referred to as website hits. The Older People's website has had a total of 9,691 hits between its inception on 29 August and 15 November. The monthly breakdown of hits is as follows:

      29 to 31 August

      166

      September

      3,410

      October

      4,011

      1 to 15 November

      2,104

      There were no pre-launch projections for this website.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168288,"EventID":"S1W-31820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will respond to Scottish Environmental LINK's document Seas Fit for Scotland, launched on 6 November 2002, and whether there are any plans to take forward any ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will respond to Scottish Environmental LINK's document Seas Fit for Scotland, launched on 6 November 2002, and whether there are any plans to take forward any of the document's proposals.","AnswerText":"I will be replying to Scottish Environment LINK shortly. My letter will explain that the Executive is already committed, through the UK Marine Stewardship Report, to delivering a number of the initiatives identified by LINK. I will place a copy of my letter in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168289,"EventID":"S1W-31821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring and assessment took place in relation to the closure of fishing grounds last year as part of the cod recovery plan and what the results of such monitorin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring and assessment took place in relation to the closure of fishing grounds last year as part of the cod recovery plan and what the results of such monitoring and assessment were.","AnswerText":"The purpose of the closure of some of the North Sea fishing grounds in 2001 was specifically to try to improve the spawning chances of cod with a view to enhancing future recruitment to the stock. Evaluations at the time predicted that, at best, a 5% increase in egg production might be expected in the North Sea cod stock.

      The cod stock is routinely monitored through the sampling of discards and marketed landings and during a series of research vessel cruises. Annual assessments take place within the ICES framework: a stock improvement of sufficient magnitude would be detected by this monitoring. Additional monitoring was not therefore carried out. It is still too early to draw firm conclusions on the efficacy or otherwise of the closure on the state of the cod stock although it is questionable whether such a small predicted benefit to egg production would lead to a detectable improvement in subsequent stock biomass.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168290,"EventID":"S1W-31822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it would play in responding to any incident in Scottish waters similar to the sinking of the oil tanker Prestige off the Spanish coast and whether it will give ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it would play in responding to any incident in Scottish waters similar to the sinking of the oil tanker Prestige off the Spanish coast and whether it will give details of procedures that are in place to deal with any such incident.","AnswerText":"Action to prevent marine pollution remains a function of the UK Government. However, the role of the Scottish Executive, and a number of other statutory bodies, is set out in the National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution from Shipping and Offshore Installations (NCP). The plan is tested annually and the most recent national oil spill exercise, which included participation by the Scottish Executive and a number of its agencies, was conducted in the Firth of Forth in October. A copy of the plan is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre, (Bib. number 17730). There is also an Operating Agreement between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Scottish Executive on Marine Pollution Contingency Planning.

      In the event of an oil spill in waters adjacent to Scotland, the MCA would alert the Scottish Executive and its agencies. The Executive and its agencies would be involved in any Shoreline Response Centre and Environment Group set up under the terms of the NCP to deal with the incident. In addition, the Scottish Executive is responsible as licensing authority for approving the use of chemical dispersants in shallow coastal waters.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168291,"EventID":"S1W-31823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to correspondence on the use of Coagucheck strips sent on 1 July and 18 September 2002 to the Minister for Health and Community Care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will respond to correspondence on the use of Coagucheck strips sent on 1 July and 18 September 2002 to the Minister for Health and Community Care.","AnswerText":"I apologise for the delay in dealing with your letter of 1 July 2002, a reply has now been issued. We can find no trace in the office of a letter dated 18 September 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168292,"EventID":"S1W-31824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for modernising the law on admissibility of previous convictions and other misconduct in criminal cases so that juries may consider them, where held","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proposals it has for modernising the law on admissibility of previous convictions and other misconduct in criminal cases so that juries may consider them, where held relevant, when reaching a verdict.","AnswerText":"There are no plans at present to extend the law on admissibility of previous convictions beyond the existing provisions in the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 including those in section 275A which came into effect on 1 November 2002 as part of the Sexual Offences (Procedure and Evidence) Act 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168293,"EventID":"S1W-31825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29959 by Allan Wilson on 9 October 2002, whether there will be an announcement in November 2002 about progress in the preparation o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29959 by Allan Wilson on 9 October 2002, whether there will be an announcement in November 2002 about progress in the preparation of data by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in relation to the web-based pollution emissions inventory.","AnswerText":"No, but I will make an announcement about SEPA's plans shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168294,"EventID":"S1W-31826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what protection exists for goods that belong to third parties on premises that are affected by a sequestration for rent and the consequent exercise of the landlord's hyp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what protection exists for goods that belong to third parties on premises that are affected by a sequestration for rent and the consequent exercise of the landlord's hypotech.","AnswerText":"Goods which are on hire purchase or the subject of a conditional sale agreement, which are on the premises only temporarily or which belong to a member of the tenant's family or to a lodger are all exempt from sequestration for rent. Also, any third party, whose property has been included in the sequestration, may apply to the court to be included as an interested party to the court action and may seek recall of the sequestration in respect of his property. Where a warrant of sale has been granted, he may apply to have all other items sold before his.

      Landlord's hypothec and sequestration for rent were discussed in the recent consultation document Enforcement of Civil Obligations in Scotland and consultees were asked for their views on whether sequestration for rent should be abolished. The analysis of responses to that document is available on the Scottish Executive website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/justice/ecos-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168295,"EventID":"S1W-31827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary will next undertake a full, partial or regular visit to, or inspection of, the Scottish Criminal Record Office.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary will next undertake a full, partial or regular visit to, or inspection of, the Scottish Criminal Record Office.","AnswerText":"HM Inspector of Constabulary will carry out a review inspection of the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) in January 2003. This review inspection will address any issues that are outstanding from the SCRO Primary Inspection Report published in May 2001 and the review inspection of December 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168296,"EventID":"S1W-31828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary will next publish an interim or full report on issues arising from any visit to, or inspection of, the Scottish Criminal Record Of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary will next publish an interim or full report on issues arising from any visit to, or inspection of, the Scottish Criminal Record Office.","AnswerText":"HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) will be reporting on its review inspection of the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) in March 2003. SCRO will also be included in the HMIC Race Relations Inspection Report that is due to be published in February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168297,"EventID":"S1W-31829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) fingerprint experts involved in the Shirley McKie case have since their re-instatement given evidence under oath at any","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) fingerprint experts involved in the Shirley McKie case have since their re-instatement given evidence under oath at any criminal trial and, if so, on how many occasions and in which courts.","AnswerText":"The SCRO fingerprint officers involved in the Shirley McKie have not given evidence under oath at any criminal trial since their re-instatement on 9 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168298,"EventID":"S1W-31830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many identifications of fingerprints for use as court productions have been undertaken by the Scottish Criminal Record Office fingerprint experts that gave evidence i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many identifications of fingerprints for use as court productions have been undertaken by the Scottish Criminal Record Office fingerprint experts that gave evidence in the Shirley McKie case since their re-instatement.","AnswerText":"Since their re-instatement on 9 April 2002, the four fingerprint officers involved in the Shirley McKie case have not undertaken the identification of fingerprints for use as court productions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168299,"EventID":"S1W-31831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the quality and variety of homes in the most disadvantaged areas of the Renfrewshire Council area since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the quality and variety of homes in the most disadvantaged areas of the Renfrewshire Council area since 1997.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Since 1997 Communities Scotland has invested £42.205 million to provide 1033 new homes within the Renfrewshire Council area. Over £20 million has been invested in Social Inclusion Partnership areas to provide 732 new or refurbished homes.

      Over the past 12 months Communities Scotland has been actively involved with Renfrewshire Council and members of local communities to develop Area Development Frameworks (ADFs) for a number of areas within Renfrewshire including Shortroods, Moorpark, Ferguslie Park and Foxbar. The ADFs will identify the need for funding resources from Communities Scotland.

      Communities Scotland has also been involved in appraising proposals for the NHP project in Johnstone which will see the development of both social rented housing and housing for sale in the Millar Street area of the town.

      In partnership with Renfrewshire Council and Williamsburgh Housing Association Communities Scotland is currently developing proposals for the regeneration of the Rankine Street area of Johnstone.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168300,"EventID":"S1W-31832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the number of people across the Renfrewshire Council area who take part in voluntary activities since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the number of people across the Renfrewshire Council area who take part in voluntary activities since 1997.","AnswerText":"We have introduced and are promoting a variety of volunteering initiatives across Scotland aimed at increasing the number of people who take part in voluntary activity.

      Specifically, we have allocated £4.5 million towards developing the Active Communities Initiative throughout Scotland. Its objectives are:

      to bring about more positive attitudes to volunteering and community action;

      to locate volunteering and community action at the heart of Scottish Executive policy;

      to broaden the range of people involved, and

      to increase the number of people involved.

      In addition, we have established and funded a national network of Volunteer Centres across Scotland. Renfrewshire has had a Volunteer Centre since 1999.

      We have also introduced the Valuing Volunteers small grant scheme to enable small, local, service delivery organisation to apply for a grant to recognise, recruit, reward and resource volunteering activity. Over £4,000 has been distributed amongst nine projects in Renfrewshire, during 2002, each receiving grants of up to £500.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168301,"EventID":"S1W-31833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to accelerate the number of households in disadvantaged areas of the Renfrewshire Council area with access to the internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to accelerate the number of households in disadvantaged areas of the Renfrewshire Council area with access to the internet.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to bridging the digital divide and achieving universal access to the internet by 2005. The Digital Inclusion strategy, Connecting Scotland's People, published in September 2001 sets out how we aim to achieve this.

      A range of activities is increasing internet access for everyone in Renfrewshire:

      The New Opportunities Fund is providing free internet access in all libraries in Scotland - including 17 libraries in Renfrewshire.

      The Executive's Public Internet Access Points initiative is creating additional access in the Renfrewshire area - in places such as community centres, pubs, garages, shops and leisure centres. Details of their locations can be found by calling UK Online (0800 771234) or by visiting the website:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/digitalscotland/webaccess/default.asp.

      Using the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund, Renfrewshire Council are providing around 300 households in West Johnstone with PCs and access to the internet.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168302,"EventID":"S1W-31834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #250 million for free personal and nursing care was allocated to Renfrewshire Council. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #250 million for free personal and nursing care was allocated to Renfrewshire Council. ","AnswerText":"In the current financial year, from 1 July 2002 to 31 March 2003, Renfrewshire Council received £3.082 million from the overall allocation of £107 million. The allocation to each local authority for 2003-04 will be announced in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168303,"EventID":"S1W-31835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #17.1 million allocated for mental health services will be given to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and what instructions the Executive has issued about the us","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #17.1 million allocated for mental health services will be given to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and what instructions the Executive has issued about the use of such funds.","AnswerText":"No instructions have yet been issued about the allocation of the resources estimated to be required for the Mental Health (Scotland) Bill currently before the Parliament, if that is the context of this question. The Financial Memorandum accompanying the bill estimated annual costs for the Scottish Executive and local authorities from 2004-05 as totalling £17.1 million, with a further £6 million per annum for NHS Scotland to be met from the substantial funding increases already announced.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168304,"EventID":"S1W-31836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #100 million over four years in the Health Improvement Fund will be allocated to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and on what projects any such funds will be us","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #100 million over four years in the Health Improvement Fund will be allocated to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and on what projects any such funds will be used.","AnswerText":"Argyll and Clyde NHS Board will receive £5.324 million from the Health Improvement Fund for the period 2000-01 to 2003-04. Full details about how the board is utilising its share of the fund are given in the 2001 Investment Report Putting the Pieces in Place, published earlier this year and available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19606) or from the Scottish Executive website at: www.scotland.gov.uk.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168305,"EventID":"S1W-31837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Further Education Funding Council allocated to the (a) Reid Kerr Further Education College and (b) University of Paisley in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much the Scottish Further Education Funding Council allocated to the (a) Reid Kerr Further Education College and (b) University of Paisley in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"(a) The Scottish Further Education Funding Council has been responsible for allocating funds to further education colleges since 1 July 1999, when it took over that responsibility from the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department. The initial annual allocations to Reid Kerr College were as follows:

      Year

      £ million

      1996-97

      8.2

      1997-98

      8.2

      1998-99

      7.7

      1999-2000

      8.3

      2000-01

      9.3

      2001-02

      10.4

      2002-03

      11.0

      Note:

      These figures do not include bursary payments.

      (b) The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) is responsible for funding higher education institutions. Since 1996, the council has allocated the following amounts to the University of Paisley:

      Year

      £ million

      1996-97

      22.1

      1997-98

      23.1

      1998-99

      22.0

      1999-2000

      26.3

      2000-01

      25.0

      2001-02

      26.8

      2002-03*

      26.7

      Note:

      *This figure is estimated.

      In recent years the core funding for teaching and research at the University of Paisley has increased steadily. This full allocation figures includes additional funding announcements which are offered throughout the year for various initiatives.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168306,"EventID":"S1W-31838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #108 million over three years for higher education has been, or will be, given to the Renfrewshire Council area and how the University of Paisley will use","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #108 million over three years for higher education has been, or will be, given to the Renfrewshire Council area and how the University of Paisley will use any such funds.","AnswerText":"The allocation of this funding is a matter for the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. Details of the full amounts offered to the University of Paisley have been provided to the member in the answer given to question S1W-31837 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and it is for them to decide how these funds are used.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168307,"EventID":"S1W-31839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its report on the progress of the national strategy to address domestic abuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its report on the progress of the national strategy to address domestic abuse.","AnswerText":"I reported our progress to the Parliament in a debate on 28 November 2002.

      We intend to publish a written report in February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168308,"EventID":"S1W-31840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31210 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 November 2002, whether it is currently reviewing the legislation on combating abuse of children on th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31210 by Mr Jim Wallace on 14 November 2002, whether it is currently reviewing the legislation on combating abuse of children on the internet.","AnswerText":"We are considering, in consultation with Crown Office, whether to strengthen the law in this area and whether to introduce a specific new offence of grooming.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168309,"EventID":"S1W-31841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29188 by Dr Richard Simpson on 30 October 2002, what its estimate is of the extent of drug-assisted sexual assault.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29188 by Dr Richard Simpson on 30 October 2002, what its estimate is of the extent of drug-assisted sexual assault.","AnswerText":"The nature of drug-assisted sexual assault makes it difficult to obtain reliable information. Information is collected about the number of people proceeded against and convicted for sexual offences, but drug-related sexual assaults are not separately identifiable.

      The Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency's Strategic Assessment includes some estimates, but these cover many cases where the use of drugs in sexual assaults was suspected. As such, we consider that the figures are not sufficiently comprehensive or robust for publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168310,"EventID":"S1W-31842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any monitoring or evaluation is to be carried out on the implementation of the Sexual Offences (Procedures and Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any monitoring or evaluation is to be carried out on the implementation of the Sexual Offences (Procedures and Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"Statistical information relevant to the Sexual Offences (Procedure and Evidence)(Scotland) Act 2002 is being collected as from 1 November 2002, the date on which the act came into force. Qualitative research to assess the impact of the act will be commissioned once the new provisions have been in operation for a sufficient period to make such research meaningful. We also plan shortly to commission research on the operation of the pre-2002 law of evidence in sex offence trials, to provide baseline data for the future evaluation of the impact of the act.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168311,"EventID":"S1W-31843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to broaden the range of offences that will trigger registration on the sex offenders register.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to broaden the range of offences that will trigger registration on the sex offenders register.","AnswerText":"We are considering the range of offences that trigger registration on the sex offenders register with the UK Government in order to ensure that the register continues to provide comparable protection throughout the UK.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168312,"EventID":"S1W-31844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the Protection of Children (Scotland) Bill will have on voluntary organisations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect the Protection of Children (Scotland) Bill will have on voluntary organisations.","AnswerText":"The bill provides for a list of persons unsuitable to work with children to be established. We have proposed amendments at stage 2 that will extend to all organisations employing individuals in child care positions (whether voluntary or statutory) the duty to refer individuals to the list if they have harmed a child or put a child at risk of harm. All organisations will commit an offence if they fail to comply with this duty or employ an individual, in a child care position, who is on the list. We are considering appropriate support, advice and training for all organisations in implementation.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168313,"EventID":"S1W-31845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept the recommendation of the Justice 1 Committee regarding the Protection of Children (Scotland) Bill that all evidence must be corroborated before so","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will accept the recommendation of the Justice 1 Committee regarding the Protection of Children (Scotland) Bill that all evidence must be corroborated before someone can be included on the list of those unsuitable to work with children and, if so, how such a recommendation will affect the original intention of the bill.","AnswerText":"As the bill establishes a civil procedure, it does not require corroboration of evidence. However, a person will not be included on the list unless the evidence submitted with the referral is robust, and the appropriate disciplinary procedures have been undertaken.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168314,"EventID":"S1W-31846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether voluntary organisations that are involved in working with children are under any legal obligation to carry out Scottish Criminal Record Office checks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether voluntary organisations that are involved in working with children are under any legal obligation to carry out Scottish Criminal Record Office checks.","AnswerText":"Criminal record checks are now mostly carried out under Part V of the Police Act 1997 through the issue of criminal conviction and criminal record certificates. There is, however, no provision in Part V which requires a person to apply for a certificate. Nevertheless, those making appointments, whether paid or unpaid, to positions which give access to children or vulnerable adults have a responsibility to do as much as they can to ensure that those being appointed are suitable persons to have access to children and vulnerable adults. Asking potential recruits to apply for a criminal conviction certificate under Part V of the Police Act will help organisations make safer recruitment decisions. We are making available £1 million per annum so that volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults in voluntary organisations may be able to obtain certificates without cost.

      Regulations made under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 require that providers and managers of care services are fit persons and that any person they employ (paid or unpaid) is a fit person. These regulations apply to all types of organisations that provide care services. One of the fit person criteria relates to criminal conviction information. Access to that information is available only through Part V of the Police Act 1997. This means that a Part V certificate will be needed to satisfy the requirements of the regulations.

      When the Protection of Children (Scotland) Bill is enacted it will be an offence for an organisation to employ in a child care position a person who is on the list of people deemed unsuitable to work with children. Access to names on the list will only be available through Part V certificates. This will effectively mean that child care organisations in all sectors will have to ask those they intend to employ to apply for a criminal record certificate.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168315,"EventID":"S1W-31847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that travellers are provided with concise information on the Scottish Inter-collegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 62, Prophylaxis of venou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that travellers are provided with concise information on the Scottish Inter-collegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 62, Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism.","AnswerText":"The SIGN Guideline highlights the causes of venous thromboembolism and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition. The particular risk of occurrence during long air flights is well understood and publicised, including airlines' own in-flight information. The SIGN Guideline, and associated quick reference guide, contain advice which should be given to all travellers on minimising their risk of thrombosis when travelling long distances, especially by air. They also include detailed advice on the prophylactic methods which should be considered for patients at high risk of thrombosis. Anyone planning long-distance air travel who is concerned about the subject should consult their GP before starting their journey.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168316,"EventID":"S1W-31848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in providing every primary and secondary school with a broadband internet connection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made in providing every primary and secondary school with a broadband internet connection.","AnswerText":"The 2001-02 Schools' ICT Survey (available on the internet at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00193-00.asp) indicated that 49% of secondary schools, 8% of primary schools and 13% of special schools had broadband internet connections of at least 2 Mbps.

      The formal procurement of pubic sector broadband in the two Pathfinder areas, South of Scotland and Highlands and Islands, is under way with the recent publication of contract notices for both projects in the European Journal. This should provide broadband connections to every school in the eight local authority areas that are participating in the Pathfinder Projects. The lessons learned from the pathfinder projects will inform detailed plans to get broadband connections to every school.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168317,"EventID":"S1W-31849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to send any representatives to the meeting of the EU Maritime Transport Council on 6 December 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to send any representatives to the meeting of the EU Maritime Transport Council on 6 December 2002.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will not send a representative to the EU Transport Council meeting on 5 to 6 December 2002.

      Decisions on Scottish ministers' attendance at Council meetings are made on a case by case basis depending on the agenda of the Council meeting in question.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168318,"EventID":"S1W-31850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the number of section 18 episodes under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 has increased by 5% over the last year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the number of section 18 episodes under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 has increased by 5% over the last year.","AnswerText":"No precise reason can be attributed to the rise, between the years 2000-01 and 2001-02, in the number of patients who had detentions initiated under section 18 of the 1984 act.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168319,"EventID":"S1W-31851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is undertaking, or intends to undertake, into the increase in the number of section 18 episodes under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is undertaking, or intends to undertake, into the increase in the number of section 18 episodes under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984.","AnswerText":"A research programme is being developed within the Executive to support, monitor and evaluate the proposed Mental Health (Scotland) Bill. This programme will include research on the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984, for comparative purposes. We know that admissions to hospital under section 18 have risen steadily (nearly doubling between 1990-91 and 2001-02). An important element of the work planned will be an analysis of case records to explore the characteristics of, and outcomes for, people subject to detention under section 18 since 1990.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168320,"EventID":"S1W-31852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse consultant posts have been created since the announcement on the nursing recruitment and retention action plan by the Minister for Health and Community Car","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many nurse consultant posts have been created since the announcement on the nursing recruitment and retention action plan by the Minister for Health and Community Care on 7 December 2001.","AnswerText":"Since the Facing the Future convention for recruitment and retention of nurses in December 2001 a further four posts have been approved. The NHS boards/trusts involved are at varying stages in the appointment process.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168321,"EventID":"S1W-31853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 18 new nurse consultant posts referred to in the announcement on the nursing recruitment and retention action plan by the Minister for Health and Communit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 18 new nurse consultant posts referred to in the announcement on the nursing recruitment and retention action plan by the Minister for Health and Community Care on 7 December 2001 have been created.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31852 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168322,"EventID":"S1W-31854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for the creation of the 18 new nurse consultant posts referred to in the announcement on the nursing recruitment and retention action plan by the Mi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the timescale is for the creation of the 18 new nurse consultant posts referred to in the announcement on the nursing recruitment and retention action plan by the Minister for Health and Community Care on 7 December 2001.","AnswerText":"We anticipated that 18 consultant nurse/midwife posts would be established by March 2003. Ultimately it is for NHS boards and trusts to make these appointments based on local need and service developments. NHS boards and trusts are currently working towards achievement of this target.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168323,"EventID":"S1W-31855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30941 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 November 2002, what facilities the cardiac response unit has that the ambulances described as having","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30941 by Malcolm Chisholm on 6 November 2002, what facilities the cardiac response unit has that the ambulances described as having a thrombolytic capability do not have.","AnswerText":"Both resources, that is the cardiac response unit (CRU) and the ambulance accident and emergency unit (AEU), have the same thrombolytic capability as defined in the answer given to question S1W-30941. The CRU was introduced into Angus to provide a dedicated resource capable of delivering a fast response to and early thrombolysis for those patients who may require such treatment. When the CRU is deployed, then it is backed up by an AEU to transport the patient to hospital.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168324,"EventID":"S1W-31856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the accident and emergency ambulances operating within Angus have a thrombolytic capability.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the accident and emergency ambulances operating within Angus have a thrombolytic capability.","AnswerText":"Two out of the four accident and emergency units operating in the Angus area have a thrombolytic capability.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168325,"EventID":"S1W-31857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29496 and S1W-29959 by Allan Wilson on 25 September and 9 October 2002, how much has been allocated to the Scottish Environment P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29496 and S1W-29959 by Allan Wilson on 25 September and 9 October 2002, how much has been allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency specifically to improve public access to pollution data through a web-based pollution emissions inventory.","AnswerText":"No element of the grant-in-aid allocated to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is ring-fenced for any specific purpose. Under the Spending Review 2002 SEPA has been allocated, subject to parliamentary approval, additional resources of £11.2 million for the period 2003-04 to 2005-06 to cover a range of new duties. This included additional funding to develop an online pollution emissions inventory. It is, however, for SEPA to decide what proportion of the extra funding is to be devoted to developing the pollution inventory.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168326,"EventID":"S1W-31858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated to (a) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and (b) any other organisations in relation to the Good Neighbour Agreement between Du","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has been allocated to (a) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and (b) any other organisations in relation to the Good Neighbour Agreement between Dundee City Council, Dundee Energy Recycling Limited, Friends of the Earth Scotland and local community groups in Dundee.","AnswerText":"No funding has been allocated by the Scottish Executive to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or any other organisation in relation to the Good Neighbour Agreement involving the waste to energy plant at Baldovie, Dundee.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168327,"EventID":"S1W-31859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the Good Neighbour Agreement between Dundee City Council, Dundee Energy Recycling Limited, Friends of the Earth Scotland and local commu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the Good Neighbour Agreement between Dundee City Council, Dundee Energy Recycling Limited, Friends of the Earth Scotland and local community groups in Dundee.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is funding research by Friends of the Earth to assess the effectiveness of Good Neighbour Agreements. This work will include looking at the agreement involving the waste to energy plant at Baldovie, Dundee.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168328,"EventID":"S1W-31860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to local authorities in relation to the power to make payments under section 13 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance has been issued to local authorities in relation to the power to make payments under section 13 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","AnswerText":"Circular SWSG 13/76 gives guidance about civil emergencies. This circular was agreed with central government departments and with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168329,"EventID":"S1W-31861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30906 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 November 2002, whether the research on the effectiveness of the Learn to Let Go campaign (Bib number 25","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30906 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 November 2002, whether the research on the effectiveness of the Learn to Let Go campaign (Bib number 25242) was sent to the Scottish Parliament Information Centre in sufficient time to be available there on 21 November 2002.","AnswerText":"A copy of the research was sent to a named official at the Parliament's Reference Centre during the afternoon of 15 November. It was sent after my officials checked the procedure for placing material in the Parliament's Reference Centre, contained on page 25 of the parliamentary questions guidance, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre. An e-mail from the Scottish Executive's Media and Communications Group, timed at 14.49 and dated 15 November confirming that a copy of the research was about to be sent, has since been forwarded to my office. Furthermore, the copy of the research was seen to be placed in the Executive's internal post by a senior official.

      When the Executive was notified on 22 November that a copy of the research had not arrived, a second copy was immediately dispatched to the same address after checking that it was correct.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168330,"EventID":"S1W-31862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30864 and S1W-30870 by Cathy Jamieson and Mr Andy Kerr on 15 November 2002, whether the statistics on hits to the National Debate","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30864 and S1W-30870 by Cathy Jamieson and Mr Andy Kerr on 15 November 2002, whether the statistics on hits to the National Debate on Education website in the answer to question S1W-30864 show the number of (a) hits to the entire site (successful), (b) page impressions or (c) visits (user sessions).","AnswerText":"The statistics on hits to the National Debate website in the answer given to question S1W-30864 show page impressions for the homepages of the discussion and reflection phases of the debate since its launch on 20 March 2002.

      The following table shows these figures, along with the total number of page impressions per month for the entire site for comparison. The total number of page impressions for the entire site from 20 March to end October was over 53,000.

      We do not hold statistics for the number of visits (user sessions) to the site.

      Period

      Page Impressions for Discussion and Reflection Homepages

      Page Impressions for Entire Site

      20/03/2002 to 29/04/2002

      4,246

      12,157

      30/04/2002 to 27/05/2002

      3,860

      10,526

      28/05/2002 to 24/06/2002

      3,865

      9,753

      25/06/2002 to 29/07/2002

      1,472

      3,546

      30/07/2002 to 26/08/2002

      445

      1,036

      27/08/2002 to 30/09/2002

      692

      1,434

      01/10/2002 to 28/10/2002

      6,626

      14,771

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168331,"EventID":"S1W-31863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30879 and S1W-30880 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, what action has been taken to put in place the tumour-specific multi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30879 and S1W-30880 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, what action has been taken to put in place the tumour-specific multi-disciplinary managed clinical networks for neuro-oncology.","AnswerText":"There are three multi-disciplinary neuro-oncology centres in Scotland - one in each Regional Cancer Advisory Group Area - situated in Glasgow (West of Scotland), Edinburgh (South East of Scotland) and Aberdeen (North of Scotland).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168332,"EventID":"S1W-31864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of developing the One Scotland. Many Cultures website was and how much has been budgeted for the maintenance of the site, inclusive of VAT in each case.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of developing the One Scotland. Many Cultures website was and how much has been budgeted for the maintenance of the site, inclusive of VAT in each case.","AnswerText":"www.onescotland.com has cost £38,775 to date, inclusive of VAT. No specific amount has been allocated for the maintenance of the site, which will be the responsibility of Executive officials with occasional support from the site designers.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168333,"EventID":"S1W-31865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30863 by Lewis Macdonald on 19 November 2002 giving statistics on the number of page impressions viewed on the Learn to Let Go webs","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30863 by Lewis Macdonald on 19 November 2002 giving statistics on the number of page impressions viewed on the Learn to Let Go website, how many single visits the website had over the same period.","AnswerText":"There have been 22,817 single visits to the website since its introduction in June 2001. The monthly figures are as follows:

      2001

      2002

      June

      286

      January

      1,391

      July

      591

      February

      1,256

      August

      495

      March

      1,352

      September

      1,290

      April

      1,462

      October

      1,177

      May

      1,511

      November

      1,225

      June

      1,568

      December

      1,169

      July

      2,146

      August

      2,078

      September

      1,919

      October

      1,901

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168334,"EventID":"S1W-31866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31153 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 November 2002, what the current monetary value is of the nursing and midwifery student bursary; whe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31153 by Malcolm Chisholm on 12 November 2002, what the current monetary value is of the nursing and midwifery student bursary; whether this bursary level adequately provides for the living costs of nursing and midwifery students that receive the bursary; how many such students have received the bursary in each of the last three years; how many such students are currently receiving the bursary, and how much would it cost annually, based on current information, to replace the bursary with a salary system providing (a) #10,000 and (b) #15,000 per year.","AnswerText":"The Nursing and Midwifery Student Bursary scheme is demand-led but in 2001-02 cost £35.7 million. A non-repayable bursary of £5,430 (for students under 26 at the start of the course) or £6,115 (for students over 26) is awarded to cover day-to-day living costs. The bursary has increased by 21% since 1998 and is supplemented by other allowances including single parents' allowance (currently £1,100), an income assessed allowance for dependant children, excess costs for travel to placement and Disabled Students Allowance.

      Other health care students receive a partly income assessed package totalling £3,980, including student loan, for their living cost support, plus other allowances where appropriate. Other students receive up to £3,905, plus allowances.

      According to the data collected by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, the number of students who have received bursaries in the current and previous three years is set out in the following table:

      Year

      Students

      2002

      8,660

      2001

      7,755

      2000

      7,404

      1999

      6,764

      A salary of £10,000 (which would be taxable) for each student would cost around £86 million a year and a salary of £15,000 would cost around £130 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168335,"EventID":"S1W-31867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the \"Child Rescue Alert\" scheme, introduced by Sussex Police, which aims to apprehend those suspected of abducting children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the \"Child Rescue Alert\" scheme, introduced by Sussex Police, which aims to apprehend those suspected of abducting children.","AnswerText":"None directly. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is, however, being kept informed of developments associated with the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168336,"EventID":"S1W-31868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make contact with the authorities behind the \"Child Rescue Alert\" scheme in Sussex and whether it will consider any evidence of \"Amber Alert\" schemes savi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make contact with the authorities behind the \"Child Rescue Alert\" scheme in Sussex and whether it will consider any evidence of \"Amber Alert\" schemes saving children's lives in the USA.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to do so. However, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is in contact with the Association of Chief Police Officers in England and Wales and will be provided with updates on the Sussex project, particularly the planning, methods of public appeal, the progress of the system and the running and management of the programme. I shall wish to discuss developments with ACPOS when there has been adequate opportunity to consider the programme's progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168337,"EventID":"S1W-31869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate introducing a scheme similar to the \"Child Rescue Alert\" scheme, introduced by Sussex Police, working with the broadcast media and using elect","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate introducing a scheme similar to the \"Child Rescue Alert\" scheme, introduced by Sussex Police, working with the broadcast media and using electronic road signs.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to do so. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) is in contact with the Association of Chief Police Officers in England and Wales and will be provided with updates on the Sussex project, particularly the planning, methods of public appeal, the progress of the system and the running and management of the programme. I shall wish to discuss developments with ACPOS when there has been adequate opportunity to consider the programme's progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168338,"EventID":"S1W-31870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate ways of overcoming any legal or technical problems in the way of introducing a scheme similar to the \"Child Rescue Alert\" scheme introduced by","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate ways of overcoming any legal or technical problems in the way of introducing a scheme similar to the \"Child Rescue Alert\" scheme introduced by Sussex Police.","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to do so. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) is in contact with the Association of Chief Police Officers in England and Wales and will be provided with updates on the Sussex project, particularly the planning, methods of public appeal, the progress of the system and the running and management of the programme. I shall wish to discuss developments with ACPOS when there has been adequate opportunity to consider the programme's progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168339,"EventID":"S1W-31871","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29536 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 October 2002, what the procedures are that Scottish ministers must follow under the Roads (Scotland) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29536 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 October 2002, what the procedures are that Scottish ministers must follow under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 in considering objections to the draft orders regarding the A90 improvement and what the timetable for such consideration is.","AnswerText":"If objections are not withdrawn, Schedule 1 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 sets out the circumstances which cause a Public Local Inquiry to be held and those where, if Scottish ministers are satisfied, they may decide the holding of an inquiry is not necessary. There is no specified timetable in either case.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168340,"EventID":"S1W-31872","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many sites in Scotland the bog bush-cricket has been recorded; where these sites are located, and what policies are in place, in both national or local biodiversit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on how many sites in Scotland the bog bush-cricket has been recorded; where these sites are located, and what policies are in place, in both national or local biodiversity action plans, to secure its conservation.","AnswerText":"There are two known sites for Metrioptera brachyptera (the bog bush-cricket) in Scotland. This species has been recorded in 2002 at Aucheninnes Moss/Little Cloak near Dalbeattie. There is also a record from the 1960s, for Raeburn Flow a SSSI/cSAC, near Kirkpatrick Fleming in Dumfries and Galloway.

      There is no UK Species Action Plan for the bog bush-cricket. The bog bush-cricket is listed as a Local Priority Species within the Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), published June 1999. LBAPs encourage positive conservation management for species which are regionally or locally scarce but are not endangered on a UK level.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168341,"EventID":"S1W-31873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any sites on which bog bush-crickets have been recorded have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or receive protection under any other nationa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any sites on which bog bush-crickets have been recorded have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or receive protection under any other national or international legislation and, if no such sites have been designated, what directions or guidance it has provided to Scottish Natural Heritage in relation to site protection measures for this species and other rare invertebrate fauna.","AnswerText":"During the 1960s the bog bush-cricket was recorded at Raeburn Flow, a SSSI/cSAC. This is the only record on any SSSI in Scotland. The guidelines for the selection of a biological SSSI specify a number of criteria under which invertebrates may be \"qualifying features\" for SSSI designation. As it is not an endangered species in Great Britain, the bog bush-cricket is unlikely to be considered a \"qualifying feature\". There are no international protection measures in place for the bog bush-cricket.

      Scottish Natural Heritage, as the Scottish Executive's Statutory Advisor implements the protection of rare invertebrate fauna through provision of guidance and direction. This includes the protection of species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, by SSSI and other designations and through UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168342,"EventID":"S1W-31874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policies are for the protection of rare invertebrate fauna, particularly in relation to development proposals likely to lead to national or local extinction of a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policies are for the protection of rare invertebrate fauna, particularly in relation to development proposals likely to lead to national or local extinction of a species.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers place much reliance on working with landowners and managers of land containing invertebrate species as an important aspect of their protection. Many of the threats to such species can be the absence of key features of their habitats so landowners and managers are well placed to provide the necessary habitats and food sources important to their survival.

      The Scottish Executive issued guidance in October 2001 which offered advice to local authorities and developers on the licensing arrangements which apply in cases where European Protected Species are presently on any site which is the subject of a development proposal. This guidance re-enforces the protective regime for the animal and plant species listed respectively in Schedule 2 and Schedule 4 to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168343,"EventID":"S1W-31875","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it will use to determine the planning application to allow and extend the waste disposal facility and to construct a leachate treatment plant at Acheninn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it will use to determine the planning application to allow and extend the waste disposal facility and to construct a leachate treatment plant at Acheninnes landfill site, Dalbeattie, and how it will receive and consider representations concerning Scottish Natural Heritage's proposed conditions to conserve the bog bush-cricket at that location.","AnswerText":"The planning application for an extension to the Aucheninnes site was notified to the Scottish ministers on 27 November by Dumfries and Galloway Council. It will now be assessed in the context of the statutory development plan and relevant national planning policies to decide whether it should be called in for determination by the Scottish ministers or cleared back to the council for them to deal with as they think fit. Any representations received by the Scottish ministers will be taken into account as part of the assessment process before a decision is reached.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168344,"EventID":"S1W-31876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the legal agreement proposed by Scottish Natural Heritage to protect the population of bog bush-crickets at Acheninnes landfill site, Dalbeattie, will be subject","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the legal agreement proposed by Scottish Natural Heritage to protect the population of bog bush-crickets at Acheninnes landfill site, Dalbeattie, will be subject to public consultation before it is entered into and whether such an agreement requires the Executive's approval.","AnswerText":"The content of the proposed legal agreement would generally be a matter for the signatories, who in the case of the Aucheninnes development would be Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the applicant. There would not be a public consultation on the agreement although it would be perfectly acceptable for interested parties to make their views known to the signatories prior to the completion of the agreement. If the planning application were to be called in for determination by the Scottish ministers, the terms of the legal agreement would be a material consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168345,"EventID":"S1W-31877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-21T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it, or Scottish Natural Heritage, will adopt to determine the likely effectiveness of the legal agreement proposed by Scottish Natural Heritage to protec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it, or Scottish Natural Heritage, will adopt to determine the likely effectiveness of the legal agreement proposed by Scottish Natural Heritage to protect the population of bog bush-crickets at Acheninnes landfill site, Dalbeattie; how the results of any public consultation on the agreement will be considered, and whether a public inquiry is the most appropriate mechanism for such consideration.","AnswerText":"It is intended that the legal agreement will cover a management plan for the site and the adjacent land as requested by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in order to assist in sustaining the bog bush-cricket population at the Aucheninnes site. The effectiveness of the management plan would be monitored as part of the agreed processes.

      The terms of the legal agreement will be a matter for Dumfries and Galloway Council, SNH and the applicant, although the Scottish ministers would consider the details of the agreement if the planning application were to be called in for their own determination.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168346,"EventID":"S1W-31878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its letter to me of 11 November 2002, whether it is its intention to consult local authorities on the abolition of capital receipts set-aside rules as announc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to its letter to me of 11 November 2002, whether it is its intention to consult local authorities on the abolition of capital receipts set-aside rules as announced by the Minister for Social Justice in her ministerial statement on housing on 7 November 2002 or to abolish these rules as indicated by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services during the debate on quality of life later that day.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's policy is as stated in the Minister for Social Justice's statement on 7 November. As a consequence of the move to the Prudential Regime, the capital receipts set-aside rules are unlikely to remain relevant and we will consult local authorities on the abolition of these rules.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168347,"EventID":"S1W-31879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rationale is used to decide the length of time between tests for amnesic shellfish poisoning levels in any given designated area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what rationale is used to decide the length of time between tests for amnesic shellfish poisoning levels in any given designated area.","AnswerText":"The testing for amnesic shellfish poison levels in any given area is determined by assessment of risk.

      The criteria for this risk assessment includes whether the area is capable of being exploited and is subject to active harvesting, the pattern of previous sample results from the area, results from the Food Standards Agency Scotland phytoplankton monitoring programme and information supplied to the Executive from the Marine Laboratory Aberdeen research work.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168348,"EventID":"S1W-31880","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of toxins in scallops can fluctuate on a daily and weekly basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the level of toxins in scallops can fluctuate on a daily and weekly basis.","AnswerText":"Once scallops have fed on toxic phytoplankton and their flesh has become toxic the level will not fluctuate. Levels will, however, continue to accumulate while the animal feeds on the toxic phytoplankton.

      In the absence of these species the scallop will begin to depurate and toxin levels will decrease.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168349,"EventID":"S1W-31881","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, what advice it is taking in formulating guidance to users of anticoagulation monitor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, what advice it is taking in formulating guidance to users of anticoagulation monitoring strips and when it expects to be able to make such guidance available.","AnswerText":"A multidisciplinary working group was convened in May 2002 to produce guidance for NHS prescribers prior to the addition of Coaguchek self testing strips to the Scottish Drug Tariff. The guidance is now available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk for NHS prescribers and dispensing contractors. Coaguchek testing strips were added to the Scottish Drug Tariff on 27 November 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168350,"EventID":"S1W-31882","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that people in the Renfrewshire Council area that are eligible to receive free personal and nursing care receive that care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure that people in the Renfrewshire Council area that are eligible to receive free personal and nursing care receive that care.","AnswerText":"Provisions of the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 together with regulations made by Scottish ministers provide the legislative basis for the delivery of free personal and nursing care. Renfrewshire Council has indicated they are meeting the regulatory and legislative requirements to implement free personal care for people in their area.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168351,"EventID":"S1W-31883","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #4 billion additional spending on public services up to 2005-06 as a result of the UK spending review has been, or will be, allocated and how much has been, or wi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the #4 billion additional spending on public services up to 2005-06 as a result of the UK spending review has been, or will be, allocated and how much has been, or will be, allocated to the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Every area of Scotland will benefit for our plans for investing in Scotland over the next three years, as our budget rises to over £25 billion by 2005-06. As I have made clear, this investment will be matched by delivery on our priority targets - bringing better schools, more effective transport services, better health, lower crime and continued growth in opportunities for all. All of Scotland will benefit from the better public services that we will deliver.

      The resources committed to individual areas will depend on a wide range of detailed programme allocations, some of which have yet to be made. For example, the local government revenue and capital allocations for East Renfrewshire Council for the next three years were announced on 4 December. More details of the Executive's other spending plans for the period up to 2005-06 were published in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-06 on 12 September, and in The Scottish Executive: Draft Budget 2003-04: Detail on 31 October. And further details on individual programme allocations will be made in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168352,"EventID":"S1W-31884","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #25 million for free local off-peak bus travel for elderly and disabled concessionary card holders has been allocated to the Renfrewshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #25 million for free local off-peak bus travel for elderly and disabled concessionary card holders has been allocated to the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Renfrewshire's share of these resources is part of its unhypothecated general block grant allocation and is not identified separately. It is for the council to establish its actual level of expenditure on individual services.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168353,"EventID":"S1W-31885","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of additional #3.2 billion to be spent on health by 2007-08 as a result of the UK Budget 2002 will be allocated to the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and what instru","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of additional #3.2 billion to be spent on health by 2007-08 as a result of the UK Budget 2002 will be allocated to the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and what instructions will be issued about the use of these funds.","AnswerText":"Argyll and Clyde NHS Board has been given an indicative increase in unified budget for 2003-04 of £30.115 million. Boards will be notified of actual unified budgets for 2003-04 soon. Decisions on indicative allocation increases to unified budgets for future years have not yet been taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168354,"EventID":"S1W-31886","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 350 one-stop clinics are located in the Renfrewshire Council area; where such clinics are located, and what services they offer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 350 one-stop clinics are located in the Renfrewshire Council area; where such clinics are located, and what services they offer.","AnswerText":"Information on one-stop clinics operated by NHSScotland is not available in the specific format requested.

      NHS Argyll and Clyde currently operates 29 one-stop clinics where patients receive consultation, diagnostic tests, results, and if appropriate treatment, all in a single visit. Details of these one-stop clinics are given in the following table.

      One-Stop Clinics Operated By NHS Argyll And Clyde

      Location

      Service

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding (Gynaecology)

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Breast Clinic

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Cataract

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Colorectal Cancer

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Colposcopy

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Diabetes

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Early Pregnancy Assessment Centre

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Genito-Urinary Medicine Referral

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Rheumatology

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Social Gynaecology

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Uro-Gynaecology Clinic

      Inverclyde Royal Hospital

      Vulval Clinic (Dermatology and Gynaecology)

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding (Gynaecology)

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      Breast Clinic

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      Cardiology

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      Colposcopy

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      Early Pregnancy

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      Genito-Urinary Medicine Referral

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      HbA1C Near Patient Testing (Adult Diabetes)

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      HbA1C Near Patient Testing (Paediatric Diabetes)

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      Head and Neck Cancer Clinic

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      Hysteroscopy

      Royal Alexandra Hospital

      		The decision to send either the Cardiac Response Unit or an AEU with the facility to thrombolyse a \"chest pain\" patient is based on distance. The nearest available resource would be sent.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168357,"EventID":"S1W-31889","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29906 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 October 2002, what the on-call arrangements for the Rapid Response Unit are for patients living sout","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29906 by Malcolm Chisholm on 8 October 2002, what the on-call arrangements for the Rapid Response Unit are for patients living south of Forfar.","AnswerText":"Throughout the Angus area the Rapid Response Unit deployed to patients with chest pains will be either the Cardiac Response Unit (CRU) or an accident and emergency unit (AEU), both of which have the same thrombolytic capability. While the AEU is available on a 24-hour basis throughout the area, the CRU is only operational in an area that may broadly be described as to the north of Forfar and during peak times.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168358,"EventID":"S1W-31890","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what tonnage of sand eels has been caught in the North Sea in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what tonnage of sand eels has been caught in the North Sea in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. I refer the member to page 100 of the recent Advisory Committee on Fishery Management report which can be accessed on the ICES website http://www.ices.dk/.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168359,"EventID":"S1W-31891","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive where in the North Sea sand eel fishing takes place.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive where in the North Sea sand eel fishing takes place.","AnswerText":"The North Sea sandeel fishery is spread across the North Sea with the highest volume of landings reported from the area between 54 and 59 degrees latitude excluding the Wee Bankie area which has been closed to sandeel fishing since 2000 as a result of UK intervention. Few of the vessels involved in the sandeel fishery are Scottish, and the Scottish Executive does not hold data on the activity of foreign vessels that have not landed into Scotland.

      Marine environments are complex systems of multiple interactive influences including food chains, predation and human activities including fishing. The precise effects of any single influence are therefore not known although it is recognised that there is some whitefish by-catch. Monitoring of this fishery is conducted through the normal logbook requirements; a scientific sampling plan applies for the small-scale scientific fishery in the Wee Bankie box.

      Measures to reduce effort in all fisheries that result in increased mortality rates of cod are under serious consideration. These include the sandeel fishery. It should be noted that the most effective means of reducing whitefish by-catch in this fishery appears to be by reduction of fishing effort and not by the introduction of additional technical conservation measures. The UK has previously expressed concerns about the effects of industrial fishing and has signalled to the Commission and to member states its determination to see a reduction in the sandeel TAC for 2003 to ensure that allowable catches of whitefish stocks will be prioritised for human consumption.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168360,"EventID":"S1W-31892","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring takes place of sand eel fishing in the North Sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring takes place of sand eel fishing in the North Sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31891 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168361,"EventID":"S1W-31893","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce sand eel fishing in the North Sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are being taken to reduce sand eel fishing in the North Sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31891 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168362,"EventID":"S1W-31894","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact sand eel fishing has on white fish supplies in the North Sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact sand eel fishing has on white fish supplies in the North Sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31891 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168363,"EventID":"S1W-31895","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact sand eel fishing has on conservation methods introduced to protect supplies of white fish in the North Sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact sand eel fishing has on conservation methods introduced to protect supplies of white fish in the North Sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31891 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168364,"EventID":"S1W-31896","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to the European Commission regarding sand eel fishing in the North Sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to the European Commission regarding sand eel fishing in the North Sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31891 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168365,"EventID":"S1W-31897","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30910 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 November 2002, who the members of the Special Educational Needs Forum are; what qualifications and ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30910 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 November 2002, who the members of the Special Educational Needs Forum are; what qualifications and expertise each member has, and what criteria were used to decide on the forum's membership.","AnswerText":"Members of the National Special Educational Needs (SEN) Advisory Forum as at November 2002 are:

      Mrs Jane Ansell

      Director Sleep Scotland, Member of Enable's National Children's Committee

      Ms Jane Arrowsmith

      Head Teacher, Oakbank Special School, Aberdeen

      Dr Lindsay Burley*

      General Manager, Borders Health Board

      Miss Jeanette Cochrane

      Deputy Regional Councillor, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy

      Mr Fernando Diniz*

      Chair, Minority Ethnic Learning Disabilities Initiative (MELDI)

      Ms Heather Fisken*

      Policy Analyst, Disability Rights Commission

      Mr Paul Hamill

      Head of SEN Department, Strathclyde University

      Mr Jimmy Hawthorn

      Association of Directors of Social Work

      Ms Ros Hunter

      Midlothian Council

      Dr Patricia Jackson

      Consultant Paediatrician, Royal Hospital for Sick Children

      Mr Bryan Kirkcaldy

      Association of Directors of Education

      Mr Ian Liddle

      Association of Scottish Principal Educational Psychologists

      Ms Dorothy Macdonald*

      Equity Group

      Mrs Arlene Mooney

      Scottish President, National Association for Special Educational Needs

      Mr Frank Newall

      COSLA (West Dunbartonshire Council)

      Professor Sheila Riddell

      Chair of Social Policy, (Disability Studies), Glasgow University

      Mr Bruce Robertson

      COSLA (Highland Council)

      Mr Bill Sadler

      President, Scottish Support for Learning Association

      Mr Kevin Tansley

      Head Teacher, The Royal Blind School, Edinburgh

      Dr Kay Tisdall

      Director of Policy and Research, Children in Scotland

      Ms Janice Walker

      Scottish Association of Pre-School Home Visiting Teachers for Children with Special Educational Needs

      Mrs Shirley Young

      Parent, and information worker for families, of children with special needs

      Note:

      * Co-opted as new or replacement member

      Nominations for membership of the forum were received in early 2000 from over 60 individuals or organisations with expertise in special educational needs. From these ministers appointed 19 members to serve as members of the forum for three years. Ministers, subsequently, co-opted a further three members. The membership covers a broad range of SEN interests, including local authority and health agencies, teaching, learning ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168366,"EventID":"S1W-31898","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30910 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 November 2002, how the Special Educational Needs Forum will gather its evidence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30910 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 November 2002, how the Special Educational Needs Forum will gather its evidence.","AnswerText":"The forum's primary role is to offer advice and comment to Scottish ministers on their development of policy to support children with special educational needs. Members of the forum have held several discussions with ministers on the Executive's proposal to issue a strategy framework for meeting the needs of children who require additional support for learning.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168367,"EventID":"S1W-31899","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30910 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 November 2002, how many meetings of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Forum have taken place to dat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30910 by Cathy Jamieson on 19 November 2002, how many meetings of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Forum have taken place to date, what issues were discussed, and whether the minutes of the meetings are publicly available.","AnswerText":"The National SEN Advisory Forum met four times in 2000, five times in 2001 and three times in 2002.

      Forum discussions covered a range of interests, including disability and SEN legislation, the assessment and recording of children with SEN, inter-agency working, teacher specialist qualifications, an additional support needs strategy framework and the national education debate. Minutes of the forum meetings can be found on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168368,"EventID":"S1W-31900","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the further stage of its review of initial teacher education is now complete and, if so, when the report of the review will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the further stage of its review of initial teacher education is now complete and, if so, when the report of the review will be published.","AnswerText":"An appropriate remit, which addresses all the key issues, is currently being developed for the second stage of the review. This development work includes a scoping review to be conducted by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education which was announced by the Minister for Education and Young People in October 2002. This scoping review work will be completed early in 2003.

      The second stage of the review of initial teacher education will be completed with the report available by the end of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168369,"EventID":"S1W-31901","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its review of initial teacher education will include appropriate training provision to ensure that the education of pupils suffering from autistic spectrum disord","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its review of initial teacher education will include appropriate training provision to ensure that the education of pupils suffering from autistic spectrum disorders reflects its mainstreaming policy.","AnswerText":"Scoping work to develop an appropriate remit for the second stage of the Review of Initial Teacher Education is currently being carried out. This will address all the key issues, including special education needs.

      The second stage of the review will be completed with the report available by the end of 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168370,"EventID":"S1W-31902","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has developed its new framework for teachers' continuous professional development and whether the framework includes specific reference to provision for ensur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has developed its new framework for teachers' continuous professional development and whether the framework includes specific reference to provision for ensuring that the education of pupils suffering from autistic spectrum disorders reflects its mainstreaming policy.","AnswerText":"The national Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework for teachers is on target to be established by August 2003.

      The framework will be relevant throughout a teacher's career. The framework will help teachers to maintain their professional status and to adapt to changing circumstances and pupils' needs. An Education Inclusion Group is ensuring that issues relating to special educational needs and all aspects of equality are considered fully in the development of the framework.

      The CPD Framework will not dictate a definitive training programme. It will encourage teachers and schools to access a broad range of quality CPD opportunities. I would expect local authorities to recognise development activities relating to autistic spectrum disorders as appropriate opportunities within the framework.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168371,"EventID":"S1W-31903","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29088 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 September 2002, how often the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report implementation g","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29088 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 September 2002, how often the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report implementation group will meet and whether the agenda and minutes of the meetings will be made publicly available.","AnswerText":"Following publication of the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report a reference group was set up to meet twice yearly to share ideas and advise ministers as work on autism is taken forward by the Scottish Executive. Although it is not intended to publish the agenda and action points from meetings, the work of the group is not confidential and members are free to share information with others.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168372,"EventID":"S1W-31904","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications it received for the post of Policy Officer in the special educational needs bill team and whether the post has now been filled.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications it received for the post of Policy Officer in the special educational needs bill team and whether the post has now been filled.","AnswerText":"The Executive has received 10 applications for the post of Policy Officer in the Additional Support Needs Division of the Scottish Executive Education Department. The post has not yet been filled.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168373,"EventID":"S1W-31905","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much, in total, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art has spent on purchasing new acquisitions in each of the last five years; what proportion of these sums has","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much, in total, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art has spent on purchasing new acquisitions in each of the last five years; what proportion of these sums has been spent on works purchased from, or originating from, artists resident in Scotland, and what criteria are used in deciding on such purchases, particularly with regard to the representation of the work of modern artists resident in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Because it is common to spread purchases over two or even three years, it is not possible to give total amounts for each of the past five years. However, the average over this period is £600,000 a year. A total of £3,140,256 from all sources, both public and private, has been spent on acquisitions.

      Over the last five years (i.e. since 1997) the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art has acquired 441 works. Of these, well over a half, 267, are by artists who are Scottish or who live in Scotland. Three hundred and eleven of the total number of acquisitions have been given to the gallery, and of those, 194 are works by Scottish artists.

      During this period the gallery spent £613,520 on acquiring Scottish art. The value of Scottish art that it received as gifts was probably in excess of that figure.

      The funds used to acquire new works come from various sources including outside bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Art Collections Fund and the Henry Moore Foundation. This came to £1,014,244, a third of the total amount spent.

      All works acquired by the gallery must be able to stand up to being viewed in an international context. The collective judgement of the expert curators working at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, as well as broad professional opinion, inform these decisions. Significant acquisitions include £1,050,000 on Miró's masterpiece Head of a Catalan Peasant 1925, which the gallery bought together with the Tate Gallery, London, and the first instalment (£316,667) towards the Jörg Schellmann Collection of Multiples by Joseph Beuys (an artist who had a close connection with Scotland and a major impact on Scottish artists) and a group of important paintings by the Scottish artist Alan Davie.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168374,"EventID":"S1W-31906","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what purchasing policy the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is intending to pursue over the next three years with regard to developing its collection so that it ca","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what purchasing policy the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is intending to pursue over the next three years with regard to developing its collection so that it can present a wide and deep view of the work of modern artists resident in Scotland.","AnswerText":"Subject to the availability of funds, the Gallery of Modern Art would always hope to devote a significant part of its annual allocation to works by living Scottish artists, though not to the exclusion of its wider, international responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168375,"EventID":"S1W-31907","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what influence the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art should have on the economy of the arts sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what influence the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art should have on the economy of the arts sector.","AnswerText":"By acquiring works by living artists, the Gallery of Modern Art strengthens the reputation of those artists, though this does not necessarily have economic implications.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168376,"EventID":"S1W-31908","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, how the appropriate guidance for users of CoaguChek testing strips is likely to diff","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, how the appropriate guidance for users of CoaguChek testing strips is likely to differ from that already provided by the British Society of Haematology to NHS prescribers and dispensing contractors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where strips are already available on prescription, and when it expects to finalise such guidance.","AnswerText":"British Society of Haematology guidance on the use of Coaguchek testing strips was published in the British Medical Journal in October 2001. The article included a recommendation that the guidance be reviewed in April this year. A multidisciplinary working group was convened in May 2002 to review all previous guidance, and produce guidance from a prescribing practitioner perspective in the context of services to patients via NHS Scotland. This is now available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk and Coaguchek testing strips were added to the Scottish Drug Tariff on 27 November.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168377,"EventID":"S1W-31909","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, how many patients it estimates would undertake anticoagulation self-monitoring if mo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, how many patients it estimates would undertake anticoagulation self-monitoring if monitoring strips were to be made available under the Scottish Drug Tariff.","AnswerText":"Information about the number of patients receiving treatment with anticoagulants is not available. Self-monitoring will not be appropriate for all patients who are receiving anticoagulation therapy. Selection of patients suitable for self monitoring is a matter for the responsible medical practitioner.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168378,"EventID":"S1W-31910","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, what the estimated savings are to the NHS of prescribing self-monitoring anticoagula","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, what the estimated savings are to the NHS of prescribing self-monitoring anticoagulation strips given that such strips cost #2.44 and the estimated cost of a laboratory test for an identical blood sample is #80.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to produce an estimate of the savings as the number of patients currently receiving treatment with anticoagulants is not available. The number of patients likely to be prescribed Coaguchek testing strips is unknown.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168379,"EventID":"S1W-31911","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sudden deaths from alcohol poisoning have occurred in each NHS board area in each of the last five years showing the percentage change (a) year on year and (b) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sudden deaths from alcohol poisoning have occurred in each NHS board area in each of the last five years showing the percentage change (a) year on year and (b) over the whole five-year period.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available. The World Health Organisation's International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), which is used to classify deaths in Scotland, does not have separate categories for \"sudden\" deaths.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168380,"EventID":"S1W-31912","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the debate on its response to the foot-and-mouth disease inquiries (Official Report, c 15673), how many sniffer dogs are now actively engaged in the detec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the debate on its response to the foot-and-mouth disease inquiries (Official Report, c 15673), how many sniffer dogs are now actively engaged in the detection of illegal meat imports.","AnswerText":"There are two dogs actively involved in the current trial at Heathrow Airport.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168381,"EventID":"S1W-31913","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether x-ray equipment has been introduced to scan containers and personal luggage to detect the presence of illegal food imports; if so, where the equipment is located ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether x-ray equipment has been introduced to scan containers and personal luggage to detect the presence of illegal food imports; if so, where the equipment is located and how many items of equipment there are.","AnswerText":"Customs and Excise, in conjunction with the Ports Health Authority at Southampton, ran some containers through their commercial size x-ray equipment. Unfortunately the initial reaction from the port health officers was that this is not a promising route to identify smuggled meat.

      More trials are needed and both Felixstowe and Southampton will be engaged in further work.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168382,"EventID":"S1W-31914","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether amnesty bins to encourage the surrender of unintended illegal personal imports of meat have been introduced; if so, where they are located and how many there are.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether amnesty bins to encourage the surrender of unintended illegal personal imports of meat have been introduced; if so, where they are located and how many there are.","AnswerText":"There have been discussions with HM Customs and Excise on the use of amnesty bins but they have not been introduced. Where passengers wish to surrender unintended illegal personal imports of meat and other animal products, they can present them to customs officials in the \"Red Channel\".","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168383,"EventID":"S1W-31915","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being carried out, or has been instructed, into technologies to assist in the detection of illegal meat imports.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research is being carried out, or has been instructed, into technologies to assist in the detection of illegal meat imports.","AnswerText":"Research has been conducted into the use of x-ray machines for both passengers and freight. A trial was carried out at Southampton and further trials are planned at Southampton and Felixstowe.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168384,"EventID":"S1W-31916","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions on any measures towards establishing a single agency approach to deal with any future animal disease epidemic, as referred to in the Ho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions on any measures towards establishing a single agency approach to deal with any future animal disease epidemic, as referred to in the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Seventh Report of Session 2001-02, Illegal Meat Imports, and whether such an approach would establish such an agency in Scotland separate from any other such agency in the United Kingdom.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive was fully involved in the study undertaken by the Machinery of Government Secretariat of the Cabinet Office which examined the existing arrangement, administering the importation of legal and smuggled meat. Its report concluded that the responsibility for detecting and seizing illegal meat imports should be transferred to HM Customs and Excise and that, in the longer term, consideration should be given to establishing a single agency to deal with legal meat imports.

      Discussions on the best way to implement this recommendation are on-going and no decision has been taken on the form and size of any new organisation.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168385,"EventID":"S1W-31917","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development has had any role or input, in relation to the Executive's responsibilities, into proposals contained in the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development has had any role or input, in relation to the Executive's responsibilities, into proposals contained in the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Seventh Report of Session 2001-02, Illegal Meat Imports, that relate to matters reserved to Her Majesty's Government.","AnswerText":"No Scottish Executive minister had any role or input into the proposals by the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report into Illegal Meat Imports.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168386,"EventID":"S1W-31918","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional staff have been recruited to police controls as referred to in the debate on its response to the foot-and-mouth disease inquiries on 21 November 2002 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional staff have been recruited to police controls as referred to in the debate on its response to the foot-and-mouth disease inquiries on 21 November 2002 (Official Report, c 15674) of the meeting of the Parliament.","AnswerText":"An additional £1.5 million has been made available this financial year for additional checks on imports with an additional 18 staff to be recruited for enforcement purposes.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168387,"EventID":"S1W-31919","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the enhanced checks and controls are that have been put in place as referred to in the debate on its response to the foot-and-mouth disease inquiries on 21 November ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the enhanced checks and controls are that have been put in place as referred to in the debate on its response to the foot-and-mouth disease inquiries on 21 November 2002 (Official Report, c 15674).","AnswerText":"The following enhanced checks and controls have been introduced:

      • a pig swill ban;
      • the power of local authority staff to seize meat has been increased;
      • better intelligence gathering and dissemination;
      • sniffer dog trial at Heathrow airport;
      • additional inspection staff and activities at ports and airports, and

      agreement with the European Commission in that the 1 kg personal allowance of meat imports will be removed from 1 January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168388,"EventID":"S1W-31920","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Veterinary Laboratory Agency is expected to report on its detailed risk assessment as referred to in the debate on its response to the foot-and-mouth disease inq","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Veterinary Laboratory Agency is expected to report on its detailed risk assessment as referred to in the debate on its response to the foot-and-mouth disease inquiries on 21 November 2002 (Official Report, c 15674).","AnswerText":"It is hoped that this report will be available before Christmas.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168389,"EventID":"S1W-31921","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on when the Machinery of Government Secretariat is expected to report on the review of the system of import controls and the role of the responsib","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on when the Machinery of Government Secretariat is expected to report on the review of the system of import controls and the role of the responsible agencies.","AnswerText":"The Machinery of Government Secretariat reported on 6 November 2002. The main recommendation is to transfer the responsibility for detecting smuggled meat from local authorities to HM Customs and Excise.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168390,"EventID":"S1W-31922","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is currently undertaking any work with regard to the environmental impact of salmon farms and, if so, what the remit is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is currently undertaking any work with regard to the environmental impact of salmon farms and, if so, what the remit is of any such work and when any results will be published.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and while I am aware that SEPA is currently involved in a number of activities to assess environmental impacts, the information requested is not held in the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168391,"EventID":"S1W-31923","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 4,000 jobs planned to be created or safeguarded through Regional Selective Assistance have been, or will be, located in the Renfrewshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 4,000 jobs planned to be created or safeguarded through Regional Selective Assistance have been, or will be, located in the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Following the publication of Regional Selective Assistance - Grant offers accepted April - September 2002, which detailed the planned creation or safeguarding of over 4,000 jobs in Scotland, I can confirm that 997 of these planned jobs are expected to be located in the Renfrewshire Council area.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168392,"EventID":"S1W-31925","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the (a) #100 million to tackle drug misuse in communities, (b) funding for 34 new CCTV projects and (c) #45.5 million to tackle youth crime will be spent in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the (a) #100 million to tackle drug misuse in communities, (b) funding for 34 new CCTV projects and (c) #45.5 million to tackle youth crime will be spent in the Renfrewshire Council area and how these funds will be used.","AnswerText":"The most complete information we have about Renfrewshire's allocation from the £128 million (£100 million augmented by a further £28 million over three years from Budget Consequentials) additional funding made available for tackling drug misuse is contained in the answer given to question S1W-31752 today.

      I understand that the reference to CCTV funding relates to the Make our Communities Safer CCTV Challenge Competition for 2000-01, which awarded funding to 34 CCTV schemes. No application was received that year from the Renfrewshire Council area. However, Strathclyde Passenger Transport made a successful bid for CCTV in 16 railway stations, one of which is in the Renfrewshire Council area - Howwood. The Make our Communities Safer CCTV Challenge Competition ran from 1996-97 to 2001-02, awarding £10.3 million to 161 projects. Successful projects within the Renfrewshire council area are detailed in the answer given to question S1W-31385 on 19 November 2002.

      Of the £25.5 million allocated to local authorities over four years from 2000-01 to prevent and reduce youth crime, £961,280 has been allocated to Renfrewshire. Of the £20 million EYF money earmarked for youth crime this year, Renfrewshire has received £128,506. For more information on the use of this money, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31379 on 19 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168393,"EventID":"S1W-31926","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage shorthand and other forms of speed writing in schools and colleges.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to encourage shorthand and other forms of speed writing in schools and colleges.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to encourage shorthand and other forms of speed writing in schools and colleges. However, National Qualifications and Higher National Units include provision for the learning and teaching of shorthand and speed writing.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168394,"EventID":"S1W-31927","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will invite the Health Technology Board for Scotland to consider the availability of MSPs to attend its seminars and briefings on Health Technology Assessments","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will invite the Health Technology Board for Scotland to consider the availability of MSPs to attend its seminars and briefings on Health Technology Assessments and Comments when the board is considering the most suitable time for such seminars.","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) has held seminars, briefings, consultation meetings and board meetings at a variety of times and in a range of locations. Additionally, the HTBS now makes videos of major meetings available to people who are unable to attend. The HTBS values feedback about the timing of its events and aims to be responsive to suggestions from interested parties, including MSPs. The HTBS very much welcomes interest in its work from MSPs and will continue its practice of informing them of all relevant meetings.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168395,"EventID":"S1W-31928","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-22T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve access to taxi cab services for people with disabilities and whether it will consider grant aid schemes to increase the number of taxis oper","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve access to taxi cab services for people with disabilities and whether it will consider grant aid schemes to increase the number of taxis operating that are able to accommodate disabled users.","AnswerText":"The taxi accessibility provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will, when implemented, greatly improve the accessibility of taxis for people with disabilities. Responsibility for implementing these provisions is reserved to the Westminster Parliament. In the meantime, we have written to local authorities, offering informal advice as to the steps they can take to improve the accessibility of taxis in their area within the framework of the existing legislation. There are no general grants available to increase the number of taxis accessible to people with disabilities. However, if a case is put to us by the taxi trade for the introduction of such grants we will consider its merits.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168396,"EventID":"S1W-31929","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of security has been so far at fire stations during the current industrial action by fire service personnel and from which budget this cost will be funded.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of security has been so far at fire stations during the current industrial action by fire service personnel and from which budget this cost will be funded. ","AnswerText":"The security of fire stations is a matter for individual fire authorities and this information is not available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168397,"EventID":"S1W-31930","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys (a) single-hulled and (b) other oil tankers have made in Scottish waters in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many journeys (a) single-hulled and (b) other oil tankers have made in Scottish waters in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held by either the Scottish Executive or the Department for Transport, which has responsibility for shipping policy, a reserved issue.

      Statistics are available on the numbers of tankers which arrive at Scottish ports from oil rigs or from abroad, as is, an overall estimate of the total tonnage of oil arriving at and departing from Scottish ports. These are given in Tables 3.6 and 3.8 of the Department for Transport publication Maritime Statistics 2001 (Bib. number 25429) and Table 10.7 of the Scottish Executive publication Scottish Transport Statistics 2002 (Bib. number 23316), which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168398,"EventID":"S1W-31931","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) single-hulled and (b) other oil tankers operated in Scottish waters in the last 12 months for which figures are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) single-hulled and (b) other oil tankers operated in Scottish waters in the last 12 months for which figures are available.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31930 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168399,"EventID":"S1W-31932","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what routes (a) single-hulled and (b) other oil tankers have taken through Scottish waters in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what routes (a) single-hulled and (b) other oil tankers have taken through Scottish waters in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to the monitoring of shipping in Scottish waters. Information about routes used by such vessels in Scottish waters falls within the reserved responsibilities of the Department for Transport and Maritime and Coastguard Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168400,"EventID":"S1W-31933","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) types and (b) amounts of oil (i) single-hulled and (ii) other tankers have carried in Scottish waters in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what (a) types and (b) amounts of oil (i) single-hulled and (ii) other tankers have carried in Scottish waters in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31930 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168401,"EventID":"S1W-31934","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities with coastal boundaries have oil pollution contingency plans and whether these plans specifically address an incident of the scale of the sinki","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authorities with coastal boundaries have oil pollution contingency plans and whether these plans specifically address an incident of the scale of the sinking of the Prestige off Spain on 19 November 2002.","AnswerText":"All Scottish coastal local authorities maintain counter pollution contingency plans in line with a general power under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 with respect to emergencies or disasters. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), as the responsible UK authority, has advised local authorities that they should revise and submit their plans every five years, or earlier if substantial changes are needed.

      While such plans will refer to, and mesh with, the National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution from Shipping and Offshore Installations (NCP), they will usually only cover minor spills that can be tackled locally. In the event of a major spill in the UK pollution control zone, similar to that involving the off Spain, the MCA will implement the NCP, calling on participation or assistance from relevant statutory bodies, and deploying the UK's national assets in response.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168402,"EventID":"S1W-31935","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what up-to-date statistical data is available on energy flows, including primary inputs, transformation and distribution and areas of utilisation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what up-to-date statistical data is available on energy flows, including primary inputs, transformation and distribution and areas of utilisation.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168403,"EventID":"S1W-31936","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer under what criteria a private company is allowed to use the term \"Scottish Parliament\" in its title.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer under what criteria a private company is allowed to use the term \"Scottish Parliament\" in its title.","AnswerText":"Although there is a process for company names to be registered, it is not for me to answer for the Registrar of Companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168404,"EventID":"S1W-31937","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many private companies receive grant assistance from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how many private companies receive grant assistance from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament does not give grants to private companies.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168405,"EventID":"S1W-31938","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much grant money the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SCPB) has given to the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange in each year since the scheme started.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much grant money the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SCPB) has given to the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange in each year since the scheme started.","AnswerText":"The SPCB has not given any monies to the Exchange since the scheme started.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168406,"EventID":"S1W-31939","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has been of (a) travel, (b) accommodation and (c) other expenses in respect of MSPs taking part in Scotti","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has been of (a) travel, (b) accommodation and (c) other expenses in respect of MSPs taking part in Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange programmes in each year since the scheme started.","AnswerText":"There has not yet been a cost to the SPCB.

      The SPCB agreed in May 2002 to set aside a central budget for MSPs' travel and overnight expenses for placements in the UK and visits to Brussels and Strasbourg. The Exchange is to draw down, in January 2003, the first tranche of this budget for the following expenditure within the UK in this financial year:

      Travel

      £1,948.43

      Accommodation:

      £1,043.00

      Other Expenses (i.e. meals)

      £109.78

      Total

      £3,101.21

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168407,"EventID":"S1W-31940","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost has been of any hospitality paid for by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in relation to the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange in each year ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost has been of any hospitality paid for by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in relation to the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange in each year since the scheme started.","AnswerText":"£735 was expended in 2001-02 and £629 in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168408,"EventID":"S1W-31941","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has been in staff time in respect of supporting the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange, broken down by f","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the cost to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has been in staff time in respect of supporting the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange, broken down by financial year and showing separately the cost of support in relation to (a) IT, (b) the media office, (c) Standards Committee clerking, (d) the office of the Chief Executive, (e) the office of the Presiding Officer and (f) website design.","AnswerText":"Modest staff support has been provided to the Exchange since its inception but Parliament staff do not generally keep time sheets logging individual work activities. Staff time spent on supporting the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange cannot therefore accurately be calculated.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168409,"EventID":"S1W-31942","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) agreed that it would give support in respect of (a) IT, (b) the media office, (c) Standards Committee clerkin","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) agreed that it would give support in respect of (a) IT, (b) the media office, (c) Standards Committee clerking, (d) the office of the Chief Executive, (e) the office of the Presiding Officer and (f) web site design to the Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange and whether the minutes of the meeting at which the decision was made will be made publicly available","AnswerText":"The decision to support The Exchange including through \"contribution in kind\" was taken by SPCB on 6 February 2001.

      The minutes of the SPCB were not made publicly available until June 2001. However, the extract of the minutes for that meeting is detailed below.

      "SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT AND BUSINESS EXCHANGE - SPCB (2001) Paper 17

      The Corporate Body approved the membership and support and ongoing subscription for the Business Exchange."","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168410,"EventID":"S1W-31943","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hours of overtime were worked by police officers during the recent two-day fire strike in each police force area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many hours of overtime were worked by police officers during the recent two-day fire strike in each police force area.","AnswerText":"All Scottish police forces have been advised that the cost of any necessary activity incurred in connection with the current industrial activity which is additional to, but not in substitution for, that normally incurred by forces will be reimbursed in full by the Executive. Claims are to be submitted on a monthly basis. As claims covering the recent two-day strike have still to be submitted, no details are currently available.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168411,"EventID":"S1W-31944","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the cost of overtime payments to police officers during the recent two-day fire strike, broken down by police force area, and whether it will meet ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the cost of overtime payments to police officers during the recent two-day fire strike, broken down by police force area, and whether it will meet the cost of such payments.","AnswerText":"All Scottish police forces have been advised that the cost of any necessary activity incurred in connection with the current industrial activity which is additional to, but not in substitution for, that normally incurred by forces will be reimbursed in full by the Executive. Claims are to be submitted on a monthly basis. Claims covering the recent two-day strike have therefore still to be submitted.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168412,"EventID":"S1W-31945","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the findings of the British Medical Association's report, Towards smoke-free public places, and to encourage the banning of smoking in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to support the findings of the British Medical Association's report, Towards smoke-free public places, and to encourage the banning of smoking in the workplace.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is well aware of the health risks posed by passive smoking and has consistently pressed for smoke-free facilities in both public places and workplace.

      To drive forward an increase in smoke-free facilities in public places we launched the Scottish Voluntary Charter on Smoking in Public Places in May 2000. The charter was signed by the four main bodies in the licensed, tourism and hospitality industries, the British Hospitality Association, the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, the Scottish Licensed Trade and the Scottish Tourism Forum. We will be reviewing progress against targets for the charter with the signatories early next year. This will allow us to consider what further action is needed to increase non-smoking provision in public places.

      In addition the Scottish Executive is working with the Health Education Board for Scotland on a passive smoking communication strategy to raise public awareness of the risks associated with passive smoking.

      We recognise the workplace is a major opportunity for health improvement. As part of our on-going health improvement drive we will be seeking to accelerate health improvement through workplace-based initiatives. Clearly, robust workplace smoking policies will continue to be central to this programme. Moreover, we will continue to press the UK Government to bring forward an Approved Code of Practice on Smoking in the Workplace which was heralded in the Smoking Kills white paper.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168413,"EventID":"S1W-31946","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-30900 and S1W-30904 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 November 2002, which publications of its Development and Justice departments refer peopl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-30900 and S1W-30904 by Mr Andy Kerr on 21 November 2002, which publications of its Development and Justice departments refer people to the Citi'en's Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance.","AnswerText":"The Development Department issued three publications that contain references to the Citizens Advice Bureau service. These were: Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Act 2002; We Are All Responsible, and the Model Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreement. Justice Department issued two leaflets that contain references to the Citizens Advice Bureau service. These were: Summary Cause and Small Claims Procedure, and Complaints Against the Police.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168414,"EventID":"S1W-31947","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage of, publications produced by the Scottish Court Service from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'en's Advice Bureau service for adv","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which, and what percentage of, publications produced by the Scottish Court Service from May 1999 to June 2002 refer people to the Citi'en's Advice Bureau service for advice and assistance and whether Citi'ens Advice Scotland is made aware of such referrals prior to publication.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Court Service has issued eight publications which contain a reference to the Citizens Advice Bureau as a potentially useful contact for users of the courts. These were:

      Office of the Public Guardian

      Power of Attorney. Guidance - General.

      Intormit with Funds. Guidance - Access to Funds.

      Intervention Orders (Part 6). Guidance for Financial Intervenors.

      Guardianship Orders (Part 6). General guidance for Financial guardians.

      Guardianship Orders (Part 6). Inventory and guidance notes.

      Guardianship Orders (Part 6). Management plan and guidance notes.

      Courts

      Do-it-yourself Divorce.

      Victims Information Pack.

      Other guidance leaflets published by the Scottish Executive and distributed through the courts may contain references to Citizens Advice Bureau.

      Citizens Advice Scotland were consulted on the relevant publications issued by the Office of the Public Guardian. In future the Scottish Court Service will make Citizens Advice Scotland aware of any such future reference prior to publication.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168415,"EventID":"S1W-31948","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that local authorities allocate resources effectively for free personal care for the elderly and care in the community generally.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that local authorities allocate resources effectively for free personal care for the elderly and care in the community generally.","AnswerText":"Authorities must demonstrate flexibility and good management of their free personal care resources alongside existing budgets for care for the elderly and delayed discharge. Anyone assessed as needing personal or nursing care will receive it.

      The Executive will be collecting data from local authorities on the uptake of free personal and nursing care on a quarterly basis.

      In respect of care in the community generally, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-22126 on 8 February 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168416,"EventID":"S1W-31949","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether unmet need for home care is now being measured in each local authority and, if so, what the figures are in respect of such need, broken down by authority.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether unmet need for home care is now being measured in each local authority and, if so, what the figures are in respect of such need, broken down by authority.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not measure unmet need. We collect statistics on the number of people in receipt of home care services and the number of hours provided.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168417,"EventID":"S1W-31950","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are waiting lists for (a) home and (b) residential care services in local authorities and, if so, how long each such list is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are waiting lists for (a) home and (b) residential care services in local authorities and, if so, how long each such list is.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168418,"EventID":"S1W-31951","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether managed clinical network (MCN) staff will be employed directly by an MCN or remain employees of GP practices and NHS trusts.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether managed clinical network (MCN) staff will be employed directly by an MCN or remain employees of GP practices and NHS trusts.","AnswerText":"Health professionals working in managed clinical networks will experience no change in their employment arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168419,"EventID":"S1W-31952","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what managed clinical networks are (a) currently being developed and (b) proposed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what managed clinical networks are (a) currently being developed and (b) proposed.","AnswerText":"We already have practical examples of managed clinical networks (MCN) at local, regional and national level. There is the cardiac services MCN in Dumfries and Galloway, the diabetes MCN in Tayside, the regional cancer MCNs and national MCNs for cleft lip and palate and home parenteral nutrition. Two demonstration MCNs, one in vascular services and one in neurology with particular reference to stroke, are being evaluated.

      A wide range of MCN development is being taken forward, covering conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, hepatitis C and primary immunodeficiency, as well as in areas such as pathology, mental health, learning disabilities and medical receiving in community hospitals.

      The CHD/Stroke Strategy makes clear that each NHS board should have a cardiac services and a stroke MCN in operation by April 2004. The Scottish Diabetes Framework has a milestone that by September 2004 Managed Clinical Networks for Diabetes will be established in each NHS board area.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168420,"EventID":"S1W-31953","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any staff have been appointed to a managed clinical network.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any staff have been appointed to a managed clinical network.","AnswerText":"We are aware that managed clinical networks (MCNs) have appointed staff. As these networks will operate as virtual organisations, the contract of employment for staff working in MCNs will continue to be held by the relevant trust, board or primary care organisation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168421,"EventID":"S1W-31954","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom the managers of managed clinical networks will be accountable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to whom the managers of managed clinical networks will be accountable.","AnswerText":"Network managers are accountable to the Lead Clinician of the managed clinical network.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168422,"EventID":"S1W-31955","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether managed clinical networks will be allocated their own budgets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether managed clinical networks will be allocated their own budgets.","AnswerText":"No. Since managed clinical networks are an integral part of local health service delivery, responsibility for commissioning services will remain with NHS boards. Managed clinical networks will, however, provide boards with authoritative advice on the allocation of resources.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168423,"EventID":"S1W-31956","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether staff employed in managed clinical networks will receive the same pay and conditions as NHS staff or whether discretion will be given over pay to each network in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether staff employed in managed clinical networks will receive the same pay and conditions as NHS staff or whether discretion will be given over pay to each network in order to address staff shortages.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-31951 and S1W-31953 on 16 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168424,"EventID":"S1W-31957","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the involvement of (a) patient groups and (b) the voluntary and independent sector will be in the development of managed clinical networks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the involvement of (a) patient groups and (b) the voluntary and independent sector will be in the development of managed clinical networks.","AnswerText":"Patient groups and the voluntary and independent sectors have a central role to play in the development of managed clinical networks. As our Health Department Letter (HDL(2002)69) indicates, involving patients is one of the core principles of managed clinical network development. The letter also points out that the value of patient representation at all stages of managed clinical network development has been clearly demonstrated.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168425,"EventID":"S1W-31958","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected year-end surplus or deficit is of each acute hospital NHS trust.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the projected year-end surplus or deficit is of each acute hospital NHS trust.","AnswerText":"The forecast financial position of the acute NHS trusts as at 30 September 2002 was as follows:

      Trust

      Forecast Full Year Under/(Over) Spend Against Revenue Resource Limit

      (£000)

      Argyll and Clyde Acute

      (3,689)

      Ayrshire and Arran Acute

      (1,200)

      Borders General Hospital

      60

      Dumfries and Galloway Acute

      (300)

      Fife Acute Hospitals

      (1,490)

      Forth Valley Acute

      123

      Grampian University Hospitals

      (4,000)

      North Glasgow University Hospitals

      2,128

      South Glasgow University Hospitals

      0

      Yorkhill

      175

      Highland Acute

      (1,284)

      Lanarkshire Acute

      (763)

      Lothian University Hospitals

      0

      West Lothian Healthcare

      (1,520)

      Tayside University Hospitals

      0

      The figures in the table are taken from the September 2002 monthly monitoring reports.

      Those NHS trusts which were forecasting to overspend against their revenue resource limit are working with their local NHS boards, Primary Care NHS Trusts and the Scottish Executive Health Department in order to return to financial balance whilst protecting patient services.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168426,"EventID":"S1W-31959","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding under the Arbuthnott formula was due to be allocated over three years and how much of this funding has been given to each NHS board to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding under the Arbuthnott formula was due to be allocated over three years and how much of this funding has been given to each NHS board to date.","AnswerText":"The Executive's plans for implementing the recommendations in Fair Shares for All indicated that the aim was for all boards to reach their Arbuthnott share of resources within five or six years.

      Since the introduction of the Arbuthnott formula in September 2000, all boards have received a minimum increase in unified budget with those boards below their Arbuthnott share receiving additional funding. To date, additional funds totalling £71.2 million have been allocated to boards currently below their Arbuthnott share.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168427,"EventID":"S1W-31960","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will liaise with Her Majesty's Government in order to address the areas of concern identified in the Fraud Investigation Unit report Family Health Services in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will liaise with Her Majesty's Government in order to address the areas of concern identified in the Fraud Investigation Unit report Family Health Services in Scotland - Annual Report 2001-2002, and, in particular, to patients being \"confused by the different entitlements to each service\" and the \"complex system of entitlements\" relating to Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Persons Tax Credit.","AnswerText":"Matters related to tax credits are reserved. Specific categories of tax credit recipients and their partners are passported to full help with NHS charges and receive a certificate advising them of this fact.

      The Executive has commissioned research into the efficiency and effect of the patient charging system on equity of access to treatment. The Executive has also collaborated with NHSScotland Counter Fraud Services (CFS), formerly known as the Fraud Investigation Unit, on publicity campaigns to inform the public of the categories of patient who are entitled to free NHS prescriptions, NHS optical vouchers, NHS sight tests and full or partial help with NHS dental treatment and to encourage those patients who fall within these categories to take up their entitlements. This collaboration will continue and the CFS has been tasked with taking forward independent initiatives to continue to clarify the position.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168428,"EventID":"S1W-31961","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of fraudulent claims in the NHS has been in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost of fraudulent claims in the NHS has been in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"NHS trusts and boards complete a losses return at the year-end as part of the annual accounts process. Fraud losses are reported alongside losses arising from theft and arson, so it is not possible to identify a figure for fraud alone.

      The following table summarises the totals reported by NHS boards for theft, fraud, and arson in the last five financial years and the equivalent totals reported by NHS trusts for the last three financial years.

      Theft, Fraud and Arson Losses Reported

      2001-02

      (£)

      2000-01

      (£)

      1999-00

      (£)

      1998-99

      (£)

      1997-98

      (£)

      NHS Trusts

      44,345

      75,625

      106,406

      Not Available

      NHS Boards

      3,746

      21,840

      23,296

      40,120

      18,742

      Total

      48,091

      97,465

      129,702

      Not Available

      In addition, since its establishment in July 2000, NHSScotland Counter Fraud Services of the Common Services Agency (formerly the Fraud Investigation Unit) has identified losses to family health services from false or inappropriate payment claims of £98,027 in 2000-01 and £100,924 in 2001-02.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168429,"EventID":"S1W-31962","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of outstanding grant applications is for the removal of lead piping in domestic premises in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of outstanding grant applications is for the removal of lead piping in domestic premises in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of applications for grant to remove lead piping in domestic premises which have not been approved, or have been approved and not paid, is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168430,"EventID":"S1W-31963","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reason is for the choice of the Gaelic name for the Cairngorms National Park and which authorities on Gaelic place names were consulted before the choice was mad","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the reason is for the choice of the Gaelic name for the Cairngorms National Park and which authorities on Gaelic place names were consulted before the choice was made.","AnswerText":"The draft Designation Order now before the Parliament does not prescribe a Gaelic name for the National Park. However, we expect the Park Authority to follow the example set by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority by referring to itself in both English and Gaelic.

      We shall be issuing guidance to the Park Authority in due course. The use of a Gaelic name will be one of the issues to be addressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168431,"EventID":"S1W-31964","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31475 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 November 2002, which buildings were awarded grants under Town Scheme arrangements in each year sinc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31475 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 November 2002, which buildings were awarded grants under Town Scheme arrangements in each year since 1998 where the applicant was a private developer and how much was awarded for each such project.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information requested is not held centrally. Each local authority operating a Town Scheme should hold a record of properties that have received grant and also details of the status of applicants.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168432,"EventID":"S1W-31965","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-25T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31475 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 November 2002, whether it will list (a) all relevant conditions with which private developers must ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31475 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 November 2002, whether it will list (a) all relevant conditions with which private developers must comply in order to receive staged grant payments during implementation of projects, (b) all projects in respect of which the level of grant has been adjusted after taking account of the rate of return and subsequent financial re-appraisal since 1998 and (c) conditions of grant relating to future maintenance and insurance on completion of projects.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The conditions that Historic Scotland attaches to the grants it makes on behalf of Scottish ministers are in a standard legal form. A copy has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25425).

      With regard to adjusting the level of grant, since 1998 recovery of grant has been made in six cases where excess profit was made after a disposal and following a re-appraisal. The sum recovered amounted to £542,985. The financial information provided in such cases is confidential and individual details are not disclosed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168433,"EventID":"S1W-31966","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1892,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps can be taken to ensure that rabies does not spread from bats to other mammals such as rats and mice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps can be taken to ensure that rabies does not spread from bats to other mammals such as rats and mice.","AnswerText":"Based on experience in other parts of Europe where bat rabies is widespread and cross-infection of other mammals, including rats and mice, is considered to be at negligible levels, no preventative action here is felt to be necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168434,"EventID":"S1W-31967","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31193 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 13 November 2002, whether sufficient psychiatrists will be found to implement fully the provisions co","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31193 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 13 November 2002, whether sufficient psychiatrists will be found to implement fully the provisions contained in the Mental Health (Scotland) Bill, given that there are currently 29 vacancies.","AnswerText":"The Executive will work with NHS Scotland and professional bodies to ensure that the NHS will have the capacity to meet the additional demands which will be placed on it when the anticipated new Mental Health Act comes into effect. This includes increasing the capacity of psychiatric services to meet the demands associated with the proposed new procedures.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168435,"EventID":"S1W-31968","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance indicators it publishes regarding spending by local authorities on roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what performance indicators it publishes regarding spending by local authorities on roads.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not currently publish any performance indicators on spending by local authorities on local roads. We are, however, supporting the SCOTS local road condition survey which will, over time, provide an accurate assessment of the condition of local authority roads across Scotland. Statistics on spending by local authorities on local roads are available in Scottish Transport Statistics.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168436,"EventID":"S1W-31969","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the trunk roads network in each local authority was (a) resurfaced and (b) surface dressed in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the trunk roads network in each local authority was (a) resurfaced and (b) surface dressed in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"Information about the proportion of the trunk road network that has been resurfaced and surface dressed in each of the last five years can be found in Table 5.3, page 80 of Scottish Transport Statistics No. 21 published by the Scottish Executive in 2002, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23316).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168437,"EventID":"S1W-31970","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides any advice or guidance to local authorities on the proportion of the local roads network that should be resurfaced or surface dressed each year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides any advice or guidance to local authorities on the proportion of the local roads network that should be resurfaced or surface dressed each year.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5307 on 13 June 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168438,"EventID":"S1W-31971","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31454 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 November 2002, when it expects its (a) detailed project plan and (b) timetable for the procurement of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31454 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 November 2002, when it expects its (a) detailed project plan and (b) timetable for the procurement of the new private-build, private-operate prison to be completed.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The intention is that the new private-build, private-operate prison will become operational as quickly as possible. However, a timescale for completion of the detailed project plan and timetable for procurement of that prison has not been set, since the timing will depend on a decision yet to be taken on the site for that prison and thereafter on the obtaining of planning permission. The SPS do not anticipate publishing the detailed project plan and timetable.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168439,"EventID":"S1W-31972","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31454 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 November 2002, whether it will publish its (a) detailed project plan and (b) timetable for the procur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31454 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 November 2002, whether it will publish its (a) detailed project plan and (b) timetable for the procurement of the new private-build, private-operate prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31971 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168440,"EventID":"S1W-31973","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31455 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 November 2002, what specific potential sites have been identified for the location of a new prison.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31455 by Mr Jim Wallace on 21 November 2002, what specific potential sites have been identified for the location of a new prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      It would not be appropriate to disclose in advance of acquisition which sites have been identified as possible locations for a new prison, since to do so could increase the cost to the taxpayer of acquiring whichever sites are finally chosen.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168441,"EventID":"S1W-31974","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been transferred from HM Prison Greenock to each other Scottish Prison Service prison in each of the last 12 weeks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners have been transferred from HM Prison Greenock to each other Scottish Prison Service prison in each of the last 12 weeks.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Week Commencing

      Barlinnie

      Castle Huntly

      Cornton Vale

      Edinburgh

      Glenochil

      Inverness

      9-9-02

      1

      		     

      16-9-02

      		 

      2

      		 

      6

      1

      		 

      23-9-02

      2

      		   

      1

      		 

      30-9-02

      2

      		  

      1

      		 

      1

      7-10-02

      2

      		     

      14-10-02

      1

      2

      		 

      2

      3

      		 

      21-10-02

      		   

      1

      		  

      28-10-02

      9

      		  

      1

      		  

      4-11-02

      3

      		     

      11-11-02

      2

      		  

      1

      3

      		 

      18-11-02

      4

      3

      		    

      25-11-02

      2

      		 

      1

      		   
      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168444,"EventID":"S1W-31977","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or Her Majesty's Government, has discussed with other northern member states of the European Union the imposition of additional fishing access restrictions o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, or Her Majesty's Government, has discussed with other northern member states of the European Union the imposition of additional fishing access restrictions on the Spanish fleet.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not discussing with other member states any proposed fishing access restrictions that are specifically directed at Spain.

      Fishing access restrictions may not discriminate between the member states.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168445,"EventID":"S1W-31978","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is preparing to take to ensure that Spanish vessels will be removed from the Scottish sector of the EU fishing 'one from 1 January 2003, in the absence ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is preparing to take to ensure that Spanish vessels will be removed from the Scottish sector of the EU fishing 'one from 1 January 2003, in the absence of an intervening decision by the Council of Ministers on the renewal, extension, or reduction of Spain's current northern European access fishing rights.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31975 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168446,"EventID":"S1W-31979","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to deploy sufficient policing and enforcement measures to monitor any increase in the number of Spanish vessels that might enter the Scottish sector of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to deploy sufficient policing and enforcement measures to monitor any increase in the number of Spanish vessels that might enter the Scottish sector of the EU fishing 'one should the EU decide to grant Spain free access to those waters from the beginning of 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency will continue to deploy the enforcement resources at its disposal to meet perceived needs and risks within the Scottish zone.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168447,"EventID":"S1W-31980","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on the opening-up of EC fisheries regulations to adjustment, amendment, suspension or repeal without the unanimo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government on the opening-up of EC fisheries regulations to adjustment, amendment, suspension or repeal without the unanimous consent of member states, given the relative stability principle of the Common Fisheries Policy, and whether the requirement for unanimity has been modified since 25 January 1983. ","AnswerText":"All fisheries decisions, including those on relative stability, are taken by Qualified Majority Vote. No member state has a veto in this area. The principle of Qualified Majority Voting for fisheries was first set down in the Treaty of Rome.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168448,"EventID":"S1W-31981","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the principle of relative stability of the Common Fisheries Policy, what its position is on the use of EU majority voting procedures to amend that princip","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the principle of relative stability of the Common Fisheries Policy, what its position is on the use of EU majority voting procedures to amend that principle. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31980 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168449,"EventID":"S1W-31982","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with Her Majesty's Government with regard to whether it intends to veto any proposal presented by the European Commission that invites ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any discussions with Her Majesty's Government with regard to whether it intends to veto any proposal presented by the European Commission that invites the Council of Ministers to rely on majority voting procedures with regard to the principles of (a) relative stability and (b) conservation within the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31980 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168450,"EventID":"S1W-31983","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether any European nation has more extensive Common Fisheries Policy policing and enforcement obligations than Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on whether any European nation has more extensive Common Fisheries Policy policing and enforcement obligations than Scotland.","AnswerText":"Common Fisheries Policy requirements in relation to policing and enforcement apply similarly to all EU member states.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168451,"EventID":"S1W-31984","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Spanish fishing fleet poses a threat to the stability of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and whether fresh access restrictions ought to be imposed on the Sp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Spanish fishing fleet poses a threat to the stability of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and whether fresh access restrictions ought to be imposed on the Spanish fleet to ensure that the principle of relative stability of the CFP is respected.","AnswerText":"There is no legal basis on which to discriminate against the Spanish fleet. Their fishing activities fall to be regulated by the access and quota allocation arrangements set out in the Common Fisheries Policy.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168452,"EventID":"S1W-31985","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Commission (EC) has sought any assurances from it that it can afford to assume the increased policing and enforcement obligations under the Common Fi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Commission (EC) has sought any assurances from it that it can afford to assume the increased policing and enforcement obligations under the Common Fisheries Policy that are likely to result from the adoption of EC proposals to grant free access to approximately 17,000 Spanish vessels to the North Sea and the EU's north western waters.","AnswerText":"No such assurances have been sought. Spain's increased rights of access do not confer new quota allocations.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168453,"EventID":"S1W-31986","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency measures it proposes to take should the EU Council of Ministers fail to take a decision to re-confirm Spain's northern access fishing rights before the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what contingency measures it proposes to take should the EU Council of Ministers fail to take a decision to re-confirm Spain's northern access fishing rights before the end of 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31975 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168454,"EventID":"S1W-31987","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, what the cost was of work done by its officials on clauses of, and amendments to, t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, what the cost was of work done by its officials on clauses of, and amendments to, the Extradition Bill and who bore the costs.","AnswerText":"An estimate of the cost of the work could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The expenditure involved was borne by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168455,"EventID":"S1W-31988","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5943 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 November 2002, when it will issue its revised guidance to local authorities on school transport safety","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5943 by Cathy Jamieson on 21 November 2002, when it will issue its revised guidance to local authorities on school transport safety.","AnswerText":"We intend to issue revised guidance early next year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168456,"EventID":"S1W-31989","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the temporary accommodation costs of the Parliament have been to date and what accommodation costs have been projected for the period until the Parliament moves into","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the temporary accommodation costs of the Parliament have been to date and what accommodation costs have been projected for the period until the Parliament moves into its accommodation at Holyrood. ","AnswerText":"Temporary accommodation costs, comprising rent and rates, are shown in the following table. Projections for total accommodation costs, until the Parliament moves to Holyrood, cannot be accurately calculated until firm dates for the move have been agreed.

      The costs shown for the 12 months to March 2003 are based on the latest estimate of the likely out-turn position.

      Forecast

      1999-2000

      (£)

      2000-01

      (£)

      2001-02

      (£)

      2002-03

      (£)

      1,371

      2,293

      2,730

      2,756

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168457,"EventID":"S1W-31990","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the Office for National Statistics regarding any miscalculation of entitlement to Objective One funding for the Highl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the Office for National Statistics regarding any miscalculation of entitlement to Objective One funding for the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Eurostat and not the Office for National Statistics (ONS) calculate entitlement to Objective One funding on the basis of the most up-to-date data available to them at the time. The ONS, as always, provided Eurostat with the most up to date and accurate statistics for the relevant period available at that time. No miscalculation was made.

      The Scottish Executive has been working very closely with the ONS over the period since May 2002 when the original publication date for the revised estimates of regional gross value added was deferred, and will continue to be consulted by ONS on the development of future regional accounts estimates and revisions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168458,"EventID":"S1W-31991","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the Scotland Office regarding any miscalculation of entitlement to Objective One funding for the Highlands and Island","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the Scotland Office regarding any miscalculation of entitlement to Objective One funding for the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Officials in the Scottish Executive are in regular contact with the Scotland Office and have appraised colleagues in the Scotland Office of the recent work undertaken by the Office of National Statistics to review the figures. The Office of National Statistics have now withdrawn their provisional revisions. There has been no miscalculation of the eligibility to Objective One funding. Eligibility is determined on the most up to date statistics available from all member states during the relevant period as determined by the European Commission.

      We will continue to work closely with the Scotland Office, and the Department for Trade and Industry who co-ordinate Structural Funds matters for the United Kingdom, should any revised UK statistics affecting figures for Highlands and Islands emerge.

      The most up to date statistics will be used in discussions about any entitlement to EU funds for the post-2006 period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168459,"EventID":"S1W-31992","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or plans to make, to the European Commission regarding any miscalculation of entitlement to Objective One funding for the Highlands and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, or plans to make, to the European Commission regarding any miscalculation of entitlement to Objective One funding for the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"The Executive keeps in regular touch with the European Commission. The Commission has confirmed that the regulations governing the current Structural Funds set a fixed date (26 March 1999) for establishing eligibility based on the data available at that time. Data which becomes available after that date cannot be taken into consideration.

      The Scottish Executive will use the most up to date statistics available in discussion about any entitlement to EU funds for the post-2006 period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168460,"EventID":"S1W-31993","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding any miscalculation of entitlement to Objective One funding for the High","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had, or plans to have, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding any miscalculation of entitlement to Objective One funding for the Highlands and Islands.","AnswerText":"Officials in the Scottish Executive are in regular contact with the Scotland Office and have appraised colleagues in the Scotland Office of the recent work undertaken by the Office of National Statistics to review the figures. The Office of National Statistics have now withdrawn their provisional revisions. There has been no miscalculation of the eligibility to Objective One funding. Eligibility is determined on the most up to date statistics available from all member states during the relevant period as determined by the European Commission.

      We will continue to work closely with the Scotland Office, and the Department for Trade and Industry who co-ordinate Structural Funds matters for the United Kingdom, should any revised UK statistics affecting figures for Highlands and Islands emerge.

      The most up to date statistics will be used in discussions about any entitlement to EU funds for the post-2006 period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168461,"EventID":"S1W-31994","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether transitional funding for the Highlands and Islands will cease in 2006 and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether transitional funding for the Highlands and Islands will cease in 2006 and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The current round of Structural Funds Programmes runs from 2000 to 2006. Allocation of funds ceases for all programmes at the end of 2006, although activity may continue to the end of 2006. Elements of funding in transitional programmes reduce after 2005. In Highlands and Islands, this relates specifically to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). However, part of the area will remain eligible. The regulations provide for coverage in 2006 for areas which meet the Objective Two criteria. This is not Objective Two status as such. It is merely a basis for determining eligibility for ERDF in the final year for allocating funds under the programme. We will be discussing with the Commission what this means in terms of precise coverage towards the end of 2003.

      The question of future regional funding is dependent on the outcome of discussions on the future of European Regional policy. Commission proposals are due to be published in 2004.

      The most up to date statistics will be used in discussions about any entitlement to EU funds for the post-2006 period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168462,"EventID":"S1W-31995","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any funding decisions of the European Commission being retrospectively reclassified in the light of new information or of such new information bei","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any funding decisions of the European Commission being retrospectively reclassified in the light of new information or of such new information being factored into on-going and future negotiations.","AnswerText":"The Commission has confirmed that the regulations set a fixed date (26 March 1999) for establishing eligibility based on the data available at that time. Data which becomes available after that date cannot be taken into consideration.

      The most up to date statistics will be used in discussions about any entitlement to EU funds for post-2006 period.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168463,"EventID":"S1W-31996","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme payments have been made in the current year to the Lairg area, broken down by land grade and area per square hectare.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme payments have been made in the current year to the Lairg area, broken down by land grade and area per square hectare.","AnswerText":"Since 1 January 2002, the Scottish Executive has paid a net total of £1,201,679.26 to 488 claimants covered by the Lairg Area Office under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme. The following table breaks this figure down by Land and Payment type and gives details of the land area (in hectares) covered by those payments. (Note: because the Maximum Scheme Payment Limit (CAP) operates on the gross value of individual claims, it is not possible to show net payment values by land type.)

      Land Type or Payment Category

      Land Classification

      HIE Area

      Payments

      Hectares

      Improved Pasture

      Moorland

      HIE

      £271,814.61

      8,941.27

      NON-HIE

      £ 1,652.55

      54.36

      Northern Upland

      		 

      £151,123.05

      3,358.29

      Southern Upland

      		 

      -

      0

      Rough Grazings

      Moorland

      HIE

      £644,161.51

      67,113.28

      NON-HIE

      £631.11

      65.74

      Northern Upland

      		 

      £65,995.80

      5,279.66

      Southern Upland

      		 

      £ -

      0

      Environmental Measure - Basic

      Moorland

      HIE

      £133,458.51

      24,296.1

      NON-HIE

      £473.38

      86.07

      Northern Upland

      		 

      £17,385.17

      3,160.94

      Southern Upland

      		 

      £ -

      0

      Environmental Measure - Additional

      Moorland

      HIE

      £7,764.33

      436.42

      NON-HIE

      £ -

      0

      Northern Upland

      		 

      £28,595.00

      1,429.75

      Southern Upland

      		 

      £ -

      0

      Safety Net

      		&","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168464,"EventID":"S1W-31997","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what criteria it releases information under embargo to the press without first releasing it to the Parliament.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what criteria it releases information under embargo to the press without first releasing it to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"Under the terms of paragraph 8.5 of the Scottish Ministerial Code there is no regular procedure whereby final proof versions of policy documents can be made available under embargo to the media before publication. Such use of embargoes is normally limited to the publication of complex statistical and research reports. Any such decision to issue statistical reports under embargo is taken on a case-by-case basis in line with the National Statistics Protocol on Release Practices and it is expected that the vast majority of statistical releases from the Executive will not be subject to embargo.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168465,"EventID":"S1W-31998","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS is ready to handle seasonal increases in illness over the coming winter.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the NHS is ready to handle seasonal increases in illness over the coming winter.","AnswerText":"NHS Scotland has prepared extensively and is better placed than ever before to deal with winter pressures. Problems associated with winter cannot be ruled out but those involved in this year';s planning process have endeavoured to ensure that a high level of service will be maintained despite these extra pressures.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168466,"EventID":"S1W-31999","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why patients are currently being treated at the National Waiting Times Centre without charge to NHS trusts, given that there will be charges for such treatment after 1 Ap","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why patients are currently being treated at the National Waiting Times Centre without charge to NHS trusts, given that there will be charges for such treatment after 1 April 2003.","AnswerText":"The National Waiting Times Centre was purchased by the Scottish Executive for NHSScotland in the course of the current financial year, and it is already making good progress towards the target of undertaking 5,000 procedures in its first full year of operation.

      As NHS boards had already agreed their financial plans for this year by the time of the purchase of the centre, they would have had to make reductions in other services if they had been required to pay for the extra activity at the centre. Consequently, no charges are being levied against NHS boards for their use of the centre in 2002-03.

      NHS boards are expected to build their costs for using the National Waiting Times Centre into their plans for future years.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168467,"EventID":"S1W-32000","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date, or dates, any member of the Holyrood Project Team met directors of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (a) John Tang, (b) Johnson Fong or (c) Edward Boy","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date, or dates, any member of the Holyrood Project Team met directors of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd (a) John Tang, (b) Johnson Fong or (c) Edward Boyle; what matters were discussed at any such meetings, and whether any meeting took place between any one or more of these directors with any representatives of the construction managers prior to the recommendations in January 2001 by the latter to award the contract to Flour City.","AnswerText":"My answer to question S1W-26364 on 13 June 2002 provided details of a meeting on 4 September 2001, which was attended by representatives of Flour City International Inc, Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Ltd and the Holyrood Project Team. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that this was the only such meeting held and that issues concerning the MSP Building Cladding Package were discussed. He has also informed me that he is not aware of any meeting between Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Ltd and the representatives of Flour City International Inc or Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, who attended the meeting on 4 September 2001, in connection with the new Scottish Parliament building project, prior to January 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168468,"EventID":"S1W-32001","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd submitted any tenders for Holyrood Project packages other than that for which it was awarded a contract and, if so, for w","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd submitted any tenders for Holyrood Project packages other than that for which it was awarded a contract and, if so, for which packages and on what date any such tenders were received.","AnswerText":"Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd submitted unsuccessful tender bids for four packages, other than their successful bid for the MSP Building Cladding package. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that identities of unsuccessful tender bidders would normally be classed as commercially confidential, we do not see any problem in providing this information in respect of Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, who are in receivership, but in this instance has provided the following information on the unsuccessful bids.

      Trade Package

      Date Tender Received

      1. Assembly Building Specialist Glazing

      04 May 2001

      2. Assembly Building Windows

      01 June 2001

      3. Assembly Building Stone Cladding

      12 June 2001

      4. MSP Building Roofing

      15 August 2001

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168469,"EventID":"S1W-32002","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the Route Accident Reduction Plan compiled before summer 2002 by Amey Highways in respect of the A737/A738 Stevenston Road in Kilwinning and, if s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received the Route Accident Reduction Plan compiled before summer 2002 by Amey Highways in respect of the A737/A738 Stevenston Road in Kilwinning and, if so, on what date the report was received and what response it has made.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive commissioned Amey Highways to undertake the A737/A738 Route Accident Reduction Plan study in March this year. Amey's report was received on 29 November and is currently being evaluated by officials.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168470,"EventID":"S1W-32003","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2105,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing, distributing and launching \"It's everyone's job to make sure I'm alright\" - Report of the Child Protection Audit and Rev","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing, distributing and launching \"It's everyone's job to make sure I'm alright\" - Report of the Child Protection Audit and Review, and the accompanying Literature Review.","AnswerText":"Unfortunately this information is not currently available. Due to very high demand, a reprint of the report is now in progress. We would hope to have this information by the end of January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168471,"EventID":"S1W-32004","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30797 by Colin Boyd QC on 12 November 2002, how much has been spent on ad hoc or temporary procurator fiscal deputes in each sherif","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30797 by Colin Boyd QC on 12 November 2002, how much has been spent on ad hoc or temporary procurator fiscal deputes in each sheriff court district in each year since 1999-2000.","AnswerText":"Expenditure on temporary procurator fiscal deputes by Procurator Fiscal office for the most recent years available was:
       

      1999-2000

      (£)

      2000-01

      (£)

      2001-02

      (£)

      Aberdeen

      860

      13,665

      26,650

      Airdrie

      41,253

      36,881

      18,964

      Arbroath

      -

      -

      705

      Ayr

      1,850

      4,050

      7,050

      Campbeltown

      1,800

      450

      4,200

      Cupar

      -

      705

      -

      Dumbarton

      4,450

      17,055

      14,659

      Dundee

      8,039

      12,670

      10,676

      Dunfermline

      6,607

      2,291

      881

      Duns

      -

      150

      -

      Edinburgh

      42,433

      105,993

      52,069

      Falkirk

      16,582

      -

      18,454

      Forfar

      -

      -

      353

      Fort William

      -

      1,234

      -

      Glasgow

      178,506

      150,754

      236,571

      Greenock

      -

      3,968

      1,800

      Hamilton

      25,604

      40,669

      89,749

      Jedburgh

      -

      -

      2,100

      Kirkcudbright

      3,904

      2,100

      3,000

      Kirkcaldy

      21,802

      10,046

      5,640

      Kilmarnock

      		Information on the main drug type involved in convictions for drug offences has been included in the Scottish Executive Justice Department's court proceedings database since early in 2001. However, this information is only available for those convictions where the codes used for the charges involved were recorded under the relevant Integration of Scottish Criminal Justice Information Systems (ISCJIS) data standards. It is anticipated that nearly all charges involved in court disposals will become ISCJIS compliant over the next couple of years. At that point, sufficiently complete statistical information will have built up to provide more reliable data on numbers of drug offence convictions by class of drug for areas below Scotland level.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168474,"EventID":"S1W-32007","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what separate provision is made in each Scottish Prison Service adult prison for young offenders, showing the design capacity of any separate accommodation available for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what separate provision is made in each Scottish Prison Service adult prison for young offenders, showing the design capacity of any separate accommodation available for such offenders.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Separate provision for under-21 remand prisoners in adult prisons is provided at HM Prison Barlinnie. The design capacity is 122.

      Separate provision for young offenders is provided at HM Prison Edinburgh. The design capacity is 42 with the ability to increase it to 62 by doubling up in some certain cells.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168475,"EventID":"S1W-32008","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any separate provision is made in each Scottish Prison Service young offenders institution for offenders under the age of 16.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any separate provision is made in each Scottish Prison Service young offenders institution for offenders under the age of 16.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS has no separate accommodation for this purpose. Prisoners under the age of 16 are normally held in single cell accommodation with integral sanitation. If the person is considered particularly "at risk" then that prisoner may for their best interest be detained in the health centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168476,"EventID":"S1W-32009","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002 and given that the Scottish Prison Service does not monitor the number of reportable ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002 and given that the Scottish Prison Service does not monitor the number of reportable accidents notified by Premier Prison Services Ltd (PPSL) to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), how it measures PPSL's performance against the target for number of injuries reportable to the HSE.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS has no target for the number of injuries reportable to the HSE from HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168477,"EventID":"S1W-32010","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, whether there is a discrepancy between the totals for injuries reportable to the Healt","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, whether there is a discrepancy between the totals for injuries reportable to the Health and Safety Executive given in the answer and the totals shown on page 9 of the Scottish Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts 2001-02 and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The figures given in the answer to S1W-30372 were those available for each existing prison. The figures in the annual report refer to the whole of the agency and to establishments which had closed.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168478,"EventID":"S1W-32011","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, how many injuries that were reportable to the Health and Safety Executive there were i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, how many injuries that were reportable to the Health and Safety Executive there were in each prison in the first half of 2002-03.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Aberdeen

      6

      Barlinnie

      29

      Castle Huntly

      1

      Cornton Vale

      6

      Dumfries

      3

      Edinburgh

      10

      Glenochil

      6

      Greenock

      9

      Inverness

      2

      Low Moss

      6

      Noranside

      1

      Perth

      4

      Peterhead

      2

      Polmont

      5

      Shotts

      13

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168479,"EventID":"S1W-32012","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions it imposes on the Scottish Prison Service Board in respect of any failure to meet the targets the Executive has set in respect of the Scottish Prison Servi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sanctions it imposes on the Scottish Prison Service Board in respect of any failure to meet the targets the Executive has set in respect of the Scottish Prison Service. ","AnswerText":"As an Executive Agency, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is accountable to Scottish ministers for all operational and contractual matters involving the agency and for it's performance. The accountability framework specifying the responsibilities of the Chief Executive and the SPS board is contained in the SPS Framework Document.

      The performance of senior managers in the SPS is managed within the Senior Civil Service Performance Appraisal System which applies to the Senior Civil Service across the United Kingdom.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168480,"EventID":"S1W-32013","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30810 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, what assessment it made of best value when deciding to contract out education services","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30810 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, what assessment it made of best value when deciding to contract out education services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The education contracts were competitively tendered in accordance with European Union rules. Bids from reputable education providers were initially assessed for educational capability and capacity to provide the required range of services. Commercial factors including cost were also assessed and each bid evaluated in total with the emphasis on educational quality.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168481,"EventID":"S1W-32014","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30810 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, whether it has made any assessment of (a) improvement in quality and (b) cost savings ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30810 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002, whether it has made any assessment of (a) improvement in quality and (b) cost savings achieved from contracting out education services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The education contracts have provided SPS with the opportunity to improve both the quality and scope of the education services provided to prisoners. A number of standards are built in with measurable outputs and these are monitored closely. The contracts were not designed to focus only on costs. The education targets and service demand have increased year on year and total costs have therefore increased.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168482,"EventID":"S1W-32015","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the report of the independent consultant on the contracting-out of social work in prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the report of the independent consultant on the contracting-out of social work in prisons.","AnswerText":"The report of the independent consultant on the contracting-out of social work in prisons was published on 24 December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168483,"EventID":"S1W-32016","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define the term \"unfit places\", as referred to on page 7 of the Justice section in Spending Proposals 2003-2006 - Technical Notes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will define the term \"unfit places\", as referred to on page 7 of the Justice section in Spending Proposals 2003-2006 - Technical Notes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The term "unfit places" relates to prisoner places with no access to night sanitation. The SPS is committed to developing a prison estate "fit for purpose" for the 21st century and thereby phasing out the use of such places as circumstances and finance permit.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168484,"EventID":"S1W-32017","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfit places are projected for 2005-06, based upon the targets outlined on page 7 of the Justice section in Spending Proposals 2003-2006 - Technical Notes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfit places are projected for 2005-06, based upon the targets outlined on page 7 of the Justice section in Spending Proposals 2003-2006 - Technical Notes.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Projections for the number of prisoner places in future years with no access to night sanitation facilities will fluctuate over time dependant on plans and progress against the building of new accommodation and associated temporary closures for upgrade. Current projections show that the number of such places for the year 2005-06 would be about 850.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168485,"EventID":"S1W-32018","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31088 and S1W-31487 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 and 22 November 2002 respectively, whether it will show the performance points accrued","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31088 and S1W-31487 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 and 22 November 2002 respectively, whether it will show the performance points accrued by the operating company of HM Prison Kilmarnock broken down by sub-section in section 2.4(b) of Schedule F to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock for each quarter of operation of the contract to date and why this information was omitted from document Bib. number 25002 referred to in the answers to the questions. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Figures relating to item 2.4(b) were given in answer to question S1W-25569 on 24 May 2002, but due to a clerical error they were omitted from the response to question S1W-31088. This information is now included in the updated table in document (Bib. number 25435), a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

      In compiling this table, a clerical error was noted in respect of 2.4(d). This has also been corrected in the revised table.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168486,"EventID":"S1W-32019","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the delivery of health services in rural areas.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its plans are for the delivery of health services in rural areas.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Health Plan, Our National Health: A plan for action, a plan for change, set out our thinking on health services for rural areas. We expect NHS boards individually and through regional planning arrangements to ensure the provision of safe and accessible services. We have reviewed the funding allocation formula for NHSScotland to ensure that it recognises the higher cost of delivering services in rural areas. We have also introduced a number of initiatives designed to support and develop rural health care.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168487,"EventID":"S1W-32020","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future role it envisages for community hospitals in the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what future role it envisages for community hospitals in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The Executive sees community hospitals as playing an important role in the spectrum of care provided to the communities they serve. They provide accessible services to meet a range of local needs and complement the other services available in the locality. It is important that the clinical staff in the hospitals have effective liaison with those working in the specialist hospital services, as well as other services within the local community. The Executive continues to encourage the local evolution of community hospitals that enables them to best meet local needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168488,"EventID":"S1W-32021","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish regulations to enforce Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish regulations to enforce Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste.","AnswerText":"The consultation paper Safer Landfill, published on 29 August, included draft Regulations to implement EC Directive 1999/31/EC on the Landfill of Waste. The consultation period ended on 22 November 2002. We are now considering responses and will shortly lay the regulations.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168489,"EventID":"S1W-32022","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and how the transitional Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (Scotland) 2000 will be replaced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when and how the transitional Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (Scotland) 2000 will be replaced.","AnswerText":"There is no proposal to replace the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (PPC). However, the Executive has consulted on amendments to the PPC Regulations, including to the transitional timetable set out in the regulations for a number of industrial sectors. It is expected that amendment regulations will be made in the near future.

      The PPC Regulations replace the previous Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) regime, which controlled emissions from larger industrial installations, and Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC), which regulated smaller processes. Under PPC, existing installations will transfer to the new pollution control regime on a phased, sector by sector basis between 2001 and 2007. It was recognised at an early stage that it would be impracticable to transfer all sectors to PPC simultaneously and that it would be necessary to phase in implementation over a number of years leading up to 2007, the final date for transferring existing installations allowed under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168490,"EventID":"S1W-32023","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it will deploy to determine and enforce pollution prevention and control applications timeously.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources it will deploy to determine and enforce pollution prevention and control applications timeously.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for implementing the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (PPC). SEPA is resourced to undertake these duties from grant-in-aid provided by the Scottish Executive, and from the agency's PPC charging scheme. The level of grant-in-aid and charging scheme income is designed to ensure that SEPA is adequately resourced to enable it to process and determine applications for PPC permits, and take enforcement action in the event of any infringement of conditions in a permit. SEPA has recently consulted on amendments to the PPC charging scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168491,"EventID":"S1W-32024","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to ensure that the eye health and vision needs of residents to be discharged from Scottish Learning Disability Hospitals are effectively assessed and address","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to ensure that the eye health and vision needs of residents to be discharged from Scottish Learning Disability Hospitals are effectively assessed and addressed as part of planning in respect of The same as you?.","AnswerText":"Individuals with a learning disability being discharged from long-stay hospitals should have a comprehensive multi-agency assessment of all their care needs. This includes their individual health needs, and should cover their eye health and vision needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168492,"EventID":"S1W-32025","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to increase the percentage of people with combined learning difficulties and sight loss that appear on the blind or partially-sighted register as a first st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to increase the percentage of people with combined learning difficulties and sight loss that appear on the blind or partially-sighted register as a first step to ensuring that appropriate services are made available for this section of the community.","AnswerText":"Local authorities and their partners in the NHS are developing databases of people with learning disabilities, including those with sensory impairments. Inclusion on existing, separate, blind and partially sighted registers is voluntary and a Scottish Executive working group is developing mechanisms for improved take-up. These steps, when taken together, should identify needs and improve access to appropriate services.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168493,"EventID":"S1W-32026","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases resulted in a sentence of three years or less for causing death by dangerous driving in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cases resulted in a sentence of three years or less for causing death by dangerous driving in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"In the years 1996-2000 a total of 11, 11, eight, 10 and three persons respectively received a custodial sentence of three years or less where the main charge was causing death by dangerous driving. Data for 2001 are expected to be available in December.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168494,"EventID":"S1W-32027","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on drug-related activities in each year since 1998-99, broken down by expenditure on (a) education, (b) rehabilitation and (c) treatment by Argyl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on drug-related activities in each year since 1998-99, broken down by expenditure on (a) education, (b) rehabilitation and (c) treatment by Argyll and Clyde Drug Action Team.","AnswerText":"Detailed spend on drug-related activities at a local level is not held centrally. However, some information is contained within the Argyll and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Action Team Corporate Action Plan which can be found on the national drugs website at:

      http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/.

      Funding for drug-related activities is not allocated directly to Drug Action Teams, but through statutory funding streams. Funding for drugs-specific treatment services allocated to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board from 1998-99 to 2003-04 is as follows:

      Treatment

      NHS Board

      1998-99

      (£000)

      1999-2000

      (£000)

      2000-01

      (£000)

      2001-02

      (£000)

      2002-03

      (£000)

      2003-04

      (£000)

      Argyll and Clyde

      709

      901

      984

      1,111

      1,338

      1,338

      The bulk of the funding for drugs education and for rehabilitation is made available through GAE settlement. However, additional funding for drugs-specific education and rehabilitation was allocated as follows for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04.

      Drugs Education in Schools

      Council Area

      2001-02

      (£)

      East Renfrewshire*

      21,350

      Renfrewshire

      32,989

      West Dunbartonshire*

      20,970

      Inverclyde

      18,500

      Argyll and Bute

      17,552

      Rehabilitation Services

      Council Area

      2001-02

      (£000)

      2002-03

      (£000)

      2003-04

      (£000)

      East Renfrewshire*

      119

      119

      119

      Renfrewshire

      235

      235

      235

      West Dunbartonshire*

      126

      126

      126

      Inverclyde

      113

      113

      113

      Argyll and Bute

      119

      119

      119

      In addition, the following funding was allocated to local authorities for drug-related work with young people and families.

      Changing Children's Services Fund

      Council Area

      2001-02 to 2003-04

      (£000)

      East Renfrewshire*

      139

      sportscotland for school sport is available on the basis of applications from local authorities and/or individual schools, not allocations. Since the commencement of the National Lottery, school sport in Renfrewshire has benefited as follows.

      Programme

      Funding

      TOP

      £73,320

      School Sport Co-ordinator

      £238,640

      Active Primary School (Exchequer Programme)

      £85,000

      Total

      £396,960

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168496,"EventID":"S1W-32029","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what matters the First Minister is solely responsible.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive for what matters the First Minister is solely responsible.","AnswerText":"The general principle, reflected in section 52 (1) of the Scotland Act, is that statutory functions are normally conferred on the Scottish ministers collectively and are then exercisable by any member of the Executive. This reflects the principle of collective responsibility under which the Scottish Executive operates. However, certain statutory functions are conferred upon the First Minister alone, and these are as follows:

      Keeper of the Scottish Seal; appointment and removal of Scottish ministers and junior Scottish ministers;

      functions relating to the appointment and removal of judges and the Scottish Law Officers;

      functions under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 and the Intelligence Services Act 1994;

      functions relating to the Universities of Scotland, and

      civil service management functions in relation to the staff of the Scottish Administration.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168497,"EventID":"S1W-32030","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31347 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 November 2002, why it did not detail what powers it has to introduce legislation in regard to bringi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31347 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 November 2002, why it did not detail what powers it has to introduce legislation in regard to bringing in charges on the existing trunk road network and whether it will rule out introducing any such legislation; why, in the answer, it referred me to the answer to question S1W-30960 by Lewis Macdonald on 6 November 2002 that relates solely to the A80/M80 and states that there is no legislation in place that would permit toll charges on the trunk road network, and whether it will clarify its position in relation to the information sought in S1W-31347.","AnswerText":"The answer given to question S1W-30960 refers to the legislative position as regards the whole trunk road network, and makes clear that there is no legislation in place that would permit charges to be introduced on the existing trunk road network. While the Executive has no current plans to introduce such legislation, we will continue to explore all available options for tackling congestion.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168498,"EventID":"S1W-32032","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gives to Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 before seeking the agreement of the Scottish Parliament, through a Sewel motion, to the UK Parliament l","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it gives to Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 before seeking the agreement of the Scottish Parliament, through a Sewel motion, to the UK Parliament legislating for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will always consider Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 in order to determine whether provisions in a Westminster Bill require the consent of the Scottish Parliament by means of a Sewel motion.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168499,"EventID":"S1W-32033","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice, legal or otherwise, it seeks before seeking the agreement of the Scottish Parliament, through a Sewel motion, to the UK Parliament legislating for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice, legal or otherwise, it seeks before seeking the agreement of the Scottish Parliament, through a Sewel motion, to the UK Parliament legislating for Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive determines, in all the circumstances of the case, whether it is appropriate to seek the agreement of the Scottish Parliament by means of a Sewel motion to the UK Parliament legislating for Scotland on devolved matters.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168500,"EventID":"S1W-32034","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-26T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of the three-year target-setting exercise for education authorities, Raising Standards - Setting Targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the results of the three-year target-setting exercise for education authorities, Raising Standards - Setting Targets.","AnswerText":"The results of the three-year target-setting exercise are published today in Raising Standards - Setting Targets: Setting targets in Scottish schools. National and Education Authority Information 2001. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25350). The publication is also available on the Scottish Executive website at:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/targets2001pdf.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168501,"EventID":"S1W-32035","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities have the power to differentiate between residents by charging housing associations but not owner occupiers or private landlords for taking away ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether local authorities have the power to differentiate between residents by charging housing associations but not owner occupiers or private landlords for taking away bulky items of refuse from back courts.","AnswerText":"Local authorities have a discretionary power to charge householders for the collection of certain types of household waste, including bulky items. A list of such wastes is prescribed by The Controlled Waste Regulations 1992. In exercising this power, local authorities must determine when charges are to be levied on the basis of practical considerations.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168502,"EventID":"S1W-32036","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce NHS dependence on agency nursing staff.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to reduce NHS dependence on agency nursing staff.","AnswerText":"The Executive is committed to building capacity within the existing nursing workforce through a range of recruitment and retention strategies under the banner of Facing the Future. This includes the Return to Practice programme and increasing the Student Nurse intake.

      Decisions about the employment of bank or agency staff ultimately rest at local level. All NHSScotland employers are required to take account of and follow Audit Scotland's recommendations in their Temporary Measures report on bank and agency staff.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168503,"EventID":"S1W-32037","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS trusts are allowed to \"poach\" nursing staff from other trusts by offering higher gradings or other perks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS trusts are allowed to \"poach\" nursing staff from other trusts by offering higher gradings or other perks.","AnswerText":"NHS trusts have local responsibility for the Recruitment and Retention strategies that they adopt. Currently they are also free to vary Whitley terms and conditions of service to reflect their local circumstances.

      Staff are also free to choose and plan their own movements.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168504,"EventID":"S1W-32038","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government on NHS trusts in England \"poaching\" nursing staff from trusts in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government on NHS trusts in England \"poaching\" nursing staff from trusts in Scotland.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168505,"EventID":"S1W-32039","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a requirement that managers or persons in charge of houses of multiple occupation have permanent responsibility for complying with the licenses ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce a requirement that managers or persons in charge of houses of multiple occupation have permanent responsibility for complying with the licenses of such properties.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no plans to change the provision whereby the owner of a house in multiple occupation is responsible for obtaining a licence and ensuring compliance with the conditions of the licence.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168506,"EventID":"S1W-32040","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will re-examine with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service the nature of the evidence required for prosecutions of unlicensed houses of multiple occu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will re-examine with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service the nature of the evidence required for prosecutions of unlicensed houses of multiple occupation.","AnswerText":"There are no plans to re-examine evidential requirements for prosecutions of breaches of law on licensing of houses in multiple occupation, but the local procurator fiscal would be happy to discuss specific concerns with any local council responsible for administration of the licensing scheme. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will prosecute cases where there is sufficient evidence and prosecution is in the public interest.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168507,"EventID":"S1W-32041","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enable prosecutions of unlicensed houses of multiple occupation to be brought against absentee and foreign-based house owners.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enable prosecutions of unlicensed houses of multiple occupation to be brought against absentee and foreign-based house owners.","AnswerText":"A prosecution can be brought against an owner residing anywhere within the UK. If they are outside the UK, the position is the same as for other offences which do not carry the possibility of a sentence of imprisonment. A Complaint can be served on them and, if they fail to appear for trial, trial may, with leave of the sheriff, proceed in absence under the terms of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. At present any penalty imposed would not be enforceable outside the UK, but steps are being taken by the European Union to make it possible for fines imposed in one member state to be levied in another member state. There are no obvious prospects of such arrangements being extended to countries outside the European Union. The negotiation of such international agreements is a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168508,"EventID":"S1W-32042","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been brought against the owners of unlicensed houses of multiple occupation in (a) Edinburgh and (b) Glasgow in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions have been brought against the owners of unlicensed houses of multiple occupation in (a) Edinburgh and (b) Glasgow in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"(a) No cases have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal at Edinburgh and, accordingly, none have been prosecuted.

      (b) One case was reported to the Procurator Fiscal at Glasgow on 29 October 2002. It is being prosecuted but has not yet been called in court.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168509,"EventID":"S1W-32043","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been notified by Dumfries and Galloway Council of a planning application to alter and extend the waste disposal facility and to construct a leachate treatm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been notified by Dumfries and Galloway Council of a planning application to alter and extend the waste disposal facility and to construct a leachate treatment plant at Aucheninnes landfill site, Dalbeattie, affecting bog bush-crickets in that location, which Scottish Natural Heritage indicate may result in extinction of bog bush-crickets within Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The planning application for the Aucheninnes site extension was notified to the Scottish ministers by Dumfries and Galloway Council on 27 November. It is now being assessed to decide whether it should be called in for determination by the Scottish ministers or cleared back to the council for them to deal with as they see fit.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168510,"EventID":"S1W-32044","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will determine whether to call in the planning application to alter and extend the waste disposal facility and to construct a leachate treatment plant at Auchenin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will determine whether to call in the planning application to alter and extend the waste disposal facility and to construct a leachate treatment plant at Aucheninnes landfill site, Dalbeattie.","AnswerText":"The notified planning application for the Aucheninnes site extension was received by the Scottish ministers on 27 November and is now being assessed to decide whether it should be called in for determination by the Scottish ministers or cleared back to Dumfries and Galloway Council for them to deal with as they see fit. Our published target for dealing with such cases is that 80% should be assessed within 28 days, and 100% within two months.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168511,"EventID":"S1W-32045","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any difficulties in bringing into operation the new Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and, in particular, in relation to the software to be used in connec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any difficulties in bringing into operation the new Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and, in particular, in relation to the software to be used in connection with the scheme and its administration; whether there is any delay in when the scheme will come into operation; what the planned start date is; when the scheme will be fully operational, and whether European Union approval was required in respect of the scheme and, if so, whether this has been obtained.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme (SFGS) represents a major change from the current Woodland Grant Scheme and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (both of which operate across Great Britain). Development of information systems to support SFGS is a significant task and, to ensure that the systems are properly developed and tested, the Forestry Commission has recently announced that applications for SFGS will not be accepted until June 2003, after which the scheme should be fully operational. This represents a two-month delay to the original target date of April 2003, but the existing grant schemes are being kept open for an additional two months to minimise any inconvenience to the industry.

      The necessary changes to the Scottish Rural Development Plan have been approved by the EU STAR (Agricultural Structures and Rural Development Committee), as announced on 19 November.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168512,"EventID":"S1W-32046","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the title of the proposed National Park is \"Cairngorms\", given that there is only one peak named \"Cairngorm\", and what consideration it gave to the evidence submitted","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the title of the proposed National Park is \"Cairngorms\", given that there is only one peak named \"Cairngorm\", and what consideration it gave to the evidence submitted to the Rural Development Committee on this matter.","AnswerText":"The title reflects the consensus which emerged from those who responded on this matter to the Scottish Natural Heritage consultation. That consensus favoured the use of "Cairngorms" in the title of the National Park, to differentiate between the single peak and the mountain range.

      The issue of the title of the park was not one highlighted by the Rural Development Committee in its letter to me of 14 October conveying the views of the committee following its evidence-taking sessions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168513,"EventID":"S1W-32047","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body was made aware of the contents of the quarterly accounts of Flour City International Inc for the period to 31 July 2001. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body was made aware of the contents of the quarterly accounts of Flour City International Inc for the period to 31 July 2001. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body did not see the contents of the quarterly accounts of Flour City International for the financial period to 31 July 2001.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168514,"EventID":"S1W-32048","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to publicise to members of the public their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to publicise to members of the public their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Office produced guidance for members of the public on their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights in 1999. However, we announced in June this year that we would be taking forward a package of awareness-raising activities over the next year. This will include producing further guidance for members of the public, completely revising and updating our human rights website and working with other human rights organisations to support awareness-raising activities.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168515,"EventID":"S1W-32049","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects valued over #100,000 have been funded from the New Opportunities Fund in (a) Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Lanarkshire and on what dates each such project ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects valued over #100,000 have been funded from the New Opportunities Fund in (a) Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Lanarkshire and on what dates each such project was approved.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the New Opportunities Fund. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168516,"EventID":"S1W-32050","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects valued over #100,000 have been rejected for funding from the New Opportunities Fund in (a) Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Lanarkshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what projects valued over #100,000 have been rejected for funding from the New Opportunities Fund in (a) Glasgow, (b) Edinburgh and (c) Lanarkshire.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the New Opportunities Fund. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168517,"EventID":"S1W-32051","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what applications for projects valued over #100,000 have been received by the New Opportunities Fund from Lanarkshire since 1 September 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on what applications for projects valued over #100,000 have been received by the New Opportunities Fund from Lanarkshire since 1 September 2002.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the New Opportunities Fund. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168518,"EventID":"S1W-32052","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1762,"Party":"Independent","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent in each year since 1998 by each local authority on section 13 payments under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent in each year since 1998 by each local authority on section 13 payments under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168519,"EventID":"S1W-32053","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the British-Irish Council summit held at New Lanark on 22 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the British-Irish Council summit held at New Lanark on 22 November 2002.","AnswerText":"On 22 November, Scotland hosted the fourth British-Irish Council summit meeting in New Lanark. The main role of the council is "to promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the people of these islands".

      The main focus of the summit meeting was social inclusion, on which Scotland, jointly with Wales, takes the lead in the council.

      As part of preparatory work for the summit, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government hosted a conference on financial inclusion for practitioners and policy-makers in September of this year in Glasgow. The summit itself enabled council members to exchange views on this important issue.

      The council agreed that future work on financial inclusion would include promoting best practice by creating further opportunities for practitioners and policy makers to share ideas and information. This will include the identification and promotion of practical measures at the community level to promote access to appropriate financial products and encourage savings, for example, through credit unions. In addition, the council agreed to exchange information about the promotion of financial literacy and the provision of money advice. Given the importance of the role played by intermediary organisations in financial inclusion, including those based in the community, the council agreed to exchange experience among members on how such organisations could best be supported.

      As with previous summits, the meeting also received progress reports and agreed a plan for future work on the other subjects being taken forward by council members - in this case on co-operation on drugs; environment; health: the application of telemedicine; the knowledge economy; minority and lesser used languages; tourism, and transport.

      I am placing a copy of the Communiqué issued by the British-Irish Council after the summit meeting in New Lanark in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25384).","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168520,"EventID":"S1W-32054","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many extra acute hospital beds will be provided through the allocation of the #12 million announced by the Chief Executive of the NHS on 27 November 2002 for addition","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many extra acute hospital beds will be provided through the allocation of the #12 million announced by the Chief Executive of the NHS on 27 November 2002 for additional funding for winter pressures, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"It is for each NHS board to decide, based on local circumstances and clinical needs over the winter period, how to allocate its additional funding for winter. For Scotland as a whole, this winter, there will be 400 extra beds available, if required, and 20 extra critical care beds.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168521,"EventID":"S1W-32055","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the whole time equivalent figures for 2001 on front-line social work staff working in each local authority area were not available in Growth and Development - The Rep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why the whole time equivalent figures for 2001 on front-line social work staff working in each local authority area were not available in Growth and Development - The Report of the Chief Inspector of Social Work Services for Scotland 2002; whether it will now provide these figures, or whether it plans to publish them in the future and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Staffing figures on front-line social work staff for 2001 were not available when the information was compiled for the Chief Inspector's annual report. There are plans to publish further staffing figures within next year's report.

      Other information on staff of Scottish local authority social work services is available within the Scottish Executive statistical bulletin Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2001, published September 2002. The bulletin can be found at the following address:

      Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2001:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00197-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168522,"EventID":"S1W-32056","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to group residential care homes and nursing homes together under the single term \"care home\"; if so, when it plans to do this and what effect such a chan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to group residential care homes and nursing homes together under the single term \"care home\"; if so, when it plans to do this and what effect such a change would have on the data published in the annual Scottish Community Care Statistics publication.","AnswerText":"The distinction between residential care homes and nursing homes was removed on 1 April 2002, the day on which the new Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (Care Commission) became operational. The removal of the distinction means that there will be no distressing moves for those whose care needs change.

      The single term "care home" is currently being used to describe establishments which were formerly known as either residential care homes or nursing homes, and from 2003 it is planned to conduct a regular "care homes" census which will replace the current census' of residential care homes (run by the Scottish Executive) and the nursing homes census (run by ISD, Scotland).

      The Executive is currently evaluating its own information needs, along with those of the NHS and the new Care Commission. The need to collect, analyse and disseminate the information published in Scottish Community Care Statistics 2001 remains.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168523,"EventID":"S1W-32057","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many front-line social work staff were working in community care social work services in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many front-line social work staff were working in community care social work services in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on staffing within Scottish local authority social work services is contained within the Scottish Executive statistical bulletin Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services. The bulletin is published annually and contains the results of staffing census held across all Scottish local authorities. The bulletins for each of the last five years can be found at the following addresses:

      Staff of Scottish Social Work Departments, 1997 Statistical Bulletin:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library/documents6/swk-00.htm.

      Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Departments, 1998:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library2/doc01/sb921-00.htm.

      Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Departments, 1999:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00061-00.asp.

      Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2000:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00106-00.asp.

      Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2001:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00197-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168524,"EventID":"S1W-32058","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average amount is charged by (a) local authority, (b) independent and (c) private (i) residential and (ii) nursing care homes for care services on a per person per w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average amount is charged by (a) local authority, (b) independent and (c) private (i) residential and (ii) nursing care homes for care services on a per person per week basis, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following table shows, for all client groups, the average weekly charge for residential care homes in Scotland. Information on private nursing homes is not held centrally.

      Average Weekly Charge 1 Per Resident in Residential Care Homes, Scotland 2001

      Local Authority

      Local Authority Residential Care Homes

      (£)

      Private and Voluntary Residential Care Homes

      (£)

      Aberdeen City

      386

      325

      Aberdeenshire

      348

      387

      Angus

      398

      306

      Argyll and Bute

      439

      274

      Clackmannanshire

      *

      *

      Dumfries and Galloway

      *

      335

      Dundee City

      464

      294

      East Ayrshire

      348

      275

      East Dunbartonshire

      *

      442

      East Lothian

      *

      340

      East Renfrewshire

      *

      393

      Edinburgh, City of

      464

      376

      Eilean Siar

      458

      *

      Falkirk

      533

      368

      Fife

      441

      363

      Glasgow City

      377

      429

      Highland

      396

      298

      Inverclyde

      390

      416

      Midlothian

      *

      426

      Moray

      *

      339

      North Ayrshire

      352

      337

      North Lanarkshire

      340

      421

      Orkney Islands

      *

      *

      Perth and Kinross

      386

      337

      Renfrewshire

      385

      		Any scheme of assistance would also need to respect the appropriate provisions in EC law, notably Article 16 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168526,"EventID":"S1W-32060","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated decommissioning costs are for white fish fishing vessels this year and how many, and what percentage of, vessels have been decommissioned.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated decommissioning costs are for white fish fishing vessels this year and how many, and what percentage of, vessels have been decommissioned.","AnswerText":"Ninety-eight vessels were decommissioned under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001 at a cost of a little over £24.8 million. The capacity of these vessels represented a little over 18% of the capacity of the vessels eligible for the scheme (measured in terms of tonnage).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168527,"EventID":"S1W-32061","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average compensation is paid to skippers/owners of decommissioned white fish fishing vessels.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what average compensation is paid to skippers/owners of decommissioned white fish fishing vessels.","AnswerText":"Under the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) (Scotland) Scheme 2001, payments totalling just over £24.8 million were made to the owners of 98 fishing vessels. That equates to an average of just over £253,700 per vessel. Individual payments reflected the amount vessel owners bid under the competitive tendering arrangements which were part of the scheme.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168528,"EventID":"S1W-32062","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost per person of extending compensation to regular crew members of decommissioned white fish fishing vessels would be.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost per person of extending compensation to regular crew members of decommissioned white fish fishing vessels would be.","AnswerText":"The cost of any such compensation would depend on the parameters agreed for support and the circumstances of the individuals concerned. EC provisions are in place relating to such matters, including in Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC) 2792/1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168529,"EventID":"S1W-32063","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost would be of (a) a feasibility study into diversification of the white fish fishing sector and (b) paying tied-up boats to help re-seed the fishery","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost would be of (a) a feasibility study into diversification of the white fish fishing sector and (b) paying tied-up boats to help re-seed the fishery with young farmed cod.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to supply estimated costs without a more detailed specification of the work envisaged. However, it is important to note that there are only limited opportunities available in terms of new species to exploit onto which fishing effort could be diverted.

      In relation to re-seeding, our scientists believe that the current levels of farmed cod stocks are insufficient to make any such scheme a realistic proposition. There are also likely to be genetic differences between groups of farmed and wild cod stocks that make the value and sustainability of such schemes questionable.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168530,"EventID":"S1W-32064","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any guidance or instructions to the Student Loans Company on allowing any of its clients involved in industrial action to defer payments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has given any guidance or instructions to the Student Loans Company on allowing any of its clients involved in industrial action to defer payments.","AnswerText":"No such guidance or instructions have been given.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168531,"EventID":"S1W-32065","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing, distributing and launching the Scottish Arts Council's Draft Corporate Plan 2002-2007 and its Crafts Strategy 2002-2007","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the full costs were of publishing, printing, distributing and launching the Scottish Arts Council's Draft Corporate Plan 2002-2007 and its Crafts Strategy 2002-2007, Cultural Diversity Strategy 2002-2007, Dance Strategy 2002-2007, Music Strategy 2002-2007, Drama Strategy 2002-2007 and Visual Arts Strategy 2002-2007. ","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Arts Council. The information requested is not held centrally. However, I have asked the Scottish Arts Council to respond to the member directly.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168532,"EventID":"S1W-32066","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a need for a form of pavement or footpath along the A82 from the locks at South Laggan to connect with the existing footpath from the Seven Heads store t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a need for a form of pavement or footpath along the A82 from the locks at South Laggan to connect with the existing footpath from the Seven Heads store to the housing scheme at the swing bridge; whether provision of such a footpath is important in order to protect the safety of those using the Great Glen Way; whether there is any risk to those people who use the Great Glen Way each month from any road traffic accidents, and what steps it will take to ensure that all relevant agencies work together to provide such a footpath.","AnswerText":"Improvement works, such as the provision of footpaths, are identified and carried out on a needs basis taking into account safety and operational issues and setting these within the budgetary restraints and competing priorities across the entire trunk road network. A feasibility study into the provision of a footpath between South Laggan and the Well of the Seven Heads store is currently being undertaken by BEAR Scotland Ltd. In parallel, liaison with relevant agencies will also take place and the possibility of alternative funding arrangements will also be considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168533,"EventID":"S1W-32067","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified teachers of deaf pupils currently work in (a) mainstream schools and (b) specialist schools for the deaf.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified teachers of deaf pupils currently work in (a) mainstream schools and (b) specialist schools for the deaf.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of qualified teachers of deaf pupils currently working in schools is not held centrally.

      However, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31265 on 19 November 2002, for the most recent centrally-held information on teachers trained to teach deaf pupils. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      In future, information collected under the new ScotXed teacher census will include details of the number of centrally employed and school-based teachers of deaf pupils.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168534,"EventID":"S1W-32068","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified teachers of deaf pupils currently working in (a) mainstream schools and (b) specialist schools for the deaf are within five years of retirement age.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many qualified teachers of deaf pupils currently working in (a) mainstream schools and (b) specialist schools for the deaf are within five years of retirement age.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32067 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168535,"EventID":"S1W-32069","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training for teachers of deaf pupils will be incorporated into the chartered teacher programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what training for teachers of deaf pupils will be incorporated into the chartered teacher programme.","AnswerText":"The Standard for Chartered Teacher was developed, through consultation, as a generic, quality-based standard. Chartered Teacher programmes will be accredited if they enable candidates to meet that standard and impact positively on professional performance.

      Chartered Teacher programmes will contain four core modules:

      Professional development: review, reflection and planning;

      Learning and teaching;

      Education for all, and

      Working together.

      Education for All will focus on the full range of pupil diversity and the effects of diversity on teaching and learning. Thereafter, programme providers and candidates can elect to pursue any aspect of education inclusion, including issues relating to deaf pupils, through option modules.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168536,"EventID":"S1W-32070","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the number of staff with specialist training in educating deaf people working with deaf children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to increase the number of staff with specialist training in educating deaf people working with deaf children.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32071 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168537,"EventID":"S1W-32071","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1751,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":3,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a recruitment drive, targeted at qualified teachers working in mainstream education, to increase the number of teachers with specialist train","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans for a recruitment drive, targeted at qualified teachers working in mainstream education, to increase the number of teachers with specialist training in teaching deaf children.","AnswerText":"It is a matter for local authorities to determine the number of appropriately qualified staff that they require. The Scottish Executive has increased its funding to local authorities for development and training of special educational needs staff, including those working with children with hearing impairment, from £4.684 million in 2001-02 to £7.380 million in 2002-03.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168538,"EventID":"S1W-32072","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to reviewing the report Complementary Medicine and the National Health Service - An Examination of Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Chiropractic a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it is giving to reviewing the report Complementary Medicine and the National Health Service - An Examination of Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy of November 1996 and recommending the integration of complementary medicine in the NHS. ","AnswerText":"There are no current plans to review this report. It remains a matter for each NHS board or trust to make their own assessment of need for such therapies and provide resources, as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168539,"EventID":"S1W-32073","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the expert support team called in to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board will report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the expert support team called in to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board will report.","AnswerText":"I met with the Expert Support Team on Friday 29 November. I asked them to complete their report and make a presentation to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board within the next few days. I will make an announcement soon thereafter.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168540,"EventID":"S1W-32074","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement in full the recommendations of the expert support team called in to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and, if so, what the timescale for so doing will","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will implement in full the recommendations of the expert support team called in to Argyll and Clyde NHS Board and, if so, what the timescale for so doing will be.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32073 on 5 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168541,"EventID":"S1W-32075","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it and Argyll and Clyde NHS Board intend to take to address recruitment issues at the Vale of Leven District General Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it and Argyll and Clyde NHS Board intend to take to address recruitment issues at the Vale of Leven District General Hospital.","AnswerText":"The appointment of the interim management team to NHS Argyll and Clyde, which I announced on 17 December, enables a range of strategic and operational issues to be addressed. Among these, I expect that the board and the management team will consider recruitment, staffing and related issues across the board area, including at the Vale of Leven District General Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168542,"EventID":"S1W-32076","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instruct a review of local recruitment policy operated by Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust that inhibits the recruitment of appropriately quali","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will instruct a review of local recruitment policy operated by Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust that inhibits the recruitment of appropriately qualified personnel from abroad even when such personnel are sponsored by the Royal Colleges.","AnswerText":"I know that recruitment and retention of skilled staff is a major issue for NHS Argyll and Clyde, as elsewhere in NHSScotland. The new interim management team, whose appointment I announced on 17 December, will review staff recruitment and retention among other important matters.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168543,"EventID":"S1W-32077","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the local recruitment policy operated by Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in relation to personnel from abroad is in keeping with employment legislation","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the local recruitment policy operated by Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in relation to personnel from abroad is in keeping with employment legislation.","AnswerText":"Recruitment policies are matters for the relevant NHS bodies, in this case NHS Argyll and Clyde, who must satisfy themselves that practice is consistent with current employment legislation. The Health Department is not aware of any conflict between recruitment policies operated locally by the NHS in Argyll and Clyde and the legislation. The new interim management team, whose appointment to NHS Argyll and Clyde I announced on 17 December, will review approaches to staff recruitment and retention across the board area.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168544,"EventID":"S1W-32078","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate any management failures that contributed to the resignation of staff at the Vale of Leven District General Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will investigate any management failures that contributed to the resignation of staff at the Vale of Leven District General Hospital.","AnswerText":"The support team that I sent in to NHS Argyll and Clyde on 26 September 2002 to help the chairman of the board and his colleagues address management issues across the NHS board area concluded that there were strategic management shortcomings that needed to be put right. As a result, senior staff changes have taken place, and I announced on 17 December 2002 that an interim support team had been appointed to tackle key strategic and management challenges in the area. Among these challenges will be designing and delivering sustainable health care services across the Argyll and Clyde area and the recruitment and retention of staff.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168545,"EventID":"S1W-32079","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist Argyll and Clyde NHS Board in restoring maternity services to the Vale of Leven District General Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to assist Argyll and Clyde NHS Board in restoring maternity services to the Vale of Leven District General Hospital.","AnswerText":"The appointment of the interim management team to NHS Argyll and Clyde, which I announced on 17 December, enables a range of strategic and operational issues to be addressed. Work had already begun on a review of maternity services across Argyll and Clyde. There will now be wide consultation with the public and with staff about options for maternity services, as part of the review. The outcome of the review will be shaped by this consultation process and by relevant departmental guidance, including the Framework for Maternity Services, published in February 2001, and the report of the Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services, published on 18 December 2002; and will guide future patterns of maternity services at the Vale of Leven District General Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168546,"EventID":"S1W-32080","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an acute services review in the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board area will commence and what the expected completion date is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when an acute services review in the Argyll and Clyde NHS Board area will commence and what the expected completion date is.","AnswerText":"The appointment of the interim management team to NHS Argyll and Clyde, which I announced on 17 December, enables a range of strategic and operational issues to be addressed. The board and the interim management team are expected to bring forward plans for a review of health care services across Argyll and Clyde, to help achieve a balanced and sustainable pattern of services. The timing and duration of the review are matters for the board, but there must be adequate time allowed for genuine public engagement, consultation and involvement in these important issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168547,"EventID":"S1W-32081","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to supporting Argyll and Clyde NHS Board in maintaining a full range of services north of the River Clyde in order to meet the needs of the local ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to supporting Argyll and Clyde NHS Board in maintaining a full range of services north of the River Clyde in order to meet the needs of the local population.","AnswerText":"An important part of the responsibilities of each NHS board is to plan and ensure the provision of sustainable health care services to meet the needs of their populations. I expect NHS Argyll and Clyde, and the interim management team whose appointment I announced on 17 December 2002, to ensure that its responsibilities in this regard are fulfilled.

      The review of health care services across Argyll and Clyde referred to in the answer given to question S1W-32080 today, will ensure that people living in all parts of Argyll and Clyde, including those north of the river Clyde, have the opportunity to be involved in considering options and future patterns of services.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168548,"EventID":"S1W-32082","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":2044,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":63,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-30166 on 10 October 2002, what the latest position is with regard to arrangements for a ceremony to mark the opening of the new Holy","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-30166 on 10 October 2002, what the latest position is with regard to arrangements for a ceremony to mark the opening of the new Holyrood building.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body announced on 19 November that the migration to the new building at Holyrood will not take place as planned over the summer recess in 2003. It has been decided, therefore, that there is little point in continuing to develop proposals for a joint opening ceremony to mark both the start of the new parliamentary session and the opening of the new building.

      The steering group established to develop proposals has been stood down, and the internal appointment of an Opening Ceremonies Manager has been put on hold and we are not proceeding with the procurement of an External Events Co-ordinator.

      I can confirm that none of the £400,000 budget allocated for the opening ceremony has been spent. The actual cost of any opening ceremony to mark the new building at Holyrood will depend upon decisions taken by the next SPCB, but my expectation is that the cost will be very significantly lower than the budgeted figure, as I indicated in my previous answer.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168549,"EventID":"S1W-32083","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will offer to Glasgow City Council to ensure it considers a whole catchment approach, which takes account of effects on neighbouring authorities, when ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assistance it will offer to Glasgow City Council to ensure it considers a whole catchment approach, which takes account of effects on neighbouring authorities, when identifying the available options to reduce flood risk in Glasgow. ","AnswerText":"The Executive recognises the importance of taking a catchment wide approach to addressing flood risk in Glasgow. I am making available an additional capital consent of £1 million to Glasgow City Council which will allow them to take a catchment wide approach in developing sustainable solutions to reduce flood risk in Glasgow.","AnswerDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168550,"EventID":"S1W-32084","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-27T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31273 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the responses receive","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31273 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre the responses received to the consultation document, Registration of Sellers and Buyers of First Sale Fish.","AnswerText":"Consultation meetings with industry interests throughout the UK are still taking place. Against that background we have advised industry that we shall accept written comments until the end of the year. Copies of responses received will be made available (except where respondents have requested that they be withheld) through the Scottish Executive library and the Parliament's Reference Centre in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168551,"EventID":"S1W-32085","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what criteria offences under sections (a) 1 and (b) 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1991 are heard in (i) the High Court of Justiciary or (ii) a sheriff court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive under what criteria offences under sections (a) 1 and (b) 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1991 are heard in (i) the High Court of Justiciary or (ii) a sheriff court.","AnswerText":"Decisions on forum for proceedings in such offences are a matter for Crown Counsel to make after consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case. We will review our court marking policies in the context of Lord Bonomy's Review of the High Court and our own review of High Court prosecutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168552,"EventID":"S1W-32087","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to whether sentences imposed for convictions in respect of offences under sections (a) 1 or (b) 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1991 are less s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to whether sentences imposed for convictions in respect of offences under sections (a) 1 or (b) 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1991 are less severe than sentences imposed for convictions in respect of such offences in courts in England.","AnswerText":"Although the number of cases prosecuted under these sections in England and Wales is much greater, there is no significant difference in the pattern of sentences imposed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168553,"EventID":"S1W-32088","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether resources are committed in all instances to support the implementation of new guidelines and recommendations for NHS primary care treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether resources are committed in all instances to support the implementation of new guidelines and recommendations for NHS primary care treatment.","AnswerText":"NHSScotland is expected to implement evidence-based guidelines and recommendations from bodies such as SIGN. As guidelines are an integral part of the development of condition-specific standards by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland, the board's assessment of compliance with these standards, and with its clinical governance or generic standards, ensures that procedures are in place locally to implement relevant evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. However, NHS boards are responsible for decisions about the level of resource to commit to this work.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168554,"EventID":"S1W-32089","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) plays in assisting the police in the detection of wildlife offences.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) plays in assisting the police in the detection of wildlife offences.","AnswerText":"The RSPB sometimes assist in wildlife crime investigations but it is the responsibility of the police to lead enquires and it is for the police to judge whether or not the specialised assistance of the RSPB is required. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and the RSPB are in the process of setting up a protocol for the reporting and investigation of crimes against birds.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168555,"EventID":"S1W-32090","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure has been incurred by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) since 1997 in connection with the protection of (a) predator species, including pine martins, sparro","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure has been incurred by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) since 1997 in connection with the protection of (a) predator species, including pine martins, sparrow hawks, merlins and eagles, and (b) smaller prey species such as waders, winchats, wheaters, woodpeckers and finches; whether SNH distinguishes between different species perceived to be under threat, and whether some threatened species are considered by SNH to be more worthy of support than others.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for Scottish Natural Heritage. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168556,"EventID":"S1W-32091","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Environment and Rural Development has met any MSP in connection with the future of the fishing industry, the impending negotiations with the EU ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Environment and Rural Development has met any MSP in connection with the future of the fishing industry, the impending negotiations with the EU and the future of the Common Fisheries Policy and, if so, whom he has met and on what dates.","AnswerText":"I have had recent meetings with, or involving, MSPs as follows:

      11 November: Nora Radcliffe, Nicol Stephen, Richard Lochhead and Stewart Stevenson;

      14 November: Iain Smith and Euan Robson;

      26 November: Lewis Macdonald and Elaine Thompson;

      2 December: Tavish Scott;

      12 December: Richard Lochhead, Fergus Ewing, Stewart Stevenson, Andrew Welsh, Winnie Ewing and Margaret Ewing, and

      17 December: Richard Lochhead.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168557,"EventID":"S1W-32092","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to whether bats pose a risk to humans in the transmission of rabies and whether any guidance or advice has been, or will be, issued to the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to whether bats pose a risk to humans in the transmission of rabies and whether any guidance or advice has been, or will be, issued to the medical profession in respect of patients that may have suffered a bite or an abrasion from a bat.","AnswerText":"The Chief Medical Officer issued guidance to health professionals on 19 November 2002, which included advice on the care of patients who may have suffered a bite or an abrasion from a bat. It also confirmed that bats do not pose a serious risk to the general public or to pets and domestic animals. Bats are naturally timid and at this time are hibernating.

      The risk to the public is minimal unless they handle bats. Almost all bat-handling licences have been withdrawn by Scottish Natural Heritage.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168558,"EventID":"S1W-32093","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage local authorities to provide free milk to primary school children; what information it has with regard to the extent to which milk is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage local authorities to provide free milk to primary school children; what information it has with regard to the extent to which milk is available free to such children; whether it will publish a table indicating the policy applicable in each local authority area on the provision of such milk and indicating the ages of children that receive it, and what further steps need to be taken to provide young children with free school milk as a source of nutrition and a means of creating healthy bones and combating osteoporosis.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does acknowledge the importance of milk as part of a balanced diet. An adequate calcium intake is essential for the formation of healthy bones, particularly in childhood, and dairy products, including milk, are a good source of calcium for children. Recognising the important part that milk can play, £380,000 a year is provided through the Health Improvement Fund as a top-up to the EC School Milk Subsidy Scheme to support the provision of milk in primary schools.

      In their interim report, the Expert Panel on School Meals devised Nutrient Standards for school lunches based on five food groups. They advised that school lunches should have at least one portion of food from the milk and dairy products group (which includes milk, cheese, yoghurt and milk-based deserts) and that milk as a drink should be available as an option at lunch time each day.

      There are also strong links between osteoporosis and physical activity and these have been considered as part of the work of the Physical Activity Task Force. The task force's draft report contains activity targets for children that are designed to promote good health.

      While many authorities provide free milk to some or all pupils, the decision on whether to do so is a matter for individual authorities. No data on an individual authority's policy is available centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168559,"EventID":"S1W-32094","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why target 6 in the Justice section of Building a Better Scotland, Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys is to provide 6,300 prisoner places by 2005-06, given","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why target 6 in the Justice section of Building a Better Scotland, Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys is to provide 6,300 prisoner places by 2005-06, given that the projection for that year made in August 2002, referred to in the Scottish Prison Service press release on 24 September 2002, is for a prison population of 6,900.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Current projections for 2005-06 indicate a basic design capacity for our estate of about 6,100. In addition, the new houseblocks at Polmont and Edinburgh will have over 200 purpose-designed doubling-up cells giving just over 6,300 available spaces.

      These figures do not include the anticipated closure of HM Prison Low Moss, the downsizing of HM Prison Barlinnie or the provision of two new 700-place prisons. Implementation plans and timescales for these recently announced projects are now being prepared.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168560,"EventID":"S1W-32095","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes will begin on the A82 between Glasgow and Inverness from now to 2010; whether each such scheme is projected or confirmed, and what the planned or","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes will begin on the A82 between Glasgow and Inverness from now to 2010; whether each such scheme is projected or confirmed, and what the planned or estimated start date of each scheme is.","AnswerText":"Details of improvement schemes due to be delivered in the current trunk roads programme up to 2006 are set out in the following table. Maintenance and improvement of the trunk road network is an on-going process and new schemes will be identified covering the period up to 2010 as we monitor strategic, operational and safety issues across the network.

      Route

      Description of Scheme

      Start Date

      A82

      Glasgow to Inverness

      		 
       

      Dumbuck Junction

      2003-04

      A9 (part)

      Perth to Inverness Section Only

      		 
       

      North Kessock Junction

      2002

       

      Bankfoot - Junction Improvements

      2002-03

       

      Ballinluig Junction

      2004-05

      A95

      A9 Junction to Keith

      		 
       

      Advie Bridge -Replacement

      2001-02

       

      Cromdale Road Phase II - Improvement Works

      2002

       

      Gaich to Craggan -

      Road Realignment

      2003-04

      A96

      Aberdeen to Inverness

      		 
       

      Newtongarry -

      Realignment and Climbing lane

      2003

       

      Coachford -

      Realignment and Climbing lane

      2003

       

      Fochabers to Mosstodloch -

      Single Carriageway Bypass

      2004-05

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168561,"EventID":"S1W-32096","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes will begin on the A9 between Perth and Inverness from now to 2010; whether each such scheme is projected or confirmed, and what the planned or es","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes will begin on the A9 between Perth and Inverness from now to 2010; whether each such scheme is projected or confirmed, and what the planned or estimated start date of each scheme is.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32095 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168562,"EventID":"S1W-32097","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes will begin on the A95 between Grantown on Spey and Inverness from now to 2010; whether each such scheme is projected or confirmed, and what the p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes will begin on the A95 between Grantown on Spey and Inverness from now to 2010; whether each such scheme is projected or confirmed, and what the planned or estimated start date of each scheme is.","AnswerText":"The A95 runs from the A9 north of Aviemore through Grantown on Spey to the A96 at Keith. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32095 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168563,"EventID":"S1W-32098","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes will begin on the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen from now to 2010; whether each such scheme is projected or confirmed, and what the planned o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvement schemes will begin on the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen from now to 2010; whether each such scheme is projected or confirmed, and what the planned or estimated start date of each scheme is.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32095 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168564,"EventID":"S1W-32099","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31074 by Ross Finnie on 20 November 2002, why it will not state which of its representatives spoke at the Agriculture and Fisheries","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31074 by Ross Finnie on 20 November 2002, why it will not state which of its representatives spoke at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 14-15 October 2002; why it regards such information as confidential, and whether it will now provide the information sought in that question.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive's participation in the EU policy-making process is subject to the Concordat on the co-ordination of EU policy issues, which includes explicit provisions on the confidentiality of discussions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168565,"EventID":"S1W-32100","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2269 by Mr Jack McConnell on 21 November 2002, what financial assumptions were used to compute the total provision for implementati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2269 by Mr Jack McConnell on 21 November 2002, what financial assumptions were used to compute the total provision for implementation of free personal care for the elderly in the Highland Council area; which assumptions formed the basis of its conclusion that the \"total provision for implementing the policy is sufficient to enable all local authorities to meet their commitments to existing self funding residents\"; what estimate it made of the additional demand stimulated by this policy, and whether it will review its allocation in the light of evidence on the demand and take-up rate of free personal care in the council area.","AnswerText":"Highland Council's free personal and nursing care total allocation in 2002-03 was £4.106 million. Of this, £2.092 million was based on the most recent information available on the number of residents funding their own care in residential and nursing homes in that area. In addition, the council received £2.014 million which was distributed pro rata through the Grant Aided Expenditure formula for social work services for home-based older people.

      The Spending Review 2002 settlement reflects the Care Development Group's (CDG) costing assumptions for free personal care. The group took into account, as key influences, demography along with other relevant health and social factors, change in the unit costs of care, supply of informal care and possible shifts in care provision. Their assumptions estimated an increase in demand from unmet need and a shift from informal to formal care of approximately 12% building up over the first two years of the policy to 2004-05. The Executive provided resources in excess of those identified by the CDG.

      The Executive will be collecting data from local authorities on the uptake of free personal and nursing care on a quarterly basis. This will inform whether any adjustment of allocation is necessary.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168566,"EventID":"S1W-32101","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31549 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 November 2002, why it has no plans to undertake an assessment of the impact of Crown Estate seabed r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31549 by Lewis Macdonald on 26 November 2002, why it has no plans to undertake an assessment of the impact of Crown Estate seabed rentals for subsea cables on the laying of (a) power cables needed to harness renewable energy resources and (b) fibre optic telecommunications cables needed to provide fast information and communication technologies connections to the islands.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no specific devolved functions which would require or justify an assessment of the impact of any specific elements of the operational costs of laying power or telecommunications cables, such as Crown Estate rentals and royalties. The Executive would, nevertheless, consider any evidence that clearly demonstrated that strategies to promote renewable energy or telecommunications were jeopardised unreasonably by such costs.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168567,"EventID":"S1W-32102","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental improvement grants are currently available to community councils and other community groups.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental improvement grants are currently available to community councils and other community groups.","AnswerText":"A wide range of grants for environmental improvement are available from the Scottish Executive and others. I have listed some of the main sources.

      Scottish Executive: Sustainable Action Fund

      The fund supports organisations which promote sustainable development in Scotland, and Sustainable Action Grants are available to support a variety of the most innovative projects which are put forward. Further information is available at www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk.

      Scottish Executive: Community Environmental Renewal Grants

      Bids are invited from local communities, or bodies which can demonstrate that they are working with local communities, for projects which address the environmental effects of past or present aggregates extraction. Further information is available at www.sustainable.scotland.gov.uk.

      Forward Scotland: Small Project Grants

      Launched in 1997, Forward Scotland's Small Project Grants scheme has successfully assisted, advised and financially supported over 200 projects, in 30 local authority areas. The scheme provides grants of up to £1,000 to assist constituted groups to research, plan and build the capacity to implement sustainable development projects within their community that improve the quality of the local environment. Further information is available at www.forward-scotland.org.uk.

      Scottish Natural Heritage

      Scottish Natural Heritage offers grants to help individuals and organisations carry out projects which match its aims. Grants are available for a wide range of projects which:

      improve the conservation of species, habitats and landscapes;

      promote public enjoyment of the natural heritage, and

      increase awareness and understanding of the natural heritage.

      The Community Grant scheme is available to help people take a more active role in enjoying and managing the natural heritage in their local area by:

      increasing awareness and understanding of local natural heritage;

      improving degraded areas through active management;

      improving access for all;

      acquiring and managing land, and

      supporting communities to develop the longer term capacity to undertake and manage projects.

      Further information is available at www.snh.org.uk.

      Fresh Futures has over £3 million to support communities throughout Scotland (with priority given to those living in deprived areas) to improve local green spaces and progress projects working towards sustainable solutions to issues surrounding energy, transport and waste. The scheme has a total of £1 million (of which £250,000 has yet to be committed) to provide grants to local community groups, community councils, and other organisations that are working for communities, to support a range of projects including:

      developing community use of school grounds and other institutions;

      adapting school grounds for community use;

      improving the look of (and access to) community green spaces;

      enhancement of green corridors

      developing local nature reserves and enhancing local biodiversity;

      education and awareness programmes based on local green space;

      local waste management schemes, including community composting and vermiculture;

      community energy schemes supply community facilities;

      energy advice, fuel poverty and fuel efficiency;

      providing an alternative to road transport, such as footpaths and cycle routes, and

      improving community access to information on public transport.

      Fresh Futures is a partnership between Scottish Natural Heritage and Forward Scotland. Further information is available at www.fresh-futures.org.uk.

      Transforming Waste.

      The New Opportunities Fund Transforming Waste programme will be launched in February 2003. In Scotland the","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168568,"EventID":"S1W-32103","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it plans to allocate to local authorities in respect of the requirement on them to dispose of refrigerators containing o'one-depleting substances i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it plans to allocate to local authorities in respect of the requirement on them to dispose of refrigerators containing o'one-depleting substances in an environmentally-secure manner.","AnswerText":"In my reply to question S1W-23475 on 7 March 2002, announcing grant for 2001-02, I confirmed that the Executive would provide additional funding to local authorities to assist them with costs arising from the new regulations on the disposal of fridges, freezers and other domestic appliances containing ozone depleting substances. I can now confirm that the Executive has allocated £3.3 million for 2002-03 to assist with these additional costs. This funding will be allocated to local authorities as set out in the following table:

      Local Authority

      Allocation

      Aberdeen City

      £119,770

      Aberdeenshire

      £196,608

      Angus

      £81,138

      Argyll and Bute

      £83,108

      Clackmannanshire

      £27,531

      Dumfries and Galloway

      £128,295

      Dundee City

      £80,212

      East Ayrshire

      £73,496

      East Dunbartonshire

      £60,281

      East Lothian

      £58,555

      East Renfrewshire

      £48,717

      Edinburgh City

      £255,132

      Eilean Siar

      £29,379

      Falkirk

      £82,212

      Fife

      £208,286

      Glasgow City

      £340,484

      Highland

      £199,211

      Inverclyde

      £46,193

      Midlothian

      £48,429

      Moray

      £61,909

      North Ayrshire

      £84,144

      North Lanarkshire

      £180,301

      Orkney Islands

      £21,495

      Perth and Kinross

      £107,147

      Renfrewshire.

      £98,758

      Scottish Borders

      £87,244

      Shetland Islands

      £25,309

      South Ayrshire

      £75,317

      South Lanarkshire

      £183,568

      Stirling

      £64,381

      West Dunbartonshire

      £52,083

      West Lothian

      £91,305

      Financial Year

      Total Award

      Total Expenses

      Total Cost

      1992-93

      £1,794,429

      £277,558

      £2,071,987

      1993-94

      £1,892,312

      £252,290

      £2,144,602

      1994-95

      £3,051,962

      £342,016

      £3,393,978

      1995-96

      £3,554,930

      £569,043

      £4,123,973

      1996-97

      £4,059,883

      £535,621

      £4,595,504

      1997-98

      £3,521,199

      £623,936

      £4,145,135

      1998-99

      £3,303,709

      £653,383

      £3,957,092

      1999-2000

      £2,955,357

      £555,778

      £3,511,135

      2000-01

      £3,925,462

      £890,870

      £4,816,332

      2001-02

      £6,462,315

      £815,534

      £7,277,849

      There has been no comparison undertaken between compensation paid in these cases and what the levels of compensation may have been paid under a \"no fault\" health insurance scheme.

      There are currently no plans to alter the way in which compensation is claimed and settled for acts of possible clinical negligence. However, you will be aware that in response to the reports published earlier in the year, by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Executive established an expert group to look at current compensation arrangements for patients injured by the NHSScotland. This group is due to report by the end of 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168571,"EventID":"S1W-32106","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to simplify the regulatory system applied to the agriculture industry.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to simplify the regulatory system applied to the agriculture industry.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will continue to press the European Commission to allow further simplification of the subsidy schemes on such things as form filling, proportionality of penalties, inspection procedures and detailed scheme rules.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168572,"EventID":"S1W-32107","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it has made in the scallop industry in each year since 1999-2000 and what steps it is taking to ensure the industry's survival.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what investment it has made in the scallop industry in each year since 1999-2000 and what steps it is taking to ensure the industry's survival.","AnswerText":"Funds committed to scallop sector projects from the Scottish Executive and Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) grants schemes since 1999-2000 are as follows:

      1999-2000

      £409,296

      2000-01

      Nil

      2001-02

      £9,500

      2002-03

      £250,713

      If projects are completed as planned, total investment in the sector will amount to around £3 million. Some £462,000 of the committed funds have already been paid to claimants.

      In acknowledging the difficulties experienced by the scallop sector, the Executive will continue to look sympathetically at applications for FIFG funding from the sector. My officials are currently looking at an application from industry for a scallop portion size study which is designed to inform the science behind the proposal for a tiered testing regime for amnesic shellfish poisoning.

      The Executive also commissioned an analysis of the economic impact of toxin fishery closures up to 2002 and this was published recently. The analysis will be considered by the Scottish Scallop Advisory Committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168573,"EventID":"S1W-32108","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31034 by Dr Elaine Murray on 19 November 2002, whether it will list for each of the last five years those historic buildings for wh","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31034 by Dr Elaine Murray on 19 November 2002, whether it will list for each of the last five years those historic buildings for which new uses have been found.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to reply. His response is as follows:

      The term historic buildings can refer to both listed buildings and scheduled monuments, although the latter covers a much wider range of types of monument. No record is kept by the Scottish Executive of the number of historic buildings for which a new use has been found. Records on changes to scheduled monuments are available for the last five years but these do not distinguish between different types of work for which consent is sought. Thus it is not possible to provide information on scheduled monument applications for the re-use of historic buildings.

      The granting of consent for a change of use to a listed building is a matter for the relevant planning authority to determine. Where a change of use involves an alteration or extension to a building listed at category A or B for which listed building consent is required, the local planning authority, if they are minded to grant consent, refer the matter to Historic Scotland for clearance. No such referral is required for buildings listed at category C(S), except in the case of demolition. Historic Scotland dealt with some 12,000 clearances in the five years up to 31 March 2002, with 97% cleared within 28 days.

      Monuments of national importance are added to the schedule for the purpose of preservation and this guides all consent decisions. The granting of consent for any works to a scheduled monument for the purpose of repairing it or any part of it or of making any alterations or additions to it is a matter for Historic Scotland under statutory powers delegated by the Scottish ministers. The total number of scheduled monument consent applications received in the five years up to 31 March 2002 totalled 1,097. In the vast majority of those cases the work was considered to be appropriate and consent was granted, often subject to conditions. Only a very small number of those applications involved the re-use of historic buildings and in those cases the preservation needs of the monument were the principle consideration.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168574,"EventID":"S1W-32109","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in rural areas it estimates have no access to public transport and what assistance it provides to such people under any of its current programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people in rural areas it estimates have no access to public transport and what assistance it provides to such people under any of its current programmes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) collects data from a sample of Scottish households on an annual basis. In the three years from 1999 to 2001, on average 7% of people living in rural areas said that they did not have a bus service.

      The Executive supports transport in rural areas through the Rural Transport Fund (RTF). This supports over 400 new or enhanced bus and ferry services and over 100 Rural Community Transport Initiative projects.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168575,"EventID":"S1W-32110","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tied houses or other dwellings it owns, or otherwise provides, for the occupation of persons employed by (a) it and (b) other public sector bodies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tied houses or other dwellings it owns, or otherwise provides, for the occupation of persons employed by (a) it and (b) other public sector bodies.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive currently provides nine residential properties for occupation by its employees. In addition, the Scottish Executive owns several estates which are leased to Scottish Agricultural and Biological Research Institutes, the Scottish Agricultural College and the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. Within these estates there are 51 residential properties of which 44 are currently occupied by employees of these institutions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168576,"EventID":"S1W-32112","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how people have (a) committed and (b) attempted suicide in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (i) gender, (ii) age, (iii) socio-economic class, (iv) occupation, (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how people have (a) committed and (b) attempted suicide in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (i) gender, (ii) age, (iii) socio-economic class, (iv) occupation, (v) ethnicity and (vi) suicide method.","AnswerText":"(a) Information on the number of deaths attributed to intentional self-harm and events of undetermined Intentional for the years 1992 to 2001 are shown in the following Table 1.

      Table 1: Number of Deaths Attributed to Intentional Self-Harm and Events of Undetermined Intent, Scotland, 1992-2001

      1992

      1993

      1994

      1995

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      (i) Gender

      Males

      576

      679

      611

      625

      620

      655

      650

      663

      674

      646

      Females

      217

      233

      223

      211

      226

      219

      228

      211

      204

      241

      793

      912

      834

      836

      846

      874

      878

      874

      878

      887

      (ii) Age Group

      Under 15

      1

      14

      5

      9

      9

      8

      		David Bolton, Director of Primary Care, Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust

      Dr Adam Bryson, Medical Director, National Services Division, CSA

      Richard Copland, Director, Information and Statistics Division, CSA

      Dr John Curnow, Director of Public Health, Orkney NHS Board

      Dr Frances Elliot, Medical Director, Fife Primary Care NHS Trust

      Mrs Lesley McLay, Director of Nursing, NHS24

      Ms Fiona Mackenzie, Chief Executive, Forth Valley NHS Board

      Colin Masson, Director of Finance, Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust

      Professor Lewis Ritchie, James Mackenzie Professor and Head of Department, University of Aberdeen; General Practitioner, Peterhead and Honorary Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Grampian NHS Board

      Matthew Sutton, Senior Research fellow, Glasgow University and formerly Economic Adviser within the Health Department

      Dr Lesley Wilkie, Director of Public Health, Argyll and Clyde NHS Board

      Professor Kevin Woods, William R Lindsay Chair in Health Policy and Economic Evaluation at Glasgow University.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168581,"EventID":"S1W-32117","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its standing committee under Sir John Arbuthnott to review the formula for the allocation of NHS board funding will produce its conclusions and whether these conclus","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when its standing committee under Sir John Arbuthnott to review the formula for the allocation of NHS board funding will produce its conclusions and whether these conclusions will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"I expect the Standing Committee on Resource Allocation to produce its conclusions by the summer of 2003. I see no reason why its conclusions should not be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168582,"EventID":"S1W-32118","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dental practices in each NHS board area are currently accepting new NHS patients and whether each such practice imposes any restrictions on patient acceptance. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many dental practices in each NHS board area are currently accepting new NHS patients and whether each such practice imposes any restrictions on patient acceptance. ","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168583,"EventID":"S1W-32119","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements were entered into by the Scottish Arts Council to terminate the contract of the council's former (a) director Tessa Jackson and (b) deputy director Bar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements were entered into by the Scottish Arts Council to terminate the contract of the council's former (a) director Tessa Jackson and (b) deputy director Barclay Price; how much these arrangements cost in (i) additional spending in the financial year in which the resignations occurred and (ii) financial commitments for subsequent years, and whether these arrangements were approved by the Executive.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-21042 on 3 January 2002, and S1W-20472 on 11 December 2001 which deal with the case of Ms Jackson. The same considerations also apply in the case of Barclay Price. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168584,"EventID":"S1W-32124","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any delay to the commencement of the work to straighten the Midmill Bends at Hatton Cruden on the A90; if so, what the reasons are for any such del","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any delay to the commencement of the work to straighten the Midmill Bends at Hatton Cruden on the A90; if so, what the reasons are for any such delay, and when the work will start and finish.","AnswerText":"The A90 Hatton Bends Improvement scheme has been delayed because there were insufficient contractors on the final tender list to constitute a competitive tender process. The scheme is presently programmed to start before the end of 2003 and to take approximately a year to complete.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168585,"EventID":"S1W-32125","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contract documents issued to the three contractors in connection with the work to straighten the Midmill Bends at Hatton Cruden on the A90 have been withdraw","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contract documents issued to the three contractors in connection with the work to straighten the Midmill Bends at Hatton Cruden on the A90 have been withdrawn and what the reasons are for the position on the matter. ","AnswerText":"The contract documents for the A90 Hatton Bends Improvement scheme have been withdrawn for the reason given in the answer to question S1W-32124 on 12 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168586,"EventID":"S1W-32126","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #215 million allocated in the Spending Review 2002 for private sector housing purposes would otherwise have been treated as borrowing consents in (a) 2003","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #215 million allocated in the Spending Review 2002 for private sector housing purposes would otherwise have been treated as borrowing consents in (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05 and (c) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"At present, local authorities receive a single capital allocation for borrowing consents relating to capital expenditure on all areas except their own housing stock. It is for each local authority to decide how much of the single capital allocation is spent for private housing sector purposes. For the current year, the forecast for local authorities' total expenditure for these purposes is approximately £45 million.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168587,"EventID":"S1W-32127","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider reforming the law so that public authorities are placed under a statutory obligation to inform the police when they have good grounds to believe ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider reforming the law so that public authorities are placed under a statutory obligation to inform the police when they have good grounds to believe that a crime has been committed, or is about to committed, by an employee or employees or anyone on their premises. ","AnswerText":"We have no current plans to do so. At present, employers generally have the option but not the legal obligation to ask the police to investigate suspected crimes on their premises. There are some limited statutory exceptions to this. For example, where employers suspect that money laundering may be taking place, then steps must be taken to bring this to the attention of supervising authorities.

      Regardless of the attitude of public agencies, there is nothing to prevent an employee or any other person making a complaint about a suspected criminal offence to a professional body, the police or the procurator fiscal. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provides protection for individuals who make certain disclosures of information in the public interest. This includes the disclosure of information which, in the reasonable belief of the worker making the disclosure, tends to show inter alia that a criminal offence has been committed, is being committed or is likely to be committed.

      Nevertheless I will consider the specific examples raised in correspondence from the member and respond to him.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168588,"EventID":"S1W-32128","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Faulds Advertising won the Learn To Let Go advertising account and whether the evaluation research debrief presentation of 14 December 2001 by Faulds placed in t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Faulds Advertising won the Learn To Let Go advertising account and whether the evaluation research debrief presentation of 14 December 2001 by Faulds placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre is the only research carried out into the effectiveness of the Learn To Let Go campaign.","AnswerText":"All Scottish Executive advertising is fulfilled through the advertising roster rather than being tendered separately. When the Learn to Let Go campaign was being developed, Faulds were one of two agencies on the Scottish Executive's advertising roster, having been appointed in 1996 following a competitive tender. Faulds were re-appointed to the Scottish Executive's advertising roster in August 2001 as a result of a competitive tender following the end of the previous contract term. The agency's appointment is for an initial three-year period with a provision for two further one-year extensions.

      As well as the research debrief provided by Faulds, the Scottish Executive commissioned research in 2001 prior to the launch of the Learn to Let Go campaign to establish a national baseline position of public awareness and perceptions of travel awareness. This research relates to travel awareness generally rather than to the Learn to Let Go campaign specifically and is about to be repeated.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168589,"EventID":"S1W-32129","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sailings have been missed between the mainland and the northern isles since Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd took over the routes from P & O Scottish Fe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sailings have been missed between the mainland and the northern isles since Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd took over the routes from P & O Scottish Ferries.","AnswerText":"I understand that Northlink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd intends to publish detailed information on missed sailings and late arrivals on its website at www.northlinkferries.co.uk, and I refer the member to that site for regular performance information. I expect to receive a monthly report from the company, in terms of our agreement with them, within six weeks of the end of the month concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168590,"EventID":"S1W-32130","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is permissible for chief executives of local enterprise companies and politicians to co-sign letters to newspapers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is permissible for chief executives of local enterprise companies and politicians to co-sign letters to newspapers.","AnswerText":"All staff employed by the Enterprise Networks are required to adhere to a code of conduct which covers matters of political activity and conflicts of interest. These codes do not prohibit public statements being made, including statements which may appear in the press, unless these are of a directly political nature. Chief Executives and senior members of staff are therefore expected to consider the implications of any actions they take and exercise judgement as to the appropriateness of those actions. The Executive is currently reviewing its guidance to non-departmental public bodies on such matters to ensure that guidance is as clear as it can be.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168591,"EventID":"S1W-32131","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what road safety measures it will implement for the communities of Duror and Kentallen on the A828.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what road safety measures it will implement for the communities of Duror and Kentallen on the A828.","AnswerText":"In addition to the recently completed £233,700 footway in Duror, the final section of footway at the War Memorial is currently being discussed with Highland Council and once agreement is reached this section will be programmed for implementation.

      The double white line system through Duror is due to be refurbished within the next few weeks and improvements to the visibility at Achindarroch junction are being investigated.

      Speed surveys are being undertaken at two locations within Duror and will be used to re-assess the need for a speed limit.

      Officials have contacted the Duror and Kentallen Community Council and a meeting will be arranged with them shortly to discuss these and other issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168592,"EventID":"S1W-32132","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEET181/2002 of 14 November 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the #10.5 million allocated from the Public Transport Fund to the C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEET181/2002 of 14 November 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the #10.5 million allocated from the Public Transport Fund to the City of Edinburgh Council.","AnswerText":"The City of Edinburgh Council's successful bid to this year's Public Transport Fund is for a range of measures to improve access to jobs by better public transport links to key growth areas identified by the council in the West, North and East of the City, including bus link roads to the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Hermiston Gait.

      The breakdown of the £10.5 million allocated over the period 2003-06 is as follows.

      Bus Priority Measures

      £7.500 million

      Cycling/ Pedestrian Measures

      £1.110 million

      Bus Stop Infrastructure

      £1.890 million

      It will be for the council to determine its priority measures within these allocations and the specific dates for delivery of each measure. All measures are scheduled to be in place by March 2006.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168593,"EventID":"S1W-32133","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1826,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":35,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEET181/2002 of 14 November 2002, when the transport projects in Edinburgh funded from the Public Transport Fund are scheduled to be comp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its news release SEET181/2002 of 14 November 2002, when the transport projects in Edinburgh funded from the Public Transport Fund are scheduled to be completed.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32132 on 11 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168594,"EventID":"S1W-32134","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is planning to undertake research to consider the impact and performance of new duties on public sector authorities to promote race equality, in line with its ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is planning to undertake research to consider the impact and performance of new duties on public sector authorities to promote race equality, in line with its Response to the Equal Opportunities Committee's report on its consultation on the implementation of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will be working closely with the Commission for Racial Equality, Audit Scotland and Her Majesty's Inspectorates to ensure the effective development and implementation of robust and workable systems for assessing the impact and performance of duties placed on public authorities in Scotland by the Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) (Scotland) Order 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168595,"EventID":"S1W-32135","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1807,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":53,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its Race Equality Scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its Race Equality Scheme.","AnswerText":"The Executive's Race Equality Scheme was published today and copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168596,"EventID":"S1W-32136","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31551 by Iain Gray on 26 November 2002, what arrangements it makes to liase with Her Majesty's Government in relation to the implem","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31551 by Iain Gray on 26 November 2002, what arrangements it makes to liase with Her Majesty's Government in relation to the implementation of the national minimum wage in Scotland and its impact on eradicating poverty and what information it received about how many employees in Scotland are paid less than the minimum wage and on what action is being taken against employers that are acting illegally. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a broad range of matters including the national minimum wage, but has no functions in relation to the implementation or the enforcement of the minimum wage.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168597,"EventID":"S1W-32137","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made towards the redevelopment of hospital buildings and services in Haddington.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made towards the redevelopment of hospital buildings and services in Haddington.","AnswerText":"Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust, having consulted widely with the people of Haddington, is working towards the reprovision of services currently provided at Herdmanflat and Roodlands Hospitals on a single site, and the redevelopment of the Roodlands General Hospital site as a community hospital for East Lothian. The trust remains fully committed to working in partnership with East Lothian Council on the reprovision.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168598,"EventID":"S1W-32138","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale is planned for the completion of the A1 dual carriageway link between the recently opened road at Bowerhouse and the end of the road that is under construc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what timescale is planned for the completion of the A1 dual carriageway link between the recently opened road at Bowerhouse and the end of the road that is under construction at Thistly Cross.","AnswerText":"The current programme is to complete the Thistly Cross to Bowerhouse link by late 2004. Construction work will start as soon as the Thistly Cross roundabout, to which the new link will connect, has, itself, been constructed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168599,"EventID":"S1W-32139","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the value of the nuclear industry to the economy in terms of (a) employment and (b) finance.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its estimate is of the value of the nuclear industry to the economy in terms of (a) employment and (b) finance.","AnswerText":"It is estimated that the nuclear industry currently supports around 4,250 direct jobs within Scotland.

      Information about indirect and induced employment and the monetary value of the industry to the economy is not available in relation to nuclear electricity generation alone.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168600,"EventID":"S1W-32140","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the development of Scotland's Major Events Strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with the development of Scotland's Major Events Strategy.","AnswerText":"The First Minister announced this morning the publication of the Major Events Strategy and that a new body called EventScotland would be established to take forward implementation. The strategy and the news release which accompanied the First Minister's announcement are available through the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168601,"EventID":"S1W-32141","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the new tiered testing system for scallops will have on the scallop industry; when any economic appraisal of the impact of such a system will be completed, an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the new tiered testing system for scallops will have on the scallop industry; when any economic appraisal of the impact of such a system will be completed, and when any such appraisal will be made available to (a) it and (b) the Parliament.","AnswerText":"Food Standards Agency Scotland advise me that they are developing a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) designed to evaluate the impact of the proposed tiered system on all parties affected. The RIA includes costings provided by the scallop industry. Once completed, it will be submitted to ministers before being made publicly available.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168602,"EventID":"S1W-32142","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require the Food Standards Agency to make available all information the agency has regarding scallops and amnesic shellfish poisoning, including research ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will require the Food Standards Agency to make available all information the agency has regarding scallops and amnesic shellfish poisoning, including research data, correspondence with representative bodies of the scallop industry and all other relevant documents.","AnswerText":"Food Standards Agency Scotland advise me that they will adhere to their stated policies of openness and accessibility in dealing with material concerning scallops and amnesic shellfish poisoning. All information the agency has which can be released to interested parties will be made available upon request.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168603,"EventID":"S1W-32143","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31500 by Iain Gray on 26 November 2002, why it does not hold centrally accurate and complete information about the (a) level of for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31500 by Iain Gray on 26 November 2002, why it does not hold centrally accurate and complete information about the (a) level of foreign disinvestment and company closures, (b) number of associated job losses and (c) level of public financial support provided to each company involved; what action it will take to ensure that it holds such information centrally in the future, and whether holding such information centrally would be beneficial to identifying the number of jobs available, assessing the health of the economy and calculating how much public financial support to make available to companies. ","AnswerText":"As indicated in response to question S1W-31500, there are limitations to the readily available information sources. For example, we may not be made aware of job losses if intended redundancies are below the threshold of 20 in any one month at which the Department of Trade and Industry needs to be informed under the Trade Union and Labour Relation (Consolidation) Act 1992.

      The main form of financial support provided to inward investors is under the Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) scheme, though other forms of assistance are provided by the Enterprise Networks. For those companies in receipt of RSA, the Executive maintains records from the point at which grant has been offered to the point at which the company has discharged all its contractual obligations in respect of RSA.

      We assess the health of the economy in a number of ways and recognise the importance of robust economic statistics in monitoring economic progress and in underpinning economic policy development.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168604,"EventID":"S1W-32144","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it made its decision on the provision of acute services in Glasgow taking into account the summary of the accessibility study published for the meeting of the Gre","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it made its decision on the provision of acute services in Glasgow taking into account the summary of the accessibility study published for the meeting of the Greater Glasgow NHS Board on 29 January 2002. ","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168605,"EventID":"S1W-32145","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the accessibility study on acute services considered at the meeting of Greater Glasgow NHS Board on 29 January 2002 and, in particular, the state","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the accessibility study on acute services considered at the meeting of Greater Glasgow NHS Board on 29 January 2002 and, in particular, the statement that by reducing the numbers of accident and emergency departments in the board area from five to two locations and in-patient sites from five to three locations, 60% of patients will experience mean journey time savings. ","AnswerText":"While I welcomed the publication of the full accessibility study at the end of October 2002, this is only the beginning of the transport planning process, which will form an integral and vital part of the implementation programme in the months and years ahead. It is, therefore, essential that a robust public transport strategy is in place.

      The projected appreciable mean journey savings for a large percentage of patients is based on the following factors:

      The pattern of acute hospitals that will emerge from the Acute Services Strategy maintains local access to the bulk of services, which are now delivered on an out-patient, day case or day surgery basis;

      The provision of ambulatory care hospitals at Stobhill and the Victoria Infirmary will make a number of specialties more locally accessible on an out-patient/day case basis for the first time. Examples include kidney dialysis and chemotherapy provision, and

      The accident and emergency (A&E) proposals include two 24-hour consultant-lead A&E/Trauma Centres, an Emergency Receiving Centre at each in-patient hospital, five Minor Injury Units and a dedicated A&E Unit for children at Yorkhill Hospital.

      NHS Greater Glasgow must, however, continue to analyse the current transport systems and travelling patterns against the new hospital proposals to identify and address any mismatches. It must also enter into close engagement with the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive and in full discussion with the Scottish Ambulance Service. I expect NHS Greater Glasgow to fully involve local people in these discussions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168606,"EventID":"S1W-32146","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make special arrangements for patients and visitors to reach designated hospitals in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area should the proposals for the prov","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make special arrangements for patients and visitors to reach designated hospitals in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board area should the proposals for the provision of acute services be implemented.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32145 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168607,"EventID":"S1W-32147","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-11-28T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is policing the ban on sprat fishing in the Forth Estuary between 31 October 2002 and 31 March 2003 in light of any reports that boats have been witnessed fishing ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is policing the ban on sprat fishing in the Forth Estuary between 31 October 2002 and 31 March 2003 in light of any reports that boats have been witnessed fishing illegally in the area.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency has responsibility for the enforcement of this closure. The agency has no evidence of illegal activity taking place since the closure came into effect on 1 October 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168608,"EventID":"S1W-32148","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund to the Vineburgh area of Irvine for the current and next two financial years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been allocated under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund to the Vineburgh area of Irvine for the current and next two financial years.","AnswerText":"The Executive did not provide funding for a specific area. North Ayrshire Council and its community planning partners decided on the use of their funding allocation from the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168609,"EventID":"S1W-32149","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average per capita funding is for projects under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average per capita funding is for projects under the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not require local authorities to gather this information, nor do we hold it. We are concerned with the outcomes that Better Neighbourhood Services Fund resources achieve in terms of improving services.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168610,"EventID":"S1W-32150","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a progress report from North Ayrshire Council on the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund in the Vineburgh area of Irvine and whether it will place ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received a progress report from North Ayrshire Council on the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund in the Vineburgh area of Irvine and whether it will place a copy of any such report in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"The Executive has received an annual progress report from North Ayrshire Council on the Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF). Annual reports for each of the 12 local authorities allocated funding under the BNSF will be copied to the Parliament's Reference Centre after they have been reviewed by ministers and funding decisions taken.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168611,"EventID":"S1W-32151","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27645 by Mr Frank McAveety on 13 August 2002, whether local outcome agreements with local authorities in respect of respite care pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27645 by Mr Frank McAveety on 13 August 2002, whether local outcome agreements with local authorities in respect of respite care provision are now in place and what provision each local authority has made.","AnswerText":"As we are still in the process of developing local outcome agreements with local authorities it is not possible to say what provision each local authority has made for respite care.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168612,"EventID":"S1W-32152","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26612 by Mr Frank McAveety on 24 June 2002, what funding mechanism is now in place to ensure that carers' services, including respi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-26612 by Mr Frank McAveety on 24 June 2002, what funding mechanism is now in place to ensure that carers' services, including respite services, developed and funded through the carers' strategy allocation in 2000, will be able to continue beyond 2003.","AnswerText":"The resources allocated by the Executive to local authorities to support carers, including resources to develop respite services, will have risen from £5 million in 1999-2000 to £21 million in the period 2003-04. The local government allocations for the next three years maintain these resources at the 2003-04 levels, augmented by the general uplift for pay and inflation.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168613,"EventID":"S1W-32153","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much Dr Richard Simpson MSP will receive in lump sum payments following his resignation as a junior Scottish minister.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how much Dr Richard Simpson MSP will receive in lump sum payments following his resignation as a junior Scottish minister.","AnswerText":"Under The Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Grants to Members and Officeholders) Order 1999 Dr Simpson is entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to one quarter of his former officeholder's salary. The actual amount payable will be £5,674.75.

      The order was made by the Secretary of State for Scotland under transitional powers contained in the Scotland Act. These rules will be examined in due course as part of the review of the various grants dealt with under the Transitional Order ahead of its replacement by Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168614,"EventID":"S1W-32154","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has now been paid in lump sum payments to its former ministers since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much money has now been paid in lump sum payments to its former ministers since May 1999.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25770 on 6 June 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168615,"EventID":"S1W-32155","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in lump sum payments to the former Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in lump sum payments to the former Lord Advocate, Lord Hardie.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25770 on 6 June 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168616,"EventID":"S1W-32156","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in lump sum payments to the former Solicitor General, Neil Davidson.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in lump sum payments to the former Solicitor General, Neil Davidson.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-25770 on 6 June 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168617,"EventID":"S1W-32157","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in lump sum payments to each of its former special advisers since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid in lump sum payments to each of its former special advisers since May 1999.","AnswerText":"Since May 1999, 11 former special advisers have received a total of £154,754.25 in severance pay. Individual severance payments are not revealed in order to protect the privacy of the individual. Severance pay is paid in recognition of the fact that it is not always possible for special advisers to receive the period of notice which would, in normal practice, be given.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168618,"EventID":"S1W-32158","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enable working women to balance work and family life.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to enable working women to balance work and family life.","AnswerText":"Our Child Care Strategy is about supporting children and families. Good quality affordable child care not only benefits children, but can help parents to take up work or study. We allocated £16.75 million to local authorities through Child Care Strategy funding in the current year, and this will rise to £40.65 million by 2006.

      Officials have worked jointly with colleagues in the Department of Trade and Industry to develop a Work Life balance Toolkit for Child Care Partnerships. The Toolkit will help Child Care Partnerships engage with local employers on the business case for adopting family friendly policies.

      We are liaising with the Department for Work and Pensions on the new child care partnership manager's role in Jobcentre Plus districts. From April 2003 child care partnership managers will aim to help improve the information flow on child care services, particularly for lone parents, to encourage more parents into employment.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168619,"EventID":"S1W-32159","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commit resources in the future to support the implementation of new guidelines and recommendations for NHS primary care treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will commit resources in the future to support the implementation of new guidelines and recommendations for NHS primary care treatment.","AnswerText":"Decisions about the level of resources to commit to supporting the implementation of new guidelines and recommendations for NHS primary care treatment are for NHS boards to make in the light of local priorities. However, the resources provided to NHS boards are at record levels with a real increase, averaging 7.8% indicated for 2003-04.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168620,"EventID":"S1W-32160","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has secured the long-term future of the heart transplant unit in Glasgow and strengthened the service, as referred to by the former Minister for Health and Communi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it has secured the long-term future of the heart transplant unit in Glasgow and strengthened the service, as referred to by the former Minister for Health and Community Care in the debate in the Parliament on the heart transplant unit on 24 May 2000 (Official Report, c 966).","AnswerText":"The staffing of the Scottish Heart Transplant Unit has been strengthened, in particular by the inclusion within the multi-disciplinary team of four consultant surgeons capable of performing heart transplants. The basis on which the unit was allowed to resume heart transplant operations in September 2001 was that its performance would be reviewed after two years.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168621,"EventID":"S1W-32161","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2148,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31597 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 December 2002, whether its letter to the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee will be ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31597 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 December 2002, whether its letter to the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee will be issued, in paper or electronic form, to all MSPs.","AnswerText":"I am writing today to the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee to inform him that the Scottish passenger rail franchise is to be seven years in length, with the possibility of a three-year extension, and to explain the reasoning for that decision. I am placing a copy of that letter in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25467).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168622,"EventID":"S1W-32162","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the New Life for Urban Scotland Initiative, how much of the (a) #485 million of public expenditure and (b) #55 million spent on enterprise employment and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the New Life for Urban Scotland Initiative, how much of the (a) #485 million of public expenditure and (b) #55 million spent on enterprise employment and training of residents was spent in Ferguslie Park, Paisley and how many of the (i) 3,126 new houses, (ii) 9,253 improved or rehabilitated houses and (iii) 3,203 positive training outcomes achieved were located in Ferguslie Park","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Under the New Life for Urban Scotland Initiative, Ferguslie Park received (a) £81.6 million of public expenditure (b) £2.5 million of expenditure on enterprise employment and training of residents. One thousand and sixty new houses, 932 improved or rehabilitated houses and 533 positive training outcomes were located in Ferguslie Park.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168623,"EventID":"S1W-32163","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2080,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":17,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the review of guidance provision in secondary schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in the review of guidance provision in secondary schools.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has carried out extensive consultation over the proposed framework for the review. The first stage will be to research good and innovative practice within and outwith Scotland. The Executive will establish a reference group to oversee stage one of the review and advise on stage two, which will aim to take forward identified best practice. I expect the first stage of the review to be completed no later than autumn 2003 and the second stage to commence shortly after.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168624,"EventID":"S1W-32164","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22072 by Malcolm Chisholm on 1 February 2002, what information it has regarding the number of patients removed from GPs lists in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22072 by Malcolm Chisholm on 1 February 2002, what information it has regarding the number of patients removed from GPs lists in the Lanarkshire NHS Board area and what guidance it gives to GPs to guard against inappropriate removal.","AnswerText":"The numbers of patients removed from GPs' lists in the Lanarkshire NHS Board area each year excluding those removed as a result of death, emigration or change of address are as follows:
       

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Number of removals

      754

      667

      1,096

      1,007

      435

      568

      Removals in cases of violence

      11

      13

      17

      6

      30

      6

      The terms of service for GPs are set out in the NHS (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995. Except where a GP wishes removal to take place with immediate effect because of violence or the threat of it, the regulations do not require GPs to give reasons for the removal of a patient and consequently no guidance has been issued from the Executive.

      The General Medical Council has issued guidance to doctors which states that they must not discriminate against patients on the basis of their lifestyle, culture, beliefs, race, colour, gender, sexuality, age, social status or perceived economic worth. The guidance makes clear that it refers in cases where patients are removed.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168625,"EventID":"S1W-32165","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to GPs regarding the maximum percentage of removals that should be due to a breakdown of relationship and whether there is any concern that this re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it gives to GPs regarding the maximum percentage of removals that should be due to a breakdown of relationship and whether there is any concern that this reason is used as a catch-all reason for removal.","AnswerText":"None. The Terms of Service for GPs are set out in the NHS (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995. They give GPs the right to request the removal of any patient and place no requirement on them to give reasons of any nature. Where the doctor/patient relationship has broken down, the prime concern is that the patient should continue to have ready access to general medical services. Islands NHS Boards and Primary Care Trusts are empowered to assign to a GP any patient who has not been accepted by another practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168626,"EventID":"S1W-32166","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements there are, or are planned, to provide parenting classes as a measure to deal with offending by children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements there are, or are planned, to provide parenting classes as a measure to deal with offending by children.","AnswerText":"While parents and other relevant persons are required to attend children's hearings, compulsory measures of supervision can only currently be imposed on the child. Parents may voluntarily access support services or play an active part in the child's programme aimed at stopping offending.

      Action Point 9 of the Action Plan to Tackle Youth Crime and Disorder seeks to promote parental responsibility. We will shortly announce approvals under the £10.5 million Youth Crime Prevention Fund, which will include schemes enhancing parental support.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168627,"EventID":"S1W-32167","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30827 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, what the difference is between \"adjacent salmon fishings\" which it states is not provided","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30827 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, what the difference is between \"adjacent salmon fishings\" which it states is not provided for in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and \"salmon fishings contiguous to\" croft land as stated in section 65(2)(d) of the bill.","AnswerText":""Contiguous to" has a more precise and more strictly limited meaning than "adjacent" which can be interpreted as "close to" without necessarily conveying the concept of physical contact with the croft land.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168628,"EventID":"S1W-32168","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30827 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, why section 65(2)(d) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill provides for the purchase of \"sal","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30827 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, why section 65(2)(d) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill provides for the purchase of \"salmon fishings contiguous to\" croft land when the intention of the bill is to provide for the purchase of salmon fishings that are exercisable from croft land and whether it plans to lodge any amendment to bring the bill into line with this intention","AnswerText":"It is my understanding that the terminology used in section 65(2)(d) is precisely what is required in order to achieve our policy intention.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168629,"EventID":"S1W-32169","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30830 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, whether it will lodge an amendment to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill that would enable c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30830 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, whether it will lodge an amendment to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill that would enable crofting communities to buy salmon fishings on croft land and not those exercisable from croft land and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"I see no need to change the bill in the manner proposed since the existing provisions fully meet our policy intentions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168630,"EventID":"S1W-32170","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30831 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, why it was not intended that salmon fishings on land contiguous to croft land should be s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30831 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, why it was not intended that salmon fishings on land contiguous to croft land should be subject to the additional tests found in section 74 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"If the acquisition of salmon fishings in accordance with the provisions of the bill was made subject to the highly restrictive tests in section 74, the outcome would be to ensure that a crofting community body could rarely, if ever, purchase salmon fishings. That outcome would not be consistent with our policy intentions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168631,"EventID":"S1W-32171","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30833 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, why, if it is its policy to give crofting communities the opportunity to buy their croft ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30833 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, why, if it is its policy to give crofting communities the opportunity to buy their croft land, it also plans to allow such communities to buy salmon fishings on contiguous land that is not theirs, with no further tests.","AnswerText":"The bill does not permit crofting communities to buy salmon fishings located on contiguous land. It is the salmon fishings themselves which have to be contiguous.

      There are tests that apply to the acquisition of salmon fishings. These are the same as apply to the acquisition of the croft land. However, there is also a further requirement that the salmon fishings may only be acquired in conjunction with the croft land or within a year of acquisition of the croft land in accordance with the provisions of the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168632,"EventID":"S1W-32172","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the estimate of one application per year to exercise the crofting community right to buy contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, as referred to in p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the estimate of one application per year to exercise the crofting community right to buy contained in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, as referred to in paragraph 324 of the Explanatory Notes to the Bill, how many such applications it estimates will contain a salmon fishing as one of the subjects of the application.","AnswerText":"No estimate has been or can be made. There are too many uncertainties. If experience of existing community purchases is anything to go by, a significant proportion of crofting community bodies may not be interested in acquiring salmon fishings. However, we consider it important that the opportunity to do so should be available.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168633,"EventID":"S1W-32173","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30835 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, whether it is satisfied, bearing in mind the opinion of the Court of Session in the case ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30835 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, whether it is satisfied, bearing in mind the opinion of the Court of Session in the case of County Properties v the Scottish Ministers and, in particular, paragraph 19 of that opinion, that the approval of applications made under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will be fair, given that none of the safeguards mentioned in paragraph 19 of the opinion will be present. ","AnswerText":"The approval of applications by Scottish ministers under Part 3 of the bill will be fair in that the provisions of that part are in accordance with the general principles laid down by the courts in both the County Properties and Alconbury cases. There is provision in section 78 for any interested party to refer any question arising from an application for consent to buy to the Land Court and section 88 provides a right of appeal against ministers' decision on questions of law.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168634,"EventID":"S1W-32174","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30836 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, whether there will be two public interest tests when an application is made under Part 3 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30836 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, whether there will be two public interest tests when an application is made under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, namely that the application is in the public interest using the qualified definition in the bill and that it is in the public interest in the normal sense of the phrase as applied to Article 1 of Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights.","AnswerText":"As stated in the answer given to question S1W-30836, the purpose of section 71(2) of the bill is to elucidate the meaning of the phrase "public interest" as used in the bill. Whether or not ministers consider a proposed acquisition by a crofting community body is in the public interest will depend on the facts and circumstances of each particular case.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168635,"EventID":"S1W-32175","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30836 and S1W-30837 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, why, if the exercise of the crofting community right to buy under the Lan","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30836 and S1W-30837 by Ross Finnie on 18 November 2002, why, if the exercise of the crofting community right to buy under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill must be in the public interest in order to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), there is no test of the public interest, in the sense of the phrase as applied to Article 1 of Protocol 1 of ECHR, in the bill.","AnswerText":"Article 1 of Protocol 1 of ECHR provides that no one shall be deprived of their possessions except inter alia in the public interest. This is why an acquisition under the crofting community right to buy must be in the public interest in order to be compatible with the Convention. What constitutes the "public interest" in each particular case can only be decided on the facts of that case.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168636,"EventID":"S1W-32176","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on consumers of food supplements and herbal remedies will be of the EC Directive on food supplements; what the policy intention of the directive is, and w","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the impact on consumers of food supplements and herbal remedies will be of the EC Directive on food supplements; what the policy intention of the directive is, and what evidence exists to support the need for the directive.","AnswerText":"I have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that the EC Directive 2002/46/EC ensures a high level of protection for consumers as products on the market will comply with agreed safety levels and will bear adequate and appropriate labelling. Implementation of the directive will not immediately outlaw any products already on the UK market. The impact of the directive on the future continued availability of products will depend upon future developments on lists of permitted nutrients and on maximum limits.

      There are currently no specific limits in UK law on the level or range of vitamins and minerals contained in food supplements. Food supplements are regulated in other member states by differing national rules that may impede their free movement, create unequal conditions for competition and consumers. It is therefore necessary to adopt Community rules on those products marketed as foodstuffs.

      The directive deals only with the composition of vitamin and mineral supplements and will have no impact on the consumers of herbal remedies. Traditional herbal medicines are a reserved matter, dealt with by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), the UK Medicines Regulatory Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168637,"EventID":"S1W-32177","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it sees for the teaching of emergency life support skills in reinforcing its healthy eating and physical activity policies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it sees for the teaching of emergency life support skills in reinforcing its healthy eating and physical activity policies.","AnswerText":"We very much support the teaching of emergency life support skills, but these do not have a specific role in reinforcing the Executive's healthy eating and physical activity policies.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168638,"EventID":"S1W-32178","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the Heartstart UK Scottish schools initiative which aims to equip young people with emergency life support skills.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will support the Heartstart UK Scottish schools initiative which aims to equip young people with emergency life support skills.","AnswerText":"The Executive welcomes the Heartstart UK Scottish schools initiative and the development of emergency life support skills within the community.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168639,"EventID":"S1W-32179","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue further guidance on principles and good practice in accommodating individuals' and relatives' choice of care homes in placement arrangements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will issue further guidance on principles and good practice in accommodating individuals' and relatives' choice of care homes in placement arrangements.","AnswerText":"New guidance on choice issues is currently being drafted by the Scottish Executive. In addition to this, the Executive's Delayed Discharge Good Practice Resource and Learning and Sharing Network will provide examples of good practice in this and related areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168640,"EventID":"S1W-32180","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Audit Scotland will be invited to review the policies and practices associated with NHS trusts and hospitals that have high and low rates of delayed discharge pat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Audit Scotland will be invited to review the policies and practices associated with NHS trusts and hospitals that have high and low rates of delayed discharge patients.","AnswerText":"We understand Audit Scotland has delayed discharge in its forthcoming programme. The remit and detail of the review is for Audit Scotland to determine. The introduction of the Executive's Delayed Discharge Good Practice Resource and Learning and Sharing network will provide on-going examples of good practice and provide support for local authority and NHS partnerships in improving their policy and practice.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168641,"EventID":"S1W-32181","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in determining the quality thresholds for the Scottish Standard for Social Housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in determining the quality thresholds for the Scottish Standard for Social Housing.","AnswerText":"We expect to issue a consultation paper shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168642,"EventID":"S1W-32182","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether regulations on lead pipes will be included in the Scottish Standard for Social Housing.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether regulations on lead pipes will be included in the Scottish Standard for Social Housing.","AnswerText":"We shall shortly consult local authorities, registered social landlords and others about the elements that the Scottish Standard for Social Housing should cover. It is too soon to rule individual elements in or out.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168643,"EventID":"S1W-32183","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a proposal for the Scottish Standard for Social Housing will be published and what issues will be included in the proposal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a proposal for the Scottish Standard for Social Housing will be published and what issues will be included in the proposal.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32181 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168644,"EventID":"S1W-32184","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when regulations for reducing the risk of transmission of variant Creut'feldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) through blood transfusion were brought into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when regulations for reducing the risk of transmission of variant Creut'feldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) through blood transfusion were brought into force.","AnswerText":"Precautionary measures to reduce the theoretical risk of transmission of vCJD through blood or blood products were introduced in 1998 following advice from the UK Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) and the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC).

      There is no scientific evidence that vCJD can be transmitted in humans through blood or blood transfusion. Purely as precautionary measures, and to reduce the theoretical risk to the blood supply, plasma for the manufacture of blood products is currently obtained from non-UK sources (Germany and USA) and donated blood from UK donors is leucodepleted (white blood cells are removed).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168645,"EventID":"S1W-32185","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was made aware of the risk of transmission of variant Creut'feldt-Jakob disease through blood transfusion.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it was made aware of the risk of transmission of variant Creut'feldt-Jakob disease through blood transfusion.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32184 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168646,"EventID":"S1W-32186","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which countries the plasma for fractionation is currently being imported on the basis of lower incidence of variant Creut'feldt-Jakob disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive from which countries the plasma for fractionation is currently being imported on the basis of lower incidence of variant Creut'feldt-Jakob disease.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32184 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168647,"EventID":"S1W-32187","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) specialist rheumatology nurses and (b) consultant rheumatologists currently work in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) specialist rheumatology nurses and (b) consultant rheumatologists currently work in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Information on the number of specialist rheumatology nurses is not available centrally.

      Information on the number of consultant rheumatologists working in each NHS board area is available in tables B10 and B11 on the ISD website. The website address is:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168648,"EventID":"S1W-32188","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have progressed through the methadone programme to a drug-free lifestyle since the programme started.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have progressed through the methadone programme to a drug-free lifestyle since the programme started.","AnswerText":"There is no single, centrally-managed methadone programme. The duration of methadone treatment and aftercare arrangements are matters for individual patients, their clinicians and local organisations which provide support.

      There is no routine central monitoring of progression rates. However, the Drug Outcome Research in Scotland Study is examining the effectiveness of drug misuse treatment services in Scotland. This study will include methadone treatment and, over a four-year period, the researchers will endeavour to map pathways through services and to measure patients' progress across a range of life areas.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168649,"EventID":"S1W-32189","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all people on the methadone programme are given appropriate advice, support and options for detoxification and rehabilitation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that all people on the methadone programme are given appropriate advice, support and options for detoxification and rehabilitation.","AnswerText":"The personal and clinical circumstances of each patient are different. Treatment programmes must be based on the needs of the individual and clinical judgement. The guidelines on the clinical management of drug misuse and dependence emphasise these points, and they also provide advice on dose reduction regimes and detoxification. The guidelines also recommend a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment, including liaison with other professionals who can help with the factors contributing to an individual's drug misuse.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168650,"EventID":"S1W-32190","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out a pilot study into the use of buprenorphine for the management of out-patient opiate detoxification.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will carry out a pilot study into the use of buprenorphine for the management of out-patient opiate detoxification.","AnswerText":"The guidelines on the clinical management of drug misuse and dependence include advice on the prescribing of buprenorphine.

      A recent Effective Interventions Unit review of the effectiveness of treatment for opiate dependent drug users recommended that supervised buprenorphine administration should be piloted and evaluated to test the feasibility of wider prescribing and dispensing in Scotland. We are considering this recommendation.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168651,"EventID":"S1W-32191","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-02T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people on the methadone programme are currently in employment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people on the methadone programme are currently in employment.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168652,"EventID":"S1W-32192","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional restrictions will be proposed on the sale of fireworks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional restrictions will be proposed on the sale of fireworks.","AnswerText":"There are complex issues involved and the Executive is still considering what can be done within devolved powers to address concerns about the inappropriate sale and use of fireworks.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168653,"EventID":"S1W-32193","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will promote the Youth Advantage Initiative, developed by the Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police in conjunction with the army, throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will promote the Youth Advantage Initiative, developed by the Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police in conjunction with the army, throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"I understand that Operation Youth Advantage is one of several schemes by which Northern Constabulary and Grampian Police engage young people in their force areas. Other Scottish police forces do so in other ways. These are matters for individual forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168654,"EventID":"S1W-32194","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30382 and S1W-31275 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 November and 2 December 2002, under what specific powers under which pieces of legisl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30382 and S1W-31275 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 November and 2 December 2002, under what specific powers under which pieces of legislation local authorities may be held responsible for meeting the cost of changes or alterations to signage erected alongside trunk roads.","AnswerText":"It is the policy and practice of Scottish ministers to recover the costs incurred in making changes or alterations to trunk road signs which are not instigated by the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168655,"EventID":"S1W-32195","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national planning guidelines there are on the location and development of wind farms.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what national planning guidelines there are on the location and development of wind farms.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1F-2168 on 10 October 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168656,"EventID":"S1W-32196","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any meetings with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Aberdeenshire Council following the recent flooding in Aberdeenshire and, if so, what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had any meetings with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Aberdeenshire Council following the recent flooding in Aberdeenshire and, if so, what the outcome was of such meetings.","AnswerText":"There have not been any requests from either the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or Aberdeenshire Council to discuss flooding matters since the recent flooding in Aberdeenshire and no such meetings have taken place.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168657,"EventID":"S1W-32197","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve co-ordination between local authorities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other relevant bodies involved in tackling flooding and fl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to improve co-ordination between local authorities, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other relevant bodies involved in tackling flooding and flood prevention. ","AnswerText":"Co-ordination between local authorities and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is already an important part of the working arrangements in place for tackling flooding and flood risk. This will be further enhanced as a result of the amendment which the Executive introduced to the Water Environment and Water Services Bill and which was supported by all members of the committee without exception. This places a general obligation to promote sustainable flood management on ministers, SEPA and every responsible authority designated under the bill. Local authorities will be designated as responsible authorities. This represents a significant step forward but is only one part of the action we are taking in the Executive to deal with the flooding issue. An Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers is currently considering the arrangements for addressing flood risk more generally, and will provide advice to the Cabinet by the end of February 2003 on how these arrangements can be improved.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168658,"EventID":"S1W-32198","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations have ultimate responsibility for dealing with (a) occurrences of flooding and (b) flood prevention.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations have ultimate responsibility for dealing with (a) occurrences of flooding and (b) flood prevention.","AnswerText":"The primary responsibility for dealing with flooding and for taking flood prevention measures lies with the individual property owner. Local authorities have powers to prevent or mitigate the flooding of non-agricultural land in their area. Where they assess that the carrying out of maintenance works on a watercourse or connected works would substantially reduce the likelihood of flooding on non-agricultural land in their area they have, in particular circumstances, a duty to carry out that maintenance.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168659,"EventID":"S1W-32199","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31556 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 November 2002, whether it is consulted prior to the implementation of any interception warrants in re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31556 by Mr Jim Wallace on 25 November 2002, whether it is consulted prior to the implementation of any interception warrants in respect of people resident in Scotland; what facility exists for such people to ascertain whether an interception warrant has been authorised against them, and whether there is any procedure facilitating appeal against such authorisation.","AnswerText":"The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 is reserved, but certain limited functions have been devolved to the Scottish ministers in relation to serious crime in or as regards Scotland.

      The issue of interception warrants by the UK Government in the interests of national security or for the purpose of safeguarding economic well-being is a reserved matter and there is no statutory requirement for the Scottish ministers to be consulted about such warrants where these are in respect of people resident in Scotland.

      The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 established an independent tribunal (the Investigatory Powers Tribunal) to consider complaints from members of the public about conduct alleged to involve interception of communications by the intelligence services and certain public authorities.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168660,"EventID":"S1W-32200","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the multi-agency group on youth crime will report on the proposed national framework of outcome standards and objectives for Scotland's youth justice system, as ref","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the multi-agency group on youth crime will report on the proposed national framework of outcome standards and objectives for Scotland's youth justice system, as referred to by the Minister for Education and Young People in the debate in the Parliament on the youth justice system on 6 December 2001 (Official Report c 4636-7).","AnswerText":"We expect the group's report to be available in December 2002, as stated in Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168661,"EventID":"S1W-32201","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5123 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 May 2002, when the improvements to the junction of the A84/A85 at Lochearnhead will (a) begin and (b) ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5123 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 May 2002, when the improvements to the junction of the A84/A85 at Lochearnhead will (a) begin and (b) be completed.","AnswerText":"The tenders for the A84/A85 junction improvement scheme were returned to the Executive on 27 November 2002. They are currently being evaluated and it is anticipated that the contract will be awarded later this month, and that the successful tenderer will mobilise and commence works on site in January 2003. The construction period is eight weeks.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168662,"EventID":"S1W-32202","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on the recruitment of special constables in each of the last three years and how successful the recruitment exercises have been.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much was spent on the recruitment of special constables in each of the last three years and how successful the recruitment exercises have been.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not provide funding specifically for the special constabulary. The cost of their recruitment, training and equipment is met from the individual force budgets, to which the Scottish Executive contributes in the form of specific grant. The numbers of special constables recruited in each of the last three years are set out in the following table. As at end-September 2002, there were 1,081 special constables serving with the eight Scottish police forces.

      Recruitment of Special Constables

      Force

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Central

      8

      7

      26

      Dumfries and Galloway

      12

      10

      7

      Fife

      11

      20

      7

      Grampian

      19

      12

      12

      Lothian and Borders

      23

      19

      0

      Northern

      24

      10

      8

      Strathclyde

      89

      54

      32

      Tayside

      10

      13

      14

      Total

      196

      145

      106

      Source: Annual Statistical Returns from forces.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168663,"EventID":"S1W-32203","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has cost to (a) train and (b) employ special constables in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has cost to (a) train and (b) employ special constables in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"No specific funding is provided by the Scottish Executive for the special constabulary. The cost of their recruitment, training and equipment is met from the individual force budgets, to which the Scottish Executive contributes in the form of specific grant.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168664,"EventID":"S1W-32204","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31144 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 November 2002, whether it will detail the specific action that each (a) local authority and (b) comm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31144 by Lewis Macdonald on 14 November 2002, whether it will detail the specific action that each (a) local authority and (b) commercial organisation has taken, or plans to take, to increase awareness of the Foolsspeed campaign.","AnswerText":"The level of detail requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168665,"EventID":"S1W-32205","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it received to its consultation on the Cairngorms National Park draft designation order (a) in total and (b) in favour of the (i) inclusion and (ii) ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many responses it received to its consultation on the Cairngorms National Park draft designation order (a) in total and (b) in favour of the (i) inclusion and (ii) exclusion of highland Perthshire.","AnswerText":"We received 463 responses to the draft consultation document. An analysis of these responses is contained in the annex to the report submitted to the Parliament in accordance with the provisions of section 6 (6) of the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. A copy of the report and annex can be obtained from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25236).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168666,"EventID":"S1W-32206","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31205, S1O-5810 and S1W-28522 by Dr Richard Simpson on 13 November, 7 November and 21 October 2002 respectively, whether the info","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31205, S1O-5810 and S1W-28522 by Dr Richard Simpson on 13 November, 7 November and 21 October 2002 respectively, whether the information on the number of people that are prescribed methadone on a regular basis is now available.","AnswerText":"The provisional findings of an exercise undertaken by ISD Scotland indicate that approximately 17,000 individuals were in receipt of a prescription for methadone in the months of November and December 2001. Quality checks are still being undertaken, however, and I will write to you when the final results are available.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168667,"EventID":"S1W-32207","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its reasons are for not including highland Perthshire in the proposed Cairngorms National Park and what scores were accorded by Scottish Natural Heritage to each of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its reasons are for not including highland Perthshire in the proposed Cairngorms National Park and what scores were accorded by Scottish Natural Heritage to each of the sub-units in each local authority area in respect of the extent to which they met the criteria for designation as a national park under the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000.","AnswerText":"It was necessary to strike a balance between the desirability of including certain areas for their natural heritage importance and the need to establish a park with a coherent identity.

      Information on the scores accorded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are contained in Annex D to the SNH Report A new way of caring for a special place. A copy of the report can be obtained through the SNH website, which can be found at http://www.snh.org.uk/.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168668,"EventID":"S1W-32208","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to amend existing flood prevention legislation to give local authorities powers to act where only one property is affected by flooding.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to amend existing flood prevention legislation to give local authorities powers to act where only one property is affected by flooding.","AnswerText":"Existing flood prevention legislation does not preclude local authorities using their powers to act where only one property is affected by flooding. Accordingly, no amendment to the legislation is required.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168669,"EventID":"S1W-32209","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the proportion of older people on low incomes in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the proportion of older people on low incomes in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency since 1997.","AnswerText":"Since 1997, older people on low incomes in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency have benefited from increases to the Basic State Retirement Pension, the introduction of the Minimum Income Guarantee, the Winter Fuel Payment, and free TV licences for the over 75s. In addition, a range of Scottish Executive initiatives will increase levels of disposable income, including free off-peak bus travel, the Warm Deal, and the central heating programme, which is saving an average of £550 on bills.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168670,"EventID":"S1W-32210","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Beattie Inclusiveness Projects there are in East Dunbartonshire and how much funding has been allocated to each such projects it will be allocated","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Beattie Inclusiveness Projects there are in East Dunbartonshire and how much funding has been allocated to each such projects it will be allocated","AnswerText":"There is one Careers Scotland Inclusiveness Project covering the Dunbartonshire area. It has been allocated £594,500 over the period April 2001 to March 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168671,"EventID":"S1W-32211","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/10/10 million to help fund child care provision in disadvantaged areas, referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/10/10 million to help fund child care provision in disadvantaged areas, referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys, will be allocated to East Dunbartonshire in each year and to what projects it will be allocated.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31648 on 28 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found on:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168672,"EventID":"S1W-32212","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households with children have been in temporary accommodation in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of households with children have been in temporary accommodation in the East Dunbartonshire Council area in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"Information on households with children in temporary accommodation has been collected centrally since June 2000. Information is available on the position (numbers and proportions) within each local authority area at the end of June, September, December and March each year since 2000. This information has been published in various Scottish Executive Statistical Bulletins/Statistics Releases, as shown and which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

      Period

      Table No.

      Bulletin Ref. No.

      Publication Date

      Bib. Number

      June 2000 - March 2001

      22

      HSG/2001/4

      27 Sep 2001

      16396

      June 2001

      28

      HSG/2001/6

      18 Dec 2001

      18220

      September 2001

      23

      HSG/2002/1

      26 March 2002

      20348

      December 2001 and March 2002

      13

      Stats Release

      24 Sep 2002

      24382

      These publications may also be found on the Published Data section of the Housing Statistics Branch Reference website (www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/housing/hsbref)","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168673,"EventID":"S1W-32213","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the number of households and, in particular, households with children, living in temporary accommodation in the East Dunbartonshire C","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to reduce the number of households and, in particular, households with children, living in temporary accommodation in the East Dunbartonshire Council area since 1997.","AnswerText":"East Dunbartonshire Council was awarded £185,000 in 2000 to increase the availability of appropriate temporary accommodation for homeless families.

      In addition, in carrying out an assessment of homelessness, and in the development of a homelessness strategy the council will be considering whether there is a need for further temporary accommodation for families or other vulnerable groups. All councils are required to prepare homelessness strategies by March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168674,"EventID":"S1W-32214","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in the proportion of children living in (a) workless and (b) low-income households there has been since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what reduction in the proportion of children living in (a) workless and (b) low-income households there has been since 1996.","AnswerText":"The proportion of children living in workless households fell from 19% in 1996 to 14% in 2002.

      Using the headline measure of below 60% of median household income (after housing costs), the proportion of children in low-income households fell from 34% in 1996-97, to 30% in relative terms and 21% in absolute terms in 2000-01.

      Both of these sets of figures, together with figures on other measures of social justice, are contained in the publication Social Justice: A Scotland where everyone matters: Indicators of progress.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168675,"EventID":"S1W-32215","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of 16- to 19-year-olds have not been in education, training or employment in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of 16- to 19-year-olds have not been in education, training or employment in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The data in the following table, taken from the Labour Force Survey, shows the numbers and percentages for the proportion of 16- to 19-year-olds in Scotland who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) over the period 1996-2002.
       

      1996

      1997

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      2002

      No. NEET

      35,000

      32,000

      36,000

      33,000

      36,000

      37,000

      35,000

      % NEET

      14%

      13%

      14%

      13%

      14%

      14%

      14%

      Source: Labour Force Survey, Office for National Statistics.

      Notes:

      1. Figures from spring of each year and revised figures for 1999-2001 due to regrossing of the Labour Force Survey.

      2. Number rounded to nearest thousand.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168676,"EventID":"S1W-32216","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the number of 16- to 19-year-olds that are not in education, training, or employment in the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the number of 16- to 19-year-olds that are not in education, training, or employment in the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"A range of action is in hand:

      • Dunbarton and Lomond Inclusiveness Project;
      • Pre-vocational programmes;
      • Get Ready for Work;
      • New Deal, and
      • New Futures Fund projects

      The Dunbarton and Lomond Inclusiveness project, Positive Futures, is working with a range of key partners to provide early intervention and post-school support for young people with additional support needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168677,"EventID":"S1W-32217","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the proportion of unemployed people of working age in the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to reduce the proportion of unemployed people of working age in the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on the funding and delivery of New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing partner organisations.

      There are a range of New Deal programmes available to all unemployed working age people in the East Dunbartonshire Council area who meet the qualification criteria.

      Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire also offer a variety of training opportunities as part of the Training for Work (TfW) programme. TfW is available on a voluntary basis to those aged 25 and over who have been unemployed for six months or more. Opportunities are enhanced by the JOBlink project, which has a full-time co-ordinator working exclusively in East Dunbartonshire. It is also supplemented by the Adult Recruitment and Training Credit which is available to employers recruiting unemployed TfW participants. TfW offers short, sharp courses relevant to the demands of local employers with the aim of progressing people into sustainable employment, as well as longer courses that can take up to a year.

      Since June 2001 an increased range of occupational specific training opportunities have been available to East Dunbartonshire residents.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168678,"EventID":"S1W-32218","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of support is available to East Dunbartonshire Council for public private partnership projects.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what form of support is available to East Dunbartonshire Council for public private partnership projects.","AnswerText":"East Dunbartonshire Council was awarded £125,000 in February 2001 to assist them with the cost of early investigation and feasibility study of a possible future schools public private partnership (PPP) development. The council has submitted an Outline Business Case, in line with Scottish Executive Enterprise Department Circular 8/2001, for consideration for taking forward a schools PPP project. The closing date for submissions for the second tranche of schools PPP projects is 31 December 2002.

      In terms of other support, the Scottish Executive has taken steps to assist councils undertaking schools PPP projects to become "informed clients". This has taken the form of a series of four seminars on relevant issues, with more planned, and computer-based training. Also, face to face training aimed at members of project teams will be rolled out next year.

      In addition, the Executive has commissioned Partnerships UK to undertake a Key Stage Review of each of the schools PPP projects. This will occur at two stages within the project and is intended to assure both the education authority and the Scottish Executive that the project is sufficiently well prepared at each stage to proceed through the procurement.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168679,"EventID":"S1W-32219","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to improve the health of families in East Dunbartonshire since 1997 by reducing (a) the incidence of (i) smoking, (ii) alcohol misuse and (iii)","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to improve the health of families in East Dunbartonshire since 1997 by reducing (a) the incidence of (i) smoking, (ii) alcohol misuse and (iii) poor diet and (b) mortality rates from coronary heart disease.","AnswerText":"(a)(i) Following publication of the White Paper "Smoking Kills" in 1998 the Scottish Executive allocated £1 million pounds per year to health boards across Scotland to provide smoking cessation support to priority groups. Additional Health Improvement Funding has also been available for smoking cessation services since 2001. Greater Glasgow NHS Board has allocated funding to two local health care co-operatives in the East Dunbartonshire area at Anniesland, Bearsden and Milngavie and Strathkelvin to establish intensive group support within the community. In Anniesland, Bearsden and Milngavie approximately 140 people have been successful in quitting smoking as a result of attending the service between 2001-03. In Strathkelvin 114 clients have been referred to the service since it commenced in January 2003.

      In addition to GP's, practice nurses and the intensive group support service, smoking cessation assistance is also offered at four pharmacies in the East Dunbartonshire area (two in Bishopbriggs and two in Kirkintilloch). Attendance rates are not currently available.

      Zyban has been available on prescription since June 2000 and nicotine replacement therapy since April 2001.

      (ii) The Executive's Plan for Action on alcohol problems, published in January, sets out a range of national and local measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in Scotland. The plan requires Alcohol Action Teams, including the team covering East Dunbartonshire, to assess needs in their areas and produce local prevention, education and support and treatment strategies to address these by April 2003.

      (iii) In East Dunbartonshire work is on-going to ensure healthy options are available in primary schools as part of the school lunch. Starter packs have been produced for parents of primary 1 children which give information on healthy eating and a guide to healthy choices available in school. Greater Glasgow NHS Board has also given financial support to three breakfast clubs in the area.

      (b) The Scottish Cardiac Intervention Network Project Group will oversee the coronary heart disease element of the Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy and the introduction of new treatments that should help reduce mortality.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168680,"EventID":"S1W-32220","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to achieve targets to shorten (a) treatment times and (b) waiting times in the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to achieve targets to shorten (a) treatment times and (b) waiting times in the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust area.","AnswerText":"While it is for NHS boards and trusts to effectively manage local services, the Scottish Executive remains committed to putting the policy frameworks in place and providing the resources to ensure that waiting times are kept to a minimum at each stage of the patient's journey.

      The National Waiting Times Unit is working with NHSScotland to reduce delays for patients. Since April this year, the unit has funded approximately 50 initiatives across in-patient, out-patient and day case activity to support the drive towards achieving local out-patient and national in-patient/day case targets.

      To date, the unit has allocated over £2 million to the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust. This has facilitated the transfer of 775 patients to the National Waiting Times Centre - The Golden Jubilee National Hospital at Clydebank - for orthopaedic, general surgery and ENT treatment, and the transfer of 485 patients to the private sector for orthopaedic, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and general surgery treatment. The allocation has also allowed the trust to access dermatology services at the centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168681,"EventID":"S1W-32221","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 42,000 young people in Scotland that have gone into jobs from the New Deal were from East Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 42,000 young people in Scotland that have gone into jobs from the New Deal were from East Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"New figures to the end of September 2002 were released on 28 November. These indicate that 47,000 young people in Scotland have now gone into jobs from the New Deal, of which 668 were from East Dunbartonshire.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168682,"EventID":"S1W-32222","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue to support the Highlands and Islands sheep strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to continue to support the Highlands and Islands sheep strategy.","AnswerText":"The Executive funded the first stage of this strategy, which proved to be highly successful. This initiative was featured as a case study in A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture and public funding for the next phase is being made available through Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168683,"EventID":"S1W-32223","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the achievements of the Highlands and Islands sheep strategy have been in the last two years and what targets have been set for the next two years. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the achievements of the Highlands and Islands sheep strategy have been in the last two years and what targets have been set for the next two years. ","AnswerText":"The first phase of the Highlands and Islands Sheep Strategy ended in December 2001, when the achievements were evaluated and a report produced. The evaluation concluded that there were considerable benefits through physical and genetic improvements in flocks. Future targets will be determined by a steering group made up of local representatives, including Highlands and Islands Enterprise who are funding phase 2 of the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168684,"EventID":"S1W-32224","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage more crofters and farmers to become involved in phase 2 of the Highlands and Islands sheep strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage more crofters and farmers to become involved in phase 2 of the Highlands and Islands sheep strategy.","AnswerText":"The Executive featured the Highlands and Islands Sheep Strategy in A Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture to encourage greater involvement by crofters and farmers in that area. Further funding has also been provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise who along with other partners are best placed to encourage local involvement.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168685,"EventID":"S1W-32225","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofters receiving Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme payments in the Parishes of Edderchalis, Durness, Tongue, Farr and Bettyhill in the Lairg Environment and R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofters receiving Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme payments in the Parishes of Edderchalis, Durness, Tongue, Farr and Bettyhill in the Lairg Environment and Rural Affairs Department area office area are receiving (a) more and (b) less funding than they received in 2001 and how many such crofters are receiving the basic minimum because their stocking densities are too low. ","AnswerText":"Our projections show that 62 crofts in the Parishes of Eddrachillis, Durness, Tongue, Farr and Bettyhill will receive more in 2003 than they did in 2001, and that 143 crofts will receive less than they did in 2001. Comparing projected payments against the year 2000 (the last year of Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances (HLCAs)) shows that 118 crofts will be paid more, and 87 paid less.

      It is projected that 45 crofts will receive the minimum payment. Of these, 24 will receive more in 2003 than they did in 2001, and 21 will receive less. Comparisons with 2000 show that 39 of the crofts being paid more in 2003 than in the year 2000 will receive the minimum payment, as will six crofts that are being paid less.

      The minimum payment is made if the area claimed is small, or where application of the minimum stocking density has resulted in the eligible hectares being scaled back. It is projected that 16 crofts will receive the minimum payment because of the small size of the holding, with 29 crofts receiving the minimum payment wholly as a result of the eligible hectares being scaled back.

      The figures for 2003 are projections based on the current claimant database. The final outturn will be influenced by claimant and other changes which will affect the current database.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168686,"EventID":"S1W-32226","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofters receiving Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme payments in the parishes of Edderchalis, Durness, Tongue, Farr and Bettyhill in the Lairg Environment and R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofters receiving Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme payments in the parishes of Edderchalis, Durness, Tongue, Farr and Bettyhill in the Lairg Environment and Rural Affairs Department area office area are benefiting because they keep cattle as their sole stock.","AnswerText":"Under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) rules claimants receive an uplift in their payment if 10% or more of their total livestock units consists of cattle livestock units, and a further uplift if the cattle percentage is 50% or greater. In the Parishes of Eddrachillis, Durness, Tongue, Farr and Bettyhill 14 crofts, out of a total of 205, under the LFASS 2003 scheme are projected to have 50% or greater of their livestock units in cattle, all of which have cattle only. In addition, under the LFASS 2003 scheme, 40 are projected to have over 10% and less than 50% livestock units in cattle.

      The figures for 2003 are projections based on the current claimant database. The final outturn will be influenced by claimant and other changes which will affect the current database.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168687,"EventID":"S1W-32227","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofters from the Lairg Environment and Rural Affairs Department area office area can apply for the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme multiplier because they ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many crofters from the Lairg Environment and Rural Affairs Department area office area can apply for the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme multiplier because they are keeping cattle.","AnswerText":"The additional payments within the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme for keeping cattle are designed to encourage a better balance between cattle and sheep across Scotland's Less Favoured Area. Any producer whose cattle constitute 10% or more of the total livestock units in the business is eligible for increased payments. A further increase is made when cattle constitute 50% or more of the total livestock units.

      One hundred and eleven crofts (out of 354) within the boundaries covered by the Lairg Area Office are projected to have at least 10% of their livestock units in cattle.

      The figures for 2003 are projections based on the current claimant database. The final outturn will be influenced by claimant and other changes which will affect the current database.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168688,"EventID":"S1W-32228","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/15/15 million to be invested in tackling anti-social behaviour and other local initiatives, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Prop","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #0/15/15 million to be invested in tackling anti-social behaviour and other local initiatives, as referred to in Building a Better Scotland: Spending Proposals 2003-2006: What the money buys, will be allocated to East Dunbartonshire in each year and to what projects it will be allocated.","AnswerText":"The programmes to be supported under this package of funding are still being developed. Further announcements will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168689,"EventID":"S1W-32229","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of older people in East Dunbartonshire that are able to live independently by increasing home care opportunities si","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to increase the proportion of older people in East Dunbartonshire that are able to live independently by increasing home care opportunities since 1997.","AnswerText":"Councils' expenditure on home care services is funded through the general local government settlement. Between 1997-98 and 2001-02, East Dunbartonshire Council's net expenditure on home care services increased 7.8% to £2.9 million.

      The table shows the number of clients in receipt of care at home from 1997. The figures show an upward trend for 2002.

      East Dunbartonshire Home Care Clients

      Year

      No of clients

      No of clients over 65

      1997

      1,275

      1,136

      1998

      1,207

      977

      1999

      1,010

      832

      2000

      1,022

      839

      2001

      986

      830

      2002

      1,013

      881

      Source: SEHD H1 Homecare return form.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168690,"EventID":"S1W-32230","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of older people in East Dunbartonshire received intensive home care in each year since 1996.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of older people in East Dunbartonshire received intensive home care in each year since 1996.","AnswerText":"The proportion of older people in East Dunbartonshire who receive intensive home care is shown in the following table.

      East Dunbartonshire Home Care Clients

      Year

      No. of Clients 65 and Over

      Clients Aged 65+ Receiving an Intensive1 Service Per 1,000 Population

      1998

      977

      5.9

      1999

      832

      5.8

      2000

      839

      6.5

      2001

      830

      7.0

      2002

      881

      7.8

      Note:

      1. Intensive service is defined as "more than 10 hours of home care per week\".","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168691,"EventID":"S1W-32231","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the 62 New Community School projects are located in East Dunbartonshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which of the 62 New Community School projects are located in East Dunbartonshire.","AnswerText":"Two of the New Community Schools pilot projects are located in East Dunbartonshire. One project covers St Ninian's High School, Kirkintilloch High School, Hillhead Primary School, St Flannan's Primary School and Meiklehill Nursery School. The other focuses on Campsie View School and Merkland School.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168692,"EventID":"S1W-32232","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the unemployment rates have been in East Dunbartonshire in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the unemployment rates have been in East Dunbartonshire in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The annual average residence based claimant count unemployment rates for East Dunbartonshire from 1997 to 2001 and the latest monthly data for October 2002 are shown in the following table.

      Date

      Rate*

      1997

      4.1%

      1998

      3.6%

      1999

      3.0%

      2000

      2.8%

      2001

      2.5%

      Nov 2002

      2.4%

      Note:

      *All the rates will be subject to revisions in 2003. This is because they are dependent on information from mid-year population estimates and the Labour Force Survey. Revised mid-year population estimates will become available from analysis of the 2001 census and the Labour Force Survey will then be regrossed. This will give new estimates of economic activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168693,"EventID":"S1W-32233","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been introduced for the population of the East Dunbartonshire Council area to (a) ensure a reduction in (i) the proportion of women smoking during preg","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures have been introduced for the population of the East Dunbartonshire Council area to (a) ensure a reduction in (i) the proportion of women smoking during pregnancy, (ii) the percentage of low birth-weight babies and (iii) dental decay among five-year-olds and (b) increase the proportion of women breastfeeding and whether any such measures have led to measurable improvements in these indicators in the area over the last five years.","AnswerText":"In respect of national initiatives to promote improvement in these aspects of child and maternal health, I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31706 on 27 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Provisional figures indicate that there has been a small percentage decrease in the national proportion of women who smoke during pregnancy. In East Dunbartonshire figures have remained consistent over the last three years at around 10% below the Scottish average.

      The proportion of low birthweight babies for Scotland as a whole remains consistent at 2.6% of full-term deliveries. East Dunbartonshire has been consistently lower than the national average until 2001-02 when the proportion rose by 0.9% to 3.1%.

      The proportion of women breastfeeding at birth and six to eight weeks later is slowly increasing. East Dunbartonshire has been consistently at least 8% higher than the national average.

      Figures on dental decay among children will not be available until 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168694,"EventID":"S1W-32234","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what applications it has received for additional funding within the current financial year from East Dunbartonshire Council to extend, improve, integrate and modernise ex","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what applications it has received for additional funding within the current financial year from East Dunbartonshire Council to extend, improve, integrate and modernise existing CCTV systems.","AnswerText":"We recently announced to local authorities that, in addition to the Community Safety Partnership Award Programme funding for Community Safety Partnerships to address local priorities, £2 million would be available to upgrade existing CCTV systems and to assist police forces in Scotland to introduce Automatic Number Plate Recognition Systems (ANPR). East Dunbartonshire have submitted an outline proposal to upgrade the Kirkintilloch town centre system and to undertake a feasibility study for developing a central monitoring facility. The proposal will be considered along with all others received.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168695,"EventID":"S1W-32235","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recipients of an access bursary have been domiciled in (a) East Dunbartonshire, (b) Kirkintilloch, (c) Lennoxtown, (d) Twechar, (e) Auchinairn, (f) Bis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of recipients of an access bursary have been domiciled in (a) East Dunbartonshire, (b) Kirkintilloch, (c) Lennoxtown, (d) Twechar, (e) Auchinairn, (f) Bishopbriggs, (g) Bearsden, (h) Milngavie and (i) Milton of Campsie since the bursaries were introduced.","AnswerText":"The Young Students' Bursary is provided as entitlement based on the level of parental income. Eligibility for the bursary is assessed as part of the overall assessment of eligibility for student support.

      In academic year 2001-02, there were 13,579 recipients of the Young Students' Bursary. In the current academic year, to date, 20,190 awards have been made. The following table shows the percentage of recipients domiciled in each area since the bursaries were introduced.

      Area

      Percentage

      (a) East Dunbartonshire

      2.43

      (b) Kirkintilloch

      0.65

      (c) Lennoxtown

      0.09

      (d) Twechar

      0.14

      (e) Auchinairn

      0.36

      (f) Bishopbriggs

      0.27

      (g) Bearsden

      0.59

      (h) Milngavie

      0.24

      (i) Milton of Campsie

      0.09

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168696,"EventID":"S1W-32236","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31634 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 November 2002, whether it has any figures for traffic levels on the A9 trunk road between Perth and ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31634 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 November 2002, whether it has any figures for traffic levels on the A9 trunk road between Perth and Inverness on a monthly basis.","AnswerText":"Yes, the undernoted traffic figures have been extracted from the Scottish Roads Traffic Database (SRTDb). The figures are two-way flows (i.e. northbound and southbound combined) and are shown as average daily flows for each month over the 12-month period between November 2001 and October 2002.

      There are three locations where data is not available (n/a) for all months, due to mechanical/technical faults with the recording equipment. <","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168697,"EventID":"S1W-32237","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31634 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 November 2002, whether it has any figures for the percentage of commercial vehicles and HGVs using t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31634 by Lewis Macdonald on 28 November 2002, whether it has any figures for the percentage of commercial vehicles and HGVs using the A9 trunk road between Perth and Inverness and, if so, how these figures compare with the national average for non-dual carriageway trunk roads.","AnswerText":"Yes, the Scottish Roads Traffic Database (SRTDb) has two Automatic Traffic Classifier Sites (ATCS) located on the A9 between Perth and Inverness at Birnam and Tomatin. The percentage of HGVs at these locations is 9.5% and 14.26% respectively.

      These figures are based on data collected for the 12-month period between December 2001 and November 2002.

      Information on national average HGV percentages for non-dual carriageway trunk roads is not currently published. However, a broad analysis of the information contained in the Scottish Roads Traffic Database suggests that the average figure is around 11% for Scottish Trunk Single Carriageway Roads.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168698,"EventID":"S1W-32238","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is being made available this financial year to local authorities to encourage recycling and composting.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding is being made available this financial year to local authorities to encourage recycling and composting.","AnswerText":"The Executive has allocated £16 million to the Strategic Waste Fund (SWF) in this financial year. Several local authorities have submitted bids to the Executive for implementation of Area Waste Plans and these are now being assessed against a number of criteria before awards may be made.

      However, it is clear that authorities' bids will not be sufficient to use the full £16 million allocation on specific projects, presumably because many authorities have not completed their longer term implementation plans. I therefore intend to distribute £6 million of this year's allocation between all authorities to be used on short-term recycling and composting initiatives. This will be distributed between authorities using a standard population-based local government revenue formula.

      This funding will allow local authorities to build on the good work achieved with the £3 million distributed for recycling and composting by the Executive in March 2001 and the £2.46 million which authorities have allocated this year to recycling from the Executive's Quality of Life funding. It will ensure that momentum is not lost whilst longer term implementation plans are being prepared. This would also enable local authorities, which are not yet in a position to submit long-term bids to the fund to continue to contribute towards progress on the Executive's 25% target for recycling and composting of municipal waste by 2006. My officials will be writing to individual local authorities to inform them of the funding available to them and asking them to submit proposals for the Executive's approval before funds are distributed. I will also request that funding be committed in this financial year.

      The amount allocated to each authority is outlined in the following table:

      Allocation of £6 Million for Recycling and Composting

      Location

      Nov 01

      Dec 01

      Jan 02

      Feb 02

      Mar 02

      Apr 02

      May 02

      Jun 02

      Jul 02

      Aug 02

      Sep 02

      Oct 02

      A9 Inshes (B9006) to Raigmore Interchange (A96)

      19,030

      n/a

      18,331

      19,281

      n/a

      21,721

      23,008

      23,613

      24,735

      26,138

      23,031

      21,025

      A9 Tomatin

      6,711

      6,320

      5,822

      6,361

      7,234

      7,758

      8,374

      8,913

      9,605

      10,519

      8,867

      8,186

      A9 Kerrow (A86) to Lynwilg

      (B9152)

      6,737

      6,240

      4,986

      6,687

      7,537

      7,726

      8,419

      8,987

      9,631

      10,577

      8,726

      8,197

      A9 Calvine to Dalwhinnie

      (A889)

      6,370

      5,814

      5,250

      6,206

      7,230

      7,675

      8,501

      9,156

      9,945

      10,909

      8,842

      8,136

      Council

      Allocation (£)

      Aberdeen City

      212,000

      Aberdeenshire

      376,000

      Angus

      150,000

      Argyll and Bute

      160,000

      Clackmannanshire

      50,000

      Dumfries and Galloway

      246,000

      Dundee City

      144,000

      East Ayrshire

      132,000

      East Dunbartonshire

      106,000

      East Lothian

      106,000

      East Renfrewshire

      84,000

      Edinburgh City

      446,000

      Eilean Siar

      58,000

      Falkirk

      146,000

      Fife

      374,000

      Glasgow City

      604,000

      Highland

      380,000

      Inverclyde

      82,000

      Midlothian

      86,000

      Moray

      		Scottish Agriculture - Output, Input and Income Statistics 2002. Provisional estimates for the years 2000 and 2001 can be summarised as follows.
       

      2000

      (£ million)

      2001

      (£ million)

      Cattle

      248.8

      179.5

      Sheep

      91.0

      47.5

      Milk

      1.8

      6.3

      Arable

      112.6

      97.3

      Other subsidies

      37.9

      109.9

      Total

      492.1

      440.5

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168700,"EventID":"S1W-32240","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of market support was received for agriculture in 2000-01, broken down by commodity.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of market support was received for agriculture in 2000-01, broken down by commodity.","AnswerText":"The value of indirect market support to agriculture in Scotland can be estimated by using OECD Producer Subsidy Estimates (PSE) for the EU. The calculation is dependent on assumptions about a number of factors such as exchange rates and differences between domestic and world commodity prices.

      The provisional estimate of indirect support for Scotland in 2000 (the latest year available) is £155 million. It is not currently possible to produce a reliable breakdown of this figure by commodity. However, provisionally we estimate that in 2000 the main recipients by commodity of indirect support were beef (around 38%) and milk (around 44%). These figures should be treated with caution and may be subject to revision as further information becomes available.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168701,"EventID":"S1W-32241","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many enquiries EAGA Partnership (Scotland) has received in relation to the central heating installation programme in each month of 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many enquiries EAGA Partnership (Scotland) has received in relation to the central heating installation programme in each month of 2002.","AnswerText":"This information is not collected. Information collected by Eaga about the central heating programme can be found on their website at www.eaga.co.uk/grants/scotland. Information not shown is not collected regularly.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168702,"EventID":"S1W-32242","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1860,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether EAGA Partnership (Scotland) is under any obligation to respond to enquiries from the general public in relation to the central heating installation programme with","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether EAGA Partnership (Scotland) is under any obligation to respond to enquiries from the general public in relation to the central heating installation programme within a set timescale. ","AnswerText":"The time taken for Eaga to respond depends on the kind and number of enquiries and it is not practicable to set a general time limit. Eaga answer all telephone enquiries immediately. Letters are acknowledged as soon as possible after receipt and a full reply is generally issued within another 10 working days.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168703,"EventID":"S1W-32243","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-03T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31313 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 November 2002, what monitoring it carries out to ensure that sums granted under the Public Transport","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31313 by Lewis Macdonald on 25 November 2002, what monitoring it carries out to ensure that sums granted under the Public Transport Fund (PTF), the Integrated Transport Fund and the Rural Public Passenger Grant element of the PTF are fully utilised and used for the schemes for which the sums were granted. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive monitors the progress of projects awarded grant under the Public Transport Fund, the Integrated Transport Fund and the Rural Public Passenger Grant element of the Rural Transport Fund by scrutiny of the various management returns and invoices required from the recipient of grant.

      Different monitoring procedures by the Executive are involved for each award, since different funding mechanisms are used. Awards given under the Public Transport Fund form part of the local authority non-housing capital allocation provision with local authorities issued with consent under section 94 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, and awards from the Integrated Transport Fund are given under section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 on an individual project basis. Awards in respect of the Rural Public Passenger Grant are given in the form of allocations under section 70 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to local authorities for the improvement of rural public passenger transport services in their area, without the need for detailed monitoring reports to the Executive. The internal audit procedures of local authorities ensure that funds ring-fenced for specific projects cannot be used elsewhere, unless with the prior approval of the Executive.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168704,"EventID":"S1W-32244","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Enterprise has assessed the impact of its telecommunications infrastructure programme Project ATLAS on the Scottish communications industry and, if so, h","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Enterprise has assessed the impact of its telecommunications infrastructure programme Project ATLAS on the Scottish communications industry and, if so, how many job losses it estimates the programme may result in.","AnswerText":"An independent market and economic appraisal of Project ATLAS, carried out for Scottish Enterprise, showed that Project ATLAS should benefit the communications industry in Scotland by stimulating it to supply new and inventive services using the new business park infrastructure.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168705,"EventID":"S1W-32245","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish telecommunications provider industry was excluded from bidding for Phase II of the Scottish Enterprise telecommunications infrastructure programme Pr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish telecommunications provider industry was excluded from bidding for Phase II of the Scottish Enterprise telecommunications infrastructure programme Project ATLAS to connect communication networks between Edinburgh and regional business parks and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168706,"EventID":"S1W-32246","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions Scottish Enterprise has had with the telecommunications policy division of the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the telecommunications infrastr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions Scottish Enterprise has had with the telecommunications policy division of the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the telecommunications infrastructure programme Project ATLAS and whether the project is an element of the UK policy on telecommunications infrastructure.","AnswerText":"Scottish Enterprise have analysed the Scottish telecoms market and identified a complex set of issues constraining market growth. Project ATLAS was developed to address this problem on the basis of Scottish Enterprise's economic development remit which is a devolved matter. However, both DTI and the telecoms regulator Oftel are aware of the project.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168707,"EventID":"S1W-32247","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any application for European Commission state aid for Scottish Enterprise's telecommunications infrastructure programme Project ATLAS and, if so, whet","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any application for European Commission state aid for Scottish Enterprise's telecommunications infrastructure programme Project ATLAS and, if so, whether it has received any formal approval from the Commission in response.","AnswerText":"No application has been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168708,"EventID":"S1W-32248","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ferries used by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd comply with all applicable safety regulations and, in particular, whether seating, televisions and gamin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether ferries used by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd comply with all applicable safety regulations and, in particular, whether seating, televisions and gaming machines are securely fixed to prevent the risk of serious injury.","AnswerText":"The ferries used by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd comply with all applicable safety regulations. Television and gaming machines are securely fixed. Most seating, such as reclining chairs, is securely fixed. Chairs at dining tables are loose when in use but are designed to be fixed to the tables when not in use. I understand that NorthLink is now arranging for these chairs to be fixed to the deck.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168709,"EventID":"S1W-32249","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what volume of freight traffic travels between the mainland and the northern isles annually.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what volume of freight traffic travels between the mainland and the northern isles annually.","AnswerText":"Information in the form requested is not held centrally. However, a limited picture for seaborne freight can be obtained from various tables in Scottish Transport Statistics 2002, a copy of which is available in the Parliament's Centre (Bib. number 23316). Statistics are not available in the precise form requested but the available information is shown in tables 10.3-10.6, 10.12 and 10.14. This information cannot readily be summarised given the different coverage of each of the tables.

      Information on air freight is given in the Annual Reports and Accounts for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, copies of which are also available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 22922, for the 2001-02 Annual Report).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168710,"EventID":"S1W-32250","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the post of project manager for the Parliament's opening ceremony in 2003 is not to be proceeded with and, if so, whether any costs have been incurred as a result","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the post of project manager for the Parliament's opening ceremony in 2003 is not to be proceeded with and, if so, whether any costs have been incurred as a result.","AnswerText":"My answer to question S1W-32082 on 11 December 2002, explained that the appointment of an Opening Ceremonies Manager has been put on hold. No costs have been incurred as a result.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168711,"EventID":"S1W-32251","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the final contracts for the new Parliament building at Holyrood have been let and, if so, when they were let and whether there was any cost variance to the Holyro","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the final contracts for the new Parliament building at Holyrood have been let and, if so, when they were let and whether there was any cost variance to the Holyrood project's budget as a result.","AnswerText":"One Trade Contract, for the supply and installation of signage in the new Parliament building, remains to be let. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that tenders for that package will be received and evaluated in January.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168712,"EventID":"S1W-32252","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sums have been invested in tackling drug abuse within the Highlands and Islands in each year since 1999; what plans it has to provide enhanced facilities for this pu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what sums have been invested in tackling drug abuse within the Highlands and Islands in each year since 1999; what plans it has to provide enhanced facilities for this purpose; what new facilities will be created for this purpose, and where any such facilities will be located.","AnswerText":"Details of drug specific funding at a local level is not held centrally. However, some of the information requested is available in the Corporate Action Plans of Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team; Orkney Drug, Alcohol and Smoking Action Team; Shetland Drug Action Team; the Western Isles Drug, Alcohol and Smoking Action Team; Moray Drug and Alcohol Action Team; Argyll and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Action Team, and Greater Glasgow Drug Action Team which can all be found on the national website at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/.

      Funding for drug-specific treatment services allocated to the Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team area for the years 1998-99 to 2003-04 is as follows.

      Treatment

      NHS Board

      1998-99

      (£000)

      1999-2000

      (£000)

      2000-01

      (£000)

      2001-02

      (£000)

      2002-03

      (£000)

      2003-04

      (£000)

      Highland

      86

      137

      181

      300

      414

      414

      The bulk of the funding for drugs education and for rehabilitation is made available through GAE settlement. However, additional funding for drugs specific education and rehabilitation was allocated as follows for the period 2001-02 to 2003-04.

      Drugs Education in Schools

      Council Area

      2001-02

      (£)

      Highland

      36,712

      Rehabilitation

      Council Area

      2001-02

      (£000)

      2002-03

      (£000)

      2003-04

      (£000)

      Highland

      277

      277

      277

      In addition, the following funding was allocated for drug-related work with young people and families for the years 2001-02 to 2003-04.

      Changing Children's Services Fund

      Council Area

      2001-02 to 2003-04

      (£000)

      Highland

      692

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168713,"EventID":"S1W-32253","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will relax planning rules and other regulations that govern the development of housing in locations that are sited off trunk roads.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will relax planning rules and other regulations that govern the development of housing in locations that are sited off trunk roads.","AnswerText":"Where a proposed development involves taking access from a trunk road, planning authorities are required to consult the Scottish ministers, as the trunk roads authority, in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) Order 1992. This ensures that road safety issues are fully considered.

      Should a planning authority resolve to grant planning permission contrary to advice from the trunk roads authority, or without attaching conditions which the trunk roads authority has recommended, it will be required first to notify the Scottish ministers of its decision. It is then for the Scottish ministers to decide whether the application should be called in for their determination or cleared back to the planning authority.

      We have no current plans to relax this procedure.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168714,"EventID":"S1W-32254","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for representatives of bodies representing the fishing industry to be seconded to it for the purpose of maximising its effectiveness in the impend","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will arrange for representatives of bodies representing the fishing industry to be seconded to it for the purpose of maximising its effectiveness in the impending EU negotiations. ","AnswerText":"No. Member states cannot bring representatives of their industry to a Council as part of the official delegation. I will continue to consult closely with the industry in the run-up to the Council.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168715,"EventID":"S1W-32255","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what target it has set for the number of jobs to be relocated to rural areas in each of the next five years and, if no such target has been set, whether it has any plans","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what target it has set for the number of jobs to be relocated to rural areas in each of the next five years and, if no such target has been set, whether it has any plans to do so.","AnswerText":"We have no such plans. However, in the answer given to question S1W-30915 on 25 October 2002, my colleague Mr Andy Kerr announced additional reviews which will provide further opportunities for rural areas. Organisations covered by the relocation policy will be required to identify small units of work which, following more detailed appraisal, might prove suitable for relocation to more remote areas without compromising efficiency. Circumstances of individual organisations vary and it would therefore be inappropriate to set specific targets for the number of jobs to be relocated to rural areas following these appraisals.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168716,"EventID":"S1W-32256","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the costs in relation to the Skye Bridge will have been paid in full and whether toll charges on the bridge will continue to be levied after that date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the costs in relation to the Skye Bridge will have been paid in full and whether toll charges on the bridge will continue to be levied after that date.","AnswerText":"The Executive estimates that the concessionaire will have recovered all agreed costs some 14 to 18 years after the bridge opened in 1995, that is between 2009 and 2013. The actual date depends on future traffic levels. It is our intention that tolling at the bridge will end once these costs have been recovered.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168717,"EventID":"S1W-32257","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30895 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 December 2002, why it did not state in the answer what events the (a) First Minister and (b) Minister ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30895 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 December 2002, why it did not state in the answer what events the (a) First Minister and (b) Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning have attended in support of the Friends of Scotland initiative and whether it will now provide this information.","AnswerText":"To the best of my knowledge, the First Minister has not received any personal invitations to attend events. The Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning, however, attended the launch of the initiative in November 2001, and Scottish Executive ministers are supportive of the Friends of Scotland initiative.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168718,"EventID":"S1W-32258","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the issue of top-up fees for university students and whether it has any plans to introduce a scheme, similar to that under consideration for England","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on the issue of top-up fees for university students and whether it has any plans to introduce a scheme, similar to that under consideration for England and Wales, in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Executive's policy is that institutions should not charge students top-up fees. There are no plans to introduce top-up tuition fees in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168719,"EventID":"S1W-32259","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its targets are for the reduction of household poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its targets are for the reduction of household poverty.","AnswerText":"Poverty is a complex issue and there is no single way to measure it. Poverty can be measured in terms of low income, worklessness, educational attainment, health, housing and by other means.

      The Executive's Social Justice Annual Report includes progress towards 29 milestones that tackle poverty and exclusion. These include reducing the proportions of children living in low income households and working age and older people with low incomes.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168720,"EventID":"S1W-32260","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the capital requirements of further and higher education institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the capital requirements of further and higher education institutions.","AnswerText":"The detailed assessment of the capital requirements of further and higher education institutions is a matter for individual institutions and the Scottish Funding Councils for Further and Higher Education.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168721,"EventID":"S1W-32261","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of funding is per secondary school pupil in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current level of funding is per secondary school pupil in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Information on budgeted school running costs for the current financial year was published on Thursday 5 December 2002 on the Scottish Executive website at:

      www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00217-00.asp.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168722,"EventID":"S1W-32262","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to support employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.","AnswerText":"Employment policy is reserved to the UK Government which takes the lead on funding and delivery of the New Deal. In Scotland it does this in partnership with the Scottish Executive and contributing Scottish organisations.

      Jobcentre Plus's Disability Services support people with a range of disabilities in their search for employment. This includes those with learning difficulties.

      Employment assessment and advice for a disabled person's job search is offered by:

      Disability Employment Advisers, based in Jobcentres, and

      Occupational Psychologists who specialise in working with disabled people.

      They also provide information on the range of services available. These include Work Preparation, Job Introduction Scheme, Access to Work, Workstep and New Deal for Disabled People. The New Deal for Disabled People is available on a voluntary basis across Scotland. Additionally, people who face particular disadvantage may be granted early entry to other New Deal programmes without having to complete the qualifying period of unemployment.

      Early entry to the Training for Work programme is available to a wide range of groups who are particularly disadvantaged in the labour market including people with disabilities.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168723,"EventID":"S1W-32263","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many classroom assistants are currently employed in each local authority area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many classroom assistants are currently employed in each local authority area.","AnswerText":"Details of the number of classroom assistants currently employed in each local authority area are not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168724,"EventID":"S1W-32264","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the purpose of the word \"furthering\" in the amended section 71(1)(j) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is to introduce a comparative test of sustainable developm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the purpose of the word \"furthering\" in the amended section 71(1)(j) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is to introduce a comparative test of sustainable development whereby the proposed operation by the crofting community body is compared with the existing operation and, if not, what the purpose of the word is.","AnswerText":"The amendment to section 71(1)(j) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill was not intended to introduce a comparative test of sustainable development.

      The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development explained the purpose of the amendments to the Land Reform Bill, which altered references to sustainable development, to the Justice 2 Committee on 29 October. The relevant comments are recorded at columns 1960 to 1964 of the Official Report of the 37th meeting of the Justice 2 Committee. This is available on the Parliament's website at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/official_report/cttee/just2-02/j202-3702.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168725,"EventID":"S1W-32265","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what land in Dumfries and Galloway has been purchased by it or the former Scottish Office since 1970 for the purpose of improvements to the A75 and what land has not yet ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what land in Dumfries and Galloway has been purchased by it or the former Scottish Office since 1970 for the purpose of improvements to the A75 and what land has not yet been used for that purpose and still remains in its ownership.","AnswerText":"Since the late 1970s land has been acquired and used for 13 major schemes on the A75. Listed from west to east, the schemes are the Glenluce Bypass, Newton Stewart Bypass, Blackcraig Improvement, Creetown Bypass, Gatehouse Bypass, Barluka Diversion (Twynholm Bypass), Ringford Bypass, Castle Douglas Bypass, The Glen, Dumfries Bypass, Collin Bypass, Carrutherstown to Hetland Improvement and the Annan Bypass. 31.2 hectares of land was also acquired in the early 1990s for two other schemes which failed to secure funding, at Dunragit and between Halfway and Shennanton.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168726,"EventID":"S1W-32266","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements exist for local authorities to be compensated for damage caused to non-trunk roads by traffic temporarily diverted from trunk roads due to road blockage","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements exist for local authorities to be compensated for damage caused to non-trunk roads by traffic temporarily diverted from trunk roads due to road blockages.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no arrangements for payment of compensation when traffic is diverted from trunk roads to local roads, or conversely from local roads to trunk roads, due to road blockages or other events.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168727,"EventID":"S1W-32267","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many carers have had an assessment of ability to provide care as defined by the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many carers have had an assessment of ability to provide care as defined by the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002.","AnswerText":"The Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 provides carers with an independent right to have their needs as carers assessed. This new right took effect from 1 September 2002. We are working with local authorities, COSLA and carers' organisations to develop ways to monitor the outcomes achieved for carers under the 2002 act and our Carers Strategy. This will include improved monitoring of the numbers of carers' assessments being carried out. This information is not currently being collected by authorities in a consistent way.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168728,"EventID":"S1W-32268","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 27, 28 and 29 November 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 27, 28 and 29 November 2002.","AnswerText":"I attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 27 and 28 November 2002 together with Margaret Beckett, Elliot Morley and Michael German.

      On agriculture, the Council agenda covered two main areas, food safety and the Mid-term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

      The Council reached political agreement, by qualified majority, on rules for the authorisation and labelling of genetically modified (GM) food and feed. This was a difficult discussion and the UK eventually voted against the final compromise because it contained provisions regarding the adventitious presence and labelling of GM organisms which were neither practicable nor enforceable and because of concerns about the legal base on which the proposal rested.

      There was a brief discussion about a package of measures for hygiene rules and their enforcement in relation to food of animal origin.

      The Commission gave its regular report on BSE in the EU and reported contacts with the French Government over its plans in respect of Specified Risk Material (SRM) controls on sheep spinal cord. We restated our concerns about the proposed French measures and strongly underlined our view that member states should not take unilateral action which goes beyond existing EU legal provisions and scientific advice.

      The Council continued its consideration of the Mid-term Review of the CAP, concentrating on modulation, decoupling and cross-compliance. The UK welcomed the general thrust of the Commission's proposals noting the need for them to start work quickly on the detailed legislative texts, promised by the Commission for January. We reiterated our opposition to certain features of the Commission's modulation model including its unfair redistribution of modulated funds, and gave our strong support to the principle of decoupling aid from production.

      Under other business, there were discussions on animal welfare in third countries and the situation in Spain following the sinking of the oil tanker Prestige.

      The Council also approved a state aid to Greek cotton producers.

      Ian Pearson joined the UK delegation for a bilateral meeting with Commissioner Fischler on Friday 29 November at which the Mid-term Review of the CAP was discussed.

      On fisheries, the Council agenda covered two main areas, Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform and cod and hake recovery plans.

      Discussions began on 27 November with trilateral meetings between the Commission, Presidency and each Member State. The Council discussed fisheries items in a brief plenary session on 28 November.

      In the trilateral meeting, we discussed both CFP reform and cod and hake recovery.

      On CFP reform, we reiterated our support for multi-annual management plans, relative stability (including Hague Preference), the access restrictions implicit in the six- and 12-mile limits, and the need to abolish EU subsidies for building new boats.

      On cod and hake recovery, we acknowledged the seriousness of the science and advocated a suite of measures as the appropriate response. In particular, we highlighted the unacceptable consequences of any moratorium and the need to factor in measures already implemented (such as recent decommissioning and mesh-size changes).

      In the plenary session, the Presidency concluded that work would continue with a view to decisions on both CFP reform and cod and hake recovery at the December Council.

      In the plenary session, the Commission also presented two action plans associated with the CFP reform process. One ("on the consequences of restructuring the EU fishing fleet") described the social, economic and regional implications of re-balancing the fleet in line with available fish resources, and the scope for re-orientation of EU Structural Funds to assist this process. The other ("to reduce catches and discards of unwanted fish") described the legislative, technical and economic causes of discards and some possible remedies (including the poss","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168729,"EventID":"S1W-32269","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2159,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":20,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the working group on possible legislation to tackle religious hatred.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made by the working group on possible legislation to tackle religious hatred.","AnswerText":"The group's report is being published today. In line with its recommendations, the Executive will be supporting legislation to create a statutory aggravation of religious prejudice, as tabled for consideration in the current Criminal Justice Bill by Donald Gorrie MSP. The Executive also intends to consult on the other recommendations in the report. Copies of the report have been placed in the Scottish Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168730,"EventID":"S1W-32270","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments has spent on match funding in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much each of its departments has spent on match funding in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Match funding for European Structural Funded projects is provided by the individual project sponsors, the funding for many of whom comes directly from the Scottish Executive either in whole or in part. This ensures local commitment to local priorities, accountability and value for money.

      This approach, which demonstrates additionality and commitment at the local level, has been agreed with the European Commission.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168731,"EventID":"S1W-32271","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the European Commission about establishing a solidarity fund for natural disasters.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the European Commission about establishing a solidarity fund for natural disasters.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not made any representations to the European Commission on this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168732,"EventID":"S1W-32272","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2273 by the First Minister on 21 November 2002, what meetings have taken place to explore any flexibility in the Common Agricultura","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1F-2273 by the First Minister on 21 November 2002, what meetings have taken place to explore any flexibility in the Common Agricultural Policy and European Structural Funds to assist flood prevention schemes in Moray.","AnswerText":"The investigation of funding options to assist specific flood prevention schemes is a matter for the promoter of any such scheme. Where European assistance is considered a funding option, the promoter should consult with the relevant Programme Management Executive, which for Moray Council is the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168733,"EventID":"S1W-32273","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist clinics there are for dealing with patients suffering from eating disorders; where each such clinic is located, and what the take-up rate is for these","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many specialist clinics there are for dealing with patients suffering from eating disorders; where each such clinic is located, and what the take-up rate is for these clinics as a percentage of those diagnosed with eating disorders in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"NHS boards and their partners are responsible for planning and providing services, including services for those who suffer from eating disorders, in a way that best meets local needs. The Scottish Executive Health Department has provided guidance to assist local agencies in planning such services as part of the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland.

      Most NHS boards and local authorities provide services for people who suffer from eating disorders through their mainstream Mental Health and Social Work services. In addition, there are NHS specialist adult out-patient clinics in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Information is not held centrally on services provided outside the NHS or on take-up rates for specialist clinics as a percentage of people diagnosed with eating disorders in each NHS board area.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168734,"EventID":"S1W-32274","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants are employed in the NHS to assist people suffering from eating disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many consultants are employed in the NHS to assist people suffering from eating disorders.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      Information of the numbers of psychiatrists currently employed within NHSScotland is available in tables B10 and B11 on the ISD website:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168735,"EventID":"S1W-32275","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed as suffering from (a) anorexia nervosa or (b) bulimia in each NHS board area in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed as suffering from (a) anorexia nervosa or (b) bulimia in each NHS board area in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The information requested regarding the number of people that have been diagnosed as suffering from anorexia nervosa or bulimia in each NHS board area in each of the last two years is not held centrally.

      However, information derived from the Continuous Morbidity Recording (CMR) system estimates that the number of people seen by General Practitioners in Scotland for anorexia nervosa or bulimia is as follows.

      Year

      (ending 31 December)

      Estimated Number of Patients Seen for Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia

      2000

      2,000

      2001

      1,900

      It is not possible to provide this information at health board level.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168736,"EventID":"S1W-32276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed as suffering from clinical obesity in each NHS board area in each of the last two years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diagnosed as suffering from clinical obesity in each NHS board area in each of the last two years.","AnswerText":"The total number of people diagnosed as suffering from clinical obesity is not available centrally.

      However, information derived from a representative sample of GP practices estimates the number of people seen by General Practitioners in Scotland for obesity as shown in the following table. These figures should be treated with care. A new drug for obesity was introduced in 2001 and this will have had an effect on the numbers seeking and receiving treatment.

      Year (ending 31 December)

      Estimated Number of Patients Seen for Obesity

      2000

      22,500

      2001

      32,000

      It is not possible to provide this information at health board level.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168737,"EventID":"S1W-32277","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current budget is for ensuring Scottish interests are represented in Europe and what the budget has been in each year since 1999, broken down by department.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current budget is for ensuring Scottish interests are represented in Europe and what the budget has been in each year since 1999, broken down by department.","AnswerText":"All policy ministers and a large number of officials across the Scottish Executive have some responsibility for ensuring that Scottish interests are represented in Europe. It would not, however, be possible to accurately quantify the number of officials engaged in these matters by department, nor the amount of time they or ministers spend on these issues, and it is therefore not possible to identify a specific budget for representing Scottish interests in Europe.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168738,"EventID":"S1W-32278","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the report by Philip Banks on support for school boards.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the report by Philip Banks on support for school boards.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce publication today of this independent report which was prepared for the Scottish Executive by Philip Banks, an independent consultant.

      The remit of the review was to provide information on and evaluate local authority support for school boards; to identify the needs of school boards and headteachers in terms of finance and administration, initial and continuing training, availability of information, resources and role development; to evaluate the current contribution of key agencies to meeting school boards needs, and to identify key issues for future policy consideration.

      The report, in its own words "does not propose a set of firm recommendations to address a list of neatly definable problems". Instead it "suggests a process that may be set in motion to find practical proposals to ensure the future health of parental representation in Scottish Schools" and emphasises how important it is that this review process should be both inclusive and consultative. I very much endorse these conclusions. Getting the balance and approach right for current and future generations of parents is not something that can be achieved on the basis of a limited investigation.

      Some of the report's findings relate to good practice. I have, therefore, already asked the Scottish School Board Association and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland to consider developing guidance which could be issued to local authorities and school boards to improve good practice and ensure that boards are working in the most effective way.

      Other findings, relating to the report's more fundamental "key issues for future policy consideration" will need to be reviewed in the inclusive and consultative way the report suggests. Many of these issues relate to aspects of one of the main themes running through the responses to the National Debate on Education, namely how to improve communication between schools and parents and to involve parents more in their children's education. We shall indicate how these matters are to be taken forward when we publish our response to the national debate in the new year.

      A copy of the report will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre. It will also be available on the Scottish Executive website.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168739,"EventID":"S1W-32279","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all guidance, guidelines and official circulars initiated by the Scottish Office and the Scottish Exe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre all guidance, guidelines and official circulars initiated by the Scottish Office and the Scottish Executive that are still operational in respect of pre-school centres, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and tertiary education institutions.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not place such material in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre as a matter of course. The centre can request particular publications from the Scottish Executive if requested.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168740,"EventID":"S1W-32280","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1840,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is due to publish its annual report and accounts for 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is due to publish its annual report and accounts for 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is due to publish its sixth annual report and accounts on 6 December. The report contains details of SEPA's achievements and activities during the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002, the agency's sixth year of operation. Copies of the annual report and accounts will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25348).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168741,"EventID":"S1W-32281","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1.5 million for implementation of the credit union action plan has now been allocated.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much of the #1.5 million for implementation of the credit union action plan has now been allocated.","AnswerText":"£1.1 million has now been allocated of the £1.5 million for the implementation of the credit union action plan Unlocking the Potential over the financial years 2001-02 and 2004-05.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168742,"EventID":"S1W-32282","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many credit unions have been created since the launch of the credit union action plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many credit unions have been created since the launch of the credit union action plan.","AnswerText":"Information from the Financial Services Authority indicates that five credit unions have been registered in Scotland between March 2001 and December 2002.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168743,"EventID":"S1W-32283","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are members of a credit union.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people are members of a credit union.","AnswerText":"The Financial Services Authority has indicated that in 2001 there were approximately 143,000 members of Scottish credit unions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168744,"EventID":"S1W-32284","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of credit unions are in helping to tackle poverty.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the benefits of credit unions are in helping to tackle poverty.","AnswerText":"Credit unions help to tackle poverty and financial exclusion by providing accessible savings, low cost loans and other financial services, such as home insurance.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168745,"EventID":"S1W-32285","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact on the salmon farming industry of salmon dumping on EU markets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact on the salmon farming industry of salmon dumping on EU markets.","AnswerText":"It is for the European Commission to investigate complaints about dumping on the European market.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168746,"EventID":"S1W-32286","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to introduce anti-dumping measures to protect the salmon industry in relation to farmed salmon imported to the EU.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps have been taken to introduce anti-dumping measures to protect the salmon industry in relation to farmed salmon imported to the EU.","AnswerText":"The EU/Norway salmon trade agreement has been in operation since 1997 and is currently the subject of review by the European Commission. The European Salmon Producers Group have also lodged with the Commission complaints about the dumping of farmed salmon from Chile and the Faroes and these are being investigated.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168747,"EventID":"S1W-32287","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the timescale for any forthcoming decisions by the European Commission on anti-dumping measures in relation to the importation of f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the timescale for any forthcoming decisions by the European Commission on anti-dumping measures in relation to the importation of farmed salmon into the EU.","AnswerText":"At a meeting with the Commission on 11 December the Executive was advised that the outcome of investigations into dumping of farmed salmon on the EU market should be known by the end of this year. Member states' views will then be sought on any proposed action.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168748,"EventID":"S1W-32288","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the EU review of the agreement between Norway and the EU on minimum import prices for salmon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government about the EU review of the agreement between Norway and the EU on minimum import prices for salmon.","AnswerText":"Throughout the lifetime of the present agreement the Executive has maintained a regular dialogue with the Department of Trade and Industry (which has the UK lead responsibility for anti-dumping measures) and the European Commission about the operation and review of the farmed salmon agreement.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168749,"EventID":"S1W-32289","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effect on the salmon farming industry if the agreement between the EU and Norway on minimum import prices for salmon is not renewed and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it has made of the effect on the salmon farming industry if the agreement between the EU and Norway on minimum import prices for salmon is not renewed and strengthened in 2003.","AnswerText":"The UK Government will assess and reach a view on the findings and recommendations of the Commission's review of the EU/Norway salmon trade agreement, when these are made known to member states.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168750,"EventID":"S1W-32290","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-04T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations to Her Majesty's Government in favour of compulsory registration of oil tankers that use the Minch.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make any representations to Her Majesty's Government in favour of compulsory registration of oil tankers that use the Minch.","AnswerText":"Arrangements for vessel routing and reporting are reserved. The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of maritime issues, including the ship reporting scheme for oil tankers that use the Minch.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168751,"EventID":"S1W-32291","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it has in relation to the implementation of the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant; what the impl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it has in relation to the implementation of the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant; what the implications of section B11 of Head B to schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 will be for fulfilling any such responsibilities, and what consideration it has given to paragraph 5 of the preamble of the decision which states that the \"objective set for the Union to become an area of freedom, security and justice leads to abolishing extradition between Member States and replacing it by a system of surrender between judicial authorities\".","AnswerText":"Under section B11 of Head B of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 extradition is reserved. We have considered carefully not just paragraph 5 of the Framework Decision but the document as a whole, its context and the overall effect of what it provides for. It is clear that the arrangements for the European arrest warrant (EAW), while representing a significant reduction in formalities, nevertheless involve the delivery of a fugitive from justice from one separate sovereign state to another. In our view, the arrangements clearly relate to extradition as that term is commonly understood and as it would be interpreted by the courts in connection with the reservation in the Scotland Act.

      As the subject matter of the Framework Decision for the EAW is, in our view and that of the UK Government, reserved, the responsibility for its implementation in the UK is a matter entirely for the UK Government. The Scottish Executive is co-operating fully with the UK Government to ensure that the EAW operates satisfactorily in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168752,"EventID":"S1W-32292","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, whether it drafted any amendment to the Extradition Bill relating to postponing bri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, whether it drafted any amendment to the Extradition Bill relating to postponing bringing into force the sections of the bill relating to implementation of the European arrest warrant until the European Commission's review of minimum procedural safeguards for suspects and accused was completed and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The question of postponing the bringing into force those parts of the Extradition Bill implementing the European arrest warrant pending the outcome of the European Council's review of minimum procedural standards is a policy issue for the UK Government given that the bill relates to a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168753,"EventID":"S1W-32293","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it will have for the implementation of any recommendations by the European Commission following its review of minimum procedural safeguards for susp","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it will have for the implementation of any recommendations by the European Commission following its review of minimum procedural safeguards for suspects and accused persons that have been subject to the European arrest warrant procedure. ","AnswerText":"The subject matter of the Extradition Bill is reserved. Consequently, the implementation of any recommendations which the European Commission may make about minimum procedural safeguards as they apply to those arrested on the basis of a European arrest warrant will be a matter for the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168754,"EventID":"S1W-32295","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes to Scots law will be required as a result of the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes to Scots law will be required as a result of the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"The provisions of the Extradition Act 1989 as they apply to Scotland will require to be changed in respect of extradition to the member states of the European Union and Gibraltar.

      The Framework Decision will be implemented in Scotland by means of the proposed Extradition Bill. The bill is a self-contained body of law whose provisions will otherwise have no effect on Scots law generally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168755,"EventID":"S1W-32296","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many extraditions to EU member states it has approved since May 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many extraditions to EU member states it has approved since May 1999.","AnswerText":"The extradition of one fugitive has been approved since May 1999.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168756,"EventID":"S1W-32297","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it made to the Council of Europe over the European arrest warrant before Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA came into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it made to the Council of Europe over the European arrest warrant before Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA came into force.","AnswerText":"The Framework Decision on the European arrest warrant, which was made by the Council of the European Union, was discussed at the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 16 November 2001 which I attended (as indicated in the answer given to question S1W-23450 on 11 March 2002).

      Relations with the EU are reserved and representations to the European Council are agreed with the UK Government and carried out by and through the UK Government.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168757,"EventID":"S1W-32298","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether provisions for the European arrest warrant will require legislation in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether provisions for the European arrest warrant will require legislation in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Extradition Bill makes provision for the implementation of the Framework Decision on the European arrest warrant into UK law. However, it also contains provision for rules of court to be made in Scotland by Act of Adjournal to provide for the practice and procedure to be followed in connection with proceedings under the bill. This will include proceedings relating to the execution of an EAW.

      An Act of Adjournal is secondary legislation which the High Court has the power to make.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168758,"EventID":"S1W-32299","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies it consulted on the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what bodies it consulted on the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"None, as the Framework Decision relates to a reserved matter.

      In June 2002 the Home Office issued a consultation draft of the Extradition Bill which included provisions implementing the Framework Decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168759,"EventID":"S1W-32300","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be a system of surrender between judicial authorities, as referred to in the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what it understands to be a system of surrender between judicial authorities, as referred to in the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32291 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168760,"EventID":"S1W-32301","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guarantees of the protection of their human rights suspects arrested in Scotland under a European arrest warrant would have.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guarantees of the protection of their human rights suspects arrested in Scotland under a European arrest warrant would have.","AnswerText":"Under the provisions of the Extradition Bill, as introduced in the Westminster Parliament on 14 November 2001, such persons have a right to see the arrest warrant or a copy of it as soon as practicable on request, if it is not shown to them at the time of arrest. The bill also requires such persons to be brought before a judge with power to grant bail as soon as practicable. If bail is not granted that decision can subsequently be reviewed. In addition, under clause 21 of the bill the judge is required to decide whether the extradition would breach the person's human rights and discharge the person if there would be a breach.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168761,"EventID":"S1W-32302","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it will issue to the justiciary concerning the correct identification of a suspect to be arrested under a European arrest warrant and whether corroboration ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it will issue to the justiciary concerning the correct identification of a suspect to be arrested under a European arrest warrant and whether corroboration of identity will be required before the warrant can be executed.","AnswerText":"On the issue of guidance, the independence of the judiciary is a fundamental principle of the Scottish legal system. It would be constitutionally improper for the Executive to issue guidance to the judiciary on any question relating to the interpretation of the law and the discretion of the sheriff.

      The Framework Decision on the European arrest warrant does not require the corroboration of the identity of the requested person prior to arrest. This is reflected in the procedures contained in Part 1 of the Extradition Bill.

      A person who is arrested under a European arrest warrant is brought before the sheriff. The sheriff must be satisfied that the person is the person referred to in the warrant. For the avoidance of doubt, the bill makes it clear that for this purpose, one source of evidence is sufficient to enable the sheriff to make this decision and proceed. In the event of a dispute about identity, the sheriff would require to reach a decision on the basis of the evidence available.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168762,"EventID":"S1W-32304","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children are given standard basic medical tests, such as the orthomolecular deficiency test, prior to being prescribed Ritalin.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children are given standard basic medical tests, such as the orthomolecular deficiency test, prior to being prescribed Ritalin.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Guideline 52 on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) provides clinicians with advice on the diagnostic criteria and assessments for ADHD. It is for clinicians to determine the most appropriate tests for the individual patient.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168763,"EventID":"S1W-32305","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children currently in care are being prescribed psychiatric drugs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children currently in care are being prescribed psychiatric drugs.","AnswerText":"Prescription data collected centrally are not patient-specific.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168764,"EventID":"S1W-32306","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the expert group to review models and approaches to providing services for people with alcohol-related brain damage will report and when the report will be made publ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the expert group to review models and approaches to providing services for people with alcohol-related brain damage will report and when the report will be made publicly available.","AnswerText":"The expert group expect to issue a draft report on establishing numbers and characteristics of people with alcohol-related brain damage and good models of service for consultation in April 2003. A final report is due to be submitted to the Executive in May 2003. The report will be made available on the Executive's website.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168765,"EventID":"S1W-32307","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what accountability arrangements are in place for local delivery of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems, as referred to on page 70 of the plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what accountability arrangements are in place for local delivery of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems, as referred to on page 70 of the plan.","AnswerText":"In July, the Executive issued a framework for alcohol problems three-year local action plans. This outlines the information that Alcohol Action Teams (AATs) are to include in these plans and will provide the basis for future reporting on progress and accountability. The Executive and AATs will discuss how reporting and accountability will work once local plans are received in March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168766,"EventID":"S1W-32308","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes were made to the membership of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Alcohol Misuse to ensure representation of key interests and priorities, as referred to on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what changes were made to the membership of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Alcohol Misuse to ensure representation of key interests and priorities, as referred to on page 70 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems. ","AnswerText":"The review identified gaps in young people, service user and prison interests and we have appointed representatives from Young Scot, Alcoholics Anonymous and the Scottish Prison Service to the committee to fill these gaps.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168767,"EventID":"S1W-32309","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which relevant national strategies and plans now ensure that alcohol problems are highlighted and addressed, as referred to on page 70 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol P","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which relevant national strategies and plans now ensure that alcohol problems are highlighted and addressed, as referred to on page 70 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems.","AnswerText":"Alcohol problems are highlighted and addressed in the national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide and in forthcoming guidance on working with children and families affected by substance misuse. Alcohol problems also remain an integral part of the Executive's on-going health improvement drive.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168768,"EventID":"S1W-32310","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Alcohol Misuse Co-ordinating Committee now has strategies in place to include voluntary sector, industry, community and service user interests in addressing a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Alcohol Misuse Co-ordinating Committee now has strategies in place to include voluntary sector, industry, community and service user interests in addressing alcohol problems, as referred to on page 71 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems. ","AnswerText":"Guidance was issued to NHS boards and local authorities in March on the interests that Alcohol Action Teams (AATs, formerly Alcohol Misuse Co-ordinating Committees) should bring together. This includes the voluntary sector, alcohol industry, the community and service users. AATs are due to submit local alcohol action plans by April 2003 which will detail how all interests are involved in the work of the team.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168769,"EventID":"S1W-32311","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the appointment to the new alcohol liaison post was made, as referred to on page 72 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems; who the postholder is, and what the r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the appointment to the new alcohol liaison post was made, as referred to on page 72 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems; who the postholder is, and what the remit of the post is.","AnswerText":"Mrs Barbara O'Donnell was appointed as National Alcohol Liaison Officer on 1 February 2002. Her remit is to facilitate the sharing of information and good practice between local Alcohol Action Teams and provide a link between national and local alcohol problems activity.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168770,"EventID":"S1W-32312","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the specialist networks to promote training, quality service provision and the exchange of information about good practice, as referred to ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on the specialist networks to promote training, quality service provision and the exchange of information about good practice, as referred to on page 75 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems.","AnswerText":"Alcohol Focus Scotland and the Health Education Board for Scotland have submitted a proposal to the Executive for a gender issues network on alcohol and this is currently being considered.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168771,"EventID":"S1W-32313","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the survey on substance misuse by school children aged 12-15 will be available, as referred to on page 75 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the survey on substance misuse by school children aged 12-15 will be available, as referred to on page 75 of the Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems. ","AnswerText":"National key findings from the Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey will be published in the week beginning 16 December 2002. A full national report will be published in 2003.

      Local level information will be made available to local Alcohol and Drug Action Teams by the end of January 2003 and to local authorities and NHS boards in February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168772,"EventID":"S1W-32314","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options for substitute and detoxification prescribing are offered to prisoners that have problems with drug misuse.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what options for substitute and detoxification prescribing are offered to prisoners that have problems with drug misuse.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-23837 on 20 March 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168773,"EventID":"S1W-32315","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all prisoners have access to dental treatment on a regular basis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all prisoners have access to dental treatment on a regular basis.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      All prisoners have access to dental services for both urgent and planned treatment.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168774,"EventID":"S1W-32316","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to alleviate delayed discharge since 1999 and how many patients have been discharged from hospital as a direct result of this expenditure. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been allocated to alleviate delayed discharge since 1999 and how many patients have been discharged from hospital as a direct result of this expenditure. ","AnswerText":"Health boards were allocated non-recurring spend of £19 million in 2000-01. Local authorities were allocated £10 million in GAE from 2001-02. New expenditure of £20 million was allocated to local authority and health partnerships from 2002-03 to support the Delayed Discharge Action Plan, announced on 5 March 2002. This sum rises to £30 million from 2003-04.

      All these allocations supplement existing budgets. Partnerships have been encouraged to take a whole systems approach to tackling delayed discharge, looking at how to make best use of all the resources available to them and to more effectively link together existing services, as well as developing new ones. The Executive has set a target to provide 1,000 extra places in the community in the current financial year. Partnerships are implementing Local Joint Action Plans to achieve their targets and performance will be measured at the point of the April 2003 census. It is not possible to extract from total discharge numbers those discharges funded directly from the above sums.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168775,"EventID":"S1W-32317","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland audit and monitor postcode prescribing and what action is taken where NHS trusts refuse to prescribe certain drugs and trea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland audit and monitor postcode prescribing and what action is taken where NHS trusts refuse to prescribe certain drugs and treatments. ","AnswerText":"NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from bodies such as the Health Technology Board and the Scottish Medicines Consortium and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need. Such advice and evidence is also an integral part of the development of condition-specific standards by the Clinical Standards Board for Scotland. The board's assessment of compliance with these standards, and with its overall clinical governance standards, provides an independent check that procedures are in place locally to implement relevant evidence-based guidance and recommendations.

      Any evidence that suggests that NHSScotland was not taking account of this advice or evidence would be followed up proactively by the Scottish Executive Health Department.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168776,"EventID":"S1W-32318","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what range of treatments is made available to opiate users and whether all such treatments have abstinence as their main goal.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what range of treatments is made available to opiate users and whether all such treatments have abstinence as their main goal.","AnswerText":"The range of treatments available for opiate misusers includes different forms of prescribing, for example substitute drugs, counselling and other psychosocial interventions, detoxification and alternative therapies. The various treatment options are described in Drug Misuse and Dependence - Guidelines on Clinical Management, and are also examined in the Effective Intervention Unit's research publication, A survey of NHS services for opiate dependents in Scotland, which can be found at http://www.drugmisuse.isdscotland.org/eiu/pdfs/eiu_nhs_opi.pdf.

      As indicated in the clinical guidelines, a key aim of treatment for opiate users is to \"assist the patient to remain healthy, until, with appropriate care and support, he or she can achieve a drug-free life.\" The nature and duration of the treatment are determined by health professionals in accordance with the needs of the individual patients concerned.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168777,"EventID":"S1W-32319","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all prison treatment facilities are audited and, if so, whether information from the audits is made publicly available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all prison treatment facilities are audited and, if so, whether information from the audits is made publicly available.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS accredits intervention programmes and sites where programmes are delivered. The standards are contained within the accreditation manual. Information from individual site accreditation is published in the Annual Report of the SPS Accreditation Panel. The annual report for 2001-02 is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168778,"EventID":"S1W-32320","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether diamorphine prescribed for opiate addiction is more or less effective than methadone treatment. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether diamorphine prescribed for opiate addiction is more or less effective than methadone treatment. ","AnswerText":"There have been some trials outwith the UK, focussing upon chronic heroin users, which suggest that diamorphine maintenance may be beneficial for this population of drug users. In practice, it is rare for diamorphine to be prescribed in Scotland for opiate addiction as an alternative to methadone, given the strong evidence base which exists for the effectiveness of methadone maintenance. The treatment plan is based on the clinical judgement of the medical practitioner, with regard to the needs and circumstances of the individual patient.

      The National Treatment Agency (England and Wales) is developing new guidelines on the prescribing of diamorphine, and we are already in touch with the agency so that we can consider possible application in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168779,"EventID":"S1W-32321","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting the Scottish Prison Service's addiction services to keep the misuse of illicit substances out of prisons.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is supporting the Scottish Prison Service's addiction services to keep the misuse of illicit substances out of prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS)to respond. His response is as follows:

      The SPS drug strategy, available in the Parliament's Reference Centre, sets out a coherent framework for the reduction of in-prison drug misuse. Mirroring the UK and Scottish drug strategies, this covers supply and demand reduction. These together with close liaison with the police and other agencies successfully restrict the misuse of illicit substances in prisons.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168780,"EventID":"S1W-32322","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the Scottish Prison Service's addiction services to bring substance misusing prisoners into an effective treatment process.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support it is giving to the Scottish Prison Service's addiction services to bring substance misusing prisoners into an effective treatment process.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      In line with our drug strategy, we have invested in services designed to bring substance misusing prisoners into an effective treatment process, to hold them there, and to manage effective transition to the community around release.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168781,"EventID":"S1W-32323","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently given access to diamorphine as a treatment for opiate addiction (a) in total and (b) broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients are currently given access to diamorphine as a treatment for opiate addiction (a) in total and (b) broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"While diamorphine can be administered by medical practitioners for certain conditions, prescription of the drug to treat opiate addiction requires a Home Office licence. Only one practitioner in Scotland currently holds such a licence, and he has indicated that he has not prescribed diamorphine as a treatment for opiate misuse for some time.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168782,"EventID":"S1W-32324","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure it has allocated to establish specialist expertise in the NHS for people suffering from eating disorders.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure it has allocated to establish specialist expertise in the NHS for people suffering from eating disorders.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are funded to provide a range of services in their areas, according to their assessment of local needs. We have published a detailed planning and audit tool on approaches for the best organisation of eating disorder services and this should assist boards in assessing the level of investment and expertise they require.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168783,"EventID":"S1W-32325","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of its \"One Scotland. Many Cultures\" campaign to tackle racism, the recent statement by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on sectariani","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in light of its \"One Scotland. Many Cultures\" campaign to tackle racism, the recent statement by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice on sectarianism on 7 October 2002 and its support for, for example, the Healthy Respect project, equal opportunities initiatives in schools and training at the Scottish Police College, it plans to take similar action in respect of homophobia by making statements on the issue, and on crimes motivated by homophobia, and by initiating campaigns to address homophobia in society","AnswerText":"We are committed to tackling discrimination and inequality and our Equality Strategy provides a framework for this. We are looking at how best to respond to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities and are already taking action to tackle issues across a range of areas including education and health.

      We have made a number of commitments on LGBT issues. For example, Healthy Respect's work focuses on 12 key areas one of which is \"promoting a culture of healthy respect for the lives and relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in Lothian\".

      Current Scottish Executive initiatives aimed at tackling bullying within Scottish schools include the continued funding of the Scottish Anti-Bullying Network. This offers advice and information and facilitates teachers, parents and young people sharing ideas and experiences regarding how bullying should be tackled, including bullying which is motivated by racist, sexist or homophobic attitudes.

      We are also funding research looking at the needs of LGBT communities in Scotland and funding the development of mechanisms for effective consultation and engagement. These activities will inform our thinking on wider issues and help us to look at how we can address homophobia wherever it exists.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168784,"EventID":"S1W-32326","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in view of the new arrangements to be made for the payment of benefits and allowances due to come into effect next year, whether it has made any representations to Her M","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, in view of the new arrangements to be made for the payment of benefits and allowances due to come into effect next year, whether it has made any representations to Her Majesty's Government with regard to the impact on local economies of people continuing to be able to use their local post office for the payment of benefits and allowances and, in particular, on equal treatment of banks and post offices in this respect. ","AnswerText":"The Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues and it takes a wide range of factors into account in formulating its social and economic policies. Whilst Royal Mail Group, post offices and postal services are a reserved matter, I understand that all the major banks have signed contracts with Post Office Ltd to make their own basic bank accounts accessible at post offices and that the Post Office is also in discussion with the banks about wider access to their other bank accounts.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168785,"EventID":"S1W-32327","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1791,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":18,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish a smallpox action plan for Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish a smallpox action plan for Scotland.","AnswerText":"Since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, the Scottish Executive has been working with UK Government and relevant national and local bodies to strengthen plans against any deliberate release of biological agents, including smallpox.

      We have no evidence of a specific threat of a smallpox attack on Scotland, or any other part of the UK. However, it is sensible and prudent to ensure that NHSScotland can deal effectively with any potential threat.

      There are three components to the Executive's preparation for response to a possible smallpox emergency: improved vaccine stocks, a plan of action and a cohort of immunised staff who could deal safely with any potential smallpox cases.

      Working with the UK Government, we have already taken action to substantially increase stocks of smallpox vaccine.

      The Executive is today publishing an interim plan of action for discussion and comment over the coming month. Under this plan, it is intended to establish Smallpox Response Groups on a regional basis around Scotland. They will consist typically of an infectious diseases physician, a paediatrician, a public health physician, an acute care nurse and an infection control nurse.

      This core group of perhaps 50 NHS staff in Scotland will need to be immune from smallpox and therefore able to react quickly and work safely with patients with actual or suspected smallpox. Preparations for the vaccination of these key workers are now under way. This will be on an entirely voluntary basis with informed consent. As such, while we are determined to implement these arrangements as quickly as possible, the precise numbers of health care workers to be vaccinated, and the timetable for vaccination, depend significantly upon the comments we expect following publication of the interim plan.

      The plan also explains how smallpox cases would be handled in various scenarios. The Executive's primary strategy would be to contain and \"ring vaccinate\" around any outbreak. The teams of vaccinated health care staff are central to delivering this strategy.

      These plans are a practical precaution designed to ensure that Scotland is prepared for any possible smallpox emergency. They are in line with World Health Organisation advice and will be kept under active review.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168786,"EventID":"S1W-32328","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether a condition of the contract between the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood and EMBT/","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether a condition of the contract between the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood and EMBT/RMJM Ltd is that the architects have collateral warranties from EMBT Arquitectes and RMJM Scotland Ltd.","AnswerText":"The provision of collateral warranties was not a condition of the contract with EMBT/RMJM and, therefore, such warranties have never been sought or provided.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168787,"EventID":"S1W-32329","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether EMBT/RMJM Ltd provided evidence of its professional indemnity insurance as described in the original European Journal advertisement for architectural services in ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether EMBT/RMJM Ltd provided evidence of its professional indemnity insurance as described in the original European Journal advertisement for architectural services in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168788,"EventID":"S1W-32330","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the mechanical and electrical design contract in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood was put out to tender and advertised in the ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the mechanical and electrical design contract in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood was put out to tender and advertised in the European Journal.","AnswerText":"The mechanical and electrical element of the design of the new Scottish Parliament building was part of the design competition, which was won by EMBT/RMJM Limited in July 1998. The advertisement for the competition for the Architectural Design Team was placed in the Official Journal of the European Community (OJEC) in February 1998 and shortlisted candidates were required to come forward with a proposed team, including mechanical and electrical engineers.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168789,"EventID":"S1W-32331","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the landscape design contract in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood was put out to tender and advertised in the European Journal","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the landscape design contract in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood was put out to tender and advertised in the European Journal.","AnswerText":"Landscaping design was included in the design competition for the new Scottish Parliament building, which was won by EMBT/RMJM Limited in July 1998. The advertisement for the competition for the Architectural Design Team appeared in the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC) in February 1998 and invitations to tender were issued to short listed candidates in June 1998.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168790,"EventID":"S1W-32332","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer how long after the post of planning supervisor in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood was advertised an appointment was made.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer how long after the post of planning supervisor in relation to the construction of the new Parliament building at Holyrood was advertised an appointment was made.","AnswerText":"The post of Planning Supervisor for the new Scottish Parliament building project was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Community (OJEC) on 11 February 1998. An appointment was made on 25 June 1998.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168791,"EventID":"S1W-32333","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) received any information from the Audit Committee or the Scottish Commission for Public Audit in relation to the r","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) received any information from the Audit Committee or the Scottish Commission for Public Audit in relation to the remit given by the Auditor General for Scotland (AGS) to Gardner & Theobold and the subsequent report prepared by Gardner & Theobold to the AGS which assisted in the preparation of the AGS report, The new Scottish Parliament building: An examination of the management of the Holyrood project; if so, what information the SPCB received and whether a copy of the remit and the Gardner Theobold report will be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, and whether the Commission has made any directions to the SPCB under the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000 on this matter. ","AnswerText":"No. I am informed by the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that Gardiner & Theobold were employed as consultants by Audit Scotland to assist the Auditor General for Scotland in the preparation of his report on the Holyrood Project in 2000. Any questions about their work should be addressed to the Auditor General for Scotland. Neither the Corporate Body nor the Scottish Commission for Public Audit has a locus in this matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168792,"EventID":"S1W-32334","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to Her Majesty's Government about any transfer of power to the Parliament with regard to the Crown Estates Commission and what the rea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made representations to Her Majesty's Government about any transfer of power to the Parliament with regard to the Crown Estates Commission and what the reason is for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"No such representations have been made.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168793,"EventID":"S1W-32335","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the si'e and types of habitats included in the estimates of 2% of the land area that is covered by wetland and 8.7% that is categorised as the water ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the si'e and types of habitats included in the estimates of 2% of the land area that is covered by wetland and 8.7% that is categorised as the water environment given by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development at the Transport and the Environment Committee during the Stage 2 consideration of the bill on 20 November 2002 (Official Report, c 3722).","AnswerText":"The following table taken from information contained within the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute 1988 Land Coverage Map of Scotland gives a breakdown of the size and habitats included in the estimates of 8.7% of Scotland covered by wetlands, and approximately 2% of Scotland covered by surface water.
       

      Area (km2)

      Percentage of Scotland

      All of Scotland

      78,829.54

      100

      Water (area)

      1,526.89

      1.94

      Estuary, below the normal tidal limit

      36.34

      0.05

      Total water and estuary

      1,563.23

      1.98

      Blanket bog and other peatland vegetation: erosion, no scattered trees

      2,401.09

      3.05

      Blanket bog and other peatland vegetation: erosion, scattered trees

      1.17

      0

      Blanket bog and other peatland vegetation: no erosion, no scattered trees

      3,510.74

      4.45

      Blanket bog and other peatland vegetation: no erosion, scattered trees

      55.1

      0.07

      Blanket bog and other peatland vegetations: dubh lochans

      160.65

      0.20

      Blanket bog and other peatland vegetations: industrial peat workings

      29.96

      0.04

      Blanket bog and other peatland vegetation: other peat workings

      437.5

      0.55

      Total Blanket bog:

      6,596.21

      8.37

      Undifferentiated salt marshes: no scattered trees

      61.2

      0.08

      Maritime grasslands and heaths: no scattered trees

      71.17

      0.09

      Total salt marshes, maritime grasslands and heaths

      132.37

      0.17

      Wetlands: no drains, no scattered trees

      63.5

      0.08

      Wetlands: drains, no scattered trees

      34.22

      0.04

      Wetlands: no drains, scattered trees

      25.69

      0.03

      Wetlands: drains, scattered trees

      4.04

      0.01

      Total wetlands with/without drains, with/without scattered trees

      127.45<","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168794,"EventID":"S1W-32336","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what si'e of area is underlaid by groundwater as defined in section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill; whether this area was included in th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what si'e of area is underlaid by groundwater as defined in section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill; whether this area was included in the estimate of 2% of land mass that is covered by the water environment as stated by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development at the Transport and the Environment Committee during the Stage 2 consideration of the bill on 20 November 2002 (Official Report, c 3749), and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"All of Scotland is underlaid by groundwater as defined in section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill. Therefore this was not included in the 2% figure quoted, which relates only to surface waters. While the general purposes of the bill include preventing the further deterioration of, and protecting and enhancing, the status of all aquatic ecosystems (including groundwater), groundwater bodies attract specific protections of the bill, in particular, the setting of environmental objectives and establishment of programmes of measures. What constitutes a \"body of groundwater\" is defined in section 25(1) as read with section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168795,"EventID":"S1W-32337","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether water below the surface of the ground in a peatland is groundwater, as defined in section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill, and, i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether water below the surface of the ground in a peatland is groundwater, as defined in section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill, and, if so, why the inclusion of wetlands in the definition of the water environment extends the land area covered by the bill, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development at the Transport and the Environment Committee during the Stage 2 consideration of the bill on 20 November 2002 (Official Report, c 3749).","AnswerText":"All of Scotland is underlaid by groundwater as defined in Section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill. The water below the surface of the ground in a peatland is groundwater as defined by Section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill. However, it may not be a body of water as defined in Section 25(1) which would attract the full protection of the bill. The inclusion of wetlands in the definition of the water environment and in the definition of \"body of water\" does increase the area of Scotland considered to be a body of water, and therefore afforded the full protection of the bill, including the setting of environmental objectives and establishment of programmes of measures. This obviously constitutes a major extension of the areas to which the full protection of the bill will apply.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168796,"EventID":"S1W-32338","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Environment Protection Agency can characterise, monitor and set environmental objectives for groundwater, as defined in section 3(4) of the Water Environ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Environment Protection Agency can characterise, monitor and set environmental objectives for groundwater, as defined in section 3(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill, under a wetland without characterising, monitoring and setting the environmental objectives with regard to the water needs of that wetland, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development at the Transport and the Environment Committee during the Stage 2 consideration of the bill on 20 November 2002 (Official Report, c 3749).","AnswerText":"Under the Water Environment and Water Services Bill as introduced the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will characterise, monitor and set environmental objectives for bodies of groundwater. The environmental objectives set for groundwater bodies will include ensuring that water quality or water levels do not adversely impact upon directly dependent wetlands. SEPA will have to identify those wetlands that are dependent upon groundwater bodies and ensure that they are not damaged.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168797,"EventID":"S1W-32339","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Environment Protection Agency can characterise, monitor and set environmental objectives for surface water, as defined in section 3(3) of the Water Envir","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Environment Protection Agency can characterise, monitor and set environmental objectives for surface water, as defined in section 3(3) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill, adjacent to a wetland without characterising, monitoring and setting the environmental objectives with regard to the water needs of that wetland, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development at the Transport and the Environment Committee during the Stage 2 consideration of the bill on 20 November 2002 (Official Report, c 3749).","AnswerText":"Under the Water Environment and Water Services Bill as introduced the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will characterise, monitor and set environmental objectives for bodies of surface water. The environmental objectives set for surface water bodies will include ensuring that water quality or water levels do not adversely impact upon directly dependent wetlands. SEPA will have to identify those wetlands that are dependent upon groundwater bodies and ensure that they are not damaged.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168798,"EventID":"S1W-32340","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how sections 2 to 25 of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill can afford environmental protection to wetlands that depend on other aquatic ecosystems i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how sections 2 to 25 of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill can afford environmental protection to wetlands that depend on other aquatic ecosystems if the definition of the water environment given in section 3(2) of the bill excludes such wetlands, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development at the Transport and the Environment Committee during the Stage 2 consideration of the bill on 20 November 2002 (Official Report, c 3753).","AnswerText":"The bill makes express provision that wetlands that are directly dependent upon aquatic ecosystems can be protected by the controlled activities regulations. The general purpose of part 1 of the bill is to make provision for or in connection with protection of the water environment. Section 1(2) makes clear that protection of the water environment includes preventing further deterioration of, and protecting and enhancing, the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on those aquatic ecosystems. In practise this means that any environmental objectives set for surface water and groundwater bodies will have to be set with regard to the water needs of directly dependent wetlands. In addition, section 20 provides that ministers may, by regulations, make such provision for, or in connection with, regulating any activity as they consider necessary or expedient for the protection of the water environment.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168799,"EventID":"S1W-32341","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether bog pools within blanket bogs and burns emanating from such pools or from open water within habitats adjacent to such bogs are classed as surface water and, if so","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether bog pools within blanket bogs and burns emanating from such pools or from open water within habitats adjacent to such bogs are classed as surface water and, if so, how the bog itself is not a wetland that is directly dependent on an aquatic ecosystem, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development at the Transport and the Environment Committee during the Stage 2 consideration of the bill on 20 November 2002 (Official Report, c 3756).","AnswerText":"Bog pools within blanket bogs and burns emanating from such pools or from open water with habitats adjacent to such bogs will be classed as surface water as defined in section 3(3) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill. Whether a bog or wetland is directly dependent on a body of surface water as defined in section 25(1) as read with section 3(3) is an issue for determination on a case-by-case basis during implementation of the bill.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168800,"EventID":"S1W-32342","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which provision in the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill indicates that a wetland that is directly dependent on an aquatic ecosystem constitutes surfac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which provision in the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill indicates that a wetland that is directly dependent on an aquatic ecosystem constitutes surface water given that the definition of surface water in section 3(3) of the bill makes no such reference, as referred to by the Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development to the Transport and the Environment Committee during the Stage 2 consideration of the bill on 20 November 2002 (Official Report, c 3755-6).","AnswerText":"Annex 2 of the Water Framework Directive, which is referred to in section 5(4) of the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Bill, requires that the characterisation of each river basin district in Scotland includes the identification of the location and boundaries of each body of surface water and groundwater. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency are required to carry out that characterisation by 22 December 2004. Where a wetland is directly dependent on a surface water body or a groundwater body, that wetland is likely to form part of the body of water and if so will be identified as such as part of the characterisation process.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168801,"EventID":"S1W-32343","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31536 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 28 November 2002, how many unfilled vacancies currently exist for (a) auxiliary nurses and (b) ancill","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31536 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 28 November 2002, how many unfilled vacancies currently exist for (a) auxiliary nurses and (b) ancillary related jobs, such as portering, cleaning and catering, broken down by NHS (i) trust and (ii) board area. ","AnswerText":"The information requested in part (a) is available in tables E16 / E17 of the ISD website.

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/NHSiS_resource/Workforce/workforce_statistics.htm

      The information requested in part (b) of the question is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168802,"EventID":"S1W-32344","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its announcement on 13 June 2002 on funding for central support services for money advice, what steps it has taken, or plans to take, to publicise the #50","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its announcement on 13 June 2002 on funding for central support services for money advice, what steps it has taken, or plans to take, to publicise the #500,000 it is making available for such services and what plans there are to invite organisations, other than Money Advice Scotland and Citi'ens Advice Scotland, to submit ideas or bids for projects to receive a share of this funding.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive brought together an ad hoc steering group to advise on the deployment of our £500,000 funding for central support for the provision of money advice in Scotland.

      The group consisted of networks and organisations which have considerable knowledge of the sector and which are significant providers of money advice in Scotland: Money Advice Scotland (MAS); Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS); The Federation of Information and Advice Centres; Consumer Credit Counselling Service (Scotland), and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

      The group met on one occasion to discuss and comment upon the findings of work carried out by external contractors regarding the scope and delivery methods of central support for money advice in Scotland. This meeting was minuted and members of the group received copies. There were subsequent discussions with individual members of the group.

      The group agreed that central support should focus on six priority areas:

      1. Training

      2. Secondary advice

      3. Specialist information

      4. Developing a common statistical framework

      5. Developing common standards

      6. Developing and implementing a common quality assurance framework

      On the advice of the group and from the findings of the scoping study the Executive decided that this work should be taken forward jointly by MAS and CAS, building upon the work of the Scottish Money Advice Training and Development Forum.

      MAS and CAS are now implementing the first stages (1, 2, 3 and 4 above) of this work under the banner MATRICS - Money Advice Training, Resources, Information and Consultancy Services. MAS and CAS may work with other organisations where specialist knowledge is required. The Executive is considering how to make progress on stages 5 and 6. We have not yet decided which organisations will be involved.

      An advisory group will be established and chaired by the Executive to oversee the work of MATRICS. The group will include representatives of both the money advice sector and the wider advice sector.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168803,"EventID":"S1W-32345","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had, as part of its cultural responsibilities, with Her Majesty's Government about the possibility of a \"Scottish Six\" national news progra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had, as part of its cultural responsibilities, with Her Majesty's Government about the possibility of a \"Scottish Six\" national news programme","AnswerText":"None. BBC programming and editorial decisions are entirely a matter for the BBC.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168804,"EventID":"S1W-32346","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions, as part of its cultural responsibilities, it has had with the BBC about the possibility of a \"Scottish Six\" national news programme","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions, as part of its cultural responsibilities, it has had with the BBC about the possibility of a \"Scottish Six\" national news programme","AnswerText":"None. BBC programming and editorial decisions are entirely a matter for the BBC.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168805,"EventID":"S1W-32347","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding top-up fees for university students.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions it has had with Her Majesty's Government regarding top-up fees for university students.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a range of issues.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168806,"EventID":"S1W-32348","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of its current health budget is spent on audiology services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of its current health budget is spent on audiology services.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      It is for local NHS boards and trusts to set priorities for their funding to meet the needs of residents within their area of responsibility.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168807,"EventID":"S1W-32349","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that local authorities are carrying out their responsibilities with regard to flood prevention.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that local authorities are carrying out their responsibilities with regard to flood prevention.","AnswerText":"The amendment of the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 in 1997, among other things, introduced a new duty on local authorities to publish a report every two years specifying:

      (a) any measures which the council considered it was required to take to mitigate flooding of non-agricultural land;

      (b) any measures already taken since publication of previous report, and

      (c) all occurrences of flooding of non-agricultural land since publication of previous report.

      These reports ensure that a council's actions to address flood risk are properly documented and open to local public scrutiny.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168808,"EventID":"S1W-32350","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on its \"Learn to Let Go\" campaign since the campaign began","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much it has spent on its \"Learn to Let Go\" campaign since the campaign began","AnswerText":"Spend on the Learn to Let Go campaign is as follows:

      2001-02

      £539,100

      2002-03 (to date)

      £545,000

      Part of this expenditure has been or will be offset against contributions made by public transport operators in Scotland by way of sponsorship of the campaign.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168809,"EventID":"S1W-32351","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will review its concessionary travel scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will review its concessionary travel scheme.","AnswerText":"We have commissioned research to monitor travel behaviour before and after the recent enhancements. The initial findings of this research will be presented to the Executive in June 2003, and will inform future funding decisions.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168810,"EventID":"S1W-32352","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure the future of museums and galleries.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure the future of museums and galleries.","AnswerText":"The Executive ran a three-month consultation process on the findings of the National Audit of Scotland's Museums and Galleries from 9 September to 6 December. This consultation process also included a seminar organised by the Scottish Museums Council on 4 November. The information submitted through the consultation will inform the creation of an action plan, to be published in spring 2003, providing a framework for the development of the museums and galleries sector in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168811,"EventID":"S1W-32353","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging people to cycle as an alternative to travelling by car.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is encouraging people to cycle as an alternative to travelling by car.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has adopted the targets of the UK National Cycling Strategy, to double the number of bicycle trips made between 1996 and 2002, then double that figure by 2012. This is included in the Programme for Government for Scotland.

      In order to achieve this target, additional resources have been provided to Scottish local authorities from the Public Transport Fund, which can be used for improving local cycling facilities. The Executive has also made grants to the cycle charity Sustrans to develop the National Cycle Network (NCN) in Scotland, in addition to providing works through the Trunk Roads Cycling Initiative for trunk road sections of the NCN.

      The Executive chairs the Scottish Cycle Forum, which was set up to identify opportunities for improving the cycling environment within Scotland and for encouraging bicycle use, both as a means of transport and for leisure purposes.

      Furthermore, the Executive's current travel awareness campaign, Learn to Let Go, aims to increase the number of journeys made by cycling, walking and public transport and to encourage more sensible use of the car.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168812,"EventID":"S1W-32354","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2140,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":55,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current take-up rate of influen'a vaccines is acceptable and what plans it has to increase the take-up rate of such vaccines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the current take-up rate of influen'a vaccines is acceptable and what plans it has to increase the take-up rate of such vaccines.","AnswerText":"The uptake of influenza vaccine to end October 2002 was an average of 54.3% across the country. This figure compares well to figures of 45.4% and 43.1% to end of October 2000 and 2001 respectively.

      The publicity surrounding the Executive's £12 million flu campaign is now drawing to a close but those in the field continue to work to encourage a high uptake of immunisation amongst at risk patients. The target uptake for 2002-03 is 70%.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168813,"EventID":"S1W-32355","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any difficulties exist with the future provision of waste management facilities and what plans it has to overcome any such difficulties.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any difficulties exist with the future provision of waste management facilities and what plans it has to overcome any such difficulties.","AnswerText":"The National Waste Strategy sets out the framework for making a significant change in the way that Scotland deals with its waste. Making this change will not be easy. The Executive has allocated over £230 million to the Strategic Waste Fund to assist local authorities implement the area waste plans that are currently being finalised.

      However, finance will not be the only issue faced by local authorities. The area plans will highlight the new waste facilities that will be required in future years. Planning authorities will be expected to take account of these needs in revising development plans, identifying areas where such facilities may be appropriate in land use terms. Increased recycling will also require new markets for the materials recovered. The Executive is supporting a number of initiatives to encourage the use of these materials and to develop markets so that there they have a value and recycling becomes more viable.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168814,"EventID":"S1W-32356","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Union has initiated infraction proceedings in respect of the Executive regarding waste management matters; if so, why such proceedings have been brou","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the European Union has initiated infraction proceedings in respect of the Executive regarding waste management matters; if so, why such proceedings have been brought; when they commenced; what stage they are at, and when the results of the proceedings are expected to be announced. ","AnswerText":"Five infraction cases against the UK are relevant to management of waste in Scotland:

      Waste Framework Directive (1975/442/EEC & 1991/156/EC). A Reasoned Opinion under Article 226 of the EC Treaty was received in July 2001 and the Commission took the decision to refer the case to the European Court of Justice in June 2002.

      Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC). A Reasoned Opinion was received in April 2002 and the Commission took the decision to refer the case to the European Court of Justice in June 2002.

      Hazardous Waste Directive (91/689/EEC). A Reasoned Opinion was received in July 2001 and the Commission took the decision to refer the case to the European Court of Justice in June 2002.

      Waste Oils Directive (75/439/EEC). A Reasoned Opinion was received in November 2001 and the Commission took the decision to refer the case to the European Court of Justice in June 2002.

      End of Life Vehicles Directive (00/53/EC). A Reasoned Opinion was received in October 2002.

      As these matters are the subject of legal proceedings it would not be appropriate to comment further. The Scottish Executive is unable to estimate when these proceedings will come to an end.

      In addition, the European Court of Justice ruled, on 24 January 2002, that the UK's waste management plans in 1999 were not adequate to comply with relevant provisions of the Waste Framework, Hazardous and Packaging Wastes Directives.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168815,"EventID":"S1W-32357","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1932,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increase in funding levels will be allocated to the Scottish Assigned Budget in each of the next four years as a result of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what increase in funding levels will be allocated to the Scottish Assigned Budget in each of the next four years as a result of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent announcement regarding the landfill tax. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to the landfill tax. The Chancellor of the Exchequer recently announced the UK Government's intention to consult on a proposal to increase the landfill tax escalator. He also announced changes to the landfill tax credit scheme to take effect from 1 April 2003. Around £100 million in 2003-04, rising to £110 million in 2004-05 and 2005-06, will be allocated to public spending to encourage sustainable waste management. The Executive expects the normal Barnett formula to be used in allocating funds to the Scottish Assigned Budget as a result of this announcement.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168816,"EventID":"S1W-32358","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31450 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 December 2002, which budgets within the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) are delegated to individual pris","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31450 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 December 2002, which budgets within the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) are delegated to individual prisons and other establishments within the SPS; what each such budget covers, and what expenditure relating to prisons and other establishments is budgeted for centrally","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Budgets are allocated to areas best placed to manage them at any point in time. For example, when a process is relatively new the costs may be managed centrally and then subsequently delegated. Budgets at present delegated to prisons and other establishments are set out in the table but may change from year to year and during the year. A number of areas are managed by the centre including estate development, cost of capital and some specialist functions. These can also change from year to year and during the year.

      Budgets Categories Delegated to Prisons and Other Establishments by Expenditure Heading

      Budget Category

      Description

      1. Revenue Budgets

      Sale of Goods

      Sales Value for Production

      Sale of Quarters

      General Revenue

      2. Running Cost Budgets

      Pay

      Allowances

      Overtime

      Other staff costs

      Casual Temporary Staff

      Travel and Subsistence

      Equipment Repair/Upgrade

      Equipment Renewal/Replacement

      Plant and Equipment running costs

      Maintenance and Repair of prison buildings

      Maintenance and Repair of housing

      Other repair costs

      In house teams (maintenance)

      Fuel and Public Utilities

      Stationery, Printing and Telecoms

      Training and Associated Costs

      Projects and Programmes

      Staff Related Administration Expenses

      Other General Administration Expenses

      Depreciation

      3. Other Current Expenditure

      Fees Paid

      Other Current Costs

      Victualling

      Health care

      Prisoner Related Service

      Other Supplies

      Goods for production

      Vehicle and Freight Costs

      Prisoner Earnings

      Vocational Training

      Education, Physical Education, Recreation

      Administration

      4. Capital Expenditure

      Plant and Equipment

      Minor Works

      Centrally managed budgets include headquarters, central stores and shared central services and support functions for the whole of SPS.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168817,"EventID":"S1W-32359","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-29277 and S1W-31448 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October and 3 December 2002 respectively, why the response to S1W-31448 was given by t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-29277 and S1W-31448 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 October and 3 December 2002 respectively, why the response to S1W-31448 was given by the Chief Executive of the Prison Service.","AnswerText":"The response to question S1W-31448 was given by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service because it explained the nature of the operational and contractual matter to which question S1W-29277 referred and for which the agency is responsible.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168818,"EventID":"S1W-32360","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the division of responsibilities between the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the division of responsibilities between the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), what definition is given to matters of (a) policy and (b) operation.","AnswerText":"There are no formal definitions set out in the SPS Framework document; the normal sense of the terms "policy" and "operational and contractual" therefore apply. In general terms policy matters which, are for me, include setting key performance measures and deciding the allocation of funds to the SPS and operational and contractual matters, which are for the agency, include decisions on the management of its affairs and contractual relationships with other bodies.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168819,"EventID":"S1W-32361","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the division of responsibilities between the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, where ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the division of responsibilities between the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Justice and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, where it is unclear whether a parliamentary question refers to an operational or policy matter, what procedure is used to determine who should answer the question and who determines whether the question is on an operational or a policy matter. ","AnswerText":"Any such determination would be agreed between me and the Chief Executive on a case-by-case basis.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168820,"EventID":"S1W-32362","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional resources will be made available in 2002-03 to enable local authorities to deal with contaminated and derelict land.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any additional resources will be made available in 2002-03 to enable local authorities to deal with contaminated and derelict land.","AnswerText":"The Executive announced on 10 July the allocation of £3 million of end-year flexibility funding for cleaning up derelict and contaminated land that is creating health risks or causing blight on local communities. I am pleased to say that I am able to allocate a further £0.883 million to local authorities for this purpose in 2002-03 bringing the total to £3.883 million.

      The distribution of resources is shown in the table.
       

      Allocations for 2002-03

      (£000)

      Aberdeen City

      18

      Angus

      338

      Clackmannanshire

      235

      Dundee City

      215

      East Ayrshire

      240

      East Renfrewshire

      30

      Falkirk

      164

      Fife

      120

      Glasgow City

      299

      Inverclyde

      742

      Midlothian

      182

      North Ayrshire

      315

      North Lanarkshire

      500

      Perth and Kinross

      261

      South Lanarkshire

      224

      Scotland Total

      3,883

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168821,"EventID":"S1W-32363","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many whole-time equivalent staff worked in (a) local authority, (b) private and (c) voluntary (i) residential and (ii) nursing care homes at (1) 1 March and (2) 1 Sep","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many whole-time equivalent staff worked in (a) local authority, (b) private and (c) voluntary (i) residential and (ii) nursing care homes at (1) 1 March and (2) 1 September in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following tables show the number of whole-time equivalent staff in (a) local authority, (b) private, (c) voluntary and (d) all residential care homes at 31 March broken down by local authority area. No information is available centrally for nursing homes.

      Whole-time Equivalent Staff in Local Authority Residential Care Homes

      Council

      1998

      1999

      2000

      2001

      Aberdeen City

      307

      294

      299

      231

      Aberdeenshire

      231

      235

      246

      242

      Angus

      189

      188

      139

      142

      Argyll and Bute

      149

      154

      136

      146

      Clackmannanshire

      54

      54

      56

      54

      Dumfries and Galloway

      227

      16

      16

      8

      Dundee City

      317

      297

      284

      268

      East Ayrshire

      114

      108

      108

      109

      East Dunbartonshire

      31

      45

      18

      .

      East Lothian

      109

      105

      92

      84

      East Renfrewshire

      55

      55

      52

      58

      Edinburgh, City of

      594

      569

      589

      605

      Eilean Siar

      137

      143

      152

      150

      Falkirk

      182

      171

      171

      173

      Fife

      565

      585

      615

      570

      Glasgow, City of

      962

      872<","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168822,"EventID":"S1W-32364","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1870,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many whole-time equivalent nursing staff worked in (a) local authority, (b) private and (c) voluntary (i) residential and (ii) nursing care homes at (1) 1 March and (","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many whole-time equivalent nursing staff worked in (a) local authority, (b) private and (c) voluntary (i) residential and (ii) nursing care homes at (1) 1 March and (2) 1 September in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168823,"EventID":"S1W-32365","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will enforce clauses 59 and 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill on restrictions on reporting for publications on the internet where the server on which the publication","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will enforce clauses 59 and 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill on restrictions on reporting for publications on the internet where the server on which the publication was originally made is located outside the UK.","AnswerText":"The proposed restrictions are for the purpose of preventing jurors or potential jurors in England and Wales from becoming prejudiced. As internet material could be viewed in England and Wales, the prime responsibility for dealing with the matter would lie with the authorities in England and Wales. In Scotland, the police, and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service would be responsible for dealing with any suspected offences.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168824,"EventID":"S1W-32366","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether clauses 59 and 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill can be enforced against print publications imported from other states in the European Union.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether clauses 59 and 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill can be enforced against print publications imported from other states in the European Union.","AnswerText":"The enforcement of the reporting restrictions set out in clauses 59 and 69 of the bill are subject to the offence provisions in clauses 60 and 70 respectively. Clause 60(2) and 70(2) both provide that where the publication which includes the report in contravention of the restriction is a newspaper or periodical the proprietor, editor or publisher is guilty of an offence.

      A proprietor, editor or publisher who is within the reach of the UK courts and who includes a report in contravention of the restrictions is liable to be prosecuted in the appropriate UK jurisdiction. In normal circumstances it is to be expected that that would be in a court in England or Wales.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168825,"EventID":"S1W-32367","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the final outcome has been of the bids to the second round of the Modernising Government Fund; what projects will be supported under the fund, and what the outcomes ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the final outcome has been of the bids to the second round of the Modernising Government Fund; what projects will be supported under the fund, and what the outcomes of the projects will be in improving public services. ","AnswerText":"I had previously announced to Parliament in May that the second round of the Modernising Government Fund had up to £30 million at its disposal. The challenge was for public sector bodies to use this fund to work together and form partnerships that would deliver Scotland-wide solutions to modernise our public services.

      I am pleased to announce today that the public sector across all of Scotland has reacted positively to this challenge, bringing forward proposals costing some £39.5 million. These proposals are cross-cutting and will support key policy objectives at both the national level and the local level. For that reason I have been able to look across the Executive and bring in £9.5 million of additional funding; underpinning the Executive's commitment to joined-up working and joined-up services.

      The key outcome is a co-ordinated approach to service delivery including:

      • joint working between the health department and local authorities for the secure sharing of health and social work information, helping to deliver a single shared assessment process for elderly and children's services and reducing the need for multiple interventions;
      • a 32 council partnership to develop youth services and a young persons smartcard and employing young people themselves in delivering services in a way that is meaningful to young people;
      • a partnership of 21 councils will be working together to improve how they deliver services, to speed up customer transactions and to deliver better - measurable - outcomes for customers;
      • a further 11 councils will lead the way in developing a Scotland-wide electronic citizen's card to improve access to education and transport services, and

      a local authority-led public sector partnership to deliver a standardised land and property database, reducing multiple records and helping to improve land and property management across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168826,"EventID":"S1W-32368","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2185,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Ministers will, under the Building (Scotland) Bill, be able to require that improvements be made, to a level no higher than that required by building st","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Ministers will, under the Building (Scotland) Bill, be able to require that improvements be made, to a level no higher than that required by building standards, in an existing building or class of buildings where there is a clear public health and safety interest or other interest such as energy efficiency, or as a result of European legislation or where repairs are needed in case of damage caused by flood or storm, as referred to in section 17.1 of its consultation paper, Improving Building Standards: Proposals.","AnswerText":"Yes. The relevant powers are set out in section 22 of the Building (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168827,"EventID":"S1W-32369","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission report 187 by extending to siblings the title to sue for non-patrimo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission report 187 by extending to siblings the title to sue for non-patrimonial loss under the Damages (Scotland) Act 1976.","AnswerText":"The Executive is examining the content of the Scottish Law Commission report 187 and considering what the next step should be in the light of the commission's recommendations. The proposal to extend the title to sue for non-patrimonial loss under the Damages (Scotland) Act 1976 to siblings and others with close ties to the deceased is likely to form part of a wider consultation on damages that is planned for 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168828,"EventID":"S1W-32370","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations are represented on the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which organisations are represented on the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32344 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168829,"EventID":"S1W-32371","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to decide which organisations should be represented on the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria were used to decide which organisations should be represented on the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32344 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168830,"EventID":"S1W-32372","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether membership of the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice is open to organisations and groups providing money, debt and legal advice to debtors other ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether membership of the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice is open to organisations and groups providing money, debt and legal advice to debtors other than those already represented on the group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32344 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168831,"EventID":"S1W-32373","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice meets and whether the minutes of its meetings are made publicly available. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how often the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice meets and whether the minutes of its meetings are made publicly available. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32344 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168832,"EventID":"S1W-32374","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to consult organisations and groups providing money, debt and legal advice with regard to the provision of central money advice support functi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to consult organisations and groups providing money, debt and legal advice with regard to the provision of central money advice support functions, other than with those organisations represented on the Steering Group on Central Support for Money Advice. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32344 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168833,"EventID":"S1W-32375","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-05T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31101 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002 and in the light of the statement by the Governor of HM Prison Low Moss that the governo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31101 by Mr Jim Wallace on 8 November 2002 and in the light of the statement by the Governor of HM Prison Low Moss that the governor had commissioned research that will consider the incidents in 2002 as well as all the incidents that occurred in 2001 and establish whether any strands run through them (Official Report, Justice 1 Committee, 30 April 2002, c 3513), whether the research was indeed commissioned and, if so, why the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service is not aware of it and when the research will be published.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No formal research study was commissioned. The Governor of HM Prison Low Moss was referring to internal post incident debriefings which take place following incidents. [These debriefings do not lead to research reports.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168834,"EventID":"S1W-32376","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued to NHS boards on the provision of chiropody services to older people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidelines are issued to NHS boards on the provision of chiropody services to older people.","AnswerText":"The group responsible for implementing the report of the Chief Medical Officer's Expert Group on Older People Adding Life to Years, is considering the most effective way of taking forward the recommendation that older people should have access to appropriate members of the health care team and that the present routine screening of over 75s should be reviewed in order to increase the focus on problems which really matter to older people, such as poor footcare. Older patients have the most to gain from good multidisciplinary rehabilitation in hospital and at home.

      It is the responsibility of local NHS systems to consider the needs of older people when planning and developing local services.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168835,"EventID":"S1W-32377","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of older people received chiropody services in each of the last three years for which records are available.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of older people received chiropody services in each of the last three years for which records are available.","AnswerText":"Routine footcare may be provided by a range of health care practitioners including footcare assistants, health care assistants and nursing staff as well as state registered podiatrists.

      Information on hospital-based chiropody services is not collected centrally by age. The information collected centrally on community-based services is not robust because of differences in collection systems and interpretation of definitions and is not routinely published. Information on the level of services provided by the private sector is not held centrally.

      The Allied Health Professions Officer for Scotland is currently taking forward the development of a dataset for the Allied Health Professions with ISD(S).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168836,"EventID":"S1W-32378","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether access to NHS chiropody services for older people has been reduced in the last three years or is to be reduced in 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether access to NHS chiropody services for older people has been reduced in the last three years or is to be reduced in 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32377 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168837,"EventID":"S1W-32379","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that older people in need of chiropody services have access to such services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to ensure that older people in need of chiropody services have access to such services.","AnswerText":"It is for local NHS systems to determine the range and level of services to be provided in accordance with the health needs of the population and national and local priorities for NHSScotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168838,"EventID":"S1W-32380","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to limit particulate matter emissions from non-road heavy-duty diesel engines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it has taken to limit particulate matter emissions from non-road heavy-duty diesel engines.","AnswerText":"Action to limit emissions from non-road heavy duty engines has been taken through the introduction of EU Directive 97/68/EC. The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to the directive.

      The directive sets mandatory emissions standards which must be met by all new non-road diesel engines in the 18-560kW power range. These standards regulate emissions of a number of pollutants including particulates. The directive is implemented in the United Kingdom by the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Emission of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants) Regulations 1999. The regulations are enforced by the Vehicle Certification Agency.

      Emissions from non-road diesel heavy duty engines will decrease over time as the proportion of the fleet meeting the tighter emission standards increases.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168839,"EventID":"S1W-32381","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what limits there are on the use of (a) non-road and (b) road heavy-duty diesel engines.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what limits there are on the use of (a) non-road and (b) road heavy-duty diesel engines.","AnswerText":"New diesel engines for use both in road vehicles and non-road equipment have to comply with mandatory emission standards specified in European Directives as part of the type approval process. In addition, on-road heavy goods vehicles have to pass an annual roadworthiness inspection. This inspection includes a smoke test as a check that their engines are properly maintained. There are no similar inspections for non-road machinery.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168840,"EventID":"S1W-32382","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect non-road heavy-duty diesel engines have on air quality.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what effect non-road heavy-duty diesel engines have on air quality.","AnswerText":"All diesel engines emit particulates (PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can affect human health and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone. In 2000 it was estimated that, for the UK, diesel engined off-road vehicles and machinery >50kW used in construction, mining and quarrying accounted for only 0.88% of NOx emissions, 0.71% of PM10 emissions and 0.1% of CO emissions. In specific areas with mining, quarrying and construction activity the contribution of these sources to local air quality will be higher.

      Local authorities are required to carry out regular reviews and assessments of air quality within their areas, and where an air quality objective is unlikely to be met by the relevant attainment date, to declare an Air Quality Management Area. All Scottish local authorities in Scotland have completed the first stage of the review and assessment process and no authority has indicated any possible exceedence of the air quality objectives in areas with mining, quarrying or construction activity. A further review and assessment exercise will begin in early 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168841,"EventID":"S1W-32383","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no national air quality standard on formaldehyde emissions; whether there are any plans to introduce one, and what the reasons are for its position on this m","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no national air quality standard on formaldehyde emissions; whether there are any plans to introduce one, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales sets objectives directed at outdoor concentrations of priority air pollutants. Following advice from the Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards, standards and objectives for eight air pollutant have been established. Outdoor concentrations of formaldehyde in the UK are generally very low and in keeping with the World Health Organisation guideline value (0.08 ppm). This pollutant is therefore not included in the Air Quality Strategy.

      Formaldehyde belongs to a group of pollutants known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), for which the National Emission Ceilings Directive (Council Directive 2001/81/EC) sets emission ceilings for each member state to be achieved by 2010.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168842,"EventID":"S1W-32385","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any international air quality standards on formaldehyde emissions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any international air quality standards on formaldehyde emissions.","AnswerText":"The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides guidelines on ambient exposure to formaldehyde. The WHO states that: "With regard to atmospheric exposure limit values for odour and sensory irritation for the general population and the non-industrial indoor environment, formaldehyde concentrations should not exceed 0.08 ppm. In the case of specially sensitive groups that show hypersensitivity reactions without immunological signs, formaldehyde concentrations should be kept to a minimum and should not exceed 0.008 ppm."

      Formaldehyde belongs to a group of pollutants known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), for which the national emission ceilings directive (Council Directive 2001/81/EC) sets emission ceilings for each member state to be achieved by 2010.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168843,"EventID":"S1W-32386","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to review the list of substances covered by existing air quality legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to review the list of substances covered by existing air quality legislation.","AnswerText":"The pollutants covered by existing air quality legislation are outlined in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A review of the strategy, taking into account the latest technical and health-based evidence, was completed earlier this year. This resulted in the introduction of tighter objectives for benzene, carbon monoxide and particles, and a new objective for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Although the strategy is reviewed on a regular basis, there are no plans for a further review in the immediate future.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168844,"EventID":"S1W-32387","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the responsibilities of (a) local authorities and (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are in monitoring emissions of particulate matter and airborne dust ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the responsibilities of (a) local authorities and (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are in monitoring emissions of particulate matter and airborne dust from opencast coal sites.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for controlling dust under the statutory nuisance provisions of the Clean Air Act 1993, where no prescribed activity is taking place. Local authorities are also responsible, under the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales (AQS), for reviewing and assessing air quality in their areas against the air quality objectives of the AQS. They are also expected to take account of the assessment framework recommended in the UK Government sponsored research Do Particulates from Opencast Coal Mining Impair Children's Respiratory Health? when considering proposals for new sites, or extensions and modifications to existing sites.

      The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA)1990, Part I and the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) (Scotland) Regulations 2000, to regulate the prescribed activities which are undertaken at opencast coal sites. SEPA's main concern is to prevent, minimise or, where this is not practicable, render harmless all emissions of coal dust. This is achieved by means of an authorisation (under EPA 1990) or permit (under PPC 2000), which is issued to relevant opencast sites by SEPA. The authorisation/permit contains conditions, which allow for control of dust when carrying on the prescribed process or prescribed activity.

      Section 81 of the Environment Act 1995 also requires SEPA to have regard to the AQS. Through this mechanism, SEPA will have regard to local air quality management and will consider any objectives set out in the AQS when carrying out its functions and duties.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168845,"EventID":"S1W-32388","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail each occasion on which particulate matter 10 emissions have exceeded the stated levels in each of the last three years and what action was taken on","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail each occasion on which particulate matter 10 emissions have exceeded the stated levels in each of the last three years and what action was taken on each such occasion.","AnswerText":"The current air quality objectives for PM10 are:

      a 24-hour mean of 50mg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year, and

      an annual mean of 40mg/m3.

      Both objectives are to be achieved by 31 December 2004.

      The information requested on exceedences is given in the following table for the 24-hour mean objective for the five national monitoring network sites in Scotland.
       

      2000

      2001

      20021

      Aberdeen

      3

      2

      2

      Edinburgh Centre

      5

      11

      15

      Glasgow Centre

      27

      13

      3

      Glasgow Kerbside

      23

      36

      26

      Grangemouth2

      -

      4

      4

      Notes:

      1. Data for 2002 are provisional and still subject to confirmation.

      2. 2001 is the first year for which Grangemouth data are available.

      No action was taken with regard to the 2001 exceedences at Glasgow Kerbside because the 24-hour objective does not apply to kerbside sites. These sites are intended to represent a worst case scenario. Most monitoring sites are set back from the kerb and are a more accurate indicator of typical public exposure. In any case, it is predicted that the objective will be met at Glasgow Kerbside by the required date.

      No exceedences of the annual objective have been recorded in the last three years.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168846,"EventID":"S1W-32389","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers (a) local authorities and (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have to take action when particulate matter 10 emissions exceed stated air qua","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what powers (a) local authorities and (b) the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have to take action when particulate matter 10 emissions exceed stated air quality levels.","AnswerText":"All local authorities in Scotland have a duty under the Environment Act 1995 to review and assess air quality in their areas against the air quality objectives, including those for particulate matter 10, contained in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If this exercise shows that any of the objectives is unlikely to be met by the required dates, the authority must take steps to work towards the objectives concerned by declaring an Air Quality Management Area and drawing up an air quality action plan.

      SEPA has responsibility for ensuring compliance with any particulate emissions arising as a result of any prescribed process or activity under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000. In addition, under the 1995 act SEPA, acting with the approval of Scottish ministers, may issue directions to a local authority if it appears that the authority is failing to discharge any duty imposed on it by the 1995 act in relation to air quality.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168847,"EventID":"S1W-32390","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31797 by Lewis Macdonald on 4 December 2002, why it did not detail any discussions it has had with British Airways and Loganair abo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31797 by Lewis Macdonald on 4 December 2002, why it did not detail any discussions it has had with British Airways and Loganair about their internal (a) Scottish and (b) Highlands and Islands routes with specific regard to the Route Development Fund for air routes announced on 16 November 2002 and whether it will now do so.","AnswerText":"Officials are currently developing the detail of the Interim Route Development Fund in partnership with the appropriate agencies and airport operators. Discussions take place with airlines on an on-going basis covering a number of issues including route development.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168848,"EventID":"S1W-32391","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of (a) children and (b) adults identified as suffering from an autistic spectrum disorder has reduced or increased over the last three years and wheth","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the number of (a) children and (b) adults identified as suffering from an autistic spectrum disorder has reduced or increased over the last three years and whether the numbers are projected to increase or decrease over the next three years.","AnswerText":"Greater numbers of people are being recognised as having autistic spectrum disorders. Comprehensive information on the number of people identified with this condition is not available. The information which is available nationally from general practices is based on a small sample only of practices, and estimates of the prevalence of relatively uncommon conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder cannot be reliably derived. As such, this information cannot be used to provide accurate projections for the immediate future.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168849,"EventID":"S1W-32392","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the future is of the Vale of Leven Hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the future is of the Vale of Leven Hospital.","AnswerText":"I expect to see health care services continuing to be provided at Vale of Leven Hospital. The future balance of services at the hospital is primarily a matter for the NHS Argyll and Clyde Board, in the context of the needs of service users, Health Department guidance and the board's planned review of health care services generally across the area it serves. Any proposals for material and permanent change to existing services must be the subject of public consultation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168850,"EventID":"S1W-32393","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5965 by Nicol Stephen on 28 November 2002, whether a deadline has been set for collating the details from local authorities on thei","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-5965 by Nicol Stephen on 28 November 2002, whether a deadline has been set for collating the details from local authorities on their language learning provision and whether it will publish this information once collated and, if so, how.","AnswerText":"The Executive has asked the 32 local authorities to supply the details of their language learning provision by 31 January 2003. This will be an annual task to monitor the implementation of the entitlement to language education in Scottish schools. Arrangements will be made to publish this information.

      The information gathered relating to the innovative projects in language learning will also be published in due course.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168851,"EventID":"S1W-32394","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is to support (a) brain malfunction caused by biochemical imbalance or (b) genetic heritability being causal factors of attention deficit hyperactivi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence there is to support (a) brain malfunction caused by biochemical imbalance or (b) genetic heritability being causal factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","AnswerText":"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a complex condition that has been and continues to be the subject of a considerable body of research worldwide. While it is theorised that the condition may be linked to an imbalance of dopamine in the brain which may be due to a faulty gene or combination of genes, there is no definitive proof that these are the only causal factors. Environmental and other factors may also be involved.

      The Department of Health in England maintains a National Research Register with details of all on-going and recent research into a wide variety of medical conditions including ADHD. This is available on regularly updated CD-ROM in the Parliament's Reference Centre and online at:

      http://www.update-software.com/nrr/CLIBINET.EXE?A=1&U=1001&P=10001","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168852,"EventID":"S1W-32395","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received on the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between membe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legal advice it has received on the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between member states with regard to its implementation in Scots law and the powers it has with regard to the implementation of the decision.","AnswerText":"We have been advised that the subject matter of the framework decision is reserved. Its implementation is therefore a matter entirely for the UK Government.

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32291 on 16 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168853,"EventID":"S1W-32396","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek legal advice on the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between membe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek legal advice on the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between member states with regard to its implementation in Scots law and the powers it has with regard to the implementation of the Decision.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32395 on 9 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168854,"EventID":"S1W-32397","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, what steps it has taken, in drafting amendments to the Extradition Bill, to ensure ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, what steps it has taken, in drafting amendments to the Extradition Bill, to ensure protections equivalent to the 110-day rule or the English writ of habeas corpus in trials of persons arrested using the European arrest warrant procedure.","AnswerText":"None. I would refer the member to the provisions of the Council of the European Union Framework Decision on the European arrest warrant (EAW) about time limits and procedures for the execution of the EAW which are being implemented by means of the Extradition Bill. These provide for a timescale of a maximum 70 days, or exceptionally 100 days, from arrest to surrender. Where a fugitive consents to his return the timescale will be much shorter.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168855,"EventID":"S1W-32398","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, whether, in drafting amendments to the Extradition Bill, it sought to postpone brin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, whether, in drafting amendments to the Extradition Bill, it sought to postpone bringing into force the clauses of the bill relating to implementation of the European arrest warrant until common standards with regard to the presumption of innocence have been adopted across the European Union and common standards with regard to the (a) right to legal advice and representation, (b) rules of evidence and (c) practice of custodial remands have been established and applied across the countries to which the European arrest warrant applies and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.","AnswerText":"The question of postponing the bringing into force of any part of the Extradition Bill for any reason is a policy issue for the UK Government given that the bill relates to a reserved matter.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168856,"EventID":"S1W-32399","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, whether, in drafting amendments to the Extradition Bill, its officials played a rol","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, whether, in drafting amendments to the Extradition Bill, its officials played a role in drafting clauses 7(6), 76(2), 83(7) and 85(7) and, if so, what specific work they carried out on these clauses.","AnswerText":"Executive officials considered the provisions in clauses 7, 76, 83 and 85 for England and Wales and, given that the bill provides for a legislative framework which should, so far as is possible, provide consistent law throughout the UK, instructed provisions that were comparable for Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168857,"EventID":"S1W-32400","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, what legal advice it received, in preparing amendments to the Extradition Bill, wit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, what legal advice it received, in preparing amendments to the Extradition Bill, with regard to the removal of the requirement in Scots law of corroboration of the identity of the accused for the implementation of the European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"Legal advice was obtained as appropriate to ensure that the bill made it clear that, in line with the rest of the United Kingdom, corroboration was not required in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168858,"EventID":"S1W-32401","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any representations have been made to it on the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and, if so, what representa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any representations have been made to it on the European Union Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and, if so, what representations it has received and from whom.","AnswerText":"No such representations have been received. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32404 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168859,"EventID":"S1W-32402","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has concerning the application of minimum procedural standards throughout the European Union in relation to the European arrest warrant in order to i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has concerning the application of minimum procedural standards throughout the European Union in relation to the European arrest warrant in order to inform its own practice.","AnswerText":"None. We understand that the European Commission is undertaking a review of procedural safeguards for suspects and defendants in criminal proceedings, that the review is continuing, and that it is the intention of the Commission to issue a green paper on the subject sometime in the new year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168860,"EventID":"S1W-32403","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has had concerning the protection of the human rights of suspects arrested under a European arrest warrant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has had concerning the protection of the human rights of suspects arrested under a European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"No such representations have been received.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168861,"EventID":"S1W-32404","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received concerning the protection afforded by the 110-day rule, or its equivalent, for suspects arrested under a European arrest warrant.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received concerning the protection afforded by the 110-day rule, or its equivalent, for suspects arrested under a European arrest warrant.","AnswerText":"Whilst some members have raised in questions and debate the issue of the 110-day rule for suspects arrested under the European arrest warrant, no specific representations have been received on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168862,"EventID":"S1W-32405","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the future needs assessment process is generally more effective and specifically more flexible and responsive to the needs of indi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that the future needs assessment process is generally more effective and specifically more flexible and responsive to the needs of individual children","AnswerText":"As part of the review of the assessment and recording system for children and young people with special educational needs, proposals for change will be published in a draft bill early next year and this will be for public consultation.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168863,"EventID":"S1W-32406","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to begin the future needs assessment process earlier than at the age of 14 to ensure a smooth transition from school to further education or empl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to begin the future needs assessment process earlier than at the age of 14 to ensure a smooth transition from school to further education or employment for young people with autistic spectrum disorders.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32405 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168864,"EventID":"S1W-32407","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children likely to have significant difficulties in post-school transition will have the opportunity to undergo multi-agency future needs assessments.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all children likely to have significant difficulties in post-school transition will have the opportunity to undergo multi-agency future needs assessments.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32405 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168865,"EventID":"S1W-32408","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all young people from the age of 14 have the option of a personal life plan.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that all young people from the age of 14 have the option of a personal life plan.","AnswerText":"Personal life plans were proposed as a new form of assessment in The same as you? review of services for people with learning disabilities. The review recommended that everyone with a learning disability who wants to, should be able to have a personal life plan, and that the local area co-ordinator will be responsible for making sure this happens.

      The Scottish Executive issued advice on the appointment of local area co-ordinators to all local authorities and NHS boards in October this year. This set out a framework of key outcomes for local area co-ordination, one of which is the availability of personal life plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168866,"EventID":"S1W-32409","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children with an open Record of Needs have had a future needs assessment in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children with an open Record of Needs have had a future needs assessment in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, current legislation provides for pupils with Records of Needs to have a future needs assessment between the ages of 14 and 15 years and three months. According to the 2001 School Census a total of 16,137 pupils have a Record of Needs.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168867,"EventID":"S1W-32410","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to carry out more research on the numbers, circumstances and experiences of young people with disabilities leaving care homes and on the transiti","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to carry out more research on the numbers, circumstances and experiences of young people with disabilities leaving care homes and on the transition experiences of those leaving residential schools.","AnswerText":"Work is going on across the Scottish Executive to gather information on children and young people with disabilities in order to establish areas of need, and consider how these can be addressed. This will include young people with disabilities who have been looked after.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168868,"EventID":"S1W-32411","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure the smooth transition of young people with a disability to adult social work and health services.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure the smooth transition of young people with a disability to adult social work and health services.","AnswerText":"Aspects of transition should be addressed within current arrangements for Future Needs Assessment for Children with Records of Need so that provision for social and health care or therapies is agreed with adult services when necessary. The Scottish Executive is collecting data on all young people with disabilities to identify need and to consider potential approaches.

      Specific work is being done on a number of fronts to ensure smooth transition.

      The Scottish Executive provided funding of £180,000 through its Innovation Fund for Children's Services for projects in Ayrshire and Arran, Forth Valley and Lanarkshire designed to smooth the transition from child to adult health services for people with disabilities. The Forth Valley project produced guidelines for health professionals on smoothing the transition between child and adult services for people with a learning disability, which are available on SHOW (Scottish Health on the Web).

      The answer given to question S1W-32408 today, also gives an outline of initiatives in respect of people with learning disabilities. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168869,"EventID":"S1W-32412","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance or support is available to parents of young disabled people that wish to modify their family home to facilitate the transition process to adult","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what financial assistance or support is available to parents of young disabled people that wish to modify their family home to facilitate the transition process to adulthood.","AnswerText":"I have asked Mr Bob Millar, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Financial assistance is available towards the costs of adaptations to the home of a permanent nature (e.g. special bathing arrangements) and for the provision of specialist aids and equipment (e.g. removable stair lifts). In the case of privately rented or owner occupied housing the landlord or owner occupier is expected to meet the costs of adaptations to the home but may be eligible for grant aid from the local authority.

      Support and advice on all cases is provided by the Social Work Departments of local authorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168870,"EventID":"S1W-32413","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been called in as a result of a local authority notification of interest in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been called in as a result of a local authority notification of interest in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table.

      Year

      Number of Planning Applications Notified due to Local Authority Interest*

      Number Called In for Determination by the Scottish Ministers

      2002 (to date)

      97

      2

      2001

      101

      11

      2000

      85

      6

      1999

      101

      6

      1998

      93

      3

      Source: Scottish Executive Development Department.

      Note:

      *Referred to the Scottish ministers under the terms of paragraph 16 of the Town and Country Planning (Notification of Applications) (Scotland) Direction 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168871,"EventID":"S1W-32414","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been called in as a result of a local authority notification of intention to depart from a development plan in each of the last five y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been called in as a result of a local authority notification of intention to depart from a development plan in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in the following table.

      Year

      Number of Planning Applications Notified as Departures from the Development Plan*

      Number Called In for Determination by the Scottish Ministers

      2002 (to date)

      18

      5

      2001

      18

      6

      2000

      34

      9

      1999

      47

      18

      1998

      22

      3

      Source: Scottish Executive Development Department.

      Note:

      *Referred to the Scottish ministers under the terms of paragraph 8 of the Town and Country Planning (Notification of Applications) (Scotland) Direction 1997.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168872,"EventID":"S1W-32415","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been subject to appeal by developers in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications have been subject to appeal by developers in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to distinguish between types of developer. The following information therefore relates to all planning permission appeals received in each of the last five business years.

      1997-98

      711

      1998-99

      743

      1999-2000

      650

      2000-01

      678

      2001-02

      574

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168873,"EventID":"S1W-32416","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of planning application appeals by developers were successful in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of planning application appeals by developers were successful in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"It is not possible to distinguish between types of developer. The following information therefore relates to all planning permission appeals decided in each of the last five business years.

      1997-98

      38%

      1998-99

      30%

      1999-2000

      34%

      2000-01

      35%

      2001-02

      38%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168874,"EventID":"S1W-32417","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful the credit union action plan has been to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how successful the credit union action plan has been to date.","AnswerText":"The aim of the action plan is to remove barriers to credit union growth and ensure credit unions have access to support and development services. To date, the Executive's funding is providing support through compliance training, health checks and business planning. Funding has also been provided for capacity building that will help credit unions to extend their membership and the services they offer. We are currently monitoring the outcomes of the Executive's investment.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168875,"EventID":"S1W-32418","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the bid document forming the basis for the sums allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council under the Public Transport Fund, announced on 14 November 2002, included ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the bid document forming the basis for the sums allocated to East Dunbartonshire Council under the Public Transport Fund, announced on 14 November 2002, included any submission for expenditure on Kirkintilloch town centre.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168876,"EventID":"S1W-32419","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish the report produced by the Jobs in the Environment Support Unit of Forward Scotland on the employment creation potential of renewable energy","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to publish the report produced by the Jobs in the Environment Support Unit of Forward Scotland on the employment creation potential of renewable energy.","AnswerText":"In January 2002, the Jobs in the Environment Support Unit (JITESU) provided the Scottish Welfare to Work Task Force Energy and Environment Group with a paper outlining the existing information available on potential jobs, not just in renewable energy, but across the energy sector in Scotland. The purpose of the paper was to inform the task force group's activities for 2002.

      The report concluded that little robust information was available in Scotland, particularly in relation to renewable energy, and that further studies should be undertaken. Consequently, whilst there are no plans to publish the JITESU report, we are currently discussing with Renewables UK the detailed remit of a study to assess the economic impact of an expansion in renewable energy across Scotland and the UK.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168877,"EventID":"S1W-32420","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is currently undertaking to estimate the employment creation potential of renewable energy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what work it is currently undertaking to estimate the employment creation potential of renewable energy.","AnswerText":"We are currently discussing with Renewables UK the detailed remit for a national study, which will assess the wider economic impact of an expansion in renewable energy across the UK. It is likely that the initial part of this study will concentrate on the position in Scotland, and will include work to determine potential employment creation here.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168878,"EventID":"S1W-32421","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it will play in determining the priorities for Scottish Water's capital investment programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role it will play in determining the priorities for Scottish Water's capital investment programme.","AnswerText":"The investment program presently being implemented by Scottish Water for the period 2002 to 2006 is that identified following the Quality and Standards assessment, including public consultation (Water Quality and Standards 2002-2006), approved by Scottish ministers.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168879,"EventID":"S1W-32422","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult the Parliament with regard to determining the priorities for Scottish Water's capital investment programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult the Parliament with regard to determining the priorities for Scottish Water's capital investment programme.","AnswerText":"The investment program currently being undertaken by Scottish Water for the period 2002 to 2006 was the subject of public consultation (Water Quality and Standards 2002-2006) culminating in approval of an investment program by ministers. Investments for the period post 2006 will be considered shortly under a further quality and standards assessment, including public consultation on priorities and level of investment.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168880,"EventID":"S1W-32423","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for reviewing the performance of the partners to be appointed to help deliver Scottish Water's capital investment programme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will be responsible for reviewing the performance of the partners to be appointed to help deliver Scottish Water's capital investment programme.","AnswerText":"The appointment and monitoring of partners to deliver Scottish Waters investment program is an operational matter for Scottish Water. The Water Industry Commissioner will monitor the performance of Scottish Water against these targets.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168881,"EventID":"S1W-32424","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult the Parliament with regard to the review of the performance of partner companies helping to deliver Scottish Water's capital investment progr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to consult the Parliament with regard to the review of the performance of partner companies helping to deliver Scottish Water's capital investment programme","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to consult the Parliament with regard to the performance of partner companies in the delivery of Scottish Water's capital program, as the delivery of the capital program is an operational matter for Scottish Water.

      The Water Industry Commissioner will monitor the performance of Scottish Water throughout the period of the current charges review (2002-06).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168882,"EventID":"S1W-32425","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial penalties will be imposed on any company that fails to meet contractual obligations for delivering the capital investment programme in partnership with ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial penalties will be imposed on any company that fails to meet contractual obligations for delivering the capital investment programme in partnership with Scottish Water.","AnswerText":"The contractual detail relating to delivery of the capital investment program is an operational matter for Scottish Water.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168883,"EventID":"S1W-32426","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the locations of sampling points in Banffshire and Aberdeenshire that were used in designating areas as nitrate vulnerable 'ones (NVZs); how often,","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the locations of sampling points in Banffshire and Aberdeenshire that were used in designating areas as nitrate vulnerable 'ones (NVZs); how often, and on what dates, tests were carried out at such locations; what levels of naturally occurring nitrates were found in the samples taken; what further sampling at these locations has been carried out since the intention to designate NVZs was announced, and what the results of any such sampling have been.","AnswerText":"The methodology for identifying and assessing groundwater monitoring sites is given in BGS report reference CR/02/139 titled \"Additional groundwater nitrate monitoring sites for Scotland\", which is publicly available through the Executive website. In establishing the area to be designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone, data from 952 sites were originally considered in the Banffshire and Aberdeenshire area. The boundaries were subsequently refined and the area proposed for designation contained 809 sampling sites. These included nine North of Scotland Water (now Scottish Water) sites, 23 Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) sites and 777 private water supplies.

      Private water supply data were compiled from a Scotland-wide database containing Local Authority Environmental Health Officers reports. These records were compiled from data collected since 1990. The interval between samples in which nitrate was analysed varies from area to area.

      The sites now operated by Scottish Water are sampled on a range of timescales, depending on operations.

      The SEPA sites were established in 2000 and are sampled for nitrate on a quarterly basis.

      Natural levels of nitrate vary from area to area, depending on local geological conditions. In those areas considered unaffected by enhanced nitrate levels, the range of median nitrate levels in Scotland is 2.4-13.8mg/l.

      SEPA are responsible for monitoring nitrate levels within the NVZs. The results of their sampling since the designation of the NVZ in June 2002 are listed in the following table.

      Groundwater Monitoring Sites within NVZ - Aberdeenshire and Banffshire5-14 Attainment in Publicly Funded Schools 2000-2001 and 5-14 Attainment in Publicly Funded Schools 2001-2002. These were published in January and December 2002 respectively and copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. numbers 18788 and 25569).

      It should be noted that pupils for whom no assessment information was available are included in the numbers not attaining the level relevant to their stage.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168888,"EventID":"S1W-32431","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not achieve Level B within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 6 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not achieve Level B within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 6 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32430 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168889,"EventID":"S1W-32432","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not achieve Level C within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 7 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each yea","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not achieve Level C within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of primary 7 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32430 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168890,"EventID":"S1W-32433","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not achieve Level D within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of secondary 2 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each y","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of pupils did not achieve Level D within the 5-14 attainment targets by the end of secondary 2 for (a) reading, (b) writing and (c) mathematics in each year since 1998.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32430 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168891,"EventID":"S1W-32434","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being offered by (a) it and (b) sportscotland to help bring the badminton world team championship to Scotland in 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what support is being offered by (a) it and (b) sportscotland to help bring the badminton world team championship to Scotland in 2005.","AnswerText":"As the event is one of UK significance, an application has been made by Badminton Scotland to UK Sport for funding assistance from its UK Major Events budget to bid to stage the badminton world team championships in 2005. A decision by UK Sport is expected early in the New Year. Sportscotland have provided Badminton Scotland with a letter outlining their "support in principle" to present to UK Sport.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168892,"EventID":"S1W-32435","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-06T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Eventscotland will play a role in helping to bring the badminton world team championship to Scotland in 2005.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Eventscotland will play a role in helping to bring the badminton world team championship to Scotland in 2005.","AnswerText":"We expect to set up EventScotland in spring 2003. It would be for EventScotland to decide at that point whether the Badminton World Championships in 2005 would fall within its priorities for support.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168893,"EventID":"S1W-32436","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of half days of unauthorised absence was per (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupil due to (i) truancy and (ii) temporary exclusion in (1) 199","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average number of half days of unauthorised absence was per (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupil due to (i) truancy and (ii) temporary exclusion in (1) 1998-99, (2) 1999-2000, (3) 2000-01 and (4) 2001-02, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The information requested has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25643).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168894,"EventID":"S1W-32437","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for scientific cancer research projects it has made available in each of the last three years and how much it intends to make available for such projects in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding for scientific cancer research projects it has made available in each of the last three years and how much it intends to make available for such projects in future years.","AnswerText":"Over the last three financial years, the Scottish Executive has spent the following on cancer research:

      NGR

      Date

      Result

      Date

      Result

      NJ67165266

      23-Jul-02

      42

      22-Oct-02

      44

      NJ61635470

      23-Jul-02

      28

      22-Oct-02

      29

      NJ61355194

      23-Jul-02

      2

      22-Oct-02

      3

      NJ63456076

      08-Jul-02

      68

      23-Oct-02

      59

      NJ72721192

      25-Jul-02

      1

      22-Oct-02

      35

      NJ12286801

      11-Jul-02

      11

      22-Oct-02

      11

      NK10204815

      21-Oct-02

      7

      24-Jul-02

      0

      NJ85701493

      23-Jul-02

      27

       

      1999-2000

      (£ million)

      2000-01

      (£ million)

      2001-02

      (£ million)

      1. Direct funding - Research Projects

      1.2

      1.4

      1.6

      2. Indirect funding - to support research in NHS Scotland

      6.21

      7.1

      7.7

      3. Total

      7.4

      8.5

      9.3

      Note:

      1. Estimate; data for cancer research not recorded separately in 1999-2000.

      In addition, the Scottish Executive has spent £0.4 million per annum over the last three years on the Scottish Cancer Therapy Network. The network does not itself undertake research but provides data management support for clinical audit and clinical trials.

      Details on individual projects are available from the National Research Register, a copy of which is in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 17404).

      The Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Executive Health Department has identified cancer as one of its research priorities. New management arrangements currently being introduced for research priorities will inform both the direction of research and the level of funding in this important area in future years.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168895,"EventID":"S1W-32438","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance exists on the procedures for filling permanent vacancies for teaching posts in schools in the light of the McCrone agreement.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance exists on the procedures for filling permanent vacancies for teaching posts in schools in the light of the McCrone agreement.","AnswerText":"Local authorities are responsible for the recruitment and deployment of teachers.

      Under section 4.1 of the agreement, A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century, local authorities own policy is that permanent contracts will only be offered to fully registered teachers.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168896,"EventID":"S1W-32439","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring has been carried out into the impact of the appointment of first year probationer teachers under the McCrone agreement on the employment of teachers that ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what monitoring has been carried out into the impact of the appointment of first year probationer teachers under the McCrone agreement on the employment of teachers that had previously been on temporary contracts.","AnswerText":"A research project has been commissioned into supply teaching including probationers who qualified in 2001. The aims of the project are to help develop good practice for local authorities in the use of supply teaching and to examine the dynamics of the supply market. The project started in October 2002 and is expected to report by August 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168897,"EventID":"S1W-32440","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that the new arrangements for the appointment of first year probationer teachers under the McCrone agreement are consistently applied","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to ensure that the new arrangements for the appointment of first year probationer teachers under the McCrone agreement are consistently applied across all local authorities.","AnswerText":"The General Teaching Council for Scotland, the professional body for teachers, has issued to local authorities criteria to be used when establishing a training post for probationer teachers.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168898,"EventID":"S1W-32441","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance will be given to local authorities regarding the advertising of teacher vacancies for the 2003-04 session to ensure that teachers currently on temporary or ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance will be given to local authorities regarding the advertising of teacher vacancies for the 2003-04 session to ensure that teachers currently on temporary or supply contracts have the same opportunities to apply as those that have just completed their probationer year.","AnswerText":"The recruitment and advertising of teaching vacancies by local authorities is not a matter for the Scottish Executive. However, we understand that local authorities will advertise and fill vacancies in the normal way, thus ensuring equal opportunity for all.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168899,"EventID":"S1W-32442","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist local authorities in contributing to meet its climate change targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist local authorities in contributing to meet its climate change targets.","AnswerText":"The Executive is working in partnership with the UK Government to deliver greenhouse gas emissions reductions required by the Kyoto Protocol and in moving towards the UK domestic goal of a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2010.

      Local authorities have an important role in delivering this commitment and can contribute in a number of ways. Along with COSLA and SOLACE, the Executive published last year Community Leadership and Climate Change in Scotland, which offers guidance to chief executives of Scottish local authorities on action they can take to tackle climate change. The Executive is happy to work with local authorities to develop the response strategies outlined in that document. In this respect, I was pleased earlier this year to have been able to support publication of Aberdeen City Council's Climate Change Action Plan.

      Another avenue which local authorities may explore is through the Scottish Energy Efficiency Office (SEEO) which works with public and private sector organisations to improve their energy efficiency. Local authorities are eligible for a free energy audit and can also benefit from the Scottish Clean Energy Demonstration Scheme. This scheme offers grants to assist and encourage the development, demonstration, application and replication of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies within Scotland. SEEO is also assisting local authorities in their investigations into innovative measures to improve energy efficiency.

      We will continue to look for opportunities to deliver our climate change commitments through working in partnership with local authorities and others in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168900,"EventID":"S1W-32443","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1866,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":30,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the contribution that local authority action will make to meeting its climate change targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has estimated the contribution that local authority action will make to meeting its climate change targets.","AnswerText":"The Executive collects data on the contribution that the public sector as a whole is making to Scottish greenhouse gas emissions. However, no estimate has been made of the contribution that overall action by Scottish local authorities will make to future levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Given that action by Scottish local authorities can include voluntary measures, it would be difficult to estimate the changes in emission levels that such actions may bring about.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168901,"EventID":"S1W-32444","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1871,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":31,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in finalising the arrangements for a successor scheme to replace the individual learning accounts scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in finalising the arrangements for a successor scheme to replace the individual learning accounts scheme.","AnswerText":"Work is currently progressing on the development of a successor individual learning account (ILA) scheme. I intend to launch the successor scheme when I am satisfied that it will incorporate the required improvements from the first programme. I expect to make an announcement on ILAs in the context of the wider Lifelong Learning Strategy early in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168902,"EventID":"S1W-32445","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fire boards need the approval of Scottish ministers when seeking to sell property or land and whether boards are entitled to retain all the receipts of any such s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether fire boards need the approval of Scottish ministers when seeking to sell property or land and whether boards are entitled to retain all the receipts of any such sales.","AnswerText":"Sections 36(9) and 36(20) of the Fire Services Act 1947 require fire boards to seek the consent of Scottish ministers to sell or dispose of land vested in them. However, the intention is to repeal this requirement in the Local Government in Scotland Bill, presently going through its parliamentary stages. Section 13 of the bill as amended at stage 2 includes provision for this.

      Boards are entitled to retain all receipts of such sales.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168903,"EventID":"S1W-32446","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation will inform its consideration of policy on first-time connections to the sewerage system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what legislation will inform its consideration of policy on first-time connections to the sewerage system.","AnswerText":"The Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168904,"EventID":"S1W-32447","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide any financial assistance for disadvantaged households for first-time connections to the sewerage system.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to provide any financial assistance for disadvantaged households for first-time connections to the sewerage system.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no such plans.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168905,"EventID":"S1W-32448","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS hospital wards remained mixed sex on 31 October 2002, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many NHS hospital wards remained mixed sex on 31 October 2002, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"Very substantial progress has been made towards achieving the target of ending mixed sex hospital wards. At present, of the 1,630 wards in Scotland, 1,596 are fully compliant. This represents 98% compliance. Plans are in place to make the remaining wards compliant in the shortest possible time. In the meantime, all trusts have agreed with their local Health Council a local policy to ensure that the dignity and privacy of patients is respected at all times in these wards.

      The current breakdown is as follows.

      NHS Board

      No. of Wards

      No. Not Compliant

      Argyll and Clyde

      145

      3

      Ayrshire and Arran

      167

      0

      Borders

      43

      0

      Dumfries and Galloway

      45

      1

      Fife

      84

      1

      Forth Valley

      79

      0

      Grampian

      176

      2

      Greater Glasgow

      262

      3

      Highland

      67

      0

      Lanarkshire

      143

      0

      Lothian

      229

      20

      Tayside

      154

      4

      Orkney

      6

      0

      Shetland

      8

      0

      Western Isles

      11

      0

      State Hospital

      11

      0

      Total

      1,630

      34

      Percentage

      100%

      98%

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168906,"EventID":"S1W-32449","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consideration is being given to the reform of fire safety legislation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any consideration is being given to the reform of fire safety legislation.","AnswerText":"The need to reform fire safety legislation was among a range of issues considered and recommendations made in the policy paper The Scottish Fire Service of The Future which we published on 29 April. We do not, however, plan to bring forward proposals for legislative reform on this subject during the current Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168907,"EventID":"S1W-32450","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any changes to the curriculum since 1999 that have had an effect on classroom, furniture, fittings and equipment requirements in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail any changes to the curriculum since 1999 that have had an effect on classroom, furniture, fittings and equipment requirements in schools.","AnswerText":"Changes to the curriculum since 1999 have been the introduction of revised 5-14 guidelines for environmental studies, health education, modern languages, information and communications technology and structure and balance.

      These need not in themselves have had any effect on classroom furniture, fittings and equipment required in schools but this is a matter for education authorities and schools depending on their individual needs and circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168908,"EventID":"S1W-32451","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-09T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for oral surgery has been in each NHS board area in each of the last three years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time for oral surgery has been in each NHS board area in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The median waiting times for in-patient and day case treatment in oral surgery, in each of the last three years, by NHS board of residence, are given in the following table.

      NHSScotland: Median Waiting Times for In-patient and Day Case Treatment1 in Oral Surgery2, by NHS Board of Residence: Years Ending 31 March 2000, 2001 and 2002.

      NHS Board

      Median Wait (Days)

      31 March 2000

      31 March 2001

      31 March 2002

      Argyll and Clyde

      35

      28

      27

      Ayrshire and Arran

      76

      77

      52

      Borders

      21

      21

      21

      Dumfries and Galloway

      83

      68

      42

      Fife

      73

      62

      62

      Forth Valley

      42

      52

      37

      Grampian

      18

      18

      19

      Greater Glasgow

      34

      30

      29

      Highland

      66

      35

      79

      Lanarkshire

      35

      28

      25

      Lothian3

      -

      -

      -

      Orkney

      14

      14

      14

      Shetland

      7

      6

      7

      Tayside

      8

      10

      14

      Western Isles

      14

      50

      27

      Scotland3

      28

      28

      25

      Source: ISD, Scotland. SMR01.

      Notes:

      1. Scottish residents admitted from the in-patient/day case waiting list.

      2. Includes most maxillofacial surgery.

      3. Information for NHS Lothian is currently unavailable due to recording difficulties at hospitals in Lothian.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168909,"EventID":"S1W-32453","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against standard grade awards the Scottish Qualifications Authority received in each of the last three years and what percentage was successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against standard grade awards the Scottish Qualifications Authority received in each of the last three years and what percentage was successful.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Statistics on qualifications offered or accredited by the SQA are available in the SQA's Annual Statistical Report. The 2001 report, containing the information requested for 1997-2001, was published by SQA in June 2002. A copy has been lodged with the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25598). The information contained in this document is also available online at: www.sqa.org.uk. The 2002 report is due to be published by SQA in May 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168910,"EventID":"S1W-32454","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against higher level awards the Scottish Qualifications Authority received in each of the last three years and what percentage was successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against higher level awards the Scottish Qualifications Authority received in each of the last three years and what percentage was successful.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32453. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168911,"EventID":"S1W-32455","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against advanced higher level awards the Scottish Qualifications Authority received in the last year and what percentage was successful.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many appeals against advanced higher level awards the Scottish Qualifications Authority received in the last year and what percentage was successful.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32453. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168912,"EventID":"S1W-32456","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of appeals received by the Scottish Qualifications Authority led to examination scripts being re-marked at (a) (i) standard grade and (ii) higher level in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of appeals received by the Scottish Qualifications Authority led to examination scripts being re-marked at (a) (i) standard grade and (ii) higher level in each of the last three years and (b) advanced higher level in the last year.","AnswerText":"The appeals procedure is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168913,"EventID":"S1W-32457","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances a school that has appealed against a pupil's grade may have sight of the pupil's examination script.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive in what circumstances a school that has appealed against a pupil's grade may have sight of the pupil's examination script.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168914,"EventID":"S1W-32458","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make the Scottish Qualifications Authority appeal system more transparent and accountable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to make the Scottish Qualifications Authority appeal system more transparent and accountable.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has given broad endorsement to a range of initiatives being undertaken by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) to promote openness and understanding of assessment and awarding procedures. Implementing these initiatives is an operational matter for SQA.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168915,"EventID":"S1W-32459","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the length of examinations in higher level (a) modern studies, (b) history and (c) English has changed in each of the last five years and what marking system was used","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the length of examinations in higher level (a) modern studies, (b) history and (c) English has changed in each of the last five years and what marking system was used in each year, giving the number of marks out of which each examination was assessed.","AnswerText":"This is a matter for the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168916,"EventID":"S1W-32460","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive which education authorities have a policy of opening Records of Needs for deaf children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive which education authorities have a policy of opening Records of Needs for deaf children.","AnswerText":"All education authorities have a duty to open a Record of Needs for any child in their area, including those with hearing impairment, who meet the statutory criteria. A Record of Needs must be opened for any child, who is two years of age or over, but under school leaving age, and who has pronounced, specific or complex special educational needs which require continuing review.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168917,"EventID":"S1W-32461","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1821,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":24,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the Achievements of Deaf Pupils in Scotland project at the University of Edinburgh and what action is planned as a result of the projec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the Achievements of Deaf Pupils in Scotland project at the University of Edinburgh and what action is planned as a result of the project's conclusions.","AnswerText":"We have extended funding for the Achievements of Deaf Pupils in Scotland project until March 2004. We shall consider the project's conclusions when these are received.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168918,"EventID":"S1W-32462","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will improve cervical smear reporting time performance during the roll-out of the liquid-based cytology screening programme, in the light of the latest figures by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will improve cervical smear reporting time performance during the roll-out of the liquid-based cytology screening programme, in the light of the latest figures by the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency which show an increase in average reporting times, particularly in Lothian and Fife NHS board areas. ","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32465 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The Information and Statistics Division Cervical Cytology Workload Statistics for the quarter ended 30 June 2002 show a slight decrease from 18 to 17 days average laboratory reporting times in Scotland over the previous quarter ended 31 March 2002. The average reporting times for Fife and Lothian over the two quarters decreased from 19 to 17 days and 35 to 23 days respectively. Lengthy laboratory reporting times in Fife and Lothian were due to a number of factors including staff vacancies and staff leave which are being addressed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168919,"EventID":"S1W-32463","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current backlog is of unread cervical smears, broken down by hospital.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current backlog is of unread cervical smears, broken down by hospital.","AnswerText":"The latest available information on laboratory smear reporting times for the quarter ended 30 June 2002, was published by Information and Statistics Division, CSA on 28 November 2002.

      Information on current laboratory reporting times is not yet available. This information indicates where there are backlogs of unread cervical smears.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168920,"EventID":"S1W-32464","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any shortage of capacity at the Scottish Cervical Cytology Training School in Edinburgh and, if so, what impact any such shortage will have on the roll-o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any shortage of capacity at the Scottish Cervical Cytology Training School in Edinburgh and, if so, what impact any such shortage will have on the roll-out of the liquid-based cytology screening programme.","AnswerText":"A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is in place between the National Services Division of the Common Services Agency and Lothian University Hospital NHS Trust for the provision of training for cervical cytology laboratory staff at the Scottish Cervical Cytology Training School. Both the trust and the school are fully aware of the training requirements associated with the introduction of liquid-based cytology. It is for the trust to ensure that there is sufficient capacity at the training school in line with the SLA.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168921,"EventID":"S1W-32465","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will prevent cervical smear reporting times and backlogs increasing following the introduction of the liquid-based cytology screening programme and ensure that the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will prevent cervical smear reporting times and backlogs increasing following the introduction of the liquid-based cytology screening programme and ensure that the time of cytologists is used efficiently and effectively during the programme's roll-out.","AnswerText":"The introduction of liquid-based cytology (LBC) into the cervical screening programme, which will involve training every smear taker and appropriate laboratory staff, will be complex. A training plan, which is currently being developed, should be available early in 2003. Throughput of conventional smears in laboratories will have to be reduced when each laboratory is trained in the LBC technique, however, cervical cytology laboratories will be expected to work flexibly and assist each other with smear reporting if required.

      NHSScotland Screening Programmes, National Services Division will closely monitor the introduction and work together with NHS boards to avoid, where possible, long delays in smear reporting times and backlogs developing. In addition, primary care smear takers will be asked to advise relevant women that smear reporting times may be longer that normal to avoid any unnecessary anxiety.

      It is expected that LBC when fully introduced will reduce the workload and improve laboratory reporting times.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168922,"EventID":"S1W-32466","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the procedure by which a publisher in Scotland would be able to seek to contest an order made under clause 59(3) or 69(3) of the Cr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about the procedure by which a publisher in Scotland would be able to seek to contest an order made under clause 59(3) or 69(3) of the Criminal Justice Bill on the grounds of too great a restriction on reporting. ","AnswerText":"The legislation does not specify who may make an application contesting the extent of the restriction and so it will be open to the media as well as a party to the case to submit an application to the court.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168923,"EventID":"S1W-32467","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider removing some of the eligibility criteria for the water charges exemption scheme administered by Scottish Water in order to ensure maximum eligib","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider removing some of the eligibility criteria for the water charges exemption scheme administered by Scottish Water in order to ensure maximum eligibility of charities.","AnswerText":"The water charges exemption scheme was set up to assist charities and voluntary organisations affected by withdrawal of relief on water and sewerage charges. The scheme's eligibility criteria are intended to target assistance on those bodies with relatively low incomes. I have no plans to alter the criteria.

      Those bodies affected by withdrawal that do not satisfy the criteria but which can demonstrate hardship arising as a result of withdrawal can apply for support from the hardship fund run by the Scottish Community Foundation.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168924,"EventID":"S1W-32468","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29391 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the commitment to spend #20 million on child care in 2004-05 is properly ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29391 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the commitment to spend #20 million on child care in 2004-05 is properly a matter for new ministers after the election to the Parliament in May 2003.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32469 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168925,"EventID":"S1W-32469","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29391 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, why the commitment to spend #20 million on child care in 2004-05 was made at that","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29391 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, why the commitment to spend #20 million on child care in 2004-05 was made at that time.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive announced the results of the Scottish Budget 2003-06 on 12 September, including its spending proposals for the three years, in order to meet the written agreement with the Parliament to present a draft budget by 20 September 2002. The commitment to include £20 million in the social justice budget for child care provision across 2004-06 was therefore made at this time.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168926,"EventID":"S1W-32470","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29391 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September, whether the #20 million for child care is guaranteed to be spent in 2004-05.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29391 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September, whether the #20 million for child care is guaranteed to be spent in 2004-05.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to spending £10 million for child care provision in 2004-05 and £10 million in 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168927,"EventID":"S1W-32471","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29391 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the further announcements referred to about the #20 million spending on c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29391 by Ms Margaret Curran on 30 September 2002, whether the further announcements referred to about the #20 million spending on child care will be made in advance of the Parliament election in May 2003.","AnswerText":"I shall make further announcements about how this funding will be used in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168928,"EventID":"S1W-32472","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the creation, location and opening dates for the proposed Intermediary Technology Institutes will be announced.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the creation, location and opening dates for the proposed Intermediary Technology Institutes will be announced.","AnswerText":"The First Minister and I visited Dundee on 10 December to announce details of the launch of three Intermediary Technology Institutes. These institutes will operate in the fields of energy, life sciences and communications technology and digital media and will be located in Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow respectively. The intention is that the energy and life sciences institutes will launch in autumn 2003 with communications technology and digital media set to be launched in spring 2004.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168929,"EventID":"S1W-32473","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue funding the carers strategy for carers' respite and support at the conclusion of the current three-year funding cycle.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue funding the carers strategy for carers' respite and support at the conclusion of the current three-year funding cycle.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32152 on 16 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168930,"EventID":"S1W-32474","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to the voluntary sector for training as a consequence of the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 and the carers strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding has been made available to the voluntary sector for training as a consequence of the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 and the carers strategy.","AnswerText":"In the period 2000-03 the Executive has provided £99,000 for training to organisations in the voluntary sector that specifically support carers. Over the same period we have also provided £500,000 to voluntary sector bodies to help implement the Carers Strategy, including the development of carer-related training tools. The Executive also provides substantial resources to local authorities and the voluntary sector to support carers, and some of these resources will be used for training purposes.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168931,"EventID":"S1W-32475","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any assessment of the risk that the illegal trade in smuggling wildlife poses to animal health, or has any plans to conduct such an assessment, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has undertaken any assessment of the risk that the illegal trade in smuggling wildlife poses to animal health, or has any plans to conduct such an assessment, in the light of the report by the World Wide Fund for Nature which identified the ports in Lerwick and Greenock as being in the top 10 wildlife smuggling ports in the UK.","AnswerText":"The World Wide Fund report is concerned with the illegal trade in endangered species and products of such species.

      A far greater risk to animal health is posed from the illegal trade in other products of animal origin and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency is presently undertaking a risk assessment of the transmission of exotic livestock diseases from such illegal trading.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168932,"EventID":"S1W-32476","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government on action that could be taken to combat the illegal smuggling of wildlife through ports in the light of t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government on action that could be taken to combat the illegal smuggling of wildlife through ports in the light of the report by the World Wide Fund for Nature which identified the ports in Lerwick and Greenock as being in the top 10 wildlife smuggling ports in the UK.","AnswerText":"The control of illegal trade in wildlife imported into the UK is implemented and enforced by the UK Government through the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 which set down the police powers, offences and penalties for breaches of the legislation.

      The Scottish Executive appreciates the concerns expressed by the WWF and the Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce (TRAFFIC) in highlighting potential weaknesses in the efforts of Government and its agencies in their efforts to combat illegal trade in wildlife. The Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on all aspects of wildlife crime through its membership of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW), which includes key Departments of the UK Government, the Police and other enforcement agencies.

      The Executive's commitment to tackling the illegal international wildlife trade is clearly demonstrated through its funding in April this year of a two-year secondment of an intelligence officer to the UK's National Wildlife Crime Unit, based at the National Criminal Intelligence Service in London.

      The specific issues relating to the level of illegal smuggling of wildlife through Scottish ports referred to in the WWF report will be raised by the Executive's representative on the PAW Steering Group when it next meets in January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168933,"EventID":"S1W-32477","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to take action to increase the powers of the courts to tackle the illegal smuggling of wildlife into the country in the light of the report by the World ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to take action to increase the powers of the courts to tackle the illegal smuggling of wildlife into the country in the light of the report by the World Wide Fund for Nature which identified the ports in Lerwick and Greenock as being in the top 10 wildlife smuggling ports in the UK.","AnswerText":"There are no immediate plans to take such action. The WWF report has only just been received and we will be giving consideration to its findings and recommendations in due course.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168934,"EventID":"S1W-32478","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to Her Majesty's Government about the impact of World Trade Organisation rules on animal welfare.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations have been made to Her Majesty's Government about the impact of World Trade Organisation rules on animal welfare.","AnswerText":"Officials from the Scottish Executive are working closely with the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs officials to try and ensure that the World Trade Organisation will take animal welfare issues into consideration when setting trade rules.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168935,"EventID":"S1W-32479","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are, with regard to Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, of any disparity between England and Scotland in legal aid provision avai","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are, with regard to Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, of any disparity between England and Scotland in legal aid provision available to asylum seekers dispersed to Scotland by the National Asylum Support Service.","AnswerText":"I am satisfied that the provision of legal aid in Scotland to asylum seekers is compatible with Article 14 of the convention.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168936,"EventID":"S1W-32480","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16912 by Jackie Baillie on 9 August 2001, how many housing associations have now applied for charitable status since the Housing (S","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-16912 by Jackie Baillie on 9 August 2001, how many housing associations have now applied for charitable status since the Housing (Scotland) Bill was introduced and to how many of these consent has been given. ","AnswerText":"Since the introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Bill on 18 December 2000, 25 Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) have applied for charitable status, 19 of which have had consent given. The remaining six RSLs have applied for consent and are being processed.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168937,"EventID":"S1W-32481","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18432 by Jackie Baillie on 5 October 2001, what protection is given to any pre-existing right to buy entitlement of tenants in hous","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-18432 by Jackie Baillie on 5 October 2001, what protection is given to any pre-existing right to buy entitlement of tenants in houses transferred to a registered social landlord that has achieved charitable status since the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 received Royal Assent","AnswerText":"Registered social landlords which qualify for charitable status after the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 received Royal Assent will not be exempt from the right to buy as a result of obtaining charitable status. As a result, tenants of houses transferred to a registered social landlord in this situation will continue to retain any pre-existing right to buy entitlement.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168938,"EventID":"S1W-32482","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a proven scientific link between humans eating beef from cows infected with BSE and subsequently developing new variant CJD.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a proven scientific link between humans eating beef from cows infected with BSE and subsequently developing new variant CJD.","AnswerText":"The view of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee, which provides independent expert scientific advice to ministers on matters concerning spongiform encephalopathies, is that the most likely explanation of the vCJD cases that have occurred to date is exposure to the BSE agent.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168939,"EventID":"S1W-32483","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it can ensure that blood products do not contain new variant CJD.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it can ensure that blood products do not contain new variant CJD.","AnswerText":"There is currently no test for the screening of blood donation for vCJD. Several international groups of research workers are working to try to develop a blood test, but it is currently unclear whether this will be possible and, if so what the time frame is likely to be.

      I would also refer you to the answer given to your question S1W-32184 on 13 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168940,"EventID":"S1W-32484","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-30639 and S1W-31818 by Mr Frank McAveety on 31 October and 5 December 2002 respectively, what sums from existing departmental runn","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-30639 and S1W-31818 by Mr Frank McAveety on 31 October and 5 December 2002 respectively, what sums from existing departmental running costs were used to develop and maintain the Older People's website.","AnswerText":"The Older People's web section is an integral part of the Executive's website. The work to develop and maintain it is being carried out by staff in the Older People's Unit and is a routine part of their on-going work. It is not possible separately to identify costs for the Older People's section.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168941,"EventID":"S1W-32485","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31817 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 December 2002, what methods have been used to assess the business value of the Property Pages website.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31817 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 December 2002, what methods have been used to assess the business value of the Property Pages website.","AnswerText":"The effectiveness of the Scottish Executive public sector property website is assessed by monthly examination of the volume of business on the site and meetings approximately half-yearly with officials from the Scottish Property Network who run the site for the Scottish Executive and deal with the users directly.

      Towards the end of the three-year project in 2004-05, there will be a survey of users to assess how effective a service they find it to be.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168942,"EventID":"S1W-32486","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on sending referrals to solicitors on matters concerning the Hague Convention.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on sending referrals to solicitors on matters concerning the Hague Convention.","AnswerText":"The Civil Justice and International Division of the Justice Department supports the Minister for Justice as the central authority for the operation in Scotland of Hague Conventions on Child Abduction, Maintenance, Service and Evidence. Applicants under the former two conventions may need the assistance of a Scottish solicitor. Under Article 7 of the Convention on Child Abduction, central authorities are obliged to co-operate with each other and promote co-operation amongst the authorities in their respective states to achieve the objects of the convention. In particular, they shall provide or facilitate provision of legal aid and advice including the participation of legal counsel and advisers.

      Where the Scottish Executive receives a case from a central authority in another convention state and to fulfil its international duties as central authority, it asks the Law Society of Scotland to identify solicitors with expertise in child or family law and practising in the locality where the child or potential maintenance payer is thought to be. The case is then referred to a solicitor so identified.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168943,"EventID":"S1W-32487","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on sending referrals to solicitors on matters concerning the cross-border abduction of children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its policy is on sending referrals to solicitors on matters concerning the cross-border abduction of children.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32486 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168944,"EventID":"S1W-32488","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31293 by Ross Finnie on 19 November 2002, whether foods and food ingredients derived from (a) mai'e and mai'e crops and (b) agricul","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31293 by Ross Finnie on 19 November 2002, whether foods and food ingredients derived from (a) mai'e and mai'e crops and (b) agricultural seeds entering the European Union in Scotland are tested (i) at the point of entry and (ii) subsequently for the presence of GM varieties (1) AgrEvo T14 Liberty Link, (2) AgrEvo CBH351 StarLink, (3) DeKalb DBT418 Bt Xtra, (4) DeKalb DLL25 GR, (5) Monsanto GA21 Roundup Ready, (6) Monsanto NK603 Roundup Ready, (7) Monsanto Mon801, (8) Monsanto Mon802, (9) Monsanto Mon805, (10) Monsanto Mon809, (11) Monsanto Mon830, (12) Monsanto Mon831, (13) Monsanto Mon832, (14) Pioneer 676, (15) Pioneer 678, (16) Pioneer 680, (17) AgrEvoMS3 and (18) AgrEvoMS6.","AnswerText":"I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the varieties of maize referred to in the question do not currently have consent for food use in the EU, nor for commercial planting.

      The enforcement of food law is primarily a matter for local authorities, who also conduct food sampling programmes. In 2002, the UK element of the EC Food Sampling Programme included checks on certain foodstuffs to ensure that if they contain GM ingredients that they comply with appropriate labelling rules.

      Proposals on the traceability and labelling of GMOs have recently been agreed by the European Council, whereby operators will be required to provide a list of all GMOs which are in a shipment on its arrival in the EU. If adopted, these rules are likely to come into force late in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168945,"EventID":"S1W-32489","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31897 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 December 2002, how many parents were nominated for membership of the Special Educational Needs Advisor","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31897 by Cathy Jamieson on 5 December 2002, how many parents were nominated for membership of the Special Educational Needs Advisory Forum.","AnswerText":"It is not known how many of the original 68 nominations for membership of the forum have children. The current membership of the forum includes many parents, some of whom have children with special educational needs. The main purpose of the forum is to offer strategic advice to Scottish ministers on the development and implementation of policies to improve standards of provision for special educational needs across Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168946,"EventID":"S1W-32490","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32029 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 December 2002, what each of the functions are relating to the appointment and removal of judges an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32029 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 December 2002, what each of the functions are relating to the appointment and removal of judges and the Scottish Law Officers for which the First Minister is solely responsible.","AnswerText":"The functions relating to the appointment and removal of judges and the Scottish Law Officers which are conferred upon the First Minister alone are set out in sections 95 and 48(1) respectively of the Scotland Act 1998.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168947,"EventID":"S1W-32491","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the designation of the lower Nithsdale as a nitrate vulnerable 'one.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made regarding the designation of the lower Nithsdale as a nitrate vulnerable 'one.","AnswerText":"Announcements made earlier in the summer designated Moray, Aberdeenshire, Banff and Buchan, Strathmore, Fife, and Lothian and the Borders as nitrate vulnerable zones. A subsequent report by the British Geological Survey presented evidence of a significant and rising trend in the nitrate levels in the Dumfries aquifers which provide drinking water for the public supply, and most critically, samples from one borehole indicated nitrate levels of over 50mg/l, the level at which the EC Nitrates Directive requires designation to be made.

      After discussion with farmers' representatives we are therefore taking a proportionate step to halt the spread of nitrates into the drinking water. I have today made regulations designating the lower Nithsdale as a new groundwater nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ).

      Copies of the detailed maps of the NVZ which accompany the regulations will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre, at local Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department area offices and in the Executives' offices at Pentland House and Victoria Quay in Edinburgh.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168948,"EventID":"S1W-32492","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2182,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":38,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with its policy on the location and relocation of public sector jobs in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made with its policy on the location and relocation of public sector jobs in Scotland.","AnswerText":"We have made good progress. The Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department is wholly located in Glasgow, the Food Standards Agency Scotland has been set up in Aberdeen and the Public Guardian's Office has been set up in Falkirk. The National Office of the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care and the offices of the Scottish Social Services Council has been set up in Dundee. The Scottish Public Pensions Agency is now located in Galashiels, and Scottish Water Headquarters has been set up in Dunfermline.

      Decisions are expected on the location of the Health Education Board for Scotland, sportscotland, and the Common Services Agency of the National Health Service in Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Arts Council before the end of this financial year, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education by mid 2003 and Registers of Scotland in 2004.

      Rolling this programme forward, I can announce today that we will examine relocation options for the following bodies, with reviews taking place in 2003.

      NHS Education in Scotland

      Decision, early 2003

      Inquiry Reporters Unit

      Decision, mid 2003

      Accountant in Bankruptcy

      Decision, end 2003

      VisitScotland

      Decision, end 2003

      Mental Welfare Commission

      Decision, early 2005

      Consideration is being given to setting up the following new bodies.

      Scottish Building Standards Agency

      Decision, early 2003

      NHS Quality Improvement

      Decision, early 2003

      Mental Health Tribunal Service

      Decision, mid 2003

      Forest Enterprise Scotland

      Decision, end 2003

      If the Executive decides to set up these new bodies, in the case of the Mental Health Tribunal Service and the Scottish Building Standards Agency subject to parliamentary approval, they will be determined in accordance with the relocation policy with a presumption against an Edinburgh location. For organisations being considered following lease breaks, options outwith Edinburgh must be considered.

      It is also the intention of the Executive to provide further guidance on social issues to the bodies covered by the announcement. Currently, unemployment is one of the factors which is taken into account in location reviews. The guidance will make it clear that there is a case for giving greater weight to economic factors such as unemployment and other indicators of deprivation in conducting location reviews.

      These organisations will be examined on a case-by-case basis, with the aim of finding the best location for each organisation, within the context of relocation policy. The position of staff will be a consideration, as will the costs and benefits of the moves. As part of the process, the organisations concerned will continue to consider how most efficiently to conduct their work in line with the most up to date practices and use of technology. There will be opportunities for representations to be made about different locations and full consultation with the organisations concerned and the relevant trade unions.

      In additi","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168949,"EventID":"S1W-32493","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31817 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 December 2002, why figures for value or price are not recorded on the Property Pages website on the conc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31817 by Mr Andy Kerr on 5 December 2002, why figures for value or price are not recorded on the Property Pages website on the conclusion of a transaction on property advertised by it.","AnswerText":"The Executive does not get involved in the contents of property deals and when the transaction is concluded the organisation advertising a particular property removes the property details from the site. The Scottish Executive property pages provide a site for public sector organisations, on which to provide information on available properties.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168950,"EventID":"S1W-32494","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports Caledonian MacBrayne continuing to run a ferry service from Gourock to Dunoon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports Caledonian MacBrayne continuing to run a ferry service from Gourock to Dunoon.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168951,"EventID":"S1W-32495","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to replace the Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route when the charter finishes on 3 April 2003.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans are in place to replace the Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route when the charter finishes on 3 April 2003.","AnswerText":"The question relates to an operational matter for Caledonian MacBrayne Limited and should therefore be addressed to the Managing Director of the company.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168952,"EventID":"S1W-32496","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Caledonian MacBrayne did not produce a costed analysis of the roll-on/roll-off option for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route in the light of the Deloitte and Touche re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why Caledonian MacBrayne did not produce a costed analysis of the roll-on/roll-off option for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route in the light of the Deloitte and Touche report in 2001.","AnswerText":"The Deloitte Touche Report, which was published in 2000, rather than 2001, itself provides a detailed analysis of a number of options for Gourock Dunoon, including a roll-on/roll-off option suggested by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. In addition, an Addendum was produced which reported in more detail on the technical feasibility and viability of the roll-on/roll-off option.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168953,"EventID":"S1W-32497","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no relief vessel for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route when a vessel breaks down.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why there is no relief vessel for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route when a vessel breaks down.","AnswerText":"The question relates to an operational matter for Caledonian MacBrayne Limited and should therefore be addressed to the Managing Director of the company.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168954,"EventID":"S1W-32498","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1985,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct Caledonian MacBrayne to meet representatives of Argyll and Bute Council to discuss safety issues surrounding the Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Du","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct Caledonian MacBrayne to meet representatives of Argyll and Bute Council to discuss safety issues surrounding the Ali Cat ferry on the Gourock to Dunoon ferry route.","AnswerText":"Caledonian MacBrayne met representatives of Argyll and Bute Council to discuss operational issues in respect of the Ali Cat on 10 and 17 December.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168955,"EventID":"S1W-32499","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish Lord Bonomy's Review of the High Court.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish Lord Bonomy's Review of the High Court.","AnswerText":"I am pleased to announce that I am today publishing Lord Bonomy's report and launching a wide-ranging four month consultation on its recommendations.

      I am most grateful to Lord Bonomy for his thorough and detailed report. He has considered carefully the causes of the current difficulties in the High Court and put forward a range of practical solutions designed to serve the interests of justice and to improve the experience of victims, witnesses and jurors. We are committed to reform of the High Court, and his report gives an excellent basis on which to take that reform forward.

      We are today writing to all the key stakeholders (including the Justice Committees) with copies of the report and inviting their comments. We are also inviting comments from all those individuals and groups who responded to Lord Bonomy's earlier request for views. The report will also be available electronically on the Scottish Executive's consultation website, and we are lodging copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25575). Responses can be submitted online or by post.

      We will hold meetings where appropriate to facilitate discussion of the report. Special arrangements will be made to consult groups whose first language is not English.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168956,"EventID":"S1W-32500","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the modernisation programme of audiology services enables audiology departments to comply fully with existing NHS good practice guidance and, in p","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the modernisation programme of audiology services enables audiology departments to comply fully with existing NHS good practice guidance and, in particular, in respect of the provision of (a) a full assessment of each patient's hearing needs, (b) hearing aids in a way that ensures they are appropriate and effective for each individual and (c) rehabilitation services with continued follow-up and support and (d) the routine measurement of outcomes for patients.","AnswerText":"The main purpose of the wide-ranging review of audiology services commissioned by the Executive last year was to establish the extent to which the Scottish audiology service needs to be modernised and improved.

      The final version of the report of that review was received by the Executive on 20 November. The Executive needs time to consider the recommendations of the review before reaching a decision on the way forward in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168957,"EventID":"S1W-32501","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it now estimates that the second tranche of ex-gratia payments will be made to Scottish Transport Group pensioners and whether it will abide by the indication given ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it now estimates that the second tranche of ex-gratia payments will be made to Scottish Transport Group pensioners and whether it will abide by the indication given in the letter of 1 November 2002 by the Deputy Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning to the Convener of the Petitions Committee that \"a second tranche\" will be paid \"early in the next financial year\", perhaps April or May 2003\"","AnswerText":"The position remains as described in my letter of 1 November 2002 to the Convener of the Petitions Committee.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168958,"EventID":"S1W-32502","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Transport Group pension scheme members the statement made by the Deputy Minister for Education, Transport and Lifelong Learning in his letter of 12 June","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Transport Group pension scheme members the statement made by the Deputy Minister for Education, Transport and Lifelong Learning in his letter of 12 June 2002 that \"where there is no surviving widow or widower or child as described above, the individual's share of the surplus will return to the overall surplus for the benefit of the remaining pensioners\" applies to; how much will be so returned to the overall surplus, and how, to whom and when any such surplus will be distributed.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will not be in a position to provide the data requested until the consequences of the exercise utilising the Department of Works and Pensions' (DWP) tracing service become clear in the first quarter of 2003. This exercise will identify those who have died without qualifying survivors.

      A calculation will then be made to determine the shares of the remaining beneficiaries and the second tranche payment will be calculated from this total share. We will retain the shares of those who have not been identified as deceased by the DWP and who have not yet contacted the Scottish Public Pensions Agency.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168959,"EventID":"S1W-32503","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, what consideration it has given, in drafting amendments to the Extradition Bill in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30691 by Dr Richard Simpson on 8 November 2002, what consideration it has given, in drafting amendments to the Extradition Bill in respect of the European arrest warrant, to the decision of the English High Court of Justice in R ex parte Ramda v Secretary of State for the Home Department (27 June 2002) in which the court stated that since the European Court of Human Rights is not a court of appeal and there is no recourse to it as of right, the Home Secretary was not justified in relying on the European court to correct any eventual failure on the part of a foreign country to accord a fair trial to a person extradited to that country.","AnswerText":"Clause 21 of the bill makes it clear that before the sheriff can make a decision ordering the person's extradition, he must be satisfied that the extradition would be compatible the person's Convention rights, including the article 6 right to a fair trial.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168960,"EventID":"S1W-32504","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have applied for grants under the Powershift programme; how many of these grant applications have been approved and paid, and how much it has spent on the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have applied for grants under the Powershift programme; how many of these grant applications have been approved and paid, and how much it has spent on the programme in each year since 1 July 1999.","AnswerText":"The majority of Powershift grant applications are from companies rather than individuals. The following tables show Powershift grant applications that have been approved and paid, and how much has been spent on the programme in each year from 1 July 1999 to 30 November 2002.

      Year

      Number of applications

      Number approved and paid

      1 July 1999-2000

      57

      33

      2000-01

      221

      116

      2001-02

      141

      85

      2002-03 (part year)

      77

      17

      In order to increase the uptake of LPG in Scotland, the Scottish Executive introduced its complementary scheme autogas+ on 1 July 2002. Autogas+ is funded from the Powershift budget. The following table shows autogas+ grant vehicle applications that have been approved and paid to date.

      Year

      Number of applications

      Number approved and paid

      2002-03 (part year)

      142

      40

      The Scottish Executive took over financial responsibility for its share of the UK Powershift programme at devolution but direct funding of the initiative in Scotland has only been in place since 1 April 2000. Expenditure since that date is:

      Year

      Spend (£)

      2000-01

      345,000

      2001-02

      1,048,151

      2002-03(part year)

      307,000

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168961,"EventID":"S1W-32505","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-10T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many credit unions have been created in each year since May 1999 and what information it has received about the number of applications to register as a credit union i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many credit unions have been created in each year since May 1999 and what information it has received about the number of applications to register as a credit union in each of those years.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32282 on 17 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      Detailed figures for new credit unions are not held centrally but with the registering body, the Financial Services Authority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168962,"EventID":"S1W-32506","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to set national standards of care for preventing and treating coronary heart disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to set national standards of care for preventing and treating coronary heart disease.","AnswerText":"The Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Strategy for Scotland provides the framework for the future organisation and delivery of services. Services should be developed in line with all relevant NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Standards and SIGN Guidelines. The Strategy encompasses plans for the prevention and treatment of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), taking into account lifestyles and life circumstances, including those risk factors associated with CHD. These policies include initiatives such as the national health demonstration project Have a Heart Paisley. The Strategy also includes an implementation plan with defined timescales and milestones.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168963,"EventID":"S1W-32507","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to recommend service models enabling the efficient delivery of any national standards of care for preventing and treating coron","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to recommend service models enabling the efficient delivery of any national standards of care for preventing and treating coronary heart disease.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32506 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168964,"EventID":"S1W-32508","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to suggest indicators and clinical audit criteria that can be used to assess the quality of prevention measures and treatments ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to suggest indicators and clinical audit criteria that can be used to assess the quality of prevention measures and treatments of coronary heart disease.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32506 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168965,"EventID":"S1W-32509","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to identify early priorities in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to identify early priorities in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32506 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168966,"EventID":"S1W-32510","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to identify milestones and goals that will mark progress with the implementation of national standards of care for preventing a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, or plans to take, to identify milestones and goals that will mark progress with the implementation of national standards of care for preventing and treating coronary heart disease.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32506 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168967,"EventID":"S1W-32511","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for the notification of any instances of dumping of radioactive waste at sea to (a) the Parliament, (b) relevant local authorities, (c) relevant loc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the procedure is for the notification of any instances of dumping of radioactive waste at sea to (a) the Parliament, (b) relevant local authorities, (c) relevant local NHS boards, (d) local industries that may be affected and (e) local residents.","AnswerText":"Radioactive material has not been dumped at sea by the UK since 1982. Scottish ministers retain the position held by the UK Government at the time of devolution - that radioactive material will not be dumped at sea under any circumstances.

      Routine discharges of low-level radioactive waste to sea are controlled under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 within the terms of authorisations issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to nuclear site operators such as British Energy. Authorisations provide stringent controls under which such discharges may be made. Releases are carefully regulated by SEPA. Should an unauthorised release occur, the site operator is required to notify SEPA as soon as possible. SEPA, as the regulator, will investigate the incident thoroughly and determine any action necessary, including potential legal action and invoking contingency plans to notify relevant bodies.

      SEPA carries out a comprehensive programme of monitoring of environmental radioactivity in Scotland, concentrating on the monitoring of the marine and coastal environments. SEPA publishes the results of its monitoring annually in Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE), jointly with the Food Standards Agency. RIFE presents results of measurements of radioactivity in the environment. Copies of the reports, including the current report RIFE-7, are available from the Parliament's Reference Centre, or from the SEPA website at the following address:

      www.sepa.org.uk/publications/rife/index.htm.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168968,"EventID":"S1W-32512","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current procedure is for dealing with any incident of radioactive waste being introduced into the sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the current procedure is for dealing with any incident of radioactive waste being introduced into the sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32511 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168969,"EventID":"S1W-32513","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it requires British Energy to have in place to prevent the dumping of radioactive waste at sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures it requires British Energy to have in place to prevent the dumping of radioactive waste at sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32511 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168970,"EventID":"S1W-32514","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place for it, as a signatory through Her Majesty's Government to the International Convention for the Prevention of the Marine Environment of the N","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what procedures are in place for it, as a signatory through Her Majesty's Government to the International Convention for the Prevention of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic agreement, to notify other signatories of any instances of radioactive waste dumping at sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32511 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168971,"EventID":"S1W-32515","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has undertaken to measure the effects of radioactive releases into the sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies it has undertaken to measure the effects of radioactive releases into the sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32511 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168972,"EventID":"S1W-32516","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is with regard to any incident of radioactive matter being released into the sea.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the role of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is with regard to any incident of radioactive matter being released into the sea.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32511 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168973,"EventID":"S1W-32517","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has received to deal with any radioactive releases into the sea since the agency's inception.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what level of funding the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has received to deal with any radioactive releases into the sea since the agency's inception.","AnswerText":"SEPA's annual accounts provide figures for income and expenditure on regulation under the Radioactive Substances Act (RSA) 1993. Figures for the last three years are as follows:
       

      1999 - 2000

      2000 - 2001

      2001 - 2002

      RSA expenditure

      664,000

      1,192,000

      1,309,000

      RSA Charging Scheme income

      436,000

      843,000

      1,023,000

      Expenditure which is not recovered through charging is funded from Grant-in-Aid (GIA) provided by the Executive. These figures cover all regulation under RSA, which includes storage and disposal of radioactive materials and waste, as well as environmental discharges.

      It is possible that there are some aspects of radioactive substances monitoring that are not included in the above figures if they are not related directly to regulation. These activities will be funded from GIA, but GIA is not ring-fenced for specific purposes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168974,"EventID":"S1W-32518","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31475 and S1W-31964 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 November and 9 December 2002 respectively, how it accounts for the expenditure by H","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31475 and S1W-31964 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 November and 9 December 2002 respectively, how it accounts for the expenditure by Historic Scotland on the Town Scheme when it does not hold information centrally on the grants awarded under the scheme.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Local authorities, with the agreement of Historic Scotland and on the basis of standard guidelines, set up and manage Town Schemes and make the individual awards of grant. Historic Scotland provides matching funding and makes payments to the local authority, not the individual applicant. Therefore, only information on payments made to local authorities is held centrally in a convenient form. A new IT system being installed in support of Historic Scotland's Historic Buildings Repair Grants Scheme will allow information on individual applications to be collated centrally in future.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168975,"EventID":"S1W-32519","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31475 and S1W-31964 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 November and 9 December 2002 respectively, why the Chief Executive of Historic Scot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31475 and S1W-31964 by Dr Elaine Murray on 22 November and 9 December 2002 respectively, why the Chief Executive of Historic Scotland provided a response to these questions and not the minister.","AnswerText":"It is normal practice for questions relating to operational matters to be referred to the Chief Executive of an Executive Agency. Historic Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Executive and the questions referred to related to operational matters.

      It may be helpful to point out that the Scottish Executive's Guidance on Scottish Parliamentary Questions - Preparation of Answers, states in paragraphs 58 and 59 - Questions about Scottish Executive Agencies: "In response to a written question on 28 July 1999 the First Minister indicated that where a question relates to operational matters it should be referred to the Chief Executive to prepare the substance of the response. The question should then be answered as follows:

      "I have asked [name], [Chief Executive] of [Agency] to respond. His/her response is as follows: "Text of response."","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168976,"EventID":"S1W-32520","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of all individual grants made under the Town Scheme that involved money dispensed by it through Historic Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a list of all individual grants made under the Town Scheme that involved money dispensed by it through Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32518 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa. From available information, in 2001-02 grants were awarded in 20 Town Schemes by 10 local authorities and expenditure incurred by Historic Scotland amounted to £199,000. The 20 Town Schemes were Albert Terrace and Marine Terrace, Aberdeen; Anstruther/Cellardyke/Kilrenny; Cupar; Dunbar; Dunfermline; Gatehouse of Fleet; Isle of Whithorn; Kirkwall; Lerwick; Moffat; Montrose; Newmilns; Pittenweem; Portobello and South Queensferry; Portpatrick; Sanquhar; Stromness; Westerton, East Dunbartonshire; West Wemyss, and Whithorn.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168977,"EventID":"S1W-32521","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31965 by Dr Elaine Murray on 9 December 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the six separate sums that comprise the #542,985 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31965 by Dr Elaine Murray on 9 December 2002, whether it will give a breakdown of the six separate sums that comprise the #542,985 recovered from grant allocations.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      The six separate sums were as follows:

      £400,000

      £50,000

      £26,600

      £22,900

      £22,400

      £21,085

      I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32522 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168978,"EventID":"S1W-32522","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31965 by Dr Elaine Murray on 9 December 2002, why the financial information in respect of grant recovery is confidential, given tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31965 by Dr Elaine Murray on 9 December 2002, why the financial information in respect of grant recovery is confidential, given that it involves the recovery of public funds.","AnswerText":"I have asked Graeme Munro, Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to respond. His response is as follows:

      Confidentiality is necessary to protect the interests of individuals and companies and ensure the privacy of personal and commercially confidential information.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168979,"EventID":"S1W-32523","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the transparency of responses provided in answers to parliamentary questions by Historic Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it monitors the transparency of responses provided in answers to parliamentary questions by Historic Scotland.","AnswerText":"Historic Scotland is an agency of the Scottish Executive Education Department. Replies to parliamentary questions on operational matters are given by the Chief Executive on behalf of Scottish ministers under delegated authority but in all other respects the agency follows the same procedures as the rest of the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168980,"EventID":"S1W-32524","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31971 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, why the Scottish Prison Service does not intend publishing the project plan and timeta","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31971 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, why the Scottish Prison Service does not intend publishing the project plan and timetable for the new private-build, private-operate prison and whether this position accords with the Executive's policy on access to information.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      The procurement of the new prison will be undertaken by the SPS using the PRINCE 2 project management methodology. Under PRINCE, detailed project plans and timetables are working documents frequently updated during the project's life, making publication impractical. They will also contain information covered by the exemptions set out in Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Scottish Executive Information, in particular material whose publication would "prejudice... negotiations or the effective conduct of contractual activities" (paragraph 7a of Part II of the code), making it harder to secure best value for taxpayers' money.

      The SPS is committed to providing the new prison as soon as possible. The Scottish Prison Service Estates Review (Appendix D) estimated that this is achievable within three years of a site with planning permission being available. Once a site and planning permission are secured, it will be possible to determine the high-level procurement and construction timetable. That information will be published as part of the procurement process.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168981,"EventID":"S1W-32525","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31971 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, when it expects to make an announcement on the site for the new private-build, private","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31971 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, when it expects to make an announcement on the site for the new private-build, private-operate prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      When the SPS submits the appropriate planning notification to the relevant authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168982,"EventID":"S1W-32526","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31113 by Ross Finnie on 11 November 2002, whether it has received a response from European Commission officials with regard to the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31113 by Ross Finnie on 11 November 2002, whether it has received a response from European Commission officials with regard to the UK obtaining a contribution from the EU to the 2003 transmissible spongiform encephalopathies surveillance programme costs and whether any such response will be made public and a copy placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. ","AnswerText":"I can confirm that the European Commission responded on 11 November to the UK Government's request to submit a late application for co-financing of its TSE monitoring programme for 2003. The Commission rejected that request on the grounds that it would be illegal to grant such assistance where an application was submitted after the deadline of 1 June.

      It is not the policy of the UK Government to publish correspondence with the Commission.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168983,"EventID":"S1W-32527","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the work carried out by teachers under the Scottish Teacher Release Scheme enabling them to participate in the organisation of national","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it has given to the work carried out by teachers under the Scottish Teacher Release Scheme enabling them to participate in the organisation of national and international competitions and to accompany national teams in training or competition; whether such work has been of value, and whether it will make provision for the continuation of the scheme.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Teacher Release Scheme has provided a valuable means by which National Governing Bodies and School Sports Associations can secure the services of key members of staff to help in the organisation of national and international competitions.

      The scheme is currently under review as are all sportscotland funded programmes. A decision on whether the scheme will continue will be made early in the New Year.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168984,"EventID":"S1W-32528","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the creation of a gap year travel fund initiative for school leavers as a means of stimulating the economy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the creation of a gap year travel fund initiative for school leavers as a means of stimulating the economy.","AnswerText":"Whilst I support and encourage young people to travel to broaden their horizons it is an individual's responsibility to fund his/her own travel. Young people may wish to take up one of the many volunteering opportunities, where volunteer engaging agencies may meet some of the expenses incurred by volunteers.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168985,"EventID":"S1W-32529","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the secondment to it of persons with specialist expertise and, if so, whether it will provide a list of any such secondees.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the secondment to it of persons with specialist expertise and, if so, whether it will provide a list of any such secondees.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive supports the secondments to it of persons with specialist expertise as they allow the Scottish Executive to benefit from skills and knowledge which cannot be provided by existing staff and for which recruitment to permanent posts is not appropriate. In addition it enables the Scottish Executive to offer to other organisations the broadening of personal development and skills enhancement it seeks for its own staff. Additionally, inward secondments foster and promote links, co-operation and a mutual understanding between the Scottish Executive and particular sectors or organisations.

      The Scottish Executive does not disclose the names of individuals on secondment. The locations of the 79 current inward secondees are as follows.

      Education Department

      21

      Health Department

      18

      Environment and Rural Affairs Department

      13

      Communities Scotland

      6

      Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department

      6

      Finance and Central Services Department

      5

      Justice Department

      5

      Development Department

      4

      Corporate Services

      1

      Total

      79

      ","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168986,"EventID":"S1W-32530","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the establishment of a competitiveness council.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it supports the establishment of a competitiveness council.","AnswerText":"I recently attended a meeting of the European Competitiveness Council with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to set up a Scottish competitiveness council.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168987,"EventID":"S1W-32531","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial support should be provided to enable people wishing to return to university following redundancy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether financial support should be provided to enable people wishing to return to university following redundancy.","AnswerText":"Financial support is provided to enable people to return to university, irrespective of their reasons for doing so.

      Tuition fee support is not generally available to students to undertake a higher education course leading to a qualification at a level which they have already achieved. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that student support resources are used to help as many people as possible to attain higher education qualifications. Student loans and supplementary grants are, however, available regardless of previous study.

      The Executive's Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) provides a framework for partnership working across key public sector agencies in the event of large-scale redundancies.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168988,"EventID":"S1W-32532","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of the outcomes of modernisation of audiology services in England and Wales, it will make a commitment to modernisation of such services based on di","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the light of the outcomes of modernisation of audiology services in England and Wales, it will make a commitment to modernisation of such services based on digital technology.","AnswerText":"The final report of the review of audiology services makes recommendations on the extent to which these services need to be modernised and how this modernisation might be effected.

      The Executive is currently considering the report and its recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168989,"EventID":"S1W-32533","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute a study on modernisation of audiology services based on digital technology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will institute a study on modernisation of audiology services based on digital technology.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32532 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168990,"EventID":"S1W-32534","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set a timescale for implementing modernisation of audiology services based on digital technology.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set a timescale for implementing modernisation of audiology services based on digital technology.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32532 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168991,"EventID":"S1W-32535","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31974 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, how many prisoners were transferred from HM Prison Greenock to HM Prison Kilmarnock in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31974 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, how many prisoners were transferred from HM Prison Greenock to HM Prison Kilmarnock in the same 12-week period.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      None.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168992,"EventID":"S1W-32536","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland should be promoted to prospective students from overseas as a place to study and whether such students should be encouraged to stay following completion ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scotland should be promoted to prospective students from overseas as a place to study and whether such students should be encouraged to stay following completion of their course.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168993,"EventID":"S1W-32537","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to address the declining population and, in particular, whether any consideration has been given to introducing measures that would encourage ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it is taking to address the declining population and, in particular, whether any consideration has been given to introducing measures that would encourage people that have left Scotland to return.","AnswerText":"The projected modest decline in Scotland's population is attributable to the declining birth rate rather than net out-migration. Measures that ease the financial and practical difficulties faced by parents will help to address the declining birth rate. These include the UK Government's Child and Working Families tax credit policies and the Executive's Childcare Strategy and investments in the provision of pre-school care and education for three- and four-year-olds.

      As well as seeking to address this major demographic concern, the Executive recognises the need to retain and attract people, including those who have previously left Scotland, with the skills necessary to enable the Scottish economy to grow and compete internationally. The Executive, working with the Enterprise networks and Scottish Development International, has a number of initiatives to link Scottish businesses with successful Scots now living overseas and to attract those with appropriate skills to live and work in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168994,"EventID":"S1W-32538","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the full text of the letter to it from the European Union (EU) regarding EU structural funds for the Highlands and Islands that the Deputy Minist","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish the full text of the letter to it from the European Union (EU) regarding EU structural funds for the Highlands and Islands that the Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Services referred to in The Herald on 3 December 2002. ","AnswerText":"The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures were provisional, and have since been withdrawn by ONS. The letter from the Commission confirmed my view that retrospective consideration of eligibility is not possible, and followed a telephone call I received from Commissioner Barnier's Deputy Head of Cabinet. Both the call and the e-mail attaching the letter expressed regret and apologised for the earlier misunderstandings caused by the Commission.

      I have arranged for a copy of the Commission's letter to be sent to you. Copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25841).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168995,"EventID":"S1W-32539","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any subsidence problems need to be addressed at the new Parliament building.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any subsidence problems need to be addressed at the new Parliament building.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168996,"EventID":"S1W-32540","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any contracts need to be let to deal with any remedial works for the new Parliament building.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any contracts need to be let to deal with any remedial works for the new Parliament building.","AnswerText":"No.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168997,"EventID":"S1W-32541","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what parliamentary staff holiday arrangements have been made for 2003 and 2004 to allow for migration to the new Parliament building. ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what parliamentary staff holiday arrangements have been made for 2003 and 2004 to allow for migration to the new Parliament building. ","AnswerText":"Work is continuing to prepare for migration in a way which will minimise disruption to parliamentary business. Parliament staff have been advised that migration will have implications for when they will be able to take their annual leave.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168998,"EventID":"S1W-32542","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-30623 lodged on 15 October 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer when the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will provide a substantive answer to question S1W-30623 lodged on 15 October 2002.","AnswerText":"The answer is given today","AnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":168999,"EventID":"S1W-32543","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a detailed statement setting out the prospects of recovery of s","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will place in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre a detailed statement setting out the prospects of recovery of some, or all, of the losses from Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and Flour City International Inc. under (a) the parent company guarantee or (b) any other means; whether such recovery would entail litigation and, if so, what the costs of such litigation may be and whether such litigation would be financially worthwhile; what the total cost to date is of legal expenses paid and incurred and not yet invoiced, and whether such expenditure has been financially worthwhile. ","AnswerText":"A report has been received from Shepherd and Wedderburn. I shall write to you further early in January.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169000,"EventID":"S1W-32544","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government about increasing the number of inquiries undertaken by the Inland Revenue into the financial affairs of a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government about increasing the number of inquiries undertaken by the Inland Revenue into the financial affairs of any person convicted of supplying drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and about whether such inquiries could consider obtaining an explanation from such people about whether their assets had been lawfully acquired.","AnswerText":"Under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 where a person is convicted of a drug trafficking offence (which includes supplying drugs) under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the court can order the confiscation of all assets obtained by him over the previous six years. Where the court does not make such an order, the Inland Revenue could make an appropriate investigation. Similar provisions are contained in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 which will be implemented over the next few months. In addition that act introduces significant new powers for the Director of the Assets Recovery Agency to tax the suspected proceeds of unlawful conduct even where a person has not been convicted of a criminal offence.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169001,"EventID":"S1W-32545","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a breakdown by NHS board area of the incidence of patients dying within seven days of having been discharged from hospital or having been seen by ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish a breakdown by NHS board area of the incidence of patients dying within seven days of having been discharged from hospital or having been seen by a hospital accident and emergency department in each year since May 1999 and whether records in relation to such deaths show whether the death was linked in any way to the patient's reason for having been admitted to hospital or having attended a hospital accident and emergency department.","AnswerText":"The following table shows the number of people who died within seven days of their discharge from general acute in-patient or day case care. Information on people dying after attending an accident and emergency department is not held centrally.

      It may be possible to compare the diagnoses recorded during the hospital stay with the cause of death notified, on a case by case basis, but the level of detail is unlikely to be specific enough to confirm a link in most cases.

      Deaths Within Seven Days of Hospital Discharge1 by Health Board of Treatment2: May 1999 to April 2002
       

      May 1999 to April 2000 Died within 7 days of discharge

      May 2000 to April 2001 Died within 7 days of discharge

      May 2001 to April 2002 Died within 7 days of discharge

      Argyll and Clyde

      158

      167

      174

      Ayrshire and Arran

      119

      125

      114

      Borders

      31

      38

      38

      Dumfries and Galloway

      77

      78

      83

      Fife

      104

      111

      124

      Forth Valley

      92

      96

      101

      Grampian

      171

      158

      177

      Greater Glasgow

      509

      488

      564

      Highland

      105

      71

      90

      Lanarkshire

      229

      218

      204

      Lothian

      287

      279

      261

      Tayside

      167

      148

      185

      Island Boards

      21

      19

      29

      Scotland

      2,070

      1,996

      2,144

      Notes:

      1. This information was extracted from the SMR01 and death registration linked dataset maintained by ISD Scotland. SMR01 (Scottish Morbidity Records 1) records all in-patient and day case discharges from non-obstetric and non-psychiatric specialties. Death registrations are obtained from the General Register Office for Scotland (GRO).

      2. Totals have been combined for the health b","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169002,"EventID":"S1W-32546","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-30339 on 4 November 2002, whether further updated information in respect of the finances of, and assets owned by, Flour City Interna","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to the answer to question S1W-30339 on 4 November 2002, whether further updated information in respect of the finances of, and assets owned by, Flour City International Inc. is now available and whether a copy of such information can now be placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.","AnswerText":"A report has been received from Shepherd and Wedderburn. I shall write to you further early in January.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169003,"EventID":"S1W-32547","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32029 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 December 2002, what each of the functions are for which the First Minister is solely responsible r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32029 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 December 2002, what each of the functions are for which the First Minister is solely responsible relating to the universities of Scotland. ","AnswerText":"The powers and functions relating to the universities of Scotland which are conferred upon the First Minister alone are set out in section 9 of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 and the Royal Charter of the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland 1978.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169004,"EventID":"S1W-32548","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32029 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 December 2002, what each of the civil service management functions are for which the First Ministe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32029 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 December 2002, what each of the civil service management functions are for which the First Minister is solely responsible relating to the staff of the Scottish Administration ","AnswerText":"The functions relating to civil service management which have been delegated to the First Minister alone are the function to prescribe the qualifications for the appointment of staff in the Scottish Administration (with the exception of the Fast Stream) and the function to determine the number and grading of posts outside the senior civil service and the terms and conditions of employment of such staff. The delegation is subject to the condition that the First Minister complies with the provisions of the Civil Service Management Code.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169005,"EventID":"S1W-32549","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32029 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 December 2002, what each of the functions are for which the First Minister is solely responsible u","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32029 by Mr Jack McConnell on 10 December 2002, what each of the functions are for which the First Minister is solely responsible under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 and the Intelligence Services Act 1994.","AnswerText":"The powers and functions which are conferred upon the First Minister alone in relation to the interception of communications and the intelligence services are now set out in sections 58 and 60 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 as modified by the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc) (No 2) Order 2000 (SI 2000/3253). These provisions replaced sections 7 and 8 of the Interception of Communications Act 1985 and section 8 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169006,"EventID":"S1W-32550","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1916,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive . further to the answer to question S1W-29930 by Mr Frank McAveety on 9 October 2002, when it intends to complete its consideration of the implications for its policy on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive . further to the answer to question S1W-29930 by Mr Frank McAveety on 9 October 2002, when it intends to complete its consideration of the implications for its policy on free personal care of the decision of the Competition Commission Appeals Tribunal.","AnswerText":"We do not consider there are any immediate implications for, or actions required in respect of, our policy on free personal care arising from the Bettercare judgement. I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31405 on 20 November 2002, which makes clear that more general assessment must await judgement on another related case and that we remain in close contact with our counterparts in Northern Ireland and the other UK administrations on this matter.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169007,"EventID":"S1W-32551","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies have been (a) abolished and (b) established since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies have been (a) abolished and (b) established since 1999.","AnswerText":"A total of 49 public bodies have been abolished or de-classified since 1999. Fourteen new public bodies have been created.

      Since July 2002 information on public bodies has been available on the Public Body and Appointment Website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies/. It was previously set out in the annual Cabinet Office publication Public Bodies.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169008,"EventID":"S1W-32552","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies it is planning to establish.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many non-departmental public bodies it is planning to establish.","AnswerText":"Proposals to establish new non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are under consideration by the Executive but final decisions will not be made until the full options appraisal and exacting scrutiny as required by Public Bodies Proposals for Change have been completed. Until that time I am unable to make any announcement. No new NDPBs will be established unless there is an absolutely clear need, and where other organisational options have been ruled out.

      The creation of any new public body will be announced to the relevant committee of the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169009,"EventID":"S1W-32553","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance in answering ministerial correspondence was in the third quarter of 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its performance in answering ministerial correspondence was in the third quarter of 2002.","AnswerText":"In the answer given to question S1W-24583 on 28 March 2002, I undertook to continue to report quarterly on the numbers of letters received by ministers and our performance in answering them.

      In the quarter July to September 2002, 3,731 letters were received for ministerial reply of which 68% received a reply within 17 working days, and 88% received a reply within 25 working days. This performance compared to that in the second quarter of 2002 dips slightly against the first target when 72% of letters received a reply within 17 working days and improves slightly against the second target when 87% received a reply within 25 working days.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169010,"EventID":"S1W-32554","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31744 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 November 2002, how the mortality rates per 100,000 population from coronary heart disease in the Re","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31744 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 November 2002, how the mortality rates per 100,000 population from coronary heart disease in the Renfrewshire Council area compare with the Scottish average in each year from 1996 to 2001.","AnswerText":"Mortality Rates per 100,000 population from coronary heart disease in the Renfrewshire Council Area and Scotland, 1996-2001:
       

      Crude Rate per 100,000 Population

      Renfrewshire Council

      Scotland

      1996

      282.8

      285.7

      1997

      272.1

      273.6

      1998

      257.0

      262.1

      1999

      286.1

      260.5

      2000

      254.6

      245.4

      2001

      242.4

      235.4

      Source: General Register Office for Scotland.

      Notes:

      1. Rates are calculated using the Registrar General's annual mid-year estimates of population which are being revised following the 2001 Census results. The figures for 2000 and 2001 use provisional revisions that have already been made on this basis. Revisions covering 1982-2000 will be made by the end of February 2003, so the rates given here will be subject to revision after this time.

      2. The rates given here are not age-sex standardised and hence do not take into account the age-sex mix of the two populations.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169011,"EventID":"S1W-32555","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its Development Department research programme research findings no.70, 1999, An Evaluation of the New Life for Urban Scotland Initiative, (a) how many of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to its Development Department research programme research findings no.70, 1999, An Evaluation of the New Life for Urban Scotland Initiative, (a) how many of the (i) 3,726 new houses built, (ii) 9,253 houses improved or rehabilitated and (iii) 3,203 positive training outcomes were in Ferguslie Park, Paisley, and (b) how much of the (1) #485 million of total public expenditure and (2) #55 million of public expenditure on enterprise, employment and training of residents was spent in Ferguslie Park.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32162 on 13 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169012,"EventID":"S1W-32556","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31010 by Ross Finnie on 7 November 2002, how many fishing licenses have been allocated by its Environment and Rural Affairs Departm","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31010 by Ross Finnie on 7 November 2002, how many fishing licenses have been allocated by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) to boats (a) owned by non-UK nationals and (b) for which the port of registration is outwith Scotland.","AnswerText":"SEERAD currently license 33 fishing vessels owned by non-UK nationals. Of these, 12 have a port of registration outwith Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169013,"EventID":"S1W-32557","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31011 by Ross Finnie on 7 November 2002, how many fishing licenses issued by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department are being","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31011 by Ross Finnie on 7 November 2002, how many fishing licenses issued by its Environment and Rural Affairs Department are being managed at ports outwith Scotland.","AnswerText":"None. All fishing vessel licences issued by SEERAD are managed at ports of administration within Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169014,"EventID":"S1W-32558","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to point 7 of the action plan in the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body language policy, whether it is now policy to respond to letters in the language in ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to point 7 of the action plan in the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body language policy, whether it is now policy to respond to letters in the language in which they were written and, if so, whether there are any exceptions to doing so and under what circumstances any such exceptions occur. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament welcomes correspondence in any language. The SPCB has decided that when it wishes to reply to correspondence it will normally reply in the language used by the correspondent. When the correspondent uses Scots, the SPCB policy is to reply in English, as this constitutes no barrier to communication and facilitates best use of resources.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169015,"EventID":"S1W-32559","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to point 7 of the action plan in the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) language policy, why letters received by the SPCB in Scots have been replied","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to point 7 of the action plan in the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) language policy, why letters received by the SPCB in Scots have been replied to in English.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Parliament welcomes correspondence in any language. The SPCB has decided that when it wishes to reply to correspondence it will normally reply in the language used by the correspondent. When the correspondent uses Scots, the SPCB policy is to reply in English, as this constitutes no barrier to communication and facilitates best use of resources.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169016,"EventID":"S1W-32560","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to point 7 of the action plan in the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) language policy, what translation facilities are available to the SPCB to en","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, with regard to point 7 of the action plan in the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) language policy, what translation facilities are available to the SPCB to enable responses in Scots.","AnswerText":"Further to the answers given to questions S1W-32558 and S1W-32559 today, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has no contracted services to enable responses in Scots to be produced.

      As the member knows, the SPCB has approved the funding necessary to translate her report on Scotland's languages into Scots as well as Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gaelic, Punjabi and Urdu. She will also be aware of the extra-contractual arrangements being made to produce the Scots version of that report.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-08T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169017,"EventID":"S1W-32561","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what efforts are being made to publicise the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's language policy and ensure that it is complied with.","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what efforts are being made to publicise the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body's language policy and ensure that it is complied with.","AnswerText":"The language policy is available on the Parliament's Intranet for staff and members to consult. A SPICe Briefing Paper is in preparation, which will include the language policy as an appendix. A press release will be issued when the briefing is published on the website, which is likely to be towards the end of January.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169018,"EventID":"S1W-32562","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the multi-agency group referred to on page 14 of Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 under the heading \"increasing public confidence in Scotland's","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the multi-agency group referred to on page 14 of Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 under the heading \"increasing public confidence in Scotland's system of youth justice\", due to report in Autumn 2002, will report.","AnswerText":"The National Youth Justice Standards were published on 19 December. The document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25683).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169019,"EventID":"S1W-32563","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Youth Crime, which reported in June 2000. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Youth Crime, which reported in June 2000. ","AnswerText":"The Executive accepted the recommendations of the multi-agency Advisory Group on youth crime in June 2000. Scotland's Action Programme to Reduce Youth Crime 2002 and the 10-point Action Plan to tackle Youth Crime and Disorder are currently being implemented.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169020,"EventID":"S1W-32564","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources were made available to (a) South Lanarkshire Council, (b) the enterprise company serving South Lanarkshire and (c) other bodies to assist with economic dif","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what resources were made available to (a) South Lanarkshire Council, (b) the enterprise company serving South Lanarkshire and (c) other bodies to assist with economic difficulties in the Larkhall area following the closure of DAKS Simpson.","AnswerText":"Following the announcement in October 2001 that manufacturing would cease at DAKS Simpson Larkhall site, support was provided to those being made redundant through the Scottish Executive's Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) framework. The Lanarkshire PACE team includes Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire Council and Jobcentre Plus.

      The PACE team offered a range of services to help the redundant workers find retraining and employment opportunities. These included an on-site Jobshop, presentations to the workforce by the PACE partnership, job fairs to introduce the workforce to local employers and providing business start up information.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169021,"EventID":"S1W-32565","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to commence on establishing the proposed Larkhall rail link.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work to commence on establishing the proposed Larkhall rail link.","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Passenger Transport is the lead authority taking the Larkhall rail link forward.

      I understand that, since the Rail Regulator agreed in principle to a re-benchmarking solution that will remove the issues around performance costs, Strathclyde Passenger Transport and Railtrack have been in discussion over the remaining technical and legal issues. The outcome of these discussions will help inform the timetable for the introduction of this rail link.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169022,"EventID":"S1W-32566","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates since 1 July 1999 ministers have made reported statements or comments in support of the Larkhall rail link and what timescale for the completion of the lin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates since 1 July 1999 ministers have made reported statements or comments in support of the Larkhall rail link and what timescale for the completion of the link was anticipated in such statements.","AnswerText":"Strathclyde Passenger Transport is the lead authority taking this project forward. As the Scottish Executive is the major funder of the Larkhall to Milngavie rail link, Scottish ministers have made numerous reported statements and comments in support of this rail link.

      Key statements made include the joint funding package with Strathclyde Passenger Transport of £23 million (27 August 2001) and, more recently, the agreement in principle by the Rail Regulator to a solution to issues around the performance regime applied to Railtrack (30 September 2002).

      I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-3811 on 13 June 2000, S1W-5863 on 27 April 2000, S1W-14515 on 9 April 2001, S1W-17805 on 24 September 2001, S1W-17856 on 18 September 2001, S1W-19847 on 23 November 2001, S1W-20663 on 28 December 2001, S1W-20800 18 February 2002, S1W-21213 on 28 January 2002, S1W-22010 on 25 February 2002, S1W-22693 on February 2002, S1W-23553 on 15 March 2002, S1W-25032 on 9 May 2002, S1W-26181 on 17 June 2002, S1W-26336 on 17 June 2002 and S1W-29636 on 30 September 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169023,"EventID":"S1W-32567","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31495 by Ross Finnie on 25 November 2002, whether it is aware of a letter from it to Mr Daniel Quinn, dated 1 October 2001, referen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31495 by Ross Finnie on 25 November 2002, whether it is aware of a letter from it to Mr Daniel Quinn, dated 1 October 2001, reference number of 2001/00263560R, that refers to previous correspondence regarding the eviction of the tenants from Powhillon Farm, Dumfriesshire, on 9 June 1999 and whether it will give an updated position on its involvement in the matter.","AnswerText":"Following the eviction, Mr Quinn corresponded with officials in the Scottish Executive. The letter highlighted, of 1 October 2001, was a part of that correspondence. However, there is no outstanding correspondence between Mr Quinn and the Executive. It remains the case that the Scottish Executive had no involvement in the eviction.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169024,"EventID":"S1W-32568","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31496 by Ross Finnie on 25 November 2002, what information it has received about any complaint relating to the eviction of the tena","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31496 by Ross Finnie on 25 November 2002, what information it has received about any complaint relating to the eviction of the tenants from Powhillon Farm, Dumfriesshire, on 9 June 1999 that is currently being considered by Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary; whether it will enquire further into the status of all complaints and investigations in respect of this matter, and whether it will give an updated position in respect of the original question.","AnswerText":"No complaints relating to this eviction are the subject of investigation by the Scottish Executive. I understand that a complaint has been made against Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and that this is currently under investigation by Dumfries and Galloway Council as the Police Authority for the area. Complaints against the police in Scotland are regulated by statute, principally the Police (Scotland) Act 1967, the Police (Conduct) (Scotland) Regulations 1996 and the Police (Conduct) (Senior Officers) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. In these circumstances, I have nothing further to add.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169025,"EventID":"S1W-32569","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1782,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":59,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32002 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 December 2002, when a response to the A737/A738 Route Accident Reduction Plan will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32002 by Lewis Macdonald on 10 December 2002, when a response to the A737/A738 Route Accident Reduction Plan will be published.","AnswerText":"The recommendations of the A737/A738 Route Accident Reduction Plan have been accepted in full. The works include:

      Provision of a pedestrian crossing on A737 at Kilwinning Academy/Abbey Primary School.

      Red textured bar markings and triangular school children warning signs on A737 carriageway on both approaches to schools.

      Provision of a new bus lay-by on east side of A737, south of Kilwinning Academy.

      Installation of advance stop lines, kerb realignment, skid resistant surfacing, carriageway markings, textile paving and high visibility guard-rail at A737/A738 Dalry Road/Byres Road Junction.

      Provision of a pedestrian crossing on A738 Stevenston Road (exact location to be identified).

      Installation of right turn ghost island markings and centre road hatching on westbound approach to A738 Stevenston Road/Castlehill Road Junction.

      Various amendments/renewals of existing signs on the A737/A738 through Kilwinning.

      It is intended that the works will be implemented by end of March 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169026,"EventID":"S1W-32570","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1961,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any negotiations with the Church of Scotland are currently taking place about any further extension of the Parliament's lease of the Assembly Hall and, if so, for ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether any negotiations with the Church of Scotland are currently taking place about any further extension of the Parliament's lease of the Assembly Hall and, if so, for what dates the extension is being negotiated. ","AnswerText":"The Parliament's lease of the Assembly Hall from the Church of Scotland is highly flexible and allows us to extend our occupation, subject to six months' written notice. We will negotiate any further extension of the Parliament's lease when our migration programme for the move to Holyrood is determined.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169027,"EventID":"S1W-32571","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-11T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken over the festive period to increase public safety and reduce crime in city centres at night.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken over the festive period to increase public safety and reduce crime in city centres at night.","AnswerText":"Deployment of police officers and local crime prevention initiatives are an operational matter for individual chief constables. We are supporting phase four of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland-led Safer Scotland campaign which focuses on high visibility policing and public reassurance and in the period to Christmas will be concentrating on youth issues, including underage and public drinking.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169028,"EventID":"S1W-32572","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31827 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 December 2002, what outstanding matters from previous inspections of the Scottish Criminal Records Off","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31827 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 December 2002, what outstanding matters from previous inspections of the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO) will be considered by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in the follow-up inspection of the SCRO in January 2003.","AnswerText":"As part of the forthcoming Review Inspection of the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO), HM Inspectorate of Constabulary will seek to identify the progress made in addressing all of the recommendations and suggestions contained in its Primary Inspection Report of the SCRO Fingerprint Bureau.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169029,"EventID":"S1W-32573","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct HM Inspectorate of Constabulary to ensure that its previous recommendations and those of the Change Management Review Team established by the Asso","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will direct HM Inspectorate of Constabulary to ensure that its previous recommendations and those of the Change Management Review Team established by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland regarding openness and accountability in the Scottish Criminal Records Office are implemented fully.","AnswerText":"Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has a statutory duty to enquire into police efficiency independently of the Scottish Executive. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for the Scottish Executive to direct HMIC in how it should discharge its duty.

      The forthcoming Review Inspection of the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO) will seek to identify the progress made in addressing the recommendations and suggestions contained in its Primary Inspection Report of the SCRO Fingerprint Bureau. The ACPOS Change Management Review Team Report was a positive initial step in the process of responding to HMIC's recommendations and suggestions and the forthcoming Review Inspection will take this and other work into account as it evaluates the effectiveness of changes made within the SCRO Fingerprint Bureau.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169030,"EventID":"S1W-32574","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to meet Angus Council to discuss further the funding of the A92 bridge over the River South Esk at Montrose.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to meet Angus Council to discuss further the funding of the A92 bridge over the River South Esk at Montrose.","AnswerText":"I met Angus Council in October to discuss the funding of the Montrose Bridge replacement project. Following that meeting we agreed to increase total Scottish Executive support for the project to £4.2 million. We have no immediate plans to meet Angus Council again in the near future to discuss this issue.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169031,"EventID":"S1W-32575","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of land released for housing developments since May 1999 has come from sites formerly used as playing fields.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of land released for housing developments since May 1999 has come from sites formerly used as playing fields.","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169032,"EventID":"S1W-32576","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29637 by Mr Andy Kerr on 7 October 2002, whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services is a motivating fa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29637 by Mr Andy Kerr on 7 October 2002, whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services is a motivating factor other than a key motivating factor in increasing the use of public private partnerships in public services.","AnswerText":"Liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services is not a motivating factor in increasing the use of private finance initiative and public private partnership projects in public services. The Scottish Executive policy is ready to offer choice and encourage delivery of improved public services from whatever route - public or private - which offers the most economic and advantageous solution.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169033,"EventID":"S1W-32577","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services would prevent the reversal of its policy of encouraging public private partnerships.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services would prevent the reversal of its policy of encouraging public private partnerships.","AnswerText":"Public private partnerships (PPPs) are one of a number of procurement tools available to the Executive and it's partners to increase investment in public services. There are no plans to reverse current policy towards use of PPP.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169034,"EventID":"S1W-32578","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services would be beneficial overall to the health sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services would be beneficial overall to the health sector.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30229 on 17 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169035,"EventID":"S1W-32579","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services would be beneficial overall to the education sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services would be beneficial overall to the education sector.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32594 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169036,"EventID":"S1W-32580","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30229 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, whether it will set out what the specific benefits of liberalisation under the Genera","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30229 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, whether it will set out what the specific benefits of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade and Services have been, or are expected to be, to the health sector.","AnswerText":"The information relating to any specific benefits of liberalisation to the health sector is not available at present.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169037,"EventID":"S1W-32581","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30230, S1W-30231, S1W-30233 and S1W-30234 by Cathy Jamieson on 17 October 2002, why it answered each of these questions by statin","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30230, S1W-30231, S1W-30233 and S1W-30234 by Cathy Jamieson on 17 October 2002, why it answered each of these questions by stating that \"the regulation of international trade is a reserved matter\", given that the questions asked about the impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services on public services and, in particular, the provision of education.","AnswerText":"The GATS negotiations are taking place at UK level and the Department of Trade and Industry has the lead. The Scottish Executive continues to be in regular contact with UK Departments about these negotiations and how they might impact on its responsibilities. However, the UK position is that the public services are excluded from the GATS. No WTO member has sought to challenge that interpretation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169038,"EventID":"S1W-32582","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, what benefits neighbourhood wardens will bring to the citi'ens in those neighbourho","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, what benefits neighbourhood wardens will bring to the citi'ens in those neighbourhoods.","AnswerText":"Wardens can perform a wide range of duties which will benefit neighbourhoods, including reducing crime or the fear of crime, reducing anti-social behaviour, improving environmental quality, promoting community cohesion, supporting vulnerable residents and building confidence in local agencies and intolerance of crime and disorder.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169039,"EventID":"S1W-32583","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, whether it will define those parameters of the arrangements between the employer of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, whether it will define those parameters of the arrangements between the employer of neighbourhood wardens/patrols and citi'ens in those neighbourhoods that could be considered or would be accepted.","AnswerText":"The detail of how schemes will operate is still under consideration. However, we will ensure that all neighbourhood wardens are accountable to appropriate agencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169040,"EventID":"S1W-32584","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, what opportunities citi'ens will have to make a contribution to the framing of the ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, what opportunities citi'ens will have to make a contribution to the framing of the arrangements with neighbourhood wardens/patrols.","AnswerText":"We are still considering how warden schemes should be delivered and managed. However, we will expect local people to be consulted about the appropriateness of warden schemes in their neighbourhoods and to be involved in the design, planning and management of schemes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169041,"EventID":"S1W-32585","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, whether citi'ens will have arrangements with neighbourhood wardens/patrols made on ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, whether citi'ens will have arrangements with neighbourhood wardens/patrols made on their behalf and, if so, whether citi'ens will have a right to make objections to any such arrangements.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32584 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169042,"EventID":"S1W-32586","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, what the legal definition of a citi'en is.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, what the legal definition of a citi'en is.","AnswerText":"There is no legal definition of citizen for these purposes. Community wardens will have the same powers as any member of the public.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169043,"EventID":"S1W-32587","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, what the duties of the neighbourhood wardens/patrols will be that do not require th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29399 by Ms Margaret Curran on 1 November 2002, what the duties of the neighbourhood wardens/patrols will be that do not require the wardens/patrols to intervene in situations without consent but do make a valuable contribution to community safety.","AnswerText":"Wardens will provide a physical presence on the street which can act as a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour. They will also provide a reassurance to residents which reduces fear of crime, will provide surveillance for the police and will act as professional witnesses.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169044,"EventID":"S1W-32588","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, what requests for liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services it ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, what requests for liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services it has made.","AnswerText":"None.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169045,"EventID":"S1W-32589","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, whether any other effective market access for service providers, other than for itsel","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, whether any other effective market access for service providers, other than for itself, exists in the NHS.","AnswerText":"The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) applies to measures affecting trade in services taken by central, regional or local governments and authorities and by non-governmental bodies in the exercise of powers delegated by such governments and authorities. Progressive liberalisation under the GATS concerns the reduction or elimination of the adverse effects on trade in services of such measures as a means of providing effective market access for foreign service suppliers. Requests for liberalisation by World Trade Organisation members do not seek the privatisation of state supplied public services. The GATS recognises the right of member governments to regulate and to introduce new regulations on the supply of services to meet national policy objectives.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169046,"EventID":"S1W-32590","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, when it was last in contact with the Department of Trade and Industry on trade issues","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, when it was last in contact with the Department of Trade and Industry on trade issues and on how these issues may impact on the Executive's responsibilities.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive continues to be in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry on trade issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169047,"EventID":"S1W-32591","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, when it last made representations to Her Majesty's Government about liberalisation un","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, when it last made representations to Her Majesty's Government about liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter. However, the Executive continues to be in regular contact with the Department of Trade and Industry and other UK Government Departments regarding the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169048,"EventID":"S1W-32592","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, what adverse effects on trade in services in health need to be reduced or eliminated ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30235 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, what adverse effects on trade in services in health need to be reduced or eliminated to provide effective market access for foreign service providers under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"The information relating to any adverse effects is not available at present.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169049,"EventID":"S1W-32593","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what adverse effects on trade in services in education need to be reduced or eliminated ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29654 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what adverse effects on trade in services in education need to be reduced or eliminated to provide effective market access for foreign service providers under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"The UK position is that GATS will not apply to state-provided school education. There will, therefore, be no effects on such education in the UK following finalisation of the GATS agreement in January 2005.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169050,"EventID":"S1W-32594","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29657 and S1W-29663 by Iain Gray on 2 and 3 October 2002 respectively, what assessment it has made, or plans to make, of the impl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29657 and S1W-29663 by Iain Gray on 2 and 3 October 2002 respectively, what assessment it has made, or plans to make, of the implications for tertiary education of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"The Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) is currently conducting a public UK-wide consultation exercise which seeks views from interested parties on all aspects of the current round of General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations. The consultation paper was produced with input from the Scottish Executive and the deadline for responses is 3 January 2003. The Scottish Executive continues to be in close contact with representative bodies from the tertiary education sector in Scotland. We have encouraged these bodies and other interested parties to provide an input to the DTI consultation process in order to highlight any specific concerns which they may have around the potential impact of GATS on education services.

      The results of the DTI consultation will highlight any issues of concern and potential benefits of further liberalisation under GATS. The Scottish Executive will continue to be involved with this process and provide input as appropriate.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169051,"EventID":"S1W-32595","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10593 by Malcolm Chisholm on 26 January 2001, what part of the General Agreement on Trade in Services suggests that the agreement e","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-10593 by Malcolm Chisholm on 26 January 2001, what part of the General Agreement on Trade in Services suggests that the agreement excludes from its coverage any service supplied in the exercise of governmental authority.","AnswerText":"Article 1.3 of the General Agreement on Trade in Services covers the issue. No World Trade Organisation member has sought to challenge the interpretation that this excludes public services from the scope of the agreement.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169052,"EventID":"S1W-32596","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31405 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 November 2002, whether the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal's judgement on 20 September 2002","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31405 by Mr Frank McAveety on 20 November 2002, whether the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal's judgement on 20 September 2002 regarding the Bettercare Group Ltd affects the Executive's opinion of the scope and impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services and, in particular, whether any revision is required to the answers given to previous questions on this matter in the light of the judgment.","AnswerText":"No general assessment has been made of the implications of the ruling but we remain in close contact with our counterparts in the other UK administrations on this issue.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169053,"EventID":"S1W-32597","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29654 and S1W-30237 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October and 29 October 2002, how the statement in the answer to question S1W-30237 tha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-29654 and S1W-30237 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October and 29 October 2002, how the statement in the answer to question S1W-30237 that it is not for it to consider whether or not requests for liberalisation seek the privatisation of state-supplied public services is consistent with the answer to question S1W-29654 that requests for liberalisation by World Trade Organisation (WTO) members do not seek the privatisation of state-supplied public services.","AnswerText":"The regulation of international trade is a reserved matter and the lead on WTO and General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations is taken by the UK Government. Any requests for liberalisation will take place, if at all, at member state, not at Scottish Executive level. However, it is the UK Government's view that public services are excluded from GATS and in any event WTO members have the right to choose in which sectors and to what extent they want to make commitments.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169054,"EventID":"S1W-32598","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Civil Service Management Code that applies to the Scottish Prison Service applies to its other agencies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Civil Service Management Code that applies to the Scottish Prison Service applies to its other agencies.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Civil Service Management Code relates to the Home Civil Service. It applies in the same way to the Scottish Executive and its agencies as it does to UK Government departments and agencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169055,"EventID":"S1W-32599","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what entitlements Scottish Prison Service employees have to sick pay and sick leave.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what entitlements Scottish Prison Service employees have to sick pay and sick leave.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Established employees receive 182 days full-paid sickness and 183 days half-paid sickness entitlement, irrespective of service. This should not exceed 365 days, in total, in any four-year period.

      Where an employee has exhausted their entitlement to full and half pay, a further 12 months can be paid at Sick Pay at Pension Rate (SPPR). This is at the discretion of management and only applies where, following medical advice, there is a reasonable prospect of the employee returning to work.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169056,"EventID":"S1W-32600","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) staff have been employed by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), (b) sick days have been lost whilst sick pay is paid to SPS employees and (c) SPS staff have ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) staff have been employed by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), (b) sick days have been lost whilst sick pay is paid to SPS employees and (c) SPS staff have been in receipt of sick pay in each month since January 2001. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Month/Year

      No of Staff Employed

      Staff in Receipt of Sick Pay

      Sick Days Lost

      January 2001

      4,554

      511

      5,868

      February 2001

      4,530

      439

      5,264

      March 2001

      4,519

      475

      6,214

      April 2001

      4,520

      522

      6,111

      May 2001

      4,577

      486

      6,480

      June 2001

      4,538

      479

      6,394

      July 2001

      4,528

      490

      6,773

      August 2001

      4,522

      463

      6,822

      September 2001

      4,484

      517

      6,865

      October 2001

      4,510

      533

      7,270

      November 2001

      4,548

      519

      7,073

      December 2001

      4,541

      535

      7,365

      January 2002

      4,582

      615

      7,386

      February 2002

      4,616

      538

      6,590

      March 2002

      4,591

      522

      7,098

      April 2002

      4,583

      499

      7,220

      May 2002

      4,619

      529

      7,455

      June 2002

      4,615

      546

      8,099

      July 2002

      4,598

      520

      8,143

      August 2002

      4,597

      486

      7,558","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169057,"EventID":"S1W-32601","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff retired due to ill health in each year from 1997 to 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service staff retired due to ill health in each year from 1997 to 2001.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Year

      Staff Medically Retired

      01-04-96 to 31-03-97

      0

      01-04-97 to 31-03-98

      6

      01-04-98 to 31-03-99

      23

      01-04-99 to 31-03-00

      25

      01-04-00 to 31-03-01

      15

      ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169058,"EventID":"S1W-32602","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1773,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff have initiated grievance procedures in each year since 1997 and how many such procedures were (a) concluded to the SPS's sat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff have initiated grievance procedures in each year since 1997 and how many such procedures were (a) concluded to the SPS's satisfaction and (b) referred for external arbitration. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The information is not available. Grievances are not referred to external arbitration.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169059,"EventID":"S1W-32603","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of fines payable to HM Treasury under section 211(5) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 has been for each twelve-month period from 1 July 1999 t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of fines payable to HM Treasury under section 211(5) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 has been for each twelve-month period from 1 July 1999 to date.","AnswerText":"I have asked John Ewing, Chief Executive of the Scottish Court Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The records held by the Scottish Court Service do not separately identify fines which have been imposed under Section 211(5) of the Criminal Procedure Scotland Act. However, staff within the High Court of Justiciary can not recall this section being invoked in recent years.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169060,"EventID":"S1W-32604","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of proceeds of district court fines sent to HM Treasury has been for each 12-month period from 1 July 1999 to date.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value of proceeds of district court fines sent to HM Treasury has been for each 12-month period from 1 July 1999 to date.","AnswerText":"The available information is given in the following table:

      Value of Fines Sent to Exchequer (£000s)

      1999-20001

      2000-012

      2001-023

      2,860

      2,200

      2,259

      Notes:

      1. Excludes Stirling and North Lanarkshire.

      2. Excludes Edinburgh, North Lanarkshire and Stirling.

      3. Excludes North Lanarkshire, Stirling and West Lothian.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169061,"EventID":"S1W-32605","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to any impact on navigation of the River Clyde into Glasgow city centre when it considers whether to approve the proposed Finnieston Brid","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration it will give to any impact on navigation of the River Clyde into Glasgow city centre when it considers whether to approve the proposed Finnieston Bridge.","AnswerText":"A planning application for this proposed development has been notified to the Scottish ministers and is currently being considered. All such matters will be taken into account before a decision is reached.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169062,"EventID":"S1W-32606","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it will make of any impact on river traffic when it considers whether to approve the proposed Finnieston Bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment it will make of any impact on river traffic when it considers whether to approve the proposed Finnieston Bridge.","AnswerText":"A planning application for this proposed development has been notified to the Scottish ministers and is currently being considered. All such matters will be taken into account before a decision is reached.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169063,"EventID":"S1W-32607","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31962 on 11 December 2002, why the information on the number of applications for grants to remove lead piping in domestic premises ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31962 on 11 December 2002, why the information on the number of applications for grants to remove lead piping in domestic premises is not held centrally.","AnswerText":"The Improvement and Repairs Grants scheme, under which grants are available for the replacement of lead water pipes, is operated by local authorities using funds from the general capital allocation. Information about applications outstanding at any given time is therefore held by the local authorities themselves. Information is collected centrally on the number of applications approved, and the amount of expenditure, for each year. In 2001-02, 1,389 grants for replacement of lead water pipes were approved, with a total value of £832,749. The Scottish Executive has no plans at present to collect information on outstanding applications.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169064,"EventID":"S1W-32608","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31962 on 11 December 2002, what plans it has to hold the information on the number of applications for grants to remove lead piping","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31962 on 11 December 2002, what plans it has to hold the information on the number of applications for grants to remove lead piping in domestic premises centrally.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32607 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169065,"EventID":"S1W-32609","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1876,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31962 on 11 December 2002, where information on the number of applications for grants to remove lead piping in domestic premises is","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31962 on 11 December 2002, where information on the number of applications for grants to remove lead piping in domestic premises is currently held.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32607 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169066,"EventID":"S1W-32610","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2118,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether GPs are required to register when they undertake secondary jobs either in private consultancy or with the Department for Work and Pensions and, if so, how many GP","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether GPs are required to register when they undertake secondary jobs either in private consultancy or with the Department for Work and Pensions and, if so, how many GPs are currently so registered.","AnswerText":"The Terms of Service for GPs are set out in the NHS (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Regulations 1995. They do not require GPs to register secondary jobs.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169067,"EventID":"S1W-32611","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the availability of opportunities throughout Scotland for adult non-native speakers to learn Gaelic.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the availability of opportunities throughout Scotland for adult non-native speakers to learn Gaelic.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the delivery of Gaelic to adult non-native speakers rests with education authorities and further and higher education institutions. The Scottish Executive provides direct funding to Gaelic bodies and institutions engaged in Gaelic education for adults, and education authorities may also bid into the specific grant scheme for this purpose. The Scottish Executive will be providing extra resources for Gaelic next year and will be looking to Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba for advice on spending priorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169068,"EventID":"S1W-32612","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the availability of opportunities to learn Gaelic as a second language in secondary schools throughout Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the availability of opportunities to learn Gaelic as a second language in secondary schools throughout Scotland.","AnswerText":"The provision of Gaelic as a second language for secondary schools throughout Scotland is a matter for education authorities and they can also bid into the specific grant scheme for support for this activity. The Executive has acted to improve Gaelic teacher supply in both primary and secondary schools. In addition, the Scottish Executive will be providing extra resources for Gaelic next year and will be looking to Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba for advice on spending priorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169069,"EventID":"S1W-32613","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the availability of opportunities to learn Gaelic as a second language for primary school children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase the availability of opportunities to learn Gaelic as a second language for primary school children.","AnswerText":"The provision of Gaelic as a second language for primary school children is a matter for education authorities. However, the Executive supports with funding the Gaelic Language in the Primary School Programme which operates in a number of authorities. This programme seeks to develop the language skills of primary teachers to enable them to deliver Gaelic as a second language in their schools and authorities. The Scottish Executive will be providing extra resources for Gaelic next year and will be looking to Bord Gaidhlig na h-Alba for advice on spending priorities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169070,"EventID":"S1W-32614","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical assistance it is giving to help adults learn Gaelic as a second language.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what practical assistance it is giving to help adults learn Gaelic as a second language.","AnswerText":"The responsibility for the delivery of Gaelic as a second language for adults rests with education authorities and further and higher education institutions. The Scottish Executive also provides assistance to bodies and institutions engaged in Gaelic education for adults and education authorities may also bid into the specific grant scheme for this purpose. Any further practical assistance for adults is a matter for those authorities and institutions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169071,"EventID":"S1W-32615","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives within its Gaelic policy to enabling adults to learn Gaelic as a second language.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what priority it gives within its Gaelic policy to enabling adults to learn Gaelic as a second language.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive attaches high priority to enabling adults to learn Gaelic as a second language. The main responsibility for the delivery of this rests with education authorities and the further and higher education sectors. However, an important contribution is also made by a number of Gaelic bodies and institutions that receive direct funding from the Executive. Education authorities may also bid into the specific grant scheme for this purpose. I also expect Bòrd Gàidhlig to address the issues arising for Gaelic learners.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169072,"EventID":"S1W-32616","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Education and Young People, the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning or the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport holds res","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Education and Young People, the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning or the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport holds responsibility for policy and action on Gaelic when taught as a second language.","AnswerText":"A cross-cutting approach is employed in the Executive's delivery on Gaelic issues. Gaelic is taught as a second language in both the schools sector and the post-school sector. The Minister for Education and Young People holds policy responsibility for the former and the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning holds policy responsibility for the latter. In connection with implementing policy on Gaelic in these sectors, ministers work with the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, who holds policy responsibility for the support and promotion of Gaelic language and culture.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169073,"EventID":"S1W-32617","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value has been of receipts that were designated for the purposes of section 64(5) of the Scotland Act 1998 by article 2 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Designation of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the value has been of receipts that were designated for the purposes of section 64(5) of the Scotland Act 1998 by article 2 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Designation of Receipts) Order 2000 (SI 2000/687) and article 8 of the Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Finance) Order 1999 (SI 1999/441) in each twelve-month period since 1 July 1999, broken down by (a) fines, forfeitures and fixed penalties, (b) dividends on public dividend capital, (c) interest and (d) sums received from the European Social Fund in respect of training expenditure incurred by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.","AnswerText":"The information requested is contained in note 4 to the Scottish Executive's annual accounts for 2000-01, which can be found at:

      http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/finance/ConsolidatedAccounts.pdf and 2001-02 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/finance/PublishConsolidatedAccounts2002.pdf.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169074,"EventID":"S1W-32618","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002 and given that the Scottish Prison Service does not monitor the number of reportable ac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30372 by Mr Jim Wallace on 12 November 2002 and given that the Scottish Prison Service does not monitor the number of reportable accidents notified by the operator of HM Prison Kilmarnock to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), how it measures the Scottish Prison Service's performance against its target for the number of injuries reportable to the HSE.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      As shown by the answer to question S1W-30372, the SPS monitors the number of its reports to the HSE. The SPS does not have a target for the number of reports to HSE.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169075,"EventID":"S1W-32619","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it intends to provide to reduce waiting times for multiple sclerosis sufferers awaiting assessment for beta interferon.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources it intends to provide to reduce waiting times for multiple sclerosis sufferers awaiting assessment for beta interferon.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer I gave to S1W-30808 on 12 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The Executive is fully committed to the UK-wide risk-sharing scheme for which funding has been made available through NHS boards' aggregate financial allocations. NHS boards, in conjunction with their designated consultant neurologists with a special interest in multiple sclerosis, should establish suitable arrangements for dealing with and funding continuing treatment.

      The Scottish Executive Health Department is working closely with the MS Society, MS Trust and Association of British Neurologists to ensure that those patients who are eligible to participate in the scheme are informed accurately about these arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169076,"EventID":"S1W-32620","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2013,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":14,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to commission any further reports from the Performance Audit Group on the performance of the trunk road maintenance contract operating companies.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to commission any further reports from the Performance Audit Group on the performance of the trunk road maintenance contract operating companies.","AnswerText":"Yes. The Scottish Executive intends to ask the Performance Audit Group to publish its report on the performance of the operating companies annually. It is expected that the 2002-03 report will be published in August - September 2003. As with this years' report, future reports will be placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169077,"EventID":"S1W-32621","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the arrangements put in place in response to the eight-day strike by fire service employees in Scotland were satisfactory.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the arrangements put in place in response to the eight-day strike by fire service employees in Scotland were satisfactory.","AnswerText":"The armed forces and police together with a number of other organisations are to be congratulated on the way in which emergency fire cover was provided during the eight-day strike on 22 to 30 November. A report has been prepared and copies have today been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169078,"EventID":"S1W-32622","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it made, or advice it gave, to the Public Petitions Committee with regard to petition PE544 on the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO); whether any suc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what response it made, or advice it gave, to the Public Petitions Committee with regard to petition PE544 on the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO); whether any such advice or response indicated that it was unable to provide information to the committee because of a pending civil case; whether it acted properly in giving such advice, and whether it will now respond to the concerns of the petitioners.","AnswerText":"The substance of the Scottish Executive's response is recorded at column 2532 of the Official Report of the meeting of the Public Petitions Committee held on 3 December 2002 and can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/official_report/cttee/petit-02/pu02-1802.htm#Col2532

      The Executive is satisfied that its response was appropriate.

      The petition was addressed to the Public Petitions Committee and it will be for the committee in the first instance to decide how to respond to the petitioners' concerns.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169079,"EventID":"S1W-32623","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure the Scottish Criminal Records Office has incurred with regard to the (a) salaries, (b) pension contributions and (c) other work-related expenses paid in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what expenditure the Scottish Criminal Records Office has incurred with regard to the (a) salaries, (b) pension contributions and (c) other work-related expenses paid in respect of the fingerprint experts that gave evidence in the prosecution of Shirley McKie, broken down by the periods (i) from June 2000 until their suspension from work, (ii) during their suspension from work and (iii) since their return to work.","AnswerText":"Responsibility for pay and other staff-related service conditions for the civilian staff at the Scottish Criminal Record Office formally rests with Strathclyde Joint Police Board. The board has, however, made available the following information in respect of the three fingerprint officers who gave evidence in the prosecution of Shirley McKie and a fourth officer who did not give evidence but who was involved in the process leading up to the prosecution and who was suspended with the other three officers:

      Period (i)

      £33,544

      Period (ii)

      £314,049

      Period (iii) (projected to March 2003)

      £200,303

      ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169080,"EventID":"S1W-32624","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO), or any other public body, made any financial contribution to the legal costs of the fingerprint experts involved in ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO), or any other public body, made any financial contribution to the legal costs of the fingerprint experts involved in the prosecution of Shirley McKie either before, during or after their suspension for wrongful identification of the fingerprint evidence led by the SCRO in the case.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Criminal Record Office has not made any financial contribution to the legal costs of the fingerprint experts involved in the prosecution of Ms McKie, nor has any other public body as far as I am aware.

      The Scottish Executive has accepted responsibility for the defendants' legal cost arising out of the civil action raised on behalf of Ms McKie.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169081,"EventID":"S1W-32625","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2015 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 October 1999, whether it will provide details of any breach of HM Prison Kilmarnock's operating contra","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2015 by Mr Jim Wallace on 28 October 1999, whether it will provide details of any breach of HM Prison Kilmarnock's operating contract with the Scottish Prison Service since the answer was given, including details of what the breaches have been, on what date each such breach occurred, how often there have been breaches and what action has been taken in each case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      There has been no breach of contract.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169082,"EventID":"S1W-32626","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2393 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 January 2000, whether it will provide up-to-date percentage staff turnover figures since April 1999 fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2393 by Mr Jim Wallace on 19 January 2000, whether it will provide up-to-date percentage staff turnover figures since April 1999 for HM Prison (a) Barlinnie, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Kilmarnock, (d) Perth and (e) Peterhead.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30525 on 28 October 2002, which contains the most recent information held on percentage of turnover in the SPS.

      The SPS does not hold information on staff turnover at Kilmarnock. This is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169083,"EventID":"S1W-32627","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2006 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 November 1999, how many staff have left HM Prison (a) Kilmarnock, (b) Barlinnie, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2006 by Mr Jim Wallace on 3 November 1999, how many staff have left HM Prison (a) Kilmarnock, (b) Barlinnie, (c) Edinburgh, (d) Perth and (e) Peterhead since April 1999.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond.

      Staff leaving SPS were as follows:

      Barlinnie

      149

      Edinburgh

      149

      Perth

      118

      Peterhead

      82

      I also refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30525 on 28 October 2002, which contains the most recent information held on the numbers of leavers in the SPS to date.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.

      The SPS does not hold information on staff turnover at Kilmarnock. This is a matter for Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169084,"EventID":"S1W-32628","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received information about any plans to roll out access to appropriate digital hearing aids throughout Northern Ireland and what plans it has to make simil","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received information about any plans to roll out access to appropriate digital hearing aids throughout Northern Ireland and what plans it has to make similar provision.","AnswerText":"The Executive is aware of the recent announcement in Northern Ireland.

      Digital hearing aids are already included within the wide range of hearing aids available on the central contracts arranged by Scottish Healthcare Supplies for the NHSScotland. The decision on which type of hearing aid best meets the clinical need of individual patients is for the clinician in charge of their care.

      The final report of the review of audiology services commissioned to establish the extent to which audiology services in Scotland need to be modernised and improved is currently under consideration.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169085,"EventID":"S1W-32629","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the regeneration of Glasgow's Clyde waterfront conference held on 29 November 2002 which called for a single agency to co-ordinate riverside regen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the regeneration of Glasgow's Clyde waterfront conference held on 29 November 2002 which called for a single agency to co-ordinate riverside regeneration on the River Clyde.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive welcomes debate and discussion on the issues associated with the regeneration of the River Clyde. The Clyde Waterfront Working Group (CWWG) was established last year to look at how public agencies could work better at regenerating the Upper Clyde Corridor (from Glasgow Green to the Erskine Bridge). The CWWG will make a collective recommendation on both appropriate delivery mechanisms and a development framework once all the required information is available.

      The Scottish Executive remains open-minded and keen to ensure the right approach is identified to deliver a world-class waterfront.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169086,"EventID":"S1W-32630","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates since October 2001 local authorities and emergency services have carried out nuclear emergency drills in co-operation with UK agencies and where any such dr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates since October 2001 local authorities and emergency services have carried out nuclear emergency drills in co-operation with UK agencies and where any such drills were carried out.","AnswerText":"A list of nuclear exercises since October 2001 in which the emergency services, local authorities and other UK agencies have participated, is given in the following table. An exercise at Faslane planned to take place in November was cancelled due to MoD involvement in the fire dispute and has been rescheduled for 2003.

      Date

      Exercise Location

      Civilian/Military

      2002

      22-24 February

      Ardersier/Inverness

      Civilian/Military

      26 June

      Hunterston/Irvine

      Civilian

      7 November

      Chapelcross/Dumfries

      Civilian

      Note:

      Where two locations are shown, the first is the postulated locus of the incident and the second is the location of the established/nearest off-site centre (OSC) from where the incident is managed.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169087,"EventID":"S1W-32631","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1950,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-12T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates since October 2001 local authorities and emergency services have carried out emergency drills for terrorist attacks; where such drills took place, and what ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates since October 2001 local authorities and emergency services have carried out emergency drills for terrorist attacks; where such drills took place, and what agencies were involved.","AnswerText":"All 32 local authorities and the emergency services in Scotland carry out a comprehensive exercise programme on an on-going basis covering a wide range of different scenarios, including dealing with the consequences of a terrorist attack. The detailed information sought by the member is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169088,"EventID":"S1W-32632","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has a prosecution policy and, if so, whether it will give details of the policy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has a prosecution policy and, if so, whether it will give details of the policy.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published a Policy Statement on Enforcement. It can be found on SEPA's website at www.sepa.org.uk. This states that where SEPA is aware of a breach of legislation, which it is responsible for enforcing, the agency has a number of enforcement options available to it. These include the sending of a final warning letter, the issuing of an enforcement notice or the reporting of the breach to the Procurator Fiscal recommending prosecution. Prosecution will be recommended to the Procurator Fiscal where justified in order to punish offenders, to avoid recurrence and to encourage general compliance. Where the circumstances warrant it, a case may be referred to the Procurator Fiscal without prior warning or recourse to alternative methods of enforcement.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169089,"EventID":"S1W-32633","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to draw up an action plan to implement its commitments made in the UK Forest Partnership for Action.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to draw up an action plan to implement its commitments made in the UK Forest Partnership for Action.","AnswerText":"The UK Forest Partnership for Action is at the early stages of developing an action plan, based on the statement published at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2002. In this spirit of co-operation, it is for each partner to bring forward actions which can be incorporated in the plan. Partners include a range of industry and environmental organisations as well as the Scottish Executive, other devolved administrations and UK Government Departments. Although the focus of the partnership is primarily international, we will make our contribution through actions in Scotland, for example by implementing the Scottish Forestry Strategy.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169090,"EventID":"S1W-32634","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a study into the benefits to tourism of enhanced relationships between Scotland and (a) Northern Ireland and (b) Ireland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will undertake a study into the benefits to tourism of enhanced relationships between Scotland and (a) Northern Ireland and (b) Ireland.","AnswerText":"The Executive is well aware of the importance to Scottish tourism of the Irish market. The number of visits from the Republic of Ireland more than doubled between 2000 and 2001. VisitScotland already works closely with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on a number of issues of mutual interest, including quality grading and marketing. In addition, VisitScotland recently visited Dublin to hold discussions with Bord Failte and Tourism Ireland (the latter being responsible for the whole of Ireland) to explore opportunities for research collaboration, and joint marketing opportunities to exploit the Celtic brand. These discussions will be followed up during 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169091,"EventID":"S1W-32635","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of sectarianism in schools and what measures it proposes to tackle the issue. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of sectarianism in schools and what measures it proposes to tackle the issue. ","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not carried out any specific assessment of sectarianism in schools.

      Tackling sectarianism is part of the promotion of equal opportunities in schools. One of the National Priorities for education focuses specifically on teaching respect for others, interdependence with other members of the neighbourhood and society, and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.

      The curriculum offers a number of opportunities for pupils to be made aware of sectarianism within the subject areas of personal and social development, religious and moral education, and other social subjects within environmental studies. It is for schools and teachers to promote positive attitudes and to address inappropriate behaviour.

      Following a recent meeting between the First Minister and Rangers and Celtic Football Clubs, the Scottish Executive plans to commission an education pack for schools aimed at tackling sectarian attitudes among young people, in partnership with the football clubs.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169092,"EventID":"S1W-32636","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met with representatives of the anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth and what matters were discussed.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it last met with representatives of the anti-sectarian charity Nil by Mouth and what matters were discussed.","AnswerText":"Dr Richard Simpson met representatives from Nil by Mouth on 12 August 2002 at a meeting of the cross-party working group on possible legislation to tackle religious hatred. The organisation attended at the working group's invitation to discuss a range of issues relating to tackling the problem of sectarianism. Nil by Mouth is currently receiving funding from the Education Department to raise awareness amongst young people of sectarianism and bigotry, and contribute to education for citizenship in schools and youth groups.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169093,"EventID":"S1W-32637","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1803,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":58,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the education for mutual understanding scheme in Northern Ireland and whether the scheme could be utilised to tackle sectarianism in Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its assessment is of the education for mutual understanding scheme in Northern Ireland and whether the scheme could be utilised to tackle sectarianism in Scotland","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has not made an assessment of this scheme, which was developed specifically for the situation in Northern Ireland, and has no current plans to introduce it in Scotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169094,"EventID":"S1W-32638","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any subsidy is available for engineering apprenticeships; if so, whether it will give details, whether the subsidy is different from any subsidy available in Engl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any subsidy is available for engineering apprenticeships; if so, whether it will give details, whether the subsidy is different from any subsidy available in England and Wales and, if so, how it is different, and whether it has any plans to make changes to address any such differences.","AnswerText":"These are operational matters for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. They contribute towards the training costs of modern apprenticeships: it is for them to set the level of contribution. I understand that Scottish Enterprise is currently reviewing its contributions policy: this will include a benchmarking exercise with England and Wales.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169095,"EventID":"S1W-32639","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has regarding the prescribing policy regarding atypical anti-psychotic drugs in each NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has regarding the prescribing policy regarding atypical anti-psychotic drugs in each NHS board area.","AnswerText":"NHS boards are responsible for ensuring that patients residing in their area have access to clinically appropriate treatment, including new drug treatments such as the atypical antipsychotic drugs.

      On 25 July 2002, the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) issued a comment on the NICE Guidance on the use of atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia. The guidance recommends that the newer (atypical) antipsychotics should be considered alongside the older, existing medicines as one of the options of first choice to treat people with newly diagnosed schizophrenia. NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from the HTBS and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169096,"EventID":"S1W-32640","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation has been made of the compliance by NHS boards with the recommendations made by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) on the prescribing o","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any evaluation has been made of the compliance by NHS boards with the recommendations made by the Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) on the prescribing of atypical anti-psychotic drugs.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is not aware of a formal evaluation of compliance with the particular HTBS recommendations referred to. NHS boards are responsible under clinical governance arrangements for ensuring that appropriate treatments, including drug treatments recommended by HTBS, are available where clinically appropriate for patients resident in their areas. The Health Department has made clear that, if evidence emerges that a treatment recommended by HTBS is not made available other than for clinical reasons, that will be followed up proactively with the NHS board concerned.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169097,"EventID":"S1W-32641","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from Strathdearn Community Council in respect of the Tomatin junction on the A9; if so, what action it intends to take and, in pa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has received representations from Strathdearn Community Council in respect of the Tomatin junction on the A9; if so, what action it intends to take and, in particular, whether it will implement (a) improved lighting, (b) coloured hatched markings similar to those in place at the Moy junction, (c) double white lines, (d) 50 mph speed restriction at a point before the end of the dual carriageway and (e) installation of speed cameras similar to those at the Ballinluig junction.","AnswerText":"Yes, the Strathdearn Community Council wrote to the Executive on 5 December 2002. The answers to your specific queries are:

      (a) there are no plans to install lighting at the Tomatin junctions,

      (b) red infill material within the hatched area at the northern Tomatin junction is programmed for completion (weather permitting) before the end of the financial year,

      (c) there are no plans to install a double white line system,

      (d) there are no plans to lower the speed limit and

      (e) the Safety Camera Partnership rules introduced recently set out accident and speed criteria under which it may be appropriate to install safety cameras. These junctions will be considered as part of any future programme to identify locations to install cameras.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169098,"EventID":"S1W-32642","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-29655, S1W-29656, S1W-29659, S1W-29660, S1W-29661 and S1W-29662 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what assessment it has made, ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-29655, S1W-29656, S1W-29659, S1W-29660, S1W-29661 and S1W-29662 by Cathy Jamieson on 1 October 2002, what assessment it has made, or plans to make, of the implications for (a) nursery, (b) primary and (c) secondary education of liberalisation under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.","AnswerText":"The UK position is that GATS will not apply to state-provided school education so assessment of implications will not be necessary in that sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169099,"EventID":"S1W-32643","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what records there are of the number of road traffic accidents at the Tomatin junction on the A9.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what records there are of the number of road traffic accidents at the Tomatin junction on the A9.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Road Information System contains details of all injury accidents which occur on the Scottish trunk road network.

      Between January 1997 and June 2002, three slight injury accidents have been recorded at the northern Tomatin junction.

      At the southern Tomatin junction, for the same period, no injury accidents have been recorded.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169100,"EventID":"S1W-32644","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to resurface the A9 at Altnaslanach.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to resurface the A9 at Altnaslanach.","AnswerText":"Maintenance works, such as resurfacing, are identified and carried out on a needs basis taking into account safety, operational issues, budgetary restraints and competing priorities across the entire trunk road network. There are no current plans to resurface the A9 at Aultnaslanach.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-09T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169101,"EventID":"S1W-32646","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2038,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":44,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish a record of its performance against the commitments set out in Making it work together - A programme for government and Working together for Scotland","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish a record of its performance against the commitments set out in Making it work together - A programme for government and Working together for Scotland: A Programme for Government.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will today publish Recording our Achievements. This will provide a detailed account of the Executive's performance against the commitments set out in Making it work together - A programme for government and Working together for Scotland. Copies of that report have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25620) and will be distributed widely.

      Recording our Achievements shows that 92% of the commitments made in the programme for government documents have been achieved or are on track. However, 3% of commitments may not be achieved. That is obviously disappointing. However, in many cases we have refined our approach and have not met our commitment because we are taking alternative action to tackle the underlying issues. Delivering real, measurable improvements for Scotland will remain our priority.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jack McConnell","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169102,"EventID":"S1W-32647","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be taken on the distribution of national lottery funds, given that the consultation period on Review of Lottery Funding - A consultation paper on Lot","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a decision will be taken on the distribution of national lottery funds, given that the consultation period on Review of Lottery Funding - A consultation paper on Lottery distribution policy, issued jointly by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly, has ended.","AnswerText":"Ministers are currently considering options in the light of the responses to the consultation which closed on 30 October. I expect that the final conclusions of the review of lottery distribution policy will be announced by the late spring or early summer.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169103,"EventID":"S1W-32648","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the UN International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination impacts on provisions within the law that relate to the prevention of racism","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how the UN International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination impacts on provisions within the law that relate to the prevention of racism in health, housing, education and social services.","AnswerText":"The specific duties under the amended Race Relations Act to promote race equality imposed on key public bodies by Scottish ministers earlier last year will ensure that our public services are fair, accessible and sensitive to the needs of all our communities. The UN International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination does not add to or detract from these responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169104,"EventID":"S1W-32649","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Convention on Human Rights has had on provisions within the law that relate to the prevention of racism in health, housing, education and social","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the European Convention on Human Rights has had on provisions within the law that relate to the prevention of racism in health, housing, education and social services.","AnswerText":"The specific duties under the amended Race Relations Act to promote race equality, imposed on key public bodies by Scottish ministers earlier this year, will ensure that our public services are fair, accessible and sensitive to the needs of all our communities. The European Convention on Human Rights does not add to or detract from these responsibilities.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169105,"EventID":"S1W-32650","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any record of the number of occasions on which the outcome of a children's hearing as decided by a children's panel cannot be implemented due to lack of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is any record of the number of occasions on which the outcome of a children's hearing as decided by a children's panel cannot be implemented due to lack of resources.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31723 on 28 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169106,"EventID":"S1W-32651","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) registered foster carers there have been and (b) children have been in foster care in each year for which such information is available since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many (a) registered foster carers there have been and (b) children have been in foster care in each year for which such information is available since 1995.","AnswerText":"Figures on the number of registered foster carers are not held centrally. Figures on the number of children in foster care are not available for 1995 and 1996. Figures on the number of children in foster care since 1997 are available in the following publications: Children Looked After in the year to 31 March 1999 (Bib. number 25692), Children Looked After in the year to 31 March 2000 (Bib. number 12385), Children Looked After in the year to 31 March 2001 (Bib. number 21259) and Looked After Children in the year to 31 March 2002 (Bib. number 25693).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169107,"EventID":"S1W-32652","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average rate of pay is for foster carers and whether there are any plans to implement a national pay scale for such carers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average rate of pay is for foster carers and whether there are any plans to implement a national pay scale for such carers.","AnswerText":"We do not hold information on payments to foster carers centrally. Rates of pay for foster carers are decided by local authorities based on the needs of the individual child. There are no plans at present to implement a national pay scale for foster carers.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169108,"EventID":"S1W-32653","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether relatives that act as foster carers are entitled to receive any foster care benefits.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether relatives that act as foster carers are entitled to receive any foster care benefits.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-31686 on 28 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169109,"EventID":"S1W-32654","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children's panel members' associations there are and what the role of such associations is in the children's hearing system. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many children's panel members' associations there are and what the role of such associations is in the children's hearing system. ","AnswerText":"There is only one national association for panel members, the Scottish Association of Children's Panels. Membership is open to all panel members. The role of the association is to:

      (a) promote the effectiveness of children's hearings;

      (b) provide a means of communication between children's panels, local and national bodies and the public;

      (c) present the views and needs of panel members on training and other competent matters to the appropriate bodies;

      (d) organise and promote conferences of panel members throughout Scotland;

      (e) provide a forum for the exchange of views and experience, and

      (f) to promote a better understanding of the role of children's panels.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169110,"EventID":"S1W-32655","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the prosecution of Shirley McKie, what costs were incurred by (a) it, (b) the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO) and (c) any other public bodies, inc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, with regard to the prosecution of Shirley McKie, what costs were incurred by (a) it, (b) the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO) and (c) any other public bodies, including the Crown Office and the police, in (i) prosecuting the case, (ii) inquiring into the (1) circumstances of the prosecution and (2) deficiencies of the SCRO revealed as a result of the prosecution, (iii) considering the prosecution of those involved in the case and (iv) defending legal actions initiated by Shirley McKie.","AnswerText":"The cost incurred by the various public bodies involved in work related to these matters cannot be separately identified from within the costs incurred by those bodies in discharging the totality of their business.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169111,"EventID":"S1W-32656","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on (a) expenditure incurred by and (b) costs paid to First Engineering in respect of work on rail in Scotland in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on (a) expenditure incurred by and (b) costs paid to First Engineering in respect of work on rail in Scotland in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"First Engineering is a private sector company. As such this information is commercial-in-confidence and is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169112,"EventID":"S1W-32657","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, whether it made any examination of the value for money of contracting out education se","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, whether it made any examination of the value for money of contracting out education services in the Scottish Prison Service prior to tendering for such services.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. The SPS made a value for money comparison as part of our procurement process.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169113,"EventID":"S1W-32658","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, whether any internal bid was considered as part of the competitive tendering of educat","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32013 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, whether any internal bid was considered as part of the competitive tendering of education services in prisons.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      No. The SPS does not have education provision capacity internally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169114,"EventID":"S1W-32659","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the provider of education services in each Scottish Prison Service prison since 1 April 2000 to date, showing the dates on which each provider began ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the provider of education services in each Scottish Prison Service prison since 1 April 2000 to date, showing the dates on which each provider began and ceased provision of such services. ","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      All the providers of education in Scottish prisons continue as they have been since 1 April 2000:

      Aberdeen College provides SPS with education services in HMP Aberdeen and Peterhead; Lauder College in HM Prison Castle Huntly, Edinburgh, Glenochil, Noranside and Perth; Motherwell College in HM Prison Barlinnie, Cornton Vale, Dumfries, Greenock, Low Moss, Polmont and Shotts and Highland Council in HM Prison Inverness.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169115,"EventID":"S1W-32660","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32017 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, what projections it has of the number of unfit places in the prisons estate in (a) 200","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32017 by Mr Jim Wallace on 10 December 2002, what projections it has of the number of unfit places in the prisons estate in (a) 2006-07, (b) 2007-08, (c) 2008-09 and (d) 2009-10.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      As I indicated in the answer given to question S1W-32017, and previously in response to question S1W-29749 on 7 October 2002, the number of prisoner places available in future years, with and without access to night sanitation, will depend on when new places become available and when it is possible to make temporary closures for upgrading other places. These decisions depend on a number of factors outside SPS's direct control including future trends in the prisoner population and the timing and outcome of planning applications for new places. It is therefore not possible to make accurate projections beyond those given in the answer given to question S1W-32017.

      All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169116,"EventID":"S1W-32661","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional prisoner places, as defined in section 34 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limite","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many additional prisoner places, as defined in section 34 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, have been recorded in the daily report for every day of the operation of the prison.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Fotry-eight additional prisoner places have been available each day since July 2000.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169117,"EventID":"S1W-32662","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates a written notice has been given under section 34.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Lim","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what dates a written notice has been given under section 34.1 of the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock requiring the contractor to provide additional prisoner places; how many such places have been required, and what period of notice was given in each case.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Date of Notice

      Number of Additional Prisoner Places

      Period of Notice

      21 June 2000

      48

      4.5 months

      13 November 2000

      48

      3 months

      26 February 2001

      48

      3 months

      31 May 2001

      48

      3 months

      7 September 2001

      48

      3 months

      5 December 2001

      48

      6 months

      29 May 2002

      48

      6 months

      1 November 2002

      192

      12 months

      ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169118,"EventID":"S1W-32663","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31637 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 December 2002, whether there is any difference in the fixed fees, as defined in Ga and Gb in paragraph","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31637 by Mr Jim Wallace on 2 December 2002, whether there is any difference in the fixed fees, as defined in Ga and Gb in paragraph 6 of schedule E to the Minute of Agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and Kilmarnock Prison Services Limited for the Design, Construction, Management and Financing of a Prison at Kilmarnock, between a single additional prisoner place in band A being occupied and all additional prisoner places in band A being occupied.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      No.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169119,"EventID":"S1W-32664","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-13T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has commissioned, or plans to commission, on the skills base that might be available amongst refugees currently residing in Scotland.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what research it has commissioned, or plans to commission, on the skills base that might be available amongst refugees currently residing in Scotland.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive, in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council, will be conducting an audit of asylum seekers' and refugees' skills early next year, with results due to be published in the summer.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169120,"EventID":"S1W-32665","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of farms being tenanted would represent a vibrant tenanted sector.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of farms being tenanted would represent a vibrant tenanted sector.","AnswerText":"Our vision of a vibrant tenanted sector is not based on the percentage of farms being tenanted. It is instead reflected by a number of factors. We want landlords to be confident to let land and for there to be strong demand for tenanted land. We want to encourage increased investment in tenanted land by both landlords and tenants.

      It is also crucial that tenanted land is used in a way that best supports rural Scotland. In this regard, issues such as levels of income drawn from the land, employment opportunities and other benefits that arise for the surrounding community and the way in which the land supports the environment are particularly important.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169121,"EventID":"S1W-32666","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2066,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, with regard to the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill and the absolute right to buy, it is making budgetary provision to cover any costs which might arise und","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether, with regard to the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill and the absolute right to buy, it is making budgetary provision to cover any costs which might arise under the European Convention on Human Rights, given the comments made in the Rural Development Committee's Stage 1 Report on the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill.","AnswerText":"The Executive is opposed to an absolute right to buy, which would undermine the aim of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill to revitalise the tenanted sector. Our potential liability for compensation to overcome the risk of legal challenge under the European Convention of Human Rights arising from the creation of such a right is difficult to predict or control accurately, but we believe it could be substantial. Current Executive spending plans make no provision to meet such costs and no provision could be made without impacting on Executive support for other programmes. There is also a possibility, which we are investigating further, that such payments would in any case be unlikely to be acceptable for state aid purposes and would fail to meet EC requirements.

      For all of these reasons, we do not propose changes to our current spending plans to make budgetary provision for compensation that might be associated with the introduction of an absolute right to buy.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169122,"EventID":"S1W-32667","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1973,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its response to the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission report.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to publish its response to the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission report.","AnswerText":"I have today published my response to the report and copies have been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25562).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169123,"EventID":"S1W-32668","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is the policy of Scottish Enterprise to attempt, where possible, to resolve disputes by means of mediation, rather than litigation, and what the reasons are fo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is the policy of Scottish Enterprise to attempt, where possible, to resolve disputes by means of mediation, rather than litigation, and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169124,"EventID":"S1W-32669","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2394,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is the policy of Scottish Enterprise (SE) not to consider giving any assistance to, or hold any discussions about assistance with, any party with which SE is i","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is the policy of Scottish Enterprise (SE) not to consider giving any assistance to, or hold any discussions about assistance with, any party with which SE is in litigation about matters unrelated to such assistance and what the reasons are for the position on this matter.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169125,"EventID":"S1W-32670","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations of the (a) expert group on financial and other support for NHS injury and (b) Health and Community Care Committee's Report of Hepatitis C it plans to","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what recommendations of the (a) expert group on financial and other support for NHS injury and (b) Health and Community Care Committee's Report of Hepatitis C it plans to adopt in respect of financial recompense for people infected by hepatitis C as a result of blood transfusions.","AnswerText":"I will write to the member with the answer on this and will place copies in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169126,"EventID":"S1W-32671","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what underspend in the Health Department budget there has been in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and what underspend is projected for 2002-03.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what underspend in the Health Department budget there has been in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-01 and (c) 2001-02 and what underspend is projected for 2002-03.","AnswerText":"The cash underspends for the Health Department as set out in the 1999-2000 Appropriation Accounts and 2000-01 Cash Accounts were £76 million and £168 million respectively. The Health Department's resource underspend for 2001-02, as set out in the 2001-02 Scottish Executive Core Departments Resource Accounts, was £73 million. It is not possible to give an accurate forecast outturn figure for 2002-03 because the position varies throughout the year. NHS boards are able to carry forward up to 1% of their unified budget allocations in any one year. Monitoring returns from NHS boards currently indicates lower levels of underspend than in previous years.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169127,"EventID":"S1W-32672","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are being made available to the NHS specifically for treatment and prevention of chronic liver failure resulting from hepatitis C infection.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what additional resources are being made available to the NHS specifically for treatment and prevention of chronic liver failure resulting from hepatitis C infection.","AnswerText":"Subject to national priorities and Health Department guidance, it is for NHS boards to assess the needs of their local populations, including those who suffer from chronic liver failure, and to allocate their considerable resources to provide services to meet those needs. The Health Department has, however, been in discussion with relevant Scottish clinicians and the voluntary sector about the development of regional Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs) for the treatment of patients with hepatitis C. In the near future I expect the clinicians to submit an application to the department for funding to initiate the establishment of such MCNs.

      The Executive currently provides £8.1 million to NHS boards across Scotland to assist them in their work to prevent the spread of all bloodborne viruses, including hepatitis C.

      On 4 July last year, the Health Department staged a conference to highlight and discuss the long-term issues around care and service delivery for those affected by hepatitis C. At the conference, a new hepatitis C information pack for professionals and a leaflet for patients was launched. This information provides helpful and accurate advice on hepatitis C and clarifies certain issues, which are often misunderstood.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169128,"EventID":"S1W-32673","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1775,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides any specific support for housebound, sensory-impaired people to have supported or discounted access to the internet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it provides any specific support for housebound, sensory-impaired people to have supported or discounted access to the internet.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive does not currently provide such support to housebound sensory-impaired people.

      The People's Network will make specialist equipment and software available in certain libraries across the country. Two local pilots (North Lanarkshire Sheltered Housing Project and North Ayrshire Jump Leads Project) are also offering computer access to those unable to visit the library. The Scottish Library and Information Council also aims to develop a best practice framework for libraries to offer those with disabilities access to the internet.

      Various voluntary sector bodies also provide advice about computers and the internet for disabled and sensory-impaired people (e.g. the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, and Mencap), and guidance is available on their respective websites:

      http://www.rnib.org.uk

      http://www.rnid.org.uk

      http://www.mencap.org.uk/.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169129,"EventID":"S1W-32674","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31980. S1W-31981, S1W-31982 and S1W-31984 by Ross Finnie on 10 December 2002, how these answers are consistent with the terms of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31980. S1W-31981, S1W-31982 and S1W-31984 by Ross Finnie on 10 December 2002, how these answers are consistent with the terms of Article 155.3 of the Spanish fisheries chapter of the 1985 Act of Accession which states that the European Council \"acting unanimously on a proposal from the European Commission shall determine, where appropriate, the possibilities and conditions of mutual access to the respective fishing 'ones and to the resources thereof\".","AnswerText":"Fisheries is a matter for Qualified Majority Voting, as stipulated in Article 37 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. The legal interpretation of Article 155.3 of the Fisheries chapter of the 1985 Iberian Act of Accession is that it, and the unanimity to which it refers, applies solely to the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, with which Article 155 in its entirety is concerned.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169130,"EventID":"S1W-32675","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31980. S1W-31981, S1W-31982 and S1W-31984 by Ross Finnie on 10 December 2002, how these answers are consistent with the terms of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-31980. S1W-31981, S1W-31982 and S1W-31984 by Ross Finnie on 10 December 2002, how these answers are consistent with the terms of Articles 6 and 154.1 of the Spanish fisheries chapter of the 1985 Act of Accession which protect certain parts of the act in provisions of EU law that may not be amended, suspended or repealed other than by recourse to treaty amendment procedures. ","AnswerText":"Article 6 of the 1985 Iberian Act of Accession refers to suspending, amending or repealing its provisions. Article 154.1 of the same refers to the fact that Chapter 4 applies to the fisheries sector. Neither of these articles in any way conflicts with the fact that, as stated in the answers given to questions S1W-31980, S1W-31981, S1W-31982 and S1W-31984, fisheries is a matter for Qualified Majority Voting, as stipulated by the Treaty establishing the European Community, Article 37.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169131,"EventID":"S1W-32676","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought any legal opinion on whether the interpretation of the review clause in EEC Regulation 3760/1992 must be circumscribed by other provisions of EU law","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought any legal opinion on whether the interpretation of the review clause in EEC Regulation 3760/1992 must be circumscribed by other provisions of EU law that are not open to amendment, suspension or repeal other than by recourse to treaty amendment procedures or by other provisions of the acquis communautaire that may not be decided without the unanimous consent of the member states.","AnswerText":"Article 14.2 in Regulation 3760/1992 stipulates 31 December 2002 as the date by which the Council was to decide on access arrangements to follow the arrangements for six- 12-mile limits and the Shetland Box defined in Articles 6 and 7 of the same Regulation. Our legal advice is that this date is valid as the expiration date of the regime defined in Articles 156-164 of the Iberian Act of Accession. Regulation 3760/1992 was established via Qualified Majority Voting (QMV), and any amendments to it or new Regulations in the domain of fisheries are also subject to QMV, as stipulated by Article 37 of the Treaty establishing European Community.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169132,"EventID":"S1W-32677","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought any legal opinion on whether the 1985 Act of Accession envisages that Spain's northern EEC fishing access rights will expire on 31 December 2002. ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has sought any legal opinion on whether the 1985 Act of Accession envisages that Spain's northern EEC fishing access rights will expire on 31 December 2002. ","AnswerText":"Following discussions in EC Working Groups, the opinion of the Council Legal Services was sought on that and related matters. Their view is that the access restrictions defined in Articles 156-164 of the Iberian Act of Accession definitively expire after 31 December 2002. The Executive regularly takes legal advice on relevant issues and advice from its legal advisers on this matter is consistent with that from the Council Legal Services.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169133,"EventID":"S1W-32678","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, in leading a UK delegation, would have a right of veto on the current Common Fisheries Policy review package should evidence emerge that the European Commissi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it, in leading a UK delegation, would have a right of veto on the current Common Fisheries Policy review package should evidence emerge that the European Commission had incompetently invited the European Council to rely on illegal decision-making procedures to overturn provisions of EU law that were protected by unanimity or by treaty amendment procedures. ","AnswerText":"All fisheries matters, including legislation undertaken under the Common Fisheries Policy, are subject to Qualified Majority Voting under the terms of the Treaty establishing the European Community. It is for the European Court of Justice to decide whether or not Council regulations are competent.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169134,"EventID":"S1W-32679","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2180,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-16T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31980 by Ross Finnie on 10 December 2002, whether keeping the Common Fisheries Policy's (CFP) principle of relative stability centr","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31980 by Ross Finnie on 10 December 2002, whether keeping the Common Fisheries Policy's (CFP) principle of relative stability central to a new CFP would not be facilitated by a permissive interpretation of the legal scope of the review clause of EEC Regulation 3760/1992. ","AnswerText":"Ministers at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December voted in favour of retaining the principle of relative stability in quota allocation, as part of a wider package of CFP reforms.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169135,"EventID":"S1W-32680","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the A90 between Perth and Aberdeen was last not subject to speed and carriageway restrictions caused by roadworks.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the A90 between Perth and Aberdeen was last not subject to speed and carriageway restrictions caused by roadworks.","AnswerText":"As a consequence of the series of major improvement and maintenance schemes on the A90, the last time there were no speed or carriageway restrictions at any point between Perth and Aberdeen was 21 April 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169136,"EventID":"S1W-32681","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the proposed sale of Clett Island, off Skye, in plots each of one foot square.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the proposed sale of Clett Island, off Skye, in plots each of one foot square.","AnswerText":"Section 4(2)(b) of the Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979 provides that an application for registration in the Land Register of Scotland shall not be accepted by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland if it relates to land which is a souvenir plot, that is a piece of land which, being of inconsiderable size or no practical utility, is unlikely to be wanted in isolation except for the sake of mere ownership or for sentimental reasons or for commemorative purposes.

      The Island of Skye, being in the County of Inverness is subject to that act and accordingly the plots in question could not be registered. The operation of the Land Register will be extended to all the remaining counties of Scotland on 1 April 2003 at which point in time registration of souvenir plots will be impossible anywhere in Scotland. Inability to register a souvenir plot means that the purchaser can only get a personal right of ownership. He or she cannot get a real right protected by the state guarantee that underpins a registered title.

      The position of the Scottish Executive on the purported sale of souvenir plots is reflected in the terms of the above mentioned legislation. The Executive would advise that any individuals participating in transactions of this nature should be aware that there is no true purchase involved as no title can be obtained to the plot of land.

      In view of the fact that titles cannot be registered to the plots, it is not known what rights and responsibilities attach to the "owners" of the small plots of land, but any such rights and responsibilities would be of a personal nature. For the same reason is it not known what acreage of Scotland has been "sold off" in plots of a very small size.

      It is not known how many such schemes there have been in the last 20 years. The Registers of Scotland have no knowledge of any problems caused by them.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169137,"EventID":"S1W-32682","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rights and responsibilities would be of owners of one foot square plots of land, such as those presently being sold on Clett Island, off Skye.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the rights and responsibilities would be of owners of one foot square plots of land, such as those presently being sold on Clett Island, off Skye.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32681 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169138,"EventID":"S1W-32683","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that any future land legislation includes a prohibition on the sale of very small plots of land within larger land holdings and marketed as novelty","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that any future land legislation includes a prohibition on the sale of very small plots of land within larger land holdings and marketed as novelty gifts or opportunities to own part of Scotland's heritage.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32681 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169139,"EventID":"S1W-32684","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it would give to individuals considering purchasing plots of land of one foot square on Clett Island, off Skye.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it would give to individuals considering purchasing plots of land of one foot square on Clett Island, off Skye.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32681 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169140,"EventID":"S1W-32685","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it can take to prohibit plots of land of one foot square on Clett Island, off Skye, being sold and marketed as novelty gifts and what measures can be taken ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it can take to prohibit plots of land of one foot square on Clett Island, off Skye, being sold and marketed as novelty gifts and what measures can be taken to ensure that ownership of such plots is reclaimed from anybody that has already acquired it.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32681 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169141,"EventID":"S1W-32686","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what acreage of Scotland has been sold off in plots of very small si'e with the aim of securing only novelty ownership; how many such schemes there have been in the last ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what acreage of Scotland has been sold off in plots of very small si'e with the aim of securing only novelty ownership; how many such schemes there have been in the last 20 years, and what difficulties any such schemes have caused for (a) owners and (b) any others.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32681 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169142,"EventID":"S1W-32687","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on its commitment to consider undertaking a survey in association with the Student Awards Agency for Scotland and the Scottish Higher Education ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made on its commitment to consider undertaking a survey in association with the Student Awards Agency for Scotland and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council in respect of recommendation 4 of the Independent Committee of Inquiry into Student Finance, referred to in Annex A of Scotland the Learning Nation: Helping Students; when the report of such a survey will be published, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"We intend to undertake a specific income and expenditure survey of Scottish further and higher education students during 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169143,"EventID":"S1W-32688","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether graduating students will have less debt following the implementation of its new student support schemes; what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether graduating students will have less debt following the implementation of its new student support schemes; what the reasons are for the position on this matter, and what the is of the number of students that will benefit in each academic year to 2007-08. ","AnswerText":"The rates of student loan support and the thresholds for parental or spouse contributions have been set in such a way that no graduating student should have more debt under the new student support arrangements than they would have had under the previous system. Almost all young students are expected to have less debt under the new arrangements.

      The number of students who will benefit from the new arrangements in each academic year to 2007-08 will depend upon the numbers applying to undertake higher education courses. The extent to which each will benefit from the new arrangements will depend upon their personal circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169144,"EventID":"S1W-32689","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it receives from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it receives from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.","AnswerText":"The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects information annually from each higher education institution (HEI) in the UK (including teacher training courses). The Scottish Executive receives the information collected from HEIs, via HESA, in respect of students, graduate destinations, staff and finance.

      Details of the information collected by HESA can be obtained on their website:

      http://www.hesa.ac.uk/","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169145,"EventID":"S1W-32690","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students (a) were entitled to and (b) received the minimum available student loan in each year since 1995.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students (a) were entitled to and (b) received the minimum available student loan in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"All students on eligible courses (with the exception of those who have defaulted on a previous student loan agreement) are eligible to receive the minimum level of student loan regardless of their family income. However, students are not obliged to take out the full amount of loan available to them and information on the numbers who have taken out the minimum loan could only be obtained by examining each student loan account and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169146,"EventID":"S1W-32691","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether income under section 2(1) of the Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001 will be treated as additional to money available through t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether income under section 2(1) of the Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001 will be treated as additional to money available through the current funding system and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.","AnswerText":"The Executive will follow section 2 of The Education (Graduate Endowment and Student Support) (Scotland) Act 2001. Income arising from the graduate endowment will be included within the budget proposals in the relevant bill for the Budget Act, for the use of resources, and applied for the purposes of student support.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169147,"EventID":"S1W-32692","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mature students received the maximum available mature students' bursary in each year since the scheme started.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many mature students received the maximum available mature students' bursary in each year since the scheme started.","AnswerText":"Individual colleges and universities are asked to report back to the Student Awards Agency each year with information on the individual awards they have made under the Mature Students' Bursary Scheme. Not all returns have yet been received in relation to the first year of the scheme's operation (2001-02).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169148,"EventID":"S1W-32693","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses to determine the level of funding that it will provide each year under the mature students' bursary scheme.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it uses to determine the level of funding that it will provide each year under the mature students' bursary scheme.","AnswerText":"The overall level of funding is based on the proportion of the student population expected to be eligible for support under Mature Students Bursary Fund (MSBF). Funds are redistributed from the Hardship Funds on the basis of the proportion of the higher education student population in universities and colleges which started courses since 2001-02. Allocations are then made to each institution on the basis of the proportion of their student population which is assessed by the Student Awards Agency as being independent of parental contribution or which receives a supplementary allowance in respect of their having dependent children or of their being a lone parent. Each of these three criteria is given equal weight.

      An additional allocation is made to provide each institution with a contribution towards the costs of administering and publicising the bursary. Each receives a basic amount (£750 in the current year) with the balance of the total (£200,000 in the current year) allocated to each based on the size of their MSBF allocation.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169149,"EventID":"S1W-32694","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent (FTE) students there have been on average for each FTE counsellor in higher and further education institutions in each year since 1995 and f","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many full-time equivalent (FTE) students there have been on average for each FTE counsellor in higher and further education institutions in each year since 1995 and from what source it obtained this information.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169150,"EventID":"S1W-32695","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what higher and further education institutions operated a waiting list for counselling services in each year since 1995 and from what source it obtained this information.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what higher and further education institutions operated a waiting list for counselling services in each year since 1995 and from what source it obtained this information.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32694 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169151,"EventID":"S1W-32696","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it plans to bring the provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill into force.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive on what date it plans to bring the provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill into force.","AnswerText":"We are on track to implement most of the provisions of the Land Reform Bill in 2003, provided it completes its remaining parliamentary stages before the end of the session. Secondary legislation is required before the bill provisions can be fully implemented. Decisions about implementation after the election will be a matter for the new administration.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169152,"EventID":"S1W-32697","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long patients are expected to wait for their first appointment with a specialist after an urgent referral by their general practitioner for suspected breast cancer.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long patients are expected to wait for their first appointment with a specialist after an urgent referral by their general practitioner for suspected breast cancer.","AnswerText":"The Clinical Standards Board for Scotland (CSBS) criteria for breast cancer services standards, state:

      Essential a minimum of 70% of patients referred to a symptomatic clinic are seen within four weeks from date of GP referral.

      Desirable a minimum of 80% of patients are seen within two weeks from date of GP referral.

      In March 2002, the CSBS published their National Overview of Breast Cancer Services alongside 17 local reports on service provision for breast cancer services in Scotland. These are available from www.clinicalstandards.org

      In May 2002 Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer were distributed throughout NHSScotland. A copy is available from:

      www.scotland.gov.uk and www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/cancerinscotland.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169153,"EventID":"S1W-32698","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is in place regarding public access to the December 2002 electoral register.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is in place regarding public access to the December 2002 electoral register.","AnswerText":"Matters relating to electoral registration are reserved and for the Electoral Commission who are responsible for issuing such guidance.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169154,"EventID":"S1W-32699","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30199 by Iain Gray on 16 October 2002, what action it has taken to evaluate the impact of the new student funding packages on (a) t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30199 by Iain Gray on 16 October 2002, what action it has taken to evaluate the impact of the new student funding packages on (a) the number of students in term-time employment and (b) levels of student debt and what the reasons are for its position on these matters.","AnswerText":"The new student support arrangements were introduced for eligible students starting higher education courses from 2001-02 and are, therefore, only in their second year.

      We intend to undertake a specific income and expenditure survey of Scottish domiciled further and higher education students during 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169155,"EventID":"S1W-32700","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29824 by Iain Gray on 7 October 2002, what the average level of non-commercial debt was for a student completing four years of high","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-29824 by Iain Gray on 7 October 2002, what the average level of non-commercial debt was for a student completing four years of higher education, having undergone no previous sub-degree courses and having taken out the maximum available government support available, in each year since 1995.","AnswerText":"The maximum government support available to each student, including student loan support, will depend upon individual circumstances including family income. To calculate the average figure in each year would, therefore, be time consuming and incur a disproportionate cost.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169156,"EventID":"S1W-32701","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32216 by Iain Gray on 13 December 2002, how many clients of the Dumbarton and Lomond Inclusiveness Project are resident at addresse","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32216 by Iain Gray on 13 December 2002, how many clients of the Dumbarton and Lomond Inclusiveness Project are resident at addresses in the East Dunbartonshire Council area.","AnswerText":"Twenty clients, resident in the East Dunbartonshire Council area, are receiving Key Worker support (as at December 2002).

      Forty-three East Dunbartonshire young people are engaged in an On-Track programme.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169157,"EventID":"S1W-32702","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1911,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":34,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide an update on the review of the Blue Badge Scheme of parking concessions for disabled people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will provide an update on the review of the Blue Badge Scheme of parking concessions for disabled people.","AnswerText":"I have considered the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee's (DPTAC) recommendations on the Blue Badge Scheme, which were based on the responses to the discussion paper circulated to key disability organisations and others earlier this year. I am pleased that the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland were able to offer their views on DPTAC's recommendations and that their views could be fed into discussions with my colleagues in the Department for Transport and devolved administrations.

      We are proposing to take forward most of the recommendations that were made. A summary of Scottish Executive responses to each of the recommendations has been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre.

      There are a number of areas in which we have undertaken to look at amending primary legislation governing the scheme, in particular to ensure that the tools needed for effective enforcement are available to local authorities and the police.

      We recognise the need to ensure that badges are only issued to those who most need them, but we are not yet convinced that criteria for eligibility need to be restricted by law. With the other administrations we would prefer to see much clearer and stronger guidance issued to local authorities, as the issuing bodies, on how they should undertake that function. If, after a period of monitoring the impact of that guidance, it is clear that there are still problems with the policy on issuing, we would consider legislation at that stage. We will, in co-operation with the other administrations, be setting up a working group shortly to help us draw up common guidance that each administration will use.

      Further research is required in a number of areas, for example, to consider the setting up of a national database of badge holders. The Scottish Executive will be collaborating with the other administrations to take that forward.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169158,"EventID":"S1W-32703","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31209 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 December 2002, how many offenders in secure accommodation have taken part in offence-related and offen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31209 by Mr Jim Wallace on 6 December 2002, how many offenders in secure accommodation have taken part in offence-related and offence-specific work in each of the last three years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169159,"EventID":"S1W-32704","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many court-mandated perpetrator programmes for domestic abuse offenders there are and how many such programmes have parallel partner-support workers.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many court-mandated perpetrator programmes for domestic abuse offenders there are and how many such programmes have parallel partner-support workers.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Court-mandated programmes are delivered by local authority criminal justice services.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169160,"EventID":"S1W-32705","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social work departments have received training from CHANGE in respect of developing court-mandated perpetrator programmes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many social work departments have received training from CHANGE in respect of developing court-mandated perpetrator programmes.","AnswerText":"As at 31 March 2002, 15 authorities had received the awareness training and nine had progressed to the full skills training.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169161,"EventID":"S1W-32706","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2010,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the homicide victims shown as being the partner of the main accused in Homicides in Scotland Statistics 2001 were (a) women and (b) men and what the sex of th","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the homicide victims shown as being the partner of the main accused in Homicides in Scotland Statistics 2001 were (a) women and (b) men and what the sex of the main accused was in each case.","AnswerText":"Of the 14 homicide victims in 2001, where the main accused was known to be a partner of the accused, 12 were female and two were male. The main accused of the 12 female killings were all male. The main accused of one of the male killings was male and the other was female.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169162,"EventID":"S1W-32707","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent recycling compliance schemes have been successful in meeting waste packaging targets.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive to what extent recycling compliance schemes have been successful in meeting waste packaging targets.","AnswerText":"Between 1999 and 2001, there has only been one occasion on which a scheme registered with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) failed to discharge the collective recovery obligation of its membership.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169163,"EventID":"S1W-32708","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1906,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":50,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any recycling compliance schemes did not meet waste packaging targets in each year since 1999 and, if so, what action was taken in respect of such schemes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any recycling compliance schemes did not meet waste packaging targets in each year since 1999 and, if so, what action was taken in respect of such schemes.","AnswerText":"Between 1999 and 2001, one scheme registered with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) failed to discharge the collective recovery obligation of its membership. That was Wastepack, in respect of 2001.

      The SEPA subsequently considered whether to cancel Wastepack's registration with it in terms of Regulation 17 of The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 but decided not to do so. I am currently considering whether Scottish ministers' approval of the scheme under regulation 12(4) should be maintained.

      Data for 2002 are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169164,"EventID":"S1W-32709","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has allocated to each local authority in respect of work on core path networks in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 and (c) 2003-04.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it has allocated to each local authority in respect of work on core path networks in (a) 2001-02, (b) 2002-03 and (c) 2003-04.","AnswerText":"Total provision of £2.5 million, £4.7 million and £6.5 million has been made available within each council's grant allocation to assist with preparing for the new functions included in Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, including the establishment of a system of core paths in their area. The distribution of these funds is not identified separately within the grant total. In addition to this funding, Scottish Natural Heritage is spending over £21 million over the current three years to promote and facilitate access, a proportion of which will be in the form of grants to local authorities. A further £7.4 million will be allocated to Scottish Natural Heritage and local authorities over the next three years to improve path networks and their management.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169165,"EventID":"S1W-32710","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1889,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":28,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the power to advance well-being in the Local Government in Scotland Bill will confer a power of compulsory purchase or otherwise affect existing powers of compuls","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the power to advance well-being in the Local Government in Scotland Bill will confer a power of compulsory purchase or otherwise affect existing powers of compulsory purchase.","AnswerText":"The power to advance well-being in the Local Government in Scotland Bill will be an important enabling tool for local authorities to do anything they consider is likely to promote or improve the well-being of their communities. A local authority may use the power to advance well-being in conjunction with section 71 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as an additional means to consider compulsory purchase of land. Existing powers of compulsory purchase will not be affected.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169166,"EventID":"S1W-32711","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benchmarking data it holds, or is planning to obtain, on the commercialisation of research in universities and research institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what benchmarking data it holds, or is planning to obtain, on the commercialisation of research in universities and research institutions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32714 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169167,"EventID":"S1W-32712","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds, or is planning to obtain, on the commercial outputs being generated from research conducted in universities and research institutions.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds, or is planning to obtain, on the commercial outputs being generated from research conducted in universities and research institutions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32714 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169168,"EventID":"S1W-32713","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what target-setting and performance evaluation it has commissioned, or is planning to commission, on the commercialisation of research in universities and research instit","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what target-setting and performance evaluation it has commissioned, or is planning to commission, on the commercialisation of research in universities and research institutions.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32714 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169169,"EventID":"S1W-32714","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds, or is planning to obtain, on the (a) number of start-up companies created since 1997 supported by the commercialisation of research conducted ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds, or is planning to obtain, on the (a) number of start-up companies created since 1997 supported by the commercialisation of research conducted in universities and research institutions, (b) sectoral range of start-up companies created since 1997 supported by such commercialisation, (c) (i) number and (ii) percentage of start-up companies that have their registered office in Scotland and were created since 1997 supported by such commercialisation, (d) number of universities and research institutions holding equity in their start-up companies and the extent of any such holdings, (e) number of licensing arrangements established since 1997 to further the commercialisation of research in universities and research institutions and (f) gross incomes from any such licences yielded since 1997.","AnswerText":"At present, comprehensive information in the form requested in this question, and questions S1W-32711, S1W-32712 and S1W-32713, is not available.

      Information on commercialisation of university research is available from the UK Higher Education-Business Interaction (HE-BI) survey, which is based on activities reported by universities. This annual survey was commissioned in 2001 by the Higher Education Funding Council for England on behalf of a group of stakeholders, including the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. The UK report was published in December 2001 by the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies at the University of Newcastle and is available at http://www.hefce.ac.uk/Pubs/hefce/2001/01_68.htm. Key Scottish results have been published in the Scottish Economic Report January 2002 and is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/finance/ser5-11.asp, based on the responses from 17 Scottish institutions.

      For the academic year 1999-2000, 37 new spin-off companies were reported in which the Higher Education Insititution (HEI) held equity, compared with a total of 54 in the preceding five years. There are presently no reliable data on the number of companies started where the HEI had some interest but no equity ownership. Of the 17 Scottish HEIs which responded to the survey, 16 had an equity share in at least one spin-off company. One hundred and twenty-two licensing agreements were reported by Scottish HEIs in 1998-99 and 114 in 1999-2000, the only years for which figures are available. Total revenues from Intellectual Property Rights (including income from licensing agreements as well as royalties on patents and copyrights) accruing to Scottish universities were reported as £6.9 million in 1998-99 and £7.7 million in 1999-2000. Results for the 2000-01 academic session are expected to be published for the UK shortly; the Scottish Executive will provide an analysis of the Scottish results.

      Information on the commercialisation activity of the Scottish Agricultural and Biological Research Institutes (SABRIs) has been collected since 2000 and is included in their annual reports. On average each year, for financial years 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 (estimate), the SABRIs have filed 10 new patents, there have been 70 new licences and two new spin-out companies. Income from Intellectual Property Rights has amounted to approximately £650,000 annually.

      Improving the commercialisation of university and research institute research is a high priority for the Executive and we have set a target of assisting 150 joint academic and industry ventures by 2006. It is important that suitable measures are available to assess the extent and value of commercialisation activity. The UK HE-BI survey is relatively new, and the intention is to develop it further. At this stage it is not possible to say whether future surveys will include the additional items covered by these parliamentary questions, since the cost of collection and extent to which universities and other bodies are able to provide them will need to be assessed. Developing better measures of commercialisation activity is also currently being considered as part of the Review of the UK Research Assessment Exercise in which the Executive is participating.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169170,"EventID":"S1W-32715","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the jobs of staff involved in the transfer of housing stock in Glasgow will be guaranteed in the Glasgow Housing Association Ltd, given revisions to the proposed ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the jobs of staff involved in the transfer of housing stock in Glasgow will be guaranteed in the Glasgow Housing Association Ltd, given revisions to the proposed staffing structure of Scottish Borders Housing Association.","AnswerText":"The terms and conditions of all council staff affected by the Glasgow housing transfer will be protected through the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169171,"EventID":"S1W-32716","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties have been demolished under the Glasgow housing stock transfer process to date and how many are expected to be demolished in total.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many properties have been demolished under the Glasgow housing stock transfer process to date and how many are expected to be demolished in total.","AnswerText":"To date, no houses have been demolished as a consequence of the Glasgow housing transfer. The plan approved by Glasgow City Council on 20 December indicates that up to 14,000 units will be demolished during the first 10 years after transfer.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169172,"EventID":"S1W-32717","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded rams and ram lambs (a) were retained for in-flock improvement by Highlands and Islands Sheep Strategy (HISS) members in (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002, (b) were","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded rams and ram lambs (a) were retained for in-flock improvement by Highlands and Islands Sheep Strategy (HISS) members in (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002, (b) were sold by HISS members in each year and (c) will be available for in-flock improvement in 2003.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive assisted with the first phase of the strategy through Highlands and Islands Agricultural Programme funding and the economic benefits were evaluated at the end of 2001, when Phase 1 results showed improvements worth 62p/lamb.

      The detailed information requested is not held centrally by the Executive, but can be obtained directly from the HISS Steering Group that now manage and fund Phase 2 of the strategy.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169173,"EventID":"S1W-32718","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-17T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the achievements of the Highland and Islands Sheep Strategy have been to date in relation to the (a) number of lambs recorded under the strategy and (b) overall gene","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the achievements of the Highland and Islands Sheep Strategy have been to date in relation to the (a) number of lambs recorded under the strategy and (b) overall genetic improvement in respect of ewes and rams.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32717 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169174,"EventID":"S1W-32719","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many passenger rail journeys are undertaken each year.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many passenger rail journeys are undertaken each year.","AnswerText":"The information requested is given in table 8.1 of Scottish Transport Statistics no. 21, 2002 edition, published by the Executive in August 2002, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23316).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169175,"EventID":"S1W-32720","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of passenger rail journeys undertaken do not exceed 10 minutes.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of passenger rail journeys undertaken do not exceed 10 minutes.","AnswerText":"Relevant information is given in table 13 of Scottish Household Survey Travel Diary results, published by the Executive in February 2002, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 19620).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169176,"EventID":"S1W-32721","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many passenger rail journeys involved passengers standing for more than 10 minutes in each year since 1997.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many passenger rail journeys involved passengers standing for more than 10 minutes in each year since 1997.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169177,"EventID":"S1W-32722","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of passenger rail journeys undertaken in Scotland is on services provided by companies other than ScotRail.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of passenger rail journeys undertaken in Scotland is on services provided by companies other than ScotRail.","AnswerText":"The information requested can be obtained from tables 8.1 to 8.3 of Scottish Transport Statistics no. 21, 2002 edition, published by the Executive in August 2002, copies of which are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 23316).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169178,"EventID":"S1W-32723","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will own the 22 new three-car trains referred to in its news release SEET213/2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive who will own the 22 new three-car trains referred to in its news release SEET213/2002.","AnswerText":"The rolling stock will be procured by ScotRail and ownership will remain in the private sector.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169179,"EventID":"S1W-32724","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30382, S1W-31275 and S1W-32194 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 November, 2 December and 13 December 2002 respectively, whether it would b","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30382, S1W-31275 and S1W-32194 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 November, 2 December and 13 December 2002 respectively, whether it would be acting within its legal powers in requiring local authorities to meet the cost of changes or alterations to trunk road signs not instigated by the Executive and what the legal basis or precedent is for its position on the matter. ","AnswerText":"The practice of the Scottish ministers of requesting local authorities to meet the cost of changes or alterations to trunk road signs not instigated by the Executive is a matter of policy, and is not based on statutory provision or any specific document. It is not considered that there is any legal impediment to this practice.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169180,"EventID":"S1W-32725","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1811,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30382, S1W-31275 and S1W-32194 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 November, 2 December and 13 December 2002 respectively, what specific docu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S1W-30382, S1W-31275 and S1W-32194 by Lewis Macdonald on 5 November, 2 December and 13 December 2002 respectively, what specific document records the policy and practice of Scottish ministers in relation to changes or alterations to trunk road signs; what legal standing the policy and practice of ministers as referred to in the answer to questions S1W-30382 and S1W-32194 has, and whether the policy and practice of ministers in relation to this matter could in any way conflict with existing law with regard to local authority responsibilities and contract law on trunk road signs.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32724 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169181,"EventID":"S1W-32726","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from the Strategic Rail Authority about any proposed cuts in funding for the passenger railway franchise; whether it has taken over respo","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received from the Strategic Rail Authority about any proposed cuts in funding for the passenger railway franchise; whether it has taken over responsibility for direct payment of funding for the franchise and, if not, when it will do so, and what assessment it has made of any impact of any such cuts on service provision. ","AnswerText":"A contract with agreed levels of funding and an agreed Passenger Service Requirement is in place with ScotRail until April 2004 when the current franchise expires. Payment of the subsidy cost of the franchise is divided between the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT). The Executive has always funded SPT's share of this and has funded SRA's share since 2001-02 through transfer of funds from the Department for Transport.

      Under the terms of the devolution settlement the Executive will acquire full funding responsibility, via SPT and the SRA, for the next Scottish passenger rail franchise.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169182,"EventID":"S1W-32727","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27368 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 August 2002, whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in support of legislati","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-27368 by Lewis Macdonald on 2 August 2002, whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government in support of legislative changes in order to allow a public sector operator to be considered for the passenger railway franchise.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including franchise issues.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169183,"EventID":"S1W-32728","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2100,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":61,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the gritting of the A1 trunk road on the morning of 17 December 2002 was in compliance with its contract with Amey Highways Ltd; what road traffic accidents occur","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the gritting of the A1 trunk road on the morning of 17 December 2002 was in compliance with its contract with Amey Highways Ltd; what road traffic accidents occurred that morning, and what the causes and effects of those accidents were.","AnswerText":"Yes. The gritting on the A1 trunk road undertaken by Amey Highways Ltd on the morning of the 17 December 2002 has been checked by the independent Performance Audit Group who have confirmed it to be in compliance with the trunk road maintenance contract. Lothian and Borders Police reported a total of three separate accidents which they attributed to icy driving conditions and an inspection carried out by Amey Highways revealed damage to the central reserve safety fence at several locations between Oaktree Junction and the Haddington East Junction.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169184,"EventID":"S1W-32729","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2223,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":26,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 16-19 December 2002.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will report on the outcome of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 16-19 December 2002.","AnswerText":"I attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels from 16 to 20 December 2002, together with Margaret Beckett, Elliot Morley (DEFRA) and Ian Pearson (Northern Ireland Office).

      The main fisheries business before the Council centred on three subjects: reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP); a cod and hake recovery plan, and the total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for 2003. Regulations covering all three subjects were agreed as a package.

      On CFP reform, three new regulations were adopted: a new framework (or basic) regulation, a regulation establishing an emergency Community measure for scrapping fishing vessels, and a regulation amending the detailed rules and arrangements on Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector.

      The new framework regulation allows for the continuation of the 6- and 12-mile territorial limits, relative stability (including Hague Preference) as the method for allocating quotas, and the Shetland Box. It also paves the way for the introduction of Regional Advisory Councils and multi-annual management plans. The other regulations now require the phasing out by end-2004 of subsidies for the building of new fishing boats, and adjust the payments available for scrapping of vessels.

      On cod and hake recovery plans, the Council deferred a decision on the Commission's draft regulation from last December. As a consequence of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea advice calling for a total moratorium on cod and cod related fisheries, the Commission proposed an interim regulation (as Annex XVII to the TAC and quota regulation) as an alternative cod recovery plan.

      The centrepiece of Annex XVII is an effort control regime based on a limitation of days spent at sea by vessels catching cod in the North Sea, west of Scotland and Skaggerak and Kattegat. The regulation imposes different limitations on different vessels according to the type of gear in use. The aim is to exclude certain vessels altogether (for example pelagic trawlers) and to impose variable restrictions on other vessels according to how much cod they are deemed to catch. For example, most nephrops vessels will in practice have a 25-day limit per month, while whitefish demersal trawlers will be restricted to seven days per month. As a result of negotiations on such matters as the use of technical measures, decommissioning and steaming days, the UK's demersal trawlers will in practice be allowed 15 days per month rather than seven. The regulation also makes allowance for some flexibility in the use of such days. It allows some movement of days between months and between vessels.

      The intention is that this should be an interim measure, and that a more sophisticated regime (based on the earlier cod and hake recovery plan) should be agreed by the end of March for implementation by 1 July 2003. Declarations to that effect are recorded.

      On TACs and quotas, the Council agreed to broadly stable pelagic quotas (a reduction on mackerel but a significant increase on herring), stable nephrops TACs, and significant reductions in key whitefish TACs (such as cod, haddock, whiting, and anglerfish). The TAC reductions on cod and associated stocks of interest to the Scottish industry were of the order of 50% as compared to the Commission's original proposals of around 65%.

      In addition, the Council agreed to provide financial support to Spanish fishermen and mussel and oyster growers affected by the Prestige oil spill. No new money is involved: the agreement involved a re-allocation of existing Spanish structural funds.

      The Council also agreed the conclusions of the Commission's action plan for the Mediterranean, which will pave the way for the presentation of specific management measures for the area.

      In addition, the already agreed regulations for the management of deep-water fisheries were adopted as an "A point".

      Finally, the Commission also presented its proposal for a new managemen","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169185,"EventID":"S1W-32730","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2085,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":27,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the ruling by the European Court of Justice on 12 September 2000 has on tolls at the Skye Bridge.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what impact the ruling by the European Court of Justice on 12 September 2000 has on tolls at the Skye Bridge.","AnswerText":"Treasury Ministers have today announced that tolls payable to private sector operators will become subject to VAT with effect from 1 February 2003.

      In Scotland, we are committed to keeping the Skye Bridge tolls at 1999 levels for the remainder of the concession period. We have worked closely with colleagues in Whitehall and with the operator of the Skye Bridge crossing to ensure that tolls will not increase on account of VAT being levied as a result of the European Court's decision.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169186,"EventID":"S1W-32731","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about (a) the estimated value of goods, equipment and property that, in the event of the passenger railway franchise changing, a new fran","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has received about (a) the estimated value of goods, equipment and property that, in the event of the passenger railway franchise changing, a new franchise would be required to acquire (i) in total and (ii) broken down by category of asset and (b) what such items are. ","AnswerText":"This information is not held centrally.

      Bidders for the new franchise will receive information on the book value of assets in an Invitation to Tender and supporting documentation (including an accountant's long form report), which are currently being prepared by the Strategic Rail Authority.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169187,"EventID":"S1W-32732","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date, or dates, since the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body accepted responsibility for the Holyrood project, the specification for blast and bombproofing of g","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date, or dates, since the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body accepted responsibility for the Holyrood project, the specification for blast and bombproofing of gla'ed units was increased, detailing the reasons for such increases and the specific additional benefits gained on each such occasion. ","AnswerText":"The detailed specifications of the new Scottish Parliament building conform to Cabinet Office guidelines for a public building of this type. These guidelines, drawn up by the security services, have not changed. Heightened awareness of security issues following recent world events has made it necessary for all those responsible for applying the guidelines to follow them particularly stringently. A number of complex components of the building have been re-designed in order to satisfy the existing guidelines and in some cases it has been only possible to prove compliance conclusively through carrying out blast tests.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169188,"EventID":"S1W-32733","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date, or dates, since the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body accepted responsibility for the Holyrood project the specification for blast and bombproofing of (a","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date, or dates, since the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body accepted responsibility for the Holyrood project the specification for blast and bombproofing of (a) the curtain wall and (b) exterior walls was increased, detailing the reasons for such increases and the specific additional benefits gained on each such occasion.","AnswerText":"The detailed specifications of the new Scottish Parliament building conform to Cabinet Office guidelines for a public building of this type. These guidelines, drawn up by the security services, have not changed. Heightened awareness of security issues following recent world events has made it necessary for all those responsible for applying the guidelines to follow them particularly stringently. A number of complex components of the building have been re-designed in order to satisfy the existing guidelines and in some cases it has been only possible to prove compliance conclusively through carrying out blast tests.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169189,"EventID":"S1W-32734","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether, since the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body accepted responsibility for the Holyrood project, any contractors have left the site voluntarily or had their con","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether, since the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body accepted responsibility for the Holyrood project, any contractors have left the site voluntarily or had their contract terminated prior to the completion of work required to be undertaken by them; if so, who the contractors were, between what dates the contractors were employed on the site, what the initial cost of the contract was, how much has been paid to them and what payments are outstanding, and what the reasons were for the termination of the contractual obligation.","AnswerText":"Only one trade contract has been terminated before completion of works since the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) took responsibility for the Holyrood Project. The contractor concerned was Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, who were appointed on 26 January 2001 to undertake the MSP Building Cladding Trade Package. A notice of intention to terminate the contract was issued to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd on 26 September 2001 on the grounds of breach of contract. The initial contract value was £7,157,281.29. A total of £854,067 was paid to the company for work undertaken. The SPCB does not consider that any further payments are due to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169190,"EventID":"S1W-32735","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will place the security specifications initially envisaged as being necessary for the new Parliament building at Holyrood","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body will place the security specifications initially envisaged as being necessary for the new Parliament building at Holyrood, as published on the website of the former Scottish Office, in the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I understand that an abbreviated version of the April 1998 version of the Parliament Building User Brief appeared on the Scottish Office Devolution website prior to the project transferring to the Parliament in June 1999. A section on general security issues was contained in that document which covered the security arrangements expected in the building. After reconsideration of the current security implications, I am of the view that no security information about the building should be made more generally accessible than absolutely necessary. I therefore cannot recommend that a copy of that information be placed in Scottish Parliament Information Centre. The Holyrood Project Team can make arrangements for individual members, with legitimate interests, to view the User Brief if required.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169191,"EventID":"S1W-32736","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1828,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what aspects of the security specifications initially envisaged as being necessary for the new Parliament building at Holyrood, as published on the website of the former S","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what aspects of the security specifications initially envisaged as being necessary for the new Parliament building at Holyrood, as published on the website of the former Scottish Office, have needed to be amended, detailing the (a) date of, (b) reason for and (c) specific benefits gained by each such revision.","AnswerText":"Since the Parliament assumed responsibility for the Holyrood Project in June 1999, there have been a number of changes to the security section in the Scottish Parliament Building User Brief. For obvious security reasons, details of revisions to that section are treated on a confidential basis, and the information cannot, therefore, be provided as requested. All have had the aim of improving the protection the building offers, however, and enhancing the safety of members, staff and visitors to the Parliament. In particular, changes to the design specification, as supported by the various professional consultants to the project, take advantage of the latest security advice on the practical application of existing guidelines.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169192,"EventID":"S1W-32737","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the annual report of the Forestry Commission will be published soon; whether it will be published during the parliamentary recess, and, if so, whether any decisio","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the annual report of the Forestry Commission will be published soon; whether it will be published during the parliamentary recess, and, if so, whether any decision was taken specifically to delay publication until during recess.","AnswerText":"The annual report for the Forestry Commission in Scotland was placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25806), on Monday 23 December 2002. No decision was taken specifically to delay publication until during recess.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169193,"EventID":"S1W-32738","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost has been of fees (a) paid and (b) payable to Shepherd and Wedderburn WS for legal advice provided in connection with Flour City Architectural Metals (","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost has been of fees (a) paid and (b) payable to Shepherd and Wedderburn WS for legal advice provided in connection with Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, Flour City International Inc. and the Holyrood project. ","AnswerText":"Further to my answer to S1W-30169 on 10 October 2002, the expected costs (invoice awaited) for the additional work by Shepherd and Wedderburn, solicitors, in advising on claims against both Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd and Flour City International Inc are £13,680 plus VAT and outlays for US agents of £1,370.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169194,"EventID":"S1W-32739","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the decision was taken to put out to tender the works package for the windows and cladding work for the MSP block of the new Parliament building at Holyrood, ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer on what date the decision was taken to put out to tender the works package for the windows and cladding work for the MSP block of the new Parliament building at Holyrood, which was subsequently awarded to Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd; who took the decision; whether it was an alteration of any previous decision, or plan, not to put the work out to tender and to, for example, put out the works package in smaller units or parcels, and by what date bids were to be received from tenderers. ","AnswerText":"The procurement strategy for the project was developed by Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Limited following their appointment by The Scottish Office in January 1999. The Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group has informed me that the strategy always included one trade package for all of the MSP Building Cladding works and this approach was agreed by the Holyrood Project Team prior to the issue of tender documentation on 16 August 2000. Initial bids were due to be received from tenderers on 19 September 2000, but this was extended by two weeks to 3 October 2000 at the request of all of the tenderers.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169195,"EventID":"S1W-32740","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to place an order for the construction of a fisheries protection vessel in the near future.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to place an order for the construction of a fisheries protection vessel in the near future.","AnswerText":"No order is planned to be placed in the immediate future.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169196,"EventID":"S1W-32741","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the age profile is of the vessels in the current fisheries protection fleet.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the age profile is of the vessels in the current fisheries protection fleet.","AnswerText":"The age profile of the vessels in the fisheries protection fleet is as follows:

      Year of Launch

      Westra

      1975

      Sulisker

      1980

      Vigilant

      1982

      Norna

      1987

      ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169197,"EventID":"S1W-32742","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the modernisation and expansion of the fisheries protection fleet to meet changes to the Common Fisheries Policy and its management r","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consideration has been given to the modernisation and expansion of the fisheries protection fleet to meet changes to the Common Fisheries Policy and its management regimes.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency has a planned replacement programme for its vessels to meet its enforcement needs. The first part of that programme is under way with the replacement of FPV Westra in July 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169198,"EventID":"S1W-32743","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1854,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":72,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a meeting last took place with Her Majesty's Government to discuss the present and future circumstances of the shipbuilding industry and what decisions were reached ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when a meeting last took place with Her Majesty's Government to discuss the present and future circumstances of the shipbuilding industry and what decisions were reached at any such meeting.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive and the UK Government meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the shipbuilding industry. My officials last met UK Government officials on 2 December 2002 at the meeting of the Clyde Shipyards Task Force held to monitor progress on the report's recommendations.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169199,"EventID":"S1W-32744","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the number of people suffering from impingement syndrome of the shoulder and whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the number of people suffering from impingement syndrome of the shoulder and whether it will make representations to Her Majesty's Government about the recognition of the syndrome as a prescribed disease for the purpose of industrial injuries disablement benefit, given the impact any such recognition would have on health and social justice issues.","AnswerText":"Information derived from the Continuous Morbidity Recording (CMR) system based on a sample of Scottish General Practices estimates that approximately 500 individuals were seen in respect of impingement syndrome of the shoulder in the year ending December 2001.

      The Executive has no plans to make representations to HM Government about this syndrome.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169200,"EventID":"S1W-32745","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was notified that the Central Science Laboratory had been given permission by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides to carry out trials with the chemical T3327 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was notified that the Central Science Laboratory had been given permission by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides to carry out trials with the chemical T3327 at the Dundrennan range in Kirkcudbrightshire and, if so, when.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers authorised the issue of an experimental permit on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. This was conveyed to the Central Science Laboratory on 19 August 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169201,"EventID":"S1W-32746","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental assessment has been made of the impact of trials being carried out by the Central Science Laboratory with the chemical T3327 at the Dundrennan range in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what environmental assessment has been made of the impact of trials being carried out by the Central Science Laboratory with the chemical T3327 at the Dundrennan range in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerText":"An environmental assessment was included in the Central Science Laboratory's application for authorisation for an experimental permit. It included an assessment of the risks posed to the environment and to non-target species, and the methods of minimising such risks.

      Since baits were removed after the trial and the formulation of T3327 used in the trial is designed to biodegrade rapidly, there will be no significant or long-term contamination to the environment.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169202,"EventID":"S1W-32747","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or Scottish Natural Heritage were notified of trials being carried out by the Central Science Laboratory with the chemi","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or Scottish Natural Heritage were notified of trials being carried out by the Central Science Laboratory with the chemical T3327 at the Dundrennan range in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerText":"Scottish ministers consulted Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) before determining the Central Science Laboratory's application for an experimental permit. SNH separately granted a licence to the Laboratory to interfere with badger setts in order to take measures to protect badgers from coming into contact with T3327 during the trial period.

      The Scottish Environment Protection Agency was not notified. Advice on the possible environmental effects of the trial was given to Scottish ministers by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169203,"EventID":"S1W-32748","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1888,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":62,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Dumfries and Galloway Council was notified of trials being carried out by the Central Science Laboratory with the chemical T3327 at the Dundrennan range in Kirkcu","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Dumfries and Galloway Council was notified of trials being carried out by the Central Science Laboratory with the chemical T3327 at the Dundrennan range in Kirkcudbrightshire.","AnswerText":"This is an operational matter for the Central Science Laboratory. I understand, however, that Dumfries and Galloway Council was not notified about the trial because the trial did not appear to impact on its interests.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169204,"EventID":"S1W-32750","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements in meeting targets and overall performance are being considered in respect of the conduct of sittings of the High Court, in the light of the arrangemen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements in meeting targets and overall performance are being considered in respect of the conduct of sittings of the High Court, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"The widening of the pool of eligible candidates from which Advocate Deputes may be selected, the provision of additional preparation time, improvements in training and the arrangements to ensure that the most senior Advocate Deputes prosecute the most serious and complex cases, are designed to improve the preparation and prosecution of High Court cases.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169205,"EventID":"S1W-32751","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements in the management of circuits of the High Court are being considered and what the responsibilities will be for the oversight of circuit managers of eac","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements in the management of circuits of the High Court are being considered and what the responsibilities will be for the oversight of circuit managers of each of the three categories of High Court prosecutor, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"Steps are being taken to improve the management of High Court Sittings, by integrating those involved in Sitting management into the Crown Office High Court Unit and by increasing the number of support staff. The relationship between Sitting managers and Crown Counsel will remain as at present.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169206,"EventID":"S1W-32752","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are being considered in the time to be made available to advocates depute for the preparation of trials allocated or to be allocated to them, in the li","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements are being considered in the time to be made available to advocates depute for the preparation of trials allocated or to be allocated to them, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"The proposals announced in the paper Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward are intended to improve the preparation of High Court cases, particularly those which are serious and complex. Additional preparation time will be made available to Advocate Deputes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169207,"EventID":"S1W-32753","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made or are being considered to safeguard the independence of all categories of appointment as High Court prosecutors, in the light of the ar","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements have been made or are being considered to safeguard the independence of all categories of appointment as High Court prosecutors, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"The paper Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: Proposals for Change published in September 2002 made clear my commitment to the independence of Crown Counsel. I confirmed in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward that the key elements of the proposals for change would be implemented, and that the further work required to implement the details would be taken forward over the next few months. This work will include setting out further details of the arrangements to secure the independence of all categories of appointment as High Court prosecutors.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169208,"EventID":"S1W-32754","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards will be put in place to address any perceived lack of independence of procurators fiscal appointed on an ad hoc basis and to ensure that a fiscal appoint","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards will be put in place to address any perceived lack of independence of procurators fiscal appointed on an ad hoc basis and to ensure that a fiscal appointed as ad hoc advocates depute are not required to act as an ad hoc advocate depute in any case in which they had any prior involvement as a procurator fiscal or that has originated in the region where their office is currently located, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32753 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169209,"EventID":"S1W-32755","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards will be put in place to protect the independence of solicitors advocate appointed as a senior advocate depute or an advocate depute and ensure that such ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards will be put in place to protect the independence of solicitors advocate appointed as a senior advocate depute or an advocate depute and ensure that such solicitors advocate are not in partnership with, employed by, consultants for, or hold any other interest in a legal firm undertaking criminal defence work and to require the cessation of any such interests on appointment, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32753 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169210,"EventID":"S1W-32756","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards will be put in place to protect the independence of solicitors advocate appointed on an ad hoc basis and to ensure that solicitors advocate appointed as ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards will be put in place to protect the independence of solicitors advocate appointed on an ad hoc basis and to ensure that solicitors advocate appointed as ad hoc advocates depute are not in partnership with, employed by, consultants for, or hold any other interest in a legal firm undertaking criminal defence work and to require the cessation of any such interests on appointment, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32753 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169211,"EventID":"S1W-32757","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards will be put in place to protect the independence of solicitors advocate appointed on an ad hoc basis and to ensure that solicitors advocate appointed as a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what safeguards will be put in place to protect the independence of solicitors advocate appointed on an ad hoc basis and to ensure that solicitors advocate appointed as ad hoc advocates depute are not appointed in respect of cases emanating from any region in which they undertake criminal defence work on a regular basis, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32753 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169212,"EventID":"S1W-32758","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether procurators fiscal appointed as ad hoc advocates depute will be required to hold extended rights of audience before the High Court, in the light of the arrangemen","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether procurators fiscal appointed as ad hoc advocates depute will be required to hold extended rights of audience before the High Court, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"Members of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service appointed by the Lord Advocate to prosecute in the High Court will have, or will have to obtain, rights of audience before the High Court.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169213,"EventID":"S1W-32759","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are proposed or are being considered regarding the terms of appointment and eligibility for reinstatement at the end of the term of appointment for per","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are proposed or are being considered regarding the terms of appointment and eligibility for reinstatement at the end of the term of appointment for persons seconded from the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"Members of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service appointed as Advocate Deputes will serve for a similar length of time as those appointed from the Faculty of Advocates. Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service staff will return to the department at the end of any period of secondment.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169214,"EventID":"S1W-32760","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are proposed or are being considered to ensure equality of treatment among the pool of eligible candidates from which advocates depute might be selected","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are proposed or are being considered to ensure equality of treatment among the pool of eligible candidates from which advocates depute might be selected and appointed, in relation to their terms and conditions and any pension entitlement, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"We will put in place arrangements which ensure that Advocate Deputes are engaged on terms which ensure equality of treatment, including the remuneration of Advocate Deputes and Senior Advocate Deputes. Only Advocate Deputes who are employed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will have a pension entitlement, but the value of that entitlement will be reflected in their remuneration in order to ensure equality of treatment with Advocate Deputes who are not employees.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169215,"EventID":"S1W-32761","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are proposed or are being considered regarding the marking of cases by members of the procurator fiscal service for trial by sheriff and jury, in the li","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what arrangements are proposed or are being considered regarding the marking of cases by members of the procurator fiscal service for trial by sheriff and jury, in the light of the arrangements for the prosecution of serious crime in the High Court set out in Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: The Way Forward, and the announcement by the Lord Advocate on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"The paper Modernising the Effective Prosecution of Serious Crime - Appointment and Role of Advocate Deputes: Proposals for Change, published in September 2002, provided details of the proposed arrangements for the marking of sheriff and jury cases: paragraphs 24-30, in particular paragraph 29.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Colin Boyd","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169216,"EventID":"S1W-32762","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2228,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":8,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland, 2000-2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland, 2000-2001.","AnswerText":"Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland, 2000-2001 (GERS) will be published on 20 January 2003. This is later than the more usual pre-Christmas launch for GERS. The decision to delay the publication was made by the Chief Statistician in order to accommodate key statistical information that has only recently become available, and in line with procedures to ensure the integrity of official statistics.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169217,"EventID":"S1W-32763","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1783,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":67,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Report of the Review of Scottish Screen.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the Report of the Review of Scottish Screen.","AnswerText":"The Report of the Review of Scottish Screen was published by the Scottish Executive today. Copies are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25733).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169218,"EventID":"S1W-32764","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific benefits are expected to accrue to the Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituency as a result of its announcement on 17 December 2002 regarding investment","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what specific benefits are expected to accrue to the Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituency as a result of its announcement on 17 December 2002 regarding investment in the railways. ","AnswerText":"Whilst the national rail network does not run into or through the Banff and Buchan parliamentary constituency, travellers from that constituency do make use of the rail network from Aberdeen station. The announcement on 17 December 2002 will result in tightening Scotrail's performance targets for a more reliable service as well as new trains operating on the Aberdeen to Edinburgh and Glasgow routes, which will provide passengers with a better quality of journey experience.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169219,"EventID":"S1W-32765","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30100 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, whether it has now received the initial recommendations emerging from the review of com","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30100 by Mr Jim Wallace on 23 October 2002, whether it has now received the initial recommendations emerging from the review of common police services and, if so, what recommendations have been made with regard to out-sourcing of such services.","AnswerText":"Yes. The over-arching review had included a series of small-scale best value reviews covering most back office services delivered by police forces. While these best value reviews have resulted in a number of efficiencies, the initial conclusion is that a wider ranging study covering all back office services is now needed. Ministers have therefore agreed that consultants should be commissioned to undertake such a study and preparations are currently in hand to issue tenders.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169220,"EventID":"S1W-32766","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21417 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 January 2002 and to its news release SE5006/2001 on 10 December 2001, what the timetable is for the c","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-21417 by Mr Jim Wallace on 18 January 2002 and to its news release SE5006/2001 on 10 December 2001, what the timetable is for the creation of a human rights commission; how many commissioners will be appointed; whether any progress has been made in setting out the commission's relationship with the (a) Equal Opportunities Commission, (b) Commission for Racial Equality and (c) Disability Rights Commission; how many posts are to be created in the commission, and where it will be located.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive will issue a detailed consultation paper on the proposed Scottish Human Rights Commission in February 2003. This paper will look at the proposed key functions and issues such as accountability, accessibility, membership, location and relationship with other bodies.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169221,"EventID":"S1W-32767","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31441 by Nicol Stephen on 21 November 2002, how much funding is currently available to local authorities under capital allocation a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31441 by Nicol Stephen on 21 November 2002, how much funding is currently available to local authorities under capital allocation arrangements to assist in the schools rebuilding and refurbishment programme.","AnswerText":"General consent to incur expenditure on their non-housing capital programmes, including education, is allocated to local authorities on the basis of a formula agreed with COSLA. The total such allocation for the current financial year is £314.246 million. The allocation is neither project nor programme specific. Local authorities themselves decide what proportion to spend on capital investment in schools.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-11T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169222,"EventID":"S1W-32768","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30980 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 7 November 2002, when it will have fully considered the recommendations of the audiology review group","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30980 by Mrs Mary Mulligan on 7 November 2002, when it will have fully considered the recommendations of the audiology review group and when it intends to report its response to these recommendations to the Parliament.","AnswerText":"The Executive is still considering the many recommendations within the audiology report. It is not possible at this stage to give a definite date for a response. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-10T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169223,"EventID":"S1W-32769","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority residential care places there currently are for children.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many local authority residential care places there currently are for children.","AnswerText":"The number of residential childcare places at 31 March 2001 is given, along with a range of other statistics in the publication Children in Residential Accommodation 2000-2001 available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 24055).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169224,"EventID":"S1W-32770","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foster placements on average children in foster care have during their time in foster care.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many foster placements on average children in foster care have during their time in foster care.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169225,"EventID":"S1W-32771","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has conducted any mapping exercise to determine levels of demand for broadband connection and, if so, what areas have been identified that will not have access","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has conducted any mapping exercise to determine levels of demand for broadband connection and, if so, what areas have been identified that will not have access to asymetric digital subscriber line technology in the foreseeable future. ","AnswerText":"We are currently commissioning research to provide a "forward look" on the broadband market, and the impact of our broadband strategy in Scotland. This will include a projection of geographical coverage.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169226,"EventID":"S1W-32772","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1882,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide any subsidy for the delivery of broadband via satellite systems to areas that will not have access to asymetric digital subscriber line tech","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide any subsidy for the delivery of broadband via satellite systems to areas that will not have access to asymetric digital subscriber line technology in the foreseeable future.","AnswerText":"Subsidy is currently available from Highlands and Islands Enterprise on a selective basis to satellite broadband users in the Highlands and Islands. The trial, along with similar smaller local enterprise company schemes in the south of Scotland, will be evaluated (over a number of business uses) to determine the overall applicability of this broadband delivery mechanism to businesses.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169227,"EventID":"S1W-32773","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted by the Home Office regarding the siting of accommodation centres in Scotland under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and, if ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been consulted by the Home Office regarding the siting of accommodation centres in Scotland under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and, if so, what response it gave and whether the consultation related to the education of children of residents of such centres.","AnswerText":"No decision on the siting of accommodation centres in Scotland has yet been taken. The Scottish Executive has therefore not yet been consulted by the Home Office about location or education provision at such centres.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169228,"EventID":"S1W-32774","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review by the independent committee on liquor licensing will be completed and when the report of the review will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the review by the independent committee on liquor licensing will be completed and when the report of the review will be published.","AnswerText":"It is expected the review will be completed early in 2003. A decision on the timing of publication will be taken when ministers have seen the report.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169229,"EventID":"S1W-32775","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in delivering its alcohol strategy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in delivering its alcohol strategy.","AnswerText":"Good progress is being made in delivering the Plan for Action on alcohol problems. Key Executive action to date includes:

      Launch of a national communications strategy to target male and female binge drinkers.

      Additional funding for local alcohol action teams to build capacity for local delivery of the plan.

      Development of a national alcohol information resource to benefit those who plan and provide alcohol problems services.

      Appointment of national alcohol liaison officer to support the work of local alcohol action teams.

      Publication of an alcohol problems support and treatment services framework to help local areas assess needs and plan to meet these needs.

      Guidance for alcohol action teams on what should be included in local alcohol action plans.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169230,"EventID":"S1W-32776","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1926,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in achieving the targets for (a) reducing drinking alcohol by young people, (b) binge drinking and (c) mortality from alcohol.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in achieving the targets for (a) reducing drinking alcohol by young people, (b) binge drinking and (c) mortality from alcohol.","AnswerText":"Young people's drinking is increasing. In the latest survey 23% of 13-year-olds and 46% of 15-year-olds reported that they had drunk alcohol in the previous week. This upward trend is very worrying and reducing harmful drinking by children and young people is one of the key priorities of the Plan for Action on alcohol problems.

      There are currently no targets for reducing binge drinking and alcohol-related deaths.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169231,"EventID":"S1W-32777","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1928,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":73,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to set targets for reducing morbidity caused by excess alcohol consumption.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to set targets for reducing morbidity caused by excess alcohol consumption.","AnswerText":"We have no plans at present to set targets to reduce alcohol-related deaths but we say in Plan for Action on alcohol problems that we want to see the current upward trend reversed over time.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169232,"EventID":"S1W-32778","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much expenditure has been set aside for New Housing Partnership challenge funding and (a) what level of and (b) to whom such funding was distributed in each year for","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much expenditure has been set aside for New Housing Partnership challenge funding and (a) what level of and (b) to whom such funding was distributed in each year for which it has been available.","AnswerText":"The NHP challenge funding made available to councils in the 1998 and 1999 bidding rounds covered a wide range of projects. These were categorised as regeneration and development projects and transfer and feasibility projects.

      The information on resources earmarked for each council and the spend for each complete year to date is set out in the table.

      Council

      Total NHP Resources Earmarked

      Outturn 1998-99

      Outturn 1999-2000

      Outturn 2000-01

      Outturn 2001-02

      Aberdeen City

      1,213,228

      143,000

      202,000

      390,020

      446,208

      Aberdeenshire

      6,934,680

      65,000

      1,028,490

      2,105,021

      3,412,410

      Argyll and Bute

      270,000

      0

      95,000

      0

      0

      Clackmannanshire

      880,000

      780,000

      79,025

      7,224

      13,750

      Comharlie nan Eilean Siar

      898,005

      21,000

      52,405

      122,250

      134,600

      Dumfries and Galloway

      4,013,000

      100,000

      349,994

      1,125,425

      2,491,000

      Dundee City

      26,004,000

      712,000

      1,808,315

      7,916,532

      12,368,349

      East Ayrshire

      1,260,967

      1,260,967

      0

      0

      0

      East Dunbartonshire

      9,054,500

      318,000

      172,249

      379,587

      427,100

      East Lothian

      10,697,000

      1,919,759

      1,244,316

      1,783,850

      2,720,000

      East Renfrewshire

      125,000

      25,000

      16,862

      80,000

      0

      City of Edinburgh

      56,943,192

      6,048,532

      		A total of some £175 million of private finance is expected to be generated by approved regeneration and development projects. The amount of private finance generated in each complete year to date is as follows.
       

      £ Million

      1999-2000

      11.036

      2000-01

      24.266

      2001-02

      29.65

      It is estimated that a further £110 million of private finance will be generated in completing the approved regeneration and development projects. In addition, the whole stock transfers already completed in Glasgow and Scottish Borders, and likely to be completed shortly in Dumfries and Galloway, will generate private finance of around £1 billion.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169234,"EventID":"S1W-32780","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1814,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tenants have benefited from the New Housing Partnership initiative through new or improved housing in each year of the partnership's existence.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many tenants have benefited from the New Housing Partnership initiative through new or improved housing in each year of the partnership's existence.","AnswerText":"The NHP challenge funding made available to councils in the 1998 and 1999 bidding rounds covered a wide range of projects. These were categorised as regeneration and development projects and transfer and feasibility projects.

      Some 9,600 new and improved units are expected to be delivered through approved regeneration and development projects. The number of new and improved units provided in each complete year to date is as follows.

      1999-2000

      920

      2000-01

      1,409

      2001-02

      1,379

      These figures include both housing for rent and low cost home ownership. In addition, the whole stock transfers already completed in Glasgow and Scottish Borders, and likely to be completed shortly in Dumfries and Galloway, will generate investment in a further 100,000 homes.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-24T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169235,"EventID":"S1W-32781","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance will require local authorities and consultants to always consider the impact on carbon dioxide emissions and the Scottis","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance will require local authorities and consultants to always consider the impact on carbon dioxide emissions and the Scottish contribution to the UK targets under the Kyoto protocol when evaluating transport proposals and what weighting will be given to these issues.","AnswerText":"The Kyoto target for the reduction in greenhouse gases is contained within the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) and practitioners are required to calculate the change in emissions of CO2 for all projects appraised.

      STAG does not prescribe weightings to the five criteria (environment, safety, economy, integration and accessibility) against which transport proposals are appraised. The relative weight given to each criterion is for the decision-maker to decide in light of the specific objectives of each proposal.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169236,"EventID":"S1W-32782","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1930,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":5,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be made available to each local authority or other relevant agency for the recruitment and maintenance of a network of community and neighbourhood ward","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what funding will be made available to each local authority or other relevant agency for the recruitment and maintenance of a network of community and neighbourhood wardens following its announcement on 17 December 2002.","AnswerText":"We are still considering who funding should be provided to and how it should be allocated. Further announcements will be made shortly.","AnswerDate":"2003-02-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Margaret Curran","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169237,"EventID":"S1W-32783","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2068,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":22,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its draft budget for 2003-04 is still based on the current rate of basic income tax.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether its draft budget for 2003-04 is still based on the current rate of basic income tax.","AnswerText":"The Executive has no plans to use the tax-varying power for the term of this Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169238,"EventID":"S1W-32784","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32365 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, whether it will be an offence in Scotland under clauses 59 and 69 of the Criminal Just","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32365 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, whether it will be an offence in Scotland under clauses 59 and 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill for an internet service provider providing a service in Scotland to allow for the downloading of material from a foreign server that breaches the reporting restrictions contained in those clauses.","AnswerText":"In Scotland, the police, the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service are responsible for dealing with suspected offences. If the provisions on reporting restrictions in the Criminal Justice Bill are enacted it would be for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, where the police report alleged offences, to determine whether prosecution was appropriate, taking into account all relevant factors.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169239,"EventID":"S1W-32785","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32365 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, under what other circumstances prosecuting authorities in Scotland will ignore an offe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32365 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, under what other circumstances prosecuting authorities in Scotland will ignore an offence committed under clauses 59 and 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill in Scotland on the basis that a similar offence has been committed in another jurisdiction.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32784 on 13 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169240,"EventID":"S1W-32786","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, whether courts have any power to prevent the importation of a print publication from t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, whether courts have any power to prevent the importation of a print publication from the European Union or its distribution where it includes a report in contravention of the reporting restrictions in clauses 59 or 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill.","AnswerText":"The Criminal Justice Bill does not include powers to prohibit the importation of material containing a prohibited report contrary to the reporting restrictions in clauses 59 and 69. As indicated in the answer to question S1W-32366, it is the proprietor, editor or publisher of the print publication who would be liable for any breach of the restrictions.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169241,"EventID":"S1W-32787","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, where a publication whose area of distribution is restricted to Scotland, or a part of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, where a publication whose area of distribution is restricted to Scotland, or a part of Scotland, includes a report in contravention of the reporting restrictions in clauses 59 or 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill, whether a person suspected of an offence under those clauses would be prosecuted in Scotland.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32784 on 13 January 2003. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169242,"EventID":"S1W-32788","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, what is meant by \"normal circumstances\" in addition to prosecutions under clauses 59 a","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32366 by Mr Jim Wallace on 17 December 2002, what is meant by \"normal circumstances\" in addition to prosecutions under clauses 59 and 69 of the Criminal Justice Bill.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that print publications from other states of the European Union would be imported on a UK-wide basis. As any breach of reporting restrictions would relate to criminal proceedings in England and Wales, it would normally be that enforcement would be through courts in that jurisdiction.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169243,"EventID":"S1W-32789","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1865,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the task force reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the task force reviewing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 will be published.","AnswerText":"It had originally been envisaged that the independent task group would report to ministers by the end of 2002. However, as a result of a number of new licensing proposals contained in responses to the task group's consultation exercise and other issues ministers have subsequently asked it to consider, we anticipate that the task group will report in spring 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169244,"EventID":"S1W-32790","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-18T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend the Lord Advocate's current guidance on the numbers of needles and syringes that can be issued by needle exchange facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any plans to amend the Lord Advocate's current guidance on the numbers of needles and syringes that can be issued by needle exchange facilities.","AnswerText":"To enhance efforts to prevent increased sharing of injecting equipment and the associated spread of bloodborne viruses, including HIV and hepatitis C, the Executive today announced plans to increase the maximum number of needles and syringes which can be issued by needle exchange facilities.

      The upper limits have generally been increased to 20 sets for first visits and 60 for subsequent visits, subject to the return of used equipment, at follow-up visits, for safe disposal by exchange staff. The full details of these revisions are set out in the revised Lord Advocate's guidance included within Health Department Letter (HDL) (2002) 90 which was issued today to NHSScotland, local authorities, drug agencies and voluntary organisations. The HDL can be accessed through the SHOW website - http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/hdl.asp.

      Copies of this guidance are available in the Parliament's Reference Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169245,"EventID":"S1W-32791","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31954 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 December 2002, to whom the lead clinician of the managed clinical network will be accountable.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31954 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 December 2002, to whom the lead clinician of the managed clinical network will be accountable.","AnswerText":"As is made clear in Appendix 3 to Health Department Letter (2002) 69 Promoting the Development of Managed Clinical Networks in NHSScotland, lead clinicians of managed clinical networks are ultimately accountable to the chief executive of the organisation which employs them. Each network must have a protocol in place dealing with this and other clinical governance arrangements.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169246,"EventID":"S1W-32792","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31958 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 December 2002, whether #3,689,000 is still the forecast full-year overspend by Argyll and Clyde Acut","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31958 by Malcolm Chisholm on 9 December 2002, whether #3,689,000 is still the forecast full-year overspend by Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in the light of the recent findings of the support team investigation into the trust's finances.","AnswerText":"Argyll and Clyde Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is currently forecasting a year end overspend of £4,724,000, based on the November financial report.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169247,"EventID":"S1W-32793","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any contracts by or on behalf of the NHS have been entered into, or will now be entered into, with Life Resources Incorporated following the purchase of the compa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any contracts by or on behalf of the NHS have been entered into, or will now be entered into, with Life Resources Incorporated following the purchase of the company by the Department of Health.","AnswerText":"The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) has its own independent sources of non-UK plasma and keeps these under constant review.

      Life Resources is one of a number of commercial US plasma supply organisations which would be treated no differently from other commercial suppliers which might compete to supply plasma.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169248,"EventID":"S1W-32794","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been set aside for the purchase by the NHS of plasma from foreign countries in (a) each of the last three years, (b) the current year and (c) future years an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been set aside for the purchase by the NHS of plasma from foreign countries in (a) each of the last three years, (b) the current year and (c) future years and whether it has any plans to modify the allocation of such current and future resources following the purchase of Life Resources Incorporated by the Department of Health.","AnswerText":"Expenditure set aside for the purchase of plasma for fractionation is as follows:

      (a) 1999-2000: £5.3 million, 2000-01: £5.7 million and 2001-02: £4.6 million.

      (b) 2002-03: £5.3 million.

      (c) 2003-04: £5.8 and 2004-05: £5.8 million.

      The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has plasma contracts with German and US suppliers until 2004-05 and there are no plans to modify the allocation of current resources.

      I also refer the member to the answers given to S1W-32793 and S1W-32795 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169249,"EventID":"S1W-32795","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations were undertaken with it regarding the purchase of Life Resources Incorporated by the Department of Health and what representations it made in response.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations were undertaken with it regarding the purchase of Life Resources Incorporated by the Department of Health and what representations it made in response.","AnswerText":"Neither the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) nor the Scottish Executive was involved at any level in the decision by the Department of Health in England to purchase Life Resources Incorporated.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169250,"EventID":"S1W-32796","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1848,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations between it and the Department of Health regarding future access to plasma stored by Life Resources Incorporated have already taken place or are planned","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what consultations between it and the Department of Health regarding future access to plasma stored by Life Resources Incorporated have already taken place or are planned for the future.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32793 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169251,"EventID":"S1W-32797","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1756,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32033 by Patricia Ferguson on 18 December 2002, what legal advice it seeks regarding the boundaries of the devolved responsibilitie","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32033 by Patricia Ferguson on 18 December 2002, what legal advice it seeks regarding the boundaries of the devolved responsibilities of the Parliament before seeking the agreement of the Parliament, through a Sewel motion, that the UK Parliament legislate on devolved matters.","AnswerText":"By long-standing convention, the general policy of the Scottish Executive is that it does not disclose legal advice or whether it has taken legal advice.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169252,"EventID":"S1W-32798","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1863,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":45,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all Sewel motions that it anticipates lodging with the Parliament before dissolution.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list all Sewel motions that it anticipates lodging with the Parliament before dissolution.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive anticipates that the Parliament will be invited to approve Sewel motions in respect of the Sexual Offences Bill and the Local Government Bill. Discussions are taking place with the UK Government about the implications for Scotland of a number of other bills.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169253,"EventID":"S1W-32799","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2345,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":56,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding any replacement of the landfill tax credit scheme and whether it is aware of whether the current sc","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to Her Majesty's Government regarding any replacement of the landfill tax credit scheme and whether it is aware of whether the current scheme will be replaced from 1 April 2003. ","AnswerText":"Ministers and officials hold regular discussions with colleagues in Whitehall departments about a wide range of waste-related issues, including the reform of the landfill tax credit scheme.

      As stated in the Chancellor's pre-Budget report 2002 Her Majesty's Government intends to reform the current Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. It is proposed that this will involve the establishment of a public spending scheme for sustainable waste management for approximately two-thirds of the monies raised as well as the retention of a smaller tax credit scheme for local community environmental projects.

      The operation of a public spending scheme in Scotland will be a matter for the Scottish Executive.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169254,"EventID":"S1W-32800","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 4 October 2002 regarding my constituent G Banks of Maud, Aberdeenshire.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will reply to my letter of 4 October 2002 regarding my constituent G Banks of Maud, Aberdeenshire.","AnswerText":"I replied to the member on 9 January 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169255,"EventID":"S1W-32801","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing the secure estate.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in developing the secure estate.","AnswerText":"We are making progress to increase the secure estate by around 25 extra places.

      We have now assessed the geographical spread of need by looking at the numbers of young people, the numbers of deprived young people and the numbers of secure authorisations in different parts of the country. This shows that the greatest need for additional secure accommodation is in the west of the country. We will, however, keep the situation across Scotland under review.

      The Executive has been in discussion with providers and potential providers of secure accommodation about their proposals to meet the needs identified in the Executive Action Plan on youth crime to provide some girl-only accommodation and improve the range and provision of secure care. Of the initial proposals, I have agreed that officials should have further discussion with five organisations about how their plans might be adapted to meet the geographical spread of places we require. A number of issues still need to be resolved prior to final decisions being taken.

      The five organisations are:

      Rossie School

      Kerelaw School

      St. Philip's School

      Kibble Education and Care Centre

      The Good Shepherd Centre.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169256,"EventID":"S1W-32802","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a 30 mph speed limit on the A84 through Lochearnhead.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a 30 mph speed limit on the A84 through Lochearnhead.","AnswerText":"It is anticipated that the 30 mph speed limit on the A84 through Lochearnhead will come into force in February 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169257,"EventID":"S1W-32803","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1873,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":46,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving safety on the A84 and A85.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in improving safety on the A84 and A85.","AnswerText":"The following works on the A84/85 were completed last year:

      verge safety fences were replaced;

      carriageway warning signs were erected and two surface dressing schemes carried out at Glen Ogle;

      road maintenance scheme between Dunbeg and Oban Phase 1, and

      road maintenance scheme between Airds Bay and Fearnoch Phase 1 and 2.

      The following works on the A84/85 are programmed for completion this year:

      a 30mph speed limit through Lochearnhead should come into force in February 2003. Village gateway signing and countdown markers will be erected;

      improvement works to the A84/A85 junction will start on site in February 2003;

      replacement of street lighting in Callander will be carried out by May 2003;

      alterations to the pelican crossing in Callander will be carried by May 2003;

      road maintenance scheme between Dunbeg and Oban Phase 2 has started on site and will be completed by March 2003, and

      the Lochearnhead footway scheme has been designed, although construction has been delayed due to land acquisition difficulties.

      The following works on the A84/85 are programmed for completion next year:

      a road and bridges scheme will be carried out to replace the bridge at the foot of Glen Ogle.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169258,"EventID":"S1W-32804","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many job appraisal appeals were received under section 7.1 of the Scottish Executive staff handbook and the equivalent section of the former Scottish Office staff ha","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many job appraisal appeals were received under section 7.1 of the Scottish Executive staff handbook and the equivalent section of the former Scottish Office staff handbook for the annual reporting years (a) 1995-96, (b) 1996-97, (c) 1997-98, (d) 1998-99, (e) 1999-2000 and (f) 2000-01.","AnswerText":"Information on appeals prior to the appraisal year 2001-02 is not held centrally. However, information collated by personnel teams, which may not be complete, shows that in the 2000-01 appraisal year five appeals were received and heard. Of these, two were upheld or partially upheld, two were not upheld and one has yet to be determined.

      In the 2001-02 appraisal year nine appeals were received and heard. Of these three were upheld, five were not upheld and one has yet to be determined.

      Appellants were in Bands A to C.

      Given the small number of appeals and the need to maintain confidentiality in relation to individuals it is not possible to give a more detailed breakdown of each case.

      The performance management system applies to all staff in Bands A to C. All arbiters are experienced managers at Head of Division level (Senior Civil Service) or the level immediately below (Band C). All staff receive training in performance appraisal and written guidance on the conduct of appeals is provided for arbiters and appellants. Also, personnel teams and heads of profession are available on request to provide advice.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169259,"EventID":"S1W-32805","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many job appraisal appeals were heard, or have still to be heard, under section 7.1 of the Scottish Executive staff handbook and the equivalent section of the former","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many job appraisal appeals were heard, or have still to be heard, under section 7.1 of the Scottish Executive staff handbook and the equivalent section of the former Scottish Office staff handbook for the annual reporting years (a) 1995-96, (b) 1996-97, (c) 1997-98, (d) 1998-99, (e) 1999-2000 and (f) 2000-01 and whether it will give a breakdown of the outcome of the appeals.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32804 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169260,"EventID":"S1W-32806","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2225,"Party":"Scottish Socialist Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the job title or grade was of the appellant in each appeal that was heard, or is still to be heard, under section 7.1 of the Scottish Executive staff handbook and t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the job title or grade was of the appellant in each appeal that was heard, or is still to be heard, under section 7.1 of the Scottish Executive staff handbook and the equivalent section of the former Scottish Office staff handbook for the annual reporting years (a) 1995-96, (b) 1996-97, (c) 1997-98, (d) 1998-99, (e) 1999-2000 and (f) 2000-01; what the job or title was of the nominated arbiter in each case; what training, including refresher courses, the arbiter attended; when any such training was given, and what the cost of the training was.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32804 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-28T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169261,"EventID":"S1W-32807","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32128 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 December 2002, whether any independent research has been carried out into the effectiveness of the L","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-32128 by Lewis Macdonald on 18 December 2002, whether any independent research has been carried out into the effectiveness of the Learn To Let Go campaign.","AnswerText":"Faulds Advertising have already carried out their own research into the effectiveness of the campaign and System Three Social Research have recently been commissioned to follow up the baseline research on Public Awareness and Perceptions of Travel Awareness they carried out in 2001. As well as covering travel awareness generally, the System Three research will include a number of questions which relate specifically to the Learn to Let Go campaign. These are the only pieces of research into the effectiveness of the Learn to Let Go campaign which we have commissioned.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169262,"EventID":"S1W-32808","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what distance its guidelines recommend wind turbines should be sited from residential properties on account of noise considerations.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what distance its guidelines recommend wind turbines should be sited from residential properties on account of noise considerations.","AnswerText":"Noise from wind farms is more appropriately controlled by considering proposals in relation to acceptable noise limits rather than imposing a specific separation distance. Planning Advice Note 45: Renewable Energy Developments confirms that The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms (ETSU for DTI, 1996) can be regarded as relevant guidance on good practice. A copy of this document is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25773).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169263,"EventID":"S1W-32809","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been undertaken regarding attitudes towards wind farms among those residing closest to such facilities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what studies have been undertaken regarding attitudes towards wind farms among those residing closest to such facilities.","AnswerText":"The Executive commissioned a study in 2000. It found that those living closest to wind farms were generally more positive about the developments than those who lived further away. However, we have recently been alerted to a flaw in the sample upon which part of the study was based. Despite a subsequent reanalysis which found that the overall results remain very close to those which were originally published, we have decided to commission a new study. The results are expected to be available in the spring of this year.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169264,"EventID":"S1W-32810","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2215,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":51,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what study it has made of the use of wind power in Denmark.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what study it has made of the use of wind power in Denmark.","AnswerText":"We have not undertaken any specific study, although we keep up to date in all important areas of wind power development.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169265,"EventID":"S1W-32811","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the number of overseas students studying at universities.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to increase the number of overseas students studying at universities.","AnswerText":"The Prime Minister's initiative, launched in June 1999, aims to attract more overseas students to the UK. The Scottish Executive is involved with the funding and development of the strategy in partnership with other devolved administrations, UK government departments, British Council and Trade Partners UK. Measures to enhance overseas student recruitment as part of PMI include a three-year branded global marketing campaign, expansion of the Chevening scholarship scheme and streamlining visa and work regulations. A Scottish version of the brand logo and marketing materials has been developed for use by Scottish institutions and EducationUKScotland as part of the PMI strategy.

      In addition, EducationUKScotland (formerly Scottish Education and Training) is a sector-led body supported and funded by institutions in four sectors, including the higher education sector, and also by the British Council Scotland. The Scottish Executive maintains close links with EducationUKScotland. The organisation's main objective is to add value in the area of international student recruitment by promoting Scotland overseas and providing generic support for the work of Scottish institutions.

      The area of international student recruitment is also being considered as part of the Scottish Higher Education Review.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169266,"EventID":"S1W-32812","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, and is taking, to promote the development of new air routes from Glasgow Airport.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken, and is taking, to promote the development of new air routes from Glasgow Airport.","AnswerText":"The First Minister recently announced the creation of an Interim Route Development Fund aimed at investing in new air routes which provide the maximum return for Scotland as a whole in terms of business links, foreign direct investment and in-bound tourism. Around £6 million has been allocated to this initiative.

      Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise officials are progressing the detail of the scheme with specialist consultants and these consultants are currently having detailed discussions with airport operators and airlines.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Lewis Macdonald","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169267,"EventID":"S1W-32813","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for a light rail link between Renfrew, Braehead retail centre and Glasgow city centre.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for a light rail link between Renfrew, Braehead retail centre and Glasgow city centre.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive has funded a study of rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports, and the Clyde Corridor Transportation Study, both of which examine the scope for a light rail link between Renfrew, Braehead retail centre and Glasgow city centre. The Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive has recently undertaken a Braehead Fixed Links study that will report shortly. As none of these studies have yet reported, it follows that, at this stage, there are no firm proposals for such a link.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169268,"EventID":"S1W-32814","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1877,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":70,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to strengthen enforcement measures against anti-social neighbours.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to strengthen enforcement measures against anti-social neighbours.","AnswerText":"The introduction of interim Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) through the current Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill will provide more immediate protection from anti-social neighbours. Breach of an interim ASBO will be a criminal offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment on indictment.

      This reinforces measures such as the \"probationary tenancy\" introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, new grounds for eviction for anti-social behaviour and additional powers for the police to seize noise-making equipment introduced by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

      As well as promoting best practice in tackling anti-social behaviour, the Executive has allocated £20 million over two years from 2004 on community wardens who will work with local people to build safe, strong communities and support enforcement by the police, local authorities and other agencies.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169269,"EventID":"S1W-32815","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-25983 and S1W-32018 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 May and 10 December 2002 respectively and with regard to document Bib. number 25435 in","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to questions S1W-25983 and S1W-32018 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 May and 10 December 2002 respectively and with regard to document Bib. number 25435 in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, why no serious injury assault on a staff member at HM Prison Kilmarnock is recorded for the first quarter of performance year 4.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      The incident to which the answer to question S1W-25983 referred is being investigated by the police. Should that investigation result in a prosecution and conviction, the relevant number of performance points will be recorded Schedule F to the Contract defines that, for Performance points purposes, all assaults must be proven on adjudication or by criminal conviction for violence against the person.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169270,"EventID":"S1W-32816","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25983 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 May 2002, whether the assault reported in the Metro of 15 May 2002 will be counted towards the key pe","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-25983 by Mr Jim Wallace on 29 May 2002, whether the assault reported in the Metro of 15 May 2002 will be counted towards the key performance indicators of the Scottish Prison Service relating to serious assaults on staff in the year 2002-03 and what the reasons are for the position on the matter.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Yes. The incident met the criteria.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169271,"EventID":"S1W-32817","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1857,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":15,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the analysis of the responses to its consultation paper Vital Voices - Helping Vulnerable Witnesses Give Evidence will be published.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the report of the analysis of the responses to its consultation paper Vital Voices - Helping Vulnerable Witnesses Give Evidence will be published.","AnswerText":"The report is being published today and will be available on the Scottish Executive website. Copies have also been placed in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 25644).","AnswerDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169272,"EventID":"S1W-32818","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2108,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":68,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in completing Scotland's contribution to the European list of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated under the EC Habitats Directive.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in completing Scotland's contribution to the European list of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated under the EC Habitats Directive.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive is committed to implementing the Habitats Directive in Scotland and 229 sites have already been submitted to the European Commission.

      In June 2002 the Commission undertook an assessment of the lists of candidate SACs put forward by the UK and other member states in the Atlantic Bio-Geographic Region. Out of a total UK list of 76 habitat types and 41 species, our lists were judged to be sufficient for 54 habitats and 27 species. This compares favourably with the Commission's initial assessment in 1999, where 40 habitats and 12 species were held to be sufficient. The Commission has requested that the UK examine the need for a limited number of additional sites for those habitats and species lists judged insufficient, some of which relate to Scotland. Scottish Executive officials have been working with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to examine the need for additional sites in Scotland. In a number of cases, this work has demonstrated that no appropriate sites can be identified and further proposals will not be made to the Commission. I have, however, requested SNH to consult on eight new sites and two extensions to existing sites to address the gaps identified by the Commission in the following habitat types:

      Habitat Type

      Large Shallow Inlets and Bays

      Machairs

      European Dry Heath

      Upland sites to cover four habitats

      Old Sessile Oak Woods

      Once SNH has completed the consultation, Scottish ministers will decide whether or not to put these sites forward to the European Commission with a view to completion of the Scottish list of terrestrial SACs. In order to meet a strict EC timetable for submission of sites by 30 April 2003, it is important that SNH initiate public consultation as early as possible, and Scottish ministers have requested that this is taken forward as a matter of priority.

      The European Commission has made the decision to delay consideration of member states' lists of sites within the marine environment in view of the work that is currently under way to extend the network beyond 12 nautical miles. This is a matter for the UK Government, and the list of sites for these habitats and species will be assessed at a later date in light of this work.","AnswerDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169273,"EventID":"S1W-32819","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds any information on the (a) percentage and (b) number of firefighters that have additional jobs.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it holds any information on the (a) percentage and (b) number of firefighters that have additional jobs.","AnswerText":"I have nothing to add to the answer given to S1W-32429 on 19 December 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the parliament website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169274,"EventID":"S1W-32820","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2056,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to join the fire service have been received in each of the last three years; how many were selected for appointment, and by what criteria they were ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many applications to join the fire service have been received in each of the last three years; how many were selected for appointment, and by what criteria they were selected.","AnswerText":"The information available is not precisely in the form requested. The following table indicates the number of applications made to the fire service for the past three years and the number of applicants who received a contract of employment - the number selected for appointment will be limited in general to the number of available vacancies.

      Applications to Join the Fire Service in Scotland (Whole-time)
       

      1999-2000

      2000-011

      2001-022

      Applications made

      1,951

      5,953

      3,113

      Contracts awarded

      129

      232

      171

      Notes:

      1. Does not include data for Dumfries and Galloway and Highland and Islands.

      2. Does not include data for Grampian.

      Each fire authority makes their appointments in line with The Fire Services (Appointment and Promotions) (Scotland) Regulations 1978 and Point of Entry Selection Tests - the detail of which may vary from brigade to brigade - but will generally cover physical fitness, written tests and practical aptitude tests.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169275,"EventID":"S1W-32821","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1956,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-19T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police officers were involved in visiting the sites of reported fire incidents to assess the severity of such incidents during the strikes by firefighters and, if","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether police officers were involved in visiting the sites of reported fire incidents to assess the severity of such incidents during the strikes by firefighters and, if so, what the costs have been of any overtime payments in respect of such visits and from what budgets any such payments have been made.","AnswerText":"Where there was any doubt about the accuracy of a call reporting a fire, police officers were asked to visit the reported site of the incident to confirm the existence, or otherwise, of a fire.

      The Executive has given a commitment to police forces to meet the additional costs incurred by forces during the strikes by firefighters. Certified statements are due to be submitted by forces during January 2003 in relation to these additional costs. In due course, payments will be made from police grant.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169276,"EventID":"S1W-32822","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31487 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 November 2002 and document Bib. number 25002, what the nature was of the incident of failure to compl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31487 by Mr Jim Wallace on 22 November 2002 and document Bib. number 25002, what the nature was of the incident of failure to comply with agreed reporting procedures in quarter 1 of performance year 4 of the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

      Staff on a local hospital escort were absent from the recovery room in the early stages of a prisoner regaining consciousness after an operation. That incident was not reported within the timescales prescribed by SPS Incident Reporting Procedures.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169277,"EventID":"S1W-32823","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31487 and document Bib. number 25002, what the nature was of the incidents of concerted indiscipline in quarter 1 and quarter 2 of ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31487 and document Bib. number 25002, what the nature was of the incidents of concerted indiscipline in quarter 1 and quarter 2 of performance year 4 of the operation of HM Prison Kilmarnock.","AnswerText":"I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

      Both incidents occurred within one of the houseblocks but involved different groups of prisoners. In the first incident, three prisoners obstructed staff from removing two others who had damaged wing televisions and had thrown items from one floor to another. In the second incident, three prisoners tried to incite others to refuse to return to their cells. Both incidents were resolved relatively quickly and without any injuries.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169278,"EventID":"S1W-32824","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long, on average, multiple sclerosis sufferers wait for an assessment for beta interferon, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how long, on average, multiple sclerosis sufferers wait for an assessment for beta interferon, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30808 on 12 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169279,"EventID":"S1W-32825","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2110,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":2,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sufferers of multiple sclerosis are currently waiting for an assessment for beta interferon, broken down by NHS board area.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many sufferers of multiple sclerosis are currently waiting for an assessment for beta interferon, broken down by NHS board area.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. Only certain patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis are likely to benefit from treatment with beta interferon and patients' eligibility for this treatment depends on the clinical judgement of the specialist concerned.

      The UK-wide risk-sharing scheme for beta interferon and glatiramer acetate allows such treatments to be prescribed on the NHS to patients who meet criteria set out by the Association of British Neurologists (ABN). The guidance which explained the scheme, Health Department Letter (2002) 6, which is available from the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. number 20653), estimated that the total number of patients in Scotland who fall within the ABN guidelines might be in the range 1,300 to 1,560. These figures do not take into account patients already receiving treatment with beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169280,"EventID":"S1W-32826","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2748 by Mr Tom McCabe on 11 January 2001, whether it is still its position that there is no need to make representations to Her Maj","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1O-2748 by Mr Tom McCabe on 11 January 2001, whether it is still its position that there is no need to make representations to Her Majesty's Government regarding disciplinary action against the Permanent Secretary in relation to any adverse impact of his actions on the Holyrood project.","AnswerText":"The position remains the same.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169281,"EventID":"S1W-32827","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of the Holyrood project will continue to be met from the Scottish block grant; what steps it can take, or is taking, to minimise or control the impact of","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the cost of the Holyrood project will continue to be met from the Scottish block grant; what steps it can take, or is taking, to minimise or control the impact of the allocation of that expenditure; whether it intends to appoint a member to the Holyrood Progress Group, and whether it intends to take any further steps to secure the protection of the public interest in respect of the allocation of expenditure to the project.","AnswerText":"Funding for the project is provided to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), is hypothecated from Scotland's total budget and is not allocated from the Executive. The Holyrood Progress Group (HPG) was established by the SPCB as its principal advisory body in taking the project forward and financial control is exercised through regular reporting to the Finance Committee by the SPCB. The Scottish Executive is represented at official level on the HPG and is in regular contact with the SPCB over costs as the project develops. However, responsibility for the Holyrood project rests with the SPCB and the Parliament.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Patricia Ferguson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169282,"EventID":"S1W-32828","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24133 by Dr Elaine Murray on 28 March 2002, whether the annual Scottish Award for the best publicly-funded building will be awarded","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-24133 by Dr Elaine Murray on 28 March 2002, whether the annual Scottish Award for the best publicly-funded building will be awarded in 2003; if so, what consultation there will be regarding the award and the process to be followed in relation to it, and whether buildings constructed under private finance initiatives and public private partnership schemes will be eligible for consideration for the award.","AnswerText":"The introduction of the annual Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland Award for Best Building in Scotland in 2002 which promotes good architecture in both private and public sectors has lessened the need for a further high profile Scottish based buildings award. Scottish public sector projects are also eligible for the annual Prime Minister's Better Public Buildings Award which is a UK-wide award scheme. The commitment to introduce an additional Scottish award for the best publicly-funded building remains under review, although I have no plans at present to launch the award in 2003.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elaine Murray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169283,"EventID":"S1W-32829","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contribution of lifelong learning to achieving sustainable development will be included in its final lifelong learning strategy to be produced early next year","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the contribution of lifelong learning to achieving sustainable development will be included in its final lifelong learning strategy to be produced early next year.","AnswerText":"The strategy, which will be launched shortly, will refer to the contribution of lifelong learning to achieving sustainable development, through a co-ordinated approach to economic development, social justice and active citizenship.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169284,"EventID":"S1W-32830","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS staff will be able to access family-friendly policies, as referred to on page 53 of Recording Our Achievements, as part of their work environment and empl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether all NHS staff will be able to access family-friendly policies, as referred to on page 53 of Recording Our Achievements, as part of their work environment and employment contract.","AnswerText":"Guidance on Family Friendly Policies was prepared in partnership with the service, trade unions and the professions, and published in January 2000. It is intended to review the guidance later this year. The guidance underpins the Staff Governance Standard and all NHS Scotland Employers are required to meet or exceed it. Employers' progress towards meeting the guidance will be part of the annual Staff Governance Standard audit process.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169285,"EventID":"S1W-32831","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the reduction in bureaucracy achieved by streamlining NHS boards, as referred to on page 54 of Recording Our Achievements, and what the subsequent ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will detail the reduction in bureaucracy achieved by streamlining NHS boards, as referred to on page 54 of Recording Our Achievements, and what the subsequent financial savings were.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-30723 on 18 November 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

      http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169286,"EventID":"S1W-32832","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address cannabis-induced psychosis.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to address cannabis-induced psychosis.","AnswerText":"Guidance to medical professionals, Managing Incidental Drug Misuse and Alcohol Problems in Mental Health Care Settings, recommends that drug misuse is covered in assessments of patients with mental health problems. The Guidelines on Clinical Management of Drug Misuse and Dependence recommend that psychiatric issues should form part of assessments of patients seeking help with drug problems.

      Further guidance on developing integrated care services for drug misusers was published in October last year, and one of the aims of integrated care is to combine and coordinate all services to meet the assessed needs of drug misusers, including mental health aspects. We are also working with the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse to look further into the needs of drug misusers with underlying mental health problems.

      Our Know the Score booklet on cannabis includes a description of the risks to mental health posed by this drug. The booklet has been given wide distribution. Anyone who is concerned about the effects of cannabis on mental health can also contact the free and confidential Know the Score Informationline to speak to trained operators.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169287,"EventID":"S1W-32833","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is measuring the impact that the 44 healthy living centres are having on health improvements in areas of poverty and deprivation.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how it is measuring the impact that the 44 healthy living centres are having on health improvements in areas of poverty and deprivation.","AnswerText":"External evaluation of the Healthy Living Centre (HLC) programme is being conducted at two levels. New Opportunities Fund (NOF) has commissioned the Bridge Consortium to undertake a UK-wide evaluation and the Scottish Executive Health Department has commissioned the Research Unit in Health and Behavioural Change (RUHBC) and the Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, both within Edinburgh University, to conduct an independent evaluation of the HLC programme in Scotland.

      It is also a condition of funding that HLCs themselves undertake self-evaluation to monitor progress towards the fulfilment of key pre-defined outcomes which relate both to the local community and to those who use the facilities and resources provided by the HLC.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169288,"EventID":"S1W-32834","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the establishment of the Health Technology Board for Scotland, as referred to on page 52 of Recording Our Achievements, has achieved the end of \"postcode prescrib","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the establishment of the Health Technology Board for Scotland, as referred to on page 52 of Recording Our Achievements, has achieved the end of \"postcode prescribing\".","AnswerText":"The Health Technology Board for Scotland (HTBS) helped to reduce inequalities in health services across Scotland by providing consistent, evidence-based advice to NHS boards in the form of three Health Technology Assessments, 30 HTBS Comments on NICE guidance and through its support of the Scottish Medicines Consortium. No organisation on its own can end \"postcode prescribing\". However, NHSScotland is expected to take account of advice and evidence from HTBS (now part of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland) and the Scottish Medicines Consortium and ensure that recommended drugs or treatments are made available to meet clinical need.

      Any evidence that suggests that NHSScotland is not taking account of this advice or evidence will be followed up proactively by the Scottish Executive Health Department.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169289,"EventID":"S1W-32835","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the instant appointments system, as referred to on page 52 of Recording Our Achievements, will be achieved.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive when the instant appointments system, as referred to on page 52 of Recording Our Achievements, will be achieved.","AnswerText":"Practical experience of an instant appointments system, under which people know the time of their hospital appointment before leaving their local surgery, has been achieved in four NHS board areas.

      This experience has led to a reassessment of the processes needed to meet the needs of both patients and health professionals. Appointments made before the patient leaves the GP surgery may be appropriate for some urgent clinical conditions, but for the bulk of conditions the key is to involve the patient appropriately in making the appointment and, thereafter, to keep the patient informed of progress.

      In common with the NHS in England, which has reached similar conclusions, we are now developing flexible processes to ensure that that involvement takes place throughout Scotland. These processes need not be electronic, but must be proactive, transparent and appropriate to the clinical and personal circumstances of the patient.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169290,"EventID":"S1W-32836","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost to the NHS is of an (a) homeopathic, (b) generic and (c) branded prescription.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the average cost to the NHS is of an (a) homeopathic, (b) generic and (c) branded prescription.","AnswerText":"The following table lists the average costs of a prescription item for each category in the financial year 2001-02.

      Prescription Type

      Cost Per Item

      Homeopathic

      £3.75

      Generic

      £10.07

      Branded

      £15.30

      These data refer to NHS prescriptions dispensed in the community and do not take into account any items dispensed by hospitals or hospital based clinics.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169291,"EventID":"S1W-32837","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many statutory registered health professionals currently practice homeopathy.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many statutory registered health professionals currently practice homeopathy.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not centrally collected. I understand from the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital that while it is difficult to assess with accuracy of the number of statutory registerable health professionals who currently practice homoeopathy in Scotland, as a useful indicator, however, it is known that over the last 10 years the following numbers of professionals have received training in homoeopathy at the national centre of the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital:

      Professions

      Numbers

      General Practitioners

      600

      Other Doctors

      100

      Pharmacists

      120

      Dentists

      40

      Nurses

      50

      Veterinary Surgeons

      30

      And small numbers in other disciplines.

      (These figures are not comprehensive, since there are a number of other institutions where training in homoeopathy can be obtained).

      Further information is available from the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169292,"EventID":"S1W-32838","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fee is payable to (a) GPs, (b) hospital doctors, (c) pharmacists, (c) dentists, (d) nurses and (e) veterinary surgeons for carrying out a homeopathic treatment.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what fee is payable to (a) GPs, (b) hospital doctors, (c) pharmacists, (c) dentists, (d) nurses and (e) veterinary surgeons for carrying out a homeopathic treatment.","AnswerText":"There are no fees specific to homeopathic treatment payable within the NHS. The clinicians who provide homeopathic services are remunerated on the same basis as they would be for conventional treatment. Homeopathic practitioners outwith the NHS, including veterinary surgeons, set their own fees.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169293,"EventID":"S1W-32839","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health professionals have received training in homeopathy as part of continuous professional development programmes in each of the last five years.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many health professionals have received training in homeopathy as part of continuous professional development programmes in each of the last five years.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.

      I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32837 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169294,"EventID":"S1W-32840","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS patients can be referred to a chiropractor and whether any chiropractors are employed by the NHS.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether NHS patients can be referred to a chiropractor and whether any chiropractors are employed by the NHS.","AnswerText":"GPs do not usually refer patients directly to a chiropractor, although there may be some local arrangements in place for NHS referral. GPs can advise patients about seeing a chiropractor, and provide information about registered practitioners, after discussion about the management options of their condition. It is for the patient to decide whether they wish to pay for chiropractic treatment or be referred, for example, to physiotherapy services.

      Information on chiropractors employed by the NHS is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-06T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169295,"EventID":"S1W-32841","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1894,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the internal organisation of its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department, detailing the specific roles of divisions within the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide a breakdown of the internal organisation of its Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department, detailing the specific roles of divisions within the department.","AnswerText":"The information requested about the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department can be found in the Scottish Executive Business Directory, which is available to MSPs.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Andy Kerr","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169296,"EventID":"S1W-32842","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1741,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":8,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the council tax collected was as a percentage of council tax due in each local authority in 2001-02.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the council tax collected was as a percentage of council tax due in each local authority in 2001-02.","AnswerText":"The council tax collected, as a percentage of the council tax billed for 2001-02 for each local authority, is shown in the following table. This is the amount collected as at 30 September 2002, the latest date available.

      Council Tax Collected as a Percentage of Council Tax Billed for 2001-02 (as at 30 September 2002)1,2,3

      Scotland

      92.2

      Aberdeen City

      91.7

      Aberdeenshire

      95.2

      Angus

      96.0

      Argyll and Bute

      93.9

      Clackmannanshire

      91.5

      Dumfries and Galloway

      ..

      Dundee City

      87.7

      East Ayrshire

      90.2

      East Dunbartonshire

      94.0

      East Lothian

      95.4

      East Renfrewshire

      95.8

      Edinburgh, City of

      92.4

      Eilean Siar

      91.9

      Falkirk

      95.3

      Fife

      93.0

      Glasgow City

      83.7

      Highland

      93.3

      Inverclyde

      88.9

      Midlothian

      94.0

      Moray

      94.2

      North Ayrshire

      90.7

      North Lanarkshire

      93.0

      Orkney

      97.9

      Perth and Kinross

      95.5

      Renfrewshire

      93.7

      Scottish Borders

      96.7

      Shetland

      97.6

      South Ayrshire

      95.2

      South Lanarkshire

      94.1

      Stirling

      96.2

      West Dunbartonshire

      85.7

      West Lothian

      92.7

      Source: Information supplied by councils to Scottish Executive on the statistical return council tax, non-domestic rates and community charge receipts (CTRR).

      Notes:

      1. Excludes council tax benefit.

      2. Dumfries and Galloway is excluded as no return has been received from this council for this period.

      3. Councils a","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Peter Peacock","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169297,"EventID":"S1W-32843","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1962,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition of \"capacity\" is under the Education (Publication and Consultation etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 1981 which states \"proposals must also be submitted t","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the definition of \"capacity\" is under the Education (Publication and Consultation etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 1981 which states \"proposals must also be submitted to Scottish Ministers if the school concerned has attendance which is greater than 80% of its capacity.\" ","AnswerText":"Capacity is not defined in the 1981 regulations, as amended. The Education (Publication and Consultation etc) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1988, which amended the 1981 regulations, did, however, set out three criteria to which education authorities must have regard in calculating school capacity for the purposes of the regulations. These are:

      (i) the assessment of capacity on which the education authority have based their proposal;

      (ii) the maximum number of pupils in attendance at the school in any one year in the period of 10 years preceding the proposal, and

      (iii) the curriculum of the school.

      An explanatory circular issued to authorities in 1988 indicated that it would be for the education authority to determine the capacity of a school for the purpose of deciding if their proposals require the consent of ministers, and that they must make a reasonable assessment of capacity, taking into account the aforementioned criteria and any other relevant circumstances.","AnswerDate":"2003-03-26T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Nicol Stephen","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169298,"EventID":"S1W-32844","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NHS 24, free personal care and the Care Commission are mentioned twice as both targets and achievements on pages 52, 54 and 55 of Recording Our Achievements.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive why NHS 24, free personal care and the Care Commission are mentioned twice as both targets and achievements on pages 52, 54 and 55 of Recording Our Achievements.","AnswerText":"Record of Achievement reports in full on progress on all the commitments in the two complimentary Programme for Government documents (Making it Work Together and Working together for Scotland). It is open and transparent acknowledging successes as well as slower progress. NHS 24 is referred to on pages 52 and 54 reflecting that this commitment featured in both of the Programme for Government documents. The provision of free personal care is featured on pages 54 and 55 reflecting that this policy has contributed significantly to the achievement of two separate Programme for Government commitments.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169299,"EventID":"S1W-32845","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how poverty and deprivation in rural communities has been measured and ameliorated by the allocation of funds through the Arbuthnott formula.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how poverty and deprivation in rural communities has been measured and ameliorated by the allocation of funds through the Arbuthnott formula.","AnswerText":"The Arbuthnott formula uses information about unemployment rates, the proportion of older people on income support, households with multiple indicators of deprivation and mortality rates among people under 65 as indicators of relative deprivation. This information, together with information about the age structure of the population and remoteness is used to determine the allocation of resources between NHS boards. It is of course the responsibility of NHS boards to ensure that the resources made available to them through this formula are then used to address the health care needs of their populations, including people living in relatively deprived areas.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Malcolm Chisholm","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169300,"EventID":"S1W-32846","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any market research has been carried out to measure what percentage of the public are in favour of complementary medicine being made widely available on the NHS s","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether any market research has been carried out to measure what percentage of the public are in favour of complementary medicine being made widely available on the NHS since the MORI poll in 1989, showing 74% of the public as in favour.","AnswerText":"The Executive has not commissioned any such market research, and has not been made aware of any recent poll on the subject. There is no barrier to the provision of complementary medicine through the NHS in Scotland. Decisions on whether to provide any particular form of complementary medicine are for NHS boards to make, based on their assessment of local needs.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169301,"EventID":"S1W-32847","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1839,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":3,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence exists on the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of complementary medicine.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence exists on the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of complementary medicine.","AnswerText":"The Department of Health maintains a National Research Register with details of all on-going and recent medical research, including research into complementary medicine. This is available on regularly updated CD-ROM in the Parliament's Reference Centre and online at:

      http://www.update-software.com/nrr/CLIBINET.EXE?A=1&U=1001&P=10001.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169302,"EventID":"S1W-32848","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students successfully completed a higher education course solely at a higher education institution in each year since 1990.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students successfully completed a higher education course solely at a higher education institution in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"The number of students graduating from higher education (HE) courses in higher education institutions (HEI) since 1990 has been:

      Graduates and Diplomates from HE Courses in HEIs 1990-91 to 2000-01

      Year

      Total

      1990-91

      23,477

      1991-92

      25,449

      1992-93

      27,311

      1993-94

      30,256

      1994-95

      33,428

      1995-96

      37,412

      1996-97

      37,546

      1997-98

      40,908

      1998-99

      38,800

      1999-2000

      42,308

      2000-01

      41,728

      Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169303,"EventID":"S1W-32849","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1907,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students successfully completed a higher education course solely at a further education institution in each year since 1990.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many students successfully completed a higher education course solely at a further education institution in each year since 1990.","AnswerText":"The number of students graduating from higher education courses in further education institutions since 1990 has been:

      Year

      		 

      1990-91

      2,718

      1991-92

      4,312

      1992-93

      6,376

      1993-94

      7,877

      1994-95

      11,250

      1995-96

      12,302

      1996-97

      14,650

      1997-98

      14,243

      1998-99

      13,862

      1999-2000

      14,252

      2000-01

      13,716

      ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-07T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Iain Gray","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169304,"EventID":"S1W-32850","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licenses have been applied for by fisheries boards to cull piscivorous birds in each of the last five years; how many applications for such licenses were approve","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many licenses have been applied for by fisheries boards to cull piscivorous birds in each of the last five years; how many applications for such licenses were approved, and how many birds were shot under each licence, broken down by species.","AnswerText":"The following table shows bird licences that have been applied for by District Salmon Fishery Boards in the last five years. Licences are issued between 1 September and 30 April.

      Year

      Applied for

      Approved

      Cormorant

      Merganser

      Goosander

      Heron

      1997-98

      18

      16

      121

      143

      334

      		 

      1998-99

      19

      15

      101

      85

      285

      5

      1999-2000

      15

      14

      101

      86

      308

      		 

      2000-01

      14

      11

      72

      48

      265

      		 

      2001-02

      11

      9

      67

      63

      302

      		 
      ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169305,"EventID":"S1W-32851","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage and other wildlife experts are consulted before licences to kill piscivorous birds are issued; on how many occasions licences have been ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage and other wildlife experts are consulted before licences to kill piscivorous birds are issued; on how many occasions licences have been issued against the advice arising from any such consultation in each of the last three years, and whether the scientific grounds for overriding the advice on any such occasions will be published.","AnswerText":"Advice on each application received is sought from Fisheries Research Services (FRS) Freshwater Laboratory, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA) Pesticide Usage and Wildlife Management Group.

      In the last three years, there have been seven occasions when a licence has been issued in cases where SNH has advised against. In each of these cases, the advice from FRS and SASA has been to issue a licence.

      Extensive research on the impacts of piscivorous birds on migratory salmonids has been undertaken by Fisheries Research Services and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Results were published in Fish-eating Birds and Salmonids in Scotland, published in 1998.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169306,"EventID":"S1W-32852","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1850,"Party":"Scottish Liberal Democrats","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":54,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any scientific evidence it has that shows that killing mergansers and goosanders on rivers has resulted in an increase in migratory fish stocks an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish any scientific evidence it has that shows that killing mergansers and goosanders on rivers has resulted in an increase in migratory fish stocks and in what rivers stocks have so increased.","AnswerText":"We do not have any such formal evidence. However, we know that significant predation by piscivorous birds occurs towards the end of the freshwater phase of the life cycle of migratory fish. The effect of this is to reduce the numbers of juvenile fish that emigrate to sea which, in turn, will reduce the numbers of adults that return. A reduction in predation by birds may therefore be assumed to lead to an increase in migratory fish stocks.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169307,"EventID":"S1W-32853","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost is of the building and facilities that are being provided for the press and media in Holyrood; whether any contribution is being made by media companie","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer what the total cost is of the building and facilities that are being provided for the press and media in Holyrood; whether any contribution is being made by media companies towards that capital cost, and whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has any plans to charge commercial rents for space in the building. ","AnswerText":"A rough estimate of the cost of the accommodation that the media will occupy in the new building at Holyrood amounts to approximately £9.7 million. I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that media companies are not presently contributing to the capital cost of the construction of the new building but one organisation has agreed to pay for late changes made to the specifications that the organisation itself instigated. Broadcasters will also contribute towards elements of the fit-out costs relating to specific communication requirements they have requested. There are at present no plans to charge commercial rent to media companies at Holyrood.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169308,"EventID":"S1W-32854","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role is envisaged for artists and performers in fostering creativity within education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what role is envisaged for artists and performers in fostering creativity within education.","AnswerText":"Arts organisations which receive core funding from the Scottish Arts Council are expected, wherever appropriate, to undertake education and outreach work to a high standard within their programmes of activity. Examples of this work by Scottish companies are mentioned in the Second Annual Report of the National Cultural Strategy. Some of these bodies have developed considerable expertise in this area. Also, the Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools programme aims to take an innovative approach to giving children and young people an opportunity to engage with professional artists and performers. A range of models will be piloted, which will involve young people visiting formal cultural performances and cultural specialists from every field leading practical sessions within schools.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169309,"EventID":"S1W-32855","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cross-cutting policy development is taking place to foster creativity in young people.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what cross-cutting policy development is taking place to foster creativity in young people.","AnswerText":"I collaborate closely with my colleagues Cathy Jamieson and Iain Gray in taking a strategic approach to policies which help to foster creativity in young people. In relation to school education, for example, the Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools programme has an objective to explore ways to develop opportunities for creativity across the curriculum. The cultural agencies are also responding with a range of cross-cutting initiatives to help develop creativity and innovative approaches to learning about the arts, culture and heritage. Some key examples of relevant initiatives are mentioned in the Second Annual Report of the National Cultural Strategy, which I launched last November.

      My collaboration with Iain Gray involves working with the cultural and enterprise agencies, the Sector Skills Council, and education providers to take forward a strategic policy framework for the development of the creative industries. This includes opportunities for creative skills development and routes to creative employment for young people.

      The arts and culture have a special ability to assist children and young people to acquire important life skills such as flexible approaches to problem-solving, networking and communications. I look to our initiatives to support this approach to learning, which carries important benefits right across the curriculum.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169310,"EventID":"S1W-32856","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cultural co-ordinators are in place in schools.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many cultural co-ordinators are in place in schools.","AnswerText":"A total of 53 Cultural Co-ordinators are now in place. A further 37 will be in place within the next seven weeks, and funding for a further five is in place.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169311,"EventID":"S1W-32857","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1862,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":37,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage creativity in education.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to encourage creativity in education.","AnswerText":"The Scottish Executive Education Department commissioned Learning Teaching Scotland to map opportunities for creativity across the curriculum. A guidance document was produced which encouraged a creative approach to learning and teaching through the use of examples of good practice drawn from schools across Scotland. This publication, Creativity in Education, was launched in November 2001 and is further supported by additional case study material through the Learning Teaching Scotland website.

      A Creativity Task Force within the Executive is currently considering appropriate performance measure or quality indicators to allow for the monitoring of the delivery of creativity within education.

      Concurrently, the Executive is funding a joint project by Learning and Teaching Scotland and the IDES Network (International Design Enterprise Series Network) to produce and disseminate robust and practical tools for the promotion and evaluation of creativity in formal education. This work will concentrate on providing exemplification aimed at the classroom; namely teachers, the practice of learning and teaching and assessment.

      Also, this project will aim to point up ways in which evaluation of creativity can assist managers within schools and local authorities across Scotland and identify any implications for the wider educational community, including teacher training, continuing professional development, course guidance and arrangements and assessment procedures.

      The Executive's National Cultural Strategy landmark Cultural Co-ordinators in Schools programme, (as referred to in the answer given to question S1W-32856 today) is another element helping to maximise the potential of cultural activity and developing creativity in schools. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-27T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mike Watson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169312,"EventID":"S1W-32858","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it has to take forward the United Nations recommendations following the publication of the concluding observations on Her Majesty's Government's sec","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what responsibilities it has to take forward the United Nations recommendations following the publication of the concluding observations on Her Majesty's Government's second report produced by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.","AnswerText":"The Executive is fully committed to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has taken note of the concluding observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Many of these relate to devolved matters and will be taken into account as policy is developed.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169313,"EventID":"S1W-32859","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the issue of corporal punishment following the publication of the concluding observations on Her Majesty's Government's second report produce","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to address the issue of corporal punishment following the publication of the concluding observations on Her Majesty's Government's second report produced by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.","AnswerText":"The Executive has taken note of the concluding observations of the UN Committee. In the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill it is already seeking to clarify and tighten the law on physical punishment. Alongside this legislative approach, we also wish Scottish parents to have information on the possible effects of physical punishment, and to have access to positive parenting approaches to discipline. An information strategy is currently being developed, which will be co-ordinated with the implementation of the bill, to provide information on positive parenting approaches both to parents and to the professionals and agencies who support and advise them.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169314,"EventID":"S1W-32860","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken as a result of the publication of the concluding observations on Her Majesty's Government's second report produced by the UN Committee on the R","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken as a result of the publication of the concluding observations on Her Majesty's Government's second report produced by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, and in particular, to ensure that there is an immediate public information campaign on positive, non-violent discipline.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-32859 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169315,"EventID":"S1W-32861","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-32000 on 10 December 2002, what the names were of those present at the meeting on 4 September 2001 with Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-32000 on 10 December 2002, what the names were of those present at the meeting on 4 September 2001 with Bovis Lend Lease (Scotland) Ltd and representatives of Flour City International Inc. and Flour City Architectural Metals (UK) Ltd, whether there were any other meetings with these bodies other than that which took place on 4 September 2001 and, if so, on what date or dates such meetings took place and who attended.","AnswerText":"Those attending the meeting on 4 September 2001 were present in their capacity as representatives of their respective organisations, not as individuals in their own right. Any agreed actions or decisions are made on behalf of the organisations they represent and it would be inappropriate to identify individuals. I understand from the Convener of the Holyrood Progress Group that no other meetings took place involving members from the Holyrood Project Team.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169316,"EventID":"S1W-32862","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":8,"MSPID":1994,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":23,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-32047 on 11 December 2002, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has yet seen the contents of the quarterly accounts of ","ItemText":"To ask the Presiding Officer, further to his answer to question S1W-32047 on 11 December 2002, whether the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has yet seen the contents of the quarterly accounts of Flour City International Inc. for the quarter to 31 July 2002; whether these accounts have been seen by the Holyrood Projects' construction managers, and, if so, when they first became aware of the contents.","AnswerText":"No, neither the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body nor the Holyrood Project's construction managers have seen the quarterly accounts of Flour City International for the financial period to 31 July 2002.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"David Steel","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169317,"EventID":"S1W-32863","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many abortions have been performed since 1967 under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967 and how many of these have been performed in order to save the life of the","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many abortions have been performed since 1967 under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967 and how many of these have been performed in order to save the life of the pregnant women under section 1(1) of the act, expressed also in percentage of the total number of abortions. ","AnswerText":"Information on abortions performed in Scotland under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967 are published annually by the Information and Statistics Division (ISD) of NHS Scotland. Figures can be accessed at the following link:

      http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/isd/sexual_health/Abortion/AAS_homepage.htm

      Table 6 on these web pages provides figures for 1986 to 2001.

      Information on abortions performed in order to save the life of the woman is only available from 1991, recorded in the abortion notifications under ground F (it was necessary to save the life of the woman).","AnswerDate":"2003-01-16T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Mary Mulligan","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169318,"EventID":"S1W-32864","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assaults on (a) police officers, (b) firefighters and (c) ambulance personnel were reported in each police force area in each year since 1999; how many such assa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many assaults on (a) police officers, (b) firefighters and (c) ambulance personnel were reported in each police force area in each year since 1999; how many such assaults resulted in a (i) prosecution and (ii) conviction, and, where a conviction was secured, what the mean (1) level of fine and (2) length of custodial sentence imposed was.","AnswerText":"The available information is shown in the following tables.

      Assaults on Police Officers

      Force

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Central

      267

      262

      404

      Dumfries and Galloway

      14

      11

      111

      Fife

      164

      221

      n/a

      Grampian

      68

      279

      76

      Lothian and Borders

      304

      299

      313

      Northern

      215

      223

      236

      Strathclyde

      8,713

      6,670

      7,045

      Tayside

      276

      270

      14

      Note:

      The information provided relates to assaults on police officers returned to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary by forces on an annual basis. Forces are asked to record all assaults on police officers whether or not injury occurred and whether or not any person was charged. However, changes in recording systems, differences in counting conventions and differences in the nature of the incidents probably lie behind some of the large annual variations within certain forces and differences between forces. Action is in hand to try to improve the consistency with which this information is collected.

      Assaults on Ambulance Personnel
       

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      2001-02

      Scotland Total

      195

      176

      181

      Note:

      Detailed information by ambulance divisions is not held centrally.

      Incidents involving Assaults on Fire Crews: 1 January to 30 June 2002

      Central Scotland

      1

      Dumfries and Galloway

      0

      Fife

      1

      Grampian

      0

      Highland and Islands

      0

      Lothian and Borders

      12

      Strathclyde

      54

      Tayside

      1

      Note:

      The information is shown by fire brigade area which equates to police force area. Information on assaults was not collected prior to 2002.

      Prosecutions and Conviction","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169319,"EventID":"S1W-32865","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many firearms licences were granted for the purpose of gamekeeping in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many firearms licences were granted for the purpose of gamekeeping in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally. However, everyone applying to the police for a firearms or shotgun certificate in the UK is required to state purpose and their occupation, and police forces will therefore hold the information sought.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169320,"EventID":"S1W-32866","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many firearms licences have been removed from gamekeepers in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many firearms licences have been removed from gamekeepers in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169321,"EventID":"S1W-32867","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gamekeepers have been convicted of an offence in relation to the possession of unlicensed firearms in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many gamekeepers have been convicted of an offence in relation to the possession of unlicensed firearms in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not held centrally.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Jim Wallace","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169322,"EventID":"S1W-32868","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the written evidence on the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill given by the Scottish Gamekeepers' Association (SGA) to the Justice 2 Committee for its meeting on 3 ","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the written evidence on the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill given by the Scottish Gamekeepers' Association (SGA) to the Justice 2 Committee for its meeting on 3 December 2002 that many SGA members do not bother to apply for wildlife licences has been referred to the police for investigation.","AnswerText":"The evidence from the Scottish Gamekeepers Association will be considered at the next meeting of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in February 2003, at which police representatives will be present.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169323,"EventID":"S1W-32869","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2207,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":41,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many witnesses below 10 years old appeared in (a) sheriff courts and (b) the High Court in 2001.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many witnesses below 10 years old appeared in (a) sheriff courts and (b) the High Court in 2001.","AnswerText":"The information requested is not available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-14T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Elish Angiolini","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169324,"EventID":"S1W-32870","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1893,"Party":"Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) projected and (b) actual spending on advertising has been by each of its departments in each year since 1999.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) projected and (b) actual spending on advertising has been by each of its departments in each year since 1999.","AnswerText":"Advertising expenditure for the years in question have been paid for by departments out of their programme budgets. In some cases projections for expenditure are known from the start of the financial year, for example the flu campaign which cost £806,646 in the current year. In other cases the need for a campaign may not be identified or agreed until sometime into the financial year. In such cases the projected expenditure will be estimated at the start, and finalised at the end of the planning and development phase. Some campaigns can take a considerable time to develop - an example is the Race campaign which spanned two financial years before it was run in autumn 2002.

      Once expenditure has been agreed it is closely monitored to ensure costs remain within the budget set.

      From 2003-04 control of advertising expenditure will be centralised and departments will make an application, supported by a business case, for funds allocated from a central budget.

      The figures requested for actual spending on advertising by departments are as follows:

      1999-2000

      Campaign

      Total Advertising Expenditure

      Development Department

      Road Safety

      £868,800

      Education Department

      Children's Hearings

      £121,260

      Teacher Recruitment

      £96,422

      Home and Health Department

      Tobacco Campaign

      £10,404

      NHS Fraud

      £100,000

      Electoral Registration

      £25,786

      Fire Prevention

      £390,900

      European Elections

      £32,029

      Census

      £9,993

      Childcare Helpline

      £73,675

      Domestic Abuse

      £550,197

      Environment and Rural Affairs Department

      Food Safety

      £118,682

      Environment

      £11,667

      Constitution Group

      Scotland's Parliament

      £533,151

      2000-01

      Campaign

      Total Advertising Expenditure

      Health Department

      Alcohol Abuse

      £471,970

      Flu/winter campaign

      £1,058,365

      Organ Retention

      £55,696

      Organ Donor Filler

      £48,465

      NHS Helpline

      £137,528

      NHS Fraud

      		The Scottish Executive also contributes to the wider UK programme of fire safety through our membership of the Fire Safety Advisory Board.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Hugh Henry","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169327,"EventID":"S1W-32873","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that there is site sharing in respect of the roll-out of telephone masts for the O2 Airwave service.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that there is site sharing in respect of the roll-out of telephone masts for the O2 Airwave service.","AnswerText":"The Executive's planning policy on radio telecommunications encourages site sharing where it represents the best environmental solution. The additional equipment should be designed and positioned as sensitively as possible, though technical constraints may limit the possibilities. In some cases the shared use of an existing mast might require an increase in its height and visibility.

      Mast and site sharing options should be explored by developers and planning authorities, to see whether such an option can provide a solution for individual proposals. Developers should provide information on the reasons for their chosen solution to the planning authority to support their planning application.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Des McNulty","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169328,"EventID":"S1W-32874","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2112,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many telephone mast applications by mobile phone operators were (a) made, (b) granted, (c) refused, (d) granted on appeal and (e) refused on the grounds of health an","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive how many telephone mast applications by mobile phone operators were (a) made, (b) granted, (c) refused, (d) granted on appeal and (e) refused on the grounds of health and safety and what the average time was for an application to be processed in each year since 1999, broken down by local authority area.","AnswerText":"The following tables, 1 and 2, show information on planning applications for radio telecommunications infrastructure, including ground-based masts, additional antennas, roof-based masts and equipment housing. The figures show for each planning authority the numbers of planning applications received, the numbers granted permission, the number refused permission, the numbers refused permission on grounds related to health and safety and the average time taken to determine the planning applications.

      The information provided on planning applications has only been collected from planning authorities since the introduction of the new legislation governing new telecommunications development since 23 July 2001 and data for the final quarter of 2002 is not yet available. Completion of the returns by planning authorities is voluntary, and there are therefore gaps in the returns.

      The following table 3 shows the number of planning appeal decisions in which planning permission was granted for telecommunications development for each of the years 1999 to 2002 for each planning authority area:

      Table 1: Planning Applications Data; 23 July 2001 to 31 December 2001
       

      Applications Made

      Granted

      Refused

      Refused on Health and Safety Grounds1

      Average Time Taken to Determine (Days)

      Aberdeen City

      22

      8

      0

      0

      62

      Aberdeenshire

      20

      14

      1

      0

      56

      Angus

      11

      6

      0

      0

      45

      Argyll and Bute

      22

      9

      0

      0

      64

      Clackmannanshire

      3

      0

      1

      0

      34

      Dumfries and Galloway

      20

      13

      0

      0

      37

      Dundee City

      13

      4

      1

      0

      55

      East Ayrshire

      17

      9

      2

      0

      63

      East Dunbartonshire

      20

      5

      2

      1

      70

      East Lothian*

      4

      0

      0

      1999-2000

      2000-01

      £1,077,408

      £868,457

      (for six vessels)

      (for five vessels)

      ","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169330,"EventID":"S1W-32876","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1986,"Party":"Scottish Labour","RegionID":null,"ConstituencyID":69,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the maintenance, repair and refit of the fisheries protection fleet in (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04, (c) 2004-05 and (d) 2005-06.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost will be of the maintenance, repair and refit of the fisheries protection fleet in (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04, (c) 2004-05 and (d) 2005-06.","AnswerText":"For the current year 2002-03, the estimated cost of maintenance, repair and refit of the five vessels of the fisheries protection fleet is expected to be in the region of £1,340,000. A provision of £950,000 per annum for four vessels remaining in the fleet has been allocated for these costs in each of the years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-13T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Ross Finnie","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169331,"EventID":"S1W-32877","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":1781,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":6,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in the light of the publication of the concluding observations on Her Majesty's Government's second report produced by the UN Committee on the Ri","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking in the light of the publication of the concluding observations on Her Majesty's Government's second report produced by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and what plans it has to seek a debate in the Parliament on this issue.","AnswerText":"The Executive is fully committed to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has taken note of the concluding observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. There are no current plans for a debate specifically on this issue. However, note has been taken of the concluding observations, and these informed wider debates and policy on children's services.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-17T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169332,"EventID":"S1W-32878","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2133,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":1,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-23T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the definition of a persistent young offender in National Standards for Scotland's Youth Justice Services supersedes the definition contained in Spending Proposa","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether the definition of a persistent young offender in National Standards for Scotland's Youth Justice Services supersedes the definition contained in Spending Proposals 2003-06 - Technical Notes.","AnswerText":"Yes.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-22T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-20T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Cathy Jamieson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169333,"EventID":"S1W-32879","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2135,"Party":"Scottish National Party","RegionID":7,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-12-24T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total catch of salmon was in 2002, broken down by area and type of fishery.","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive what the total catch of salmon was in 2002, broken down by area and type of fishery.","AnswerText":"Salmon catch figures for 2002 are not yet available.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-15T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2003-01-21T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Allan Wilson","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null},{"UniqueID":169721,"EventID":"S1W-33276","EventTypeID":1,"EventSubTypeID":1,"MSPID":2188,"Party":"Scottish Green Party","RegionID":4,"ConstituencyID":null,"ApprovedDate":"2002-01-20T00:00:00","SubmissionDateTime":"2002-01-20T00:00:00","Title":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include the costs of water rates in any recalculation of care home costs in any updated version of the Report on care home costs for older people in Scotl","ItemText":"To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will include the costs of water rates in any recalculation of care home costs in any updated version of the Report on care home costs for older people in Scotland by the National Review Group.","AnswerText":"I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-33275 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/search_wa.","AnswerDate":"2003-01-29T00:00:00","AnswerStatusID":null,"ExpectedAnswerDate":"2002-02-03T00:00:00","MeetingDate":null,"AnsweredByMSP":"Frank McAveety","OnBehalfOf":null,"ConsideredForMembersBusiness":null,"CrossPartySupport":null,"RegisteredInterest":null}]